Wearable Removal Detection for Custodial User Notifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers are often misplaced or intentionally removed, leading to frustration and reduced utility due to inadequate non-use notifications, especially when the device is not in contact with the user's body.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using sensors, location modules, and radio components to determine if a wearable device is not in use, providing non-use indications to associated user equipment, enhancing accuracy and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If wearable devices provide basic functionality without non-use detection, then device simplicity is maintained, but user awareness of device status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device automatically detects its own non-use state through sensor data analysis and autonomously generates notifications to the user's smartphone or other connected devices, eliminating the need for manual checking or complex user intervention while maintaining device simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where sensor data from the wearable device is continuously analyzed to determine usage status, and this information is fed back to the user through notifications on connected devices, providing real-time awareness without adding physical complexity to the wearable itself
2Measurement precision
If sensors and location modules are added to detect non-use, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional sensors in wearable devices (accelerometers, gyroscopes, heart rate monitors) that serve both their primary fitness tracking functions and the secondary function of detecting non-use states, eliminating the need for dedicated additional sensors and minimizing device complexity increases
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines data from multiple existing sensors and location modules into a unified non-use detection algorithm, merging their functions to achieve high detection accuracy without adding separate dedicated components for each detection function
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to monitoring utilization of a custodial user equipment (UE). A custodial UE is any UE associated with a user that is under the care or custody of another person. Whether an elderly person's life alert device or a child's smart watch, a parent or guardian associated with the custodial UE may be provided with a notification or other indication when it is determined that the custodial UE is no longer coupled to (or worn by) the user. One or more sensors, location modules, and radio sensors may be used to determine that the custodial UE is not in use, with or without comparison to a predetermined usage pattern.