U.S. patent application number 12/797734 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-15 for goaltending sensing apparatus and related method of use.
Invention is credited to Justin McKay.
Application Number | 20110306444 12/797734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45096671 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110306444 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McKay; Justin |
December 15, 2011 |
GOALTENDING SENSING APPARATUS AND RELATED METHOD OF USE
Abstract
The invention relates to a method to determine a goaltending
while playing basketball. The method begins with sensing if a
vibration, pressure or motion change has occurred within an
enhanced ball. The second step is to send data from a sensor packet
containing one or more sensors via an RF switch to a backboard
sensor having a sensory zone and computer having a processor,
memory device and RF switch. The third step measures if the
enhanced ball was deflected in a downward trajectory through a
program contained within the memory device of the computer. The
fourth step is to assess whether the enhanced ball would have gone
through a rim of a backboard. The final step is to send an alert
through an alert display of a goaltending once the computer
confirms the downward trajectory and likelihood the enhanced ball
would have gone through the rim.
Inventors: |
McKay; Justin; (Miramar,
FL) |
Family ID: |
45096671 |
Appl. No.: |
12/797734 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/415 ;
473/479 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 43/00 20130101;
A63B 2220/803 20130101; A63B 63/083 20130101; A63B 2225/50
20130101; A63B 2220/833 20130101; A63B 71/0605 20130101; A63B
2220/806 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/415 ;
473/479 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00; A63B 63/08 20060101 A63B063/08 |
Claims
1. A goaltending system used during a basketball game, comprising:
an enhanced ball which includes an exterior side and a
corresponding interior side, the interior side including two or
more sensory devices, one or more RF switches operable with the two
or more sensory devices and a power source capable of supplying
electricity to the two or more sensory devices and the one or more
RF switches; a backboard sensor that creates a sensory zone capable
of measuring the elevation and position of the enhanced ball, the
backboard sensor having a processor and memory device; and an alert
display capable of reporting the elevation and position of the
enhanced ball.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the sensory zone is an
electro-magnetic filed positioned above a rim and in front of a
basketball backboard.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein: the backboard sensor further
includes a plurality of motion sensors placed along the length of
the backboard capable of measuring the velocity and trajectory of
the enhanced ball.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein: the backboard sensor further
includes an antenna capable of receiving information from the
enhanced ball when the enhanced ball is within the sensory
zone.
5. The system of claim 5, wherein: the computer of the backboard
sensor further includes a memory device in contact with the
processor which maintains one or more programs which determines if
the enhanced ball is within the sensory zone.
6. The system of claim 6, wherein: the program can further denote
whether the enhanced ball is in a downward trajectory and if there
has been a deflection.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein: the sensory devices are
positioned and housed within sensor packets positioned along the
interior side of the enhanced ball.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein: the sensory devices include both
motion sensors and vibration sensors.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein: the sensory devices further
includes one or more pressure sensors.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein: the backboard sensor includes a
camera array having a track of one or more digital cameras which
can pivot in tandem.
11. The method of detecting a goaltending during a basketball game,
comprising the steps of: (a) sensing whether there has been a
vibration, pressure change or motion change through a sensor packet
positioned within an enhanced ball, the enhanced ball having an
exterior side and a corresponding interior side, the interior side
including two or more sensors within the sensor packet, one or more
RF switches and a power source to provide electricity to the two or
more sensors and one or more RF switches; (b) sending data from one
or more sensors within the enhanced ball through the one or more RF
switches to a backboard sensor, the backboard sensor including a
sensory zone and a computer having a processor, memory device and
RF switch operable therewith; and (c) measuring whether the
enhanced ball was deflected while in a downward trajectory through
a program contained within the memory device of the computer, the
program operable to determine whether the enhanced ball was
travelling in an upward trajectory with increasing elevation; (d)
using the program operable with the computer to next assess whether
the enhanced ball would have potentially gone through a rim of a
backboard in which the blackboard sensor was connected; and (e)
sending an alert through an alert display of a goaltending once the
computer confirms the downward trajectory and likelihood the
enhanced ball would have gone through the rim.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of:
engaging the computer to run on the program once the backboard
sensor determined the ball is within the sensory zone positioned
above a rim and in front of a backboard.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of:
interpolating data from a pressure sensor, motion sensor and
vibration sensor located in the interior side of the enhanced ball
throughout a range of time to calculate whether the enhanced ball
had been shot by a player and is in a downward trajectory.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein: the backboard sensor further
includes a plurality of motion sensors placed along the length of
the backboard capable of measuring the velocity and trajectory of
the enhanced ball.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein: the backboard sensor further
includes an antenna capable of receiving information from the
enhanced ball when the enhanced ball is within the sensory
zone.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein: the sensors are positioned and
housed within sensor packets positioned along the interior side of
the enhanced ball.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein: the backboard sensor includes
a camera array having a track of one or more digital cameras which
can pivot in tandem.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is directed toward an enhanced ball equipped
with both motion and vibration sensors in communication with
various sensors on a basketball backboard for purposes of
determining, via calculation, whether a goaltending has occurred.
