GPS Receiver Power Control via Solar Feeding Status
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
GPS receivers in electronic devices face challenges in indoor locations where insufficient satellite signals are received, leading to power wastage due to unnecessary position measurement attempts, even when the device is indoors or in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a first power feeder from an external device, a secondary battery, and a processor that controls the positioning-satellite-signal receiver to limit its operation based on power feeding conditions, switching between position measurement, clock time reception, and signal reception off modes to optimize power use and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the GPS receiver continuously executes signal receiving operation to ensure position measurement capability, then position measurement reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS receiver dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time power generation status from solar cells. When power generation is sufficient, the receiver executes signal receiving operations; when power generation is insufficient, the receiver suspends operations. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining position measurement reliability and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors power generation amount from solar cells and uses this feedback to control GPS receiver operation. The control unit compares power generation status with reception status to determine whether to execute or suspend signal receiving operations, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that balances reliability and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the GPS receiver suspends signal receiving operation when power generation is little to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but position measurement opportunity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS receiver operates periodically based on power generation conditions. Instead of continuous operation, the receiver executes signal receiving operations at periods when power generation is sufficient, and suspends operations when power generation is insufficient. This periodic action pattern reduces power consumption while capturing available measurement opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the GPS receiver based on power generation conditions. When power generation is sufficient, the receiver operates with normal sensitivity and measurement frequency. When power generation is insufficient, the receiver changes its operational state by suspending signal receiving operations, thereby adapting to available energy resources.
3Device complexity
If the electronic watch determines indoor location based on low power generation from solar cells, then power consumption control is simplified, but false determination occurs at night outdoors
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses power generation amount from solar cells as an intermediary indicator to infer location conditions. When power generation is sufficient, the system infers outdoor location; when power generation is insufficient, the system infers indoor location. This intermediary approach simplifies control logic while providing reasonable location determination accuracy for controlling GPS operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a first power feeder, a positioning-satellite-signal receiver, and a CPU. The first power feeder receives power from an external device and feeds the power to a secondary battery. The positioning-satellite-signal receiver receives a satellite signal transmitted by a positioning satellite. The CPU limits a receiving operation of the positioning-satellite-signal receiver when the first power feeder is receiving the power from the external device.