Location Point Beacons for Pre-Association Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless indoor navigation and location identification systems face accuracy and reliability issues due to assumptions that do not always hold true, such as mobile network access points and pseudo-AP devices, and inaccuracies in RF beacon power levels.
Innovation Solution
A wireless location identification system that transmits supplemental location-related information, including geographic location source, accuracy, update time, and type of location points, via RF beacons and ToF measurements, during initial communication stages without full network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If indoor positioning systems use Wi-Fi networks with RSSI or timing-based techniques, then location determination can be achieved, but accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to assumptions that do not reflect real-world conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having location points transmit supplemental location-related information (including geographic location source, accuracy, update time, and LP type) via RF beacons during initial communication stages, before full network association is established. This allows wireless devices to obtain accurate location data in advance, without relying on assumptions about network connectivity or RF power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces location points (LPs) as intermediary entities that mediate between the wireless infrastructure and wireless devices. These LPs transmit supplemental location information that acts as an intermediary data layer, providing reliable geographic location data independent of RF beacon power assumptions or network association status.
2Reliability
If the system waits for full network association before transmitting location information, then network connectivity is ensured, but location determination accuracy deteriorates due to delayed information availability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary transmission of supplemental location-related information during initial communication stages, before full network association is established. Location points include geographic location source, accuracy, update time, and LP type in their RF beacons, enabling wireless devices to obtain accurate location data in advance without waiting for complete network connectivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the accuracy and reliability of wireless device location determination by providing precise location information before full network association, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A location point (LP) configured to wirelessly transmit data to the at least one wireless device. The transmitted data includes location specific information of the LP
Implementation Method 2
the position location technique utilizes time-of-flight (TOF) measurements of signals transmitted from a client to an number of wireless access points (APs) or vice versa to determine distances
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are directed to information exchange between a location point (LP) and a wireless device. A LP may include a network access point (AP) and/or a dedicated location entity. In one embodiment, supplemental location-related information of a LP including, but not limited to, a geographic location source, geographic location accuracy, geographic location update time, LP type, distance from another LP, and/or timing offset calibration accuracy, may be wirelessly transmitted from a LP to a wireless device.