GPS Receiver Timing Delay for Camera Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite positioning systems, such as GPS, face interference from camera electronics during image capture, leading to inaccurate or impossible position fixes due to electromagnetic interference, which complicates the design and operation of camera-GPS subsystem interactions.

Innovation Solution

Introducing a delay between image capture and GPS signal sampling to minimize interference, with the duration of the delay being adjustable based on camera parameters or measured interference levels, allowing for flexible customization to optimize GPS reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS signal sampling is performed immediately after image capture, then the position fix timing is accurate, but electromagnetic interference from camera electronics disrupts GPS signal reception

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition fix accuracyVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by delaying the GPS signal sampling until after the camera electronics have finished generating electromagnetic interference. The delay mechanism waits for a predetermined period after image capture before initiating GPS signal acquisition, ensuring that the harmful electromagnetic interference has ceased before the GPS receiver attempts to sample signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A delay mechanism acts as an intermediary between the image capture trigger and the GPS signal sampling operation. This intermediary component coordinates the timing between the camera subsystem and GPS receiver, inserting a time buffer that allows the camera electronics to complete their interference-generating operations before the GPS receiver becomes active.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a delay is introduced between image capture and GPS signal sampling, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but the position fix is no longer synchronized with the photograph timing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidposition fix timing synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by delaying the GPS signal sampling until after the camera electronics have finished generating electromagnetic interference. The delay mechanism waits for a predetermined period after image capture before initiating GPS signal acquisition, ensuring that the harmful electromagnetic interference has ceased before the GPS receiver attempts to sample signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a fixed delay is used, then the system design is simple, but it cannot adapt to different camera models with varying interference characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem design complexityVSAvoidcamera model compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The delay period is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system adjusts the delay duration based on camera-specific parameters such as model, flash usage, and capture mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the GPS receiver to optimize its signal sampling timing for each camera model's specific interference characteristics, improving compatibility without requiring completely different hardware designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the delay parameter based on camera characteristics. By modifying the delay duration according to camera model, flash configuration, and image capture mode, the system adapts to different interference profiles while maintaining the same fundamental hardware architecture and signal processing approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the delay duration is manually adjustable, then flexibility is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional configuration steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelay configuration flexibilityVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining the optimal delay duration based on camera parameters. The GPS receiver autonomously configures the delay period using camera-specific information such as model, flash usage, and capture mode, eliminating the need for manual user configuration while maintaining adaptability to different camera characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach reduces electromagnetic interference, improving the accuracy and reliability of GPS position fixes by ensuring clear satellite signal reception, even in scenarios where camera electronics generate significant noise, and simplifies the design of camera-GPS subsystem interactions.

Implementation Method 1

Satellite positioning systems, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), enable a receiver to calculate its position based on the measured time of arrival of signals from a set of orbiting satellites.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of arrival measurement: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

The noise created by the camera electronics may make the position fix more difficult or impossible to achieve, or it may simply decrease the accuracy of the result.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2311247B1Satellite positioning for cameras
Publication Date: 2013.11.20 U-BLOX
  • EP2311247B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2311247B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2311247B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method of receiving satellite signals for estimating the location of capture of a photographby a camera.The method comprises receiving a signal relating to the timing ofcapture of the photograph;waiting for an interval of non-zero duration; and,after the interval, receiving the satellite signals.