Location Context Management for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electronic devices face challenges in maintaining accurate positioning and conserving power, as single positioning methods fail in low signal areas and continuous signal searching is power-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A location context managing method that utilizes multiple positioning sources and sensors to selectively activate or deactivate these sources based on context, using a scenario table to determine which information to use for location calculation, thereby improving accuracy and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple positioning sources are continuously activated for accurate positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the positioning strategy by selecting different scenarios from a scenario table based on real-time context (sensor values and positioning information). The system transitions between different positioning modes (e.g., using multiple sources vs. single source) according to environmental conditions, thereby optimizing the balance between accuracy and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of positioning sources based on context. By evaluating sensor data (accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer) and positioning information, the system selects appropriate positioning sources and calculation methods, effectively changing the parameters of positioning operation to match environmental conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a single positioning method is used to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates in low signal areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between single-source and multi-source positioning modes based on context. When radio signals are strong, a single positioning source is used to save power. When signals are weak or lost (e.g., in underground parking lots), the system transitions to using multiple positioning sources combined with sensor data to maintain accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer) as intermediary elements that provide additional positioning information when primary radio positioning sources fail. These sensors act as mediators to maintain positioning capability in environments where GPS, WiFi, or Bluetooth signals are unavailable.
3Reliability
If radio signals are continuously searched for positioning, then positioning availability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic context evaluation instead of continuous signal searching. The system periodically assesses sensor values and positioning information to determine the appropriate positioning scenario, thereby reducing the frequency of active signal searching while maintaining positioning availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses onboard sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer) to self-determine positioning context and select appropriate positioning strategies without requiring continuous external radio signal searching. This self-service approach allows the device to maintain positioning capability using internal sensors when external signals are unavailable.
Data Source
AI summary
A location context managing method applied to an electronic device having at least one sensor, including: receiving positioning information from a plurality of positioning sources; receiving a value from the sensor; choosing a scenario from a scenario table based on the value received from the sensor and the positioning information received from the plurality of positioning sources, and calculating a location of the electronic device according to the scenario, wherein the scenario table lists a plurality of scenarios, each decides which positioning information from the plurality positioning sources to be adopted for the location calculation.