Lost tracking device configuration

• US 10,008,097 B1
• Filed: 12/23/2016
• Issued: 06/26/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: TILE, INC. (Life360 Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: TILE, INC. (Life360 Incorporated)
• Inventors: Kumar, Mayank, de Barros Chapiewski, Guilherme, Donnelly, Patrick, Huq, Yaneeka
• Primary Examiner(s): Kim, Kevin
• Application Number:
  US15/390,328
• Publication Number:
  US 20180182230A1
• Time in Patent Office: 550 Days
• Field of Search: 340 81, 3405731
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/24 Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms

Abstract

A tracking device can be configured into a “lost” operating mode in response to a physical trigger that does not require communication with a tracking system of the tracking device. The tracking device periodically transmits identification information to nearby mobile devices that relay the information to the tracking system. However, a user that is not able to communicate with the tracking system can interact with a physical input of the tracking device. In response to the interaction, the tracking device configures itself to operate in the lost mode. When configured in the lost mode, the tracking device can increase the frequency at which it transmits beacon signals with its identification information. Additionally, when the tracking device is configured in the lost mode, it includes a lost indicator in its transmissions, so that devices that receive its transmissions are able to notify the tracking system that the tracking device is lost.

Claims

1. A method for identifying a tracking device as lost, comprising:

transmitting, by a tracking device configured to operate in a normal operating mode, a first plurality of communications identifying the tracking device at a first frequency;

receiving, at the tracking device, a physical input from a finder of the tracking device indicating that the tracking device may be lost;

responsive to receiving the physical input, configuring the tracking device to operate in a lost operating mode; and

responsive to being configured to operate in the lost operating mode, transmitting, by the tracking device, a second plurality of communications identifying the tracking device at a second frequency greater than the first frequency, the second plurality of communications comprising at least one communication identifying the tracking device as lost.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical input comprises an activation of a button on the tracking device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the activation of the button occurs in a predetermined pattern.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the predetermined pattern is an extended hold.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the extended hold lasts for more than three seconds.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the predetermined pattern is a predetermined number of button presses.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the tracking device, when configured to operate in the lost operating mode, activates one or more of components of the tracking device able to detect the location of the tracking device and components of the tracking device able to directly communicate with the tracking system.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second communications are transmitted via Bluetooth transmissions.

9. A tracking device comprising:

a physical input mechanism configured to receive a physical input from a finder of the tracking device;

a controller configured to configure the tracking device in a normal operating mode, and further configured to configure the tracking device in a lost operating mode in response to receiving a physical input at the physical input mechanism; and

a transmitter configured to;

responsive to the tracking device being configured in the normal operating mode, transmit a first plurality of communications identifying the tracking device at a first frequency; and

responsive to the tracking device being configured in the lost operating mode, transmit a second plurality of communications identifying the tracking device at a second frequency greater than the first frequency, the second plurality of communications comprising at least one communication identifying the tracking device as lost.

10. The tracking device of claim 9, wherein the physical input comprises an activation of a button on the tracking device.

11. The tracking device of claim 10, wherein the activation of the button occurs in a predetermined pattern.

12. The tracking device of claim 11, wherein the predetermined pattern is an extended hold.

13. The tracking device of claim 12, wherein the extended hold lasts for more than three seconds.

14. The tracking device of claim 11, wherein the predetermined pattern is a predetermined number of button presses.

15. The tracking device of claim 9, wherein the tracking device, when configured to operate in the lost operating mode, activates one or more components of the tracking device able to detect the location of the tracking device and components of the tracking device able to directly communicate with the tracking system.

16. The tracking device of claim 9, wherein the first and second communications are transmitted via Bluetooth transmissions.