U.S. patent application number 11/561342 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-17 for performance monitoring in a shooting sport using sensor synchronization.
Invention is credited to William M. Klein.
Application Number | 20080015061 11/561342 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38949943 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080015061 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klein; William M. |
January 17, 2008 |
PERFORMANCE MONITORING IN A SHOOTING SPORT USING SENSOR
SYNCHRONIZATION
Abstract
Embodiments provide mechanisms and methods for measuring
shooting performance in multiplayer environments. These mechanisms
and methods include advanced sensor technology that enables a
portable console to determine player performance by monitoring
actions of the player and activity at the basket using sensors
associated with one or more players and a basket. The ability to
determine player performance by monitoring actions of the player
and activity at the basket makes it possible for coaches and
players to measure levels of play, build teamwork among multiple
players, improve and maintain skills, select players to meet game
situations and team requirements, make decisions on player roles,
and use playing environment space more efficiently.
Inventors: |
Klein; William M.; (Los
Altos, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLIESLER MEYER LLP
650 CALIFORNIA STREET, 14TH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94108
US
|
Family ID: |
38949943 |
Appl. No.: |
11/561342 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60819868 |
Jul 11, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/447 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/13 20130101;
A63B 2220/40 20130101; A63B 2102/32 20151001; A63B 2230/75
20130101; A63B 2220/12 20130101; A63B 2102/02 20151001; A63B
2225/20 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; G09B 19/0038 20130101;
A63B 2024/0012 20130101; A63B 2102/14 20151001; A63B 2225/50
20130101; A63B 2220/806 20130101; A63B 71/0605 20130101; A63B
69/0071 20130101; A63B 2102/22 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/447 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A shooting sport measurement system, comprising: a first sensor
to detect an attempted shot taken by one or more participants; a
second sensor to detect a successful shot by one or more
participants; and a console communicatively coupled with the first
sensor and the second sensor to determine performance of the one or
more participants based at least in part on the attempted shot and
the successful shot; and wherein the first sensor includes a sensor
adapted to detect vibration and the second sensor includes a sensor
adapted to detect an object passing a target.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the console is a portable
console.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the portable console includes at
least one of a cellular telephone, a personal data assistant (PDA),
and an MP3 compatible device.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising, a third sensor to
determine an effort; wherein the third sensor is removably
connected with the one or more participants.
5. The system of claim 4, further comprising the third sensor
disposed in a shoe of the one or more participants.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor comprises an
accelerometer connected with a rigid or semi-rigid structure near
the target to determine the attempted shot based on vibration of
the rigid or semi-rigid structure.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the target is a basketball hoop
having a basketball net extending therefrom; and the second sensor
is a textile form sensor associated with the basketball net.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein: the target is a basketball net;
and the second sensor includes a material fixed onto the inside of
the basketball net to sense a ball passing through the basketball
net.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a detection mechanism
that detects a position of the one or more participants.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the detection mechanism is one
or both of an infrared sensor that detects a position of the one or
more participants using a 2-D grid and a camera having a ranging
device.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the detection mechanism is a
pressure sensor grid disposed on at least a portion of a playing
field.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a plurality of
cells superimposed onto at least a portion of a playing field,
wherein the plurality of cells indicates a player's position when a
shot is taken.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of cells
are sized according to scoring relevance.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of cells
is associated with an alphanumeric naming convention facilitating
ease of use.
15. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a video device for
capturing a video record of the attempted shot; wherein the video
device is activated by detection of the attempted shot.
16. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a wireless headset
for capturing an audio command from the one or more participant for
controlling a recording of information.
17. The system of claim 9, wherein the detection mechanism includes
visual player location indicia that are adapted to be viewed by a
console operator such that the console operator can manually enter
the indicia into the console.
18. A computer based method for measuring shooting sports
performance, the method comprising the computer implemented steps
of: determining whether a shot is attempted; determining whether an
attempted shot is successful; determining a location of a
participant taking the attempted shot; receiving information about
the participant; and determining performance of the participant
based on the determining steps.
19. A shooting sports measurement system, comprising: a sensor to
determine an attempted shot, a sensor to determine a successful
shot, a detection mechanism that detects a position of a player
when the attempted shot is determined; a console, the console
communicatively coupled with the sensors and the detection
mechanism to receive data and determine performance of the player;
and wherein the sensor to determine an attempted shot includes at
least one sensor disposed to sense vibration and the sensor to
determine a successful shot includes at least one sensor to sense a
ball passing through a target, thereby enabling the console to
determine player performance by monitoring at least one of actions
of the player and activity at the target.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the detection mechanism
includes visual player location indicia that is adapted to be
viewed by a console operator, such that console operator can
manually enter a location into the portable console.
21. The system of claim 19 wherein the detection mechanism
automatically detects a position of a player when the sensor
determines an attempted shot is taken by the player.
22. The system of claim 19 wherein the detection mechanism
automatically detects a position of a player when the sensor
determines a successful shot is taken by the player.
