SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1016
`Samsung Electronics America Inc. v. Uniloc Luxembourg, S.A.
`IPR2018-01664
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`US. Patent
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`Dec. 9, 2008
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`Sheet 1 of5
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`US 7,463,997 B2
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`/1
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`PROCESSING UNIT
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`I
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`SETTING
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`FIRST COMPARATOR
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`DISTANCE-CALCULATION
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`THRESHOLD—ADAPTATION
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`SECOND COMPARATOR
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`INTERFACE
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`ENVELOPE CALCULATION
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`MEAN-VALUE CALCULATION
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`LENGTH—ESTIMATION
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`AXIS-DETERMINATION
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`DISPLAY
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`FIG. 1
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`US. Patent
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`Dec. 9, 2008
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`Sheet 2 of5
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`US 7,463,997 B2
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`US. Patent
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`Dec. 9, 2008
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`Sheet 3 of5
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`US 7,463,997 B2
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`START
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`PARAMETER
`INITIALIZATION
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`10
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`DETERMINATION OF ACCELERATION DATUM
`CalAcc AND THRESHOLD ADAPTATION
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`11
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`DETECTION
`CalAcc > S‘
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`1 2
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`13
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`DETECTED?
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`NEGATIVE PHASE
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`DETECTIGN
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`CalAcc < S'
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`STEP
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`INCREMENT
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`STEP LENGTH
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`ADAPIAILQN
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`21
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`I
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`CalAcc AND THRESHOLD ADAPTATION
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`DISTANCE
`INCREMENT
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`22
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`23
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`SPEED COMPUTATION
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`US. Patent
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`Dec. 9, 2008
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`Sheet 4 of5
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`US 7,463,997 B2
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`DETERMINATION OF ACCELERATION DATUM
`CalAcc AND THRESHOLD ADAPTATION
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`11 18
`’
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`ACQUISITION OF
`ACCELERATION SAMPLE Acc
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`30
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`ELIMINATION OF D.C. COMPONENT »
`34
`AND DETERMINATION OF CalAcc
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`34
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`32
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`Env*=u1*Env*
`(a1 <1)
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`V,
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`;
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`_
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`35
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`No@YES
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`-36
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`EN = ngnV'
`(<12 < 1)
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`37
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`8*: [3" Env+
`(I3 <1)
`.
`38
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`39
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`40
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`NO
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`-M-.
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`YES
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`S'= [5* EnV'
`(I3 <1)
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`No @YES m
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`43
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`- F
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`ig.4
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 9, 2008
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`Sheet 5 of5
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`US 7,463,997 B2
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`CalAcc
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`I
`II-III II III ,9sz I"
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`0S“IIIIIIIIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`'"II
`32 “IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`. II '-
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`E
`I
`I
`I
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`.:
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`I,
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`I,
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`I
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`1.
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`START
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`INITIALIZATION
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`DETERMINATION OF ACCELERATION DATUM
`CalAcc AND THRESHOLD ADAPTATION
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`POSITIVE PHASE DETECTION
`CalAcc > S+
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`HAS A
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`POSITIVE PHASE BEEN
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`DETECTED?
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`YES
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`STEP INCREMENT
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`STEP LENGTH ADAPTATION
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`DISTANCE INCREMENT
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`11
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`12
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`13
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`2°
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`21
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`22
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`INCREMENT OF
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`‘
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`= '
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`SPEED COMPUTATION E
`F I g . 7
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`US 7,463,997 B2
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`1
`PEDOMETER DEVICE AND STEP
`DETECTION METHOD USING AN
`ALGORITHM FOR SELF-ADAPTIVE
`COMPUTATION OF ACCELERATION
`'I‘IIRESIIOLDS
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. I’ield ofthe Invention
`
`The present invention relates to a pedometer device and to
`a step detection method using an algorithm for self-adaptive
`computation of acceleration thresholds.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`Step-counting devices (referred to in general as pedom-
`eters) are known, which, being carried by a user, enable
`measurement ofthe number of steps made, and calculation of
`the distance traveled, as well as supplying of additional infor-
`mation, such as, for example, the average speed, or the con—
`sumption ofealories.
