Abstract: A system including a platform having a receptacle adapted to a bottom of a shoe or foot; securing mechanism, associated therewith; a sole for contacting a ground surface; a mechanism associated with the sole and a platform bottom, including: motor and a thrusting element, activated by the motor, the thrusting element adapted to move between the sole and the platform to apply an upward force against the platform bottom, thereby changing a platform height with respect to the sole; a sensor device adapted to associate with a lower limb, and to produce a locomotion data signal, and a microprocessor, operatively connected to the sensor device and motor, adapted to: receive locomotion information based on the signal; process the locomotion information to determine a locomotion phase, and control a timing of the mechanism, based on the determination, to change the height during a locomotion swing phase.

Abstract: A system for estimating motion parameters corresponding to a user. The system may generally include a receiver operable to receive a signal from an external source, an inertial sensor operable to be coupled with the user and arbitrarily oriented relative to the direction of user motion for generation of a signal corresponding to user motion, and a processing system in communication with the receiver and inertial sensor.

Abstract: A motion sensing apparatus generally comprising a housing unit operable to be attached to an object at an attachment position, an accelerometer operable to provide a signal corresponding to an acceleration measurement; and a processing system. The processing system is operable to acquire the signal corresponding to the acceleration measurement and analyze the acquired acceleration measurement to identify the attachment position of the housing unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an advanced pedometer, which may include: a first accelerometer for providing first acceleration information for a first direction; a second accelerometer for providing second acceleration information for a second direction; a third accelerometer for providing third acceleration for a third direction; a clock for providing time information associated with the first acceleration information, the second acceleration information, and the third acceleration information; and a processing module comprising one or more processors.

Abstract: An inertial device that is integratable in a portable electronic device includes: an inertial sensor for generating at least one raw acceleration signal in response to accelerations caused by movements of walking and running of a user of the pedometer; and a processing unit, associated to the inertial sensor for counting a number of steps of the user of the pedometer on the basis of the raw acceleration signal. The inertial sensor and the processing unit are both encapsulated within a single package for integrated circuits, which can be coupled to a circuit board of an electronic device and is provided with at least one connection terminal for making the number of steps available to the outside world.

Abstract: An inertial device that is integratable in a portable electronic device includes: an inertial sensor for generating at least one raw acceleration signal in response to accelerations caused by movements of walking and running of a user of the pedometer; and a processing unit, associated to the inertial sensor for counting a number of steps of the user of the pedometer on the basis of the raw acceleration signal. The inertial sensor and the processing unit are both encapsulated within a single package for integrated circuits, which can be coupled to a circuit board of an electronic device and is provided with at least one connection terminal for making the number of steps available to the outside world.

Abstract: One disclosed method involves using at least one device supported by a user while the user is in locomotion on foot during an outing to automatically measure amounts of time taken by the user to complete respective distance intervals. During the outing, data representing the automatically measured amounts of time may be automatically stored in memory of the least one device. Another disclosed method involves using at least one device supported by a user while the user is in locomotion on foot during an outing to automatically identify occasions on which a user completes respective distance intervals. During the outing, the at least one device may display at least one of an average pace of the user since a most recently completed distance interval, an average speed of the user since the most recently completed distance interval, and a projected time to complete a current distance interval based on monitored performance since the most recently completed distance interval.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a motion parameter corresponding to a subject element employs one or more accelerometers operable to measure accelerations and a processing system operable to generate a motion parameter metric utilizing the acceleration measurements and estimate the motion parameter using the motion parameter metric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a traveling direction measuring apparatus usable as a pedestrian navigation system in locations where it is difficult to obtain high positioning accuracy such as inside buildings or around multistory buildings where a GPS cannot be used. An acceleration detecting section (1) detects 3-axes acceleration of the traveling direction measuring apparatus, which varies with the walking of the pedestrian. An acceleration data acquiring section (2) obtains 3-axes acceleration data repeatedly by the number of prescribed times or more, said 3-axes acceleration data varies with the walking of the pedestrian. A first gravity acceleration calculating section (3) calculates, when the pedestrian is walking with holding the traveling direction measuring apparatus in a generally fixed attitude, gravity acceleration by averaging acceleration data sets during several steps obtained by the acceleration data acquiring section (2).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a number-of-step detection system, a number-of-step detecting method, and a pedometer capable of accurately detecting the number of steps in correspondence with the walking characteristics of an individual. Vibration data acquired with a vibration data acquiring unit of a pedometer is transmitted from the pedometer to a server with a communication unit, and number-of-step decision criterion data suited for measuring the number of steps is calculated with the calculation unit of the server based on the vibration data. The number-of-step decision criterion data calculated in the server is transmitted from the server to the pedometer, and the number-of-step decision criterion data stored in the pedometer is updated to the number-of-step decision criterion data calculated by the server to accurately count the number of steps in correspondence with the walking characteristics of the individual.

