Access Point Self-Labeling via Beacon Frame Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the location of computing devices, such as GPS systems and database-based MAC address mapping, are costly, inefficient, and ineffective indoors or in urban environments, limiting their application in various activities that require precise geographic information.
Innovation Solution
The system self-labels network access points with geographic location information by transmitting beacon frames, which are received, filtered, and used to determine a location, converting it into a geographic code and inserting it into the access point's beacon signal, allowing devices to determine their location without additional hardware or internet connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS circuitry is added to portable computing devices to determine location, then location information can be obtained, but the cost increases significantly and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses access points as intermediary devices that broadcast geographic location information. Instead of equipping each portable device with GPS circuitry, the system mediates location determination through access points that transmit their known locations via beacon frames. The portable device then receives these beacon frames to determine its own location, eliminating the need for expensive GPS hardware in each device.
2Reliability
If GPS systems are used for location determination, then location information is available, but the system does not function properly inside office buildings and in high density urban environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic signal system with a local wireless network-based system. Instead of relying on satellite signals that penetrate poorly through buildings and urban structures, the system uses WiFi access point beacon frames that operate effectively indoors and in urban environments where GPS fails.
3Measurement precision
If a database of MAC addresses and locations is used to determine location, then location information can be retrieved, but the user requires an Internet connection or extensive local database
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where access points automatically broadcast their geographic location information in beacon frames. Portable devices can determine their location by receiving these beacon frames without requiring Internet connectivity or maintaining extensive local databases. The location information is provided directly by the access points themselves, eliminating the need for external database queries.
4Device complexity
If access points transmit beacon frames with geographic codes, then devices can determine location without additional hardware, but the system requires processing and filtering of beacon frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having access points pre-process and embed geographic codes into their beacon frames before transmission. This eliminates the need for portable devices to perform complex processing to extract location information. The geographic codes are prepared in advance by the access points, making the receiving devices' task simpler while maintaining system automation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides systems and methods for self-labeling access points with their geographic location from received beacon frames. In particular, the present invention transmits beacon frames including temporary location information from mobile devices. The beacon frames are received by an access point, filtered by the access point and then used to determine a location. Once the location has been determined, the access point uses the determined location to self-label itself by converting the location information to a geographic code and inserting it as part of the SSID of the access point's beacon signal. The present invention also includes a number of methods using geographic codes including a method for generating and transmitting geographic codes for mobile devices, a method for determining a location of an access point, a method for self-labeling an access point, and a method for filtering beacon frames.