Racket-Mounted Score Transmitter for Wireless Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scorekeeping systems for racket sports are inconvenient, as they require players to manually update scores, are limited to single-user visibility, and are often expensive and difficult to mount, especially for sub-elite level matches.
Innovation Solution
A score counting system comprising a counting device with a transmitter and activation means mounted on a racket and a display unit with a receiver, allowing players to easily and accurately track scores without manual updates, with features like incremental activation and optional additional transmitters for correcting errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If players manually update scores on a centrally positioned display, then the score can be tracked, but it is inconvenient for players and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service scorekeeping where the player themselves automatically updates the score by simply pressing a button on the racket-mounted transmitter after winning a point. The score is then automatically transmitted to the display unit, eliminating the need for manual intervention by officials or other players.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of physically flipping score display numbers with an electronic automated system. The transmitter on the racket uses radio frequency communication to wirelessly transmit score data to the display unit, substituting mechanical operations with electronic automation.
2Loss of information
If score indicators are attached to the racket shaft, then the player can see their own score, but only the player themselves can see it and it is single-use only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a radio frequency communication system as an intermediary between the player's racket-mounted transmitter and the display unit. This intermediary enables wireless transmission of score information, allowing the score to be visible to both players and officials without requiring physical proximity to the racket.
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit serves multiple functions: it displays the current score, indicates whose turn it is to serve, and can show match statistics. The system is versatile enough to be used in various racket sports including tennis, badminton, and squash.
3Measurement precision
If complex scorekeeping systems with multiple sensors and processors are used, then accurate match data can be captured, but the units become expensive and difficult to mount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function needed for scorekeeping - a simple button-press transmitter mounted on the racket - and separates it from complex analysis functions. The transmitter contains only a microcontroller and radio transmitter, while the display unit handles all processing and display functions, simplifying the racket-mounted component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into two independent components: a simple transmitter unit mounted on the player's racket and a separate display unit placed in the center of the court. This segmentation allows the racket-mounted device to remain simple and easy to mount while the complex functions are located in the stationary display unit.
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 simple, practical, and cost-effective scorekeeping for players, allowing simultaneous score tracking for both players, reducing errors and maintaining the racket's feel and handling.
Implementation Method 1
the transmitter of the counting device being configured to transmit a signal indicating a point... to the receiver of the display unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The system for counting scores in a racket sports match, such as a badminton, table tennis or tennis game, comprises at least one counting device (1) including a transmitter, activation means (13) and a shell (2) in which the transmitter is accommodated, and at least one display unit (100) including a receiver and a screen (101). The transmitter of the counting device (1) is con- figured to transmit a signal indicating a point, following activation of the activation means (13), to the receiver of the display unit (100) to display a score based on the received signal. The shell (2) the counting device (1) is adapted to be releasably mounted on a racket and is tube-shaped and extends be- tween a first end (5) and a second end (6) and has an exterior surface (3) and an interior surface (4) presenting an internal diameter dimensioned to allow mounting of the counting device (1) on a shaft of a racket.