JP2002165271A - Portable information device security system and portable information device provided with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a technology for preventing theft and misplacement of portable information devices. SOLUTION: An apparatus mounting unit and a separation unit 2 which are separately provided and confirm the existence of the other by wireless communication.
00. The device mounting unit 100 includes a wireless communication unit 130 that performs wireless communication with the separation unit 200, and a security control unit 110 that performs security control of the camera 300. The security control unit 110 causes the wireless communication unit 130 to perform wireless communication with the separation unit 200, and the wireless communication unit 130 not receiving wireless communication from the separation unit for a predetermined time or more. If it is determined that the state in which the wireless communication from the separation unit 200 has not been received has continued for a certain period of time or more, a process for causing the camera 300 to perform a predetermined specific operation is executed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for dealing with theft or misplacement of a portable information device, and more particularly to a technique for detecting that the portable information device has been separated from a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital cameras have become widespread, and images can be easily taken, but the camera is often left behind. Cameras can also be stolen. If you misplace or get stolen,
Not to mention the damage to the camera itself, the image data stored therein may be important or may contain personal images that are not desired to be seen by others. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent the camera from being stolen or misplaced as much as possible. In addition, in order to return the misplaced camera to the owner as much as possible, it is desired that a person who has found the camera can easily give the camera to the owner. In addition, it is necessary to keep the camera from being used by others.

[0003]

However, in the conventional camera, no measures have been taken to prevent theft and misplacement. Further, in the case of a digital camera, no measures have been taken to make it easy to collect a stolen or misplaced camera and to make the camera unusable.

In the above-described example, a camera has been described. But that is not a camera-specific problem. A digital camera is a problem that can be commonly pointed out as a kind of portable information equipment. For example, it can be said that portable information devices such as portable terminal devices are small and easily misplaced or stolen.

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for dealing with theft or misplacement of portable information equipment.

[0006]

According to the present invention, the above object is achieved by applying a security system to a portable information device. That is, the security system applied to the portable information device has a set of wireless communication units that perform wireless communication.
The set of units includes a device mounting unit mounted on the portable information device and a separation unit used separately from the portable information device. The device mounting unit,
A wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the separation unit; and a security control unit that performs security control of the portable information device.
The security control unit, the process of causing the wireless communication unit to perform wireless communication with the separation unit and the state in which the wireless communication unit does not receive wireless communication from the separation unit continued for a predetermined time or more. If it is determined that the wireless communication from the separation unit has not been received for a certain period of time or more, a process for causing the portable information device to perform a specific operation is executed.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4,
1 shows an outline of an embodiment of a portable information device security system of the present invention and a portable information device provided with the same. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a camera is used as a portable information device. Of course, it is not limited to cameras.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the security system includes a set of wireless communication units, that is, a device mounting unit 100 and a separation unit 200. The camera 300 has a built-in device mounting unit 100 as one of them.

In the present embodiment, the camera 300 is a camera that electronically captures an object, that is, a digital camera that captures an image using an element such as a CCD. An ordinary camera other than the digital camera may be used. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera 300 includes a lens system and a CCD element, and includes an imaging unit 320 that captures an image of a subject, a display unit 340 that displays the captured image, and an operation input that receives an operation such as an instruction to the camera. A power supply unit 390; a camera control unit 310 that controls the units 330; Further, the camera 300 is equipped with a device mounting unit 100 which forms a part of a security system.

The display section 340 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display, and can display an image taken by the image pickup section 320 under the control of the camera control section 310. In addition, an image stored in the camera control unit 310, a message sent from the security control unit 110 of the device mounting unit 100, and the like can be displayed.

The operation input section 330 can input various settings necessary for operating the camera, as well as settings relating to the functions of the security system. However, for release of the security system, a configuration that requires a password can be adopted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the equipment mounting unit 100 includes a wireless communication unit 130 for performing wireless communication with the separation unit 200, a security control unit 110 for performing security control of the camera 300, and a data storage unit. A part 120.
In the present embodiment, the device mounting unit 100 is a camera 3
00 from the power supply unit 390.

