11–20 of 172 posts
He did hint at using a parabolic shape, like in satellite dishes. Why not use some actual calculus and differential equations to figure out the optimal parabolic-like shape here?
Clearly the hoop that minimizes shots is what exists at funfairs all over the world. Would making the backboard convex make it near-impossible to hit? What about making the curve imperceptible so it's hard to notice it's helping/hurting?
Isn't it a backboard, not a hoop?
"Who is Monte Carlo?" Monte Carlo is for Europe what Las Vegas is for the US. The first name that comes to mind when you think gambling. Monte Carlo method is repeated random sampling to obtain numerical results. Monte Carlo algorithms are heuristic algorithms that solve problems with random process that can give wrong answers. Las Vegas algorithms are algorithms that solve problems with randomness but get always cor…
I'm going to have to look up Las Vegas algorithms though, this is the first I've heard of them. Course, it's been a while since I've broadly looked at the current state of probabilistic algorithms. Makes me think it might be time to step back and look at some more general theory, especially since some recent DSP work led me to look into particle filters in an attempt to estimate a pair of rotating phasors.
Any physics experts know what the actual optimal shape is? I imagine it would be a pretty gnarly problem to work out.
"Who is Monte Carlo?" Monte Carlo is for Europe what Las Vegas is for the US. The first name that comes to mind when you think gambling. Monte Carlo method is repeated random sampling to obtain numerical results. Monte Carlo algorithms are heuristic algorithms that solve problems with random process that can give wrong answers. Las Vegas algorithms are algorithms that solve problems with randomness but get always cor…
I laughed out loud when he said this. I take for granted how much gambling knowledge I have (especially since I generally think gambling is stupid), but I thought everyone knew about Monte Carlo. I'm going to have to look up Las Vegas algorithms though, this is the first I've heard of them. Course, it's been a while since I've broadly looked at the current state of probabilistic algorithms. Makes me think it might be…
Clearly the hoop that minimizes shots is what exists at funfairs all over the world. Would making the backboard convex make it near-impossible to hit? What about making the curve imperceptible so it's hard to notice it's helping/hurting?
The carnival hoops I've examined all have ellipsis shaped rims. Impossible to distinguish from a circle when observed from the front, but clearly squished if you walk around and get underneath it.