U.S. patent application number 13/197429 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-10 for digital data processing systems and methods for skateboarding and other social sporting activities.
This patent application is currently assigned to IntelliSysGroup LLC. Invention is credited to Matt Garcia, Jason J. Ossenmacher, Lawrence S. Rogel, Jon Williams, David Witmer.
Application Number | 20120116714 13/197429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47629696 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120116714 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rogel; Lawrence S. ; et
al. |
May 10, 2012 |
Digital Data Processing Systems and Methods for Skateboarding and
Other Social Sporting Activities
Abstract
Systems and methods for social and other sporting activities. A
system according to one such aspect of the invention comprises a
sensing device that is attached to an object, such as a skateboard
(by way of non-limiting example), for measuring characteristics
thereof. It communicates those characteristics wirelessly, e.g.,
via bluetooth, to a mobile device, such as a cell phone, personal
digital assistant, or the like (by way of non-limiting example).
That device can log and/or display those characteristics,
graphically, for study or analysis by the operator (e.g., the
skateboard enthusiast) or others.
Inventors: |
Rogel; Lawrence S.;
(Brookline, MA) ; Ossenmacher; Jason J.; (Mission
Viejo, CA) ; Williams; Jon; (Cambridge, MA) ;
Garcia; Matt; (Cambridge, MA) ; Witmer; David;
(Boston, MA) |
Assignee: |
IntelliSysGroup LLC
Cambridge
MA
|
Family ID: |
47629696 |
Appl. No.: |
13/197429 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61370439 |
Aug 3, 2010 |
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61371161 |
Aug 5, 2010 |
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61386207 |
Sep 24, 2010 |
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61514773 |
Aug 3, 2011 |
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61514752 |
Aug 3, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/150 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/06 20130101;
G01C 19/5776 20130101; A63C 17/26 20130101; A63B 2220/40 20130101;
G16H 20/30 20180101; G06F 19/00 20130101; A63C 2203/24 20130101;
A61B 5/00 20130101; G01P 15/18 20130101; G06F 3/167 20130101; H04R
5/033 20130101; H04R 1/02 20130101; G06F 17/40 20130101; A63B
69/0093 20130101; A63C 17/0006 20130101; A63B 2220/30 20130101;
A63C 17/01 20130101; A63C 2203/18 20130101; A63B 2220/13 20130101;
G01C 23/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/150 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/00 20060101
G06F015/00 |
Claims
1. A digital data processing system, comprising: a measurement
device attached to an object and comprising a sensor for measuring
the motion, position, and/or orientation of the object over time; a
portable digital data processor communicatively coupled with the.
first digital data processor via a wireless communications link;
the measurement device operable to wirelessly transmit information
about the motion, position, and/or orientation of the object over
time ("spatial information") to the digital data processor; the
portable digital data processor operable to wirelessly receive that
spatial information from the measurement device, to display the
motion. position, and/or orientation of the object over time, and
to compare the motion, position, and/or orientation of the object,
over time with that of another object whose spatial information has
been obtained via a measurement device attached thereto and
transmitted to the portable digital data processor.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable digital data
processor comprises a smart phone, personal digital assistant, or
handheld device.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises an
accelerometer, gyroscope, or magnetometer.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless link operates in
accord with Bluetooth, wireless Ethernet, etc.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the object comprises sports
equipment.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the object comprises a
skateboard.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the motion, position, and/or
orientation of the object over time is controlled by a user.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable digital data
processor comprises a imaging device that photographs and/or films
the object.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein any of the measurement device and
the portable digital data processor comprises a location sensor
that records a location of the object and associates that location
with the spatial information.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable digital data
processor analyzes the spatial information so as to calculate a
rating associated therewith.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable digital data
processor analyzes the spatial information to detect the presence
of one or more predetermined values for motion, position, and/or
orientation.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable digital data
processor analyzes the spatial information to detect the presence
of a sequence of predetermined values for motion, position, and/or
orientation of the object.
13. A digital data processing system, comprising: a measurement
device attached to an object and comprising a sensor for measuring
a value of at least one physical characteristic of the object over
time; a portable digital data processor communicatively coupled
with the first digital data processor via a wireless communications
link and communicatively coupled with a server digital data
processor; the measurement device operable to wirelessly transmit
information about the value of the at least one physical
characteristic of the object over time ("physical characteristic
information") to the digital data processor; the portable digital
data processor operable to wirelessly receive the physical
characteristic information of the object from the measurement
device, to display the physical characteristic information of the
object, and to transmit the physical characteristic information of
the object to the server digital data processor for storage and/or
comparison with physical characteristic information of other
objects.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the physical characteristic
comprises any of motion, position, and orientation of the
object.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein the server digital processor is
operable to collect physical characteristic information from a
plurality of portable digital data processors and/or measurement
devices associated with other objects.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein the server digital data
processor is operable to transmit the physical characteristic
information of the object to at least other portable digital data
processor.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein the server digital data
processor ranks the physical characteristic information of objects
according to a scoring system.
18. The system of claim 13, wherein the server digital data
processor ranks users based on the physical characteristic
information of objects associated therewith.
19. The system of claim 13, wherein the portable digital data
processor comprises a smart phone, personal digital assistant,
handheld device
20. The system of claim 13, wherein the sensor comprises an
accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer
21. The system of claim 13, wherein the wireless link operates in
accord with Bluetooth, wireless Ethernet, etc.
22. The system of claim 13, wherein the object comprises sports
equipment
23. The system of claim 13, wherein the object comprises a
skateboard
24. The system of claim 13, wherein the motion, position, and/or
orientation of the object over time is controlled by a user.
25. The system of claim 13, wherein the portable digital data
processor comprises a imaging device that photographs and/or films
the object.
26. The system of claim 13, wherein any of the measurement device
and the portable digital data processor comprises a location sensor
that records a location of the object and associates that location
with the spatial information.
27. The system of claim 13, wherein the portable digital data
processor analyzes the spatial information so as to calculate a
rating associated therewith.
28. The system of claim 13, wherein the portable digital data
processor analyzes the spatial information to detect the presence
of one or more predetermined values for motion, position, and/or
orientation.
29. The system of claim 13, wherein the portable digital data
processor analyzes the spatial information to detect the presence
of a sequence of predetermined values for motion, position, and/or
orientation of the object.
30. A method comprising: with a sensor attached to an object,
sensing any of the motion, position, and/or orientation of the
object over time; wirelessly transmitting information about the
motion, position, and/or orientation of the object over time from
the sensor to a portable digital data processor; at least one of
displaying and comparing with like data received from another
measurement device information about the motion, position, and/or
orientation of the object.
31.-38. (canceled)
39. A method comprising: with a sensor attached to an object,
sensing a physical characteristic of the object over time;
wirelessly transmitting information about the physical
characteristic that varies over time from the sensor to a portable
digital data processor; collecting with the portable digital data
processor any of location, still images and video images in a
locale of the object; sending, from the portable digital data
processor to a server digital data processor, information about the
physical characteristic that varies over time and, optionally, at
least one of said location, still images and video images; from the
server digital data processor, causing information about the
physical characteristic that varies over time and, optionally, at
least one of said location, still images and video images, to be
communicated to others.
40.-52. (canceled)
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This claims the benefit of filing of co-pending, commonly
assigned U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/370,439, filed Aug. 3,
2010, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/371,161, filed Aug. 5,
2010, and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/386,207, filed Sep.
24, 2010, all entitled "DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
FOR SKATEBOARDING AND OTHER SOCIAL SPORTING ACTIVITIES," the
teachings of all of which are incorporated by reference herein.
[0002] This application is related to co-pending, commonly assigned
U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed this same day
herewith, entitled "Devices, Systems, And Methods for Games,
Sports, Entertainment And Other Activities Of Engagement," the
teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0003] This application is also related to co-pending, commonly
assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed this same
day herewith, entitled "Signature-Based Trick Determination Systems
And Methods For Skateboarding And Other Activities Of Motion," the
teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention relates to sensing devices and systems for
skateboarding and other social sporting activities. It has
application in publicizing feats and facilitating competition among
like-minded enthusiasts.
