Athletic Data Aggregation via Sensor-Based Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fitness enthusiasts face challenges in maintaining motivation for regular exercise, particularly with repetitive activities like running or bicycling, and struggle to track and share workout data effectively, leading to a lack of engagement and progress.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses mobile devices equipped with GPS and accelerometers to track performance metrics, broadcast workout data, generate leaderboards, and provide motivational messages, allowing users to share and compete with others, and automatically suggest challenges to improve their fitness levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual entry of workout information is required, then tracking accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically captures workout data using sensors integrated into fitness equipment and mobile devices, eliminating the need for manual entry. The device self-monitors metrics like heart rate, speed, and distance through accelerometers and GPS, then automatically uploads this data to the online community platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry with electronic sensing and wireless communication systems. Sensors detect workout parameters and transmit them automatically via wireless networks to the server, substituting the manual writing or typing process with automated electronic data capture.

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

2Measurement precision

If special fitness-dedicated devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multi-functional mobile devices that serve both as communication tools and fitness tracking instruments. The same device used for photos and social media also captures workout data through integrated sensors, GPS, and accelerometers, eliminating the need for separate dedicated fitness equipment.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines fitness tracking functionality with general-purpose mobile devices. By integrating sensors, GPS, and workout monitoring capabilities into smartphones and tablets, the system merges multiple functions into a single device, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If workout data is shared with online communities, then user motivation is improved, but loss of information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser motivationVSAvoidloss of information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback loops where users receive real-time updates, leaderboards, and performance comparisons from the online community. This feedback mechanism maintains user engagement and motivation while the system manages data aggregation and presentation to prevent information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary that receives, processes, and manages workout data from multiple users. It handles data aggregation, storage, and distribution to appropriate users and communities, ensuring information integrity while enabling widespread sharing and comparison.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If automated tracking systems are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated tracking system operates autonomously, with sensors continuously monitoring workout parameters without user intervention. The device automatically records data, processes it through algorithms, and uploads results to the online platform, making the complex operations transparent to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10709955B2Athletic data aggregation for online communities
Publication Date: 2020.07.14 NIKE INC
  • US10709955B2 patent drawing
  • US10709955B2 patent drawing
  • US10709955B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for monitoring athletic performance data for a plurality of users and motivating increased athletic activity among users by providing challenges and suggestion for improving athletic performance. User athletic performance data and other information may be associated with user communications using one or more identifiers and displayed to the user via an interface, including user leaderboards and other interface displays.