Mobile Device Motion State Detection for Geo-fence Battery Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location-based services require GPS sensors to be constantly active to determine user location, leading to reduced battery life and user inconvenience, especially when the user is stationary, causing users to turn off GPS and render location services unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A method using low power sensors to determine whether a mobile device is substantially stationary or moving by referencing a data table with defined states, allowing the GPS sensor to be turned on only when necessary to conserve battery life and automatically determine the user's location within a geo-fence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the GPS sensor is kept on all the times to determine user location, then location determination accuracy is improved, but battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts GPS sensor operation based on detected motion state. Low-power sensors continuously monitor motion, and GPS is activated only when motion is detected or location update is required, transitioning between active and dormant states based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous GPS operation, the system uses periodic motion detection via low-power sensors to trigger GPS activation. The GPS sensor operates intermittently based on motion events rather than continuously, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining location accuracy when needed
2Use of energy by moving object
If the GPS sensor is turned off to conserve battery life, then energy consumption is reduced, but location-based services availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary motion detection using low-power sensors before activating the GPS sensor. By detecting motion state in advance, the system ensures GPS is activated proactively when location changes are anticipated, maintaining service availability without continuous GPS operation
Solution Approach 2:
Low-power motion sensors serve as intermediary components between the user's physical movement and the GPS sensor activation. These intermediaries detect motion states and trigger GPS activation only when necessary, bridging the gap between energy conservation and service availability
3Use of energy by moving object
If motion detection using low power sensors is implemented, then battery life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The low-power motion sensors serve multiple functions: detecting user motion state, triggering GPS activation, and providing context for location-based service decisions. By making these sensors multi-functional, the system avoids adding dedicated components solely for motion detection, thereby limiting complexity increase
Data Source
AI summary
A technique to determine whether a mobile device is in a “substantially stationary” state or a “substantially moving” state (e.g., with respect to a geo-fence in which the device may be within). These states are possible “motion” states associated with the mobile device. Preferably, the determination leverages a data table that includes a defined set of states (either “substantially stationary,”“substantially moving” or “no change”) associated with various transitions of the mobile device from, on the one hand, a “last reported activity” and, on the other hand, a currently-determined “probable activity.” Preferably, the new motion state is the substantially stationary state when the probable activity is relatively slower than last-reported activity, irrespective of whether the mobile device is in true motion. On the other hand, the new motion state is the substantially moving state when the probable activity is relatively faster than the last-reported activity.