Wearable Device Worn Detection Using USB Terminals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable devices require dedicated components for determining whether they are being worn, which hinders cost reduction, miniaturization, and increases mounting area, making them less efficient for secure functions like electronic payments.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device utilizing USB terminals for both charging and data transfer, incorporating a processor and determination circuit to determine if the device is worn by analyzing voltage waveforms, eliminating the need for a dedicated worn/removed determination component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated component is used for worn/removed determination, then determination reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and mounting area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling USB terminals to serve dual purposes: both charging and worn/removed determination. The determination circuit reuses the USB terminal's electrical connection capability to detect body contact, eliminating the need for a dedicated determination component and reducing device complexity while maintaining determination reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the charging function and determination function into a single determination circuit that shares the USB terminal. By combining these functions, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity and mounting area while preserving the reliability of worn/removed determination
2Reliability
If a dedicated component is used for worn/removed determination, then determination reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by implementing multi-functionality where the USB terminal serves both charging and determination purposes. This eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble a separate dedicated determination component, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining determination reliability through the determination circuit's analysis of voltage waveforms
3Device complexity
If USB terminals are used for both charging and data transfer, then device complexity is reduced, but interference between functions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the USB terminal's function switchable based on operational context. The determination circuit dynamically detects whether the USB terminal is being used for charging or data transfer and adjusts its operation accordingly, preventing interference between functions while maintaining reduced device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The determination circuit uses feedback from voltage waveform analysis to distinguish between different USB terminal usage states. By continuously monitoring the electrical characteristics and comparing them against predetermined patterns, the system identifies whether charging or data transfer is occurring, preventing functional interference while maintaining simplicity
4Ease of manufacture
If USB terminals are used for worn/removed determination, then component costs are reduced, but determination precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains determination precision by carefully analyzing changes in electrical parameters (voltage waveforms) from the USB terminal. The determination circuit monitors subtle parameter variations caused by body contact versus other conditions, enabling precise worn/removed determination while using the existing USB terminal infrastructure to reduce component costs
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 reliable worn/removed determination using existing USB terminals, enhancing security and reducing component costs while maintaining functionality, without obstructing USB data transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a determination circuit that determines whether or not the wearable device is worn on the basis of changes in a waveform of a voltage signal output from the multi-use circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device includes a multi-use circuit that includes a terminal provided so as be able to be close to a subject and that is capable of being used for both (i) a determination function that determines whether the wearable device is being worn on the subject and (ii) a predetermined function other than the determination function, and a processor configured to execute the determination function.