Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates, in general, to an electronic communication device. In particular, the present invention relates to a device and method for detecting an electronic device’s location.

BACKGROUND

[002] Electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, smart devices, watches, Alexa, etc., are used in one’s day-to-day life. Every day new technologies in the field of electronic devices are emerging and becoming a positive force in social and economic development. With new technologies and an increasing number of electronic devices in 5G era, security threats toward these electronic devices are also increasing. Out of the security threats like web-based security threats, mobile network security threats, etc., an electronic device security threat is a very common security threat. The electronic device security threat is a type of physical threat that commonly refers to the loss or theft of the electronic devices.

[003] Many conventional solutions exist that provide a mechanism to protect against any kind of irrelevant or unwanted happening like the theft or misplacing etc. But, still, in some scenarios, the existing solution fails to locate or detect or find the misplaced or stolen electronic device. For example, in a scenario, the electronic device is stolen and then it is manually switched off. In another scenario, the electronic device is misplaced and is in switched-on condition, but the electronic device is in a no-network coverage area. In another scenario, the electronic device battery is discharged or removed from the electronic device. In another scenario, an e-SIM of the electronic device is deactivated.

[004] Therefore, there lies a need for a device and method that can overcome various aforesaid issues.

SUMMARY

[005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[006] In an embodiment, the present subject matter refers to an electronic device for detecting its location. The electronic device includes a tracking unit. The tracking unit is configured to determine an occurrence of at least one condition from a plurality of conditions. The tracking unit is further configured to periodically acquire information related to at least one of electronic device setting functions and a factory setting function unit. The tracking unit is further configured to determine availability of the at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit. The tracking unit is further configured to enable at least one of the available electronic device setting functions. Further, the tracking unit sends the periodically acquired information to a central server through at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit to detect the location of the electronic device based on the acquired information.

[007] In an implementation, the present subject matter refers to a method for detecting an electronic device’s location. The method includes determining an occurrence of at least one condition from a plurality of conditions. The method further includes periodically acquiring information related to at least one of an electronic device setting functions and a factory setting function unit. The method further includes determining the availability of at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit. The method further includes enabling at least one of the available electronic device setting functions. The method further includes sending the periodically acquired information to a central server through at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit to detect the location of the electronic device based on the acquired information.

[008] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention device, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawing. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a detailed device block diagram for detecting an electronic device location, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 (a) illustrates a block diagram of a tracking unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 (b) illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device including different units, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment when a tracking unit is enabling/disabling Wi-Fi, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment when a tracking unit is enabling/disabling an eSIM, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment when a tracking unit is enabling/disabling a physical SIM, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment when a tracking unit is enabling/disabling an NFC unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment when an eSIM unit, a physical unit, an NFC unit, and a Wi-Fi unit are unavailable, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment when a Factory setting function unit and electronic device setting function are unavailable, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment when a GPS function is available, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 illustrates a flow chart for implementation in the device for detecting an electronic device location, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[010] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[011] It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

[012] The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning “no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”

[013] The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and do not limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[014] More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language “MUST comprise” or “NEEDS TO include.”

[015] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element does NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as “there NEEDS to be one or more . . .” or “one or more element is REQUIRED.”

[016] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

[017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[018] According to the present disclosure, the device and method disclosed herein for detecting an electronic device location. The electronic device includes a tracking unit to enable/disable the electronic device functions and send periodically acquired information to a central server. Figure 1 illustrates a detailed device block diagram for detecting the electronic device location, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 100 includes a tracking unit 101, a processor 110, a memory 112, a master battery 114, and a module/unit 116. The tracking unit 101 of the electronic device 100 further includes a processor 102, a memory 104, a mini battery 106, and a module/unit 108.

[019] As an example, the electronic device 100 may correspond to various devices such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a communications device, dashboard, navigation device, a computing device, or any other machine capable of executing a set of instructions.

[020] In an example, the processor 102, 110 may be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor 102, 110 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logical processors, virtual processors, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 102, 110 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory 104, 112.

[021] The memory 104, 112 may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

[022] In an example, the module(s), engine(s), and/or unit(s) 108 may include a program, a subroutine, a portion of a program, a software component, or a hardware component capable of performing a stated task or function. As used herein, the module(s), engine(s), and/or unit(s) 108 may be implemented on a hardware component such as a server independently of other modules, or a module can exist with other modules on the same server, or within the same program. The module (s), engine(s), and/or unit(s) 108 may be implemented on a hardware component such as processor one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. The module (s), engine(s), and/or unit(s) 108 when executed by the processor(s) 102 may be configured to perform any of the described functionalities. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tracking module/unit 101 includes a factory setting function unit and a GPS function unit. Each of the unit’s uniquely designed and configured hardware as well as software unit.

