What is the electronic compass on a smart watch?

Today, determining the direction has become more convenient and easier thanks to the electronic compass integrated on smart devices. Let’s learn more about electronic compass with Dien May Xanh!

1. Learn about electronic compass on smart watch

The compass function on the smart watch is used to determine the direction of east, west, south, and west, angles, and the number of degrees of angles. This helps users determine the direction more easily during long trips, backpacking, …

2. Types of sensors that support compass apps work on smart watches

When the GPS navigation system does not support, to determine the exact direction, the compass is a useful application that helps users find the direction and the way quickly thanks to all kinds of magnetic sensors and geomagnetic sensors. three axes.

Magnetic sensors

Magnetic sensors detect magnetic objects (mainly iron) at close range (a few millimeters to several tens of millimeters). This sensor belongs to the group of proximity sensors based on the principle of electromagnetic induction.

To put it simply, a magnetic sensor will generate a magnetic field around it. At that time, if any metal objects appear near that area, they will be detected by the magnetic field, then send a signal to the center. This sensor has the effect of detecting magnetic fields, so it is used to navigate and increase the accuracy of compass operations on smart watch devices.

3-axis geomagnetic sensor

3-axis electromagnetic sensor includes 2-axis type (X and Y) and 3-axis type with Z axis to measure magnetic force in that direction.

For simple compasses, the slope (tilt) is not concerned, only the X and Y axes are used. However, when tilting the compass needs to be re-adjusted to the appropriate direction by combining the values. of 3 axes from geomagnetic sensor with accelerometer.

3. Electronic compass accuracy on smart devices

Although it is used as a traditional compass, the accuracy of the electronic compass on smart devices such as phones or smartwatches is relatively low. In addition, holding in the hand and moving continuously also makes the electronic compasses work wrong.

After a long time of use, the sensor on your device may not work correctly. To recalibrate, you need to move the device in a circular or horizontal 8 shape to make the compass feature on the smart device work more accurately.

Through the above article, Dien May Xanh hopes to bring you useful information. Hope to see you in the next posts!