Minimal Identity Recovery System and Method

• US 20130031057A1
• Filed: 07/30/2012
• Published: 01/31/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/2011
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Masoud Vakili
• Original Assignee: Masoud Vakili
• Inventors: Vakili, Masoud
• Application Number:
  US13/562,193
• Publication Number:
  US 20130031057A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 707/640
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/1451 by selection of backup contents
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/1456 Hardware arrangements for backup
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/1458 Management of the backup or restore process
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/6272 by registering files or documents with a third party
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2463/082 applying multi-factor authentication cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/068 using credential vaults, e.g. password manager applications or one time password [OTP] applications

Abstract

Methods and systems for storing, providing, and obtaining recovery data. The recovery data is normally used on a mobile device which is no longer available to a user who would otherwise need to perform crucial functions like operating a vehicle, identification, or financial transactions on the mobile device. Recovery data is provided on a medium which enables the user to perform crucial functions at least for a limited duration.

Claims

1. A method comprising obtaining recovery data, which recovery data is normally used on a mobile device, and saving the recovery data in a database such that it is available for minimal identity recovery in case a user has no access to the mobile device, and wherein the recovery data includes at least of one of a smartkey function and a credit card function.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the database is maintained in a secure place with a failover mechanism and the recovery data in that database could become readily available upon a request.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the request is a query request to the database which is done by a server.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the server is contacted by or through an automatic or semi-automatic machine or a software application upon at least one of identification, validation, and authorization.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the validation is a secure authentication.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the validation is a multi-factor authentication.

7. The method of claim 4 wherein the validation is semi-automatic, and wherein a representative on a provider side is present.

8. A method comprising providing recovery data by a server to a recovery agent, which recovery data is used normally on a mobile device belonging to a user, in case the user has no access to the mobile device, and wherein the recovery agent enables the user to perform at least one of a smartkey function and a credit card function.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the recovery agent is a machine that has a dispensable recovery medium.

10. A method comprising obtaining recovery data from a server by a recovery agent, which recovery data is used normally on a mobile device, and which recovery data is used for minimal identity recovery in case a user has no access to the mobile device, and which recovery data enables the user to perform at least one of a smartkey function and a credit card function.

11. A method comprising electronically loading recovery data onto a recovery medium, which recovery data is used normally on a mobile device, the method being used for minimal identity recovery in case a user has no access to the mobile device, and wherein the recovery data includes at least one of a smartkey function and a credit card function.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the recovery agent is adapted to load the recovery data as firmware or software onto the recovery medium.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the recovery medium includes electronic circuitry, such as an ASIC circuit.

14. A recovery medium for minimal identity recovery, comprising an active radio transmitter with a circuit, wherein the recovery medium also includes an antenna, wherein the circuit and the antenna are used in combination to send radio signals, and wherein the recovery medium enables a user to perform at least one of a smartkey function and a credit card function.

15. A recovery medium for minimal identity recovery, comprising a passive radio transmitter having an antenna that resonates and reflects radio signal upon being in the vicinity of an active transmitter, and wherein the recovery medium enables a user to perform at least one of a smartkey function and a credit card function.

16. A system comprising means for automatically dispensing a recovery medium containing recovery data which recovery data is used normally on a mobile device.

17. A recovery medium comprising means for storing recovery data, which recovery data is used normally on a mobile device, wherein the recovery medium is used temporarily to enable a user to perform at least one of a smartkey function and a credit card function.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the recovery medium is ASIC based and the recovery data is loaded as firmware or software.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein the recovery medium is set to expire.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein an expiry time is established via at least one of battery life and encoded information.

37. The method of claim 20 further using a challenge question to validate a user.

38. The method of claim 20 further pulling up a device locator.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the device locator is run as a recovery app on the second mobile device to indicate to a user the location of the first mobile device.

21. A method for providing recovery data, which recovery data is used normally on a first mobile device, said method comprising sending the recovery data to a second mobile device, and wherein the second mobile device thereby enables a user to perform at least one of a smartkey function and a credit card function in case the user has no access to the first mobile device.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the second mobile device is inexpensive compared to the first mobile device.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the second mobile device has limited capability compared to the first mobile device.

24. The method of claim 22 wherein the second mobile device is dispensed or purchased.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein the the second mobile device belongs to a different person than the first mobile device.

26. The method of claim 21 wherein the recovery data is loaded from a special app.

27. The method of claim 21 wherein the recovery data is set to reside on the second mobile device for a limited period of time.

28. The method of claim 21, further sending a notification to the first mobile device in case a perpetrator tries to revoke the recovery data from the second mobile device.

29. The method of of claim 28 wherein the user of the first mobile device is prompted to speak or enter a PIN to validate a user identity or to inhibit revoking data recovery.

34. The method of claim 21 further using a camera or sensor for user validation.

35. The method of claim 34 further initiating a video call to a user of the second mobile device.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein the camera or sensor is used to take certain biometric measures such as at least one of a headshot, a fingerprint, and a retinal scan.

30. A method for storing and providing recovery data for minimal identity recovery of a user, the recovery data normally residing on a mobile device, the method comprising allowing the user to choose in advance what capabilities the recovery data should provide.

31. The method of claim 30 further limiting purchases to a certain limit or limiting the speed or range of travel of a car to a certain limit.

32. The method of claim 30 wherein there is more than one level of recovery.

33. The method of claim 32 further enabling a user of the recovery data for quick access to limited functionality, and when the user wants a greater set of functionalities or to permanently replace a lost or damaged mobile device with full functionality, requiring a more rigorous security processes.

40. A method for providing a rental vehicle to a user, the method comprising providing code to a mobile device from a server in possession of the user, which code is adapted to enable the mobile device to operate as a smartkey.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein the mobile device is enabled to lock, unlock, and start the engine of the rental vehicle.