Opportunity
Physical education and sports training require significant manpower, including expert coaches and teachers to supervise and assess performance. This is costly and challenging, especially when training spaces are large (fields, tracks, courts). A single coach cannot effectively monitor multiple athletes simultaneously, and manual assessment is subjective and time-consuming. Automated systems exist but often require expensive equipment or cannot reliably identify individual runners in a group. There is a need for a low-cost, accurate, automated system that can detect, identify, and track multiple active persons (e.g., runners), measure performance metrics, and assess technique—all without heavy manual supervision.
Technology
This patent presents a system using one or more image capture devices (cameras) and a computing apparatus. Each active person (runner) wears a unique identifier—preferably an AprilTag fiducial marker with an ID number, placed on clothing front and back. The computing apparatus receives images/video from cameras positioned at key locations (e.g., start and finish lines). An identifier recognition model (neural network) detects and decodes the AprilTag and ID number to uniquely identify each runner by cross-referencing a runner database.
The system determines metrics including distance travelled, lap/split times, number of laps, and speed (by tracking the AprilTag's 3D position and calculating time differences between camera detections). Optionally, the system performs pose estimation using an object recognition model on the runner's limbs and facial features across multiple frames. It analyzes running technique, compares it against ideal criteria, assesses quality, and generates feedback. A user interface (on a smartphone/tablet) displays metrics, rankings, and technique feedback in real time. The system can handle multiple runners simultaneously.
Advantages
- Reliable Individual Identification: AprilTags provide fast, accurate detection and 3D position/orientation tracking even when runners are moving fast or in a group.
- Automated Performance Metrics: Automatically calculates distance, time, speed, and lap splits without manual timing.
- Objective Technique Assessment: Pose estimation compares runner form against ideal standards, reducing subjective teacher evaluation.
- Scalable for Groups: Can detect and track multiple runners simultaneously, ideal for PE classes or team training.
- Low-Cost Solution: Uses standard cameras (even smartphones) and printed AprilTags—no expensive sensors or wearables.
- Real-Time Feedback: Displays metrics and technique suggestions immediately on the user interface, helping runners self-improve.
- Reduces Teacher Workload: Automates assessment and record-keeping, freeing teachers to focus on instruction.
Applications
- School Physical Education (PE): Automated timing and technique assessment for running activities during PE classes.
- Athletic Training: Tracking sprint times, lap splits, and running form for track and field teams.
- Fitness Testing: Objective evaluation of student or athlete performance for fitness benchmarks.
- Rehabilitation Running: Monitoring patient running form and progress over time.
- Mass Participation Events: Identifying and tracking individual runners in school fun runs or charity events without RFID chips.
