Optical Sensor Wearable Device Usage Status Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart watches using accelerometers cannot precisely differentiate between various static states, such as being worn by a user or placed on a surface, due to the accelerometer's inability to distinguish between these usage statuses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical sensor and controller in a wearable device that emits optical signals and processes reflective signals based on physiological information, allowing for more precise determination of usage statuses by adjusting signal processing parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an accelerometer is used to determine static state, then the device can detect motion status, but it cannot precisely differentiate between various static states (worn vs. placed on surface)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function by using multiple independent sensors (accelerometer for motion detection, optical sensor for physiological signal detection) rather than relying on a single sensor. The optical sensor specifically detects reflective signals from skin tissue, separating the detection of worn state from static placement state, thereby enabling precise differentiation between usage statuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor serves multiple functions: it detects whether the device is being worn by emitting optical signals and receiving reflective signals from skin tissue, and it also enables physiological information monitoring. This multi-functionality allows the device to accurately determine usage status while maintaining adaptability across different states.
2Measurement precision
If signal processing parameters are fixed, then the processing is simple, but the results lack precision when distinguishing between different usage statuses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic signal processing by adjusting processing parameters based on the detected usage status. When the device detects it is being worn (through optical sensor feedback indicating skin tissue reflection), it activates physiological signal processing modes with appropriate parameters. When placed on a surface, it switches to different processing modes, thereby optimizing accuracy for each state without requiring complex fixed-parameter systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes signal processing parameters dynamically based on usage status detection. The controller adjusts processing parameters according to whether the optical sensor detects skin tissue reflection, enabling precise signal processing for physiological information when worn, while avoiding unnecessary processing when placed on surfaces, thus balancing accuracy and complexity.
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 solution enables accurate differentiation between usage statuses, providing clearer and more distinguishable data when the device is worn, compared to when it is static on a surface, enhancing the precision of usage status detection.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sensor is adapted to emit at least one optical signal, and receive at least one reflective signal corresponding to the at least one optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device is provided. The wearable device includes an optical sensor and a controller. The optical sensor is adapted to emit at least one optical signal, and receive at least one reflective signal corresponding to the at least one optical signal. The at least one reflective signal includes a physiological information. The controller is coupled to the optical sensor, and includes a signal filter. The signal filter is adapted to perform a signal processing operation to the at least one reflective signal according to at least one signal processing parameter. The controller adjusts the at least one signal processing parameter of the signal filter according to the physiological information. A method of operating the wearable device is also provided.