Wearable Activity Detection via Wireless Signal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current activity trackers have limited ability to distinguish between different types of activities without manual input, leading to inaccurate interpretation of activity and well-being.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device equipped with a wireless receiver circuit and sensors that automatically identify activity types using external signals and physiological/behavioral parameters, employing algorithms specific to the detected activity for enhanced data acquisition and feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual input is used to identify activity types, then the device can respond to predetermined questions, but the user intervention increases and accuracy is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivity identification accuracyVSAvoiduser intervention
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device automatically identifies activity types by receiving external signals (RFID, NFC, Bluetooth) from activity-specific devices without requiring manual user input. The processing circuit autonomously determines activity type based on received signal information, eliminating the need for users to manually respond to questions about their activity type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input (user pressing buttons or typing) with wireless electromagnetic signal transmission. External devices transmit activity type information via RFID, NFC, or Bluetooth signals, which the wearable device's wireless receiver circuit automatically captures and processes to identify the activity type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to measure physiological parameters, then the measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysiological parameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing circuit dynamically selects which sensors to activate and which algorithms to execute based on the identified activity type. For example, if running is detected, the system activates sensors and algorithms specific to running analysis, while deactivating those not needed for this activity, thereby maintaining high measurement accuracy without permanently increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different sensors and algorithms are optimized for specific activity types. The system applies activity-specific measurement protocols and data processing methods tailored to each activity category (e.g., running, cycling, swimming), ensuring high measurement precision for each specific physiological parameter relevant to that activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Extent of automation

If automated activity detection is implemented, then user intervention is reduced, but the device requires additional components increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivity detection automationVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device incorporates a multi-functional wireless receiver circuit capable of receiving signals from multiple external devices using different communication protocols (RFID, NFC, Bluetooth). This universal receiver handles various activity identification scenarios without requiring separate dedicated components for each communication method, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high automation capability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3383510B1Activity identification and tracking
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3383510B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3383510B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3383510B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

In an embodiment, a wearable device (12) is disclosed that automates the detection and determination of a type of activity, and both measures physiological and behavioral parameters and computes information corresponding to measured physiological parameters based on the determined type of activity. An embodiment of the wearable device provides these features by wirelessly receiving a signal with information coded therein that enables the wearable device to automatically detect and identify the type of activity in which a person (82) is engaged. The determination of the type of activity enables a more accurate computation of information that is specific to the activity in which the person is engaged, the computation of information based on the measured physiological and behavioral parameter.