Client Device IP Location Verification Using Wireless Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile applications face challenges in accurately evaluating IP-based location information when device-based GPS or network-based location is unavailable, leading to unreliable location estimates.
Innovation Solution
A system that verifies IP-based location by connecting with wireless stations like cellular towers and WiFi access points, using a mobile device to determine the accuracy of estimated locations based on IP address information, and transmitting anonymized log data for network validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IP-based location information is used when GPS or network-based location is unavailable, then location information can be provided, but the accuracy of the location information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates IP-based location accuracy by comparing it against device-based GPS location when available, and uses this feedback to improve future location estimates. The accuracy evaluation module continuously refines the IP-based location database based on discrepancies found during comparisons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation system that acts as a mediator between IP-based location data and device-based GPS data. This intermediary module compares the two sources and uses the more accurate GPS data to validate and refine the IP-based location estimates, thereby improving overall accuracy without sacrificing availability.
2Measurement precision
If device-based location information is used for evaluation, then location accuracy can be assessed, but the system becomes infeasible when device-based location is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-evaluation by using device-based GPS location to assess the accuracy of IP-based location when GPS is available. When GPS is not available, the system switches to using other available network-based location methods for evaluation, making the system self-sufficient and adaptable to different conditions without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation methodology dynamically changes parameters based on availability. When device-based GPS location is available, it uses GPS for evaluation; when not available, it switches to evaluating IP-based location against other network-based location sources. This parameter switching enables the system to maintain evaluation capability under all conditions.
3Reliability
If existing approaches evaluate IP-based location only when device-based location is available, then some validation can be performed, but the approach provides only general approximation and is not reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of IP-based location accuracy by comparing against device-based GPS location whenever GPS is available. This preliminary validation builds a more reliable IP-based location database that can then be used with higher confidence when GPS is not available, improving overall reliability beyond general approximation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial validation by using device-based GPS location only when available, while also implementing additional IP-based location evaluation methods that work independently. This excessive action of using multiple evaluation approaches ensures more reliable validation than general approximation, maintaining reliability even when GPS is not available.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the technology evaluate a client device query to identify an IP address-based estimated location of a mobile device. One or more candidate wireless stations are selected in accordance with the IP-based estimated location and a location-relevant response to the query is also generated in accordance with the IP-based location. This information is transmitted to the mobile device. The mobile device compares the received information about the candidate wireless stations against one or more actual wireless stations with which the mobile device is in communication. Log information is generated as a result of the comparison. The log information is anonymized and transmitted to the network without user ID or other client-identifiable information included in the log. The received log information is then used to validate the initial estimated location. Aggregation of log information from multiple devices may be used in the validation process.