TW202135546A - Passive asset tracking using observations of wi-fi access points - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of passive asset tracking using observations of Wi-Fi access points includes associating unique identifying information of a Wi-Fi access point with a moveable asset in an asset tracking database, where the Wi-Fi access point is disposed on, attached to, or integrated, receiving observation data from a Wi-Fi AP Database including the unique identifying information of the Wi-Fi access point and location information of the Wi-Fi access point, determining a location of the moveable asset based, at least in part, on the observation data of the Wi-Fi access point, and storing the location of the moveable asset in the asset tracking database. There is no communication between the asset tracking database and one or more wireless devices that report an encounter with the Wi-Fi access point, comprising observation data, to the Wi-Fi AP Database.

Description

Passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observation

The present invention relates to passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observation. Cross reference of related applications

This application is a partial continuation application of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/907,806 filed on June 22, 2020 and issued on November 17, 2020 as U.S. Patent No. 10,841,749. The U.S. patent application is September 2019 The continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/570,195, which was filed on July 13 and issued on July 28, 2020 as U.S. Patent No. 10,728,709.

This application is a partial continuation of the U.S. Patent Application No. 16/812,471 filed on March 9, 2020 and issued on November 24, 2020 as U.S. Patent No. 10,848,934. The U.S. patent application is September 2019 Part of the continuation application of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/570,195, which was filed on the 13th and issued on July 28, 2020 as U.S. Patent No. 10,728,709.

This application is a partial continuation application of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/812,612 filed on March 9, 2020 and issued on November 24, 2020 as U.S. Patent No. 10,848,935. The U.S. Patent Application is September 2019 Part of the continuation application of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/570,195, which was filed on the 13th and issued on July 28, 2020 as U.S. Patent No. 10,728,709.

All the patent applications mentioned above are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Wireless network connection refers to the use of electromagnetic transmission to wirelessly exchange information between network nodes. Standards setting organizations, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ("IEEE"), coordinate, develop, publish, and maintain technical standards that contribute to the implementation of wireless network standards that ensure competition The compatibility between the original equipment manufacturers and seek to achieve the wide adoption of their respective technologies. The extensive IEEE 802.11 standard specifies the Wireless Local Area Network (“WLAN”) technology commonly referred to as Wi-Fi, which facilitates wireless communication between devices and often acts as a carrier for Internet protocol communications. The bridge of the Internet. Wi-Fi usually operates in the radio part of the electromagnetic spectrum in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band.

In its first iteration, the IEEE 802.11a/b standard specified a transfer rate of up to 11 Mbps within a range of up to 150 feet. The IEEE 802.11g amendment implemented various improvements, including Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing ("OFDM") to increase the transfer rate up to 54 Mbps while maintaining backward compatibility with IEEE 802.11b. The IEEE 802.11n amendment adds Multiple Input Multiple Output ("MIMO") functionality, in which multiple transmitters and receivers operate simultaneously at one or both ends of the link to facilitate transfer of up to 300 Mbps The transfer rate is even higher when using additional antennas. The IEEE 802.11ac amendment adds support for spatial streaming and increases the channel width to substantially increase the transfer rate from 433 Mbps to several Gbps, and only in the less crowded 5 GHz band and up to 300 feet Or work within a larger range.

The IEEE 802.11 standard is still an evolving technical standard, and future amendments may seek to increase the transfer rate, improve connectivity and enhance security in a challenging environment. Therefore, Wi-Fi is still the most widely used wireless network connection standard in the world.

According to one aspect of one or more specific examples of the present invention, a method for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observation includes: arranging a unique Wi-Fi access point in an asset tracking database The identification information is associated with a movable asset, where the Wi-Fi access point is placed on, attached to, or integrated with the movable asset; received from a Wi-Fi AP database Observation data, the observation data including the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point and the location information of the Wi-Fi access point; determining the availability based at least in part on the observation data of the Wi-Fi access point A location of a mobile asset; and storing the location of the movable asset in the asset tracking database. There is no communication between the asset tracking database and one or more wireless devices. The one or more wireless devices will report an encounter with one of the Wi-Fi access points to the Wi-Fi AP database. The report Including observation data.

According to one aspect of one or more specific examples of the present invention, a method for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observation includes: arranging a unique Wi-Fi access point in an asset tracking database The identification information is associated with a movable asset, where the Wi-Fi access point is placed on the movable asset, attached to the movable asset, or integrated with the movable asset; since the Wi-Fi access is encountered One or more points directly report that the wireless device receives first observation data, and the first observation data includes the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point and the first location information of the Wi-Fi access point; The Wi-Fi AP database receives second observation data, the second observation data including the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point and the second location information of the Wi-Fi access point; based at least in part on the Wi-Fi -The first observation data and/or the second observation data of the Fi access point are used to determine a position of the movable asset; and the position of the movable asset is stored in the asset tracking database. There is no communication between the asset tracking database and one or more indirect reporting wireless devices, and the one or more indirect reporting wireless devices report their respective encounters with the Wi-Fi access point to the Wi-Fi AP database, the report includes the second observation data.

According to one aspect of one or more specific examples of the present invention, a method for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observation includes: arranging a unique Wi-Fi access point in an asset tracking database The identification information is associated with a movable asset, where the Wi-Fi access point is placed on the movable asset, attached to the movable asset, or integrated with the movable asset; since the Wi-Fi access is encountered One or more wireless devices receive observation data, the observation data including the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point and the location information of the Wi-Fi access point; based at least in part on the Wi-Fi access Point the observation data to determine a position of the movable asset; and store the position of the movable asset in the asset tracking database.

Other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the scope of the patent application.

With reference to the drawings, one or more specific examples of the present invention will be described in detail. For consistency, similar elements are indicated by similar reference numerals in the various figures. In the following detailed description of the present invention, specific details are described in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. In other cases, in order to avoid obscuring the description of the present invention, the state that is well known to those with ordinary knowledge in the art is not described.

Conventional asset tracking systems use dedicated and complex hardware and software systems to track physical assets typically within a fixed location (for example, in a warehouse) or from one or more fixed location entrances to entrances (for example, Track the departure from the warehouse and the departure from the dealer). Some asset tracking systems use simple printed asset tracking tags that are configured to be optically read by reading devices such as barcode readers or Quick Response ("QR") readers. Other asset tracking systems use asset tracking tags, which are configured to use, for example, Near-Field Communication (“NFC”), Bluetooth Low Energy (“BLE”), and Radio-Frequency Identification ; "RFID") or other short-range communication technology is read by the short-range communication device in the vicinity of the tag. Other asset tracking systems still use asset tracking tags, which are configured to be read at a distance using a long range ("LoRa") network or cellular communication. In some cases, the asset tracking system uses asset tracking tags, which can use the Global Positioning System ("GPS") to determine its own location and directly report its own location to the asset tracking system via a communication network. However, such systems require a lot of power, unobstructed access to satellite signals, and communication capabilities to self-report their location.

These conventional asset tracking systems can be called closed network systems because dedicated hardware and software systems are purposefully deployed and participate in asset tracking tasks. The asset tag must be directly read by a reader or short-range communication device in the vicinity of the tag, or the asset tag must be able to determine its own location and report its own location directly to the asset tracking system. Therefore, the inherent limitation in the conventional closed network asset tracking system is the requirement that the marking, tracking, hardware and software systems must be intentionally deployed, spanning the coverage area, and definitely performing and managing asset tracking tasks. This requires a lot of investment in expensive hardware and software systems, as well as the use of hiring and training personnel. In addition, in the widespread deployment of assets across many locations (perhaps even around the world), deploying and managing the conventional closed network asset tracking system is extremely difficult (if possible) and costly.

Therefore, in one or more specific examples of the present invention, the passive asset tracking method and system use the observation of Wi-Fi access points to passively track movable assets. In some specific examples, the Wi-Fi access point can be placed on the movable asset to be tracked, attached to the movable asset or integrated with the movable asset and logically associated in the asset tracking database . Movable assets can then be deployed in the field or otherwise used in a typical manner. Compared with a closed network asset tracking system, only when a Wi-Fi-enabled wireless device encounters a Wi-Fi access point of a movable asset (logically associated in the asset tracking database), it will passively track the available Mobile assets (without the need for the user of the wireless device to be aware that he or she is participating in an asset tracking task). In some specific instances, when one or more wireless devices enter the Wi-Fi transmission range of the Wi-Fi access point associated with the movable asset to be tracked, the wireless device will interact with the Wi-Fi access point. The encounters are reported to the Wi-Fi AP database that is typically used to improve location services. The report includes observation data, which includes at least the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point encountered and the location information that can be used to determine the location of the Wi-Fi access point. The asset tracking database can directly receive observation data from one or more reporting wireless devices encountered by Wi-Fi access points and/or indirectly from a Wi-Fi AP database. The Wi-Fi AP database is from one or more The reporting wireless device receives the observation data, and the reporting wireless device encounters the Wi-Fi access point and reports the observation data to the Wi-Fi AP database. Refer to the asset tracking database to use the terms "direct" and "indirect". The asset tracking database can determine the location of the movable asset based at least in part on the observation data of the associated Wi-Fi access point. In this way, mobile assets can be deployed anywhere in the world using Wi-Fi access points that do not need to be associated with any wireless devices or provide any kind of network connectivity. Every smart phone in the world that just enters the Wi-Fi transmission range of a Wi-Fi access point (even if only temporarily) can anonymously and unconsciously participate in asset tracking by reporting observations of the Wi-Fi access point Task, the asset tracking database can receive and use the observation data to determine the location of movable assets.

The passive asset tracking method and system utilize the existing infrastructure inherent in the smart phone and smart phone operating system to report the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point encountered and its location to improve location-based The accuracy of the service. Advantageously, the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery protocol and the inherent Wi-Fi access point reporting feature of smart phones can be used cooperatively to use publicly accessible Wi-Fi signals and relative to asset tracking tasks in passive scanning applications And passively track Wi-Fi access points associated with movable assets by one or more wireless devices in complete anonymity, without the need for wireless devices to authenticate to the Wi-Fi access point, and access to any specific Wi-Fi Points to associate or establish connectivity.

Figure 1 shows a conventional Wi-Fi wireless network 100 . The Wi-Fi access point 110 facilitates wireless connectivity between one or more of the wireless devices, and in a configuration that includes an integrated router, can act as a wireless device (for example, 120 , 130 , 140, and 150 ) A bridge between the upstream network connection (such as the Internet connection provided by the broadband modem 105). In conventional use, one or more wireless devices (for example, 120 , 130 , 140, and 150 ) (including, for example, a TV 120 , a computer 130 , a tablet computer 140 , a smart phone 150 or any other wireless device and Wi-Fi) can be used. A wireless connection is established between the Fi access points 110 ), thereby allowing wireless devices (for example, 120 , 130 , 140, and 150 ) to communicate with each other and/or access the Internet via the broadband modem 105. Wi-Fi access points 110 are usually found in homes, offices, and public places, among which Wi-Fi access points are usually called Wi-Fi hotspots. Although the number of Wi-Fi access points 110 has not been counted with certainty, it is believed that there are more than 13 billion Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 ) in the world. Efforts to map Wi-Fi signal coverage indicate that most modern cities have Wi-Fi signals that are publicly accessible. Despite the foregoing, those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that the conventional Wi-Fi wireless network 100 does not require a broadband modem 105 or Internet connectivity, and can be used purely as a wireless network to facilitate Wireless communication between one or more wireless devices (for example, 120 , 130 , 140, and 150).

Figure 2A shows the passive scanning mode 200 as part of the IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process. Wi-Fi wireless network discovery is used by wireless devices to identify and potentially authenticate with Wi-Fi access points in range (for example, 110 ), associate with Wi-Fi access points in range, and establish data exchange connectivity with them the process of. In passive scanning mode, one or more wireless devices (e.g., 150) by one or more listeners ranges Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110) at periodic intervals of a broadcast beacon frame information (e.g., 220 ) to announce the existence of their respective Wi-Fi wireless networks. The beacon frame (e.g., 220 ) is a type of Wi-Fi management frame that includes information about broadcasting Wi-Fi access points (e.g., 110 ) to facilitate potential verification, association, and Connectivity. Each beacon frame (for example, 220 ) includes a service set identifier (Service Set Identifier; "SSID"), which is typically a given name for the user who broadcasts the Wi-Fi wireless network, and uniquely identifies it Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 ) information, including but not limited to the Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 ) or its broadcast band’s unique Basic Service Set Identifier (Basic Service Set Identifier; "BSSID ") or Media Access Control ("MAC") address. As part of the same wireless network, multiple Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 ) can share the same SSID, but each Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 ) will have unique identification information, including, for example, unique BSSID. In addition, dual or multi-band Wi-Fi access points (eg, 110 ) that broadcast on multiple frequency bands may have a unique BSSID for each frequency band on which the access points broadcast. Typically, the self-management agency assigns a BSSID block to the manufacturer to allow the manufacturer to use the BSSID for the equipment it produces. Therefore, the BSSID of each Wi-Fi access point or its frequency band should be truly unique and distinguishable from all other BSSIDs.

In the example depicted in the figure, a wireless device 150 such as a smart phone can be positioned within the broadcast range of the Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b, and 110c , even if only temporarily passing through the broadcast range. Each Wi-Fi access point 110a , 110b, and 110c can periodically broadcast its respective beacon frame 220a , 220b, and 220c , thereby announcing the existence of its respective Wi-Fi wireless network. The wireless device 150 can listen to and receive the beacon frames 220a , 220b, and 220c from the Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b, and 110c in range. In the conventional application, the user of the wireless device 150 wishing to join the Wi-Fi wireless network can optionally select the SSID of the wireless network that they wish to join via the operating system of their device, sometimes called the network name. Sometimes, the wireless device 150 can automatically connect to the previously joined Wi-Fi wireless network based on the user's preference. Once connectivity is established, the wireless device 150 can communicate 290 with the Wi-Fi access point 110a , thereby exchanging data via the Wi-Fi access point 110a and possibly accessing other networks, such as an upstream Internet connection (e.g., Figure 1 of 105 ). It is worth noting that the passive scanning 200 is relative to the wireless device (e.g., 150 ) of the beacon frame (e.g., 220a , 220b, and 220c ) of Wi-Fi access points (e.g., 110a , 110b, and 110c) in the receiving range It is completely anonymous until this time when the wireless devices choose to authenticate and associate with a specific Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110a). Unless and until the user of the wireless device 150 selects a specific Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 ) and its Wi-Fi wireless network to authenticate with, associate with, and establish data connectivity with it, the wireless device 150 can be passive To receive Wi-Fi signals publicly broadcasted by Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b, and 110c and any other Wi-Fi access points they may encounter, while maintaining complete anonymity. However, the wireless device 150 records information about the Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 ) it encounters, even though the user is typically unaware that these wireless devices never formally join the network, as in this article Discussed in more detail in.

