GNSS Receiver Low Power Mode Control via Consecutive Entry Counting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers in mobile devices face challenges in reducing power consumption, especially as they integrate multiple functions, leading to increased battery drain.

Innovation Solution

A GNSS receiver design that includes a radio frequency (RF) unit, baseband processing unit, storage unit, mode control unit, and counter unit, allowing the system to selectively enter a low power mode based on the number of consecutive times it has entered this mode, with the mode control unit turning off specific units such as the RF, baseband processing, and storage units, and controlling the duration of the low power mode accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the GNSS receiver continuously operates all units (RF unit, baseband processing unit, storage unit) to maintain high availability and responsiveness, then the reliability and readiness of the system is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on environmental conditions and usage patterns. The mode control unit transitions the GNSS receiver between normal mode (all units active) and low power mode (selective unit shutdown) based on satellite signal availability and consecutive operation history, optimizing the balance between reliability and power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic monitoring of satellite signal conditions and usage patterns. The counter unit tracks consecutive operations, and when a threshold is reached, the system enters low power mode temporarily, then reactivates when needed, creating a rhythmic pattern of active and dormant states that reduces overall power consumption while maintaining necessary functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the GNSS receiver enters low power mode frequently to reduce battery drain, then the power consumption is reduced, but the system responsiveness and ability to quickly acquire satellite signals deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignal acquisition speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares for potential low power mode entry by monitoring satellite signal conditions in advance. When signals are already unavailable or weak, the system proactively enters low power mode, avoiding unnecessary active operation. This preliminary assessment ensures that when the system does need to be active, it can respond more quickly because it wasn't unnecessarily dormant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own operational history and environmental conditions to make intelligent decisions about when to enter low power mode. The counter unit tracks consecutive operations and the mode control unit autonomously decides when to shutdown units, creating a self-regulating system that adapts to its own usage patterns without external intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If the system turns off multiple units (RF unit, storage unit, baseband processing unit) in low power mode to maximize battery life, then the power consumption is minimized, but the device complexity for managing these transitions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the power management control into distinct functional units: the counter unit for tracking operations, the mode control unit for decision-making, and individual control signals for each hardware unit (RF unit, baseband processing unit, storage unit). This modular segmentation makes the complex power management strategy more manageable and implementable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mode control unit acts as an intermediary between the counter unit (which monitors usage) and the hardware units (which need power control). It receives the consecutive operation count, decides whether to enter low power mode, and generates appropriate control signals for each unit. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall control architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10444374B2GNSS receiver and mobile system including the same

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A GNSS receiver includes a RF unit, a baseband processing unit, a storage unit, a mode control unit and a counter unit. The RF unit receives a satellite signal from an external satellite. The baseband processing unit determines present operation environment of the GNSS receiver based on the satellite signal. The storage unit stores information received by the RF unit and information generated by the baseband processing unit. The mode control unit controls an operation mode of the GNSS receiver based on the present operation environment. The operation mode includes a normal mode and a low power mode. The counter unit counts a first number representing a number of consecutive times in which the GNSS receiver has entered the low power mode. When the GNSS receiver enters the low power mode, the mode control unit turns off at least one of the RF unit, the baseband processing unit and the storage unit based on the first number.