Mobile Device Motion Capture Using Visual Markers and Wireless Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current motion capture systems for athletes are not portable, require bulky sensors, and lack the ability to seamlessly integrate with sports equipment, providing inaccurate and inconsistent analysis, and do not allow for immediate feedback or custom equipment fitting.
Innovation Solution
A portable wireless mobile device system that uses visual markers and sensors to capture and analyze motion data, integrating with equipment like golf clubs and shoes, enabling real-time feedback and custom equipment ordering through a mobile device, with options for 2D or 3D data display and triangulation using multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stationary multi-camera systems are used for motion capture, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the motion capture functionality into separate components: visual markers attached to the athlete, wireless sensors integrated into equipment, and mobile devices for data capture. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling portable operation while maintaining measurement precision through the distributed sensor network.
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile devices serve multiple functions: they act as motion capture sensors, process data, provide immediate feedback to athletes, and enable equipment fitting. This multi-functionality replaces the need for dedicated stationary camera systems while maintaining measurement capabilities through the device's camera and processing power.
2Measurement precision
If bulky sensors with wire interfaces are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the data transmission interface from physical wires to wireless communication. Wireless sensors and visual markers transmit motion data wirelessly to mobile devices, eliminating the need for wire interfaces while maintaining measurement precision through continuous data streaming capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical wire-based data transmission with optical and wireless communication systems. Mobile device cameras capture visual marker positions, and wireless sensors transmit data through electromagnetic fields, substituting mechanical connections with field-based transmission methods that improve ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple passive or active markers are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses visual markers that can be captured and analyzed by mobile device cameras, creating optical copies of position data. This approach replaces the need for multiple complex active markers with simpler passive visual markers that are processed through image recognition algorithms on mobile devices.
4Measurement precision
If fixed camera installations are used, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed camera installations to dynamic mobile devices that can be moved and repositioned freely. Mobile devices capture motion data in various environments including outdoor sporting events, allowing the system to adapt to different locations and conditions while maintaining measurement precision through real-time data capture capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Portable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system and method configured to display motion capture/analysis data on a mobile device. System obtains data from motion capture elements and analyzes the data. Enables unique displays associated with the user, such as 3D overlays onto images of the user to visually depict the captured motion data. Ratings associated with the captured motion can also be displayed. Predicted ball flight path data can be calculated and displayed. Data shown on a time line can also be displayed to show the relative peaks of velocity for various parts of the user's body. Based on the display of data, the user can determine the equipment that fits the best and immediately purchase the equipment, via the mobile device. Custom equipment may be ordered through an interface on the mobile device from a vendor that can assemble-to-order customer built equipment and ship the equipment.