23. The system of claim 19 wherein the portable console includes at
least one of a cellular telephone, a personal data assistant (PDA),
and an MP3 compatible device.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/819,868, entitled PORTABLE WIRELESS
SENSOR SCORING WITH IMPROVED SHOT DETECTION, by William M. Klein,
filed Jul. 11, 2006 (Attorney Docket KLEIN-01002US0).
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The current invention relates generally to measuring
shooting performance, and more particularly to a mechanism for real
time wireless sensor scoring.
BACKGROUND
[0004] There is an outstanding need in amateur and professional
sports to identify players with the potential for development and
to provide measurement and training tools to improve performance of
existing players. No where is this more true than in the shooting
sports, such as basketball, tennis, hockey, golf and others, in
which the outcome of an entire game can be determined by the
performance of a single player taking a shot.
[0005] Currently, the selection, development, training and
evaluation of players is almost completely dependent on the
experience and observations of coaches and scouts and based upon
observing actual play. These simply methods, however, lack any
quantitative measure of shooting proficiency.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an example playing
environment in which techniques for measuring shooting performance
in one embodiment of the present invention may be implemented.
[0007] FIGS. 2A-2J are block diagrams illustrating a high level
overview of console apparatus for measuring shooting performance of
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] FIGS. 3A-3B are functional block diagrams of example playing
environments having a plurality of superimposed cells indicating
location for measuring shooting performance in one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0009] FIGS. 4A-4C are block diagrams illustrating a high level
overview of screens displayed by a console apparatus for measuring
shooting performance of one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 5 is functional diagram of an example encoding
technique for qualifying shot types in the playing environment
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 6 is functional diagram of example historical
performance measurements being tracked for a shooting session in
the playing environment illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIGS. 7A-7B are operational flow diagrams illustrating a
high level overview of techniques for measuring shooting
performance of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 8A-8C are functional digrams of example presentations
for displaying performance measurements in the playing environment
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a high level overview
of a screen displayed by a software embodiment for transferring
information to and from a console apparatus of one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0015] FIGS. 10A-10F are block diagrams illustrating a high-level
overview of an example operation of a synchronization mechanism for
synchronizing the console with the sensor(s) in an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a hardware block diagram of an example computer
system, which may be used to embody one or more components of an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Embodiments provide mechanisms and methods for measuring
shooting performance in multiplayer environments. These mechanisms
and methods include advanced sensor technology that enables a
portable console to determine player performance by monitoring
actions of the player and activity at the basket, which can
comprise a hoop and a net, using sensors associated with one or
more players and at a basket. The ability to determine player
performance by monitoring actions of the player and activity at the
basket makes it possible for coaches and players to measure levels
of play, build teamwork among multiple players, improve and
maintain skills, select players to meet game situations and team
requirements, make decisions on player roles, and use playing
environment space more efficiently.
[0018] In one embodiment, the invention provides a system for
measuring shooting performance. One system embodiment includes a
plurality of first sensors to detect shots taken and a plurality of
second sensors to determine shots made. In a first embodiment, a
sensor comprising an accelerometer is used to determine shots taken
by sensing vibration. The accelerometer may be disposed at a
basketball basket, for example, to detect vibration from the player
(also referred to herein as a participant) taking a shot. One
suitable accelerometer is the H48C by Hitachi Ltd. of Japan. In a
second embodiment, a material that will be fixed onto the inside of
the basketball net senses a ball passing through the basket. One
such material suited to this application is Quantum Tunneling
Composites (QTC) material, such as provided by Peratech Ltd., of
North Yorkshire. As used herein, the term "sensor" is defined as
any device for detecting an event that takes place in the shooting
environment. The term sensor is intended to be broadly construed to
include a single device, i.e., a detector, or a plurality of
devices, i.e., an emitter and detector, and other configurations of
devices. Alternative embodiments may include one or more of optical
sensors, ultrasonic, e-fields, mechanical alternatives, strain
gages and magnetic field sensors or combinations thereof.
[0019] A portable console is communicatively coupled with the first
sensor and the second sensor to receive data and determine
performance of a player based at least in part on the data
received. In embodiments, the portable console may be realized
using one or more of a cellular telephone, a personal data
assistant (PDA), an MP3 compatible device, such as an IPOD by Apply
Computer, Inc., or the like. The portable console may be coupled
with the sensor(s) using one or more of Bluetooth.TM., wireless
telephony, infrared (IR) sender/receivers and other communications
mechanisms are contemplated.
[0020] Embodiments comprising sensor technology can provide one or
more of the following benefits: (1) ease of retrofitting to an
existing basketball system, (2) operable outdoors under various
temperatures and environmental conditions, (3) low power
consumption and battery powered, (4) low interference with a ball
in play, rim or backboard, (5) low cost, (6) sufficiently robust to
reduce potential damage by contact with a ball or a player, and (7)
reliable to better than 95% accuracy.
