Sensor Priority Selection for Accurate Exercise Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices providing exercise information often inaccurately measure exercise data due to sensor malfunctions or incorrect detection of exercise pauses or resumes, especially when the designated sensor is deactivated or fails to operate effectively.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device that prioritizes sensors based on exercise type and automatically switches to a low-priority sensor if the primary sensor is unavailable or provides out-of-range data, ensuring continuous and accurate exercise information by setting specific conditions for exercise states based on sensor types and exercise types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single designated sensor is used for measuring exercise, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of exercise information deteriorates when the sensor malfunctions or is deactivated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor selection mechanismVSAvoidexercise information accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device is configured to perform multiple sensor functions through a sensor selection module that can designate different sensors based on exercise type. The system universally supports multiple sensors (first sensor, second sensor, third sensor) that can be interchangeably designated to measure exercise, ensuring the device maintains measurement capability even when one sensor fails or is deactivated

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by dynamically designating different sensors based on exercise type and sensor availability. The sensor selection module adjusts which sensor is active (first sensor for normal operation, second sensor as backup, third sensor for specific conditions) based on changing conditions such as exercise type and sensor status, thereby maintaining reliability without requiring a completely redundant system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the designated sensor is used without verification, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates when the sensor provides out-of-range data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic sensor switchingVSAvoidexercise data accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement module continuously monitors sensor data and provides feedback to the sensor selection module about data quality and range. When the first sensor provides out-of-range data or abnormal measurements, the system receives feedback and automatically switches to the second sensor, ensuring measurement precision is maintained without requiring manual intervention from the user

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary verification of sensor data before final measurement processing. The sensor selection module proactively checks whether the designated sensor is providing valid data within expected ranges, and if not, pre-empts the issue by switching to an alternative sensor before inaccurate measurements can affect the exercise information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple sensors are maintained for backup, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to sensor selection and switching mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous exercise measurementVSAvoidsensor management system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is segmented into distinct functional groups: a primary first sensor for normal operation, a second sensor for backup and alternative measurement, and a third sensor for specific exercise conditions. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple sensors through a structured hierarchy rather than a monolithic complex system, with the sensor selection module making deterministic decisions based on exercise type and sensor status

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3211552B1Exercise information providing method and electronic device supporting the same
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3211552B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3211552B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3211552B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device includes a display, a memory configured to store priorities of sensors included in at least one of the electronic device and an external electronic device connected to the electronic device through a communication circuit, the priorities being set based on a type of exercise, a processor electrically connected to the display and the memory, and a connection interface configured to electrically connect the processor with the sensors. The processor is configured to select at least one first sensor of the sensors, based on the stored priorities of the sensors when the type of the exercise is designated, to designate the first sensor as an exercise measuring sensor that measures the exercise, to obtain first sensing data, based on the exercise, through the exercise measuring sensor, to analyze the first sensing data, and to provide exercise information based on the analyzed result of the first sensing data.