System and method for authorizing the activation of a communication device

[0001] The present invention relates to the distribution and activation of communication devices such as cordless telephones. In particular, the invention relates to the distribution of wireless communication devices at the point of sale with a commercial terminal, wherein the communication devices can be used to provide wireless communication services.

[0002] Retail stores receive cordless phones from distributors and sell telephones and other communication devices to customers. These phones can be pay-as-you-go wireless phones. Usually telephones are inactive when stores receive telephones from distributors. Thus, in order for the customer to use the telephone after purchase, the telephone must be activated by the communication service provider, i.e. the operator. For example, a customer may purchase a telephone pre-associated with a particular wireless telecommunications provider in a commercial store. To activate the phone, the customer must call the supplier later, and then the supplier determines whether to activate the phone. Usually, suppliers automatically activate any telephone at the customer's request. Once activated, the phone can be used for its intended purpose, such as a wireless communication service.

[0003] The traditional method does not allow the operator to know the status of the telephone before activation. In other words, during activation, but not before, the operator will know that the phone is in the hands of the user, and not in the distribution chain. However, the operator will not know if the telephone has ever been legally purchased at an authorized point of sale. For example, the operator will not know if the caller is to activate

-3 phone, requests to activate the stolen phone or legally purchased phone.

[0004] What is desirable is a method of distributing a telephone to customers so that the operator can verify that the telephone has been purchased lawfully before activation.

[0005] Document EP1361775A1 discloses a device for a mobile communication terminal, such as a mobile phone equipped with data pre-stored in memory. The identifier allows access to the cellular network for verification and provides essentially unique identification by the network, but is not sufficient to allow further use of the network. During verification, the identifier is analyzed by the cellular network processor and it is determined whether the cellular telephone should have limited access to the network. After the successful completion of the identifier analysis, the signal can be transmitted to a cellular telephone, which allows the cellular telephone to have less restricted network access.

[0006] The present invention provides a method of authorizing a communication device in a communications device, comprising:

activating the electronic network of the service provider receiving a request signal in the central processing system to authorize the activation of the electronic communication device, the request comprising an identifier associated with the electronic communication device, and wherein the identifier is also transmitted from the seller to the central processing system; determining by a computer processor in a central processing system whether the electronic communication device was lawfully sold in a purchase transaction with the seller; and responding to determining that

- 4 notification devices, the electronic communication device was sold in accordance with the law in the purchase transaction, generating a signal indicating the authorization to activate electronic communication; and authorization transfer from the central processing system to the communication service provider.

[0007] The present invention further provides a central processing system for the authorization activities of an electronic communication device in a communication service provider's network, comprising: a data storage system suitable for storing an identifier in a data storage system, the identifier being associated with an electronic communication device; and an input device suitable for receiving a signal containing the identifier from the seller's computer system, wherein the input device is furthermore suitable for receiving a request to authorize the activation of an electronic communication device, the request also includes an identifier associated with the electronic communication device, characterized by a processor coupled to an input device suitable for processing information based on a signal from the seller and determining whether to authorize the activation of an electronic communication device responsive to determining that the electronic communication device has been sold in accordance with the law in the purchase transaction and to update the data storage system in order to an indication that the electronic communication device has been sold in accordance with the law; and an output device suitable for transmitting authorization notices to the communication service provider based on determining actions.

[0008] One of the advantages of the present invention is the control and prevention of losses, for example of communication devices.

[0009] Another advantage is that both communication service providers and vendors can track the sales of communication devices such as wireless handsets.

[0010] The present invention can be implemented by the means set out in any of claims 2 to 8 ^and about^{d 10 d}about ¹³.

[0011] The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a system for authorizing the activation of a communication device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a communication device and packaging.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a method of distributing a communication device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method of authorizing the activation of a communication device according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a method of authorizing the activation of a communication device according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a system for authorizing the activation of a communication device according to an embodiment of the invention. The system includes manufacturer 14, distributor 12,

-6i transfers one or more merchants 10, one or more merchant terminals 4, central processor 2, central database 8, communication service provider 6 (also referred to as "operator") and operator database 7.

