GPS Receiver Threshold Control for Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing satellite signal receiving devices, such as GPS-enabled wristwatches, face inefficiencies in determining suitable environments for signal reception, leading to unnecessary power consumption due to fixed threshold values for solar panel power output, which can be exceeded indoors or not met outdoors, especially under varying conditions like weather or solar cell deterioration.

Innovation Solution

A satellite signal receiving device with a solar cell, generating state detection circuit, and control circuit that dynamically adjusts the illuminance threshold value based on detection values, increasing the threshold when signal reception fails and decreasing it when suitable conditions are detected, ensuring optimal operation in environments suited for satellite signal reception while minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed threshold value is used to determine indoor/outdoor environment, then the device can operate with simple control logic, but the reception process is executed even in environments where satellite signals cannot be received, increasing power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol logic complexityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from satellite signal reception results to dynamically adjust the illuminance threshold value. When reception succeeds, the threshold is maintained or adjusted upward; when reception fails, the threshold is lowered. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to actual reception conditions rather than relying on fixed thresholds, thereby reducing unnecessary reception attempts and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The illuminance threshold value is changed from a fixed parameter to a dynamic parameter that adjusts based on reception results. The control circuit modifies the threshold value according to whether satellite signal reception succeeded or failed, allowing the system to adapt its operation to changing environmental conditions and reception performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a fixed threshold value is used to determine indoor/outdoor environment, then the control method is simple, but the reception process is not executed even in environments suited for satellite signal reception, reducing positioning accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol method simplicityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from satellite signal reception results to dynamically adjust the illuminance threshold value. When reception succeeds, the threshold is maintained or adjusted upward; when reception fails, the threshold is lowered. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to actual reception conditions rather than relying on fixed thresholds, thereby reducing unnecessary reception attempts and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The illuminance threshold value is changed from a fixed parameter to a dynamic parameter that adjusts based on reception results. The control circuit modifies the threshold value according to whether satellite signal reception succeeded or failed, allowing the system to adapt its operation to changing environmental conditions and reception performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the illuminance threshold is set high to avoid indoor reception, then power consumption is reduced, but reception cannot be performed outdoors under weak sunlight or when solar cell is covered, reducing positioning availability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpositioning availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from satellite signal reception results to dynamically adjust the illuminance threshold value. When reception succeeds, the threshold is maintained or adjusted upward; when reception fails, the threshold is lowered. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to actual reception conditions rather than relying on fixed thresholds, thereby reducing unnecessary reception attempts and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The illuminance threshold value is changed from a fixed parameter to a dynamic parameter that adjusts based on reception results. The control circuit modifies the threshold value according to whether satellite signal reception succeeded or failed, allowing the system to adapt its operation to changing environmental conditions and reception performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Accurately determines suitable environments for satellite signal reception, reducing power consumption by optimizing the threshold values according to the user's living environment and conditions, preventing unnecessary signal reception attempts and prolonging battery life.

Implementation Method 1

a solar cell that converts light energy to electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2479623B1Satellite signal receiving device, method of controlling satellite signal receiving device, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP2479623B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2479623B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2479623B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A solar cell, a charge state detection circuit and a voltage detection circuit as a generating state detection circuit that detects the generating state of the solar cell, and a control circuit are provided. The control circuit operates a GPS receiver circuit when a detection value detected by the voltage detection circuit is greater than or equal to a preset threshold value, and resets the threshold value if satellite signal reception by the GPS receiver circuit fails, or if the detection value detected by the voltage detection circuit remains less than the threshold value for a preset generating state detection time or longer.