Biometric Sensor Network Master-Slave Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic monitoring systems face challenges in accurately and reliably collecting biometric data during training sessions, particularly in ensuring data integrity when communication between sensors and handheld devices is interrupted, and in providing flexibility to operate with various user-selected devices.
Innovation Solution
A physiological monitoring system comprising a biometric sensor device integrated into a garment, a first handheld computing device acting as a master in a device network, and a second device capable of acting as either a slave or master depending on network presence, ensuring data transmission and display across multiple devices while maintaining data integrity during communication disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If biometric data is transmitted in real-time using short range wireless technology, then data availability is improved, but data loss occurs when communication is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device stores biometric data in its memory buffer before transmission occurs. This preliminary storage ensures that data is preserved and not lost if communication with the handheld device is interrupted during the training session.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device acts as an intermediary with local memory storage capability between the biometric sensors and the handheld device. It buffers data temporarily and manages transmission, preventing data loss when communication is disrupted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single handheld device is used to collect and display biometric data, then device simplicity is improved, but device compatibility and user flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is designed to communicate with multiple types of handheld devices (smartphones, tablets, wearables) using standard wireless protocols. It can establish master-slave relationships with different device types, making it universally compatible without requiring device-specific configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device network dynamically adapts its configuration based on which devices are present. The sensor device can operate with one handheld device or multiple devices simultaneously, adjusting its communication behavior and data routing automatically without requiring manual reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If biometric data is stored locally in the sensor device, then data integrity during communication interruptions is improved, but data synchronization and accessibility across multiple devices become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device tracks which data has been successfully transmitted to each handheld device and uses this feedback information to manage local storage. When communication is restored or when connecting to additional devices, it can resume or redirect transmission of buffered data, ensuring complete data delivery without complex manual synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
A physiological monitoring arrangement comprises a biometric sensor device coupled to a first garment, a first handheld computing device, and a second handheld computing device. The first handheld computing device is configured to act as a master in a device network and the biometric sensor is configured to act as a slave in the device network. The second handheld computing device is configured for wireless communication with both the biometric sensor device and the first handheld computing device according to the communications protocol in the device network. In particular, the second handheld computing device is configured to act as a slave to the first handheld computing device if the first handheld computing device is present in the device network, and the second handheld computing device is configured to act as a master to the biometric sensor device if the first handheld computing device is not present in the device network.