Fitness Tracking Location Accuracy via Filtered GPS and Wi-Fi Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fitness tracking systems face inaccuracies in location information, leading to unreliable performance and progress measurements during motion-based exercises, and lack appropriate feedback to motivate users.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a location tracking engine, filter module, stop detector module, graphical user interface module, competition module, and audio generator module that filters location updates, detects stops, provides user interfaces, compares workouts, and generates audio feedback to enhance user motivation and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If GPS and Wi-Fi are used to determine location, then location coverage is improved, but location accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the location determination process by separating primary GPS-based location tracking from secondary Wi-Fi and cell tower assistance. GPS provides accurate location data when available, while Wi-Fi and cell towers serve as fallback options when GPS signals are weak or unavailable, thus maintaining accuracy while improving coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary filtering and selection mechanism that evaluates location data from multiple sources (GPS, Wi-Fi, cell towers) and selects the most accurate data. This intermediary layer reconciles the trade-off by choosing GPS data when accurate and falling back to less accurate Wi-Fi/cell tower data only when necessary
2Loss of information
If location updates are continuously recorded, then performance measurement completeness is improved, but data accuracy deteriorates due to inaccurate location updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where location update quality is continuously evaluated against acceptance criteria. When location updates fail to meet accuracy thresholds, the system detects this through filtering logic and adjusts by requesting additional updates or using alternative data sources, thus maintaining both completeness and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes parameters such as location update frequency and acceptance thresholds based on environmental conditions and exercise type. During activities where precise location is critical, the system increases update frequency and raises accuracy thresholds, while in other conditions it adjusts to balance completeness with accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for tracking an activity is described. A location tracking engine tracks a user's location, determines a direction by identifying a plurality of angles ahead of the current location on the path, and conveys navigation information to the user. A filter module receives a location update from a location tracking engine. The filter module performs at least one test on the location update. The filter module adds the location update to a queue of recently received location updates in response to passing the test. The stop detector module determines that the user is stopped and sets the current status to stopped and sets a time of a stop detection change to the later of the last time that of the stop detection change and a timestamp of the oldest location update in the queue if a previous status is moving.