DETECTOR
A user equipment identification detector for use in a wireless telecommunication network. The user equipment is operable to communicate with network nodes provided in the wireless telecommunication network. The detector comprises a proximity sensor and an interrogation unit. The proximity sensor is operable to detect placement of the user equipment within a predetermined detection region. The interrogation unit is operable to request an indication of identity from the user equipment detected in the predetermined detection region and communicate the indication of identity to a user equipment identification unit.
1 . A user equipment identification detector for use in a wireless telecommunication network, said user equipment being operable to communicate with network nodes provided in said wireless telecommunication network, said detector comprising:
a proximity sensor, operable to detect placement of said user equipment within a predetermined detection region;
an interrogation unit, operable to request an indication of identity from said user equipment detected in said predetermined detection region and communicate said indication of identity to a user equipment identification unit.
2 . A detector according to claim 1 , wherein said proximity sensor is operable to activate said interrogation unit on detection of placement of said user equipment within said predetermined detection region.
3 . A detector according to claim 1 , wherein said proximity sensor is operable to measure a change in a measurable quantity attributable to placement of said user equipment within said predetermined detection region.
4 . A detector according to claim 3 , wherein said proximity sensor is operable to periodically repeat said measurement.
5 . A detector according to claim 1 wherein said proximity sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.
6 . A detector according to claim 1 , wherein said interrogation unit comprises an antenna, operable to communicate with said user equipment within a predetermined coverage region.
7 . A detector according to claim 6 , wherein said predetermined coverage region and said predetermined detection region substantially correlate.
8 . A detector according to claim 6 , wherein said antenna comprises a directive antenna operable to provide coverage within said predetermined coverage region and poor coverage outside said region.
9 . A detector according to claim 6 , wherein said antenna comprises one of: a coil antenna, a patch antenna, a transmission line.
10 . A detector according to claim 1 , wherein said indication of identity comprises said user equipment IMSI.
11 . A detector according to claim 1 , wherein said interrogation unit is operable to trigger a user equipment camping procedure.
12 . A detector according to claim 11 , wherein said interrogation unit is operable to terminate said initiated camping procedure before completion of said camping procedure.
13 . A detector according to claim 1 , wherein said interrogation unit further comprises a cellular transceiver, operable to communicate with a wireless telecommunications network including said user equipment identification unit.
14 . A method of detecting and identifying user equipment in a wireless telecommunication network, said user equipment being operable to communicate with network nodes provided in said wireless telecommunication network, said method comprising:
detecting placement of said user equipment within a predetermined detection region;
requesting an indication of identity from said user equipment detected in said predetermined detection region; and
communicating said indication of identity to a user equipment identification unit.
15 . A computer program product operable, when executed on a computer, to perform the method of claim 14 .