System and method for secure web-based mobile phone parental controls
First Claim
1. A system for implementing call controls for wireless telephones, comprising of:
- a Public Switched Telephone Network;
a call intercept platform including a soft switch in communication with said Public Switched Telephone Network, a secure web-enabled server in communication with said soft switch, and an SQL server in communication with the web-enabled server;
a ruleset of control parameters stored in a database on said SQL server;
a graphical user interface stored on said secure web-enabled server for allowing authorized users to add, modify or delete control parameters from said ruleset; and
a mobile phone assigned a unique phone number, said mobile phone being adapted to route all outgoing calls to said soft switch for screening in accordance with the ruleset of control parameters residing in said SQL server database.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A wireless system and method for implementing call controls (such as parental controls) for wireless telephones via a call-intercept platform (including a soft switch and/or an SS7 interconnection node, and SQL database), and a conventional mobile phone that makes and receives all outgoing calls through the call intercept platform. The call intercept platform includes secure web server to provide a secure website point of entry for allowing parents to specify a ruleset of parental controls that is stored in the SQL database. Every outgoing call from the mobile phone is routed into the call-intercept platform, which logs the call, crosschecks the mobile phone and outgoing call number against the stored ruleset for that phone/user, and selectively screens te calls. Incoming calls are automatically forwarded from the wireless carrier to the call intercept platform and are logged, cross-checked and selectively screened. The secure web portal allows parents and guardians or other individuals who desire to self-limit call usage to thoroughly manage their dependent'"'"'s or their own phone, inclusive of viewing calls, activating and deactivating controls, customizing controls, as well as purchasing prepaid minutes and managing their accounts.
232 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A system for implementing call controls for wireless telephones, comprising of:
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a Public Switched Telephone Network;
a call intercept platform including a soft switch in communication with said Public Switched Telephone Network, a secure web-enabled server in communication with said soft switch, and an SQL server in communication with the web-enabled server;
a ruleset of control parameters stored in a database on said SQL server;
a graphical user interface stored on said secure web-enabled server for allowing authorized users to add, modify or delete control parameters from said ruleset; and
a mobile phone assigned a unique phone number, said mobile phone being adapted to route all outgoing calls to said soft switch for screening in accordance with the ruleset of control parameters residing in said SQL server database. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A system for implementing call controls for wireless telephones, comprising:
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a Public Switched Telephone Network;
a call intercept platform including an SS7 interconnection node in communication with said Public Switched Telephone Network, a secure web-enabled server in communication with said soft switch, and an SQL server in communication with the web-enabled server;
a ruleset of control parameters stored in a database on said SQL server;
a graphical user interface stored on said secure web-enabled server for allowing authorized users to add, modify or delete control parameters from said ruleset; and
a mobile phone assigned a unique phone number, said mobile phone being adapted to signal each outgoing call on said mobile phone to said SS7 interconnection node for screening in accordance with the ruleset of control parameters residing in said SQL server database. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A wireless system for implementing parental controls for wireless telephones, comprising:
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a mobile cellular telephone adapted for wireless communication over a public switched telephone network (PSTN), said cellular telephone being preprogrammed to initiate any outgoing call by first dialing a dedicated call intercept number, and said cellular telephone being intended for sale to a parent for use by their child;
a call intercept platform for receiving calls from said cellular telephone to said dedicated call intercept number, said call intercept platform comprising at least one secure web-enabled server, at least one SQL server in network communication with the web server, and a soft ware switching solution in communication with said PSTN and said SQL server, and a web portal resident on said web server and defining a graphical user interface for allowing a parent to specify a parental control ruleset for a child comprising a list of permissible telephone numbers to be allowed, and permissible times of day and days of week for making and receiving calls, once defined said parental control ruleset being compiled and stored on said SQL server;
said cellular telephone being intended for use by said child, whereby when said child initiates outgoing calls using said cellular telephone, said outgoing calls from the mobile phone are routed to the soft switch and are checked in accordance with the parental control ruleset stored on said SQL server and are screened in accordance with the stored ruleset of permissible telephone numbers and times, whereby permissible calls are switched back to said PSTN for completion. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method for implementing parental controls for wireless telephones, comprising the steps of:
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programming a cellular telephone to initiate any outgoing call by first communicating with a call intercept platform comprising at least one secure web-enabled server, at least one SQL server in network communication with the web server; and
a web portal resident on said web-enabled server, said web server defining a graphical user interface for allowing a parent to specify a parental control ruleset;
marketing said mobile cellular telephone and a wireless service plan subscription to parents for purchase on their child'"'"'s behalf, said cellular telephone being adapted for wireless communication over a public switched telephone network (PSTN);
entering via said graphical user interface a control ruleset for said child comprising a list of permissible telephone numbers to be allowed, and permissible times of day and days of week for making and receiving calls;
compiling said parental control ruleset and storing it on said SQL server;
initiating an outgoing call using said cellular telephone;
screening said outgoing call in accordance with the parental control ruleset stored on said SQL server;
allowing permissible calls for completion and blocking screened calls. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29)
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Specification