Wi-Fi Access Point Positioning via MAC Address Database Lookup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the position of a mobile device using Wi-Fi access points rely on GPS, which is unavailable in certain areas, and alternative methods like AFLT are costly. There is a need for a method to accurately correlate MAC addresses of Wi-Fi access points with their positions without relying on GPS.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a mobile device detecting nearby Wi-Fi access points, sending their MAC addresses and signal strength to a server, which processes this information to determine the device's position using trilateration with cell towers and stores the access point's position in a database for future reference, enabling position determination even without GPS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used to determine position of mobile device, then position determination accuracy is improved, but GPS is unavailable in certain areas such as urban canyons and inside large buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Wi-Fi access points as intermediary objects to determine mobile device position when GPS is unavailable. The system uses MAC addresses of detected Wi-Fi access points as intermediaries to look up position information in a database, enabling position determination in GPS-denied environments such as urban canyons and inside large buildings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If AFLT method is used to determine position, then position determination is achieved without GPS, but the method tends to be costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a database copy of Wi-Fi access point positions and MAC addresses that can be quickly queried. Instead of performing complex real-time triangulation calculations via AFLT, the system copies position information into a searchable database structure, enabling fast and cost-effective position determination by simply looking up the MAC address of detected Wi-Fi access points.
3Loss of information
If Wi-Fi access point position information is obtained through GPS-based methods, then position information is available, but GPS may not be available in certain areas where position determination is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by collecting and storing Wi-Fi access point MAC addresses and their corresponding position information in a database before actual position determination is needed. This pre-populated database enables rapid position lookup without requiring GPS during the actual position determination process, making the system independent of GPS availability at the time of use.
Data Source
AI summary
A user initiates a request for determination of position of a mobile device in an area where there is no GPS signal. The position of the mobile device is determined by using cell tower triangulation methods using the wireless operator network. If the mobile device is in communication with a wireless local area network access point, the mobile device provides information about the address of the wireless local area network access points within range and the signal strength of the wireless access points. The server then stores the determined position in a database in connection with each address and signal strength provided by the wireless local area network access point. Thus the position of the wireless local area network access point has now been recorded and can be used in the future to determine the position of a mobile device.