U.S. patent application number 13/413108 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-04 for sensor activated ball and sport accessory with computer functionalities.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ariel BEN EZRA. Invention is credited to Ariel BEN EZRA.
Application Number | 20130167290 13/413108 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48693642 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130167290 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BEN EZRA; Ariel |
July 4, 2013 |
SENSOR ACTIVATED BALL AND SPORT ACCESSORY WITH COMPUTER
FUNCTIONALITIES
Abstract
A ball or sport accessory allows players to interact using a
variety of computing functions; combines one or more sensors,
displays, cameras, projectors, memory, hardware, processors or
other components capable of providing computer functionality;
allows users to record and share images and video, to receive live
directions from coaches or other players, to understand or correct
mistakes by replaying videos instantaneously, or to undertake other
computing activity without the need of additional devices; allows
users to listen to music or to watch two or three dimensional movie
or television files; and/or functions as a cell phone. The ball or
sport accessory may allow users to play video games, view
holograms, project images or videos, and download websites and/or
third party applications. The sport accessory may determine whether
the user has sustained an impact that may cause a concussion, or
whether the user may suffer a sunstroke.
Inventors: |
BEN EZRA; Ariel; (New York,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BEN EZRA; Ariel |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48693642 |
Appl. No.: |
13/413108 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61581898 |
Dec 30, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/425 ;
473/570 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/10 20130101;
A63B 2220/806 20130101; A42B 3/046 20130101; A63B 43/00 20130101;
A63B 59/00 20130101; A63B 2220/40 20130101; A63B 60/46 20151001;
A63B 2225/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/425 ;
473/570 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/10 20060101
A63B071/10; A63B 43/00 20060101 A63B043/00 |
Claims
1. A ball for use in sport activities comprising: a ball skin
having an outer surface and an inner volume; a display that is
attached to the ball skin; at least one sensor located on at least
one of the outer surface of the ball skin and the display; and
electronic components located within the inner volume of the ball
skin; wherein the display is activated by the sensor, and wherein
the ball provides computer functionality.
2. The ball of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is at least
one of a touch sensor, sound sensor, light sensor, image sensor,
and heat sensor.
3. The ball of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a
camera, a projector, a speaker, and a microphone that is activated
by the at least one sensor.
4. The ball of claim 1, wherein the display is composed of flexible
materials.
5. The ball of claim 4, wherein the flexible materials include at
least one of an OLED material, an AMOLED material, and a PMOLED
material.
6. The ball of claim 1, wherein the display is a touchscreen that
allows the display of at least one of an image, a video, an email,
an article, a web page, a touchscreen keyboard, a menu, an
interactive panel and a social networking page.
7. The ball of claim 1, wherein the electronic components include
at least one of a processor, a memory, a power supply, an
accelometer, a gyroscope, a Wi-Fi chip, a Wi-Fi antenna, an USB
dock, a power supply, a speaker controller chip, a touchscreen
controller chip, a camera sensor chip and lens, a projector sensor
chip and lens, a microphone, a holographic image sensor, a
Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, a video recorder, a projector,
a fan, and a cooling pad.
8. The ball of claim 1, wherein the electronic components include
software instructions for executing at least one of music players,
web browsers, e-mail access, text messaging, onscreen keyboards,
voice dialing, Bluetooth capabilities, character recognition,
synchronization of multiple email accounts, synchronization of
desktop or laptop computers or other devices, voice recording, GPS,
Microsoft Office (MS) compatible applications, social networking
functionality, multi-player connectivity, multi-application
execution capability, software applications, Wi-Fi, 2G/3G/4G
connectivity, menus allowing the navigation of different
applications, multimedia applications, digital camera access
applications, Internet television display, Internet radio, touch
holograms and kinetic technology.
9. A sport accessory for use in sport activities comprising: a
shell having an outer surface and an inner area; a display that is
attached to the shell; at least one sensor that is located on at
least one of the outer surface of the shell and the display;
electronic components located within the inner area of the shell;
wherein the display is activated by the sensor and wherein the
sport accessory provides computer functionality.
10. The sport accessory of claim 9, wherein the at least one sensor
is at least one of a touch sensor, sound sensor, light sensor,
image sensor, and heat sensor.
11. The sport accessory of claim 9, further comprising at least one
of a camera, a projector, a speaker, and a microphone that is
activated by the at least one sensor.
12. The sport accessory of claim 9, wherein the display is composed
of flexible materials.
13. The sport accessory of claim 9, wherein the flexible materials
include at least one of an OLED material, an AMOLED material, and a
PMOLED material.