Abstract: An arrangement, method and computer program for determining the physical activity level of a human being. The arrangement comprises a movement sensor to be attached to an upper limb of the human being for measuring upper limb movements, a processing unit connected to the movement sensor for filtering upper limb movements following one another more frequently than a predetermined threshold period from upper limb movements during a determination period, for forming the number of upper limb movements during the determination period from the filtered upper limb movements during the determination period, and for determining the physical activity level on the basis of the number of upper limb movements during the determination period formed from the filtered upper limb movements during the determination period.

Abstract: A device, system and method for analyzing a user's motion using a piezoelectric film to generate a plurality of deformation signals based upon an associated plurality of deformations, an EEPROM to record data associated with the plurality of deformation signals, and a transceiver to receive at least a portion of the recorded data from the EEPROM and to transmit data, wherein the analysis may determine an abnormality in the user's gait.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a portable device that generates position and orientation data to facilitate movement within a building. The device can be, for example, handheld or affixed to a cane. Data for navigation is derived from reflections from interior surfaces and dead reckoning sensors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method and a device for measuring the progress of a moving person. The method calculating at least one of the following quantities describing the progress of the moving person: speed, step rate, step count, step length, distance and way of progress, based on values of a vertical acceleration of a body of the moving person measured by an acceleration sensor over a measured time.

Abstract: A method for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor includes obtaining acceleration measurement data from an inertial sensor disposed in eyewear. The acceleration measurement data is processed to determine a user activity statistic. The user activity statistic includes at least one of a current user activity, periodic human motion count, total distance traveled, vertical distance traveled, current speed and average speed.

Abstract: A body motion discriminating apparatus includes an acceleration sensor for detecting a body motion of a user, a storing unit for storing a threshold, a threshold changing unit for changing the threshold based on physical data expressing a physical feature of the user and registering the changed threshold in the storing unit, and a discriminating unit for discriminating whether a detected body motion is walking or running by comparing a value of a parameter calculated from amplitude and cycle of an output signal of the acceleration sensor with the threshold.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for monitoring a user's pace and providing an indication of the user's average pace in conjunction with performing an activity. The method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes monitoring a user's pace relating to the performance of the activity and calculating pace data relating the user. In response to a first signal, the method stores the pace data and in response to a second signal retrieves the pace data. The method then calculates an assistance pace for the user over a defined time interval and transmits an output signal reflecting the assistance pace based the pace data, such as in the example of a golf club assisting in the swinging pace of the golf club.

Abstract: By repeatedly obtaining acceleration data, a gravity direction acceleration acting in a gravity direction of a housing and a horizontal direction acceleration acting in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the gravity direction are calculated. By using a first coefficient, a first step count in accordance with a change in the gravity direction acceleration is calculated and by using a second coefficient which is different from the first coefficient, a second step count in accordance with a change in the horizontal direction acceleration is calculated. Based on a predetermined condition, one of the first step count and the second step count is selected as a user's step count.

