Upper Appendage Force Detection for False Start Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing false start detection systems in athletics, such as those using starting block sensors, are inadequate as they fail to accurately detect the initial response of athletes to the starting signal due to reaction time delays and reliance on leg force data, which can be slower than arm force reactions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing force sensors to detect the force exerted by an athlete's upper appendage, processing this data to determine the athlete start time, which compares to the event start time to identify false starts, thereby improving detection accuracy and simplicity by focusing on arm force data rather than complex visual or kinematic analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing starting block sensors are used to detect false starts, then the system can identify athletes who push off before the starting signal, but the detection accuracy is insufficient because leg force reactions are slower than arm force reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical measurement system (starting block force sensors) with an optical detection system (high-speed cameras). This substitution allows for much faster detection of the first visible movement response, capturing arm movements that occur before leg force reactions can be detected by traditional sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the athlete's movement through high-speed camera recording. By capturing and analyzing the visual image of the athlete's first movement rather than relying on force sensor data, the system can detect responses occurring at 40-100ms intervals earlier than traditional systems.
2Measurement precision
If high-speed cameras are used to detect the first visible movement, then the detection timing becomes more accurate, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task into specific segments: using force sensors only for the upper appendage (arm/hand) region rather than the entire body. This segmentation allows the system to focus detection resources on the critical first response area while maintaining relative simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from general body movement or leg force to specifically the force applied by the upper appendage. By monitoring only the arm/hand force parameter, the system achieves earlier detection without requiring complex full-body kinematic analysis systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If visual observation by event officials is used, then no specialized equipment is needed, but the detection is highly prone to error and inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated detection system that performs the false start identification without human intervention. The force sensor and processing system automatically detect and record false starts, eliminating the subjectivity and error-proneness of manual visual observation while maintaining ease of implementation.
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
This approach provides more accurate and timely detection of false starts, reducing errors and improving fairness in athletic events by identifying the first response to the starting signal, often preceding existing systems by 40 to 100 ms, and is more cost-effective and straightforward to implement.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, from a force sensor, force data representing the force exerted by at least one upper appendage of the athlete on a surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a false start detection system, and a false start detection sensor for determining whether an athlete has performed a false start in an event. Force data is received representing the force exerted by at least one upper appendage of the athlete on a surface when in a starting position (S701). The force data is processed to determine an athlete start time (S702), and the athlete start time is compared to an event start time to determine whether a false start has occurred (S703).