Variable-Color Impact Structure for Sports Line Calling
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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 previous solutions like piezochromic materials are impractical due to issues with color changes and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A variable-color object-impact structure with separate impact-sensitive and color-change components that temporarily change color upon impact, providing a clear visual indication of the impact location, reducing the need for challenges and delays in line calls.
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 distraction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the line-calling function from complex electronic systems and implements it through a simple piezochromic material embedded in the court surface. The material changes color when a ball impacts it, providing immediate visual feedback without requiring cameras, computers, or electronic displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezochromic material performs the line-calling function autonomously through its inherent physical property of color change upon impact. The system requires no external power, control mechanisms, or human intervention beyond the natural play of the sport.
2Device complexity
If piezochromic material is used for line calling, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and color change accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The piezochromic material is applied selectively to specific zones of the court surface corresponding to boundary lines and service boxes. This localized application ensures that only the relevant areas change color in response to ball impacts, providing clear and unambiguous visual indications for line calling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the piezochromic material's ability to change color parameters (hue, saturation, or brightness) in response to mechanical stress from ball impacts. The material transitions between distinct color states that clearly indicate whether a ball is in or out, providing reliable visual feedback.
3Measurement precision
If Hawk-Eye system is used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezochromic material provides continuous visual feedback throughout the match without interruption. The color change occurs immediately upon ball impact and remains visible until the next impact or end of play, eliminating the need to pause for electronic system analysis or player challenges.
4Device complexity
If piezochromic material is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The piezochromic material is divided into separate zones corresponding to different boundary lines and service boxes. Each zone independently responds to impacts in its specific area, allowing precise determination of whether a ball is in or out based on which zone changes color.
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 solution significantly improves the accuracy and speed of determining whether a ball is 'in' or 'out' by providing a clear, reliable visual indication, reducing player and official distractions and enhancing the overall efficiency of line calls in sports.
Implementation Method 1
suitable impact of an object on an exposed surface of an object-impact structure during an activity such as a sport causes the surface to temporarily change color
Implementation Method 2
A variable-color object-impact structure with separate impact-sensitive and color-change components that temporarily change color upon 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), normally appears along it as a principal color, and includes impact-sensitive and color-change components 182 and (184). A segment (192) of the impact-sensitive component responds to an object (104) impacting the zone at an object-contact area (116) by providing an impact effect if the impact meets threshold impact criteria. A segment (194) of the color-change component responds to the impact effect by causing an impact-dependent portion (138) of the variable-color region to temporarily appear along a print area (118) of the zone as changed color materially different from the principal color. The print area closely matches the object-contact area in size, shape, and location. The color-change capability helps, for instance, in making in/out calls in sports such as tennis.