RFID Tag Positioning for Athletic Equipment Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting events in sports, such as American football, rely on visual observation and are subject to limitations like camera placement and obscured views, leading to inaccuracies in determining events like ball position and progress.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing RFID tags attached to athletic equipment and antennae positioned around the field, with a computer processing signals to determine the position of the RFID tag relative to the field dimensions, enabling accurate detection of events and providing real-time data for referees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual observation and camera placement are used to detect events, then fan interest and television coverage are maintained, but measurement precision and reliability of event detection deteriorate due to obscured line of sight and camera limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of cameras and visual observation with an electromagnetic field-based RFID detection system. Antennas transmit radio frequency signals that penetrate through players and equipment to detect the ball's position, eliminating the need for clear line of sight and complex camera placements while significantly improving measurement precision of ball location and event detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary objects attached to the ball and antennas as intermediary detection devices. These intermediaries enable indirect detection of ball position through electromagnetic field interaction, allowing accurate measurement without direct visual observation and resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and system complexity
2Reliability
If multiple cameras and video replay systems are deployed to improve event detection, then coverage is enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase while still suffering from obscured views
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical camera and video replay infrastructure with a simpler electromagnetic field-based RFID system. The antennas continuously monitor ball position through radio frequency signals, providing consistent and reliable event detection without the need for multiple cameras, replay systems, or complex video analysis infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID system provides self-service detection by continuously tracking the ball's position automatically through electromagnetic field interaction. The system detects events autonomously without requiring human reviewers or complex video analysis, improving reliability while reducing the complexity of detection infrastructure
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 system enhances accuracy and reliability in determining events by providing precise positional data, aiding referees in making accurate calls and improving the consistency of game outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
each antenna is configured and adapted to read radio frequency identifications (RFID) within a defined zone
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the invention provides a system for monitoring athletic equipment. The system includes: a plurality of antennae positioned around edges of a field, wherein each antenna is configured and adapted to read radio frequency identifications (RFID) within a defined zone; an RFID tag attached to an article of athletic equipment; and a computer in communication with each antenna of the plurality of antennae. The computer is preprogramed with a database defining dimensions of the field. The computer is configured and adapted to process a signal from one or more antenna of the plurality of antenna in connection with the database to determine a position of the RFID tag.