[023] In a further example, the module(s), engine(s), and/or unit(s) 116 may include a program, a subroutine, a portion of a program, a software component or a hardware component capable of performing a stated task or function. As used herein, the module(s), engine(s), and/or unit(s) 116 may be implemented on a hardware component such as a server independently of other modules, or a module can exist with other modules on the same server, or within the same program. The module (s), engine(s), and/or unit(s) 116 may be implemented on a hardware component such as processor one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. The module (s), engine(s), and/or unit(s) 116 when executed by the processor(s) 110 may be configured to perform any of the described functionalities. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the module(s), engine(s), and/or unit(s) 116 of the electronic device 100 includes but not limited to a Wi-Fi unit, an eSIM unit, a physical SIM unit, an NFC unit, and a GPS unit. Each of the unit’s uniquely designed and configured hardware as well as software unit.

[024] As a further example, the central server 118 may be implemented with integrated hardware and software. The hardware may include a hardware disk controller with programmable search capabilities or a software system running on general-purpose hardware. Examples of database are, but not limited to, in-memory database, cloud database, distributed database, embedded database, and the like. The central server 118 amongst other things, serves as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the processors, and the modules/engines/units. The central server 118 is configured to detect the location of electronic device 100. The central server 118 is further configured to receive the electronic device information from the tracking unit 101 and, store the received information in a database 120. The central server 118 further includes an interface (not shown). The interface is accessed by authorized users. The interface includes but not limited to a GUI (Graphical User Interface), a desktop application, a mobile application, or any other interface. The interface of the central server 118 includes one or more functionality. The functionality of the interface to provide complete details of the electronic device including a real-time location of the electronic device, and a history of locations of the electronic device. The complete details include one or more information like an IMEI number of the electronic device, an eSIM information of the electronic device, physical SIM information of the electronic device, 5G identifiers of the electronic device, etc. The interface further includes the functionality of generating patterns or keeping track of the electronic device on a map based on the complete details stored in the database 120. A detailed explanation of each of the aforesaid components as shown in figure 1 will be explained in detail in the forthcoming paragraphs.

[025] Further, the electronic device information received by the central server 118 and stored in the database 120 further includes information of at least one of electronic device setting functions corresponding to at least one of electronic device setting function units, a factory setting function corresponding to the factory setting function unit, and a GPS function corresponding to the GPS unit. The electronic device setting functions further include a Wi-Fi function, an eSIM function respective to the network connection function of the eSIM, an NFC function, a physical SIM function respective to the network connection function of the physical SIM, 5G network connection function, and the GPS function.

[026] Figure 2 (a) illustrates a block diagram of the tracking unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tracking unit 101 includes the factory setting function unit 202 and the GPS function unit 204. The factory setting function unit 202 and the GPS function unit 204 are non-accessible to the user. Any manipulation or alteration to components of the tracking unit 101 makes the electronic device inoperative. The factory setting function unit 202 includes an inbuilt component configured with a pre-configured cellular plan. The inbuilt component (not shown) carries the pre-configured cellular plan. The operator/plan varies depending on the region/country of the electronic device sale. The details on the inbuilt component cannot be re-provisioned and cannot be deactivated (different from a basic eSIM that the user can overwrite). The primary purpose of the pre-configured cellular plan on the inbuilt component is to provide network communication including 5G network communication. The inbuilt component functions as a plan that are being used while roaming or is used even if the electronic device 100 having the inbuilt component is outside the country/region of the operator from whom the plan has been taken. The inbuilt component further needs to be in working condition for its proper functioning.

[027] The tracking unit 101 is further configured to periodically acquire the information of at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function. The tracking unit 101 further sends the periodically acquired information to the central server 118 through at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function. In case none of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function is available, the tracking unit 101 stores the periodically acquired information in the memory 104. The stored information is further sent to the central server 118 after the availability of at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function.

[028] In an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, the tracking unit 101 is further configured to determine the availability of at least one of the electronic device setting functions or the factory setting function unit 202. The tracking unit 101 further enables at least one of the available electronic device setting functions and sends the acquired information stored in the memory 104, through at least one of the electronic device setting function units to the central server 118. In a further scenario, when none of the electronics device setting functions are available, the tracking unit 101 accesses the factory setting function and sends the acquired information through the factory setting function unit 202 to the central server 118.

