Perfect Shot, Every Time
Using computer vision and motor control, our system moves the basketball hoop in real time, adjusting to the ball's trajectory to ensure (almost!) every shot goes in.
To determine where the hoop has to move to, the ball must be tracked as it flies towards the hoop. The ball is detected with an Xbox Kinect overlooking the ‘court’, and this data is processed for ball tracking with computer vision.
A mathematical path of the ball was developed using a physics-based model and a quadratic regression for height in the z-direction and a linear regression for movement in the x and y-directions. Using this predicted trajectory, our code outputs a final point that the hoop should move to, which can be used by the firmware.
Hoop movement is conducted using a cable system driven by stepper motors. The final point given from the trajectory prediction directs the motor actuation. The cables are controlled by the motors mounted on the frame and are attached to the corners of the hoop. These cables are then spooled and unspooled to position the backboard and hoop in the predicted location.
To mount and house all the components, we manufactured a mounting frame and electrical box. The frame was constructed so that the motors and moving area of the hoop were located high enough such that a high arcing shot could be made, similar to playing real basketball.
$250 and found materials
7 weeks from start to finish
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