[0013] The communication device may include a wireless handset such as a cordless telephone, PDA, pager, telephone / PDA combination device, Internet access device or any other communication device. The communication device may be in a package, for example, when sold. The packaging of the communication device may be any container, box, or packaging that may contain, store, or otherwise couple with the device. In a preferred embodiment, the package comprises a device 16 when a customer buys a device at a commercial terminal 4.

[0014] Manufacturer 14 manufactures communication devices for one or more distributors 12. Distributors 12 provide communication devices to one or more commercial stores 10. Retail stores 10 include one or more commercial terminals 4. Customers buy communication devices at commercial terminals 4.

[0015] Trade terminals 4 include input / output devices for inputting information about the communication device and / or packaging (such as, identifier) ​​during the purchase transaction and passing such information to the central processor 2. For example, trade terminals may include any point of sale from A terminal configured to process sales transactions between traders and customers. Commercial terminal 4 may include a barcode scanner and a credit card reader,

It may be in selective network communication as is well known in the art.

[0016] The central processor 2 may include any data processing system that stores, manages and / or processes device related information. In one embodiment, the central processor 2 may itself be the provider of 6 communication services (also referred to herein as the "telecommunications operator" or "operator"). The central processor 2 is configured to process information related to the device (such as an identifier). The central processor 2 is further configured to store information related to the device in the central database 8. The information may include information received from the trading terminal 4 during the sale of the device. The central processor is also configured to relay information to and from the operator 6. For example, the central processor 2 is configured to receive authorization requests and / or status queries from the operator 6. The central processor 2 is configured to process information stored in the central database 8 based on such requests and queries. The central processor 2 is also configured to relay information to the operator.

[0017] In one embodiment, the central processor 2 is configured to communicate with commercial terminals regarding device activation requests.

[0018] The operator 6 may process information that it receives from the central processor 2. The operator may also store information in the operator's database 7. Operator 6 is also configured to communicate with clients. For example, operator 6 is configured to receive device activation requests from clients. Operator 6 is also configured to process information on

Based on the request and / or communication with the central processor based on the request. Operator 6 is also configured to provide information to the client, such as confirmation of activation.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary communication device 16 and package 18, activation that can be authorized using methods of the invention. The upper left figure of Figure 2 shows a typical communication device 16, such as a cordless telephone, in a front view. The upper left figure shows the rear view of a typical communication device 16.

[0020] The device 16 may have an identifier 20 associated with the device 16. The identifier 20 may be applied to (e.g., affixed to) the device 16, package 18, or both. The identifier 20 may include an electronic serial number (ESN), IMEI, subscriber information module (SIM), UPC code, or other number or designation that identifies the device 16. For example, ESN, IMEI, and / or the SIM code may contain numbers or codes that are uniquely associated with the device 16. The identifier may be used in SIM card 22 (or SIM card designation 22), magnetic stripe 24, and / or barcode 26. For example, barcode 26 may represent ESN, IMEI, or SIM and optionally UPC. In one embodiment, the phone has a SIM 22 card or equivalent. [0021] The identifier 20 may be visible on the outside of the device 16 and / or package 18, or may be used or otherwise encoded on the device 16 and / or package 18. It may also be visible only after handling the device 16, e.g. by removing the battery. The identifier 20 may be used by the trader, distributor, operator and customer for tracking

-9 status of location and activation of the device 16 or for any other record keeping purposes, such as inventory management.

[0022] The device 16 is usually in a package 18 before and during sale to the customer. The packaging may have bar codes and other markings on it. The packaging may have ESN 20 in the form of a bar code. ESN 20 can also be printed (or magnetically encoded) on the phone itself. There may be more than one identifier 20 associated with the device 16 and / or packaging 18. The package 18 and device 16 may also have other bar codes used when purchasing or during inventory searching or other product searching purposes. The package 18 may have one or more identifiers that are identical or different from the one or more identifiers 20 associated with the device. In a preferred embodiment, the device 16 and package 18 have at least one common identifier 20.

[0023] The lower part of the drawing of FIG. 2 shows a package 18 shaped to accommodate the handset 16. The package 18 may have one or more identifiers printed or otherwise recorded on the package 18 as described for the handset. The packaging identifiers can be the same or different from the handset identifiers. In a preferred embodiment, package 18 and device 16 have at least one identifier, such as ESN 20, which is identical on both package 18 and device 16.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a method of authorizing the activation of a communication device according to an embodiment of the invention. The term "handset" as used herein generally refers to

-10 any type of communication device, regardless of whether it actually contains a handset.

