Wireless Node Proximity Estimation for Indoor Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS-based device tracking methods consume high energy, require significant storage, and raise privacy concerns, while also being ineffective indoors and relying on internet connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mobile computing device to estimate the availability and relative proximity of wireless network access nodes without geolocation data, by discovering access nodes, generating discovery records, and processing metadata to indicate displacement speed and availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based device tracking is used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable, low-cost wireless network discovery data instead of expensive GPS satellite signals. By utilizing readily available Wi-Fi and cellular network scanning information that devices already collect for connectivity purposes, the system achieves positioning functionality without the high energy cost of GPS receivers continuously acquiring satellite signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless network access nodes as intermediary objects between the device and absolute geographic coordinates. Instead of directly measuring position via GPS satellites, the device discovers intermediary network nodes (Wi-Fi access points, cellular base stations) and uses their relative proximity relationships to infer location, thereby avoiding direct GPS dependency.
2Measurement precision
If GPS-based device tracking is used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses lightweight, transient network discovery records instead of storing extensive GPS coordinate histories. Each discovery record contains only essential identifiers and timing information about detected network nodes, requiring minimal storage compared to GPS data structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential elements needed for relative positioning from network discoveries - node identifiers and discovery timestamps - while discarding unnecessary GPS-related data structures, satellite ephemeris information, and complex geolocation databases that would consume significant storage.
3Measurement precision
If GPS-based device tracking is used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but privacy intrusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses anonymous, transient network node identifiers that do not inherently contain personal information. These disposable identifiers are automatically generated by network infrastructure rather than user profiles, providing location context without directly exposing user identity or sensitive personal data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network access nodes as privacy-preserving intermediaries. These nodes serve as anonymous mediators between the device and location services, allowing the system to infer position through network topology without requiring direct access to user identity information or enabling straightforward user tracking by service providers.
4Measurement precision
If GPS-based device tracking is used, then outdoor positioning is improved, but indoor coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning method that functions equally well in both outdoor and indoor environments. By relying on wireless network infrastructure (Wi-Fi access points, cellular base stations) rather than satellite geometry, the same discovery-based algorithm provides consistent positioning capability whether the device is outdoors near network infrastructure or indoors within building coverage areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces GPS satellites with local wireless network nodes as positioning intermediaries. These intermediary network nodes are deployed throughout both outdoor and indoor spaces, providing the same type of local reference signals that enable positioning in GPS-denied indoor environments while maintaining compatibility with outdoor network coverage areas.
5Loss of information
If public network services are used for localization, then location data availability is improved, but device connectivity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables devices to perform localization self-service using their own wireless network scanning capabilities. Instead of requiring continuous connection to public localization services or internet infrastructure, the device independently discovers network nodes and processes discovery records locally to determine position, making the system functional even when internet access is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary network node discovery and stores discovery records locally before any positioning computation is needed. This preliminary data collection allows the device to immediately process location information without requiring real-time internet connectivity or external service requests, enabling offline positioning functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method for mapping the wireless network environment as observed from a computing device having at least one network interface for accessing said environment. The mapping method requires limited storage space and processing power, so that it may be executed on said computing devices without requiring further network services. Structured mapped data generated from gathered network discovery traces enables a plurality of location-based, mobility or network routing services.