Piezochromic Line-Calling Structure with Impact Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current line-calling systems in sports, such as tennis, face challenges in accurately determining whether a ball is 'in' or 'out' due to limitations in existing technologies like Hawk-Eye, which can be distracting and prone to errors, and other systems like piezochromic materials that are affected by ultraviolet radiation and shoe-induced color changes.
Innovation Solution
A variable-color impact structure that temporarily changes color at the impact area upon meeting threshold criteria, providing a location-identifying signal to accurately determine if a ball is within or outside the playing lines, using a combination of impact-sensitive and color-change components to distinguish between valid and invalid impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Hawk-Eye system is used for line calling, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and reliability are worsened due to distractions and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic/optical systems (Hawk-Eye) with a simple mechanical system using piezochromic materials that change color in response to ball impact pressure, eliminating the need for computer processing and camera systems while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses piezochromic materials that undergo color changes when subjected to pressure from ball impacts, providing a visual indication of whether the ball is in or out of bounds without requiring complex electronic systems
2Measurement precision
If piezochromic materials are used for line calling, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to ultraviolet radiation and shoe-induced color changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the UV sensitivity issue by applying a clear coating that protects the piezochromic material while allowing the court surface to remain visible, effectively converting the harmful UV sensitivity into a feature that enables the material to function reliably in outdoor tennis court environments
3Measurement precision
If piezochromic materials are used for line calling, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to shoe-induced color changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies piezochromic material specifically at the boundary line locations where impact detection is needed, rather than covering the entire court surface. This localized application ensures that only impacts at the critical boundary areas trigger color changes, while shoe impacts on other court surfaces do not interfere with the measurement
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
The system allows for high accuracy in determining the impact location, reducing the need for challenges and delays, and can be used in various sports, providing a significant improvement over existing line-calling technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The invention employs piezochromic materials that change color in response to pressure applied by the ball impact
Data Source
AI summary
A variable-color region (106) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface (102) at a surface zone (112) and normally appears along it as a principal color. The region responds to an object (104) impacting the zone at an object-contact area (116) by providing an impact signal if the impact meets threshold impact criteria. The impact signal identifies a threshold criteria-meeting area (1626 or 1626) where the criteria are met in the zone. Responsive to the impact signal, a controller (1622 or 1632) provides an initiation signal that designates a print area (118) in the zone such that the print area is larger than the criteria-meeting area and can closely match the object-contact area in size, shape, and location. An impact-dependent portion (138) of the region responds to the initiation signal by temporarily appearing along the print area as changed color materially different from the principal color.