Location Cache for Indoor Positioning via Signal Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination methods for computing devices, such as GPS and remote location services, are inefficient indoors and consume significant resources, particularly when determining geographic location in indoor environments or areas with limited connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A location cache is stored on the computing device containing a list of detectable signals and their associated geographic locations, allowing for local determination of the device's location by matching available signals against the cached list, reducing the need for remote service communication and conserving bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If GPS receiver is used for location detection, then location determination is available outdoors, but it is not available indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of wireless access points and a database that mediates location determination indoors. Instead of relying directly on GPS satellites, the system uses wireless signals from access points as intermediaries to determine location through signal strength comparison against stored reference values, enabling indoor location services where GPS fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of location reference data by storing reference signal strength values for multiple access points in a database on the mobile device. This copied reference information allows the device to independently determine location by comparing current signal measurements against the stored copies, eliminating the need for continuous external reference signals.
2Reliability
If remote location service is used, then location determination is possible, but significant computing and communications resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing reference signal strength values for multiple wireless access points in a database on the mobile device before location determination is needed. This advance preparation eliminates the need for real-time communication with remote services during actual location queries, significantly reducing computational and communicative resource consumption while maintaining location determination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the mobile device to autonomously determine its location using locally stored reference data and current signal measurements. The device independently compares measured signal strengths against stored references and calculates location without requiring external remote service intervention, thereby minimizing resource consumption while maintaining reliable location determination.
Data Source
AI summary
One disclosed example provides a method including compiling and storing on the computing device a list of positioning signals each associated with a geographic location, detecting one or more currently available positioning signals, comparing the one or more currently available positioning signals to the list of positioning signals, and if one or more currently available positioning signals matches one or more matching positioning signals stored in the list, then determining the current geographic location based upon the one or more matching stored positioning signals.