Network-Based Positioning Estimation for Unpositionable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computer network technologies face challenges in accurately positioning unpositionable electronic devices or applications, leading to imprecise content and search result pushes due to restrictions on positioning modules or permissions, limiting the optimization of location-based services.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that receive a positioning request from an unpositionable device or application, acquire location information from a positionable device with a matching network ID, and estimate the unpositionable device's location using interpolation or curve-fitting algorithms based on the positionable device's data, enabling high-accuracy positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If positioning module or permission is restricted in electronic device, then device security and privacy are improved, but positioning accuracy and location-based service quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning permission accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that receives positioning requests from unpositionable electronic devices or applications. The server then acquires location information from positionable devices with matching network IDs and estimates the unpositionable device's location using interpolation or curve-fitting algorithms. This mediator approach allows positioning functionality to be provided without requiring the electronic device itself to have positioning permissions enabled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional hardware-based positioning mechanism (GPS, location services) with a network-based estimation system. Instead of relying on the electronic device's own positioning hardware and permissions, the system uses network identification matching and mathematical algorithms (interpolation, curve-fitting) to estimate location. This substitution allows positioning functionality to be achieved through software and network infrastructure rather than requiring device-level positioning capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If positioning permission is not granted to application, then application security is improved, but content push precision and search result optimization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent push precisionVSAvoidpositioning permission management
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server acts as an intermediary that handles the complex positioning permission management. Applications do not need to directly manage positioning permissions; instead, they send positioning requests to the server, which then handles the acquisition and estimation of location information. This reduces the complexity for individual applications while maintaining content push precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The server provides a universal positioning service that can be used by multiple applications without each application needing its own positioning permission. The server's positioning system serves multiple purposes: content push optimization, search result ranking, and location-based services, all through a single centralized mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If location information is not obtained for unpositionable device, then device compatibility is improved, but location-based service quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation information accuracyVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the requirement for device-level positioning hardware and permissions with a network-based estimation system. By using network identification matching and mathematical algorithms, the system provides location information for devices that would traditionally be considered unpositionable, thereby improving both compatibility and location accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from direct hardware-based positioning to algorithmic estimation based on network parameters. By using network ID matching and temporal-spatial interpolation, the system transforms the problem from one of hardware capability to one of mathematical estimation, improving compatibility while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3280114B1Positioning method and apparatus based on electronic device or application
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 BAIDU ONLINE NETWORK TECH (BEIJIBG) CO LTD
  • EP3280114B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3280114B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3280114B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A positioning method and apparatus based on an electronic device or application are disclosed. A particular embodiment of the method comprises: receiving a positioning request from an unpositionable electronic device or application, the positioning request comprising a timestamp acquiring location information of a positionable electronic device or application having a network identification identical to a network identification of the unpositionable electronic device or application, and a timestamp corresponding to the location information; and estimating location information of the unpositionable electronic device or application at a time corresponding to the timestamp of the positioning request, based on the location information of the positionable electronic device or application, the timestamp corresponding to the location information, and the timestamp of the positioning request. According to this embodiment, a high-accuracy positioning for an unpositionable electronic device or application is achieved. Thus, a content pushing or a pushing for an ordered search result based on location information can be customized and optimized, for an unpositionable electronic device or application with an accurate location, and the user may obtain more precise pushing information.