System and method for wireless communications activity within a predetermined area and for generating messages to selected communication devices
A system and method is disclosed for detecting the presence and level of wireless communications activity within a predetermined area, without disclosing the identity of the wireless users, and for generating a message to certain information and communications devices in response to the detection of a predetermined level of wireless communications activity within the predetermined area. The information detected also may include information relating to the general direction and rate of movement of detected wireless devices. The message generated in response to the detection of wireless communications activity may include wireless messages, including Short Message Service (SMS) messages, to persons desiring or needing to receive such information; messages to public officials and other interested persons; and automatic signals to devices such as computers, computer networks (including the internet and wireless networks), facsimile machines, signs, lights, loudspeakers, and other devices providing information through other communication and information media.
1. A system comprising:
a radio-frequency receiver apparatus configured to receive, from a wireless communication device, a wireless transmission having a wireless communications frequency;
a signal processor configured to generate an analog electrical signal corresponding to the wireless transmission received and, using an analog-to-digital converter, convert the analog electrical signal to a post-conversion digital electrical signal;
a computing processor; and
a storage device storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the computing processor, cause the computing processor to perform operations comprising:
comparing the post-conversion digital electrical signal to a threshold digital electrical signal, and
generating an output control signal based on results of comparing the post-conversion digital electrical signal to the threshold digital electrical signal.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the operations further comprise establishing the threshold digital electrical signal.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the wireless communication device is a cellular wireless communication device.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the operations further comprise generating a user message for conveying information to a user of the wireless communication device.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the operations further comprise determining an identity of the wireless communication device.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein determining the identity of the wireless communication device comprises identifying the wireless communication device as one having a predetermined cellular wireless communications cell as a last known location address.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the operations further comprise transmitting the user message to the wireless communication device for which the identity was determined.
8. The system of claim 6 , wherein the operations further comprise:
querying the wireless communication device, for which the identify was determined, to determine whether the wireless communication device is configured to receive the user message and whether an authorization, authorizing receipt of the user message, is in place; and
transmitting the user message to the wireless communication device in response to determining that the wireless communication device is configured to receive the user message and that the authorization is in place.
9. The system of claim 6 , wherein the operations further comprise:
querying the wireless communication device, for which the identify was determined, to determine whether the wireless communication device is configured to receive the user message; and
transmitting the user message to the wireless communication device in response to determining that the wireless communication device is configured to receive the user message.
10. The system of claim 7 , wherein the operations further comprise:
querying the wireless communication device, for which the identify was determined, to determine whether an authorization, authorizing receipt of the user message, is in place; and
transmitting the user message to the wireless communication device in response to determining that the authorization is in place.