(12) United States Patent
`Sun
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,612,663 B2
`Nov. 3, 2009
`
`USOO7612663B2
`
`(54) POWER SAVING DEVICE FOR GPS DEVICE
`(75) Inventor: Chun-ISun, Taipei Hsien (TW)
`
`(73) Assignee: kept Electrinics, Inc., Shenkeng Shiarg
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 314 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/641,836
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search .............. 340/539.3,
`340/539.13,539.21; 455/572, 574,422.1,
`455/4.56.1, 517,522, 12.1, 13.4, 343.1: 342/357.01,
`342/357.06, 352,450, 457
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`6,014,080 A
`1/2000 Layson, Jr. ............... 340,573.1
`... F,
`58. SE. ... 342,357.06
`6,985,811 B2 *
`1/2006 Gronemeyer ............... TO1,213
`7,190.307 B2 * 3/2007 Gronemeyer .......... 342,357.15
`2007/0273582 A1* 1 1/2007 Klinghult et al. ....... 342,357.06
`k .
`cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner Benjamin C Lee
`Assistant Examiner Daniel Previl
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 20, 2006
`
`(65)
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`-
`Prior Publication Data
`A power saving device for a GPS device is to utilize accel
`eration of gravity sensor to continue detecting the accelera
`US 2007/O1461 29 A1
`Jun. 28, 2007
`tion variation of the GPS device; if an acceleration value is
`O
`O
`larger than a threshold value, a GPS signal receiver is then
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`(30)
`Dec. 23, 2005 (TW) .............................. 941.46273 A started; if the acceleration value is smaller than the threshold
`value, the GPS signal receiver is then shut. This allows the
`GPS device to be power saving and not need to facilitate an
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G08B I/08
`extra oscillation Switch therein to save the production cost.
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................. 340/539.3; 340/539.21;
`455/4.56.1; 455/572: 342/357.01; 342/.457
`
`6 Claims, 1 Drawing Sheet
`
`11
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`50
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`cc
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`GPS
`Receiver
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`Power
`controller
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`Exhibit 2005
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov.3, 2009
`
`US 7,612,663 B2
`
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`Exhibit 2005
`Exhibit 2005
`
`
`
`
`

`

`1.
`POWER SAVING DEVICE FOR GPS DEVICE
`
`2
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`US 7,612,663 B2
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a power saving device for
`a GPS device of a preferred embodiment according to the
`present invention. The power saving device comprises a GPS
`receiver 10 electrically connected to a GPS antenna 11, a
`power controller 20 and an information record and/or output
`device 30, in which a time delay controller 42 is respectively
`electrically connected to the power controller 20, the infor
`mation record and/or output device 30 and the emitter (second
`pole) of a first transistor 41. The time delay controller 42
`comprises a second transistor 421, a resistor 422 and a capaci
`tor 423. The emitter (third pole) of the second transistor 421
`is connected to the power source. The collector (second pole)
`is electrically connected to the power controller 20. One end
`of the resistor 422 and one end of the capacitor 423 are
`grounded, other ends thereof are respectively electrically
`connected to the collector of the second transistor 421. The
`information record and/or output device 30 are connected to
`the base of the second transistor 421. The collector (second
`pole) of the first transistor 41 is electrically connected to the
`power source and the base (first pole) thereof is electrically
`connected to the MOT pin of a G-sensor 50. The G-sensor 50
`is communicated with a microprocessor 60 through a trans
`mission interface (SCL, SDA). The microprocessor 60 can set
`a threshold value triggered by the MOT pin of the G-sensor 50
`through this transmission interface.
`When the power controller 20 detects that the capacitor 423
`is charged to have a higher potential, it then starts the GPS
`receiver 10; when the power controller 20 detects that the
`capacitor 423 has a lower potential, it then closes the GPS
`receiver 10.
`The capacitor 423 has a higher potential at two following
`conditions:
`(a) When the G-sensor 50 detects that the acceleration value
`of its movement is beyond the threshold value, it converts
`the MOT pin to be at a high potential to output a starting
`signal to allow the first transistor 41 to be communicated,
`the power is delivered to the power controller 20 and to the
`capacitor 423 too to cause the capacitor 423 to be charged.
