Your fitness routine could soon get a boost as PixArt Imaging has applied for a patent that aims to improve the accuracy in wearable fitness trackers. The company has recently published patent number US11719579B2, promising an elevated level of precision in body temperature sensing via wearable technology.
The new technology is a special sensor that goes inside clothing for monitoring the body temperature. It seems quite futuristic, resembling a spy gadget from your favorite Hollywood flick. It's like having your health stats inside your shirt or workout gear!
For many, a typical fitness tracker is already smart, with features that track heart rates, oxygen levels, and sugar levels, but there's a downside. When multiple functions co-exist, their electronic signals can interfere, resulting in decreased accuracy in measurement. PixArt's patent aims to tackle this problem.
PixArt's maneuver is about improving detection accuracy by having a unique metal shield surrounding the sensor. The shield not just protects the sensor but blocks noises from other functions of the device as well as from external electronic products. This ensures no data loss and helps get a better signal to noise ratio. The designed shield has special openings that allow infrared from certain positions to enter, where the sensor will be stationed.
Several embodiments have been disclosed, showing the application of this technology in various kinds of wearable gadgets. According to the figures shared in the patent application, similar package structures were used in different embodiments of the wearable gadgets. The main difference lied in the internal positioning and construction to enhance performance and durability.
This advancement can be a game-changer for PixArt's PAH8011ES Fitness Tracker. It can help users receive more precise measurements and can also prevent any harm or damage to the device from water or airborne particles. Not only does this feature ensure higher accuracy, but it also prolongs the life of the product.
Just as intriguing, PixArt also found a way to cut manufacturing costs. One of the disclosed designs has the device's circuit substrate reverse-located beneath the wearable casing. This clever positioning means there's no need for an additional metal shielding structure, making the product more cost-efficient.
While the patent looks promising in delivering next-level accuracy and durability for wearable fitness trackers, its application in the marketplace is not guaranteed. As with all patents, it merely represents a novel idea and its practical realization is dependent on several other factors. Until the invention hits the market, all we can do is appreciate the innovation and wait with anticipation.