GPS Transceiver Adaptive Communication Rate for Battery Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The continuous use of a device's GPS transceiver to provide directions quickly drains the battery, leaving the device with insufficient power for other tasks and potentially running out of charge before the next opportunity to recharge.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that varies the rate at which the GPS transceiver communicates with satellites based on factors such as the intended course, actual course traveled, and desired resolution, using data from motion sensors, cellular towers, and other devices to conserve power by reducing GPS usage during extended periods of on-course travel and increasing it during deviations or turns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the GPS transceiver continuously communicates with satellites to provide directions, then navigation accuracy is maintained, but battery power is depleted rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the GPS communication rate based on navigation conditions. When the device detects that the user is following the route correctly, it reduces GPS sampling frequency to conserve battery. When deviation is detected or turns are upcoming, it increases the sampling frequency to maintain navigation accuracy. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between continuous monitoring and power conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the GPS transceiver by varying the communication rate with satellites. Instead of using a fixed high-rate communication, the system adapts the sampling interval based on navigation context, using slower rates during stable tracking and faster rates when precision is needed, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining necessary accuracy.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the GPS transceiver reduces communication rate to conserve battery, then battery life is extended, but navigation accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the GPS application continuously monitors navigation status and user position relative to the planned route. Based on this feedback, it intelligently adjusts the GPS communication rate. When feedback indicates the user is on-course, the system reduces communication frequency. When feedback shows deviation or approaching a turn, it increases frequency, thus maintaining accuracy only when necessary and extending battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous high-rate GPS communication, the system implements periodic sampling at variable intervals. The sampling period is extended when navigation is stable and shortened when precision is required, creating an adaptive periodic action pattern that balances battery conservation with maintaining navigation accuracy during critical moments.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a device includes at least one processor, a global positioning system (GPS) transceiver accessible to the at least one processor, a motion sensor accessible to the at least one processor, a cellular communication transceiver accessible to the at least one processor, and storage accessible to the at least one processor. The storage bears instructions executable by the at least one processor to provide directions to follow a route to a destination and to vary a rate at which the GPS transceiver communicates with at least one satellite for providing the directions.