Step Count Calculation Program Using Acceleration Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pedometers using acceleration sensors struggle to accurately measure step counts when attached to clothing or carried in a bag, and fail when held in the hand due to differing acceleration patterns from body movements, leading to erroneous step detection and reduced usability.
Innovation Solution
A computer-readable storage medium with a step count calculation program that uses acceleration data from sensors to differentiate between gravity and horizontal direction accelerations, employing specific coefficients and attenuation methods to accurately calculate steps regardless of attachment position, and automatically switches calculation methods based on acceleration characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the body motion detection apparatus detects acceleration generated by back and forth vibration caused by arm swinging, then the apparatus can be held in the hand, but the step count measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acceleration detection into two independent components: gravity direction acceleration (vertical component) and horizontal direction acceleration (lateral component). By separating these detection dimensions, the system can distinguish between arm-swinging patterns (primarily horizontal) and walking patterns (primarily vertical), thereby maintaining measurement accuracy regardless of how the apparatus is carried.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension (gravity direction) to the acceleration detection, in addition to the horizontal dimension. This dimensional expansion allows the system to detect vertical body motion (up and down vibration during walking) that was previously undetectable when the apparatus was held horizontally in the hand, thus resolving the accuracy issue while maintaining ease of operation.
2Measurement precision
If the body motion detection apparatus is attached to clothing or put in a bag, then the step count can be detected by body up and down vibration, but the apparatus requires specific attachment positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the apparatus universal by enabling it to accurately detect steps in multiple carrying positions. By implementing both gravity direction and horizontal direction acceleration detection, the system can adapt to different carrying methods (held in hand, attached to clothing, placed in bag) without requiring specific positioning, thus achieving both accuracy and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching between different step count calculation methods based on the detected acceleration patterns. The system automatically selects between the first step count (based on gravity direction acceleration) and the second step count (based on horizontal direction acceleration) according to the current carrying position and movement pattern, thereby maintaining accuracy across diverse usage scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If the apparatus detects acceleration from arm swinging, then the apparatus can be held freely in the hand, but the detected step count becomes erroneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the step count selection mechanism that continuously monitors acceleration patterns and automatically adjusts the calculation method. When horizontal direction acceleration dominates (indicating arm swinging), the system switches to using the second step count calculation, thereby maintaining reliability while allowing free handheld operation.
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
Enables accurate step count determination in various carrying positions without restricting how the device is held, improving usability and accuracy by distinguishing between different movement patterns and attenuating sudden changes for natural movement representation.
Implementation Method 1
acceleration sensor for detecting accelerations acting on a housing
Data Source
AI summary
By repeatedly obtaining acceleration data, a gravity direction acceleration acting in a gravity direction of a housing and a horizontal direction acceleration acting in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the gravity direction are calculated. By using a first coefficient, a first step count in accordance with a change in the gravity direction acceleration is calculated and by using a second coefficient which is different from the first coefficient, a second step count in accordance with a change in the horizontal direction acceleration is calculated. Based on a predetermined condition, one of the first step count and the second step count is selected as a user's step count.