WLAN-Based Movement Track Generation for Camera-Free Home Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In smart homes, determining the movement track of individuals or pets using home cameras is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and existing setups often have blind spots due to limited camera coverage, posing privacy risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize wireless local area network (WLAN) coverage to track the movement of devices by detecting entry and exit points, generating precise location coordinates, and creating movement tracks using a server that integrates data from multiple home devices, enabling accurate positioning and movement tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If home cameras are used to track movement, then movement tracking can be performed, but it is time-consuming and labor-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical camera-based tracking system with a wireless communication-based system. Instead of using physical cameras to capture and review movement, the system uses WLAN signals to automatically detect device location and generate movement tracks, eliminating the need for manual camera operation and video review.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic movement tracking without human intervention. The server automatically receives messages from home devices, determines device locations, generates movement tracks, and provides location information without requiring manual monitoring or review by users.
2Reliability
If home cameras are installed for movement tracking, then tracking capability is provided, but blind spots exist due to limited camera coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the WLAN coverage area serve multiple functions: it provides both network connectivity and movement tracking coverage. The same WLAN infrastructure that provides internet access also serves as the detection medium for movement tracking, eliminating the need for separate camera coverage and achieving comprehensive home coverage.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple home devices are used for tracking, then coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing home devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) serve dual purposes: both for their original functions and for WLAN-based movement tracking. Instead of adding dedicated tracking hardware, the system leverages devices that are already present in the home environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the physical home environment through WLAN signal mapping. By establishing correspondence between physical locations and WLAN coverage areas, the system can track movement without requiring physical cameras or sensors in every location.
Data Source
AI summary
Example movement track generation methods and apparatus are described. In one example method, a server receives a first message sent by a first home device, and the first message indicates that the first device enters or leaves a wireless local area network (WLAN) coverage of the first home device. The server receives a second message sent by a second home device, and the second message indicates that the first device enters or leaves a WLAN coverage of the second home device. The server generates a movement track of the first device based on the first message and the second message, and the movement track of the first device includes location coordinates of the first home device and location coordinates of the second home device.