Practical Accelerometer Applications

[Mechdon]

At the moment, apps such as the activity monitor and Nokmote are good examples of practical applications of the built-in 3-axis accelerometer.

Currently, we're mainly using the built-in GPS for navigation. One possible application to look into is the combination of both the built-in GPS and accelerometer functions for a more accurate and reliable navigation, particularly in areas where GPS signals are "lost" or not available.

[Leong]

How in the world would the Accelerometer have anything to do with GPS sir?

[jeckthehell]

Originally Posted by Leong

How in the world would the Accelerometer have anything to do with GPS sir?

Same thing here,the 2 are completely different feature of the phone. GPS = satellites whereas accelerometer is just plain phone orientation.

[Mechdon]

Originally Posted by jeckthehell

Same thing here,the 2 are completely different feature of the phone. GPS = satellites whereas accelerometer is just plain phone orientation.

I'm just thinking aloud the possibilities here. I don't have details about this built-in accelerometer but if we can in some way infer estimates of the distance from the acceleration measurements, can we not make use of these values to compliment the GPS measurements, especially in areas where GPS signals can't be reached?

Let's make use of this thread to share ideas on the possible practical applications of the accelerometer apart from what it already does for the camera or for gaming.

Feel free to share your ideas.

[neilmallon]

Originally Posted by Leong

How in the world would the Accelerometer have anything to do with GPS sir?

I understand that "good" GPS devices DO use an accelerometers, thats why navigation software will keep you moving if you drive into a tunnel and lose signal.

(first paragraph Global Positioning System - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - though I know it is WikiPedia and thus not necessarily true lol)

Neil

[jkoppee]

you can also use the GPS to determine direction when you start moving and then allow the accelerometer to take over from there to then work as a compass.

[gavinguinness]

Wouldn't it have to know North to be a compass? I think that;'s GPS again.

One thing is that GPS doesn't know which way you are pointing when you are static, it just knows your position, right? Like, when I start from my office, it says 200m turn left. It should say, U-Turn, 200m turn left.

It's not until I'm on route, it starts to recalculate and tell me to U-Turn.

If you could use the accelerometer to somehow point an arrow in the direction the car is pointed, then maybe it could tell the GPS and update the route.

No biggie for me, just though I would add a comment :)

[jkoppee]

yeah thats why in my comment I mentioned that youget direction from the GPS and the accelerometer can take over once you stop. It does not have a north finder in it but once you start moving you now know your direction

[big_dave]

The new TomToms have accelerometers in them. Lets say you are traveling along your intended route and you enter a tunnel complex. The TomTom can no longer see satellites but knows if you speed up slow down or change direction, allowing it to continue navigation.

Also items like the G-Tech Pro and the old AP22, use the accelerometers to actually measure acceleration.

Now that would be an awesome app for the n95!

[jeckthehell]

Originally Posted by gavinguinness

Wouldn't it have to know North to be a compass? I think that;'s GPS again.

One thing is that GPS doesn't know which way you are pointing when you are static, it just knows your position, right? Like, when I start from my office, it says 200m turn left. It should say, U-Turn, 200m turn left.

It's not until I'm on route, it starts to recalculate and tell me to U-Turn.

If you could use the accelerometer to somehow point an arrow in the direction the car is pointed, then maybe it could tell the GPS and update the route.

No biggie for me, just though I would add a comment :)

You need magnet for a compass to work and a satellite/s for GPS.