[0025] In step 31, the handset identifier information processor and / or operator handset identifier is received.

The manufacturer may provide the list

For example, the central receives information about (or distributor) inventory of ESN handsets (or other identifiers) to the central processor or operator. Alternatively, the trader may provide a list of handset identifiers to the central processor or operator after (or before) receiving the handsets from the distributor. The central processor will then have one or more handset identifiers that can ultimately be purchased from traders.

[0026] In a preferred example, the handset is initially associated with if the operator receives the handset information, it would only receive information about the handset identifier for the handset pre-associated with it. In another embodiment, the operator is selected after the customer has made the purchase. In this embodiment, the operator would not receive identifier information at this stage.

[0027] In an alternative step 32, implementation information, each operator. So, with the identifier of

N^and about

identifier are stored and / or processed.

and / or inf crma cc them example, central processor identifier for operator stores. The central processor and / or operator may store an ESN list corresponding to handsets that have been picked up by a particular store, delivered by a specific distributor, or manufactured by a specific manufacturer. This information can be stored in a central coupled database

-11identyfikator.

inventory with a central processor or operator database linked to an operator. The central processor (and / or operator) can also store status information associated with each handset. Because the handsets have not yet been sold, the central processor (and / or operator) may store information for each handset indicating that the handset is "not sold". Other ways of storing and / or identifying stored information may be used.

[0028] In step 33, the handset identifier is entered in the trading terminal during the handset purchase transaction. For example, one or more handset identifiers may be entered at the trading terminal during a transaction in which a customer purchases the handset. At this stage, the customer selects the handset to buy and purchases the handset at the trading terminal. During sales, the packaging of the handset (or handset) is scanned at the trading terminal. In a preferred embodiment, the ESN associated with the handset is introduced in the terminal by scanning the package of the handset. Regardless of whether the package or handset is scanned, the identifier input in the trading terminal is uniquely associated with the handset itself.

[0029] Multiple identifiers may be entered in a trading terminal. For example, the UPC code may be entered as well as ESN, IMEI, SIM, or other may be entered for purposes while ESN may be entered for the final activation of the handset. [0030] It should be noted that the handset is inactive or turned off before delivery to the customer. For example, the handset is connected actively or in the opposite way

UPC can trade,

-12 case turned off in the switch. It can be disabled actively or passively. The trader can turn off the handset when buying (or before buying). In a preferred embodiment, the handset is turned off before being handed over to the merchant. In one embodiment, the operator turns off the handset, for example, before a salesperson receives the handset for commercial inventory. For example, the SIM card may be turned off. This may occur before it is offered to the customer (for example, before the product is placed on store shelves or otherwise offered to the customer), or it may occur during the purchase transaction. When the SIM card is turned off, the handset is turned off and cannot enable the wireless handset service. In order to activate the handset, the customer must later contact the central server (for example, by calling 800 or accessing the operator's website) and activate the handset. The server may comprise a computer or handset system of a telecommunications service provider (i.e. operator), preferably a wireless service provider, which may be enabled on a handset purchased by the customer.

[0031] In optional step 33, the commercial terminal may also enter buyer information, such as buyer name, address, social security number, PIN, home or other telephone number, email address, website or other information. Some of this information may be identified by the buyer's credit card or check, or this information may be provided by the customer, at the merchant's request. Customer information can also be passed to a central processor or operator that can store such information in a database. This information can be

-13 identifier, and for central use to verify the identity of the buyer when the buyer later activates the phone.

[0032] In step 34, the central processor receives the handset identifier. The identifier may be the identifier entered in step 33. For example, the merchant terminal may then enter the processor identifier when selling the handset to the customer. In a preferred embodiment, this occurs simultaneously with the sale. For example, a sale transaction may include entering identifier information and automatically passing this information to a central processor. For example, the bar code can be scanned during purchase, as with typical transactions, and the bar code number can be transferred to a central processor.

