GPS-Tagged Athletic Pad for Automated Smartphone Camera Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion tracking solutions for sporting events are inadequate in providing high-quality video recording at a low cost and are not suitable for crowded fields with multiple participants wearing similar uniforms, as they require direct line of sight or facial recognition, which is impractical in outdoor sporting events like soccer or football.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a motorized base unit with a smart device mount that uses GPS data from a tracking tag worn by the athlete to automatically orient a smartphone camera, allowing it to track the athlete's movement and record video without the need for direct line of sight, integrated with a smartphone's sensors and communication capabilities for smooth and accurate tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared sensors are used for tracking, then line of sight tracking is achieved, but tracking fails in crowded fields with multiple players and limited outdoor range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces infrared optical tracking with GPS satellite-based positioning. Instead of using IR sensors that require line of sight, the system uses GPS receivers to obtain position coordinates from satellite signals, enabling tracking without visual contact between camera and target.
2Manufacturing precision
If professional videographers are hired, then high-quality video recording is achieved, but cost becomes prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables parents to record their own children's sports events using automated tracking technology. The GPS-tagged athletic pads and smartphone-based camera system allow non-professionals to achieve professional-quality tracking without hiring expensive videographers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the tracking parameters from manual camera operation to automated GPS-based positioning. By using GPS coordinates to automatically control camera orientation and positioning, the system achieves professional tracking quality while eliminating the need for skilled operators.
3Measurement precision
If tracking tags are attached to uniforms, then player identification is achieved, but player comfort decreases and playing level is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS tracking tag is nested within the athletic pad structure itself. The electronic components are integrated into the protective padding that players already wear, making the tracking device invisible and comfortable while maintaining full functionality.
4Extent of automation
If armbands with transmitters are used, then tracking functionality is achieved, but the device is rejected by game officials and causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The athletic pad serves multiple functions: it provides protective padding for player safety and simultaneously houses the GPS tracking tag for automated video recording. This dual functionality makes the device acceptable for official games while maintaining tracking capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a motorized base unit with a smart device mount for automatically orienting the smart device camera toward a moving target to track the moving target and take pictures or video. The target (e.g., a child playing soccer) wears a tracking tag comprising a GPS chip and transmitter packaged inside an athletic pad. The base unit includes a motorized mast for mounting a smart device. The base unit receives the transmitted GPS data, calculates updated pointing angle and angular velocity for the smart phone based on update location information from the remote tag sensor, calculates the correct angle that the smart phone should be pointed at, translates the new pointing directions to a control signal that turns the mast, which in turn causes the smart device camera to “follow” or track the target.