Fitness Device Sensor Validation for Athletic Performance Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for evaluating athletic performance characteristics are costly, time-intensive, and lack accuracy, making it difficult for athletes and coaches to assess and improve performance effectively, especially for amateur athletes without access to certified testing protocols.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing fitness devices equipped with sensors to measure performance parameters such as power, agility, speed, and quickness, which communicate data to a computing system to calculate scores and provide standardized evaluations, ensuring consistency and accuracy through the detection of operational criteria and sensor data validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current certified testing systems are used to evaluate athletic performance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a consumer-accessible copy of professional testing capabilities by embedding sensors and processing logic in portable devices. The system replicates certified testing functionality through standardized sensor arrays and algorithms that mirror professional equipment, making accurate performance measurement available without requiring complex professional infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical testing equipment with electronic sensors and digital processing. Instead of using sophisticated mechanical devices for measuring performance characteristics, the system employs accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other electronic sensors combined with computational algorithms to achieve equivalent or superior measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If current certified testing protocols are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to training requirements and equipment calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration and self-validation through automated routines. Sensors automatically calibrate themselves using built-in reference measurements, and the system validates its own data quality through internal consistency checks, eliminating the need for external technicians to perform time-consuming calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary calibration and validation routines that are automatically executed before actual testing. The system pre-configures itself with reference measurements and performance thresholds, so when testing begins, all preparatory work has already been completed, reducing on-site preparation time.
3Productivity
If multiple different timers and equipment are used to measure athlete performance, then productivity increases for testing multiple athletes, but measurement precision decreases due to equipment variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal testing platform that uses identical sensor arrays and processing algorithms for all athletes. The system is designed to handle multiple test subjects with the same equipment configuration, ensuring that every athlete is measured by the same standardized system, thereby maintaining precision while enabling high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains measurement consistency by controlling and standardizing all measurement parameters across different testing sessions. Sensors are calibrated to fixed reference values, and testing protocols enforce consistent parameter settings, ensuring that data from different athletes are directly comparable despite the high volume of testing performed.
4Measurement precision
If extensive training and calibration are provided for testing personnel, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for extensive personnel training by incorporating intelligent guidance and automated operation. The device provides real-time instructions to users, automatically guides them through testing procedures, and performs self-validation, allowing anyone to operate the system at expert levels without formal training programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms that guide users through proper testing procedures. The system monitors each step of the testing process, provides immediate feedback on correctness, and automatically corrects errors, ensuring consistent high-quality measurements without requiring trained operators to manually enforce protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques relating to evaluating performance characteristics are provided. One or more fitness devices, for example, a ball and/or a mat, may have sensors for measuring a user's actions during an activity protocol, such as a testing drill. Sensor configured to detect if the fitness device meets operational criteria are disclosed. In one embodiment, the fitness device may comprise a ball and the operational criteria may relate to the weight, dimensions, and/or internal pressure of the ball. In one embodiment, data from fitness device(s) may be used to calculate a score. In other embodiments, a score may be calculated; however, it may not be associated with credentials or certified if an operational criteria is not met.