U.S. patent application number 11/556144 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-10 for racquet with entertainment and performance feedback.
This patent application is currently assigned to FUN RACQUETS, INC.. Invention is credited to Bob Glasberg, Stefan Scheinert.
Application Number | 20070105664 11/556144 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38004490 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070105664 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scheinert; Stefan ; et
al. |
May 10, 2007 |
Racquet with Entertainment and Performance Feedback
Abstract
A tennis racquet that provides audio or visual feedback to a
player. Sensors sense the impact of a ball on the racquet. A
feedback indictor provides visual or audio feedback. A controller
controls the indicator based on data provided by the sensors. In an
entertainment mode, feedback is provided based on any ball impact.
In a training mode, feedback is based on a ball impact within a
sweet spot of the racquet. The sensors may collect performance data
such as number of impacts, location of impacts, ball speed and
racquet angle. A communication link may be provided to download the
performance data to an external device.
Inventors: |
Scheinert; Stefan; (San
Jose, CA) ; Glasberg; Bob; (La Jolla, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOGAN & HARTSON L.L.P.
1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS
SUITE 1400
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Assignee: |
FUN RACQUETS, INC.
398 Violeta Court
San Jose
CA
95136
|
Family ID: |
38004490 |
Appl. No.: |
11/556144 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60733877 |
Nov 7, 2005 |
|
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60739527 |
Nov 28, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/461 ;
473/516 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 49/00 20130101;
A63B 69/38 20130101; G09B 19/0038 20130101; A63B 60/46 20151001;
A63B 69/3617 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/461 ;
473/516 |
International
Class: |
A63B 59/00 20060101
A63B059/00; A63B 69/38 20060101 A63B069/38 |
Claims
1. A racquet that provides feedback to a player comprising:
feedback means for providing feedback based on an impact of a ball
on the racquet.
2. A racquet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feedback means
comprises: sensor means for sensing the impact of the ball on the
racquet; and indicator means for providing visual or audio
feedback; and a controller for controlling the indicator means
based on data provided by the sensor means.
3. A racquet as claimed in claim 2, wherein the controller controls
the indicator means to provide visual or audio feedback when the
sensor means detects any ball impact.
4. A racquet as claimed in claim 2, wherein the controller controls
the indicator means to provide visual or audio feedback when the
sensor means detects a ball impact with a predetermined zone of the
racquet.
5. A racquet as claimed in claim 4, wherein the predetermined zone
is a sweet spot of the racquet.
6. A racquet as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sensor means
comprises an optical link extending across a ball impact zone of
the racquet, and wherein the controller detects interruptions in
the optical link to indicate a ball impact.
7. A racquet as claimed in claim 6, wherein the optical links are
aligned with strings of the racquet.
8. A racquet as claimed in claim 2, wherein the indicator means are
selected from a group consisting of lights mounted on the racquet,
an audio speaker mounted on the racquet, and a visual display
mounted on the racquet.
9. A racquet as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sensor means
collect performance data, and wherein the racquet further comprises
a memory for storing the performance data.
10. A racquet as claimed in claim 9, and further comprising a
display for displaying the performance data.
11. A racquet as claimed in claim 9, and further comprising a
communication link for downloading the performance data to an
external device.
12. A racquet as claimed in claim 11, wherein the communication
link uploads instructions for operation of the indicator means from
an external device.
13. A racquet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feedback means
comprises: strings of the racquet that emit light based on the ball
impact.
14. A racquet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feedback means
comprises: strings of the racquet that change color based on the
ball impact.
15. A racquet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feedback means
comprises: a spray applied to the racquet that changes color based
on a ball impact itself can be used to carry light so it is visible
to the player.
16. A dual-mode racquet comprising: an entertainment mode means for
providing audio or visual feedback based on any ball impact; and a
training mode means for providing audio or visual feedback based on
a ball impact within a predetermined zone of the racquet.
17. A racquet comprising: a frame; strings mounted on an stretched
across the frame; sensors mounted on the frame to detect an impact
of a ball on the strings; and a feedback indicator for providing
feedback based on data collected by the sensors.
18. A racquet as claimed in claim 17, wherein the data collected by
the sensors includes performance data selected from a group
consisting of number of impacts, location of impacts, ball speed
and racquet angle.
19. A racquet as claimed in claim 18, and further comprising a
communication link for downloading the performance data to an
external device.