[0021] Optionally, a synchronization mechanism enables the console
to "learn" which sensors are being associated with the console for
play. The synchronization mechanism can enable the console to
determine performance exclusively for players being monitored by
the sensors associated with the console. Thus, sensors associated
with multiple players may interact with one or more consoles in a
common playing area free of interference. Multiple sensors that
determine shots taken and shots made may be associated with a
single console in order to facilitate team practice. Optionally, a
third sensor disposed in a player's shoe to monitor player
activity. Player activity may include steps taken, calories burned,
jumps made and the like.
[0022] In an embodiment, one or more location sensors are included
that automatically detect the position of the player when shots are
taken and record positional information along with information
about the shot. This ability to obtain information to measure
levels of play makes it possible to improve skills, select players
to meet game situations and team requirements, and make decisions
on player roles.
[0023] While the present invention is described herein with
reference to example embodiments for measuring basketball players'
performance, the present invention is not so limited, and in fact,
the real time measurement techniques provided by embodiments of the
present invention are broadly applicable to a wide variety of
shooting sports. As used herein, the term shooting sports is
intended to be broadly construed to include any sport in which a
player makes a shot, including without limitation basketball,
tennis, hockey, water polo, polo, lacrosse, golf and other shooting
sports. Thus, when describing embodiments exemplified by way of
basketball, a basket refers to a target and/or gate. In other
sports, such a target and/or gate is referred to using a descriptor
such as goal for hockey, water polo, polo and lacrosse, hole for
golf, or goal post for football, etc.
[0024] FIG. 1 is functional block diagram of an example playing
environment in which techniques for measuring shooting performance
in one embodiment of the present invention may be implemented. As
shown in FIG. 1, a performance measuring system embodiment is being
used in a basketball-playing environment. The system embodiment
includes a first sensor 102 to detect number of shots taken, and a
second sensor 103 to determine number of shots made. The first
sensor includes a delay to avoid double counting the same shot when
multiple triggering events occur. For example, in one embodiment,
the first sensor includes a time delay, enabling the first sensor
to avoid double counting the same shot from multiple vibrations of
the rim or backboard. In one embodiment, sensor 102 is a vibration
sensor to sense vibration when shots are made. In the embodiment
depicted by FIG. 1, the first sensor 102 and second sensor 103
include a communication link to a portable console 101. The
portable console 101 may be coupled with the sensor(s) using one or
more of Bluetooth.TM., wireless telephony, radio frequency (RF),
infrared (IR) sender/receivers and/or other communications
mechanisms. The console 101 incorporates hardware, software or a
combination thereof, to measure, track and record shooting session
performance results. In embodiments, the portable console 101 may
be realized using one or more of a cellular telephone, a personal
data assistant (PDA), an MP3 compatible device, such as an
iPod.RTM. by Apple Computer, Inc., or the like. In one embodiment,
the first sensor 102 is an accelerometer used to determine shots
taken by sensing vibration. The accelerometer may be disposed at a
backboard or in a player's tennis shoe, for example, to detect
vibration from the player taking a shot. One suitable accelerometer
is the H48C by Hitachi Ltd. of Japan. In one embodiment, the second
sensor 103 includes a material that will be fixed onto the inside
of the basketball net and/or integrally formed with the basketball
net, and senses a ball passing through the basket. One such
material suited to this application is Quantum Tunneling Composites
(QTC) material, such as provided by Peratech Ltd., of North
Yorkshire. Switching devices are disclosed in detail by Lussey et
al. in U.S. Pat. Publ. 2004/0252007, incorporated herein by
reference. The publication describes a textile comprising a
variably resistive element and textile-form members connective to
external circuitry. The variable resistive element can act as a
switching device responsive to deformation. One or more such
switching devices can be employed to send a signal indicating a
successful shot in response to mechanical deformation of the
basketball net caused as the basketball passes through the
basketball net. External circuitry can be fixedly connected to the
backboard or other rigid structure, and wire electrically
communicating a signal from the one or more such switching devices
can be woven and/or threaded through the loops of the basketball
net. In addition to a first sensor and one or more second sensors,
optionally, a third sensor disposed in a player's shoe or article
of clothing, may be used to monitor player activity, such as steps
taken, calories burned, jumps made, etc. One such device for
measuring performance of a wearer by way of footwear is the
Nike+.TM. system available from Nike, Inc. The Nike+.TM. system
employs a sensor placed inside a shoe that broadcasts wirelessly to
a complementary receiver connected with an iPod.RTM.. The sensor
measures and communicates a wearer's pace, performance, etc.
Devices using similar technology can be employed as an optional
third sensor, and can be configured to wirelessly communicate
information to the portable console 101, whether the portable
console 101 is an iPod.RTM., or some other device.