`Or
`(b) When the information record and/or output device 30 is
`forced to output a low potential, the emitter and the collec
`tor of the second transistor 421 are communicated with
`each other to cause the collector thereof to be at a high
`potential and the capacitor 423 to be charged. Besides, it
`also causes the power controller 20 to receive a high poten
`tial signal.
`The capacitor 423 has a lower potential at two following
`conditions:
`(a) when the G-sensor S0 detects that the acceleration value of
`its movement is below the threshold value, it converts the
`MOT pin to be at a low potential and then stop outputting
`a starting signal to cause the first transistor 41 not to be
`communicated; no power is delivered to the capacitor 423
`to cause the capacitor 423 not to be charged. And
`(b) when the information record and/or output device 30 is not
`forced to output a low potential to cause the emitter and the
`collector of the second transistor 421 not to be communi
`cated, the collector thereof does not charge the capacitor
`423:
`the capacitor 423 is at a low potential by means of the gradual
`discharge of the resistor 422.
`Selecting different resistor 422 and capacitor 423 can
`adjust the discharge rate of the capacitor 423, further control
`the time that the capacitor 423 is converted to be at a low
`Exhibit 2005
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`10
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`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to a GPS device, and more
`particularly to a power saving device for a GPS device.
`2. Description of Related Art
`The upgrading of the manufacturing technology and the
`functions of an electronic product enable the use of a GPS
`device to be more popular. There are many types of the GPS
`device such as a portable GPS device convenient for being
`used in an individual’s mountain climbing and travel, GPS
`device combined with a cellular phone and GPS device com
`bined with a vehicle allowing a user to realize his position and
`15
`the direction of the destination that he wants to go if it is
`operated in coordination with an electronic map.
`All general portable GPS devices use a battery to provide
`electricity. When a GPS receiver is in a normal operation, it is
`very power consuming. If the GPS device is not moved, it can
`enter a rather power consuming mode, the power can then be
`saved so that the use life of the battery can be extended.
`U.S. Pat. No. 6,774,838 discloses a power saving device
`and method for a GPS receiver, in which the power saving
`device allows the GPS receiver to be connected to an oscilla
`tion Switch and the vibration generated from the moving of
`the GPS receiver can be utilized to actuate the oscillation
`switch to turn on the power of the GPS receiver automatically
`with a power controller. The oscillation switch enables the
`power controller to turn off the power of the GPS receiver
`automatically when the GPS receiver is not moved so that the
`power can be saved.
`An acceleration of gravity sensor (G-sensor) is installed in
`a several GPS devices. The G-sensor detects the variation of
`35
`gravity to measure the acceleration generated from the move
`ment of a body and output a simulated Voltage signal. This can
`provide the data of the acceleration of the body so as to assist
`the GPS receiver to provide the data of the velocity and the
`position of the body even in such as a time period that the
`satellite signals cannot be received or well received when it is
`in tunnel or is blocked by mountains, trees, buildings and etc.
`When the G-sensor is under a work voltage of 3.3 volts, the
`power consumption thereof is 1 mA; this is far less than the
`one needed for the GPS receiver.
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`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`For improving a conventional power saving device for a
`GPS device to allow the production cost to be more saved, the
`present invention is proposed.
`The main object of the present invention is to provide a
`power saving device for a GPS device, enabling the GPS
`device to have a function of power saving.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`power saving device for a GPS device, utilizing a G-sensor
`installed therein and needing no extra oscillation Switch so as
`to save the production cost.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The present invention can be more fully understood by
`reference to the following description and accompanying
`drawings, in which:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a power saving device for a
`GPS device of a preferred embodiment according to the
`present invention.
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`50
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`60
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`3
`potential so as to delay the time that the power controller 20
`detects that the capacitor 423 has a lower potential to extend
`the outputting of the signal controlling the GPS receiver 10
`from the power controller 20 and further to extend the action
`time of the GPS receiver 10.
`The information record and/or output device 30 according
`to the present invention has a CPU, capable of processing and
`operating a position signal transmitted from the GPS receiver
`10, and storing or outputting the processed and operated
`position signal. After the recording and/or outputting device
`30 finishes the data recording and/or outputting action, it can
`then stop outputting the forced low potential to cause the
`emitter and the collector of the second transistor 421 not to be
`communicated.
