Embedded IMU for Curling Stone Dynamics Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MEMS-based sports training systems for curling are invasive and unable to accurately measure the dynamics of the curling stone due to being strapped to the curler's forearm, missing the contribution of wrist and finger joints, and thus fail to provide comprehensive game analysis.
Innovation Solution
A wireless network (Wifi and Bluetooth) IMU is embedded within the curling stone, allowing direct measurement of its dynamics during delivery and motion, along with a UWB tracking system for precise location and orientation tracking, enabling detailed sports telemetry and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MEMS sensor is strapped to curler's forearm for measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to missing wrist and finger joint contributions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of measuring human body motion (forearm) as a proxy for stone dynamics, the patent embeds the MEMS sensor directly in the curling stone to copy the actual stone's motion characteristics. This eliminates the need to infer stone dynamics from human joint movements and captures the true dynamics including all rotational components.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is extracted from the human body (forearm) and relocated to the actual object of interest (curling stone). This separation allows independent measurement of stone dynamics without being constrained by or dependent on human body movement tracking.
2Measurement precision
If wireless IMU is embedded in curling stone for direct measurement, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MEMS sensor, magnetometer, battery, and wireless communication components are nested within the hollow interior of the curling stone. This compact integration minimizes the added volume and complexity while achieving direct measurement of stone dynamics. The sensor suite is contained within the stone's existing structure rather than adding external components.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic strip is installed at hog line for triggering detection, then location detection precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical/magnetic detection system (magnetic strip and magnetometer) replaces traditional optical or manual line detection methods. The magnetic field interaction provides precise, automated detection of hog line crossing events without requiring complex mechanical triggers or visual systems.
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
This approach provides high-quality sports telemetry and game analysis by accurately measuring angular velocity, linear velocity, and orientation of the curling stone, enabling assessment of friction forces and curler skill through the 'hook potential' metric, enhancing player and coach insights.
Implementation Method 1
MEMS inertial sensors include tri-axis accelerometers which detect the acceleration of a point and single, dual and now tri-axis angular rate gyros which detect the components of the angular velocity of the body to which they are attached
Implementation Method 2
The magnetometer (magnetic field and compass) is used to calculate the number rotation, angle of release and the back and hog line
Implementation Method 3
A wireless network (Wifi and Bluetooth) IMU, UWB, that can be readily embedded within an actual curling stone
Implementation Method 4
The curl, created by the player and ice friction, derives from curling stone rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for delivering sports telemetry for a curling game provides players, coaches, and viewers with the detailed dynamics of a curling stone. The method is generalized to at least one computerized sports equipment in communication with at least one remote server. A sensing module of the sports equipment captures and sends an angular-motion measurement and a linear-motion measurement to the remote server. Further, a tracking module of the sports equipment sends a precise location reading to the remote server. The angular-motion measurement, the linear-motion measurement, and the precise location reading are compiled into a sports telemetry data. Subsequently, the sports telemetry data assess a plurality of summarization metrics which promotes game awareness and interest. Further, the sports telemetry data also generates at least one equipment motion animation of play-by-play breakdown of the game. Finally, an online view platform allows the general public to access the sports telemetry data.