Mobile Device Access Point Notification Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices display all service set identifiers (SSIDs) of nearby wireless access points, which can be distracting and annoying to users, as they receive identification information from multiple access points even when out of range or after a certain number of instances, leading to misleading counts and unnecessary notifications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where mobile devices only convey identification information of wireless access points after a specific number of instances and only when the device is within range, using a configuration menu to set the number of instances before notifying the user, and allowing users to manage connections based on encountered access points, thereby reducing unnecessary notifications and improving user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If mobile devices display all SSIDs of nearby access points, then users receive complete information about available networks, but users experience distraction and annoyance from excessive notifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of notification triggering from immediate display to conditional display based on instance count. Notifications are suppressed until the access point is detected a threshold number of times, filtering out transient or irrelevant signals while preserving meaningful connection opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary counting of access point instances before triggering notifications. By pre-processing the detection data and accumulating instance counts, the system determines whether notification conditions are met before actually displaying information to the user.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices notify users of all encountered access points, then users have access to all available networks, but notification accuracy decreases due to out-of-range and repeated detections
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively notifying users only after a threshold number of instances are detected. This partial notification approach filters out false positives from out-of-range or transient access points while maintaining awareness of stable, available networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from continuous monitoring of access point instances to dynamically adjust notification behavior. By tracking the number of times an access point is detected and using this feedback against a threshold criterion, the system improves detection accuracy over time.
3Speed
If mobile devices display SSIDs immediately upon detection, then users get real-time network information, but user experience deteriorates due to unnecessary and repetitive notifications
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous immediate notification, the system implements periodic evaluation of notification conditions based on instance count thresholds. Notifications occur periodically when the accumulated instance count meets the threshold, reducing frequency while maintaining relevance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method that includes determining, at a mobile device, that a count of encounters by the mobile device with an access point fails to satisfy a threshold. The access point is associated with a first network. The method also includes establishing a connection with a second network in response to determining the count fails to satisfy the threshold. The access point is unassociated with the second network.