Electronic Map Orientation via Radio Bearing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic maps displayed on devices may not be correctly oriented relative to a user's surroundings, making it difficult for users to navigate their environment.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize determination circuitry to determine bearings from radio transmitters and orientation circuitry to align the electronic map, ensuring correct orientation by selecting suitable radio transmitters based on line of sight, distance, and angle of elevation, allowing for automatic re-orientation without user movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic map is displayed without automatic orientation alignment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users struggle to orient themselves with surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic map automatically determines its own orientation by receiving radio signals from transmitters and calculating bearings without user intervention. The orientation circuitry autonomously aligns the map with the user's surroundings, making the system self-orienting and eliminating the need for manual rotation or user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical rotation of the map with an automated electronic orientation system. Instead of requiring users to physically rotate the device or map display, the system uses radio signal processing and electronic circuitry to automatically calculate and apply the correct orientation, substituting mechanical user action with electronic automation.
2Ease of operation
If the electronic map is automatically oriented using radio signals, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional determination and orientation circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The determination circuitry and orientation circuitry are designed to perform multiple functions: they can determine bearings to multiple radio transmitters, select the most suitable transmitter based on signal quality and geometry, calculate the user's position, and orient the map. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces orientation circuitry as an intermediary component that bridges the radio signal reception and the map display. This intermediary layer processes radio signals to determine bearings and automatically adjusts map orientation, serving as a mediator between the raw signal data and the final oriented map presentation to users.
3Measurement precision
If multiple radio transmitters are used for orientation, then the measurement precision of bearing determination is improved, but the device complexity increases due to signal selection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The determination circuitry is configured to receive and process signals from multiple radio transmitters simultaneously, using more transmitters than the minimum required for orientation. By excessively using multiple transmitters, the system achieves more accurate bearing determination through signal comparison and selection, then chooses the most suitable transmitter pair for final orientation calculation.
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
The solution ensures the electronic map is accurately aligned with the user's surroundings, enhancing navigation by automatically orienting the map in real-time as the user moves, facilitating easier orientation and navigation.
Implementation Method 1
determination circuitry configured to determine a first bearing from a first location to a radio transmitter at a second location, using at least one radio signal received from the radio transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, a method and a computer program are provided. The apparatus comprises: determination circuitry configured to determine a first bearing from a first location to a radio transmitter at a second location, using at least one radio signal received from the radio transmitter; and orientation circuitry configured to control orientation of an electronic map, to align the first bearing with a second bearing of the electronic map, from the first location to the radio transmitter.