Wearable Rotational Detection Using MEMS Accelerometers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotational detection methods, such as MEMS gyroscopes, consume high power and are unsuitable for user-wearable applications like virtual or augmented reality and fitness trackers due to excessive power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The use of two or more MEMS accelerometers, or a combination of MEMS accelerometers and magnetometers, within wearable devices like hearing aids to detect rotational movement of the head, processing data to determine rotation without the need for gyroscopes, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MEMS gyroscopes are used for rotational detection, then rotational movement can be detected accurately, but power consumption becomes excessively high for wearable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rotational detection function across multiple low-power sensors (accelerometers and magnetometers) rather than using a single high-power gyroscope. By distributing the measurement task across multiple sensors positioned at different locations, the system achieves rotational detection capability while each sensor operates at low power consumption levels suitable for wearable devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gyroscope system with a computational approach using accelerometer and magnetometer data. Instead of relying on mechanical rotation sensing, the system uses software algorithms to compute rotational movement from linear acceleration and magnetic field data, thereby eliminating the need for high-power MEMS gyroscopes
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple sensors are used to reduce power consumption, then device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor system multi-functional by using accelerometers and magnetometers not only for rotational detection but also for other wearable device functions such as motion tracking, gesture recognition, and spatial orientation. This universal usage of sensors justifies the added complexity by providing multiple benefits from the same hardware components
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 accurate rotational movement detection with reduced power usage, suitable for user-wearable devices by leveraging the low power consumption of MEMS accelerometers and magnetometers to extend battery life in applications like virtual or augmented reality.
Implementation Method 1
MEMS accelerometers determine movement data in response to head motion
Implementation Method 2
magnetometers determine movement data in response to head motion
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable user device includes a first hearing aid configured to be disposed within a first ear of a user comprising a first MEMS accelerometer, a first magnetometer, and a first power source, wherein the first MEMS accelerometer is configured to determine a first plurality of movement data in response to a first head motion of the user, wherein the first magnetometer configured to determine a second plurality of movement data in response to the first head motion of the user; and wherein the first power source is configured to provide operating power to the first hearing aid, the first MEMS accelerometer, and to the first magnetometer, and a processor coupled to the first hearing aid, wherein the processor is configured to determine a first plurality of rotation data associated with the user in response to the first plurality of movement data and the second plurality of movement data.