20. A racquet as claimed in claim 17, wherein the feedback
indicator provides audio or visual feedback based on a
determination by the sensor of whether the ball impact was within
the sweet spot of the racquet.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application 60/733,877, filed on Nov. 7, 2005, and U.S. provisional
application 60/739,527, filed on Nov. 28, 2005
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to sporting equipment such as
racquets, paddles and boards, and more particularly relates to a
racquet providing entertainment and performance feedback.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Conventional sporting equipment, such as tennis racquets,
paddles, boards and the like, are designed for players of a variety
of skill levels from beginners to very advanced. They vary in size,
design, weight, color, composition, etc., but are designed and
manufactured primarily with player size and player performance
objectives in mind. Racquet and other sporting equipment design
typically does not include consideration of entertainment value or
audio/visual feedback.
[0006] Moreover, conventional racquets do not provide performance
feedback, such as an indication of where the ball hit the strings
during a stroke. In tennis, for example, hitting the ball on the
strings "sweet spot" is a critical component of success. The sweet
spot is an inner area of the racquet strings. If the ball is hit
outside of this area, the ball may still be returned, but with less
control and with a higher chance of being off target. However, it
is difficult for a player to know with certainty whether the ball
was hit with the sweet spot contour or with the outer part of the
strings. Since results are best when the ball is hit with the sweet
spot contour, immediate feedback indicating whether the ball and
sweet spot made contact would significantly enhance player
performance and development. Moreover, feedback and display of
other performance-related data and statistics would be of great
assistance and value to a player's training and skill
development.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The electronic racquet of the present invention addresses
both the entertainment and training issues that are not adequately
addressed by the prior art.
[0008] Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention is a racquet
that provides feedback to a player. The racquet includes feedback
means for providing feedback based on an impact of a ball on the
racquet. In one implementation, the feedback means comprises sensor
means for sensing the impact of the ball on the racquet, indicator
means for providing visual or audio feedback, and a controller for
controlling the indicator means based on data provided by the
sensor means. In another implementation, the feedback means
comprises strings of the racquet that change properties based on
the ball impact.
[0009] Another embodiment of the invention is a dual-mode racquet
having an entertainment mode where audio or visual feedback is
provided based on any ball impact, and a training mode where audio
or visual feedback based on a ball impact within a predetermined
zone (sweet spot) of the racquet.
[0010] Another embodiment of the invention is a racquet having a
frame and strings mounted on and stretched across the frame.
Sensors are mounted on the frame to detect an impact of a ball on
the strings, and a feedback indicator provides feedback based on
data collected by the sensors. In one implementation, the data
collected by the sensors includes performance data such as number
of impacts, location of impacts, ball speed and racquet angle, and
the racquet includes a communication link for downloading the
performance data to an external device. In another implementation,
the feedback indicator provides audio or visual feedback based on
whether the ball impact was within the sweet spot of the
racquet.
[0011] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way
of example, various features of embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front view of a tennis racquet according to the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a tennis racquet according to the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a tennis racquet using a strain gauge
array according to the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control system embodied in
the tennis racquet of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The invention is described below primarily with reference to
a tennis racquet. However, the scope of the invention is not so
limited. The present invention has applicability in other racquets
such as squash and badminton racquets, paddles such as beach
paddle, and boards such as beach boards, skate boards and snow
boards. Moreover, the present invention extends to the string used
in the racquet.
[0017] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a tennis racquet 10 that provides
entertainment and/or performance feedback. Racquet 10 includes
sensors that provide visual and/or audio feedback when a ball hits
the strings of the racquet. Racquets intended solely for
entertainment may provide visual or audio feedback when the ball
hits anywhere on the strings, while racquets intended for training
purposes may provide feedback only when the ball hits a specific
portion of the racquet, such as a sweet spot. Moreover, as
described below, a controller in the racquet may receive, store and
display data from the sensors to assist a user of the racquet in
performance analysis, training and development.
[0018] Racquet 10 comprises a frame 12 across which horizontal
strings 14 and vertical strings 16 are stretched, and a grip or
handle 50. Horizontal sensors 22 and vertical sensors 24 are
provided to determine ball impact on the strings, preferably at
positions around the frame that correspond to string locations.
Sensors may be provided at locations corresponding to some or all
of the strings, and the number of sensors is dependent on the size
of the racquet and the precision of feedback that is desired. The
sensors may be implemented, for example, as optical links with
LEDs, or with lasers and photo sensors on a receiving side. Thus,
for example, in the two horizontal sensors 22 at opposite end
locations of a string extending across racquet 10, one sensor 22
may actually be a laser and the other sensor 22 a photo sensor
receiving the laser on an opposite side.
