Automated Ball Pitching Machine with Wireless Player Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tennis matches, players spend significant time and energy chasing and retrieving balls, which can disrupt the flow of the game and make it less enjoyable.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a ball pitching machine and remote control units that allow players to receive tennis balls directly, with an automated ball collection mechanism to reduce the need for manual retrieval, enabling balls to be pitched efficiently and quickly to players on the court or off, using a ball shooting mechanism that can rotate and adjust direction for precise delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If players manually retrieve balls after each shot, then the ball pitching machine remains simple, but the time lost and energy wasted increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing players to automatically retrieve balls through the pitching machine without requiring manual intervention. Players press buttons on their clothing, and the system automatically locates them and delivers balls, eliminating the need for ball boys or manual retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical retrieval operations with an automated system using wireless signals, position detection, and automated ball delivery mechanisms. The mechanical action of chasing and picking up balls is substituted by electronic signal-based automated delivery.
2Productivity
If a ball pitching machine is introduced to deliver balls automatically, then ball retrieval efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple capabilities into a single device: position detection, wireless signal reception, ball storage, ball delivery mechanism, and rotation control. This allows one machine to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate systems or manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elements including a rotatable platform that can change orientation to face different players, adjustable ball delivery angles, and real-time position tracking. These dynamic capabilities enable the machine to adapt to different players' positions and requirements without requiring multiple fixed machines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pitching machine can target any player position on the court, then the adaptability improves, but the positioning and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where players press buttons on their clothing to signal when they need a ball, and the system responds by automatically calculating the optimal delivery position and executing the throw. This closed-loop feedback system simplifies control by using direct player input rather than complex predictive algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is segmented into independent components: wireless signal reception modules, position detection algorithms, and separate rotation control mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to handle a specific aspect of positioning independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for delivering balls to each of two players playing on opposite sides of a field includes a remote control unit worn or placed on each of the two players, each remote control unit configured, upon activation of a particular player, to transmit a wireless signal that identifies a location of the particular player. A ball pitching machine includes a housing configured to receive and hold the balls, at least one wheel, a ball shooting mechanism that receives the balls and shoots one of the balls at a time; and a controller that includes a position-locator, the controller configured to receive and process the signal, direct positioning of the ball shooting mechanism so as to face the player that sent the signal and shoot one of the balls in a direction of the player's position, in accordance with the signal received from the remote control unit.