METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING MOBILE DEVICE USE
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- enabling a supervisor user to specify parameters used to define a usage level-based rule set to control usage of a mobile device;
determining a current service plan mode in conjunction with establishing a call connection corresponding to an attempt to place an outgoing call or receipt of an incoming call page;
determining a current usage level corresponding to the service plan mode; and
applying an applicable rule from the usage level-based rule set based on a current usage level and the current service plan mode to allow or disallow establishment of the call connection.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Method, apparatus and system for controlling usage of mobile devices. Supervisor users, such as parents and managers, are enabled to define usage-level based rule sets that are employed to limit mobile device use by targeted users, such as children and employees. The rule sets may be employed to control access to outbound and incoming calls, as well as text messages, data transfers, and paid content. Warning trip points may also be set to provide warnings to users when corresponding usage levels have been reached during a given billing cycle. Various mechanism are disclosed for enabling specification of rule set parameters, including via a mobile device, a computer application, and a Web portal. Runtime operations may be performed via the mobile device, via service provider infrastructure, or via a combination of the two to control mobile device use in view of applicable rule sets and current service plan operating modes.
406 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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enabling a supervisor user to specify parameters used to define a usage level-based rule set to control usage of a mobile device; determining a current service plan mode in conjunction with establishing a call connection corresponding to an attempt to place an outgoing call or receipt of an incoming call page; determining a current usage level corresponding to the service plan mode; and applying an applicable rule from the usage level-based rule set based on a current usage level and the current service plan mode to allow or disallow establishment of the call connection. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A machine-readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon and configured to be executed on a mobile device to effect control of usage of the mobile device by performing operations comprising:
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determining a current service plan mode in conjunction with initiating a call connection corresponding to an attempt to place an outgoing call or receipt of an incoming call page; determining a current usage level corresponding to the service plan mode; retrieving data relating to a usage level-based rule set defined by a supervisor user defining rules for controlling usage of the mobile device; and applying an applicable rule from the usage level-based rule set based on a current usage level and the current service plan mode to allow or disallow establishment of the call connection. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification