IT202100002588A1 - DEVICE AND A RELATED METHOD OF CAPTURING IDENTITY INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH A TARGET MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

DEVICE AND A RELATED METHOD OF ACQUIRING

IDENTITY INFORMATION? PAIR WITH A DEVICE OF

TARGET MOBILE COMMUNICATION

DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention refers to the sector of electronic devices. In greater detail, the present invention relates to a device and a related method for acquiring identity information. - in particular an identification code, such as the IMSI code - associated with a target mobile communication device, for example a mobile phone, a smartphone or other electronic device preferably equipped with a physical or virtual SIM (Subscriber Identity Module).

STATE OF ART

The ease? The use of instantaneous remote communications offered by mobile telephone networks has led to the pervasive use of portable communication devices such as cell phones and smartphones. Nowadays, each individual typically carries with them constantly? a mobile phone or smartphone. As ? know each mobile phone ? uniquely identifiable by one or more? specific codes such as the codes: IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), MSDIN (Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number) and IMSI (International mobile subscriber identity). Consequentially, ? It is possible to identify a specific communication device connected to a cellular network. In particular, the IMSI codes are also associated with the user who uses a particular communication device, making it possible to identify not only communication devices, but also the users who own these communication devices.

On the basis of these observations, electronic devices are known in the art designed to acquire identification codes of user devices within a range ? for example, so-called IMSI catchers (IMSI catch). This type of electronic devices? typically used by the police to indirectly detect the presence of individuals within an area of interest and acquire information that allows the identification of one or more of identified individuals.

For example, WO 2011/055129 describes a method for acquiring identity parameters of a target mobile station operating in a GSM mobile telecommunications network, within a predetermined area.

Within the predetermined area, radio signals from mobile network base stations are either not present (for example if the area is enclosed by a Faraday cage) or are interrupted (through the use of a jamming signal) in so as to force the target mobile station to enter mode? without service. A virtual telecommunication network is, therefore, presented within the predetermined area. This virtual telecommunication network ? configured to operate according to a low level GSM protocol which uses the procedures foreseen for emergency calls. Consequently, the target mobile station connects to the virtual telecommunication network, and provides its identity parameters. at the request of the virtual telecommunication network.

The applicant has observed that although the device described in WO 2011/055129 can be made with a compact structure, it is inefficient from an energy consumption point of view and, therefore, unsuitable for use for long periods of time once installed in a point of interest, in particular, where it is not practical or convenient to access for maintenance.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

? object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

In particular, ? object of the present invention to provide an electronic device for acquiring an identification code associated with a mobile station capable of remaining operational for long periods of time.

A further object of the present invention ? that of proposing an electronic device for acquiring an identification code associated with a mobile station that can be modified to operate according to different technological standards without the need for? of a tax intervention on the same.

A further object of the present invention ? to present a method to control an electronic device configured to acquire an identification code in order to guarantee its? operation? for long periods of time.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by means of a system incorporating the characteristics of the attached claims, which form an integral part of the present description.

According to a first aspect, the present invention ? directed to an electronic device for the acquisition of an identification code associated with a mobile station. The device includes:

- a processing module;

- at least one antenna for transceiver of radiofrequency signals, and - a transceiver module for generating and decoding radiofrequency signals.

The processing module? configured for:

- control the transceiver module so as to simulate a radio base station of a cellular network;

- manage a data exchange between a mobile station and the simulated radio base station, e

- acquiring an identification code associated with the mobile station contained in said exchanged data.

Advantageously, the device further comprises a sound acquisition module configured for:

- detect a possible human voice in the vicinity? of the device;

- activate the processing module, when? possible human voice detected. Furthermore, once activated, the processor module ? configured for:

- activate the transceiver module,

- deactivate the transceiver module, having completed the acquisition of the identification code, e

- put yourself in a state with low power consumption.

