Waist-Mounted Swim Sensor for Real-Time Stroke Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors used in swimming, such as IMUs, effectively measure data but lack optimal automatic analysis capabilities for providing immediate and detailed feedback on swimming technique, limiting swimmers' and coaches' ability to improve techniques effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sensor placed on the swimmer's waistline measures detailed data during freestyle swims, using algorithms to analyze patterns and provide immediate feedback through graphs and numerical values, enabling analysis of symmetry, speed consistency, and stroke consistency, and allowing for comparison across different skill levels and swimmers, with specific exercises recommended for improvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If IMU sensors are used to measure swimming data, then measurement precision is improved, but automatic analysis capability remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that bridges the gap between raw sensor measurements and actionable insights. The system includes: (1) Data acquisition module that collects raw IMU data, (2) Signal processing module that filters and preprocesses the data, (3) Pattern recognition algorithms that automatically identify swimming technique patterns, and (4) Feedback generation module that produces actionable recommendations. This multi-stage intermediary processing chain transforms precise but raw sensor data into automated analytical insights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis methods with automated computational algorithms. Instead of coaches manually reviewing video or sensor data, the system uses: (1) Machine learning models trained on expert swimming technique data, (2) Automatic pattern recognition algorithms that detect stroke patterns, (3) Computational feedback generation that produces real-time recommendations. This substitution of mechanical/manual analysis with automated computational systems resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and automation capability.
2Measurement precision
If detailed sensor data is collected during swimming, then measurement precision is improved, but feedback immediacy is reduced due to processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing and pre-analyzing swimming data during the swim itself rather than after completion. The system: (1) Continuously processes sensor data in real-time during swimming, (2) Pre-calculates performance metrics and technique patterns as the swim progresses, (3) Prepares feedback recommendations during the activity rather than requiring post-processing. This eliminates the time loss between data collection and feedback delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining uninterrupted data processing and feedback generation throughout the swimming activity. The system: (1) Continuously collects sensor data without interruption during the swim, (2) Maintains continuous signal processing and pattern recognition operations, (3) Provides continuous feedback streams rather than batch processing after completion. This continuous operation eliminates gaps between measurement and feedback, resolving the time delay contradiction.
3Loss of information
If complex algorithms are used to analyze swimming patterns, then analysis depth is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex analysis task into distinct modular components: (1) Data acquisition module for collecting sensor data, (2) Signal processing module for filtering and preprocessing, (3) Pattern recognition module for identifying swimming techniques, (4) Metric calculation module for computing performance indicators, and (5) Feedback generation module for creating recommendations. Each module handles a specific aspect of analysis, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive analysis depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional algorithmic system that performs multiple analysis tasks simultaneously: (1) Detects various swimming stroke patterns, (2) Calculates multiple performance metrics (speed, distance, efficiency), (3) Identifies technique errors across different skill levels, and (4) Generates customized feedback recommendations. This single integrated system handles diverse analysis requirements without requiring separate complex algorithms for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining analysis depth.
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
The system provides actionable insights for swimmers and coaches to improve swimming techniques by offering detailed metrics and recommendations for enhancing symmetry, speed stability, and stroke consistency, facilitating real-time analysis and improvement at various skill levels.
Implementation Method 1
Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) including but not limited to accelerometers (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems—MEMS) tend to be used more often in sports monitoring
Implementation Method 2
Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) including but not limited to accelerometers (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems—MEMS) tend to be used more often in sports monitoring
Implementation Method 3
Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) including but not limited to accelerometers (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems—MEMS) tend to be used more often in sports monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
Automatic swimming analysis and nearly immediate feedback on a user device is disclosed. A sensor placed on a swimmer's waistline instantaneously measures data of the swim, allows to upload this data to a cloud system performing immediate analysis using algorithms. The cloud system provides feedback which helps determine proper (or improper) swimming techniques, comparing patterns to own past swims or to professional swimmers. The sensor enables stroke improvement with output including graphs, single numerical values, and detailed single-stroke data. The output provides both easy to understand metrics for amateur swimmers as well as more technical analysis options for advanced users. Metrics for amateurs can include swim symmetry analysis, speed consistency analysis, and stroke consistency analysis. More technical/detailed information includes comparison of strokes of each arm to the other, comparison of strokes made by left and right arms, mathematical analyses of strokes, and average, maximum, minimum, and instantaneous speeds.