Keep to a straight line while walking, using the compass, gyroscope and gps.

[Wormslayer]

Hi,

I have developed a specialised metal detectorists 'Stop and resume' multicolour gps tracking and finds recording app.

You can see it here:- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trib.app.tectotrak

Or find out more here Tect O Trak » HistoryHunters.co.ukHistoryHunters.co.uk

I am now looking for ways to develop it further.

I was wondering..

Would it be possible to set a distant marker down on a map, then using the compass and or gyroscope with gps or all, be able walk in a straight line to that marker blindfolded? if you start going off course a corrective alert will sound instructing you to adjust left or right?

Easy you say? Well yes in theory, if you hold the phone out in front of you like a real compass, and you keep it all nice and level. But what if the phone is is put away in the breast pocket on its side, out of sight and subjected to a 'bumpy and uneven ride? the user relying totally on audio commands? Do you think this would be feasible? My own instincts say it wouldn't be accurate enough, but maybe with gyroscopic dampening?

Does anyone have any thoughts please?

Thanks,


Mark.

 

[Rukbat]

Would it be possible to set a distant marker down on a map, then using the compass and or gyroscope with gps or all, be able walk in a straight line to that marker blindfolded? if you start going off course a corrective alert will sound instructing you to adjust left or right?

That depends on your definition of "straight". This is called a closed loop, and in a closed loop you get no information until there's an error. It's how your car's cruise control works. You don't go 45mph, you keep varying between (depending on the gain of the amp in the loop) 44.999mph and 45.001mph. Your speed varies almost constantly. (Well, in the case of a car, the amount of fuel varies constantly, but by a tiny amount, and with a massive car, so the mass of the car tends to keep the speed steady.)

If you're talking about walking within a 3 foot wide path, it's easily doable. If you're talking about as straight as walking to a tree 5 feet away with your eyes open, no. You MUST veer off the "straight" path to get an indication that you have to turn more right or left, otherwise you're left with no information at all. Did the app crash? Did the phone lock up? Are you walking straight along the path? You can't know. It's the error that drives the loop and provides the information.

Easy you say? Well yes in theory, if you hold the phone out in front of you like a real compass, and you keep it all nice and level. But what if the phone is is put away in the breast pocket on its side, out of sight and subjected to a 'bumpy and uneven ride? the user relying totally on audio commands? Do you think this would be feasible? My own instincts say it wouldn't be accurate enough, but maybe with gyroscopic dampening?

Not even with a portable gyroscope (and one that you can carry in an attache case was available as far back as the mid 70s). For the above "closed loop" reason. The "bumpy ride" just adds an additional complication.

If Android hardware included an infrared receiver (even just an IR photocell), I'd rather see someone work on an IR "walking stick" for the blind. (Or maybe add an ultrasonic transducer - so you could indicate "curb ahead" or "big hole in the floor [I had a friend who almost walked into an open panel in computer flooring - he probably would have badly broken both legs if someone hadn't stopped him].)

 

[Wormslayer]

Thank you Rukbat for a comprehensive and informative reply. :thumb:

3 foot wide path.. Doable you say? This may have some potential!

This idea only came to yesterday when i was out metal detecting in a wood. Using my track recording app I wanted to be as methodical as I could be and keep my search lines neat and compact. However unfortunately, trees, bushes, and brambles get in the way of a true line, and I have to detour. This is further compounded by not being able to get a visual fix on my intended destination, So there are plenty of forced 'errors'. I just need to get back on track as best and as soon as possible.

It sounds to me like there are possibilities here.. And what about the phone being kept in the pocket? Is it a concern? The detectorist users hands are already full, so holding it is not an option.

Thanks for the info.. you have given me food for thought. Just maybe! ......

Cheers,

Mark.