Mobile device theft and loss results in over $30 billion in annual damages globally, with recovery rates below 15% even when location services are enabled. Current tracking solutions become ineffective when devices are powered off or when thieves disable connectivity features, creating a critical gap in device security.

The fundamental challenge lies in maintaining reliable device tracking capabilities while balancing power consumption, form factor constraints, and the need for tamper-resistant implementation.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including RF-based proximity monitoring systems, cases with independent GPS modules, emergency alert mechanisms, and tamper-resistant tracking implementations. These and other approaches focus on maintaining device security even when primary power or connectivity is compromised.

1. Mobile Phone Case with Embedded Ultra Wideband Positioning Module and Power Integration

MAT COMPANY OF STATE GRID TIANJIN ELECTRIC POWER CO, MATERIALS COMPANY OF STATE GRID TIANJIN ELECTRIC POWER CO, STATE GRID TIANJIN ELECTRIC POWER CO, 2024

A portable mobile phone case with integrated ultra wideband (UWB) positioning capability. The case has a UWB tag module embedded inside that provides positioning functionality. The module uses a UWB antenna and circuitry to transmit UWB signals for positioning. The UWB signals are connected to the phone's charging pins for power. The UWB module is small, lightweight, and flexible, allowing it to be integrated into the case without adding bulk or weight. This provides a convenient way to enable UWB positioning without separate devices, as the phone itself becomes a UWB tag.

CN117544713A-patent-drawing

2. Detachable Mobile Device Case with Integrated Sensors for Independent Location Verification and Trust Score Generation

PPIP LLC, 2022

Secure location tracking for mobile devices using a detachable case to verify and enhance the accuracy and trustworthiness of device location data. The case has sensors and a local communication channel to independently gather location data. It compares this with the device's reported location and generates a trust score. If the score falls below a threshold, it triggers an alert as it suspects location spoofing or manipulation.

3. Smartphone Case with Integrated Wireless Module for Location Tracking and Notification Functions

HYEON - ENG CO LTD, HYEON ENG CO LTD, 2022

Smartphone case with integrated wireless communication and location tracking capabilities to help find lost smartphones. The case has a wireless module with beacon and GPS functionality. If the smartphone inside is turned off, the case notifies externally via LED lights. If the smartphone is lost, the case can determine its location using GPS or beacon. The case can also set an alarm for specific contacts' messages.

KR102458494B1-patent-drawing

4. Cellular Phone Distance Monitoring System with RF Signal Threshold and GPS Data Exchange

Clifford Spotts, 2022

A critical distance monitoring system for cellular phones that alerts when separated from important items. The system involves attaching RF transmitters to both the phone and the item. An alarm is triggered if the RF signal strength falls below a threshold. This can be audible, visual, or tactile. In some embodiments, both devices transmit signals and receive them to confirm separation. In others, they exchange location data from GPS-enabled transmitters.

5. Mobile Device Case with Locking Mechanism and Integrated Tracking Module

Armani Williams, 2021

Protective case for mobile phones and tablets with a built-in locking mechanism and integrated tracking device to prevent theft and aid in the recovery of lost devices. The case has two sections that can be locked together, sealing the device inside. The case has a GPS or other tracking device inside. If the device is lost or stolen, the user can activate the tracking feature remotely to find its location. The locking mechanism prevents unauthorized access to the device.

US11109496B2-patent-drawing

6. Mobile Phone Holder with Detachable GPS Module Attachment and Integrated Battery

PARK JU SUNG, 2020

Mobile phone holder that allows tracking a lost phone using a location tracking device inside the holder. The holder has a detachable attachment that can be connected to the phone and contains a battery and GPS module. The holder allows the GPS module to operate inside. The attachment separates from the holder via a groove. This lets the attachment be left on the phone when removed from the holder, enabling continued GPS tracking if the phone is lost.

7. Detachable Personal Safety Device with Concealed Silent Alarm and Tracking Signal Capability

Diane Camp, 2019

A detachable personal safety device that can be attached to a mobile phone and secretly detached to be carried separately. It contains an undetectable silent alarm that can be activated in case of emergency. When activated, the device sends an alarm notice to a dispatching service and also initiates a tracking signal to locate the user. This allows the user to quickly and furtively detach the device from the phone and carry it separately if forced to give up the phone. The detachable design allows the user to still have the alarm and tracking functionality if they are separated from their phone.

US20190304291A1-patent-drawing

8. Mobile Device Case with Integrated Removable Distance Marker for Camera-Based Measurement

INCIPIO, LLC, 2019

This mobile device case has a built-in distance marker that can be used to measure distances using the mobile device's camera and measurement application. The case has a pocket or storage compartment for a removable distance marker. The marker has an image that can be detected by the mobile device's camera. When the marker image is captured in a photo or video, the measurement app calculates the distance based on the marker image size.

9. Passport Tracking System with Wireless Transmitter, GPS-Enabled Case, and Remote Lock Mechanism

Kang Joon-ho (or Kang Jun-ho), Kwon Joon-beom, Jang Woo-bin, 2018

A system to track the location of a passport using a connected case and a smartphone. The passport case has a wireless transmitter, GPS, and lock mechanism. The smartphone also has a GPS and wireless connectivity. The case continuously transmits the passport's location to the smartphone. If the distance between the smartphone and passport exceeds a threshold, an alert is triggered. The smartphone can display the passport's location on a map. If the passport is lost, the lock can be remotely engaged from the smartphone to prevent unauthorized access.

