NFC Transfer of Location Assistance Data for Navigation Hot Start
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic devices lack a convenient method for transferring location assistance information, requiring a 'cold' start of navigation systems when switching between devices, which is time-consuming and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing near field communication (NFC) to transfer location assistance information, including contemporaneous positioning satellite signal conditions, between electronic devices, allowing for a 'hot' start and improving navigation system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cold start is performed to acquire satellite information independently, then navigation system reliability is improved, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the first electronic device acquire and store satellite assistance information (ephemeris, almanac, satellite positions) in advance before the second device needs to perform navigation. This pre-acquired information is then transferred via NFC, allowing the second device to skip the time-consuming cold start acquisition process while maintaining navigation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses NFC (Near Field Communication) as an intermediary mechanism to transfer satellite assistance information between devices. This intermediary allows the second device to obtain pre-acquired satellite data from the first device without performing independent satellite acquisition, thus reducing time-to-first-fix while ensuring data reliability through the mediation of a trusted communication channel.
2Measurement precision
If satellite information is acquired independently by each device, then information accuracy is improved, but operational convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a replica of satellite assistance information (ephemeris, almanac, position data) from the first device and transferring it to the second device via NFC. This copied information allows the second device to achieve accurate satellite signal acquisition without requiring the user to perform complex operations, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
NFC serves as an intermediary that enables seamless transfer of satellite assistance information between devices. This intermediary mechanism allows users to switch devices conveniently by simply placing them in proximity, while the transferred information ensures that the second device can quickly acquire accurate satellite signals, thereby improving both operational convenience and signal accuracy.
3Productivity
If location assistance information is transferred between devices, then time efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing NFC functionality in mobile devices, which are already equipped with this communication capability for other purposes (contactless payments, data sharing). By utilizing this existing universal feature for transferring satellite assistance information, the system achieves fast navigation setup without adding significant complexity, as the NFC infrastructure is already present in modern smartphones.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for exchanging location assistance information between electronic devices using a near field communication (NFC) interface. Positioning satellite signals are received from one or more position satellites. Location assistance information is generated based at least in part on the received positioning satellite signals and/or navigation information. The location assistance information is transferred through a near field communication interface from the first electronic device to another electronic device, wherein the location assistance information includes one or more contemporaneous positioning satellite signals received by the first electronic device.