Wireless Dance Mat Pressure Sensor Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems that monitor and respond to user foot movements for activities like dance games face challenges in accurately measuring reaction time due to delays in data processing and synchronization issues between audio, video, and movement detection, leading to suboptimal user coordination and scoring.
Innovation Solution
A wireless dance mat with pressure sensors, sound and light signaling circuitry, and a transmission controller circuitry that ensures accurate data transmission with minimal delay, using wireless communication to synchronize outputs and maintain high reliability, allowing for precise measurement of user reaction times and coordination with music tempo.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wired connections are used to minimize data processing delays, then measurement precision of user reaction time is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cable management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The dance mat uses wireless transmitters to send foot movement data to the base device, eliminating physical cables while maintaining real-time data transmission capability for accurate reaction time measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication protocols and signal processing intermediaries to bridge the dance mat and base device. This intermediary wireless communication layer enables cable-free operation while preserving the timing precision needed for reaction time measurement through optimized data transmission protocols.
2Device complexity
If audio/video synchronization accuracy of 50-60ms is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of user reaction time deteriorates due to noticeable delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary timestamping of foot movement events at the source (dance mat) before transmission. Each data packet includes precise timing information generated at the moment of foot contact, allowing the base device to calculate accurate reaction times without relying on post-processing synchronization that introduces 50-60ms delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where the base device continuously monitors received data timing and adjusts processing to maintain synchronization. This feedback mechanism ensures that reaction time measurements remain precise while allowing the system to operate with simpler synchronization hardware.
3Measurement precision
If data transmission frequency is increased to capture fast foot movements, then measurement precision of reaction time is improved, but use of energy by the wireless dance mat deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of foot movement data at optimized intervals rather than continuous high-frequency transmission. The system transmits data packets at regular intervals that capture the essential timing information for reaction time measurement while allowing the wireless transmitter to enter low-power states between transmissions, significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transmits only the critical timing data (foot contact moments) rather than continuous streams of all sensor data. This partial transmission approach provides sufficient information for accurate reaction time measurement while minimizing the data volume and energy required for wireless communication.
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 achieves accurate measurement of user reaction times and coordination with music tempo, maintaining high reliability and minimizing interference, enabling a synchronized and coordinated entertainment experience with reduced noticeable delays.
Implementation Method 1
The exemplary wireless dance mat includes at least two pressure sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary arrangements relate to a system that includes at least one wireless dance mat and a base device, as well as a method of operation and communication which provides for rapid and accurate signals indicative of the state of a plurality of pressure sensors in the dance mat. Each pressure sensor is configured to sense pressure resulting from person contact with the dance mat. Transmission controller circuitry is in operative connection with the pressure sensors and a wireless transceiver. The wireless transceiver is operative to transmit wireless signals on a uniform periodic basis and in a sequential order. The exemplary signals each include data corresponding to pressure sensed by each of the pressure sensors at a time of signal transmission, and a position of the respective signal in the sequential order. Data included in the signals received by the base device is usable to determine conditions in which signals are not received and/or signal data has not been accurately received.