Dynamic State Control for Mobile GPS Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite-based positioning systems in mobile devices are power-hungry, leading to rapid battery drain when used for location-based applications, and existing solutions like duty-cycling GPS or accelerometer-augmented control mechanisms often result in inaccurate or unpredictable power management, causing undesired GPS measurements or power-offs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that control a mobile device's satellite-based positioning system to operate in high-power, low-power, or transitional states based on collected location-related information, using sensors like accelerometers and wireless network data to adaptively turn the GPS on or off, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining data quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite-based positioning system is used continuously for location-based applications, then location data quality is maintained, but battery life is significantly reduced due to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic state transitions for the GPS receiver, allowing it to switch between active, standby, and sleep states based on real-time location change detection. The system continuously monitors location data and dynamically adjusts GPS operation mode, transitioning to lower power states when location changes are minimal and returning to active state when significant movement is detected, thereby optimizing the balance between location data quality and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the GPS receiver by adjusting sampling rates and activation thresholds based on detected movement patterns. When the device detects that location changes exceed a threshold, it increases GPS sampling rate to capture accurate location data. Conversely, when location changes are minimal, it reduces sampling rate or transitions to sleep mode, dynamically adapting parameters to maintain data quality while minimizing power consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If GPS sampling interval is increased to save power, then battery life is extended, but location data accuracy and freshness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of GPS sampling intervals based on real-time movement detection. The system monitors location changes continuously and adapts the sampling rate dynamically: when significant movement is detected, it increases sampling frequency to capture accurate location data; when movement is minimal, it extends sampling intervals to conserve power. This dynamic approach ensures location data accuracy is maintained only when necessary, optimizing the trade-off between power consumption and data freshness
3Use of energy by moving object
If accelerometer-based control is used to turn GPS on/off, then power consumption is reduced, but false triggering occurs during constant velocity motion or indoor walking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces location data as an intermediary verification layer between the accelerometer and GPS control decision. Instead of relying solely on accelerometer data, the system cross-references both accelerometer readings and actual location changes detected by GPS. This intermediary check prevents false triggering by confirming that detected motion actually results in significant location changes, thereby improving control accuracy while maintaining power savings from reduced GPS usage during false positive events
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatuses for controlling a location sensing system of a mobile device are disclosed. One method includes collecting location related information of the mobile device. The method further includes controllably setting the mobile device to operate in one of a high-power state, a low-power state, or a transitional state based on the collected location related information, wherein a satellite-based positioning system receiver of the mobile device generates location information in the transitional state and in the on-state, and the satellite-based positioning system receiver does not generate location information in the low-power state. When operating in the transitional state, the mobile device repeatedly checks the collected location related information and transitions to the low-power state or the high-power state based on the collected location related information.