The wireless communication unit 130 includes a circuit for modulating and demodulating transmitted and received data, a circuit for transmitting and receiving data, an antenna, and the like. The wireless communication unit 130 performs transmission in accordance with an instruction from the security control unit 110, and when receiving radio, passes a received signal to the security control unit 110. This wireless communication unit 130
In practice, the device mounting unit 100 and the separation unit 2
It is preferable to have the ability to communicate even if 00 is some distance away. The communicable distance is determined by the strength of the radio wave and the frequency. In the present embodiment, the distance is set to, for example, about 1 meter.

The data storage unit 120 stores unique identification information assigned in advance to the security system. This identification information is assigned to the device mounting unit 100 and the separation unit 200. Data storage unit 120
Stores the identification information of both units. At the time of transmission, the identification information of the partner unit is transmitted as a destination. On the other hand, at the time of reception, whether the communication is addressed to the own unit is determined using the identification information of the own unit. By doing so, it is possible to avoid erroneous recognition when there are a plurality of cameras having similar functions near each other. In addition, the identification information described above includes a warranty card, a user registration form (for example, a postcard).
At the time of user registration, along with information identifying the user including contact information such as name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, etc., the camera provider such as a manufacturer receives it,
Register as a user. This data is stored in a database so that it can be searched online when the camera is collected.

At the time of user registration, a confirmation column or the like for confirming whether or not there is an intention to receive a collection support service when a misplaced camera is found is provided so that the collection support service can be realized as a business. Is also good.

The security control unit 110 includes a wireless communication unit 13
0, a process of performing wireless communication with the separation unit 200, and a process of determining whether or not the wireless communication unit 130 has not received wireless communication from the separation unit 200 for a predetermined time or more. If it is determined that the state in which the wireless communication from the separation unit 200 is not received has continued for a predetermined time or more, a process for causing the camera 300 to perform a predetermined specific operation is executed. The security control unit 110 can be configured by, for example, a computer. The above-described security processing is realized by executing a program stored in a built-in ROM. Of course, a part or the whole may be realized by a hardware logic circuit.

Here, a predetermined specific operation is performed by the camera 3.
For example, the following process is performed as the process to be performed by 00. The following processes can be performed alone or in combination as appropriate. The user may be able to specify what kind of processing is to be performed.

First, there is a process of sending a signal to the camera control unit 310 indicating that communication with the separation unit 200 is not possible. In this case, it is only notified that communication with the separation unit 200 is not possible, and the camera responds to the notification.

Second, there is a process of outputting a signal for generating an alarm sound to a means for generating an alarm sound. This is camera 3
It can be said that the processing can be used when a means for generating an alarm sound is provided at 00.

Third, there is a process for outputting a signal for suppressing the operation of the camera 300. This includes, for example, temporarily disabling operation. Specifically, the process includes a process of prohibiting the camera control unit 310 from performing an imaging operation and a process of turning off the power.

Fourth, after the third processing is performed, a message recorded in advance is displayed on the display unit 340 of the camera 300. This message can be stored in the data storage unit 120. Of course, the camera controller 3
10 can also be stored. As the message, for example, a request to the owner of the camera to return the camera and information such as a destination and a telephone number are displayed.

On the other hand, there are cases where it is not preferable that the security control unit 110 operates. For example, there are cases where shooting is performed with a self-timer, and cases where the owner requests another person to shoot. In such a case, if it is left as it is, the security control unit 110 operates, and the camera cannot shoot. Therefore, in order to avoid such a situation, it is possible to suppress the above-described various security operations. For example, in the case of a self-timer, it is possible to set a suppression time in consideration of a set time of the timer and a time required for the owner to return to the location of the camera thereafter. In addition, when a photographing request is made to another person, the setting can be set so as to be suppressed in the same manner as the self-timer or for a longer time. These can be set in the security control unit 110 by default. Further, the operation input unit 330 of the camera 300 may receive a setting input.

