insight - Computer Networks - # IoT Application in Sports

Automating Distance Measurement in Petanque Using IoT

Q: How can this IoT-based system be adapted for use in other sports or games that require precise distance measurements?

This IoT-based distance measurement system, with some modifications, has the potential to be adapted for use in a variety of sports and games beyond Petanque. Here's how: Adapting the Technology: Sensor Selection: While ultrasonic sensors are suitable for Petanque's relatively short distances, other sports might require different sensors: Longer Distances: For sports like javelin throw or long jump, laser rangefinders or Time-of-Flight (ToF) cameras would be more appropriate due to their extended range and accuracy. Height Measurement: High jump could utilize laser-based height measurement systems similar to those used in professional athletics. Underwater Environments: For water sports, waterproof ultrasonic sensors or acoustic positioning systems could be employed. Data Processing and Integration: Real-time Display: The system's ability to provide instant measurements on mobile devices is beneficial across various sports, aiding athletes, coaches, and officials. Integration with Existing Systems: In professional settings, the IoT system could integrate with existing timing and scoring systems for seamless data management. Examples of Applications: Track and Field: Measuring distances in long jump, triple jump, shot put, and javelin throw. Water Sports: Determining distances in swimming, rowing, or canoeing competitions. Golf: Providing accurate yardage information to golfers on the course. Archery: Measuring arrow distances from the target. Darts: Calculating dart scores based on distance from the bullseye. Benefits Across Sports: Increased Accuracy: Reducing human error and ensuring fair play. Faster Results: Speeding up competitions and reducing waiting times. Data-Driven Insights: Providing valuable data for athlete training and performance analysis.

Q: Could the reliance on technology in Petanque detract from the traditional aspects of the game and the importance of human judgment?

The introduction of technology in traditionally human-centered sports like Petanque raises valid concerns about potential drawbacks: Detracting from Tradition: Loss of Authenticity: Part of Petanque's charm lies in its simplicity and the social interaction involved in judging distances. Over-reliance on technology could erode this aspect. Altered Skillset: The traditional skills of visually estimating distances and amicable dispute resolution might become less important. Impact on Human Judgment: Overdependence: Players and officials might become overly reliant on technology, potentially diminishing their own judgment and decision-making abilities. Dispute Resolution: While the technology aims to reduce disputes, it might create new ones, especially if there are technical glitches or if players question the system's accuracy. Mitigating the Concerns: Finding a Balance: The key is to strike a balance between embracing technology and preserving the essence of the game. Optional Implementation: Making the technology optional, especially in casual settings, allows players to choose between traditional and technology-assisted gameplay. Education and Transparency: Educating players about the technology's limitations and ensuring transparency in its operation can build trust and acceptance.

Q: What are the ethical implications of using technology to automate decision-making in sports, and how can we ensure fairness and prevent bias in these systems?

Automating decision-making in sports, while offering benefits, presents ethical challenges that require careful consideration: Ethical Implications: Fairness and Bias: Systems must be designed and trained on unbiased data to prevent favoring certain players or teams. Regular audits and testing are crucial. Transparency and Explainability: The decision-making process of these systems should be transparent and understandable to players, coaches, and fans to ensure trust and accountability. Access and Equity: The cost of implementing such technology should not create a divide between well-funded and less-resourced teams or athletes. Ensuring Fairness and Preventing Bias: Diverse Data Sets: Training AI models on data that represents the diversity of players, playing styles, and conditions is essential to minimize bias. Rigorous Testing and Validation: Continuous testing and validation of the system's accuracy and fairness by independent third parties are crucial. Human Oversight: Maintaining a level of human oversight, especially in critical decisions, can help identify and correct errors or biases. Ethical Guidelines and Regulations: Establishing clear ethical guidelines and regulations for the development and use of AI in sports is paramount. Addressing Ethical Concerns: Open Dialogue: Fostering open discussions among stakeholders (athletes, coaches, technologists, ethicists) is essential to address concerns and establish best practices. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: Regularly monitoring the system's impact and making necessary adjustments to ensure fairness and address unintended consequences is vital. By proactively addressing these ethical considerations, we can harness the benefits of technology in sports while upholding the values of fair play, transparency, and human judgment.

Core Concepts

This research paper presents the development and testing of an IoT-based prototype for automating distance measurements in Petanque, aiming to improve accuracy, efficiency, and fairness in the sport.

Abstract

Bibliographic Information: Shah, W. M., Adnan, M. A., Hassan, A., Harum, N., & Hamid, I. R. A. (2024). POTENTIAL USE OF IOT DISTANCE MEASUREMENT TOOL IN BOULE SPORTS. International Journal of Wireless & Mobile Networks (IJWMN), 16(4/5), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.5121/ijwmn.2024.16501
Research Objective: To design and develop an IoT-based prototype device that can accurately and efficiently measure the distance between the jack and boule in Petanque, replacing the current manual methods.
Methodology: The researchers employed the Rapid Application Development (RAD) model, focusing on requirements planning, user design, and construction phases. The prototype consists of an ultrasonic sensor integrated with a NodeMCU board, which transmits data to a mobile application via Wi-Fi.
Key Findings: The prototype demonstrated accurate distance measurements in both indoor and outdoor settings, with a faster processing time compared to manual methods. Usability testing with actual Petanque players provided valuable feedback for further improvements.
Main Conclusions: The study highlights the potential of IoT technology to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and fairness in judging Petanque games. The prototype, while promising, requires further development and refinement based on user feedback and real-world testing.
Significance: This research contributes to the growing field of IoT applications in sports, specifically addressing the need for automated and objective measurement systems in traditionally subjective sports.
Limitations and Future Research: The prototype's functionality is limited to distance measurement and basic scorekeeping. Future research could explore integrating additional sensors for comprehensive game analysis, enhancing the mobile application's features, and conducting extensive field tests with a larger player pool.

