Access Point Geolocation Using Collaborative Wireless Scans

The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that performs the complex geolocation calculations centrally. Instead of equipping each access point with GPS receivers and complex processing capabilities, the controller acts as a mediator that receives wireless scan results from access points and computes their locations using algorithms that consider uncertainties and multiple measurements. This transfers the computational complexity from individual access points to a centralized controller.

Access points perform self-measurement of their environment by conducting wireless scans to detect other access points and measure received signal strengths. Each access point autonomously collects data about its wireless environment, which is then used by the controller to determine its location. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external GPS infrastructure while maintaining location accuracy.

The patent uses wireless scan results as a copy or representation of physical distance and location information. Instead of directly measuring position with GPS hardware, the system captures wireless signal characteristics (received signal strengths) that correlate with physical distance, then processes these copies to infer location. This software-based copying approach eliminates expensive GPS hardware while maintaining location determination capability.

The patent replaces the mechanical/GPS-based location determination system with a wireless signal-based system. Instead of using GPS satellites and receivers (mechanical/electronic system), the invention uses wireless scan results and signal strength measurements to determine access point locations. This substitution eliminates the need for GPS hardware in access points, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability.

The patent segments the geolocation system into distinct functional components: access points that perform wireless scans and collect measurements, and a controller that performs uncertainty calculations and location refinement. By dividing the computational tasks between these segments, the complex iterative refinement algorithms are isolated to the controller, while access points maintain simple scanning functionality. This segmentation reduces the computational burden on individual access points.

The patent implements iterative location refinement where the controller progressively improves location estimates by processing multiple wireless scan results and calculating uncertainties. Rather than requiring perfect initial measurements, the system performs partial refinements in multiple iterations, each improving the location accuracy. This approach achieves high precision without requiring equally complex hardware at each access point.