Portable Device Location Detection via Wireless Signal Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices lack the ability to selectively apply settings and preferences based on their location within a home or office environment, leading to unintended configuration changes when moved between different locations.
Innovation Solution
A portable device determines its location by measuring signal parameters from multiple wireless networks, allowing it to adjust settings such as parental controls, user interfaces, and security settings automatically based on its position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If portable devices are made mobile and shareable between locations, then convenience and flexibility are improved, but the ability to apply location-specific settings and preferences is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device automatically determines its own location using wireless signal parameters and applies appropriate settings without user intervention. The device self-configures parental controls, user interfaces, and other preferences based on detected location, eliminating the need for manual settings management when moving between locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors wireless signal parameters from multiple networks and uses this feedback to determine current location. Based on the determined location, the device automatically adjusts settings, creating a closed-loop system where location detection feedback drives configuration changes.
2Reliability
If parental controls and location-specific settings are applied to portable devices, then security and appropriateness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device uses its existing wireless communication capabilities, already present for network connectivity, to perform location determination. The same wireless interface that provides internet access also detects signal parameters for location identification, eliminating the need for separate dedicated location detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless signal parameters from existing network infrastructure serve as an intermediary to convey location information. Rather than requiring direct communication between the device and location data, the wireless signals act as a mediator that the device can measure to infer its position and apply appropriate settings.
3Ease of operation
If the device automatically adjusts settings based on location, then user experience is improved, but risk of unintended configuration changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
Location-specific settings are pre-configured and stored in the system before the device needs them. When the device determines it has arrived at a known location, it retrieves and applies the pre-prepared settings for that location, ensuring smooth transitions without unintended changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adjusts settings based on current location while maintaining stability through controlled transition thresholds. Settings change only when location determination confidence exceeds specified thresholds, preventing flapping between configurations during transitional states and ensuring reliable operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer, media player, remote control or other device is configured to determine its relative location within a home, office or other given environment based upon the reception and/or sensing of wireless network signals and/or other electromagnetic signals emitted by other devices present at any time in the environment. The device receives wireless signals from one or more wireless signal sources, and determines a parameter (e.g., signal strength) for the signals received from each source. The location of the portable device within the environment is determined based on the determined parameters. The location may be used for any purpose, such as adjusting a setting on the portable device, identifying another device to be controlled by a portable remote control, or the like.