[0019] Typically, the racquet is exposed to sunlight during use, so
the links are preferably modulated to eliminate interference.
Alternatively, the sensors or links may be implemented as acoustic
links using ultrasound to measure the distance to the point of
impact on the racquet, which can be used to determine whether the
ball was hit with the sweet spot.
[0020] Other sensors that may be used include microphones,
vibration sensors and piezo-transducers. A vibration sensor, for
example, may be used to detect ball impact and to determine whether
the impact occurred inside or outside of the sweet spot. The
magnitude of the signal generated by the vibration sensor will
correspond to the force of ball impact. Thus, ball impacts of
greater force will create sensor signals of higher magnitude. In
one embodiment, the racquet user can select thresholds for
detection of ball impact. Thus, a user may select a "soft" setting,
where every ball impact is detected, or a "hard" setting, where
only "fast" hits or ball impacts of significant force are
detected.
[0021] The waveform of the sensor signal may also be analyzed to
determine whether ball impact occurred inside or outside of the
sweet spot. In a waveform generated by a vibration sensor, there
are at least three components: a high impact pulse; a decaying sine
wave at approximately 1 kHz from the net; and a lower level wave at
approximately 100-150 Hz from the frame. The net frequency varies
depending on impact location, with the lowest frequency being
generated when the ball impacts in the sweet spot. Thus, the
waveform sensor signal can be sampled and converted into a digital
signal, processed by the microcontroller or DSP, and analyzed to
determine whether impact occurred in the sweet spot.
[0022] In one implementation, an LDT0 solid state switch/vibration
sensor from Measurement Specialties was used and placed within grip
50. The LDT0 sensor employs PVDF film which is relatively
inexpensive and can be attached directly to the face of the racquet
or even wrapped around some of the netting.
[0023] A controller, DSP or other intelligent component 70 (FIG. 4)
modulates the sensors or links and monitors for link interruption.
The controller may be configured in area 40 between grip 50 and
frame 12, or may be configured in grip 50 itself. A power supply
72, such as a battery or solar panel, is also provided in area 40
or grip 50 and provides power to the electrical components of
racquet 10.
[0024] Racquet 10 further comprises one or more feedback indicators
to provide visual and/or audio feedback to a user when a ball
impact is sensed by sensors 22, 24. The feedback indicators may
comprise one of, or a combination of, lights, loudspeakers and
displays. Lights (such as light emitting diodes or LEDs) 74 may be
configured around frame 12 in a pattern appropriate for
entertainment or training purposes. Electroluminescence wire or
polycarbonate light pipes, for example, may be wrapped around the
frame. Lights 74 may also be provided in area 40 and/or grip 50.
For all light implementations, it is preferable that the adjacent
background be dark so as to provide better contrast for the
light.
[0025] A loudspeaker or buzzer 76 may be provided at area 40, grip
50 or another appropriate location in racquet 10. Racquet 10 may
also incorporate a visual display 78, such as an LCD screen,
typically in area 40. Display 80 may display performance statistics
such as, for example, total number of hits and percentage of hits
in the sweet spot, for use in monitoring development and
performance during a game or practice session.
[0026] Selective feedback may be provided where, as described
below, sensors 22, 24 collect data beyond simple ball impact. For
example, a particular sound or light may be activated for a good
hit (i.e. ball hits inside of sweet spot 20), while another sound
or light is activated for a bad hit (i.e. ball hits outside of
sweet spot 20). Feedback may change depending on the velocity of
the ball or the racquet or, as will be described below, depending
on the type of stroke that is used. Feedback could also be provided
to assist in specific training purposes, such as an audio count of
the number of ball impacts where a player is engaged in a
repetitive drill, i.e., such as hitting a ball a certain number of
times for training purposes.
[0027] These examples of feedback indicators are illustrative, and
not restrictive. Other components for providing audio or visual
feedback of ball impact may be provided and are within the scope of
this invention.
[0028] Racquet 10 may also comprise a user interface 80, such as a
button or buttons (see FIG. 2), particularly where racquet 10
includes a display 78. User interface 80 may take forms other than
buttons as the size of racquet 10 permits, and could also be
incorporated in display 78 as a touch screen, for example.
