Always-On Satellite Receiver Positioning Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional satellite positioning systems in battery-operated devices, such as GPS receivers, are typically only enabled on demand, leading to delays in location-based applications and services due to power consumption constraints, and struggle with quick position acquisition and operation in weak or absent satellite conditions.
Innovation Solution
An always-on satellite positioning receiver method that continuously calculates and updates the device's position and velocity, using pseudo-random code sequences, to provide automatic position updates, minimize power consumption, and operate independently of cellular network assistance, even in challenging signal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional GPS receivers are enabled on demand to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but position acquisition delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver performs preliminary actions by continuously tracking satellite signals and maintaining position information in the background even when not actively used. This allows the receiver to have position data ready before the user actually needs it, eliminating acquisition delay while keeping power consumption manageable through selective activation of tracking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode between continuous tracking and on-demand positioning. The receiver can switch between different power consumption states based on whether position updates are currently needed, optimizing the balance between power usage and response time by being adaptable rather than static.
2Speed
If continuous position tracking is implemented, then position acquisition speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of truly continuous operation, the receiver implements periodic tracking intervals where it activates satellite signal processing at scheduled times. This periodic operation maintains the capability for fast position acquisition while reducing average power consumption compared to uninterrupted continuous tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver uses previously acquired satellite signal data and position information to serve current positioning needs without requiring full re-acquisition. By leveraging stored almanac data, ephemeris information, and recent position fixes, the system reduces the computational and energetic burden of continuous tracking while maintaining fast response capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to establish a position of a device receiving an input signal containing data from a plurality of satellites is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) calculating (i) an estimated position of the device and (ii) an estimated velocity vector of the device, (B) calculating a plurality of estimated locations of a plurality of pseudo-random code sequences in the input signal based on (i) the estimated position and (ii) the estimated velocity vector and (C) generating the position in an output signal based on the pseudo-random code sequences.