GNSS-Cellular Activity Synchronization for Power Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
GNSS receivers in devices constantly require system resources to be active for signal measurement, leading to increased power consumption, especially in mobile devices where prolonged activity reduces battery life.
Innovation Solution
Synchronizing GNSS module operation with communication module activity by shifting the burden of managing GNSS operation from system resources to communication resources, allowing the system to remain in a power conservation state and only activating GNSS signal measurement during communication module operation periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS receiver constantly measures satellite signals to maintain accurate position determination, then positioning accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic GNSS signal measurement instead of continuous measurement. The system measures satellite signals at scheduled intervals (e.g., multiple times per second) rather than continuously, allowing the GNSS receiver to enter power-saving modes between measurements. This periodic approach maintains positioning accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption of the GNSS module and associated system resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the operational state of system resources based on positioning requirements. When positioning accuracy demands high measurement frequency, system resources (CPU, memory, power management) are activated to support continuous or frequent GNSS measurements. When lower accuracy is acceptable, the system transitions to power-saving states, dynamically balancing positioning performance with power consumption.
2Reliability
If GNSS receiver constantly requires system resources to be active for signal measurement, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but device operation duration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic measurement cycles where the GNSS receiver and system resources are activated only during scheduled measurement windows. Between these periodic intervals, both the GNSS receiver and system resources enter low-power or sleep states. This periodic activation pattern extends device operation duration on battery power while maintaining positioning accuracy during active measurement periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service power management where the GNSS receiver and system resources automatically transition between active and power-saving states based on internal timing and positioning requirements. The system monitors its own power state and autonomously activates resources only when positioning measurements are needed, eliminating the need for continuous resource allocation and extending battery life.
3Adaptability or versatility
If communication equipment keeps system resources active for longer periods, then wireless communication functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the activation schedules of the GNSS receiver with the communication module's operational periods. By coordinating their activity timing, the system ensures that both GNSS signal measurement and wireless communication occur during the same time windows when system resources are already active. This merging eliminates the need for separate resource activations, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining both positioning and communication functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multi-functionality by using the same active system resources for both GNSS positioning and wireless communication tasks. When the communication module activates system resources for wireless operations, the GNSS receiver simultaneously performs signal measurements using these shared resources. This universal resource utilization avoids duplicate resource activation and reduces total power consumption while supporting multiple functions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to power conservation via global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-cellular activity synchronization. In general, power may be conserved in a device by setting a GNSS module in a device to operate during a time period when communication resources (e.g., a communication module) in the device are already scheduled to operate, which may conserve power in the device. Synchronization may occur via a notification (e.g., a pulse, a message, etc.) that is transmitted from the communication module to the GNSS module. In this manner, the burden of managing GNSS module operation may be shifted from control resources in the device (e.g., a system module) to the communication module, allowing the system module to remain in a power conservation state (e.g., sleep state) for longer durations and for GNSS signal measurement to occur when the system module is already active.