14. The sport accessory of claim 9, wherein the display is a
touchscreen that allows the display of at least one of an image, a
video, an email, an article, a web page, a touchscreen keyboard, a
menu, an interactive panel and a social networking page.
15. The sport accessory of claim 9, wherein the electronic
components include at least one of a processor, a memory, a power
supply, an accelometer, a gyroscope, a Wi-Fi chip, a Wi-Fi antenna,
an USB dock, a power supply, a speaker controller chip, a
touchscreen controller chip, a camera sensor chip and lens, a
projector sensor chip and lens, a microphone, a holographic image
sensor, a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, a video recorder, a
projector, a fan, and a cooling pad.
16. The sport accessory of claim 9, wherein the electronic
components include software instructions for executing at least one
of music players, web browsers, e-mail access, text messaging,
onscreen keyboards, voice dialing, Bluetooth capabilities,
character recognition, synchronization of multiple email accounts,
synchronization of desktop or laptop computers or other devices,
voice recording, GPS, Microsoft Office (MS) compatible
applications, social networking functionality, multi-player
connectivity, multi-application execution capability, software
applications, Wi-Fi, 2G/3G/4G connectivity, menus allowing the
navigation of different applications, multimedia applications,
digital camera access applications, Internet television display,
Internet radio, touch holograms and kinetic technology.
17. The sport accessory according to claim 11, further comprising:
at least one pressure sensor that measures a force exerted on the
sport accessory and transmits the force to the electronic
components, wherein the sport accessory is a helmet, and the
electronic components determine whether the force exerted on the
helmet caused a concussion.
18. The sport accessory according to claim 17, wherein the
electronic components store information about a person wearing the
helmet that includes at least one of the person's weight, height
age, blood pressure, pulse rate, allergies, medical history of past
concussion, and medical history of hypertension, and wherein the
electronic components use at least one of the force and the stored
information to determine whether a potential concussion has
occurred.
19. The sport accessory according to claim 17, wherein if the
electronic components determine that a potential concussion has
occurred, the electronic components transmit an alert to at least
one of an outside party and the person wearing the helmet.
20. The sport accessory according to claim 19, wherein the sport
accessory further comprises: at least one of a microphone, speaker
and headset providing for communication between the person and the
outside party.
21. The sport accessory according to claim 18, wherein the helmet
communicates wirelessly with at least one health monitor device, at
least one of the health monitors senses the person's vital signs
and transmits them to the helmet, and the electronic components
determine whether the person is in danger of suffering a
sunstroke.
22. The sport accessory according to claim 21, wherein if the
electronic components determine that the person is in danger of
suffering a sunstroke or has suffered a sunstroke, the electronic
components alert at least one of an outside party and the person
wearing the helmet.
23. The sport accessory according to claim 11, wherein the sports
accessory is a helmet that communicates wirelessly with at least
one health monitor device, at least one of the health monitors
senses vital signs of a person wearing the helmet and transmits the
vital signs to the helmet, and the electronic components determine
whether the person is in danger of suffering a sunstroke.
24. The sport accessory according to claim 23, wherein if the
electronic components determine that the person is in danger of
suffering a sunstroke or has suffered a sunstroke, the electronic
components transmit an alert to at least one of an outside party
and the person wearing the helmet.
25. The sport accessory according to claim 24, wherein the sport
accessory further comprises: at least one of a microphone, speaker
and headset providing for communication between the person and the
outside party.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/581,898, filed on Dec. 30, 2011, the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to balls, athletic
equipment, and sports accessories, and specifically sensor
activated balls, athletic equipment and sports accessories.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Many recreational or athletic activities require balls and
other sport accessories, such as bats, helmets, basketball hoops,
etc. But conventional balls or sport accessories typically are drab
and dull, failing to stimulate the players' senses. For example,
conventional balls and sport accessories do not display images or
play sounds when a player catches or touches them. The lack of
interactivity of conventional balls and sport accessories is
particularly noticeable when a user is exercising alone, without
anyone with which to interact. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,316,293, 5,492,329,
5,761,096, 5,779,576, 6,012,995, 6,157,898, 6,582,330, 6,695,728,
6,945,887, 7,273,431 and D647,286; U.S. Patent Publication Nos.
2005/0064966, 2010/0031424, 2010/0069181, 2010/0285909,
2011/0205722, and 2011/0237367; and foreign patents nos. EP 0 136
217, EP 1 232 772, JP 2011-12375, KR 10-2011-088135, discuss balls,
sport accessories or devices with displays, but do not disclose
activating these displays by touch or sound. U.S. Publication No.
