Discreet person locating involves tracking a person or device through a variety of methods. These methods can include GPS, radio frequency and Bluetooth.
Discreet and discrete share the same Latin root (discernare, past participle of discernere), but they came into use at different times. The simplest way to remember the difference is that discreet has two e’s, while discrete has one.
GPS
The global positioning system is one of the most popular location technologies around. It is used for everything from helping hikers find their way in remote areas to providing emergency assistance to people who are injured or killed. It is also widely used by commercial entities to monitor the location of assets and improve efficiency.
GPS tracking devices are a popular choice for parents who want to observe their children’s driving habits, businesses that need to track company vehicles, and police departments that conduct surveillance on suspects. Discreet GPS trackers are designed to blend in and be difficult to detect. They are often placed under a vehicle’s seat, in wheel wells, or inside of the trunk.
These devices are battery-powered and can be installed anywhere. Some are small enough to be concealed within a cellphone. They use network triangulation or directly contact satellites to work out where you are. The best discreet GPS trackers will alert you if the target moves out of the designated area. They can even be paired with a smartphone to monitor real-time locations.
Another feature that is commonly found in real-time GPS systems is geo-fencing. This feature allows the user to set a virtual boundary on a map and then when the target (person or object) crosses that line an alert is sent via email or cellular text message.
Radio Frequency
The electromagnetic waves used in radio transmission and wireless communications are called radio frequency (RF). These waves radiate from the source, sending electric and magnetic energy into space. They can be used to send signals over long distances, but their useful range depends on many factors, including transmitter power, receiver quality, size and height of antenna, mode of transmission, noise and interference, and the environment.
The RF waves can also be modulated to carry information, like the letters of Morse code, by turning it on and off for different lengths of time. This is accomplished by using amplitude modulation or frequency modulation.
Discreet is an adjective that means separate or distinct, and it can also be used to describe someone who acts in a cautious, reserved or modest manner. It can also refer to a device that is hidden or subtle, such as invisible hearing aids that are popular among those who want to hide their loss from others.
The nuances of discreet and discrete can be confusing because they look and sound similar, but they have very different meanings. To help distinguish them, remember that discreet is pronounced with two E’s, while discrete is pronounced with one. It can also help to think about the noun form of both words, as they evoke different concepts in the mind: discreet means separate or distinct, while discretion implies caution and restraint.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth devices use radio waves to communicate with each other. They connect through a process known as pairing, which equips each device with unique security keys and causes them to trust one another. Upon completion of this procedure, the devices communicate with each other over a direct, encrypted connection. Bluetooth technology is built into many personal electronic devices, including earphones and headsets, keyboards, and printers. It’s also used in game consoles and dial-up modems, and can be integrated into smart home and keyless entry systems.
A device with Bluetooth can transmit its location to a nearby phone or computer through the wireless communication protocol. This data is transmitted over a private, encrypted channel and can be accessed only by the owner of the device. If the device is equipped with a microphone, it can even transmit sounds into a nearby room, which can be helpful for an eavesdropping spy (see Spy Gear).
While Bluetooth offers several advantages, there are also disadvantages. It can be abused by hackers through a process called “bluesnarfing,” where attackers gain access to the device’s sensitive information or maliciously inject viruses into it. In addition, it has a limited range, making it less effective in tracking people indoors than GPS. It also can’t be used to track a person who is moving quickly through a large area, like an airport or stadium.
Infrared
Unlike radio frequencies, infrared is invisible to the human eye. However, there are several devices that can register and detect infrared radiation. These include heat sensors, IR cameras and thermal imaging. Using this technology, you can scan a room for hidden camera lenses and determine whether or not someone is spying on you.
The infrared spectrum is divided into multiple spectral regions, or bands, according to wavelength. The most common divisions are near-IR, mid-IR and far-IR. The near-IR band is closest to the visible light spectrum, while the far-IR band is farther from it. The mid-IR band has wavelengths between the near-IR and the microwave spectrum.
All matter is a source of electromagnetic radiation, and it radiates at different levels depending on temperature. Infrared radiation is emitted by hot objects and is absorbed by cold ones. The energy that is absorbed causes molecular vibrations, and when the molecules absorb enough energy, they become warmer. This is what gives the infrared spectrum its signature color.
IR cameras are a popular choice for security and surveillance. They can record videos and images even in complete darkness and can be used to spot people moving around. They can also be used for temperature control and quality assurance in production processes. For example, they are frequently used in the automotive industry to monitor heating and cooling systems.