GPS Positioning Device Clock Synchronization Error Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GPS positioning devices face increased processing time due to clock synchronization errors, even when valid ephemeris information is stored, as they require accurate timing to capture and demodulate weak spread-spectrum radio waves from GPS satellites.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device with a clocking means and time correction mechanism that intermittently receives and corrects time information from GPS satellites, allowing for efficient capture of radio waves by synchronizing with the satellite's timing, even during periods when positioning is not actively performed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the positioning device uses a clock circuit with margin of error to capture and demodulate GPS radio waves, then the device can operate with simpler timing components, but the capturing and demodulating process consumes more time due to mismatched timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by receiving and storing time information from GPS satellites even during periods when positioning is not actively performed. This advance timing synchronization ensures that when positioning is needed, the clock circuit is already synchronized, eliminating the time-consuming trial-and-error synchronization process that would otherwise be required.
2Productivity
If the positioning device intermittently determines position using stored ephemeris information, then the positioning speed should be fast, but the clock synchronization error still increases the time required for signal capture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by continuously receiving time information from GPS satellites at predetermined intervals, even when positioning is not being performed. This continuous timing maintenance ensures the clock remains synchronized, allowing positioning to proceed at maximum speed whenever needed without interruption from synchronization delays.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the device receives time information only when positioning is performed, then energy consumption is reduced, but the clock synchronization error increases processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by receiving time information at predetermined intervals rather than continuously or only during positioning operations. This periodic reception balances energy consumption with the need to maintain accurate clock synchronization, ensuring that timing errors remain minimal while avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure from continuous reception.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device 1 receives ephemeris information from a GPS satellite at intermittent timings TE1, TE2, and TE3 and stores the received information in its memory. In addition, the electronic device 1 receives time information at intermittent timings TC1, TC2, TC3, and TC4, and corrects a clocked time based on the received time information. Then, at positioning timing T1, the electronic device 1 captures a transmission signal from the GPS satellite while synchronizing timing with the GPS satellite based on the clocked time, and performs positioning based on the captured transmission signal and the ephemeris information stored in the memory.