Magnetometer-Based Athlete Motion Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for tracking athlete performance metrics, such as speed and distance, are limited in the information they provide and often require complex and expensive setups.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a mobile device with magnetometers to measure magnetic field information from magnets placed on athlete equipment, allowing for the determination of movement data such as speed, acceleration, and direction, without relying on fixed paths or trails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex assemblies of parts are used to track athlete performance metrics, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tracking functions (position, orientation, speed, acceleration) into a single mobile device with integrated sensors (magnetometers, accelerometers, gyroscopes). This merging of functions reduces system complexity while maintaining measurement precision through sensor fusion algorithms that process data from multiple sensors simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple purposes: it acts as a magnetometer for magnetic field measurement, an accelerometer for motion detection, a gyroscope for orientation tracking, and a processing unit for calculating performance metrics. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive tracking capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If fixed paths or trails are used for tracking athlete movement, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to any movement path by continuously calculating position and orientation from sensor data without requiring pre-defined tracks. The magnetometer and accelerometer data are processed in real-time to determine athlete location and movement characteristics, allowing the system to accurately track any route or trail configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its measurement parameters adaptively based on the athlete's movement characteristics. It adjusts the calculation methods for speed, acceleration, and position based on the detected motion patterns and magnetic field variations, enabling accurate tracking across diverse and changing terrain without requiring fixed path definitions.
3Measurement precision
If expensive setups are used for tracking athlete performance, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device automatically performs calibration and setup procedures without requiring external equipment or complex configuration. The system self-calibrates the sensors by detecting magnetic field characteristics and motion patterns, and automatically configures tracking parameters based on the detected activity type, eliminating the need for expensive setup equipment and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tracking systems with electronic sensor-based measurement. Instead of using mechanical encoders, resolvers, or physical measurement devices, the system uses magnetometers, accelerometers, and gyroscopes to digitally capture movement data, significantly simplifying the physical setup while maintaining or improving measurement precision through software-based processing.
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 accurate tracking of athlete performance metrics like speed, distance, and direction, providing detailed data to athletes without the need for complex or expensive setups, and can be applied to various winter sports and activities.
Implementation Method 1
One or more processors use the one or more magnetometers to measure a first magnetic field information for the first magnet and a second magnetic field information for the second magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking system, in various embodiments, is configured to measure an athlete's performance based at least in part on magnetic field measurements taken by one or more magnetometers. In a particular embodiment, the system comprises one or more magnetometers (e.g., that may be embedded in one or more wearable devices, such as eyewear) and at least one magnet disposed on a portion of the athlete or their equipment. The system is configured to receive magnetic field information associated with the at least one magnet using the one or more magnetometers and determine the performance data based at least in part on the magnetic field information.