Figure 2B shows the active scan mode 205 as part of IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi wireless network discovery. Compared with the passive scanning mode (for example, 200 in FIG. 2A ), the active scanning mode 205 is a type of Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process, in which the wireless device 150 broadcasts the detection request frame 230 to the Wi-Fi transmission range Specific (e.g., 110a ) or all Wi-Fi access points (e.g., 110a , 110b, and 110c ) within. The detection request frame 230 is a type of Wi-Fi management frame. The Wi-Fi management frame may include information about the specific Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110a ) that the wireless device 150 wants to associate with it. The detection The request frame is sometimes called a directional probe request, or the probe request frame can be used for all available Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110a , 110b , 110c ) within the Wi-Fi transmission range Probe, the probe request frame is sometimes called a null probe request. The Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b, and 110c in the response range transmit detection response frames 240a , 240b, and 240c , which include information substantially similar to the beacon frame (for example, 220 in FIG. 2A). The beacon frame includes its respective SSID and BSSID.

Compared to passive scanning (for example, 200 in FIG. 2A ) in which each Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 ) broadcasts its respective beacon frame (for example, 220 in FIG. 2A) on a specific channel, In the active scan mode 205 , the wireless device 150 can broadcast a probe request frame 230 across all available channels for the associated frequency band. In this way, the wireless device 150 can, for example, select a Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110a ), which temporarily provides the strongest received signal strength and quality. However, even when a particular wireless device 150 to a particular Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110a) associated therewith and verified, the wireless device 150 may leave the channel and continue to send probe requests information on another channel frame (e.g., 230 ). By continuing to actively detect Wi-Fi access points (e.g., 110 ), the wireless device 150 can maintain a list of known Wi-Fi access points (e.g., 110 ), which can be removed from the current association on the wireless device 150 The range of a Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110a ) may help roaming when a better connection is required. Compared to passive scanning (e.g., 200 of FIG. 2A), only the 205 active scanning mode requires a wireless device 150 transmits a probe request frame information inherent in the specific channel designated frequency band 230 and then compared to a passive scan (e.g., FIG. 2 200 ) while listening is relatively small in amount of time. Therefore, compared with the broadcast nature of the passive scanning operation (for example, 200 in FIG. 2A ), the active scanning 205 presents a more direct and targeted method for the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process.

2C shows a sequence of IEEE 802.11 management frames 210 typically exchanged between wireless device 150 and Wi-Fi access point 110 as part of the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process. The wireless device 150 must successfully identify (e.g., 220 , 230, and 240 ) the Wi-Fi access point 110 , authenticate to it (e.g., 250 and 260 ), and associate with it (e.g., 270 and 280 ) in order to be under the agreement Transmission of data frame 290 containing data. As previously discussed, Wi-Fi wireless network discovery refers to the wireless device 150 by which the Wi-Fi access point 110 is typically identified, authenticated to the Wi-Fi access point in range, and associated with it so that it can communicate with other devices and Such as the process of data transfer by the upstream network connection of the Internet 105.

The IEEE 802.11 standard specifies three different types of frames: management frames, data frames, and control frames, each of which is used for a specific purpose under the agreement. For example, the management frame is used to include the monitoring function of Wi-Fi wireless network discovery, the data frame is used to transmit data once it is verified and associated, and the control frame is used to control the transmission of data. As mentioned above, the IEEE 802.11 standard specifies two different scenarios in which, as part of the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process, the wireless device 150 can identify, authenticate and associate with the Wi-Fi access point 110.

In the passive scanning mode, the wireless device 150 listens to the beacon frame 220 , which is a type of management frame and is broadcast by the Wi-Fi access points 110 in range at periodic intervals. The beacon frame 220 announces the existence of the Wi-Fi access point 110 and includes information that facilitates potential verification, relevance, and final data transmission. For example, the information includes the BSSID and SSID of the broadcast Wi-Fi access point 110. For example, a user of the wireless device 150 (a smart phone in this example) can open the Wi-Fi application on his device to view the corresponding beacon frame (for example, 220 ) that is broadcasting A list of the SSIDs of the Wi-Fi access point 110 in the range, and select the specific SSID of the Wi-Fi wireless network that it wants to join. When the user selects the SSID of the specific Wi-Fi access point 110 , the wireless device 150 will transmit the detection request frame 230 of another type of management frame to the specific Wi-Fi access point that includes the capabilities of the wireless device 150 110 . In the active scanning mode, the wireless device 150 can transmit the detection request frame 230 including the capabilities of the wireless device 150 to a specific Wi-Fi access point 110 or all of the Wi-Fi access points 110 in the range without receiving the beacon frame 220. Wi-Fi access point 110 . Thus, the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process can be initiated by the Wi-Fi access point 110 of the broadcast beacon frame 220 or the wireless device 150 that transmits the detection request frame 230. Regardless of who initiated it, the rest of the verification and associated agreements are essentially the same.

After receiving the detection request frame 230 , if the Wi-Fi access point 110 has compatible parameters, the Wi-Fi access point 110 will transmit the detection response frame 240 of another type of management frame to the wireless device 150 . The probe response frame 240 includes parameters typically included in the beacon frame 220 , which includes unique identification information and the capabilities of the Wi-Fi access point 110. It is worth noting that at this stage of the process, the wireless device 150 has not authenticated to the Wi-Fi access point 110 , is not associated with it, and cannot transmit data in the data frame 290. After receiving the detection response frame 240 , the wireless device 150 will transmit the verification request frame 250 of another type of management frame to the Wi-Fi access point 110 . The authentication protocol establishes whether the wireless device 150 is authenticated to the Wi-Fi access point 110 , that is, to ensure the authority or access to encryption (open or shared key encryption). Without discussing the details of the authentication protocol (which is not necessary for the purpose of describing the claimed invention), it is worth noting that the wireless device 150 typically cannot authenticate until it has successfully authenticated to the Wi-Fi access point 110. Continue to perform the association and data transfer, as indicated by the verification response frame 260 of another type of management frame, thereby confirming the successful verification.

Once authenticated to the Wi-Fi access point 110 , the wireless device 150 will transmit an associated request frame 270 of another type of management frame to the Wi-Fi access point 110 . The association request frame 270 represents a request from a verified but not yet associated wireless device 150 to associate with the Wi-Fi access point 110 and enable data transfer via the data frame 290. The association request 270 includes information including, for example, the capabilities of the wireless device 150. After receiving the association request 270 , the Wi-Fi access point 110 compares the capabilities stated in the association request 270 with the capabilities of the Wi-Fi access point 110 to determine whether they match. If there is a mismatch, the Wi-Fi access point 110 determines whether the difference is a problem of preventing association and data transfer. If the difference is not substantial, the Wi-Fi access point 110 transmits an associated response 280 that is another type of management frame, thereby confirming the successful association. Upon receiving the association response 280 indicating the successful association with the Wi-Fi access point 110 , the wireless device 150 can exchange data 290 with the Wi-Fi access point 110 in data frames, which are bridged The network connection (typically the Internet 105 ) is routed to its final destination. It is worth noting that, in order for the wireless device 150 to use the Wi-Fi access point 110 instead of managing the frame to transmit data, the wireless device 150 must authenticate and associate with the Wi-Fi access point 110, thereby enabling the wireless The device 150 can transmit and receive data 290 . And similarly, until the wireless device 150 has been authenticated to the access point 110 and Wi-Fi associated therewith, Wi-Fi access point 110 can transfer the data to the data information box 150 the wireless device.

Figure 3A shows the sub-types of IEEE 802.11 management frames. In the conventional management frame (for example, 1100 in FIG. 11 ), the first octet is defined as the frame control field (for example, 1110 in FIG. 11 ). The first three sub-fields of the frame control field (for example, 1110 in Figure 11 ) exist in all IEEE 802.11 frames, and include the protocol version (not shown in the figure), the type of the frame, and the sub-type of the frame. The type of the frame sub-field indicates whether the frame is a management frame, a data frame, or a control frame. The subtype of the frame subfield indicates the specific subtype of the frame within that type. In this figure, various sub-types of management frames are shown. The subtype bit 310 represents the binary coded subtype described by the subtype description 320. For the purpose of the following discussion, we will focus on the beacon frame and detection response frame subtypes of the management frame. Nevertheless, as can be seen from the enumerated list of management frames, other management frames for supervisory purposes can be used according to one or more specific examples of the present invention, which are similar to those used by Wi-Fi wireless devices (e.g., 150 ) Identification, verification and correlation.

FIG. 3B shows the structure of the conventional IEEE 802.11 management frame 300 representing the type of management frame transferred between the wireless device (eg, 150 ) and the Wi-Fi access point (eg, 110). The conventional management frame 300 includes a number of predetermined fields, which are defined by specifications for the purpose of its agreement definition. For example, the MAC header 305 of the management frame 300 includes a frame control field 310 , a duration field 315 , a destination address field 320 , a source address field 325 , a BSSID 330 , and a sequence control field 335 . The management frame 300 further includes a frame body field 340 , which includes several sub-fields, and the sub-fields include some sub-fields that can be changed based on the sub-type of the management frame 300 (for example, 310 in FIG. 3A). For example, the frame body field 340 includes a mandatory sub-field 350 , which includes a time stamp sub-field 360 , a beacon interval sub-field 365 , a compatibility information sub-field 370 , an SSID sub-field 375, and The rate sub-columns that may be supported (not shown in the figure). The frame body field 340 may also include one or more optional sub-fields 355 , which may also vary based on the sub-type of the management frame 30 (for example, 310 in FIG. 3A ). The end of the management frame 300 includes a frame check sequence field 345 , which includes an error detection code. For the purpose of further identifying the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 ), verifying the Wi-Fi access point and being associated with it, during the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery, the beacon frame and the detection response signal The frame and other management frames are in the form of the conventional management frame 300 .

Figure 4A shows various techniques that can be used to determine the location of the wireless device 150 and one or more Wi-Fi access points (eg, 110). The wireless device 150 can be an example of a wireless device or a smart phone as depicted in any other type or category, and can establish a cellular connection with one or more cell towers 410 , where the cellular connection has cellular capabilities. Provides cellular network connectivity. In some cases, the established connection with the specific cell tower 410 can be used to establish the location of the wireless device 150 within the determinable radius of the specific cellular tower 410. In addition, the connectivity mode with one or more cell towers 410 can be used to establish the location of the wireless device 150 within a determinable radius or even possible movement. However, these technologies are rarely used outside of law enforcement. The reality is that the wireless device 150 typically relies on GPS signals to determine its own location. Most wireless devices 150 include a GPS receiver (not shown separately), which can receive one or more GPS signals (not shown in the figure) from one or more GPS satellites in earth orbit (for example, 420a , 420b, and 420c) . Typically, no matter where the wireless device 150 is located, anywhere in the world, at least four GPS satellites (eg, 420 ) are visible to the wireless device overhead. Each GPS satellite 420a , 420b, and 420c transmits a GPS signal (not shown in the figure) at regular time intervals, which includes information about the current position and current time of the satellite. The GPS receiver of the wireless device 150 receives one or more of these GPS signals, and calculates the distance between the GPS receiver and each satellite based in part on the time it takes for each individual GPS signal to arrive. If the wireless device 150 receives GPS signals from at least three GPS satellites 420a , 420b, and 420c , the location of the wireless device 150 can be determined with higher accuracy through a process called trilateral measurement. The GPS-derived location of the wireless device 150 can be determined continuously, periodically, or after executing software that requires location services (such as navigation software or a web browser for searching nearby locations). Under open sky and good conditions, GPS accuracy is within a radius of approximately 16 feet, but it will deteriorate near structures and obstacles.

In some cases, the wireless device 150 can use one or more Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b, and/or 110c in range to improve the accuracy of GPS location determination, and when GPS is not available, only based on Wi-Fi determines its location. As part of the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process, the wireless device 150 typically determines the Wi-Fi signals broadcast by the Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b, and/or 110c in range, sometimes referred to as received signal strength indicators. (Received Signal Strength Indication; "RSSI") the received signal strength. For the purpose of this discussion, it is assumed that the locations of one or more Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b, and/or 110c have been known to a certain degree of accuracy, and the Wi-Fi access points and received signal strength have been identified It can be used to improve the accuracy of GPS location determination, and when GPS is not available, the location of the wireless device 150 can be determined only based on Wi-Fi positioning. For example, the known location of the Wi-Fi access point 110a and the received signal strength of the Wi-Fi signal received from it can be used alone or in combination with the known locations or received signals of other Wi-Fi access points 110b and 110c The intensity is used to improve or determine the position of the wireless device 150 through one or more processes, such as RSSI, fingerprint recognition, angle of arrival, time of flight, or other positioning techniques including trilateral and triangulation. It is worth noting that the wireless device 150 does not need to authenticate with any specific Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110a , 110b, or 110c ), be associated with any specific Wi-Fi access point, or establish connectivity with it in other ways In this case, the received signal strength of the Wi-Fi signal received by the wireless device 150 from one or more Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110a , 110b, and/or 110c) is determined. Thus, the wireless device 150 can receive Wi-Fi signals publicly broadcasted by Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110a , 110b, or 110c ) in a range that the wireless device does not use or otherwise associate with it in any way.

