Handheld Device Path Length Measurement via Tumbling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Online shopping, particularly in e-commerce and m-commerce, faces challenges in measuring path lengths, such as body parts or item dimensions, accurately without physical interaction, which is crucial for sizing and fitting purposes.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electronic device equipped with orientation sensors like gyroscopes and accelerometers is used to measure path lengths by tumbling over the path, counting fractional increments of revolution, and estimating the path length, with the ability to detect and correct for slipping movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handheld electronic device is used to measure path length by tumbling over the path, then the measurement can be performed without physical interaction with the item, but the measurement precision may be affected by slipping movements during tumbling
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the tumbling motion using orientation sensors and compares the actual motion against the expected motion for accurate path length measurement. When slipping is detected through feedback from sensor data analysis, the system corrects the measurement by calculating the discrepancy between expected and actual rotation, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite the ease of tumbling operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems with sensor-based detection. Instead of using mechanical encoders or physical markers, the system uses gyroscopes and accelerometers to detect rotational motion and calculate path length, eliminating mechanical contact while maintaining measurement accuracy through software-based slip detection and correction
2Measurement precision
If orientation sensors are used to detect rotational change, then the path length can be measured by counting fractional increments of revolution, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing multi-functional sensors (gyroscope and accelerometer) commonly found in handheld electronic devices for various purposes such as screen orientation, step counting, and gaming. By repurposing these universal sensors for path length measurement, the system achieves precise measurement without adding dedicated measurement hardware, thereby minimizing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's own built-in orientation sensors to perform the measurement function, making the device self-sufficient for measurement tasks. The sensors already present in the device for other functions are utilized for path length measurement, eliminating the need for external or additional specialized measurement equipment
3Productivity
If the handheld electronic device is tumbled over the path, then the measurement can be performed quickly, but the reliability of measurement is reduced due to potential slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the tumbling motion using orientation sensors and compares the actual motion against the expected motion for accurate path length measurement. When slipping is detected through feedback from sensor data analysis, the system corrects the measurement by calculating the discrepancy between expected and actual rotation, thereby maintaining measurement reliability despite the speed of tumbling operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration by establishing the expected rotational characteristics of the device during normal tumbling. By pre-programming the correct rotation parameters and comparing actual sensor readings against these expectations, the system can quickly identify slipping conditions and correct measurements in real-time, maintaining both speed and reliability
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
This method allows for accurate measurement of path lengths using a smartphone or similar device, enabling precise sizing and fitting in e-commerce, m-commerce, and other applications, improving the online shopping experience by providing reliable dimensional data.
Implementation Method 1
the handheld electronic device may be provided with orientation sensors such as a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer
Implementation Method 2
the handheld electronic device may be provided with orientation sensors such as a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for measuring a path length using a handheld electronic device comprising: repeatedly tumbling forward the handheld electronic device so as to cover the path to be measured; sensing a rotational change of the handheld electronic device; counting fractional increments of revolution of the handheld electronic device with respect to a starting position; and estimating the path length based on the counted fractional increments of revolution.