Wi-Fi Positioning Using Grid Sequence Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Wi-Fi hotspot-based positioning methods suffer from low accuracy due to the use of triangulation positioning methods, which result in relatively large errors and low positioning precision.

Innovation Solution

A positioning method that determines a plurality of first geographic grids related to a terminal's location using target access point information, and then uses a positioning sequence of these grids to accurately determine the terminal's location, indicating distances between the grids and the terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If triangulation positioning method is used with Wi-Fi hotspot locations, then positioning coverage is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The service area is divided into multiple geographic grids, and the positioning process is segmented into grid selection and location determination stages. This segmentation allows the system to first narrow down the search space to relevant grids using access point information, then accurately determine the terminal's location within those grids, thereby improving both coverage and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional triangulation mathematical calculation system with an information-based system using access point identification and geographic grid matching. Instead of relying on signal strength triangulation which has inherent precision limitations, the system uses discrete grid matching based on access point presence, substituting continuous mathematical approximation with discrete information processing to achieve higher precision.

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

2Ease of operation

If traditional Wi-Fi positioning methods are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-dividing the service area into geographic grids and pre-storing access point information for each grid in advance. When positioning is needed, the system simply queries the pre-prepared grid data based on detected access points, avoiding complex real-time calculations. This preliminary preparation maintains implementation simplicity while significantly improving positioning accuracy through structured data organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3764705B1Positioning method, positioning device, server, and computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
  • EP3764705B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3764705B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E
  • EP3764705B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3A

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a positioning method, a positioning apparatus, a server, and a computer-readable storage medium, and relate to the field of information technologies. The method includes: receiving a positioning request transmitted by a terminal, the positioning request including target access point information obtained by the terminal; determining, according to the target access point information, a plurality of first geographic grids related to a location of the terminal; determining a positioning sequence of the plurality of first geographic grids according to access point information corresponding to the plurality of first geographic grids and the target access point information, the positioning sequence indicating distances between the plurality of first geographic grids and the terminal; and determining the location of the terminal according to the positioning sequence of the plurality of first geographic grids and location information of the plurality of first geographic grids.