Abstract: The invention relates to measuring devices to be used in physical measuring, and more particularly, to a method and a device for measuring the progress of a moving person. In the solution according to the invention the quantities describing the progress of the moving person can be calculated based on vertical acceleration values of the body measured by means of an acceleration sensor, and on the measured time. The invention aims at providing a solution, better and simpler than prior solutions, for measuring the progress of a moving person, which solution is applicable for use in a multitude of measuring solutions for ways of locomotion of various types.

Abstract: A method involves using at least one device supported by a user while the user is in locomotion on foot during an outing to automatically measure amounts of time taken by the user to complete respective distance intervals. During the outing, data representing the automatically measured amounts of time may be automatically stored in memory of the least one device. Another method involves using at least one device supported by a user while the user is in locomotion on foot during an outing to automatically identify occasions on which a user completes respective distance intervals.

Abstract: A body motion detecting method calculates an acceleration-of-gravity vector from acceleration vectors, which are detection outputs of a multi-axial acceleration sensor. The method extracts a vertical component of acceleration, using the acceleration vectors from the acceleration sensor and the calculated acceleration-of-gravity vector. The method further detects peaks in the extracted vertical component of acceleration, and detects body motion in the vertical direction by analyzing the detected peaks. Related body motion detecting device and computer readable medium are also described.

Abstract: A pedometer has first and second signal generators mounted along the inner margin of a first shoe and separated by a fixed distance. A sensor and transmitter assembly is mounted along the inner margin of a second shoe. The sensor and transmitter assembly includes a sensor, a microcontroller unit and a wireless transmitter. A pair of impulses is received by the microcontroller unit each time the shoes pass in close proximity to each other. The microcontroller unit generates various pedestrian performance data based on the impulses. The pedestrian performance data is wirelessly transmitted to a display unit carried by the pedestrian.

Abstract: A person's exercise monitored using an accelerometer to detect and count the steps of the person. Furthermore, acceleration profiling distinguishes walking from running and total distance covered in the exercise is estimated using different stride lengths for walking and running. The person's pace may be maintained using a music playback unit with an adjustable rate of playback to influence the pace of the person with the music tempo.

Abstract: A portable system retrieves one or more exercise programs from a remote communication system that provides motivational content for a user exercising upon an exercise mechanism. The exercise program further includes at least one control signal that controls one or more operating parameters of the exercise mechanism. The portable system includes a control device configured to retrieve the exercise program and deliver the motivational content to the user by way of an audio delivery device, while delivering the control signals to the exercise mechanism. A sensor communicates with the control device and tracks one or more measurable parameters of the user during the user's performance of the exercise program. Data representative of the one or more measurable parameters can be delivered to the control device for delivery to the remote communication system.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile apparatus including: a vibration sensor; an acquisition module configured to periodically acquire the number of vibration in a time period as a detected step count value; a first determination module configured to determine whether there is a possibility that the detected step count value is due to walking or running based on the detected step count value; and a calculation module configured to count the detected step count value as an interim step count. The first determination module determines the detected step count value is due to continuous walking or running of a user when the detected step count value satisfies a certain condition. The calculation module calculates total of the interim step count when the first determination module determines the detected step count value is due to the continuous walking or running.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that allow steps to be counted in multiple pedometer modes. For example, a pedometer application on an electronic device can count steps in an ambient mode of operation and a session mode of operation. By maintaining separate counters for each pedometer mode and continuously monitoring the desired mode of operation, the pedometer application can accurately count the number of steps during a certain time period. In response to detecting a change in the desired mode, the pedometer application can seamlessly switch to the corresponding mode counter. In some embodiments, the pedometer application can display graphical representations of historical step information for one or more pedometer modes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, device and system for the sensor-based tracking of a variable locomotion, and, in particular, to a method, device and system for acceleration-sensor based measurement of the highly erratic movement of a team sports player. The method comprises continuously measuring acceleration values corresponding to the locomotion of a person. For a single step of the person, a type of locomotion is determined by analyzing a temporal sequence of acceleration values of a portion of the acceleration values corresponding to the single step. Further, a swing time and at least one characterizing acceleration value are determined from the acceleration values for the single step and the step length is determined based on the type of locomotion, the swing time and the at least one characterizing acceleration value.

