GPS Receiver Noise Management for Fast Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers in portable devices face challenges in reducing positioning time, especially in noisy environments, due to the need for accurate signal acquisition and the limitations of assist-type GPS in areas without wireless networks, and the high noise levels that can disable the acquisition process.
Innovation Solution
A method categorizes electronic components into groups to manage power and noise levels, allowing the GPS receiver to initiate positioning from a hot start with retained ephemeris and almanac data, and progressively reduce device functions to lower noise levels if the acquisition process is not completed within a predetermined time, enabling the GPS receiver to complete positioning in two stages: acquisition and tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the GPS receiver operates in a noisy environment, then the acquisition process becomes more difficult and positioning time increases, but reducing device functions to lower noise levels may disable other device operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments electronic components into a first group and a second group based on their noise generation characteristics. The first group includes components that generate significant noise (e.g., wireless communication modules, processing units), while the second group includes components with lower noise generation. By selectively controlling the operation of these grouped components, the system can reduce noise levels during GPS acquisition without completely disabling all device functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the operational state of electronic components based on the GPS acquisition phase. During the acquisition process, the system lowers functions of components in the first group to reduce noise. When acquisition succeeds and positioning is needed, the system restores functions of these components. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt noise levels to current operational needs.
2Loss of time
If the GPS receiver starts from a cold start, then positioning time is longer due to the need to receive almanac data, but assist-type GPS cannot be used in areas without wireless networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by lowering functions of electronic components before the GPS acquisition process begins. This prepares the system by reducing noise levels in advance, creating optimal conditions for the acquisition process to succeed faster, thereby reducing the time needed to receive necessary navigation data even when starting from a cold start.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of electronic components, specifically adjusting their functional states to reduce noise generation. By modifying parameters such as component activation status and processing frequency, the system creates a quieter environment for GPS signal acquisition, enabling faster positioning even without network assistance.
3Reliability
If the GPS receiver needs to complete acquisition in a noisy environment, then positioning can be achieved, but the acquisition process may be disabled by high noise levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides electronic components into noise-generating groups and low-noise groups, allowing selective control. During acquisition, only the noise-generating components are suppressed while maintaining basic device operation, thereby preserving positioning accuracy while improving acquisition speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic function adjustment where the system automatically lowers functions of noisy components during acquisition and restores them afterward. This dynamic behavior ensures that positioning can complete successfully in noisy environments without permanently sacrificing device productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing the positioning time of a GPS receiver is disclosed. In response to a request from a user function for positioning data, a GPS management section instructs a device control section to lower the functions of a group of components. The lowering of the functions of the components reduces the noise level. The GPS management section operates the GPS receiver. The GPS receiver executes an acquisition process in an environment with a low noise level. After completion of the acquisition process, the functions of the component are restored.