Gps-calibrated pedometer

Abstract

A system is provided that is configured to be transported, carried or worn by a user, such as a portable personal training device or sports watch. The system comprises a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver arranged to obtain the location and / or speed of the user and a pedometer for counting steps made by the user. Data from the GNSS receiver is used to calibrate the pedometer each time the user is determined to travel a distance greater than a predefined distance value during a period of time in which signals obtained by the GNSS receiver meet the one or more accuracy and / or reliability criteria.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to mobile devices having means for determining and tracking the device's location. Illustrative embodiments of the invention relate to portable training devices, e.g. devices that can be worn by runners, cyclists, etc, which can track and record the pace of the user at particular moments during a workout and / or the distance covered by the user during the workout.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Portable navigation devices (PNDs) that include GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) signal reception and processing functionality are well known and are widely employed as in-car or other vehicle navigation systems. Such devices include a GNSS antenna, such as a GPS antenna, by means of which satellite-broadcast signals, including location data, can be received and subsequently processed to determine a current location of the device. The PND device may also include electronic gyroscopes and accelerometers which produce signals that can...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method of calculating the distance travelled by a user using a mobile device. The data points are collected regularly, and a smoothing process is applied to improve accuracy. The distance can be determined using techniques such as delta distance, speed over ground, and dead reckoning. The mobile device is designed to collect data from a GNSS satellite and a pedometer, and the data may be used in conjunction with other information to estimate the distance travelled. The device is designed to be used as a sports watch with a data connector for transferring data to a computer or other device. The protective cover on the watch may be opened and closed to access the data connector.

Problems solved by technology

For example, vehicles are limited in most circumstances to travel on a set road network, and thus will usually only experience limited and predictable changes in direction.

Step counters and foot-pad sensors do not have a high-degree of accuracy, typically even in the best conditions only an accuracy of 5% can be achieved.

Tachometers have a better accuracy, however, they are difficult to implement.

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