Device Recovery via Permanent Storage and Service Platform Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current device security measures for mobile communication devices are inadequate, as they can be easily defeated by thieves who can access and delete software, and users often do not memorize the IMEI number, making it difficult to prevent unauthorized use or recovery of stolen devices.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is provided for mobile devices to register with a service platform, store a device identifier in a permanent storage medium, and enable location reporting if determined to be lost or stolen, using a verification procedure to maintain a loss status indicator and assist in recovery efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stolen phone is added to a service provider blacklist based on IMEI number, then the blacklisted phone will no longer be able to access the service provider's network, but users often do not memorize the IMEI number and the IMEI is accessible on the phone or packing material, making this solution often not viable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the device identifier storage from accessible locations (phone display, packing material) and relocates it to a secure service platform database. The permanent storage medium within the device stores only a reference or hash, while the actual identifier is maintained remotely, preventing thieves from easily accessing or altering it.
Solution Approach 2:
The service platform acts as an intermediary between the device and the network. Instead of directly using the IMEI for blacklisting, the system uses a verification procedure where the service platform mediates the authentication process, comparing device identifiers against stored values to determine loss status.
2Reliability
If software solutions are developed for device security, then device protection is improved, but thieves have been able to access the software and delete it or attack and hack it
Solution Approach 1:
The verification procedure is pre-configured and stored in a permanent storage medium during device manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary configuration includes the device identifier and the verification logic, ensuring that security measures are in place before the device can be compromised by thieves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces software-based security mechanisms with a hybrid approach combining permanent storage (hardware-level persistence) and service platform verification. This substitution moves critical security functions from easily modifiable software to more resilient stored procedures and remote verification systems.
3Reliability
If a device identifier is stored in a permanent storage medium of the device, then it becomes difficult for thieves to alter the device's identity without destroying it, but this requires integration with a service platform for verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges local permanent storage capabilities with remote service platform verification. The device stores the identifier locally in permanent memory while simultaneously maintaining a copy or reference on the service platform, creating a unified security system that leverages both local persistence and remote verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent storage medium serves multiple functions: storing the device identifier, maintaining verification procedures, and enabling both local verification and remote communication with the service platform. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated security hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing device recovery assistance may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least causing a device to be registered with a service, receiving a verification procedure from a platform associated with the service, the verification procedure defining device recovery parameters associated with maintenance of a loss status indicator indicating a loss status of the device, causing a device identifier associated with the device to be stored in a permanent storage medium of the device, and enabling device location reporting based on the received verification procedure in response to a determination that the device is classified as lost or stolen. A corresponding method and computer program product are also provided.