Movement State Classification Using Communications Circuitry Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices rely solely on motion sensor data for determining movement states, which can lead to inaccuracies due to similar accelerometer signals for walking, cycling, and vehicle motion, resulting in misclassification of user activities.

Innovation Solution

The system uses a combination of motion sensor data with additional data from communications circuitry such as short range wireless, satellite navigation, WLAN, and baseband communications to accurately determine movement states, enabling more precise classification of activities like walking, running, cycling, and driving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If motion sensor data alone is used for determining movement states, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to similar accelerometer signals for different activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of movement state determinationVSAvoidaccuracy of movement state classification

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines motion sensor data with communications circuitry data (WLAN, satellite navigation, short range communications, baseband communications) to determine movement states. This merging of multiple data sources enables accurate classification of activities by analyzing patterns across different data types, resolving the ambiguity that arises when using motion sensor data alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If multiple data sources are integrated for movement state determination, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of movement state classificationVSAvoidcomplexity of data integration system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a movement state determination system that acts as an intermediary, receiving data from multiple communications circuitries and motion sensors, processing this data through pattern recognition algorithms, and outputting classified movement states. This intermediary structure manages the complexity by centralizing the data integration logic and providing a unified interface for movement state classification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If communications circuitry data is used alongside motion sensor data, then reliability of movement state determination improves, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of activity recognitionVSAvoidpower consumption for data collection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements selective data collection from communications circuitries based on the specific movement state determination needs. Not all communications circuitries are activated or queried continuously; instead, data is collected partially or on-demand from relevant sources, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining sufficient reliability for accurate movement state classification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10440174B2Management of movement states of an electronic device using communications circuitry data

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 APPLE INC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for managing or classifying movement states of an electronic device are provided that may utilize communications circuitry data from one or more communications circuitries when determining a current or future movement state of an electronic device.