Abstract: A method for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor includes continuously determining an orientation of the inertial sensor, assigning a dominant axis, updating the dominant axis as the orientation of the inertial sensor changes, and counting periodic human motions by monitoring accelerations relative to the dominant axis.

Abstract: A portable terminal (1) includes: an X-axis direction body movement sensor (11), a Y-axis direction body movement sensor (12), and a Z-axis direction body movement sensor (13) for detecting accelerations in a plurality of directions; a scalarizing section (103) for combining the accelerations detected by the X-axis direction body movement sensor (11), the Y-axis direction body movement sensor (12), and the Z-axis direction body movement sensor (13), so as to obtain a combined value, and then scalarizing the combined value; a peak value detecting section (105) for obtaining, at every given time, the combined value obtained by the scalarizing section (103), and detecting an upper peak value and a lower peak value of the combined value thus obtained; and a step counting section (106) for counting another step when a difference between the upper peak value and the lower peak value which have been detected by the peak value detecting section (105) exceeds a given value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for counting exercise repetitions are provided for counting exercise repetition even when an exerciser attaches the apparatus in different places and along different orientations of his or her body. The apparatus and method utilizes acceleration data along at least three axes and determines that a valid step is taken by the exerciser if at least one of acceleration profiles falls within at least one of pre-defined thresholds. Moreover, a method of identifying an optimal axis for exercise repetition measurement is disclosed by comparing the acceleration profiles of previous steps with amplitude, cycle and rhythm thresholds.

Abstract: A pedometer of the invention includes an acceleration sensor, and the pedometer is able to switch between a measurement mode in which user's steps are counted based on a waveform obtained from the acceleration sensor and a learning mode in which a criterion used to determine one step in the measurement mode is learned. The pedometer is characterized by including criterion setting means for causing the user to perform learning walking in the learning mode and setting the criterion based on a reference number of steps indicating the number of steps in the learning walking and a reference waveform obtained from the acceleration sensor during the learning walking.

Abstract: An electronic pedometer has a case, a main circuit board mounted on the case and supporting an electronic circuit element for signal processing, and a sub-circuit board separate and independent from the main circuit board and mounted to a portion of the case. An acceleration sensor is mounted on the sub-circuit board for detecting a walk of a user and outputting a walk signal corresponding to the walk. A flexible conductive member electrically connects the main circuit board and the sub-circuit board to one another.

Abstract: A stride monitoring device that can be used particularly for sports applications and that includes a pair of shoes, one of which includes at least one magnetic mass, and the other includes at least a measurement device to make at least one measurement, and a processor for processing of the measurement. The measurement device includes at least one accelerometer and at least one magnetometer capable of outputting signals that can be processed to determine stride parameters.

Abstract: The gait monitor system and method provides various basic gait parameters including step count, cadence, and step duration, in addition to its ability to distinguish between normal, limping and shuffling gait modes, as well as determine falls. Moreover, this gait monitor may be provided with additional sensors, e.g. beam break at the beginning and end of a corridor to estimate average walking velocity (with the distance between the beams known or determined); this enables the calculation of additional gait characteristics such as average step length and average stride length. These parameters can additionally be used to detect various gait anomalies and other diagnostic information.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a fitness exercise condition is provided. A user (that is, an exerciser) of the apparatus inputs personal basic information on the exerciser. When the apparatus is applied to an arm or wrist of the exerciser and the exerciser carries out fitness exercise, a heart rate is measured during the fitness exercise to record it. Load data indicating hardness of the fitness exercise is calculated on the basis of the personal basic information thus inputted and data on the recorded heart rate. A display section is caused to display notice with a color according to a load on the exerciser for each of predetermined time periods on the basis of the calculated load data. The display section may include first and second display sub sections for displaying first and second notice with first and second colors, respectively.

