Mixed Mode Wireless Signal Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining mobile device locations using wireless signals are inaccurate when the line of sight between the device and access points is obstructed, leading to incorrect location identification, particularly in environments like malls where obstructions can interfere with signal reception.
Innovation Solution
The method involves alternating receive and transmit modes between mobile devices and access points to collect and analyze signal strength data, using a neural network to generate a contour perimeter map that accounts for obstructions and accurately determines the device's location without direct line of sight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one-way signal transmission from access point to mobile device is used for location determination, then the system is simple to implement, but location accuracy deteriorates when line of sight is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines one-way signal transmission from access points with two-way signal exchange between mobile devices and access points. By merging these approaches, the system maintains simplicity while improving location accuracy through mutual signal strength measurements that account for obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having mobile devices transmit signals back to access points and using the received signal strength measurements. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect obstructions and correct location determination accordingly, improving accuracy without significantly increasing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If alternating receive and transmit modes are implemented between mobile devices and access points, then location accuracy improves in obstructed environments, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic alternating receive and transmit modes for mobile devices and access points. This periodic action allows both devices to actively participate in signal strength measurements at different time intervals, improving location accuracy through comprehensive data collection while managing device complexity through structured operation cycles.
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
This approach enables more accurate location tracking of mobile devices even in areas with signal-attenuating obstructions, correcting errors in location identification and ensuring accurate data for monitoring purposes.
Implementation Method 1
a mobile device and/or a plurality of access points transmit and/or receive signals to one another
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for locating mobile devices using wireless signals in mixed mode. A disclosed method includes generating an access point signal matrix based on signal strength values based on first signal data collected at a mobile device corresponding to first signals received from a plurality of access points for a first period of time, and based on second signal data collected at the plurality of access points corresponding to second signals received from the mobile device and the plurality of access points for a second period of time, determining a first group of contour perimeters corresponding to first ones of the signal strength values in the access point signal matrix that satisfy a first threshold, the first group of contour perimeters including an obstructed contour perimeter corresponding to second ones of the signal strength values in the access point signal matrix that do not satisfy the first threshold, determining a second group of contour perimeters by replacing the obstructed contour perimeter with a corrected contour perimeter, and determining a location of the mobile device based on the second group of contour perimeters including the corrected contour perimeter.