In particular, the term ?proximity? indicates a distance from the electronic device ? in particular, from the sound capture module ? within which the sound acquisition module ? capable of acquiring signals

The electronic device described above allows efficiently acquiring an identification code, for example the IMSI code, of mobile stations. In particular, the device suitable for a compact construction that allows easy positioning even in confined spaces. Also, thanks to the sound capture module ? possible to limit the full activation of the device automatically only when there? a good chance? to actually acquire an IMSI code. Consequently, the electronic device ? characterized by a particularly effective energy consumption. This allows the electronic device to operate for long periods of time without the need for maintenance. of maintenance. This ? particularly advantageous in cases where the electronic device is located in buildings or owned vehicles? of, or connected to, individuals under surveillance by law enforcement, where maintenance operations ? how to recharge or replace batteries? could jeopardize the investigation.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a memory module configured to store data. Also, the processor module ? configured for:

- identifying a set of distinctive features of the detected human voice, and - recording said set of distinctive features of the detected human voice in the memory module.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a microphone which generates a signal corresponding to said possible detected voice. Furthermore, the processing module includes a? unit? signal analysis apparatus configured to analyze the signal generated by the microphone to identify said set of distinctive features of the human voice associated with the signal generated by the microphone.

Preferably, the unit? of signal analysis ? configured to identify one or more? values of at least one between phonation (phonation), height (pitch), volume (loudness) density? ghostly, etc. of the human voice associated with the signal generated by the microphone.

In one embodiment, the processor module, preferably the unit? of signal analysis, implements an artificial intelligence algorithm configured to identify said group of identifying characteristics by analyzing the signal generated by the microphone.

Preferably, the artificial intelligence algorithm ? based on a neural network, pi? preferably a convolutional neural network or CNN (Convolutional Neural Network).

In one embodiment, the sound acquisition module ? configured to sample the signal generated by the microphone and then supply the sampled signal to the unit? of signal analysis.

In one embodiment, the computer module is configured for:

- comparing the set of distinctive characteristics of the detected human voice with each set of distinctive features stored in the memory module, where the transceiver module ? activated only if the set of distinguishing characteristics of the human voice detected does not match any set of identifying features stored in the memory module.

Preferably, the processor module, for example the unit? of signal analysis, implements an artificial intelligence algorithm configured to identify a match between the set of distinctive features of the human voice detected with any set of identifying features stored in the unit? of memory.

Pi? preferably, the artificial intelligence algorithm? based on a random forest algorithm.

Thanks to voice identification ? possible to further optimize the functioning of the electronic device. In fact, recognizing a voice already? ?heard? ? is it possible to avoid carrying out the procedure for acquiring the identification code to obtain an identification code already? previously stored, therefore with a considerable saving of energy, in particular, in cases where ? expected that one or more individuals habitually frequent the region of space in which ? placed the electronic device.

In one embodiment, the transceiver module comprises a unit? reprogrammable. In this case, the processor module ? configured to modify a circuit implemented by the unit? reprogrammable to a desired cellular communication standard.

The presence of the unit? reprogrammable guarantees a wide versatility? of use of the device and allows an update, possibly remotely ? a so-called ?over the air? update. In particular, the unit? reprogrammable allows the electronic device to be adapted to changes in the hardware/firmware standards of the technological standards implemented by mobile telephone operators and/or to be updated to make the transceiver module compatible with a new technological standard, all without requiring a replacement of the components of the electronic device n? another direct intervention on the device.

In one embodiment, the electronic device further comprises an interference module configured to generate one or more radio frequency signals within frequency bands usable by the mobile station. The interfering radio frequency signals have sufficient energy to prevent a communication between the mobile station and any radio base station of a cellular network.

Thanks to the interference module ? Is it possible to forcibly disconnect the mobile stations from the cellular network on which they are connected, so? to facilitate a connection to the radio base station simulated by the electronic device.

In one embodiment, the electronic device also comprises a communication module dedicated to the transmission of acquired identification codes to an entity? remote.

A different aspect of the present invention relates to a method for acquiring an identification code associated with a mobile station. The method including the steps of:

to. simulate a radio base station;

b. receive a request to connect to the simulated base station from a nearby mobile station? of the simulated radio base station;

c. by means of the simulated radio base station, request the transmission of an identification code from the mobile station, e

d. store said identification code, once received from the simulated radio base station

Advantageously, the method further comprises the steps of:

- detect a possible human voice in the vicinity? of the simulated radio base station;

- activate the simulated radio base station, once said human voice is detected; - carry out steps a-d, e

- deactivate the simulated radio base station.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: - determining a set of identifying characteristics of said detected human voice, and

- memorizing said group of identifying characteristics.

