Step Counting via G-Sensor Cross-Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pedometers inaccurately count steps due to varying movement speeds and positions on the body, leading to incorrect step-number detection, especially during irregular movements and different walking surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a g-sensor to detect G values and G values at the Y axis, with a processor cross-comparing these values to compute the step-number by averaging maximum and minimum speed variations, selecting the correct step-number based on thresholds, and adjusting for different body positions to ensure accurate counting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pedometer counts steps based on vibration detection, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but the step-number detection becomes inaccurate when movement speed varies or during irregular movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vibration signal into multiple frequency components using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Instead of treating the vibration signal as a whole, it divides the signal into different frequency bands (first frequency component, second frequency component, etc.), processes each segment separately, and then combines the results. This segmentation allows the system to identify step patterns even when overall movement speed varies or during irregular movements, improving accuracy without requiring a completely new sensing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the time-domain vibration signal into the frequency domain using FFT. By converting the signal from temporal representation to spectral representation, the system can detect step numbers based on frequency characteristics rather than just amplitude or time-based counting. This dimensional transformation enables the system to recognize step patterns regardless of movement speed variations, as the frequency signature of a step remains consistent even when the temporal duration changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pedometer is carried at different body positions, then the device adapts to user preferences, but the detected step-number becomes inconsistent due to different vibration strengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the frequency threshold and weighting parameters based on the detected vibration characteristics. When the pedometer is placed at different body positions (wrist, waist, ankle), the vibration signal properties change. The system monitors the signal and automatically modifies the counting parameters to compensate for these position-dependent variations, ensuring consistent step-number detection across different carrying locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the vibration signal characteristics and adjusts the step-counting algorithm in real-time. By analyzing the frequency spectrum and comparing it against reference patterns, the system can detect when the pedometer is at a suboptimal position and automatically recalibrate the counting parameters, maintaining measurement consistency regardless of where the device is carried on the body.
3Productivity
If the pedometer detects vibration during irregular movement, then the device responds to all movements, but the step-number counting becomes incorrect due to paused or rested periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic frequency analysis to distinguish between regular step movements and irregular pauses. By continuously monitoring the frequency spectrum and looking for periodic patterns characteristic of walking steps, the system can identify when the user is actually moving versus when they have paused or rested. The periodic nature of normal walking creates a recognizable rhythm in the frequency domain that allows the system to filter out spurious detections during irregular periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a baseline vibration pattern before counting steps begins. By analyzing the initial vibration characteristics and comparing subsequent measurements against this baseline, the system can detect deviations that indicate pauses or irregular movements. This preliminary characterization allows the system to maintain accurate counting during regular movement while identifying when to pause or adjust the counting process during irregular periods.
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 enables precise step-number counting, unaffected by internal or external factors, providing accurate step-number references regardless of the pedometer's position on the body and varying movement speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a g-sensor of the electronic device is used to detect G values and G values at Y axis
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of counting step-number. When detecting step-number executed by an electronic device, a g-sensor of the electronic device detects whether the moving speed is normal (one step per second), i.e. the detection result is the G value, or the movement speed has abnormal variation (such as one step per two seconds or five seconds), i.e. the detection result is the G value at Y axis, and the electronic device computes the step-number according to sums of maximum values and minimum values of speed variations every second within a counting period, and average of the sums. The processing unit determines the variation of the step-numbers of the G values and the G values at Y axis, and selects one of the two step-numbers for use as a correct step-number detection result, so as to achieve the objective of precisely computing step-number upon the speed variation.