How it Works: Pedometers

2 thoughts on “How it Works: Pedometers

  1. You mentioned that iPhones use motion sensors to detect vertical accelerations and estimate steps based on that – but I wonder how accurate this is compared to the other methods of measuring distance traveled. I look at the “health” app on my phone pretty much daily, so I’d be curious to know how reliable it actually is.

    • Same here Erin! The iPhone I believe uses microprocessors to count the amount of steps you take. The utilize accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect the frequency, as well as the speed of each step. I’m sure these also have same errors associated with the mechanical and piezoelectric pedometers. Change the frequency or speed of any given step and i’m sure errors will be observed.

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