Stylus-Based Remote Data Wipe for Lost Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote data wipe solutions for electronic computing devices require access to another computing system or network, making it inconvenient and risky for users to securely erase data from lost or stolen devices, especially in situations where immediate action is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A stylus or portable input device configured with wireless communication capabilities and a user interface for initiating a remote data wipe function, allowing users to securely erase data from paired devices without needing additional equipment or network access, with options for data backup and secure recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current remote data wipe solutions require access to another computing system or network, then data security is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the remote wipe capability from complex computing systems and networks, embedding it directly into a simple stylus device. The stylus contains a processor, memory, and wireless transceiver that enable it to independently communicate with and wipe data from the target device without requiring external computing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylus is designed to be self-sufficient for initiating remote wipes. It contains all necessary components (processor, memory, wireless communication) to autonomously send wipe commands to the target device without requiring the user to access another computing system or network interface.
2Reliability
If current remote data wipe solutions require access to another computing system or network, then data security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for external computing systems and networks from the remote wipe process. The stylus itself becomes the operational interface, containing all necessary functionality to initiate and manage the wipe process portably and conveniently.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylus is designed as a multi-functional device that serves both as a normal input device for the touch screen and as a standalone remote wipe initiator. This universal design allows users to operate the wipe function using the same device they already carry and use for normal interaction with the target device.
3Reliability
If immediate remote data wipe action is necessary for lost or stolen devices, then data security is improved, but loss of time increases due to requiring additional equipment or network access
Solution Approach 1:
The stylus is pre-configured with the target device's identification information and wipe credentials during pairing. When the user needs to initiate a wipe, the device is already prepared to immediately send the command without requiring lookup, authentication setup, or network configuration, enabling instant response.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylus autonomously manages the entire wipe initiation process without requiring the user to access external systems. The device independently handles communication protocols, authentication, and command transmission, eliminating time spent navigating external interfaces or waiting for network connectivity.
4Ease of operation
If a stylus with wireless communication capabilities is used for remote wipe, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wireless communication functionality with the existing stylus form factor. The processor, memory, and transceiver components are integrated into the stylus housing, combining multiple functions (input device, wireless communicator, wipe initiator) into a single unified device without significantly increasing size or complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for remotely wiping data from a computing device are provided. Instructions for wiping data from the computing device can be sent via an input device such as a stylus associated with the computing device, or a dedicated module. In cases where the computing device is lost or stolen, the user, via the stylus, may remotely activate a data wipe function so as to remove selected or all information from the computing device, ensuring that sensitive information is not extracted from the device. In some cases, a back-up application configured to remotely back-up data of the target computing device is launched before that data is wiped from the device.