Lost Tracker Smart Code Coordination With Privacy-Protected Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tracking devices lack effective mechanisms for returning lost devices to their owners and often fail to protect the privacy of the owner when the finder is unknown.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system that enables communication between the owner and finder of a lost tracking device through a smart code, allowing the finder to contact the owner via a mobile device, while incorporating privacy settings selected by the owner to control the method of contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tracking devices are used without a communication mechanism, then the device can be lost and tracked, but the finder cannot contact the owner to return the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the tracking device and the finder's mobile device. The server receives location data from the tracking device and communication requests from the finder, facilitating the return process without requiring direct communication capabilities in the lost tracking device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for direct mechanical communication hardware in the tracking device with a cloud-based communication system. Instead of embedding complex communication modules in the tracking device, the system uses internet-based messaging through the server to enable contact between owner and finder.
2Ease of operation
If the finder can contact the owner directly, then the device can be returned, but the owner's privacy is compromised when the finder is unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a privacy-protecting intermediary by relaying communication between the owner and finder without exposing direct contact information. The system can mask the owner's identity while still enabling the finder to initiate the return process through the server-mediated communication channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an anonymous or pseudonymous communication channel where the owner's identity is represented by a masked identifier rather than direct personal information. This allows communication to proceed while protecting the owner's privacy from the unknown finder.
3Measurement precision
If GPS tracking is continuously monitored, then the device location can be determined, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device updates its location data periodically rather than continuously, sending location information to the server at predetermined time intervals. This periodic update mechanism maintains adequate location tracking accuracy while significantly reducing the energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses location updates that are sufficient for the return purpose without excessive precision. Instead of continuous high-precision GPS tracking, the device provides location data at intervals that are adequate for enabling the finder to locate and return the device, reducing energy use while maintaining functional effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Communication between an owner of a lost tracking device and a finder of a lost tracking device is established. A tracking system receives an identifier of a tracking device and a request for a web page from a mobile device that has captured an image of a smart code on the tracking device. The smart code is embedded with a URL to the web page. The system displays the web page on the mobile device and prompts the user to provide a location of the mobile device. The location is associated with the identifier of the tracking device. A notification indicating the location of the tracking device is generated for the owner. The owner is prompted to provide information to establish contact with the finder of the device, and the web page is populated with the owner's provided information for display on the finder's mobile device.