Thief Identification via Account Access Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for locating stolen computing devices often rely on GPS, which can be insufficient for identifying the thief, especially when the device is in crowded areas or large public locations, and may not provide sufficient evidence to incriminate the perpetrator.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that collect thief-identifying information by detecting attempts to access user accounts on stolen devices, capturing login information, and reporting it to a remote device, enabling identification and potential recovery of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used to locate stolen computing devices, then the geographic location of the device can be determined, but the location may point to crowded areas or large public locations where it is difficult to identify the specific thief
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification process into multiple stages: first obtaining GPS location data, then separately collecting thief-identifying information through account access detection. This segmentation allows the system to handle each type of information collection independently, combining location data with personal identification data to overcome the limitation of GPS alone pointing to crowded areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively detecting and collecting thief-identifying information when the thief attempts to access their account through the stolen device. This preliminary collection of identification data (username, profile information) occurs before the theft investigation concludes, ensuring the information is captured while the device is still being used by the thief.
2Reliability
If only geographic location data is collected from stolen devices, then the device location can be tracked, but sufficient evidence to incriminate the perpetrator cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate information collection functions: device location tracking (GPS) and thief identification (account access detection). By combining geographic location data with thief-identifying information such as usernames and profile data collected during account access attempts, the system creates a comprehensive evidence package that both tracks the device and provides incriminating evidence against the perpetrator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the stolen computing device itself as an intermediary to collect thief-identifying information. When the thief uses the stolen device to access their account, the device automatically provides identification information (username, profile data) that serves as evidence. This intermediary approach allows evidence collection without requiring external intervention or additional hardware.
3Loss of information
If the system monitors account access attempts on stolen devices, then thief-identifying information can be collected, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by leveraging the existing account access mechanisms and built-in detection capabilities of the stolen device. When the thief attempts to access their account, the system automatically detects the attempt and collects identifying information without requiring complex external monitoring infrastructure. The device itself performs the detection and information collection, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for collecting thief-identifying information on stolen computing devices may include (1) receiving an indication that a computing device has been stolen, (2) detecting an attempt by a thief of the stolen computing device to access a user account of the thief via the stolen computing device, (3) collecting, based at least in part on detecting the attempt by the thief of the stolen computing device to access the user account of the thief via the stolen computing device, information capable of identifying the thief, and (4) reporting, to a remote computing device, the information capable of identifying the thief. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.