2010/0313334 discloses a sports cap with a display that may be
touch activated, however the sports cap is not a durable ball or
sport accessory that players may use to engage in athletic or
recreational activity. U.S. Publication No. 2009/0029808 discloses
a basketball board with a display and a pressure type sensor, but
does not disclose that the display provides computer functionality,
such as mobile web browsing, social networking and/or voice
calling. Conventional touch activated devices do not have the
design or durability to be used during physical athletic
activities. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,082,578 and 7,755,605
discuss devices that are used to activate a display screen; however
these devices are not designed for athletic activity. These touch
activated devices are similar to control devices, such as a
computer mouse, that are used to manipulate graphical objects on
user interfaces, and are not durable enough to withstand sport
activities. Thus, there is a need for balls and sport accessories
that react to a player's actions, including touch, heat, and sound
and have interactive functionality, yet are durable enough to
withstand sport activities.
[0006] Additionally, conventional balls or sport accessories lack
computer functionality. For example, conventional balls or sport
accessories do not allow players to record images or videos, and
share them with others, such as through web pages and/or social
networking sites. Often during athletic play, players may want to
record videos, play computer games, browse the web or execute other
computer or electronic functionalities. However, many players do
not use their phones, cameras, computers, game consoles, or other
electronics during athletic activity for fear these electronics
might be damaged. U.S. Publication No. 2011/0281621 provides a
system that wirelessly integrates golf equipment with a computer,
but does not provide computer functionality as part of the actual
golf equipment. Thus, there is a need for balls or sport
accessories that can be used during athletic play while allowing
players to socially interact with one another.
[0007] Furthermore, conventional sport accessories lack the ability
to sense the potential for or existence of concussions or
sunstroke, and informing a physician, parent, or other person when
there is a potential for or existence of concussions or sunstroke
so that medical attention can be provided if necessary. For
example, conventional sport accessories lack the ability to sense
the impact of forces that may cause a player to suffer a
concussion; determine when a potential concussion may have
occurred; and communicate to the player and/or with an outside
party (e.g., coach, physician or parent) when a player has suffered
a potential concussion. Thus there is a need for a sport accessory
that can determine when a concussion may have occurred, and
instantly alert the player and contact the appropriate personnel to
assist the player.
[0008] Conventional sport accessories also lack the ability to
sense the vital signs of a player, determine whether the player may
suffer or has suffered a sunstroke, and communicate with an outside
party (e.g. coach, physician, or parent) when the player may suffer
or has suffered a sunstroke. Thus there is a need for a sport
accessory that can determine when a player may be in danger of
sunstroke or that a player has suffered a sunstroke, and instantly
alert the player of the existing danger, and can contact the
appropriate personnel to assist the player.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In view of the above discussion and the shortcomings in the
prior art, various embodiments of the invention seek to overcome
such shortcomings of the prior art by providing a ball or sport
accessory that combines sensors, displays, and computer
functionality.
[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a novel
ball for use in sport activities includes a ball skin, a display
that may be attached to the ball skin, one or more sensors that may
be located on either the ball skin or the display, and electronic
components that are within the ball skin. The display of the ball
may be activated when one or more sensors are activated. The ball
may include computer functionality.
[0011] In some embodiments, the sensors may sense touch, sound,
light, image or heat. In some embodiments, the ball may include one
or more cameras, projectors, speakers, or microphones that may be
activated by the sensors. The display of the ball may be composed
of flexible materials, such as OLED, AMOLED or PMOLED materials.
The display of the ball may be a touchscreen that may display
images, videos, emails, articles, web pages, touchscreen keyboards,
menus, interactive panels or social network pages. The electronic
components may include a processor, a memory, a power supply, an
accelometer, a gyroscope, a Wi-Fi chip, a Wi-Fi antenna, an USB
dock, a power supply, a speaker controller chip, a touchscreen
controller chip, a camera sensor chip and lens, a projector sensor
chip and lens, a microphone, a holographic image sensor, a
Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, a video recorder, a projector,
a fan, and a cooling pad. The electronic components may include
software instructions for executing at least one of music players,
web browsers, e-mail access, text messaging, onscreen keyboards,
voice dialing, Bluetooth capabilities, character recognition,
synchronization of multiple email accounts, synchronization of
desktop or laptop computers or other devices, voice recording, GPS,
Microsoft Office (MS) compatible applications, social networking
functionality, multi-player connectivity, multi-application
execution capability, software applications, Wi-Fi, 2G/3G/4G
connectivity, menus allowing the navigation of different
applications, multimedia applications, digital camera access
applications, Internet television display, Internet radio, touch
holograms and kinetic technology.
