Virtual BTS for Covert Wireless Device Location
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating a wireless device by a third party often require interrupting communication with the device, making it difficult to achieve covert and continuous location without alerting the user, which can lead to suspicion and interference with law enforcement or rescue operations.
Innovation Solution
A method using a virtual base transceiver station (BTS) to compel a wireless device to continuously transmit RF signals without disrupting its normal operation, allowing for simultaneous communication and location using an RF receiver, with options for full functionality or suspended services, including the 'silent-call' and 'Hyper-call' modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art methods are used to locate a wireless device, then the device can be located, but communication with the device is interrupted during the homing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual base transceiver station as an intermediary component that mediates between the location tracking system and the target wireless device. This virtual BTS compels the device to transmit RF signals without the user's knowledge, enabling continuous location tracking while maintaining normal communication operations. The intermediary handles the compulsion aspect separately from the communication channel, resolving the contradiction between location accuracy and communication continuity.
2Measurement precision
If communication is blocked during location tracking, then the device can be located covertly, but the user may become suspicious and discard the device
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual base transceiver station serves as an intermediary that handles the compulsion function separately from the communication function. This allows the device to be compelled to transmit for location purposes while simultaneously maintaining normal communication services, preventing user suspicion and device abandonment while achieving continuous location tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wireless communication functions into separate operational modes: a compulsion mode for location tracking and a normal communication mode for user operations. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without interfering with each other, preventing user suspicion while maintaining location tracking capability.
3Measurement precision
If the mobile network services are suspended for location tracking, then continuous location is achieved, but full device functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service provisioning where the mobile network can selectively suspend specific services (data packet handling, incoming/outgoing calls, SMS) while maintaining others. This dynamic approach allows continuous location tracking through the virtual BTS while preserving essential communication functions, achieving both continuous location capability and maintained device versatility.
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 continuous, covert location of a wireless device without interrupting its communication, allowing for effective tracking in law enforcement and rescue scenarios without alerting the user, while maintaining normal device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
causes a wireless device to emit RF signals that will enable another device or equipment to locate the origin of the radio signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for locating of a wireless device, performed by a third party, comprising: communicating with the wireless device in a silent call, to compel the wireless device to continuously emit signals; activating a monitoring apparatus to monitor the signals emitted from the wireless device; resetting an idling timer means of the wireless device, such that the silent call is not ended by the wireless device; identifying a relative location from which the signals become stronger and locating the wireless device; and terminating the silent call.