Locating a nearby mobile device without using GPS
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.
1. Non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed, facilitate a method of locating, without using GPS information, a lost mobile device that is equipped with a radio-frequency (“RF”) signal generator, the method comprising:
receiving, at the lost mobile device, via the wireless network, a request to emit a homing signal
(A) wherein the homing signal is an unused modulated radio frequency (RF) signal that is generated by said RF signal generator,
(B) wherein said RF signal is not audible, and
(C) wherein a strength of said RF signal is useable by a locating mobile device to determine a non-GPS derived location of the lost mobile device relative to the locating mobile device and to present at the locating mobile at least one of a visual or audible indicator to indicate a proximity to the lost mobile device;
communicating, to the locating mobile device via the wireless network, an identifier that describes the homing signal from the lost mobile device, wherein the identifier includes information about the homing signal so the locating mobile device can recognize the homing signal and receive the homing signal directly from the lost mobile device;
beginning to emit said homing signal from the lost mobile device;
receiving, at the lost mobile device, an indication that the lost mobile device was located; and
in response to receiving the indication, ceasing to emit said homing signal.
2. The media of claim 1 , wherein the request comprises a security code associated with the lost mobile device.
3. The media of claim 2 , wherein the request further comprises a telephone number associated with the lost mobile device.
4. The media of claim 1 , wherein the request is received via Short Message Service.
5. The media of claim 1 , wherein describing the homing signal comprises defining content associated with the homing signal.
6. The media of claim 1 , wherein the indication that the lost mobile device was located is received from the locating mobile device.
7. The media of claim 6 , wherein receiving the indication that the lost mobile device was located comprises receiving a Short Message Service text message with an access instruction.
8. Non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed, perform a method of locating a lost mobile device without employing GPS, the method comprising:
communicating, from a locating mobile device to the lost mobile device via a telecommunications network, an activation message with instructions for the lost mobile device to emit a homing signal, which is an unused modulated radio frequency signal and inaudible;
at the locating mobile device, receiving, via the telecommunications network, an identifier that describes the homing signal from the lost mobile device, wherein the identifier includes information about the homing signal so the locating mobile device can distinguish the homing signal from other signals;
at the locating mobile device, receiving the homing signal directly from the lost mobile device;
determining a strength of the homing signal when received at the locating mobile device; and
at the locating mobile device, presenting at least one of a visual or audible location indication that indicates a non-GPS derived location including a proximity of the lost mobile device relative to the locating mobile device, wherein said location indication is derived in part on the strength of the homing signal.
9. The media of claim 8 , wherein the activation message includes an access instruction.
10. The media of claim 9 , wherein the access instruction is operable to activate the homing signal on the lost mobile device.
11. The media of claim 8 , wherein communicating the location of the lost mobile device to the user comprises communicating to a user of the locating mobile device varying audible tones operable to distinguish varying degrees of proximity to the lost mobile device.
12. The media of claim 8 , wherein communicating a location of the lost mobile device to the user comprises displaying on the locating mobile device varying visual images operable to distinguish varying degrees of proximity to the lost mobile device.
13. The media of claim 8 , further comprising communicating an indicator to the lost mobile device indicating that the lost mobile device was located.