Radio Positioning Using Network Name Sets Instead of Unique IDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning technologies rely on unique network identifiers, which can change and compromise privacy, and require re-learning of radio maps when transmitters are replaced, making them unreliable and costly to deploy.
Innovation Solution
A method using radio models based on non-unique network identifiers, combining multiple models for positioning estimates, and generating feedback using fingerprints collected from mobile devices to update radio maps, utilizing existing infrastructure like cellular and non-cellular signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If unique network identifiers (BSSID, MAC addresses) are used for positioning, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but privacy is compromised and the system requires re-learning when transmitters are replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the unique network identifier (BSSID/MAC address) from the positioning process, retaining only the network name (SSID). This allows positioning to function while eliminating the privacy violation and transmitter replacement issues, as network names remain constant even when physical transmitters change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses network names as a copy or representation of the actual transmitter identity. Instead of using the unique physical identifier, it uses the network name which can be associated with multiple transmitters, thereby maintaining positioning capability without relying on unique hardware identifiers.
2Reliability
If crowdsourced fingerprints with unique identifiers are collected, then positioning models can be generated, but deployment costs increase and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the positioning system universal by using network names that can represent multiple transmitters. A single network name can be associated with multiple BSSIDs, allowing the same positioning model to work across different physical transmitters, thereby reducing the need for extensive re-collecting and re-modeling when infrastructure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identifying parameter from unique hardware identifiers (BSSID) to network names (SSID). This parameter change allows the system to become more scalable and less costly, as network names are more stable and can represent multiple physical transmitters, reducing the frequency and cost of radio map updates.
3Measurement precision
If radio maps are rebuilt when transmitters are replaced, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but time and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary association of network names with multiple potential BSSIDs during the fingerprint collection phase. This preliminary action ensures that when transmitters are replaced, the system can immediately use the existing network name associations without requiring time-consuming re-learning of the entire radio map.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic mapping system where network names can be associated with multiple BSSIDs over time. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to transmitter replacements automatically, maintaining positioning accuracy without manual intervention or complete radio map reconstruction.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an approach for obtaining fingerprints that have been collected by at least one mobile device for supporting a positioning of other mobile devices, each fingerprint comprising at least results of measurements on radio signals of at least one communication node at a particular location, communication node names proximate to the particular location, and an area identifier for the particular location; receiving a positioning request that contains at least a multiset of communication node names; selecting a radio model, wherein the radio model selected is based at least in part on the fingerprint and/or the number of communication node names proximate to a fingerprint which match the node names in the positioning request that contains at least a multiset of communication node names; and generating data for a feedback for a user of the at least one computing device based on the selected radio model.