The game of table tennis is about to get an extreme makeover: technology edition.
Thomas Mayer, a student from the University of Design Schwäbisch Gmünd in Germany has developed the future of table tennis.
As part of Mayer’s bachelor thesis project in Interaction Design, he designed the Table Tennis Trainer, an interactive ping pong table which creates data visualizations for its players, as well as step-by-step training routines.
The mapped interface is displayed using two PlayStation CL-eye cameras which track the movement of the ball, and a full HD projector that processes and collects data during play. After failing testing visualization after visualization, Mayer hit the perfect shot.
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After logging in using the NFC-Racket Login option, the dashboard opens up to your own personal profile. Your profile tracks the development of your game summarized into six categories; Stability, Power, Attack, Defense, Serve and Endurance. Included in your profile is a variety of pre-loaded settings, modes and practice options. The table also includes personal high-scores and a training calendar so you’ll never miss a serve.
The multiplayer game types include five projectable settings. A Tactical Training mode (moves circle targets which grow larger and smaller as they swing back and forth across the table), Active Training (projects ball path lines across the table that disappear as it crosses over to the opposing side), a Magnetic Surface (bends and forms to the landing of the ball), Focus Training (flashes light on and off below the table in an attempt to distract players) and Permanent Tracing (projected ball flight lines remain visible on the table for the game duration).
Another one of the table’s projection possibilities is the option to create new game types to further enhance the surface of the table with alternative rules. According to Mayer’s personal portfolio, he says,“By projecting game obstacles on the surface I figured out that I can change the game play totally.”
Although the table’s projections probably won’t reach the level of the explosive, floor shattering ping pong match between Randy Daytona and Feng in the movie, Balls of Fury, we can dream right?
The development of this table brings the sport of ping pong into the technological world, relaying real-time game analytics. As users begin play, some game modes strategically plan their next shot by mapping it out on the table itself, working on skill progression.
Although the Table Tennis Trainer is only in its prototype stage, the future of ping pong is bright. I’m sure if Mayer introduced the table to someone of Forrest Gump’s talent, it would be like seeing Jenny again. Lieutenant Dan might have actually stayed awake this time around.