Portable Device Loss Prevention via Distance Tracking and Server Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lost smartphones and tablets often go unrecovered, resulting in the loss of irreplaceable personal data and content, including photos, videos, and contact information, with existing solutions failing to effectively prevent or facilitate their recovery.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a server, software applications on portable devices, unique registration identifiers, and distance tracking devices that provide notifications when devices exceed predetermined boundaries, allowing for location tracking and return delivery information, along with tags and key fobs for enhanced recovery and prevention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If distance tracking devices and boundary notifications are implemented, then device loss prevention capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice loss prevention capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces distance tracking devices as intermediaries between the portable electronic device and the user. These tracking devices communicate boundary violations to the software application, which then notifies the user. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by distributing functionality across multiple components rather than requiring complex integrated solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: distance tracking devices for monitoring proximity, software applications for processing location data and managing boundaries, and notification systems for alerting users. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If real-time location tracking and notification systems are implemented, then device recovery efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice recovery efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The distance tracking devices periodically check boundary conditions rather than continuously monitoring location. The system triggers notifications based on periodic boundary violations rather than constant real-time tracking, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective device recovery capability through event-driven updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing communication capabilities of portable electronic devices and distance tracking devices to perform location monitoring and notification functions. By leveraging built-in sensors, processors, and communication modules already present in these devices, the system avoids additional energy-intensive dedicated tracking hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If unique registration identifiers and server-based tracking are implemented, then device identification accuracy is improved, but information security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice identification accuracyVSAvoidinformation security risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a digital copy of device identification information through unique registration identifiers stored on servers. This allows accurate device identification and tracking without exposing sensitive personal data, as the server stores anonymized or encrypted identification copies rather than full device contents or personal information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary that handles device identification and boundary information, preventing direct exposure of sensitive device data. The server mediates between tracking devices and users, processing location data and notification logic centrally while maintaining security through controlled data access and encrypted communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11537763B2System for loss prevention and recovery of portable electronic devices

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 QEPR INC

AI summary

A system for loss prevention and loss recovery of portable electronic devices. The system includes a server administered by an administrator, a software application executable on a portable electronic device in communication with the server, a unique registration identifier associated with the portable electronic device, and a distance tracking device. The association between the portable electronic device and the unique registration identifier is stored on the server. The software application is configured to connect to the distance tracking device. The distance tracking device is configured to provide a notification when the distance tracking device is further than a predetermined boundary from the portable electronic device. When the unique registration identifier is entered at a website associated with the server, return delivery information is provided.