Counting steps when jumping

bremenpl said:

maybe pair the counting algorithm with GPS location changes?

Since GS  does not work indoors, and besides that the GPS chip is on only during timed activities, in consequence it would not count any steps except of those done during outdoor activities.

You can stop the steps counter for example by starting the Indoor Cycling activity, when you do not want any rhythmical movement to be counted as steps. You can then discard (or keep) that activity, when you finish.

Hi trux

Thank you for the answer, Your explanation regarding GPS makes sense. The proposed solution however is too troublesome IMO. I would expect from a watch of "such quality" to have firmware smart enough to recognize what is a walk and what isn't based on the accelerometer and gyro readings...

bremenpl said:

I would expect from a watch of "such quality" to have firmware smart enough to recognize what is a walk and what isn't based on the accelerometer and gyro readings.

If you have an idea how to correctly distinguish from rhythmical motion between true and false steps, then submit your idea to Share Ideas | Garmin or apply for a job at any company manufacturing fitness devices.

BTW, Instinct 2 has only the accelerometer, no gyro.

trux said:

If you have an idea how to correctly distinguish from rhythmical motion between true and false steps, then submit your idea to Share Ideas | Garmin

Out of the blue I don't, also don't know what is the specific MEMS IC used as accelerometer (what exact features it provides).

trux said:

BTW, Instinct 2 has only the accelerometer, no gyro.

That's too bad, I did not know that.

trux said:

or apply for a job at any company manufacturing fitness devices.

I am nearly certain that the last 2 generations of Samsung smart watches can recognize this correctly. I will test this later once I have access to an exemplary Samsung watch and confirm in this thread.

Thanks!

Hi trux

So I have done some tests on Samsung Galaxy Watch 4- the steps counter did not even move, while Garmin instinct 2 solar counts ridiculous number of steps. During todays work, while mostly siting in front of my desk, I got 11k+ steps, while my wife doing similar activity only 1600 on the Galaxy watch... So its not accelerometer data parsing rocket science after all.

Sure, some devices may be more efficient in filtering certain patterns, but they can also land in other problems with detecting activities like the treadmill, floors climbing, slow pace walking or sprints, etc. Quick Google search reveals as many problems with the step accuracy at Samsung watches, as at most other fitness devices. No device is perfect. However, I encourage you to send your feedback to Garmin's Support anyway. They usually act quicker on issues that are reported by a big number of users.

An other 'trick' to reach your step goals is to brush your teeth with the same hand that you have the watch attached to. :-)

Not saying that there is anything wrong with it, just a fun fact