Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and system for indicating a direction. The method is executed by a mobile terminal, and includes: determining an orientation of a screen of the mobile terminal; determining any direction in four directions east, south, west, and north of a location of the mobile terminal; determining another direction based on the determined direction when the screen of the mobile terminal is determined to be downward, so that directions for every 90° are respectively the east, the north, the west, and the south in a clockwise direction; and displaying all the determined directions on the screen of the mobile terminal. By using the solutions in the embodiments, a user can obtain a correct direction indication even when holding the mobile terminal non-horizontally, so that accuracy of the direction indication of the mobile terminal is improved.

Abstract: An electronic device may have electrical components mounted in alignment with an electronic device housing. A compass in the electronic device housing may potentially be misaligned with respect to the electrical components and the electronic device housing. Reference devices having compasses may be used to gather compass data while one or more electrical components in the reference devices are controlled to generate magnetic fields that are detected by the compasses. An electronic device may be calibrated in a factory or in the field using calibration data produced by comparing compass readings gathered from the compass in the device while controlling electrical components in the device to compass data from the reference devices. Calibration data may be applied to compass readings in real time to correct for misalignment between the compass and the electronic device housing.

Abstract: A compass assembly includes a base plate having a UTM corner ruler with a first axis and a second axis, an opening extending through the base plate and along the first axis, and a compass supported by the base plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating the direction of Mecca on a wall or corner of a room includes the step of using a compass and directional cards to determine the actual direction of Mecca from a specific location. A second step includes providing a three-dimensional support member defining a pair of parallel generally horizontal planar surfaces with a quadrilateral cross sectional shape including a pair of 90° angles and an obtuse angle of about 120° and an acute angle of about 60°. In addition, an apparatus includes means for attaching the support member to a wall or corner of a room so that an outer surface of said support member is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the direction toward Mecca and providing an arrow and fixing said arrow pointing in the direction of Mecca on an underside of one of the parallel surfaces.

Abstract: The portable electronic device, preferably a wristwatch, includes a radiofrequency signal receiver for receiving, in particular, GPS signals via an antenna, a magnetic compass, a microprocessor data processing unit for processing data provided by the receiver and the compass, and storage means in which almanac and ephemeredes data relating to satellites is stored. The compass is arranged for provide an orientation signal to the data processing device. In this manner, the unit can control means for indicating a direction to indicate a preferred orientation for searching for satellites visible to the user in a reading position of the watch. These indicating means can be formed by the time indicating hands moved above a watch dial. The preferred orientation is calculated by the processing unit on the basis of the almanac and ephemeredes data, time data and the orientation signal.

Abstract: A magic compass that gives the illusion it defies the laws of nature, providing usage as an aid for locating the direction of prayer as well as a novel promotional device for companies, having a magnetized compass needle (16) which is attached via a linking means to a non-magnetic pointer (22). This linking means, which can be rigid (11) or non-rigid (29), allows the non-magnetic pointer (22) to be angularly displaced from the magnetized compass needle (16). This linkage also provides the means for the non-magnetic pointer (22) to rotate and pivot freely via the inertia of the magnetized needle (16). A partition (20) hides the magnetized needle (16) below, and simultaneously creates a compass face for the non-magnetic pointer above. The non-magnetic pointer (22) is designed and shaped to appear identical to a true magnetized compass needle (32).

Abstract: The multi-function watch (1) includes a magnetic sensor assembly associated with its electronic circuits. The hands (7 to 9) of its display are activated by electric motors to indicate the time in a time mode and directions in a compass mode. In order to indicate simultaneously the direction of north and another pre-selected direction, particularly a heading to be followed, in a clear manner avoiding any risk of confusion between these two directions, the direction of north (N) is shown in real time by the hour (7) and minute (8) hands, aligned opposite each other to form one long hand like that of a conventional compass, whereas the direction (C) corresponding to the heading to be followed is simultaneously shown by the second hand (9), forming the desired angle (A) with the two aligned hands. In compass mode, the heading value is visible on a digital display (13), which has other functions in other modes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a navigation system for a land vehicle having a measuring arrangement for supplying position, direction and/or distance data, having a data source arrangement for supplying navigation data, having an input arrangement at least for inputting a destination, having a control arrangement at least for determining a route, and having at least one display apparatus for outputting navigation instructions. To free the driver from other actions diverting his attention from the traffic, the control arrangement determines a direction from the calculated position of the land vehicle and a stored position for a prescribed place. The display apparatus additionally displays the direction ascertained by the control arrangement.