Abstract: To realize miniaturization and detection of a walk state in which no arm is swung in an electronic pedometer in which at least a walk sensor is used in a state of being worn on a wrist. An acceleration sensor is disposed so that a sensitivity axis of the acceleration sensor is located in a range of 30° or smaller in a counterclockwise direction from the direction of 90° with respect to a longitudinal direction of a belt. A user of an electronic pedometer wears the electronic pedometer on his/her left wrist using the belt and starts processing for counting the number of steps by manipulating a manipulation portion, and also starts to walk, thereby starting counting the number of steps. The user checks the counted number of steps and the measured time period based on displayed contents on a step number display portion and a time display portion of a display portion.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for monitoring athletic performance. Information is acquired that indicates a device is in movement. The movement is differentiated from transportation. When the movement indicates transportation, then the movement is excluded as unrelated to the athletic performance.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a portable and autonomous device and corresponding method for the measurement, recording and calculation of dynamic parameters of the pedestrian locomotion of its bearer. The method hereby disclosed allows determining the distance effectively travelled, the velocity of displacement and the pressures exerted on the contact surface of the lower limb with the ground, during the pedestrian locomotion, according to its different phases. Through sensors strategically placed, accelerations, angular velocities and pressures are measured and recorded on the control unit. The device disclosed includes a processing unit that implements the method disclosed and a communication unit to transfer to an external unit the calculated parameters. The disclosed invention can be used in applications that involve monitoring parameters of the locomotion activity or daily ambulation of its bearer, in the areas of health and sports or in any physical and occupational activities.

Abstract: A system for estimating motion parameters corresponding to a user. The system may generally include a receiver operable to receive a signal from an external source, an inertial sensor operable to be coupled with the user and arbitrarily oriented relative to the direction of user motion for generation of a signal corresponding to user motion, and a processing system in communication with the receiver and inertial sensor.

Abstract: A motion detection apparatus includes an acceleration sensor which detects acceleration generated by motion of an electronic device; a motion detecting section including a statistical processing section which calculates the average value of data provided from the acceleration sensor, calculates the difference between the average value and the last value of the data obtained, and calculates a pseudo-variance value of the data from the calculated difference; a threshold comparing section which compares the pseudo-variance value calculated by the motion detecting section with a motion threshold to generate a signal value in response to determination that the pseudo-variance value has exceeded the motion threshold; a first buffer memory which sequentially stores signal values generated by the threshold comparing section at predetermined time intervals; and a signal generating section which includes means for adding up values in the first buffer memory, thereby appropriately associating with motion.

Abstract: An information processing system including a device capable of sensing motion and providing various outputs, such as a pedometer, is provided. In addition, a storage medium storing a program directed to the device included in such an information processing system and an information processing device included in the system are provided. A CPU of the pedometer causes an LCD and/or a buzzer to produce prescribed image output and/or audio output in accordance with a result of sensing by a motion sensor, based on image data and/or audio data received from a game device.

Abstract: An information processing system including a device capable of transmitting sensing information in accordance with a result of sensing of motion and receiving data for performing various types of processing in accordance with the sensing information is provided. In a character selection screen, in addition to a “course 1” and a “course 2”, additionally obtained “course 3” and “course 4” are displayed in a selectable manner. Namely, the number of steps or the like sensed as a user walks while wearing a pedometer in advance is returned from the pedometer to a game device, so that a new course in addition to a course determined depending on a stage in a get and growth game in the game device can be selected.

Abstract: To provide a step number measuring apparatus in which a reduction in electric power is intended by a simple constitution, and which can correspond to plural movements. A CPU calculates a moving motion pitch on the basis of a detection signal from sensors that a switching circuit has selected, calculates the moving motion pitch by performing a processing having been selected from among plural kinds of processings, which have been stored in a memory, on the basis of the detection signal from the sensors that the switching circuit has selected, calculates the moving motion pitch by selecting the other processing among the plural kinds of processings when both the moving motion pitches differ, and performs a step number measurement by the selected processing when both the moving motion pitches become the same.

