Locating a nearby mobile device without using GPS

摘要

A method, system, and medium are provided for locating a lost mobile device utilizing a radio frequency signal associated with the lost mobile device. One embodiment of the method includes activating a signal on a lost mobile device. An identifier associated with the lost mobile device allows a locating mobile device to receive the signal from the lost mobile device and filter out interference. The strength of the signal is determined and a location of the lost mobile device is communicated to a user based on the strength of the signal.

主权项

1. Non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed, produce a graphical user interface (GUI) for locating a lost mobile device using a non-GPS derived homing signal, the GUI comprising:
a first display area that displays on a first locating mobile device one or more controls for receiving information that is used to generate a request to activate a homing signal on the lost mobile device; and a second display area that displays on the first locating mobile device a visual indicator to indicate a proximity to the lost mobile device, wherein the proximity is based on a signal strength of the homing signal received directly by the first locating mobile device from the lost mobile device, and wherein the homing signal is a modulated radio frequency that is emitted on an unused band within a frequency band reserved for mobile communication technologies and that is not used by a base station located in range of the lost mobile device.