Jump Training System with Optical Array for Flight Path Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing training devices for jumpers lack the ability to provide comprehensive feedback on jump height, width, clearance, and apex location, and fail to predict the future state of the jump path and prompt real-time corrections.
Innovation Solution
A training system comprising sensors and a programmed computer that detect the jumper's outline and calculate their flight path, producing cuing signals to alert the jumper through audible cues, allowing for real-time adjustments during the jump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single electromagnetic beam is used to provide Pass/Fail feedback, then immediate feedback is achieved, but quantitative information about jump height and flight path parameters is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection space into multiple optical beams arranged in a three-dimensional array, with each beam providing independent detection data. This segmentation allows the system to capture comprehensive jump parameters including height, width, clearance, and apex location, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining reliable feedback through the coordinated operation of all beam segments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-beam one-dimensional detection to a multi-beam three-dimensional detection array. By adding spatial dimensions to the detection system, the patent enables measurement of multiple jump parameters simultaneously (height, width, clearance, apex location), eliminating the information loss while preserving feedback reliability
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors are arranged in a two-dimensional planar array, then position and speed within the plane can be measured, but flight path prediction and real-time cuing capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the multi-beam optical array to continuously track the jumper's position and calculate flight path parameters in real-time. By performing preliminary calculations of the parabolic trajectory and predicting future position, the system can provide advance cuing signals before the jumper reaches critical points, enabling real-time performance optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the optical sensors continuously monitor jump parameters, the computer processes this data to calculate flight path and predict future position, and cuing signals are generated based on this feedback. This real-time feedback loop enables both precise measurement and adaptive flight path prediction, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and versatility
3Loss of information
If multiple optical beams are used to measure jump parameters, then comprehensive feedback is achieved, but system complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical beam detection systems into a unified three-dimensional array controlled by a single computer. By merging the detection functions and using centralized processing, the system achieves comprehensive jump parameter measurement while reducing overall complexity through integration rather than separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-beam optical array is designed as a universal detection system that can measure multiple jump parameters (height, width, clearance, apex location) simultaneously with a single integrated setup. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate detection systems for each parameter, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining comprehensive information capture
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 provides accurate, real-time feedback and cuing to help jumpers achieve optimal jump performance by predicting their flight path and prompting specific actions, such as kicking out to clear the bar, thereby improving training effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor includes first and second opposed panels on opposite sides of the jump path near the crossbar; one panel having an array of light transmitters, and the other panel having a corresponding array of light detectors
Data Source
AI summary
A training system for a jumper on a jump path over a crossbar predicts the jumper's flight path and cues the jumper if the flight path is too close to the crossbar or to take action if the jumper is predicted to strike the crossbar. The system includes a sensor viewing the jumper from a direction paralleling the crossbar and producing data points representative of the lowest edge of the jumper in the vicinity of the crossbar. A computer receiving the data points is programmed to determine therefrom the jumper's flight path, the jumper's forward speed, the location of a jumper's lower legs relative to the crossbar, an expected impact time of the lower legs with the crossbar, and a cuing time. A cuing device, such as a horn, cues the jumper to raise the lower legs so as to not impact the crossbar.