The invention is further directed to a method of use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The game of basketball, initially developed in 1891 by Dr.
James Naismith, has grown into a highly popular and international
sport. The game is played with two teams of five
individuals--traditionally on a wooden floor containing two
backboards each raised ten feet above the wooden floor. Basketball
includes the skills of shooting, dribbling, passing and
defending.
[0003] One of the hallmarks of basketball is the fact that players
conform to a standardized set of rules in order to play the game
fairly. Many of these rules are, subject to a large degree of
interpretation, while others are often difficult to call due to the
speed of the game. Neutral referees positioned about the basketball
floor interpret the rules and correspondingly call violations of
those rules during play. One example of a basketball rule that is
difficult to call during a game is whether a shot has been
"blocked" or whether there has been goaltending. While a blocked
shot is considered a positive act in basketball, goaltending is
considered a violation of the rules of basketball.
[0004] A block is performed when, after a shot is attempted, a
defender succeeds in altering the shot by touching or deflecting
the ball that is in an upward direction toward the rim. However,
goaltending occurs when the ball is on a downward arced path such
that it is likely to go through the rim for a score. Goaltending is
illegal under both the National Basketball Association (NBA) and
NCAA Men's basketball college rules.
[0005] To block a shot, a player has to be able to reach a point
higher than where the shot is released. Thus, height can be an
advantage in blocking. Players who are taller and playing the power
forward or center positions generally record more blocks than
players who are shorter and playing the guard positions. However,
with good timing and a sufficiently high vertical leap, even
shorter players can be effective shot blockers.
[0006] Traditionally, determining whether a deflection is a block
or a goaltend has been a visual determination made by the neutral
referee. However, such visual determination can be suspect based
upon the referee's inability to perceive (due to line of sight or
the general speed of the game). This determination can also be
affected by subjective issues (dislike for a player, etc). To date,
there is no objective system to create a decisive determination
whether a deflection is a block or goaltend.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the field of basketball for
an objective system or device to determine whether a deflection is
a goaltend or simply a block. Moreover, there is no abiity to
graphically or visually confirm whether the ball indeed was blocked
or goaltended. Such a device should be robust and create a
sufficient amount of information to support such findings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention solves the current lack of objectivity
when it comes to assessing whether a goaltend or block has
occurred. The apparatus is directed to a goaltending system to be
used during a basketball game. The system includes an enhanced ball
having an exterior side and corresponding interior side having two
or more sensors, one or more RF switches and an internal power
source. Positioned above the rim and infront of the backboard is a
backboard sensor which includes an electromagnetic sensory zone and
a computer having a processor, memory device and RF switch. An
alert display is connected to the backboard sensor to alert players
and a referee that a deflection was either a shotblock or a
goaltending.
[0009] The enhanced ball may include two or more pressure sensors,
motion sensors and vibration sensors housed within two or more
sensor packets. These sensor packets connect to the interior side
of the enhanced ball. The backboard sensor further includes a
plurality of motion sensors placed along the length of the
backboard capable of measuring the velocity and trajectory of the
enhanced ball. In addition, the backboard sensor can include an
antenna capable of receiving data from the enhanced ball when the
enhanced ball is within the sensory zone. Optionally, a camera
array having a track of one or more digital cameras capable of
pivoting in tandem can be included with the backboard sensor.
