Mobile Device Tracking via Environmental Sensing and Intermediary Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices are prone to being mislaid or stolen due to their small size and portability, making them difficult to locate and trace, especially when moved or obscured, and identifying the thief is challenging once the device is out of the user's possession.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables a mobile device to selectively report on its surrounding environment based on predefined events, capturing sensory data such as images, location, and other environmental information, which is then sent to a tracking assist server, allowing users to remotely monitor and potentially recover the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mobile device is made small and portable, then the device is easier to carry and use, but the device becomes easier to mislose or steal and harder to locate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tracking system consisting of a tracking server and sensor network that mediates between the mobile device and the user. Sensors distributed in the environment detect the device's location and relay information through a tracking server, enabling location tracking without adding physical bulk to the device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical location tracking methods (such as physical tags or large tracking devices) with electronic and optical sensing systems. The tracking is achieved through electromagnetic signals and optical sensors rather than mechanical means, allowing the device to remain small while maintaining trackability.
2Ease of operation
If the user tries to locate the device by searching the approximate location, then the user can potentially find the device, but the search becomes difficult when the area is large or the device is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual searching with automated sensor-based detection systems. Optical sensors, cameras, and other detection devices automatically scan and identify the mobile device's location, replacing the need for manual visual inspection across large or cluttered areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking server acts as an intermediary that consolidates detection data from multiple sensors and presents processed location information to the user. This intermediary system filters and organizes raw sensor data into actionable location information, making device retrieval easier even in large or obscured areas.
3Ease of operation
If the device is stolen and removed from the user's presence, then the thief gains possession of the device, but the user loses the ability to monitor the surrounding environment and identify the thief
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring where sensors continuously capture environmental data and device location information before theft occurs. The system is already recording and storing this data in advance, so when theft happens, the information is already available for immediate review by the user, eliminating the loss of environmental awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to the user about the device's location and surrounding environment through the tracking server. This feedback loop maintains the user's awareness of the device's status and environment even when the device is stolen, as the system continues to monitor and report on the device's whereabouts and captured environmental data.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for tracking a mobile device by enabling a user to remotely monitor the external surrounding environment of the mobile device. Initially, a mobile device is configured to selectively report on the device's surrounding environment based on one or more reporting events. Upon an occurrence of a reporting event, the mobile device generates a report by capturing at least one sensory datum related to its external surrounding environment. At least one locating datum is included in the report which can provide at least an approximate geographic location of the mobile device at the time the report is generated. Once the report is generated, the mobile device selectively sends the report to a tracking assist server, which makes the report remotely accessible to the user. Accordingly, when a mobile device is missing, a user can review one or more reports accessible on the server to determine whether the mobile device is stolen. Additionally, the at least one sensory datum provided in the one or more reports can be used to assist the user or others in identifying persons and/or objects in the surrounding environment of the mobile device, which may lead to the identification of the thief and/or recovery of the mobile device.