Mobile Device Proximity Detection Using Sensor Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for preventing theft of mobile computing devices in retail settings are cumbersome and do not effectively protect sensitive information, as they either limit device portability or fail to promptly log out inactive user sessions, allowing thieves to access confidential data.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize geospatial and physical property data from sensors on mobile devices to detect movement and proximity changes, triggering a second operational mode that locks the device or alerts the user if the device is taken out of a predetermined area, thereby protecting sensitive information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wire or cable tether is attached to the mobile computing device to prevent theft, then device security is improved, but device portability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tether system with an electronic monitoring system using sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) to detect device movement and location. This substitution eliminates the physical constraint while maintaining security through electronic detection and alert mechanisms.
2Reliability
If an inactivity timeout is set to comply with regulatory requirements, then data security is improved, but user session continuity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors device motion and location sensors to provide real-time feedback about device status. This feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish between legitimate user absence (device stationary) and potential theft (device movement), enabling dynamic session management that extends timeouts for legitimate users while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The inactivity timeout is transformed from a static, fixed-duration mechanism to a dynamic one that adapts based on sensor data. The system adjusts session continuity based on detected motion patterns, allowing extended sessions when the device remains stationary (legitimate use) while triggering security protocols when movement is detected (potential theft).
3Reliability
If a sensing mat is used to detect user presence and trigger logout, then device security is improved, but user convenience is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device itself serves multiple functions: it is both the protected asset and the detection instrument. The device's built-in sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) monitor its own status, eliminating the need for external sensing infrastructure like mats. This multi-functionality improves user convenience by removing physical barriers while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's own sensors to monitor its status and trigger security protocols, making the device self-monitoring. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external detection infrastructure, improving user convenience while maintaining robust security through continuous self-awareness of device location and movement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents unauthorized access to mobile devices by detecting movement and changes in proximity, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure without compromising device portability or user session continuity.
Implementation Method 1
obtains altitude data from an accelerometer of the mobile computing device responsive to a change in altitude of the mobile computing device
Implementation Method 2
obtains barometer data from a barometer of the mobile computing device responsive to a change in a barometric pressure of a location of the mobile computing device
Implementation Method 3
obtains magnetometer data from a magnetometer of the mobile computing device responsive to a change in a strength of a magnetic field of a property location of the mobile computing device
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatuses, including computer program products, are described for detecting a proximity of a mobile computing device during a user session. The mobile computing device enters a first operational mode during the user session and obtains sensor data from at least one sensor responsive to a property of the location. The mobile computing device forwards to a server computing device, a baseline profile including the sensor data and a time stamp indicating a time the sensor data was obtained. The mobile computing device receives from the server computing device, a differential trigger threshold including a range of permissible values for sensor data obtained from the at least one sensor. The mobile computing device obtains updated sensor data from the at least one sensor. The mobile computing device enters a second operational mode when the updated sensor data is outside of the differential trigger threshold.