Preferably, the step of activating the simulated radio base station, once said human voice has been detected comprises:

- check if the set of identifying characteristics of the detected human voice correspond to a previously stored set of characteristics, e

- activate the simulated radio base station if the group of identification characteristics does not correspond to a previously stored group of identification characteristics.

Additionally or alternatively, the method includes the step of:

- generate one or more? interfering radio frequency signals within frequency bands used by the mobile station before performing steps a-d, said interfering radio frequency signals having sufficient energy to prevent a communication between the mobile station and any base station of a cellular network .

The method presented allows to obtain advantages similar to those indicated above for the mutatis mutandis electronic device.

Further characteristics and purposes of the present invention will become clearer from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will come described hereinafter with reference to some examples, provided for explanatory and non-limiting purposes, and illustrated in the attached drawings. These drawings illustrate different aspects and embodiments of the present invention and, where appropriate, reference numerals illustrating similar structures, components, materials and/or elements in different figures are indicated by like reference numerals.

Figure 1 ? a block diagram of an electronic device for acquiring an identification code associated with a mobile station according to an embodiment of the present invention ;

Figure 2 ? a schematic representation of the electronic device of Figure 1 used to acquire the identification code associated with two mobile stations within an area of range of the electronic device;

Figure 3 ? a flowchart of a mobile station identification code acquisition procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 4 ? a flowchart of a transmission procedure of the identification codes acquired by a mobile station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention? susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, some preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It must be understood, however, that there is no no intention of limiting the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated, but, on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents which fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

The use of ?for example?, ?etc.?, ?or? indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation unless otherwise indicated. Using ?include? means ?includes, but not limited to? unless otherwise indicated.

With reference to Figure 1, an electronic device for acquiring an identification code associated with a mobile station, hereinafter device 1 for brevity, according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a processing module 10, a transceiver module 20, an interference module 30, an acoustic detection module 40 and a memory module 50. In particular, each of the transceiver 20, interference 30, acoustic detection 40 and memory 50 modules are connected to the processing module 10 in order to exchange data with it (these connections are schematized by bidirectional arrows in Figure 1). Advantageously, the transceiver module 20 and the interference module 30 are connected to respective antennas 21 and 31 and the acoustic detection module 40 comprises a microphone 41.

For example, the processing module 10 comprises a processor, a signal processing device and the ancillary circuitry necessary to connect these components to each other and to the other modules. Preferably, the processing module 10 comprises a unit? analysis module 11 configured to analyze the signal generated by the microphone 41 and supplied by the acoustic detection module 40 as described below. For example, the unit? of signal analysis includes a digital signal processor or DSP (acronym for Digital Signal Processor) configured to perform a signal analysis based on fast Fourier transform or FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) techniques.

The transceiver module 20 comprises circuits for amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, etc. necessary for the generation, transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals, in particular radio frequency signals, according to a desired communication standard ? like the GSM standard in the considered example. In a preferred embodiment, the transceiver module 20 comprises a unit? reprogrammable electronics 21, for example a FPGA (acronym for Field Programmable Gate Array) which ? programmed to operate like an electronic component configured to encode and decode electromagnetic signals according to the desired standard. The interference module 30 includes the circuitry necessary to generate electromagnetic signals within one or more? range of predetermined frequencies with a desired power.

In the preferred embodiment, the interference modulus 30 is configured to generate electromagnetic interference signals within the frequency bands used by the GSM, UMTS, LTE and 5G NR cellular telecommunications standards.

The acoustic detection module 40 includes the circuitry necessary to feed and acquire signals from the microphone 41. For example, the acoustic detection module 40 includes an amplifier circuit and a sampler and/or analog/digital conversion circuit.

The memory module 50 comprises at least one unit? of non-volatile memory and, preferably, a unit? of volatile memory as well as? the ancillary circuitry necessary to receive data to be stored and supply stored data to the processing module 10. Preferably, the memory module 50 comprises an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), in which information relating to sounds acquired as described in the following.

In addition, the device 1 comprises a power module 60 which ? connected through a suitable circuitry 61 to each of the remaining modules 10, 20, 30 and 40 of the device 1 to supply them with operating electrical energy. Preferably, the power module 60 comprises at least one battery 62. For example, the power circuit 60 comprises one or more DC/DC converters configured to adapt and supply the electric energy stored in the battery 62 to the correct voltage and electric current levels necessary for the operation of the remaining modules 10? 50 of device 1.