[0005] Skateboarders, as well as other social sporting enthusiasts,
like to perform tricks using their skateboards. They practice the
tricks over and over, either alone or in groups. They may perform
these tricks in a skatepark, playground, or other spaces that have
not been designed for skateboarding. They share their tricks, have
similar musical interests, and are always in search of new places
to try out their tricks. Moreover, skateboarders often buy their
equipment from local skateboard shops. Skateboarders usually listen
to music while they skate.
[0006] Social sporting enthusiasts can typically only display their
feats to others in the same locale. For example, a skateboarder who
has perfected a multiple varial heel flip, is usually limited to
proving his/her prowess to friends at the local park. One of them
might text or "tweet" news of the feat to others, but that is
likely to dismissed as unbelievable, particularly, if the feat is
extraordinary. Some of that disbelief might be dispelled by posting
of a video of the feat, but even that may be subject to
skepticism.
[0007] An object of the invention is to provide improved sensing
devices, improved systems and improved methods for
skateboarding.
[0008] A related object is to provide such improved sensing
devices, systems and methods as can be used in connection with
other social sporting activities.
[0009] A related object is to provide such improved sensing
devices, systems and methods as can be used in connection with
other physical activities, regardless of whether social or
sporting.
[0010] A further related object of the invention is to provide such
improved sensing devices, systems and methods as can be used to
publicize feats of skateboarders, other social sports enthusiasts
and others.
[0011] A further related object of the invention is to provide such
improved sensing devices, systems and methods as can be used to
facilitate interaction and/or competition among remotely disposed
skateboarders, other social sports enthusiasts and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The foregoing are among the objects attained by the
invention, which provides in some aspects devices, systems and
methods for social and other sporting activities. A system
according to one such aspect of the invention comprises a sensing
device that is attached to an object, such as a skateboard (by way
of non-limiting example), for measuring characteristics thereof. It
communicates those characteristics wirelessly, e.g., via bluetooth,
to a mobile device, such as a cell phone, personal digital
assistant, or the like (by way of non-limiting example). That
device can log and/or display those characteristics, graphically,
for study or analysis by the operator (e.g., the skateboard
enthusiast) or others.
[0013] Related aspects of the invention provide a system, for
example, as described above, in which the mobile device--in
addition to or instead of logging and/or displaying the measured
characteristics--transmits them to a server digital data processor,
e.g., along with still images, video images, location and/or other
information generated by the mobile device. The still/video images
may be, for example, images generated by a camera on-board the
mobile device. The loCation information may be, for example, GPS or
other location data collected by that device. That other
information may be identifying information specific to the mobile
device, e.g., phone number, ESN, serial number, or so forth.
[0014] Further related aspects of the invention provide a system,
for example, as described above, in which the server digital data
processor logs the measured characteristics, along with still/video
images, location information and/or other information, and makes
them available for access by the aforementioned mobile device
and/or by other data processing apparatus, such as, cell phones,
personal digital assistants, portable computer, desktop computers,
and so forth, of other enthusiasts--including other operators.
[0015] Still further related aspects of the invention provide a
system, for example, as described above, in which the server
digital data processor makes the measured characteristics,
still/video images, location information and/or other information
available for access via an addressable site on the Internet and/or
via a social networking web site.
[0016] Yet still further aspects of the invention provide a system,
for example, as described above, in which the server digital data
processor, mobile devices, cell phones, personal digital
assistants, portable computer, desktop computers and/or other data
processing apparatus of the first aforesaid operator and/or of the
other enthusiasts facilitate a challenge by one of those other
enthusiasts, e.g., to surpass some or all of the measured
characteristics of the first aforesaid operator, and/or vice
versa--e.g., to engage in a competition.
[0017] Related aspects of the invention provide a system, for
example, as described above, in which the mobile device of a
competing enthusiast collects like information measured by a
sensing device attached to an object, again, for example, a
skateboard, operated by that enthusiast, and transmits that to the
server digital data processor, e.g., along with still images, video
images, location and/or other information generated by that mobile
device.
[0018] Still yet further related aspects of the invention provide a
system, for example, as described above, in which the server
digital data processor, mobile devices, cell phones, personal
digital assistants, portable computer, desktop computers and/or
other data processing apparatus of the first aforesaid operator
and/or of the other enthusiasts initiate communications to
operators when their measured characteristics have been exceeded by
other enthusiast-operators.
[0019] Still yet further aspects of the invention provide a system,
for example, as described above, in which the server digital data
processor, mobile devices, cell phones, personal digital
assistants, portable computer, desktop computers and/or other data
processing apparatus of the first aforesaid operator and/or of the
other enthusiasts facilitate a live competition among
operators.
[0020] Still yet further aspects of the invention provide a system,
for example, as described above, in which the server digital data
processor, mobile devices, cell phones, personal digital
assistants, portable computer, desktop computers and/or other data
processing apparatus of the first aforesaid operator and/or of the
other enthusiasts facilitate display the live competition to other
enthusiasts, e.g., by webcast or othenvise.
[0021] Other aspects of the invention provide a system, for
example, as described above, in which the sensing device includes a
motion and/or other physical characteristic sensor (e.g., a sensor
for speed, acceleration, jerk, yaw, pitch, roll, and so forth), as
well as a bluetooth or other wireless transmitter.
[0022] Other aspects of the invention provide a system, for
example, as described above, in which the mobile device includes
(i) a bluetooth or other wireless receiver for receiving measured
characteristics transmitted by the sensing device, and (ii) wifi,
Edge, or other radio for transmitting measured characteristics,
along with still/video images, location information and/or other
information, to the server digital data processor.
[0023] Other aspects of the invention provide a system, as
described above, for example, that generates an audio output based
on the determined characteristic(s) of the object.
[0024] Related aspects of the invention provide a system, as
described above, for example, in which the mobile device includes
an audio output module capable of generating an audio output based
on a prompt by the user and/or the data transmitted by the sensing
device. In one aspect, the mobile device is capable of manipulating
the audio output generated by the audio output device based on the
data transmitted by the sensing device.
[0025] Other aspects of the invention provide a system, as
described above, for example, which includes an audio output device
remote from the mobile device.
[0026] Other aspects of the invention provide a system, for
example, as described above, in which the mobile device executes
applications software providing one or more of the functions that
are attributed above to the mobile device.
[0027] Other aspects of the invention provide a system, as
described above, for example, that generates an action to be
performed by one or more objects, and determining if the actions
were completed successfully. Related aspects allow a user to select
the action to be performed or to prompt the mobile device to
generate an action (which may be pre-selected, randomly selected,
or otherwise) to be performed. Related aspects allow the mobile
device to determine a winner between users of two or more objects
performing the actions. Related aspects include allowing users of
the primary or a secondary mobile device to alert the primary
mobile device that the actions were completed successfully.
[0028] Related aspects of the invention provide a sensing device as
described above.
[0029] Related aspects of the invention provide a mobile as
described above.
[0030] Related aspects of the invention provide a server digital
data processor as described above.
[0031] Related aspects of the invention provide methods of
operating one or more of the a sensing device, mobile device,
and/or server digital data processor as described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] A more complete understanding of the invention may be
attained by reference to the drawings, in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 depicts a system according to the invention for
generating, transmitting, and analyzing data related to the
physical characteristic(s) of an object for use, e.g., in
connection social and other sporting activities;
[0034] FIG. 2 schematically depicts a measurement device (a/k/a
sensing device) according to the invention for generating and
transmitting data for use in the system of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIGS. 3A-3B depict user interfaces of a system according to
the invention for the display of information regarding a physical
characteristic of the object of FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of a system according to
the invention for generating, transmitting, analyzing, and sharing
data related to the physical characteristic(s) of an object;
[0037] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary user interface for the display
of information in the system of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT
Introduction
[0038] Despite the multitude of advanced technology found in the
components of modern skateboards, there is very little technology
dedicated to measuring the tricks that skateboarders perform. The
old adage due to Lord Kelvin, "if you can't measure it, you can't
improve it" applies to skateboarders. Systems according to the
invention--hereinafter, referred to as "shuss"--comprise hardware
and software that measures the feats (e.g., tricks) that
skateboarders and enthusiasts of other sporting and non-sporting
activities perform. For sake of convenience, and without loss of
generality, the shuss system will be described in connection with
skateboarding in much of the discussion below, though, it will be
appreciated that it can be used in connection other sporting and
non-sporting activities, as well.
