Game Ball Locating System Using MEMS and RF Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate determination of a game ball's position when stopped or crossing a playing field boundary is challenging due to obstructed referee views and limited camera angles, leading to subjective and often inaccurate placements that can impact game outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A game ball equipped with a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) module that communicates with wireless transceivers and a transmitting barrier to calculate its exact location, using signal strength and time-of-flight measurements, and provides audio feedback for precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a referee manually spots the ball position, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision is poor due to obstructed views and subjective estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual system of manual ball spotting with an electronic tracking system. A football equipped with a radio frequency (RF) transceiver communicates with boundary transceivers embedded in the field, enabling automatic electronic determination of ball position and player locations, thereby eliminating the need for manual visual estimation by referees.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic communication system between the ball and the boundary. The RF transceiver in the football acts as an intermediary that continuously communicates position data to boundary transceivers, which then relay this information to officials, providing objective and precise location data without direct visual observation.
2Measurement precision
If replay review cameras are used to determine ball position, then the system remains relatively simple, but the measurement precision is still insufficient due to limited camera angles and viewing positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical camera-based replay review system with an electronic RF communication system. Instead of relying on cameras to capture and analyze visual information, the system uses direct electronic communication between the football's transceiver and boundary transceivers to determine precise ball position, eliminating the limitations of camera angles and viewing positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic communication layer that provides direct position data from the ball to the boundary system. This intermediary RF communication system bypasses the need for visual capture and analysis by cameras, providing accurate position information regardless of camera placement or viewing angles.
3Measurement precision
If more cameras are deployed to improve ball location accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical camera deployment system with a simpler electronic RF communication system. By embedding transceivers in the football and boundary, the system achieves precise position determination through electronic signal exchange rather than through multiple camera viewpoints, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining or improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic communication system that provides direct position data without requiring multiple observation points. The RF transceiver in the football communicates directly with boundary transceivers, eliminating the need for multiple cameras and complex visual analysis systems while providing accurate real-time position information.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and objective location determination of the game ball, reducing errors and improving game integrity by providing accurate positioning data to officials.
Implementation Method 1
The MEMS module continuously measures the signal strength of the transmitting barrier until the strength reaches its peak, which indicates the ball is immediately above the playing field boundary.
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of time-of-flight (TOF) transceivers that transmit a wireless signal when receiving a predetermined command from a controlling computer.
Data Source
AI summary
A game ball locating system includes a ball with in internal MEMS module that communicates with transceivers positioned about the periphery of a playing field. A wireless radio frequency barrier is positioned below the playing field boundary, i.e., the sidelines and goal lines. The MEMS module includes a gyrometer and accelerometer that determine when the base ceases motion. The MEMS further measures signal strength emanating from the radio frequency barrier to determine when the ball crosses the playing field boundary. In either event, a controlling computer activates the transceivers, which transmit a signal to the MEMS module and the computer calculates the exact position of the ball.