10. Phone Case with Integrated GPRS-Based Tracking and Alarm System

Anhui Normal University, 2018

An alarm phone case that uses GPRS positioning to track and alert if the phone is lost. The case has a main control module, GPRS module, positioning module, storage module, button module, and alarm module. The modules communicate through the control module. The positioning module acquires coordinates. The control module stores them. Pressing the button triggers the alarm. The control module sends the stored coordinates via GPRS. This lets you locate the phone if it's stolen with the case removed.

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11. Case for Portable Electronic Devices with Integrated Locator and Lockable Compartment

Armani Williams, 2018

This is a case for portable electronic devices that allows them to be located even when powered off. The case has a lockable compartment and an integrated locator device to secure the device. The locator device inside the locked case can still be activated to track the device's location if it is lost or stolen, even if the device itself is powered off.

US20180288890A1-patent-drawing

12. Mobile Device Case with Integrated Bluetooth, GPS, and Beacon Module for Independent Localization and Communication

NC INFOTECH CO LTD, Anci Information Technology Co., Ltd., 2018

Mobile device case with self-localization for tracking and emergency situations when the device itself is unavailable. The case has a Bluetooth module, battery, and GPS receiver to connect to nearby devices and crowdsource location information. It can also operate in a beacon mode to transmit distance data to devices. The case allows requesting relief or tracking when the main device is lost or disabled.

13. Mobile Device Case with Integrated Distance Marker Storage for Camera-Based Measurement

INCIPIO, LLC, 2018

This is a mobile device case with an integrated distance marker that enables distance measurement using the device's camera and image processing capabilities. The case has a pocket or slot to store a distance marker image that can be detected by the device's measurement app. The app calculates the distance from the device to the marker by analyzing images of the marker captured by the device's camera.

US20180211411A1-patent-drawing

14. Protective Case with Integrated Locator and Lockable Housing for Portable Electronic Devices

Armani Williams, 2018

This protective case for portable electronic devices like phones and tablets enables location tracking even when the device is turned off. The case has a lockable housing to prevent access to the device. Inside the housing is a separate locator device. This allows the device to be tracked if lost or stolen even if powered down. The case can also have features like encrypted communications and IP masking to protect the device.

15. Cellphone Casing with Magnetic Sensor-Activated Audible Alarm Mechanism

AARON MONTEJO ARCAYA, 2018

Cellphone casing that automatically produces a loud sound/alarm through a manual or wireless remote control on/off switch when the magnetic sensor inside the cellphone casing is detached from the magnetic stick beyond 10 millimeters to signal that the cellphone has been taken away from the individual/owner. This will warn anyone around and frighten off possible thieves/attackers.

16. Electronic Device Protective Cases with Integrated NFC Tags and Functional Correlation Ledger

Incipio, LLC, 2017

Protective cases for electronic devices like phones with built-in NFC tags that can help return lost devices. The cases have NFC tags containing contact info or instructions to direct finders to return the device. Visual markers indicate tag location. The tags can also program devices to perform tasks like silence, call home, etc. Additional tags can be added. A ledger correlates tags to functions.

17. Mobile Phone Case with Integrated GPS Module, Auxiliary Battery, and Emergency Signal Transmission Capability

INHA UNIV RES AND BUSINESS FOUND, INHA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATION, 2016

Mobile phone case with essential emergency features to overcome limitations of the phone itself in emergency situations. The case has a GPS module to provide location information when the phone's GPS is unavailable. It also has a small auxiliary battery to provide extra power. The GPS can be activated when the antenna is pulled out. The case can transmit emergency signals with the location to rescue services or report crimes. This allows finding people in remote areas, areas without cell coverage, or when the phone is dead.

18. Mobile Device Housing with Integrated Circuit Board for Encrypted Positioning and Network Connectivity

TIANJIN CHUNRONG HESHENG TECH DEV CO LTD, TIANJIN CHUNRONG HESHENG TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO LTD, 2016

A mobile phone device with an integrated safety positioning feature that provides precise and encrypted location data to better protect user privacy. The device has a housing with pins for mounting, a circuit board with components like a positioning processor, mobile network connection, signal encryption, and wireless modules. The positioning processor is connected to the network and encryption modules using wires on the circuit board. The pins allow easy installation in a phone case. The device enables precise location tracking with encrypted data transmission to mitigate privacy risks.

19. Mobile Device Case with Independent GPS Module and Battery Temperature Monitoring

JASON ROSEN, SHAWNDA ROSEN, 2016

Mobile device case with embedded GPS tracking to locate the device if it's lost when the built-in GPS in the device is unavailable due to being powered off or dead battery. The case has a separate GPS module and battery that can take over tracking when the device's own GPS is inaccessible. Thermometers in the case monitor the device battery temperature to detect when it's dead. The case's GPS then activates to track the device.

20. Mobile Phone Case with Integrated Satellite Positioning and Concealed Tracking Modules

QINGDAO ACAD FOR OPTO-ELECTRONICS ENG, QINGDAO ACADEMY FOR OPTO-ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING, 2016

A mobile phone case with built-in satellite positioning and remote location tracking capabilities to prevent theft and aid recovery. The case integrates satellite positioning, mobile communication, and storage modules into the protective housing. It uses a satellite positioning module with BDS/GPS capability for accurate location tracking. A battery powers the modules and a wireless charging feature extends range. All components are encapsulated in the case. The case can't be disassembled without tools and conceals the electronics inside. After theft, the location of the phone can be locked via web client or app.

Many approaches to overcoming the challenges of embedding tracking devices in phone cases are provided by these patented technologies. Silent alarms, detachable designs, and critical distance monitoring are a few of these features that boost security.

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