Wearable Tap Pattern Recognition for External Function Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices lack the capability to effectively identify and respond to user-specific tapping patterns for functional activation or communication with external devices.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a ring-shaped housing, sensors, and processor circuitry that identifies tapping patterns and transmits corresponding signals to external devices, utilizing communication circuitry and memory to execute instructions for pattern recognition and signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wearable device includes basic sensors and processing capabilities, then it can collect user data, but it cannot identify specific tapping patterns for functional activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tapping detection process into distinct components: raw acceleration data collection from sensors, preprocessing to filter noise, pattern matching algorithms to identify specific tapping sequences, and function activation based on recognized patterns. This segmentation allows the device to add sophisticated pattern recognition capabilities while maintaining a modular architecture that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device is designed with universal sensing capabilities that can detect multiple types of interactions (tapping, shaking, pressing) using the same sensor hardware. The processing system is configured to recognize various tapping patterns (single tap, double tap, triple tap, rhythmic patterns) and activate different functions, making the device adaptable to diverse user needs without requiring separate specialized components for each function.
2Speed
If the device processes tapping data in real-time to identify patterns, then it can respond immediately to user input, but it requires sophisticated processing algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring pattern recognition templates and thresholds in the processing system before actual tapping detection begins. The device pre-processes raw sensor data by applying filters and normalization algorithms, and pre-identifies potential tapping events based on acceleration thresholds. This preliminary processing reduces the computational burden during real-time pattern matching, enabling fast response without requiring complex algorithms to run from scratch for each tap.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system operates using periodic sampling of sensor data at fixed intervals, with each sampling cycle performing consistent preprocessing and pattern matching operations. This periodic approach allows the device to maintain a steady response rhythm, comparing incoming data against pre-defined temporal patterns for different tap types. The regular processing intervals ensure predictable response times while using simple, repeatable algorithmic operations rather than complex variable processing.
3Measurement precision
If the wearable device monitors tapping patterns continuously, then it can accurately detect user intent, but it consumes more energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sensor operation where the processing system adjusts its monitoring intensity based on detected activity levels. During periods of no motion or low activity, the device reduces sampling frequency or enters low-power states while maintaining basic monitoring. When motion exceeding threshold levels is detected, the system activates full-pattern recognition processing. This dynamic approach maintains high detection accuracy for actual tapping events while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system uses skip-based sampling where it periodically checks for significant motion events and only performs full pattern recognition analysis when such events are detected. Between significant events, the device skips detailed analysis and performs only lightweight motion threshold checking. This allows the system to maintain measurement precision for actual tapping patterns while rushing through idle periods with minimal processing, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a wearable device is provided. The method includes identifying, using one or more sensors of the wearable device, data related to tapping of the wearable device during a designated time interval, identifying, based on the data, a first tapping pattern of the wearable device, and based on identifying a function corresponding to the first tapping pattern, transmitting a first signal related to the function to an external electronic device connected with the wearable device.