Network Access Point Certified Location Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing location information to connected objects in local area networks are unreliable, especially in indoor environments and for emergency calls, as they require GPS modules, mobile communication networks, or unmanaged Wi-Fi access points, leading to inaccurate and unverified location data.
Innovation Solution
A method where a network access point connected to a communication network obtains certified location information from a server and sends it to connected equipment items, using standardized messages within existing protocols like DHCP or HTTP, ensuring reliable and accurate location data, even when the access point is mobile or unmanaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS functionality is used to obtain location information, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to requiring GPS modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network access point as an intermediary that possesses location information and can provide it to connected equipment items. This mediator eliminates the need for each device to have its own GPS module, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining location accuracy through the intermediary's certified location data
2Measurement precision
If GPS functionality is activated to obtain location information, then location accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network access point autonomously obtains and maintains its own location information through certification by the communication network operator. Connected equipment items can then obtain location information from the access point without needing to activate their own GPS functionality, thereby saving energy while still achieving accurate location data
3Device complexity
If location information is obtained from unmanaged Wi-Fi access points, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and accuracy of location data deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network access point that is integrated into the communication network as a mediator. This intermediary is certified by the network operator to provide reliable location information, combining the simplicity of Wi-Fi connectivity with the reliability of operator-certified location data, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and location reliability
4Reliability
If mobile communication networks are used for location determination, then location reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring communication modules
Solution Approach 1:
The network access point serves multiple functions: it provides internet connectivity to connected devices and simultaneously provides certified location information. This multi-functionality allows equipment items to obtain reliable location data through their existing Wi-Fi connection without needing separate mobile communication modules, thereby maintaining location reliability while reducing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for supplying location information to an apparatus connected to a network access point. The a method is implemented by a network access point, which is capable of providing the apparatus with access to a communication network to which the access point is connected when the apparatus is connected to a local network of the network access point. The network access point obtains, from a server of the communication network, information on the location of the network access point, the location information being location information certified by the operator of the communication network. The network access point receives, from the apparatus, a request for location information and sends the certified location information obtained to the apparatus.