Smart Device Self-Timing via GPS and Accelerometer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Athletes lack a convenient and accurate method to self-time and track distance for physical activities without access to a track or external timing assistance.

Innovation Solution

A software application utilizing GPS and accelerometer data from smart devices to record time and distance traveled, allowing users to simulate athletic events and track progress without external assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an athlete uses a traditional stopwatch and track markers for timing, then the timing accuracy is improved, but the accessibility and convenience deteriorate because tracks and coaches are not always available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming accuracyVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables athletes to independently time their own physical activities using a mobile device that automatically detects start and end points through accelerometer data and GPS location tracking, eliminating the need for external timing assistance from coaches or officials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical timing systems (stopwatches operated by coaches) and physical track infrastructure with electronic sensors (accelerometers and GPS) integrated into mobile devices, allowing timing to occur anywhere without requiring specialized facilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an athlete uses GPS and accelerometer data from smart devices for self-timing, then the accessibility and convenience are improved, but the measurement precision may deteriorate compared to professional timing systems

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidtiming accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors accelerometer data and GPS location during the activity, using real-time feedback to detect the precise moments of start and finish based on motion patterns and location changes, thereby maintaining accuracy despite the lack of professional timing infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device performs multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as a GPS receiver, accelerometer, stopwatch, and data processor - combining these capabilities into a single universal device that provides both the accessibility of consumer technology and the measurement functionality of professional equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If external timing assistance and equipment are eliminated, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of timing measurement may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconvenienceVSAvoidtiming reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The athlete independently initiates and completes the timing process by simply starting the application and completing the designated distance, with the system automatically detecting start and end points without requiring external verification or intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile application serves as an intermediary between the athlete's motion and the timing measurement, using sensor data to objectively determine start and end points based on predefined criteria, thereby ensuring consistent and reliable measurement without human judgment or error

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables accurate and convenient self-timing and distance tracking for athletes, allowing them to monitor progress and simulate race conditions anywhere, without the need for external equipment or assistance.

Implementation Method 1

The system utilizes the internal hardware of many smart devices, such as global positioning system (GPS) modules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGPS satellite signal reception and trilateration:

Implementation Method 2

The mobile computing device may be provided with at least one accelerometer, wherein a motion threshold is stored on the mobile computing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS12290739B2System and method for timing personal physical activity

Publication Date: 2025.05.06 SKEETE OSWALD LEROY

AI summary

A system and method for timing personal physical activity provides an athlete with the ability to self-time runs over specific distances from anywhere. This can be used for any event that is timed over a specified distance. A software application utilizes the internal hardware commonly provided by many smart devices, such as global positioning system (GPS) modules and accelerometers, to assist the user in tracking and recording the time and distance of a walk/run. The software application is compatible with any smart devices, such as smart phones, smart watches, and a variety of other smart wearables. In addition, GPS is utilized to track and record the distance travelled by the user. The software application also uses a stopwatch-like mechanism in order to track and record the duration of an exercise. Furthermore, the GPS distance tracker and the stopwatch-like timer may be used together to create a pacemaker/pacesetter for the user.