[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the second sensor includes a
counter lever attached to a basketball rim or backboard to track
shots made, or an opto-electronic sensor attached below the
basketball rim or backboard. Proximity sensors can also be employed
as well as other types of optical, electrical and mechanical
sensors. In still more embodiments, the second sensor can take the
form of tension activated sensors connected with or between the
basketball hoop and the basketball net. Such tension activated
sensor can comprise, for example, a rope pull switch ("RPS"). Rope
pull switches are well known and commonly used as redundant safety
switches. Such switches can be miniaturized to trigger on small
applied tensile loads. For example, one or more loops of the
basketball net can be connected to the rigid, or semi-rigid
basketball hoop by way of the one or more tension activated
switches. The second sensor can be employed to send a signal
indicating a successful shot in response to tension applied to one
or more of the tension activated sensors caused as the basketball
passes through the basketball net. In such embodiments, it may be
desirable to form a basketball net using loops connected such that
a hole of the basketball net through which a basketball travels has
a minimum diameter smaller than a diameter of the basketball,
thereby causing tension on one or more loops connected to a tension
activated switch as the basketball is briefly suspended from the
basketball net while the hole deforms to receive and allow the
basketball to pass through the basketball net. While use of such
switching signals can allow the second sensor to be functionally
integrated with basketball nets having a classic aesthetic look
(i.e. including loops forming a net), the second sensor can be a
electrically communicative textile functionally integrated with a
basketball net having a non-classic aesthetic look (i.e. not
including an appearance of discrete loops). QTC textiles as
described above can be employed in such applications.
Alternatively, the basketball net can include a sleeve formed of a
fabric sensor. The sleeve can resemble a net, or alternatively can
have some other shape, such as that of a funnel. The sleeve can
include one or more switches adapted to indicate that a basketball
has passed through the sleeve. Such switches can respond to
compressive or tensile stress, as desired. One such fabric sensor
suited to this application is ElekTex.TM. available from Eleksen
Group, ple of Bucks, United Kingdom. Another such fabric sensor
suited to this application is Fibretronic Ltd., of North
Yorkshire.
[0026] In an embodiment, portable console 101 optionally includes a
synchronization mechanism that enables the console to "learn" that
sensors 102 and 103 are being associated with the console 101 for
play. A sensor 103 will synchronize with a console 101 through a
wireless interface by holding down a particular button on the
sensor and the console simultaneously for 3-5 seconds as
illustrated by FIGS. 10A-10F. Other sensors for detecting shots
taken by another player (not shown in FIG. 1) and shots made in
another basket (not shown in FIG. 1) may also be associated with
console 101 using the synchronization mechanism. The
synchronization mechanism can enable the console 101 to determine
performance exclusively for players associated with the console 101
and to block interference from sensors associated with players
associated with consoles other than console 101 that may be use on
the same or proximate playing area.
[0027] Embodiments can include one or more location sensors that
automatically detect the position of the player and record
positional information. In one such embodiment, a pressure
sensitive grid comprising a plurality of cells indicating location
is disposed over the playing field in order to detect the location
of the player when making a shot. In another embodiment, an
infrared sensor matrix is used to superimpose a plurality of
location cells comprising a grid over the playing field. In a yet
further embodiment, a camera coupled with a range detection device
can be used to detect the location of the player with respect to
cell locations in the playing environment. Examples of cells
comprising a location grid is discussed in further detail below
with reference to FIGS. 3A-3B.
[0028] In one embodiment, a wireless headset 104 is worn by the
player during play to communicatively couple the player to the
console 101. Using voice recognition functionality in conjunction
with the headset 104, the player can input voice commands,
including type of shot to be taken, number of shots to be
attempted, a time period for shooting and so forth without
interrupting play. Further, in one play mode, the player can call
out the types of shots using the headset 104 as the player takes
the shot.
[0029] In one embodiment, a video camera 105 is operatively
disposed to record shots the player takes. The video camera 105 can
be constantly operating or can be triggered using a command from
the wireless headset 104, a motion sensor (not shown) directed at
the player, or by input of a command at the console 101 by a coach
or another player.
[0030] In one embodiment, the vibration sensor and counter lever
include wireless RF receiver communication links to the console
101. The console 101 (FIGS. 2A-2J) include input keys and a display
of key information for each shooting session. Various system
embodiments may also include one or more of a timer, buzzer and
warning device to signal the player. In one embodiment, a player or
coach inputs the shooting session parameters and starts the
program. When the player shoots from the specified court location,
the console 101 records success or failure of each shot, along with
the shot type and player location, for the desired period of time
or number of shots. A warning voice projects elapsed time in
one-minute increments as well as a countdown starting with 10
seconds of shooting time remaining or 10 shots left to take. The
system's buzzer announces the completion of the session and the
relevant performance data is displayed and saved if desired. All
shot session data may be stored on a memory card and archived on a
personal computer (PC) for historical analysis, review and
comparison to other players. Alternatively, the console 101 can be
directly linked to a computer.
