Dual Processor Magnetic Field Correction for Wearables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic field measuring apparatuses require cumbersome user operations and high computational resources to determine offset magnetic fields, leading to inefficient correction value calculation and operational burden.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic field measuring apparatus with a first processor for low-load processing and a second processor with higher capability, along with a motion sensor and magnetic field sensor, automatically performs magnetic field correction by retrieving measurement values during user motion to determine offset correction values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If statistical calculation of correction value is performed with high processing capability, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection value determination accuracyVSAvoidprocessor capability requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the processing system into two segments: a main processor that handles basic operations and a secondary processor with higher capability that performs statistical calculations for correction values. This segmentation allows the complex correction calculation to be handled by a dedicated high-performance component without requiring the entire device to have high processing capability, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a secondary processor as an intermediary component that mediates between the simple main processor and the complex statistical calculation requirements. This intermediary handles the computationally intensive tasks of retrieving measurement values and calculating correction values, allowing the main processor to remain simple while still achieving high measurement precision through accurate correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If high processing capability is used constantly for correction calculation, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection value determination accuracyVSAvoidprocessor power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by having the secondary processor activate only when correction value calculation is needed, rather than running constantly. The main processor manages power consumption by switching to the high-performance secondary processor only during correction calculation tasks, and the system periodically updates correction values based on accumulated measurement data, thus achieving high precision without continuous high power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a specialized copy of processing capability in the form of a secondary processor that is specifically designed for correction calculations. This secondary processor is activated only when needed for correction value determination, allowing the system to have high processing capability available on-demand without the penalty of continuously consuming high power, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and energy usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If user performs intentional posture changes for correction, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoffset magnetic field determination accuracyVSAvoiduser operation burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically collect measurement data from various postures without requiring intentional user action. The main processor continuously or periodically retrieves measurement values from sensors, and the secondary processor automatically performs statistical calculations to determine correction values, allowing the device to self-correct magnetic field offsets using ambient data rather than requiring deliberate user posture changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by having the main processor continuously or periodically collect measurement data in the background without interruption. This continuous data accumulation allows the secondary processor to perform accurate statistical calculations when activated, maintaining high measurement precision while eliminating the need for users to perform discrete, intentional posture changes, thus improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 efficient and user-friendly determination of magnetic field correction data with reduced computational burden and power consumption, allowing for continuous operation without overloading the primary processor.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field sensor which measures a magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a motion sensor which measures state of motion of the apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS10338154B2Magnetic field measuring apparatus, electronic timepiece, method of setting correction of measured magnetic field and computer-readable medium
Publication Date: 2019.07.02 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
  • US10338154B2 patent drawing
  • US10338154B2 patent drawing
  • US10338154B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A magnetic field measuring apparatus includes a first processor, a second processor, a motion sensor and a magnetic field sensor. The second processor has higher processing capability than the first processor. The first processor makes the second processor perform certain processing. When it is determined that the state of motion measured by the motion sensor is at a predetermined level or more, the second processor performs a magnetic field correction setting operation as one of the certain processing. The magnetic field correction setting operation involves retrieving measurement values of magnetic field from the magnetic field sensor which are measured at different postures according to a change of the state of motion, and determining an offset correction value for the geomagnetic field based on the measurement values.