US20260048315
2026-02-19
Human necessities
A63B69/406
The AI-enabled tennis training system revolutionizes tennis practice by integrating advanced technologies, including cameras and sensors akin to those in autonomous vehicles. This comprehensive system offers drills with automated metrics, swing analysis, and interactive ball feeding. Accompanied by a mobile app, it allows voice interaction, pre-programmed games, and skill detection to tailor the training experience to each user's level. Beyond being an advanced ball machine, it serves as a fitness tool, offering guided workouts for various skill and fitness levels, catering to both casual fitness enthusiasts and competitive players seeking precise, data-driven insights.
The system's dispenser and feeder are designed to control the speed, spin, and trajectory of each ball. A stepper motor ensures precise control and quiet operation, while a mechanical button detects ball presence in the carousel, maintaining a steady supply. The hopper holds up to 200 balls, allowing extended practice without frequent reloading. After dispensing, a servo motor controls ball speed via RPM, while the relative motion of wheels adjusts spin, with the top wheel creating topspin and the bottom wheel creating slice. The height trajectory is managed by adjusting the throwing mechanism's elevation.
The camera system is crucial for capturing high-resolution footage of the court, players, and ball movements, enabling advanced analysis. It typically includes four IP-based cameras, though the number can vary. The primary array consists of three cameras with a 120-degree field of view, angled downward to optimize coverage. An additional camera with a 90-degree FOV captures detailed player motion on the far court. These cameras integrate with Nvidia Jetson hardware for seamless data processing and high-speed performance. The system provides real-time feedback and insights, enhancing training effectiveness and enabling personalized programs.
The wheel system is integral for mobility and flexibility, featuring motorized Mecanum wheels for precise omnidirectional movement. Each wheel is powered by a dedicated motor, allowing forward, backward, sideways, and diagonal navigation without turning. This advanced mobility enables quick repositioning and smooth court transitions. The wheels support both automated and manual control, facilitating multi-step drills. The system can autonomously move during drills or be manually controlled via an app or Bluetooth Xbox controller. The wheels can also be disabled for manual pushing, offering diverse setup and adjustment options.
The disclosed system integrates autonomous navigation, multi-camera tracking, AI-enabled analytics, and adaptive drill generation. It includes a motorized chassis, ball hopper, and programmable ball delivery mechanism, with a navigation subsystem for autonomous court movement. Computer vision processes multi-camera input to analyze player and ball dynamics, adjusting delivery parameters accordingly. The AI engine customizes training programs in real time, providing performance metrics and recommendations via a user interface. By combining these technologies, the system offers a highly adaptable, data-driven training tool, addressing limitations of prior devices and enhancing skill acquisition for players of all levels.