Athlete Performance Assessment Using Self-Calibrating Gyroscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing gymnastic exercise performance, such as those using three-axis accelerometers, require calibration and only provide feedback at the end of the exercise, limiting their ability to inform athletes during the performance and imposing restrictions on test duration and type.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a gyroscope and magnetometer to measure acceleration and attitude in real-time, providing immediate feedback on performance without calibration, and allowing for longer, varied exercises, with a self-powered measuring device and wireless communication for real-time data display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a three-axis accelerometer is used to measure acceleration, then acceleration measurement is achieved, but calibration is required before each exercise and the athlete must remain still for confirmation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calibration process using gravity as a reference. The system performs automatic calibration by detecting the gravity vector when the athlete is in a stationary position, using this gravitational reference to establish the vertical axis orientation. This intermediary calibration step eliminates the need for manual calibration before each exercise while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration automatically by utilizing the gravity vector detected during a brief stationary period. The calibration process is executed autonomously by the device itself without requiring external intervention or complex setup procedures, making the system self-sufficient and easy to operate.
2Measurement precision
If feedback is provided only at the end of the exercise, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the athlete cannot act upon performance during the exercise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time feedback by processing accelerometer data streams during the exercise and providing immediate performance information to the athlete. The system calculates performance metrics on-the-fly and displays them continuously, enabling the athlete to adjust their technique during the exercise rather than waiting for end-of-exercise feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement and feedback process operates continuously throughout the entire exercise duration. The system continuously samples acceleration data, processes it in real-time, and provides ongoing performance feedback without interruption, maintaining the useful action of performance monitoring throughout the exercise rather than only at discrete points.
3Measurement precision
If the athlete performs to maximum capacity, then accurate maximum force determination is achieved, but excessive loads may subject the athlete to harmful factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by analyzing a subset of the exercise data - specifically focusing on the acceleration profile characteristics during the movement rather than requiring the athlete to lift maximum weight. By measuring acceleration during sub-maximal efforts and using the relationship between acceleration, mass, and force (F=ma), the system can calculate the maximum force capacity without requiring the athlete to actually lift their maximum capacity, thus avoiding excessive loads.
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
Enables non-intrusive, accurate assessment of gymnastic performance during exercises, suggesting optimal weights and movement effectiveness, and correcting measurement errors for improved training sessions.
Implementation Method 1
determining both acceleration and attitude, using a gyroscope and a magnetometer
Implementation Method 2
determining both acceleration and attitude, using a gyroscope and a magnetometer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for assessing the performances of an athlete that performs a gymnastic exercise, comprising the steps of removably associating a self-powered measuring device to the body of the athlete or to equipment for performing said gymnastic exercise, said measuring device comprising a transducer having at least one accelerometer. The method has the feature of: a) determining, during said gymnastic exercise, a first sequence of values (SI), identifying the acceleration of said body of the athlete or said equipment for performing said gymnastic exercise, along a preset axis (x,y,z); b) processing said first sequence of values (SI) by integral calculation (7) to obtain a second sequence of values (S2) identifying speed; c) processing said second sequence of values (S2) by calculating the least squares regression coefficients (8) to generate a third sequence of values (S3); d) subtracting said third sequence of values (S3) from said second sequence of values (S2) to obtain a fourth sequence of values (S4) identifying the speed at which said body of the athlete or said equipment for performing said gymnastic exercise moves; e) informing said athlete, during said gymnastic exercise, about at least one value representative of said performance of said athlete, said at least one value being determined as a function of the fourth sequence of values.