Wireless Signal Fingerprinting for Automated Phone Network Actions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for automating actions in phone networks based on location or time are limited in their ability to accurately and efficiently recognize and respond to dynamic wireless environments, lacking a robust method to utilize detected wireless signals for initiating actions without requiring connection to specific devices.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves a mobile unit scanning for wireless signals, determining identifying information, creating a wireless fingerprint based on this information, and matching it to stored fingerprints to initiate specific actions, allowing for automated responses without the need for direct connection to the devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based geofencing is used to determine location, then location-based actions can be initiated, but the system requires continuous GPS monitoring and connection to specific devices, reducing efficiency and increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces GPS-based location determination with wireless signal fingerprinting. Instead of using satellite-based GPS coordinates, the system scans for wireless signals (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) and creates a fingerprint based on signal strengths and identifiers. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous GPS monitoring and complex geofencing configurations while maintaining location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a fingerprint copy of the wireless environment at specific locations. Instead of directly using GPS coordinates or device connections, it captures and stores a snapshot (fingerprint) of the wireless signal landscape including signal strengths, MAC addresses, and other identifiers. This fingerprint is then matched against stored profiles to determine location and trigger actions.
2Extent of automation
If time-based routing rules are implemented, then call routing can be automated, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic environmental changes or location-based triggers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static time-based routing rules to dynamic location-based triggers. The system continuously scans for wireless signals and updates the fingerprint in real-time, allowing call routing to automatically adapt to changing locations without manual intervention. When the fingerprint matches a stored profile, the system dynamically adjusts routing rules based on the current location context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring wireless signal environments and comparing current fingerprints against stored profiles. This feedback loop enables the system to detect location changes and automatically adjust call routing behavior. The feedback mechanism includes scanning for signals, updating fingerprints, matching against profiles, and triggering appropriate routing actions based on the match results.
3Measurement precision
If wireless signal scanning is performed continuously, then location accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning instead of continuous monitoring. The system scans for wireless signals at predetermined time intervals or when specific events occur (such as when the device is picked up or when signal strength changes significantly). This periodic approach maintains location detection accuracy by regularly updating the fingerprint while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial scanning by focusing on specific wireless signal types or frequency ranges rather than scanning all possible signals continuously. It may prioritize scanning for certain WiFi networks, Bluetooth devices, or cellular towers based on the current context and stored fingerprint profiles, performing only the necessary scans to maintain accurate location detection without exhaustive monitoring of all wireless signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automating actions within a network includes receiving at least one wireless signal from at least one wireless network device; determining identifying information associated with the at least one wireless signal; determining a scanned wireless fingerprint associated based upon the identifying information; matching the scanned wireless fingerprint to a stored wireless fingerprint; and initiating an action in response to matching of the scanned wireless fingerprint to the stored wireless fingerprint.