`The G-sensor 50 according to the present invention can be
`an acceleration of gravity sensing chip of serial No. KX984.
`The microprocessor can be a general microprocessor, such as
`serial No. 80C51. When the GPS device stops moving, it then
`enter a power saving mode after a time period; only the
`G-sensor 50 is left for continuing maintaining power Supply
`and detecting the variation of the acceleration of the GPS
`device. If the acceleration value is beyond the threshold value,
`it then starts the GPS receiver.
`The present invention causes the more power consuming
`GPS receiver to be automatically turned on and off and only
`causes the more power saving G-sensor to maintain Supplying
`power to process the detection when the GPS device is
`stopped, this can greatly save the power. Furthermore, the
`present invention only utilizes the G-sensor installed in the
`GPS device to be an element detecting whether the GPS
`device starts moving or not, other extra oscillation Switches
`need not to be installed, this can rather save the production
`COSt.
`Additional advantages and modifications will readily
`occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
`broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and rep
`resentative embodiments shown and described herein.
`Accordingly, various modifications may be made without
`departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive
`concept as defined by the appended claims and their equiva
`lents.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A power saving device for a GPS device comprising:
`a microprocessor,
`an acceleration of gravity sensor (G-sensor) electrically
`connected to said microprocessor;
`a first transistor electrically connecting with said G-sensor,
`a time delay controller electrically connecting with said
`first transistor for communicating with said G-sensor
`and further comprising a second transistor, a capacitor
`and a resistor,
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`US 7,612,663 B2
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`4
`a power controller electrically connected to said time delay
`controller and said first transistor for communicating
`with said G-sensor;
`a GPS receiver electrically connecting with said power
`controller, and
`an information record and/or an output device electrically
`connecting with said time delay controller and said GPS
`receiver;
`wherein said microprocessor offers said G-sensor a
`threshold value via a transmission interface of said
`microprocessor, said G-sensor creates an acceleration
`value based on a state of movement thereof, detects if
`said acceleration value is beyond said threshold value,
`outputs a starting signal to said power controller via
`said first transistor when said acceleration value is
`beyond said threshold value, and stops outputting said
`starting signal when said acceleration value is below
`said threshold value such that said power controller is
`capable of receiving said starting signal and starting
`said GPS receiver with respect to said state of the
`movement automatically for controlling said power
`Source and saving a power consumption.
`2. The power saving device according to claim 1, wherein
`said G-sensor is electrically connected to the base of said first
`transistor, said power controller is electrically connected to
`the emitter of said first transistor, and a power source is
`electrically connected to the collector of said first transistor
`Such that said starting signal with a power source signal from
`said power Source is transmitted to said power controller.
`3. The power saving device according to claim 2, wherein
`said time delay controller extends a time duration before said
`starting signal capable of reaching said power controller,
`extends a time duration before said power controller capable
`of outputting a control signal to said GPS receiver, and further
`extends a time duration before said GPS receiver capable of
`performing an action.
`4. The power saving device according to claim 3, wherein
`said resistor and said capacitor are electrically connected to
`said power controller and the emitter of said first transistor.
`5. The power saving device according to claim 4, wherein
`the emitter of said first transistor is electrically connected to
`the collector of said second transistor, which is further elec
`trically connected to said resistor and said capacitor.
`6. The power saving device according to claim 1, wherein
`said time delay controller extends a time duration before said
`starting signal capable of reaching to said power controller,
`extends a time duration before said power controller capable
`of outputting a control signal to said GPS, and further extends
`a time duration before said GPS receiver capable of perform
`ing an action.
`
`Exhibit 2005
`
`

`

`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
`
`: 7,612,663 B2
`PATENT NO.
`APPLICATION NO. : 1 1/641836
`DATED
`: November 3, 2009
`INVENTOR(S)
`: Chun-I Sun
`
`Page 1 of 1
`
`It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below:
`
`Title page, item 73 Assignee: should read as follows: KINPOELECTRONICS, INC.
`
`Signed and Sealed this
`
`Fifteenth Day of June, 2010
`
`David J. Kappos
`Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
`
`Exhibit 2005
`
`