Wireless Access Point Geolocation via Transient Client Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices in wireless networks, especially those without GPS receivers or the ability to store manually specified coordinates, struggle to determine their location, limiting the functionality of location-based services and applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a wireless access point receives and stores geolocation information from location-aware devices, allowing location-unaware devices to access and process these records to determine their own geolocation, using a location history manager and web browser-based services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If devices use GPS receivers to determine location, then location accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a location database as an intermediary between devices and GPS receivers. Instead of requiring each device to have GPS hardware, the system uses a centralized database that stores location information and provides it to devices through database queries, eliminating the need for expensive GPS receivers in every device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of location information in a database that can be accessed by multiple devices. Rather than each device maintaining its own GPS receiver and location data, the system copies location information into a shared database, allowing multiple devices to access the same location data without each having GPS hardware.
2Measurement precision
If devices store manually specified geolocation coordinates, then location determination is possible, but storage requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a location database as an intermediary that stores geolocation coordinates. Instead of requiring each device to store location data locally, the database serves as a centralized storage medium that provides location information to devices through queries, reducing the storage burden on individual devices.
3Measurement precision
If access point location is determined through database query, then location information is obtained, but accuracy decreases when access point moves or database is outdated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by having the access point automatically update its location in the database before location queries are made. The system proactively maintains current location information in the database, ensuring that when devices query for location data, they receive accurate and up-to-date information rather than outdated or incorrect location data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the access point continuously updates its location information in the database based on its actual position. This feedback loop ensures that the database reflects the current state of the access point location, improving the reliability and accuracy of location determination even when the access point moves or the database needs updating.
4Device complexity
If location-based services are implemented without GPS, then device cost is reduced, but location determination capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a location database as an intermediary that enables location-based services without requiring GPS hardware in each device. The database serves as a mediator that provides location information to devices through database queries, allowing location-based services to function on devices that would otherwise be unable to determine their location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal location determination system that works for both devices with and without GPS receivers. The centralized database serves all devices, providing location information to any device that can query the database, making the location-based service capability universal rather than limited to specific device types.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to determine the location of wireless network devices without inherent location capabilities, a wireless network device such as an access point can receive geolocation information from transient data sources such as mobile devices requiring network access from the access point. The access point stores geolocation records including location coordinates received from the transient data sources. The geolocation records can be processed to determine the position and movement of the access point. The geolocation records and/or location information can be passed to other transient clients that do not have inherent location capability.