`Pedometers are advantageously used in inertial navigation
`systems (the so-called dead-reckoning systems) applied to
`human beings. Such systems trace the movements of a user,
`by identifying and measuring his/her displacements starting
`from a known starting point, without resorting to the use of a
`Global Positioning System (GPS). or by acting as aid to a
`GPS. In said systems, a compass supplies the infonnation
`linked to the direction of displacement, and the pedometer
`supplies the infomiation linked to the amount of said dis-
`placement. Pedometers are also used in a wide range ofappli-
`cations in the clinical sector (for example, in rehabilitation),
`and in general in the field of fitness (for example, as instru-
`ments for monitoring a physical activity).
`In particular, pedometers are known that use integrated
`accelerometers of a MEMS (micro—electromechanical sys—
`tem) type for step detection. In particular, such pedometers
`have particularly compact dimensions, and can be advanta-
`geously integrated within portable devices, such as mobile
`phones, Mp3 readers, camcorders, etc.
`The aforesaid pedometers implement a step detection
`method based upon the analysis of the pattern of a vertical
`acceleration, which is generated during the various phases of
`the step by the contact ofthe foot to the ground, and which is
`detected by an accelerometer fixed to the body of the user. In
`this connection, it is emphasized that “vertical acceleration”
`means herein an acceleration directed along the vertical ofthe
`user’s body. In particular, the occurrence of a step is deter-
`mined by identifying acceleration peaks that appear in the
`acceleration signal, and said peaks are detected by comparing
`the acceleration signal with a given reference threshold, hav-
`ing a pre-set value.
`However, even though the acceleration signal has a profile
`that is repeatable at each step, its pattern (and, in particular, its
`amplitude and temporal extension) has a wide variability
`according to a number of factors that affect the gait. such as
`the resting surface, the type of shoe worn (rigid sole or flex-
`ible sole, etc.), and the speed of the gait (slow walking, fast
`walking, running, etc.), Furthermore, each individual user has
`given characteristics and peculiarities that affect the gait,
`differentiating it from that of other users.
`It follows that a step detection based upon the comparison
`ofthe value ofthe acceleration signal with a reference thresh-
`old having a pre-set value for the detection of acceleration
`peaks, involves the occurrence of errors that may even be
`considerable in counting ofthe steps, and in the mea surement
`of the distance traveled. In particular, if the threshold is too
`low, spurious signals, rebounds, or noise in general, may be
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`counted as steps; on the other hand, if the threshold is too
`high, some steps may not be detected.
`
`
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`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`One embodiment of the present invention provides a
`pedometer device and a method for detecting and counting
`steps which will enable the aforesaid disadvantages and prob-
`lems to be overcome.
`
`One embodiment ofthe invention is a pedometer device for
`detecting and counting the steps ofa user. The device includes
`an accelerometer sensor configured to detect an acceleration
`generated during a step; and a processing unit connected to
`the accelerometer sensor, and configured to process an accel-
`eration signal relating to the acceleration to detect the occur-
`rence of a step. The processing unit includes a first compara—
`tor configured to compare the acceleration signal with a first
`reference threshold, and a threshold-adaptation circuit con-
`figured to modify the first reference threshold as a function of
`the acceleration signal.
`One embodiment of the invention is a step detection
`method for detecting steps in the gait of a user. The method
`includes producing an acceleration signal relating to an accel-
`eration generated during a step; and processing the accelera-
`tion signal to detect the occurrence ofthe step. The processing
`step includes comparing the acceleration signal with a first
`reference threshold. and modifying the first reference thresh—
`old as a function of the acceleration signal.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`
`
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`For a better understanding of the present invention, pre—
`ferred embodiments thereof are now described, purely by
`way of non-limiting example and with reference to the
`attached drawings, wherein:
`FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a pedometer device;
`FIG. 2 shows a graph corresponding to the pattern of an
`acceleration signal during a step;
`FIG. 3 shows a flowchart corresponding to operations of
`detection and counting ofsteps, executed by a processing unit
`of the pedometer device of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 4 shows a flowchart corresponding to operations of
`self-adaptive modification of acceleration thresholds,
`executed by the processing unit of the pedometer device of
`FIG. 1;
`FIGS. 5-6 are graphs corresponding to the pattern of an
`acceleration signal during a step and of reference thresholds
`associated to the algorithm of FIG. 3;
`FIG. 7 shows a possible variant ofthe flowchart of FIG. 3;
`and
`
`FIG. 8 is a partially exploded schematic view of a portable
`device,
`in particular a mobile phone,
`incorporating the
`pedometer device of FIG. 1.
