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GB2430258A - A combined GPS and compass used for indicating the directioion of a specified location - Google Patents

A combined GPS and compass used for indicating the directioion of a specified location Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2430258A
GB2430258A GB0519042A GB0519042A GB2430258A GB 2430258 A GB2430258 A GB 2430258A GB 0519042 A GB0519042 A GB 0519042A GB 0519042 A GB0519042 A GB 0519042A GB 2430258 A GB2430258 A GB 2430258A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
location
navigation device
orientation
user
alert
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0519042A
Other versions
GB0519042D0 (en
Inventor
Claude Georges Andre Blanchard
David Clark
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
CRACOL DEVELOPMENTS Ltd
Original Assignee
CRACOL DEVELOPMENTS Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by CRACOL DEVELOPMENTS Ltd filed Critical CRACOL DEVELOPMENTS Ltd
Priority to GB0519042A priority Critical patent/GB2430258A/en
Publication of GB0519042D0 publication Critical patent/GB0519042D0/en
Priority to PCT/GB2006/003452 priority patent/WO2007031782A1/en
Publication of GB2430258A publication Critical patent/GB2430258A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C17/00—Compasses; Devices for ascertaining true or magnetic north for navigation or surveying purposes
    • G01C17/02—Magnetic compasses
    • G01C17/28—Electromagnetic compasses
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S19/00—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
    • G01S19/38—Determining a navigation solution using signals transmitted by a satellite radio beacon positioning system
    • G01S19/39—Determining a navigation solution using signals transmitted by a satellite radio beacon positioning system the satellite radio beacon positioning system transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
    • G01S19/42—Determining position
    • G01S19/48—Determining position by combining or switching between position solutions derived from the satellite radio beacon positioning system and position solutions derived from a further system
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G01C21/20—Instruments for performing navigational calculations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C23/00—Combined instruments indicating more than one navigational value, e.g. for aircraft; Combined measuring devices for measuring two or more variables of movement, e.g. distance, speed or acceleration

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Navigation (AREA)

Abstract

A non-navigation device 10 for assisting the orientation of a user towards a predetermined location, comprising, operatively connected together; ```a GPS receiver; 12 ```a compass; 14 ```a memory device 16; and ```an indicator 18,24,28 for informing the user of the orientation of the non-navigation device, wherein the GPS receiver provides current location data concerning the location of the non-navigation device when located in a first location so as to receive GPS signals, and the memory device stores the current location data, such that on movement of the non-navigation device to a second location shielded from GPS signals, orientation data concerning the orientation of the non-navigation device in the second location is determined by the compass in corporation with the current location data stored in the memory device, while the non-navigation device is shielded from GPS signals. The device may be used to indicate the direction of Mecca to give the correct orientation for prayer.

