Sensor-Based Infraction Detection for Sports Officiating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human-based officiating in sports is subjective and prone to errors due to factors like perception, leading to inaccuracies and inefficiencies, especially when video replay is used post-event, which can cause delays and is not capable of providing real-time clarity.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing sensor data from devices monitoring players and equipment to make objective determinations through data collection, analysis, and notification, using models developed from prior sensor data and game rules to categorize and assess potential infractions, thereby reducing subjectivity and improving accuracy in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If video replay is used for officiating review, then measurement precision of infractions is improved, but loss of time increases due to post-event review delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection and processing during the sporting event itself, with sensors continuously monitoring player positions, contacts, and game events. This preliminary action enables real-time or near-real-time infraction determination without requiring post-event video review, thus improving officiating accuracy while eliminating review delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical video replay review process with an automated sensor-based detection and analysis system. Sensors embedded in players' equipment and uniforms automatically detect infractions such as fouls, out-of-bounds violations, and scoring events, substituting human video review with automated electronic detection that provides immediate objective determinations
2Measurement precision
If multiple video cameras are deployed for replay review, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the infraction detection function from the complex video review process and places sensors directly on players' equipment and uniforms. This extraction eliminates the need for multiple cameras and complex video analysis systems, as each player's own sensors directly detect and report infractions, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple physical cameras to capture different angles, the system uses sensors on each player that create a digital copy of their position, motion, and contact data. This digital copying approach provides complete coverage of all player interactions without the complexity of coordinating multiple camera systems
3Productivity
If human officials make real-time calls, then productivity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service infraction detection where sensors on players' equipment and uniforms automatically detect and report infractions without requiring human official intervention. This self-service approach maintains continuous game flow (productivity) while eliminating human subjectivity, as the automated sensors objectively record all infractions as they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements immediate feedback by continuously monitoring sensor data and providing real-time infraction determinations to game officials and participants. This feedback loop maintains productivity by keeping the game flowing while improving measurement precision through automated objective detection rather than human judgment
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a system for sensor-based objective determination. An example apparatus includes memory, instructions, and processor circuitry to execute the instructions to at least compare time-synchronization data between a first signal and a second signal, the first and second signals received in response to a detected contact between a first participant and a second participant in an event, wherein the first signal is received from a first sensor operably coupled to the first participant, the first sensor to measure at least one first physical parameter of the first participant while the first participant is engaged in the event, and wherein the second signal is received from a second sensor operably coupled to the second participant, the second sensor to measure at least one second physical parameter of the second participant while the second participant is engaged in the event, and determine, based on (a) the time-synchronization data, (b) the at least one first physical parameter, and (c) the at least one second physical parameter, whether the detected contact between the first participant and the second participant exceeds one or more thresholds corresponding to a rules-based infraction associated with the event.