Patent Description:
Digital word is growing rapidly, and digital assessments are gaining lot of importance, especially in education and related domains. Increasingly, education systems are using digital tools to conduct online examinations and to assist with assessments. Educational institutions are using digital tools and technologies to administer, reports, manage tests and exams. When used in conjunction with right device(s) for learning, digital assessments can conduct examinations much quickly and safely, can provide immediate feedback to students and can provide educators with critical data that may further be used to personalize instructions. However, privacy and security are the most critical aspects that are required to be taken care of while using digital technologies in education system. When not implemented properly, digital technologies may give an opportunity to resort to illegitimate means of writing examinations. Document <NPL>", discloses with the increased availability of technology and with the ability to miniaturize the electronic circuitry, more and more devices for cheating in exams are built. A cheating device is a complex system which allows a secret communication between the user and another person. However, a certain part of transmission is not encrypted in any form and can be intercepted in a certain range. In this paper is presented one of the multiple ways to counter the devices used for cheating. The device is capable of intercepting and disrupting sounds transmitted through an inductive circuit and is hidden in a functional handheld Gameboy.

Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems recognized by the inventors in conventional systems. , In one embodiment, a method for disrupting unauthorized communications in low frequency radio communication devices is defined in claim <NUM>.

In another aspect, there is provided a system for disrupting unauthorized communications in low frequency radio communication devices as defined in claim <NUM>.

In yet another aspect, there is provided one or more non-transitory machine readable information storage mediums as defined in claim <NUM> and comprising one or more instructions which when executed by one or more hardware processors causes the one or more hardware processors to perform a method for disrupting unauthorized communications in low frequency radio devices.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.

While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for disrupting unauthorized communications in low frequency radio communication devices. Digital learning can be defined as a web based learning which effectively makes use of the information technology to impart knowledge to the students. Digital processing systems encourage active learning, knowledge construction, inquiry, and exploration on the part of the learners, and allow for remote communication as well as data sharing to take place between teachers and/or learners in different physical classroom locations. Digital technology can often be exciting for learners and offers a potentially more engaging alternative, it can enhance and transform the learning process for students.

Infusing digital technology in classrooms aims to prepare students for the future workforce, that is, for jobs that will likely involve technologies and require the types of skills that are being taught alongside how the technology is used. The introduction of education system has led to the reduction and elimination of the burdensome paper work which was part of the earlier system. Since most of the exams conducted are online, the teachers do not need to carry bundles of answer sheet to their home for evaluation.

However, while implementing digital technology, it is essential to take into consideration various security aspects. Secure Online examination System would provide better and safe online exams. It can also help to increase brand and reputation of the institution. Majority of the entrance exams in education institute, recruitment exams for hiring, certification exams from professional certification authorities, psychometric tests to assess personality are conducted online. Secure exam process is essential if one wishes to get advantage from digital technology usages. It can prevent misuse of technology and prevention of cheating can be achieved.

The method disclosed attempts to overcome the limitations faced by traditional systems and methods, especially while implementing / using digital technologies in education system. For example, the method discloses provides for disrupting unauthorized communications in low frequency radio systems, so that such systems cannot be misused illegitimately for cheating in examinations.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system <NUM> for disrupting unauthorized communications in low frequency radio communication devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the system <NUM> includes one or more processors <NUM>, communication interface device(s) or input/output (I/O) interface(s) <NUM>, and one or more data storage devices or memory <NUM> operatively coupled to the one or more processors <NUM>. The one or more processors <NUM> that are hardware processors can be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor(s) is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory <NUM>. In an embodiment, the system <NUM> can be implemented in a variety of computing systems, such as laptop computers, notebooks, hand-held devices, workstations, mainframe computers, servers, a network cloud and the like.

The I/O interface device(s) <NUM> can include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like and can facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks N/W and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. In an embodiment, the I/O interface device(s) can include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to another server. The system <NUM>, through the I/O interface <NUM> may be coupled to external data sources.

The memory <NUM> may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. In an embodiment, the memory <NUM> can be configured to store any data that is associated with the disrupting of unauthorized communications in low frequency radio communication devices. In an embodiment, the information pertaining to high and low frequency bands, generated low frequency signals, and disrupting of unauthorized communications in low frequency radio communication devices etc. is stored in the memory <NUM>. Further, all information (inputs, outputs and so on) pertaining to the disrupting of unauthorized communications in low frequency radio communication devices, may also be stored in the database, as history data, for reference purpose.

