Mobile Device Location via Scaled Signal Strength Pattern Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current presence systems lack real-time accuracy and are often costly, as they rely on non-granular data such as keyboard/mouse interaction or calendar entries, and existing location determination methods using signal strengths from wireless access points require calibration for each device type and are prone to false matches due to averaging signal strengths across orientations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that receive signal strength data from multiple wireless access points, apply a scaling factor to normalize these strengths, and compare them to a record of signal strengths at known locations using a neural network to determine the device's location, allowing for precise location determination without the need for device-specific calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If signal strengths from multiple wireless access points are averaged into one value for a location, then the system simplifies data processing, but signal strength detail is lost and false matches occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal strength data into separate components for each wireless access point rather than averaging them. Each access point's signal strength is maintained as an independent value, allowing the system to preserve detailed information while processing. This segmentation enables more accurate location determination by comparing individual signal strengths against the database without losing orientation-specific details.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed for each wireless device type, then location determination is accurate for that device, but the system becomes costly and complex to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal location determination system that works across different wireless device types without requiring device-specific calibration. By using a database of signal strengths from multiple access points and comparing patterns rather than absolute values, the system achieves device-agnostic location determination. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate calibration procedures for each device type while maintaining accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If absolute signal strength values are used for matching locations, then the matching process is straightforward, but false signature matches occur due to signal variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the matching approach by changing from absolute signal strength comparison to relative pattern comparison. Instead of matching absolute values which vary with device orientation and antenna characteristics, the system compares the relative pattern of signal strengths across multiple access points. This parameter change maintains matching simplicity while significantly improving reliability by eliminating false matches caused by signal variations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, method and apparatus for locating a mobile communication device (110) are provided. A data set (D1) is received, the data set comprising strengths of signals (115-1,115-2,...115-n) received at the mobile communication device from a plurality of wireless access points (116-1,116-2,...116-n). The data set further comprises identifiers of wireless access points from which each signal was received. Scaled signal strengths are determined from the strengths of signals. The scaled signal strengths are compared with a record of signal strengths of wireless access points at given locations. Based on the comparing, a location of the mobile communication device is determined.