LOCATING WIRELESS IDENTITY TRANSMITTER USING SHORT-RANGE WIRELESS BROADCASTS

摘要

Methods, systems and devices for locating a wireless identity transmitter (110) with a central server (120) connected with one or more proximity broadcast receivers (138, 142), such as stationary receivers (142) or mobile devices operating as wireless receivers (138). The wireless identity transmitter (110) may be a device configured to broadcast messages, such as through Bluetooth ® advertisements, including an identification code. When within proximity, a proximity broadcast receiver (138, 142) may receive broadcast messages from the wireless identity transmitter (110) and relay location information along with the wireless identity transmitter's identification code to a central server (120) as sighting messages. The proximity broadcast receiver's own location may provide an approximate location for the wireless identity transmitter. The central server may process sighting messages, including signal strength information, to accurately locate the wireless identity transmitter. The central server may transmit data to third-party devices when receiving sightings messages.