Continuing, FIG. 4B shows an overview of the wireless device 150 that reports the observed observations of the Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b, and 110c encountered to the Wi-Fi AP database 730. In the discussion of FIG. 4A , it is assumed that the location of one or more Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110a , 110b, and 110c ) is known to a certain degree of accuracy. This assumption is true because the wireless device (for example, 150 ) reports the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 ) and location information it encounters to the original equipment manufacturer, operating system developer and/or third party A third-party software developer who maintains a database of observations of Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110a , 110b, and 110c ), which is referred to herein as Wi-Fi AP database 730 . The Wi-Fi AP database 730 stores the reported observations 420 of Wi-Fi access points (e.g., 110a , 110b, and 110c ). These reported observations are usually used to enhance end-user location services (ie, significant locations). , Location-based recommendations, location-based warnings, popular content near me, etc.). Although this benefits users of the wireless device 150 in providing improved services, each wireless device (eg, 150 ) typically reports information about their encounters on a continuous and continuous basis without the user’s awareness. Information about the location of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110) you have reached. For example, this is usually ^{implemented in the background as part of a location-based service such as Apple ®} iOS ^® , Google ^® Android ^® or Microsoft ^® , and it is typically available for commercial use by third-party software developers. In addition, many third-party software companies maintain their own Wi-Fi AP database 730 that includes unique identification information of Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 ) and observation data of location information. These Wi-Fi access points Some of them provide commercial access to their database for a fee. For example, Cisco Systems ^® , Facebook ^® , WhatsApp ^® , X-Mode ^® , Ruckus ^® and Skyhook ^® provide commercial versions of Wi-Fi AP database 730. It’s worth noting that, typically, it is stored in such databases anonymously by the signal of a publicly accessible Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 ) and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the use of most smart phones. In the information, these smart phones typically provide users with the option to give up participating in such services. In addition, typically, the report of the observation data is anonymous, and the record of the reporting wireless device 150 is not maintained. Therefore, each user of the wireless device 150 (such as a smart phone) often stores the Wi-Fi encountered by the user on a continuous and continuous basis without perceiving the user to do so. Observation data of points (for example, 110 ) are reported to the Wi-Fi AP database 730. However, users benefit from enhanced location determination when browsing the web to find nearby products or other location services.

Although well-known in the art, FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a conventional Wi-Fi access point 110. The conventional Wi-Fi access point 110 typically includes a printed circuit board and related components (not shown in the figure) that are typically arranged in a housing or casing 510. The Wi-Fi access point 110 typically includes: a processor 520 , which serves as the main calculation and processing engine of the system; a firmware 530 , which includes software instructions executed by the processor 520 and controls the functionality of the system; and a radio An interface 540 , which transmits and receives information via one or more antennas 550 ; and a power source 560 . In conventional applications, the power supply 560 is typically a DC power supply. However, some industrial and commercial applications can be configured for use with AC power, and other applications can still be configured to match the optional battery power 570. use together. The Wi-Fi access point 110 may include integrated router capabilities (not separately described).

In some specific examples of the claimed invention, the Wi-Fi access point 110 may not include one or more features to reduce the size, complexity, and power consumption of the device. For example, if the Wi-Fi access point 110 is strictly used for asset tracking tasks, the router and bridge functionality may not be needed and may be removed. In other specific examples of the claimed invention, a dummy Wi-Fi access point 110 that does not need to act as an access point can be used, but the dummy Wi-Fi access point merely disguises or emulates the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery protocol or Part of it can thereby transmit beacon frames, detection response frames, and/or other management frames as if it were a full-featured Wi-Fi access point 110 . Nonetheless, those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that any Wi-Fi access point 110 , its variants, or those capable of participating in the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery protocol can be used according to one or more specific examples of the present invention. At least part of other devices (as if it were a real Wi-Fi access point 110 ).

FIG. 6 shows an example of the application of passive asset tracking 600 according to one or more specific examples of the present invention. Specifically, in one or more specific examples of the present invention, even though the wireless device 150 or its user may not know that it is participating in an asset tracking task, one or more movable assets 610 , 620 , 630, and 640 It can be tracked passively by one or more wireless devices 150 that are within range of movable assets 610 , 620 , 630, and 640 or even enter and appear out of range and broadcast Wi-Fi signals. For example, in the example depicted in the figure, the wireless device 150 may be a smart phone that is carried on the user's body while being on a motor vehicle 670 driving along the street 660 . The user’s smart phone 150 can report observations of Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b , 110c, and 110d in the range encountered (even if only temporarily) without the user’s awareness. Give an asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) and/or a Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ). An asset tracking database (eg, 710 in FIG. 7A ) may use one or more observations to determine the location of movable assets 610 , 620 , 630, or 640. Advantageously, mobile assets (and associated Wi-Fi access points) do not require any network connectivity, can be deployed anywhere in the world, and the existing installation of the user of the smart phone 150 can be used to passively track The location of movable assets 610 , 620 , 630 and 640.

Therefore, for the purpose of this description, passive asset tracking means to track assets (e.g., 610 ) based on the observation of Wi-Fi access points (e.g., 110 ), without any specific wireless device 150 reporting to any specific Wi-Fi -The Fi access point (for example, 110a or any other) authenticates, associates with, or establishes connectivity with it. In addition, passive asset tracking does not require Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 ) associated with assets (for example, 610 ) to provide any network connectivity. In some specific examples of the present invention, one or more wireless devices 150 may associate Wi-Fi access points (e.g., 110a , 110b , 110c, or 110a) associated with assets (e.g., 610 , 620 , 630, or 640) 110d ) The encounter observation data is reported to the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in Figure 7A ). The asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) can receive observation data from the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) containing location information to determine one or more movable assets (for example, 610 , 620 , 630 or 640 ). In other examples of the present invention, one or more reports 150 may direct the wireless device with a movable asset (e.g., 610, 620, 630, or 640) Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110a of the associated, The first observation data of the encounter of 110b , 110c, or 110d ) is reported to the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ), and one or more indirect reporting wireless devices (for example, 150 ) can be obtained from the Wi-Fi AP database (For example, 730 in Figure 7A ) Report the second observation data. The Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) may receive the second observation data from one or more indirect reporting wireless devices (for example, 150 ), the one or more wireless devices encountering one or more assets (E.g., 610 , 620 , 630, or 640 ) the associated one or more Wi-Fi access points (e.g., 110a , 110b , 110c, or 110d ). In another specific example, one or more wireless devices 150 may associate Wi-Fi access points (e.g., 110a , 110b , 110c, or 110d ) associated with an asset (e.g., 610 , 620 , 630, or 640) The observation data of the encounter is reported to the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in Figure 7A ). In all such specific instances, the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process and reports of observations of encountered Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 ) can be advantageously used to use publicly accessible Wi-Fi signals And in passive scanning applications, relative to the asset tracking task, anonymously and passively track one or more assets (for example, 610 , 620 , 630, or 640 ) without any wireless device 150 accessing any specific Wi-Fi Point (for example, 110 ) to verify, associate with, or join that particular Wi-Fi access point. In addition, one or more Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110a , 110b , 110c, or 110d ) associated with one or more assets (for example, 610 , 620 , 630, or 640 ) provide any network Connectivity.

Returning to the example depicted in the figure, one or more Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b , 110c, and 110d can be placed on one or more assets 610 , 620 , 630, and 640 that can be deployed in the field 650 , Attached to or integrated with these assets. For the purpose of illustration, the infrastructure equipment 610 , 620 , 630, and 640 are shown as examples of movable assets that can be tracked. However, those with ordinary knowledge in the art will recognize that any movable asset can be tracked according to one or more specific examples of the present invention.

It is important to realize that there is no need for Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b , 110c, and 110d to participate in any particular wireless network or provide any network connectivity. Advantageously, as part of the asset tracking task, only the Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b , 110c, and 110d are required to participate in the part of the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process. Specifically, each Wi-Fi access point 110a , 110b , 110c, and 110d placed on, attached to, or integrated with assets 610 , 620 , 630, and 640 can be in passive scanning mode (e.g., Figure 2A 200 ) in the broadcast beacon frame (for example, 220 in Figure 2C ), and/or as part of the active scanning mode (for example, 205 in Figure 2B ), in response to the probe request frame (for example, 240 in Figure 2C ) , Where the beacon frame (for example, 220 in FIG. 2C ) or the probe response frame (for example, 240 in FIG. 2C ) includes uniquely identifying the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110b ) and is identified by the proxy server Information about a specific asset (for example, 620 ) itself. It is important to realize that, in addition to the ability to participate in at least part of the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process, it is not necessary for each movable asset to be tracked (for example, 610 , 620 , 630, and 640 ) to have any communication capabilities of any kind. . Those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that a beacon frame (for example, 220 in FIG. 2C ), a probe response frame (for example, 230 in FIG. 2C ), or other management frames (for example, 300 in FIG. 3A ) can be Contains other information, which can be used as part of an asset tracking task in one or more specific examples of the present invention.

In some specific examples, in the passive scanning mode (for example, 200 in FIG. 2A ), the Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b , 110c, and 110d may be physically and logically associated with assets 610 , 620 , and 630, respectively. And 640 are associated with and broadcast beacon frames (for example, 220 in FIG. 2C ) at regular time intervals, and each of the beacon frames includes uniquely identifying a specific Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110c ) And (for those who recognize the relevance) information on the asset (for example, 630 ) logically associated with the Wi-Fi access point in the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ). One or more wireless devices 150 may be in the range of one or more Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b , 110c, and 110d , and receive one or more beacon frames (for example, 220 in FIG. 2C ). As previously discussed, the wireless device 150 reports observation data via a cellular or other connection. Each report observations of at least Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110) a unique identifying information (such as a BSSID) and Wi-Fi access point encountered (e.g., 110) the location encountered . The location information may include coordinates such as latitude and longitude or other information that can be used to determine the location. In some specific examples, the observation data for a given Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 ) may include one or more of the following: report that the wireless device 150 is at or near the time of meeting The time, date, current location, speed and direction of travel, as well as SSID, received signal strength, or other information related to the Wi-Fi access point encountered (for example, 110). Further, observations may be included in a given Wi-Fi access point of interest encountered (e.g., 110) during this same time or near the time ranges from other Wi-Fi access points via encountered (e.g. , 110 ) any of the above-mentioned information. Observations was reported to the original equipment manufacturer of wireless device 150, the operating system is executed on the wireless device 150 of the operating system developer or by third party software developers, who maintain the above in the present invention for tracking assets Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) and/or a dedicated asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ).

Although the observation report aspect of the wireless device 150 is typically used to improve the accuracy of location-based services, here, the observation data can be used to estimate one or more Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b at a specific time and date , 110c and 110d , without any specific wireless device 150 intentionally participating in any specific Wi-Fi wireless network information. Thus, this information can be used to determine the location of one or more Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b , 110c, and 110d , and the proxy server can determine one or more movable assets with considerable accuracy 610 , 620 , 630, and 640 , which can typically be used by the wireless device 150 instead of GPS location determination or location-based services, or used by the wireless device 150 to enhance GPS location determination or location-based services. The well-known location improvement Technology to further improve.

In other specific examples, in the active scanning mode (for example, 205 in FIG. 2B ), one or more wireless devices 150 may transmit a probe request frame that is not directed to any specific Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110) (For example, 230 in FIG. 2C ), thereby requesting all Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b , 110c, and 110d in the range to announce their existence. In response, the Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b , 110c, and 110d in range can transmit a detection response frame (for example, 240 in Figure 2C ), which includes information that uniquely identifies the Wi-Fi access that responded Points 110a , 110b , 110c, and 110d and (for those who recognize the relevance) assets 610 , 620 , 630, and 640 associated with the Wi-Fi access point. As previously discussed, the wireless device 150 reports the observation data via a cellular or other connection, which at least includes unique identification information (such as BSSID) of one or more Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110) encountered and After encountering one or more Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 ) location information. The location information may include coordinates such as latitude and longitude or other information that can be used to determine the location. In some specific examples, the observation data for a given Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 ) may include one or more of the following: report that the wireless device 150 is at or near the time of meeting The time, date, current location, speed and direction of travel, as well as SSID, received signal strength, or other information related to the Wi-Fi access point encountered (for example, 110). Further, observations may be included in a given Wi-Fi access point of interest encountered (e.g., 110) during this same time or near the time ranges from other Wi-Fi access points via encountered (e.g. , 110 ) any of the above-mentioned information. Observations was reported to the original equipment manufacturer of wireless device 150, the operating system is executed on the wireless device 150 of the operating system developer or by third party software developers, who maintain the above in the present invention for tracking assets Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) and/or a dedicated asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ). The mobile operating system used on the smart phone 150 typically includes existing infrastructure to report observations to the operating system developer’s Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) in the background, and for the user No need to be aware of it.

Although a single wireless device 150 is depicted in the figure, those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of wireless devices 150 can enter and leave the range of assets 610 , 620 , 630, and 640 over time. Each of them can independently report the observation data of Wi-Fi access points 110a , 110b , 110c, and 110d (and other information that may be applicable to asset tracking tasks) in the range they encounter. In fact, tracking accuracy can be improved based on the number of observations, which may be carried out over time or may provide additional information, such as the movement of assets 610 , 620 , 630, and 640 throughout the day or the speed at which these assets move or Even the time the assets left the boundary of the work site 650.

FIG. 7A shows a system 700 for passive asset tracking using observations of Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 ) according to one or more specific examples of the present invention. The system 700 may include a software application program, which includes an asset tracking database 710 running on the computing system 800 and a user that provides access to the asset tracking client (not shown) of the data stored in the asset tracking database 710 End entrance 720 .

