Position Estimation via Probe Request Without LAN Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the position of electronic devices require a wireless LAN connection, which can be inconvenient and consume unnecessary power, especially when frequent position updates are needed.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device determines a position estimation point based on its state information, such as velocity or display status, and sends a position estimation request message to an Access Point (AP) without establishing a wireless LAN connection, using protocols like IEEE 802.11u ANQP, to receive position information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wireless LAN connection is established to estimate position, then position information can be obtained from the network, but the user experiences inconvenience due to the series of connection processes and power is consumed unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position estimation function from the full wireless LAN connection process. Instead of requiring complete connection establishment, the system uses probe requests and responses to obtain position information independently, separating the position estimation need from the data transmission requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism using probe requests and responses as mediators between the electronic device and the network. These probe messages serve as carriers for position estimation data without requiring actual data transmission or full connection establishment.
2Measurement precision
If a wireless LAN connection is established for position estimation, then position information can be transmitted, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary connection processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential position estimation functionality from the complete wireless LAN connection sequence. By using probe requests and responses, the system obtains position information without powering up the full connection stack, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary probe request and response exchanges required for position estimation, rather than completing the full wireless LAN connection process. This partial engagement with the network provides sufficient position data without the energy cost of complete connection establishment.
3Productivity
If frequent position updates are performed, then real-time location tracking is achieved, but power consumption increases due to repeated connection establishment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the device to send probe requests at predetermined intervals without establishing full connections. The system prepares and transmits position estimation requests in advance based on state information changes, enabling frequent updates without the energy penalty of repeated connection establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes periodic action through timer-based mechanisms that trigger probe requests at predetermined intervals. This periodic probing allows the system to maintain real-time location awareness by updating positions at regular intervals without the energy consumption associated with establishing new wireless connections for each update.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an electronic device is provided. The method includes determining, by the electronic device, a position estimation point according to state information of the electronic device. Further, the method includes transmitting a position estimation request message to an Access Point (AP) at the determined position estimation point with a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) connection not being performed, and receiving position information of the electronic device from the AP.