Variable Measurement Rate Positioning System Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional satellite positioning systems in battery-operated devices, such as GPS receivers, consume excessive power and are not always-on, limiting their ability to provide proactive location-based services without user input.
Innovation Solution
A variable measurement rate method that adjusts the frequency of position measurements based on velocity, acceleration, signal conditions, and anticipated user behavior, allowing for interpolation between measurements to conserve power and maintain an always-on impression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If position measurements are made continuously at a high rate, then location data availability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of measurement intervals based on device motion state. When the device is stationary, measurements are performed at a lower rate to conserve power. When motion is detected (through accelerometer data or position change thresholds), the measurement rate increases automatically. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching measurement frequency to actual need, ensuring location availability when necessary while reducing power consumption during static periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the time interval parameter between measurements based on observed conditions. The measurement interval is adjusted as a variable parameter rather than fixed, allowing the system to extend intervals during stationary periods (reducing power use) and shorten them during motion (maintaining location availability). This parameter transformation enables the system to satisfy both contradictory requirements under different operating conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If position measurements are made at a low rate to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but location data availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms to monitor device motion state and position changes. Accelerometer data and position delta calculations provide continuous feedback about device movement. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts measurement frequency - increasing it when motion is detected and decreasing it when stationary. This feedback loop ensures location data availability is maintained during motion while enabling power savings during static periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of motion patterns and position changes to predict when location data will be needed. By detecting motion early through accelerometers or position deltas, the system can proactively increase measurement frequency before location accuracy degrades, rather than reacting after the fact. This preliminary detection enables smoother transitions between measurement rates while maintaining reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If measurement interval is extended to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement accuracy may deteriorate due to unaccounted motion
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement intervals based on real-time motion detection. When the device is stationary, extended intervals are safe and power-efficient. When motion is detected (through accelerometer thresholds or position change calculations), the system automatically shortens intervals to capture position changes accurately. This dynamic adaptation prevents accuracy deterioration while maintaining power savings during static periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediate sensors (accelerometers, motion detectors) and position extrapolation algorithms as mediators between actual position changes and measurement events. These intermediaries detect motion between formal measurements and trigger additional measurements when needed. The extrapolation algorithms predict position based on velocity and acceleration data, providing continuous position estimates while the system waits for trigger events, thus bridging the gap between extended intervals and accuracy requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of variable rate measurements in a device. The method generally includes the steps of (A) generating an intermediate signal conveying both a position of the device and a velocity of the device in response to a plurality of navigation signals received from external the device, (B) calculating an extrapolated position of the device at a second time based on the position and the velocity both measured at a first time, (C) adjusting an interval between the second time and a third time in response to a difference between the extrapolated position and the position measured at the second time and (D) generating a position signal conveying the position and the velocity, wherein the third time occurs after the second time and the second time occurs after the first time.