GPS Timepiece Satellite Selection for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GPS receivers consume high power to correct internal current time data and require multiple reception channels, while there is a demand for high accuracy in time correction.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece and method that store identification information of previously used GPS satellites, allowing selection of the same satellite for time correction within a predetermined period, using GPS time data to update internal time data based on navigation data received from that satellite.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple GPS satellites are used for time correction, then time correction accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing identification information of GPS satellites used in previous time corrections along with their correction time data. When time correction is needed again, the system retrieves this stored information and prioritizes using the same satellite (or satellites) from previous corrections, avoiding the need to search and process signals from multiple new satellites. This preliminary preparation and reuse of known satellite data reduces the computational and energetic burden while maintaining correction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies the successful configuration from previous time correction operations by reusing the same GPS satellite identification information and signal processing parameters that were previously determined to provide accurate time correction. Instead of performing a full multi-satellite search and selection process each time, the system replicates the effective previous configuration, thereby achieving accurate time correction with reduced power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reception channels are driven simultaneously, then GPS signal reception capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing identification information of GPS satellites from which navigation data was previously received. This stored information allows the receiver to pre-configure which satellites to track, enabling it to use fewer reception channels simultaneously while still maintaining the ability to receive GPS signals accurately. The preliminary storage of satellite identification data eliminates the need to continuously activate multiple channels for satellite search and selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the essential and previously identified GPS satellite signals that are needed for time correction, rather than processing signals from all visible satellites. By taking out only the relevant satellite identification information from the stored data and using that to selectively activate reception channels, the system reduces the number of simultaneously active channels while maintaining adequate signal reception capability for time correction purposes.
3Measurement precision
If time correction is performed frequently, then internal current time accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing not only satellite identification information but also correction time data associated with each satellite. Before performing time correction, the system checks whether the current time matches or is within a predetermined period of the stored correction time data. This preliminary check allows the system to determine whether time correction is actually needed, avoiding unnecessary correction operations and reducing power consumption while still maintaining accurate timekeeping through periodic corrections when appropriate.
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece comprises a reception subunit, a timekeeping unit that holds internal time data indicative of the current time, storage, and a CPU. The CPU determines whether the internal time data acquired from the timekeeping unit matches correction time data stored in storage, selects a GPS satellite represented by satellite identification data stored in the storage when the determination is affirmative, acquires GPS time data included in navigation data which in turn is included in a GPS signal obtained from the selected GPS satellite, corrects the internal time data based on the GPS time data, and stores the correction time data in correspondence to the satellite identification data representing that GPS satellite.