[0031] FIG. 2A-2J are block diagrams illustrating a high level
overview of a console apparatus for measuring shooting performance
of one embodiment of the present invention. The console embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 2A includes a first display area 202 that
provides prompting to the player or coach using text messages,
graphics, icons or a combination thereof. Example prompts for a
training session are discussed below with reference to FIG. 4A. A
second display area 204 provides a view of the playing field to the
player or coach. Display area 204 can be used to indicate the
location from which the player takes shots. Display areas 202 and
204 may be implemented as different screens depicted on a single
display in some embodiments. In one embodiment, a warning voice
(not shown) projects elapsed time in one-minute increments.
Additionally, one or more input keys 208, a reset key 210, start
key 212 and select key 214 receive commands input manually from a
player or a coach. A display 206 provides key information about
each shooting session to the player or coach such as presenting a
countdown starting with 10 seconds of shooting time remaining or 10
shots left to take. Display 206 may be embodied using LED, LCD or
other type of display technology. Various console embodiments will
also include a timer, buzzer and warning device (not shown). A
memory card slot 220 is provided for receiving a memory card upon
which performance data may be stored. The memory card may enable
the console 101 to interface with a computer to populate a database
with historical performance data, prepare charts and display
graphs. Alternatively, the console 101 can be directly linked to a
computer using a USB port or other communications interface. FIG.
2B illustrates another console embodiment, in which a computer
style keyboard 216 provides a mechanism for a player or coach to
enter information and respond to prompts. FIG. 2C illustrates a
further console embodiment, in which the shooter or coach can
configure display area 204 to display one or more cells
superimposed on the playing field in order to select shot
locations. Cells may be arranged according to any number of
arrangements, including without limitation the arrangements
illustrated by FIGS. 3A-3B. One or more keys 208 include
alphanumeric inputs to enable players or coaches to enter player
names and so forth as well as numeric data. A display 206 provides
the player or coach with information and control capabilities from
the console. Shooting session indicators including a shots taken
display 222, shots made display area 224, percentage made display
226 and location display 228 present shooting session statistics to
the player or coach at the end of a shooting session or in real
time. A display key 216 enables the shooter or coach to display the
results of the last several shooting sessions on the console 101.
Some embodiments include the capability to define a custom shooting
routine or choose "random". For example, in one embodiment, a
player or coach could define a three point shooting cycle by
entering numbers of cells to shoot from, storing the locations in a
memory and associating a code with the stored sequence. A download
key 218 controls the exchange of shooting data, program updates and
so forth between the console 101 and a memory card 220, or
alternatively to another computing device via a network, USB or
other type of communications link. Alternative embodiments
implement the functionality of console 101 as software executing on
a laptop or portable computer, personal data assistant (PDA), cell
phone or other wireless device, wearable personal computer worn by
the player or other devices.
[0032] FIG. 2D illustrates a console embodiment being used in a
single player mode of operation. In the embodiment illustrated by
FIG. 2D, display 206 toggles back and forth between display
options, including the clock. Illuminated button indicators, for
example, can indicate what data is current being displayed by
display 206. (e.g., in FIG. 2D, shots take and shots made are
currently being displayed.) FIG. 2E illustrates another console
embodiment, again being used in a single player mode, in which the
display 206 provides a continuous clock display. FIGS. 2F-2G
illustrate console embodiments in a two player mode of operation.
In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 2F, display 206 toggles back
and forth between display options, including the clock, while in
the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 2G, the display 206 provides a
continuous clock display. Similarly, FIGS. 2H-2I illustrate console
embodiments in a four player mode of operation. In the embodiment
illustrated by FIG. 2H, display 206 toggles back and forth between
display options, including the clock, while in the embodiment
illustrated by FIG. 2I, the display 206 provides a continuous clock
display. FIG. 2J illustrates another console apparatus for an
embodiment marketed under the name SHOTMASTER.TM..
[0033] FIGS. 3A-3B are functional block diagrams of example playing
environments having a plurality of superimposed cells indicating
location for measuring shooting performance in one embodiment of
the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, in one example playing
environment 300, a plurality of cells indicating location of a
player are superimposed on the playing environment. Shooting
locations in playing environment 300 are arranged according to a
convention in which odd numbered shooting locations are disposed to
one side of the playing area and even numbered shooting locations
are on the opposite side of the playing area. Of course, in some
embodiments, odd and even numbered cells may be on opposite sides
from the ones illustrated in FIG. 3A. Such naming conventions of
shooting locations are provided by embodiments of the present
invention in order to facilitate easier player (or coach)
identification of the player locations. Further, playing
environment 300 includes cells having different sizes in areas
considered to be of special interest to the player or relevance to
scoring in the particular shooting sport under practice, such as
the foul line or the 3 point line in basketball, for example.
Another consideration for shooting location identification is
compliance with governing body, i.e., NBA, etc., rules or
international governing body, i.e., Olympic Committee, rules. FIG.
3B illustrates another example playing environment 302, in which
the plurality of cells indicating location of a player is arranged
according to international rules. Each shooting location can vary
in size and/or area and may be identified by a number, letter,
color, combination thereof or other conventions that are
contemplated.