[0039] As will be evident below, there are several uses of the
shuss. It can be used to "score" or "rate" a particular trick.
Unlike the prior art, where tricks are based on the opinion of
judges, shuss provides an unbiased, objective measure. In addition,
the trajectory and motion of the skateboard through space can be
visualized, replayed, and compared any number of times on a
computer or even a smartphone. This can be used to improve the
skaters performance.
[0040] The shuss helps to engage a community of skaters with the
extended shuss system. Using geolocation and a database, it is
possible for individuals to declare themselves "king of the park".
Yet another use of shuss is as a way of engaging a set of visitors
to a festival. For example, contestants that can jump higher than a
certain amount will win a T-shirt.
[0041] Skateboarders, as well as other social sporting activities,
like to perform tricks using their skateboards. They practice the
tricks over and over, either alone or in groups. They may perform
these tricks in a skatepark, playground, or other spaces that have
not been designed for skateboarding. They share their tricks, have
similar musical interests, and are always in search of new places
to try out their tricks. Moreover, skateboarders often buy their
equipment from local skateboard shops. Skateboarders usually listen
to music while they skate.
[0042] The invention leverages these different and unique
characteristics of skateboarders. There are other groups that share
these characteristics and so our invention is not limited to
skateboarders. The invention involves hardware, mobile devices, and
computer services, although we believe that not all components are
necessary.
[0043] FIG. 1 depicts the shuss or other system 10 according to the
invention for generating, transmitting, and analyzing data related
to the physical characteristic(s) of an object for use, e.g., in
connection social and other sporting activities. The illustrated
system includes measurement device (a/k/a sensing device) 40 that
is attached to a skateboard or other operator-enthusiasts's object
20 and that is in wireless communications coupling with a mobile
device (a/k/a portable digital data processor) 60.
[0044] The measurement device 40 measures motion and/or other
physical characteristic of the object, e.g., speed, acceleration,
jerk, yaw, pitch, roll, and so forth), and communicates those to
the mobile device 60, which executes application or other software,
firmware or the like, to log, analyze, and/or display that
information.
[0045] Object
[0046] The object 20 of the illustrated embodiment is a skateboard.
However, in other embodiments, it may be a surfboard, rollerblade
boot, or other object having a characteristic that can be measured
according to the teachings herein. The sensing device can be
applied to measure or determine a wide variety of characteristics
of such objects, the following list of which is intended to provide
non-limiting examples of characteristics that can be measured
and/or determined in accord with the teachings herein: position,
velocity, acceleration, jerk, orientation, rotation, altitude, wind
speed, temperature, vibration, etc. By way of non-limiting
examples, the object (and an exemplary characteristic) can be,
inter alia, a golf club (swing profile), a person diving off a
springboard (rotation rate), or a dog on an agility course (path
and speed through weave sticks).
[0047] The measurement device 40 can be coupled to any portion of
the object 20. Preferably, the coupling is such that the
measurement device 40 is protected from damage and maintains a
given orientation relative to the object to provide accurate data
regarding the characteristic(s) of interest. For example, because
nearly the entire surface of the skateboard 20 depicted in FIG. 1
gets stepped on, grinded, or slammed against another object, the
measurement device 40 can be coupled to or disposed within a riser
or spacer 24 that is disposed between the deck 22 and one of the
trucks 26 (which connects the wheels 28 to the deck 22). The
measurement device 40 is preferably placed in the riser or spacer
24 such that the deck 22 and the truck 26 protect the measurement
device 40 from collisions. In some embodiments, more than one
measurement device 40 can be coupled to the object to allow for
additional data to be generated regarding the characteristic(s) of
interest. For example, a skateboard 20 can have two measurement
devices attached thereto, with each measurement device 40 coupled
to one of the risers 24.
[0048] Measurement Device
[0049] The measurement device 40 coupled to the object 20 can have
a variety of configurations according to the intended use of the
measurement device 40 and the object 20 to which it is coupled. As
shown in FIG. 2, the measurement device 40 generally contains one
or more sensor(s) 42a-d, a controller 44, a wireless communication
module 46, and a power source 48, although fewer, more, or
different components can be included within the measurement
device.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, the
measurement device 20 is an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) chip. A
person skilled in the art will appreciate that IMUs of the type
commercially available in the marketplace, modified in accord with
the teachings of herein, can be used to generate kinetic data. The
IMU chip depicted in FIG. 2 contains four sensor(s) 42a-d, a
controller 44, a power source 46, and a wireless communication
module 48.
[0051] The sensors 42a-d can be configured to generate or obtain
data about a characteristic of the object 20. The sensor(s) 42a-d
can be any sensor known in the art or hereafter developed, modified
in accord with the teachings of the invention, capable of
generating data about a characteristic of the object 20. The
sensors can be used alone or in combination according to the
teachings of this invention, and it is within the skill of the
ordinary artisan to select the particular sensor(s) to be included
within the measurement device 20 depending on the data to be
collected for a particular application, in light of the teachings
herein. By way of example, the sensors 42a-d can obtain kinetic
data that includes measurements about any one of, inter alia, the
object's 20 location, orientation, velocity, acceleration, and
rotation.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor(s) 42a-d can be any of
an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a magnetometer. By way of
non-limiting example, the measurement device 20 depicted in FIG. 2
includes each of an accelerometer 42a, a single-axis gyroscope 42b,
a dual-axis gyroscope 42c, and a triple-axis magnetometer 42d.
Generally, each of these components can be used to generate kinetic
data about the object to which the measurement device 20 is
attached. For example, the accelerometer 42a can generate data
concerning the linear acceleration of the measurement device 40. In
a preferred embodiment, the accelerometer 42a can generate data
concerning the acceleration of the measurement device 20 along
three orthogonal axes (i.e., along an x-, y-, and z-axis). The
ADXL335 manufactured by Analog Devices of Norwood, Massachusetts is
an example of a suitable three-dimensional accelerometer for use in
accord with the teachings of the invention.
[0053] The single- and dual-axis gyroscopes 42b, 42c can generate
data concerning the rotational motion of the measurement device 40.
The LY530AL manufactured by STMicroelectronics of Geneva,
Switzerland is an example of a suitable single-axis gyroscope for
use in accord with the teachings of the invention. The LPR530AL
manufactured by STMicroelectronics of Geneva, Switzerland is an
example of a suitable dual-axis gyroscope for use in accord with
the teachings of the invention.
[0054] The magnetometer 42d can generate data concerning the
orientation of the measurement device 42. In a preferred
embodiment, the magnetometer 42d is a triple-axis magnetometer that
generates data concerning the three-dimensional orientation of the
measurement device 40. The HMC5843 manufactured by Honeywell
International, Inc. of Plymouth, Minn. is an example of a suitable
triple-axis magnetometer for use in accord with the teachings of
the invention.
[0055] As depicted in FIG. 2, the exemplary measurement device 40
includes a communication module 46 that enables the transfer of
data generated by the sensors 42a-d to the portable digital data
processor 60. Although the communication module 46 can be
configured to allow for wired transmission of data (e.g. through a
cable connection, USB device, flash-drive, or otherwise) between
the measurement device 40 and the portable digital data processor
60, the measurement device 40 is preferably wirelessly connected to
the portable digital data processor 60 via a wireless communication
system arranged in known manners and utilizing known protocols to
effect remote communication therebetween, modified in accord with
the teachings herein.