Optionally, the device 1 also comprises a communication module 70 configured to exchange data with an entity? remote 2 ? schematically illustrated in Figure 2; for example: a computer, a server, a smartphone, a tablet, etc. For example, the communication module 70 ? configured to establish a communication channel across a cellular network, WiFi network, WiMAX network, satellite and/or wired network. Advantageously, the communication module 70 ? configured to send one or more? identification codes acquired to? entity? remote and receive from? Entity? configuration instructions (such as one or more power levels of the generated electromagnetic signals), software updates, firmware updates and/or unit reconfiguration data? reprogrammable electronics of the transceiver module 20. Of course, the communication module 70 is also? powered by the power module 60 in the same way as described above.

The 10 modules ? 70 of the device 1 are enclosed in a casing 80 preferably capable of protecting them from foreign bodies, humidity, etc.

Device 1 just described ? configured to acquire an identification code, the IMSI code in the preferred embodiment, of one or more? mobile stations ? for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer or a similar device ?two mobile stations MS1 and MS2 included within a range area A of the device 1, in the schematic example of Figure 2. Preferably, device 1 ? configured to operate in a range area A of limited amplitude defined by a power of the electromagnetic signals emitted by the device 1 and/or by the type and arrangement of the antennas 21 and 31 of the device 1. In the preferred embodiment, the device 1 is? configured to operate in a range area A having a radius of a few metres, for example less than or equal to 2 m.

In detail, the device 1 ? configured to perform the following procedure 100 for acquiring the IMSI ID1 and ID2 codes associated with the MS1 and MS2 mobile stations ? illustrated by the flowchart in Figure 3.

Once installed in a desired location, device 1 ? activated.

In particular, the processing module 10, the transceiver module 20, the interference module 30 and the memory module 50 are kept in a state of low energy consumption, or stand-by. In particular, the state of low energy consumption ? an operating condition of the modules 10, 20, 30 and 50, in which the modules 10, 20, 30 and 50 absorb a quantity? of limited electric power and essentially perform no operations. In addition, the low-power state allows modules 10, 20, 30, and 50 to be fully operational in substantially less time than the time required to achieve full operation. from a shutdown condition.

Device 1? configured to detect sounds within the range A, by means of the acoustic detection module 40. In particular, the device 1 is? configured to detect a possible human voice in the range area A (decision making block 101 and output branch N output branch Y of block 101).

For example, ? a possible human voice is determined if the signal generated by the microphone 41 exceeds the threshold value, possibly for a minimum time interval, and/or if the signal generated by the microphone 41 comprises components in a frequency spectrum compatible with a human voice.

In other words, with the expression ?detect a possible human voice? in the present we intend to identify one or more? characteristics of the signal generated by the microphone that are indicative of a probability? that an individual produces sounds within range A.

When ? a human voice has been detected (output branch Y of block 101), is device 1 ? configured to cause the processor module 10 to exit the low-power state (block 102). For example, the acoustic detection module 40 ? configured to transmit an awakening signal, or wake up, to the processing module 10 configured to cause the reactivation of at least the unit? signal analysis 11.

The processing module 10 analyzes the signal provided by the acoustic detection module 40 in order to identify a group of distinctive characteristics of the human voice detected through the acoustic detection module 40 (decision block 103). For example, the unit? of signal analysis 11 ? configured to analyze the signal generated by the microphone 41 to identify a group of distinctive characteristics of the human voice associated with the signal generated by the microphone 41. For example, the unit? of signal analysis 11 ? configured to identify one or more? values of at least one between phonation (phonation), height (pitch), volume (loudness) density? ghostly, etc. of the human voice associated with the signal generated by the microphone 41. Preferably, in order to determine the group of identifying characteristics of the detected human voice, the processing module, preferably the unit? of signal analysis 11, implements an artificial intelligence algorithm ? for example, based on a convolutional neural network or CNN (Convolutional Neural Network).

