3 ms·

Seems a bit silly to call a RAZR a computer Um... any definition of 'computer' that excludes a RAZR is just plain wrong.

wtallis 16y ago
Unless by computer you mean programmable computer or general purpose computer, which most phones aren't by the time they reach consumers. For example, would the inclusion of the use of a cell phone render a method patent invalid under the machine-or-transformation test? Can any process implemented with a microprocessor satisfy the particular machine half of the machine-or-transformation test if the inclusion of the microprocessor makes the device a computer?
- wallygold 16y ago
  RAZRs are programmable. I've used some of the programs. There's a difference between being able to program on a device and being able to program for that device.
  - deleted 16y ago
    [deleted]
  - wtallis 16y ago
    I understand the difference between programming on a device and programming for a device. For most embedded devices like cell phones, end users aren't allowed to do either one, at least without jailbreaking or paying for developer privileges. And most embedded devices are similarly restricted about what kind of software you are allowed to install and run on them. Should such devices really be treated as general purpose computers in the eyes of the law?
mbreese 16y ago
In the decision even the judge knew this wasn't a good standard. However, the law states that a computer is: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/1030.html http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/1030.html 18 U.S.C. § 1030(e) (1) the term “computer” means an electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other high speed data processing device performing logical, arithmetic, or storage functions, and includes any data storage facility or communications facility directly related to or operating in conjunction with such device, but such term does not include an automated typewriter or typesetter, a portable hand held calculator, or other similar device; And by that standard, yes, some modern toasters (let alone mobile phones) would qualify. From the opinion: Indeed, modern cellular phones process data at comparable or faster rates than the desktop computers that existed when §1030(e)(1) was enacted. ... We acknowledge that a “basic” cellular phone might not easily fit within the colloquial definition of “computer.” We are bound, however, not by the common understanding of that word, but by the specific—if broad definition set forth in § 1030(e)(1).

wtallis 16y ago

Unless by computer you mean programmable computer or general purpose computer, which most phones aren't by the time they reach consumers. For example, would the inclusion of the use of a cell phone render a method patent invalid under the machine-or-transformation test? Can any process implemented with a microprocessor satisfy the particular machine half of the machine-or-transformation test if the inclusion of the microprocessor makes the device a computer?

wallygold 16y ago
RAZRs are programmable. I've used some of the programs. There's a difference between being able to program on a device and being able to program for that device.
- deleted 16y ago
  [deleted]
- wtallis 16y ago
  I understand the difference between programming on a device and programming for a device. For most embedded devices like cell phones, end users aren't allowed to do either one, at least without jailbreaking or paying for developer privileges. And most embedded devices are similarly restricted about what kind of software you are allowed to install and run on them. Should such devices really be treated as general purpose computers in the eyes of the law?

mbreese 16y ago

In the decision even the judge knew this wasn't a good standard. However, the law states that a computer is: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/1030.html http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/1030.html 18 U.S.C. § 1030(e) (1) the term “computer” means an electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other high speed data processing device performing logical, arithmetic, or storage functions, and includes any data storage facility or communications facility directly related to or operating in conjunction with such device, but such term does not include an automated typewriter or typesetter, a portable hand held calculator, or other similar device; And by that standard, yes, some modern toasters (let alone mobile phones) would qualify. From the opinion: Indeed, modern cellular phones process data at comparable or faster rates than the desktop computers that existed when §1030(e)(1) was enacted. ... We acknowledge that a “basic” cellular phone might not easily fit within the colloquial definition of “computer.” We are bound, however, not by the common understanding of that word, but by the specific—if broad definition set forth in § 1030(e)(1).