External GNSS Receiver Module with Motion Sensor for Contextual Inference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld wireless devices with integrated GNSS receivers face challenges in achieving precise location determination due to power consumption constraints, antenna design limitations, and the need for rapid position fixes, resulting in reduced accuracy and sensitivity in signal reception.
Innovation Solution
An external GNSS receiver module with a circularly polarized antenna and enhanced GNSS receiver capabilities, including Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) corrections and Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) signals, is used to improve positioning accuracy, coupled with a MEMS sensor suite for inertial data and gesture-based control of data collection operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a GNSS receiver is integrated into handheld wireless devices, then location determination capability is provided, but precision is reduced due to power consumption constraints and antenna design limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The GNSS receiver system is segmented into separate functional modules: a handheld wireless device for user interaction and a separate external GNSS receiver module for precise positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the handheld device can operate with lower power consumption while the external module provides high-precision positioning through dedicated hardware and antenna designs.
Solution Approach 2:
An external GNSS receiver module serves as an intermediary between the handheld wireless device and the GNSS satellites. This intermediary component handles the power-intensive signal reception and processing functions, allowing the handheld device to maintain low power consumption while achieving high location determination precision through the external module's enhanced capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If antenna design is optimized for precision, then location accuracy improves, but device form factor and space availability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented between the handheld device and the external GNSS receiver module. The external module houses the optimized antenna design required for high precision positioning, while the handheld device maintains its compact form factor. This separation allows the antenna to be designed with optimal characteristics without constraining the handheld device's size.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna and signal reception capabilities are extracted from the handheld wireless device and placed in a separate external GNSS receiver module. This extraction allows the antenna to be optimized for precision positioning without compromising the handheld device's form factor, as the antenna resides in the external module rather than within the handheld device's limited space.
3Loss of time
If rapid position fixes are prioritized, then time to fix is reduced, but accuracy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into two operational modes handled by the external GNSS receiver module: rapid position fixes for time-critical applications and high-precision positioning for accuracy-critical applications. This segmentation allows the system to provide both fast and accurate positioning by routing different types of positioning requests to appropriate processing paths within the external module.
Solution Approach 2:
The external GNSS receiver module dynamically adjusts its processing characteristics based on the application requirements. For rapid position fixes, the module prioritizes speed by using simplified processing algorithms. For high-precision positioning, the module switches to more computationally intensive algorithms that leverage the full capability of the external receiver, including RTK corrections and SBAS signals.
4Measurement precision
If external GNSS receiver module with enhanced capabilities is used, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external GNSS receiver module is designed as a universal interface that handles multiple positioning functions through a single integrated component. It supports various signal types (GNSS, RTK, SBAS), provides both rapid and high-precision positioning, and communicates with the handheld device through standard interfaces. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components into a single external module.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for contextual inference of user activity is disclosed. In one embodiment, an indication of the motion of a pole mounted sensing device comprising at least one motion sensor and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver configured to at least generate raw GNSS observables is received from the at least one motion sensor. The indication of the motion of the pole mounted sensing device is correlated with an operation defined in a gesture library regarding GNSS data collect by the GNSS receiver at a time when the indication of the motion is detected. The indication and the GNSS data are stored.