[0029] As described below, controller 10 may also collect data from
sensors 22, 24 that is indicative of various aspects of a player's
performance, such as number of impacts, location of impacts, ball
speed, racquet speed, racquet angle, etc. A memory 82 may be
provided, typically in area 40 or grip 50 and in communication with
controller 70, for local storage of such data.
[0030] Racquet 10 may also comprise a communication link 84 for
download of the collected data to a user PC, external display or
other device for analysis and display. The communication link may
be a wireless link or, alternatively, could be a port for a wired
link to an appropriate port of a computer (such as a USB port, for
example). Link 84 may also upload instructions from external
devices to controller 70. For example, a user could program or
select the light, audio or other feedback pattern of racquet 10, or
the information to be displayed on display 78, from a PC or other
computing device. Tones similar to "ringtones" for telephones may
be downloaded for audio feedback. Racquet 10 could be provided or
sold with appropriate software, downloadable to a user's computer,
with which to configure racquet 10 via communication link 84. Thus,
racquet 10 may be configured to provide audio and visual feedback,
and to collect, store and display appropriate data, per any
entertainment or training instructions of the user.
[0031] Communication link 84 may be implemented in grip 50 or area
40, and may use various wireless communication protocols. Zigbee,
which is a low cost, short range technology, is one preferred
protocol. The processed data from the racquet does not require a
high data rate connection, and power consumption is very low making
it ideal for battery operation. Alternatively, Bluetooth could be
used. Bluetooth is relatively low cost and short range, but both
the racquet and communicating PC station or device require an
existing profile. WiFi offers high speed and the advantage that
most laptops are already equipped with integrated WiFi. However,
WiFi is relatively expensive and has high power consumption.
[0032] In a racquet intended solely for recreational use, the
controller may activate a feedback indicator (i.e. lights, sound)
anytime a ball hits the racquet, i.e., upon interruption of just
one link. For such entertainment uses, the feedback indication will
typically be a pleasing or amusing display of lights or sound via
lights 74 and speaker 76, rather than collection and display of
data and statistics on display 78.
[0033] Alternatively, in a racquet intended for training and skill
development, a great many other forms of data and feedback may be
provided. As discussed above, consistently hitting the ball in a
"sweet spot" 20 in the central portion of frame 12 is critical to
success in tennis. FIG. 2 depicts another method of determining
whether ball impact occurred within the sweet spot. As shown in
FIG. 2, only particular links 30 pass through sweet spot 20.
Whenever a ball hits racquet 10 in sweet spot 20, at least one
horizontal and one vertical link 30 passing through sweet spot 20
will be interrupted. Thus, the feedback indicator may be activated
only when a horizontal and a vertical link 30 passing through sweet
spot 20 is interrupted, thereby signaling that the ball was hit
with sweet spot 20. On the other hand, for example, if a ball hits
in the upper portion of racquet 10 above sweet spot 20, and thereby
interrupts one of the vertical links 30 but not one of the
horizontal links 30, the feedback sensor is not activated since
only a vertical but not a horizontal link 30 was activated.
Alternatively, one type of feedback (typically positive) may be
provided when the ball hits inside sweet spot 20 and another type
of feedback provided (typically negative) when the ball hits
outside of sweet spot 20.
[0034] Racquet 10 may be configurable for both entertainment and
training purposes, either by user interface 80 on racquet 10
itself, or by remote programming via link 84. User interface 80 may
allow selection of an "entertainment" mode where audio and/or
visual feedback is provided anytime a ball hits the strings, and a
"training" mode where the audio and/or visual feedback is dependent
on the location of ball impact or other factors (type of stroke,
ball speed, etc.). Various sub-modes with configurable or
selectable feedback patterns and types may be provided.
Alternatively, racquet 10 may be programmed remotely via link 84
with a particular entertainment or training mode of operation.
[0035] In addition to identifying whether the ball hit the sweet
spot, the controller can also identify and store locations of ball
impact on the racquet strings. In addition, the controller may
measure and display the speed of the ball or racquet by sensing and
comparing its positions at different times. This information may be
stored in memory 82 in racquet 10 and/or downloaded to a PC or
other device via communication link 84. A statistical or graphical
display may be generated in real time on display 78 or a courtside
or televised display (via link 84) to show where the ball hit the
racquet strings over the course of a game or practice session. This
information may also be downloaded from racquet 10 for analysis and
display on a PC or other device at the convenience of the user.
