18461873. System and Method for Remotely Initiating Lost Mode On A Computing Device simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

System and Method for Remotely Initiating Lost Mode On A Computing Device

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Raghu Pai of Cupertino CA (US)

Karthik Narayanan of Santa Clara CA (US)

Megan M. Frost of San Francisco CA (US)

Patrice Olivier Gautier of San Francisco CA (US)

Usama Mikael Hajj of San Francisco CA (US)

System and Method for Remotely Initiating Lost Mode On A Computing Device - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18461873 titled 'System and Method for Remotely Initiating Lost Mode On A Computing Device

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a system and method for remotely initiating lost mode on a computing device, including locking the device, displaying a message with contact information, and enabling the device to transmit location data to the user.

• Remote initiation of lost mode on a computing device
• Locking the lost device and suppressing select functionality
• Displaying a message and contact information on the lost device
• Enabling the lost device to contact the user using the provided contact information
• Collecting and transmitting location data from the lost device to the user
• Presenting location data on a map indicating the device's location and time
• Scheduling the retransmission of location data based on various factors

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in the following areas: - Mobile device security - Lost or stolen device recovery - Personal safety and emergency response systems

Problems Solved

This technology addresses the following issues: - Securely locking and protecting a lost device - Providing a means for the device to contact the user - Tracking and locating a lost device in real-time

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include: - Enhanced security for lost devices - Improved chances of recovering lost or stolen devices - Peace of mind for users knowing their device can be tracked and locked remotely

Potential Commercial Applications

A potential commercial application for this technology could be: - Integration into mobile device management software for businesses to protect company devices and data

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be the "Find My iPhone" feature from Apple, which allows users to remotely lock, track, and erase data from their lost or stolen devices.

Unanswered Questions

How does the system authenticate the user before initiating lost mode on the device?

The patent application does not provide details on the authentication process for the user requesting lost mode initiation.

What measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access to the device while in lost mode?

The patent application does not specify the security measures implemented to prevent unauthorized access to the device once lost mode is initiated.

Original Abstract Submitted

Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for remotely initiating lost mode on a computing device. A request that lost mode be initiated can include a message and contact information provided by the requesting user. Once authenticated, a command to initiate lost mode is sent to the lost device. Initiating lost mode includes locking the lost device and suppressing select functionality. The message and contact information are displayed and the lost device is enabled to contact the requesting user using the contact information. The lost device can also collect and transmit location data to the requesting user. The location data can be presented on a map indicating the lost devices location and the time the lost device was at the location. The location data can be scheduled to be resent to the user based on numerous factors such as a set schedule, rules or heuristic.