As shown in FIG. 3, the separating unit 200 determines a wireless communication unit 230 for wirelessly communicating with the device mounting unit 100, an alarm generating unit 240 for generating an alarm, and a state for generating an alarm. A signal processing unit 210 that controls the alarm generation unit 240 to generate an alarm according to the result
, A data storage unit 220, and a power supply unit 290.

The wireless communication unit 230 has the same configuration as the wireless communication unit 130 of the device mounting unit 100 described above.
Can communicate with each other wirelessly.

The data storage unit 220 includes the data storage unit 1
As in the case of 20, the unique identification information previously assigned to the security system is stored. That is, this identification information is assigned to the device mounting unit 100 and the separation unit 200. The data storage unit 220 stores identification information of both units. At the time of transmission, the identification information of the partner unit 100 is transmitted as a destination. On the other hand, at the time of reception, whether the communication is addressed to the own unit 200 is determined using the identification information of the own unit.

The alarm generation section 240 is constituted by means for generating a sound such as a buzzer. Alternatively, means for generating vibration may be used instead of or together with this.

The signal processing unit 210 includes a radio communication unit 230
Causes the wireless communication unit 230 to perform wireless communication with the device mounting unit 100 and the wireless communication unit 230 to perform wireless communication with the device mounting unit 100.
To determine whether the state in which no wireless communication is received from the user has continued for a predetermined time or more, and
If it is determined that the state in which wireless communication from 0 has not been received has continued for a certain period of time or more, a process of causing the alarm generation unit 240 to perform an alarm is executed.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 shows a processing procedure of the equipment mounting unit of the security system. As a premise, it is assumed that the device mounting unit 100 is mounted on the camera 300, and the owner of the separation unit 200 puts it in his / her pocket, bag, or the like and has it close to him.

When the camera is left behind, the display unit 340 is displayed.
You need to enter the destination in the message that will be displayed. This is performed, for example, by connecting a digital camera to a computer and transferring data from the computer. Further, a character input function may be added to the operation input unit 340 so that the operation input unit 340 receives a character input.

When the power is turned on, the process starts.
The security control unit 110 first checks whether a flag indicating that a security operation is being performed is set in a built-in flag register (step 1110). This is to check whether the security process is in operation, as will be described later. Here, if the security processing is not operating, that is, if the flag is not set, the camera 30
0 is permitted to perform a normal operation (step 11).
20). Then, it is checked whether there is wireless communication (step 1130). That is, when the power is turned on, the security control unit 110 communicates with the separation unit 300 at regular intervals. In the communication, for example, the wireless communication that transmits the identification information of the separation unit and receives the wireless of the identification information of the own unit is performed. Then, when communication is possible, the operation of the camera is continued. On the other hand, if communication is not possible, security processing is performed (step 1140). Here, as security processing, there is processing for stopping the operation of the camera. That is,
It instructs the camera control unit 310 not to take an image. Also, as described above, a message requesting a return to the owner is displayed.

At this point, the separation unit 200 also
The signal processing unit 210 checks whether the state of no communication with the device mounting unit 100 has continued for a predetermined time or more. If the state continues, the separation unit 2
00 and the camera are separated from each other,
Tell the person to alert. As a result, an alarm such as a buzzer or vibration is issued. It is often the case that the owner notices that he is away from the camera and places the camera close to him. Therefore, the security control unit 110 continues to communicate with the separation unit. When the communication is established, the security operation is canceled (1150).

If communication is not possible even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the security operation is not canceled. Therefore, a flag indicating that the security operation is being performed is set in the flag register built in the security control unit 110 (step 116).
0), the power is turned off (step 1170). Since the flag is set, the camera control unit 310 cannot operate the camera. Therefore, no camera is used. Note that a nonvolatile register capable of holding the set flag even when the power is turned off is used as the flag register. For example, it can be composed of a register backed up by a battery, a rewritable ROM, and the like.