In some specific examples, the asset tracking database 710 can be a database software application, which includes a backend that executes butler software functions, a database management system ("DBMS") that provides data processing functions, and contains observations. Data storage area (text database) for data and other data, one or more management interfaces, and one or more other interfaces to the data contained in the asset tracking database 710. Those with ordinary knowledge in the art will recognize that the asset tracking database 710 may include other software, functions, and features that are well known in the art necessary for the deployment of database-type applications according to one or more specific examples of the present invention. In some specific examples, the client portal 720 may be a web-based portal (not separately described), which provides access to data stored in the asset tracking database 710 . In other specific examples, the client portal 720 may be an independent software application (not separately described), which provides access to data stored in the asset tracking database 710 . In another specific example, the client portal 720 may be integrated with the asset tracking database 710 to provide an interface for accessing the front end of the asset tracking database 710. Those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that, according to one or more specific examples of the present invention, the client portal 720 may include well-known software, functions, and features in the field necessary to access the data contained in the database. .

At the beginning, it’s important to realize that everything depicted on the right side of the dividing line 740 in the figure (included only to enhance understanding) (except for Wi-Fi access that is placed on, attached to, or integrated with the asset 610) ( Except point 110) represents the existing infrastructure, which represents the smart phone ecosystem of users and infrastructure. The behaviors of wireless devices 150 participating in this ecosystem (including the inherent reporting characteristics of the Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 ) they have encountered) can be used in order to use the behaviors of one or more specific examples of the present invention. The existing infrastructure may passively track assets without realizing it.

In some specific examples, the asset tracking database 710 may obtain observation data indirectly from the third-party Wi-Fi AP database 730 , which is typically based on observations used to improve the accuracy of location services. The data is reported by receiving observations from one or more wireless devices (for example, 150b , 150c, and 150d). In such specific example, Wi-Fi AP database 730 may be by wireless device (e.g., 150) of the original equipment manufacturer, in the wireless device (e.g., 150) the execution of the operating system on the operating system developer or The third-party software developer and the asset tracking database 710 independently establish, operate, and maintain a database separately and separately. For example, in some specific instances, the Wi-Fi AP database 730 may be an Apple ^® iOS ^® , Google ^® Android ^® or Microsoft ^® location-based service database, which is typically used to improve the application The accuracy of the end user's location determination. In other examples, the AP Wi-Fi database repository 730 may be observed, including Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110) and the unique identification information about Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110) The information on the location of this information is commercially provided by third parties ^{including Cisco Systems ®} , Facebook ^® , WhatsApp ^® , X-Mode ^® , Ruckus ^® and Skyhook ^®. One or more wireless devices (for example, 150a ) can report the observation data to the Wi-Fi AP database 730 for storage in the database of the wireless device, and the asset tracking database 710 can use the Wi-Fi AP data The library 730 obtains observation data for use with asset tracking tasks without the need for Wi-Fi AP database 730 , reporting wireless devices (eg, 150b , 150c, and 150d ), or their users to be aware of being involved in asset tracking Task. The observation data reported to the Wi-Fi AP database 730 and the observation data obtained through the asset tracking database 710 may or may not be the same, but the observation data obtained through the asset tracking database 710 includes at least the information associated with the asset 610 The unique identification information and location information of the Wi-Fi access point 110 encountered.

In other specific examples, the asset tracking database 710 can directly obtain observation data from one or more direct reporting wireless devices (for example, 150a ), and can also obtain observation data indirectly from the Wi-Fi AP database 730 . The Fi AP database receives observations from one or more indirect reporting wireless devices (for example, 150b , 150c, and 150d). In such hybrid concrete examples, the observation data may be directly reported to the asset tracking database 710 , and/or the observation data may be reported to the asset tracking database 710 indirectly by means of the Wi-Fi AP database 730 . The asset tracking database 710 may give preference or value to the directly reported observation data that is different from the indirectly reported observation data. This preference can be used for location determination by the asset tracking database 710.

In another specific example, the asset tracking database 710 may directly obtain observation data from one or more direct reporting wireless devices (for example, 150a). In such specific examples, one or more wireless devices (for example, 150a ) can directly report the observation data to the asset tracking database 710 for use in asset tracking tasks. The observation data report can be received and processed as discussed in more detail herein, and stored in the asset tracking database 710 , which can serve as a functional equivalent and replace the Wi-Fi AP database 730 .

For illustrative purposes, one or more Wi-Fi access points 110 may be placed on, attached to, or integrated with one or more movable assets 610 that need to be tracked. The unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point 110 can be used to uniquely identify the asset 610 , which is physically and logically associated with the asset 610 in the asset tracking database 710. One or more assets 610 can then be deployed in the field and need not be co-located. Advantageously, the deployed Wi-Fi access point 110 does not require any network or any kind of communication connectivity, nor does it need to receive GPS signals as part of the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process. The Fi access point only has to broadcast a beacon frame (e.g., 220 in Figure 2C ) or use a probe response frame (e.g., 240 in Figure 2C ) to respond to a probe request frame (e.g., 230 in Figure 2C ). Each of the waiting frames includes unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point 110.

When one or more wireless devices (for example, 150 ) enter the range of one or more Wi-Fi access points 110 placed on, attached to, or integrated with one or more assets 610, each The Wi-Fi access point 110 in a range can broadcast its beacon frame (e.g., 220 in FIG. 2C ) or use a probe response frame (e.g., 240 in FIG. 2C ) to respond to a probe request frame (e.g., FIG. 2C). 2C 230 ), each of these frames includes information that can be used by the asset tracking database 710 to uniquely identify the Wi-Fi access point 110 and other information that may be applicable to the asset tracking task. It includes the customized use of certain information in the beacon frame (for example, 220 in FIG. 2C ) or the detection response frame (for example, 240 in FIG. 2C). One or more wireless devices 150 can directly report the observation data of the Wi-Fi access point 110 in the encountered range to the asset tracking database 710 and/or the Wi-Fi AP database 730 based on the application or design.

As previously discussed, the wireless device 150 reports observation data via a cellular or other connection. Observation data includes at least one through experience or more Wi-Fi access unique identifying information (such as a BSSID) of the point 110 and through experience one or more Wi-Fi access point 110 location. The location information may include coordinates such as latitude and longitude or other information that can be used to determine the location of the Wi-Fi access point 110 encountered. In some specific examples, the observation data for a given Wi-Fi access point 110 may include one or more of the following: report the time and date at or near the time when the wireless device 150 meets , Current location, speed and direction of travel, as well as SSID, received signal strength, or other information related to the Wi-Fi access point 110 encountered. In addition, the observation data may include information from Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 ) in other ranges encountered at the same time or near the time when the given Wi-Fi access point 110 of interest is encountered. Any of the information mentioned above. In some cases, it may be used in conjunction with other information to report the current location of the wireless device 150 at or near the time of encounter, and establish the location of the encountered Wi-Fi access point 110 based on the time and date of the encounter .

Observational data can be reported directly to original equipment manufacturers by the wireless device 150, the execution of the operating system on a wireless device 150 operating system developers or third-party software developers to maintain the Wi-Fi AP database 730 and / or this Invented a dedicated asset tracking database 710 for tracking assets. If the wireless device 150 does not have network capabilities at the time of the encounter, one or more wireless devices 150 may report their encounter with the Wi-Fi access point 110 in range at the approximate time of the encounter or later. The asset tracking database 710 can use observation data obtained directly from one or more wireless devices (for example, 150a ) and/or data obtained from the Wi-Fi AP database 730 (for example, from 150b , 150c, and 150d ) to identify And locate one or more assets (for example, 610 ), and the data of these assets can be stored in the asset tracking database 710 . Depending on the type of data received, the asset tracking database 710 can manipulate, extrapolate, or generate additional data stored therein based on the available relevant information.

Although various specific examples of the system 700 have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more specific examples of the present invention can be integrated, distributed, or excluded in whole or in part based on applications or designs. The present description does not intend to limit the types, types, or configurations of the system 700 that can be implemented, including including, integrating, distributing, separating, or excluding one or more specific features according to the present invention. The type, type, or configuration of each aspect or feature of the instance.

Continuing, FIG. 7B shows one or more Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 of FIG. 7A ) reported by the wireless device (for example, 150a of FIG. 7A ) based on the encounter according to one or more specific examples of the present invention Examples of observation data 740. As previously discussed, a wireless device (eg, 150a of FIG. 7A ) can report observation data via a cellular or any other network connection. Each report of observation data may at least include unique identification information (such as BSSID) of one or more Wi-Fi access points encountered (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A) and one or more Wi-Fi access points encountered. Location information of the Fi access point (for example, 110 in Figure 7A). In some specific examples, the observation data for a given Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 ) may include one or more of the following: report that the wireless device 150 is at or near the time of meeting The time, date, current location, speed and direction of travel, as well as SSID, received signal strength, or other information related to the Wi-Fi access point encountered (for example, 110). Further, observations may be included in a given Wi-Fi access point of interest encountered (e.g., 110) during this same time or near the time ranges from other Wi-Fi access points via encountered (e.g. , 110 ) any of the above-mentioned information. The observation data can be directly reported to the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in Fig. 7A ) or the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in Fig. 7A ).

The unique identification information may include any information that can be used to uniquely identify the Wi-Fi access point encountered (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ), which includes the beacon frame transmitted therefrom (for example, , 220 in FIG. 2C ) or any probe response frame (for example, 240 in FIG. 2C ), which can be used or reused to transmit information about Wi-Fi access points (for example, in FIG. 7A) . 110 ) or information about the asset associated with the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ). For example, due to the unique nature of the BSSID, the BSSID of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) can be used to uniquely identify the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) and assets (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ), the Wi-Fi access point is physically placed on the asset, or attached to or integrated with the asset and logically in the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) and The asset is associated. However, the MAC address, SSID, and/or other fields included with the management frame can be used to further identify the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in Figure 7A ) as an asset tracking type Wi-Fi access point Or used in other ways for asset tracking tasks. Those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that it can be used as a beacon frame (for example, 220 in FIG. 2C ) or a probe response frame (for example, 240 in FIG. 2C ) according to one or more specific examples of the present invention. Part of any information transmitted from the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) that can be used to uniquely identify the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A).

The location information may include the reported coordinates of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) indicating the location such as latitude and longitude or may be used to determine the location of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) Any other information for. For example, other information that can be used to determine the location of a specific Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A ) can include RSSI, fingerprint recognition, angle of arrival, flight time, or related Wi-Fi access points ( For example, other data related to 110 in FIG. 7A or any information related to other Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 ) in the vicinity that is helpful for positioning.

Those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that according to one or more specific examples of the present invention, the reporting wireless device (for example, 150 in FIG. 7A ) is based on a Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ). The type and type of information reported by the encounter can vary based on the application or design, but it must at least include the unique identification information of the encountered Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in Figure 7A ) and its related location information .

Continuing, FIG. 7C shows an example of asset data 740 stored or generated by an asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) according to one or more specific examples of the present invention. The asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) can associate unique identification information (such as BSSID) of a specific Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) with a specific asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ) to identify the system (e.g., 700 in FIG. 7A) assets (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A) within the Wi-Fi access point disposed on the particular asset, attached to the particular asset or assets integrated with the specific . Once associated, the asset tracking database (e.g., 710 in FIG. 7A ) can be used by one or more wireless devices (e.g., 150 in FIG. 7A ) that meet with a Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A). ) Observations reported directly or indirectly to passively track assets (e.g., 610 in Figure 7A ), and in many cases, wireless devices (e.g., 150 in Figure 7A ) or their users are not aware that they are participating in the asset Tracking tasks.

The asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) can receive and store observation data obtained directly from a direct reporting wireless device (for example, 150a in FIG. 7A ) or from a Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) Observed data, the direct report wireless device reports an encounter with a Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ). Observation data includes at least one through experience or more Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110) a unique identifying information (such as a BSSID) and by experience one or more Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 ) Location information. The asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) can also store one or more of the following: used for Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) and assets associated with it (for example, 610 ) the last known location, the history of the last known location for the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) and its associated assets (for example, 610 ), and the Wi-Fi access point (For example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) and the current location of the asset (for example, 610) associated with it. The asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) may also receive and store one or more of the following: report the time when the wireless device (for example, 150 in FIG. 7A ) meets or near this time, Date, current location, speed and direction of travel, as well as SSID, received signal strength, or other information about the Wi-Fi access point encountered (for example, 110 ). In addition, the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) can be received and stored at the same time or near the time when the Wi-Fi access point of interest (for example, 110 ) is encountered and comes from other areas encountered. Any one of the above-mentioned information of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110).

In some specific examples, the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) may be based on the associated Wi-Fi access point (for example, in FIG. 7A ) of the movable asset to be tracked (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A). The last known reported position of 110 ) is used to determine the position of the movable asset. However, the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) may use one or more of the following: historical data about the location of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A), time, and date , The last known location and the received signal strength to the Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in Figure 7A ), and the time, date, location, the last known location, and the Wi-Fi access point of interest (e.g., Figure 7A) 7A, 110) known Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110) close to the received signal strength. Depending on the available information, well-known GPS, Wi-Fi, location services, trilateral measurement, triangulation, and any other positioning techniques can be used to determine or improve the specific Wi-Fi access point of interest (for example, Figure 7A 110 ) the accuracy of the location determination and associatedly determine or improve the location of the asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ). Thus, the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) can generate the historical trend of the location of a specific asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ) and other information about the specific asset within a period of time. Therefore, the tracking accuracy can be increased based on the number of observations obtained from the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A).

For purposes of asset tracking database instances (e.g., 710 in FIG. 7A) may include a data structure that includes a wireless device encounters range from Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) (e.g., 150 in Figure 7A ) directly or indirectly received time, date, GPS or current location (such as latitude ("GPS LAT") and longitude ("GPS LNG")), SSID, BSSID, and Wi-Fi access point found (For example, 110 in Figure 7A ) the received signal strength is used as part of each report. It is found that the BSSID of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) can be associated with or used to refer to a specific asset (for example, 610 ) tracked in the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A) Specific assets. The asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) can receive, calculate, or estimate the last known ("AP LK") location of the discovered Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A). If the last known location of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) is not known, it can be the latest wireless device that has reported observations of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A) (For example, Figure 7A 150 ) GPS or current position to estimate, or use well-known positioning technology to determine or further improve. The asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) can calculate the current ("AP CUR") location for one or more Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A) based on the available information, and related Calculate the current location of its associated asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A). Those with ordinary knowledge in the field will understand that based on the last known location of one or more Wi-Fi access points (if any), one or more of reporting Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 in Figure 7A ) The GPS or current position (if available) of a wireless device (for example, 150 in FIG. 7A ) and its relative received signal strength and possibly other information related to it to calculate the position can be used to determine and/or Improve the location determination of one or more Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) and associated assets (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A). The calculated current location can be stored in the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) as a specific Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) and associated assets (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A) can be located therein. For example, 610 in Figure 7A ) is the best estimate of the position. More observations of other wireless devices (for example, 150 ) entering the range of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) can be used to enhance the accuracy of location determination over time.