<FIG>, with reference to <FIG>, illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method for disrupting unauthorized communication in low frequency radio communication devices, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment the system <NUM> comprises one or more data storage devices of the memory <NUM> operatively coupled to the one or more hardware processors <NUM> and is configured to store instructions for execution of steps of the method by the one or more processors <NUM>. The steps of the method of the present disclosure will now be explained with reference to the components of the system <NUM> as depicted in <FIG> and the flow diagram. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the hardware processors <NUM> when configured the instructions performs one or more methodologies described herein.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at step <NUM>, the one or more hardware processors <NUM> are configured to identify a plurality of high frequency bands and a plurality of low frequency bands corresponding to a low frequency radio communication device. As is known in the art, the radio spectrum, that is, the radio-communication portion of the electromagnetic spectrum extends from a very-low-frequency band to an extremely-high-frequency band. Although a low frequency radio communication device has specialized uses, but such a device may also be used in unauthorized communications, especially during examinations.

In general, a low frequency radio communication device that is used for unauthorized communication(s) (especially during examinations) comprises of a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) module used for connecting the low frequency radio communication device to the external world, and an audio output of the GSM module is connected to a coil. The low frequency radiation from the coil is coupled to a receiver (or a hidden ear piece) of a user to listen the external world. The magnetic field lines couple the audio output to the receiver.

The frequency bands used in such low frequency radio communication devices are both low frequency bands and high frequency bands. As is known in the art, high frequency bands are <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> bands, while low frequency range is <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> - <NUM>,<NUM>). The method disclosed provides for mitigation of the low frequency bands for disrupting unauthorized communication(s). Hence, initially the plurality of high frequency bands and the plurality of low frequency bands are identified for the low frequency radio communication device. In an example implementation, by referring to <FIG>, an example of the identified plurality of high frequency bands and the plurality of low frequency bands may be referred, wherein the identified plurality of high frequency bands and the plurality of low frequency bands are generated using a standard spectrum analyzer.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at step <NUM>, the one or more hardware processors <NUM> are configured to generate, via a square wave generator and a device coil of the low frequency radio communication device, one or more low frequency signals corresponding to the plurality of low frequency bands. Thus, upon identification of the plurality of low frequency bands, the one or more low frequency signals may be generated in the same band, so that the one or more low frequency signals so generated may continuously interfere with the communication between a transmitter module and the receiver. By using the method disclosed, the signal generating system continuously disturbs the user via the one or more low frequency signals, thereby disrupting unauthorized communications in any low frequency radio communication device.

In an embodiment, the one or more low frequency signals are generated by implementing a frequency oscillation technique on the plurality of low frequency bands. The one or more low frequency signals that are generated for disrupting unauthorized communications are amplified <NUM> frequency signals for creating interruption in external communication device which is working in audio frequency. Thus, the one or more low frequency signals generated by implementing the frequency oscillation technique are square wave signals which start oscillation Timer IC.

By referring to <FIG>, it may be noted that the proposed design for integrating comprises of a voltage divider (also herein referred to as a voltage controller) for programmatically controlling the integrated one or more low frequency signals on the computing device. Further, by referring to <FIG>, an example of the design of generated one or more low frequency signals, that are square wave signals generated using a <NUM> Timer IC, may be referred.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at step <NUM>, the one or more hardware processors <NUM> are configured to integrate the one or more low frequency signals on a computing device by implementing a power controlling technique. The computing device may comprise of any electronic device, an information processing system that takes inputs and generates some output, for example, a laptop or any desktop. The computing device (on which the one or more low frequency signals are integrated) communicates with the low frequency radio communication device via the receiver. The power controlling technique implements a programmable IC which act as a relay controller to switch between varied powers to amplify the signal.

In an embodiment, for integrating, the range of the one or more low frequency signals is kept at <NUM>-<NUM> feet so that the one or more low frequency signals do disturb other surrounding systems upon integration. Further, the power from the one or more low frequency signals is low enough to avoid any electromagnetic interference(s) to the computing device, but high enough to disturb the receiver. Further, the integration of the one or more low frequency signals is observed to result in low power consumption of the computing device. By referring to <FIG>, a complete integration of the one or more low frequency signals on the computing device may be referred.

By referring to <FIG> again, it may be noted that a FT240X or any alternate chip facilitates programmatic controlling (ON/OFF) of the integrated one or more low frequency signals. Further, the proposed design comprises of a plurality of coils, wherein each of the plurality of coils has dimensions of <NUM> x <NUM>, the number of turns <NUM>, and the gauge of the wire is <NUM>/<NUM>. The proposed design may comprise of an alternate coil with a dimension of <NUM> x <NUM> and <NUM> gauge wire.

The programmatically controlling of the integrated one or more low frequency signals on the computing device facilitates non-disrupting of the integrated one or more low frequency signals corresponding to hearing-aid devices detected by the computing device, that is, handicapped candidates using hearing-aid devices (or marked as hearing impaired) can use hearing-aid devices and the programmatic controlling ensures that an integrated circuit is not started so as to generate any low frequency signals, and hence it will not disrupt the hearing-aid device(s).

