Title of Invention

METHOD FOR TRACKING A MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING INSTANT MESSAGING

Abstract

The proposed invention provides a method for tracking any mobile electronic device which accesses wireless or wired network using Instant Messaging (IM). The mobile device, capable of instant messenger (IM) functionality, allows storage of one or more IM IDs in a separate non-volatile memory. When the mobile device is lost/stolen, and another person changes the SIM card, the phone verifies if the SIM card is the same as that of the owner by matching the IMSI numbers of the two. If there is a mismatch, the phone triggers the tracking feature. The tracking feature stealthily transmits instant messages to the stored messenger IDs. Furthermore, with video/voice capability in the IM client, there is a provision for transmitting live video/voice of the person using the mobile phone after the tracking feature is enabled as video calls or voice calls respectively.

Full Text

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to the communication technologies and specifically to user equipment / mobile communication devices. Further, this invention relates to security of mobile communication devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for tracking any mobile communication device using Instant Messaging. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART Mobile communications is nowadays becoming an establishing force for social and economic development. The security of the mobile communication device devices is a significant factor in the present scenario. The existing art involves tracKing of mobile phones by a method with which it detects possible misuse (when the phone is stolen and SIM / USIM replaced), and reports it by itself to the actual owner through SMS or email, without the network making queries. Referring to figure 1 it shows the identity check procedure used in the prior art. The SGSN or MSC sends Identity Request (Identity Type) to the MS and in response to that the MS sends the Identity Response (Mobile Identity). If the SGSN or MSC decides to check the IMEI against the EIR, it sends Check IMEI (IMEI) to EIR. The EIR responds with Check IMEI Ack (IMEI). Researches are going on in this field and the US patent titled,"Mobile communication apparatus having anti-theft and auto-notification functions", describes a mobile communication apparatus comprises a first SIM card, an anti-theft control circuit, and a transmission control circuit. The first SIM card is engaged with the mobile communication apparatus and has a corresponding first IMSI code. The anti-theft control circuit has a SIM-card-detection module and a subscriber information management module. The SIM-card-detection module is used for detecting whether the first SIM card is replaced by a second SIM card and generating a corresponding detection result. The subscriber information management module is used for storing the corresponding first IMSI code and predetermined contact information. The transmission control circuit is used for transmitting data and/or signals. When the SIM-card-detection module generates the detection result, the transmission control circuit will send a notice signal according to the predetermined contact information. However there is no transmission of information through IM facility. In another patent application titled/'Message automatic notification system, message automatic notification method, communication terminal device, and recording medium", a message automatic notification system sends a message via a communication network to at least another communication terminal devices registered in a communication terminal device. The communication terminal device includes a control circuit, a communication circuit, and a memory unit. The control circuit causes a message-sending condition to be registered in the memory unit, obtains presence information from the other communication terminal device registered in the memory unit via the communication network, judges whether the message-sending condition where a message is sent when the presence information turns to be a predetermined state is established based on the presence information obtained, and sends a message previously registered by a user in the memory unit when judged that the message-sending condition is established. However the publication does not discuss sending notification when a SIM card is replaced. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the proposed invention is to invent a new method for tracking any mobile electronic device using IM without the network making queries, which is unique. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for tracking the electronic device without any extra efforts from the user/operator to track it. It is yet another object of the proposed invention to provide a method which does not depend on the presence of EIR in the network, providing very efficient and fast way of tracking, compared to the network querying IMEI of all users which still does not guarantee any results. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide transparency to the new user thereby availing him/her to contact the original user from the information displayed in the device when the SIM / USIM card is changed, wherein the proposed system, compared to the current approach of just blocking the phone (if PIN verification fails), facilitates the new user to contact the original user where the former dint have the intention to steal. The proposed invention involves a method to track stolen mobile phones or any mobile electronic device which supports instant messaging, by making it automatically send instant messages to preset destination whenever the SIM / USIM card is changed or powered up with a different Network card from that of the original user who activated the tracking feature, provided the proposed tracking feature in the device is turned on. The Mobile Station or device checks whether the SIM in the device is changed. Whenever it finds that it is changed, it initiates the