AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF A SECURITY PROTECTION MODE OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE
First Claim
1. An automated method of remotely monitoring and controlling an electronic device, the method comprising:
- by a computer system of a monitoring centre;
receiving a call over a network from the electronic device, said call initiated by an agent installed on the electronic device, said agent including functionality for tracking usage of the electronic device and for reporting information regarding said usage to the monitoring center, the agent thereby facilitating recovery of the electronic device when stolen;
in response to the call, determining, at least, whether a sale of the electronic device has been reported; and
by communication with the agent, causing the electronic device to enter into a state that is dependent, at least, upon the determination of whether a sale of the electronic device has been reported, said state affecting whether the agent reports information to the monitoring center regarding usage of the electronic device.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automated method and apparatus is provided for deterring unauthorized use or theft of electronic devices, or other sorts of items into which a tracking device has been installed, particularly those in a distribution channel. The automated method is performed by a computer system of a monitoring center, and comprises the steps of: receiving a call over a network from the electronic device, said call initiated by an agent installed on the electronic device, said agent including functionality for tracking usage of the electronic device and for reporting information regarding said usage to the monitoring center, the agent thereby facilitating recovery of the electronic device when stolen; in response to the call, determining, at least, whether a sale of the electronic device has been reported; and by communication with the agent, causing the electronic device to enter into a state that is dependent, at least, upon the determination of whether a sale of the electronic device has been reported, said state affecting whether the agent reports information to the monitoring center regarding usage of the electronic device.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. An automated method of remotely monitoring and controlling an electronic device, the method comprising:
by a computer system of a monitoring centre; receiving a call over a network from the electronic device, said call initiated by an agent installed on the electronic device, said agent including functionality for tracking usage of the electronic device and for reporting information regarding said usage to the monitoring center, the agent thereby facilitating recovery of the electronic device when stolen; in response to the call, determining, at least, whether a sale of the electronic device has been reported; and by communication with the agent, causing the electronic device to enter into a state that is dependent, at least, upon the determination of whether a sale of the electronic device has been reported, said state affecting whether the agent reports information to the monitoring center regarding usage of the electronic device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for remotely monitoring and controlling in a distribution channel an electronic device comprising a processor and a device memory, and an interface for connection to a communications network, the system comprising:
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an agent installed on the electronic device, the agent including functionality for tracking usage of the electronic device and for reporting information regarding said usage to a monitoring centre, the agent thereby facilitating recovery of the electronic device when stolen; and a monitoring center comprising an interface for connection to a communications network, a processor and a monitoring center memory comprising a database of information relating to the identities and reports of sale of one or more individual agents, said monitoring center being configured to; a. receive a call over a network from the electronic device, said call initiated by the agent installed on the electronic device; b. in response to the call, determine, at least, whether a sale of the electronic device has been reported; and c. by communication with the agent, cause the electronic device to enter into a state that is dependent, at least, upon the determination of whether a sale of the electronic device has been reported, said state affecting whether the agent reports information to the monitoring center regarding usage of the electronic device.
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10. A computer system comprising at least one physical computer, said computer system programmed, via executable instructions stored in computer storage, to perform an automated method of remotely monitoring and controlling an electronic device, the method comprising:
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receiving a call over a network from the electronic device, said call initiated by an agent installed on the electronic device, said agent including functionality for tracking usage of the electronic device and for reporting information regarding said usage to the monitoring center, the agent thereby facilitating recovery of the electronic device when stolen; in response to the call, determining, at least, whether a sale of the electronic device has been reported; and by communication with the agent, causing the electronic device to enter into a state that is dependent, at least, upon the determination of whether a sale of the electronic device has been reported, said state affecting whether the agent reports information to the monitoring center regarding usage of the electronic device.
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Specification