[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the wireless communication module
46 is a Bluetooth SMD chip that enables remote communication with a
receiver that is configured to receive a Bluetooth signal. As will
be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other wireless
communication modules, either known in the art or developed
hereafter and modified according to the teachings herein, can be
used to establish wireless communication between the measurement
device 40 and the portable digital data processor 60. By way of
non-limiting example, the data may be transferred using WiFi,
radio, infrared communication, or otherwise.
[0057] As depicted in FIG. 2, the exemplary measurement device 40
also includes a controller 44 that controls or configures the
various components of the measurement device 40. The controller 44
can perform any number of functions, as will appreciated by a
person skilled in the art, depending on the particular application
for which the measurement device 40 is used. By way of example, the
controller 44 can configure the communication module 46 upon
initially powering up or upon reset of the measurement device 40.
The controller 44 can direct the communication module 46 to pair
with a first-detected portable digital data processor 60. This
first-detected portable digital data processor 60 can be recognized
by the controller 44 as the primary portable digital data
processor. The controller 44 can be configured to respond to
commands given by the primary portable digital data processor to
have the measurement device 40 perform any number of tasks such as,
inter alia, powering off, entering sleep mode, gathering and/or
transmitting data, controlling the transmission rate of data (e.g.,
100 Hi) and/or pairing with additional portable digital data
processors, as will be described in detail below.
[0058] The controller 44 can also process or control the processing
of data. For example, the generated data can be processed locally
to generate information related to a characteristic of the object
or can be transmitted to the digital data processor 60 for
analysis. For example, the controller 44 can compress the data
generated by the components of the measurement device 40 (e.g.,
kinetic data generated by sensors 42a-d) and/or perform some
initial analysis of the data to reduce the amount of data
transmitted by the communication module 46. By way of non-limiting
example, the controller 44 can determine if the data generated by
the magnetometer 42d appears faulty or distorted (as can occur when
the magnetometer 42d is located in proximity to an object that
alters the local magnetic field), and if so, prevent the
transmission of this data. The controller 44 can also command the
communication module 46 to transmit data only from selected sensors
(e.g., only the three readings from the accelerometer 42a). As will
be discussed in further detail below in regards to the processing
of data which can be performed by the portable digital processor
60, the controller 44 can also be programmed to process the data
generated by the sensors 42a-d to generate information about a
characteristic of the device. For example, the controller can
process the data substantially the same as, or even in place of the
portable digital data processor 60. Alternatively, the controller
can be configured to recognize, for example, the start of an action
of interest such that the communication module 46 will not transmit
data until the action is initiated. By way of example, the
controller 44 can be configured to recognize an "Ollie" such that
the communication module 46 only transmits data related to that
particular trick.
[0059] As depicted in FIG. 2, the measurement device 40 can also
include a power source 48. As will be appreciated by the skilled
artisan, any of a variety of power sources modified in accord with
the teachings herein can be used to provide power to the components
of the measurement device 40. Preferably, the power source is
rechargeable. For example, a LiPo battery can be integrated on the
IMU chip. Though not shown, the measurement device 40 can include a
socket into which a plug may be inserted to charge the power source
48. A cap can be used to cover the socket when the power source 48
is not being charged to keep out dirt and dust. Other methods of
charging a power source 48 are known and can be adapted to work in
concert with the teachings of this invention.
[0060] In order to extend the life of the power source 48, the
measurement device 40 can be configured to enter sleep mode during
non-use or inactivity. For example, the measurement device 40 can
enter sleep mode if the communication module 46 is unable to
connect to the portable digital data processor 60 for a
pre-determined time (e.g., five minutes). Sleep mode can also be
initiated, for example, by a prompt from a user (e.g., a command
generated by the portable digital data processor 60 and transmitted
to the measurement device 40 through the communication module 46)
or by physically pressing a switch coupled to the measurement
device 40. Additionally, the communication module 46 (e.g., a
Bluetooth SMD chip) can default to operate in low-power mode such
that the measurement device 40 conserves the power source. By way
of example, a wireless communication module 46 operating in
low-power mode can reduce the signal strength such that the
portable digital data processor 60 must be within a given distance
(e.g., 10 meters) of the measurement device 40 in order to
communicate.
[0061] The measurement device 40 can be configured to exit sleep
mode (i.e., activate) following a stimulus and/or prompt by the
user. Because the communication module 46 typically consumes the
most power, the measurement device 40 is preferably activated
without the communication module 46 having to be on to detect the
stimulus or prompt. By way of example, the measurement device 40
can be configured to activate when the accelerometer 42a generates
an interrupt in response to movement of the measurement device 40
and the object 20 to which it is attached. The interrupt could be
generated by the detection of any movement, or alternatively, by a
specific pattern of movement (e.g. three taps of the object 20 to
which the measurement device 40 is coupled). Alternatively, the
measurement device 40 can be activated by actuating a switch.
[0062] The measurement device 40 can also include an audio output
device or module that generates an audio output (e.g., a song
and/or sound or series of sounds), as will be discussed in detail
below.
[0063] Portable Digital Data Processor
[0064] Again referring to FIG. 1, the system 10 also includes a
portable digital data processor 60. As will be appreciated by a
person skilled in the art, the portable digital data processor 60
can be any of a variety of commercially available processors or
computers, modified in accord with the teachings herein, capable of
receiving data from the measurement device 40 and capable of
processing the data so as to generate information about a
characteristic of the object 20 to which the measurement device 40
is attached. By way of non-limiting example, any of a computer,
laptop, personal data assistant (PDA), or smart phone can be
configured according to the teachings herein.
[0065] The portable digital data processor 60 can process the data
about a characteristic of the object 20 to which the measurement
device is attached. The portable digital data processor 60 can
process the data, using known filters (e.g., high-pass, low-pass,
and Kalman filters), formulas, and/or algorithms hereafter
developed and modified according to the teachings herein, to
generate information about a characteristic of the object (e.g.,
kinetic and/or spatial information) and/or assign that
characteristic a rating (e.g., a tabulated score). For example,
because a particular action can be defined by a sequence of
transitions and overlaps between the values associated with
different sensors 42a-d, the portable digital data processor 60 can
identify the action (e.g., a specific trick) and assign a rating
relative to a pre-determined standard.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 1, the portable digital data processor 60
can include one or more modules for the receiving, transmitting,
processing, storage, generation and/or display of data and/or
information about the characteristic(s) of the object 20. The
portable digital data processor (e.g. mobile device) can also
include an audio output device or module that generates an audio
output (e.g., a song and/or a sound or series of sounds).
[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the portable digital data
processor 60 is a smart phone having a communication module capable
of receiving the wireless communication signals generated by the
measurement device 40. In this way, the smart phone can be held,
for example, in a skateboarder's pocket within transmission range
of the measurement device 40. Alternatively, the portable digital
data processor 60 can be stationary relative to the object 40. For
example, the portable digital data processor 60 can be a laptop
computer that is positioned in proximity to a ramp or jump on which
a characteristic of the skateboard will be determined.
Alternatively, the measurement device 40 can generate and store the
data such that the data can be transmitted to the portable digital
data processor 60 when the measurement device 40 is brought within
range of the portable digital data processor 60, or alternatively,
upon a command generated by the portable digital data processor 60
for the measurement device 40 to transmit the data.
[0068] The data generated by the measurement device 40 and
transmitted to the communication module of the portable digital
data processor 60 can be processed according to methods and
algorithms known by those skilled in the art modified according to
the teachings herein to obtain information about the object's 20
characteristic(s) of interest. The use of software, currently
available or hereafter developed and modified in accord with the
teachings herein, can be used to process the data generated by the
measurement device 40.
[0069] For example, kinetic data generated by the sensor(s) 42a-d
concerning the linear acceleration, rotational motion, and
orientation of the measurement device 40 can be transmitted from
the measurement device 40 to the portable digital data processor
60. The kinetic data received from the measurement device 40 can be
processed by the portable digital data processor 60 to generate
information about the object 20 to which the measurement device 40
is coupled. By way of non-limiting example, the portable digital
data processor 60 can process the kinetic data to determine
information relating to the motion, position, and/or orientation of
the object 20 ("kinetic information").
