Three-axis magnetic sensor, an omnidirectional magnetic sensor and an azimuth measuring method using the same

Abstract

A hybrid three-axis magnetic sensor for calculating the accurate direction of the earth magnetism. The hybrid three-axis magnetic sensor includes: a flux gate type magnetic sensor which is so formed that a base serves as a main member and detects two axis components of a magnetic vector defined by a plane parallel to the base; a Hall element which detects another component of the magnetic vector orthogonal to the base; a tilt sensor which detects a tilt angle of the base; and a CPU, wherein the flux gate type magnetic sensor and the Hall element are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC. The thus detected three dimensional magnetic vector is corrected in the light of inclination of the base, so that the direction of the earth magnetism is accurately calculated.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A three axis magnetic sensor cellular phone, comprising:
 a three axis magnetic sensor; 
 a display; 
 a GPS receiving unit configured to receive position data; and 
 a map data processing unit configured to display a map on the display based on information from the three axis magnetic sensor and the GPS receiving unit, 
 wherein the three axis magnetic sensor comprises: 
 a two axis magnetic sensor which detects two axis components of a magnetic vector defined by a plane parallel to a base, said two axis magnetic sensor being so formed that the base serves as a main member; and 
 a magnetic detecting element which detects a component corresponding to a direction orthogonal to the plane of the magnetic vector, 
 wherein said two axis magnetic sensor and said magnetic detecting element are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC, and wherein a plurality of coil patterns which detect the two axis components of the magnetic vector are formed over stacked bases. 
 
     
     
       2. A three axis magnetic sensor cellular phone as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said base includes a pattern which transfers a detection signal outputted from said magnetic detecting element. 
     
     
       3. An omnidirectional magnetic sensor, comprising:
 a three axis magnetic sensor, formed on a base, which detects a three dimensional magnetic vector; and 
 a tilt sensor which detects inclination of the base, 
 wherein said three axis magnetic sensor and said tilt sensor are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC, and wherein the base includes a pattern which transfers a detection signal outputted from said tilt sensor, and the detection signal is directly introduced to the base via the pattern when said tilt sensor is mounted on the base. 
 
     
     
       4. An omnidirectional magnetic sensor, comprising:
 a three axis magnetic sensor, formed on a base, which detects a three dimensional magnetic vector; and 
 a tilt sensor which detects inclination of the base, wherein said tilt sensor detects a first inclination of an X axis and a second inclination of a Y axis which are parallel to the base, 
 wherein said three axis magnetic sensor and said tilt sensor are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC, and wherein the base includes a pattern which transfers a detection signal outputted from said tilt sensor, and the detection signal is directly introduced to the base via the pattern when said tilt sensor is mounted on the base. 
 
     
     
       5. An omnidirectional magnetic sensor, comprising:
 a three axis magnetic sensor, formed on a base, which detects a three dimensional magnetic vector; and 
 a tilt sensor which detects inclination of the base, wherein said tilt sensor is an acceleration sensor which detects displacement in three axis directions, 
 wherein said three axis magnetic sensor and said tilt sensor are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC, and wherein the base includes a pattern which transfers a detection signal outputted from said tilt sensor, and the detection signal is directly introduced to the base via the pattern when said tilt sensor is mounted on the base. 
 
     
     
       6. An omnidirectional magnetic sensor, comprising:
 a three axis magnetic sensor, formed on a base, which detects a three dimensional magnetic vector; 
 a tilt sensor which detects inclination of the base; and 
 a film base mounted on the base in the form externally extended from the base, wherein said tilt sensor is mounted on said film base, said film base is folded toward the base, and whole members including said tilt sensor are fixed; 
 wherein said three axis magnetic sensor and said tilt sensor are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC. 
 
     
     
       7. An omnidirectional magnetic sensor, comprising:
 a three axis magnetic sensor, formed on a base, which detects a three dimensional magnetic vector; 
 a tilt sensor which detects inclination of the base, wherein said tilt sensor detects a first inclination of an X axis and a second inclination of a Y axis which are parallel to the base; and 
 a film base mounted on the base in the form externally extended from the base, wherein said tilt sensor is mounted on said film base, said film base is folded toward the base, and whole members including said tilt sensor are fixed; 
 wherein said three axis magnetic sensor and said tilt sensor are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC. 
 
