Pedometer Step Length Adjustment via Elevation Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pedometers inaccurately calculate routes traveled due to a lack of adaptation to changes in elevation, as they do not account for variable step lengths influenced by uphill or downhill walking, leading to erroneous distance measurements, especially in environments with stairs where step length significantly changes.
Innovation Solution
A pedometer that dynamically adjusts the predefined step length based on measured average elevation changes, using a pressure sensor to account for slope variations, allowing for a more accurate calculation of route lengths by reducing step length as elevation change increases, and setting variable step length to zero for extreme changes, such as climbing or descending stairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed predefined step length is used for route calculation, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates when elevation changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic step length adjustment by making the step length variable based on measured elevation changes. The evaluation unit continuously adapts the step length parameter according to the current slope conditions detected by the pressure sensor, transforming a static parameter into a dynamic one that responds to environmental changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the pressure sensor continuously measures elevation changes, the evaluation unit processes this information to determine current slope conditions, and the step length is adjusted accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures the step length always reflects current walking conditions, improving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If general consideration of elevation influence is implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of route calculation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the step length adaptation specific to local elevation conditions rather than using a general fixed value. The system adjusts the step length locally according to the specific slope at each measurement point, allowing different step lengths for different segments of the route based on local terrain characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the step length parameter dynamically based on elevation measurements. When the pressure sensor detects elevation changes indicating uphill or downhill walking, the evaluation unit modifies the step length parameter accordingly, transforming it from a constant to a variable parameter that adapts to changing conditions.
3Measurement precision
If variable step length adaptation to elevation changes is implemented, then the measurement precision of route calculation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting elevation changes and adjusting the step length without user intervention. The evaluation unit autonomously processes pressure sensor data, determines slope conditions, and modifies the step length parameter, eliminating the need for manual calibration or user input about walking conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or manual step length adjustment with an electronic sensing and processing system. Instead of physical mechanisms for changing step length, the system uses pressure sensors, evaluation units, and software algorithms to automatically adapt the step length parameter, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic intelligence.
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 enhances route calculation accuracy, particularly in indoor environments like buildings, tunnels, and subway stations where GPS is unavailable, by adapting step length to elevation changes, thereby improving dead reckoning and location-based services.
Implementation Method 1
provision is made to use a pressure sensor to take into account the elevation profile over the route segment
Implementation Method 2
a number of steps, and by way of a predefined step length a route traveled, can be deduced by evaluating the signals of an acceleration sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A pedometer for determining the length of a route traveled on foot includes an acceleration sensor for ascertaining a number of steps as well as a pressure sensor for ascertaining a change in geographic elevation, and an evaluation unit being configured to adapt the step length to the measured average elevation change per step.