RF-Shielded Mobile Location Spoofing With Replicated Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obfuscating a mobile device's location often interfere with the device's functionality or can be detected by the device, compromising user privacy and security.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that creates an RF-shielded environment for the mobile device, broadcasting replicated RF signals that mimic those from a selected remote location, allowing the device to function normally while appearing to be at that location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional location obfuscation methods are used (turning off location functionality, blocking EM signals, using VPN, turning off radios), then location privacy is improved, but device functionality and usability are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of external signal sources and a shielded enclosure that mediates between the device and the external environment. The shielded enclosure blocks external location-detecting signals while the internal signal sources provide simulated location information, allowing the device to function normally without accessing its true location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert RF environment using a shielded enclosure (Faraday cage) that isolates the device from external electromagnetic signals. This inert environment prevents external systems from detecting the device's true location while allowing controlled introduction of simulated signals inside the enclosure.
2Loss of information
If all location-determining functionalities are inhibited to prevent location detection, then location privacy is improved, but the device can detect that functionalities have been inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates copies of external RF signals and introduces them into the shielded enclosure. These copied signals contain location information that corresponds to a false location, tricking the device into believing it is at a different position without any functionality being inhibited or detected as such.
3Measurement precision
If RF signals are blocked from entering the device environment, then location detection accuracy is improved, but the device cannot receive external signals needed for normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic environment into two distinct zones: an external zone where real signals exist and an internal shielded zone where simulated signals are introduced. The shielded enclosure acts as the segmentation boundary, blocking external signals while allowing controlled introduction of internal signal sources that provide false location information.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively masks the true location of the mobile device without interfering with its functionality, ensuring user privacy and security by making it appear as though the device is at a remote location.
Implementation Method 1
An environment or enclosure which is shielded from external radio-frequency (RF) signals is provided, so that no external signals are received or detected by the mobile device
Implementation Method 2
A computer system and associated hardware retrieve information regarding the RF signals the mobile device would detect and use if it were at the remote location, and broadcast RF signals into the RF-shielded area that replicate the RF signals at the remote location
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for obfuscating a mobile device's location are provided. For privacy or security reasons, the user of a mobile device may desire to prevent the mobile device from reporting the mobile device's true location. To prevent a mobile device from determining its location accurately, an RF enclosure encapsulates the mobile device and prevents the mobile device from receiving RF signals from sources outside of the enclosure. Within the enclosure, antenna modules broadcast RF signals, such as cellular-network signals, Wi-Fi signals, Bluetooth signals, or GPS signals, that contain information associated with a user-selected target location. The mobile device receives the RF signals from the antenna modules and determines that it is located at the target location rather than the true location.