THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With advancements in technology, the methods of cheating in examinations have also become easier. Sneak in a mobile phone and you have all the answers in hand. Now, imagine a device that can virtually ‘sniff’ mobile phones in examinations halls? Well, the mobile sniffer, on display at District science, maths, social sciences and IT expo at Cotton Hill School, could well prove to the right answer for countering the cheating problem.
This device, developed by Ashok Babu and Nikhil, two Class XII students, can help identify students who try to use their mobile phones in examination halls.
In mobile phone-restricted zones like schools, the Mobile Sniffer will help detect usage of phones. When a mobile phone is used, it gives out Radio Frequency (RF) signals. In case of increased frequency levels, a speaker connected to the device produces a hissing sound. If a student tries to make or receive calls or texts, or browse the internet, the speaker will start buzzing. Even when the phone is on silent mode, the signals will be detected. The closer the mobile phone is to the device, the louder the sound gets.
The device has a radius of two metres, but with better sensors, the radius can be extended. With the number of cases in which resorting to unfair practices during exams are increasingly coming to light, a device like this can help greatly in reducing such malpractices.
The device is almost similar to Mobile Jammer. But while the jammer completely disabled all mobile phone use in a certain area, the Mobile Sniffer’s advantage is that it works only when the mobile phone is used. This way, invigilators can track down the students who are using their phones during the examination.
“The device is not in use anywhere in India, but if used it can drastically reduce cases of cheating,” the students added.