Wired-Wireless Geolocation Fusion for Network-Connected Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing location determination methods for network-connected devices suffer from inaccuracies, especially in urban areas and indoor environments, which can lead to false or inaccurate location estimates, and do not meet regulatory requirements for precision in certain communication networks.

Innovation Solution

A computing system combines location data from multiple sources, including wireless transceivers, network devices, and orientation sensors to calculate an estimated geographical location using techniques such as trilateration, triangulation, and angle of arrival, refining the estimate through a combination of satellite, Wi-Fi, cellular, and wired network data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional location determination methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but location precision deteriorates in urban areas and indoor environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple location determination methods (satellite-based, Wi-Fi-based, cellular-based, and wired network-based) into a unified location determination system. The computing system integrates data from GPS satellites, Wi-Fi access points, cellular towers, and wired network devices to calculate a composite location estimate, thereby improving accuracy in urban and indoor environments where single methods fail

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The location determination system is designed to perform multiple functions across different environments by supporting satellite, Wi-Fi, cellular, and wired network methods. The system automatically selects and combines appropriate methods based on environmental conditions, making it universally applicable whether the device is outdoors, in urban areas, or indoors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If single-source location data is used, then system complexity is reduced, but location reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation reliabilityVSAvoiddata integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges location data from multiple independent sources (satellites, Wi-Fi access points, cellular towers, wired network devices) to calculate a composite location estimate. This multi-source integration improves reliability by cross-validating position information and reducing the impact of failures or inaccuracies in any single source

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the computing system receives location data from multiple sources, processes it through location determination algorithms, and continuously refines the location estimate. The system can adjust the weighting and selection of different data sources based on their reliability and applicability to current environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method provides more accurate geographical location information, meeting regulatory standards and enhancing applications like emergency response and targeted marketing by improving location precision and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

receiving a determined angle of arrival of signals from each of at least one wireless transceiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngle of Arrival:

Implementation Method 2

calculate an estimated geographical location for the target device based on a combination of: at least one of the one or more wireless device location data or the first geographical location information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTrilateration:

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriangulation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250324395A1Geolocation determination and reporting for network-connected devices

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 CENTURYLINK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LLC

AI summary

Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing geolocation determination and reporting for network-connected devices. In various examples, a computing system may receive wireless device location data sent from wireless transceivers over a wireless connection to a target device, and may receive wired device location data sent from network devices over a wired connection to a modem communicatively coupled to the target device. The computing system may query location databases for, or otherwise determine, first geographical location information for each wireless transceiver and/or for second geographical location information for each network device. The computing system may calculate an estimated geographical location for the target device based on a combination of: the wireless device location data and/or the first geographical location information; and the wired device location data and/or the second geographical location information. The computing system may perform a task using the estimated geographical location information of the target device.