Wearable Sensor Surface Analysis for Playing Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for testing playing surface performance and state are cumbersome, expensive, and often fail to adequately characterize properties like infill stability, subjective surface hardness, and athlete slip and traction, leading to inefficient maintenance and subjective experiences.
Innovation Solution
A wearable sensor system, including insole sensors with pressure and IMU, paired with a mobile computing device, collects data to measure surface properties like hardness, traction, and deformation, generating visual representations and maintenance recommendations using machine learning algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional testing machines are used to measure surface properties, then measurement precision can be achieved for specific parameters, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical testing machines with wearable electronic sensors embedded in shoe insoles. These sensors use electronic pressure detection and IMU technology to measure surface properties like hardness, traction, and deformation, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical equipment while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pressure-sensitive sensors to detect and copy the physical interaction between the athlete's foot and the surface. By measuring pressure distribution and movement dynamics, the system creates a digital representation of surface properties without requiring direct mechanical testing of the surface itself.
2Measurement precision
If traditional testing machines are used, then specific surface properties can be measured, but ease of operation and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables athletes to perform their own surface assessments by simply wearing the sensor-equipped shoes during normal activity. The sensors automatically collect data without requiring the athlete to operate complex testing equipment or follow specialized procedures, making surface measurement as easy as walking or playing sports.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable sensor system serves multiple functions: it measures various surface properties (hardness, traction, deformation), tracks athlete movement, and provides real-time feedback. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized testing machines with a single versatile wearable device.
3Ease of operation
If subjective experiences are used to assess surface properties, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and objectivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces objective sensors as an intermediary between the athlete's subjective experience and the surface properties. The pressure sensors and IMU devices objectively capture the physical interaction between foot and surface, translating subjective feelings of hardness or traction into quantifiable data points that can be analyzed and compared.
4Measurement precision
If traditional testing methods are used, then comprehensive surface analysis can be performed, but loss of time and productivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable sensors enable continuous surface monitoring during normal athletic activity rather than requiring separate, time-consuming testing sessions. Data collection occurs continuously as athletes move across the surface, eliminating downtime and allowing surface assessment to happen alongside regular use of the facility.
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 system provides an efficient, cost-effective means to regularly assess and maintain playing surfaces, matching subjective experiences with objective metrics, enabling precise and actionable insights for surface management.
Implementation Method 1
one or more pressure-sensitive wearable devices measuring pressure exerted by the surface
Implementation Method 2
insole sensors with pressure and IMU
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed aspects pertain to surface analysis based on wearable sensor data. Sensor data can be acquired from pressure-sensitive wearable sensors, such as shoe insole sensors, based on interaction with a surface. A location can also be determined for the sensor data with respect to a surface utilizing a positioning system. The sensor data can be utilized to determine surface properties at a particular location. Further, a graphical representation of the surface properties and location can be generated and conveyed for display on a display. Furthermore, movement instructions can be provided to aid in analysis of an entire surface, and recommendations can be made regarding surface maintenance based on collected sensor data.