Cellular device authorized user tracking systems and methods
First Claim
1. A method of controlling operation of a central server utilized in connection with a system for determining whether a user is an authorized user of a particular cellular telephone, the telephone being assigned at least one of an electronic serial number and a mobile identification number, said server capable of being linked to a remote unit for communications therewith and comprising a central electronic database having a plurality of entries searchable by at least one of the electronic serial number and the mobile identification number, said method comprising the steps of:
- searching the electronic database to obtain data related to at least one authorized user of the telephone;
selecting data to be displayed based on a preassigned access level; and
displaying the data related to the at least one authorized user, the data related to at least one authorized user comprising telephone type and telephone manufacturer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods which enable fast and simple identification of unauthorized users of cellular telephones are described. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of remote computers capable of communicating, e.g., via modem, to a central server which includes an electronic database having a plurality of data entries stored therein. The data stored in the database relates to cellular telephones. When a remote computer initiates communication with the server, the server prompts the user to enter a name and password. The server then checks whether the user is an authorized (valid) server user, and if the user is authorized, the main menu is displayed at the remote computer. Once the operator selects Cellular Tracking/Recovery, then the server causes an electronic serial number (ESN) menu to be displayed at the remote computer. The ESN menu enables an operator to select “Search for ESN” (or by mobile identification number (MIN)) to obtain the relevant data. Once the user selects “Search for ESN”, the user is then prompted to input the ESN or MIN which is the subject of the search. The server then searches for a match of the entered ESN or MIN in the database, and if a match is found, the relevant data is displayed at the remote computer. The type and amount of data displayed is controlled, in one embodiment, by the authorized access level of the user.
26 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method of controlling operation of a central server utilized in connection with a system for determining whether a user is an authorized user of a particular cellular telephone, the telephone being assigned at least one of an electronic serial number and a mobile identification number, said server capable of being linked to a remote unit for communications therewith and comprising a central electronic database having a plurality of entries searchable by at least one of the electronic serial number and the mobile identification number, said method comprising the steps of:
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searching the electronic database to obtain data related to at least one authorized user of the telephone;
selecting data to be displayed based on a preassigned access level; and
displaying the data related to the at least one authorized user, the data related to at least one authorized user comprising telephone type and telephone manufacturer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for determining whether a user is an authorized user of a particular cellular telephone, the telephone being assigned at least one of an electronic serial number and a mobile identification number, said method comprising the steps of:
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identifying at least one of an electronic serial number and a mobile identification number associated with the telephone;
searching a central electronic database having a plurality of entries searchable by at least one of the electronic serial number and the mobile identification number to obtain data related to at least one authorized user of the telephone, the central electronic database accessed by a central server;
selecting data to be displayed based on a pre assigned access level; and
displaying authorized user registration data associated with a search, said registration data comprising telephone type and telephone manufacturer. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A system for determining whether a user is an authorized user of a particular cellular telephone, the telephone being assigned at least one of an electronic serial number and a mobile identification number, said system comprising:
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a central computer server capable of being linked to a remote unit for communications therewith;
said central computer server comprising a central electronic database having a plurality of entries searchable by at least one of the electronic serial number and the mobile identification number, said server configured to display authorized user registration data associated with a search, said registration data comprising telephone type and telephone manufacturer and, said server further configured to select data to be displayed based on a preassigned access level. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification