Lost Mode System for Secure Device Recovery and Owner Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for locating lost computing devices do not effectively balance the protection of personal data with the ease of returning the device to its owner, as they either leave data unprotected or make it difficult for finders to contact the owner.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows a user to remotely initiate 'lost mode' on a computing device, locking it and suppressing functionality while displaying contact information and a message to facilitate return, and transmitting location data to the owner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lost device is locked to protect personal data, then data security is improved, but it becomes difficult for a person that finds the device to determine who is the owner
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the device functionality into two modes: normal mode where full access is available, and lost mode where only specific functions (messaging and contact information display) are accessible. This segmentation allows the device to protect data while still enabling communication with the owner, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of return.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically transitions between normal operation and lost mode based on received commands. When a lost command is received, the device activates lost mode with restricted functionality; when an unlock command with correct password is received, it returns to normal mode. This dynamic behavior allows the same device to satisfy both security requirements and ease of return under different conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the device is left unlocked to make it easy for the finder to contact the owner, then ease of returning the device is improved, but the personal or sensitive data stored on the lost device becomes unprotected
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments device access into different levels: in lost mode, only messaging and contact information functions are accessible to the finder, while all other functions and data remain protected. This selective segmentation allows easy contact while maintaining data security, resolving the contradiction between ease of return and data protection.
3Reliability
If location tracking is enabled to help locate the lost device, then device recovery is improved, but additional functionality that could be suppressed in lost mode increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the device with messaging capabilities, contact information storage, and location tracking functionality before the device is lost. When lost mode is activated, these pre-configured features are immediately available without adding complexity during the loss event, as the complex setup was done in advance during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for remotely initiating lost mode on a computing device. A request that lost mode be initiated can include a message and contact information provided by the requesting user. Once authenticated, a command to initiate lost mode is sent to the lost device. Initiating lost mode includes locking the lost device and suppressing select functionality. The message and contact information are displayed and the lost device is enabled to contact the requesting user using the contact information. The lost device can also collect and transmit location data to the requesting user. The location data can be presented on a map indicating the lost devices location and the time the lost device was at the location. The location data can be scheduled to be resent to the user based on numerous factors such as a set schedule, rules or heuristic.