Mobile Device Power Management for Location Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Location-based services on mobile devices consume excessive battery power due to frequent GPS readings and other power-hungry location determination methods, significantly reducing battery life.
Innovation Solution
Implement a power management system that dynamically adjusts the frequency of location updates based on the device's movement status, using lower-powered methods like cell ID and WiFi when stationary and reserving higher-powered methods like GPS for active use, and informing location-based services of the next expected update time to manage power consumption effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequent GPS readings are used to constantly pinpoint a user's location, then location accuracy is improved, but battery life is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the location determination frequency based on device motion state. When the device is stationary, location updates are performed at a lower frequency or halted entirely. When motion is detected, the scanning rate is increased to provide more frequent location updates. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by matching location update frequency to actual need, maintaining accuracy when necessary while conserving battery when the device is stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of location determination by adjusting the scanning rate based on motion detection. The patent modifies the frequency parameter of GPS and other location services according to the device's motion state, using lower scanning rates when stationary and higher rates when moving. This parameter change allows the system to maintain location accuracy during motion while reducing power consumption during stationary periods.
2Measurement precision
If repeated WiFi access point readings are used to estimate device location, then location tracking is improved, but battery life is substantially decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic adjustment to WiFi-based location determination by modifying the scanning rate according to device motion. When the device is detected as stationary, WiFi scanning is performed less frequently or halted. When motion is detected, the scanning rate increases to maintain accurate location tracking. This dynamic behavior reduces power consumption during stationary periods while maintaining location tracking accuracy during motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic location determination with variable periods based on motion state. Instead of continuous scanning, the patent uses periodic WiFi access point readings where the period length adjusts according to whether the device is moving or stationary. This periodic action with adaptive timing reduces overall power consumption while maintaining adequate location tracking.
3Loss of time
If location determination frequency is increased to provide up-to-date location information, then location freshness is improved, but battery power is consumed faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the frequency of location determination based on real-time motion detection. When the device is stationary, the system reduces or halts location updates, accepting that location information will be less fresh. When motion is detected, the system increases update frequency to maintain fresh location data. This dynamic frequency adjustment maintains location freshness during motion while conserving battery power during stationary periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a computer-implemented power management method. Geographic movement of the mobile device may be monitored, using a source on the mobile device, using signals from electronic beacons. A frequency for obtaining information about a location of the device may be selected based on a determination, from the monitored geographic movement, whether the device is moving or stationary.