Variable-Color Impact Structure for Tennis 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 occasionally erroneous, and previous solutions like piezochromic materials are impractical due to interference from player movements and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A variable-color object-impact structure that temporarily changes color at the impact area upon meeting specific threshold criteria, allowing for accurate and rapid visual determination of ball impacts on the court, distinguishing between ball impacts and other sources like player shoes, by using a combination of impact-sensitive and color-change components.
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 increases and loss of time occurs due to delays and challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of line calling from complex electronic systems and implements it through a simple visual indicator on the court surface. The impact indicator directly shows ball impact location without requiring cameras, computers, or complex processing systems, thereby achieving accurate line calling with minimal device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The impact indicator material automatically detects and displays ball impact information through its inherent piezochromic or fluorochromic properties when impacted by the ball. The system serves itself by directly converting mechanical impact into visible color change without requiring external power sources, controllers, or electronic components
2Measurement precision
If piezochromic materials are used for impact detection, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to interference from player movements and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies impact indicator material only in specific zones where line calls are needed (e.g., near boundary lines and service lines), rather than covering the entire court. This localized application ensures that only impacts in critical decision areas are detected and displayed, eliminating false positives from player movements in other areas while maintaining high measurement precision where it matters most
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color change as the primary indication mechanism, where the impact indicator material changes color upon ball impact. This visual color change provides clear, unambiguous information that can be easily distinguished from other court activities, thereby improving reliability by reducing false positives while maintaining high measurement precision
3Productivity
If color change indication is implemented, then productivity is improved by reducing challenges and delays, but device complexity increases due to multiple components needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function and indication function into a single integrated material system. The piezochromic or fluorochromic material both detects the ball impact through mechanical pressure and simultaneously provides visual indication through color change, eliminating the need for separate sensors, processors, and display components, thereby improving productivity while maintaining minimal device complexity
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
This solution significantly improves the accuracy of line calls, reducing the need for challenges and delays, allowing players and officials to quickly and confidently determine if a ball is 'in' or 'out' with high precision, enhancing the efficiency and fairness of sports such as tennis.
Implementation Method 1
an impact-sensitive component that provides an impact signal in response to ball impact
Implementation Method 2
pressure-sensitive or piezoelectric effects
Implementation Method 3
a color-change component that temporarily changes color at the impact area
Implementation Method 4
electrochromic or thermochromic effects
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. An impact-dependent portion (138) of the variable-color 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 an expected location of a print area (118) in the zone and supplemental impact information for the impact. Responsive to the impact signal, a controller (702) determines whether the supplemental impact information meets supplemental impact criteria and, if so, provides an initiation signal. The impact-dependent portion responds to the initiation signal, if provided, by temporarily appearing along the print area as changed color materially different from the principal color. The print area closely matches the object-contact area in size, shape, and location.