Wireless Device Tracking via Stealth Mode and Segmented Routines

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to effectively locate, track, and recover wireless communication devices that have been misplaced, lost, or stolen, while also ensuring the security of the data stored on these devices and enabling covert surveillance if required.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves generating a communication data packet, such as an SMS packet, that includes a locating state code. This code identifies one of several locating states on the targeted device, which are associated with predetermined routines. These routines can disable the device, capture data like location, images, or audio, and communicate this information to the owner or authorities, all while potentially operating in a stealth mode to avoid detection by the device's possessor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the device is remotely disabled to prevent unauthorized use, then security is improved, but the device cannot be located or recovered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice securityVSAvoidlocation information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by embedding location tracking functionality and data capture routines into the device before it is lost or stolen. The device is pre-configured with routines that can be activated remotely to capture location data, images, and audio before the device is disabled or permanently secured, ensuring location information is obtained before security measures take full effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the device management functions into separate operational phases: location tracking phase, data capture phase, and security disablement phase. This allows the device to perform location tracking and data capture routines independently before the final security disablement occurs, resolving the contradiction between maintaining security and obtaining location information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If standard recovery procedures are used (searching, reporting to authorities, contacting service provider), then device recovery may be achieved, but significant time, effort, and cost are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecovery process simplicityVSAvoidrecovery time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs self-service by automatically executing predetermined routines that capture its own location data, images, and audio evidence when activated remotely. This eliminates the need for the owner to manually search for the device or gather information, as the device itself provides the necessary location and identification data automatically through its built-in routines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the device with automated routines that immediately capture and transmit location information upon activation. This preliminary data collection occurs before the owner needs to contact authorities or service providers, significantly reducing the time and effort required for recovery by providing immediate location data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device operates in stealth mode to avoid detection by the possessor, then covert surveillance is achieved, but the device may consume additional processing resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecovert surveillance capabilityVSAvoidprocessing energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs periodic action by executing surveillance routines at predetermined intervals or triggered by specific events rather than continuously. The processor activates tracking and capture functions periodically or on-demand based on the locating state code, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining covert surveillance capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3249571B1A method, a computer program product and an apparatus for locating, tracking and/or recovering a wireless communication device
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3249571B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3249571B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3249571B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for locating a targeted wireless communication device, the method comprising generating a communication data packet having a predetermined format comprising a locating state code associated with one of a plurality of predetermined locating states in which a targeted wireless device is operable, wherein each locating state is associated with one or more predetermined location routines operable on the targeted wireless device and wherein in response to the locating state code the targeted wireless device operates in a stealth mode that disables output by the targeted wireless device of user-perceptible indicators that would normally be generated during execution of the one or more predetermined location routines in a non-stealth mode; and communicating the communication data packet to the targeted wireless communication device as well as a corresponding apparatus und a corresponding computer program product.