Wearable Device Software Update Scheduling via Wearing State Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices face challenges in updating their software without restricting user functionality, as updates often require the device to be in a specific state, such as being worn by the user.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device equipped with a processor, memory, sensors to detect whether it is being carried by a user, and a communication circuit, allowing software updates to be executed when the device is not in use, in cooperation with an external device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software update processing is executed, then software can be updated to improve functions and security, but device functionality is restricted during the update process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the wearing state before initiating the software update process. The processor determines whether the wearable device is being worn by the user through sensor data (such as acceleration sensor detecting body movement or heart rate sensor detecting pulse) before starting update operations. This allows the system to prepare for updates during appropriate times without restricting functionality during active use periods.
2Loss of information
If update notification is displayed on the wearable device, then user is informed about available updates, but user usability is impaired when device is being worn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a smartphone as an intermediary device to deliver update notifications. When the wearable device detects it is being worn by the user, it transmits update information to the paired smartphone via communication interface instead of displaying it on the wearable device's small screen. The smartphone's larger display and notification system serve as the intermediary that delivers update notifications without interfering with the user's active use of the wearable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the notification delivery from the wearable device's limited display dimension to the smartphone's larger display dimension. By utilizing the smartphone's screen and notification system, the system can provide comprehensive update information without constraining the wearable device's functionality or user experience during active wear.
3Productivity
If software update is performed during device use, then updates can be applied immediately, but user experience is degraded due to functionality restriction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic update scheduling based on real-time detection of the device's wearing state. The processor continuously monitors sensor data to determine whether the device is being worn, and dynamically adjusts the update process accordingly. When the device is detected as not being worn, the system initiates update processing; when worn, it suspends updates. This dynamic approach optimizes both update timing and user experience without requiring fixed schedules or manual user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device includes a processor, memory, a sensor that detects whether an own device is in a state of being carried with a user, and a communication circuit that communicates with an external device. The memory stores at least updatable software. The processor is configured to execute the updatable software, and in a case where the sensor detects that the own device is not in a state of being carried with the user, make processing related to update of the updatable software executable in cooperation with the external device through the communication circuit.