In other words, the unit? of signal analysis 11 ? configured to analyze only portions of the signal generated by the microphone 41 associated with a possible human voice. Preferably, the acoustic detection module 40 is configured to carry out a statistical sampling, or sampling, of the signal generated by the microphone 41. Advantageously, although not limitingly, the signal generated by the microphone 41 is championship starting from? the instant in which ? detected the exceeding of the threshold value up to obtaining a number of samples sufficient to allow an effective analysis by the unit? analysis of the signals 11. In particular, performing a sampling of the signal generated by the microphone allows to further reduce the energy consumption of the device 1 with respect to performing an analysis directly on the signal generated by the microphone (of the analog type).

If not ? possible to extract a group of distinctive characteristics of a human voice from the signal supplied by the acoustic detection module 40 (output branch N of block 103), the processing module 10 returns to the low power consumption state (block 104) and the device 1 returns to waiting to detect a possible human voice (i.e., the procedure returns to block 101).

Otherwise, if ? possible to extract a group of distinctive characteristics of a human voice from the signal supplied by the acoustic detection module 40 (output branch Y of block 103), the group of distinctive characteristics ? compared with each group of distinctive characteristics previously identified and stored in the memory module 50 (decision block 105). For example, the processor module 10, preferably the unit? of signal analysis 11, implements an artificial intelligence algorithm ? for example, of type Random Forest ? trained to identify matches between groups of distinguishing features.

Self ? having identified a correspondence between the group of distinctive characteristics just determined and a group of distinctive characteristics stored in the memory module 50 (output branch Y of block 105), the processing module 10 returns to the low power consumption state (block 104) and device 1 goes back to waiting to detect a possible human voice (that is, the procedure returns to block 101). In this case, in fact, the human voice ? been already? detected by the device 1 and therefore it is assumed that any IMSI code associated with a mobile station of the user to which the human voice detected belongs is already? been acquired.

On the contrary, if not is there a group of distinctive characteristics stored in the memory module 50 corresponding to the group of distinctive characteristics just detected (output branch N of block 105), ? foreseen to memorize the group of distinctive characteristics in the memory module (block 106) and generate one or more? interfering electromagnetic signals, so as to prevent a data exchange between mobile stations MS1 and MS2 within range area A and any RBS radio base station of a cellular communication network. In particular, the interference modulus 30 ? activated (block 107). For example, the processing module 10 transmits a wake-up signal to the jamming module 30, which switches from the low-power state to the operational state. The interference module 30 generates a plurality? of electromagnetic interference signals included in the frequency bands used in the GSM, UMTS, LTE and 5G NR cellular communication standards, with a power sufficient to prevent a useful data exchange between mobile stations MS1 and MS2 with the RBS radio base station of the network mobile phone. Advantageously, the electromagnetic interference signals are emitted by the interference module 30 for a time interval DT1 sufficient to cause a disconnection from the cellular network of the mobile stations MS1 and MS2 (decisional block 108 and output branch N of block 108). Once the time interval DT1 has elapsed (output branch Y of block 108), the interference module 30 interrupts the emission of the electromagnetic interference signals and, preferably, returns to the low energy consumption state (block 109).

Subsequently, ? planned to simulate a radio base station, preferably configured to operate according to the GSM standard. In detail, the transceiver module 20 ? activated (block 110). For example, the processing module 10 transmits a wake-up signal to the transceiver module 20, which switches from the low-power state to the operational state. The transceiver module 20 ? configured to simulate the operation of a radio base station operating according to a GSM standard. In particular, the transceiver module 20 emits a broadcast signal to communicate its presence to the mobile stations MS1 and MS2 within the range area A (block 111) in a similar way to the RBS radio base station of the cellular telecommunication network .

The power of the broadcast signal transmitted by the transceiver module 20 is the most? intense inside the area of reach A, consequently any mobile station? inside this area of reach A will attempt? a connection to the transceiver module 20, in particular, after disconnecting from the radio base station RBS of the telecommunication network due to the electromagnetic interference signals previously generated by the interference module 30. For example, the transceiver module 20 ? configured in to operate in accordance with what is defined in the 3GPP/ETSI standards, in order to have more possibilities? to be selected for a connection attempt (cell selection/reselection).

Preferably, the transceiver module 30 ? configured to emit electromagnetic signals with a power between 0.2 W and 2 W, even more? preferably equal to 0.5 W.

