Method and implementation of micro Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) in sensing basketball dynamics

Abstract

In this paper, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is integrated with a basketball and used to measure basketball dynamics during various training and game exercises. We implemented an IMU composed of three-axis MEMS accelerometers and three-axis MEMS gyroscopes interfaced with a microcontroller on a basketball to measure basketball dynamics. Herein, methods are outlined for determining the rotational velocity of the basketball, namely backspin, and its axis of rotation during a shot which can be directly related to player shot form. Information about a player’s dribbling ability can also be discerned from the players dribbling frequency, captured through acceleration information. Our experimental validation shows that methods of angular velocity determination from both gyroscopes and accelerometers individually yield less than 2% error, making both methods viable in use. We also showed a method to detect the angle of the rotational axis relative to the ground. The methods outlined in this paper could be utilized to collect dynamic data that can be used to effectively train a basketball player and assist in skill improvements and benchmarking; all of which is valuable information for players and coaches alike.