[0034] Shooting location detection may be achieved using various
techniques in embodiments of the present invention. For example, in
one embodiment, a pressure sensitive grid comprising a plurality of
cells indicating location is disposed over the playing field in
order to detect the location of the player when making a shot. Such
techniques are especially useful when cells vary in size and shape,
such as the embodiments illustrated by FIGS. 3A-3B. In another
embodiment, an infrared sensor matrix is used to superimpose a
plurality of locations cells comprising a grid over the playing
environment. In this embodiment, a device that includes an infrared
sensor and an infrared light source produces pulses of infrared
light and uses optics to focus reflections from the infrared light
pulse from different portions of the playing environment to
different detectors in a 2-D array detector. The detector produces
indications of the distance to the closest object in an associated
portion of the playing environment. A processor receives the
indication of the infrared sensor to determine the player location.
An exemplary infrared sensor for use in the present invention is
available from Canesta, Inc. of San Jose, Calif. Details of such
infrared sensors are described at the U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,932 and
published patent applications US 2002/0140633 A1, US 2002/0063775
A1, US 2003/0076484 A1 each of which are incorporated herein by
reference. Such techniques are especially useful when cells are of
uniform size and shape. In a further embodiment computer touch
screen techniques can be used. In a yet further embodiment, a
camera 105 coupled with a range detection device can be used to
detect location of the player with respect to cell locations on the
playing environment. Such techniques are especially useful when
cell location may be determined using a range, such as the
embodiments illustrated by FIGS. 3A-3B. The player location
determined by any one of these techniques may be stored along with
other data about the shot.
[0035] FIGS. 4A-4C are block diagrams illustrating a high level
overview of screens displayed by a console 101 for measuring
shooting performance of one embodiment of the present invention. As
shown by FIG. 4A, one or more prompts may be displayed in display
area 202 of console 101 to prompt a player or coach to input one or
more parameters for the shooting session. In the embodiment
illustrated by FIG. 4A, the player (or a coach) inputs a number of
shooters, the appropriate court location, shot type, desired period
of time and/or number of shots, and presses the start key 212 to
initiate the program. In an alternative embodiment, the prompts
shown in FIG. 4A may be provided to the player audibly via headset
104, and the player's responses received and analyzed using voice
recognition processing to obtain responses from the player, thereby
providing a "hands free" mode of operation.
[0036] An "Automatic synchronization" facility enables multi-player
competition mode, in which multiple sets of sensors can be
associated with a particular console to encourage team practice.
FIG. 4B illustrates another example screen displayed by a console
101 in which a multi-sensor automatic synchronization mode is
provided. As shown in FIG. 4B, in synchronize mode, the number of
sensors to be associated with a particular console may be entered
responsive to the prompts. As shown by FIG. 4B, the console display
prompts the user to activate a synchronization mechanism at each
sensor to be associated with the console 101 successively. A sensor
will synchronize with a console through a wireless interface by
holding down a particular button on the sensor and the console
simultaneously for 3-5 seconds as illustrated by FIGS. 10A-10F.
When the console 101 has identified each sensor that is being
assigned to its, the console displays a "synchronization complete"
message. Automatic synchronization can enable multiple consoles to
interact with sensors in a common playing area free of interface.
FIG. 4C illustrates an example shooting session summary screen
displayed in display area 202 or 204 of console 101 after a player
completes a shooting session. As shown in FIG. 4C, shooting session
summary statistics may be presented to the player or coach in a
format emulating a basketball (or other sport) scoreboard. Other
embodiments will display the output using other formats appropriate
to the shooting sport being practiced.
[0037] Encoding schemes may be used in some embodiments to simplify
storage of shot types in databases or other storage mechanisms. For
example, FIG. 5 is a functional diagram of an example encoding
technique for qualifying shot types in the playing environment
illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown by FIG. 5, an encoding scheme can
associate a number with a shot type. Such encoding techniques can
enable analysis based upon statistics developed for different shot
types and in certain cases simplify storage of historical shooting
session information. While FIG. 5 illustrates one encoding scheme
for basketball, other embodiments will employ other encoding
techniques appropriate to the shooting sport being practiced.
[0038] FIG. 6 is functional diagram of example historical
performance measurements being tracked for a shooting session in
the playing environment illustrated in FIG. 1. The example table
illustrated in FIG. 6 includes a list of parameters describing the
results of a basketball shooting session in one embodiment. Various
mechanisms for storing and tracking parameter data gathered from
shooting sessions are made available in embodiments. For example,
in one embodiment, a database is used to store and organize
parameter information, such as shown by FIG. 6. Other embodiments
will employ other storage and organization techniques, and store
different parameters, appropriate to the shooting sport being
practiced.
