Passometers and pedometers are the instruments used to measure the number of paces and the distance respectively. Pedometers are usually used vertically to measure accurate results.
Table of Contents
What is a Passometer?
Passometer is an electromechanical instrument which is portable. It is a used to count the number of paces or velocity of the body movement.
It automatically note down the number of paces. Its mechanism is being operated by the movement of the body. It is same as the speed meter of any mechanical transport. The speed meter looks like a watch and can be easily carried in a pocket.
It has the ability to count the circular or periodic measurements. Passometer automatically registers the total number of paces.
What is a Pedometer?
The pedometer is similar to a passometer. It is an electmechanical and also a portable instrument, which count each and every step a person takes by the motion of the person’s hands or hips. It counts the distance how much the user passes or the distance he crossed by. It is adjusted according to the length of the pace of the person carrying it. The important thing in case of this device is it has to be used vertically for accurate measurement.
How it Looks?
Passometer is available in the market with different kinds of varieties in their shapes and their size. In early days people were using mechanical passometers, which depend on an analog system. The values measured from this analog system are not accurate. But nowadays we make use of digital passometers and pedometers.
The digital meters are elliptical, circular, square and rectangular in shape. Currently, portable and tiny devices are in use. Passometer and pedometer are also available on mobile applications, as there is advancement in technology.
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Working of Passometer and Pedometer
Pedometers work in a simple electronic way. Inside the pedometer, we can find a metal pendulum connected to an electronic counting circuit by a spring. It is an open circuit and no current flows through it. When a step is taken, the pendulum swings and touches a metal contact in the center, which completes the circuit connectivity allowing the current to pass through it. The flow of current energizes the Circuit, adding one to step count. The pendulum swings back, disconnecting the circuit connectivity. As the process continues, the pedometer count increases for every step and the value is displayed on the LCD. In modern pedometers, there are no moving parts to be long-lasting, more suitable and accurate. It has no pendulum-hammer and the steps are measured with two or three accelerometers. Microchips detect minute changes in force, and applications work with the cellphones which have the built in accelerometer sensor.
While running, this application will monitor the change in accelerometer and depending on that it will conclude if the step is taken or not. It can also provide the information about the angle at which the device is, direction and speed at which it is moved. Application records the values in the database and it is important to use pedometer vertically for accurate values.
Calculation
The device counts the pace of the body directly. The recorded value is shown on the LCD display as number of steps. But to calculate the distanced by pedometer there is a rule, “Distance= Number of steps* step length.” But in modern pedometers, the distance is shown directly. The top pedometer models give accuracy upto + or – 5% error.
Units of Passometer and pedometer
There are several units used in passometer and pedometer to calculate the values. They are kilometer (km) scale, mile scale, foot (ft) scale, lap system, pace system or step length system.
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Benefits of Passometer and Pedometer
- Passometers and pedometers are not only used in civil applications, but they can also be used as a motivation tool for people who want to improve their physical activity.
- They are shown in clinical studies to increase physical activity and reduce blood pressure levels.
- Both the devices are mainly preferred by sports persons and physical activist for health fitness maintenance.
- Passometer and pedometer used in many ways like counting steps, running or walking.
Difference between Passometer and Pedometer
Both passometer and pedometer are similar devices, the main difference between them is passometer is a pocket instrument which count the number of paces whereas pedometer records the distance.
Conclusion:
The passometers and pedometers are not only used in civil applications, they can also be used to maintain the fitness or keep track of the fitness activities like running, walking etc…
