Apple Watch & iBeacons for motion capture

Question

Created Nov ’15

Replies 4

Boosts 0

Views 1.5k

Participants 5

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone can help me. I'm looking into the feasibility of linking a series of ibeacons at hinge points on the body linked to the apple watch to essnetially provide a motion capture environment for sports coaching. However, as this is all quite a new area, I can't work find enough information on the feasibility of this. I was wondering if those experienced with iBeacons can give me the benefit of their experience on this.

I'm looking at two feasibility studies:

1, 12 ibeacons would be located at various parts of the body linked to apple watch on wrist and iphone in pocket. Via the custom app, the ibeacon locations could be drawn together in appropriate relationship to form a wireframe skeleton. The app would record 3D video of the sports activity to allow for a new perspective on sports coaching. The nearest thing I've seen to this usage is here: http://techcrunch.com/2013/11/24/notch/

2, The second feasibility study would be if the above did not meet feasibility requirements. In this case the sports contact object would be fitted with an ibeacon (eg ibeacon at bottom of golf shaft, strings of tennis racquet..etc) linked to apple watch. In this case the apple watch would need to maintain a link and report angle difference between sports contact object and wrist angle. In this example the apple watch would draw the swing but it would be in relation to the angle accurate position of the ibeacon.

I suppose key points to the feasibility would be:

* Can ibeacons in close proximity to the controlling device (eg iPhone in pocket or apple watch on wrist - or both) report precision accuracy in realtime?

* If accuracy is precise, can ibeacon and device relationship be maintained and report precise accuracy with significant movement (eg running.

Any other thoughts or advice would be much appreciated for those with experience with iBeacons and Apple Watch.

Many Thanks

PJ

Boost

Answer 1

Floating Wrench OP

Nov ’15

Someone with more experience can speak much better than I to this, but my understanding is that the kind of position accuracy you are desiring for that kind of application cannot be achieved with the kind of time accuracy you would require. It may be possible to get a measurement to within several centimeters by standing still but not while the beacons are in rapid motion as would be done performing an athletic movement.

0

Answer 2

PrinceCreed OP

Nov ’15

You should use Gyroscope/Accelerometer/Compass in order to track movements.

An iBeacon will only transmit their own unique identification and your device can calculate if it's immediate (within a few centimeters), near (within a couple of meters) or far (greater than 10 meters away).

0

Answer 3

CobraPA OP

Nov ’15

Have to agree with other posters.

Note also:

iBeacons cannot currently be paired (ranged) from the Watch. You can do it from the phone, then the range data would need to be transfered to the watch.

Also, you asked:

* Can ibeacons in close proximity to the controlling device (eg iPhone in pocket or apple watch on wrist - or both) report precision accuracy in realtime?

No, iBeacons do not have the kind of accuracy or precision it sounds like you are looking for.

0

Answer 4

Beast OP

Nov ’15

iBeacons won't work for either of your scenarios.

iBeacons don't provide accurate position information, nor does the Apple Watch have Bluetooth direction finding capabilities.

0