WLAN Access Point Database for Indoor Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite-based positioning systems are ineffective for indoor locations due to the need for a clear line of sight and require specialized receivers, increasing costs, while existing WLAN-based systems lack comprehensive AP location information for accurate positioning.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using WLAN access points to estimate a mobile device's position by accessing an AP database with MAC addresses, signal strength measurements, and satellite coordinates, allowing for the determination of AP locations through collective donations from multiple devices, enhancing indoor positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite-based positioning systems are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the system becomes ineffective for indoor positioning and requires specialized receivers increasing device cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces satellite-based positioning (GPS) with WLAN-based positioning using access points. Instead of relying on satellite signals that require line-of-sight, the system uses wireless local area network infrastructure to determine device location through signal strength measurements from nearby access points, enabling indoor positioning without specialized receivers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an access point database as an intermediary component. This database stores pre-collected location information about access points and is queried by the positioning system to translate signal strength measurements into actual location coordinates, enabling accurate indoor positioning without direct satellite contact
2Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN-based positioning systems are used, then indoor positioning capability is improved and infrastructure investment is minimized, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to lack of comprehensive AP location information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a database that pre-stores access point location information collected from multiple devices over time. Instead of determining AP locations in real-time during positioning operations, the system performs preliminary data collection and processing, storing AP locations, signal characteristics, and geographic areas for later rapid querying during actual positioning tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where mobile devices continuously contribute location data and signal strength measurements to the database. This feedback loop allows the system to refine and update access point location information over time, improving positioning accuracy through accumulated data from multiple sources while maintaining minimal infrastructure requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining a position of a mobile wireless device using wireless local area network access points (APs). In one embodiment, a mobile wireless device includes an AP positioning system configured to estimate a position of the device based on locations of APs disposed about the device. The AP positioning system is configured to: 1) access an AP database; and 2) provide, to the database, one or more medium access controller (MAC) addresses and an area of interest value. The AP positioning system is also configured to retrieve, from the database: 1) location information for each AP having a provided MAC address, or located within the area of interest; and 2) at least one of: signal parameters for the APs nearby the device, a geographic area within which each MAC address can be received, and an indication of a scan type to used for identifying APs.