`
`
`
`DETAII 4D D ESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`
`
`FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a pedometer device 1,
`comprising an accelerometer 2, of a linear type and having a
`vertical detection axis z, and a processing unit 3, connected to
`the accelerometer 2. Advantageously, the accelerometer 2
`and the processing unit 3 are mounted on the same printed
`circuit, housed inside a casing ofthe pedometer device 1 (not
`illustrated). The pedometer device 1 is carried by a user, for
`example on his belt or on his shoulder, so as to be fixed to the
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`US 7,463,997 B2
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`3
`body of the user and be able to sense vertical accelerations
`that occur during the step, caused by the impact of the feet on
`the ground,
`The pedometer device 1 further comprises a display screen
`4, connected at an output of the processing unit 3, and an
`interface 5, c01mected at an input ofthe processing unit 3. The
`display screen 4 displays information at output from the
`pedometer device 1, such as the number of steps, the distance
`traveled, etc. The interface 5, for example, including push—
`buttons, an alphanumeric keypad, communication ports, etc.,
`allows the user to communicate with the processing unit 3 (for
`example, by entering data).
`The accelerometer 2 is advantageously an integrated sen-
`sor of semiconductor material, made using the MEMS tech—
`nology, of a known type and thus not described in detail
`herein. In use, the accelerometer 2 detects the component
`along the detection axis z of the vertical acceleration gener-
`ated during the step, and produces a corresponding accelera-
`tion signal A.
`As shown in FIG. 2, the pattern ofthe acceleration signal A
`(with the d.c. component filtered out) in time t has a given
`acceleration profile which repeats at each step (indicated by
`the dashed rectangle). In detail, the acceleration profile com-
`prises in succession: a positive phase, in which a positive—
`acceleration peak occurs (i.e., directed upwards), due to con-
`tact and consequent impact ofthe foot with the ground; and a
`negative phase in which a negative-acceleration peak occurs
`(i.e., directed downwards) due to rebound, having an ab solute
`value smaller than that of the positive—acceleration peak.
`The processing unit 3, comprising a microprocessor circuit
`(for example, a microcontroller or DSP), acquires at pre-set
`intervals samples of the acceleration signal A generated by
`the accelerometer 2, and executes appropriate processing
`operations for counting the number of steps and measuring
`the distance traveled. As will be described in detail hereinaf-
`ter, the processing unit 3 compares the value of the accelera-
`tion signal A (with the d.c. component filtered out) with a
`positive reference threshold S+ and with a negative reference
`threshold 8’. for identifying, respectively, the positive phase
`(positive acceleration peak) and the negative phase (negative
`acceleration peak) of the step.
`According to one embodiment ofthe present invention, the
`values ofthe positive and negative reference thresholds 8+, S—
`are not fixed and equal to a given pre—set value, but are
`calculated in a self-adaptive way (i.e., in a way that adapts
`without any external intervention from a user) by the process-
`ing unit 3, based on the values assumed by the detected
`acceleration. In particular, as will be clarified hereinafter, the
`values ofthe positive and negative reference thresholds 8*, S’
`are modified at each acquisition of a new sample of the
`acceleration signal A, as a function of the value of a positive
`and negative amplitude envelope ofthe acceleration signal, in
`such a manner that the reference thresholds vary with time
`approximately following said envelopes. The pedometer
`device 1 thus adapts to variations in the detection conditions
`(and, in particular, to different profiles of the acceleration
`signal, in terms of amplitude and duration), due, for example,
`to a different type of terrain, or to an increase in the speed of
`the gait.
`The algorithm implemented by the processing unit 3 for
`performing, among other things, the operations of step count-
`ing and of traveled distance measurement is now described,
`with reference to FIG. 3. Said algorithm envisages the analy-
`sis of the acceleration signal A in order to look for a positive
`phase ofthe step followed by a negative phase within a pre-set
`time interval from the occurrence of the positive phase. In the
`case where said sequence occurs (which indicates the occur-
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`rence of a step), counting ofthe steps and measurement ofthe
`total distance traveled are updated; otherwise, the algorithm
`returns to the initial condition of looking for a new positive
`phase ofthe step. In particular, the positive acceleration peaks
`that occur within the pre-set time interval are ignored by the
`algorithm (in so far as they can be ascribed to phenomena of
`noise, such as impact, anomalous rebounds, etc.).