[0036] In another embodiment of the invention, the controller
determines the location of ball impact by measuring the electrical
resistance of the strings, with a change in resistance indicating a
ball impact. For example, a ball impact may be indicated if a
string that normally measures 25 kQ (without ball impact) suddenly
changes to 30 kQ. The strings are to some degree dependent, that
is, a ball impact causes resistance changes in a group of strings.
The string experiencing the most central and direct force of the
ball impact will have the greatest resistance change, while strings
on the periphery of the ball impact will have less resistance
change. Thus, by looking at resistance changes across a group of
strings, the controller can precisely determine the ball impact
location. As described above, this information may be displayed,
stored and/or downloaded by racquet 10.
[0037] In addition, the change in resistance of a string is
indicative of the force with which the ball is hit by the racquet.
Accordingly, the feedback indicator may provide feedback indicative
of the force of hitting the ball. For example, a bright light or
loud sound may be emitted for a forcefully hit ball, whereas a
dimmer light or a quieter sound may be emitted for a more gently
hit ball.
[0038] There are various other options for determining the location
of ball impact that are within the scope of this invention. The
controller may monitor a microphone and detect changes in acoustic
pattern to determine the timing and location of ball impacts. An
accelerometer may be used to detect changes in speed at ball
impact.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a racquet 55 outfitted with a strain gauge
array 60 for determining the location of ball impact. Array 60
comprises a number of strain gauge sensors, which are thin like a
film, mounted on the outer part of the frame of racquet 50. Array
60 will typically be mounted between the frame and the strings.
When the racquet hits the ball, some of the strain gauges will
change their resistance value allowing the ball to be located
relative to the racquet, since the strain gauges measure horizontal
and vertical strings of the racquet. An alternative simpler
version, suitable for a racquet intended for entertainment use
only, uses only one strain gauge to determine solely whether the
ball hit the racquet at all, and does not determine the precise
location of impact.
[0040] In another embodiment, a sensor determines the orientation
and angle of the racquet at the time of ball impact. This is
beneficial because the orientation of the racquet at the time of
impact is indicative of the type of stroke that was used. For
example, a 90 degree orientation may indicate normal play, a 180
degree orientation may indicate a volley, and a 270 degree
orientation may indicate a backhand stroke. As described above, the
sensor data may be stored in memory 82 and displayed on display 78,
and may also transmitted via link 84 to a PC, courtside display,
television audience or elsewhere. This is a powerful performance
analysis tool allowing a player and/or observers to analyze the
type and frequency of strokes used, in addition to the location of
ball impact.
[0041] Accelerometer sensors are useful in determining the angle
and speed of the racquet during ball impact. Accelerometer sensors
may be configured, for example, to determine whether the impact was
"open" (racquet facing sky) or "close" (racquet facing ground);
"up" (grip facing up as in a volley) or "down" (grip facing down as
in a backhand stroke); as well as the speed of the ball (speed of
racquet plus impact).
[0042] In another embodiment of the invention, optical feedback is
provided by the strings themselves. The strings may incorporate
light emitting diodes (LEDs), for example. The LEDs may be impact
sensitive and illuminate on ball impact. Or, the LEDs may be in an
always on mode to better illuminate the position of the racquet
relative to the ball. Alternatively, the strings change color on
ball impact. For example, if the strings are normally white but
turn red for a period of time on ball impact, a visual indication
of ball impact location is provided on the racquet itself. This
embodiment has an advantage in that no other components such as
electronics are required. Similarly, a spray may be applied to the
strings that changes color on ball impact.
[0043] The present invention has applicability beyond tennis
racquets and may be applied for example, to squash and badminton
racquets, or to paddles such as beach paddles. A light on a beach
paddle can be very effectual for entertainment purposes in the
evening, and can be either always on or activated only on ball
impact.
[0044] The teachings of the present invention, that is, the
provision of audio and visual feedback and data collection in
sporting equipment, may also apply to sports boards, such as beach
boards, snow boards and skate boards. In a snow board, for example,
a sensor may determine whether there is contact with the snow. A
light may be activated, for example, when there is no contact with
the snow. This is very effectual, since the light will go on only
when the board is airborne. The light may be mounted close to the
edge of the board to avoid damage if the board impacts a rock or
other object. The light can be installed at the top or bottom of
the board. Data, such as the amount of air time, may also be
collected.
[0045] The particular embodiments of the invention described in
this document should be considered illustrative, rather than
restrictive. Modification to the described embodiments may be made
without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by
the following claims.
* * * * *