Wearable Electronic Personal Assistant for Soccer Officials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Soccer game officials rely on outdated tools such as writing pads, penalty cards, and mouth-blown whistles to manage game information, lacking efficient and modern methods for tracking and communication.
Innovation Solution
An electronic personal assistant device (EPAD) worn by officials, featuring a microprocessor, display, keypad, sound output, and transceiver for tracking game information, communicating with peers, and providing whistle sounds, with optional audience EPADs for enhanced fan engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional tools (writing pads, pencils, penalty cards, whistles) are used for game management, then device simplicity is maintained, but information tracking efficiency and communication capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional tools (penalty cards, whistle, writing pad, stopwatch) into a single electronic device. The housing contains integrated components including a display for visual information, a sound output device for whistle signals, a transceiver for communication, and a connector for attaching penalty cards, all managed by a microprocessor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it displays game information, generates whistle sounds, communicates with other officials via transceiver, tracks time, and holds penalty cards. This multi-functional integration replaces several separate traditional tools with one universal device.
2Loss of information
If traditional separate tools are used for game management, then device portability is maintained, but information accessibility and real-time communication deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical information storage (writing pads) with electronic storage and display systems. The microprocessor-controlled display provides real-time visual access to game information, eliminating the need for manual writing and reading of notes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a transceiver that enables real-time bidirectional communication between officials. Information entered by one official is immediately transmitted to others, providing instant feedback and ensuring all officials have access to current game state without delay.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tools are used for game management, then power consumption is minimized, but functionality and information processing capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically manages its components based on operational needs. The microprocessor controls when the display is active, when the transceiver transmits or receives signals, and when the sound output device generates warnings, optimizing power consumption by keeping components in low-power states when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses periodic alerts and warnings generated by the sound output device to draw official attention to important information on the display, rather than requiring continuous visual monitoring. This periodic engagement reduces overall power consumption while maintaining effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A soccer electronic personal assistant device includes a housing having a connector for securing the housing to a game official's wrist or arm. A penalty card pocket is disposed on the housing and containing one or more player penalty cards. A microprocessor is contained in the housing and programmed to process game associated information. Sufficient memory storage is associated with the microprocessor for storing game associated information. A display screen is positioned in the housing operably connected to the microprocessor to visually display game associated information for the official. A keypad input device having a plurality of keys operably connected with the microprocessor for official to enter or retrieve game associated information. A sound output device is operably connected to the microprocessor to receive a signal therefrom and to generate sound responsive thereto and a transceiver disposed in the housing and capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving game associated information.