Biomechanical triggers for improved responsiveness in grade estimation
Inventors
Khalak, Asif • Ullal, Adeeti V. • Blanco, Gabriel A.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12465813-B2
Publication Date
2025-11-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
Embodiments are disclosed for a biomechanical trigger for improved responsiveness in grade estimation. In some embodiments, a method comprises: obtaining, from a wearable device worn by a user, cadence data, speed data and elevation data, determining a grade of a surface on which the user is traveling based on a ratio of a change in elevation based on the elevation data and a change in speed data; determining that the grade satisfies a first condition indicative of a horizontal speed compensation by the user at a grade onset; determining that the grade satisfies a second condition indicative of a rapid elevation increase or decrease at a grade onset; and confirming that the grade is a valid estimate based on either the first condition or the second condition being satisfied.
Core Innovation
A method using a wearable device obtains cadence data, speed data, and elevation data from a user traveling on a surface. The method determines a grade of the surface based on a ratio of a change in elevation based on the elevation data and a change in the speed data, and the grade is assessed at a grade onset using grade-based trigger conditions rather than waiting for delayed confirmation from accumulating evidence.
The method determines that the grade satisfies a first condition indicative of a horizontal speed compensation at the grade onset and determines that the grade satisfies a second condition indicative of a rapid elevation increase or decrease at the grade onset. The grade is confirmed as a valid estimate based on either the first condition or the second condition being satisfied, enabling a responsive transition to a valid grade estimate at grade onset.
After confirming the grade as a valid estimate, the method determines a fitness metric based on the valid grade estimate. The disclosed approach corroborates incline before confidence filters accumulate sufficient evidence, thereby reducing variability and lag in grade-dependent fitness metrics such as running power and grade-adjusted pace. A wearable-based system architecture with elevation and velocity components supports these operations.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover a method, a system, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. They all obtain cadence data, speed data, and elevation data, determine grade from a ratio of a change in elevation and a change in the speed data, validate the grade at grade onset using either of two conditions, and determine a fitness metric from the valid grade estimate.
Grade from elevation-change to speed-change ratio with grade-onset validation for fitness metrics
Obtaining cadence data, speed data, and elevation data; determining a grade based on a ratio of a change in elevation and a change in the speed data; determining a first condition indicative of horizontal speed compensation at a grade onset; determining a second condition indicative of rapid elevation increase or decrease at the grade onset; confirming that the grade is a valid estimate based on either the first condition or the second condition being satisfied; and determining a fitness metric based on the valid grade estimate.
Wearable system performing grade-onset trigger validation and fitness metric determination
A system comprising at least one processor and memory storing instructions to obtain cadence data, speed data, and elevation data from a wearable device; determine grade based on a ratio of a change in elevation and a change in the speed data; determine that the grade satisfies a first condition indicative of horizontal speed compensation at a grade onset; determine that the grade satisfies a second condition indicative of rapid elevation increase or decrease at the grade onset; confirm that the grade is a valid estimate based on either the first condition or the second condition being satisfied; and determine a fitness metric based on the valid grade estimate.
Computer-readable medium encoding grade-onset trigger validation and fitness metric determination
A non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium having stored instructions that, when executed, cause operations comprising obtaining cadence data, speed data, and elevation data; determining a grade based on a ratio of a change in elevation and a change in the speed data; determining that the grade satisfies a first condition indicative of horizontal speed compensation at a grade onset; determining that the grade satisfies a second condition indicative of rapid elevation increase or decrease at the grade onset; confirming that the grade is a valid estimate based on either the first condition or the second condition being satisfied; and determining a fitness metric based on the valid grade estimate.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage is the same: compute surface grade from a ratio of elevation change to speed change using wearable cadence, speed, and elevation data, validate the grade at grade onset by confirming either a horizontal speed compensation condition or a rapid elevation increase or decrease condition, and determine a fitness metric from the valid grade estimate.
Stated Advantages
Improves responsiveness of grade estimation by confirming valid grade at grade onset using biomechanical trigger conditions.
Reduces variability and lag in grade-dependent fitness metrics such as running power.
Corroborates incline before barometer or elevation-sensor confidence filters accumulate sufficient evidence.
Documented Applications
Determining grade-dependent fitness metrics using wearable-based grade estimation, including running power (watts), grade-adjusted pace, and VO2 Max estimation.
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