Modular Communication Module for Sports Equipment Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports performance monitoring systems require dedicated transmitter modules for each sensor or sensor group, limiting flexibility and practicality, especially when using multiple sensors at distant body parts, and lack efficient configuration and communication between different types of sports equipment and remote monitoring units.
Innovation Solution
A modular sports equipment system with a communication module that adapts to different mounting zones by reading an identifier to configure its operation, allowing a single module to work with various sports items, including garments and tools, using wireless communication protocols to process and transmit sensor signals to a remote device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated transmitter modules are used for each sensor or sensor group, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but device complexity and the number of required modules increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal transmitter module that can communicate with multiple types of sensors (EMG, ECG, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer) through a single device. The module uses identifier-based configuration to adapt its operation to different sensor types, eliminating the need for dedicated transmitter modules for each sensor while maintaining reliable signal transmission across all sensor types.
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated transmitter modules are used for different sensors, then proper signal processing is ensured, but ease of operation and system flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter module automatically configures itself by reading an identifier from the sensor or mounting zone, then autonomously selects the appropriate communication protocol and processing parameters for that specific sensor type. This self-service configuration eliminates manual setup complexity while ensuring each sensor type receives appropriate processing, improving both ease of operation and signal processing accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a single communication module is used with multiple sensor types, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different sensor requirements becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter module dynamically changes its operational parameters (communication protocol, data processing methods, sampling rates) based on the identifier read from the sensor or mounting zone. This parameter adaptation allows a single module to effectively handle different sensor types with varying requirements, achieving both reduced complexity and maintained versatility through software-based configuration.
4Ease of operation
If wireless communication is implemented without configuration protocols, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision and data accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions automatically during the initial connection phase by reading identifiers and establishing appropriate communication parameters before actual sensor data transmission begins. This preliminary setup ensures measurement precision is maintained while keeping the user experience simple and wireless, as the configuration occurs automatically without user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an arrangement and a method for configuring equipment for personal performance monitoring comprising at least one carrier item having a mounting zone for receiving a communication module, one or more sensors and/or actuators and a first processing unit functionally connected to said mounting zone and said sensors and/or actuators. The first processing unit is configured to process sensor signals from the sensors and/or actuators and to communicate with a communication module that is mounted on the mounting zone of the carrier item and having a second processing unit configured to further process said sensor/actuator signals and to communicate processed signals to a remote device over a wireless communication protocol. A remote device is adapted to provide a predefined code to configure the equipment to process sensor or actuator signals according to a use of said carrier item as identified by said predefined code.