Mobile Device Location Augmentation via Temporal Transmitter Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining a mobile device's location using transmitter locations are inadequate, especially in indoor environments and for temporary transmitters, due to latency issues and inaccurate data propagation, which hinders location-based services in dynamic environments like conferences.
Innovation Solution
A method for augmenting location data on mobile devices by incorporating temporal location data from third-party sources, allowing for immediate and accurate determination of temporary transmitter positions, even when GPS is unavailable, using a processor and memory to execute instructions that retrieve and validate this data for improved location services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmitter location data is propagated through location databases, then location information becomes available to mobile devices, but latency increases and temporary transmitters cannot be serviced in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the mobile device proactively request and receive temporary transmitter location data from the third-party source before the data would normally propagate through databases. The device retrieves this advance information and stores it in a cache, ensuring immediate availability when needed without waiting for traditional database propagation delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a third-party source as a mediator between the temporary transmitter operator and the mobile device. This third-party source provides location data directly to the mobile device, bypassing the slow traditional database propagation path and enabling timely access to temporary transmitter information.
2Measurement precision
If traditional location databases are used, then location data can be stored and retrieved, but accuracy deteriorates in changing wireless environments and temporary locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the location data to be updated in real-time or near-real-time as transmitters move or temporary locations change. The mobile device can retrieve updated location information from the third-party source and refresh its cache, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to changing wireless environments and temporary transmitter positions, unlike static database records.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by retrieving and caching temporary transmitter location data before changes occur. This allows the device to have advance knowledge of transmitter positions and can quickly update when changes happen, maintaining high accuracy in dynamic environments without waiting for database updates.
3Measurement precision
If GPS is used for location determination, then outdoor positioning works well, but indoor location determination becomes difficult due to signal reception requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing third-party location data as a mediator between the mobile device and the need for satellite signals. This intermediary data source provides location information that can be used indoors where GPS signals are unavailable, allowing the device to determine location without requiring direct satellite signal reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by using transmitted location data from third-party sources as a substitute for direct GPS signal-based location determination. Instead of relying on raw satellite signals that cannot penetrate buildings, the device uses copied location information from the third-party source to establish its position indoors.
Data Source
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AI summary
Mobile devices are able to determine their location based radio transmitters that are visible at the device to provide geographic location services. A knowledge of the location of the transmitters is required for the mobile device to determine a location estimate, however this can be difficult in network environments where the transmitters are temporary and their locations are not identified in location databases. Locations of temporary transmitters can be provided to mobile devices in order to augment the available location data used in determining the mobile device location. 3rd parties can provide temporal location data on transmitters that are set up for short period of time, as well as better control the distribution of the location data.