A Performance Analysis System for the Sport of Bowling

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section I: Introduction, Background, and Motivation.................................................................1
1.1 Statement of the Problem ................................................................................................1
1.2 Introduction to the Physics of Bowling...........................................................................3
1.3 Scope of the Paper/Project ..............................................................................................4
1.3.1 Investigative Feasibility Phase ............................................................................4
1.3.2 Product Development Phase................................................................................5
1.4 Overview of the Feasibility Phase...................................................................................5
Section II: Collecting the Data - The SMARTDOT Module........................................................7
2.1 Design Basis....................................................................................................................7
2.2.1 Ease of Use..........................................................................................................9
2.2.2 Size, Weight, and Impact on the Balance of the Ball..........................................9
2.2.3 Cost....................................................................................................................10
2.2.4 Power Consumption ..........................................................................................10
2.2.5 Convenience of Installation and Removal.........................................................10
2.3 Sensing Requirements ...................................................................................................11
2.3.1 Sensing Rotation of the Ball (Angular Velocity) ..............................................11
2.3.2 Sensing Release, Lane Impact, and Pin Impact.................................................12
2.3.3 Measuring Time and Recording Data ...............................................................12
2.3.4 Communications................................................................................................14
2.4 Capabilities....................................................................................................................14
2.4.1 Ambient Light Sensor .......................................................................................15
2.4.2 Pressure/Impact Sensor .....................................................................................15
2.4.4 Clock .................................................................................................................15
2.5 Hardware Implementation.............................................................................................16
2.5.1 Hardware Configuration....................................................................................16
2.5.2 Hardware Operation Overview .........................................................................18
2.6 Hardware/Software Interaction Design Considerations................................................19
2.6.1 Microprocessor Clock Frequency .....................................................................19
2.6.2 Sampling Rate ...................................................................................................19
2.6.3 Baud Rate ..........................................................................................................21
2.7 Embedded Software Design and Operation ..................................................................21
2.7.1 Software Design Considerations .......................................................................21
2.7.2 Start-Up .............................................................................................................24
2.7.3 Pre-Sampling.....................................................................................................24
2.7.4 Waveform Discrimination and Validation ........................................................24
2.7.5 The Ball is Rolling ............................................................................................25
2.7.6 Sampling Modes................................................................................................25
2.7.7 Shutdown...........................................................................................................25
2.7.8 Communication with the COMM Wand ...........................................................26
2.7.9 Communication Protocol...................................................................................26
2.7.10 Commands.........................................................................................................27
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