Identifying Mobile Access Points via Location Inconsistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing database systems inaccurately determine the geographic location of computing devices due to incorrect associations of mobile access points, which are often associated with a single geographic location, leading to incorrect location determination by devices accessing these points.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that identify candidate mobile access points by comparing the stored geographic location with the actual location indicated by cellular or GPS signals, and upon consistent inconsistencies across multiple reports, flag these access points as mobile, thereby preventing incorrect location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mobile access points are associated with a single geographic location in the database, then the database structure remains simple and fixed access points can be accurately located, but mobile access points cause incorrect location determination for computing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static database assumption (all access points are fixed) to a dynamic identification system that detects and flags mobile access points based on inconsistent location observations from multiple computing devices, allowing the system to adapt its location determination logic based on the mobility status of each access point
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using location observations from multiple computing devices to verify access point locations. When inconsistencies are detected (an access point observed at different locations by different devices), the system flags the access point as potentially mobile and adjusts its location determination accordingly
2Ease of operation
If the system assumes all access points are fixed, then location determination is straightforward using stored geographic locations, but mobile access points lead to inaccurate location data in the database
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively identifying and flagging mobile access points before they cause widespread location determination errors. The system uses observations from multiple computing devices to detect mobility patterns and pre-mark these access points as mobile, so that future location determinations can exclude or specially handle them
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification layer between the raw access point observations and the final location determination. This intermediary system compares observations from multiple computing devices, identifies inconsistencies indicating mobile access points, and mediates the location data before it is used for determining computing device locations
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for identifying mobile access points are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving an indication of an accessible access point and an indication of geographic location. The method also includes determining that a stored geographic location associated with the accessible access point is inconsistent with the indication of the geographic location. The method also includes providing, to a server and to a local memory, an indication that the accessible access point is a candidate mobile access point based on the determination that the stored geographic location is inconsistent with the indication of the geographic location.