Client Device Compass Bearing for Route Finding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing route-finding technologies in consumer electronics often struggle to determine the most efficient route due to limitations in identifying accurate bearings, especially in situations where positioning satellites are unavailable or when sudden changes in direction occur, leading to unresponsive or inaccurate path calculations.
Innovation Solution
The use of an internal compass within a client device to determine a bearing, which is then mapped onto a road graph, allowing for the identification of the direction of travel and the determination of the most efficient route, even in the absence of satellite access, with calibration from accelerometers or gyroscopes to ensure accurate orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If location extrapolation is used to determine bearing, then route finding can proceed with satellite positioning, but the system becomes unresponsive in sudden direction changes and requires multiple data points taking additional time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compass as an intermediary device to directly provide bearing information, bypassing the need for location extrapolation. The compass acts as a mediator that supplies orientation data independently, allowing the system to respond immediately to direction changes without waiting for multiple satellite position fixes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple location data points are collected for bearing calculation, then extrapolated bearing can be obtained, but additional time is required and the system fails when satellites are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration of the compass using accelerometer and gyroscope data before actual route finding begins. This preliminary action ensures the compass is accurately oriented, allowing immediate and precise bearing determination without needing to collect multiple location data points during route calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compass serves as an intermediary that provides direct bearing measurement, eliminating the need for multiple location data points. By using the compass's magnetic field sensing capability, the system obtains bearing information instantly without waiting for satellite position updates.
3Productivity
If compass bearing is used for route finding, then accurate direction can be obtained with single location reading, but device orientation must be calibrated using accelerometers or gyroscopes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple sensors (compass, accelerometer, gyroscope) into a unified calibration and bearing determination process. By combining these sensors, the system achieves accurate bearing measurement with single location reading while managing the complexity through integrated sensor fusion rather than separate calibration procedures.
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
This approach enables accurate and efficient route determination with a single location reading, eliminating the need for multiple data points and improving performance in scenarios where traditional methods fail, such as exiting a parking garage or subway system.
Implementation Method 1
identifying a bearing of a client device using a compass
Implementation Method 2
determining an orientation of the client device using at least one of an accelerometer or a gyroscope
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for improving route finding are described. Aspects of the disclosure determine a bearing for a client device using a compass. The determined bearing is used to optimize route finding operations performed by the client device. The bearing may be mapped to a road graph and used in conjunction with a location of the client device to determine an efficient route to a destination. For example, aspects of the method and system may identify a nearest turn in the direction the client device is traveling without the need to obtain multiple location readings to identify a direction of travel.