Ball Throwing Machine with 3D Motion Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ball throwing machines for sports training lack the ability to dynamically adjust their ball throwing patterns based on real-time player and ball motion data, providing a less realistic and adaptive training experience.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing multiple cameras to track player and ball motion in three dimensions, predicting their positions and trajectories, and generating control commands for ball throwing machines to throw balls in a manner that simulates real-time interactions, including velocity, direction, and spin, mimicking the performance of virtual opponents or predefined drill patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ball throwing machines use pre-programmed sequences with fixed timing intervals, then the machine operation is simple and reliable, but the training realism and adaptability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The ball throwing machine transitions from static pre-programmed sequences to dynamic real-time adaptation by continuously tracking player position and ball trajectory, then adjusting throw parameters (timing, position, velocity) based on actual game conditions. This makes the training system adaptable to different player movements and shot patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops by capturing image data from multiple cameras, tracking player and ball motion in real-time, and using this information to dynamically adjust subsequent ball throws. The feedback mechanism enables the machine to respond to player actions and simulate realistic opponent behavior.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ball throwing machines project balls using pneumatic power and rotating wheels, then the ball projection capability is strong, but the ability to simulate realistic opponent shots is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces purely mechanical ball projection with an intelligent control system that uses image data processing and motion tracking. The mechanical projection mechanism (pneumatic power, rotating wheels) is enhanced with computer vision and algorithms that analyze player movement and ball trajectory to determine optimal throw parameters, enabling realistic shot simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes multiple parameters including throw timing, ball position, velocity, and trajectory based on real-time tracking data. By adjusting these parameters according to actual player movement and ball flight characteristics, the machine can simulate diverse opponent shots rather than using fixed patterns.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to track player and ball motion in three dimensions, then the motion tracking precision is improved, but the system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camera systems into a unified three-dimensional tracking framework. By merging data from multiple cameras and processing it through integrated algorithms, the system achieves accurate 3D motion tracking of both player and ball, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity through systematic integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for ball game training, the method comprising steps executed by at least one computer, the steps comprising: receiving image data of a player and a ball, the image data being captured using at least two cameras, using the received image data, tracking motion of the player and motion of the ball in three dimensions, based on the tracked motions, predicting a position of the player and a trajectory of the ball, and based on the predicted position and trajectory, generating a control command for at least one ball throwing machine.