WLAN Channel Scanning for Geofencing Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Location-based services, particularly geofencing, face challenges in accurately and efficiently determining user location indoors and managing power consumption, as existing GPS and WLAN scanning methods are either inaccurate indoors or consume excessive power.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a wireless communication module, processor, and memory that selectively performs WLAN scans based on geofence-related information and device status to minimize power usage by determining optimal scan channels and cycles, thereby reducing unnecessary scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS scheme is used for location-based service, then location accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases and indoor location detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location detection task by dividing channels into target channels (associated with geofence APs) and non-target channels. The device performs detailed scanning only on target channels while skipping or reducing scans on non-target channels, thereby achieving accurate location detection through selective scanning rather than comprehensive scanning across all channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the scanning intensity based on channel importance. Target channels receive full scanning attention to ensure accurate AP detection, while non-target channels receive reduced or no scanning. This localized approach concentrates resources on critical detection areas, maintaining location accuracy while reducing overall power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If number of WLAN scans is increased to improve location accuracy and speed, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by performing WLAN scans only on selected target channels rather than all available channels. The device identifies channels associated with geofence APs and concentrates scanning efforts on those specific channels, achieving sufficient location accuracy through partial scanning coverage while significantly reducing the total number of scans and associated power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into target channels and non-target channels based on geofence relevance. By obtaining channel information from the server and filtering to identify target channels, the device creates a segmented scanning strategy that focuses resources on necessary channels, maintaining detection accuracy while minimizing unnecessary scanning operations.
3Reliability
If full channel scanning is performed to ensure comprehensive AP detection, then reliability is improved, but power consumption and scan time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining channel information from the server before performing scans. The device receives geofence-related information including AP identifiers and their associated channels in advance, allowing it to pre-identify target channels. This preliminary preparation enables the device to skip unnecessary channels during actual scanning, reducing scan time while maintaining reliable AP detection through focused scanning on predetermined target channels.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, an electronic device may include a wireless communication module performing WLAN communication, a processor operatively connected to the wireless communication module, and a memory operatively connected to the processor. The processor may receive geofence-related information from a server in response to execution of an application associated with a geofencing service, identify status information of the electronic device, determine at least one channel based on the received geofence-related information and/or the identified status information of the electronic device, and perform a scan function based on the determined at least one channel. Other embodiments are possible.