Acoustic Signature Movement Detection for Battery Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile personal emergency response systems (MPERS) face battery depletion issues due to the high power consumption of GPS receivers, which deplete the battery quickly when repeatedly used for location determination.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that use acoustic signals to estimate movement by comparing baseline and additional acoustic signatures, reducing the need for frequent GPS position fixes, thereby conserving battery energy by only activating GPS when significant movement or a predetermined time has passed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS receiver is used repeatedly for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location tracking function into two parts: acoustic signature-based movement detection for continuous monitoring, and GPS-based position fixing for periodic location updates. This segmentation allows the system to maintain location awareness without continuously activating the high-power GPS receiver, thereby extending battery life while preserving location accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic signature analysis as an intermediary mechanism between continuous location monitoring and GPS activation. By analyzing acoustic signatures to detect movement, the system can determine when GPS position fixes are necessary, reducing GPS usage frequency while maintaining location accuracy. The acoustic signature acts as a low-power mediator that triggers GPS only when movement is detected.
2Measurement precision
If GPS position fixes are obtained frequently, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic GPS position fixes triggered by acoustic signature analysis rather than continuous or fixed-time GPS updates. The system periodically checks acoustic signatures for movement, and only activates GPS when movement is detected or when a predetermined time interval has elapsed. This periodic action based on actual movement needs reduces energy consumption while maintaining location tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own acoustic signature analysis capability to determine when GPS position fixes are needed, making the decision-making process self-service rather than relying on continuous GPS polling. The device monitors its own acoustic environment and autonomously decides when to activate GPS, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining accurate location tracking.
3Measurement precision
If acoustic signature monitoring is performed continuously, then movement detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing acoustic processing capabilities of mobile devices (microphone, audio processing software) to perform movement detection through acoustic signature analysis. By making the device's existing acoustic components multi-functional - using them for both normal audio processing and movement detection - the system achieves improved movement detection accuracy without significantly increasing device complexity. The same hardware serves dual purposes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach extends the operational time of portable devices by minimizing GPS usage, saving battery energy and reducing the need for frequent recharging, while maintaining accurate location tracking.
Implementation Method 1
emitting a first acoustic signal, and recording a baseline acoustic signature in response to the emission of the first acoustic signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a communications device to maintain a position fix of the communications device includes obtaining a position fix using a position determination capability of the device, such as a global positioning system capability. The method further includes emitting a first acoustic signal, and recording a baseline acoustic signature in response to the emission of the first acoustic signal. The method further includes emitting an additional acoustic signal and recording an additional acoustic signature resulting from the emission of the additional acoustic signal, comparing the baseline acoustic signature with the additional acoustic signature, and estimating, based at least in part on the comparison of the baseline and additional acoustic signatures, whether the communications device has moved between the recordings of the baseline and additional acoustic signatures.