Outdoor Detection Using Multi-Sensor Fusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking UV exposure, such as UV indicator stickers, wristbands, hand-held meters, and UV reminder apps, are either cumbersome, require manual monitoring, or rely on lagged meteorological data, making it difficult for users to accurately assess their outdoor UV exposure.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with primary and secondary sensors, including UV sensors and ambient light sensors, GPS, and barometers, that automatically determines and tracks time spent outdoors and exposed to UV radiation, using primary criteria like UV thresholds and secondary criteria like ambient light and GPS signals to ensure continuous monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UV indicator stickers or wristbands are used to track UV exposure, then users can visually monitor their exposure level, but the user must actively monitor the color change and the indicator may fall off during vigorous exercise
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors UV exposure levels and tracks outdoor time without requiring user intervention. The processor continuously evaluates sensor data (UV sensors, ambient light sensors, GPS, barometer) to determine outdoor status and calculate exposure time, eliminating the need for users to manually check indicators or remember to monitor their exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical UV indicators (stickers/wristbands that change color) with electronic sensors and automated processing. UV sensors, ambient light sensors, GPS receivers, and barometers work together with a processor to electronically detect and track outdoor exposure, providing more reliable and automated measurement
2Measurement precision
If hand-held UV meters are used to measure UV index, then direct UV measurement is obtained, but manual capture is required for each reading and users must remember to take readings throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous UV exposure monitoring and outdoor time tracking automatically. The processor continuously evaluates sensor data at multiple times to determine continuity of outdoor exposure, eliminating the need for discrete manual readings and providing uninterrupted monitoring throughout the day
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically takes measurements and calculates exposure time without user intervention. The system self-manages the monitoring process by continuously reading sensor data, determining outdoor status based on multiple criteria, and accumulating exposure time information
3Loss of information
If UV reminder apps rely on meteorological station UV index data, then UV exposure information is provided, but there is a lag in reporting and the station conditions may differ from the user's location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple sensor intermediaries (UV sensors, ambient light sensors, GPS, barometer) to locally detect environmental conditions at the user's exact location. These sensors act as intermediaries between the user and the UV exposure information, providing real-time, location-specific data rather than relying on remote meteorological station reports
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple types of sensors that serve multiple functions: UV sensors detect UV radiation, ambient light sensors detect visible light levels, GPS determines location, and barometers detect atmospheric pressure changes. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive environmental monitoring and improves the accuracy of outdoor exposure determination
4Reliability
If multiple sensors and criteria are used to determine outdoor status, then continuity of outdoor exposure is accurately tracked, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the outdoor detection function into separate sensor modules (UV sensors, ambient light sensors, GPS receiver, barometer), each responsible for detecting specific environmental parameters. The processor then integrates data from these segmented sensors using multiple criteria evaluations to determine overall outdoor status, improving reliability through distributed sensing
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
Provides accurate and continuous tracking of outdoor and UV exposure time, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and reducing reliance on lagged data, allowing for timely health recommendations and reminders.
Implementation Method 1
A device equipped with primary and secondary sensors, including UV sensors and ambient light sensors
Implementation Method 2
A device equipped with primary and secondary sensors, including UV sensors and ambient light sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Determining time spent outdoors. A method includes, at a first time, using one or more primary criteria including one or more criteria related to information provided by a first hardware input sensor on a device, to determine that the device is outdoors. The method further includes at one or more other times, using one or more secondary criteria, different than the primary criteria, the secondary criteria related to information provided by one or more second hardware input sensors, to determine continuity of the device being outdoors from the first time to the one or more other times. The method further includes based on determining that the device is outdoors and determining continuity of the device being outdoors from the first time to the one or more other times, identifying a total amount of time that the device has been outdoors.