Proximity Beacon System for Automatic Sporting Activity Parameterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for quantifying sporting activities are imprecise and require users to manually select activities from limited lists, making the process complex and time-consuming, especially for users unfamiliar with connected sports objects.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a communication system comprising a proximity beacon, wearable measuring equipment, and a communication node that automatically identifies and parameterizes the sporting activity through near-field communication, eliminating the need for manual selection and enabling precise activity recognition without complex algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual selection from pre-established lists is used for activity identification, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and user experience deteriorate due to limited options and imprecise quantification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of proximity beacons and communication nodes that mediate between the user and the measuring equipment. The beacons automatically transmit activity identification data to the measuring equipment through near-field communication, eliminating the need for manual selection while maintaining system simplicity. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by automating the identification process without requiring complex algorithms in the wearable device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring proximity beacons with specific activity identification data corresponding to different sports equipment and areas. Before the user engages in an activity, the relevant beacon is already prepared and positioned to automatically transmit the correct activity type when the user approaches. This eliminates the need for post-activity manual input or complex real-time analysis, thereby improving precision without increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If complex algorithms are implemented for automatic activity recognition, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex activity recognition logic from the wearable measuring equipment and relocates it to external proximity beacons and communication nodes. The measuring equipment itself remains simple, only requiring basic near-field communication capabilities to receive activity identification data. This extraction resolves the contradiction by providing automatic activity recognition (improving ease of operation) while keeping the wearable device complexity minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic parameterisation. When a user approaches a proximity beacon associated with specific sports equipment, the beacon automatically transmits the relevant activity parameters to the measuring equipment without requiring any user input or complex processing. The system serves itself by using the spatial relationship between user and equipment to automatically configure the measurement parameters, thereby improving ease of operation without increasing algorithmic complexity in the wearable device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If limited pre-established activity lists are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as new or specific activities cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal system where proximity beacons serve multiple functions: they provide activity identification, transmit parameterisation data, and can be positioned throughout the sports facility. Each beacon is associated with specific sports equipment or areas, and the system can accommodate any activity by simply adding or repositioning beacons with appropriate identification data. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by enabling high adaptability through the beacon network while keeping individual device complexity low.
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 approach simplifies the quantification process, improves precision, and reduces equipment costs, making it suitable for widespread use in sports halls and outdoor activities, providing an enhanced user experience by automatically identifying and measuring specific activities with dedicated algorithms.
Implementation Method 1
Communicating between the measuring equipment and the proximity beacon, preferably in accordance with a near-field communication technique, so as to recover, at at least one from among the measuring equipment and the proximity beacon, a first data packet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to field of connected sport and specifically a method for quantifying sporting activity implemented by a communication system including: a proximity beacon associated with sports equipment, measuring equipment and a communication node, the method including: (a) communicating between the measuring equipment and the beacon in order to recover a first data packet comprising an identifier relating to a sporting activity associated with the sports equipment; (b) transmitting, to the node, a second data packet comprising the identifier; (c) at the node, determining parameterisation data of the measuring equipment according to the identifier; (d) transmitting, to the measuring equipment, a third data packet 230 comprising said parameterisation data; and (e) at the parameterised measuring equipment, quantifying the sporting activity.