instant messaging application (in background) and connects to server to send information about new user secretly to the preset address(User is capable of configuring these parameters easily). This information will be sent to the IM ID stored in the Phone (by the Original user) using Instant Messaging systems. The only assumption is that Mobile would be able to send IM message over SMS or Data bearer. Mobile or device can also trigger live voice or video call for more information to registered IM ID at regular intervals. The invention proposes a method to track the stolen devices with no extra functionality at the network side or IM server side. This method would be really handy because more and more devices are coming with IM application and IM is gaining popularity day by day. Accordingly, this invention explains a method for tracking any mobile communication device using Instant Messaging (IM) by making the device automatically send instant messages to predefined IM user whenever SIM / USIM card is changed or powered up with a different SIM / USIM card. The information sent to the predefined IM user by the device after initiating the IM application in background includes New Subscriber's number (IMSI), New Subscriber's Location, New Subscriber's Live voice and New Subscriber's Live video. The device provides a menu option with password (Tracking Control Key) protection. The said Tracking Control Key is used to turn on / off the said tracking feature and for editing the destination email-id / phone. The said Tracking Control Key is used for editing the user-defined part of the message contents for sending IM message. The said Tracking Control Key is used for the configuration of Voice and Video calls with periodicity and for the configuration of Location's information periodicity. When the user tries to activate the tracking feature, the user is prompted for the Tracking Control Key. The user is prompted for the alert-message destination and optionally the customizable contents of the alert message when the Tracking Control gets activated. If the user wishes to access / change the alert-message destination and the customizable contents, the user has to input the Tracking Control Key. In the IM message, the Location Information, MSISDN/IMSI of the current user can be included, in addition to any user-defined text. The device voice and video calls to defined user at periodic intervals. The user-authentication info for accessing the IM reporting feature, the destination IM ID, and any predefined text to be sent is stored in NVRAM. When the tracking feature gets activated, for a device supporting SIM / USIM card, the IMSI of the current SIM / USIM card is stored in the NVRAM where if there is no SIM / USIM card, user is prompted to insert SIM / USIM card. Once Tracking Control feature is successfully activated, whenever new SIM card is inserted, the device compares the IMSI stored in the NVRAM with the new IMSI and if there is a mismatch, sends an IM message to the destination which was specified by the owner. The current Location information of the device, if available can be included in the IM message. If the initial attempt to send IM message fails, the device keeps trying periodically until successful where the said period can be configured. Accordingly, this invention explains a system for tracking any mobile electronic device using IM by making the device automatically send instant messages to predefined IM user whenever SIM / USIM card is changed or powered up with a different SIM / USIM card. The system includes a Tracking Control Key authentication module which handles activation / deactivation of Tracking Control and accessing the customized information to be sent in the message. The system includes a customization module which maintains the message format and content information. The system includes a SIM / USIM Info access module which gets the required info from SIM / USIM, and detects the change of SIM / USIM card. The system includes a Location Info Access module which gets the information about the current location of the device, if the user has opted for it to be sent in alert message. The system includes a Call Barring Status Check module which, periodically checks it the status is changed, for sending alert message if outgoing call is barred. The system includes an Info Display module which displays the current settings. The system includes Network-access check module triggers the alert SMS for devices which don't use SIM card, when the device is connected to a network. The system includes a camera module for taking the pictures or Video Clip when a new SIM Card is inserted, as part of the MMS message to be sent to pre-defined destination. The system includes an Instant Messaging module which has instant Messaging application which can connect with IM server using SMS and Data Bearers. These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the ensuing detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction yvith the aqcompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows the mobile network doing the Identity Check procedure Figure 2 is a block diagram of a mobile electronic device that is the subject matter of the present invention. