We developed a new entertainment platform for digital sports, composed of a shock resistant rubber ball (M-digital ball) which comprises electronic sensors, a BLE wireless module, a communication program between the ball and a computer, and real-time computer graphics/sound contents. Six sensors and a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) module are incorporated into a substrate which attached to a rubber structure inside the ball, which was designed to protect electronic parts and electrical connections so as elasticity of rubber and layer of the air in the ball protect circuit against strong shocks. Our system can specify the state of the ball through the wireless communication, getting value of sensors in real-time. We created several computer graphics and sound contents using the system. By combining the shock resistant rubber ball having sensors and interactive communication system, we realized hands free sport platform which enable sports player to organize graphics and sound linked to player’s dynamic body actions in real-time.

Presenter(s)

Sachiko Kodama, The University of Electro-Communications
Shuzo Matsuno, Mikasa Corporation
Ryutaro Ogawa, Mikasa Corporation
Kenji Inokuchi, Prototype Inc.
Toshio Sato, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Takahiro Shida, The Univ. of Electro-Communications
Taiki Takeno, The Univ. of Electro-Communications
Eitetsu Komiyama, The Univ. of Electro-Communications