Dive Computer Pressure Detection Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dive detection methods in portable electronic devices face challenges in precision, with some relying on water detection means that increase manufacturing costs and others being overly dependent on threshold values, leading to potential inaccuracies that can have dangerous health consequences.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures ambient pressure values, stores a reference pressure, and periodically calculates pressure variations, using multiple frequencies to compare these variations to trigger thresholds and adjust the reference pressure value based on recent trends, thereby increasing detection precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water detection means (ohmic contacts) are implemented to detect dive start, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the water detection means (ohmic contacts) from the device, extracting the problematic component that caused increased complexity and manufacturing cost. The solution relies solely on pressure sensor data without requiring additional water detection hardware, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor is made multi-functional by using it for both atmospheric pressure measurement and dive detection purposes. Instead of adding separate water detection contacts, the existing pressure sensor is programmed to detect dive starts by analyzing pressure variation patterns, making one component serve multiple functions and reducing overall device complexity.
2Device complexity
If a fixed trigger threshold is used for dive detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger threshold is transformed from a fixed value to a dynamic, adaptive threshold that automatically adjusts based on environmental conditions. The system calculates the atmospheric pressure trend over time and sets the trigger threshold as a proportion of this trend, allowing the detection sensitivity to adapt to different situations (e.g., rapid ascent vs. normal conditions) and significantly improving detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the trigger threshold from a constant fixed value to a variable parameter that changes based on the atmospheric pressure trend. By making the threshold a dynamic parameter proportional to the pressure variation rate, the system achieves higher measurement precision without requiring complex manual configuration or multiple fixed thresholds.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensor measurement frequency is increased to improve detection precision, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor operates in periodic measurement cycles rather than continuous measurement. The system measures atmospheric pressure at regular intervals (e.g., every 5 seconds) and processes these periodic data points to detect dive starts. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous measurement while maintaining sufficient detection precision through appropriate sampling frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement frequency is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system increases measurement frequency when pressure variations indicate potential dive conditions and reduces frequency during stable conditions. This dynamic adjustment of sampling rate optimizes the balance between detection precision and energy consumption by measuring only when necessary.
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 enhances the precision of dive mode activation, reducing the risk of inadvertent triggering and ensuring accurate detection of dive starts, thus improving user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor (5) connected to said controller circuit and arranged for measuring a pressure value representative of the ambient pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a method for detecting the start of a dive for implementation in a portable electronic device (1) of the diving computer type. More specifically, the method is for implementation in a device of this type having at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode, called the dive mode. This device includes a pressure sensor (5) for measuring the ambient pressure value (P) and electronic circuits (2) for processing the pressure measurement results including a time base (4) and at least one memory zone (7, 8).The detection method according to the present invention more particularly proposes making correction to certain measured pressure values before storing them as reference pressure values (Pref). Thus, the start of a dive can be detected with a high level of reliability solely on the basis of ambient pressure measurements.