Exploration of Applying Pose Estimation Techniques in Table Tennis

Abstract

Highlights: Originality/Contribution: The newly developed computer vision pose estimation technique in artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology with potential advantages, such as high efficiency and contactless detection, for improving competitive advantage in the sports industry. The contributions of this study are described below. What are the main findings? Our study examines how to implement AI for table tennis pose recognition. Applications, benefits, and limitations of pose recognition in table tennis are discussed. What are the implications of the main findings? A two-stage process for an effective AI pose estimation method is proposed. Perspectives of training and tactics for applying pose estimation are discussed. The newly developed computer vision pose estimation technique in artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology with potential advantages, such as high efficiency and contactless detection, for improving competitive advantage in the sports industry. The related literature is currently lacking an integrated and comprehensive discussion about the applications and limitations of using the pose estimation technique. The purpose of this study was to apply AI pose estimation techniques, and to discuss the concepts, possible applications, and limitations of these techniques in table tennis. This study implemented the OpenPose pose algorithm in a real-world video of a table tennis game. The research results show that the pose estimation algorithm performs well in estimating table tennis players’ poses from the video in a graphics processing unit (GPU)-accelerated environment. This study proposes an innovative two-stage AI pose estimation method for effectively addressing the current difficulties in applying AI to table tennis players’ pose estimation. Finally, this study provides several recommendations, benefits, and various perspectives (training vs. tactics) of table tennis and pose estimation limitations for the sports industry.