Programmable Power Source for GPS Traffic Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GPS navigation devices lack the ability to efficiently receive and utilize real-time traffic information to recalculate routes dynamically, leading to potential delays due to unforeseen traffic incidents, and they often consume battery power unnecessarily when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A GPS navigation device equipped with a processor, memory, internal timer, programmable power source, and information receiver module that can be powered down or awakened at user-selectable times to receive traffic information, allowing for route recalculations and energy conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the GPS navigation device continuously operates to receive real-time traffic information, then the ability to dynamically recalculate routes is improved, but battery power is consumed unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The device operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active information reception mode and low-power standby mode. The microcontroller wakes up at predetermined intervals to check for traffic information, processes updates if available, and then returns to sleep mode. This periodic operation ensures route information is refreshed regularly while minimizing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary actions by checking for traffic information at predetermined times before the user actually needs navigation. This allows route recalculations to be completed in advance, so when the user starts traveling, the device is already ready with updated route information, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring during the actual trip.
2Loss of information
If the information receiver module is always powered on to receive traffic information, then real-time route updates are achieved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The information receiver module operates periodically rather than continuously. The microcontroller is programmed to wake up at specific intervals, activate the receiver module to check for traffic information, and then power it down. This periodic activation maintains the ability to receive traffic information while dramatically extending battery life compared to keeping the module constantly powered on.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses its internal clock and timer functions to automatically manage the power cycling of the information receiver module without requiring continuous user intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously determining when to activate and deactivate the receiver based on predetermined time intervals, optimizing the balance between information reception and power conservation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the GPS device operates in standby mode at predetermined times to check for traffic information, then power consumption is reduced, but real-time responsiveness may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The device checks for traffic information at predetermined intervals before the user actually needs to travel or before departure time. By performing these checks in advance, the system ensures that route information is already updated and ready when needed, minimizing the practical impact of periodic checking while maintaining power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller is configured with adjustable time intervals for waking up and checking traffic information. Users can program the device to check at optimal intervals based on their typical travel patterns, allowing flexibility in balancing power consumption against the need for timely information updates. This configurable periodic action adapts to different usage scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for a supplemental powered information receiver. A system includes a processor linked to a memory, the memory including at least a Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation process, a clock and internal timer linked to the processor, a programmable power source linked to the processor, and an information receiver module linked to the processor, the information receiver module receiving information when programmed to power up into a standby mode.