SYSTEM DESIGN SPORTS DATA ANALYSIS
Figure 1: An
exploded view of the
TibTop Connect
For example, devices using radio
waves allow real-time transmission
of data. However, this implies that
the player’s movement is calculated
approximately based on the number
of steps and the distance between
the steps, which has a direct impact
on the accuracy of the results.
GPS trackers are often used to
overcome this restriction. They are
combined with motion sensors to
deliver very accurate metrics such
as distance covered, average and
maximum speed, playing time, etc.
Depending on the level of technicality,
these types of device can be very
expensive and none of the solutions
using a strap or a vest have managed
to solve the problems associated with
comfort or bulkiness.
A French company, VBKAM, has
come up with a solution that equips
a shin pad (mandatory for footballers)
with a GPS tracker and an inertial
motion sensor for an accurate
acquisition of the player’s geolocation
and performance data.
Smart management of electronics
The device, called Tibtop Connect,
is composed of a shin guard with
embedded electronics, a data
processing server platform and
mobile applications for post-match
analysis for both professionals and
amateurs. The challenge was how to
integrate all the necessary electronics
into a small and speci c form factor,
while keeping the performance
needed to obtain accurate
metrics for in-depth analysis.
An omnidirectional GPS
antenna combined with
an inertial motion sensor
(accelerometer, gyroscope
and magnetometer) tracks
the achievements of each
individual/team member.
On top of the usual
metrics (distance covered,
average and maximum
speed, playing time, pace,
high intensity sprints), the
system also includes the
number of balls kicked,
the shooting power and
provides numerous
tactical analysis
possibilities such as movement
replay, coverage map and preferential
circuit.
The gure below shows the
distribution of the electronics while
respecting the shin pad shape
constraints.
The battery’s autonomy and power
consumption are also key features.
When there is no data transmission,
the sensors remain inactive and the
device switches to standby mode to
save power.
Wi-Fi is a standard wireless
network that offers high data
throughput but often at the cost of
high power consumption. Bluetooth
Low Energy (BLE) is designed for
short range communication and is
a low-power version of the other
Bluetooth wireless
communication
technologies.
In the case of Tibtop
Connect, a clever power
management solution
using alternatively
Bluetooth Low Energy
and Wi-Fi has been
implemented to ensure
that the system consumes
little power enabling up to 6
hours activity and recharges
very quickly (1h30 from 0 %
to 100 %).
The electronics must also
be well protected against
shocks and water to ensure
reliable operation.
The Tibtop shin guard
is made of a rigid, light and highly
resistant shell compliant with the CEEN13061
standard.
A coating or tropicalization of the
PCBs ensures that the system is
waterproof and highly resistant to
shocks and vibrations.
Analysis tools
The new performance analysis tools
dedicated to football are a real
technological breakthrough for all
players and technical staff, who can
now shape training based on the
progress observed and the objectives
targeted.
Innovative connected sport
equipment such as Tibtop Connect
will greatly enhance the comfort of
the athletes.
The performance of the connected
devices is also being improved with
the smart management of wireless
communication technologies resulting
in better autonomy and more
accurate data.
It is clear that the IoT has a major
role to play in improving footballers’
performance and preventing
injuries, and this technology is
quickly becoming ubiquitous and
fast becoming normal in much the
way that boots and shin guards are
viewed today.
www.newelectronics.co.uk 28 April 2020 19
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