[029] Figure 2 (b) illustrates a block diagram of the electronic device including different units, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 100 includes the Wi-Fi unit 206, the eSIM unit 208, the physical SIM unit 210, the NFC unit 212, and the GPS unit 214. Further, the reference numerals are kept same for the ease of explanation.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device 100 includes the tracking unit 101. The tracking unit 101 determines an occurrence of at least one condition from the plurality of the predefined conditions. The tracking unit 101 further periodically acquires information of at least one of the available electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202.

[030] The periodically acquired information of at least one of the available electronics device setting functions includes at least one physical Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) information of the physical SIM, Internet Protocol information of the electronic device, embedded SIM (eSIM) information of an eSIM, Wi-Fi/ hotspot information, GPS location information, a preconfigured distress message in an NFC (Near Field Communication) device, 5G identifiers, and IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) information.

[031] The tracking unit 101 of the electronic device 100 further enables/disables at least one of the available electronic device setting functions. The tracking unit 101 derives power from one of the master battery 114 of the electronic device 100 or the mini battery 106 fixed within the tracking unit 101 for enabling/disabling. In a case when the power of the master battery 114 is fully discharged or is at an optimally charged level, the tracking unit 101 derives the power from the master battery 114 for enabling/disabling at least one of the available electronic device setting functions. The mini battery 106 keeps itself charged through the master battery 114. The periodicity of acquiring the electronic device information by the tracking unit 101 and sending it to the central server 118 varies automatically based on the charge level availability of the mini battery. A detailed explanation of figure 1 is explained through figures 3-9 for ease of explanation in the below paragraphs.

[032] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment when the tracking unit is enabling/disabling the Wi-Fi, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tracking unit 101 determines that the electronic device 100 setting functions are available and includes only the Wi-Fi function for that instance. Further, the tracking unit 101 determines whether the Wi-Fi function is already in one of an enable mode or in a disable mode. In case the Wi-Fi function is in the disable mode, the tracking unit 101 enables the Wi-Fi function based on the determination that the Wi-fi function is in the disable mode. After the determination, the tracking unit 101 sends the periodically acquired information, and the information stored in the memory 104 via the Wi-Fi function of the Wi-Fi unit 206 to the central server 118. The tracking unit 101 further checks that the periodically acquired information is successfully sent to the central server 118. After sending, the periodically acquired information, the tracking unit 101 further disables the Wi-fi function and thus disables the Wi-fi unit 206. In a condition, the tracking unit 101 fails to find the Wi-Fi function, the tracking unit 101 further checks one of the other available device setting functions which is further explained in figure 4.

[033] In a second scenario, the tracking unit 101 determines that the Wi-Fi function is already in enable mode. In other words, the Wi-fi function was never disabled. Then, the tracking unit 101 sends the periodically acquired information, and the information stored in the memory 104 via the Wi-Fi function of the Wi-fi unit 206 to the central server 118.

[034] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment when the tracking unit is enabling/disabling the embedded SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) or the eSIM, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tracking unit 101 determines that the electronic device 100 setting functions are available and includes only the eSIM function for that instance. The tracking unit 101 further determines whether the eSIM function is already in one of an enable mode or in a disabled mode. If the tracking unit 101 determines that the eSIM function is in the disabled mode, then the tracking unit 101 enables the eSIM function. After enabling the eSIM function, the tracking unit 101 sends the periodically acquired information, and the information stored in the memory 104 via the eSIM function of the eSIM unit 208 to the central server 118. After sending the periodically acquired information, the tracking unit 101 further disables the eSIM function and thus disables the eSIm unit 208. In a condition, the tracking unit 101 fails to find the eSIM function, the tracking unit 101 further checks one of the other available device setting functions which is further explained in figure 5.

[035] In a second scenario, the tracking unit 101 determines that the eSIM function is already in the enable mode. In other words, the eSIM was never disabled. The tracking unit 101 further sends the periodically acquired information, and the information stored in the memory 104 via the eSIM function of the eSIM unit 208 to the central server 118 on the determination that the eSIM function is already in the enabled mode.

