Detecting Mobile Access Points for Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices face challenges in accurately determining location in areas with weak or interfering GPS signals, as existing methods rely heavily on fixed access points and lack effective identification of mobile access points.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize crowd-sourced data to identify mobile access points by determining distances between mobile device locations over time, updating location data, and adjusting operating parameters based on the presence of mobile access points, such as those in motorized vehicles, by comparing distances to predefined thresholds and inferring vehicle types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS signals are used for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but GPS signals are non-existent or weak in many places causing location determination to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces access points as intermediary objects for location determination. When GPS signals are unavailable, the system uses access point signals as a mediator to enable location determination through alternative means (detecting and triangulating based on access point positions and signal strengths).
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter basis for location determination from GPS satellite signals to access point wireless signals. By detecting access point identifiers and signal strengths, the system transitions to a different physical parameter regime that works in urban canyons and indoor environments where GPS fails.
2Measurement precision
If fixed access points are used for location determination, then location estimation is possible, but the system cannot identify mobile access points causing inaccurate location data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the access point classification system adaptive rather than static. The system continuously monitors access point signal characteristics and movement patterns to dynamically classify access points as either fixed or mobile, allowing the location determination system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and access point types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously detecting access point signals, analyzing their characteristics, and using this information to update location estimates. The feedback loop allows the system to learn from detected access point patterns and improve location determination accuracy over time, particularly for mobile access points in vehicles.
3Reliability
If access point detection is used to compensate for weak GPS, then location determination is possible, but the system lacks effective identification of mobile access points leading to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical GPS satellite-based positioning system with a wireless signal-based detection system using access points. This substitution enables location determination in environments where GPS mechanically fails (urban canyons, indoors), trading satellite dependency for local infrastructure dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual representation of the physical environment by detecting and mapping access point positions and signal strengths. This copied spatial information from access point signals allows the system to reconstruct location data without direct GPS satellite contact, effectively copying the positioning function from satellite to ground-based infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
In some implementations, a method includes receiving, from a server, location data identifying locations of access points and mobile access points. A mobile device may determine an identifier of an access point within a communication range. The identifier is compared with the location data to identify parameters for the access point. The access point is determined to be a mobile access point based on the identified parameters included in the location data. In response to identifying the mobile access point, operating parameters executed by the mobile device are updated.