Improved Method of Viewing Athletic Performance
Original Publication Date: 1995-Mar-01
Included in the Prior Art Database: 2005-Mar-30
Publishing Venue
IBM
Related People
Gille, J: AUTHOR [+2]
Abstract
A method of closing the feedback loop for the viewing and analysis of athletic performance by the performer is disclosed. This method makes use of 'heads up' technology in providing immediate and local visual feedback on performance including ability to show quantitative physiological measurements in real time. In addition, the method disclosed does not require additional human assistance in the generation of the visual images.
Improved Method of Viewing Athletic Performance
A method of
closing the feedback loop for the viewing and
analysis of athletic performance by the performer is disclosed. This
method makes use of 'heads up' technology in providing immediate and
local visual feedback on performance including ability to show
quantitative physiological measurements in real time. In addition,
the method disclosed does not require additional human assistance in
the generation of the visual images.
Disclosed is
a means which allows the viewing of ones own
athletic performance in real time without the encumbrance,
limitations, and contortions of having to view a stationary
television or other stationary viewing modality (such as a mirror).
The embodiment described herein provides
o
an output for recording the video image;
o
a means of displaying physiological and/or quantitative
performance information such as
heart rate or asymmetry data;
o
a means of playing back a short time interval of immediately
preceding video (for those times when mental concentration
precludes the viewing of
performance);
o
a means of automatically tracking the subject of interest
therefore providing a more stable
image and reducing the need
for
additional skilled assistants.
One potential
embodiment of the device as envisioned here is
shown in the Figure. This embodiment
consists of two principle
components: a 'Head Up Display' (HUD) such as are presently coming
onto the commercial market (*) with associated electronics(b); and a
camera(a) combined with additional electronics and controls so as to
provide for the various functions described previously. Note that
the implementation of this HUD does not substantially obstruct the
user's vision.
The camera
component ((a) in the Figure) would consist of a
video camera(1) combined in one unit with other elements:
o
physical altitude and azimuth control(8) for the camera;
o
zoom control(9) for the camera allowing the controller(3) to
keep
the subject of interest filling the
entire video field;
o
a video storage medium(5) for a short time interval of video
information allowing "instant
replay";
o
electronics(4) that provides a means of overlaying numerical and
or graphical information on the
video information derived from
camera(1), in particular, allowing
the overlay of time, date,
and
physiological information or other
performance information
obtained via wireless signal(10);
o
a multiplexor(7) which provides a method of choosing the video
stream-- instant replay or
real-time-- to display;
o
image recognition circuitry(2) to recognize where in the video
field the object of interest is and
is moving to. Note that in
many cases this can be a relatively
simple implementation as
only
o...