Athletic Attribute Determination from Image Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Athletes face challenges in accurately determining their athletic attributes and performance levels due to the improper use of equipment or drills, leading to inefficient training and misjudgment of their abilities, with existing methods often requiring travel to specific locations and being inaccessible due to cost or availability issues.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that processes image data from athletes performing physical activities to determine athletic attributes, using triggering events, image capturing devices, and sensors to analyze movements and calculate performance metrics such as speed, reaction time, and endurance, allowing for remote and accessible evaluation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If athletes travel to specific facilities for performance testing, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and loss of substance increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveathletic attribute determination accuracyVSAvoidtravel time and scheduling constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the professional testing facility environment through computer-generated imagery and simulated drilling routines. The system replicates the visual and interactive elements of facility-based testing, allowing athletes to perform drills in their own locations while maintaining measurement accuracy comparable to facility-based testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a computing device as an intermediary between the athlete and the testing process. This intermediary captures image data, processes it to determine athletic attributes, and provides feedback, eliminating the need for physical travel to facilities while maintaining measurement precision through algorithmic analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If athletes travel to specific facilities for performance testing, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance (cost) increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveathletic attribute determination accuracyVSAvoidtravel and facility costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual replica of professional testing environments, eliminating the need for athletes to physically visit expensive facilities. By using computer-generated imagery and remote imaging technology, the system provides equivalent measurement precision without the associated travel and facility costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables athletes to conduct their own performance testing at home using their own devices. The computing device processes image data locally and determines athletic attributes without requiring expensive facility resources, making the service accessible and eliminating cost barriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If standardized drills are administered at facilities, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance evaluation accuracyVSAvoidtesting system requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical testing equipment with image capture devices and computer-based processing. Instead of using specialized facility equipment to measure athletic attributes, the system uses cameras and image analysis algorithms to determine performance metrics from visual data of athletes performing drills.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a universal computing device that can perform multiple functions: capturing image data, processing the data to determine athletic attributes, providing feedback, and simulating various testing environments. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for specialized equipment for each type of measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2973406B1Athletic attribute determinations from image data
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 NIKE INNOVATE CV
  • EP2973406B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2973406B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2973406B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Systems and methods for determining athletic attributes are disclosed. Aspects of this disclosure relate to determining athletic attributes of an athlete from image data. One or more determinations may be based alterations of image data between different images, such as alterations in pixels representing objects or portions of objects. Image data may be utilized to determine whether certain thresholds are met. Various threshold levels may be applied to one or more objects represented in the image data. Landmarks/distance calibrations may be utilized from time-stamped image data to allow for precise measuring of performance (including, but not limited to: sprint or agility times, flight time for vertical jump, distance for throws). Data retrieved or derived from the image data may be used in scoring and/or ranking athletes. Such data may be used to provide training advice or regimes to the athletes or other individuals, such as coaches or trainers.