Mobile Terminal Direction Indication via Network Location and Magnetic Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile communication terminals require users to manually input latitude and longitude information or rely on GPS to indicate a destination's direction, which is cumbersome and not all devices are equipped with GPS.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes network identification information from a mobile communication network to retrieve current location and declination data from a stored PLMN information table, correcting magnetic north to true north using a geomagnetic sensor, and displaying direction information to a destination without the need for GPS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input of latitude and longitude information is used, then direction indication function is achieved, but user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically obtains location information by utilizing the mobile communication network's existing network identification information (PLMN) and the terminal's current cell ID. The network itself provides the location data without requiring user input, making the system self-serving and eliminating manual operation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the mobile communication network acts as a mediator between the terminal and location information. Instead of direct user input or GPS, the terminal queries the network using its current cell ID, and the network returns the corresponding latitude and longitude through a stored correspondence table
2Measurement precision
If GPS is used to obtain current location, then accurate location tracking is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of GPS functionality by using the mobile communication network's existing location database. Instead of requiring physical GPS hardware, the system copies location information from the network's PLMN data structure, mapping cell IDs to geographic coordinates through a stored correspondence relationship
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile communication network is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its primary communication purpose and location provision purpose. The same network infrastructure that provides voice and data services also provides location information through the PLMN database, eliminating the need for separate GPS hardware
3Device complexity
If magnetic north information is used directly, then direction calculation is simplified, but direction accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the reference parameter from magnetic north to true north by obtaining declination information from the network. This parameter change adjusts the directional calculation to account for magnetic variation, improving accuracy while the network automatically provides the necessary correction data
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 direction indication to a destination on a mobile communication terminal without GPS, simplifying user input and eliminating the need for GPS equipment, while providing more precise direction information by correcting magnetic north to true north.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic north information of a current location measured with a geomagnetic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for indicating a direction of a destination in a mobile communication terminal includes: receiving network identification information from a mobile communication network that is currently accessed; reading current location and declination information corresponding to the network identification information from a mobile communication network information table; obtaining true north information by using the declination information to correct magnetic north information of a current location measured with a geomagnetic sensor; obtaining direction information of the destination from the current location information on the basis of the true north information; and displaying the direction information of the destination.