Description

A DEVICE
The invention relates to a non-navigation device, in particular, to a nonnavigation device for assisting the orientation of a user towards a predetermined location.
Ii is often desirable for an individual to know how to accurately orientate himself so that he is facing towards a particular location.
An example of such a situation is where a worshipper needs to orientate himself in a piedeiernnued difecLion for woiship. Fui instance, ieiiions such as Judaii aud Islam require their followers to pray, facing a predetermined direction a number of times during the day. Muslims are required to pray five times a day facing towards Mecca, and Jews are required to pray at least three times a day facing towards Jerusalem.
In order to meet their religious obligations, followers use indicators or ornaments to assist their alignment towards the required direction. For example, Jews hang a decoration called a Mizarach on a wall in their home or synagogue to indicate the preferred direction or orientation for prayer.
If the worshipper has to pray away from his home or a place of worship, he has to orientate himself towards the required direction for prayer without the guidance he is accustomed to. This can be very difficult as the required orientation in one location is likely to be different from the required orientation in another location.
In the western hemisphere, Mecca is situated towards the east and it is generally assumed that if a Muslim is facing east, then he is facing Mecca.
However, the precise direction of Mecca will depend Ofl the location of an individual. For example, the precise direction of Mecca from New York is not the same as the precise direction of Mecca from Los Angeles. even though both cities are in the same country. As such, the assumption that a Muslim situated anywhere in the western hemisphere who faces east while praying. is facing Mecca, is inaccurate.
Therefore there is a need for a non-navigation device that is simple to use and which assists the user in facing towards a predetcrn-iined location irrespective of where he is located.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a nonnavigation device for assisting the orientation of a user towards a predetermined location, 1 0 comprising, operatively connected together; a GPS receiver; a compass; a memory device; and an indicator for informing the user of the orientation of the non-navigation device, wherein the GPS receiver provides current location data concerning the location of the non- navigation device when located in a first location so as to receive GPS signals, and the memory device stores the current location data, such that on movement of the non-navigation device to a second location shielded from GPS signals, orientation data concerning the orientation of the non-navigation device in the second location is determined by the compass in conjunction with the current location data stored in the memory device, while the non-navigation device is shielded from GPS signals.
The device according to the first aspect of the present invention is a non- navigation device, and as a result, it is of a much simpler construction than a navigation device.
A navigation device is a device that plots a route and directs a user along a determined course to a desired location. The device calculates the user's heading, or direction of travel, by determining the movement of the user over time. Data is provided in order to orient a displayed map relative to the orientation of the navigation device in order to assist the user along a calculated paih.
Navigation devices in genera] include extensive mapping infomation as well as provisions for uploading additional map infornation as desired.
While navigation devices are useful in situations when a user requires help getting from a first location to a second location, for example, from London to Manchester, they are not practical for situations where the user requires, or is interested in, a single directional heading only.
By means of the invention therefore, an individual desiring to know accurately the orientation he must assume in order to face a predetermined location can easily do so Preferably data concerning the predetermined location is pre-loaded into the memory device. Therefore, a user is not required to input any data into the non- navigation device in order to orientate himself towards the predetermined location, further simplifying the process of orientation.
Advantageously data concerning more than one predetermined location is pre..
loaded into the memory device.
Advantageously the non-navigation device is designed to be compact and portable. For example, the non-navigation device may be handheld, or may be in the fonn of a necklace, thereby allowing an individual to easily carry the device from one location to another.
Preferably the non-navigation device further includes an integrated power source so that the non-navigation device can be used both outdoors and indoors without the need to connect the non-navigation device to a separate external power source such as an electrical mains outlet.
Conveniently the non-navigation device is powered through the integrated power source, which may be operated by means of a battery. Alternatively, the power source may be operated by means ot solar panels or a combination of solar and battery power.
-I
Preferably, the indicator comprises a direction display, which may be in the form of, for example a light, or an arrow, for indicating to a user which dircction he needs to turn to correctly align himself towards a predetermined location. Other types of indicator may he used, for example, the indicator may he audible.
Conveniently the indicator comprises an alert device that indicates when the user is correctly aligned in the required direction.
Advantageously the indicator comprises a laser pointer to assist alignment of a user towards a predetermined location.
The alert device may also be activated to indicate when the location data is successfully stored in the memory device.
The alert device may further include other discernable alerts such as a vibrating alert.
The alert device may include an audible alert and/or a visual alert. An audible or vibrating alert will enable blind or visually impaired users to use the non- navigation device without assistance.
Preferably the audible alert is in the form of a beep and the visual alert is in the form of a light source that illuminates on activation of the visual alert.
Advantageously the non-navigation device comprises a plurality of indicators.
Advantageously the non-navigation device is configured so as to power down after a predetermined period of activity in order to conserve battery life.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for assisting the orientation of a user towards a predetermined location, comprising.
the steps of a) positioning a GPS receiver in a first location so as to receive GPS signals: h) obtaining current location data concerning the location of the user in the first location from the GPS receiver; c) storing the current location data in a memory device; d) calculating the direction of the predetermined location in a second location shielded from GPS signals using the compass and the current location data stored in the memory device, to obtain orientation data concerning the orientation of the user; and e) indicating the orientation data to the user in the second location via an indicator.
Hence, the orientation of the user towards a predetermined location can he carried out indoors or outdoors, as the compass will use the most recent GPS position in the memory device to calculate the required orientation of the user when it is not possible to obtain location data directly from UPS satellites.
