Identifying and locating lost or stolen personal digital assistant devices via a landline- or wireless-connected web server
US6804699B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L63/0876
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for preventing unauthorized use of a device (e.g., a portable computer system) and for recovering the device when, for example, the device has been lost or stolen and an attempt to use it is made by someone other than an authorized user. The authorized user registers the device in a database at a central site (e.g., a Web site) using a unique identifier such as the device's serial number. If the device is lost or stolen, this information is entered into the Web site database by the authorized user. When the device is connected to the Internet using either a wireless or a landline connection, the device automatically communicates its unique identity to the Web site. The Web site performs a lookup and, if the database indicates that the device is lost or stolen, the device is so notified. In response, the device disables normal operation and instead will display, for example, the name and address of the authorized user. Other security measures can be used depending on the preferences of the authorized user; for example, the Web site can initiate a trace to locate the device. Thus, when a device is lost or stolen, it can be more readily recovered and, in the meanti…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.