Zone-Restricted Computing Device Behavior via Wireless Access Point Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an accurate method to determine whether a computing device is within a restricted access zone, such as a casino, to enable or disable specific behaviors like wagering, as existing technologies struggle to distinguish between devices inside and outside the zone, especially when connected to the same local area network.
Innovation Solution
The system uses authorized wireless access points to identify the device's location by transmitting unique identifiers, requiring the device to detect a predetermined threshold of these points to determine if it is within the restricted zone, enabling zone-restricted behavior accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless access points are used to determine zone location, then the device can identify authorized access points, but it becomes difficult to distinguish between devices inside and outside the restricted zone when both are connected to the same local area network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the zone detection system into multiple independent wireless access points distributed throughout the restricted zone. Each access point independently transmits its identifier, and the computing device segments the detection process by counting individual access points rather than relying on a single centralized signal. This segmentation enables precise location determination by requiring a threshold number of access points to be detected, effectively solving the problem of distinguishing inside from outside the zone while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless access point identifiers as an intermediary mechanism between the physical zone boundary and the computing device's location determination. Instead of directly detecting physical presence in the zone, the device detects intermediate signals (access point identifiers) that mediate the connection between physical location and logical zone status. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing measurable signals that indicate zone presence without requiring complex direct detection systems
2Ease of manufacture
If a single wireless access point is used for zone detection, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot accurately determine whether the device is inside or outside the restricted zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the zone detection function across multiple wireless access points rather than relying on a single access point. This segmentation maintains ease of implementation through modular deployment while improving location accuracy by requiring detection of a threshold number of access points, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple wireless access points into a coordinated zone detection system where each access point contributes its identifier to the overall detection process. This merging approach maintains implementation simplicity by using standard wireless access point technology while achieving accurate zone determination through the combined signal from multiple access points, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and measurement precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures seamless transition of restricted features, like wagering, by accurately determining the device's location within the zone, preventing unauthorized access outside the zone and maintaining a consistent user experience inside the zone.
Implementation Method 1
each of one or more authorized wireless access points within the restricted access zone transmits wireless access point identifiers
Data Source
AI summary
A method for implementing zone-restricted behavior of a computing device includes identifying wireless access points using the computing device, determining a number of authorized wireless access points from the wireless access points identified by the computing device, determining that the computing device is located within a restricted access zone when the number of authorized wireless access points identified by the computing device exceeds a predetermined threshold of authorized wireless access points identified, and enabling a zone mode of the computing device when the computing device is determined to be located within the restricted access zone.