[0033] If it is later determined that the client's funds are invalid or insufficient, or if there are any other problems with the transaction (for example, if the telephone is returned), the merchant or commercial terminal may then notify the central processor of the problem. The phone can then be turned off again. Appropriate records of such return transactions may be stored and forwarded to the operator and the central processor.

[0034] Alternatively, there may be a delay between entering information at the trading terminal and passing identifier information to the central processor. For example, a trading terminal may wait until customer purchase funds are clarified to ensure that only legally purchased handset identifiers are transferred to the central processor.

[0035] Furthermore, if the handset is stolen or damaged, or otherwise not suitable for distribution to the client, the central processor may correct the database entry corresponding to the handset to reflect that the handset has been "canceled". This handset cannot be activated, which is reflected in its "canceled" status.

[0036] At step 35, the handset is registered as legally purchased and / or ready for activation. For example, the telephone can be turned on or activated in the switch. In a preferred embodiment, the central processor forwards the handset identifier information to the operator's system to indicate that the handset has been legally purchased. It may transmit such information by any communication device or means, for example, via the Internet, dedicated data link, IVR telephone or other system.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the central processor transmits such information via an API, so that the operator system can easily recognize and process the information. After the operator's system processes the information, the handset is registered in the operator's system as a legally purchased handset. For example, an operator may store an identifier in an operator database file that contains identifiers for handsets that were legally purchased. The fact that the handset is legally owned results from the file in which it is stored. An operator may correct an existing database entry corresponding to this handset to indicate that the handset has been sold in accordance with the law.

[0038] Alternatively, the central processor may store status information indicating that the handset is "sold and ready for activation". It may store such information in a manner described for the operator system, or in any manner known in the art.

[0039] In step 36, the operator receives a request from the client to activate the handset. At this stage, the customer contacts the operator (via telephone, Internet, etc.) to activate the handset. For example, the customer may call 800, which provides access to the operator's IVR system, or the customer may access the operator's website. The customer can also call the operator's customer service or activation department. The client provides identifier information to the operator system so that the operator system can identify the specific handset to be activated. For example, the client may provide ESN or SIM, for example, by entering ESN on the Internet or IVR. Alternatively, if the customer contacts the operator using the handset alone, this handset may automatically provide identifier information to the operator's system.

[0040] The customer may also provide customer identification information. Such identification information may include customer name, address, telephone number, invoice number, product number, or other number or code that may be associated with the telephone you purchased, the buyer, seller, or wireless service provider. The operator may request verification of such information before activation. [0041] In step 37, the operator determines whether the handset has been purchased lawfully. In a preferred embodiment, the operator checks its database to determine if the identifier is associated with the handset

-16 bought in accordance with the law. For example, the operator may determine whether the identifier associated with the handset (such as ESN) is stored in a database corresponding to the handsets in legal possession.

[0042] In another embodiment, the operator system contacts the central processor to determine if the identified handset has been sold in accordance with the law. For example, an operator system (such as a service center may forward a handset identifier (such as provided in step 36) to a central processor. This may occur by providing the central processor of the IVR system, or by any other means of communication as described herein. The central processor would pick up the ID, share its database to determine if the ID is associated with the ID purchased legally, and then pass the authorization result back to the operator. The authorization result may indicate that the phone was sold lawfully or that the phone was not lawfully sold (or that there was some other problem with the handset). For example, the central processor may determine the authorization result based on the stored authorization status information.

[0043] In step 38, the operator activates the handset or rejects the client's request. If the operator determines that the handset has been purchased lawfully, the operator can activate the handset. If the operator determines that the handset has not been purchased lawfully, or if there is some other problem with the purchase of the handset, then the operator may reject the customer's request and refuse to activate the phone.

[0044] When the operator activates the handset, the handset becomes useful. For example, if the handset is

By using a cordless telephone, then activating the handset may allow the customer to use the handset to access the operator's wireless telecommunications services.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method of authorizing the activation of a communication device according to another embodiment of the invention. The method of FIG. 4 should be interpreted in light of the discussion of FIG. 3.

[0046] In optional step 41, the central processor stores identifier information, for example, as described for step 32.

[0047] In step 42, the handset identifier is entered in the commercial terminal during the handset purchase transaction, for example, as described for step 33.