Those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that, according to one or more specific examples of the present invention, an asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) can be received, generated, or stored and accessed by Wi-Fi based on applications or designs. Any other relevant information related to a point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ), an asset associated with the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ), or any other information related to an asset tracking task.

FIG. 7D shows an example of a client portal 720 to an asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) according to one or more specific examples of the present invention. The user (not shown in the figure) can access the data contained in the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) through the client portal 720 . The client portal 720 may provide the user with the ability to access at least some of the data stored in the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A). For example, in the depicted example, the user can inquire about the location of a specific asset (Assetl ), which is a cement mixer truck. The client portal 720 makes a query to the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ), and receives the requested data. In this case, the data may include the unique identification information of the asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A) and its final value. Know the location, and optionally include a map showing the last known location. Those with ordinary knowledge in the art will recognize that according to one or more specific examples of the present invention, the user portal 720 can interface with, interact with, and display data based on applications or designs.

In the present invention, one or more specific example, a passive method of tracking assets may only use Wi-Fi access point received from the Wi-Fi AP database (e.g., 730 in FIG. 7A) (e.g., FIG. 7A 110 ) Observation.

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) may be a database of observation data, the observation data including one or more reporting wireless devices (for example, FIG. 7A, 150b, 150c and 150 d) Wi-Fi access point of encounter (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) and the unique identification information Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the location. It may be (e.g., 710 of FIG. 7A) and spaced apart to establish asset tracking database to maintain the operation and Wi-Fi AP database (e.g., 730 in FIG. 7A). In some specific examples, the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) may be a database of observation data maintained by the original equipment manufacturer of the wireless device (for example, 150 in FIG. 7A). In other specific examples, the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) may be the observation data maintained by the operating system developer of the operating system running on the wireless device (for example, 150 in FIG. 7A) database. For example, the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in Figure 7A ) can be ^{the location service database of Apple ®} iOS ^® , Google ^® Android ^® or Microsoft ^® , which is typically used to improve its respective terminals The accuracy of the user's location determination. In another specific example, the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) may be a database of observation data maintained by a software developer. For example, the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in Figure 7A ) can be commercial observation data provided ^{by Cisco Systems ®} , Facebook ^® , WhatsApp ^® , X-Mode ^® , Ruckus ^® and Skyhook ^® Library. In another specific example, according to one or more specific examples of the present invention, the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) may be a database of any other types or types of observation data.

For the purpose of this description, the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) can be a conventional Wi-Fi access point, an industrial Wi-Fi access point, a dummy Wi-Fi access point, or Any other type or type of Wi-Fi access point that can participate in at least part of the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ), the dummy Wi-Fi access point broadcasts a beacon frame (For example, 230 in FIG. 7A ) or a detection response frame (for example, 240 in FIG. 2C ) to disguise or simulate at least part of the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process. In some specific examples, a customized or dummy Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) can remove unnecessary aspects or features to reduce the footprint and/or power consumption of the device. Nevertheless, those with ordinary knowledge in the art will recognize that according to one or more specific examples of the present invention, a beacon frame (e.g., 230 in FIG. 7A ) or a detection response frame (e.g., , 240 in Figure 2C ) to disguise or simulate at least part of the Wi-Fi network discovery process of any type or kind of device.

The method may include asset tracking database (e.g., 710 of FIG. 7A) in the Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) unique identification information of the movable asset (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A) associated The Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) can be placed on, attached to, or integrated with a movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A). The unique identification information may be any information that uniquely identifies the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ), and the information includes, for example, the BSSID of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A). The unique identification information can be entered into an asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ), and logically associated with a movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ). The asset tracking database is for participating in asset tracking It is placed on the movable asset, attached to the movable asset, or integrated with it in other ways for the purpose of the task. In addition, any other information about Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) or movable assets may be stored in the same or related records of the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A).

The method may include asset tracking database (e.g., FIG. 7A 710) to receive observation data (e.g., FIG. 7B 740) from the Wi-Fi AP database (e.g., FIG. 7A 730), the observations comprise Wi -Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) and the unique identification information Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the location. The Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) can receive observation data from one or more wireless devices (for example, 150b , 150c, and 150d in FIG. 7A ), and the one or more wireless devices encounter Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) and the Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) and the unique identification information Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the location report Give the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in Figure 7A ). In certain instances, Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the location information may comprise Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the longitude and latitude. In other specific examples, the location information of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting that the wireless device (for example, 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) is in contact with the Wi-Fi access point (for example, , Figure 7A , 110 ) latitude and longitude at or near the time of encounter. In another specific example, the location information of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting the time when the wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A) or near this time by the signal strength report to the wireless device (e.g., 150b, 150c or 150d of FIG. 7A) measurement of Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the receiver. In another specific example, the location information of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting that the wireless device (for example, 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) is in contact with the Wi-Fi access point ( For example, the time 110 in FIG. 7A) meet or near this time to approach the Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110) one or more other Wi-Fi access point (e.g., not in FIG. 7A FIG. 7A Show the latitude and longitude of other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110). In another specific example, the location information of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting that the wireless device (for example, 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) is in contact with the Wi-Fi access point ( For example, the time 110 in FIG. 7A) meet or near this time to close Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) one or more other Wi-Fi access point (e.g., in FIG. 7A Other nearby Wi-Fi access points not shown 110 ) related location, received signal strength, any of the above-mentioned information or any other information.

The method may include determining movable assets (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) based at least in part on observation data of Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) by an asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) 610 ) location. In some specific examples, determining the location of a movable asset (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A ) may include using the latitude and longitude of a Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A ) as the movable asset (e.g., FIG. 610 ) of 7A. In other specific examples, determining the location of a movable asset (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting that a wireless device (e.g., 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) is in contact with a Wi-Fi access point (e.g., Figure 7A). 110. 7A) when the time of the encounter, or longitude and latitude near this time as the mobile assets (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A) of the position. In another specific example, determining the location of a movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ) may include using a report when the wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ). Nearby and the report wireless device (for example, 150b , 150c or 150d in FIG. 7A ) measures the received signal strength of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) to determine the movable asset (for example, in FIG. 7A) 610 ) of the location. In the case of using a well-known Wi-Fi positioning technology, the received signal strength can be used to determine or enhance the location determination of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A). For example, the received signal strength can be used to determine the radius of the location of the reporting wireless device (for example, 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ). The radius can be used alone or in combination with other location information to determine or enhance Wi-Fi access points (For example, 110 in Figure 7A ) position determination. In another specific example, determining the location of a movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ) may include using a report when the wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ). One or more other Wi-Fi access points encountered nearby by the reporting wireless device (e.g., 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) (e.g., other nearby Wi-Fi access points not shown in FIG. 7A) 110 ) latitude and longitude to determine the position of the movable asset (for example, 610 in Figure 7A). In the case of using well-known Wi-Fi positioning technology, the location of nearby Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 not shown in Figure 7A ) can be used alone or in combination to Determine or enhance the location determination of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A). In another specific example, determining the location of a movable asset (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting that a wireless device (e.g., 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) is in contact with a Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 7A , 110 ) at or near this time and close to one of the Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) or more other Wi-Fi access points (for example, not shown in FIG. 7A) Other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 ) related to the location, received signal strength, any of the above-mentioned information or any other information to determine movable assets (for example, 610 in Figure 7A )的的位置。 The location. In the case of using well-known Wi-Fi positioning technology, the received signal strength of nearby Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 not shown in FIG. 7A ) can be individually or in combination Use to determine or enhance the location determination of a Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A).

Those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that historical location information, report wireless device (for example, 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) location information, Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) location information, Reception of location information of other nearby Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 not shown in FIG. 7A ), and location information of Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A) Signal strength, other nearby Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 not shown in Figure 7A ) location information, received signal strength and any other information can be alone or combined with known positioning technology These known positioning technologies include but are not limited to smart phone positioning, network-based positioning, hybrid positioning, GPS positioning, cellular positioning, Wi-Fi positioning, triangulation measurement, trilateral measurement, arrival Time, angle of arrival, and any other positioning technology or combination thereof can be used according to one or more specific examples of the present invention. In addition, those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that the positioning technology used can vary based on the types or types of observational data available when making location determinations.

The method may further include storing the location of the movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ) in an asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ). The method may further comprise (e.g., 720 of FIG. 7A) to provide the use of a position stored in the asset tracking database (e.g., FIG. 7A 710) a movable asset (e.g., FIG. 7A 610) of the via client inlet者Access. In some specific examples, the client portal (for example, 720 in FIG. 7A ) may include a software interface for querying and receiving information from an asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A). The user portal (for example, 720 in FIG. 7A ) may be a part of the same computing system as the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ), or may be a separate and different computing system (for example, in FIG. 8 800 ) or part of a wireless device (for example, 150 ), the separate and different computing system or wireless device is connected to the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) via a network connection. The client portal (e.g., 720 in Figure 7A ) can be a web-based entry to the asset tracking database (e.g., 710 in Figure 7A ) or an independent software application, which is connected via a network to provide asset tracking Track the access to the database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A).

Advantageously, there is no communication between the asset tracking database (e.g., 710 of FIG. 7A ) and one or more wireless devices (e.g., 150b , 150c, or 150d of FIG. 7A ), thereby eliminating the need for network connectivity To achieve passive asset tracking in an open network environment, the one or more wireless devices will report the encounter with the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in Figure 7A ) to the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, in Figure 7A ) 730 ), the report contains observational data. In this open network configuration, the existing infrastructure represented by the ecosystem of wireless devices such as smart phones (e.g., 150 ) and the wireless device operating system or other software (e.g., 150 ) are used to report that they encounter Wi-Fi -Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) inherent reporting characteristics of observation data can be used to passively track assets (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ), and for wireless devices (for example, 150 ) or its users There is no need to be aware that it is participating in an asset tracking task. In addition, one or more wireless devices (for example, 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) or their users may not be aware that they are participating in an asset tracking task. The wireless device (for example, 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) only reports the observation data of the Wi-Fi access point it encounters (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) to the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, FIG. 7A) 730 ), typically as part of participating in location services.

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, a passive asset tracking method can use the first observation data received directly from one or more direct reporting wireless devices (for example, 150a in FIG. 7A ) and from Wi-Fi AP The second observation data received by a database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ), the Wi-Fi AP database receives observation data from one or more indirect reporting wireless devices (for example, 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ).

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, the Wi-Fi AP database (e.g., 730 in FIG. 7A ) may be a database of observational data, which includes indirect reporting by one or more wireless devices (e.g., FIG. 7A 150b, 150c and 150 d) meet the Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) and the unique identification information Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the location. It may be (e.g., 710 of FIG. 7A) and spaced apart to establish asset tracking database to maintain the operation and Wi-Fi AP database (e.g., 730 in FIG. 7A). In some specific examples, the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) may be a database of observation data maintained by the original equipment manufacturer of the wireless device (for example, 150 in FIG. 7A). In other specific examples, the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) may be the observation data maintained by the operating system developer of the operating system running on the wireless device (for example, 150 in FIG. 7A) database. For example, the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) can be an Apple ^® iOS ^® , Google ^® Android ^® or Microsoft ^® location service database, which is typically used to improve the use of their respective terminals The accuracy of the location determination of the person. In another specific example, the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) may be a database of observation data maintained by a software developer. For example, the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in Figure 7A ) can be commercial observation data provided ^{by Cisco Systems ®} , Facebook ^® , WhatsApp ^® , X-Mode ^® , Ruckus ^® and Skyhook ^® Library. In another specific example, according to one or more specific examples of the present invention, the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) may be a database of any other types or types of observation data.

For the purpose of this description, the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) can be a conventional Wi-Fi access point, an industrial Wi-Fi access point, a dummy Wi-Fi access point, or Any other type or type of Wi-Fi access point that can participate in at least part of the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ), the dummy Wi-Fi access point broadcasts a beacon frame (For example, 230 in FIG. 7A ) or a detection response frame (for example, 240 in FIG. 2C ) to disguise or simulate at least part of the Wi-Fi network discovery process. In some specific examples, a customized or dummy Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) can remove unnecessary features or aspects to reduce the footprint and/or power consumption of the device. Nevertheless, those with ordinary knowledge in the art will recognize that according to one or more specific examples of the present invention, a beacon frame (e.g., 230 in FIG. 7A ) or a detection response frame (e.g., , 240 in Figure 2C ) to disguise or simulate at least part of the Wi-Fi network discovery process of any type or kind of device.

The method may include asset tracking database (e.g., 710 of FIG. 7A) in the Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) unique identification information of the movable asset (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A) associated The Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) can be placed on, attached to, or integrated with a movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A). The unique identification information may be any information that uniquely identifies the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ), and the information includes, for example, the BSSID of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A). The unique identification information can be entered into an asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ), and logically associated with a movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ). The asset tracking database is for participating in asset tracking It is placed on the movable asset, attached to the movable asset, or integrated with it in other ways for the purpose of the task. In addition, any other information about Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) or assets may be stored in the same or related records of the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A).

The method may include asset tracking database (e.g., 710 in FIG. 7A) from experience at the Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A), one or more direct reporting of wireless device (e.g., FIG. 7A 150a ) Receive first observation data observation data (for example, 740 in FIG. 7B ), and the first observation data includes unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) and the Wi-Fi access point ( For example, 110 ) of the first location information in FIG. 7A.

The method may include asset tracking database (e.g., 710 in FIG. 7A) at a second receiving observations (e.g., 740 in FIG. 7B) from the Wi-Fi AP database (e.g., 730 in FIG. 7A), the second observations comprise Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) and the unique identification information Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the location. The Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in FIG. 7A ) can receive observation data from one or more indirect reporting wireless devices (for example, 150b , 150c, and 150d in FIG. 7A ), and the one or more indirect reporting wireless devices encounter to Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) and the Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) and the unique identification information Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) The location information is reported to the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in Figure 7A ).

