Life360. has been granted a patent for a method involving a tracking device that generates a hashed identifier for a mobile device. This identifier allows the mobile device to query multiple entities to identify its location, which is then encrypted and sent to the relevant entity for decryption. GlobalData’s report on Life360 gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
Smarter leaders trust GlobalData
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Life360, Vehicle telematics based risk analysis was a key innovation area identified from patents. Life360's grant share as of June 2024 was 78%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Location tracking and encryption using hashed identifiers
The patent US12028713B2 outlines a method for a centralized key server to facilitate secure location data sharing between mobile devices and tracking devices. The process begins with the mobile device sending a hashed identifier, generated by a tracking device using a specific hash key, to the centralized key server. The server then queries multiple entities, each associated with a set of hash keys and tracking devices, to find a matching candidate hashed identifier stored in its directory. Upon identifying the correct entity, the server receives a public key from that entity, which is linked to the tracking device. This public key is then provided to the mobile device, enabling it to encrypt its location data and send the encrypted information to the identified entity without the centralized server accessing the encrypted data.
The claims further detail the operational aspects of this method, including the querying process, which can involve accessing links or APIs associated with the entities. Each entity is responsible for pre-computing candidate hashed identifiers and can indicate its association with the hash key upon request from the centralized server. The mobile device operates discreetly, without notifying the user about the receipt of the hashed identifier or the encryption of location data. Additionally, the patent describes the potential for the first entity to decrypt the location data using a corresponding private key, allowing the owner of the tracking device to visualize the mobile device's location on a map interface. The method emphasizes privacy and security by ensuring that the centralized key server does not handle the encrypted location data directly.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on Life360, buy the report here.
Data Insights
From
The gold standard of business intelligence.
Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.
GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
