GB2397467A

GB2397467A - Theft prevention of mobile apparatus through restricted access to the memory where only a limited number of numbers are stored

Info

Publication number: GB2397467A
Application number: GB0301109A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicholas Rowlatt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-01-17
Filing date: 2003-01-17
Publication date: 2004-07-21
Also published as: GB0301109D0

Abstract

A mobile telecommunications apparatus that is pre-programmed with a limited number of telephone numbers by the manufacturer or retailer. The user purchases the apparatus with the limited number of telephone numbers pre-programmed into the apparatus and the user of the telephone cannot program telephone numbers into the apparatus. An apparatus so arranged has no intrinsic value to a third party such as a thief since the only telephone numbers that can be dialled from the apparatus are the limited amount of pre-programmed telephone numbers. This may inhibit the thief from stealing the apparatus by rendering the device of no value to the thief. The apparatus may be particularly useful for children whereby a parent can give the apparatus to their child as a personal security device or as a ready means of contact. The device may also be useful for the elderly whereby a simple communications apparatus is useful in the case of a medical emergency.

Description

Telecommunications Apparatus The present invention relates to

telecommunications apparatus and in particular, to mobile telecommunications apparatus.

It is known to provide mobile telecommunications apparatus such as a mobile telephone. Such a telephone is typically identified to a user of the telephone and to a telephone network by a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card containing a silicon chip that is inserted into the phone. The user can program the telephone with telephone numbers by operating a telephone key pad, the numbers being stored on the silicon chip. The telephone numbers can then be recalled and dialled by using the telephone key pad. The user can also dial any telephone number from the telephone key pad as required. The telephone key pad is typically security protected by a numerical combination of the key pad so preventing unauthorised activation of the telephone.

Typically, an emergency telephone number can be dialled with a SIM card inserted in the telephone or when the key pad is locked with the SIM card in place.

In this specification, the words 'telephone numbers' means any numeric or alpha-numeric combination which permits a mobile phone to be placed in connection with other apparatus or services via a telecommunication network, or via the Internet.

One of the disadvantages of the prior art mobile telephone is its attractiveness to a thief.

Once the numerical security code has been broken the telephone can be operated without restriction. Furthermore, if the SIM card is removed from the telephone the telephone can be operated by simply inserting a replacement card. In this manner the stolen telephone has an intrinsic value to a thief since it can be resold.

What is required is a means of improving the security of a mobile telecommunications apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a hand portable mobile telecommunications apparatus adapted for use solely with pre-programmed telephone numbers.

Preferably the apparatus has a memory to permit storing of selected telephone numbers, and in a preferred embodiment the number of such telephone numbers may be restricted to for example ten. Alternatively the telephone numbers may be stored at a remote location from the apparatus such as at the premises of the telephone operator, manufacturer or any other convenient location. In this embodiment the apparatus may l O be configured to dial only one pre-programmed telephone number. The single telephone number may then provide means to dial a limited selection of pre-programmed telephone numbers. These telephone numbers may be dialled by, for example, voice activation, from a button on the apparatus or from a scrolling display of the pre-programmed telephone numbers.

The advantage is that a standard mobile phone can be adapted to the invention, thus keeping the cost of equipment low. A dedicated design is not required. It is envisaged that for example, any mobile phone may be adapted to the invention, thus maintaining consumer choice and avoiding any stigma attached to the use of a 'special' phone with limited function.

An apparatus so arranged can be pre-programmed with telephone numbers such as any series of alphanumeric digits that permit connection to the telephone network or the Internet. By 'pre-programmed' is meant programmed by a manufacturer or retailer and not by the end user. It is intended that the end user be provided with apparatus with a limited number of telephone numbers pre-programmed into the apparatus. The apparatus thus only permits a specific selection of numbers to be dialled from the apparatus. Nothing in this specification is intended to prevent emergency telephone numbers from being called from the apparatus such as emergency numbers for the police, fire service or ambulance service. Emergency numbers may already be pre-programmed into the apparatus by the manufacturer. The apparatus has no value to a third party such as a thief since the only numbers that can be dialled from the apparatus are the limited number of pre-programmed numbers. This may inhibit the thief from stealing the apparatus because the intrinsic value of the telephone is negligible.

