Mobile Device Acceleration Threshold Notification

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting emergencies using smart phones and mobile devices are inaccurate and consume significant processing power and battery life, necessitating an improved system for timely and relevant notifications.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing accelerometers in mobile devices to detect acceleration thresholds indicative of events like automobile accidents or near-misses, triggering notifications based on user profiles and location data, which are then displayed on the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods constantly monitor users' activities to detect emergencies, then emergency detection capability is improved, but processing power consumption and battery life are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency detection capabilityVSAvoidprocessing power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and isolates only the critical monitoring function (acceleration threshold detection) from continuous comprehensive activity monitoring. By focusing solely on detecting specific emergency patterns through accelerometers rather than constantly analyzing all user activities, the system maintains emergency detection capability while significantly reducing processing power consumption and battery drain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex software-based activity monitoring with hardware-based accelerometer sensing. The accelerometers directly detect physical motion patterns indicative of emergencies, substituting computational analysis with dedicated sensor detection, thereby reducing processing requirements while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional methods constantly monitor users' activities to detect emergencies, then emergency detection capability is improved, but battery life is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency detection capabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and isolates only the critical monitoring function (acceleration threshold detection) from continuous comprehensive activity monitoring. By focusing solely on detecting specific emergency patterns through accelerometers rather than constantly analyzing all user activities, the system maintains emergency detection capability while significantly reducing processing power consumption and battery drain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex software-based activity monitoring with hardware-based accelerometer sensing. The accelerometers directly detect physical motion patterns indicative of emergencies, substituting computational analysis with dedicated sensor detection, thereby reducing processing requirements and extending battery life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of moving object

If conventional monitoring methods are used, then continuous monitoring capability is improved, but measurement precision of emergency events is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidemergency event detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable acceleration threshold comparisons rather than continuous sophisticated analysis. Each acceleration event is evaluated against predetermined thresholds in a simple, decisive manner, providing precise emergency detection without requiring ongoing complex processing that would compromise accuracy over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the monitoring parameter from continuous activity analysis to specific acceleration threshold detection. By focusing on critical physical parameters (acceleration magnitude and direction) rather than comprehensive activity patterns, the system achieves both continuous monitoring capability and high measurement precision for emergency events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach provides accurate and timely notifications that conserve processing power and battery life while offering relevant content to users during critical events, enhancing emergency detection and response.

Implementation Method 1

receiving, by the mobile device, acceleration data along one or more axes using one or more of the accelerometers associated with the mobile device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS11057739B1Mobile device notification generation

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE CO

AI summary

The methods and software application described herein monitor the acceleration experienced by a mobile device and determine when said acceleration exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold that may be indicative of an unusually rapid acceleration or deceleration. In the event of a sudden acceleration or deceleration, the methods and mobile application described herein automatically trigger a timely, event-related notification to the user of the mobile device, such as displaying a banner on the mobile device's display, a text, electronic mail, or voice message.