     
     
       8. An omnidirectional magnetic sensor, comprising:
 a three axis magnetic sensor, formed on a base, which detects a three dimensional magnetic vector; 
 a tilt sensor which detects inclination of the base, wherein said tilt sensor is an acceleration sensor which detects displacement in three axis directions; and 
 a film base mounted on the base in the form externally extended from the base, wherein said tilt sensor is mounted on said film base, said film base is folded toward the base, and whole members including said tilt sensor are fixed; 
 wherein said three axis magnetic sensor and said tilt sensor are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC. 
 
     
     
       9. The cellular phone of claim 1, wherein the map data processing unit is configured to rotate the map displayed on the display based on the information from the three axis magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       10. The cellular phone of claim 1, wherein the map data processing unit is configured to change orientation of the map displayed on the display based on the information from the three axis magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       11. A cellular phone comprising:
 an omnidirectional magnetic sensor;   a display;   a GPS receiving unit configured to receive position data; and   a map data processing unit configured to display a map on the display based on information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor and the GPS receiving unit,   wherein the omnidirectional magnetic sensor comprises:
 a three axis magnetic sensor, formed on a base, which detects a three dimensional magnetic vector; and 
 a tilt sensor which detects inclination of the base, 
   wherein said three axis magnetic sensor and said tilt sensor are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC, and   wherein the base includes a pattern which transfers a detection signal outputted from said tilt sensor, and the detection signal is directly introduced to the base via the pattern when said tilt sensor is mounted on the base.   
     
     
       12. The cellular phone of claim 11, wherein the map data processing unit is configured to rotate the map displayed on the display based on the information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       13. The cellular phone of claim 11, wherein the map data processing unit is configured to change orientation of the map displayed on the display based on the information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       14. A cellular phone comprising:
 an omnidirectional magnetic sensor;   a display;   a GPS receiving unit configured to receive position data; and   a map data processing unit configured to display a map on the display based on information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor and the GPS receiving unit,   wherein the omnidirectional magnetic sensor comprises:
 a three axis magnetic sensor, formed on a base, which detects a three dimensional magnetic vector; and 
 a tilt sensor which detects inclination of the base, 
   wherein said tilt sensor detects a first inclination of an X axis and a second inclination of a Y axis which are parallel to the base,   wherein said three axis magnetic sensor and said tilt sensor are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC, and   wherein the base includes a pattern which transfers a detection signal outputted from said tilt sensor, and the detection signal is directly introduced to the base via the pattern when said tilt sensor is mounted on the base.   
     
     
       15. The cellular phone of claim 14, wherein the map data processing unit is configured to rotate the map displayed on the display based on the information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       16. The cellular phone of claim 14, wherein the map data processing unit is configured to change orientation of the map displayed on the display based on the information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       17. A cellular phone comprising:
 an omnidirectional magnetic sensor;   a display;   a GPS receiving unit configured to receive position data; and   a map data processing unit configured to display a map on the display based on information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor and the GPS receiving unit,   wherein the omnidirectional magnetic sensor comprises:
 a three axis magnetic sensor, formed on a base, which detects a three dimensional magnetic vector; and 
   a tilt sensor which detects inclination of the base,   wherein said tilt sensor is an acceleration sensor which detects displacement in three axis directions,   wherein said three axis magnetic sensor and said tilt sensor are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC, and   wherein the base includes a pattern which transfers a detection signal outputted from said tilt sensor, and the detection signal is directly introduced to the base via the pattern when said tilt sensor is mounted on the base.   
     
     
       18. The cellular phone of claim 17, wherein the map data processing unit is configured to rotate the map displayed on the display based on the information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       19. The cellular phone of claim 17, wherein the map data processing unit is configured to change orientation of the map displayed on the display based on the information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       20. A cellular phone comprising:
 an omnidirectional magnetic sensor;   a display;   a GPS receiving unit configured to receive position data; and   a map data processing unit configured to display a map on the display based on information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor and the GPS receiving unit,   wherein the omnidirectional magnetic sensor comprises:
 a three axis magnetic sensor, formed on a base, which detects a three dimensional magnetic vector; 
 a tilt sensor which detects inclination of the base; and 
 a film base mounted on the base in the form externally extended from the base, 
   wherein said tilt sensor is mounted on said film base, said film base is folded toward the base, and whole members including said tilt sensor are fixed;   wherein said three axis magnetic sensor and said tilt sensor are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC.   
     
