Wearable Temperature Sensing Without a Dedicated Ambient Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for ambient temperature monitoring in wearable devices require dedicated sensors and cables, leading to increased costs and reduced accuracy due to proximity to heat sources like the human body.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a sensor inside the wearable device to determine ambient temperature by analyzing internal temperature changes and affecting factors, such as thermal conductivities and power generated by components, without the need for additional sensors or cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated temperature sensor is provided at the outside layer of the wearable device, then the ambient temperature can be monitored, but extra spaces are required for the sensor and cables, and product design must be changed, resulting in increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The existing internal temperature sensor is made to serve dual purposes: monitoring both internal device temperature and inferring ambient temperature through algorithmic processing. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated ambient temperature sensor and its associated cables, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internal components (existing temperature sensor, processor, and knowledge of internal heat generation) to determine ambient temperature without requiring external dedicated sensing infrastructure. The processor leverages the sensor's data along with stored thermal characteristics to calculate ambient temperature
2Measurement precision
If a dedicated temperature sensor is provided at the outside layer of the wearable device, then the ambient temperature can be monitored, but user experience costs increase due to extra spaces and design changes
Solution Approach 1:
The existing internal temperature sensor is made to serve dual purposes: monitoring both internal device temperature and inferring ambient temperature through algorithmic processing. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated ambient temperature sensor and its associated cables, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses software algorithms and existing hardware resources instead of adding expensive physical components. The processing power already present in the wearable device is utilized to perform calculations that would otherwise require additional hardware, reducing manufacturing costs
3Ease of operation
If the sensor is placed inside the wearable device close to heat sources such as the human body, then the sensor can detect internal temperature, but the sensed ambient temperature becomes less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the internal temperature sensor readings and uses feedback algorithms to distinguish between temperature changes caused by internal heat sources and those caused by ambient temperature changes. The processor analyzes temperature change rates and compares them against stored thermal characteristics to infer accurate ambient temperature despite the sensor's proximity to internal heat sources
Solution Approach 2:
The physical placement problem is replaced with a computational solution. Instead of mechanically positioning the sensor away from heat sources (which would require external placement), the system uses algorithmic processing to subtract the known internal heat generation effects from the sensor readings, leaving the accurate ambient temperature component
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
Accurately determines ambient temperature without extra space or redesign costs, improving user experience by adjusting device performance based on ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor adapted to be arranged in a mounted mode where the sensor is thermally radiated by the physical environment and a constant temperature object
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for temperature detection. The method comprises obtaining a sensed temperature from a sensor, the sensor being in a mounted mode where the sensor is thermally radiated by a variable heat source and a fixed heat source; determining a temperature change rate of the sensor and at least one affecting factor that affects temperature sensing of the sensor; and determining a temperature of the variable heat source based on the sensed temperature, the temperature change rate, and the affecting factor. According to the method of the present disclosure, the temperature of the variable heat source such as an ambient temperature can be obtained or determined without a dedicated sensor and cables. With this method, the ambient temperature can be determined by a sensor for sensing a temperature of a heating element such as a battery, a control unit or the like. In this way, extra spaces and product designs for mounting a dedicated sensor for the ambient temperature are no longer needed, which reduces costs of the product. Furthermore, user experience can be improved without increasing costs.