Position Subsystem Selective Switching for Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional navigation devices continue to consume battery power at a high rate due to continuous attempts to determine position, even when accurate location information is less important, such as indoors or during stationary use, as they lack efficient methods to switch between position sources based on usage context.
Innovation Solution
A navigation device with a position subsystem that selectively switches between satellite navigation, cellular triangulation, and other position sources using a hierarchy of selection criteria, including last known position data, to conserve power and maintain position-dependent functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the satellite navigation receiver continues to attempt position determination regardless of usage context, then position accuracy is maintained, but battery power is discharged at a high rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the position determination strategy based on real-time analysis of usage context, movement detection, and position source availability. The position subsystem transitions between different operational modes (continuous positioning, periodic positioning, or using last known position) to optimize the balance between position accuracy and power consumption according to current device state and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key operational parameters including the selection of position sources (satellite navigation, cellular triangulation, Wi-Fi positioning), the frequency of position updates, and the decision to use cached last known positions. These parameter changes are driven by contextual factors such as device movement state, available position sources, and application requirements, enabling adaptive power management while maintaining sufficient position accuracy
2Reliability
If the satellite navigation receiver is kept powered up and active for frequent navigation use, then position determination capability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessments of position source availability, device movement state, and application position requirements before initiating position determination. By evaluating these conditions in advance, the system can proactively select the most efficient position source and update frequency, avoiding unnecessary activation of power-intensive satellite navigation receivers when alternative position sources or cached positions suffice
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial positioning by using less accurate but lower-power position sources (such as cellular triangulation or Wi-Fi positioning) when full satellite navigation capability is not required. This partial action approach maintains sufficient position determination capability for the current context while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous satellite navigation receiver operation
3Use of energy by moving object
If the device switches between multiple position sources based on context, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a position subsystem as an intermediary layer between the device application and multiple position sources. This subsystem abstracts the complexity of managing multiple position sources by providing a unified interface and automated decision-making logic that selects appropriate position sources based on contextual factors, thereby reducing the perceived complexity for the device while enabling sophisticated power-efficient position management
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are described for position source selection. In an implementation, an electronic device provides a variety of functionality including at least functionality to determine position. The electronic device may be further configured to select between a plurality of position sources to determine position based upon a variety of selection criteria. In an implementation, a last known position may be stored when position is being determined through the plurality of position sources. The last known position may be used as an alternative to determining position via the position sources when one or more of the position sources are unavailable. In another implementation, the last known position may be employed to automatically select one of the plurality of position sources to be used by the electronic device for determining position.