[0048] In step 43, the commercial terminal forwards the identifier to a central processor, for example, as described for step 34.

[0049] In step 44, the central processor forwards the identifier to the operator.

[0050] In step 45, the identifier is stored in the operator's database. The identifier status (and / or the corresponding handset) can be stored and / or updated based on receiving the identifier from the central processor. Various status options are described below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0051] Steps 44 and 45 may occur when, for example, the central processor inserts the identifier into the operator's database, for example, using an API. This process is also described in step 35.

[0052] In step 46, the operator receives a request to activate the handset, for example as described for step 36.

[0053] In step 47, the operator determines whether to activate the handset. This may include gaining access to the operator's database to determine if the identifier is in the database or to determine whether the identifier is associated with a handset that has been approved for activation. This may also include determining the status of the identifier (and / or the corresponding handset).

[0054] In step 48, the operator responds to the client's request, either by activating the handset or by rejecting the client's request. For example, if the ID is in the database (or if the ID is associated with an approved handset), the operator activates the handset. If not, the operator can reject the request.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a method of authorizing the activation of a communication device according to yet another embodiment of the invention. The method of FIG. 5 should be interpreted in light of the discussion of FIG. 3.

[0056] In step 51, the handset identifier is entered in the commercial terminal during the handset purchase transaction, for example, as described for step 33.

[0057] In step 52, the commercial terminal forwards the handset ID information to a central processor, for example, as described for step 43.

[0058] In step 53, the central processor processes and / or stores the identifier. For example, the central processor may store the identifier in a database entry (or correct an existing database entry) to indicate that the identifier has been received from a trading terminal. The entry may reflect that the respective handset has a certain status, for example that the handset has been sold and is ready for activation.

[0059] In step 54, the operator receives a request to activate the handset from the client, for example, as described for step 46.

[0060]

At step 55, example, central identifier with the law. establish,

On whether or not the transaction is consistent the operator forwards the activation authorization request to the central processor.

[0061] In step 56, the central processor processes the identifier. The central processor can determine if the identifier has been sold according to the processor received in steps 51 and 52. The central processor can also determine the status of the handset (and / or the corresponding identifier). For example, the central processor may determine that the handset has a specific status, such as "sold and ready for activation," "unsold," "sold and activated," "sold and returned," or "canceled." Depending on the status, the central processor may decide to pass a positive or negative (or other) activation response. For example, the central processor may decide to send a positive response if the corresponding handset is "sold and ready for activation." The central processor may give a negative response if the status is "canceled", "unsold" or "sold and returned". [0062] In step 57, the central processor forwards the activation authorization response to the operator. The authorization response can be an indication to activate or deactivate. The authorization response may include information on the status of the identifier and / or the corresponding handset.

[0063] In step 58, the operator either activates the handset or rejects the client's request, for example, as described in step 48. The operator's operation can be based on the response of the central processor in step 57.

-20SIM or ESN in the commercial terminal database identifier transmitted to the central processor in [0064] It should be noted that different identifiers can be used in the various steps described here, provided that the different identifiers are associated with a single handset, i.e. it is not necessary, that ESN be a single identifier that is used during the process. For example, a bar code number (e.g., a number that is mapped to or otherwise associated with data) may be scanned in and transmitted to a central processor, but the processor may determine the SIM or ESN and forward it to the operator. Here, the central processor can receive the UPC and determine the ESN or SIM that is associated with this bar code by processing information stored in the database (e.g., information received from a trader linking UPC numbers to ESN numbers). In addition, it should be noted that the term "identifier" may include information related to the identifier. In other words, the identifier received by the operator does not have to be exactly the same as from the terminal prior condition that two identifiers are uniquely associated with the same device.

[0065] It should also be noted that the communication devices listed above can be activated in any way as described for activating the PIN in the applications indicated above.

[0066] It should be understood that the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated and described herein is merely an example. Numerous variants, changes, substitutions and equivalents will now be clear in the field, without departing from the commercial stage, to those skilled in the art in this scope of the appended claims.

In the light of the above, it should be understood that

-21 all issues described here and shown in the accompanying drawings will be treated as illustrative only and not in the sense of limitation.

53 / 57P27812PL00