TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a security system for managing mobile devices, such as handheld electronic devices displayed in a retail store.

BACKGROUND

Retailers sell handheld electronic devices to the public in a range of shapes and sizes, with a range of functionality. Encouraging customers to examine and use the functionality of the devices at display locations is a valuable marketing technique employed by retailers. To decrease the risk of theft associated with this marketing strategy, retailers employ various security measures.

One common security measure is the use of an alarm sensor that sets when placed in contact with the surface of the handheld electronic device and activates when it loses contact with the device (e.g., when the sensor is removed). A typical alarm sensor is attached to one portion of the handheld electronic device using an adhesive tape or similar adhesive product. During use, the adhesives often fail, resulting in the alarm sensor losing contact with the handheld electronic device and causing alarms to sound and startle innocent customers, negatively affecting their shopping experience. When these false alarms occur at a high frequency, retailers tend to ignore the alarms or even turn them off to avoid disrupting customer shopping experiences, leaving retailers vulnerable to theft. Furthermore, these alarm sensors are only activated when the alarm sensor loses contact with the portion of the handheld electronic devices to which it has been attached. For example, if the alarm sensor is attached to the battery cover of a wireless phone, a thief can remove and steal the remainder of the wireless phone (i.e., all components but the battery cover) without activating the alarm sensor. In order to combat this, retailers often install a plurality of alarm sensors in multiple locations on the handheld electronic devices (e.g., front and back, inside the battery compartment, etc.). These alarm sensors often hinder customer inspection of the device. In some cases, these alarm sensors installed within the handheld electronic devices can ignite when subjected to excessive heat within the devices.

SUMMARY

A method for mobile device security of a mobile device. The mobile device includes a global positioning system (GPS) tracker for locating the mobile device. A first zone and a second zone are established in a monitoring area. The mobile device is maintained in a first operating mode when the mobile device is located in the first zone and a second operating mode when the mobile device is located in the second zone. One or more characteristics of the first zone are received from a management system. Upon the mobile device being located outside the first zone for longer than a predetermined time period, one or more first actions are performed. Upon the mobile device returning to the first zone, one or more second actions are performed.

In another aspect, a method for mobile device security of a plurality of mobile devices is presented. Each specific mobile device of the plurality of mobile devices includes a global positioning system (GPS) tracker for locating the mobile device. A first zone with first characteristics and a second zone with second characteristics are established in a monitoring area. The plurality of mobile devices are maintained in a first operating mode when the specific mobile device is located in the first zone and a second operating mode when the specific mobile device is located in the second zone. One or more updated characteristics of the first zone are received from a management system and updating the first zone with the updated characteristics received from the management system. Upon the specific mobile device being located outside the updated first zone for longer than a predetermined time period, one or more first actions including an alert action are performed. Upon the specific mobile device returning to the first zone, one or more second actions including disabling the alert action are performed.

