Multi-axis Magnetic Compass Pitch Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite-based navigational systems face challenges in accurately differentiating between elevated and underlying roadways, especially at complex interchanges, due to limited resolution and difficulty in distinguishing between slope data and speed variations, which requires additional costly circuitry and increases system complexity.

Innovation Solution

A multi-axis magnetic field sensing device, including a magnetic compass, processes yaw and pitch rotational data to determine changes in pitch angle without the need for additional circuits, using existing navigational systems with adapted software, algorithms, and driver programs to identify positive or negative pitch variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional circuitry (accelerometer, gyroscope) is added to detect pitch angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepitch angle detection accuracyVSAvoidcircuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic compass is made multi-functional by adapting its software and algorithms to extract pitch angle information in addition to its traditional yaw/heading function. The same hardware sensor processes magnetic field data to determine both directional orientation and pitch variations, eliminating the need for separate accelerometer or gyroscope components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters being measured from the magnetic compass output by interpreting variations in magnetic field strength and direction components. By analyzing changes in the magnetic field vector components (particularly the vertical component Z), the system derives pitch angle information without requiring additional sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If additional circuitry (accelerometer, gyroscope) is added to detect pitch angle, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepitch angle detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic compass is made multi-functional by adapting its software and algorithms to extract pitch angle information in addition to its traditional yaw/heading function. The same hardware sensor processes magnetic field data to determine both directional orientation and pitch variations, eliminating the need for separate accelerometer or gyroscope components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a relatively simple and inexpensive magnetic compass to perform the complex function of pitch detection, replacing the need for expensive additional sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes. This approach reduces bill of materials costs and simplifies manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If additional circuitry (accelerometer, gyroscope) is added to detect pitch angle, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepitch angle detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic compass is made multi-functional by adapting its software and algorithms to extract pitch angle information in addition to its traditional yaw/heading function. The same hardware sensor processes magnetic field data to determine both directional orientation and pitch variations, eliminating the need for separate accelerometer or gyroscope components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If additional circuitry (accelerometer, gyroscope) is added to detect pitch angle, then measurement precision is improved, but system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepitch angle detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic compass is made multi-functional by adapting its software and algorithms to extract pitch angle information in addition to its traditional yaw/heading function. The same hardware sensor processes magnetic field data to determine both directional orientation and pitch variations, eliminating the need for separate accelerometer or gyroscope components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides a simple, economical, and accurate method to detect whether a vehicle is on a sloped roadway without additional embedded circuits, improving navigation accuracy and reducing system complexity and cost.

Implementation Method 1

a multi-axis magnetic field sensing device and a controller. The magnetic field sensing device is a multi-axis magnetic compass that is capable of sensing variations in pitch and yaw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS7832111B2Magnetic sensing device for navigation and detecting inclination

Publication Date: 2010.11.16 MEMSIC

AI summary

A system and device for detecting yaw and changes in pitch angle for use with navigational and positional devices. The system and device include a multi-axis magnetic field sensing device and a controller. Preferably, the magnetic field sensing device is a multi-axis magnetic compass that is capable of sensing variations in pitch and yaw. The controller is adapted to process yaw and pitch rotational data to determine a positive or a negative change in pitch.