[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
novel sport accessory for use in sport activities includes a shell,
a display that may be attached to the shell, one or more sensors
that may be located on either the shell or the display, and
electronic components that are within the shell of the sport
accessory. The display may be activated when one or more sensors
are activated. The sport accessory may include computer
functionality.
[0013] In some embodiments, the sensors may sense touch, sound,
light, image or heat. In some embodiments, the sport accessory may
include one or more cameras, projectors, speakers, or microphones
that may be activated by the sensors. The display of the sport
accessory may be composed of flexible materials, such as OLED,
AMOLED or PMOLED materials. The display of the sport accessory may
be a touchscreen that may display images, videos, emails, articles,
web pages, touchscreen keyboards, menus, interactive panels or
social network pages. The electronic components may include a
processor, a memory, a power supply, an accelometer, a gyroscope, a
Wi-Fi chip, a Wi-Fi antenna, an USB dock, power supply, a speaker
controller chip, a touchscreen controller chip, a camera sensor
chip and lens, a projector sensor chip and lens, a microphone, a
holographic image sensor, a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, a
video recorder, a projector, a fan, and a cooling pad. The
electronic components may include software instructions for
executing at least one of music players, web browsers, e-mail
access, text messaging, onscreen keyboards, voice dialing,
Bluetooth capabilities, character recognition, synchronization of
multiple email accounts, synchronization of desktop or laptop
computers or other devices, voice recording, GPS, Microsoft Office
(MS) compatible applications, social networking functionality,
multi-player connectivity, multi-application execution capability,
software applications, Wi-Fi, 2G/3G/4G connectivity, menus allowing
the navigation of different applications, multimedia applications,
digital camera access applications, Internet television display,
Internet radio, touch holograms and kinetic technology.
[0014] In some embodiments of the sport accessory, the sport
accessory may include one or more pressure sensors that measure a
force exerted on the sport accessory and transmits the force to the
electronic components. The sport accessory may be a helmet and its
electronic components may determine whether the force exerted on
the helmet caused a concussion. The electronic components may store
information about a person wearing the helmet that includes at
least one of the person's weight, height age, blood pressure, pulse
rate, allergies, medical history of past concussion, and medical
history of hypertension. The electronic components may use one or
more of the force and the stored information to determine whether a
potential concussion has occurred. The electronic components may
determine that a potential concussion has occurred and transmit an
alert to an outside party and/or the person wearing the helmet. The
sport accessory may include a microphone, speaker and/or headset
that provide for communication between the person and the outside
party. The sport accessory may communicate wirelessly with at least
one health monitor device, at least one of the health monitors
senses the person's vital signs and transmits them to the helmet,
and the electronic components determine whether the person is in
danger of suffering a sunstroke. The electronic components may
alert at least one of an outside party and the person wearing the
helmet when the electronic components determine that the person is
in danger of suffering a sunstroke.
[0015] In some embodiments, the sports accessory may be a helmet
that communicates wirelessly with at least one health monitor
device that senses a person's vital signs and transmits the vital
signs to the helmet, and the electronic components determine
whether the person is in danger of suffering a sunstroke. The
electronic components transmit an alert to an outside party and/or
the person wearing the helmet when the electronic components
determine that the person is in danger of suffering a sunstroke or
has suffered a sunstroke. The sport accessory may include a
microphone, speaker and/or headset providing for communication
between the person and the outside party.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Certain embodiments of the present invention will be better
understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings
wherein like reference numerals refer to like components. For the
purposes of illustrating the present application, preferred
embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood and
appreciated, however, that the application is not limited to the
precise arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, aspects,
and devices shown, and the arrangements, structures, features,
embodiments, aspects and devices shown may be used singularly or in
combination with other arrangements, structures, features,
embodiments, aspects and devices.
[0017] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are not
in any way intended to limit the scope of this invention, but
merely to clarify illustrated embodiments of the invention. In the
drawings:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a football according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an x-ray view of the football shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the football shown in FIG. 1
and an illustrative screen shot displayed on the football shown in
FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the football shown in FIG. 1
and another illustrative screen shot displayed on the football
shown in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the football shown in FIG. 1
and a plurality of devices for use with the football shown in FIG.
1;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a football according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a football
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a basketball according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bat according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a rear view of a helmet according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the helmet shown in FIG.
10;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a side view of the helmet shown in FIG. 10;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a system according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a front view of a helmet according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a side view of the helmet shown in FIG. 14;
and
[0033] FIG. 16 is a helmet according to an embodiment of the
present invention with an illustrative screenshot, and a physician
and a plurality of devices that may interact with the helmet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be
discussed with reference to the aforementioned figures. In general,
such embodiments relate to a ball or sport accessory, although as
one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate, certain
embodiments of the present invention can be utilized in connection
with various other recreational or athletic devices or the like.