In certain instances, Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the location information may comprise Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the longitude and latitude. In other specific examples, the location information of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting that the wireless device (for example, 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) is in contact with the Wi-Fi access point (for example, , Figure 7A , 110 ) latitude and longitude at or near the time of encounter. In another specific example, the location information of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting the time when the wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A) or near this time by the signal strength report to the wireless device (e.g., 150b, 150c or 150d of FIG. 7A) measurement of Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the receiver. In another specific example, the location information of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting that the wireless device (for example, 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) is in contact with the Wi-Fi access point ( For example, the time 110 in FIG. 7A) meet or near this time to approach the Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110) one or more other Wi-Fi access point (e.g., not in FIG. 7A FIG. 7A Show the latitude and longitude of other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110). In another specific example, the location information of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting that the wireless device (for example, 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) is in contact with the Wi-Fi access point ( For example, the time 110 in FIG. 7A) meet or near this time to close Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) one or more other Wi-Fi access point (e.g., in FIG. 7A Other nearby Wi-Fi access points not shown 110 ) related location, received signal strength, any of the above-mentioned information or any other information.

The method may include asset tracking database by (e.g., 710 in FIG. 7A) at least partially based on Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the first and / or second may be determined observations The location of the mobile asset (for example, 610 in Figure 7A ). In some specific examples, determining the location of a movable asset (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A ) may include using the latitude and longitude of a Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A ) as the movable asset (e.g., FIG. 610 ) of 7A. In other specific examples, determining the location of a movable asset (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting that a wireless device (e.g., 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) is in contact with a Wi-Fi access point (e.g., Figure 7A). 110. 7A) when the time of the encounter, or longitude and latitude near this time as the mobile assets (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A) of the position. In another specific example, determining the location of a movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ) may include using a report when the wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ). Nearby and the report wireless device (for example, 150b , 150c or 150d in FIG. 7A ) measures the received signal strength of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) to determine the movable asset (for example, in FIG. 7A) 610 ) of the location. In the case of using a well-known Wi-Fi positioning technology, the received signal strength can be used to determine or enhance the location determination of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A). For example, the received signal strength can be used to determine the radius of the location of the reporting wireless device (for example, 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ). The radius can be used alone or in combination with other location information to determine or enhance Wi-Fi access points (For example, 110 in Figure 7A ) position determination. In another specific example, determining the location of a movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ) may include using a report when the wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ). One or more other Wi-Fi access points encountered nearby by the reporting wireless device (e.g., 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) (e.g., other nearby Wi-Fi access points not shown in FIG. 7A) 110 ) latitude and longitude to determine the position of the movable asset (for example, 610 in Figure 7A). In the case of using well-known Wi-Fi positioning technology, the location of nearby Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 not shown in Figure 7A ) can be used alone or in combination to Determine or enhance the location determination of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A). In another specific example, determining the location of a movable asset (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting that a wireless device (e.g., 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) is in contact with a Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 7A , 110 ) at or near this time and close to one of the Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) or more other Wi-Fi access points (for example, not shown in FIG. 7A) Other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 ) related to the location, received signal strength, any of the above-mentioned information or any other information to determine movable assets (for example, 610 in Figure 7A )的的位置。 The location. In the case of using well-known Wi-Fi positioning technology, the received signal strength of nearby Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 not shown in FIG. 7A ) can be individually or in combination Use to determine or enhance the location determination of a Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A).

Those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that historical location information, reporting wireless device (for example, 150b , 150c, or 150d in Figure 7A ) location information, Wi-Fi access point ( For example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) location information, other nearby Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 not shown in FIG. 7A ) location information, Wi-Fi access points (such as , 110 in Figure 7A ) the received signal strength of the location information, the received signal strength of the location information of other nearby Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 not shown in Figure 7A ) and the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) or any other information related to nearby Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 not shown in FIG. 7A), the Known positioning technologies include, but are not limited to, smart phone positioning, network-based positioning, hybrid positioning, GPS positioning, cellular positioning, triangulation measurement, trilateral measurement, time of arrival, angle of arrival, and according to the present invention One or more specific examples can use any other positioning technology or combination of positioning technologies. In addition, those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that the positioning technology used can vary based on the types or types of observational data available when making location determinations.

The method may further include storing the location of the movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ) in an asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ). The method may further comprise (e.g., 720 of FIG. 7A) to provide the use of a position stored in the asset tracking database (e.g., FIG. 7A 710) a movable asset (e.g., FIG. 7A 610) of the via client inlet者Access. In some specific examples, the client portal (for example, 720 in FIG. 7A ) may include a software interface for querying and receiving information from an asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A). The user portal (for example, 720 in FIG. 7A ) may be part of the same computing system as the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ), or may be a separate and different computing system (for example, in FIG. 8 800 ) or part of a wireless device (for example, 150 ), the separate and different computing system or wireless device is connected via a network to connect to the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ). The client portal (e.g., 720 in Figure 7A ) can be a web-based entry to the asset tracking database (e.g., 710 in Figure 7A ) or an independent software application, which is connected via a network to provide asset tracking Track the access to the database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A).

Advantageously, there is no communication between the asset tracking database (e.g., 710 of FIG. 7A ) and one or more indirect reporting wireless devices (e.g., 150b , 150c, or 150d of FIG. 7A), thereby preventing the presence of a network To achieve passive and possibly anonymous asset tracking in the area of connectivity, the one or more wireless devices will report the encounter with the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) to the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, 730 in Figure 7A ), the report contains observational data. In this hybrid open network configuration, the existing infrastructure represented by the ecosystem of wireless devices such as smart phones (e.g., 150 ) and wireless device operating systems or other software (e.g., 150 ) are used to report their encounters The inherent reporting features of observation data to Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) can be utilized to passively track assets (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ), and for wireless devices (for example, 150 ) or Users do not need to be aware that they are participating in asset tracking tasks. In addition, one or more wireless devices (for example, 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) or their users may not be aware that they are participating in an asset tracking task. The wireless device (for example, 150b , 150c, or 150d in FIG. 7A ) only reports the observation data of the Wi-Fi access point it encounters (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) to the Wi-Fi AP database (for example, FIG. 7A) 730 ), typically as part of participating in location services.

In the present invention, one or more specific example, a passive method of tracking assets may be used (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A), one or more direct reports directly from wireless devices encountered Wi-Fi access point (e.g., Figure 7A , 150a ) Observation data received.

For the purpose of this description, the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) can be a conventional Wi-Fi access point, an industrial Wi-Fi access point, a dummy Wi-Fi access point, or Any other type or type of Wi-Fi access point that can participate in at least part of the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ), the dummy Wi-Fi access point broadcasts a beacon frame (For example, 230 in FIG. 7A ) or a detection response frame (for example, 240 in FIG. 2C ) to disguise or simulate at least part of the Wi-Fi network discovery process. In some specific examples, a customized or dummy Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) can remove unnecessary features or aspects to reduce the footprint and/or power consumption of the device. Nonetheless, those with ordinary knowledge in the art will recognize that one or more specific examples of the present invention can be used by broadcasting a beacon frame (e.g., 230 in FIG. 7A ) or a detection response frame (e.g., 240 in Figure 2C ) any type or kind of device that disguises or simulates at least part of the Wi-Fi network discovery process.

The method may include asset tracking database (e.g., 710 of FIG. 7A) in the Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) unique identification information of the movable asset (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A) associated The Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) can be placed on, attached to, or integrated with a movable asset. The unique identification information may be any information that uniquely identifies the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ), and the information includes, for example, the BSSID of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A). The unique identification information can be entered into an asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ), and logically associated with a movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ). The asset tracking database is for participating in asset tracking The purpose of the task is placed on, attached to, or otherwise integrated with the movable asset. In addition, any other information about Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) or assets may be stored in the same or related records of the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A).

The method may include asset tracking database (e.g., 710 in FIG. 7A) from experience at the Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A), one or more direct reporting of wireless device (e.g., FIG. 7A 150a ) Receive observation data (for example, 740 in FIG. 7B ), and the observation data includes unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) and the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) ) Location information.

In certain instances, Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the location information may comprise Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the longitude and latitude. In other specific examples, the location information of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting that the wireless device (for example, 150a in FIG. 7A ) is in contact with the Wi-Fi access point (for example, in FIG. 7A) . 110 ) The latitude and longitude at or near the time of meeting. In another specific example, the location information of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting the time when the wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A) or near this time by the signal strength report to the wireless device (e.g., 150a in FIG. 7A) measurement of Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the receiver. In another specific example, the location information of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting that the wireless device (for example, 150a in FIG. 7A ) is in contact with the Wi-Fi access point (for example, in FIG. 7A). 110 ) at or near the time of meeting and approaching one of the Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) or more other Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points not shown in FIG. 7A) The latitude and longitude of the Wi-Fi access point 110). In another specific example, the location information of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting that the wireless device (for example, 150a in FIG. 7A ) is in contact with the Wi-Fi access point (for example, in FIG. 7A). 110 ) at or near this time and close to one of the Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) or multiple other Wi-Fi access points (for example, other Wi-Fi access points not shown in FIG. 7A) Nearby Wi-Fi access point 110 ) related location, received signal strength, any of the above-mentioned information or any other information.

The method may comprise at least partially based on Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) of the observed data to determine a movable asset (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A) of the position. In some specific examples, determining the location of a movable asset (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A ) may include using the latitude and longitude of a Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A ) as the movable asset (e.g., FIG. 610 ) of 7A. In other specific examples, determining the location of a movable asset (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A ) may include using a wireless device (e.g., 150a in FIG. 7A ) to communicate with a Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A ). The latitude and longitude at or near the time of meeting are used as the position of the movable asset (for example, 610 in Fig. 7A). In another specific example, determining the location of the movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ) may include using the report wireless device at or at the time when it meets the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A) close to the report by wireless device (e.g., 150a in FIG. 7A) measurement of Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) to determine the received signal strength of mobile assets (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A) of the position . In the case of using a well-known Wi-Fi positioning technology, the received signal strength can be used to determine or enhance the location determination of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A). For example, the received signal strength can be used to determine the radius of the location of the reporting wireless device (e.g., 150a of FIG. 7A ). The radius can be used alone or in combination with other location information to determine or enhance Wi-Fi access points (e.g., Figure 7A). 7A 's 110 ) position determination. In another specific example, determining the location of the movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ) may include using the report wireless device at or at the time when it meets the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A) The latitude of one or more other Wi-Fi access points (e.g., other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 not shown in Figure 7A ) encountered by the reporting wireless device (e.g., 150a of FIG. 7A) nearby And longitude to determine the position of the movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A). In the case of using well-known Wi-Fi positioning technology, the location of nearby Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 not shown in Figure 7A ) can be used alone or in combination to Determine or enhance the location determination of the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A). In another specific example, determining the location of a movable asset (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A ) may include reporting that the wireless device (e.g., 150a ) encounters a Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A). At or near this time and close to one of the Wi-Fi access points (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) or more other Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points not shown in FIG. 7A) Access point 110 ) related location, received signal strength, any of the above-mentioned information, or any other information to determine the location of the movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A). In the case of using well-known Wi-Fi positioning technology, the received signal strength of nearby Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 not shown in FIG. 7A ) can be individually or in combination Use to determine or enhance the location determination of a Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A).

Those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that historical location information, reporting wireless device (e.g., 150a in Figure 7A ) location information, Wi-Fi access points (e.g., Figure 7A) can be used alone or in combination with known positioning technologies. 110 ) location information, other nearby Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 not shown in Figure 7A ) location information, Wi-Fi access points (for example, Figure 7A 110 ) The received signal strength of location information, the received signal strength of other nearby Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 not shown in Figure 7A ), and the received signal strength of location information and Wi-Fi storage Take any other information related to a point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) or nearby Wi-Fi access points (for example, other nearby Wi-Fi access points 110 not shown in FIG. 7A), and such known locations Technologies include, but are not limited to, smart phone positioning, network-based positioning, hybrid positioning, GPS positioning, cellular positioning, triangulation measurement, trilateral measurement, time of arrival, angle of arrival, and according to one or more of the present invention A specific example can use any other positioning technology or combination of positioning technologies. In addition, those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that the positioning technology used can vary based on the types or types of observational data available when making location determinations.

The method may further include storing the location of the movable asset (for example, 610 in FIG. 7A ) in an asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ). The method may further comprise (e.g., 720 of FIG. 7A) to provide the use of a position stored in the asset tracking database (e.g., FIG. 7A 710) a movable asset (e.g., FIG. 7A 610) of the via client inlet者Access. In some specific examples, the client portal (for example, 720 in FIG. 7A ) may include a software interface for querying and receiving information from an asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A). The user portal (for example, 720 in FIG. 7A ) may be part of the same computing system as the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ), or may be a separate and different computing system (for example, in FIG. 8 800 ) or part of a wireless device (for example, 150 ), the separate and different computing system or wireless device is connected via a network to connect to the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ). The client portal (e.g., 720 in Figure 7A ) can be a web-based entry to the asset tracking database (e.g., 710 in Figure 7A ) or an independent software application, which is connected via a network to provide asset tracking Track the access to the database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A).

The method may further include providing unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point from an asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) to one or more wireless devices (for example, 150a in FIG. 7A), so that one or more The observation data reported by a wireless device (for example, 150a in FIG. 7A ) is limited to data related to the Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ), the Wi-Fi access point and the movable asset to be tracked (For example, 610 in FIG. 7A ) is associated. One or more wireless devices (e.g., 150a in FIG. 7A) may be reported directly to asset tracking database (e.g., 710 in FIG. 7A) is limited to the observational data to be movable asset tracking purposes (e.g., 610 in FIG. 7A ) Observation data related to the associated Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in Figure 7A). May at any time (including the face from Wi-Fi access point (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A), one or more wireless devices (e.g., 150a in FIG. 7A) before receiving observations) providing a unique identification information.

