Wireless Session Counting via Network Probing and Device Caching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for counting wireless sessions across networks are inaccurate and inflexible, as there is no standard definition for a wireless session, and library-owned devices can inflate visitor session counts, leading to unreliable data for monitoring trends.
Innovation Solution
A wireless session counting system that probes the network at predetermined times to create an inventory of connected devices, storing data in a memory that includes device snapshots and a cache with modifiable properties, generating session count reports based on user-defined criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual headcount or user self-reporting methods are used to count wireless sessions, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to inaccuracies and lack of standardization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting methods (librarians physically counting users) and user self-reporting mechanisms with an automated electronic system that uses wireless network infrastructure to automatically detect and count devices. The system substitutes human labor and subjective reporting with objective automated detection through network probes and device identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the wireless network infrastructure itself to perform the counting function without external intervention. The network automatically probes for devices, identifies them through MAC addresses and other identifiers, and generates session counts without requiring librarians to manually count or users to actively report their presence. The network serves itself by leveraging its existing communication capabilities.
2Quantity of substance
If library-owned devices are included in wireless session counts, then complete network usage data is captured, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inflated counts that do not reflect actual visitor usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and separates library-owned devices from the overall device population through identification mechanisms. By recognizing specific MAC addresses, device types, or ownership patterns, the system isolates library devices and excludes them from visitor session counts while maintaining separate tracking. This extraction allows the system to capture complete network usage data for analytical purposes while generating accurate visitor-specific statistics.
3Measurement precision
If automated probing systems are implemented to accurately count wireless sessions, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and system resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wireless network infrastructure multi-functional by having it perform both its primary function of providing wireless connectivity and the additional function of automated device counting and monitoring. The same network probes, access points, and controllers used for normal network operation are leveraged to simultaneously perform session counting, eliminating the need for separate dedicated monitoring hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network infrastructure serves itself by using its existing communication protocols and detection capabilities to automatically identify and count devices. The system leverages the network's inherent ability to probe for devices, assign IP addresses, and track connections to simultaneously perform monitoring functions without requiring external specialized equipment or complex additional systems.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fixed definitions for wireless sessions are imposed, then measurement consistency is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when diverse usage patterns need to be monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic session definitions that can adapt to different library contexts and usage patterns. Rather than enforcing a single fixed definition, the system allows session parameters (such as time thresholds for reconnection, device types to track, and counting methodologies) to be configured and adjusted based on specific library needs, time of day, day of week, or particular program requirements. This dynamic approach maintains consistency within each configured context while adapting across different scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for determining session counts for one or more devices on a network. Generally, one or more devices using a network at a pre-determined time are identified and an inventory with a device snapshot and device cache is created. Session counts for the one or more devices on the network are based on the device snapshots and device caches, and the session counts may be provided in a session count report.