[0070] In one embodiment, the portable digital data processor 60
can include a data generation module capable of generating data
that can be used to generate additional information about a
characteristic of the object 20 and/or the circumstances in which
the characteristic was measured. By way of non-limiting example,
the data generation module can be a location sensor that generates
information about the physical location of the portable digital
data processor 60. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the
art, commercially available portable digital data processors can
include a location sensor (e.g., GPS) that generates position data
that can be processed according to the teachings herein. In this
way, the portable digital data processor 60 can correlate the data
received from the measurement device 40 and the data generated by
the location sensor to generate a record containing information
about the characteristic(s) of the object 20 and the location of
the object 20 at which the characteristic was determined. By way of
example, if the portable digital data processor 60 is carried in
the pocket of a skateboarder, the location sensor of the portable
digital data processor 60 can generate data that can be processed
to associate the location of the skateboarder (e.g., a particular
skate park and even a particular ramp/trick site) with the
characteristic(s) of interest.
[0071] In one embodiment, the data generation module of the
portable digital data processor 60 can help determine, for example,
the airtime and height associated with a jump. Byway of example,
the portable digital data processor 60 can analyze the data of the
data generation module capable of sensing vibrations caused by the
object rolling over the ground, and the reduction in vibrations
when the object is in the air) to determine characteristic
information of height and airtime.
[0072] The portable digital data processor 60 can also include a
multimedia capture module that allows the user of the portable
digital data processor 60 to capture or generate multimedia content
(e.g., text, images, video, and/or audio). As will be appreciated
by one of skill in the art, commercially available portable digital
data processors modified in accord with the teachings herein can
include, inter alia, a keypad, a camera, or a microphone capable of
generating multimedia content. Alternatively, the portable digital
data processor 60 can acquire the multimedia content via a built-in
or attached camera and/or via downloading from other
devices/systems (e.g., web sites, networked computers, hard drives,
memory sticks, DVD/CDs, and so forth). In this way, the portable
digital data processor 60 can generate a record which associates
and/or references multimedia content with other data and/or
information about the characteristic(s) of the object 20. By way of
non-limiting example, the portable digital data processor 60 can
associate the determined characteristic with any one of, inter
alia, a picture of a skateboard ramp, a video of a jump, or a song
that was played while performing a trick. The multimedia content
can be associated with a particular record automatically or, for
example, by a command from the user of the portable digital data
processor 60. In this way, if a skateboarder performs a trick over
a given ramp and the portable digital data processor 60 has
generated kinetic information regarding this trick (i.e., a
characteristic of interest), the portable digital data processor
can capture multimedia (e.g., text regarding the jump or a picture
of the ramp) and associate it with the characteristic of
interest.
[0073] The portable digital data processor 60 can be configured to
store the data, information, and/or record in a central store
module which is based on database management, content management or
other data storage technology known in the art, as adapted in
accord with the teachings hereof. In this way, the user of the
portable digital data processor 60 can access information related
to a particular characteristic of interest and its associated
content by referencing a particular record maintained within the
central store.
[0074] In one embodiment, the portable digital data processor 60
includes an audio output module that generates audio output, e.g.,
a song selected by the user, a pre-recorded sound, a synthesized
sound, or otherwise. This may be activated by the user and its
volume, duration or other characteristics controlled by way of a
switch (not shown) or otherwise. Alternatively, or in addition, the
audio output can be a sound or series of sounds generated in
response to the data received by the portable digital data
processor 60 from the measurement device 40 regarding a
characteristic of the object 20. For instance, as the object
obtains a certain characteristic (e.g., a pre-determined speed,
height, etc.), the portable digital data processor 60 can control
the audio output device to generate a sound or series of sounds to
alert the user as to the attainment of the characteristic(s). For
example, while performing an "ollie," the measurement device can
generate data regarding the motion of the skateboard such that, for
example, the audio output device generates a loud crashing noise
when the skateboarder kicks down on the back edge of the
skateboard. By way of another non-limiting example, the audio
output device can generate a "whirling" sound when the object 20 is
being spun. A user (e.g., skateboarder) can thus be alerted, for
example, that the user has obtained a certain objective (e.g.,
reached a new personal best for the characteristic(s) of interest,
successfully completed a trick, etc.).
[0075] In another exemplary embodiment, the audio output device can
generate an audio output (e.g., a song with a given rhythm) that is
manipulated based on the characteristic(s) of the object 20. By way
of non-limiting example, the playback of the song can be sped up or
slowed down in response to the speeding up or slowing down,
respectively, of the object 20. An increase in height (e.g., a
jump), for example, of the object 20 can amplify the high tones of
the audio output, while a decrease in height (e.g., a landing) can
amplify the low tones. Variations in the audio output can also
prompt the user (e.g., skateboarder), for example, to perform a
certain task (e.g., speed up) or alert the user to attempt a new
action. In this way, the portable digital data processor 60 can be
used as a learning tool. In reference to a certain action desired
to be performed by an object, for example, the audio output device
can generate audio output (e.g., a signal) to alert the user to
perform a sequence of actions, or perform the next in a sequence of
actions, in order to attain the desired characteristic(s).
[0076] In addition to, or in the alternative to, outputting the
audio output in real-time, the portable digital data processor 60'
can associate an audio signal with a record. Subsequently accessing
the record of a particular characteristic can access associated
audio content such that the display and/or replay of the action of
interest can provide the associated audio content.
[0077] In one embodiment, the portable digital data processor 60
can include a module that functions as a display interface 62e. The
display interface 62e is configured to display information
regarding a characteristic of the object and/or content associated
therewith. The display interfaces 62e can include "widgets,"
"wizards," dedicated applications and other special-purpose
programs that can be executed by users of the portable digital data
processor 60. The display interface 62e can be integrated within
the portable digital data processor 60 (e.g., an LCD screen on a
smartphone), or alternatively, can comprise a separate display
device in communication with the portable digital data processor
60. Operationally, the portable digital data processor 60 can
process the data and/or information relating to the
characteristic(s) of the object 20 to provide, for example, tables,
graphs, scores, virtual images (or a series of images), video,
plots, or other graphic or textual representations of the
characteristic(s) of the object 20 to the display interface 62e.
The display interface 62e can be configured to allow the user of
the portable digital data processor 60 to interact with (e.g., view
and manipulate) the display interface 62e and/or associate
additional content or information with the record from which the
display was derived.
[0078] Exemplary display interfaces are depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B. As
shown in FIG. 3A, the display interface 62e is configured to
display data and/or information generated by the measurement device
40 in accord with the teachings herein and one or more prompts 64
that allow the user of the portable digital data processor to
manipulate the display (e.g., erase, save and/or associate the
display with a record, associate the display with a note or
picture). The display interface 62e depicts a graphical
representation of the flight path of two "ollies" 66, 68 that were
performed by a skateboarder using the methods and system 10
described above. That is, kinetic data related to the movement of
the skateboard 20 with the measurement device 40 attached thereto
can be generated and transmitted to the portable digital data
processor 60. The kinetic data related to each of the "ollies" 64a,
64b can be analyzed by the digital data processor 60 to generate
kinetic information related to the motion of the skateboard. The
kinetic information can be further processed by the portable
digital data processor to generate the kinetic interface display
62e. Although the graphical display interface 62e shown in FIG. 3A
depicts a line plot of a particular characteristic (e.g., the
representation of two "ollies" Ma, 64b showing a flight path,
height, and distance of the object 20), one skilled in the art will
appreciate that the data generated by the measurement device 40 can
be manipulated according to known methods and processes, modified
in accord with the teachings herein, to generate any variety of
graphical displays.
[0079] The portable digital data processor 60 can be configured to
access a database of "ideal" actions (e.g. by professionals) such
that the user of the portable digital data processor 60 can compare
the determined characteristic(s) to a pre-determined standard. As
shown in FIG. 3A, the portable digital data processor 60 displays
an "ideal ollie" 64c, for example, one performed by a famous
skateboarder such that user can visually compare the measured
characteristics with that of another skateboarder. In this way, the
system 10' can serve as an interactive teaching tool to help the
user improve the characteristic(s) of interest.
