Cell- and satellites location for real-time authentication of mobile-read code symbols

ixWatch is a Java-based software designed for mobile phones and combines information from code symbols (2-d-Code) with the cell of a mobile phone network. That way objects can not only unambiguously identified but also the object's current location can be captured. This application is especially of interest to installation and technical services companies, company maintenance businesses or service organisations.

This newly developed system has already been patented and is designed to protect from counterfeited code-symbols.

Behind the idea

Because of the rapid distribution of mobile devices (like mobile phones and organizers) with an integrated digital camera allows for applications developed to use the devices' communication abilities in combination with a photo sensor. Because these gadgets are generally equipped with powerful processors, it is not only possible to use applications for saving and transferring pictures taken with the integrated camera but also use applications that readily analyse them on your mobile phone.

Such is the case with ixellence's mobile software ixWatch. ixWatch scans code-symbols (like bar codes or matrix codes) with the camera of a mobile phone and automatically decodes them into a readable text format.

This is of special value to companies using controlling processes where symbols attached to or installed near an object are controlled, as these are clearly identifiable. The inspector (e.g. a service man, cleaning staff or a security guard) scans the associated symbol during his routine which is then decoded by the application and transferred to the head office. That way a centralised supervision of all walking tours used is possible.

A possible emerging problem might be that these codes are not forgery-proof. Staff could produce a copy of the bar code and scan it in at home instead of attending to the object to be cleaned. The presented, patented solution solves this problem by combining the symbol's information with the mobile phone network's radio cell ID.

How does it work?

During the walking tour the mobile device's camera automatically records the code which is then read out and decoded with the help of the digital image processing application located within the mobile phone. In order to located the mobile phone, existing information of the radio cell is then processed.Together with the decoded information this data is now saved and/or transferred to the control centre via the mobile phone network or internet and then stored in a data base.

Because the phone cell's ID is only received within the transmission range of one transmission mast, the code will not be picked up outside a corresponding range of the particular radio cell. That way this mobile solution delivers geographic integrity of the control process without needing additional devices like GPS-receivers.

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