Preferably, the method comprises the further steps of: f) determining orientation data concerning the orientation of the user in the first location, using the current location data and directional data from the compass in the first location; g) indicating the orientation data to the user in the first location via the indicator.
The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a non-navigation device according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a nonnavigation device according to another embodiment of the invention; and Figure 3 is a schematic view of the components of a non-navigation device according to the invention.
Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, a non-navigation device 10 according to a first aspect of the invention comprises a GPS receiver 12, an electronic compass 14, a memory device 16, and a plurality of indicators 18 operatively connected together.
Data concerning the predetermined location is pre-loaded into the memory device 16. The user is not required to input any data into the non-navigation device 1 0 in order to orientate himself towards the predetermined location.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the non-navigation device 10 further comprises an input port 44 for pre-loading data concerning more than one predetermined location.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the non-navigation device 10 further comprises a screen 26 to indicate to the user th se1ect predeterniined 1oefion.
The non-navigation device 10 is powered through an integrated power source 20, which is operated by means of a battery.
The indicators 18 comprise a direction display. The direction display includes an arrow 24.
In a preferred embodiment, the direction display includes a pair of illuminating arrows 24 to help orientate a user. The first arrow is illuminated to indicate to the user to turn. left, the second arrow is illuminated to indicate to the user to turn right.
The indicators 18 further comprise a laser pointer 28 and an alert device 30. The alert device may comprise an audible alert, a visual alert and/or a sensory/vibrating alert.
In a preferred embodiment, the audible alert is in the form of a beep and the visual alert is in the form of a light source that illuminates on activation of the alert device.
The laser pointer 28, audible alert and/or vibrating alert may be deactivated if required.
The non-navigation device 10 further comprises a plurality of LEDs 38 in order to indicate to a user whether the laser pointer, audible alert and/or vibrating alert have been deactivated.
Preferably, an LED is associated with a specific indicator such that when an LED is illuminated, it indicates to the user that the corresponding indicator is activated.
For example, a first LED when illuminated indicating that the laser pointer is activated, and a second LED when illuminated indicating that the vibration alert is activated.
In a preferred embodiment, three LEDs in a row are used to indicate to the user which indicators are activated.
The oentation of a user towards a predetermined location, is obtained by initially positioning the non-navigation device 1 0 in a first location so as to receive GPS signals. A power button 36 located on the nonnavigation device is pressed for at least 2 seconds to start a GPS engine within the GPS receiver 12.
When the GPS engine has located a sufficient number of satellites, the latitude and longitude coordinates of the non-navigation device 10 are calculated to provide current location data concerning the location of the non-navigation device 10. This current location data is stored in the memory device 16.
Once the current location data is stored, the alert device 30 is activated to inform the user that the GPS position has been recorded.
The non-navigation device 10 is configured so as to power down after a predetermined period of activity. As such, the non-navigation device 1 0 will switch itself off after a few seconds, in order to consen'e battery life.
The user can now go to a second location, which may be shielded from GPS signals. At the second location, the user turns on the non-navigation device 10 by pressing the power button 36 briefly. Orientation data concerning the orientation of the non-navigation device 10 in the second location is determined by using the electronic compass 14 and the current location data stored in the memory device to calculate the direction of the predetermined location.
In other words, the stored location data, in conjunction with a directional data determined from the electronic compass 14, is used to determined orientation data of the non-navigation device 10 at the second location.
The arrows 24 on the direction display 22 will indicate to the user, the direction in which the user should turn in order to correctly align himself with the predetermined location. When the non-navigation device 10 and the user are pointing towards the predetermined location, the alert device 30 is activated to indicate that the user is appropriately orientated.
As an example let us consider the situation where the predetermined location/point of interest is Mecca, and the non-navigation device 10 according to the invention is to be used by a worshipper who wants to orientate himself towards Mecca.
The worshipper would first position the non-navigation device 10 in a location with a clear view of the sky (and/or satellites) and activate the non-navigation device 10. The alert device 30 will inform the worshipper that the GPS position has been recorded once the location data is stored in the memory device 16.
The worshipper can now go to a place of prayer, which can be inside or outside.
When the worshipper is in the position where the worshipper would like to pray, the non-navigation de\ice 1 0 is hold flat and turned on.
The precise direction of Mecca will now he calculated, using the stored location data in conjunction with the compass 14. The worshiper will then turn in the direction shown by the direction display unit 22, holding the non-navigation device 1 0 flat in his hands.
D
The alert device 30 will be activated when the non-navigation device 10 is pointing precisely towards Mecca, and the laser pointer 28 energised to further assist alignment. The worshipper now aligns his prayer mat in the direction indicated by the laser pointer, in the knowledge that he is pointing precisely towards Mecca.
The laser pointer 28 will he activated only when the non-navigation device 10 is pointing precisely towards Mecca, the pointer 28 will turn off if the worshiper turns beyond the direction of Mecca.
Although the use of the non-navigation device according to the invention has been described with particular reference to a Muslim requiring to orientate himself towards Mecca, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to such use hut can be used in circumstances where a user wishes to orientate himself towards a predetermined location, which may he for religious or non-religious reasons.
For instance, a broadcasting company could give a device according to the invention pre-loaded with the position of a particular satellite to installation engineers or correspondents in order to assist with precise alignment of receiving equipment.
It is also possible that the army may supply its personnel with a device according to the invention pre-loaded with the precise location of a target or their base to enable them to know the directioii in whieh they should move. n 2'

