GPS Receiver Power Mode Switching via Wireless Connection Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable GPS receivers consume excessive power even when navigation functions are not needed, leading to shorter operating times due to continuous computation of positioning information.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a signal processing device that switches between normal and power-saving modes based on the connection status of a wireless connection, reducing power consumption by disabling unnecessary components when no positioning information is required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the signal processing device operates in full power mode continuously, then positioning information computation is always available, but power consumption increases and operating time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing device dynamically switches between first mode (full power) and second mode (low power) based on connection status. When a wireless connection is established indicating navigation function is needed, the device operates in first mode to provide positioning information. When connection is lost indicating navigation function is closed, the device switches to second mode to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining service availability and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameters of the signal processing device are changed based on external conditions. The controller monitors connection status and adjusts the operational state of the signal processing device accordingly, changing from high-power computation mode to low-power standby mode. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain positioning information availability when needed while minimizing power consumption when the navigation function is not active.
2Productivity
If the signal processing device continuously computes positioning information, then navigation function is always ready, but operating time is shortened due to excessive power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous full-power operation, the system employs periodic activation based on connection events. The signal processing device operates in full power mode only when a wireless connection is established (indicating navigation service is needed), and switches to low power mode when connection is lost. This periodic activation pattern maintains navigation service readiness when required while extending operating time by avoiding unnecessary continuous computation.
3Loss of information
If the navigation function is not enabled but the GPS receiver continues computing, then positioning information is wasted, but power is still consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses feedback from the wireless communication device's connection status to control the signal processing device's operation. When the wireless connection is lost (feedback indicating navigation function is closed), the controller immediately switches the signal processing device to low power mode, preventing further waste of both energy and generation of useless positioning information. This feedback mechanism ensures that power consumption is aligned with actual service demand.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus with power saving functionality is provided. The electronic apparatus includes a signal processing device configured for performing a predetermined signal processing operation; a wireless communication device coupled to the signal processing circuit for communicating with an external wireless communication device through a wireless connection; and a controller coupled to the signal processing device and the wireless communication device for switching the signal processing device between a first mode and a second mode according to a connection status of the wireless connection. The signal processing device operating in the second mode has less power consumption than the signal processing device operating in the first mode.