[036] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment when the tracking unit 101 is enabling/disabling the physical SIM, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tracking unit 101 determines that the electronic device setting functions are available and includes only the physical SIM function for that instance. The tracking unit 101 further determines whether the physical SIM function is already in one of an enable mode or in a disabled mode. In case the physical SIM function is in disabled mode, the tracking unit 101 enables the physical SIM function based on the determination that the physical SIM function is in disabled mode. The tracking unit 101 further sends the periodically acquired information and information stored in the memory 104 via the physical SIM function of the physical SIM unit 210 to the central server 118. After sending the periodically acquired information, the tracking unit 101 further disables the physical SIM function and thus disabling the physical SIM unit 210. In a condition, the tracking unit 101 fails to find the physical SIM function, the tracking unit 101 further checks one of the other available device setting functions which is further explained in figure 6.

[037] In a scenario, the tracking unit 101 determines that the physical SIM function is already in enable mode. In other words, the physical SIM was never disabled. Then, the tracking unit 101 sends the periodically acquired information, and the information stored in the memory 104 via the physical SIM function of the physical SIM unit 210 to the central server 118 on the determination that the physical SIM function is already in the enabled mode.

[038] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment when the tracking unit is enabling/disabling the NFC unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tracking unit 101 determines that the electronic device 100 setting functions are available and includes only the NFC (Near field communication) function for that instance. The tracking unit 101 further determines whether the NFC function is already in one of an enable mode or in a disabled mode. In case the NFC function is in disabled mode, the tracking unit 101 enables the NFC function based on the determination that the NFC function is in disabled mode. The tracking unit 101 further sends the distress message to a nearby NFC device 604 via the NFC unit 212 after the NFC function is enabled. The nearby NFC device 604 may receive the distress message. The distress message includes a predefined message along with the details of the central server 118. The nearby device 604 then further sends the received distress message to the central server 118. The tracking unit 101 further, disables the NFC function after a successful sending of the distress message to the nearby NFC device 604.

[039] In a scenario, the tracking unit 101 determines that the NFC function is already in enable mode. In other words, the NFC was never disabled. Then, the tracking unit 101 sends the periodically acquired information and information stored in the memory 104 via the NFC function of the NFC unit 212 to the nearby NFC device 604 on the determination that the NFC function is already in the enabled mode. The nearby NFC device 604 then further sends the information to the central server 118.

[040] In a condition, the tracking unit 101 fails to find all the available electronic device functions, the tracking unit 101 further checks for the factory setting function which is further explained in figure 7.

[041] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment when the eSIM unit, the physical SIM unit, the NFC unit, or the Wi-Fi unit 206 is unavailable, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tracking unit 101 determines whether the eSIM function, the physical SIM function, the NFC function, and the Wi-Fi function are unavailable in the electronic device 100. The tracking unit 101 further accesses the factory setting function unit 202 based on a determination that only the factory setting function unit 202 is available and the eSIM function, the physical SIM function, the NFC function, and the Wi-Fi function is unavailable in the electronic device 100 at that particular instance. The tracking unit 101 further sends the periodically acquired information, and the information stored in the memory 104 to the central server 118 using the pre-configured cellular plan of the inbuilt component, based on the determination that none of the electronic setting functions is available i.e., the eSIM function, the physical SIM function, the NFC function, and the Wi-Fi function is unavailable in the electronic device 100. The tracking unit 101 further determines whether the periodically acquired information is sent.

[042] Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment when the factory setting function unit and the electronic device setting function are unavailable, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tracking unit 101 of the electronic device 100 determines whether the factory setting function unit 202 along with the electronic device setting functions is unavailable. In that condition, the tracking unit 101 starts storing the periodically acquired information of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 in the memory 104, till the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 is not available. The periodically acquired information at this particular instance is collected by the tracking unit 101 between an interval of a non-availability of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 and availability of at least one of the electronic device setting functions 117 and the factory setting function unit 202. In other words, the tracking unit 101 stores the information between the time the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 is unavailable till the electronic device setting functions or the factory setting function unit 202 gets available. The tracking unit 101 after storing the periodically acquired information in the memory 104, further monitors at least one of the factory setting function unit 202 and the electronic device setting functions gets available. The tracking unit 101 further sends the stored information to the central server 118 based on at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 gets available again.

[043] Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment when the GPS function is available, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In figure 9, the tracking unit 101 first determines whether the physical SIM function, the eSIM function, the Wi-Fi function, the factory setting function unit 202, and the NFC unit 212 are unavailable in the electronic device 100. The tracking unit 101 further access the GPS function corresponding to the GPS unit 214 based on a determination that only the GPS function 214 is available and the physical SIM function, the eSIM function, the Wi-Fi function, the factory setting function unit 202, and the NFC unit 212 is unavailable in the electronic device 100. After determination, the tracking unit 101 of the electronic device 100 further stores the GPS location information of the GPS function 214 in the memory 104, in the case the GPS function 214 is available and the eSIM function, the physical SIM function, the Wi-Fi function, the factory setting function unit 202, and the NFC unit 212 is unavailable. The tracking unit 101 sends the GPS location information to the central server 118 on the determination that at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 gets available again.

