Wireless Device Localization Using Coarse-to-Local Node Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack efficient methods for localizing and messaging wireless communication devices without requiring active user interaction, such as installing dedicated applications or continuously scanning for device presence.
Innovation Solution
A multistage process involving ID-based coarse location estimation and selective local communication node scanning, combined with a localization server that triggers local communication nodes to scan for a transceiver, enabling no-click check-in and targeted messaging through a Client Device Access Network (CDAN) using cellular and Wi-Fi networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous scanning for device presence is implemented, then device localization accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic scanning instead of continuous scanning. The server controls communication nodes to scan for devices at specific intervals based on predefined criteria, reducing energy consumption while maintaining localization accuracy. The scanning is triggered periodically or event-driven rather than continuously operating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary coarse location estimation using available device information (such as cell tower triangulation or GPS) before initiating detailed scanning. This preliminary action filters out devices that don't meet localization criteria, preventing unnecessary continuous scanning and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining accuracy for target devices.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated applications are required for device localization, then localization accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to be localized without requiring user installation or interaction. The server autonomously identifies and localizes devices using their existing communication identifiers and network presence, eliminating the need for dedicated applications. Devices simply need to have standard communication capabilities to be detected and localized.
3Reliability
If all communication nodes continuously scan for devices, then device detection reliability is improved, but system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system assigns different scanning responsibilities to different communication nodes based on their location and role. Only nodes within or near the target device's coarse location perform detailed scanning, while other nodes remain in standby or perform minimal scanning. This localized approach maintains detection reliability for target areas while reducing overall system complexity and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning function is segmented between the central server and local communication nodes. The server performs coarse location estimation and determines which nodes should scan, while individual nodes perform localized detailed scanning. This segmentation distributes system complexity and prevents any single node from bearing the full burden of continuous comprehensive scanning.
4Device complexity
If coarse location estimation is used without selective scanning, then system simplicity is maintained, but localization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The localization process is segmented into two stages: coarse location estimation performed by the server using available network information, followed by selective detailed scanning performed by specific communication nodes. This segmentation maintains system simplicity at the server level while achieving high localization accuracy through targeted node scanning, avoiding the need for all nodes to perform complex continuous scanning.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, circuits, systems and associated computer executable code for detecting the presence of a mobile computing device in a specific area. Included are means for receiving a message from the mobile device including a coarse location indicator, determining that the received coarse location indicator is in proximity with one or more local (e.g. retailer) stations, and causing at least one of the one or more local stations to transmit a mobile device specific poling signal to the device.