`In detail, the algorithm starts with initialization, block 10,
`ofthe values ofthe positive and negative reference thresholds
`S+ and 8', respectively, at a positive minimum value 81 and at
`a negative minimum value S2, the latter being smaller, in
`absolute value, than the positive minimum value S 1. As will
`be clarified, said minimum values represent
`limit values
`below which the reference thresholds are not allowed to drop.
`In addition, the values ofa positive envelope l—lllV+ and ofa
`negative envelope Env‘ of the acceleration signal A (which
`will subsequently be used for modification of the reference
`thresholds) are initialized, respectively, at the positive mini-
`mum value S 1 and at the negative minimum value Sz.
`Next, block 11, the processing unit 3 determines a first
`acceleration datum CalAcc, and consequently modifies the
`values of the reference thresholds (as will be described in
`detail hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 4 and S).
`The algorithm then proceeds, block 12, with the search for
`the positive phase of the step, by comparing the value of the
`acceleration datum CalAcc with the positive reference thresh-
`old S”, to detect a positive acceleration peak of the accelera-
`tion signal A.
`Until a positive phase of the step is found, block 13, the
`algorithm proceeds with acquisition of a new acceleration
`datum CalAcc in block 11 (and corresponding modification
`of the reference thresholds), and with the comparison of said
`new acceleration datum with the positive reference threshold
`8*.
`The positive phase is detectedwhen the acceleration datum
`exceeds the positive reference threshold 3" and then drops
`below the positive reference threshold, the instant of detec-
`tion of the positive phase corresponding to the instant in
`which the acceleration datum drops again below the positive
`reference threshold S”. At this instant, the processing unit 3
`stores the value assumed by the positive reference threshold
`S”, which is a maximum value S+,,m.
`After the positive phase detection, the algorithm proceeds
`with the search for the negative phase of the step, block 14,
`i.e., of a negative acceleration peak, by comparing the value
`ofthe acceleration datum CalAcc with the negative reference
`threshold S'. Inparticular, the search for the negative phase of
`the step is executed within a certain time interval Mask, the
`value of which must be lower than a maximum interval Max—
`_Ma sk from detection ofthe positive phase (corresponding to
`a certain number of samples, the value ofwhich is determined
`also as a function of the sampling rate of the acceleration
`data).
`Until a negative acceleration peak is detected, block 15,
`and as long as the time interval Mask is shorter than the
`maximum interval Max_Mask, block 16, the algorithm pro-
`ceeds with the search for the negative phase of the step. In
`detail, the time interval Mask is incremented, block 17, a new
`acceleration datum CalAcc is acquired (and the values of the
`reference thresholds are modified accordingly), block 18
`(which is equivalent to block 11), and the algorithm returns to
`block 14. If no negative phase of the step has been identified
`after expiry of the maximum interval Max_Mask, block 16,
`the algorithm returns to block 11 in order to look for a new
`potential positive phase of the step.
`On the contrary, if the negative phase is identified within
`the maximum interval Max_Mask (i.e.,
`the acceleration
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`US 7,463,997 B2
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`5
`datum drops below the negative reference threshold 8'), the
`processing unit 3 determines the occurrence of a step, and,
`block 20, increments the count of the detected steps, Further-
`more, the estimate of the distance traveled is updated by
`adding to the previous value an estimate of the length of the
`current step LPS.
`In detail, according to one embodiment of the present
`invention, block 21, the processing unit 3 calculates the esti-
`mate ofthe length ofthe current step LPS as a function ofthe
`maximum value 8”,,WC reached by the positive reference
`threshold S” during the positive phase of the step, which is
`indicatory of the value of the positive acceleration peak. The
`actual length ofthe step varies with respect to a standard value
`determined on the basis of the physical characteristics of the
`user, according to the speed ofthe step, or, equivalently, to the
`amplitude of the generated acceleration. Consequently. the
`estimate ofthe length ofthe current step I P8 is calculated via
`he formula:
`
`LPS:LPflS*m,,)
`
`
`
`where LP is a standard length ofthe step, corresponding to 0.4
`o 0.5 times the height of the user, and f(S+Wm) is a corrective
`unction, for example a linear one. based upon the maximum
`value t
`,. 'l'he corrective function f(b*mm) can be tabulated
`on the basis ofexperimental tests, which enable association to
`a given maximum value Sim” of an appropriate correction to
`ac made to the standard length ofthe step LP. I11 particular, the
`unction f(S+,,W) is conveniently stored in the processing unit
`3.
