Wireless AP Map Construction Using Signal Strength Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for constructing wireless AP maps are inefficient, particularly in large areas, as they require manual data collection and high-precision inertial sensors, leading to position errors over time and high effort.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use wireless signal information from typical user terminals to estimate distances between APs, employing multi-dimensional scaling to construct accurate 2D or 3D AP maps without the need for trained personnel, using signal strength data to determine distances and update the map as necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual data collection by trained personnel is used, then position recognition accuracy is improved, but labor effort and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic wireless AP map construction by having user terminals autonomously collect wireless signal information and transmit it to the server, eliminating the need for trained personnel to manually collect data. The terminals self-perform the data collection function that previously required human operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual data collection process with an automated electronic system. User terminals automatically measure wireless signal strengths and transmit this data electronically to the server, which then constructs the AP map algorithmically, substituting human physical movement and manual recording with automated sensing and computation.
2Ease of operation
If inertial sensors are used for automatic position recognition, then labor effort is reduced, but position errors accumulate over time and sensor precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inertial sensing mechanisms with wireless signal-based positioning. Instead of using accelerometers and gyroscopes that accumulate errors over time, the system uses wireless signal strength measurements from multiple APs to determine terminal positions, providing a more stable and non-accumulative error characteristic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless signal information as an intermediary medium for position recognition. Rather than directly measuring motion with inertial sensors, the system uses wireless signal strengths as an intermediate measurement that indirectly indicates position, thereby avoiding the accumulation of positioning errors over time.
3Measurement precision
If high-precision inertial sensors are deployed, then position recognition accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes typical user terminals with standard wireless communication capabilities instead of expensive inertial measurement units. The system leverages the already-deployed wireless interfaces in common devices, avoiding the need for specialized high-cost sensors while achieving comparable positioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the wireless interface serve multiple functions: both wireless communication and position recognition. By using the same wireless transceiver for both data transmission and signal strength measurement, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated positioning hardware, reducing overall device complexity and cost.
4Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive wireless signal data is collected from multiple terminals, then map accuracy is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the map construction process into distinct phases: data collection by terminals, data transmission to server, and algorithmic processing to generate the map. This segmentation allows distributed data collection while centralizing the complex processing task, managing overall system complexity through functional division.
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
Enables accurate and efficient construction of wireless AP maps in various areas without manual effort, reducing position errors and enabling map updates based on new signal strength data, allowing for flexible deployment of user terminals.
Implementation Method 1
estimating a distance of each of the plurality of wireless AP's by using the wireless signal information
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for constructing a wireless AP map are disclosed. An embodiment of the invention provides a method for constructing a wireless AP map at a server connected over a network with a user terminal that includes: receiving wireless signal information collected from each of a plurality of user terminals, where the wireless signal information includes a signal strength of each of a plurality of wireless AP's received by each user terminal; estimating a distance of each of the plurality of wireless AP's by using the wireless signal information; and constructing a wireless AP map by using the estimated distances. Thus, a wireless AP map can be constructed using wireless signal information collected at typical user terminals located within a particular area, without requiring a trained person to recognize the wireless AP positions within the particular area.