Athlete Timing Gate with Sensor Curve Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for timing the first movement of athletes during sprint training, such as using stopwatches and electronic timing gates, suffer from significant errors due to human reaction time and visual acuity, leading to inaccuracies in measuring the start time of athletes, especially when speeds are low.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a gate that provides status indications, a sensor that detects athlete movement, and a controller that analyzes movement data by fitting a curve to time and distance data points to determine the exact time of first movement, offering improved accuracy and minimizing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stopwatches are used for timing athlete movement, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but measurement precision deteriorates due to human reaction time error of about 350 ms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stopwatch system with an automated sensor-based timing system. The sensor detects athlete movement and triggers timing automatically, eliminating human reaction time errors. The controller processes sensor data to determine exact movement timing, achieving approximately 10 ms precision compared to 350 ms with manual stopwatches.
2Measurement precision
If electronic timing gates are used, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases and coordination with start signal becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The timing system performs self-service by automatically detecting athlete presence and movement without requiring manual coordination. The sensor autonomously identifies when the athlete enters the detection zone and when movement begins, eliminating the need for operators to coordinate timing gates with start signals manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of athlete entry into the start zone before the actual sprint begins. This allows the system to prepare for accurate timing of the first movement, ensuring that timing is captured precisely when the athlete begins to move without requiring real-time manual coordination.
3Device complexity
If ground based switches or wearable monitors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates particularly for first movement detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensor system positioned in the start zone that detects athlete presence and movement. This intermediary device bridges the gap between simple detection methods and complex timing systems, providing accurate first movement detection through automated sensor-triggered timing without requiring wearable equipment or complex ground switches.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves precise timing with an accuracy of about 10 ms, significantly reducing errors associated with human reaction time and visual acuity, providing reliable data for athlete performance testing.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor contains a data buffer which records a sequence of time and time-of-flight data points, or time and distance data points
Data Source
AI summary
Performance testing of an athlete uses a gate which provides status indications for the athlete during the test and a sensor which detects movement of the athlete from a start position. A controller communicates with the gate and the sensor to conduct the test. The controller receives athlete movement data and determines first movement characteristics of the athlete at the start position.