Drop Detection Using MEMS Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer devices, such as hand-held and wearable devices, do not efficiently and reliably detect when they have been dropped, leading to inaccurate identification of drop events and failure to recognize actual drops.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing MEMS sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, to analyze motion data and detect drops by processing sensor signals, employing algorithms for fall detection, impact detection, and no-motion detection to determine if a device has been dropped.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional motion detection methods are used in consumer devices, then the device can track general motion, but it cannot reliably distinguish drop events from other types of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the motion detection task into three distinct detection phases: fall detection (identifying the drop event), impact detection (detecting the collision), and no-motion detection (confirming the device has stopped moving). Each phase uses specific sensor criteria and algorithms tailored to that particular detection goal, enabling reliable drop identification without requiring overly complex unified processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes detection parameters dynamically based on the detection phase. During fall detection, it monitors acceleration thresholds and velocity changes; during impact detection, it switches to monitoring deceleration and impact force; during no-motion detection, it monitors for sustained low acceleration. This parameter adaptation allows accurate drop detection across different motion stages without maintaining constant high complexity
2Reliability
If multiple MEMS sensors are deployed to improve drop detection reliability, then detection accuracy increases, but energy consumption and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary fall detection using acceleration thresholds before triggering full impact analysis. When a fall is detected, it then activates more intensive processing for impact detection and no-motion confirmation. This staged approach ensures reliable detection through multiple sensor readings while avoiding continuous high-energy processing, as intensive analysis is only performed when actually needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from each detection phase to control subsequent processing. Fall detection results trigger impact detection; impact detection results trigger no-motion detection. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable multi-phase verification while optimizing energy use by only activating subsequent detection phases when previous phases indicate a potential drop event, rather than running all sensors continuously at full power
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
Enables reliable and efficient drop detection in consumer devices, distinguishing between different types of device motion and ensuring accurate identification of drop events, which can trigger specific device operations or warranty assessments.
Implementation Method 1
analyze information from one or more MEMS sensors on-board the device to detect when the device has been dropped
Implementation Method 2
utilizing MEMS sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, to analyze motion data
Implementation Method 3
utilizing MEMS sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, to analyze motion data
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for reliably detecting when a device has been dropped. In a non-limiting example, a drop detection system may be operable to perform one or more of: fall detection, end-of-fall detection, and/or detection of no motion after the fall. The drop detection system may, for example, analyze information from one or more MEMS sensors on-board the device to detect when the device has been dropped.