Sensor-Integrated Cue Stick for Performance Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current training methods for cue sports are inefficient and lack effective feedback mechanisms, making it difficult for players to improve their skills due to the lack of data-driven analysis and limited interactive tools for performance comparison.
Innovation Solution
Integration of sensors and a processor into cue sport equipment to collect and analyze data on performance aspects, generating feedback through an external computing device, including virtual movement models, force diagrams, and absolute orientations, enabling players to enhance their skills effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors and processors are integrated into cue sport equipment, then measurement precision and feedback quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers), processors, and communication modules into a single integrated system embedded within the cue stick. This merging of components enables comprehensive performance tracking while maintaining a unified, manageable device structure rather than scattered separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks ball velocity, spin rate, cue stick orientation, impact force, and trajectory; processes this data through various algorithms; and provides feedback through multiple channels (visual, auditory, haptic). This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by delivering comprehensive performance analysis from a single system.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensor integration is implemented, then feedback quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional integrated circuit board that handles sensing, processing, wireless communication, and power management all in one component assembly. This universal approach reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby controlling manufacturing costs despite the advanced capabilities provided.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable sampling rates and data processing intensities that can be modified based on the specific training needs and performance levels of different users. This parameter flexibility allows the system to optimize its computational resources and reduce processing demands, thereby lowering the requirements for expensive high-performance hardware and reducing overall manufacturing costs.
3Speed
If real-time data processing is performed, then feedback responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic data sampling and processing cycles rather than continuous real-time processing. Sensors collect data at specific intervals, and the processor analyzes this data in discrete batches, providing feedback at regular intervals. This periodic approach maintains adequate responsiveness for training purposes while significantly reducing the cumulative energy consumption compared to continuous processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system processes only the most critical performance parameters in real-time (such as impact detection and basic trajectory tracking) while using periodic or post-processing analysis for more comprehensive data evaluation. This partial real-time processing approach provides immediate feedback for safety and basic technique while conserving energy for more intensive analysis that can be performed later when power consumption is less critical.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing feedback for a piece of cue-sport equipment, a cue ball or cue stick, during a game play first collect spatial positioning and orientation data from a plurality of measurement sensors that is integrated into the cue-sport equipment. Then, the collected data is analyzed to generate a virtual movement model of the cue-sport equipment as the virtual movement model includes a calculated impact force diagram, an animated travel path, and a calculated absolute orientation for the cue-sport equipment. Then, the player can view the virtual movement model through an external computing device to improve their cue-sport skills effectively and efficiently.