The method may further comprise the asset tracking database (e.g., 710 of FIG. 7A) at the receiving observations of the filter is of the movable asset to be tracked from one or more wireless devices (e.g., 150a in FIG. 7A) (e.g. FIG. 610) Wi-Fi access point associated with it. 7A (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) relevant information. The asset tracking database can be used at any time (including after encountering a Wi-Fi access point (for example, 110 in FIG. 7A ) or after receiving observation data from one or more wireless devices (for example, 150a in FIG. 7A) (For example, 710 of FIG. 7A ) to perform filtering.

In this configuration, the limit observations and / or filtration to be movable asset (e.g., 610 of FIG. 7A) Wi-Fi access point associated with it (e.g., 110 in FIG. 7A) to be associated with the tracking information It can enhance the tracking ability and reduce the latent time in reporting observation data and querying the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in Fig. 7A).

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, the method of passive asset tracking using existing independent infrastructure may include placing Wi-Fi access points on or in the removable physical assets to be tracked, or attaching them in other ways Connect to the movable entity asset or integrate with the movable entity asset. The Wi-Fi access point can be a conventional off-the-shelf industrial, battery-powered, or any other type or kind of Wi-Fi access point. However, in addition to participating in the routing feature or true Wi-Fi functionality of the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery protocol, because the Wi-Fi access point does not require routing features or true Wi-Fi functionality, it can be used to eliminate unimplemented features. Features customized Wi-Fi access points to reduce the footprint and power consumption of this device. In addition, devices configured to disguise the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery protocol can be dedicated to asset tracking tasks. Nevertheless, those with ordinary knowledge in the art will recognize that any Wi-Fi access point or related device capable of participating in the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery protocol can be used according to one or more specific examples of the present invention.

The method may further include logically associating the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point with the asset in the asset tracking database. The unique identification information can be any information that uniquely identifies the Wi-Fi access point, including, for example, the BSSID of the Wi-Fi access point. The asset tracking database can be any type or kind of database or software application that is configured to store and possibly manipulate data. The Wi-Fi access point associated with a specific movable asset can be stored in the same or related records in the asset tracking database, or related in other ways to indicate its relevance, especially when using Wi-Fi storage. Take the location of the point as a proxy server for the location of the asset.

The method may further include receiving information about the location of Wi-Fi access points encountered by one or more wireless devices and storing at least part of the received information in an asset tracking database. In some specific examples, the information about the location of the encountered Wi-Fi access point is received directly or indirectly from the Wi-Fi AP database or a third-party provider. In other specific examples, one or more of the reporting wireless devices directly or indirectly receives information about the location of the Wi-Fi access point encountered. In some specific instances, one or more wireless devices or their users may not be aware that they are participating in an asset tracking task. The wireless device only reports its location and the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point it encounters as part of participating in the location service. In other specific examples, one or more wireless devices may be used to intentionally participate in asset tracking tasks. In all such specific instances, whenever a wireless device enters the range of a Wi-Fi access point and receives unique identification information about the Wi-Fi access point, the wireless device is typically connected via a cellular connection to at least locate its location And Wi-Fi access point unique identification information directly or indirectly reported to original equipment manufacturers, operating system developers, location-based service providers, Wi-Fi AP database or third-party software applications or databases One or more of them, or directly report to the asset tracking database itself. Information about the location of the wireless device may include, for example, the time, data, GPS location of the reported wireless device, the last known location of the Wi-Fi access point, the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point in other areas, and their respective Regardless of signal strength. Those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that other information can be used, and according to one or more specific examples of the present invention, other information can vary based on applications or designs. Thus, the asset tracking database can directly or indirectly receive information about the location of the Wi-Fi access point from one or more wireless devices, and the one or more wireless devices report its location and one of its encounters or Unique identification information of multiple Wi-Fi access points.

The method may further include tracking the location of the Wi-Fi access point, and relatedly tracking the location of the asset itself in the asset tracking database. The asset tracking database can maintain the record of the report on the Wi-Fi access point, and receive or calculate the estimated location for the Wi-Fi access point, and relatedly, maintain the record of the asset's own report and receive or calculate it The estimated location of the asset. This information and any other information suitable for storage in the asset tracking database can be stored in the asset tracking database as the estimated current location of the asset. As mentioned above, the asset tracking database can receive information that provides an estimate of the location of the Wi-Fi access point or can be used to determine the location using GPS, the location of the Wi-Fi access point and the possible associated received signal strength, three One or more of edge measurement or triangulation measurement estimates the location of the Wi-Fi access point. The method may further include providing user access to the information stored in the asset tracking database through the client portal. The client portal may include a software interface for querying and receiving information from the asset tracking database. The client portal can be a part of the same computing system as the computing system of the asset tracking database, or it can be a part of a separate and different computing system or wireless device connected to the asset tracking database via a network connection. In one or more specific examples of the present invention, the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes software instructions that, when executed by a processor, can perform any of the methods mentioned above.

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, the system for passive asset tracking using existing independent infrastructure may include a computing system with a central processing unit, system memory, network interface and storage device, and Wi-Fi An access point, the Wi-Fi access point is placed on or in the movable asset to be tracked, or attached to the movable asset in other ways. The asset tracking database running on the computing system can associate the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point with the asset. The asset tracking database can receive information about the location of a Wi-Fi access point that is identified by its unique identification information transmitted as part of the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery. The asset tracking database can track the location of Wi-Fi access points and related assets can be tracked.

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes software instructions, which when executed by a processor can perform the above-mentioned according to one or more specific examples of the present invention. Any of the methods mentioned.

Fig. 8 shows a computing system 800 according to one or more specific examples of the present invention. One or more of the asset tracking database (for example, 710 in FIG. 7A ) and the client portal (for example, 720 in FIG. 7A ) may be software applications containing software commands, which are controlled by one or more The processor of the computing system 800 sometimes executes one or more of the methods described herein. Those with ordinary knowledge in the art will recognize that the computing system 800 described herein is only illustrative of computing systems that can be used to execute any of the software methods mentioned above, and according to one of the present invention or Many specific examples can use other computing systems well known in the art.

The computing system 800 may include one or more central processing units 805 , host bridges 810 , Input/output ("IO") bridge 815 , graphics processing unit ("GPU" in the singular form or "GPUs" in the plural) 825 , and/or placed on one or more printed circuit boards (not shown) Special application integrated circuits (“ASIC” in the singular form or “ASICs” in the plural form) (not shown in the figure) on the special application integrated circuit on the above, these printed circuit boards perform calculation operations. Each of the one or more CPU 805 , GPU 825, or ASIC (not shown in the figure) may be a single-core (not separately illustrated) device or a multi-core (not separately illustrated) device. Multi-core devices typically include multiple cores (not shown in the figure) arranged on the same physical die (not shown in the figure), or multiple chips arranged in the same mechanical package (not shown in the figure). Multiple cores (not shown in the figure) on the grain (not shown in the figure).

The CPU 805 may be a general-purpose computing device that is typically configured to execute software instructions. The CPU 805 may include an interface 808 to the host bridge 810 , an interface 818 to the system memory 820 , and an interface 823 to one or more IO devices (such as one or more GPUs 825 ). The GPU 825 may act as a dedicated computing device that is typically configured to perform graphics functions related to frame buffer manipulation. However, those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that the GPU 825 can be used to perform computationally intensive non-graphics related functions. In some specific examples, the GPU 825 can directly interface with the CPU 805 823 (and interface with the system memory 820 via the CPU 805 818 ). In other specific examples, the GPU 825 may interface with the host bridge 810 821 (and with the system memory 820 through the host bridge 810 or the CPU 805 to interface 816 or 818 depending on the application or design). In another specific example, the GPU 825 may be interfaced with the IO bridge 815 833 (and the system memory 820 may be interfaced with the system memory 820 through the host bridge 810 or the CPU 805 depending on the application or design to interface 816 or 818 ). The functionality of the GPU 825 can be integrated with the CPU 805 in whole or in part.

The host bridge 810 may be an interface device that interfaces between one or more computing devices and the IO bridge 815, and in some specific examples, the system memory 820 . For the CPU 805 is not included to the system memory 820 of the interface 818, to the specific examples of system memory 820 of the interface 816, the host bridge 810 may include to CPU 805 of interface 808, to the IO bridge 815 of the interface 813, and for The CPU 805 does not include specific examples of the integrated GPU 825 or the interface 823 to the GPU 825 , and the host bridge may include the interface 821 to the GPU 825 . The functionality of the host bridge 810 can be integrated with the CPU 805 in whole or in part. The IO bridge 815 may be an interface device that interfaces between one or more computing devices and various IO devices (for example, 840 , 845 ) and IO expansion or additional devices (not separately illustrated). The IO bridge 815 may include an interface 813 to the host bridge 810 , one or more interfaces 833 to one or more IO expansion devices 835 , an interface 838 to the keyboard 840 , an interface 843 to a mouse 845 , to one or The interface 848 of multiple local storage devices 850 and the interface 853 of one or more network interface devices 855 . The functionality of the IO bridge 815 can be integrated with the CPU 805 and/or the host bridge 810 in whole or in part. Each local storage device 850 (if present) can be a solid-state memory device, a solid-state memory device array, a hard disk drive, a hard disk drive array, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium. The network interface device 855 may provide one or more network interfaces including any network protocol suitable for facilitating network connection and communication.

In addition to or instead of one or more local storage devices 850 , the computing system 800 may also include one or more network-attached storage devices 860 . Each network attached storage device 860 (if present) can be a solid state memory device, a solid state memory device array, a hard disk drive, a hard disk drive array, or any other non-transitory computer readable medium. Network attached storage device 860 may or may not be juxtaposed with the computing system 800, and may be provided via a network by one or more interfaces 855, one or more network interfaces accessed by the computing system 800.

Those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that the computing system 800 may be a conventional computing system or a dedicated computing system (not shown in the figure). In some specific examples, a dedicated computing system (not shown in the figure) may include one or more ASICs (not shown in the figure) that perform one or more dedicated functions in a more efficient manner. One or more ASICs (not shown in the figure) can directly interface with the CPU 805 , the host bridge 810, or the GPU 825 , or through the IO bridge 815 . Alternatively, in other specific examples, the dedicated computing system (not shown in the figure) can be reduced to only those components necessary to perform the required functions, in order to reduce the chip count, the footprint of the printed circuit board, and the thermal design power. And one or more of power consumption. One or more ASICs (not shown in the figure) may be used to replace one or more of the CPU 805 , the host bridge 810 , the IO bridge 815, or the GPU 825 . In such systems, one or more ASICs may be combined with sufficient functionality to perform certain network and computing functions in the smallest footprint of a device with substantially fewer components.

Therefore, those with ordinary knowledge in the art will recognize that according to one or more specific examples of the present invention, the CPU 805 and the host bridge 810 can be integrated, distributed, or eliminated based on the application, design, or appearance size in whole or in part. , IO bridge 815 , GPU 825 or ASIC (not shown in the figure) or a subset, superset or combination of its functions or features. Therefore, the description of the computing system 800 is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the type, type or configuration of component devices, which constitute a computing system suitable for executing the software method according to one or more specific examples of the present invention. 800 . Despite the above, those with ordinary knowledge in the field will recognize that the computing system 800 can be a stand-alone, laptop, desktop, industrial, server, blade or rack mountable system and can be based on application or Design changes.

The advantages of one or more specific examples of the present invention may include one or more of the following:

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, even though the wireless device or its user may not know that it is participating in an asset tracking task, a method for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observations and The system allows passive tracking of movable assets by one or more potentially unrelated wireless devices that are within range of the asset broadcasting Wi-Fi signals. In this way, every smart phone near the asset that needs to be tracked can anonymously and unconsciously participate in the asset tracking task.

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, the method and system for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observation utilizes existing devices, systems, and networks to passively track the location of assets, and There is no need for the asset itself to have any connectivity to the Internet or other network connections.

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, the method and system for passive asset tracking using the observation of Wi-Fi access points do not need to be connected to any specific network. One or more Wi-Fi accesses Point to identify one or more assets in the field by using Wi-Fi wireless network discovery and Wi-Fi access point reporting features and location services of modern smart phones to passively identify one or more assets Location. Whenever any one or more of the wireless devices only enter the range of the assets associated with the Wi-Fi access point that broadcasts the Wi-Fi signal, the movable assets may be one or more independent and unrelated The wireless device tracks passively, and as far as the wireless device or its user is concerned, due to the nature of the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery protocol, there is no intention or awareness that it is participating in an asset tracking task.

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, the method and system for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observations utilize existing infrastructure inherent in smart phones, operating systems, and software applications, To report its location and the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point it encounters, so as to improve the accuracy of location-based services for asset tracking tasks without its awareness.

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, the method and system for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observation uses Wi-Fi wireless network discovery protocol and Wi-Fi access of smart phones Point report feature to use publicly accessible Wi-Fi signals and in passive scanning applications relative to asset tracking tasks to be completely anonymous. Passively track and Wi-Fi access points by one or more wireless devices Related assets, and there is no need for the wireless device to be associated with any specific Wi-Fi access point.

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, the method and system for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access points for observation and Wi-Fi access points associated with assets do not need to be connected to the Internet or Any connectivity of any other network connection does not require a GPS receiver, but instead relies on one or more wireless devices to report the time, date and relative location of the Wi-Fi access point in the range associated with the asset.

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, the method and system for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observation and asset tracking database receive directly or indirectly from one or more wireless devices or Unique identification information received by the Wi-Fi AP database and information about the location of one or more Wi-Fi access points. The location of the asset can be tracked in the asset tracking database by the location of the Wi-Fi access point.

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, the method and system for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observations may use Wi-Fi access points, which allow alternative meanings to be assigned to beacon signals Each part of the frame or detection response, the beacon frame or detection response corresponding to the attributes of the Wi-Fi access point or its physically and logically associated assets.