[0039] FIGS. 7A-7B are operational flow diagrams illustrating a
high level overview of techniques for measuring shooting
performance of one embodiment of the present invention. The
technique for measuring shooting performance shown in FIGS. 7A-7B
are operable with console 101 of FIGS. 2A-2J. As shown in FIG. 7A,
a user causes a console to synchronize with one or more sensors
(block 701). Then, the player enters shooting session parameters at
the console (block 702) as described in further detail with
reference to FIG. 7B. The player(s) may now perform the shooting
session (block 703). As shown in FIG. 7B, a player enters the
number of shooters (block 711). The player enters his shooter id
number (or name) (block 712). The player selects the number of
shots to take or a period of time to shoot (block 713). The player
selects a shot location cell (block 714). As described above, some
embodiments will automatically determine the location from which
the shot is made. The player selects the type of shot (block 715).
The player presses a start key to begin play (block 716). The
player can then take the shots (block 717). Once the session is
complete, the system automatically determines and displays results
of the session, in the form of session statistics, to the player
(block 718). Some embodiments include different operational
characteristics, such as, for example automatically determining the
shot location using one of the techniques described above instead
of receiving it from the player (block 714) or receiving the type
of shot via headset 104 to accommodate "hands-free" operation
(block 715) and so forth.
[0040] FIGS. 8A-8C are functional diagrams of example presentations
for displaying performance measurements in the playing environment
illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 8A, shooting session
historical performance measurements may be presented to the player
or coach in display area 202 or 204 of console 101. Other types of
reports can be provided to assist the player or coach in evaluating
the results of play. For example, FIG. 8B illustrates an example of
a report organized by week. Table 1 illustrates other types of
reports provided by various embodiments:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Reports by Type Report Type Reports Calendar
1. Weekly summary by day 2. Monthly summary by week 3. Yearly
summary by month 4. Cumulative by shooter Location 1. All shot
types 2. By shot type 3. Summary for 3 pointers Shot type 1. All
locations 2. By location 3. Summary for 3 pointers Summaries 1. Top
10 shooting sessions by % made (by date) 2. Top 10 shooting
locations (location) 3. Top 10 shot types (type) 4. Top 10 shot
types by location (type/loc.)
[0041] Some embodiments provide the capability to view the results
of play in graph or other tubular formats. For example, FIG. 8C
illustrates an example of a graph for providing results of play in
graphical format. Other embodiments will display other statistics
appropriate to the shooting sport being practiced.
[0042] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a high level overview
of a screen displayed by a software embodiment for transferring
information to and from a console apparatus of one embodiment of
the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, console 101 can include
software that enables a variety of functions, including without
limitation: 1) Connect/interface the console 101 with a PC via a
USB port or other communications interface; 2) Display performance
data in a variety of formats, such as illustrated by FIGS. 8A-8C;
3) Download performance data to the PC; 4) Enable automatic
generation of standardized performance data reports; 5) Provide for
upload of firmware upgrades; 6) Allow performance data to be sent
via email; 7) Transfer status information about operation of the
console 101 and associated hardware and software back to
manufacturer. Table 2 illustrates other types of menu options
provided in an embodiment.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Menu Options Pull down menus Sub-menus 1.
Enter shooter I.D. 2. Select shot location All shot types By shot
type Summary for 3 pointers 3. Select shot type All locations By
location Summary for 3 pointers 4. Select calendar/dates Cumulative
Annual Monthly Weekly 5. Select report type Standard Top 10
shooting sessions Top 10 shot locations Top 10 shot types by
location
[0043] Various embodiments will include other functions readily
apparent to persons skilled in the art but not mentioned here for
brevity.
[0044] In one embodiment, a path made by the ball during a shot is
tracked by the console 101. The path information may be used to
locate the ball as it goes through the hoop or may be used to track
the path of the ball in order to analyze the shooter's technique.
One technique for tracking the ball path during play involves
adding a radio frequency identification ("RFID") chip to the ball.
The RFID chip can signal a tracking unit integrated into or
cooperatively coupled with the console 101, enabling the console
101 to track the path of the ball. In another technique, the video
camera 105 and image processing software may be used to track the
path of the ball during the shot. An exemplary arc tracking
analyzer for use in the present invention is available from Pillar
Vision, Inc. of Menlo Park, Calif. (www.noahbasketball.com) and by
Radar Golf, Inc. of Roseville, Calif. (www.radargolf.com).
[0045] FIGS. 10A-10F are block diagrams illustrating a high-level
overview of an example operation of a synchronization mechanism for
synchronizing the console with the sensor(s) in an embodiment of
the present invention. The console and each sensor will be
synchronized with each other electronically. The purpose of the
synchronization function is to uniquely identify a sensor with a
console to allow one to one communication between the synchronized
components. In one embodiment, a console 101 may communicate with
up to four (4) unique sensors but a sensor should only communicate
with one console at a time. A sensor will synchronize with a
console through a wireless interface by holding down a particular
button on the sensor and the console simultaneously for 3-5 seconds
as illustrated by FIGS. 10A-10F.
