Wireless Access Point Location-Based Service Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless access points lack the ability to precisely determine the location of client devices within their range, leading to the provision of location-based services to users outside the intended area or adjacent properties, and they do not have a means to effectively limit or adjust these services to specific locations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using nanosecond precision time stamping to determine the distance between client devices and wireless access points, allowing for precise location calculation and targeted provision of location-based services by comparing these distances to set access ranges, ensuring services are only provided within the intended area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open access is provided to all client devices within wireless range, then ease of operation is improved, but location-based services are provided to users outside the intended area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical location determination methods (such as GPS or manual positioning) with an electromagnetic wave-based time-of-flight measurement system. The wireless access point uses nanosecond precision time stamping of electromagnetic signals to automatically calculate client device locations, substituting physical measurement mechanisms with field-based detection and computational geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of time measurement from conventional clock precision to nanosecond precision time stamping. By measuring the time of flight of wireless signals with nanosecond accuracy and converting this to distance using the speed of light, the system achieves precise location determination without requiring additional hardware at the client device.
2Productivity
If location-based services are provided without location verification, then productivity is improved, but services are provided to clients outside the desired area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary location verification by calculating the client device's distance from the access point before providing location-based services. The system uses time-of-flight measurement to determine location in advance, then compares this calculated location against the intended service area boundaries to verify eligibility before service delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the calculated location of the client device is continuously compared against the intended service area. This feedback loop determines whether location-based services should be provided, allowing the system to automatically adjust service delivery based on verified location information.
3Measurement precision
If nanosecond precision time stamping is implemented, then location determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the wireless access point automatically perform nanosecond precision time stamping and location calculation without requiring additional client device hardware or complex external systems. The access point itself generates time stamps, measures signal travel time, calculates distances, and determines client locations using its existing wireless communication capabilities.
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
This approach enables accurate location determination and targeted service delivery, improving the effectiveness and control of location-based services by ensuring they are received only by clients within the desired area, enhancing customer engagement while minimizing unnecessary service provision.
Implementation Method 1
A distance the signal has traveled to the at least one wireless access point is determined. A wireless transmission travels at one foot per nanosecond. If the wireless transmission duration between two devices is twenty nanoseconds, the devices are determined to be twenty feet apart.
Data Source
AI summary
The exemplary embodiments provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for managing location-based services provided via a wireless access point. A signal is received from a client device by at least one wireless access point. A distance the signal has traveled to the at least one wireless access point is determined. A determination as to whether the client device is within an allowed range of the at least one wireless access point is made based on the determined distance. Responsive to a determination that the client device is within an allowed range, a location of the client device is determined. Location-based service information is sent to the client device based on the determined location of the client device.