Activity Intensity Scoring Using Heart Rate and Motion Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing activity tracking methods do not account for the intensity of an activity and the relationship between activity volume and intensity, failing to provide a comprehensive evaluation that considers individual factors such as age, health, and fitness level, and do not integrate device and biometric data effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system that evaluates activity intensity using a combination of accelerometer and biometric data, such as heart rate, to determine activity scores that account for different types and durations of activities, adjusting thresholds based on individual factors like age, health, and fitness level, and providing a dynamic assessment of activity levels over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If activity data is collected continuously to improve monitoring accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivity monitoring accuracyVSAvoiddevice energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic sampling of activity data at defined intervals rather than continuous collection. The processor evaluates activity levels at specific time points, determines transitions between inactive and active states, and triggers notifications based on these periodic assessments. This periodic approach maintains adequate monitoring accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous data collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If activity thresholds are set low to improve sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but false detections increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivity detection sensitivityVSAvoidfalse notification rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different activity thresholds for different body parts rather than using a single global threshold. Each body part (e.g., arm, leg, torso) can have its own customized threshold based on its specific movement characteristics. This allows sensitive detection of genuine activities in each body part while reducing false detections by accounting for local differences in normal movement patterns and activity levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4165650B1Volume and intensity-based activity evaluations for devices
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 AMAZON TECH INC
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  • EP4165650B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for performing volume and intensity-based activity evaluations. A method may include determining, by a device, a heart rate. The method may include determining, based on the heart rate, a motion threshold amount for a time period. The method may include determining motion data. The method may include comparing the motion data to the motion threshold for the time period. The method may include determining, based on the comparison of the motion data to the motion threshold for the time period, an activity intensity level associated with the heart rate and the motion data. The method may include determining, based on the activity intensity level, an activity score. The method may include sending data indicating the activity score for presentation at a second device.