GPS Receiver Driving Control with Multistage Intermittent Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current GPS receivers face challenges in reducing power consumption effectively, as existing intermittent positioning techniques do not adequately address the need for further power saving.

Innovation Solution

A method of controlling the driving of a receiving unit that receives satellite signals using multiple intermittent patterns, including a first intermittent pattern and a multistage intermittent pattern with a shorter cycle, and switching between these patterns based on receiving conditions such as signal intensity and operational states, to optimize power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If intermittent positioning operation is performed by alternating position calculating periods and non-calculating periods, then power consumption is reduced, but further power saving is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpositioning frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the receiving unit's driving pattern adjustable and variable. The control unit dynamically switches between first intermittent driving pattern (longer cycle) and second intermittent driving pattern (shorter cycle) based on operational needs. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between power saving and positioning frequency requirements, resolving the contradiction between reduced power consumption and maintained productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action through multiple intermittent driving patterns with different cycles. The receiving unit operates periodically with the first intermittent driving pattern during normal operation, and switches to the second intermittent driving pattern with shorter cycles when positioning accuracy or frequency requirements increase. This multi-pattern periodic approach enables flexible power management while maintaining positioning capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the receiving unit is driven intermittently with a first intermittent driving pattern, then power consumption is reduced, but positioning accuracy and response time may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the driving pattern based on positioning accuracy requirements. When high positioning accuracy is needed, the control unit switches from the first intermittent driving pattern to the second intermittent driving pattern with shorter cycles, ensuring sufficient signal reception and processing. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between power saving and positioning accuracy by providing the necessary driving frequency only when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the receiving unit by switching between different intermittent driving patterns with distinct cycle characteristics. The control unit monitors positioning requirements and adjusts the driving pattern parameters (cycle length, duty ratio) accordingly. This parameter change strategy allows the system to maintain positioning accuracy when needed while maximizing power saving during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If multiple intermittent driving patterns are used, then power saving is optimized, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the driving control into distinct patterns (first intermittent driving pattern and second intermittent driving pattern), each with specific characteristics optimized for different operational scenarios. The control unit selectively applies appropriate segments based on current needs, making the complexity manageable through structured segmentation rather than a single complex control algorithm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit autonomously determines when to switch between driving patterns based on positioning requirements and power consumption considerations. This self-service capability reduces the need for external intervention or complex external control systems, managing the increased control complexity through intelligent autonomous decision-making within the receiver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9627752B2Receiving unit driving control method, receiving device and electronic apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An RF receiving circuit unit that receives a GPS satellite signal from a GPS satellite is intermittently driven by a first driving control of intermittently driving the RF receiving circuit unit with a first intermittent driving pattern and a multistage driving control of intermittently driving the RF receiving circuit unit with a multistage intermittent driving pattern in which a driving period in the first intermittent driving pattern is set to a second intermittent driving pattern of which an intermittent cycle is shorter than that of the first intermittent driving pattern.