Apparatus and method for determining a wireless device's location after shutdown

摘要

A wireless data processing device is described which periodically exits an unpowered state and transmits location data. For example, one embodiment of a wireless data processing device comprises: power circuitry for maintaining the wireless data processing device in a powered or unpowered state, the power circuitry causing the wireless data processing device to enter into an unpowered state responsive to user input; a timer to periodically power up the wireless device or portion thereof in response to reaching a predetermined time; a location services module determining a current location of the wireless data processing device using one or more specified location determination techniques; a transmit thread transmitting the current location of the wireless device over one or more specified communication channels; and the power circuitry powering down the wireless data processing device a second time after the current location has been transmitted.

主权项

1. A computer implemented method for automatically transmitting a location of a wireless data processing device, the method comprising:
determining that an incorrect security code to unlock the wireless data processing device has been entered a specified number of times, and based on the determination powering down the wireless data processing device; temporarily powering up the wireless data processing device or portion thereof, in a security mode, in response to reaching a predetermined time, wherein the security mode includes activating designated security features, the designated security features including limiting user access to the wireless data processing device; in the security mode, determining a current location of the wireless data processing device using one or more specified location determination techniques; in the security mode, transmitting the current location of the wireless data processing device over one or more specified communication channels; and powering down the wireless data processing device after the current location has been transmitted.