Wearable Motion Sensing for Power Estimation and Running Form Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting fatigue and measuring motion during bipedal activities are prone to high power consumption, leading to short battery life and inaccurate position estimation, and fail to account for changes in athletic form or technique due to muscle properties.
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, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the sampling frequency of motion sensors based on detected activity state. During high-intensity activities, higher sampling rates are used to capture detailed motion patterns, while during low-intensity or stationary periods, the sampling rate is reduced to conserve battery power, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter (sampling frequency) of motion detection based on activity intensity. By varying this parameter dynamically, the system achieves high measurement precision when needed while minimizing power consumption during less demanding periods
2Measurement precision
If GPS is used to measure position and distance, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the positioning function into two parts: GPS provides absolute position references periodically, while inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) continuously estimate position between GPS updates. This segmentation allows the high-power GPS to be used less frequently, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining position accuracy through sensor fusion
Solution Approach 2:
Inertial sensors act as intermediaries between GPS measurements and continuous position tracking. They bridge the gaps between GPS updates by providing continuous motion data that is integrated to estimate position, velocity, and acceleration, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing reliance on power-intensive GPS
3Measurement precision
If orientation sensors are used to track limb orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges orientation sensing into the existing inertial measurement unit (IMU) by integrating gyroscopes and accelerometers that simultaneously provide both motion tracking and orientation data. This combination eliminates the need for separate orientation sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision for limb orientation
4Measurement precision
If continuous high-rate data collection is used to monitor athletic form, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of sensor data at the edge device (wearable), calculating key metrics such as stride rate, cadence, and form indicators in real-time during the activity. This preliminary action reduces the amount of raw data that needs to be transmitted and processed later, minimizing data processing time while maintaining precise athletic form detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to the athlete during the activity, enabling immediate form corrections. This feedback mechanism processes only the most critical form metrics during the activity and transmits detailed data post-activity, reducing overall data processing time while maintaining high measurement precision for form analysis
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.