2D Bar Code Encoding for GPS Assistance Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPS positioning systems face delays and inaccuracies in determining location, especially in harsh environments, due to the need for GPS receivers to decode ephemeris and almanac data from satellites, which requires access to an external network and can be hindered by poor signal conditions.
Innovation Solution
The use of Two-Dimensional (2D) bar codes to encode and display GPS assistance data, allowing devices to quickly obtain necessary satellite information and lock onto GPS signals, reducing the Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF) and improving positioning accuracy even in areas with weak GPS signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS receivers decode ephemeris and almanac data from satellites, then positioning accuracy is improved, but Time-To-First-Fix increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-encodes GPS assistance data including ephemeris and almanac information into 2D bar codes that are displayed on mobile device screens. This preliminary action allows the data to be ready for immediate acquisition without requiring time-consuming satellite signal decoding, thus reducing Time-To-First-Fix while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces 2D bar codes as an intermediary medium to transfer GPS assistance data from a base station to the mobile device. This intermediary approach bypasses the need for direct satellite signal acquisition and decoding, enabling faster data transfer and reducing the time to obtain positioning information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If GPS receivers rely on satellite signals, then global coverage is achieved, but performance deteriorates in harsh environments with weak signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 2D bar codes as an intermediary to deliver GPS assistance data in environments where satellite signals are weak or unavailable. This allows the system to maintain reliability in harsh environments by providing pre-acquired satellite data through the bar code medium, compensating for poor signal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-acquires and encodes GPS assistance data into bar codes before the mobile device needs positioning information. This preliminary preparation ensures that even when satellite signals are weak or blocked, the device can immediately use the pre-fetched data from the bar code to achieve reliable positioning.
3Speed
If GPS receivers access external networks for assistance data, then positioning speed is improved, but dependency on network availability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 2D bar codes as a portable intermediary medium that stores GPS assistance data locally. This eliminates the need for continuous network access during positioning operations, as the data is transferred through the bar code scanning mechanism, providing network independence while maintaining fast positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of GPS assistance data in the form of 2D bar codes that can be transferred without requiring network connectivity. This copying approach allows the mobile device to acquire positioning data through bar code scanning, reducing network dependency while maintaining positioning speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for generating a bar code and for using a bar code to assist with positioning are provided. The method for generating a bar code to assist with positioning includes obtaining Global Positioning System (GPS) assistance data, generating a bar code with the GPS assistance data encoded therein, and displaying the bar code. The method for using a bar code to assist with positioning includes scanning a bar code, obtaining GPS assistance data from the scanned bar code, receiving and locking onto one or more GPS signals by using the GPS assistance data, and determining a position using the received one or more GPS signals.