Martial Arts Move Evaluation via Motion Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Martial arts competitions face subjective scoring issues due to human referees' difficulty in discerning speed and technique nuances, leading to inconsistency and ambiguity, which can disrupt the competition flow and be costly for participants.
Innovation Solution
A system using sensors and cameras to automatically evaluate martial arts moves by measuring motion data, calculating acceleration and rotational characteristics, and comparing them to stored models to determine contact and technique, allowing for objective scoring without the need for bulky vests or physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human referees judge martial arts moves subjectively, then they can evaluate technique quality, but scoring consistency and accuracy deteriorate due to difficulty in discerning speed and technique nuances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human referee's mechanical judgment system with an automated electronic evaluation system that uses sensors, cameras, and computer processing to objectively measure and score martial arts moves. This substitution eliminates human subjectivity and physiological limitations, providing consistent and accurate scoring based on precise measurement of motion parameters, contact forces, and technique execution.
2Measurement precision
If video review is used to resolve scoring ambiguity, then scoring accuracy may improve, but competition time increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated evaluation system performs preliminary real-time analysis and scoring of martial arts moves as they occur during competition. By continuously monitoring and evaluating techniques during the match rather than requiring post-move review, the system provides immediate accurate scoring, eliminating the need for time-consuming video reviews and maintaining competition flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback through continuous automated evaluation of move execution, contact detection, and scoring. This immediate feedback mechanism allows for instant resolution of scoring decisions without interrupting the competition, as the electronic system continuously processes data and provides definitive scores as moves are executed.
3Measurement precision
If electronic devices are affixed to opponents for strike detection, then objective scoring is achieved, but device bulk and clothing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electronic evaluation system into separate functional components: sensors worn by competitors for detecting their own moves, and sensors embedded in protective equipment worn by opponents for detecting contacts. This segmentation allows each component to be compact and specialized, reducing overall bulk while maintaining detection accuracy. The system processes data from multiple segmented sources to achieve comprehensive objective scoring.
4Measurement precision
If sensors are used to detect motion data, then technique evaluation accuracy improves, but measurement of nuanced technique characteristics becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional sensor systems and computer processing algorithms that can simultaneously measure multiple technique parameters including speed, acceleration, rotation, contact force, and trajectory. The universal evaluation framework processes diverse technique types (punches, kicks, blocks) using the same sensor suite and analysis algorithms, making nuanced technique characteristics measurable through a unified system rather than requiring specialized measurement approaches for each technique variant.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for automatically evaluating a martial arts move are described. The method may include identifying a distance between a target and a sensor coupled with a user and receiving motion data from the sensor. The motion data may include linear acceleration data and rotation data. The method may further include calculating, based on the distance and the linear acceleration data, an end point in three-dimensional space of the martial arts move and determining whether the user made contact with the target based on a comparison between the end point and a three-dimensional representant of the target. The method may further include determining a rotational characteristic of the move and comparing the rotational characteristic with a stored model of the move. The method may further include evaluating the move based on whether the user made contact with the target and the comparison of the rotational characteristic.