Mobile device detection and tracking
US9936357B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2017 |
| Grant date | Apr 3, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W12/71
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is a technique for passively monitoring the number of guests in a rental property. Mobile device broadcasts intended for connecting the device to a wireless network contain information about that device. This information includes unique identifiers such as MAC addresses. Detecting these broadcasts and filtering out those devices that are expected enables a property owner to have a semi-accurate number of guests within their property without actually being at the property, or visibly observing the guests in an obtrusive fashion. Guests are able to enjoy themselves in privacy and the property owner is able to monitor the safety of their property.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.