Portable Device Sensor Data Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices, such as wrist or bike computers, face limitations in data accuracy due to the scalar characteristics of motion sensors, which provide limited information, especially when the signal from these sensors is lost, resulting in a fatal loss of important user data during training or monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A portable electronic device that receives vector data from a satellite positioning sensor and scalar data from motion sensors, allowing it to form and display scalar parameters, such as speed or distance, even if the motion sensor data is lost, by switching to using satellite-derived data, thereby overcoming the limitations of motion sensor data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If motion sensors are used to provide scalar data on user movement, then the device can display speed and distance parameters, but the data accuracy and reliability deteriorate when the motion sensor signal is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata availability reliabilityVSAvoidloss of scalar movement data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces satellite positioning data as an intermediary source that can substitute for motion sensor data. When the motion sensor fails or loses signal, the system uses satellite-derived scalar parameters (speed, distance) as a mediator to maintain continuous and accurate display of movement information, thus resolving the reliability issue without complete data loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the data source parameter from motion sensor-based scalar measurements to satellite positioning-based scalar measurements. By switching between different parameter sources (motion sensor data vs. satellite data), the system maintains data availability and accuracy even when one source fails, addressing the reliability contradiction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If only motion sensor data is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates when motion sensor signals are unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed and distance measurement accuracyVSAvoiddata source integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the system to operate in multiple modes: using motion sensor data when available for high-precision local movement measurement, and switching to satellite positioning data when motion sensor signals are lost. This universal approach ensures continuous measurement precision across different operational conditions without requiring a completely redesigned system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different data sources based on availability and reliability. The controller actively monitors motion sensor status and transitions between motion sensor-based measurement mode and satellite-based measurement mode, maintaining measurement precision while adapting to changing conditions without permanent structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device relies solely on scalar data from motion sensors, then the processing complexity is low, but the adaptability deteriorates when motion sensor data becomes unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to sensor failure conditionsVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the availability and quality of motion sensor data. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines whether to use motion sensor data or switch to satellite positioning data, enabling high adaptability to sensor failure conditions while managing processing complexity through intelligent decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2116862B1Data transfer
Publication Date: 2014.10.08 POLAR ELECTRO
  • EP2116862B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2116862B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2116862B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A portable electronic device (100) comprises a controller (506) and a display (520). The controller (506) receives vector data on a position of a user (10) of the portable device (100) from a satellite positioning sensor (400) associated with the user (10), and scalar data on movement of the user (10) from at least one motion sensor (102, 200, 202, 204, 518) associated with the user (10). The controller (506) stores data based on the vector data and feeds a scalar parameter proportional to the scalar data to the display (520). The display displays the scalar parameter.