Wearable Sensor Platform with Adaptive Sampling for Bipedal Power Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting fatigue and monitoring athletic performance during bipedal motion are inadequate, as they fail to account for changes in muscle properties and technique, and consume excessive power, leading to short battery life in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A wearable sensor platform with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and orientation sensors acquires multi-axis motion and orientation data at varying sampling rates, estimating power expenditure and providing real-time feedback to adjust technique for improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-frequency measurement is used to detect motion and position data, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the sampling frequency of sensors based on detected motion intensity. During high-intensity athletic movements, the sampling rate increases to capture detailed motion data for technique analysis. During low-intensity periods, the sampling rate decreases to conserve battery power, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of sensors by varying sampling frequencies according to athletic performance phases. The system transitions between different measurement modes (high-frequency during intense activity, low-frequency during recovery) to optimize both measurement accuracy and energy efficiency throughout the athletic event
2Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used to determine positions, then position measurement capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses GPS positioning selectively rather than continuously. GPS is activated only when absolute position data is required for technique analysis, while inertial sensors provide continuous motion tracking. This partial use of GPS reduces power consumption while maintaining necessary position measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces inertial measurement units as intermediary devices that can operate independently of GPS. These sensors provide continuous motion and position data through inertial navigation, allowing the system to maintain accurate tracking during periods when GPS is inactive due to power constraints or signal unavailability
3Measurement precision
If inertial measurement units are fused with orientation sensors, then motion tracking capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic activation of orientation sensors rather than continuous operation. The sensors are activated at specific intervals or triggered by motion events, providing orientation data only when necessary for technique analysis. This periodic operation maintains motion tracking capability while significantly reducing the cumulative power consumption of the sensor fusion system
Data Source
AI summary
Training at the proper level of effort is important for athletes whose objective is to achieve the best results in the least time. In running, for example, pace is often monitored. However, pace alone does not reveal specific issues with regard to running form, efficiency, or technique, much less inform how training should be modified to improve performance or fitness. A sensing system and wearable sensor platform described herein provide real-time feedback to a user/wearer of his power expenditure during an activity. In one example, the system includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for acquiring multi-axis motion data at a first sampling rate, and an orientation sensor to acquire orientation data at a second sampling rate that is varied based on the multi-axis motion data.