Next, when the power switch of the camera is turned on, as described above, the security control unit 110 checks whether the flag is set (step 1110). In this case, since the flag is set, the security controller 110 causes the display 340 to display a message requesting the camera controller 310 to return the camera to the owner (step 1210). . Then, the security control unit 110 checks whether the security state can be released (step 1220). That is, the separation unit 200
Communicate with Here, when communication is possible, the security control unit 110 resets the flag (step 123).
0), proceed to step 1120 to enable the camera again. On the other hand, if communication is not possible, the power is turned off again after a certain time has elapsed (step 1170).

As described above, in this embodiment, the camera
If the user is away from the owner by a distance at which wireless communication cannot be performed with the separation unit, the separation unit 200 issues an alarm to notify that the camera is away from the owner. When the camera is near the owner, the camera remains usable.

In the case of using the self-timer, in a special case such as when requesting another person to take a picture, the security control unit 110 allows the communication to be stopped even if the communication cannot be performed for a certain period of time.
Do not perform security operation.

Next, as a portable information device, an example of a portable information terminal which is a kind of personal digital assistant will be described. FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the portable information terminal. Here, since the separation unit can have the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 3, it will be used to omit redundant description.

The portable information terminal 400 shown in FIG. 5 includes a device mounting unit 100, an information processing unit 410, and a storage unit 42.
0, the operation input unit 430, the display unit 440, and the power supply unit 4.
90. Here, the device mounting unit 100
Like the one shown in FIG. 2, it has a security control unit 110, a data storage unit 120, and a wireless communication unit 130. These function similarly to those shown in FIG. Therefore, the description will not be repeated here.

Although not shown, the portable information terminal is composed of a plurality of switches and a touch panel, although not shown. The touch panel is arranged in a state of being superimposed on the display unit 340. Various input operations, handwriting input of characters / graphics, and the like can be performed by lightly touching with the stylus pen. The information processing unit 310
The information thus input is processed, and processing such as character recognition and kana-kanji conversion is performed, and the text is displayed on the display unit. It also has a drawing processing function. The input data, program, and the like are stored in the storage unit 420.

Now, also for this portable information terminal, the security control unit 110 performs processing in the same procedure as the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 described above to temporarily stop the operation of the terminal, and A necessary message or the like is displayed on the display unit 440 so that the user returns to the owner.
As the message, for example, a request that the owner of the portable information terminal want the portable information terminal to be returned,
Displays information such as the destination and telephone number.

Next, a business for providing a service for supporting the recovery of a lost portable information device will be described.

When displaying a message on the display unit 340, the owner often does not like to show his home address or the like to a stranger. Also, there are cases where the person who has found the portable information device does not want to directly contact the owner. In addition, there will be not a few users who input their home address or the like using the operation input unit 330.
Therefore, it is desired to provide a support service for solving such a situation. The present invention provides means for providing such a service.

That is, a portable information device maker, a store,
An insurance company or other service company may provide a proxy service. This service, for example,
The provider of the security system sets the destination of the portable information device to the company in advance and causes the display unit 340 to display the destination. Then, the portable information device is received by cash on delivery. Then, the data storage unit 12 of the security system 100 for the delivered portable information device.
The registered user can be determined from the identification information stored in 0, the registered user can be contacted, and a service for sending the portable information device can be performed.

FIG. 6 shows a method for realizing the collection support method.
1 shows an example of the configuration of a collection support system. In this system, a collection support system 210 composed of a computer
0 and a user registration database 2200 that stores user registration data. Collection support system 2100
Is a user registration 2 that processes registration data registration of a user in the user registration database 2200.
110, an identification information acquisition 2120 for acquiring identification information from the collected portable information device, and a search for user registration data stored in the user registration database 2200 using the acquired identification information as a key to find a corresponding user. User search 2130 to find and user contact 2140 to contact the user when the user is found
And do.

Here, the user registration may be performed by using another system. User registration data includes
As described above, identification information, user identification information including a contact name such as a user's name, address, and mail address, information indicating an intention to receive a collection support service, and the like are registered. Further, information for designating a delivery method and a location of the collected portable information device is further registered. For example, if the nearest convenience store, home delivery, etc. are specified, they are registered.

