Magnetometer Accuracy and Use

Abstract

A parameter related to the Earth's magnetic field can be used to determine accuracy of a magnetometer of a mobile device. In one aspect, a first instance of a parameter related to Earth's magnetic field is determined using data generated by the magnetometer. The magnetometer data can be based in part on a position of the mobile device with respect to the Earth. A second instance of the parameter can be determined using data generated by a model of Earth's magnetic field. The model data can also be based in part on the position of the mobile device with respect to the Earth. The first instance of the parameter can be compared with the second instance of the parameter. An accuracy metric for the magnetometer can be determined based on a result of the comparison. An indication of the accuracy metric can be presented by the mobile device.

1 . A method performed by a processor of a mobile telephone having a magnetometer, the method comprising:
 determining an accuracy metric based on magnetometer measurements output by the magnetometer during a calibration or recalibration procedure; and   presenting an indication of the accuracy metric on the mobile telephone.