     
       21. The cellular phone of claim 20, wherein the map data processing unit is configured to rotate the map displayed on the display based on the information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       22. The cellular phone of claim 20, wherein the map data processing unit is configured to change orientation of the map displayed on the display based on the information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       23. A cellular phone comprising:
 an omnidirectional magnetic sensor;   a display;   a GPS receiving unit configured to receive position data; and   a map data processing unit configured to display a map on the display based on information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor and the GPS receiving unit,   wherein the omnidirectional magnetic sensor comprises:
 a three axis magnetic sensor, formed on a base, which detects a three dimensional magnetic vector; 
 a tilt sensor which detects inclination of the base, wherein said tilt sensor detects a first inclination of an X axis and a second inclination of a Y axis which are parallel to the base; and 
 a film base mounted on the base in the form externally extended from the base, 
   wherein said tilt sensor is mounted on said film base, said film base is folded toward the base, and whole members including said tilt sensor are fixed;   wherein said three axis magnetic sensor and said tilt sensor are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC.   
     
     
       24. The cellular phone of claim 23, wherein the map data processing unit is configured to rotate the map displayed on the display based on the information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       25. The cellular phone of claim 23, wherein the map data processing unit is configured to change orientation of the map displayed on the display based on the information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       26. A cellular phone comprising:
 an omnidirectional magnetic sensor;   a display;   a GPS receiving unit configured to receive position data; and   a map data processing unit configured to display a map on the display based on information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor and the GPS receiving unit,   wherein the omnidirectional magnetic sensor comprises:
 a three axis magnetic sensor, formed on a base, which detects a three dimensional magnetic vector; 
 a tilt sensor which detects inclination of the base, wherein said tilt sensor is an acceleration sensor which detects displacement in three axis directions; and 
 a film base mounted on the base in the form externally extended from the base, 
   wherein said tilt sensor is mounted on said film base, said film base is folded toward the base, and whole members including said tilt sensor are fixed;   wherein said three axis magnetic sensor and said tilt sensor are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC.   
     
     
       27. The cellular phone of claim 26, wherein the map data processing unit is configured to rotate the map displayed on the display based on the information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       28. The cellular phone of claim 26, wherein the map data processing unit is configured to change orientation of the map displayed on the display based on the information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       29. A cellular phone, comprising:
 an omnidirectional magnetic sensor, wherein the omnidirectional magnetic sensor comprises:   a three axis magnetic sensor, formed on a base, which detects a three dimensional magnetic vector; and   a tilt sensor which detects inclination of the base,   wherein the three axis magnetic sensor and the tilt sensor are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC, and   wherein the base includes a pattern which transfers a detection signal outputted from the tilt sensor, and the detection signal is directly introduced to the base via the pattern when the tilt sensor is mounted on the base.   
     
     
       30. The cellular phone of claim 29, further comprising a display configured to display data based on information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       31. The cellular phone of claim 29, further comprising:
 a display;   a GPS receiving unit configured to receive position data from one or more GPS satellites; and   a map data processing unit configured to display map data on the display.   
     
     
       32. A cellular phone, comprising:
 an omnidirectional magnetic sensor, wherein the omnidirectional magnetic sensor comprises:   a three axis magnetic sensor, formed on a base, which detects a three dimensional magnetic vector; and   a tilt sensor which detects inclination of the base, wherein the tilt sensor is an acceleration sensor which detects displacement in three axis directions,   wherein the three axis magnetic sensor and the tilt sensor are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC, and   wherein the base includes a pattern which transfers a detection signal outputted from the tilt sensor, and the detection signal is directly introduced to the base via the pattern when the tilt sensor is mounted on the base.   
     
     
       33. The cellular phone of claim 32, further comprising a display configured to display data based on information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       34. The cellular phone of claim 32, further comprising:
 a display;   a GPS receiving unit configured to receive position data from one or more GPS satellites; and   a map data processing unit configured to display map data on the display.   
     
     
       35. A cellular phone, comprising:
 an omnidirectional magnetic sensor, wherein the omnidirectional magnetic sensor comprises:   a three axis magnetic sensor, formed on a base, which detects a three dimensional magnetic vector;   a tilt sensor which detects inclination of the base; and   a film base mounted on the base in the form externally extended from the base,   wherein the tilt sensor is mounted on the film base, the film base is folded toward the base, and whole members including the tilt sensor are fixed;   wherein the three axis magnetic sensor and the tilt sensor are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC.   
     
     
       36. The cellular phone of claim 35, further comprising a display configured to display data based on information from the omnidirectional magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       37. The cellular phone of claim 35, further comprising:
 a display;   a GPS receiving unit configured to receive position data from one or more GPS satellites; and   a map data processing unit configured to display map data on the display.