Mobile Device Location Accuracy and Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices face high power consumption when continuously using location-identification services like GPS to achieve accurate location determinations, potentially draining the battery.
Innovation Solution
The method involves varying the duration of location-identification service use based on the initial location reading's accuracy, performing additional readings only if the initial accuracy is below a threshold, and selecting the most accurate reading from a series of determinations to minimize power usage and improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous location readings are performed to achieve high accuracy, then location accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the location determination strategy based on the accuracy of the initial reading. If the initial reading meets the accuracy threshold, the system stops taking readings. If not, it continues taking readings for a predetermined period. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the measurement process flexible rather than fixed, optimizing the balance between accuracy and power consumption based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of measurement duration based on the initial accuracy assessment. By evaluating the accuracy of the first location reading and adjusting whether to continue measurements, the system optimizes power consumption while maintaining required accuracy levels. This parameter change approach allows the system to adapt measurement intensity to actual needs.
2Measurement precision
If multiple subsequent location readings are performed to improve accuracy, then location accuracy is improved, but the duration of service use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a dynamic decision-making process where the duration of location service use is determined by the accuracy of the initial reading. The system can switch between two modes: stopping after the initial reading if accuracy is sufficient, or continuing for a predetermined period if accuracy is insufficient. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between achieving required accuracy and minimizing service duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary accuracy assessment of the initial location reading before deciding whether to continue with additional readings. This preliminary action allows the system to avoid unnecessary extended measurement periods when the initial reading already meets accuracy requirements, thus reducing overall service use duration while maintaining accuracy standards.
3Loss of time
If the initial location reading is displayed immediately, then response time is improved, but accuracy may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the initial accuracy assessment to determine whether to display the location immediately or continue taking readings. If the initial reading meets the accuracy threshold, the system displays it promptly. If not, the system continues measurements before displaying. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by using accuracy information to control the display timing, ensuring both responsiveness and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The display timing is dynamically adjusted based on the accuracy of the initial location reading. The system can transition between immediate display and delayed display modes depending on whether the accuracy threshold is met. This dynamic timing strategy optimizes the balance between response time and location accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, the subject matter described in this specification is embodied in methods, systems, and program products for identifying a location of a mobile computing device. A first location estimate of a mobile computing device and an accuracy of the first location estimate is determined at a mobile computing device based on wireless signals received from one or more beacons. A time period based on the accuracy of the first location estimate is determined. One or more subsequent location estimates of the mobile computing device and respective accuracies are determined. The determination of the subsequent location estimates is stopped at an end of the time period. A preferred location estimate from the determined location estimates is determined at the mobile computing device.