Real-Time Motion Feedback Sensor Unit for Sports Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Athletes and coaches face challenges in correcting complex movements like golf swings and other sports techniques due to the lack of real-time feedback from traditional video recording methods, which are time-consuming and require cognitive processing, and do not effectively engage emotional or reflexive learning.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight sensor unit attached to the body provides real-time feedback by tracking motion and comparing it to a reference track, using a small chip motion tracking device to detect deviations and trigger immediate stimuli, allowing for subconscious learning of new movement patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional video recording methods are used to analyze and correct athlete movements, then detailed motion analysis is possible, but real-time feedback is not provided and significant time is required for review and cognitive processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion analysis accuracyVSAvoidfeedback time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional video recording and human cognitive analysis with an automated sensor-based measurement system. Motion sensors attached to the athlete's body and reference objects automatically capture position data, while a processor real-time computes motion parameters and compares them against target values, eliminating the need for video review and human analysis time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-analysis by automatically comparing measured motion parameters with target parameters stored in memory. The processor independently determines deviations without requiring external human intervention, and the feedback device automatically provides correction guidance, making the entire analysis and feedback process autonomous and immediate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If video recording equipment is used by coaches to help improve athlete technique, then motion data is captured, but the feedback process is time-consuming and requires extensive cognitive processing by both coach and athlete

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion data captureVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex video recording and manual analysis systems with automated sensor devices that directly measure motion parameters. The sensors capture position, velocity, and acceleration data electronically, and the processor automatically computes motion characteristics and compares them with target values, eliminating the need for video playback and human cognitive processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring motion parameters, comparing them against stored target parameters, and immediately providing feedback through a feedback device when deviations are detected. This closed-loop feedback system enables athletes to receive instant correction guidance without the delays inherent in video review processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If a comprehensive motion tracking system with multiple sensors is implemented, then accurate real-time feedback is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback response timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the motion tracking system into separate functional modules: motion sensors attached to the athlete's body, reference object sensors, a processor for computation, and a feedback device. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive real-time monitoring while maintaining modularity and reducing overall system complexity through functional decomposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3588472B1Improved real time sports motion training aid
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 WEST & BERGH HLDG AB
  • EP3588472B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3588472B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3588472B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A sports training aid comprising a body unit (110) attachable to a person's body or the person's sports implement wherein the body unit (110) is provided with a positioning sensor module; a feedback stimulator; and a processor. The sports training aid is configured to provide instantaneous feedback on motion faults of a studied sports motion, and the body unit (110) is intended to be attached to a person's body (or a person's sports implement) at a representative location, the location being bound to travel a path representative of the studied sports motion, and the positioning sensor module comprises acceleration sensors and gyro sensors, and the processor is configured to determine a still position corresponding to an event wherein the body unit (110) is determined to be still, and the processor is configured to keep track of the sensor module's movements relative to the still position, and the processor is configured to activate the feedback stimulator in real time, upon detection of a sports motion fault of the studied sports motion of the person as represented by the motion path of the sensor module.