[0080] For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the display interface 62e
can display the two measured "ollies" 64a, 64b and the "ideal
ollie" 64c in table form. The display interface 62e can be
populated with information from one or more records, for example,
the identification of the object 20 (e.g., the user of the object
20), the characteristics of interest (e.g., height 66, distance 68,
and a tabulated score 70) associated with the one or more records
(e.g., ollies 64a', 64b', 64c'), and other associated information
(e.g., the ramp on which the trick was performed, the date on which
the trick was performed).
[0081] The display interface 62e can also be configured to display
multimedia content associated with a record and/or, for example, a
virtual representation of the object 20 during the action in which
the characteristic is determined. Thus, the display interface 62e
can display, for example, a photograph or video of the particular
trick or motion being performed. Alternatively or in addition, the
display interface can depict a virtual snapshot or video of the
object 20 as it performs, for example, a particular motion or
trick. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, the virtual
representation of the kinetic information can be generated by the
portable digital data processor 60 in accord with known methods and
algorithms, adapted in view of the teachings herein.
[0082] By way of non-limiting example, software can be used to
render a full virtual display of an object 20 in three-dimensions
based on the data generated by the measurement device 40. The
display interface 62e can be configured such that the virtual
display of the object 20 can be repositioned in virtual space (e.g.
rotated) by user interaction. In one embodiment, the user of the
primary digital data processor 60 can control the frame rate and
virtual camera angle of the virtual display of the object 20 such
that the user can view the object 20 as it performed a particular
action to see, for example, how the object 20 moved over time.
Panda--3D, an open source three-dimensional game engine is an
example of suitable software for use in accord with the teachings
herein. Further, if the physical location at which the action was
performed is known, software could be used to model the physical
space such that the virtual display of the can be overlaid in a
virtual space representative of the physical space.
[0083] of the trick is known, it is possible to model the physical
space as well so that the virtual board can be seen moving in the
virtual world in a way that exactly mirrors how the real skateboard
moved through the real world. It is possible to overlay two or more
iterations of the trick to make it easy to see variation. Such
information is useful to knowing what was done wrong.
[0084] System 10'
[0085] FIG. 4 depicts a system 10' according to another exemplary
embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 and the discussion below are
intended to overview an example of the architecture with which the
invention is practiced, other configurations of which fall within
the scope thereof. The system 10' of FIG. 4 is similar to the
system 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-2 in that the system 10' includes a
primary measurement device 40a' coupled to a primary object 20a'
and in communication with a primary digital data processor 60a'.
The system 10' can additionally include a central store 82' and/or
one or more nodes 84'-92' in communication with the primary digital
data processor 10' through a central server 80'. The central server
80' can be in communication with the central store 82' and the one
or more nodes 84'-92' via a network 94'. The system 10' can allow
for the transmission and exchange of content between any of the
primary digital data processor 10', the central store 82', the
nodes 84'-92', and any other device modified in accord with the
teachings herein which can communicate with the system 10'. For
example, the system 10' can include a secondary measurement device
40b' coupled to a secondary object 20b' and in communication with a
secondary digital data processor 60b'. System 10' can also include
an audio output device, as discussed above, associated with one or
more of the nodes 84'-92. Alternatively, or in addition, the system
10' can include a dedicated audio output device 96'.
[0086] As discussed above in reference to system 10, the content
handled by the system 10' can include data generated by the primary
and/or secondary measurement device 40a', 40b', information about a
characteristic of the primary and/or secondary object 20a',
associated information (e.g., identification of the primary object
20a' or its user, information about the circumstances under which
the characteristic was determined such as the location and date),
and multimedia content such as images, video, and audio data. The
system 10' can also be configures to handle content such as text
data, notifications, advertisements, events, and other information
that can be distributed to the primary and secondary portable
digital data processors 60a', 60b' and any of the other nodes
84'-92'.
[0087] As discussed above in reference to the digital data
processor 60 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the primary digital data processor
60a' can generate information about a characteristic of an object
20a' from data generated by a measurement device 40a' coupled to
that object 20a'. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the data
generated by the primary measurement device 20a' and/or the primary
processor 60a' can be processed locally or transmitted to the
central server 80' for analysis. The primary digital data processor
60a' can be configured to communicate data and/or information about
a characteristic of the object 20a' or other content with the
secondary portable digital data processor 60b' and the nodes
84'-92' directly and/or through the server 80'. Information can be
acquired by the nodes 84'-92 in various ways as will be appreciated
by a person skilled in the art. Thus, by way of non-limiting
example, (a) the primary digital data processor 60a' can acquire
kinetic data regarding the motion and orientation of the object
20a'; (b) process that data to generate kinetic information about
the movement of the object 20a'; (c) display the kinetic
information in the form of a kinetic display (e.g., in the form of
graphs, tables, scores, a virtual representation or video) on a
display module of the primary digital data processor 60a'; (d)
associate the kinetic information with multimedia content (e.g., an
image, video, or audio clip); and/or (e) transmit the kinetic data,
kinetic information, kinetic display, and/or multimedia content to
the secondary digital data processor and/or nodes 84'-92' directly
and/or through a central server 80'.
[0088] As depicted in FIG. 4, the secondary portable digital data
processor 60b' can also be in communication with a second
measurement device 40b' that is attached to a secondary object
20b'. The secondary portable digital data processor 60b' can be
configured substantially the same as the primary portable digital
data processor 60a'. That is, the secondary digital data processor
60b' can receive the data generated by the secondary measurement
device 40b', process the data to obtain information about the
secondary object's 20b' characteristic(s) of interest, display the
information, and/or transmit the information to the server 80'.
Additionally, the primary and secondary portable digital data
processors 60a', 60b' can be configured to be in communication with
one another such that information regarding the characteristic(s)
of their respective objects 20a', 20b' can be shared directly
between the portable digital data processors 60a', 60b'.
[0089] The secondary portable digital data processor 60b' can also
be configured to communicate with the primary measurement device
20a'. That is, the secondary portable digital data processor 60b'
can receive the data generated by the primary measurement device
20a', process the data to obtain information about the primary
object's 20a' characteristic(s) of interest, and display the
information, as discussed in detail above. The secondary portable
digital data processor 60b' can be configured, for example, to
automatically communicate with the primary measurement device 20a',
or can communicate with the primary measurement device 20a' only
upon being granted permission by the primary portable digital data
processor 60a'. In this way, the primary and secondary portable
digital data processors 60a', 60b' can each transmit and/or receive
information regarding the object's 20a' characteristic(s) of
interest, as well as any associated content, and process that
information as discussed herein. Similarly, the primary portable
digital data processor 60a' can be configured to communicate with
the secondary measurement device 20b'.
[0090] Additionally, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary
skill in the art, both the primary portable digital data processor
60a' and the secondary portable digital data processor 60b' can be
considered nodes (as otherwise used herein) in that the portable
digital data processors 60a', 60b' can also be configured to
communicate with the server 80'.
[0091] The illustrated server 80' can aggregate, process, and/or
serve data and/or information generated by one or more measurement
devices 20a', 20b' and processed by one or more digital data
processors 60a', 60b' to and/or from one or more of the nodes
84'-92'. Although the nodes 84'-92' are depicted as connected to a
single server 80', it will be appreciated that the invention can be
practiced with fewer or more servers, as well as without any
servers. The server 80' can comprise one or more personal
computers, workstations, or other digital data processing devices
of the type commercially available in the marketplace as adapted in
accord with the teachings herein. A plurality of servers 80' can be
coupled for communications with one another over a network 94', may
be collocated, distributed or otherwise.
[0092] The server 80' can also process the information and
associated content, e.g., for transmission to the nodes 84'-92'.
This can include generating thumbnails and/or optimized versions of
the records for display or other presentation on the nodes. The
server 80' can also aggregate a record with supplementary
information provided by a transmitting node (e.g., the primary
portable digital data processor 60a') or from other nodes 84'-92'.
