| 摘要 |
<p>An electronic device (100) with a limited time of use. The electronic device (100) comprises a physical interface (130) for removable connection to a host device (160), a processor (110) and a usage time limit module (120) with a counter. When the counter reaches a pre-determined value, the usage time limit module (120) is adapted to disable the electronic device (100), preferably by modifying the hardware of the electronic device (100), e.g. by disabling a communication line between the processor (110) and the physical interface (130), which may be effected by blowing a fuse. The usage time limit module (120) is powered by the host device (160) via a power supply (140) from the physical interface (130). In a preferred embodiment, the electronic device (100) is a storage device. In a further preferred embodiment, the physical interface (130) is a USB interface.</p> |
