Wearable Motion Sensing Synchronization Without API Dependence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing data from wearable motion sensing devices with reference measurement systems, such as motion-capture systems or ground reaction force plates, often require application programming interfaces (APIs) that may not be feasible or result in unsynchronized data with persistent lags, making it difficult to accurately compare and analyze motion sensing data across different systems.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that synchronizes data from wearable and reference motion sensing systems by deriving comparable signals from raw data using acceleration and angular velocity measurements, aligning them through time lags, and normalizing or adjusting for gravity, without relying on compatible software or firmware, ensuring synchronization across various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If API-based synchronization methods are used, then data alignment between wearable and reference systems is achieved, but device complexity and software compatibility requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software/API-based synchronization mechanisms with a physical mechanical synchronization mechanism. A synchronization button on the force plate mechanically triggers both the reference system recording and the wearable device recording simultaneously, eliminating the need for complex API integrations and software compatibility arrangements while achieving precise data alignment.
2Measurement precision
If proprietary synchronization firmware is used, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but adaptability to different device combinations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal synchronization mechanism that works with any wearable motion sensing device and any reference measurement system without requiring proprietary firmware. The mechanical button trigger on the force plate universally initiates simultaneous recording across all device types, making the synchronization method highly adaptable and versatile.
3Device complexity
If manual timestamp alignment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but time loss and synchronization precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs synchronization alignment in advance by using the mechanical button trigger to simultaneously start both wearable and reference system recordings before data collection begins. This preliminary synchronization action eliminates the need for time-consuming post-processing alignment and prevents time loss during data analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides methods comprising: (i) providing data from a wearable motion sensing system worn by a subject and data from a reference motion sensing system recording the movement of the subject; and (ii) synchronizing the data from the wearable motion sensing system and the reference motion sensing system by: determining a first signal derived from the acceleration and optionally the angular velocity of a sensor of the wearable motion sensing system, as a function of time; determining a corresponding second signal derived from the position of one or more markers as measured by the reference motion sensing system and/or the ground reaction force applied to feet of the subject, as a function of time; and identifying a time lag that aligns the first signal and the second signal. Related methods, systems and products are also described.