Importance

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Abstract

A reconfiguration manager implemented on a computer or other data processing device controls the reconfiguration of software or other components of an electronic device such as a computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), set-top box, television, etc. The reconfiguration manager receives a reconfiguration request, e.g., a software upgrade request from the electronic device, and determines one or more device components that are required to implement the reconfiguration request. The reconfiguration manager also determines, e.g., from information in the request, identifiers of one or more additional components currently implemented in the electronic device. The reconfiguration manager then compares the needed and currently implemented components with previously-stored lists of known acceptable and unacceptable configurations for the electronic device. If the needed and currently implemented components correspond to a configuration on the list of acceptable configurations, the request is approved and the needed components are downloaded to the electronic device. If the needed and currently implemented components correspond to a configuration on the list of unacceptable configurations, the request is denied. Otherwise, the reconfiguration manager may indicate that the requested reconfiguration is unknown, or may take another action such as responding to the electronic device with a list of other components that would be required to implement the request.

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First Claim