Nine-Axis IMU Impact Sensing for Adaptive Combat Sports Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Evaluating and scoring techniques in competitive combative sports is challenging due to the speed and complexity of impacts, leading to inaccuracies in human judgment, and existing systems are prone to adaptation by athletes, necessitating a more precise and dynamic scoring method.
Innovation Solution
A nine-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) comprising a 3-axis magnetometer, 3-axis accelerometer, and 3-axis gyroscope is integrated into athletic equipment to track rotational movements and identify specific techniques, combined with an impedance-based impact sensing mechanism to determine the source, location, and magnitude of impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human judges visually evaluate impacts in combative sports, then the scoring process is simple and fast, but the measurement precision and reliability are low due to human error and inability to gauge impact levels accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual evaluation system with an electronic sensor-based detection system. Impact sensors, accelerometers, and other electronic devices are embedded in athletic equipment to automatically detect and measure impact forces, substituting human visual judgment with precise electronic measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary electronic components between the impact event and the scoring decision. Sensors act as intermediaries that convert physical impact into electrical signals, which are then processed by circuitry to determine scoring outcomes, eliminating direct human visual assessment.
2Measurement precision
If electronic impact sensors are used to automatically score techniques, then measurement precision improves, but athletes can adapt their techniques to evade detection, reducing the system's long-term reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple types of sensors (impact sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) that can detect various physical quantities. This multi-functional approach allows the system to identify different types of techniques and adapt to evolving athletic methods by detecting diverse motion patterns and impact characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic scoring system where thresholds and detection parameters can be adjusted based on observed athletic techniques. The system evolves by modifying its detection criteria to recognize new techniques, preventing athletes from easily adapting to evade detection.
3Reliability
If multiple sensor types are integrated into athletic equipment, then the ability to identify specific techniques and reduce human error improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple sensors within the structure of athletic equipment (gloves, pads, helmets). Sensors are nested within the equipment layers, with electronic components integrated into the existing equipment design, allowing multi-sensor systems to be manufactured without completely redesigning the equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into integrated circuits and consolidated electronic assemblies. By merging separate sensors into unified electronic modules, the manufacturing process is simplified while maintaining the reliability benefits of multiple sensor types.
4Reliability
If impact thresholds are set to ensure minimum scoring levels, then scoring reliability improves, but the system becomes less adaptable to dynamic rule changes and new fighting styles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment capabilities where minimum scoring levels can be modified through software updates. This allows the system to maintain consistent scoring reliability while adapting to new rules and fighting styles by changing detection parameters without hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows scoring thresholds and detection parameters to be changed through software configuration. By making parameters adjustable, the system maintains reliable scoring consistency while adapting to evolving sport rules and techniques through parameter modification rather than system redesign.
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
The IMU system provides accurate and adaptive scoring by differentiating between various techniques and impacts, reducing human error and enabling tailored scoring rules, enhancing the precision of competitive assessments.
Implementation Method 1
The 3-axis magnetometer measures direction relative to the earth magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the 3-axis accelerometer measures the acceleration in 3 dimensional space
Implementation Method 3
the 3-axis gyroscope measures the angular velocity about the axis
Implementation Method 4
an impedance-based impact sensing mechanism to determine the source, location, and magnitude of impacts
Data Source
AI summary
A motion tracking system for validating an athlete's movement technique to determine an accurate competitive scoring with a nine-axis inertial measurement unit comprises: a three axis accelerometer, a three axis-gyroscope, a three axis-magnetometer and at least one sensor.