[0010] The computer within the backboard sensor may also include a
memory device in communication with the processor to maintain one
or more programs. These programs may determine, among other things,
whether the enhanced ball is within the sensory zone. Further,
these programs may denote if the enhanced ball is within a downward
trajectory (by measuring various height/elevations at a specific
points in time) within the sensory zone to assess if there has been
a deflection. Finally, a program can determine that at the point of
deflection whether the enhanced ball was likely to fall within the
rim to signify a goaltending.
[0011] The invention is further directed at a method for
determining a goaltending during a basketball game. The method
begins with sensing whether there has been a vibration, pressure
change or motion change through a sensor packet located within the
interior side of the enhanced ball. The second step is to send data
from the sensor packet within the enhanced ball through one or more
RF switches to a backboard sensor having a sensory zone and
computer that includes a processor, memory device and RF switch.
The third step is to measure whether the enhanced ball was
deflected in a downward trajectory through a program contained
within the memory device of the computer. The fourth step is to
assess whether the enhanced ball would have gone through a rim of a
backboard in which the blackboard sensor was connected. The final
step is to send an alert through an alert display of a goaltending
once the computer confirms the downward trajectory and likelihood
the enhanced ball would have gone through the rim.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is
made to the following detailed description, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments of
the present invention, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the enhanced ball
having two sensor packets;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a single-use enhanced ball having RF
connectors and a power source;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of a multi-use enhanced ball;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of the backboard including a sensory
zone;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view showing a plurality of motion sensors
on a backboard as part of the backboard sensors;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side view that illustrates the various
components of the camera array;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a back view showing the camera array;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a front view of the backboard showing another view
of the camera array; and
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates the components of the alert display.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0023] FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate one preferred goaltending
system 100 contemplated by the invention. As shown, the goaltending
system 100 includes (but is in no way limited to) three primary
components: an enhanced ball 200, a backboard sensor 300 which can
include an optional camera array 400, and an alert display 500.
Other additional and related components will be recognized and
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the
foregoing disclosure.
The Enhanced Ball
[0024] One component of the invention is directed to an enhanced
ball 200. While it may take several forms and include varied
functionality, the enhanced ball 200 measures various
parameters--including motion (elevation/lateral distance), pressure
and vibration--to determine whether a goaltending has indeed
occurred. Based upon this determination, the enhanced ball 200
sends the appropriate electronic signal to the backboard sensor
300.
[0025] The invention contemplates two primary forms of the enhanced
ball 200. The first version, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is a
single-use ball 210, to be spent and discarded after a period of
time. The second version, shown in FIG. 3, is a multi-use ball 220,
which can be recycled and reused multiple times. Either of the
enhanced balls (200 or 210) can be used by the same backboard
sensor 300.
[0026] First turning to FIG. 1, the single-use ball 210 ball has an
exterior side 211 and corresponding interior side 212. The
single-use ball 210 can be made of a fiberglass shell and/or out of
any traditional material used in the construction of basketballs.
Positioned within the interior side 212 of the single-use ball 210
is a plurality of sensor packets 230. Preferably, the sensor
packets 230 are affixed to the surface 213 of the interior side
212.
[0027] To ensure that the single-use ball 210 remains balanced for
purposes of dribbling, passing and shooting--each sensor packet 230
is horizontally opposed to another. Accordingly, there are one or
more sets of sensor packets: a first sensor packet 231 and
corresponding second sensor packet 232. Preferably, there are three
sets for a total of six sensors 231-236.
[0028] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, each sensor packet 230
contains one or more sensory devices 237. Such sensory devices 237
may include but are certainly not limited to a motion sensor 238, a
vibration sensor 239 and a pressure sensor 240. The motion sensor
238 can determine and calculate any horizontal or vertical changes,
as well as changes in direction, velocity and acceleration. In
contrast, the shock/vibration sensor 239 can determine a sudden
contact, shock or related event. Finally, the pressure sensor 240
can determine a sudden increase in the internal pressure within the
interior side 212 of the single-use ball 210. This likewise
suggests that the single-use ball 210 has been blocked or deflected
suggesting a potential goaltending.
