Methods And Systems For Locating Devices

What is this patent about?

'106 is related to the field of electronic device location, specifically addressing the problem of users misplacing or losing their vaping devices or other mobile devices. The background acknowledges the increasing popularity of vaping and the need for technologies to locate these easily misplaced devices, similar to how people lose keys or phones.

The underlying idea behind '106 is to enable a first device (e.g., a monocle or smartphone) to initiate a location request to a second device (e.g., a vaping device, key fob, or smartphone). The second device, upon receiving this request, activates its location-determining capabilities (e.g., GPS, triangulation) and responds with its coordinates or an audible/visual signal to aid in its retrieval.

The claims of '106 focus on methods for initiating a location request from a first device to a second device, instructing the second device to determine and report its location. Claim 1 covers the first device transmitting the location request, while claim 10 covers the second device receiving the request and activating its location-finding function.

In practice, the invention envisions a user activating a 'find my device' feature on their monocle or smartphone. This sends a signal to the target device, which could be attached to keys, a wallet, or integrated into a vaping device. The target device then uses its GPS or other location services to pinpoint its location and transmit this information back to the user's primary device, displaying it on a map or providing directional guidance.

This approach differentiates itself from prior art by providing a directed location request initiated by the user, rather than relying solely on constant tracking or proximity-based alerts. The system can also be reversed, allowing the lost device to signal for help. Furthermore, the patent mentions the possibility of using crowd-sourcing to locate devices, leveraging a network of users to assist in the search.