Supplementary information can include, by way of non-limiting
example, comments from the users of one of nodes 84'-92, additional
multimedia submitted by the users of nodes 84'-92', and/or
communication or queries from the users of nodes 84'-92'.
Processing by the server 80' can further include tagging the
records, for example, in accord with the supplementary information
and/or in accord with designations made by a node user. In some
embodiments, tagging can also be based on record content (as
determined, for example, by the location at which the
characteristic was determined). In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 4B, tagging allows categorization of the records into sets
defined by one or more of the node users.
[0093] The server 80' can store the aforementioned record and other
associated information in a central store 82' (e.g., database)
based on database management, content management or other data
storage technology known in the art, as adapted in accord with the
teachings hereof. The central store S2' can contain one or more
records and/or other database structures storing or otherwise
reflecting, for each record its related information--e.g., the
user, information about the characteristic, the location at which
the characteristic, was determined, multimedia content associated
with the record, etc. By way of example, the central store 82'
depicted in FIG. 4 can store information in each record related to
the skater, identification of a trick, the location at which the
trick was performed, the height of the object trick, average speed,
number of rotations, a tabulated score, and any of an associated
image, video, and/or comments. In other embodiments, other
information may be contained in the central store 82', instead or
in addition.
[0094] Network 94' can provide communications coupling between the
server 80', the portable digital data processors 60a', 60b', and/or
the nodes 84'-92'. The network 94' can include one or more cellular
networks, one or more Internets, metropolitan area networks (MANs),
wide area networks (WANs), local area networks, personal area
networks (PANs) and other networks, wired, wireless,
terrestrially-based, satellite-based, or otherwise, known in the
art suitable for transport of digital content, data and commands in
accord with the teachings hereof.
[0095] Generally, the nodes 84'-92' comprise electronic devices or
systems that (i) can communicate with the primary digital data
processor 60a', (ii) can communicate with one another and/or with
the server 80', and/or (iii) display, acquire, and/or provide
information regarding the characteristic(s) of the primary object
20a' and/or one or more other secondary objects 20b' and/or
additional content. The nodes 84'-92' comprise, by way of
non-limiting example, smart phones, mobile phones, personal digital
assistants (PDAs), personal computers, real-time displays,
third-party servers or server systems, all of the type commercially
available in the marketplace as adapted in accord with the
teachings herein. It will be appreciated that while individual
examples of such electronic devices are shown in the illustrated
embodiment, other embodiments can incorporate less, more, or
different devices. Although the particular nodes are depicted as a
smartphone 84', a third-party server 86', a computer 88', a
multimedia content display 90', and a real-time display 92', it
will be appreciated that other devices may be used in practice of
the invention described herein, instead of or in addition to those
shown in FIG. 4. It should be further appreciated that the methods
of operation and/or manners of interaction discussed below in
connection with FIG. 4 may apply to other devices and/or
configurations as well. For example, although two portable digital
data processors 60a', 60b' and a plurality of nodes 84'-92' are
shown in the drawing, it will be appreciated that the invention can
be practiced with more or fewer digital data processors in
communication with more or fewer measurement devices, and more or
fewer nodes which can also function as digital data processors.
[0096] Each of the nodes 84'-92' can include a display interface as
discussed above in reference to the display interface 62e of the
portable digital data processor 60 of FIGS. 1 and 2. As will be
appreciated by the skilled artisan, the display interface of nodes
84'-92' can be configured to be an interactive interface and can
display information about the characteristic(s) of interest and/or
associated information and content. The interfaces can also depict
the information and content on-demand, and can allow the users of
the portable digital data processor 60a', 60b' or the nodes
84'-92', for example, to display information, content, and/or
records received from the central server 80'. Indeed, by way of
non-limiting example, one or more of the nodes 84'-92' can be
dedicated display interfaces.
[0097] The nodes 84'-92' can be configured to acquire record
information and/or provide content. By way of example, the users of
nodes 84-92' can associate supplementary information (e.g.,
comments, pictures, video, etc.) with a record generated by the
user of the primary digital data processor 60a'. Access to records
generated by other nodes 84'-92' can be a function of permissions
and preferences. Particularly, server 80' can transmit to (or
otherwise permit display on) the nodes 84'-92' only those records
to which the particular node has permission (e.g., by way of
hardware and/or user authentication). Such permissions may be
granted, for example, by default, as a consequence of payment of a
service fee, activation of a user account, action of a node user,
e.g., via a user interface of the type described herein, action of
an administrator, e.g., using a web site or other interface to the
server 80', and so forth.
[0098] Records received by the nodes 84'-92' from server 80' may be
presented to the respective users of those nodes, for example,
depending on display preferences set for those devices 84'-92',
e.g., by default, user action or otherwise. Thus, for example, the
node 92' (the "real-time display") can be configured to present the
records in tabular form while another node 90' (the "multimedia
display") can be configured to display multimedia content
associated with the records. For example, if one or more
measurement deVices were being used at a skateboarding competition,
the multimedia display 90' can be configured to display images,
video, and/or virtual representations of the skateboard and
skateboarders performing tricks, and the real-time display 92' can
be configured to display the results of the competition, as
determined by a data processor analyzing the data generated by one
or more measurement devices coupled to the competitors' boards.
[0099] As discussed above with reference to the system of FIGS.
1-2, one or more of the nodes 84'-92' and/or one or more of the
portable digital data processors 60a', 60b' can include an audio
output device. As shown in FIG. 4, the primary digital data
processor 60a' includes a primary audio output device 96' coupled
thereto. As will be appreciated by the person of ordinary skill in
the art, the primary audio output device 96' can be integrated
within the primary portable digital data processor 60a' in accord
with the teachings herein and/or can be an external module (e.g. a
speaker) physically or wirelessly coupled to the primary portable
digital data processor 60a'. The primary digital data processor
60a' can control the primary audio output device 96' to generate
audio output and/or manipulate the audio output in response to the
determined characteristic(s) of the primary object 20a', as
discussed above.
[0100] The system 10' can also include one or more secondary audio
output devices 98' associated therewith. As shown in FIG. 4, the
secondary audio output device 98' can be a dedicated audio output
device (e.g., a speaker) that can generate audio output in response
to the characteristic(s) of interest transmitted through the
central server 80'. One or more secondary audio output devices can
also be associated with the nodes 84'-92'. Though not shown, an
audio output device can be associated with the multimedia display
90', for example, such that the multimedia display 90' can display
images (e.g., the action of the primary object 20a') as well as
audio. The audio can be generated and/or manipulated, for example,
by the action of a user and/or based on the determined
characteristic(s) of the object, as discussed above. In this way,
the characteristic(s) of the object can be associated with a sound
and/or song such that displaying of a photo, video, and/or virtual
representation of the object 20a' performing the action can also
"display" the associated audio output. Thus, a producer of a movie,
for example, need not manually overlay particular music given
action in the movie. Rather, the action of the object itself can
control the associated audio output.
[0101] The third-party server 86' can allow users to access
information regarding the characteristic(s) of one or more objects
20a', 20b' and other associated information and/or content. The
third-party server 86' can comprise, for example, a website and/or
other repository of information. The third-party server 86' can
communicate with the server 80', transmit information about a
characteristic of one or more object 20a', 20b', provide images and
other multimedia content to the central server 80' automatically
(on action of the third-party server 86'), at the request of the
server 80', and/or at the request or behest of a user of the
third-party server 86'.
[0102] Communication between the nodes 84'-92' and the one or more
portable digital data processors 60a', 60b' enables a variety of
competitions and interaction between the users of the system 10'.
By way of example, FIG. 5 depicts the user interface 62e' for an
exemplary competition between two or more users of the system 10';
an explanation of which will aid in an understanding of the
operation of the systems and methods described herein.
[0103] The user of a first portable digital data processor 60a' can
communicate to the central server 80' an invitation to other users
in the system 10' to a competition. The invitation can be targeted
to a specific user, or can be communicated generally to any user.
