SPORTS SECTOR
Smart Ball
This detection system presents considerable complexity. Balls can reach speeds of up to 150 km/h, and there are also plays that are particularly difficult to officiate, known as "egg balls." An "egg ball" occurs when the ball hits the floor and the glass almost simultaneously, or at the angle formed by both. The validity of the point depends on the ball's subsequent trajectory:
Valid point: If the ball bounces upward at an angle greater than 45 degrees (considering the right angle between the floor and the wall), it is ruled good, as the main bounce is considered to be on the floor.
Invalid point: If the ball bounces more horizontally and forward, at an angle less than 45 degrees, it is considered bad, indicating that the predominant impact was on the end wall rather than the floor.
The combination of detecting these complex scenarios and high ball speeds makes developing this system a significant technical challenge.
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The Solution
Artificial intelligence algorithms, specifically vision algorithms, were developed and integrated into dedicated embedded systems. Additionally, automated engineering calculations were incorporated to assist the computer vision algorithms in determining trajectory angles and speed. The engineering design was optimized so that the system could execute the detection process in less than a second, thus meeting the high-speed requirement.
Business Impact
Commercialization of a system for automatically detecting good and bad spots in the game of padel to hundreds of clients around the world.
