WLAN Access Point Location Measuring Using Barycentric Coordinates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location measuring techniques, such as GPS, face limitations in precision and usability within buildings due to the need for satellite signals and high costs, prompting the need for alternative methods using WLAN access points to determine the location of communication terminals.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that store location coordinates of WLAN access points, receive information from communication terminals, select nearby access points, calculate barycentric coordinates, and determine the location of communication terminals using imaginary coordinates when actual coordinates are unknown, by analyzing signal strengths over time to identify rising points of inflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If GPS-based location measuring technique is used, then location measurement is possible outdoors, but it cannot be applied indoors where satellite signals cannot be received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces WLAN access points as intermediary objects to enable location measurement indoors. Instead of directly receiving satellite signals, the terminal uses access points as mediators that transmit wireless signals which can be received indoors, allowing location determination through signal strength analysis of these intermediary objects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic signal system with a WLAN-based electromagnetic signal system. By substituting the satellite signal source with locally available WLAN access point signals, the system achieves indoor location capability where satellite signals are blocked
2Measurement precision
If high-precision GPS-based location measuring technique is used, then location precision is improved, but cost increases due to military origin and specialized equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs widely available, low-cost WLAN access points and standard WLAN cards instead of expensive GPS receivers. These common consumer electronics components can be found in most modern devices, eliminating the need for specialized high-cost GPS hardware while achieving sufficient location precision through signal strength-based triangulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the universal WLAN infrastructure already present in buildings for internet connectivity and repurposes it for location measurement. The same WLAN cards and access points used for networking serve dual functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated location measurement equipment
3Adaptability or versatility
If GPS receiver is mounted on mobile terminal, then location measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the WLAN card and wireless communication capabilities that are already standard components in modern mobile terminals for dual purposes: both internet connectivity and location measurement. This eliminates the need to add separate GPS receivers or specialized location measurement hardware to terminal devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for measuring a location of a communication terminal using an access point is provided. Information of nearby access points from the communication terminal is received. A predetermined number of nearby access points among the nearby access points is selected based on the received information. Location coordinates of the selected predetermined number of nearby access points are extracted. A barycentric coordinate is calculated using the extracted location coordinates. The calculated barycentric coordinate is determined as a final location of the communication terminal.