Geo-fence Power Management via Sensor and Wi-Fi Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional geo-fence applications for mobile devices suffer from high power consumption due to constant GNSS signal monitoring, leading to rapid battery drain and inability to operate indoors or in obstructed areas.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mobile device with a sensor module and Wi-Fi module that reduces power consumption by using GNSS only when necessary, leveraging sensor data to detect motion and Wi-Fi access points to estimate location changes, thereby minimizing GNSS usage and extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS signals are used to constantly monitor location, then location detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location detection function into multiple components: sensors detect motion events, Wi-Fi monitors access point signals for location estimation, and GNSS is activated only when sensors indicate a geo-fence boundary crossing is likely. This segmentation allows the system to maintain accuracy while reducing overall power consumption by using low-power methods for routine monitoring and reserving high-power GNSS for critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic location monitoring using sensors and Wi-Fi at low power levels, with GNSS activated periodically only when triggered by sensor events suggesting proximity to geo-fence boundaries. This periodic activation of GNSS based on sensor-triggered events maintains location detection accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous GNSS operation.
2Measurement precision
If GNSS signals are used for location detection, then location accuracy is improved, but operation in obstructed areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional location detection system that can operate using different methods depending on the environment. Sensors and Wi-Fi provide universal location estimation that works both indoors and outdoors, while GNSS provides enhanced accuracy when available. This universal approach allows the device to maintain location detection capability across diverse environments including obstructed indoor areas where GNSS alone would fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module acts as an intermediary that detects motion events and triggers appropriate location detection methods. When sensors detect movement patterns suggesting approach to geo-fence boundaries, they mediate between the low-power Wi-Fi monitoring and high-precision GNSS activation, ensuring GNSS is used only when necessary for accurate boundary detection while maintaining indoor operability through sensor-Wi-Fi coordination.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sensors and Wi-Fi are used for location estimation, then power consumption is reduced, but location precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the location detection method based on real-time sensor inputs and contextual information. When sensors indicate the device is stationary or moving slowly away from geo-fence boundaries, low-power Wi-Fi monitoring suffices. When sensors detect motion patterns suggesting proximity to boundaries, the system dynamically activates GNSS to maintain precision. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between power consumption and location precision based on actual operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module provides continuous feedback about device motion and position relative to geo-fence boundaries, which feeds into the location detection system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to determine when high-precision GNSS is necessary and when low-power Wi-Fi estimation is sufficient, enabling intelligent switching between methods to maintain precision while minimizing power consumption based on actual location detection requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A geo-fence capable device is disclosed that is capable of performing an accurate geo-fence operation while minimizing power consumption. The device includes sensors, Wi-Fi connectability and GNSS. Sensors intermittently detect whether the device is in motion. When determined to be in motion, Wi-Fi is used to acquire a wireless access point list and to compare the access point list to previously-stored access points in order to determine whether the device is still within a particular region. GNSS is used to confirm exit from a region and to intermittently monitor whether the device has entered a new region. GNSS and application processor use can be minimized by utilizing sensor and Wi-Fi functionality as preliminary region monitors.