Wearable Context Detection via Multi-Device Motion Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable computing devices, such as smartwatches, face limitations in performance and functionality due to their small size and limited power sources, which restricts their ability to provide rich, customizable displays with high energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A wearable computing device configured with a processor and a first accelerometer that determines motion indicators, collaborating with a mobile telephone's processor via a second accelerometer to execute context-specific actions based on user activity contexts, allowing for efficient and customizable displays without excessive power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wearable computing devices incorporate more functionality and larger power sources, then performance and display capability are improved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides functionality between two devices: the wearable computing device handles motion sensing and context detection, while the mobile telephone handles computation-intensive tasks and displays. This segmentation allows the wearable to remain lightweight while the system as a whole provides rich functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile telephone serves multiple functions: it acts as a computation platform, display device, and communication hub for the wearable computing device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for the wearable to carry all capabilities independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If wearable computing devices incorporate larger power sources, then energy availability is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile telephone acts as an intermediary energy reservoir, providing additional power for context detection and processing tasks. The wearable maintains a small battery while leveraging the phone's power supply capability through wireless communication and coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs computation partially on the wearable and partially on the mobile telephone. By offloading excessive computation to the phone, the wearable can use a smaller battery while still achieving the desired functionality through distributed processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Speed

If wearable computing devices perform complex computation locally, then processing speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments computation tasks between the wearable and mobile telephone based on their respective capabilities. The wearable performs simple motion detection and data preprocessing, while the phone handles complex analysis and context determination, optimizing the balance between speed and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Volume of moving object

If wearable computing devices are made smaller, then wearability is improved, but functionality is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidfunctionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile telephone provides universal functionality for the system, serving as computation platform, display, and communication device. This allows the wearable to be minimized in size while the phone compensates for reduced functionality through its own capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution enables wearable devices to provide context-specific information and actions while minimizing power usage, extending battery life and enhancing user experience through efficient computation and data exchange with mobile phones.

Implementation Method 1

a first accelerometer that determines a first motion indicator indicative of a motion of the wearable computing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

a second motion indicator indicative of a motion of a mobile telephone communicatively coupled to the wearable computing device, the second motion indicator determined by a second accelerometer of the mobile telephone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS9641991B2Systems and methods for determining a user context by correlating acceleration data from multiple devices

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 FITBIT INC

AI summary

Described systems and methods enable the detection of a user activity context indicative of a user's current activity, by correlating the motion of a wrist-worn device (e.g., watch) with the motion of a mobile telephone. Some embodiments further correlate motion data with a location indicator provided by the mobile telephone, and with a current time of the day. The watch and/or mobile telephone may switch to a context-specific operation mode in response to determining the user activity context.