Mobile Terminal Access Point Selection Using Motion Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices without GSM or GPS receivers struggle to select optimal access points for network connectivity, leading to poor service quality and frequent network drops due to reliance on signal strength alone.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a mobile communication terminal determines its location and direction of motion, monitors signal strengths of candidate access points, and selects the one providing improved connectivity based on these factors for maintaining network access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile devices rely on signal strength alone for access point selection, then the selection process is simple, but network connectivity stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining the device's direction of motion and predicting future location before access point selection occurs. This allows the device to proactively identify suitable access points in advance, switching to them before the current connection deteriorates, thereby maintaining network stability without complex real-time adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a temporal and spatial dimension to access point selection by incorporating direction of motion and predicted location data. Instead of selecting access points based solely on current signal strength, the system evaluates access points in the context of future device positions, transforming the selection criteria from a static snapshot to a dynamic prediction model
2Measurement precision
If mobile devices use GPS or GSM triangulation for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but device compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the device's own motion sensing capabilities (accelerometer, gyroscope) to determine direction of motion, eliminating dependence on external GPS or GSM triangulation services. This self-service approach allows any mobile device with basic motion sensors to participate in predictive access point selection, greatly improving compatibility while maintaining location awareness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces electronic/GPS-based location determination systems with a mechanical sensing approach using the device's built-in motion sensors. By substituting GPS/GSM triangulation with accelerometer and gyroscope data, the system achieves location and motion awareness without requiring specialized receivers, thereby improving device compatibility
3Device complexity
If access point selection occurs only after network connection drops, then selection simplicity is maintained, but service quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs access point evaluation and selection in advance, using predicted future location and current direction of motion to identify suitable access points before the current connection fails. This proactive approach maintains simple selection logic while dramatically improving service quality by preventing connection drops rather than reacting to them
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and apparatus for selecting an access point includes detecting a location and direction of motion of a mobile device, detecting a strength of signal from candidate access points and determining a location of such access points based upon at least one of the (i) location and direction of motion of the mobile device, (ii) access point location information known to the mobile device, and (iii) monitoring of the change in detected signal strength from candidate access points that occurs upon the movement of the mobile device. Embodiments of the system and apparatus way include a mobile terminal device or may include such a device and a plurality of access points that provide access to a network, such as a base station or a router that provide access to an enterprise network or a local area network that is connected to the internet.