Embedded UWB Sports Ball Tracking Without Shape Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports ball tracking technologies do not provide real-time, accurate, and reliable data on the movement and position of sports balls during games, often interfering with the ball's performance or requiring complex external tracking systems.
Innovation Solution
Embedding or attaching electronic components within sports balls, such as electronic tags, that transmit movement-related data to receivers in a sports arena, which are processed by a server platform to determine the ball's movement in real-time, using UWB technology and a cloud-based system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic components are embedded within sports balls, then real-time tracking accuracy is improved, but the ball's performance and shape may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic components are nested within a cavity formed by modifying the bladder structure. The bladder's side walls define an expandable cavity that houses the electronic circuit, sensors, and power source, allowing these components to be integrated within the ball without significantly altering the external shape or performance characteristics of the ball.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic components are positioned at specific locations within the ball rather than being uniformly distributed. The circuit board and components are mounted on the inner surface of the bladder at strategically chosen positions to minimize interference with the ball's aerodynamic properties and overall performance while maximizing tracking accuracy.
2Loss of information
If electronic components are embedded within sports balls, then real-time tracking data is obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are merged into a single integrated electronic assembly within the ball. The circuit board combines acceleration sensors, location determination capabilities, power management, and data transmission functions into one compact unit, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic components are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same sensor assembly provides both acceleration data and location information, the power source charges multiple components, and the transmission system communicates with various external receivers, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Measurement precision
If electronic components are attached to cover panels, then tracking capability is enabled, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic components are pre-assembled and tested as a complete unit before being integrated into the ball. The circuit board with all sensors, power management, and transmission components is prepared in advance, allowing for quality control and troubleshooting before final installation, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic assembly is nested within the bladder structure during the ball manufacturing process. By forming the cavity in the bladder and installing the electronics before final assembly with the cover panels, the manufacturing process is streamlined and the electronic components are protected during assembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for tracking a sports ball assembly in real time during a sporting event are disclosed. A structure of the sports ball assembly is also disclosed. The sports ball assembly comprises at least one electronic circuit embedded or attached to a sports ball. The sports ball assembly is in network communication with a processor via at least two receivers within a sports arena. The sports ball assembly generates and transmits UWB data packets comprising movement-related data for the sports ball assembly in real time at a predetermined rate. The at least two receivers receive the UWB data packets and transmit to the processor with time stamps. The processor is operable to determine a movement of the sports ball assembly based on the UWB data packets and the time stamps received from the at least two receivers.