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the Tracking Control Module of the device shown in Figure 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood however that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. The following description and drawings are not to be construed as limiting the invention and numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. However in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention in detail. The proposed invention provides a method to track the Mobile Equipment (ME) by making the ME detect possible misuse (when the phone is stolen and SIM / USIM replaced, or if the device is not a phone, when the device accesses a network), and report it by itself to the actual owner, without the network making queries. Figure 2 shows the mobile electronic device that is the subject matter of the patent application, for use in connection with a telecommunication network. The main focus of the invention relates to the operation of the Tracking Control feature, of which the block diagram is given in Fig 3. The main features of Tracking Control operation are given below : ■ Whenever Sliyi / USIM card is changed or powered up with a different SIM / USIM card, make the device automatically send Instant messages to preset user. The Device initiates the IM application (in background) secretly to send following information to predefined IM user: ? New Subscriber's' number(IMSI) ? New Subscriber's Location ? New Subscriber's Live voice (without new user's knowledge) ? New Subscriber's Live video(without new user's knowledge) ■ The device will provide a menu option with password (Tracking Control Key, TCK) protection ? to turn on/off this feature ? for editing the destination email-id/phone# ? for editing the user-defined part of the message contents for sending IM message ? Configuration for Voice and Video calls with periodicity ? Configuration for Location's information periodicity The detailed description of Tracking Control is given in the next section. The tracking control operation is as follows: ? When the user tries to activate the feature, the user is prompted for a password (TCK). ? Then the user is prompted for the alert-message destination(IM Application along with predefined user's Id) and optionally the customizable contents of the alert message. Once this is over, the Tracking Control gets activated. (Later if the user wishes to access/change any of these, TCK has to be input by the user.) ? In the IM message, the Location Information, MSISDN/IMSI etc of the current user can be included, in addition to any user-defined text. ? The device also voice and video calls to defined user at periodic intervals. ? The user-authentication info for accessing the IM reporting feature, the destination IM ID, and any predefined text to be sent will be stored in NVRAM. ? When the feature gets activated as given above, for a device supporting SIM / USIM card, the IMSI of the current SIM / USIM card is stored in the NVRAM, or if there is no SIM / USIM card, user is prompted to insert SIM / USIM card. ? Once Tracking Control feature is successfully activated as above, whenever new SIM card is inserted, the device will compare the IMSI stored in the NVRAM with the new IMSI and if there is a mismatch, will send an IM message to the destination which was specified by the owner. The current Location Information of the device, if available can also be included in the message. ■ If the initial attempt to send IM message fails, the device keeps trying periodically until successful. This period can be configured. For these operations, the Tracking Control module has the following sub-modules, as in Fig 3, with roles as mentioned below: TCK authentication module : Handles of activation/deactivation of Tracking Control and for accessing the customization of the information to be sent in the message. Customization module : Maintains the message format and content information. SIM/USIM Info access module : Gets the required info from SIM / USIM, like IMSI and Call barring status etc, and detects the change of SIM / USIM card. Location Info Access module : Gets the information about the current location information of the device, if the user has opted for it to be sent in alert message. Call Barring Status Check module : If Outgoing call is barred, periodically checks it the status is changed, for sending alert message. Info Display module : Displays the current settings. Network-access check module : For devices which don't use SIM card, this module triggers the alert SMS when the device is connected to a network. Camera module : For taking the pictures or Video Clip stealthily whenever thief inserts a new SIM Card, as part of the MMS message to be sent to pre-defined destination. Instant Messaging module : Instant Messaging application which can connect with IM server using SMS and Data Bearers. It will also be obvious to those skilled in the art that other control methods and apparatuses can be derived from the combinations of the various methods and apparatuses of the present invention as taught by the description and the accompanying drawings and these shall also be considered within the scope of the present invention. Further, description of such combinations and variations is therefore omitted above. It should also be noted that the host for storing the applications include1 but not limited to a microchip, microprocessor, handheld communication device, computer, rendering device or a multi function device. Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications are possible and are apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND DEFINITIONS THEREOF IEIR - Equipment Identity Register IMEI - International Mobile Equipment Identity IMSI - International Mobile Subscriber Identity ME - Mobile Equipment MMS - Multimedia Messaging Service MSC - Mobile Services Switching Centre PIN - Personal Identification Number SGSN- Serving GPRS Support Node SIM - Subscriber Identity Module SMS - Short Message Service TCK - Tracking Control Key UE - User Equipment (ME + USIM) USIM - User Services Identity Module IM - Instant Messaging WE CLAIM 1. A method for tracking any mobile electronic device using IM by making the device automatically send instant messages to predefined IM user whenever SIM / USIM card is changed or powered up with a different SIM / USIM card. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the information send to the predefined IM user by the device after initiating the IM application in background includes New Subscriber's number (IMSI), New Subscriber's Location, New Subscriber's Live voice and New Subscriber's Live video. 3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device provides a menu option with password (Tracking Control Key) protection. 4. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said Tracking Control Key is used to turn on / off the said tracking feature and for editing the destination email-id / phone. 