Battery-Aware Mobile Navigation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphones and auxiliary devices often run out of battery while providing navigational directions, leading to inconvenience for users, as existing systems do not account for battery levels when calculating routes.
Innovation Solution
A power-efficient navigation system that estimates battery life and provides warnings or alternative routes to ensure the device's battery lasts until the user reaches their destination, offering various power-saving navigation modes to conserve battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the smart phone provides navigational directions using GNSS sensors and standard navigation mode, then the navigation accuracy and user experience are improved, but the battery charge is exhausted before reaching the destination
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts navigation modes based on real-time battery charge levels. When battery charge is sufficient, the system uses standard navigation mode with full GNSS functionality. When battery charge drops below thresholds, the system automatically switches to power-saving modes that reduce GNSS polling frequency and disable non-essential features, thereby maintaining navigation service reliability while adapting energy consumption to available battery charge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the GNSS receiver and navigation software based on battery charge levels. This includes adjusting the polling frequency of location updates, modifying the accuracy requirements, and changing display refresh rates. By dynamically altering these parameters, the system reduces power consumption while maintaining acceptable navigation functionality throughout the journey.
2Measurement precision
If the smart phone uses high-precision GNSS sensors for accurate location tracking, then the navigation precision is improved, but the battery power is consumed faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by using high-precision GNSS tracking only when necessary (e.g., during critical navigation phases or when accuracy is paramount) and switching to lower-precision, lower-power tracking methods during less critical periods. This selective approach maintains measurement precision when needed while reducing overall energy loss throughout the navigation journey.
3Reliability
If the navigation system provides continuous real-time location updates and detailed routing information, then the navigational accuracy and user guidance quality are improved, but the battery charge depletes faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by updating location information and refreshing navigation displays at intervals rather than continuously. The GNSS receiver polls location data at reduced frequencies, and the display system updates route information periodically based on significant position changes rather than continuously. This approach maintains navigation guidance reliability for the complete journey while extending battery operation duration through reduced update frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided which comprises: a battery to selectively power the apparatus; a first circuitry to estimate a first travel time to travel from a start location to an end location via a first route; and a second circuitry to (i) determine that a charge of the battery is likely to be exhausted prior to a user is to reach the end location via the first route, if the apparatus is to operate in a first mode of operation, and (ii) display the first route as an infeasible route