Activity Recognition via Static Electric Field and Accelerometer Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting user activities using electronic devices are limited by the need for significant motion of the device, making it difficult to accurately track activities like bicycling, where arm motion is minimal.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device employing an accelerometer in combination with a static electric field sensor to form a characteristic signature by comparing data from both sensors with predefined baseline signatures, allowing for accurate identification of user activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an accelerometer is used to detect user activity, then motion-based activities can be detected, but activities with minimal arm motion (like bicycling) cannot be accurately detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data from a static electric field sensor and an accelerometer to form a composite characteristic signature. The static electric field sensor detects changes in the electric field caused by body movement, while the accelerometer detects motion. By merging these two data sources, the system can accurately detect both high-motion activities (running, walking) and low-motion activities (bicycling, swimming) where the electric field changes provide complementary information to the accelerometer data.
2Ease of operation
If the electronic device is worn on the wrist to detect activity, then arm motion can be detected, but activities where the arm is stationary (like bicycling) become difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The static electric field sensor acts as an intermediary that detects body movement indirectly through changes in the electric field surrounding the body, rather than requiring direct mechanical motion of the device. This allows the system to detect activities like bicycling where the arm and wrist remain relatively stationary, as the electric field changes capture subtle body movements that occur during such activities.
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
Enhances the detection of physical activities by accurately identifying user actions, including stationary or low-motion activities, through the combination of static electric field and motion data, improving the device's ability to determine the type of activity being performed.
Implementation Method 1
a static electric field sensor for detecting a static electric field
Implementation Method 2
at least one other sensor for detecting one of motion or sound
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for determining a user activity include or define a plurality of baseline signatures, each baseline signature corresponding to a type of user activity and having data formed from a first data representing a varying static electric field and a second data representing motion. Data responsive to a varying static electric field is obtained from a first sensor, and data responsive to motion is obtained from a second sensor. The first data is combined with the second data, and the user activity is identified based on a comparison of the combined first and second data with the plurality of baseline signatures.