Detecting Unauthorized Tracking Devices via Identity and Location Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracking devices can be used without authorization, compromising user privacy, especially when they change their identity information periodically to evade detection.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that detect unauthorized tracking devices by monitoring identity changes over time and distance, distinguishing between devices that follow the user and stationary devices, using a tracking system that communicates with mobile devices and community devices to identify and manage such devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tracking devices periodically change their identity information to evade detection, then the device can avoid detection and continue unauthorized tracking, but this makes detection of the tracking device more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a baseline of normal identity information patterns before detection becomes difficult. It proactively monitors for devices that deviate from expected behavior patterns, allowing early detection of tracking devices before they can successfully evade identification through identity changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where detected devices are monitored over time, and their identity information changes are tracked and analyzed. This feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from patterns and adapt to detecting devices that attempt to evade detection through periodic identity changes
2Measurement precision
If the system monitors all devices to detect unauthorized tracking, then detection accuracy improves, but false positives from stationary devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different monitoring criteria and analysis methods to different device types based on their local characteristics. Stationary devices are evaluated using criteria appropriate for fixed locations, while mobile devices use different criteria, allowing accurate detection without generating false positives from stationary devices
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to directly identify tracking devices through their identity information, the system inverts the approach by first identifying stationary devices and excluding them from tracking suspicion. This inversion reduces false positives while maintaining detection accuracy for actual tracking devices
Data Source
AI summary
Unauthorized tracking devices, including those that change their identification information periodically, are detected to protect an individual's privacy. A mobile device of a user detects a first advertisement signal from an unknown wireless device, the first advertisement signal containing information representative of the unknown device. Multiple advertisement signals may be received as the mobile device moves a distance greater than a broadcast range away from the location where the first signal was detected. Responsive to detecting a second advertisement signal containing the same identity information after the mobile device has moved at least the distance greater than the broadcast range away from the location where the first signal was detected, the system generates an interface on the mobile device. The generated interface indicates to a user of the mobile device the presence of an unknown device.