Location Estimation Using Detected and Predicted Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless device location determination methods using signal characteristics from access points are prone to inaccuracies due to signal anomalies and environmental factors, leading to unreliable location estimates.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines detected current location calculations based on signal strength indicators with predicted current locations using heuristic data and a priori knowledge of the environment, such as floor plans and user access privileges, to generate a more accurate estimated current location by averaging or weighting detected and predicted locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If location is determined using signal characteristics from access points, then location estimation can be obtained, but accuracy is reduced due to signal anomalies and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces predicted location as an intermediary element that mediates between the detected location (from signal characteristics) and the final location estimate. The predicted location, derived from heuristic data and a priori environmental knowledge, acts as a reference or mediator to correct anomalies in the detected location, thereby improving both accuracy and reliability of the final location estimate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing the detected location with the predicted location and using this comparison to adjust the final location estimate. The predicted location serves as a feedback mechanism that provides information about expected location based on environmental knowledge, allowing the system to correct deviations caused by signal anomalies and improve measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If only detected location from signal strength is used, then calculation is simple, but location accuracy deteriorates due to detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and storing heuristic data and a priori knowledge about the environment (such as floor plans, access point locations, and typical signal propagation patterns) before actual location determination is needed. This preliminary preparation enables the system to quickly generate predicted location without complex real-time calculations, thereby improving accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The location determination process is segmented into distinct components: detected location calculation (from signal strength), predicted location calculation (from heuristic data and environmental knowledge), and final estimate generation (combining both). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining relative simplicity while improving overall accuracy through the combination of multiple simpler calculations.
3Reliability
If predicted location using heuristic data is used alone, then environmental factors are considered, but detection errors cannot be compensated without detected location data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two complementary approaches: detected location (which provides real-time measurement but is susceptible to signal anomalies) and predicted location (which provides environmental context and robustness but lacks real-time accuracy). By combining these two sources of location information, the system achieves both robustness to environmental factors and measurement precision, as each component compensates for the weaknesses of the other.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is described that computes an estimated current location for a client device based on both the detected current location and the predicted current location of the client device. By utilizing the predicted current location, the system and method may account for and compensate for anomalies and inaccuracies in the detected current location. Accordingly, the system and method provides a more accurate estimation for the current location of the client device based on examination of heuristics and a priori environmental data. In particular, the system and method compensates for detected locations that are impossible or improbable based on previous locations of the client device, the layout of the environment in which the client device is traversing, data describing the user of the client device, and/or data describing the client device.