The apparatus may also be particularly useful for children whereby a parent can give the apparatus to their child as a personal security device or as a ready means of contact. The apparatus may further be useful for the elderly whereby a mobile communications apparatus that is simple to operate may prove to be useful in the case of a medical emergency.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a hand portable mobile telecommunications apparatus, the apparatus adapted for use solely with pre-programmed telephone numbers, the apparatus having a memory to permit storing of selected telephone numbers wherein the memory is a single use memory.

Such an apparatus is of little value to a thief even if the thief believes that re-programming of the memory may be possible.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a hand portable mobile telecommunications apparatus, the apparatus being adapted to be pre-programable with telephone numbers up to the point of sale of the apparatus, the apparatus having a memory to store the telephone numbers.

In this instance it is envisaged that the end user would walk into the retailer's shop and provide the retailer with the required telephone numbers to be pre-programmed into the apparatus. The retailer would programme the telephone numbers into the apparatus and then sell the apparatus to the customer. After the sale of the apparatus the end user is prevented from changing or programming further telephone numbers into the apparatus.

The memory may have a restricted capacity, and furthermore may be programmable once only.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a hand portable mobile telephone, the telephone being configured to operate solely with pre-programmed telephone numbers, the apparatus having a memory to store the telephone numbers, and means to prevent programming of said memory by the end user. s

According to the invention there is also provided a method of operating a hand portable mobile telecommunications apparatus comprising the steps of; providing a hand portable mobile telecommunications apparatus; providing the apparatus with a memory; l O pre-programming the memory with telephone numbers; and configuring the apparatus for operation solely with the pre-programmed telephone numbers.

The memory may be provided in the apparatus, or be accessed remotely via a telecommunications link.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a plurality of hand portable mobile telecommunications apparatuses to form a set, each telecommunication apparatus in the set being adapted for use solely with pre-programmed telephone numbers, each apparatus having a memory to permit storing of the telephone numbers, and each apparatus being adapted for communication only with other telecommunications apparatus in the set via said telephone numbers.

A set of telecommunication apparatus so arranged may be useful for families or for companies with employees working away from the office or the home base. The advantage of this closed network of telephone numbers is the elimination of personal calls to other, non authorised, telephone numbers which tends to increase the cost of operating such apparatus for companies. A further benefit is that there are no personal tax implications for employees such as those imposed on standard mobile telephones.

The maximum number of pre-programmed telephone numbers may be as low as five.

The apparatus may alternatively be provided with a variable upper limit for the number of pre-programmed telephone numbers, for example, increasing in multiples of five such as five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty five etc. The limit may be selected prior to acquisition by the end user.

In a preferred embodiment the apparatus is mounted on a wrist strap to permit the apparatus to be worn on the wrist of a user. Alternatively the apparatus may be a badge, a brooch, a cap or a belt attachment. Such an arrangement limits the possibility for the apparatus to become lost by a child or an elderly person. The apparatus may also be in the form of a pocket device such as a mobile telephone.

Optionally the apparatus is provided with a clock.

The apparatus may have call buttons rather than a conventional key pad, or a scrolling display of the pre-programmed telephone numbers. Since the apparatus does not require a conventional key pad or other ancillary components for operation, the apparatus is inexpensive to manufacture and may be small in dimension.

The device may be adapted to receive and send text or picture messages.

The apparatus is preferably provided with means to prevent it from being reprogrammed by the end user. Such means may render the apparatus inoperable if reprogramming is attempted.

In a preferred embodiment the apparatus has a display. The display comprises means to recall and dial the limited number of pre-programmed telephone numbers stored in the apparatus. Such a display may for example be a touch sensitive display.

Preferably a microphone for the apparatus is mounted on the wrist strap.

Optionally the apparatus has a global positioning system. This may be useful in the case of child abductions or in medical emergencies for the elderly by providing a means for locating the child or the elderly person should an alert be raised. The global positioning system may further inhibit theft of the apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment the apparatus is readily identifiable, such as by colour coding, so that a potential thief may recognise that the apparatus has no value, and does not attempt theft.

