Calibrated hardware sensors for estimating real-world distances

摘要

In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for assisting a user in determining a real-world distance. Hardware-based sensors (e.g., present in a mobile electronic device) may allow for a fast low-power determination of distances. In one embodiment, one or more telemetry-related sensors may be incorporated into a device. For example, data detected by a frequently-calibrated integrated accelerometer may be used to determine a tilt of the device. A device height may be estimated based on empirical data or based on a time difference between a signal (e.g., a sonar signal) emitted towards the ground and a corresponding detected signal. A triangulation technique may use the estimated tilt and height to estimate other real-world distances (e.g., from the device to an endpoint or between endpoints).

主权项

1. A method for estimating a real-world dimension of an object, the method comprising:
calibrating a tilt-sensitive sensor of a mobile device; orienting the mobile device toward a first endpoint of the object; estimating a height of the mobile device; receiving first tilt-related data from the tilt-sensitive sensor; estimating a first tilt of the mobile device based at least in part on the received first tilt-related data; emitting, from the mobile device, a first signal; detecting a first reflected signal; estimating, via the mobile device, a first multi-dimensional distance between the mobile device and the first endpoint, wherein the estimated first multi-dimensional distance is based on the first reflected signal, estimated first tilt, and estimated height; orienting the mobile device toward a second endpoint of the object; receiving second tilt-related data from the tilt-sensitive sensor; estimating a second tilt of the mobile device based at least in part on the received second tilt-related data; emitting, from the mobile device, a second signal, detecting a second reflected signal; estimating, via the mobile device, a second multi-dimensional distance between the mobile device and the second endpoint, wherein the estimated second multi-dimensional distance is based on the second reflected signal, estimated second tilt, and estimated height; and estimating, via the mobile device, the real-world dimension of the object based on the estimated first multi-dimensional distance and the estimated second multi-dimensional distance.