Mobile Device Location Identification Using Local Signal Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Location-based services (LBS) raise privacy concerns as they enable real-time tracking of mobile devices, lacking effective methods to identify locations while preserving user privacy.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device scans for short-ranged wireless signal sources, builds a local Points of Interests database, and records location identifiers and signal source information upon user request, allowing location determination without relying on GPS, AGPS, or remote servers, thus maintaining user privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or AGPS is used to determine location, then location accuracy is improved, but user privacy is compromised due to real-time tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location identification function from external systems (GPS satellites, remote servers) and implements it locally within the mobile device using onboard scanning circuits and local databases, thereby eliminating continuous external tracking and preserving user privacy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal sources (WiFi access points, Bluetooth devices, cellular base stations) as intermediaries to determine location. Instead of directly using GPS coordinates that reveal precise location, the system uses these intermediary signal sources as proxies to identify location without exposing sensitive positioning data
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote location servers are used to provide LBS, then service functionality is improved, but device complexity and external dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the mobile device to self-determine its location using local scanning circuits, local databases of signal sources, and onboard processing logic, eliminating the need for external location servers and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning and building of local databases containing signal source information and their geographic locations in advance, allowing rapid local location determination without real-time server communication
Data Source
AI summary
A method of locating a mobile device and the mobile device utilizing the same are provided. The method, adopted by a mobile device, includes: scanning for a first signal of a first signal source in a vicinity of a first location to obtain first signal source information; receiving a logging request to log the first location; and upon receiving the logging request, recording a first location identifier and the first signal source information in a location log, wherein the first location identifier represents the first location.