The identification information acquisition 2120 reads the collected data from the data storage unit 120 of the portable information device and acquires the identification information. For this reason, the portable information device 300 is provided with an interface for reading in advance.

The user search 2130 searches for user registration data based on the acquired identification information.

When a user is found in the user search, a contact mail indicating that the portable information device has been collected is sent to the user system US of the user at a mail address registered in advance. Send At that time, the delivery place, the fee, etc. are notified together. In addition, data of the exchange certificate is attached, and the attached exchange certificate is printed on a mail by a printer, and it is described that the portable information device is to be received at the delivery store CS using the exchange certificate. If the e-mail address is not registered, the e-mail and the name and address are printed out.
In addition, the user communication 2140 contacts the user and supports the delivery of the portable information device to the store CS where the portable information device is to be delivered.
An e-mail indicating a copy of the exchange certificate and a fee to be collected is transmitted.

In this way, the work of handing over the portable information device and collecting the fee can be streamlined. Further, in order to establish the business, it is conceivable to add a fee for mounting the security system of the present invention. It is also conceivable to collect insurance premiums.

As described above, according to the present invention, a portable information device that has been left behind can be easily returned to its owner.
In addition, it is possible to make it impossible to use a portable information device that has been handed to another person.

[0050]

According to the present invention, the theft of a portable information device,
It can deal with misplacement.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a portable information device security system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a device mounting unit of the portable information device and the security system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a separation unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of a device mounting unit of the security system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable information terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of a system for implementing a support method for facilitating collection of a portable information device equipped with the security system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 device mounting unit 110 security control unit 120 data storage unit 130 wireless communication unit 200 separation unit 210 signal processing unit 220 data storage unit 230 wireless communication unit 240 alarm generation unit 300 camera 310 camera Control unit 320 imaging unit 330 operation input unit 340 display unit 400 portable information terminal 410 information processing unit 420 storage unit 430 operation input unit 440 display unit 2100 collection support system 2200 user registration database

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) // H04N 101: 00 H04B 7/26 109R F-term (Reference) 5C022 AA13 AB00 AC00 AC11 AC18 AC31 AC69 AC71 AC77 5C086 AA21 AA55 BA13 CA06 CB27 DA01 DA16 DA20 EA08 EA11 EA13 EA17 EA41 FA02 FA18 5K067 AA32 BB32 DD28 DD52 EE02 EE12 FF23 FF27

