Compass Calibration Matrix for Misalignment Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with compasses often suffer from misalignment during manufacturing and usage, leading to inaccurate compass readings due to manufacturing variations and potential physical shocks, which existing coarse 'pass-fail' testing methods cannot address.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a calibration system where control circuitry applies a calibration rotation matrix to raw compass data to correct for misalignment between the compass and the device housing, using reference devices with known orientations and device-specific calibration data generated by comparing compass readings under controlled magnetic field conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If coarse pass-fail testing is used during manufacturing, then manufacturing speed is improved, but measurement precision of compass alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing compass calibration during the manufacturing process before devices are shipped to customers. A calibration application is executed during factory testing that automatically determines calibration data by analyzing compass readings while the device is held in known orientations, storing this data for later use in correcting compass readings during customer use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by designing a system where the device itself performs its own calibration during manufacturing. The calibration application uses the device's own compass, processor, and memory to automatically generate calibration data without requiring external calibration equipment or manual adjustment, enabling rapid calibration that maintains high manufacturing productivity.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration procedures are implemented, then compass alignment accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical calibration procedures with an automated software-based system. Instead of manual physical adjustment of the compass or use of complex mechanical alignment tools, the invention uses a calibration application that runs on the device's processor to automatically determine calibration data through software algorithms that analyze compass readings in known orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a virtual model of the calibration process through software. The calibration application simulates the calibration procedure by having the user hold the device in various orientations and automatically processing the readings, eliminating the need for physical calibration fixtures or manual measurement procedures.
3Reliability
If comprehensive calibration testing is performed, then compass reliability is improved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a calibration procedure that uses a limited set of essential test orientations rather than exhaustive testing in all possible directions. The calibration application determines calibration data using a practical number of positioning steps that provide sufficient accuracy for normal operation without requiring complete spherical coverage, thus reducing calibration time while maintaining adequate reliability.
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 ensures accurate compass orientation data, enhancing the performance of electronic devices by correcting for misalignment, thereby improving navigation and map orientation applications.
Implementation Method 1
a compass may be misaligned with respect to the device in which it is housed and the resulting readings produced by the compass will be inaccurate
Implementation Method 2
Components such as these may draw sufficient current during operation to generate magnetic fields in the vicinity of a compass within the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may have electrical components mounted in alignment with an electronic device housing. A compass in the electronic device housing may potentially be misaligned with respect to the electrical components and the electronic device housing. Reference devices having compasses may be used to gather compass data while one or more electrical components in the reference devices are controlled to generate magnetic fields that are detected by the compasses. An electronic device may be calibrated in a factory or in the field using calibration data produced by comparing compass readings gathered from the compass in the device while controlling electrical components in the device to compass data from the reference devices. Calibration data may be applied to compass readings in real time to correct for misalignment between the compass and the electronic device housing.