TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVED PEDOMETER READINGS

Techniques are provided for improving pedometer readings. In some embodiments, motion data, such as acceleration data is detected, and a magnitude of the acceleration data, referred to as the modulus, is processed. Techniques involve performing frequency analysis on the modulus. In some embodiments, the modulus samples are counted perform frequency analysis on each complete sample set. Each complete sample set includes overlapping samples with the previous sample set. A suitable frequency analysis algorithm, such as fast Fourier transform (FFT) dominant frequency computation is performed on each sample set to determine the dominant frequency of the modulus. The dominant frequency of the modulus may be smoothed in some embodiments to remove irregularities such as spikes or periods of inactivity. In some embodiments, results of frequency analysis may be used to determine whether a detected step is a walking step or a running step.