On Demand Positioning Engine for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices face challenges in maintaining accurate and efficient position determination as the ability to receive satellite positioning system (SPS) signals varies with time and changing radio-frequency environments, impacting the performance of location-based services.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an on-demand positioning (ODP) engine in mobile devices, which monitors position by periodically updating position fix information using signal metrics from non-SPS sources like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and UMTS, and selectively obtaining subsequent position fixes from SPS signals based on uncertainty thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the mobile device continuously monitors position using SPS signals, then position determination accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts positioning strategy based on environmental conditions and service requirements. When SPS signals are available and quality is good, the device uses SPS positioning. When SPS signals are blocked or quality degrades, the system transitions to non-SPS sources like Wi-Fi or cellular networks, optimizing power consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary decision-making layer that selects between different positioning sources (SPS, Wi-Fi, cellular) based on signal availability and quality. This intermediary mechanism allows the device to switch between low-power SPS mode and alternative positioning modes, resolving the contradiction between continuous accuracy and power consumption.
2Reliability
If the mobile device switches to non-SPS positioning sources when SPS signals are blocked, then position determination continues, but position uncertainty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares alternative positioning sources in advance and maintains readiness to switch when SPS signals are blocked. By having pre-configured fallback options (Wi-Fi access points, cellular base stations), the system ensures continuous positioning capability while managing the expected increase in uncertainty through predefined contingency plans.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes positioning parameters dynamically by switching between different positioning methodologies based on signal availability. When transitioning from SPS to non-SPS sources, the system adjusts positioning parameters and uncertainty thresholds to reflect the changed measurement conditions, maintaining reliable positioning despite increased uncertainty.
3Reliability
If the mobile device uses multiple positioning sources simultaneously, then position determination reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into distinct modules: SPS receiver, Wi-Fi positioning module, cellular positioning module, and a central decision-making engine. Each module operates independently and contributes to positioning when appropriate, reducing overall system complexity through functional segmentation while maintaining reliability through diversified positioning sources.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to determining a background location of a mobile device using one or more signal metrics.