Wearable Device Wearing Status Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices face challenges in determining whether they are being worn by a user, which affects power management and functionality, as existing solutions lack reliable and efficient methods to differentiate between body-worn and non-body-worn states.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating temperature or humidity sensors that provide signals to a control unit to determine if the device is worn, with optional additional sensors for enhanced reliability, allowing for power management and triggering of actions based on the wearing status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no sensor is used to detect wearing status, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot accurately determine whether it is being worn by a user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical wearing detection mechanisms with sensor-based detection systems. Temperature sensors and humidity sensors are used to detect physiological parameters that indicate wearing status, substituting mechanical switches or physical indicators with field-based sensing that is less intrusive and more reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor signals as intermediaries between the physical wearing state and the control system. The temperature sensor and humidity sensor act as mediators that translate physical contact with the body into electrical signals that the control unit can process to determine wearing status.
2Ease of operation
If the device remains powered on continuously, then functionality is always available, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the device operates in different power states based on detected wearing status. When the sensor indicates the device is not being worn, the system transitions to a low-power or sleep mode. When wearing is detected, the device activates to full functionality, creating a dynamic adaptation to usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where sensor outputs continuously inform the control unit about wearing status, which then adjusts power consumption accordingly. The control unit monitors sensor signals and dynamically adjusts device operation based on this feedback, ensuring power is consumed only when the device is actually being worn and used.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to enhance detection reliability, then wearing status determination becomes more accurate, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters (temperature and humidity) that occur when the device transitions between worn and unworn states. By monitoring these parameter changes through sensors, the system can reliably detect wearing status without requiring complex mechanical detection systems or multiple redundant sensors of the same type.
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
This solution effectively saves power, enhances usability, and provides convenience by accurately determining the wearing status, enabling appropriate device actions such as powering down or activating components based on the device's state.
Implementation Method 1
In case the sensor is a temperature sensor, the sensor may be used for sensing the presence or absence of a temperature representative of a body temperature of the user
Implementation Method 2
In case the sensor is a humidity sensor, the sensor may be used for sensing a trans-epidermal water-loss of the skin of the user or of sweat
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable electronic device (100) comprises a sensor (1) providing a sensor signal (s1), which sensor (1) is one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. A control unit (3) determines, subject to at least the sensor signal (s1), if the wearable electronic device (100) is worn by a user, and provides an output signal (t1) indicative of a result of the determination.