Mobile Device Out of Range Detection for GPS Power Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with GPS receivers face high power consumption and battery drain when continuously searching for satellite signals in areas with poor coverage, such as indoors, as they futilely attempt to lock onto GPS satellites, leading to rapid battery depletion.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to determine if a mobile device is out of range of a position broadcast system by measuring signal strengths from satellites and setting out-of-range criteria, allowing the device to stop searching for satellite signals and conserve power when these criteria are met, and optionally turning off the GPS receiver for a predetermined period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the GPS receiver continuously searches for satellite signals, then the device can maintain position locking capability, but power consumption increases dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic satellite signal searches instead of continuous searching. The GPS receiver is activated at predetermined intervals to check for satellite signals, and deactivated between intervals. This periodic operation maintains the ability to reacquire position locking when satellites become available while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous searching.
2Reliability
If the GPS receiver searches for satellites in poor coverage areas, then position information may be obtained, but battery life is dramatically reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses signal strength measurements as feedback to determine whether to continue or suspend satellite searching. When the receiver measures satellite signal strengths below a predetermined threshold, it indicates poor coverage conditions, and the system responds by suspending further searches for a predetermined period. This feedback-based decision-making prevents futile continuous searching in poor coverage areas, preserving battery life while still attempting to acquire position information when conditions permit.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the device determines it is out of range by measuring signal strengths, then futile searches are stopped and power is conserved, but the device must periodically reattempt to regain lock
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its searching behavior based on current signal conditions. When out of range is detected, searching is suspended for a predetermined period to conserve power. However, the system remains capable of重新启动 searches when conditions change, such as when the device moves to a location with better satellite visibility. This dynamic approach balances power conservation with the ability to reacquire positioning when opportunities arise.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a mobile device configured to obtain position information from a position broadcast system, the position broadcast system comprising a plurality of transmitters that each broadcast a respective signal containing position information for the respective transmitter. The method comprising: measuring signal strengths of signals from a plurality of the transmitters of the position broadcast system; and determining that the mobile device is out of range of the position broadcast system if the measured signals strengths satisfy at least one out of range criterion.