Handheld Acceleration Sensor Path Length Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Online shoppers face challenges in determining the fit and size of clothing items without physical interaction, as existing technologies lack effective methods for measuring body dimensions or clothing paths using handheld devices.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a handheld electronic device with an acceleration sensor to measure path length by sensing acceleration, computing velocity plots, and estimating path length through integration and statistical analysis, enabling users to measure body parts or clothing accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional dimensioning methods are used in online commerce, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an electronic handheld device equipped with acceleration sensors. The device uses sensor data processing and integration algorithms to calculate path lengths, substituting traditional mechanical calipers or tape measures with electronic sensing and computational methods, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld device performs self-measurement by using its own acceleration sensors to track its movement along the path. The device independently calculates velocity and position by integrating sensor data, eliminating the need for external measurement equipment or complex setup procedures, thus improving ease of operation without sacrificing measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If traditional dimensioning methods are used in online commerce, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handheld device autonomously performs measurements by using its built-in acceleration sensors to track its own movement. The device automatically integrates sensor data to calculate velocity and position, and computes path lengths without requiring user intervention in the calculation process, making the operation simple and accessible to average users while maintaining high measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual measurement techniques with electronic sensing and automated computation. The acceleration sensors continuously track device movement, and integrated algorithms automatically calculate path lengths, eliminating the need for users to manually read scales or perform calculations, thereby significantly improving ease of operation while preserving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If acceleration sensor integration is used to measure path length, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors acceleration sensor data and uses integration algorithms to calculate velocity and position in real-time. By continuously processing sensor feedback and updating position calculations, the system compensates for accumulated errors and maintains measurement accuracy throughout the measurement process, ensuring reliable results even with the simplicity of the operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs multiple integration steps (acceleration to velocity, velocity to position) and processes data over multiple time intervals to improve measurement accuracy. By performing excessive computational steps and processing more data than the minimum required, the system achieves higher precision measurements while keeping the user interface simple and easy to operate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate measurement of path lengths on body parts or clothing using handheld devices, addressing the fit and size challenges in online commerce by providing reliable and user-friendly dimensioning solutions.

Implementation Method 1

sensing an acceleration of the handheld electronic device while the handheld electronic device is translated over the path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

computing a set of velocity plots by integrating the acceleration plot over a set of integration intervals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIntegration:

Implementation Method 3

computing a set of distances by integrating the set of velocity plots

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIntegration:

Data Source

PatentEP3254063B1A system for and a method of measuring a path length using a handheld electronic device
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 MY SIZE ISRAEL 2014
  • EP3254063B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3254063B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3254063B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method of measuring a path length using a handheld electronic device comprising an acceleration sensor. The method comprises: sensing an acceleration of the handheld electronic device while the handheld electronic device is translated over the path, thereby obtaining an acceleration plot of the handheld device; and calculating the path length from the acceleration plot using an integration procedure. In some cases projection of a distance over a required measured path is used.