GPS Watch Walking State Detection for Reliable Time Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GPS timepieces struggle with automatic time correction indoors or in low light conditions, as they rely on sunlight to determine GPS radio wave reception, leading to incomplete or absent time corrections.
Innovation Solution
A GPS receiving apparatus that includes a GPS radio wave receiving unit, a walking state determination unit, a storage unit, and a control unit to continuously assess the wearer's walking state and determine if GPS radio waves are receivable, activating reception only when outdoors and curbing unnecessary power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS radio wave reception is performed continuously to ensure time correction, then time correction reliability is improved, but electricity consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the GPS reception operation conditional and adaptive rather than continuous. The control unit dynamically adjusts whether to perform GPS reception based on real-time determination of reception environment suitability, transforming a static continuous operation into a dynamic conditional operation that balances reliability with energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from continuous reception to conditional reception based on environment determination. By introducing a determination step that assesses reception conditions (indoor/outdoor, signal availability), the system changes the state parameter of GPS reception from always-on to selectively-active, reducing energy consumption while maintaining correction reliability when conditions permit.
2Reliability
If GPS radio wave reception is performed indoors or in low light conditions, then time correction availability is improved, but reception accuracy deteriorates due to signal blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing an environment determination step before executing GPS reception. The determination unit assesses whether the current environment (indoor/outdoor, light conditions, movement state) is suitable for reception before the control unit initiates GPS signal acquisition, preventing wasteful or inaccurate reception attempts in unsuitable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit acts as an intermediary between the environment and the GPS reception system. It mediates by evaluating multiple parameters (acceleration data, light sensor output, time of day) and translating these into a go/no-go decision for GPS reception, ensuring that reception only occurs when environmental conditions support accurate signal acquisition.
3Use of energy by moving object
If automatic time correction is restricted to outdoor daytime conditions, then electricity consumption is reduced, but time correction accessibility deteriorates for users indoors or at night
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the time correction system dynamic by continuously monitoring multiple environmental parameters (acceleration, light intensity, time) and adjusting reception eligibility in real-time. This allows the system to adapt to different user scenarios - permitting reception when movement patterns indicate outdoor conditions even at night, or when temporary outdoor exposure occurs, thereby improving accessibility without sacrificing energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances universality by creating a multi-parameter determination system that evaluates various conditions (movement state, light levels, time of day) to decide on reception eligibility. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to serve different user needs - commuters, night workers, indoor professionals - by adapting its reception policy based on the specific combination of environmental factors present.
Data Source
AI summary
A GPS receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes: a GPS radio wave receiving unit that receives GPS radio waves; a walking state determination unit that determines a walking state of a wearer continuously for a predetermined interval; a storage unit that stores walking information determined by way of the walking state determination unit; a determination unit that determines whether being a state in which GPS radio waves can be received, based on a series of the walking states stored in the storage unit; and a control unit that causes reception of GPS radio waves to be carried out by way of the GPS radio wave receiving unit, in a case of being determined by way of the determination unit as being a state in which GPS radio waves can be received.