Access Point Ranging for Accurate Building Location Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accurately determining the locations of access points in a geographic area, such as buildings, due to inaccuracies in initial recordings, movement of access points over time, and the addition of new access points, making service and maintenance difficult.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an auto-location component to identify edge access points and determine location-related data through ranging data exchanges based on fine timing measurements and time-of-flight-based measurements, including communication between stations and access points, and continuous learning to improve location parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access points are installed throughout a building, then network coverage is improved, but locating and maintaining these access points becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (such as LEDs or display elements) on access points that change color or illuminate to indicate their operational status, location, or maintenance needs. This allows technicians to quickly locate and identify access points throughout a building without manual searching, resolving the contradiction between extensive deployment and ease of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (such as a centralized management platform or wireless discovery device) that tracks and communicates access point locations and status. This intermediary enables easy location and maintenance of access points even when deployed throughout a large building, maintaining both network coverage and operational ease.
2Loss of time
If access point locations are recorded at installation time, then initial location data is available, but locations become inaccurate over time due to movement or addition of new access points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where access points continuously report their locations and status to a central system, or where the system periodically re-surveyed access point positions using wireless signals. This feedback loop ensures location data remains accurate over time without requiring manual re-recording, resolving the contradiction between initial setup efficiency and ongoing location precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static location recording to dynamic location tracking, where access point positions are continuously or periodically updated automatically. This dynamic approach maintains measurement precision over time while minimizing the need for manual intervention, balancing initial setup speed with ongoing accuracy.
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
Enables access points to self-locate on a common geographic level, such as a building floor, with improved accuracy and efficiency in determining and updating location data for both edge and interior access points, facilitating easier service and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
determine first interior location-related data for a first interior access point from among the plurality of access points by exchanging ranging data indicative of a first relative distance between the first edge access point and the first interior access point, the ranging data based at least in part on fine timing measurements or time-of-flight-based measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques to determine location-related data for a plurality of access points located in an area in communication with a network by determining that a plurality of access points in a network are associated with a same geographical area including identifying, from among the plurality of access points, a first access point associated with the geographical area, determining first location-related data for the first access point, determining second location-related data for a second access point, the second access point being interior to the first access point within the network based at least in part on a determination that the second access point has at least a threshold number of the neighbor access points, and exchanging ranging data indicative of a first relative distance between the first access point and the second access point, the ranging data based at least in part on ranging message exchange measurements.