[0029] As is further shown in FIG. 2, each sensory device 237 is
connected to an RF switch 241 through an RF connector 242. Each
sensor packet 230 can contain its own RF switch 241. Alternatively,
a single RF switch 241 can be positioned at a centralized position
within the single-use ball 210 for use by multiple sensor packets
231-236. Regardless, each RF switch 241 is capable of communicating
with the backboard sensor 300. A power source 242, which can be a
battery 243, helps supply electricity to the RF switch and each
sensor device 237.
[0030] The single-use ball 210 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2
represent a closed system, such that each sensor device 237, RF
switch 241, RF connector 242 and battery 243 is permanently
positioned within the interior side 212--without ability to be
interchanged. Each of these components is rigidly attached to the
interior side 212 through a connector 250 preferably made of
lightweight and study fiberglass--or related material know to those
of ordinary skill in the art. Once the battery 243 is spent (or if
a sensory device 237 becomes inoperable), the single-use ball 210
becomes spent requiring use of a new device.
[0031] An alternative to the single-use ball 210 is the multi-use
ball 220 illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the multi-use
ball 220 allows access to the sensory device 237, the RF switch
241, RF connector 242 and battery 243. This is accomplished through
the unique structure of a first portion 221, a corresponding second
portion 222 and an interlocking sealing member 223 capable of
connecting both portions (221 and 222).
[0032] The interlocking sealing member 223 can include, but is
certainly not limited to, a tongue-and-groove seal, a
hinge-and-lock knob system, or any related mechanism, which allows
an airtight seal without compromising the functionality of the
basketball. The sealing member 223 may also further include some
type of strip 224 of material to help hide the seal caused by
connecting both portions 221 and 222 when the multi-use ball 220 is
in a closed position.
[0033] To aid in effectuating a more traditional feel, the
multi-use ball 220 can be filled with a resilient foam 225. The
resilient foam 225 is lightweight and assists in making the
multi-use ball 220 bounce like a regular basketball. In addition,
this resilient foam 225 helps position and maintain the various
components, including the sensor packets 230.
[0034] Based upon the functionality shown in FIG. 3, the multi-use
ball 220 can effectively open to allow access to the various
components. Thus, a spent battery can be replaced 243 by opening
the sealing member 223. Alternatively, a worn or malfunctioning
pressure sensor 240 can be interchanged.
The Backboard Sensor
[0035] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the various components of one
preferred embodiment of the backboard sensor 300. These components
can include, but are certainly not limited to, a sensory zone 310
(located above the rim 311 and in front of the backboard 312),
motion sensors 320, receiving antenna 330, a computer 340 and a
second RF switch 350. Other components will be recognized by those
of ordinary skill in the art upon review of this disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 4 primarily illustrates the location and positioning of
the sensory zone 310. Apart from the motion sensor 238, a vibration
sensor 239 and pressure sensor 240 positioned within the enhanced
ball 200, the sensory zone 310 functions to create an
electro-magnetic field 313 sufficient to measure the trajectory and
positioning of the enhanced ball 200 This electro-magnetic field
313 is in front of the backboard 312 and above its rim 311.
[0037] Once the enhanced ball 200 is positioned within the sensory
zone 310, the backboard sensor 300 is capable of determining the
velocity, acceleration, trajectory and movement of the enhanced
ball 200. This is accomplished through a plurality of motion
sensors 320 positioned along the length of the backboard 312.
Moreover, once within the electro-magnetic field 313, the sensory
zone 310 engages other components of the backboard sensor
300--including these motion sensors 320.
[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates the various other components of the
backboard sensor 300. These components include the receiving
antenna 330, a computer 340 and a second RF switch 350. The
receiving antenna 330 obtains information from the enhanced ball
200, including information regarding any pressure changes, motion
deviations or vibrations which could signify a goaltending event.
This information from the receiving antenna 330, in addition to
data obtained from the various motion sensors 320 positioned on the
length of the backboard 312, are sent and received by the computer
340.