[044] In an exemplary embodiment, the tracking unit 101 further includes the GPS unit 204 having a GPS function. This GPS unit 204 is an inbuilt preconfigured GPS unit 204. The tracking unit 101 further determines whether the electronic device setting functions include the GPS function corresponding to the GPS unit 214. In case the GPS function is not available, the tracking unit 101 further access the GPS function via the GPS unit 204 for the GPS location information. The tracking unit 101 further stores the GPS location information in the memory 104, in the case the GPS function is available and the eSIM function, the physical SIM function, the Wi-Fi function, the factory setting function unit 202, and the nearby NFC device 604 is unavailable. The tracking unit 101 further sends the GPS location information to the central server 118 when at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 gets available again.

Figure 10 illustrates a flow chart for implementation in the device for detecting an electronic device location, according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the method 1001 is implemented in the electronic device 100. The detailed explanation and implementation are being explained through figures 3- 9, thus for the sake of brevity, the same is being omitted here.

[045] At step 1002, the method 1001 includes determining an occurrence of at least one condition from the plurality of conditions. Thereafter, at step 1004, the method 1001 periodically acquiring information related to at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202. Thereafter, at step 1006, the method 1001 determining an availability of at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202. Thereafter, at step 1008, the method 1001 includes enabling at least one of the available electronic device setting functions. Thereafter, at step 1010, the method 1001 includes sending the periodically acquired information to the central server 118 through at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 to detect a location of the electronic device 100 based on the acquired information.
[046] Some example embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented using processing circuitry. For example, some example embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented using at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the elements.

[047] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[048] The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein.

[049] Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

[050] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims. At least by virtue of aforesaid, the present subject matter at least provides the following advantages:

• The present invention works even when the electronic device has been shipped from the factory to the market, from the retailer to the buyer as the plan remains active right from the time the component gets provisioned in the electronic device.
• Modules/units consume very minimal battery.
• The factory setting function unit is not accessible to end user i.e., end user cannot tamper the unit else it gets damaged and makes the electronic device useless.
, Claims:An electronic device 100 for detecting its location, comprising:
a tracking unit 101 including one or more processors 102, a memory 104, a mini battery 106, and a factory setting function unit 202, the tracking unit 101 is configured to:
determine an occurrence of at least one condition from a plurality of conditions;
periodically acquire information related to at least one of an electronic device 100 setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202;
determine an availability of at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202;
enable at least one of the available electronic device setting functions; and
send the periodically acquired information to a central server 118 through the at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 to detect a location of the electronic device 100 based on the acquired information.
2. The electronic device 100 as claimed in 1, wherein the central server 118 is configured to determine the location based on the periodically received information.
3. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the factory setting function unit 202 is configured to enable/disable at least one of the electronic device setting functions, capture electronic device setting functions information, and store the captured electronic device setting functions information in the memory 104.
4. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of the predefined conditions includes at least one of a condition when the electronic device 100 is in switched-off condition and switched-on condition, when the electronic device 100 is in no-network coverage area, a condition when a master battery 114 of the electronic device 100 is below an optimally charged level, a condition when the master battery 114 is removed from the electronic device 100, a condition when the electronic device 100 is manually switched-off, a condition when an e-SIM 208 is deactivated, a condition when the electronic device 100 is not able to connect to a network via any of the device setting functions, and a condition when the electronic device 100 is unauthorized to access network services due to removal of a physical SIM 210.

5. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic device setting functions information includes at least one of physical Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) information of a physical SIM, Internet Protocol information of the electronic device, embedded SIM (eSIM) configuration information of an eSIM, Wi-Fi/ hotspot information it is connected to, GPS location information, a preconfigured distress message in an NFC (Near Field Communication) device, and IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) information.
6. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the available electronic device setting functions include at least one of Wi-Fi function, an eSIM function respective of the network connection function of the eSIM, an NFC function, a physical SIM function respective of the network connection function of the physical SIM, and a first GPS function.
7. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the factory setting function unit 202 includes an inbuilt component, wherein the inbuilt component is configured with a pre-configured cellular plan, and wherein the factory setting function unit 202 is a fixed function that is configured to be ineffective of disablement operations.
8. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tracking unit 101 for enabling the available electronic device setting functions is further configured to:
derive power from one of the master battery 114 or a mini battery 106 fixed within the tracking unit 101, wherein the power is derived from the master battery 114 in a case the master battery 114 is in optimally charged level, and
the power is derived from the mini battery 106 in a case when the master battery 114 is below the optimally charged level.
9. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein based on the determination that the electronic device setting functions is available and includes the Wi-Fi function, the tracking unit 101 is further configured to:
determine whether the Wi-Fi function is already in one of an enable mode or in a disable mode;
enable the Wi-Fi function based on the determination that the Wi-fi function is in the disable mode;
send the periodically acquired information via the Wi-fi function of a Wi-fi unit 206 after the Wi-Fi function is enabled; and
disable the Wi-fi function after a successful sending of the acquired information.
10. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 9, wherein the tracking unit 101 is further configured to:
send the periodically acquired information via the Wi-fi function of the Wi-fi unit 206 on the determination that the Wi-Fi function is already in the enabled mode.
11. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein based on the determination that the electronic device setting functions is available and includes the eSIM function, the tracking unit 101 is further configured to:
determine whether the eSIM function is already in one of an enable mode or in a disable mode;
enable the eSIM function based on the determination that the eSIM function is in the disable mode;
send the periodically acquired information via the eSIM function of an eSIM unit 208 after the eSIM function is enabled; and
disable the eSIM function after a successful sending of the acquired information.
12. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 11, wherein the tracking unit 101 is further configured to:
send the periodically acquired information via the eSIM function of the eSIM unit 208 on the determination that the eSIM function is already in the enabled mode.
13. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein based on the determination that the electronic device setting functions is available and includes the physical SIM function, the tracking unit 101 is further configured to:
determine whether the physical SIM function is already in one of an enable mode or in a disable mode;
enable the physical SIM function based on the determination that the physical SIM function is in the disable mode;
send the periodically acquired information via the physical SIM function of a physical SIM unit 210 after the physical SIM function is enabled; and
disable the physical SIM function after a successful sending of the acquired information.
14. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 13, wherein the tracking unit 101 is further configured to:
send the periodically acquired information via the physical SIM function of the physical SIM unit 210 on the determination that the physical SIM function is already in the enabled mode.
15. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein based on the determination that the electronic device setting functions is available and include the NFC function, the tracking unit is further configured to;
determine whether the NFC function is already in one of an enable mode or in a disable mode;
enable the NFC function based on the determination that the NFC function is in the disable mode;
send the distress message to a nearby NFC device 604 via the NFC function of an NFC unit 212 after the NFC function is enabled; and
disable the NFC function after a successful sending of the acquired information.
16. The electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the nearby NFC device 604 is configured to:
receive the distress message; and
send the received distress message to the central server 118.
17. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 15, wherein the tracking unit 101 is further configured to:
send the distress message to the nearby NFC device 604 via the NFC unit 212 on the determination that the NFC function is already in the enabled mode.
18. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein, the tracking unit 101 is further configured to:
determine whether the eSIM function, the physical SIM function, the NFC function, and the Wi-Fi function are unavailable in the electronic device 100;
access the factory setting function unit 202 based on a determination that only the factory setting function unit 202 is available and the eSIM function, the physical SIM function, the NFC function, and the Wi-Fi function is unavailable in the electronic device 100;
send the periodically acquired information to the central server 118 using the pre-configured cellular plan of the inbuilt component, based on the determination that the eSIM function, the physical SIM function, the NFC function, and the Wi-Fi function is unavailable in the electronic device 100; and
determine whether the periodically acquired information is sent.
19. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the tracking unit 101 is further configured to:
determine whether the factory setting function unit 202 along with the electronic device setting functions is unavailable; and
store the periodically acquired information of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 in the memory 104, till the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 is unavailable,
wherein the periodically acquired information is an information related to the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 that are collected by the tracking unit 101 between an interval of a non-availability of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 and availability of at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202.
20. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 19, wherein after storing the periodically acquired information in the memory, the tracking unit 101 is further configured to:
monitor at least one of the factory setting function unit and the electronic device setting functions;
determine, based on a result of monitoring, when the at least one of the factory setting function unit and the electronic device setting functions gets available again after the determination that the factory setting function unit 202 along with the electronic device setting functions is unavailable; and
send the stored information to the central server 118 based on the determination that the at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 gets available again.
21. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tracking unit 101 is further configured to:
determine whether the physical SIM function, the eSIM function, the Wi-Fi function, the factory setting function unit 202, and the NFC unit 212 are unavailable in the electronic device 100; and
access the first GPS function of a GPS unit 214 based on a determination that only the first GPS function is available and the physical SIM function, the eSIM function, the Wi-Fi function, the factory setting function unit 202, and the NFC unit 212 is unavailable in the electronic device 100.
22. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 21, wherein the tracking unit 101 is further configured to:
store a GPS location information of the first GPS function in the memory 104 in the case the first GPS function is available and the eSIM function, the physical SIM function, the Wi-Fi function, the factory setting function unit 202, and the NFC unit 212 is unavailable; and
send the GPS location information to the central server 118 on the determination that the at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 gets available again.
23. The electronic device 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tracking unit 101 further comprises a GPS unit 204 having a second GPS function, wherein the tracking unit 202 is further configured to:
determine whether the electronic device setting functions include the first GPS function;
access the second GPS function via the GPS unit 204 for the GPS location information based on the determination that the available electronic device setting functions does not include the first GPS function;
store the GPS location information of the second GPS function in the memory 104 in the case the second GPS function is available and the eSIM function, the physical SIM function, the Wi-Fi function, the factory setting function unit 202, and the NFC unit 212is unavailable; and
send the GPS location information to the central server 118 on the determination that the at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 gets available again.
24. A method for detecting an electronic device location, the method comprising:
determining an occurrence of at least one condition from a plurality of conditions;
periodically acquiring information related to at least one of electronic device setting functions and a factory setting function unit 202;
determining an availability of the at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202;
enabling at least one of the available electronic device setting functions; and
sending the periodically acquired information to a central server 118 through the at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 to detect a location of the electronic device 100 based on the acquired information.
25. The method as claimed in 24, wherein the central server 118 determines the location based on the periodically received information.
26. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the factory setting function unit 202 enables/disables at least one of the electronic device setting functions, capturing electronic device setting functions information, and storing the captured electronic device setting functions information in the memory 104.
27. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the plurality of the predefined conditions includes at least one of a condition when the electronic device 100 is in switched-off condition and switched-on condition, when the electronic device 100 is in no-network coverage area, a condition when a master battery 114 of the electronic device 100 is below an optimally charged level, a condition when the master battery 114 is removed from the electronic device 100, a condition when the electronic device 100 is manually switched-off, a condition when an e-SIM 208 is deactivated, a condition when the electronic device 100 is not able to connect to a network via any of the device setting functions, and a condition when the electronic device 100 is unauthorized to access network services due to removal of a physical SIM 210.
28. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the electronic device setting functions information includes at least one of physical Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) information of a physical SIM, Internet Protocol information of the electronic device, embedded SIM (eSIM) configuration information of an eSIM, Wi-Fi/ hotspot information it is connected to, GPS location information, a preconfigured distress message in an NFC (Near Field Communication) device, and IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) information.
29. The method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the available electronic device setting functions include at least one of Wi-Fi function, an eSIM function respective of the network connection function of the eSIM, an NFC function, a physical SIM function respective of the network connection function of the physical SIM, and a first GPS function.
30. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the factory setting function unit 202 includes an inbuilt component, wherein the inbuilt component is configured with a pre-configured cellular plan and
wherein the factory setting function unit 202 is a fixed function that is configured to be ineffective of disablement operations.
31. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein, for enabling the available electronic device setting functions, the method further comprising:
deriving power from one of the master battery 114 or a mini battery 106 fixed within the tracking unit 101, wherein the power is derived from the master battery 114 in a case the master battery 114 is in optimally charged level, and
the power is derived from the mini battery 106 in a case when the master battery 114 is below the optimally charged level.
32. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein, on determining that the electronic device setting functions is available and including the Wi-Fi function, the method further comprising:
determining whether the Wi-Fi function is already in one of an enable mode or in a disable mode;
enabling the Wi-Fi function based on the determination that the Wi-fi function is in the disable mode;
sending the periodically acquired information via the Wi-fi function of a Wi-fi unit 206 after the Wi-Fi function is enabled; and
disabling the Wi-fi function after a successful sending of the acquired information.