In a preferred embodiment the global positioning system may be activated by an alarm button on the apparatus or from a remote telephone number such as a home telephone number. Such home telephone number activation may require the use of a Personal Identification Number (PIN).

A global positioning system so arranged may be operated if, for example, a child is late home or cannot be contacted. In the case of a small child the emergency call could be routed through the home number before automatically diverting to an emergency telephone number. This may help to prevent false emergency calls where a small child has accidentally activated the alarm from the apparatus.

The apparatus may further be provided with a camera. The camera can be used to capture images that can be transmitted from the apparatus. Incoming images to the apparatus can be displayed on the display.

Optionally the apparatus has an auto dial function. The auto dial function may be operated in the case of a sudden shock loading of the apparatus, if a telephone call to the apparatus is not answered or via the global positioning system if the apparatus is outwith a defined geographical region.

The apparatus may be provided with a speaker to sound an alarm in the case of an emergency or an abduction. The speaker may be activated by the auto dial function, by the alarm button on the apparatus, from the remote telephone number or via the global positioning system. In the case of activation of the speaker via the global positioning system the speaker may be activated if the apparatus is outwith a defined geographical region. Such geographical linked activation of the speaker may be performed automatically or may be routed from the home telephone number.

The speaker may be configured to emit an alarm sound or a recorded message to alert the general public in the vicinity of the apparatus.

Other features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment shown by way of example only in the accompanying drawing, in which; - Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a telecommunications apparatus, according to the present invention.

- Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a plurality of telecommunications apparatuses.

In Figure 1 there is shown a diagrammatic representation of a telecommunications apparatus, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 10. In Figure I the apparatus 10 has a wrist strap 12 with a buckle 14. The buckle 14 having a spigot 16 that locates in a hole 18 of the wrist strap 12 to allow the apparatus 10 to be worn on the wrist of a user. The apparatus 10 has a body 20 with a display 22. A microphone 24 for the apparatus 10 is mounted on the wrist strap 12.

In use, the apparatus 10 is pre-programmed by a manufacturer or retailer with a limited number of telephone numbers, for example, a mobile phone number, an emergency telephone number, an office number and a home telephone number. The minimum number of pre-programmed telephone numbers is one. The user purchases the apparatus with a limited number of preprogrammed telephone numbers. In this manner the apparatus 10 cannot be programmed by the user. The display 22 comprises means (not shown) to recall and dial the limited number of pre-programmed telephone numbers stored in the apparatus 10.

The apparatus 10 has no value to a third party since the only telephone numbers that can be dialled from the apparatus 10 are those which are preprogrammed. Accordingly this may reduce the risk of theft of the apparatus 10, such as by mugging. The apparatus 10 may be particularly useful for children whereby a parent can give the apparatus 10 to their child as a personal security device or as a ready means of contact. The maximum amount of pre-programmed telephone numbers is typically 7 where, for example, contact telephone numbers are required for two parents. This may be useful in the circumstance where the child's parents are living at different addresses. The device may also be useful for the elderly whereby a simple communications apparatus may prove to be useful in the case of a medical emergency.

It is envisaged that the user would walk into the retailer's shop and provide the retailer with the required telephone numbers to be programmed into the apparatus. The retailer would then programme the telephone numbers into the apparatus and then sell the apparatus to the customer. The programming step would require the retailer to input the numbers into the memory of the apparatus. After the sale of the apparatus the user cannot change or programme further telephone numbers into the apparatus.

Matters relating to how the apparatus will be manufactured, programmed and restricted from reprogramming are known by the skilled man and are not described here within.

In a second embodiment (not shown) the apparatus 10 has a Global Positioning System (GPS) which may be useful in the case of child abductions or in medical emergencies for the elderly. The global positioning system has the option of being activated by an alarm button on the apparatus or from the home telephone number using a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The GPS alarm can be operated if for example a child is late home or cannot be contacted. Where a small child is concerned the emergency call could be routed through the home number before automatically diverting to an emergency telephone number. This may help to prevent false emergency where a small child has accidentally activated the alarm from the apparatus.

In a third embodiment (not shown) of the present invention the apparatus 10 has a camera. The camera can be used to transmit images from the apparatus 10. Incoming images can be displayed on the display 22.

