A Generic Context-Based Architecture for Energy-Efficient Localization on Mobile Devices

Applying localization techniques on modern smartphones substantially decreases operating times of batteries. In particular, continuous utilization of GPS is mainly in charge for draining. The excessive exploitation of battery power for determining the current location is avoidable, though, if we consider contextual frame conditions, e.g., when the user carrying the device is not moving. Based on this thought principle, the interplay of various contextual parameters affecting localization, enables the construction of an architecture reducing energy consumption for location determination on mobile devices. This paper explains the paradigm and draws the architecture for a generic context-based energy saving strategy for mobile location-based services. Embedded in a social-web application named Spotnick, the strategy has been implemented for both Android and iOS platforms in order to confirm its generic title. Several conducted tests prove its positive impact in terms of energy consumption and reflect on accuracy issues and limitations.