Tracking Tag De-Anonymization for Authorized Remote UWB Location

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tracking systems using ultra-wideband (UWB) tags become untraceable outside a limited range, rendering them ineffective for remote tracking due to anonymous identification, preventing devices from locating objects or individuals unless they know the unique identifier.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device receives authorization from an additional device to de-anonymize the tracking tag's identity, allowing it to track the tag's location even when out of range by comparing signal path loss and sharing the unique identifier temporarily, enabling precise tracking through a user interface with map and direction guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If UWB tracking tags are used for location tracking, then accurate relative position tracking is achieved, but the tracking becomes untraceable outside a limited range due to anonymous identification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition tracking accuracyVSAvoidtracking availability beyond range

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the UWB tracking tag and remote mobile devices. The server receives anonymous tracking data from tags within range, stores this information, and enables remote devices to access tracking history without needing direct communication with the tag. This mediator extends tracking availability beyond the physical range limitation while preserving the tag's anonymous operation within its operational zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If tracking tags use anonymous identification, then security and privacy are maintained, but devices cannot locate specific objects or individuals without knowing the unique identifier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity and privacy protectionVSAvoidtargeted location capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the unique identifier from the tracking tag's operational environment and stores it on the server. Mobile devices do not need to know or store the tag's unique identifier to perform targeted tracking. Instead, the server provides the identifier to authorized devices upon request, enabling targeted location capability while maintaining the tag's anonymous operation and protecting security/privacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the tracking system shares unique identifiers temporarily, then remote tracking is enabled, but the system complexity increases due to authorization mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote tracking capabilityVSAvoidauthorization system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server performs self-service by automatically managing the unique identifier sharing process. When a mobile device requests tracking information, the server autonomously determines whether to share the identifier based on pre-configured authorization rules, without requiring complex peer-to-peer negotiation or manual configuration between devices. This simplifies the overall system complexity while enabling versatile remote tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables remote tracking of UWB tags by authorized devices, ensuring accurate location determination and providing real-time tracking information to trusted users, enhancing security and usability beyond conventional systems.

Implementation Method 1

track the tag by comparing signal path loss

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal path loss comparison:

Implementation Method 2

provides for highly precise positioning for time-of-flight (ToF) and angle-of-arrival (AoA) measurements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime-of-flight measurement: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

provides for highly precise positioning for time-of-flight (ToF) and angle-of-arrival (AoA) measurements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngle-of-arrival measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS20260012752A1Authorization to de-anonymize a tracking tag

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC

AI summary

In aspects of authorization to de-anonymize a tracking tag, a mobile device implements a tracking manager to receive authorization from an additional mobile device to de-anonymize an identity of a tracking tag in an environment of the mobile device. The tracking manager identifies the tracking tag in the environment of the mobile device and tracks a location of the tracking tag. The tracking manager then causes display of tracking information in a user interface of a mobile device, the tracking information indicating at least the location of the tracking tag and the identity of the tracking tag.