Consequently, the transceiver module 20 waits for connection requests from the mobile stations MS1 and MS2 (decision block 112) preferably within a time limit interval DT2. When ? having received a connection request from one of the mobile stations MS1 or MS2, the transceiver module 20 transmits an identification request message (block 113) and waits for the response message (decision block 114 and output branch N of the block 114). Once the response message has been received from the mobile station MS1 or MS2 (output branch Y of block 114), the response message ? transferred to the processor module 10 that ? configured to extract the IMSI code associated with the mobile station MS1 or MS2 from the reply message (block 115) and, therefore, ? stored in memory module 50 (block 116). After that, device 1 goes back to waiting for connection requests (returning to block 112).

When the time limit DT2 elapses without having received connection requests (output branch N of decision block 112), the transceiver module 20 and the processing module 10 go back to the low-consumption state (block 117) and the device 1 resumes detecting possible human voices inside range area A (returning to block 101).

In the considered example, the device 1 ? configured to transmit the IMSI codes stored to the? unit? external 2, for example periodically.

For this purpose, the device 1 is configured to carry out a data transmission procedure 200 (illustrated by the flow diagram of Figure 4).

In detail, the data processing module 10 ? configured to verify the elapse of a waiting time period from a previous execution of the procedure 200 (decision block 201 and output branch N of the decision block 201).

Once the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the processing module 10 ? configured to automatically exit the low-power state after a waiting time period (block 202) and check whether new IMSI codes have been stored during the just elapsed waiting time period (decision block 203).

For example, to each IMSI code stored in the memory module 50 ? associated with a time stamp, or timestamp, indicative of an instant of time in which the IMSI code ? been acquired. In this case, the processor module 10 checks whether one or more IMSI codes associated with a timestamp referring to an instant of time included in the time period that has just elapsed. In another exemplary embodiment, the computer module 10 is configured to remove from the memory module 50 the IMSI codes successfully transmitted to the entity? remote 2. In this case, the processing module 10 ? configured to check if one or more are stored in the memory module? IMSI codes.

If there are no IMSI codes to be transmitted (output branch N of block 203), the processor module 10 ? configured to return to the low power consumption state (block 204) and wait until a new waiting time period has elapsed (returning to block 201).

Otherwise, if ? present at least one IMSI code to be transmitted (output branch Y of block 203), does the processor module 10 ? configured to control the communication module 70 to transmit to the unit? remote 2 the one or more? IMSI codes identified as to be transmitted (block 205). Once the transmission is completed, the processor module 10 ? configured to return to the low power consumption state (block 204) and wait until a new waiting time period has elapsed (returning to block 201).

? however it is clear that the examples reported above must not be interpreted in a limiting sense and the invention thus? conceived ? susceptible to numerous modifications and variations.

For example, one or more between the processing, transceiver, interference, acoustic detection and memory modules can be implemented as a single module ? for example, on the same electronic card? and/or share one or more? hardware components ? for example, one or more antennas. In addition or alternatively, one or more? modules can be separated into corresponding two or more? sub modules.

Furthermore, nothing prevents the realization of a device according to the present invention in which the power module is configured for connection to the mains and/or an external power source.

How will it be? evident to the skilled person, the communication module pu? be omitted. In this case, the processing module ? configured to command the transceiver module to carry out the transmission of the memorized identification codes and receive configuration information and/or software, firmware and/or updates for the unit? reprogrammable transceiver module electronics.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the unit? of signal analysis ? included in the acoustic detection module. In this case, the unit? of signal analysis can? be kept active continuously or activated only when the signal generated by the microphone exceeds the threshold value, possibly for a minimum time interval, and/or if the signal generated by the microphone includes components in a frequency spectrum compatible with a voice Human.

How will it be? evident to the technician of the sector, the procedures 100 and 200, or one or more? steps of the procedures 100 and 200 described above can be performed in parallel with each other or with a different order from the one presented above. Similarly, one or more optional steps can be added or removed from one or more? of the procedures described above.

In one embodiment (not shown), also a part of the components of the acoustic detection module ? for example, one or more between the amplifier circuit, the sampler circuit, the analog/digital conversion circuit? are configured to maintain a low-power state. In particular, the only component always kept active ? the microphone 41, which has an extremely limited static power consumption. In this case, the components of the acoustic detection module are configured to activate when the signal generated by the microphone exceeds a threshold value.

