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Method and apparatus for locating a stolen electronic device using automatic number identification

  • US 6,031,894 A
  • Filed: 05/23/1997
  • Issued: 02/29/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/23/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method, performed by an electronic device at a first location, for enabling an owner to determine the location of the electronic device in response to a detected attempt to circumvent security measures incorporated into the electronic device, the method comprising:

  • initiating a phone call to a target location via a communication network providing automatic number identification (ANI) information without alerting a user of the electronic device;

    maintaining the phone call for a predetermined period of time only sufficient to allow the communication network to transmit to the target location ANI information identifying the first location; and

    terminating the phone call in response to the expiration of the predetermined period of time.

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