Challenging algorithm
The major challenge faced by the team while designing the product was to eliminate any kind of false crash alarms that would negatively affect the product functionality and reliability.
Another challenge was to differentiate between deep sleep and light sleep as the device is supposed to work as a sleep-quality tracker.
The next goal was to precisely count the number of steps taken by the user during a walk. Also, the device is supposed to accurately interpret hand gestures to perform different operations associated with it by the user.
The fall/crash-detection algorithm takes into account what is happening before, during and after a fall/crash event has taken place. For example, forces associated with high-impact and rapid body movements during a fall and movements of the user after the event are monitored to make a decision on the event.
After several iterations, the team was finally able to come up with well-built algorithms that can distinguish between a fall and a crash, would not report any false crash alarms, monitor the type and duration of sleep, count the number of steps covered and interpret hand gestures in an effective manner. SenseGiz has also applied patent for the fall/crash algorithm, which they have developed.
How is STAR different
There are several fitness bands of varying functionalities and prices available in the market these days. Why choose STAR over other products? The team explains, “Safety is the main feature we focus on and this is what differentiates our product from our competitors.”
The device automatically detects falls and crashes, even the severity of these, and an alarm in the preset phone number(s) automatically goes off in case of an emergency. This alarm is more likely to get noticed by another person rather than a simple text message (SMS, in most cases) featured by some gadgets.
STAR also has a panic button that can be pressed when physical danger is anticipated or the user needs immediate help. The logic behind this is that, pressing this panic button is easier than searching for the phone and calling someone, especially when time is a critical factor.
Now, the design challenge arises; what if the panic button is pressed by mistake? In order to activate a panic alert, this button should be quickly pressed twice, so chances of false alerts are less. Also, there is a user-defined countdown timer on the app that can disable sending of alerts if there is no emergency.
Multiple features like safety, fitness and UI screen displaying notifications come together at a competitive price and no other wearable device offers all these features in a single product.
From idea to market
The development of STAR from idea into a fully-functional product took approximately one year, says the SenseGiz team. The clip version of the device is already being sold directly to customers or through retailers in more than ten countries across the globe.
The author is a dancer, karaoke aficionado, and a technical correspondent at EFY. Find her on Twitter @AnuBomb.
