Multi-Device Physical Activity Measurement Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring user physical activity, such as step counters, face challenges in synchronization and power consumption when multiple devices are used simultaneously, leading to repetitive or insufficient measurements and inefficient memory usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for synchronizing physical activity data between multiple electronic devices through short-range communication, integrating count information to prevent repetitive measurements, reduce power consumption, and effectively utilize memory, by designating one device as a main unit to manage and transmit synchronized activity data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple step counters operate independently to measure physical activity, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to repetitive or inconsistent counting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from multiple step counters by designating one device as a main counter and others as sub-counters. Sub-counters transmit their step count data to the main counter, which integrates and manages the combined information to produce an accurate total step count, eliminating repetitive measurement while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The main counter acts as an intermediary that receives step count data from sub-counters, processes the information, and manages synchronization. This intermediary role coordinates the measurement process across multiple devices, ensuring accurate aggregation without duplication
2Reliability
If multiple devices continuously measure and store step count data, then measurement completeness is improved, but memory efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data management function from individual devices and centralizes it in the main counter. Sub-counters perform only local measurement and store minimal data, while the main counter maintains the comprehensive step count record, reducing total memory requirements across the system
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments functionality between main and sub-counters, with sub-counters handling local measurement and the main counter handling data aggregation and storage. This segmentation allows memory resources to be distributed efficiently according to each device's role
3Duration of action of moving object
If multiple step counters operate simultaneously without coordination, then measurement continuity is improved, but power consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic data transmission where sub-counters send their step count data to the main counter at regular intervals or when connected via short-range communication. This periodic interaction maintains measurement continuity while allowing devices to enter low-power states between communication events
Solution Approach 2:
Each device independently manages its own measurement and storage operations, with sub-counters automatically transmitting data when connected to the main counter. This self-service approach maintains continuous measurement capability while minimizing active communication and power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and a method of measuring an amount of user physical activity by an electronic device are provided. The method includes establishing short range communication among a plurality of electronic devices, determining one of the plurality of electronic devices as a primary device, communicating state information of remaining electronic devices to the primary device, activating a sensor on a device having a highest priority among the plurality of electronic devices according to the state information, recording physical activity information according to physical activity sensed by the sensor, communicating the physical activity information to the primary device, calculating an amount of physical activity according to the communicated physical activity information, and synchronizing the amount of physical activity among the plurality of electronic devices.