IoT Device Activation via Movement Pattern Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internet of Things (IoT) devices face challenges in activating from a reduced power state due to the lack of a user interface, leading to erroneous activation during transit and unnecessary battery depletion, as current methods rely on simple threshold criteria from accelerometers.

Innovation Solution

Analyzing movement data from sensors like accelerometers to determine if the device should be activated, comparing the data to predetermined patterns to differentiate between user-induced activation and erroneous movements, thereby preventing unnecessary activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the device is configured to activate based on any detected movement measured by an accelerometer, then the device can be activated from its low power state, but the device may erroneously activate during transit causing unnecessary battery depletion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice activationVSAvoidbattery depletion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the activation parameter from simple acceleration threshold to a complex movement pattern signature. The system analyzes multiple parameters including acceleration magnitude, duration, frequency, and movement trajectory to create a unique signature that distinguishes user shaking from transit vibrations, thereby preventing false activation while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary analysis layer between the accelerometer sensor and the activation decision. This intermediary process compares detected movement patterns against stored user-defined signatures and transit vibration profiles, acting as a mediator that filters out false positives while allowing genuine user activation, thus preventing unnecessary battery depletion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If simple threshold criteria is used for movement detection, then the device activation process is simple, but the accuracy of distinguishing user activation from erroneous movement is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation processVSAvoidmovement pattern recognition
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the movement detection process into multiple independent analysis components: acceleration magnitude detection, duration measurement, frequency analysis, and trajectory tracking. Each component processes a specific aspect of the movement and contributes to the overall pattern signature, enabling high measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional threshold-based detection to multi-dimensional pattern analysis. By incorporating multiple dimensions including temporal duration, frequency spectrum, spatial trajectory, and acceleration vector components, the system achieves superior measurement precision in distinguishing user activation from erroneous movement while organizing complexity across multiple analytical dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 approach effectively avoids erroneous activation of IoT devices, conserving battery life by ensuring that only intentional user actions trigger device activation, preventing unnecessary battery depletion before deployment.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor (e.g., an accelerometer assembly) in the IoT device generates movement data indicative of movement of the IoT device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3647904B1Method and system for device activation
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3647904B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3647904B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3647904B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electronic device (10) is configured to analyze movement data generated by a sensor (24) (e.g., an accelerometer assembly) in the electronic device (10) to determine if the electronic device (10) should be activated from a reduced power state. A control circuit (14) in the electronic device (10) can compare the movement data to a predetermined movement pattern to determine whether the movement should be ignored, or if the movement is consistent with a user shaking the electronic device (10) to activate the electronic device (10). As a result of this approach, erroneous activation of the electronic device (10) is avoided, thereby preventing the electronic device (10) from needlessly depleting its battery before deployment by the end user.