Indoor Access Point Location Using Relative Distance Anchors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Determining the geographic location of access points indoors is difficult, which hinders their use in the 6 GHz band of frequencies due to the need for AFC system coordination, and incorporating GPS integrated circuits increases cost and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A computer system calculates geographic locations of access points using relative distance measurements, selects anchor points, and updates locations based on GPS data to reduce uncertainty, enabling use in a standard power mode in the 6 GHz band.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS integrated circuits are incorporated into access points to determine geographic location, then location accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces wireless signals as an intermediary medium to transfer location information between access points. Instead of each access point needing its own GPS receiver, the system uses wireless communications to convey relative location data, thereby reducing individual device complexity while maintaining overall system accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/GPS-based location determination system with a wireless signal-based system. By substituting physical GPS hardware with wireless communication protocols, the system achieves location determination without incorporating GPS integrated circuits into each access point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If GPS integrated circuits are incorporated into access points to determine geographic location, then location accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Wireless signals serve as an intermediary to transmit location information, eliminating the need for expensive GPS hardware in each access point. This approach significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to determine geographic locations accurately

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses wireless signal copies to transmit location information between access points. By copying and transmitting location data through wireless communications rather than using physical GPS receivers, the system achieves cost-effective location determination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If relative distance measurements are used to calculate geographic locations, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidlocation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple relative distance measurements from different access point pairs to calculate geographic locations. By merging multiple measurement data points and using triangulation/trilateration algorithms, the system achieves high location accuracy without requiring complex individual access point hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from multiple wireless signal measurements to refine location calculations. By continuously receiving and processing relative distance data from various access point combinations, the system improves measurement precision through iterative calculation and validation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method allows accurate determination of access point locations with reduced uncertainty, enabling effective use of the 6 GHz band and improving communication performance.

Implementation Method 1

the measurements may be performed using an IEEE 802.11mc protocol. More generally, the measurements may be based at least in part on time-of-flight measurements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12526766B2Automated determination of access-point geographic locations

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 RUCKUS IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

During operation, a computer system may provide instructions to access points in an indoor environment to measure relative distances between the access points. Then, the computer system may receive the measured relative distances. Moreover, the computer system may calculate geographic locations of the access points based at least in part on the measured relative distances. Next, the computer system may select potential anchor access points in the access points, and may provide, to an electronic device, information specifying the potential anchor access points. Furthermore, the computer system may receive, from the electronic device, second information specifying anchor access points in the potential access points and defined locations of the anchor access points. Additionally, the computer system may update the geographic locations based at least in part on the defined of the anchor access points, and may provide, to the access points, the updated geographic locations.