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Stats

The time taken for manual measurement is around 10 to 15 seconds.
The prototype jack takes between 3 to 5 seconds to display measurement results.
The mean value for the standard deviation of the prototype's measurements indoors is 0.03 cm.
The mean value for the standard deviation outdoors is 0.05 cm.

Quotes

"Moreover, manual measurement is prone to human error. Therefore, this project explores the usage of IoT to facilitate the measuring technique and reduce human error."
"The measurement technique is accurate if the measurement technique is correct. It required a steady hand to hold the tape measure with two different parts of the tape while squatting or kneeling, then reading the measurement to the accuracy of one millimeter while avoiding distortions. The risk of moving boule and jack is high for this technique, and it can lead to inconsistent results and be difficult for ordinary players."

Key Insights Distilled From

Potential Use of IoT Distance Measurement Tool in Boule Sports

by Wahidah Md S... at arxiv.org 11-07-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2411.03585.pdf

Potential Use of IoT Distance Measurement Tool in Boule Sports

Deeper Inquiries

How can this IoT-based system be adapted for use in other sports or games that require precise distance measurements?

This IoT-based distance measurement system, with some modifications, has the potential to be adapted for use in a variety of sports and games beyond Petanque. Here's how:
Adapting the Technology:


Sensor Selection: While ultrasonic sensors are suitable for Petanque's relatively short distances, other sports might require different sensors:

Longer Distances:  For sports like javelin throw or long jump,  laser rangefinders or Time-of-Flight (ToF) cameras would be more appropriate due to their extended range and accuracy.
Height Measurement:  High jump could utilize laser-based height measurement systems similar to those used in professional athletics.
Underwater Environments:  For water sports, waterproof ultrasonic sensors or acoustic positioning systems could be employed.



Data Processing and Integration:

Real-time Display: The system's ability to provide instant measurements on mobile devices is beneficial across various sports, aiding athletes, coaches, and officials.
Integration with Existing Systems:  In professional settings, the IoT system could integrate with existing timing and scoring systems for seamless data management.
Examples of Applications:

Track and Field:  Measuring distances in long jump, triple jump, shot put, and javelin throw.
Water Sports: Determining distances in swimming, rowing, or canoeing competitions.
Golf: Providing accurate yardage information to golfers on the course.
Archery: Measuring arrow distances from the target.
Darts:  Calculating dart scores based on distance from the bullseye.
Benefits Across Sports:

Increased Accuracy: Reducing human error and ensuring fair play.
Faster Results:  Speeding up competitions and reducing waiting times.
Data-Driven Insights: Providing valuable data for athlete training and performance analysis.

Could the reliance on technology in Petanque detract from the traditional aspects of the game and the importance of human judgment?

The introduction of technology in traditionally human-centered sports like Petanque raises valid concerns about potential drawbacks:
Detracting from Tradition:

Loss of Authenticity: Part of Petanque's charm lies in its simplicity and the social interaction involved in judging distances.  Over-reliance on technology could erode this aspect.
Altered Skillset: The traditional skills of visually estimating distances and amicable dispute resolution might become less important.
Impact on Human Judgment:

Overdependence: Players and officials might become overly reliant on technology, potentially diminishing their own judgment and decision-making abilities.
Dispute Resolution: While the technology aims to reduce disputes, it might create new ones, especially if there are technical glitches or if players question the system's accuracy.
Mitigating the Concerns:

Finding a Balance:  The key is to strike a balance between embracing technology and preserving the essence of the game.
Optional Implementation:  Making the technology optional, especially in casual settings, allows players to choose between traditional and technology-assisted gameplay.
Education and Transparency: Educating players about the technology's limitations and ensuring transparency in its operation can build trust and acceptance.

What are the ethical implications of using technology to automate decision-making in sports, and how can we ensure fairness and prevent bias in these systems?

Automating decision-making in sports, while offering benefits, presents ethical challenges that require careful consideration:
Ethical Implications:

Fairness and Bias:  Systems must be designed and trained on unbiased data to prevent favoring certain players or teams.  Regular audits and testing are crucial.
Transparency and Explainability:  The decision-making process of these systems should be transparent and understandable to players, coaches, and fans to ensure trust and accountability.
Access and Equity:  The cost of implementing such technology should not create a divide between well-funded and less-resourced teams or athletes.
Ensuring Fairness and Preventing Bias:

Diverse Data Sets:  Training AI models on data that represents the diversity of players, playing styles, and conditions is essential to minimize bias.
Rigorous Testing and Validation:  Continuous testing and validation of the system's accuracy and fairness by independent third parties are crucial.
Human Oversight:  Maintaining a level of human oversight, especially in critical decisions, can help identify and correct errors or biases.
Ethical Guidelines and Regulations:  Establishing clear ethical guidelines and regulations for the development and use of AI in sports is paramount.
Addressing Ethical Concerns:

Open Dialogue: Fostering open discussions among stakeholders (athletes, coaches, technologists, ethicists) is essential to address concerns and establish best practices.
Continuous Monitoring and Improvement:  Regularly monitoring the system's impact and making necessary adjustments to ensure fairness and address unintended consequences is vital.
By proactively addressing these ethical considerations, we can harness the benefits of technology in sports while upholding the values of fair play, transparency, and human judgment.