Exercise-Aware Wearable Positioning for Low-Power Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices struggle with accurate positioning in environments where satellite signals are weak or unavailable, leading to inaccuracies in movement tracking, especially during non-run-walk activities, due to the limitations of dead reckoning.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device that integrates satellite positioning with dead reckoning, adjusting its operation based on user exercise type to intermittently perform satellite positioning and utilize dead reckoning only when necessary, thereby enhancing accuracy and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If satellite positioning is performed intermittently to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates in environments where satellite signals are weak or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines satellite positioning with dead reckoning technology to create a hybrid positioning system. When satellite signals are unavailable or weak, the system automatically switches to dead reckoning using acceleration sensors and orientation sensors to calculate position, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while keeping power consumption low by not continuously using satellite positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by selecting different positioning methods based on signal availability and exercise type. Satellite positioning is used when signals are strong, while dead reckoning is activated when signals are weak or unavailable, optimizing the balance between power consumption and positioning accuracy.
2Use of energy by moving object
If dead reckoning is used to calculate movement amount during idle periods, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different measurement strategies based on exercise type. For run-walk activities, dead reckoning is used during idle periods to save power. For other activities where dead reckoning accuracy is insufficient, the system performs additional satellite positioning to ensure measurement accuracy, thereby applying local quality optimization tailored to specific exercise contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from exercise type detection to determine whether to use dead reckoning during idle periods. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt its positioning strategy based on the specific exercise being performed, maintaining accuracy for activities where dead reckoning is unreliable while saving power for activities where it is sufficient.
3Measurement precision
If additional satellite positioning is performed when direction change is detected, then positioning accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs satellite positioning periodically at scheduled intervals and additionally triggers positioning events when direction changes are detected. This periodic action combined with event-driven triggering ensures positioning accuracy at critical moments (direction changes) while maintaining overall low power consumption by not continuously activating the satellite positioning function.
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
The device provides accurate movement tracking with reduced power consumption by selectively using satellite positioning and dead reckoning based on activity type, minimizing errors and maintaining precise movement data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
a positioning processing unit that performs positioning of the wearable device based on radio waves received from satellites
Implementation Method 2
a measurement unit that performs measurements relating to an orientation and movement of the wearable device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A wearable device includes a physical sensor that performs measurements relating to an orientation and movement of the wearable device; an acquisition unit that acquires information representing a user's exercise type; and a processor that performs positioning of the wearable device based on radio waves received from satellites, wherein the processor determines whether to calculate a movement amount of the wearable device per set intervals based on measurement results of the physical sensor during a period in which the positioning based on radio waves received from satellites is not obtained, in accordance with the user's exercise type acquired by the acquisition unit.