Claims (22)

  1. - A non-navigation device for assisting the orientation of a user towards a predetermined location, comprising, operatively connected together; a GPS receiver; a compass; a memory device; and an indicator for informing the user of the orientation of the non-navigation device, wherein the GPS receiver provides current location data concerning the location of the non-navigation device when located in a first location so as to receive GPS signals, and the memory device stores the current location data, such that on movement of the non-navigation device to a second location shielded from GPS signals, orientation data concerning the orientation of the non-navigation device in the second location is determined by the compass in corporation with the current location data stored in the memory device, while the non-navigation device is shielded from GPS signals.
  2. 2. The non-navigation device of Claim 1 wherein data concerning the predetermined location is pre-loaded into the memory device.
  3. 3. The non-navigation device of Claim 1 wherein data concerning more than one predetermined location is pre-loaded into the memory device.
  4. 4. The non-navigation device of any preceding claim further including an integrated power source.
  5. 5. The non-navigation device of any preceding claim wherein the indicator comprises a laser pointer. n
  6. 6. The non-navigation device of any preceding claim wherein the indicator comprises an alert device.
  7. 7. The non-navigation device of Claim S wherein the alert device comprises an audible alert.
  8. 8. The non-navigation device of Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein the alert device comprises a visual alert.
  9. 9. The non-navigation device of any preceding claim including a plurality of indicators.
  10. 10. The non-navigation device of any preceding claim wherein the nonnavigation device is configured so as to power down after a predetermined period of activity.
  11. 11. The non-navigation device of any preceding claim wherein the predetermined location is Mecca.
  12. 12. A method for assisting the orientation of a user towards a predetermined location, comprising, the steps of: a) positioning a UPS receiver in a first location so as to receive GPS signals; b) obtaining current location data concerning the location of the user in the first location from the GPS receiver; c) storing the current location data in a memory device; d) calculating the direction of the predetermined location in a second location shielded from GPS signals using the compass and the current location data stored in the memory device, to obtain orientation data concerning the orientation of the user; and e) indicating the orientation data to the user in the second location via an indica lot.
  13. 13. The method of Claim 12 further including the steps of f) determining orientation data concerning the orientation of the user in the first location, using the currcnt location data and directional data from the compass in the first location; g) indicating the orientation data to the user in the first location via the indicator.
  14. 14. The method Claim 12 or Claim 13 wherein data concerning the predetermined location is pre-loaded into the memory device.
  15. 15. The method of any of Claims 12 to 14 further including the step of activating the indicator when the location data has been stored in the memory.
  16. 16. The method of any of Claims 12 to 15 further including the step of activating the indicator when the user is orientated with the predetermined location.
  17. 17. The method of any of Claims 12 to 16 wherein the indicator comprises a laser pointer.
  18. 18. The method of any of Claims 12 to 17 wherein the indicator comprises an alert device.
  19. 19. The method of Claims 1 8 wherein the alert device comprises an audible alert.
  20. 20. The method of Claim 18 or Claim 19 wherein the alert device comprises a visual alert.
    21. The method of any of Claims 12 to 20 wherein the predetermined location is Mecca.
  21. 21. A nuii-iiaigation device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  22. 22. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB0519042A 2005-09-17 2005-09-17 A combined GPS and compass used for indicating the directioion of a specified location Withdrawn GB2430258A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0519042A GB2430258A (en) 2005-09-17 2005-09-17 A combined GPS and compass used for indicating the directioion of a specified location
PCT/GB2006/003452 WO2007031782A1 (en) 2005-09-17 2006-09-18 Device for indicating direction to predetermined location

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0519042A GB2430258A (en) 2005-09-17 2005-09-17 A combined GPS and compass used for indicating the directioion of a specified location

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0519042D0 GB0519042D0 (en) 2005-10-26
GB2430258A true GB2430258A (en) 2007-03-21

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GB0519042A Withdrawn GB2430258A (en) 2005-09-17 2005-09-17 A combined GPS and compass used for indicating the directioion of a specified location

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WO (1) WO2007031782A1 (en)

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NL1034550C2 (en) * 2007-10-19 2009-04-21 Ingbureauesquisse Mecca direction determining device, has microprocessor connected to electronic compass for determining direction of fixed point on earth as magnetic north pole, and display including LEDs to indicate direction calculated by microprocessor
WO2009082992A1 (en) * 2007-12-28 2009-07-09 Enerday Gmbh Direction indicator
US9194712B2 (en) 2011-06-23 2015-11-24 Google Inc. System and method for improving route finding
US8898012B2 (en) 2013-03-18 2014-11-25 King Fahd University Of Petroleum And Minerals Qibla orientation device

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