Evaluation of an automated scoring system in a modified form of competitive boxing

A fully automated impact sensing system (AISS) is being developed in an effort to overcome scoring controversies that have beset amateur boxing throughout its history. The AISS uses subtly modified boxing equipment that incorporates ‘smart’ fabrics. An impact is detected when an electrically conductive region on a glove connects with an electrically active region on another garment such that this completes a circuit. The contact information is transmitted via Bluetooth to a ringside computer, where customised software synchronises the contact information with footage from two digital video cameras and provides for storage and playback. At present, the AISS is primarily used to support a modified, low-risk form of competitive boxing called Box’Tag® and an evaluation of the performance of the AISS has been conducted in that setting. The overall validity of scores recorded by the system was explored in 32 competitive rounds of Box’Tag contests. Whilst live scores were provided during competition, the video and sensor data were later reviewed to investigate in detail the accuracy of the scoring system. The AISS was found to correctly detect ∼90% of all legitimate impacts. Analysis was carried out to gain insights into the reasons for the ∼10% incidence of false negatives. More than a third of false negatives are associated with impacts to target zones located on the shoulders. The rate of false positive scores registered by the AISS during Box’Tag bouts was approximately 0.15 scores per boxer per minute. The AISS is currently performing at a level that makes it highly suitable for use in regular Box’Tag® competitions.