Ultrasonic Athlete Detection Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting an athlete's movement on a playing field lack sufficient spatial resolution for studying small-scale movements and require specialized equipment or clothing, which increases costs and deviates from realistic training conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device using ultrasonic signal sources and sensors positioned around a marker to detect an athlete's presence and trajectory, allowing for precise determination of time and distance within segments of space, without the need for additional equipment or clothing, and can be used in indoor settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If GPS is used to track athlete movements, then coverage area is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring area is divided into multiple segments radiating from a central marker, with each segment monitored by dedicated sensors. This segmentation allows precise localization of athletes within specific segments, achieving high spatial resolution while maintaining large coverage area through the radial arrangement of multiple segments.
2Measurement precision
If specialized equipment or clothing is required for athletes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the athlete's own body as the reflective element for ultrasonic detection. Athletes do not need to wear specialized equipment or clothing; their natural body surfaces reflect the ultrasonic waves, simplifying the system while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic sensor device serves multiple functions: detecting athlete presence, determining trajectory, measuring velocity, and providing timing information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment for each measurement type.
3Measurement precision
If markers are placed on athletes, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing sensors or markers on the moving athlete, the system inverts the approach by placing ultrasonic sources and sensors on the ground around a central marker. The athlete passes through the monitored segments without any equipment, making the system easier to operate while maintaining tracking accuracy through the ground-based sensor array.
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 monitoring of an athlete's movement with high spatial resolution, reducing noise and inaccuracy, and allowing for real-time or post-testing analysis of trajectory and velocity profiles without the need for specialized athlete gear, thus providing a cost-effective and realistic training solution.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic signal sources and sensors configured to monitor segments of space radiating from a marker
Implementation Method 2
precise determination of time and distance within segments of space
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device for sensing a passing athlete. The device has one or more signal sources for irradiating distinct segments of space about the device. One or more sensors are associated with the segments of space, and are arranged to sense a signal reflected off an athlete. The sensor(s) output a sensor signal indicating whether an athlete is present in each segment based on whether a reflected signal is detected from that segment. The segments are angularly positioned about the device so that the sensor(s) signals may be assessed to determine angular progression of the athlete relative to the device.