[0039] The computer 340 includes a processor 341, memory device
342, power source 343 (which can be a battery 344) and a set of
programs 345. Information received from both the various sensors is
received into the processor 341 and interpreted from programs 345
located in the memory device 342. In one set of routines, the
programs 345 first determine if the enhanced ball 200 is within the
sensory zone 310. This is done by receiving information from a
sensor device 237, which transmits the elevation (E.sub.x) at a
specific point in time (T.sub.x) of the enhanced ball 200 to create
an array of data showing various positions (P.sub.x). If P.sub.x is
within a specific range of pre-programmed data, then the program
345 confirms the enhanced ball 200 is within the sensory zone 310.
If the enhanced ball 200 is indeed within that sensory zone 310,
the program 345 denotes if there is any vibration, movement or
pressure change identified by the sensory devices 237--which
denotes a goaltending. As those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize, similar data (apart from P.sub.x can be used) for
purposes of determining whether the enhanced ball 200 is within the
sensory zone 310.
[0040] In addition, the computer 340 constantly monitors to
determine if the motion sensors 320 denote any irregularities. In
one such program 345, the computer 340 determines if the enhanced
ball 200 is following an ellipses (suggesting a shot was made) and
determining any sudden change of movement (denoting a potential
blocked shot). Should this varied information suggest a likely
goaltending, the information is then relayed--via the RF switch
350--to the alert display 500.
The Camera Array
[0041] FIGS. 6 through 8 illustrate an optional camera array 400
which can be included within the backboard sensor 300. This camera
array 400 can optionally communicate with the computer 340. First
turning to FIG. 6, the camera array 400 is positioned on the top of
the backboard 312 through a camera track 410. Preferably, the
camera array 400 includes three cameras positioned about the track
410: a first camera 401, a second camera 402 and a corresponding
third camera 403. Each of the cameras 401-403 can pivot to
accurately record the enhanced ball 200 as moves about the
court.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates the back of the backboard 312
illustrating how the track 410 maintains the cameras 401-403. The
camera array 400 is connected to the computer 340 in order to
upload the digital images received from the cameras 401-403.
Moreover, each of the cameras 401-403 can pivot in tandem or rotate
individually, depending upon what is directed by the program 345
located within the computer 340. Data obtained from the cameras
401-403 can be compared to that received from the enhanced camera
200 for purposes of graphically displaying the trajectory of the
enhanced camera 200 and pictorially representing whether a
goaltending has occurred.
[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates the front of the backboard 312--showing
how the various cameras 401-403 do not interfere or impede the
operation of the backboard 313.
The Alert Display
[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of the alert display
500--preferably positioned courtside at the referee table. The
purpose of the alert display 500 is to provide players or the
neutral referee with an alert whether a deflection is a goaltending
or a legitimate blocked shot. Primary components of the alert
display 500 may include a visual display 510, connectors 520 and a
receiving antenna 530.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 9, the receiving antenna 530 is capable of
receiving information from RF switch 350 located on the backboard
sensor 300. This information can include, but is not limited to,
data interpolated by programs 345 stored on the memory device 342
of the computer 340. Interpolated data can include whether the
enhanced ball 200 is within the sensory zone 310, if there has been
a pressure change, motion change or vibration suggesting a
deflection measured by the enhanced ball 200, and whether the
motion sensors 320 directly connected to the backboard sensor 300
suggest a deflection. In addition, this data can also include
digital video images of the actual deflection captures by the
camera array 400 which can be stored and retrieved from the memory
device 342.
[0046] As further shown in FIG. 9, the visual display 510 is
capable of providing a variety of information based upon
interpolations made by programs 345 contained within the computer
340 of the backboard sensor 300. This can include creating a visual
graphic to be placed over the actual digital video captured by the
camera array 400. This visual graphic can include the trajectory of
the enhanced ball 200 prior to its deflection, as well as a visual
denoting whether the programs 345 determined the deflection a
goaltending or a legitimate blocked shot. Such visual display can
also show the degree of confidence in the finding--as well as how
the computer 340 denoted the likelihood of the enhanced ball 200
going into the rim 311. To confirm, the visual display can show the
elevation (E.sub.x) at various points in time (T.sub.x) to denote
the various positions (P.sub.x) the enhanced ball 200 is at in
relation to the backboard sensor 300.
