GPS Mode Selection via Accelerometer Signature Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing GPS devices face challenges in accurately determining their operational mode, especially in diverse transportation scenarios like walking, driving, flying, or boating, due to varying motion patterns and environmental conditions, which affects navigation precision.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an accelerometer module that compares acceleration data to predefined signatures to select a suitable GPS mode of operation, adjusting parameters such as Doppler compensation and tracking loop bandwidths based on the detected motion and environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS processing is made more intensive to improve location accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveGPS location accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts GPS processing parameters based on detected motion patterns. The accelerometer continuously monitors device motion, and based on the detected mode (pedestrian, vehicular, aerial, maritime), the system adapts GPS processing intensity, tracking loop bandwidth, and Doppler compensation levels. This dynamic adaptation maintains high accuracy when needed while reducing complexity during stable conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes processing parameters based on operational mode. Different tracking loop bandwidths, Doppler compensation settings, and position update frequencies are applied depending on whether the device is being carried by a pedestrian, vehicle, aircraft, or boat. This parameter adaptation optimizes the balance between accuracy and processing requirements for each specific use case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If GPS operational parameters are customized for specific applications, then measurement precision improves, but adaptability to unknown modes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation accuracyVSAvoidmode detection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the operational mode using the accelerometer and self-configures the appropriate GPS processing parameters without requiring user input or pre-programming for each scenario. The accelerometer-based motion pattern recognition enables the system to identify whether it's being used in pedestrian, vehicular, aerial, or maritime modes and automatically adjusts accordingly, providing both precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the accelerometer to continuously monitor motion patterns and adjust GPS processing parameters in real-time. This closed-loop approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and unknown modes by comparing actual motion patterns against expected patterns for different operational modes, thereby maintaining accuracy across diverse applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If Doppler compensation is applied for high-speed motion, then measurement precision improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracy during motionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Doppler compensation is dynamically enabled or disabled based on detected motion characteristics. When the accelerometer indicates high-speed motion consistent with vehicular, aerial, or maritime modes, the system activates Doppler compensation algorithms. During pedestrian-mode or stationary conditions, this energy-intensive processing is reduced or eliminated, optimizing the balance between accuracy and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances GPS navigation accuracy by tailoring operational parameters to specific transportation modes and environments, improving location depiction and reducing errors caused by motion and environmental factors.

Implementation Method 1

an accelerometer module that is operable to produce accelerometer output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

a GPS device servicing an airplane must compensate for the Doppler Effect caused by its motion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDoppler Effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9546873B2Determining GPS mode of operation based upon accelerometer input

Publication Date: 2017.01.17 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is operable to determine a Global Positioning System (GPS) mode of operation based upon accelerometer input. The electronic device includes a communications interface, a GPS receiver, an accelerometer module, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry receives an accelerometer output from the accelerometer module and compares the accelerometer output to a plurality of acceleration signatures. Based upon the comparison, an acceleration profile is selected. A GPS mode of operation is selected for the GPS receiver based upon the acceleration profile. The acceleration profile can be selected based upon one or more types of communications being serviced by the communications interface. In one embodiment, a selected GPS mode of operation selected corresponds to a distinct operating environment.