Network Transceivers for Passive Mobile Device Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Property owners in rental properties face challenges in monitoring their properties without infringing on guests' privacy, as unauthorized individuals often enter, causing damage or reputational issues, and existing solutions are either invasive or overly burdensome for management.
Innovation Solution
A system using network transceivers disguised as hotspots to detect and track mobile devices without installed applications, collecting data on unique IDs, presence, history, and frequency of visits, and integrating with security systems to trigger notifications or actions based on predefined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network transceivers are used to detect and track mobile devices, then property owners can monitor unauthorized entries and manage visitor counts, but guest privacy may be infringed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses network transceivers as intermediaries that detect mobile devices through wireless signals without direct physical contact or invasive sensors. These transceivers act as mediators between the monitoring system and guests, collecting data passively through electromagnetic fields while maintaining physical distance and reducing perceived intrusiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surveillance methods (cameras, physical sensors) with wireless electromagnetic field-based detection. Network transceivers use radio frequency signals to detect mobile devices, substituting mechanical observation systems with field-based detection that is less intrusive and more subtle
2Reliability
If traditional surveillance methods are used to monitor properties, then unauthorized entries can be detected, but the monitoring becomes invasive and burdensome for management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes network transceivers multi-functional devices that simultaneously provide wireless network access and security monitoring capabilities. The same transceiver that provides WiFi connectivity also detects mobile devices, eliminating the need for separate surveillance equipment and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system uses existing mobile devices carried by guests as the detection target, eliminating the need for guests to wear or carry special tracking equipment. The system leverages the guests' own technology (smartphones, tablets) as the monitoring mechanism, making the system self-sufficient and reducing management burden
3Ease of operation
If mobile devices are tracked without installed applications, then guest convenience is maintained, but detection accuracy may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces application-based detection mechanisms with wireless signal-based detection. Instead of requiring software agents on mobile devices, the system uses network transceivers to detect electromagnetic signals emitted by devices, substituting mechanical/software detection with physical field detection that works universally across all mobile devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from application-level software data to wireless signal characteristics (MAC addresses, signal strength, frequency). By detecting devices through their inherent wireless communication parameters rather than software-installed identifiers, the system achieves both universal compatibility and sufficient detection accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a technique for passively monitoring the number of guests in a rental property. Mobile device broadcasts intended for connecting the device to a wireless network contain information about that device. This information includes unique identifiers such as MAC addresses. Detecting these broadcasts and filtering out those devices that are expected enables a property owner to have a semi-accurate number of guests within their property without actually being at the property, or visibly observing the guests in an obtrusive fashion. Guests are able to enjoy themselves in privacy and the property owner is able to monitor the safety of their property.