The user of a second digital data processor 60b' can be alerted by
the central server 80' via e-mail, text, or otherwise as described
herein, and can communicate his acceptance through the central
server 80'. Accordingly, the user of the first portable digital
data processor 60a' and the user of a second digital data processor
60b' can initiate a competition. Other users of the system 10'
(e.g., node 84') can observe the competition as a spectator through
the central server 80'.
[0104] As depicted in FIG. 5, each of the portable digital data
processors 60a', 60b' can generate a display interface 62e'
displaying actions to be performed and the associated
characteristic(s) of interest. The user of the primary portable
digital data processors 60a' can then perform the listed actions,
in proximity or remote to the other user, such that the measurement
device 40a' coupled to the object 20a' generates data regarding the
characteristic(s) of interest. The primary digital data processor
60a' can receive the data generated by the primary measurement
device 40a' and process the data locally (or alternatively transmit
the data to the central server 80' for processing). Processing of
the data can generate information about the characteristic(s) of
interest of the primary object 20a' (e.g. height and speed) and can
calculate a rating 64 (e.g., score) for the characteristic(s) of
interest. The central server 80' can be configured to receive the
information from the primary digital data processor 60a' and can be
configured to transmit the information to the secondary digital
data processor 60b' for display on the display interface of the
secondary digital data processor 60b'.
[0105] Similarly, the user of the secondary digital data processor
60b' can perform the listed actions such that measurement device
40b' generates data regarding the characteristic(s) of interest.
The secondary digital data processor 60b' can receive the data
generated by the secondary measurement device 40b' and can process
the data locally (or alternatively transmit the data to the central
server 80' for processing). Processing of the data can generate
information about the characteristic(s) of interest of the
secondary object 20b' (e.g. height and speed) and can calculate a
rating 66 (e.g., score) for the characteristic(s) of interest. The
central server 80' can be configured to receive the information
from the secondary digital data processor 60b' and can be
configured to transmit the information to the primary digital data
processor 60a' for display on the display interface of the primary
digital data processor 60a'. After the list of actions has been
performed, a winner can be determined, for example, according to
the highest total score.
[0106] In one embodiment, the primary digital data processor 60a'
and display interface 62e' can be configured to allow for the
playing of a single- or multi-player game. The display interface
62e' be a part of a "widget," "wizard," dedicated application or
other special-purpose program that can be executed by a user of the
portable digital data processor 60a'. Operationally, the primary
portable digital data processor 60a' can process the data and/or
information relating to the characteristic(s) of the objects 20a',
20b' to provide, for example, tables, graphs, scores, virtual
images (or a series of images), video, plots, or other graphic or
textual representations of the characteristic(s) of the object
20a', 20b' to the display interface 62e'. The display interface
62e' can be configured to allow the user of the portable digital
data processor 60a' to interact with (e.g., view, manipulate,
control) the display interface 62e'.
[0107] In a single player format, for example, the user of the
primary digital data processor 60a' can prompt the display
interface 62e' to generate a trick or a sequence of tricks to be
performed by the user of the primary object 20a'. The trick or
sequence of tricks can be, for example, selected by the user,
inputted by the user, or generated by the primary digital data
processor 60a' or display interface 62e' based on an input from the
user (e.g., by shaking the primary portable digital device 60a' to
have the display interface 62e' display a new trick to be
performed). The primary digital data processor 60a' can command the
primary measurement device 40a' to monitor for this particular
trick or sequence of tricks. As discussed above, the primary
digital data processor 60a' can determine by way of the data
generated by the measurement device 40a' if the trick or sequence
of tricks were successfully completed. Alternatively, or in
addition, the primary digital data processor 60a' can receive
information regarding the successful completion of the trick
through the display interface 62e' by way of input from the user of
the primary digital data processor 60a' (e.g., by the trick's
performer or an observer). Alternatively, the primary digital data
processor 60a' can receive information regarding the successful
completion of the trick by way of input from a user without
receiving, generating, and/or processing data from the measurement
device 40a'. In one embodiment, the primary digital data processor
60a' can receive input regarding the successful completion of the
trick by way of input of a third-party user of a secondary digital
data processor 60b' connected (e.g., directly, wirelessly, through
the central server 80', or otherwise) to the primary digital data
processor 60a'. The results (e.g., the successful or unsuccessful
completion and characteristic(s) related to the action of interest)
can be displayed on the user interface 62e' as discussed
herein.
[0108] In a multi-player format, for example, the primary digital
data processor 60a' can also be in wireless communication with a
second measurement device 40b' that is attached to a secondary
object 20b'. The primary digital data processor 60a' can thus
receive data generated by both the primary and secondary
measurement devices 40a', 40b', process the data to obtain
information about the primary and secondary object's 20a', 20b'
characteristic(s) of interest, display, and/or compare the
information. By way of example, the primary digital data processor
60a' can prompt the display interface 62e' to generate a trick or a
sequence of tricks to be performed by the users of the object 20a',
20b'. As discussed herein, the users of the objects 20a', 20b' can
then attempt to perform the listed actions, such that the
measurement devices 40a', 40b' generate data regarding the
characteristic(s)/action(s) of interest. The primary digital data
processor 60a' can receive the data generated by the primary and
secondary measurement devices 40a', 40b' for the tricks or sequence
of tricks and process the data locally (or alternatively transmit
the data to the central server 80' for processing). Processing of
the data can generate information about the characteristic(s) of
interest of the objects 20a', 20b' (e.g. successful completion of a
trick, height, speed) and/or can calculate a rating (e.g., score)
for each trick that can be displayed on the display interface 62e'
of the primary digital data processor 60a', as depicted in FIG. 5.
As discussed above, the primary digital data processor 60a' can
receive information regarding the successful completion of the
trick by way of input from a user of the primary digital data
processor 60a' or from a third-party user of a secondary digital
data processor. The results (e.g., the successful or unsuccessful
completion and characteristic(s) related to the action of interest)
can be displayed on the user interface 62e' as discussed herein and
as depicted in FIG. 5, for example. After the list of actions has
been performed, a winner can be determined, for example, according
to the highest total score or the successful completion of the most
tricks.
[0109] In an alternative embodiment, the user of a secondary
portable digital data processor 60b' can access previous records
from the central server 80'. The user of the secondary portable
digital data processor can send the owner of the object which
generated a particular record a notification alerting the owner
that the user of the secondary portable digital data processor 60b'
will attempt to surpass the characteristic associated with the
particular record. Performing the steps described herein for
generating, processing, and transmitting data, the secondary
digital data processor 60b' can determine the characteristic(s) of
interest and transmit the information to the central server 80'.
Accordingly, users of the system 10' can serially attempt to best
the characteristic(s) of interest.
[0110] A further understanding of the invention can be attained
with reference to the appendix attached hereto. An appreciation of
embodiments of the invention may be attained by reference to
incorporated-by-reference, co-pending, commonly assigned U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______, filed this same day herewith,
entitled "Devices, Systems, And Methods for Games, Sports,
Entertainment And Other Activities Of Engagement," as well as to
incorporated-by-reference, co-pending, commonly assigned U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______, filed this same day herewith,
entitled "Digital Data Processing Systems And Methods For
Skateboarding And Other Activities Of Motion," the teachings of
both which are incorporated herein by reference and copies of both
of which are attached as an appendix hereto.
[0111] Described above are methods and system meeting the objects
and goals set therefor. Those skilled in the art will appreciate
that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described in the
accompanying text are merely examples and that other embodiments,
incorporating modifications and changes therein and including
combinations of foregoing embodiments, fall within the scope of the
invention.
[0112] Thus, by way of non-limiting example, it will be appreciated
that the steps depicted in the figures may be performed in any
suitable order, the ordinal numbering of those steps therein
notwithstanding, as it is provided only for explicative purposes.
The use of known data processing techniques, known hardware
configurations, and known programming constructs, including
web-related programming, known data storage or database principles,
are contemplated herein to effect the novel methods and systems
disclosed herein. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not
be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, but that
the invention includes all embodiments falling within the scope of
the appended claims.
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