Location-Based Unlocking Using GPS and Wi-Fi Signal Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location-based locking and unlocking functions for electronic devices are inaccurate, leading to unintended unlocking and a high risk of personal information leakage due to broad trusted location settings and vulnerability to GPS signal manipulation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device that identifies its location using both GPS information and access point signal strength, automatically changing its state from locked to unlocked within a designated trusted area and vice versa, based on proximity and signal similarity thresholds, while suspending communication when stationary and resuming when movement is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS signal alone is used for location-based locking/unlocking, then the device can be operated globally, but the location accuracy is insufficient and security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS-based location information with Wi-Fi access point signal strength information to determine device location. This merging of multiple communication systems (GPS and Wi-Fi) enables more precise location identification than either system alone, resolving the contradiction between location accuracy and system complexity by integrating complementary technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces access point signal strength as an intermediary measurement to enhance location precision. By using signal strength data from nearby access points as an additional reference, the system achieves more accurate location determination without requiring complex hardware modifications, thus improving measurement precision while managing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If broad location area is set as trusted location, then the device can be easily unlocked, but unintended unlocking occurs and security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using access point signal strength characteristics that are specific to particular locations. Instead of relying solely on broad geographic coordinates, the system identifies locations based on the unique pattern of access point signals present at each location, enabling precise local identification that prevents unintended unlocking while maintaining ease of operation at authorized locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If GPS signal manipulation is possible, then the device can be unlocked in unauthorized locations, but personal information leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring access point signal strength and comparing it against stored reference data for authorized locations. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect when the device is at an unauthorized location even if GPS coordinates are manipulated, as the access point signal pattern will not match the expected pattern for authorized locations, thereby preventing information leakage.
4Measurement precision
If continuous location monitoring is performed, then location accuracy is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by monitoring location based on triggered events rather than continuous monitoring. The system checks location accuracy when the device enters or exits trusted locations, or when security events occur, rather than continuously monitoring position. This periodic approach maintains necessary location accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a location-based operation method, an electronic device, and a recording medium. The electronic device may include a memory storing instructions; and a processor configured to execute the instructions to: identify a first location of the electronic device based on first communication information; obtain, based on the identified first location being identified as being included in a second location area that is adjacent to and includes a first location area, second communication information; identify a second location of the electronic device based on at least a part of the obtained second communication information; and change a locked state of the electronic device to an unlocked state, based on the second location of the electronic device being identified as being included in the first location area.