Sensor Azimuth Calibration via Satellite Positioning Drift Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices equipped with acceleration sensors and gyroscopes face a drift phenomenon due to sensor error accumulation over time, leading to significant errors in determining azimuth, which existing calibration methods fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device that uses a GNSS communication module to identify movement patterns and calibrate second azimuth information based on first azimuth information obtained from satellite positioning, employing sensor fusion to correct errors and maintain accurate posture determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor data from acceleration sensor and gyroscope is used to measure azimuth, then the electronic device can determine posture and direction, but sensor error accumulation causes drift phenomenon over time leading to significant azimuth errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveazimuth measurement accuracyVSAvoidazimuth determination reliability over time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors sensor data and compares it with satellite positioning data to detect drift. When drift is detected, the system automatically calibrates the sensor by adjusting the reference azimuth based on the satellite-derived azimuth, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains measurement accuracy over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Satellite positioning data serves as an intermediary reference to calibrate the sensor system. By introducing this external reference source, the system can correct sensor drift without requiring manual intervention or complex sensor fusion algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If satellite positioning data is used to calibrate sensor azimuth, then sensor drift can be corrected, but the calibration process requires additional processing time and computational resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveazimuth measurement accuracyVSAvoidcalibration processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs calibration only when necessary - specifically when satellite data is available and sensor drift is detected. This partial action approach avoids continuous calibration processing, reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If continuous calibration using satellite positioning is performed, then sensor drift is minimized, but the system becomes more complex and requires integration of multiple positioning systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveazimuth determination reliabilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The satellite positioning circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: primary location determination, azimuth reference for sensor calibration, and drift detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated calibration hardware, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3785049B1Method for calibrating sensor or azimuth information obtained through sensor, based on azimuth information obtained using satellite positioning circuit, and electronic device supporting the same
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3785049B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3785049B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3785049B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electronic device and a method of an electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a satellite positioning circuit, at least one sensor for sensing an azimuth or movement of the electronic device, and a processor configured to identify the movement of the electronic device by using a plurality of location information received through the satellite positioning circuit, identify first azimuth information corresponding to the movement of the electronic device, based at least on determining that the movement of the electronic device corresponds to a designated movement, and calibrate second azimuth information obtained using the at least one sensor, based at least on the first azimuth information.