Abstract: The invention provides a novelty item comprising a compass-like device having a housing and a magnetized compass needle suspended therein, the device further comprising a compass face positioned above the needle and hiding same from view, wherein the magnetized needle is rigidly attached, via a linking means, to a non-magnetized pointer positioned in a plane parallel to the plane of the magnetized compass needle above the compass face and angularly displaced from the magnetized compass needle, whereby the non-magnetized pointer always points to a direction other than North.

Abstract: A multi-function, hand-held compass is made up of a base member having a compass vial at one end and a socket at the opposite end to releasably attach to a clip. A lateral depression is formed in the base member to facilitate gripping of the compass, and a dual-prism sighting system is disposed at the opposite end of the base member to that of the vial. Graduated markings for a protractor are formed in surrounding relation to the compass vial along with pie-shaped recesses and magnifying lenses in the base both to take azimuth readings and map readings.

Abstract: A timepiece (7) including hands (4, 5), direction determining means (10, 11, 14, 12) including data input means (14) arranged for inputting the geographical coordinates of a “target” location in data processing means (12). This timepiece is characterized in that said direction determining means are formed of an antenna (10) and a GPS type receiver (11) for determining the geographical coordinates of the location in which said timepiece (7) is situated, and in that the 6 o'clock-12 o'clock axis of said timepiece (7) is used as a reference axis, and in that at least said first hand (4, 5) is arranged so as to be able to indicate the direction of the “target” location with respect to said reference axis. Such a structure is improved in that it does not need to refer to magnetic north to determine the direction of the “target” location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of stabilizing the horizon of magnetic compasses. At measuring points measurements are taken of spatial components of the geomagnetic field vector and of an overall acceleration vector that is equal to the difference of the acceleration vector due to gravity and the acceleration vector of the magnetic compass. Taking into account the time rates of change of the measured components, the positional relation of the current horizon of the magnetic compass is determined relative to the stable horizon. Using quality functions that signal the deviation of the new spatial position relative to the one previously defined, an estimation method is used to evaluate the accuracy of the stabilized horizon of the system. A horizon can be produced that is largely unsusceptible to movement-induced accelerations of the device equipped with a magnetic compass.

Abstract: An electronic audio/visual direction indicator for underwater or other types of navigation which gives unobtrusive and continuous directional feedback without the need for manual manipulation.

Abstract: A method is specified for stabilizing the directional display of magnetic compasses on bodies moving in a magnetic field, in particular the terrestrial magnetic field, against magnetic interference sources. The spatial components of the magnetic field vector are measured at a measuring point within a first interference-free measurement region. Taking account of the temporal changes in the measured components, the absolute value of the magnetic field strength and, as a function thereof, a quality function are determined, which quality function is a measure of the temporal distribution of the measured magnetic field vector components and a measure of the quality of the value of the magnetic field strength. For a further measuring point, the quality function and the measured component values are used to estimate the magnetic field vector at this measuring point and to measure the spatial components of this magnetic field vector.

Abstract: The arrangement (42) according to the invention is formed by a watch comprising a dial (8) on which is shown a map (14) centered on a given geographic location, Mecca in particular. The arrangement (42) comprises a device (48) for indicating the direction of the terrestrial magnetic north and a device (16) enabling the angular positioning of the map in the general plane of the arrangement (42) corresponding to the plane of the dial (8). The different geographic regions shown on the map (14) are graphically arranged so that any point whatsoever of the contours of such regions substantially shows an angular spread (.OMEGA.), relative to a center of reference (22) corresponding to the above-mentioned given geographic location and to a reference direction (24) equal to the magnetic azimuth of the great circle passing through said point and the reference point (22) augmented by 180.degree..

