Electronic Device Positioning Using Celestial Objects and Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices lack an effective method to determine their position, especially in environments where the horizon is obscured, such as cities or mountainous terrain, due to reliance on visual discrimination of the celestial horizon.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device capable of determining its position using celestial objects by acquiring image data, overlaying a celestial object indicator on the device's display, and utilizing sensor data from accelerometers and magnetometers to calculate the relative angle with respect to the Earth, allowing for position determination via comparison with a database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual discrimination of the celestial horizon is used to determine position, then position determination is possible in open environments, but position determination fails in environments where the horizon is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces celestial objects (stars, moon, planets) as intermediary reference points instead of relying on the horizon. These celestial objects serve as mediators that can be observed and used for position determination even when the horizon is obscured by buildings or terrain, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If celestial objects are used for position determination, then position can be determined in obscured environments, but measurement precision is reduced without sensor data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple data sources including image data from the camera, sensor data from accelerometers and magnetometers, and astronomical data to determine position. This combination of multiple measurement methods compensates for the limitations of celestial observation alone and maintains measurement precision even when the horizon is obscured
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor data acts as an intermediary that provides additional reference information about device orientation and position. The sensors measure physical quantities (acceleration, magnetic field) that serve as intermediate measurements to calculate the device's angular position relative to celestial objects, thereby improving overall measurement precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate position determination of electronic devices in various environments, including those where the horizon is obscured, by using celestial objects and sensor data, providing reliable location information.
Implementation Method 1
data indicating a relative angle of the device with respect to the Earth in at least two dimensions may be received from at least one sensor in the device, such as the accelerometer
Implementation Method 2
data indicating a relative angle of the device with respect to the Earth in at least two dimensions may be received from at least one sensor in the device, such as the magnetometer
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of determining a position of an electronic device is presented herein. An image is displayed having at least one celestial object and a celestial object indicator for selecting a celestial object. The celestial object indicator is overlaid on the at least one celestial object. Data indicating a relative angle of the device with respect to the Earth in at least two dimensions is received at the processor. The time when the celestial object indicator is overlaid on the at least one celestial object is determined. The position of the electronic device is determined by comparing the location of the celestial object in the image data and relative angle information at the time of the indication to a database at least partially stored on the electronic device in response to an indication that the celestial object indicator is overlaid on the at least one celestial object.