[0046] In other aspects, the invention encompasses in some
embodiments, computer apparatus, computing systems and
machine-readable media configured to carry out the foregoing
methods. In addition to an embodiment consisting of specifically
designed integrated circuits or other electronics, the present
invention may be conveniently implemented using a conventional
general purpose or a specialized digital computer or microprocessor
programmed according to the teachings of the present disclosure, as
will be apparent to those skilled in the computer art.
[0047] Appropriate software coding can readily be prepared by
skilled programmers based on the teachings of the present
disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the software
art. The invention may also be implemented by the preparation of
application specific integrated circuits or by interconnecting an
appropriate network of conventional component circuits, as will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0048] The present invention includes a computer program product
which is a storage medium (media) having instructions stored
thereon/in which can be used to program a computer to perform any
of the processes of the present invention. The storage medium can
include, but is not limited to, any type of rotating media
including floppy disks, optical discs, DVD, CD-ROMs, microdrive,
and magneto-optical disks, and magnetic or optical cards,
nanosystems (including molecular memory ICs), or any type of media
or device suitable for storing instructions and/or data.
[0049] Stored on any one of the computer readable medium (media),
the present invention includes software for controlling both the
hardware of the general purpose/specialized computer or
microprocessor, and for enabling the computer or microprocessor to
interact with a human user or other mechanism utilizing the results
of the present invention. Such software may include, but is not
limited to, device drivers, operating systems, and user
applications.
[0050] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary processing system 1100,
which can comprise the console 101 of FIGS. 2A-2J. Turning now to
FIG. 11, an exemplary computing system is illustrated that may
comprise the console 101 of FIGS. 2A-2J. While other alternatives
might be utilized, it will be presumed for clarity sake that
components of the systems of FIGS. 2A-2J are implemented in
hardware, software or some combination thereof in at least one
embodiment.
[0051] Computing system 1100 comprises components coupled via one
or more communication channels (e.g., bus 1101) including one or
more general or special purpose processors 1102, such as a
Pentium.RTM., Centrino.RTM., Power PC.RTM., digital signal
processor ("DSP"), and so on. System 1100 components also include
one or more input devices 1103 (such as a mouse, keyboard,
microphone, pen, and so on), and one or more output devices 1104,
such as a suitable display, speakers, actuators, and so on, in
accordance with a particular application. (It will be appreciated
that input or output devices can also similarly include more
specialized devices or hardware/software device enhancements
suitable for use by the mentally or physically challenged.)
[0052] System 1100 also includes a computer readable storage media
reader 1105 coupled to a computer readable storage medium 1106,
such as a storage/memory device or hard or removable storage/memory
media; such devices or media are further indicated separately as
storage 1108 and memory 1109, which may include hard disk variants,
floppy/compact disk variants, digital versatile disk ("DVD")
variants, smart cards, read only memory, random access memory,
cache memory, and so on, in accordance with the requirements of a
particular application. One or more suitable communication
interfaces 1107 may also be included, such as a modem, DSL,
infrared, RF or other suitable transceiver, and so on for providing
inter-device communication directly or via one or more suitable
private or public networks or other components that may include but
are not limited to those already discussed.
[0053] Working memory 1110 further includes operating system ("OS")
1111 elements and other programs 1112, such as one or more of
application programs, mobile code, data, and so on for implementing
system 1100 components that might be stored or loaded therein
during use. The particular OS or OSs may vary in accordance with a
particular device, features or other aspects in accordance with a
particular application (e.g. Windows, WindowsCE, Mac, Linus, Unix
or Palm OS variants, a cell phone OS, a proprietary OS, Symbian,
and so on). Various programming languages or other tools can also
be utilized, such as those compatible with C variants (e.g., C++,
C#), the Java 2 Platform. Enterprise Edition ("J2EE") or other
programming languages in accordance with the requirements of a
particular application. Other programs 1112 may further, for
example, include one or more of activity systems, education
managers, education integrators, or interface, security, other
synchronization, other browser or groupware code, and so on,
including but not limited to those discussed elsewhere herein.
[0054] When implemented in software (e.g. as an application
program, object, agent, downloadable, servlet, and so on in whole
or part), a learning integration system or other component may be
communicated transitionally or more persistently from local or
remote storage to memory (SRAM, cache memory, etc.) for execution,
or another suitable mechanism can be utilized, and components may
be implemented in compiled or interpretive form. Input,
intermediate or resulting data or functional elements may further
reside more transitionally or more persistently in a storage media,
cache or other volatile or non-volatile memory, (e.g., storage
device 1108 or memory 1109) in accordance with a particular
application.
[0055] Other features, aspects and objects of the invention can be
obtained from a review of the figures and the claims. It is to be
understood that other embodiments of the invention can be developed
and fall within the spirit and scope of the invention and claims.
The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present
invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and
variations will be apparent to the practitioner skilled in the art.
The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain
the principles of the invention and its practical application,
thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the
invention for various embodiments and with various modifications
that are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended
that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims
and their equivalence.
* * * * *