Smart Puck RFID Tracking for Actionable Hockey Skill Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hockey training lacks actionable digital feedback for refining stickhandling and shooting skills, and traditional coaching is expensive and time-limited.
Innovation Solution
A connected hockey training system using a smart puck with embedded electronics and RFID tags, coupled with computing devices and cloud-based servers, provides real-time feedback and training modules for stickhandling and shooting performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a player trains independently without a coach, then training cost and time availability are improved, but the quality of feedback and skill refinement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors detect player actions (stickhandling, shooting), process the data through algorithms, and provide immediate corrective feedback through the computing device. This replaces the coach's feedback function with automated digital feedback that is continuously available during training sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human coach interaction with an electronic system comprising sensors, processing units, and display devices. The electronics board embedded in training equipment captures data, which is then processed and presented through a computing device, substituting the coach's observational and instructional role with automated electronic feedback mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If a coach provides detailed feedback during training, then skill refinement quality is improved, but training cost and time availability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous feedback throughout the entire training session rather than intermittent feedback limited by coach availability. Sensors continuously monitor player actions and the computing device provides real-time feedback, eliminating gaps in instructional guidance that occur with traditional coaching models.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the coach's feedback function through software algorithms that analyze sensor data and generate instructional feedback. This digital copy can replicate and even enhance the detail of coach feedback without the limitations of human attention and time availability.
3Measurement precision
If digital feedback systems provide detailed tracking of stickhandling and shooting, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the feedback function into separate modular components: sensors embedded in training equipment for data capture, processing units for data analysis, and display interfaces for feedback presentation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device serves multiple functions including data reception from sensors, real-time processing of performance metrics, storage of training data, and presentation of feedback through various interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 precise, cost-effective digital coaching for hockey players, enhancing skill development through real-time data analysis and comparison with others, regardless of coaching availability.
Implementation Method 1
one or more embedded or applied RFID tags positioned about various additional equipment... The electronics board is configured to read information from embedded or applied RFID tags
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of sensors for detecting motion along one or more axes... acceleration, velocity, position, orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A connected hockey training system that records and generates digital displays of the position and parameters of a smart hockey puck. The system is also configured to providing training programs about which the smart hockey puck is used to track progress of those training tasks and generate a score or other statistical parameters related thereto, such as feedback on stickhandling and shooting performance.