Again, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), a procedure for acquiring identification codes in which ? omitted the step of generating interference signals. In this case, the procedure involves directly simulating the radio base station.

In one embodiment more? simple (not shown), the steps for extracting the set of distinctive features of a human voice from the signal and comparing it with sets of stored features are omitted. In this case, the procedure involves directly causing electromagnetic interference signals or simulating a radio base station.

Naturally, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

For example, although reference was made only to the acquisition of IMSI codes in the above description, nothing prevents you from acquiring one or more? additional codes in addition to the IMSI code, for example IMEI, MSDIN, etc.

In conclusion, the materials used, as well as? the contingent shapes and dimensions of the devices, apparatuses and terminals mentioned above may be any according to the specific implementation requirements without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims (10)

1. Electronic device (1) for acquiring an identification code associated with a mobile station (MS1, MS2), the electronic device (1) comprising: - a processing module (10); - at least one antenna (21, 31) for transmitting radio frequency signals, and - a transceiver module (20) for generating and decoding radio frequency signals, where the processing module (10) ? configured for: - governing the transceiver module (20) so as to simulate a radio base station of a cellular network; - manage a data exchange between a mobile station (MS1, MS2) and the simulated radio base station, e - acquire an identification code associated with the mobile station (MS1, MS2) contained in said exchanged data, characterized by the fact of further comprise a sound acquisition module (40) configured to: - detect a possible human voice in the vicinity? of the device (1); - activate the processing module (10), when ? possible human voice detected, e in that once activated, the processor module (10) ? configured for: - activate the transceiver module (20), - deactivate the transceiver module (20), having completed the acquisition of the identification code, e - put yourself in a state with low power consumption. The electronic device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a memory module (50) configured to store data and wherein the processor module (10) is configured for: - identifying a set of distinctive features of the detected human voice, and - recording said set of distinctive features of the detected human voice in the memory module (50). The electronic device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the processor module (10) is configured for: - comparing the set of distinctive features of the detected human voice with each set of distinctive features stored in the memory module (50), where the transceiver module (20) ? activated only in the case in which a correspondence is not established between the group of distinctive characteristics of the human voice detected with any group of identifying characteristics stored in the memory module (50). 4. Electronic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transceiver module (20) comprises a unit? reprogrammable (21) and in which the processor module (10) ? configured to modify a circuit implemented by the unit? reprogrammable (21) to a desired cellular communication standard. 5. Electronic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an interference module (30) configured to generate one or more? radio frequency signals within frequency bands usable by the mobile station (MS1, MS2), said interfering radio frequency signals having such an energy as to prevent communication between the mobile station (MS1, MS2) and any radio base station ( RBS) of a cellular network. 6. Electronic device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a communication module (70) dedicated to transmission to an entity? remote control (2) of at least one acquired identification code. A method (100) for acquiring an identification code associated with a mobile station (MS1, MS2), the method comprising the steps of: to. simulating (111, 112) a radio base station; b. receive (113) a connection request to the simulated radio base station from a nearby mobile radio station? of the simulated radio base station; c. by means of the simulated radio base station, requesting (114) from the mobile station the transmission of an identification code, e d. store (115, 116) said identification code, once received from the simulated radio base station, characterized by the fact of further understand the steps of: - detect (101-106) a possible human voice in the vicinity? of the simulated radio base station; - activating (111) the simulated radio base station, once said human voice has been detected; - carry out steps a-d, e - deactivate (104, 117) the simulated radio base station. The method (100) according to claim 7, further comprising the steps of: - determining (103) a set of identifying characteristics of said detected human voice, e - memorizing (106) said group of identifying characteristics. The method (100) according to claim 8, wherein the step of activating (111) the simulated radio base station, once said human voice has been detected comprises: - verifying (105) whether the set of identifying characteristics of the detected human voice match to a previously stored feature set, e - activate the simulated radio base station if the group of identification characteristics does not correspond to a previously stored group of identification characteristics. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of: - generate (108) one or more? interfering radio frequency signals within frequency bands used by the mobile station before performing steps a-d, said interfering radio frequency signals having such energy as to prevent a communication between the mobile station (MS1, MS2) and any radio station base (RBS) of a cellular network.