Abstract: A magnetic compass comprising an arrangement to displace a correcting marker to create a compass correcting coefficient equal to the sum of the variation and the deviation errors effecting the compass so as to counteract the compass error, and to indicate the true course. The correcting marker becomes the steering reference and a vessel is steered so that the correcting marker is aligned with the true course to be steered by the vessel. Repeaters fed from this compass, which repeaters are fed by the hunting between the compass card and the displaceable correcting marker, indicate the true course as well as true bearings. The displacement of the correcting marker can be controlled from a computer programme which displaces the correcting marker in dependence upon the effecting variation and deviation. Thus the magnetic compass shows true course and the repeaters show true course and true bearings automatically.

Abstract: A hedge trimmer aid including a reference indicator similar to a bubble level wherein an included air bubble is replaced by a small sphere of lower density than a surrounding fluid provides a true horizontal reference, an adjustable pointer with magnifier which is manually set to a particular angular disposition substantially equivalent to the desired angle of the finished trim, and a frame which couples the pointer and the horizontal reference indicators and furthermore affixes the hedge trimmer aid to the static housing portion of a hedge trimmer in clear view of an operator. In use, the angular disposition desired for the hedge is selected and set by rotating the adjustable pointer to a fixed marking disposed upon the surface of a hemispherical bubble level. The hedge trimmer is then manually rotated about a horizontally disposed axis until the colored sphere within the level and a magnifying sight disposed upon the adjustable pointer are in alignment.

Abstract: A level includes a compass member fixedly mounted within the level, the level having spirit levels positioned on opposed sides of the compass, and the compass having a rotatable ring arranged to provide for angular deflection relative to a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: An electronic audio/visual direction indicator for underwater or other types of navigation which gives unobtrusive and continuous directional feedback without the need for manual manipulation.

Abstract: An electronic compass has a display including a reference pointer that indicates a reference heading stored in response to an input signal. The reference heading is the current heading at the time of the input signal, and the reference pointer in the display is updated as the orientation of the compass changes.

Abstract: A directional indicator made to fasten around the wrist for guiding the user in a predetermined direction, including a magnetized needle attached rotating dial balanced on a pointed pin inside a casing, a needle pointer fastened to a center shaft on the rotating dial, a convex lens covered on the casing over the rotating dial and marked with a fluorescent mark, whereby the needle pointer is maintained in alignment with the fluorescent mark to guide the user toward the predetermined direction.

Abstract: An electronic direction finder (10) includes a navigation receiver (28) and a compass (32) to generate a bearing signal that indicates that direction of a desired destination. The bearing signal is received by a display driver (34) which causes an electronic display (14) to generate a visible image of a rotatable pointer that points in the direction of the user's desired destination. Preferably, the display also shows an electronic compass card indicating the direction of north.

Abstract: A device for preventing error or misreading in a marine compass fastened to a sloping plane, the compass being provided with a pendulum (9) mounted for limited pivoting movement inside its spherical casing (1), the pendulum having rotatably and pivotably mounted on it a compass disk (16) with a scale (18), which is intended to be read against a co-called steering line (12) on the pendulum (9) at an angle of 0.degree. to about 45.degree. relative the horizontal plane. The pendulum is pivotably mounted in a cradle (5) pivotably mounted inside the compass casing (1) for movement relative the casing in two planes substantially at right angles to each other so that its steering line (12) and the mounting point (c) of the compass disk (16) are continuously maintained by the action of gravity in the same vertical plane relative the fore-and-aft line of the boat independent of heeling of the boat.

Abstract: Devices for vectorially summing two signals. In a first embodiment (FIG. 3) the vectorial summation is implemented by a mechanical sin/cos mechanism in which a crank 22 drives two linear potentiometers 27 and 29, 90.degree. out of phase. In a second embodiment (FIG. 6) a polarized light resolver generates the sin and cos functions. In a third embodiment (FIG. 8) a printed circuit resolver generates the sin and cos functions.

Abstract: A direction indicating device has an azimuth card which is positioned upon a compass. The card is provided with a number of indicia marks corresponding to specific geographic locations. An adjustable straight-line cursor is positioned to be aligned with an indicia marking corresponding to the geographic location at which the device is being used and with the pivot point of the compass magnetic needle such that when the compass magnetic needle is pointing to magnetic North, the straight-line cursor will indicate the true direction of the predetermined locale from that specific geographic location.

