Method and apparatus for authenticating static transceiver data and method of operating an ais transceiver

Abstract

A method and apparatus which ensures that static data entered into a communications device or apparatus is accurate, or at least consistent with data provided to an authentication service. In some embodiments of the invention, the authentication service may maintain a database of static data associated with each communications apparatus and / or verify the validity of at least a portion of the static data

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 854,819 filed Aug. 11, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 232,792 filed Aug. 11, 2009; the contents of which are incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to securely initializing a radio transceiver, for example an Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceiver, with static data such as identification numbers, and to methods of disabling and enabling features of such a device.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Prior to being put into operation Automatic Identification System (AIS) Class A or Class B transceivers require static data such as, but not limited to, names, call signs, identification digits, service identifiers and mobile maritime service identifiers (MMSI) to be securely recorded within the transceiver. Regulatory or other restrictions are placed on end users to overcome problems associated with incorrect stati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]A further object of some versions of the invention is to eliminate the need for sellers or professional installers of transceivers to record the static data. Rather the end user does it themselves yet the end user can be prevented from entering incorrect static data.

[0008]An additional object of some versions of the invention is for end users to be prevented from entering static data multiple times into a single transceiver or entering the same static information into multiple transceivers.

[0009]An additional object of some versions of the invention is for end users to have the ability to transfer ownership of a transceiver by erasing their static information and allowing the new owner to record their own static information within the transceiver.

Problems solved by technology

One disadvantage of the approach which requires sellers or professional installers to record this information within the transceiver is that the information must be known and communicated to the seller by the end user at the time of sale.

Another problem is that the seller must have personnel capable of recording this information within transceivers available at the place of sale.

Yet another problem is that the seller must have personnel with sufficient time available to record this information within transceivers at the place of sale.

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