Automatic Lap Marking Using Orientation and Location Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lap marking systems in geolocation devices for cyclists struggle to accurately mark laps while avoiding false positives, especially in routes with varying paths and sensor inaccuracies, leading to inconsistent and incorrect lap markings.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based method that uses a device with a position determining module and an orientation determining module to identify a completed lap by checking if the current location and orientation are within predefined variance thresholds relative to the initiation location and orientation, thereby ensuring accurate lap marking without false positives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a larger distance threshold is used for lap detection, then all laps are properly marked even with GPS inaccuracies, but false positives occur when rider passes near the marker in a different direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional distance-based lap detection to two-dimensional detection by incorporating orientation/direction as an additional dimension. The system now checks both the distance threshold and orientation threshold simultaneously, creating a more precise detection criterion that eliminates false positives while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new parameter (orientation threshold) alongside the existing distance threshold. By changing the detection parameters from solely distance-based to a combination of distance and orientation parameters, the system achieves more accurate lap detection without generating false positives.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a smaller distance threshold is used for lap detection, then false positives are reduced, but laps may be missed due to GPS accuracy variations and route variations
Solution Approach 1:
By adding orientation as another dimension to the detection criteria, the system can use a more restrictive distance threshold without missing valid laps. The orientation check provides additional confirmation that ensures reliable lap detection even with tighter distance constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation threshold acts as an intermediary criterion that mediates between the distance threshold and the lap detection decision. It provides an additional layer of verification that allows the system to be more selective about distance while maintaining high reliability.
3Device complexity
If only distance threshold is used for lap marking, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot distinguish between passing the marker in the correct direction versus wrong direction
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation determining module serves multiple functions: it detects the rider's direction, compares it with the required direction, and contributes to the lap detection decision. This multi-functional approach enhances precision without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding orientation as an additional detection parameter, the system gains the capability to distinguish direction while maintaining a relatively simple implementation through the use of standard sensor data and threshold comparison logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for identifying a completed lap at a device is disclosed. An example method includes retrieving or defining lap initiation data that can include an initiation location and an initiation orientation. The method also includes retrieving or defining a location variance threshold for the initiation location and an orientation variance threshold for the initiation orientation. The method further includes determining, by a position determining module of the device, a first location of the device associated with a first time. The method also includes determining, by an orientation determining module of the device, a first orientation of the device associated with the first time. The method also includes identifying a lap as completed upon determining that the first location of the device is within the location variance threshold of the initiation location and that the first orientation of the device is within the orientation variance threshold of the initiation orientation.