Magnetometer Calibration via Guided Device Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetometers in mobile devices often require calibration due to environmental changes, but existing calibration methods are inefficient and require frequent recalibrations, especially when users fail to obtain sufficient readings across multiple axes, leading to poor calibration quality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a series of visual elements and movements that guide the user to orient the device in specific positions to obtain a range of magnetometer readings, allowing for efficient calculation of calibration parameters, including a pair of movements that rotate the device about different axes to capture both positive and negative readings, thereby improving calibration accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used, then calibration can be performed, but sufficient readings across multiple axes cannot be obtained leading to poor calibration quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of magnetometer reading quality before full calibration execution. It evaluates whether sufficient distinct readings exist across multiple axes, and only proceeds with calibration when quality thresholds are met, preventing poor quality calibrations from occurring in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the quality of magnetometer readings during calibration attempts. When insufficient distinct readings are detected across multiple axes, the system provides feedback to trigger recalibration or alternative calibration methods, creating a closed-loop quality control mechanism
2Measurement precision
If frequent recalibrations are performed, then calibration accuracy can be maintained, but user time and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary quality assessment of existing magnetometer readings before determining that recalibration is needed. By evaluating reading distinctness and distribution across axes in advance, it avoids unnecessary recalibrations while ensuring calibration occurs only when quality thresholds are not met
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously monitors magnetometer reading quality and self-determines when recalibration is necessary based on predefined quality metrics. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual calibration scheduling and reduces unnecessary calibration interruptions to user operations
3Productivity
If calibration is performed without sufficient distinct readings, then calibration can be completed quickly, but calibration accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of reading quality during the calibration process. It evaluates whether sufficient distinct readings have been obtained across multiple axes and provides feedback to either proceed with calibration or request additional readings, ensuring accuracy is not sacrificed for speed
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process is made dynamic and adaptive based on real-time reading quality assessment. The system adjusts the calibration procedure accordingly - proceeding quickly when quality thresholds are met, and extending the process to gather more distinct readings when quality is insufficient, optimizing the balance between speed and accuracy
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 consistent and efficient magnetometer calibration, reducing the need for frequent recalibrations and improving the accuracy of magnetometer readings by ensuring a sufficient number of distinct readings are obtained across multiple axes.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetometer is an instrument used to measure the strength and/or direction of the magnetic field in the vicinity of the instrument
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of obtaining magnetometer readings for performing a magnetometer calibration are provided. The method comprises detecting initiation of a magnetometer calibration; displaying a plurality of visual elements representing at least a pair of movements, each of the movements orienting a device comprising the magnetometer in substantially opposite positions along a respective axis; and obtaining at least one magnetometer reading during movement of the device. The visual elements may include one in an upright position, one in an upside down position, one facing a first direction and one illustrating the device facing in a second direction. A path may also be defined between the plurality of visual elements using one or more arrows.