`
`The algorithm then proceeds, block 22, by increasing the
`distance traveled on the basis of the estimate of the length of
`he current step LPS, previously calculated. Furthermore,
`alock 23, further variables supplied at output from the
`wedometer device 1 can be updated, such as the number of
`calories (also in this case, the previous count is updated by
`adding an average consumption of calories per step), and the
`average and instantaneous speed of travel, which are calcu-
`ated in a knoan way not described in detail herein.
`Next, the algorithm returns to block 11 in order to detect a
`new acceleration profile indicating occurrence of a step.
`There will now be described in detail, with reference to
`3IG. 4, the algorithm implemented by the processing unit 3
`or determination of a new acceleration datum CalAcc and
`consequent updating ofthe values ofthe positive and negative
`reference thresholds 8+ and S", in such a manner that the
`aforesaid values will follow approximately the positive and
`negative envelope of the acceleration signal.
`In brief, said algorithm envisages calculation, for each new
`acceleration datum CalAcc, ofthe values ofthe positive enve—
`lope Env+ and negative envelope Env', and modification of
`the value ofthe positive and negative reference thresholds S”
`and S" as a function of the positive envelope Env+ and nega-
`tive envelope Env', respectively.
`the processing unit 3
`In detail,
`in an initial block 30,
`acquires from the accelerometer 2 a new acceleration sample
`Ace ofthe accelerationA. Then, block 3 1, the dc. component
`of said acceleration value (due substantially to the accelera-
`tion of gravity) is eliminated so as to determine the accelera-
`tion datum CalAcc, with zero mean value, which will be used
`subsequently in the algorithm. In detail, the mean value Accm
`of the acceleration sample Ace is calculated with the expres—
`Sion:
`
`Ace/IFY 'Accm+(l —y)' CaZAcc
`
`where y is a constant between 0 and l, for example equal to
`0.95, andAccm and CalAcc are the values, respectively, ofthe
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`6
`mean value and of the acceleration datum, which were cal-
`culated at the previous acquisition. The new acceleration
`datum CalAcc is calculated by applying the relation:
`CaZAcc:Acc—Accm
`
`
`
`
`
`Then, the algorithm oroceeds with the determination ofthe
`new values ofthe positive and negative envelopes Env”, Env'.
`In detail, block 32, if the value of the acceleration datum
`
`CalAcc is higher than tie value of the positive envelope 311v+
`(as calculated at the previous acquisition), the new value of
`the positive envelope Env+ is se equal to the value of the
`acceleration datum CalAcc, bloc< 33. Otherwise, block 34,
`the value ofthe positive envelope :Env+ is set equal to a proper
`fraction of the previous value; i.e., the previous value is mul-
`tiplied by a first constant (1] <1, for example, (x1:0.9458. In
`this way, the value of the envelope coincides substantially
`with the value of the acceleration datum, if the acceleration
`datum is greater than the previous value of the envelope, and
`otherwise decreases (in particular, almost exponentially) with
`respect to the previous value.
`Likewise, block 35, if the value of the acceleration datum
`CalAcc is smaller than the negative envelope Env' (as calcu-
`lated at the previous acquisition), the new value of the nega-
`tive envelope L’nv' is set equal to the value of the acceleration
`datum CalAcc, block 36. Otherwise, block 37, the value ofthe
`negative envelope Env’ is set equal to a proper fraction ofthe
`previous value of the envelope;
`i.e.,
`it is multiplied by a
`second constant (x2<l, for example, (12:0.9438. Note, in par—
`ticular, that the different value of the first and second con-
`stants (x1 , uzis due to the different value of the positive and
`negative accelerations, said negative accelerations being of
`smaller intensity, since the negative phase of the step is a
`rebound of the positive phase.
`The algorithm then proceeds with updating ofthe values of
`the reference thresholds as a function of the envelope values
`previously calculated. In detail, block 38, the value of the
`positive reference threshold S+ is set equal to a certain proper
`
`fraction of the positive envelope Env"; in particular, it is set
`equal to the value of the positive envelope lz'nv+ multiplied by
`a third constant B<l, for example, [3:065. However, if the
`value thus calculated is less than the positive minimum value
`S1, block 39, the value of the positive reference threshold S+
`is set at said positive minimum value S 1, block 40.
