Mobile Device Heading Adjustment via Sensor Fusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Typical GPS systems cannot accurately calculate the heading direction of a vehicle relative to true north when the vehicle is stationary or moving below a certain threshold velocity.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device equipped with an electronic compass, a GPS module, and a motion sensor that adjusts the heading direction based on compass data when the vehicle is moving below the threshold velocity, integrating this data with GPS signals to provide accurate orientation information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS system is used to determine heading direction, then accuracy is improved when vehicle is moving above threshold velocity, but heading direction cannot be calculated when vehicle is stationary or moving below threshold velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS module and electronic compass into an integrated navigation system. The processor fuses data from both sources, using GPS for high-speed navigation and compass for low-speed or stationary conditions, thereby extending operational range while maintaining accuracy across all velocity conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters by switching between GPS-based heading calculation (for velocities above threshold) and compass-based heading calculation (for velocities at or below threshold). This parameter switching allows the system to adapt to different motion states and maintain functionality across the full velocity range
2Device complexity
If only GPS module is used for heading determination, then device complexity is reduced, but navigation accuracy deteriorates when vehicle is stationary or moving slowly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges GPS module and electronic compass into a unified navigation system with a central processor that fuses data from both sensors. This combination increases device complexity slightly but dramatically improves navigation accuracy for stationary and slow-moving vehicles by providing reliable heading information when GPS cannot function
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
Enables accurate determination and display of the vehicle's heading direction relative to true north, even when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly, by combining GPS and compass data, thereby improving navigation accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
An electronic compass generates compass data corresponding to an orientation of the mobile device relative to true north
Implementation Method 2
A global positioning system (GPS) module receives a GPS signal from multiple satellites. The GPS module determines a heading direction of a vehicle transporting the mobile device relative to true north based on the position data
Implementation Method 3
A motion sensor generates motion data corresponding to a motion of the mobile device when the mobile device is moved relative to the vehicle. The motion sensor can include an accelerometer or a gyroscope
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device is described. The mobile device includes an electronic compass that generates compass data corresponding to an orientation of the mobile device relative to true north. A global positioning system (GPS) module receives a GPS signal from multiple satellites. The GPS module determines a heading direction of a vehicle transporting the mobile device relative to true north based on the position data when the vehicle is moving above a threshold velocity. A motion sensor generates motion data corresponding to a motion of the mobile device when the mobile device is moved. A processor adjusts the heading direction of the vehicle relative to true north based on the compass data when the vehicle is moving below the threshold velocity.