Portable Pace Control Device Using Projected Light Target
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pace control methods in racing sports are either difficult to implement instinctively or hard to use effectively during intense activities, with target-based methods being cumbersome and GPS-based devices being distracting.
Innovation Solution
A portable device that secures to a person or moving body, using a line-generating laser module to project a light target onto the environment, oriented by a brushless motor and microcontroller to simulate a moving pace, connected via Bluetooth for pace data and adjustable for terrain and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a target-based pace control method is used (such as a specialist athlete or vehicle), then the pace control is intuitive and easy to follow, but the implementation becomes difficult and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The invention projects a light target that replicates the visual appearance and movement characteristics of a physical pace-setting object (such as a hare or vehicle) without requiring the actual physical presence of such objects. The projection creates a simplified copy that can be easily controlled through electronic means while maintaining the intuitive visual-following interaction that athletes need.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/physical system of using actual pace-setting objects (athletes, vehicles) with an optical/electronic system that projects light patterns. This substitution eliminates the complexity of coordinating and managing physical pace-setters while maintaining the visual guidance function through projected images on the ground or surface.
2Device complexity
If a GPS-based personal electronic device is used to compute speed and provide alerts, then the implementation is easy, but the device becomes difficult to use effectively during intense physical exertion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the visual-display-based feedback system (screens and audible messages that require cognitive attention) with an optical projection system that provides intuitive visual guidance through projected light targets. This allows athletes to maintain pace through natural visual-following behavior rather than interpreting data displays or audio alerts during intense exertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy of the desired pace trajectory through projected light patterns that athletes can naturally follow with their vision and movement, eliminating the need to process numerical data or interpret alert messages while exercising.
3Ease of operation
If a light target is projected onto the environment to indicate pace, then the pace control becomes intuitive, but the system must compensate for user movements and terrain variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from motion sensors and terrain detection to continuously monitor the athlete's movements and the surface characteristics, then dynamically adjusts the projection parameters (position, orientation, distance) to maintain the target's apparent stability and correctness relative to the athlete's perspective and the terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, automatically adjusting its parameters in real-time based on detected changes in athlete movement, terrain slope, and environmental conditions. This allows the system to maintain intuitive performance without requiring manual intervention to compensate for varying conditions.
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
Provides an intuitive and easy-to-implement pace control solution that effectively simulates a target pace, minimizing distractions and compensating for user movements and terrain inclinations, enhancing performance in various racing sports.
Implementation Method 1
using a line-generating laser module to project a light target onto the environment
Implementation Method 2
oriented by a brushless motor and microcontroller to simulate a moving pace
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling pace, intended to be physically secured to a person (for example by way of a belt or a harness) or any other moving body (for example a bicycle, a horse or a remote-controlled car), having:a means for periodically ascertaining the pace of the device;a means periodically ascertaining a target pace;a means for projecting a light target onto elements in the environment of the device;a means for orienting said projection; anda means for controlling said orientation, wherein one of its functions is to give the impression that the light target is moving over the surface of said elements in the environment at said target pace.