Nine-Axis IMU Impact Sensor for Combative Sports Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scoring techniques in competitive combative sports, such as Taekwondo, are prone to errors due to the difficulty in accurately gauging impacts at high speeds, especially with changing techniques and fighting styles, leading to controversies and the need for more precise and dynamic scoring systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a nine-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) comprising a 3-axis magnetometer, 3-axis accelerometer, and 3-axis gyroscope, along with an impedance-based impact sensing mechanism, to track athletic movements and determine the magnitude and location of impacts, allowing for accurate scoring and application of specific technique-based rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual identification and human judging are used to score combative sports, then the scoring process is simple and does not require complex equipment, but the accuracy and reliability of impact detection deteriorate due to high speeds and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual judgment system with an electronic sensor-based detection system. Impact sensors, accelerometers, and other detection devices are embedded in protective equipment to automatically detect and measure impact forces, substituting human visual assessment with electronic measurement to improve accuracy while managing complexity through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary sensing devices between the impact event and the scoring decision. Sensors embedded in protective gear act as intermediaries that detect impact parameters (force, location, duration) and transmit this data to scoring systems, mediating the measurement process to achieve higher precision without requiring direct human observation of high-speed impacts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional impact sensors are used to detect contact magnitude, then the scoring system can automate impact detection, but the system cannot accurately identify specific technique types due to lack of rotational movement data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor types (impact sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) into an integrated sensing system. This combination allows the system to simultaneously detect impact magnitude, location, and rotational characteristics, enabling comprehensive technique identification while managing complexity through integrated data processing that correlates multiple sensor inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds rotational dimension detection to traditional linear impact sensing. By incorporating gyroscopes and magnetometers that measure angular velocity and orientation changes, the system captures three-dimensional rotational movement data, enabling differentiation of technique types (e.g., spinning kicks vs. straight punches) based on rotational characteristics in addition to impact force.
3Measurement precision
If rules require minimum scoring impact levels, then the scoring system can filter insignificant contacts, but accurate gauging of impact magnitude becomes more difficult without precise measurement capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes predetermined impact threshold levels that are programmed into the scoring system before competition. These thresholds serve as preliminary criteria for valid scoring, allowing the system to automatically compare measured impact magnitudes against established standards and quickly determine whether impacts meet minimum scoring requirements, simplifying real-time decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the scoring system continuously monitors impact measurements and provides real-time information about whether impacts meet scoring thresholds. This feedback loop allows judges and athletes to understand impact magnitude relative to scoring requirements, enabling better technique execution and more transparent scoring decisions based on precise measurement data.
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
This solution enables precise tracking of rotational movements and impact detection, reducing human error in scoring by providing real-time data on impact magnitude and location, thus enhancing the accuracy and fairness of competitive scoring in athletic events.
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 track athletic movements and determine the magnitude and location of impacts
Data Source
AI summary
A motion tracking device for tracking athletic movement for accurate competitive scoring, the device having a nine-axis inertial measurement unit comprising a three-axis magnetometer, a three-axis accelerometer and a three-axis gyroscope and at least one other type of sensor.