Devices of different brands may vary in its sensors and each would have unique algorithms, which is a trade secret, for best performance.
Today’s generation today is obsessed with fitness. Therefore they are attracted towards smart gadgets in the market. Fitness bands have become more of a trend than a utility. If utilised in a correct manner, purpose and with a proper understanding, it will prove beneficial for tracking your health.
Have you ever wondered how they track your each move? Fitness bands have sensors like an accelerometer and gyrometer, to measure your acceleration, frequency, duration, intensity of movement. These bands and watches are linked to the mobile phone or computer where data is collected and analysed.
These devices are also able to calculate your heart rate. There are two types of sensors which can be used for such an application. Optical sensors, which illuminate capillaries to estimate the rate at which the blood is being pumped, and measure heart rate. On the other hand, Bioimpedance sensors measure the impedance between the skin to the small electric current that helps to measure the heart rate. GPS chips are used to map runners or walkers on their route.
You must be fascinated by how your sleep data is recorded, that tells you the duration and quality of your sleep. The actimetry sensor monitors human rest and activity. There are algorithms associated with each technique to calculate and process data. However, some measurements might not be accurate. To measure calories burnt, one needs to provide data such as age, gender, height, and weight. This helps the algorithm to give us optimal output.
Devices of different brands may vary in its sensors and each would have it’s unique algorithm. Such algorithms are not shared by the respective companies to the public, nor with competitors. These algorithms are continuously improved in order to accurately process and predict various parameters such as, steps, heart rate, menstrual cycle, calories burnt, etc.
Thus smart devices are convenient to trace our health activities, but should not be taken very seriously. It has to be understood that, the output that the watch gives us, is only an estimate and may not be accurate. However, these smart devices do give us essential information about our body, which is very valuable. A smart watch device is a good product to have, if you are interested in determining your body’s performance on a day-to-day basis.
