Magnetic Field Road Type Detection for Multi-Level Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GPS systems face challenges in accurately determining the level of a road, especially in environments with multi-level roads, due to inaccuracies in altitude measurement.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using an electronic device equipped with a magnetic field sensor to measure the magnetic field of the environment over a preset period, calculating the variation in magnetic field values, and determining whether this variation is below a predetermined threshold to classify the road as surface or non-surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS altitude measurement is used to determine road level, then the system can provide navigation information, but the measurement precision is insufficient to correctly distinguish between surface road, elevated road and underground road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic field values as an intermediary parameter to indirectly determine road level. Instead of directly measuring altitude with GPS, the system measures magnetic field values and uses their variation characteristics to infer whether the device is on a surface road, elevated road, or underground road, thereby resolving the precision-reliability contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS altitude measurement system with a magnetic field-based detection system. By substituting the mechanical/GPS-based altitude measurement with magnetic field sensing and analysis, the system achieves more reliable road level determination in multi-level road environments
2Measurement precision
If barometer is used to measure altitude for road level determination, then altitude can be obtained, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the magnetic field sensor serve multiple functions: it not only provides magnetic field data for navigation purposes but also enables road level determination by analyzing magnetic field variation characteristics. This eliminates the need for separate barometer or altitude sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the magnetic field sensor's inherent capability to detect environmental magnetic fields and, through self-analysis of the variation characteristics of these fields, automatically determines road level without requiring additional dedicated altitude measurement hardware
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 allows for accurate determination of road types by leveraging the distinct magnetic fields produced by roads with metal structures, thereby enhancing navigation and traffic information accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, for a preset period, a magnetic field of an environment in which the electronic device is located to obtain a plurality of magnetic field values
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a road type includes measuring, for a preset period, a magnetic field of an environment in which an electronic device is located to obtain a plurality of magnetic field values, calculating an absolute value of a difference between every two adjacent magnetic field values among the magnetic field values sorted in chronological order, calculating an average of the absolute values related to the magnetic field values to serve as a variation value for the environment, determining whether the variation value is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, determining that the environment is a surface road when the determination result is affirmative, and determining that the environment is a non-surface road when the determination result is negative.