[0047] Finally, various connectors 520 are positioned within the
alert display 500. These connectors 520 take the various data and
digital images received from the receiving antenna 530 and allow a
plurality of other devices to connect and obtain this data and
digital images from the backboard sensor 300. Examples of
connectors 520 include, but are in no way limited to, HDMI cables,
DVI outputs, AV outputs and related components. Accordingly,
information obtained from the goaltending system 100 can be
broadcast during a televised basketball game or shown up in a
skybox for other referees to interpret or use.
Method of Detecting a Goaltending
[0048] The invention is further directed at a method of detecting
whether a goaltending has occurred while playing the sport of
basketball. The first step of the method is to sense whether there
has been a vibration, pressure change or motion change through use
of two or more sensory devices 237.
[0049] Each sensory device 237 positioned within the interior side
212 of an enhanced ball 200. Such sensory devices 237 can include,
but are not necessarily limited to, a motion sensor 238, a
vibration sensor 239 and a pressure sensor 240. Each of these
sensors 238-240 can be housed and maintained within a
self-supporting sensor packet 230. Each sensor packet 230 can
include an RF switch 241 that connects to each sensor 238-240 via
an RF connector 242. A self-supporting battery 243 is also placed
within each sensor packet 230. It is preferable that each sensor
packet 230 be connected to the interior side 212 of the enhanced
ball 200.
[0050] The second step is to send data from the sensor packet 230
within the enhanced ball 200 through the RF switches 241 to a
backboard sensor 300. The backboard sensor 300 functions to
receive, interpolate and analyze data (P.sub.x, E.sub.x, and
T.sub.x) obtained and harnessed from the enhanced ball
200--including pressure fluctuations, motion changes and vibrations
(all of which could suggest a deflection that could be a
goaltending). The backboard sensor 300 includes an electro-magnetic
sensory zone 310 (located above the rim 311 and in front of the
backboard 312), a plurality motion sensors 320 positioned along the
backboard 312, a receiving antenna 330 to obtain data from the
enhanced ball 200, a computer 340 and a second RF switch 350
sufficient to send analyzed data. These various devices are capable
of tracking the path of the enhanced ball 200 when it is within the
sensory zone 310. Such tracking includes having sensing devices 237
record and transmit the elevation (E.sub.x) at specific points in
time (T.sub.x) to provide an array of various positions
(P.sub.x)--to determine the trajectory (upward or downward) of the
enhanced ball 200.
[0051] The third step of the method is to measure whether the
enhanced ball 200 was deflected while in a downward trajectory
through a program 345 contained within the memory device 342 of the
computer 340. There are various programs 345 that are maintained on
the memory device 342 in communication with the receiving antenna
330 of the backboard sensor 300. One such program 345 identifies
whether the enhanced ball 200 is within the sensory zone 310 (as
described above through determining if the position (P.sub.x) of
the enhanced ball 200 is within a pre-specified range). A second
program 345 denotes whether the enhanced ball is in a downward
trajectory (is the elevation (E.sub.x) decreasing throughout a
period of time (T.sub.x)) within the sensory zone 310. A third
program 345 can assist--based upon the various sensory devices
237--if there has been a deflection. Each of these programs 345
interpolate data from the enhanced ball 200 to assist in
determining if a goaltending has occurred.
[0052] The fourth step is to assess whether the enhanced ball 200
would have gone through the rim 311 of a backboard 312 in which the
blackboard sensor 300 is connected. Based upon information received
from the three programs 345 identified above, there is a fourth
program 345 that determines if the trajectory of the enhanced ball
200 would have been sufficient to go through the rim 311.
[0053] The final step is to send an alert through an alert display
500 of a goaltending once the computer 340 confirms the downward
trajectory and likelihood that the enhanced ball 200 would have
gone through the rim 311. This alert display 500 functions to
provide players or the neutral referee with an alert whether a
deflection is a goaltending or a legitimate blocked shot. Primary
components of the alert display 500 may include a visual display
510, connectors 520 and a receiving antenna 530.
[0054] The visual display 510 posts various information including
digital images from a camera array 400 in which a graphic of the
trajectory of the enhanced ball 200 can be shown. The visual
display 510 may also include a signal that a goaltending has indeed
occurred and the mathematical confidence in that finding.
* * * * *