TITOP - The Story
One game - one idea
Durban 2023 - Franziska vs. Geraldo
Round of 32: Franziska plays against Geraldo at the 2023 World Championships. Geraldo played a strong game, putting Franziska at risk of falling behind 1-2. The score is 1-1 in sets and 9-10 against Franziska. Franziska plays a good serve, a direct point, and Franziska is delighted. This joy was short-lived, as the umpire pointed to the net and shouted, "Let!" The joy turned to frustration. Franziska was incomprehensible, certain that his serve wasn't a net serve.
Our founder, Tobias Samol, couldn't believe that there was still no solution to this age-old problem. He researched, spoke to various people in table tennis, and realized that no one had solved this problem, yet.
Product development
Tennis sensors as a model?
What are the consequences of a net impact? This was our initial question to solve the problem. Together with an engineer, we began the first tests.
We assumed that the result of a net serve would be a swaying net. Therefore, we used a vibration sensor, which is also used in tennis for net serves. We discovered that the vibration sensor doesn't work 100% in table tennis, as light ball contact doesn't cause the net to sway significantly. Therefore, the vibration sensor wasn't an option.
We changed our core question and asked ourselves quite simply: When does a net serve actually occur? Of course, when the ball touches the net. But since the net has a height of 15.25 cm everywhere, this means that the ball exceeds 15.25 cm when it hits the net. So we used an infrared laser positioned just above this height. Every time an object breaks through this invisible light barrier, a signal is sent. And this method proved successful!
Now all that was left was to find a suitable location to mount the laser and the equipment. The net posts were ideal for this. The new table tennis net took shape, and after numerous tests, it was clear: It worked.
The novelty
The first table tennis net with integrated sensors
Our mission is clear: to make table tennis fairer.
We focus primarily on the following key points: objectivity, validity and speed.
Objectivity : There must be no two opinions as to whether a net serve has been made.
Validity : In addition, when the red light comes on, we must be sure that the ball has touched the net (no false positive signal).
Speed : Likewise, the signal must appear immediately and not with a time delay.
This feedback gives referees and players the necessary certainty that a net serve has occurred. Frustration and discussions (regarding net serve) should therefore be a thing of the past.
After more than a year of product development, the net will be used in competitions in the future.
To ensure we can utilize this technology in the future, we have already contacted various bodies, including the ITTF and WTT. We are in very close and constructive communication.
We have also filed a patent application for this innovation.