Wearable Mass Measurement via Motion Sensor Frequency Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring the mass of an object are often inefficient and inconvenient, requiring the use of scales that may not be readily available or suitable for all situations, especially when measuring objects of varying sizes or in unexpected contexts.
Innovation Solution
A wearable computing device, such as a smartwatch, uses motion sensors to analyze frequency components of inertial characteristics, like unconscious hand movements, to determine the mass of an object by correlating changes in these signals with the object's mass, allowing for intuitive and efficient mass measurement through a dedicated mass-measurement mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional scales are used to measure mass, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but convenience and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scale system with a wearable computing device that uses motion sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) to detect inertial characteristics. The system analyzes frequency components of motion signals to determine mass, eliminating the need for physical scales while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device performs mass measurement autonomously by detecting the user's natural movements and the object's inertial characteristics. The system automatically analyzes motion signals and determines mass without requiring manual intervention or external measurement tools, making the process convenient and accessible.
2Ease of operation
If motion sensors analyze frequency components to determine mass, then convenience is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the natural vibrations and inertial characteristics of the object being measured. The motion sensors detect frequency components related to the object's mass, and the system analyzes these vibrational patterns to determine mass accurately through correlation with known inertial characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors motion signals and compares frequency components against predetermined thresholds and patterns. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust its analysis and improve measurement precision by iteratively refining the mass determination based on the detected motion characteristics.
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 convenient and efficient mass measurement of objects held in the user's hand without the need for a scale, utilizing inertial characteristics to provide accurate mass readings through a user-friendly interface on the wearable device.
Implementation Method 1
analyzing certain frequency components of signals received from motion and/or positioning sensors contained within or otherwise communicatively coupled to a wearable computing device. Such frequency components may generally correspond to 'inertial characteristics' of the body
Data Source
AI summary
Herein are described methods and systems for the automatic measurement of the mass of an object. An example method may begin with detecting by a computing device (such as a wearable computing device) an action that corresponds to a mass-measurement mode. In response to detecting the action, the computing device is caused to operate in the mass-measurement mode. The mass-measurement mode may involve receiving a motion-sensor signal from at least one motion sensor, determining a difference between a frequency-component magnitude of at least one given frequency component and a predetermined frequency-component magnitude, determining a mass of an object based on at least the determined difference between the frequency-component magnitude of the at least one given frequency component from the predetermined frequency-component magnitude, and causing an output device to provide an indication of the determined mass of the object.