GPS Receiver Power Management for Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices face challenges in accurately determining location in non-GPS zones, leading to inefficient battery usage and inaccurate location data, as they must maintain GPS connectivity constantly to store location information.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining when a wireless communication device is likely to lose GPS connectivity and preemptively powering on the GPS receiver to obtain and store location data, then powering off to conserve battery, using GPS-availability data to identify GPS-priority sectors where connectivity is likely to be lost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the GPS receiver is kept on constantly to ensure location data availability in non-GPS zones, then location accuracy is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting when a WCD is entering a non-GPS zone before complete signal loss occurs. The GPS receiver is activated in advance to capture location data while the signal is still available, storing it for later use when the device is fully in the non-GPS zone. This preliminary capture of location data eliminates the need for continuous GPS operation, thereby reducing battery consumption while maintaining location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by using the WCD's existing GPS receiver and processing capabilities to autonomously detect signal degradation, capture location data, and store it for later use. The device serves itself by managing its own location data needs without requiring external assistance or continuous power consumption, optimizing the balance between location accuracy and battery usage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the GPS receiver is powered off to conserve battery, then battery consumption is reduced, but location data availability in non-GPS zones becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting when a WCD is entering a non-GPS zone before complete signal loss occurs. The GPS receiver is activated in advance to capture location data while the signal is still available, storing it for later use when the device is fully in the non-GPS zone. This preliminary capture of location data eliminates the need for continuous GPS operation, thereby reducing battery consumption while maintaining location accuracy.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the GPS receiver is activated only when needed, then battery consumption is reduced, but the timing and accuracy of location data capture may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring GPS signal strength and quality. When the signal degrades below a certain threshold indicating entry into a non-GPS zone, the system triggers activation of the GPS receiver to capture and store location data. This feedback mechanism ensures that the GPS receiver is activated at the optimal moment - just before signal loss - thereby minimizing both battery consumption and ensuring timely capture of accurate location data.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed to help improve accuracy of location determination for a wireless communication device. An exemplary method involves: (a) at a wireless communication device operating in a radio access network, making a determination that the wireless communication device is likely to lose global positioning system (GPS) connectivity; (b) in response to the determination, powering on a GPS receiver to receive GPS location data for the wireless communication device; and (c) powering off the GPS receiver and storing the received GPS location data.