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A security system applied to a portable information device, comprising: a set of wireless communication units for performing wireless communication, wherein the set of units includes a device mounting unit mounted on the portable information device. A separation unit that is used separately from the portable information device, the device mounting unit includes a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the separation unit, and a security control unit that performs security control of the portable information device. The security control unit has a process of causing the wireless communication unit to perform wireless communication with a separation unit, and a state in which the wireless communication unit does not receive wireless communication from the separation unit for a predetermined time. A process for determining whether or not the operation has continued, and a process for causing the portable information device to perform a specific operation when it is determined that the state in which wireless communication from the separation unit has not been received has continued for a certain period of time. A portable information device security system characterized by performing the above steps. 2. The security system according to claim 1, wherein the security control unit transmits a signal indicating that communication with the separation unit cannot be performed to the portable information device as a process for causing the portable information device to perform a specific operation. A portable information device security system that performs a sending process. 3. The security system according to claim 1, wherein the device mounting unit further includes a unit that emits an alarm sound, and the alarm is performed as a process for causing the portable information device to perform the specific operation. A security system for a portable information device, wherein a signal for generating an alarm sound is output to a means for generating a sound. 4. The security system according to claim 1, wherein the device mounting unit outputs a signal for suppressing the operation of the portable information device as a process for causing the portable information device to perform the specific operation. A security system for portable information devices. 5. The security system according to claim 4, wherein the device mounting unit outputs, as a signal for suppressing operation of the portable information device, a signal for instructing a power off of the portable information device. Portable information equipment security system. 6. The security system according to claim 1, wherein the device mounting unit outputs a signal for suppressing the operation of the portable information device as a process for causing the portable information device to perform the predetermined specific operation. A security system for outputting a message recorded in advance and displaying the message on a display unit of a portable information device. 7. The security system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, wherein the device mounting unit determines the predetermined when the power of a portable information device is turned on. As a process for causing the portable information device to perform the specified operation,
A security system wherein a message recorded in advance is displayed on a display unit of a portable information device. 8. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7.
In the security system according to any one of the above, the separation unit, a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the device mounting unit, an alarm generation unit that issues an alarm, and determines whether the alarm should be issued, A signal processing unit that performs control to generate an alarm in an alarm generation unit according to the result, wherein the signal processing unit causes the wireless communication unit to perform wireless communication with a device mounting unit; A process of determining whether the wireless communication unit has not received wireless communication from the device-mounted unit for a predetermined time or more, and the wireless communication unit has not received wireless communication from the device-mounted unit for a certain period of time. And performing a process of causing the alarm generation unit to issue an alarm. 9. A portable information device having a storage unit, a display unit, an input operation unit, and a control unit, comprising a set of wireless communication units for performing wireless communication, wherein the set of units is mounted on the portable information device. And a separation unit that is used separately from the portable information device. The device attachment unit performs wireless communication with the separation unit and performs security control of the portable information device. A security control unit for causing the wireless communication unit to perform wireless communication with the separation unit; and the wireless communication unit does not receive wireless communication from the separation unit. A process for determining whether the state has continued for a predetermined time or more, and a process for determining whether a state in which wireless communication from the separation unit has not been received has continued for a predetermined time or more. And a process for causing the portable information device to perform the operation. 10. The portable information device according to claim 9, wherein the separation unit includes: a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the device mounting unit; an alarm generation unit that issues an alarm; And a signal processing unit that performs control to generate an alarm in accordance with the result of the determination and the alarm generation unit, wherein the signal processing unit causes the wireless communication unit to perform wireless communication with the device mounting unit. A process of determining whether a state in which the wireless communication unit does not receive the wireless communication from the device mounting unit has continued for a predetermined time or more, and a state in which the wireless communication unit does not receive the wireless communication from the device mounting unit is constant. Performing a process of causing the alarm generation unit to generate an alarm when it is determined that the information has continued for a period of time or more. 11. A camera having a photographing unit and a control unit, comprising a set of wireless communication units for performing wireless communication, wherein the set of units is separated from a device mounting unit mounted on the camera and the camera. The device mounting unit includes: a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the separation unit; and a security control unit that performs security control of a camera. A process of causing the wireless communication unit to perform wireless communication with a separation unit; and a process of determining whether a state in which the wireless communication unit does not receive wireless communication from the separation unit continues for a predetermined time or more. And a process for causing the camera to perform a predetermined specific operation when it is determined that the state in which wireless communication from the separation unit is not received has continued for a predetermined time or more. A camera characterized in that: 12. The camera according to claim 11, wherein the separation unit determines a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the device mounting unit, an alarm generation unit that generates an alarm, and a state in which the alarm should be generated. A signal processing unit that performs control to generate an alarm in an alarm generation unit according to the result, wherein the signal processing unit causes the wireless communication unit to perform wireless communication with a device mounting unit. A process of determining whether the state in which the wireless communication unit does not receive the wireless communication from the device mounting unit has continued for a predetermined time or more, and the state in which the wireless communication from the device mounting unit has not received the wireless communication has exceeded a predetermined time. Performing a process of causing the alarm generation unit to generate an alarm when it is determined that the operation has been continued. 13. A portable information device collection support method, wherein unique information given to the portable information device is stored in a data storage unit, and information indicating a destination of the portable information device is stored. On the other hand, as the user registration data, the unique information and information for specifying the user including the contact information of the user are registered and stored, and when the portable information device is recovered, the data is stored in the data storage unit of the portable information device. A portable information device collection support method comprising: reading unique information; searching for the user registration data; acquiring a contact information of the user; and outputting the contact information.