Abstract: A magnetic compass comprises a case having a transparent cover and a magnetic compass card having a hub, which is rotatably supported on a central shaft projecting up from the base of the case by bearings comprising a thrust bearing between the hub and the upper end of the shaft and a radial bearing between the hub and a portion of the shaft spaced downwardly from the upper end. The radial bearing comprises a bearing ring set in a central recess in the hub and a full circle of small balls between the bearing ring and the shaft. In one embodiment there are two such radial bearings located one below the other. The bearings rotatably support the compass card on the shaft and retain it approximately perpendicular to the shaft even if the case is tilted.

Abstract: A digital magnetic compass provides an octant display of magnetic bearing in alphabetic characters and incorporates a magnetic sensor for providing signals representative of the orientation of the sensor with respect to the earth's magnetic field, a microprocessor for processing the signals from the sensor and for providing output signals applied to an alphabetic-type display. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the system is incorporated in a vehicle such as an automobile with the sensor remotely positioned with respect to the display.

Abstract: A compass device for underwater use and having substantially no magnetic nature or influence utilizes three Hall effect generators in an array wherein two of the generators have their principal axes of magnetic response extending normal to one another and at 45.degree. to the axis of the third generator. The array is rotatable relative to a base carrying three lights and solid state analog logic circuitry for causing the lights to be variously lighted and extinguished to indicate a need to turn left, to turn right, or being on course.

Abstract: A compass is provided with a course indicated pointer, rotatable about the same center as the compass card, and frictionally engaging the same. A mechanism, including a finger for catching the pointer, is provided for adjusting the pointer to any selected position, and, while doing so, braking the card so the action of the finger overrules the frictional engagement between the finger and the card.

Abstract: A compass with means attached thereto for presenting a visual indication of the direction of the true wind. Such compass includes a compass dial divided into a plurality of equal parts, and it can be arranged to suit different viewing angles. To suit different types of boats, sailing conditions, etcetera, the indicating means may be adjustable. The device computes mechanically the direction of the true wind from the knowledge of the boat's course and the angle between such course and the direction of the true wind.

Abstract: A course indicator including a marker which is normally movable following a compass and which may be automatically set to a reference position in alignment with a lubber line upon command. Thereafter, the marker will indicate any deviation from the course upon which it was set.

Abstract: The indicator includes rotationally movable indicator means for indicating a selected reference angle and pendulum actuator means for maintaining the angular position of the indicator means substantially constant with respect to vertical. The indicator is particularly suited for use in the correlated preparation of multiple teeth for application of one piece multiple crown castings by forming corresponding inclined teeth surfaces parallel.

Abstract: A navigational device for use by underwater swimmers and divers in which a telescopically extensible boom is releasably and pivotally attached to the swimmer or diver. A compass device such as a magnetometer or fluxgate sensor is mounted at the end of the boom and is connected to an audio signal generator so that signals are generated if the swimmer deviates to either side of a predetermined course. The swimmer or diver wears a bone conduction transducer on each side of his head, which are connected to the audio signal generator via a gating device so that he can receive an audio signal, presented selectively on either side of his head, which is indicative of deviation from his predetermined course.

Abstract: A directing instrument for control of the inclination of the drill post of a drilling apparatus comprising means for sensing the inclination of the post in two directions at right angles to one another. Said means being supported by a holder arranged to be mounted rotatably on said post and so that the axis of rotation of said holder can be set relative to the post dependent on the type of operation to be carried out.

Abstract: An alignment gauge for use in determining whether two elongated members, such as cylindrical rolls, are in parallel relationship. The gauge includes a rod or standard, and a pad is connected to a micrometer and is mounted for lateral movement with respect to the rod. A level having a bubble-containing vial is mounted for pivotal movement with respect to the rod. In operation, the rod is placed tangentially against one of two generally parallel rolls and the pad is placed tangentially against the other of the rolls. The level is then pivoted until the vial is horizontal. The gauge is then positioned in the same manner at the opposite ends of the rolls and the micrometer is adjusted until the vial is horizontal or level. The reading of the micrometer is an indication of the misalignment of the two rolls.