Automatic data accuracy maintenance in a Wi-Fi access point location database

A system of maintaining data accuracy in a Wi-Fi access point location database including a plurality of location entries each for storing location data for a corresponding one of a plurality of access points, the system comprising:

• means for receiving a first set of location measurements for a selected access point from a first mobile device;
• means for determining a trustworthiness value of the first set of location measurements in response to a first comparison between the first set of location measurements and the location data for the selected access point stored in the location database;
• means for updating the stored location data for the selected access point in the location database using the first set of location measurements if the trustworthiness value is greater than a trustworthiness threshold;
• means for selectively updating the stored location data for the selected access point in the location database using the first set of location measurements if the trustworthiness value is not greater than a trustworthiness threshold, wherein the means for selectively updating comprises:
• means for receiving additional sets of location measurements for one or more other access points from the first mobile device;
• means for performing an area recognition operation for at least some of the additional sets of location measurements provided by the first mobile device during a predetermined time period by comparing the additional sets of location measurements and the location data for the one or more other access points stored in the location database to generate a consistency value;
• and
• means for updating the stored location data for the selected access point in the location database using the first set of location measurements if the consistency value is greater than a consistency threshold.

An access point location server, comprising:

• a database including a plurality of location entries each for storing location data for a corresponding one of a plurality of access points;
• and
• a processor to:
• receive a first set of location measurements for a selected access point from a first mobile device;
• determine a trustworthiness value of the first set of location measurements in response to a first comparison between the first set of location measurements and the location data for the selected access point stored in the location database;
• if the trustworthiness value is greater than a trustworthiness threshold, then update the stored location data for the selected access point in the location database using the first set of location measurements;
• and
• if the trustworthiness value is not greater than the trustworthiness threshold, then
• perform an area recognition operation for at least some of the additional sets of location measurements provided by the first mobile device during a predetermined time period by comparing the additional sets of location measurements and the location data for the one or more other access points stored in the location database to generate a consistency value;
• and
• update the stored location data for the selected access point in the location database using the first set of location measurements if the consistency value is greater than a consistency threshold.