Mobile Device Positioning Using Light Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices face inefficiencies in determining their position due to computationally intensive satellite signal acquisition, which can diminish communication functionality and consume excessive processing power, especially when indoors where satellite signals are weak and require greater sensitivity to be integrated effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize light information, such as color temperature and illuminance, to determine the environment of a mobile device, adjusting thresholds based on position assistance information to initiate a search mode for satellite positioning system (SPS) signals, optimizing search sensitivity and power usage by distinguishing between indoor and outdoor environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the mobile device uses high sensitivity search mode to acquire weak satellite signals indoors, then the position determination accuracy is improved, but the processing power consumption and acquisition time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of the environment as indoor or outdoor using light sensor data before initiating satellite signal acquisition. This preliminary action allows the device to pre-select the appropriate search mode, avoiding unnecessary high-sensitivity searches when outdoors where signals are strong, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the satellite signal search mode based on real-time environmental classification. The search sensitivity, integration time, and processing resources are adaptively changed according to whether the device is detected to be indoors or outdoors, optimizing the balance between positioning accuracy and power consumption for each specific situation.
2Measurement precision
If the mobile device uses high sensitivity search mode for satellite signals, then the weak indoor signals can be integrated effectively, but the acquisition time increases to several minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary environmental assessment using ambient light information before starting the satellite signal acquisition process. By classifying the environment as indoor or outdoor in advance, the system can immediately configure the appropriate search parameters, eliminating the need for lengthy trial-and-error acquisition processes and reducing overall signal acquisition time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key acquisition parameters such as search sensitivity, integration time, and Doppler search range based on the detected environment type. Indoors, high sensitivity and long integration times are used to detect weak signals, while outdoors, shorter acquisition times suffice due to stronger signals, thus optimizing the balance between detection sensitivity and acquisition time.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the mobile device searches for satellite signals broadly with low sensitivity, then the processing power is conserved, but the position determination fails in indoor environments with blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of the environment as indoor or outdoor using light sensor data before initiating satellite signal acquisition. This preliminary action allows the device to pre-select the appropriate search mode, avoiding unnecessary high-sensitivity searches when outdoors where signals are strong, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the satellite signal search mode based on real-time environmental classification. The search sensitivity, integration time, and processing resources are adaptively changed according to whether the device is detected to be indoors or outdoors, optimizing the balance between positioning accuracy and power consumption for each specific situation.
4Ease of operation
If the mobile device attempts location fix without environmental understanding, then the communication functionality is maintained, but the system performance is diminished during acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of the environment as indoor or outdoor using light sensor data before initiating satellite signal acquisition. This preliminary action allows the device to pre-select the appropriate search mode, avoiding unnecessary high-sensitivity searches when outdoors where signals are strong, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the satellite signal search mode based on real-time environmental classification. The search sensitivity, integration time, and processing resources are adaptively changed according to whether the device is detected to be indoors or outdoors, optimizing the balance between positioning accuracy and power consumption for each specific situation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables mobile devices to efficiently conserve system resources by adjusting search modes based on environmental conditions, enhancing processing power usage and reducing acquisition time for satellite signals, thereby improving position determination efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile device can save power and make better use of its processing power if, for example, a mobile device can be characterized to be indoors, then it may be reasonable to assume that the mobile device is either static or moving at pedestrian speeds.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for initiating a search mode of a mobile device based on the light information in the environment of the mobile device is described herein. The light information may include at least one of color temperature or illuminance, which may be used to determine if the environment of the mobile device is indoors or outdoors. A threshold may be predetermined or adjusted based on received position assistance information. The position assistance information may include at least one of time, day, solar angle, motion information, location information, or weather information.