Location Detection Combining Latest GPS and WiFi Estimates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location detection methods, such as GPS, cellular tower triangulation, and WiFi signal analysis, are not as accurate when GPS is unavailable or defective, limiting the precision of determining a device's geographic location.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines the latest former geolocation from a primary location detection service (e.g., GPS) with a current geolocation estimate from a secondary service (e.g., WiFi) to enhance accuracy, using a user location database and presenting both estimates for user selection, thereby improving location determination accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fallback location mechanisms (cellular triangulation, WiFi analysis) are used when GPS is unavailable, then location detection can continue, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-obtains and stores the user's latest known location from GPS before GPS becomes unavailable. This preliminary location data is kept ready in memory so that when GPS fails, the system can immediately use this pre-stored accurate location combined with current fallback measurements, rather than waiting to process location data after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that combines the latest known GPS location with current fallback location measurements (cellular triangulation or WiFi analysis). This intermediary computation merges the accuracy of pre-obtained GPS data with the availability of fallback mechanisms, producing a refined location estimate that is more accurate than fallback alone.
2Measurement precision
If multiple location detection services are combined, then location detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts which location detection services are active based on availability and accuracy needs. GPS is used when available for high accuracy, fallback mechanisms activate when GPS is unavailable, and the system seamlessly transitions between them. This dynamic approach maintains accuracy without requiring all services to run simultaneously, reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the complexity of combining multiple location services without user intervention. It self-determines when GPS is unavailable, automatically activates fallback mechanisms, retrieves stored location data, performs the combination computation, and provides the refined location estimate. This self-service automation hides the complexity from the user while delivering improved accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for location detection is disclosed. The system and method may derive estimates of a user's location by interfacing with other sources of location data. In one aspect of the invention, a client device may determine the user's location by using locally configured location services. The client device may also query a remote server that contains recent geolocation data of the user. Both the local and remote estimates may be presented to a user. The user may also be allowed to select the location that most accurately represents the user's current location.