Athletic Maneuver Synchronization via Sensor-Video Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to accurately measure and compare complex athletic maneuvers in extreme sports, leading to subjective judging and difficulties in virtual competitions and social networks, as they cannot synchronize and present sensor data effectively with visual displays.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that receives sensor data from athletes, determines motion characteristics, synchronizes this data with visual displays, and presents side-by-side comparisons of athletic maneuvers performed at different times or by different athletes, using sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes to identify and characterize tricks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional inertial sensors are used to measure fast rotations, then measurement capability is provided, but the measurements are not understandable to sport participants and spectators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses video footage as an intermediary between inertial sensor measurements and human understanding. The system synchronizes sensor data with video playback, allowing spectators to visually observe the maneuvers while the sensor data provides objective measurement. This intermediary approach makes the measurements understandable without sacrificing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective human judgment with automated sensor-based measurement systems. Inertial sensors objectively capture rotation data, and automated algorithms analyze the maneuvers, eliminating the need for subjective interpretation by judges or spectators while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If manual video comparison methods are used, then visual comparison capability is provided, but the process is labor-intensive and videos are difficult to synchronize
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic video synchronization using sensor data timestamps. Each video clip is tagged with precise timing information from the inertial sensors, allowing the system to automatically align multiple videos without manual intervention. The synchronization happens autonomously based on the sensor data, eliminating labor-intensive manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual video editing and synchronization with automated computational methods. Algorithms automatically align video clips based on sensor data timestamps and motion characteristics, eliminating the need for manual frame-by-frame synchronization and significantly reducing preparation time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If side-by-side video comparisons are prepared manually, then comparison functionality is provided, but the videos are often out of synch and difficult to present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sensor data timestamps as an intermediary reference to synchronize multiple video clips. Each video is time-stamped with precise information from the inertial sensors, creating a common temporal reference frame that ensures accurate synchronization when videos are played side-by-side for comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor data as feedback to verify and adjust video synchronization. By continuously monitoring the sensor measurements during video playback, the system can detect and correct timing drift, ensuring that multiple videos remain synchronized throughout the comparison presentation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure help to synchronize multiple video segments of an actor or actors performing athletic maneuvers. Among other things, various embodiments help provide a side-by-side visual comparison of athletic maneuvers.