Sensor-Integrated Sports Net for Real-Time Ball Trajectory Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports nets lack the ability to accurately and unobtrusively determine the position and trajectory of balls or other objects in real-time, leading to uncertainties in scoring, refereeing, and player performance analysis.
Innovation Solution
Integrating sensors within the strings of sports nets to detect deformations and interactions, allowing for real-time determination of shot parameters such as success, trajectory, and player location using a controller and machine learning models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated within the strings of the sports net, then measurement precision of ball position and trajectory is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor functionality directly into the net strings themselves, combining the structural element (string) with the sensing element (sensor). This integration allows the net to simultaneously serve its traditional purpose of defining boundaries and its new purpose of detecting ball interactions, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart net strings serve multiple functions: they maintain the structural integrity of the net, detect ball contact, measure deformation, and provide positional information. By making the strings multi-functional, the patent improves measurement capabilities without requiring separate dedicated sensing structures, thus balancing measurement precision improvement with acceptable device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If sensors are placed within the strings, then unobtrusiveness and shot placement accuracy are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors are pre-integrated into the strings during the manufacturing process, rather than being added later during installation. This preliminary integration ensures precise positioning of sensors within the string structure, which is critical for accurate shot placement detection, while streamlining the overall deployment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is nested within the string structure, with the sensing element housed inside or along the length of the string. This nesting approach maintains the unobtrusive appearance of the net while protecting the sensor and ensuring it moves with the string during ball interactions, thereby improving measurement accuracy without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
3Loss of time
If real-time sensor data processing is implemented, then feedback speed for scoring and refereeing is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous data processing, the system processes sensor data periodically or event-triggered (when ball contact is detected). This approach maintains real-time responsiveness for scoring and refereeing decisions while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous processing, as the sensors and controller remain in low-power states between events.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system automatically detects and processes ball contact events without requiring external intervention or continuous power consumption. The deformation sensors trigger processing only when necessary (during ball interaction), enabling the system to serve itself by intelligently activating computation only when data is relevant, thereby reducing energy use while maintaining timely feedback.
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
Provides accurate, real-time feedback on shot performance and player actions, enhancing scoring reliability, reducing gameplay downtime, and enabling improved skill development with minimal impact on gameplay aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors that are combined with at least some of the one or more strands... sensors that output sensor data that indicate a deformation of at least one sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a smart net for net-based sports, including a net that includes strands that are woven into a pattern; and one or more sensors that are disposed within one or more of the strands, and methods of using and manufacturing thereof.