Apple is exploring a body posture detection system that relies on data collected by AirPods, and then provides real-time feedback to the wearer.
The next-generation AirPods might be capable of identifying if a wearer is striking the right pose during a workout, suggests a patent application filed by Apple. The AirPods Pro and third-gen AirPods are already capable of head-tracking, working in tandem with Spatial Audio to provide a directional feel while listening to music and allowing for a more immersive experience. However, it appears that Apple is exploring more interesting capabilities for its wireless earbuds.
Back in October last year, it was reported that a bunch of health and fitness-centric tricks are on the design table for Apple’s future earbuds. Among them was the ability to measure body temperature and improved listening for those with mild-to-moderate auditory impairments. There were also rumors of a posture monitoring trick that would likely alert users when they are slouching. Those rumors now have some additional backing, and in the form of engineering patents, no less.
Spotted by Apple Insider, an Apple patent describes a system that relies on accelerometer readings to study body movements and then to provide the necessary feedback. Titled “Wireless Ear Bud System With Pose Detection,” the patent talks about a mechanism for detecting postures such as tilting to the head sideways or to the back in various stretching positions, and then measuring the movement against an axis of rotation. The accelerometer dynamically collects head orientation data along all three axes to create a body-frame-of-reference. The idea is not too different from what the Apple Watch’s onboard sensors do, keeping track of limb movements for workout progress.
Tailor-Made For Workouts
The data collected by AirPods’ accelerometer is compared against a predetermined threshold value, helping identify the degree of movement and whether it is up to the mark. If the body movement is found insufficient or wrong, compared to what an ideal posture looks like, the feedback mechanism kicks in to action. The response might arrive in the form of a chime, a pre-recorded audio command, or directly from a fitness trainer watching remotely via camera. There is no dearth of virtual training programs out there and Apple Fitness’ Group Workouts feature appears tailor-made for providing the necessary posture correction feedback in real-time.
There are a lot of users who rely on a periodic nudging from an Apple Watch to correct their posture as they spend hours glued to their workstations. The AirPods will make the process even more convenient, and likely more physically accurate as well. Apple’s patent application suggests that data from wearables such as smartwatches, shoes, and bands might also be combined with the head movement information collected by the AirPods to get a better overall picture of how the workout is going. That is, whether users are striking the correct pose, jogging with the desired limb alignment, and so on. The idea is extremely promising, but this is still only a patent application, which means there is no certainty if improved posture detection and feedback will appear on AirPods in the near future.
Sources: USPTO, Apple Insider
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