Automated Combat Sports Scoring via Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current score awarding systems in combat sports are highly subjective and inefficient due to the large amount of data collected, which complicates accurate and efficient scoring, especially when relying on referees.
Innovation Solution
An automated score awarding system that combines punch force data from sensors in gloves with body segment data from cameras, using a rule set to determine scores objectively, replacing the need for manual scoring in clear cases and supporting referees with video verification for ambiguous situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If referees manually award scores based on observation, then scoring can be performed with simple equipment, but scoring accuracy and objectivity deteriorate due to subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical scoring system with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, cameras, and computer processing to objectively detect and score combat actions, eliminating referee subjectivity while maintaining scoring functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service scoring where the combatants' own actions (punches, kicks) are automatically detected and scored by sensors and cameras without requiring external referee intervention for each scoring decision
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and cameras are deployed to collect comprehensive data, then scoring accuracy improves, but data processing complexity and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scoring system into separate functional modules: sensors for detecting punch/kick actions, cameras for capturing body positions and trajectories, and a computer system for integrating data and applying scoring rules, making the complex system manageable through functional segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The computer system acts as an intermediary that receives raw data from multiple sensors and cameras, processes and correlates this information, and produces final scoring decisions, simplifying the relationship between data collection and scoring output
3Loss of information
If comprehensive statistical data is collected from sensors and cameras, then analysis capability improves, but the amount of data processing and time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-processes and filters data from sensors and cameras in real-time during the combat event, identifying and storing only the relevant scoring information while discarding unnecessary data, thereby reducing post-processing time and data volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates only the critical scoring-related information from the vast amount of collected data (such as punch force, body segment positions, and hit locations), separating this essential data from redundant information to enable faster processing and analysis
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 enables accurate, efficient, and comprehensible scoring by linking punch force and body segment data with pre-defined rules, improving scoring accuracy and allowing for comprehensive assessment of referee performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one punching glove for measuring punch force data developing during a punch
Implementation Method 2
at least one camera, preferably at least four cameras, for capturing images of at least one athlete
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for automated score awarding in combat sports, comprising: at least one punching glove for measuring punch force data developing during a punch; at least one camera, preferably at least four cameras, for capturing images of at least one athlete; a body segment recognition module connected to the camera(s) for determining body segment data of the athlete from the images captured by the cameras; a rule set module, in which at least one rule set of a predetermined combat sport is stored; an evaluation unit, which is connected to the punching glove, to the body segment recognition module and to the rule set module; wherein the evaluation unit is configured to output a score fully automatically at an output when both the punch force measured by the punching glove and the body segment data determined by the body segment recognition module result in a score according to the rule set.