Localization of mobile devices based on a magnetic field generated by a rotating magnetic dipole

In this paper, we present a method for the self-localization of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. The magnetic field generated by rotating magnetic dipoles with acceleration was measured and then the self-positions in the world coordinate systems irrespective of their posture were estimated. We proposed two methods: one is applicable in indoor localization, and the other is for searching victims buried in rubble in earthquake disasters, where obstacles exist, including metals and ferromagnetic objects around the smartphones. These methods were verified experimentally.