By referring to <FIG> yet again, it may be noted that the battery source of the computing device (that is a laptop) is <NUM> volts and 8000mAH. The approximate power required for the integrated one or more low frequency signals is less than <NUM>. Assuming duration of examination is around three hours, the proposed design with the integrated one or more low frequency signals with a consumption of 150mW even do cause any issues, even if it runs continuously. This proposed design with the integrated one or more low frequency signals was also tested for interference with regular operation of laptops. It was observed that the integrated one or more low frequency signals do not disturb the performance of the laptop and in particular the audio section of a sound card.

The one or more low frequency signals are generated as robust electromagnetic waves upon integration in the computing device for disrupting unauthorized communications in the low frequency radio communication device, that is, the integrated one or more low frequency signals are much robust as compared to any signals generated by the low frequency radio communication device (communicating with the computing device) using the GSM module and the coil. The computing device comprises a microcontroller (not shown in the figure) that enables a detection mechanism of the integrated one or more low frequency signals for detecting a plurality of electromagnetic around the computing device waves via a Wifi or an antenna.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at step <NUM>, the one or more low frequency signals upon integration on the computing device disrupt unauthorized communications in the low frequency radio communication device. As mentioned above, since the integrated one or more low frequency signals are much robust as compared to any other signals in near vicinity, the receiver of the low frequency radio communication device receives such robust integrated one or more low frequency signals, thereby mitigating / disturbing the communication of the receiver with the GSM module. Further, the integrated one or more low frequency signals drains the battery of the low frequency radio communication device from a predefined range, thereby disrupting any unauthorized communications.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, advantages of implementing the method disclosed may be considered in detail. The method disclosed may also be implemented in other areas wherein unauthorized communications are to be disrupted, for example, in military purposes and other sensitive areas. The one or more low frequency signals when integrated on the computing device provides for less consumption of battery of the computing device. Also, the integrated one or more low frequency signals do not disturb the performance of the computing device.

Further, by implementing the proposed methodology, it was observed that the performance of the square wave was better than the sine wave and the frequency of operation is optimum at <NUM> to <NUM>. A <NUM> IC based circuit will generate the tone of required frequency and its output is connected to the coil which will radiate. The output power of the system can be varied by activation of the appropriate relay.

The embodiments of present disclosure herein addresses unresolved problem of disrupting unauthorized communications in low frequency radio communication devices. The embodiment, thus provides for generating the one or more low frequency signals as robust electromagnetic waves upon integration in the computing device for disrupting unauthorized communications in the low frequency radio communication device. Moreover, the embodiments herein further provides for draining a battery of the low frequency radio communication device from a predefined range, and detecting, via a detection mechanism of the integrated one or more low frequency signals, a plurality of electromagnetic frequencies around the computing device.

The hardware device can be any kind of device which can be programmed including e.g. any kind of computer like a server or a personal computer, or the like, or any combination thereof. The device may also include means which could be e.g. hardware means like e.g. an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g. an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. Alternatively, the embodiments may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g. using a plurality of CPUs.

The embodiments that are implemented in software include but are not limited to, firmware, resident software, microcode, etc. The functions performed by various modules described herein may be implemented in other modules or combinations of other modules.

Claim 1:
A method for disrupting unauthorized communications in low frequency radio communication devices, the method comprising:
identifying, by one or more hardware processors, a plurality of high frequency bands in a range of frequencies of <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> and a plurality of low frequency bands in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, for a low frequency radio communication device, wherein the low frequency radio communication device comprises a receiver (<NUM>);
generating, via a square wave generator and a device coil, one or more low frequency signals in a band of identified plurality of low frequency bands, wherein the square wave generator and the device coil correspond to the low frequency radio communication device, and wherein the one or more low frequency signals are generated by implementing a frequency oscillation technique on the plurality of low frequency bands (<NUM>);
integrating the one or more low frequency signals on a computing device and implementing a power controlling technique over the integrated one or more low frequency signals, wherein the computing device communicates with the low frequency radio communication device via the receiver (<NUM>), wherein the integrated one or more low frequency signals are programmatically controlled via a voltage controller and wherein programmatically controlling the integrated one or more low frequency signals comprises non-disrupting of the integrated one or more low frequency signals corresponding to hearing-aid devices detected by the computing device;
detecting, via a detection mechanism of the integrated one or more low frequency signals, a plurality of electromagnetic frequencies around the computing device, and wherein the detection mechanism is enabled via a microcontroller of the computing device; and
disrupting, via the integrated one or more low frequency signals on the computing device, unauthorized communications in the low frequency radio communication device (<NUM>), wherein disrupting the unauthorized communications comprises draining a battery of the low frequency radio communication device from a predefined range.