Abstract: A traveling direction measuring apparatus including 3-axes acceleration detecting means for detecting acceleration, and acceleration data acquiring means for repeatedly obtaining 3-axes acceleration data, said 3-axes acceleration varying with walking of a pedestrian, the traveling direction measuring apparatus including means for calculating, when the pedestrian is walking with holding said traveling direction measuring apparatus in a generally fixed attitude, gravity acceleration by averaging acceleration data sets during several steps obtained by said acceleration data acquiring means, means for calculating frequency components corresponding to duration of one step of the acceleration data sets projected on a plane perpendicular to the calculated gravity acceleration, and means for estimating a moving direction of the pedestrian seen from a terminal coordinate system associated with said traveling direction measuring apparatus according to frequency components.

Abstract: An activity monitor that has a sensor for sensing movement, a processor for processing sensed data and a memory, wherein the processor is configured to use the sensed data to determine the number of steps taken for each of a plurality of epochs and to determine a measure of the fraction of each epoch spent stepping, the monitor being configured to record in a long term part of the memory at least two of the number of steps; the measure of the fraction of each epoch spent stepping and a measure of cadence calculated using the number of steps and the fraction of each epoch spent stepping.

Abstract: To realize miniaturization and detection of a walk state in which no arm is swung in an electronic pedometer in which at least a walk sensor is used in a state of being worn on a wrist. An acceleration sensor is disposed so that a sensitivity axis of the acceleration sensor is located in a range of 30° or smaller in a counterclockwise direction from the direction of 90° with respect to a longitudinal direction of a belt. A user of an electronic pedometer wears the electronic pedometer on his/her left wrist using the belt and starts processing for counting the number of steps by manipulating a manipulation portion, and also starts to walk, thereby starting counting the number of steps. The user checks the counted number of steps and the measured time period based on displayed contents on a step number display portion and a time display portion of a display portion.

Abstract: A portable apparatus including a first interface configured to input speed data of a user or location data of the user from a positioning unit utilizing external reference points is disclosed. The portable apparatus also includes a second interface configured to input motion data of a user from a self-contained activity determining unit. Furthermore, the portable apparatus includes a processing unit configured to constitute, if the first interface only inputs the location data, speed data from the location data, select filtering characteristics based on the motion data, filter the speed data with the selected filtering characteristics, and determine physiological data of the user with the filtered speed data.

Abstract: A pedometer sensor outputs a detecting signal in correspondence with the moving motion of a person to a CPU via a variable filter circuit that has a variable passing frequency band. In a walking state, when a voltage comparing circuit determines that the signal level of the detecting signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined level and a period of the detecting signal from the filter circuit set to a band for running is at a period within a predetermined range, the CPU determines that the moving motion is changed from walking to running, maintains a state in which a frequency switching circuit sets a passing frequency band of the filter circuit to a band for running, and calculates a number of steps based on the detecting signal passing the filter circuit.

Abstract: An uniaxial acceleration sensor senses an acceleration. An analog to digital (AD) converter converts the acceleration into a digital sensor value. A square-value calculating unit calculates a square value of the sensor value. A zero-point determining unit determines whether the square value is zero and every time the square value becomes zero, instructs an energy calculating unit to output energy. The energy calculating unit calculates the energy by integrating the square value. Upon receiving instructions to output the energy, the energy calculating unit outputs the stored energy to a threshold comparing unit. The threshold comparing unit compares the energy with a predetermined threshold. A tentative walking processing unit counts the number of times the energy is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold. A step calculating unit calculates steps by dividing a counter value of the tentative walking processing unit by two.

Abstract: By repeatedly obtaining acceleration data, a gravity direction acceleration acting in a gravity direction of a housing and a horizontal direction acceleration acting in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the gravity direction are calculated. By using a first coefficient, a first step count in accordance with a change in the gravity direction acceleration is calculated and by using a second coefficient which is different from the first coefficient, a second step count in accordance with a change in the horizontal direction acceleration is calculated. Based on a predetermined condition, one of the first step count and the second step count is selected as a user's step count.