5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said Tracking Control Key is used for editing the user-defined part of the message contents for sending IM message. 6. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said Tracking Control Key is used for the configuration of Voice and Video calls with periodicity and for the configuration of Location's information periodicity. 7. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein when the user tries to activate the tracking feature, the user is prompted for the Tracking Control Key. 8. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the user is prompted for the alert- message destination and optionally the customizable contents of the alert message when the Tracking Control gets activated. 9. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein if the user wishes to access/change the alert-message destination and the customizable contents, the user has to input the Tracking Control Key. 10. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein in the IM message, the Location Information, MSISDN / IMSI of the current user can be included, in addition to any user-defined text. 11. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device voice and video calls to defined user at periodic intervals. 12. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the user-authentication info for accessing the IM reporting feature, the destination IM ID, and any predefined text to be sent is stored in NVRAM. 13. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein when the tracking feature gets activated, for a device supporting SIM / USIM card, the IMSI of the current SIM / USIM card is stored in the NVRAM where if there is no SIM / USIM card, user is prompted to insert SIM / USIM card. 14. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein once Tracking Control feature is successfully activated, whenever new SIM card is inserted, the device compares the IMSI stored in the NVRAM with the new IMSI and if there is a mismatch, sends an IM message to the destination which was specified by the owner. 15. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the current Location information of the device, if available can be included in the IM message. 16. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein if the initial attempt to send IM message fails, the device keeps trying periodically until successful where the said period can be configured. 17. A system for tracking any mobile electronic device using IM by making the device automatically send instant messages to predefined IM user whenever SIM / USIM card is changed or powered up with a different SIM / USIM card. 18. A system as claimed in claim 16 includes a Tracking Control Key authentication module which handles activation / deactivation of Tracking Control and accessing the customized information to be sent in the message. 19. A system as claimed in claim 16 includes a customization module which maintains the message format and content information. 20. A system as claimed in claim 16 includes a SIM/USIM Info access module which gets the required info from SIM / USIM, and detects the change of SIM / USIM card. 21A system as claimed in claim 16 includes a Location Info Access module which gets the information about the current location of the device, if the user has opted for it to be sent in alert message. 22. A system as claimed in claim 16 includes Call Barring Status Check module which, periodically checks it the status is changed, for sending alert message if outgoing call is barred. 23. A system as claimed in claim 16 includes a Info Display module which displays the current settings. 24. A system as claimed in claim 16 includes Network-access check module triggers the alert SMS for devices which don't use SIM card, when the device is connected to a network. 25. A system as claimed in claim 16 includes a camera module for taking the pictures or Video Clip when a new SIM Card is inserted, as part of the MMS message to be sent to pre-defined destination. 26. A system as claimed in claim 16 includes an Instant Messaging module which has instant Messaging application which can connect with IM server using SMS and Data Bearers. 27. A method for tracking any mobile electronic device using IM substantially described particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings. 28.A system for tracking any mobile electronic device using IM substantially described particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this the 14th day of September 2006

Documents:

1678-CHE-2006 AMENDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION 28-08-2013.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 AMENDED CLAIMS 28-08-2013.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECEIVED 28-08-2013.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 FORM-1 28-08-2013.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 FORM-13 28-08-2013.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 FORM-13-1 28-08-2013.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 FORM-3 28-08-2013.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 FORM-5 28-08-2013.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT 28-08-2013.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT 1 28-08-2013.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 POWER OF ATTORNEY 28-08-2013.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 27-11-2013.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 FORM-13 13-12-2013.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 FORM-6 27-11-2013.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 POWER OF ATTORNEY 27-11-2013.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 FORM 1.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 FORM 18.pdf

1678-CHE-2006 FORM-13 17-12-2013.pdf

1678-che-2006-abstract.pdf

1678-che-2006-claims.pdf

1678-che-2006-correspondnece-others.pdf

1678-che-2006-description(complete).pdf

1678-che-2006-drawings.pdf

1678-che-2006-form 1.pdf

1678-che-2006-form 26.pdf