GPS Positioning Time Source Selection Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
GPS positioning speed is hindered by inaccurate time parameters, particularly when NTP time cannot be obtained or is inaccurate, leading to increased satellite searching and iterative calculations due to large errors in the product of time parameters and the speed of light.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the highest priority time source from multiple sources such as NTP, GPS reference, NITZ, NG, NN, and GN time sources, using their respective average values to provide a reliable and accurate time parameter for the GPS chip, thereby improving positioning speed and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the electronic device uses NTP time source for GPS positioning, then the positioning speed is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when network conditions are poor or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple time sources (NTP, GPS reference time, NITZ) into a unified time selection mechanism. The system integrates these diverse time sources and uses a selection algorithm to choose the most reliable one based on current conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed improvement via NTP and reliability when network is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of time source selection dynamically based on network conditions and positioning requirements. By adjusting which time source is used (NTP, GPS reference, or NITZ) according to current system state, the patent maintains both positioning speed and reliability across different operating conditions.
2Measurement precision
If the electronic device obtains NTP time through network, then the time parameter accuracy is improved, but the positioning speed deteriorates due to network latency and potential unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary time synchronization using alternative sources (GPS reference time, NITZ) before actual positioning operations. By pre-obtaining time parameters from available sources when network conditions are uncertain, the system avoids time-consuming network requests during positioning-critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces GPS reference time and NITZ time as intermediary time sources that can substitute for NTP when network conditions are poor. These intermediaries provide time synchronization without requiring network connectivity, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and time loss.
3Reliability
If the electronic device uses multiple time sources, then the reliability of time parameter is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the availability and quality of different time sources (NTP, GPS reference, NITZ) and automatically selects the most reliable one. This feedback-driven selection process manages the complexity of multiple time sources by using a systematic decision algorithm rather than ad-hoc management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to automatically manage and select among multiple time sources without requiring external intervention. The time selection algorithm autonomously evaluates available time sources and chooses the appropriate one, reducing the operational complexity for users and system operators.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving, by an electronic device, a positioning request; responding to the positioning request; determining a target time source having the highest priority in at least two time sources; providing, for a GPS chip, a target time currently corresponding to the target time source; and performing GPS positioning based on the target time.