Visible Network Scan Attachment for Low-Latency Local Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location estimation methods for mobile devices face challenges such as high latency, power consumption, and inefficiency when GPS signals are unavailable or weak, particularly indoors, and conventional query processes introduce additional network delays and overhead.
Innovation Solution
An integrated approach where network scan information is attached to a query sent to a web server, allowing the network to resolve the location and generate location-relevant search results, reducing latency and power consumption by minimizing data transfers and consolidating information upfront.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS coordinates are used to identify device location, then location accuracy is improved, but system latency increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location identification process into two parts: (1) device-side network scanning and data collection, and (2) network-side location computation using segmented databases (WiFi database and cellular database). This segmentation allows the device to quickly gather network data while the computationally intensive location resolution is performed on the network, reducing device latency and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network scan information (WiFi access point scans and cellular tower scans) as an intermediary to bridge the device and location services. Instead of direct GPS satellite communication or pure network-based location, the scan data serves as an intermediary that enables faster, lower-power location estimation by matching observed networks against pre-stored databases.
2Measurement precision
If GPS receiver acquires satellite signals, then location accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive, low-power network scanning operations as a substitute for expensive, high-power GPS satellite signal acquisition. Network scans consume significantly less battery power and can be performed continuously without the high energy cost of GPS receiver operation, providing a disposable, low-cost alternative for location estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the mobile device's network interface serve multiple functions: both communication and location estimation. By using the same WiFi and cellular network infrastructure for both data communication and location determination, the system eliminates the need for dedicated high-power GPS hardware operation, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining location capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If network scan information is used to obtain location estimate, then power consumption is reduced, but location accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple network scan data sources (WiFi access point scans and cellular tower scans) into a unified location estimation process. By combining observations from both WiFi and cellular networks and matching them against corresponding databases, the system achieves more accurate location estimates than using either network type alone, while maintaining low power consumption through efficient database matching algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the device continuously scans for visible networks, compares observed networks against stored databases, and refines location estimates based on matching results. This iterative feedback process improves location accuracy over time by accumulating network observations and progressively narrowing down the device's location, while keeping power consumption low through efficient comparison algorithms.
4Ease of operation
If conventional query processes are used, then search functionality is provided, but network overhead increases and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-storing geolocalized wireless network information (WiFi access point data and cellular tower data) in network-side databases before search queries are initiated. This preliminary preparation of location reference data enables rapid location resolution during actual search operations, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time database queries and reducing network latency for search results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the location resolution process with the search query process by attaching network scan information directly to the search query. This consolidation allows the network to resolve location and generate search results in a single integrated operation, eliminating separate location determination steps and reducing overall network overhead and latency.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
Aspects of the technology employ an integrated location identification and query processing technique (Fig. 1B). Network scan information (406) is attached to or otherwise combined with a query (408) at a client device and is sent to a web server or other entity for processing (410). When a query is initiated, the client device determines whether location services are enabled (402). If not, upon authorization they are enabled and visible network scan data is quickly obtained for transmission with the query (404). The server may include both a location identification service and a search service, and can split the received information accordingly among these elements (504) in an efficient manner that minimizes data transfers and latency (Fig. 1B). From the client device's perspective, only one query is transmitted. Relevant results based on the resolved location are received quickly by the client device. This reduces system latency and power consumption, and also minimizes network overhead by eliminating unnecessary packet transmissions.