`Likewise, block 41, the value of the negative reference
`threshold 8' is set equal to a certain proper fraction of the
`negative envelope; in particular, also this value is multiplied
`by the third constant [3. However, once again, if the value thus
`calculated is less than the negative minimum value 8;, block
`42, the value ofthe negative reference threshold S' is set at the
`negative minimum value SZ, block 43.
`The values ofthe new reference thresholds thus calculated
`are then used for detection of the positive and negative phases
`of the step, as described previously.
`FIGS. 5 and 6 show the curves of the positive and negative
`reference thresholds S”, S", and of the positive and negative
`envelopes Env+, Env', calculated using the algorithm
`described previously, and the pattem of the acceleration sig—
`nal CalAcc (constituted by the sequence of the acceleration
`data CalAcc). It is evident that the reference thresholds sub-
`stantially follow the envelopes of the acceleration signal
`(which, in turn, follow the peaks of the acceleration signal).
`In detail, the value ofthe positive acceleration threshold S+
`is initially equal to the positive minimum value S1 (see, in
`particular, FIG. 6), and remains constant as long as the accel—
`eration datum CalAcc remains less than the positive accel-
`eration threshold S”. Starting from the instant at which the
`acceleration datum CalAcc exceeds the positive acceleration
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`threshold 8+, and as long as the acceleration datum CalAcc
`increases, the positive acceleration threshold S+ follows, in a
`“damped” way, the increase ofthe acceleration datum CalAcc
`(see.
`in particular, FIG. 5). Next, the acceleration datum
`(IalAcc starts to decrease, and, along with it, the positive
`acceleration threshold 3*, which, as long as the acceleration
`datum CalAcc decreases, assumes a decreasing pattern (with—
`out, however, dropping below the positive minimum value
`SI). In particular, at the end of the positive phase of the step,
`the maximum value Sim, is stored. The positive reference
`threshold 8" returns to the positive minimum value S i when
`the user comes to a halt. A similar pattern (in absolute value)
`is showed by the negative acceleration threshold 3', with the
`difference that the decrease (in ab solute value) ofthe negative
`acceleration threshold S' is different, in particular faster. Said
`difference is due to the different conformation ofthe negative
`acceleration peak, which has a smaller amplitude and a longer
`duration as compared to the positive accelerationpeak, so that
`an excessively long decrease time could lead to the peak not
`)eing detected. The difference, in absolute value, ofthe posi-
`ive minimum value S 1 and ofthe negative minimum value S2
`is due to the same reason.
`According to one embodiment ofthe present invention, the
`oositive minimum value S1 and the negative minimum value
`S2 can be modified from outside, for example through the
`interface 5 in order to modify the sensitivity of the pedometer
`device 1. In particular, if said minimtmi values are decreased,
`he sensitivity ofthe device increases, in so far as acceleration
`oeaks of smaller amplitude (for example, due to a particularly
`slow gait orto a surface that is not very rigid) can be detected.
`At the same time, however, the number of false positives
`detected increases, in so far as noise (external vibrations,
`Jumps, fast movements made by the user) is more likely to
`cause erroneous detections assimilated to the phases of the
`step.
`The advantages of the pedometer device and of the corre-
`sponding step detection method are clear from the foregoing
`description.
`In any case, it is emphasized that the pedometer device 1 is
`able to adapt to changes in the acceleration profile, for
`example due to an increase in the walking speed, and so
`external interventions for resetting the acceleration thresh-
`olds necessary for step detection are not needed.
`The fact that the acceleration thresholds follow the enve—
`lopes of the acceleration signal (analogously to an electronic
`peak detector) enables said changes to be followed rapidly,
`without any risk for any loss of steps and counting errors
`occurring, and at the same time enables a good insensitivity to
`noise to be achieved. In particular. when the accelerations
`increase (in absolute value), for example becau se the walking
`speed has increased, the reference thresholds increase rap-
`idly, so as to adapt rapidly to the new conditions. When,
`instead, the accelerations decrease, for example because the
`user is slowing down, the reference thresholds also decrease,
`but slowly, and always remaining above a minimum value. In
`this way, the device is able to follow closely a new increase in
`the acceleration values.
`Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations can be
`made to what is described and illustrated herein without
`thereby departing from the scope of the present invention, as
`defined in the appended claims.
`In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, in which the same refer-
`ence numbers are used for designating blocks similar to the
`ones previously described, according to an alternative
`embodiment of the present invention, the step detection algo-
`rithm can be simplified, and can be based exclusively upon
`the identification of the positive phase of the step (i.e., of the
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`8
`positive acceleration peak). In this case, the algorithm uses a
`single reference threshold, in particular the positive reference
`threshold S+, which is modified as a function of the value of
`the positive envelope Env+, in a way altogether similar to
`what has been described previously. Said simplified algo-
`rithm, although computationally less burdensome for the pro-
`cessing unit 3, has, however, the disadvantage of being more
`sensitive to noise. In fact, the lack of check on the presence of
`the negative phase, after the positive phase. renders false
`detection and counting errors more likely.
`The accelerometer 2 could be equipped with a number of
`axes ofmeasurement, for example three mutually orthogonal
`axes of measurement, and be built, for example, as described
`in “3 —axis Digital Output Accelerometer For Future Automo—
`tive Applications”, B. Vigna et al., AMAA 2004. In this case,
`according to one embodiment of the present invention, the
`algorithm implemented by the processing unit 3 envisages
`identifying the main vertical axis to be used for step detection
`as the axis of detection that has the highest mean acceleration
`value Accm (on account of gravity). For example, the main
`vertical axis can be identified at each acquisition of a new
`acceleration sample, block 30 of FIG. 4, so as to take into
`account variations in the orientation of the pedometer device
`1, and consequently of the accelerometer 2 arranged inside it.
`Instead of being integrated in the pedometer device 1, the
`accelerometer 2 could be arranged outside the casing thereof,
`and comiected, in a wired or wireless way, to the detection
`unit 3. In this case, the accelerometer 2 could advantageously
`be housed in a garment or accessory wom by the user, for
`example a shoe, a belt, a watch, etc.
`As shown in FIG. 8, the pedometer device 1, due to its
`reduced dimensions, may advantageously be housed inside a
`portable device, in particular a mobile phone 50 (or else an
`Mp3 reader, a camera, a PDA, a game console, etc.) In this
`case, the accelerometer 2, and the processing unit 3 are
`motmted on a printed circuit board 52 fixed within a casing 53
`ofthe mobile phone 50. Advantageously, in this embodiment,
`the processing unit 3, in addition to implementing the algo—
`rithms previously described, controls the operation of the
`mobile phone 50. Likewise, the display screen 4, which is
`obviously arranged so as to be visible from outside the casing
`53, shows both information corresponding to the pedometer
`device 1 and, more in general, information linked to operation
`ofthe mobile phone 50. The interface 5 in this case preferably
`comprises a communication port (of a known type, and not
`shown), which can be interfaced with a personal computer.
`The interface 5 can therefore be used both for downloading
`the data produced by the pedometer device 1 (among which at
`least the number of steps cotmted) and for uploading into the
`processing unit 3 operating parameters of the pedometer
`device 1, such as the positive and negative minimum values
`S 1, 8,.
`Finally, even though the entire description refers to a digital
`implementation ofthe pedometer device 1, it is evident that a
`similar version of an analog type (comprising, among other
`things, threshold comparators, a peak detector, amplifiers,
`etc.) can be contemplated by making the appropriate obvious
`substitutions.
`All of the above US. patents, U.S. patent application pub—
`lications, US. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign
`patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in
`this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet,
`are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.
`The invention claimed is:
`
`1. A pedometer device for detecting and counting steps of
`a user, the device comprising:
`
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`US 7,463,997 B2
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`9
`an accelerometer sensor configured to detect an accelera-
`tion generated during a step; and
`a processing unit coupled to said accelerometer sensor, and
`configured to process an acceleration signal relating to
`said acceleration to detect an occurrence of the step, said
`processing unit including:
`first comparator means for comparing said acceleration
`signal with a first reference threshold, said processing
`unit being configured to detect the occurrence of the
`step based on a result of said comparing between said
`acceleration signal and said first reference threshold,
`and
`
`threshold-adaptation means for modifying, at each
`acquisition of a new sample of said acceleration sig—
`nal, said first reference threshold as a function of an
`envelope of an amplitude of said acceleration signal.
`2. The d