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, the method and system for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observations is achieved by providing trackable assets of an unaware asset tracking hardware or software system. Reduce theft. If the thief moves a traceable asset within the range of any one or more wireless devices, the discovery of the Wi-Fi access point will be reported, and the asset tracking database will be able to locate the asset without the thief knowing that the asset has been tracked Associated assets.

In one or more specific examples of the present invention, the method and system for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observations substantially reduces the complexity and cost associated with deploying an integrated asset tracking system. Compared with the conventional asset tracking system, it can be completely independent of the asset tracking task, and one or more wireless devices that are not related to it serve as the tracking infrastructure.

Although the present invention has been described based on the specific examples mentioned above, those with ordinary knowledge in the field who benefit from this description will recognize that other specific examples can be devised within the scope of the invention as described herein. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should only be limited by the scope of the attached patent application.

100: Wi-Fi wireless network 105: Broadband Modem 110: Wi-Fi access point 110a: Wi-Fi access point 110b: Wi-Fi access point 110c: Wi-Fi access point 120: wireless device 130: wireless device 140: wireless device 150: wireless device 150a: (report) wireless device 150b: (report) wireless device 150c: (report) wireless device 150d: (report) wireless device 200: Passive scan mode 205: Active Scan Mode 210: Manage frames 220: beacon frame 220a: beacon frame 220b: beacon frame 220c: beacon frame 230: Probe request frame 240: Probe request frame 240a: Detection response frame 240b: Detection response frame 240c: detection response frame 250: Verification request frame 260: Verify response frame 270: Associated request frame 280: Associated Response 290: Data Frame 300: Manage frames 305: MAC header 310: Subtype bit 315: Duration field 320: subtype description 325: Source address field 330: BSSID 335: Sequence control field 340: Frame body field 345: Frame check sequence field 350: Mandatory sub-field 355: subfield 360: Time stamp subfield 365: Beacon Interval Subfield 370: Compatibility Information Subfield 375: SSID subfield 410: Cell Tower 420: GPS satellite 420a: GPS satellite 420b: GPS satellite 420c: GPS satellite 510: shell or cover 520: processor 530: Firmware 540: Radio interface 550: Antenna 560: Power 570: battery power 610: (movable) assets 620: (movable) assets 630: (movable) assets 640: (movable) assets 650: field/worksite 660: street 670: Motor Vehicles 700: System 710: Asset Tracking Database 720: User portal 730: Wi-Fi AP database 740: dividing line/observation data/asset data 800: computing system 805: Central Processing Unit 808: Interface 810: host bridge 813: Interface 815: Input/Output ("IO") Bridge 816: Interface 818: Interface 820: System memory 821: Interface 823: Interface 825: Graphics Processing Unit 833: Interface 835: IO expansion device 838: Interface 840: keyboard 843: Interface 845: mouse 848: Interface 850: local storage 853: Interface 855: network interface device 860: Network attached storage device

[Figure 1] shows the conventional Wi-Fi wireless network.

[Figure 2A] shows the passive scanning mode as part of the IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process.

[Figure 2B] shows the active scan mode as part of the IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process.

[Figure 2C] shows a sequence of IEEE 802.11 management frames that are typically exchanged between wireless devices and Wi-Fi access points as part of the Wi-Fi wireless network discovery process.

[Figure 3A] shows the sub-type of IEEE 802.11 management frame.

[Figure 3B] shows the structure of a conventional IEEE 802.11 management frame representing the type of management frame transferred between the wireless device and the Wi-Fi access point.

[Figure 4A] shows various techniques that can be used to determine the location of a wireless device and one or more Wi-Fi access points.

[Figure 4B] shows an overview of a wireless device that reports observations of one or more Wi-Fi access points encountered to the Wi-Fi AP database.

[Figure 5] shows a block diagram of a conventional Wi-Fi access point.

[Figure 6] shows an application example of passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observation according to one or more specific examples of the present invention.

[Figure 7A] shows a system for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observation according to one or more specific examples of the present invention.

[FIG. 7B] shows an example of observation data of one or more Wi-Fi access points reported by the wireless device based on the encounter according to one or more specific examples of the present invention.

[Figure 7C] shows an example of asset data stored or generated by an asset tracking database according to one or more specific examples of the present invention.

[Fig. 7D] shows an example of a client entry to the asset tracking database according to one or more specific examples of the present invention.

[Figure 8] shows a computing system according to one or more specific examples of the present invention.

110: Wi-Fi access point

150a: (report) wireless device

150b: (report) wireless device

150c: (report) wireless device

150d: (report) wireless device

230: Probe request frame

610: (movable) assets

700: System

710: Asset Tracking Database

720: User portal

730: Wi-Fi AP database

740: dividing line/observation data/asset data

800: computing system

Claims (45)

A method for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observation, which includes: In the asset tracking database, the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point is associated with the movable asset, where the Wi-Fi access point is placed on, attached to, or connected to the movable asset. Integration of movable assets; Receive observation data from the Wi-Fi AP database, the observation data including the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point and the location information of the Wi-Fi access point; and Determine the location of the movable asset based at least in part on the observation data of the Wi-Fi access point, Where there is no communication between the asset tracking database and one or more wireless devices, the one or more wireless devices report the encounter with the Wi-Fi access point to the Wi-Fi AP database, and the report Contains observation data. Such as the method of claim 1, which further includes: Store the location of the movable asset in the asset tracking database; and Provide user access to the location of the movable asset stored in the asset tracking database. Such as the method of claim 1, wherein the Wi-Fi AP database receives observation data from one or more wireless devices, and the one or more wireless devices encounter the Wi-Fi access point and access the Wi-Fi The unique identification information of the point and the location information of the Wi-Fi access point are reported to the Wi-Fi AP database. Such as the method of claim 1, wherein the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point includes the basic service set identifier (BSSID) of the Wi-Fi access point. Such as the method of claim 1, wherein the location information of the Wi-Fi access point includes the latitude and longitude of the Wi-Fi access point. Such as the method of claim 1, wherein the location information of the Wi-Fi access point includes the latitude and longitude at or near the time when the reporting wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point. Such as the method of claim 1, wherein the location information of the Wi-Fi access point includes the information measured by the reporting wireless device at or near the time when the reporting wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point The received signal strength of the Wi-Fi access point. Such as the method of claim 1, wherein the location information of the Wi-Fi access point includes reporting that the wireless device approaches the Wi-Fi access point at or near the time when it meets the Wi-Fi access point The latitude and longitude of one or more other Wi-Fi access points. Such as the method of claim 1, wherein the location information of the Wi-Fi access point includes reporting that the wireless device approaches the Wi-Fi access point at or near the time when it meets the Wi-Fi access point The received signal strength of one or more other Wi-Fi access points. Such as the method of claim 1, wherein determining the location of the movable asset includes using the latitude and longitude of the Wi-Fi access point as the location of the movable asset. Such as the method of claim 1, wherein determining the location of the movable asset includes using the latitude and longitude of the reporting wireless device as the location of the movable asset. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the location of the movable asset includes using the reporting wireless device at or near the time when the Wi-Fi access point meets the Wi-Fi access point and the Wi-Fi measured by the reporting wireless device The received signal strength of the Fi access point is used to determine the location of the movable asset. Such as the method of claim 1, wherein determining the location of the movable asset includes using the reporting wireless device at or near the time when the Wi-Fi access point meets and the reporting wireless device encounters one or more The latitude and longitude of each other Wi-Fi access point are used to determine the location of the movable asset. Such as the method of claim 1, wherein determining the location of the movable asset includes using one or more of the reporting wireless device measurements when or near the time when the reporting wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point The received signal strength of each other Wi-Fi access point is used to determine the location of the movable asset. A method for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observation, which includes: In the asset tracking database, the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point is associated with the movable asset, where the Wi-Fi access point is placed on, attached to, or connected to the movable asset. Integration of movable assets; One or more direct reporting wireless devices receive first observation data since encountering the Wi-Fi access point, and the first observation data includes the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point and the Wi-Fi access Point’s first location information; Receiving second observation data from a Wi-Fi AP database, the second observation data including the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point and the second location information of the Wi-Fi access point; and Determining the location of the movable asset based at least in part on the first observation data and/or the second observation data of the Wi-Fi access point, There is no communication between the asset tracking database and one or more indirect reporting wireless devices, and the one or more indirect reporting wireless devices report their respective encounters with the Wi-Fi access point to the Wi-Fi AP database, the report contains the second observation data. Such as the method of claim 15, which further includes: Store the location of the movable asset in the asset tracking database; and Provide user access to the location of the movable asset stored in the asset tracking database. Such as the method of claim 15, wherein the Wi-Fi AP database receives observation data from one or more indirect reporting wireless devices, the one or more indirect reporting wireless devices encounter the Wi-Fi access point and the Wi-Fi access point -The unique identification information of the Fi access point and the second location information of the Wi-Fi access point are reported to the Wi-Fi AP database. Such as the method of claim 15, wherein the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point includes the basic service set identifier (BSSID) of the Wi-Fi access point. Such as the method of claim 15, wherein the first location information and/or the second location information of the Wi-Fi access point includes the latitude and longitude of the Wi-Fi access point. Such as the method of claim 15, wherein the first location information and/or the second location information of the Wi-Fi access point includes the time or the time when the reporting wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point The latitude and longitude of the neighborhood. Such as the method of claim 15, wherein the first location information and/or the second location information of the Wi-Fi access point include when or near the time when the reporting wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point And the received signal strength of the Wi-Fi access point measured by the reporting wireless device. Such as the method of claim 15, wherein the first location information and/or the second location information of the Wi-Fi access point include reporting when the wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point at or near the time And the latitude and longitude of one or more other Wi-Fi access points close to the Wi-Fi access point. Such as the method of claim 15, wherein the first location information and/or the second location information of the Wi-Fi access point include when or near the time when the wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point. The received signal strength of one or more other Wi-Fi access points close to the Wi-Fi access point. Such as the method of claim 15, wherein determining the location of the movable asset includes using the latitude and longitude of the Wi-Fi access point as the location of the movable asset. Such as the method of claim 15, wherein determining the location of the movable asset includes using the latitude and longitude of the reporting wireless device as the location of the movable asset. The method of claim 15, wherein determining the location of the movable asset includes using the reporting wireless device to measure the Wi-Fi measured by the reporting wireless device at or near the time when the Wi-Fi access point meets the Wi-Fi access point. The received signal strength of the Fi access point is used to determine the location of the movable asset. Such as the method of claim 15, wherein determining the location of the movable asset includes using the reporting wireless device at or near the time when the Wi-Fi access point meets and the reporting wireless device encounters one or more The latitude and longitude of each other Wi-Fi access point are used to determine the location of the movable asset. Such as the method of claim 15, wherein determining the location of the movable asset includes using one or more of the reporting wireless device measurements when or near the time when the reporting wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point The received signal strength of each other Wi-Fi access point is used to determine the location of the movable asset. A method for passive asset tracking using Wi-Fi access point observation, which includes: In the asset tracking database, the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point is associated with the movable asset, where the Wi-Fi access point is placed on, attached to, or connected to the movable asset. Integration of movable assets; Observation data received by one or more wireless devices since encountering the Wi-Fi access point, the observation data including the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point and the location information of the Wi-Fi access point; and The location of the movable asset is determined based at least in part on the observation data of the Wi-Fi access point. Such as the method of claim 29, which further includes: The location of the movable asset is stored in the asset tracking database. Such as the method of claim 29, which further includes: Provide the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point to one or more wireless devices to limit the observation data reported by the one or more wireless devices to the Wi-Fi associated with the movable asset to be tracked Data related to the access point. Such as the method of claim 29, which further includes: Provide identification information of the Wi-Fi access point to one or more wireless devices to limit the observation data reported by one or more wireless devices to the Wi-Fi access associated with the movable asset to be tracked Click the relevant information. Such as the method of claim 29, which further includes: Filter the received observation data to limit the observation data to data related to the Wi-Fi access point associated with the movable asset to be tracked. Such as the method of claim 29, which further includes: Provide user access to the location of the movable asset stored in the asset tracking database. Such as the method of claim 29, wherein the unique identification information of the Wi-Fi access point includes the basic service set identifier (BSSID) of the Wi-Fi access point. Such as the method of claim 29, wherein the location information of the Wi-Fi access point includes the latitude and longitude of the Wi-Fi access point. Such as the method of claim 29, wherein the location information of the Wi-Fi access point includes the latitude and longitude of the reporting wireless device at or near the time when the reporting wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point. Such as the method of claim 29, wherein the location information of the Wi-Fi access point includes the reporting wireless device measured by the reporting wireless device at or near the time when the reporting wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point The received signal strength of the Wi-Fi access point. Such as the method of claim 29, wherein the location information of the Wi-Fi access point includes reporting that the wireless device approaches the Wi-Fi access point at or near the time when it meets the Wi-Fi access point The latitude and longitude of one or more other Wi-Fi access points. Such as the method of claim 29, wherein the location information of the Wi-Fi access point includes reporting that the wireless device approaches the Wi-Fi access point at or near the time when it meets the Wi-Fi access point The received signal strength of one or more other Wi-Fi access points. Such as the method of claim 29, wherein determining the location of the movable asset includes using the latitude and longitude of the Wi-Fi access point as the location of the movable asset. Such as the method of claim 29, wherein determining the location of the movable asset includes using the latitude and longitude of the reporting wireless device as the location of the movable asset. Such as the method of claim 29, wherein determining the location of the movable asset includes using the reporting wireless device to measure the Wi-Fi measured by the reporting wireless device at or near the time when the reporting wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point The received signal strength of the Fi access point is used to determine the location of the movable asset. Such as the method of claim 29, wherein determining the location of the movable asset includes using the reporting wireless device at or near the time when the Wi-Fi access point meets and the reporting wireless device encounters one or more The latitude and longitude of each other Wi-Fi access point are used to determine the location of the movable asset. Such as the method of claim 29, wherein determining the location of the movable asset includes using one or more measurements by the reporting wireless device when the reporting wireless device meets the Wi-Fi access point at or near the time The received signal strength of each other Wi-Fi access point is used to determine the location of the movable asset.

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