In a fourth embodiment (not shown) the apparatus has an auto call function in certain circumstance. For example, in the case of a sudden shock impact of the apparatus 10 an emergency telephone number would be dialled.

In Figure 2 there is shown a fifth embodiment of the present invention with a limited number of telecommunication apparatuses 10 configured to form a "group set". In Figure 2 three such apparatuses 10 are illustrated that can communicate with one another and a home 26. The channels of communication are illustrated by the arrows in Figure 2. This may be useful for families and also for companies with employees working away from the office or the home base. The advantage of this closed network of telephone numbers would be no personal tax implications such as those imposed on standard mobile phones. A further advantage would be afforded to companies since the cost of employees making personal calls would be eliminated.

Whilst a preferred embodiment for the apparatus has been described it will be appreciated that many other designs of the apparatus exist that would have the desired effect of the invention with the proviso that the apparatus has a restricted number of pre-programmed telephone numbers that can be dialled and these numbers are programmed into the apparatus by the manufacturer or retailer.

Claims

Claims 1. A hand portable mobile telecommunications apparatus adapted for

use solely with pre-programmed telephone numbers. s
2. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus has an internal memory to permit storing of selected telephone numbers.
3. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the memory is adapted to be programmed only once.
4. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the memory is adapted to have a restricted capacity to store the telephone numbers.
5. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to any of claims 2-4, wherein the memory is adapted to have a selectable upper limit for the number of telephone numbers stored therein, said upper limit increasing in multiples of five.
6. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the memory is adapted to store a maximum of ten telephone numbers.
7. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be pre-programable with telephone numbers up to the point of sale of the apparatus.
8. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the telephone numbers are adapted to be dialled by voice activation.
9. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus has a display.
10. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said display is a scrolling display adapted to show said telephone numbers.
11. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said display is touch sensitive and adapted to recall and to dial said telephone numbers.
12. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the apparatus has a select key adapted to select a telephone number and a call key adapted to dial the selected telephone number.
13. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is adapted to receive and to send text messages.
14. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus has a camera adapted to capture images for transmission from the apparatus, in use.
15. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further includes a global positioning system to indicate the geographical location thereof.
16. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the apparatus has an alarm key, said global positioning system being adapted to be activated by said alarm key.
17. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the apparatus is further provided with a speaker to emit one of an alarm and a recorded message, on activation of said alarm key.
18. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said global positioning system is adapted to be activated from a remote telephone.
19. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the apparatus is further provided with a speaker to emit one of an alarm and a recorded message, the speaker adapted to be activated from said remote telephone.
20. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus has a trigger and auto dial means, said trigger being adapted to activate said auto dial means to dial one of said telephone numbers.
21. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said apparatus further includes alarm means, and said trigger is adapted to activate said alarm means on actuation thereof.
22. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the apparatus further comprises shock sensing means, the trigger being operable by said sensing means in the case of a shock loading exceeding a predetermined level.
23. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to any of claims 2022, wherein the apparatus further comprises an unanswered call timer, said trigger being operable when a telephone call to the apparatus is not answered after a predetermined time has elapsed.
24. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is provided with means to prevent it from being reprogrammed by the end user.
25. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 24, wherein the means is adapted to render the apparatus inoperable if reprogramming is attempted.
26. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be mounted on a wrist strap.
27. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is one of a badge, a brooch, a cap, a pocket device and a belt attachment.
28. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the external appearance of the apparatus is readily visually identifiable by its pattern or ornament.
29. A mobile telecommunications apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is provided with a clock.
30. A mobile telecommunications apparatus constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.
31. A plurality of hand portable mobile telecommunications apparatuses to form a set, each telecommunication apparatus in the set being adapted for use solely with pre-programmed telephone numbers, each apparatus having a memory to permit storing of the telephone numbers, and each apparatus being adapted for communication only with other telecommunications apparatus in the set via said telephone numbers.
32. A plurality of mobile telecommunications apparatuses constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.
33. A method of operating a mobile telecommunications apparatus comprising the steps of; providing a hand portable mobile telecommunications apparatus; providing the apparatus with a memory; pre- programming the memory with telephone numbers; and configuring the apparatus for operation solely with the pre-programmed telephone numbers.