33. The method as claimed in claim 32, the method further comprising:
sending the periodically acquired information via the Wi-fi function of the Wi-fi unit 206 on the determination that the Wi-Fi function is already in the enabled mode.
34. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein, on determining that the electronic device setting functions is available and including the eSIM function, the method further comprising:
determining whether the eSIM function is already in one of an enable mode or in a disable mode;
enabling the eSIM function based on the determination that the eSIM function is in the disable mode;
sending the periodically acquired information via the eSIM function of eSIM unit 208 after the eSIM function is enabled; and
disabling the eSIM function after a successful sending of the acquired information.
35. The method as claimed in claim 34, the method further comprising:
sending the periodically acquired information via the eSIM function of the eSIM unit 208 on the determination that the eSIM function is already in the enabled mode.
36. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein, on determining that the electronic device setting functions is available and including the physical SIM function, the method further comprising:
determining whether the physical SIM function is already in one of an enable mode or in a disable mode;
enabling the physical SIM function based on the determination that the physical SIM function is in the disable mode;
sending the periodically acquired information via the physical SIM function of a physical SIM 210 unit after the physical SIM function is enabled; and
disabling the physical SIM function after a successful sending of the acquired information.
37. The method as claimed in claim 36, the method further comprising:
Sending the periodically acquired information via the physical SIM function of the physical SIM unit 210 on the determination that the physical SIM function is already in the enabled mode.
38. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein, on determining that the electronic device setting functions is available and including the NFC function, the method further comprising:
determining whether the NFC function is already in one of an enable mode or in a disable mode;
enabling the NFC function based on the determination that the NFC function is in the disable mode;
sending the distress message to a nearby NFC device 604 via the NFC function of an NFC unit 212 after the NFC function is enabled; and
disabling the NFC function after a successful sending of the acquired information.
39. The method as claimed in claim 38, the method further comprising:
receiving the distress message; and
sending the received distress message to the central server 118.
40. The method as claimed in claim 38, the method further comprising:
sending the distress message to the nearby NFC device 604 via the NFC function of the NFC unit 212 on the determination that the NFC function is already in the enabled mode.
41. The method as claimed in claim 29, the method further comprising:
determining whether the eSIM function, the physical SIM function, the NFC function, and the Wi-Fi function are unavailable in the electronic device 100;
accessing the factory setting function unit 202 based on a determination that only the factory setting function unit 202 is available and the eSIM function, the physical SIM function, the NFC function, and the Wi-Fi function is unavailable in the electronic device 100;
sending the periodically acquired information to the central server 118 using the pre-configured cellular plan of the inbuilt component, based on the determination that the eSIM function, the physical SIM function, the NFC function, and the Wi-Fi function is unavailable in the electronic device 100; and
determining whether the periodically acquired information is sent.
42. The method as claimed in claim 24, the method further comprising:
determining whether the factory setting function unit 202 along with the electronic device setting functions is unavailable; and
storing the periodically acquired information of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 in the memory till the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 is unavailable,
wherein the periodically acquired information is an information related to the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 that are collected by the tracking unit 101 between an interval of a non-availability of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 and availability of at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202.
43. The method as claimed in claim 42, wherein after storing the periodically acquired information in the memory 104, the method further comprising:
monitoring at least one of the factory setting function unit 202 and the electronic device setting functions;
determining, based on a result of monitoring, when the at least one of the factory setting function unit and the electronic device setting functions gets available again after the determination that the factory setting function unit 202 along with the electronic device setting functions is unavailable; and
sending the stored information to the central server118 based on the determination that the at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 gets available again.
44. The method as claimed in claim 29, the method further comprising:
determining whether the physical SIM function, the eSIM function, the Wi-Fi function, the factory setting function unit 202, and the NFC unit 212 are unavailable in the electronic device 100; and
accessing the first GPS function of a GPS unit 214 based on a determination that only the first GPS function is available and the physical SIM function, the eSIM function, the Wi-Fi function, the factory setting function unit 202, and the NFC unit 212 is unavailable in the electronic device 100.
45. The method as claimed in claim 44, the method further comprising:
storing a GPS location information of the first GPS function in the memory 104 in the case the first GPS function is available and the eSIM function, the physical SIM function, the Wi-Fi function, the factory setting function unit 202, and the NFC unit 212 is unavailable; and
sending the GPS location information to the central server 118 on the determination that the at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 gets available again.
46. The method as claimed in claim 29, the method further comprising:
determining whether the electronic device setting functions include the first GPS function;
accessing a second GPS function via a GPS unit 204 for the GPS location information based on the determination that the available electronic device setting functions do not include the first GPS function;
storing the GPS location information of the second GPS function in the memory 104 in the case the second GPS function is available and the eSIM function, the physical SIM function, the Wi-Fi function, the factory setting function unit 202, and the NFC unit 212 is unavailable; and
sending the GPS location information to the central server 118 on the determination that the at least one of the electronic device setting functions and the factory setting function unit 202 gets available again.