Embodiments of a ball or a sport accessory according to the present
invention are described below. These embodiments are provided for
the purpose only of illustrating principles of the present
invention, and should not be interpreted as limiting the invention
in any way beyond the scope of the claims and their
equivalents.
[0035] A ball or sport accessory combines one or more sensors,
displays, cameras, projectors, memory, hardware, processors or
other components capable of providing computer abilities. The ball
or sport accessory may be suitable for games such as basketball,
soccer, American football, rugby, volley ball, handball, dodge
ball, baseball, softball, tennis, etc. The ball may include
footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, handballs, dodge balls,
volley balls, etc. The sport accessory may be a variety of
accessories that may be used during athletic activities, including,
but not limited to bats, racquets, basket ball hoops etc.
[0036] A ball or sport accessory, according to the present
invention, is interactive and may be used during athletic or
recreational activity. The ball or sport accessory may be made out
of any material that is suitable for athletic play and/or smart
touch technologies. The material may be composed of material that
is weather proof, including material that is resistant to water,
wind, heat, and cold. Alternatively, the material may be coated
with a coating that is weather proof, such as rubber, polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer,
fluoropolymers, or wax.
[0037] The present invention provides an advantage over the prior
art by allowing players to activate a variety of features and
computer functions through a variety of sensors. For example, the
present invention allows players to use a ball or sport accessory
to record and share images and video, receive live directions from
coaches or other players, understand or correct mistakes by
replaying videos instantaneously, or undertake other computer
activity without the need of additional devices. The smart touch
electronic balls or sport accessories, according to the present
invention, are cordless, mobile, wirelessly connectable to the
Internet, and/or capable of voice and video communication.
[0038] The ball or sport accessory may include sensors that may
sense motion, touch, light, heat or sound for activating a display,
sound, or other features. The ball or sport accessory may also
include a projector and an input device, such as a keyboard or
track-pad. The ball or sport accessory may include a display that
may display lights, two or three dimensional images or videos,
and/or lenticular images. The surface of the display may have
sufficient mechanical strength to withstand the forces that the
ball or sport accessory may be subjected to during recreational and
competitive athletic play. The display may be in part or in whole
bendable or stretchable, resistant to abrasion, and/or have
non-slip properties. The display may be weather proof, including
material that is resistant to water, wind, heat, and cold. For
example, the display may be composed of material that is weather
proof. Alternatively, the display may be coated with a weather
proof coating, such as rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, fluoropolymers, or wax.
[0039] The ball or sport accessory may also have speakers or other
devices for recording and outputting sound and music. The display,
speakers or other elements of the ball or sport accessory may be
controlled by a remote device, such as a remote controller or
keyboard. The ball may also include a camera that may record
pictures or video and/or output pictures or video to the
display.
[0040] The ball or sport accessory may include computer
functionality, including an operating system capable of running
software applications. The operating system may be a Microsoft
based system, an Apple based operating system, a Google operating
system, or any other type of operating systems. The software
applications may be related to nationally known sport
organizations, such as the National Football League (NFL), National
basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), National
Hockey League (NHL), National Basketball League (NBL), etc. The
ball or sport accessory may provide athletic players the ability to
interact with others via a ball or sport accessory computer device
that is also designed for sport activities. The computer
functionality may allow players additional advantages in sport
training, as well as the ability to connect live to other players
and instantaneously share files with other players or friends. The
computer functionality of the ball or sport accessory may also
allow users to listen to music or to watch two or three-dimensional
movie or television files that are streamed live via the Internet
or are downloaded to the ball or sport accessory. The ball or sport
accessory may function as a cellular or mobile phone. The ball or
sport accessory may also allow users to play video games, view
holograms, project images or videos, and download web servers
and/or third party applications.
[0041] The ball or sport accessory preferably implements smart
touch technology that allows players to experience and share their
sport activities on many levels, including using mobile computer
functions while undertaking these sport activities. The ball or
sport accessory provides the advantage that it can withstand
athletic impact forces, weather, and athletic activities, while
providing computer functionality. The ball or sport accessory
further provides the advantage of a touch activated flexible screen
that may be stretched and that can fit within any ball or sport
accessory.
[0042] The sport accessory may be a helmet that may sense and alert
a player and/or outside party when the player experiences forces
associated with a concussion, such as when the player experiences
an impact. The helmet may include pressure sensors that detect when
there is an impact to the helmet, and/or the force exerted on the
head of the player wearing the helmet. The pressure sensors may be
positioned around the inner wall and/or padding of the helmet. The
helmet may include accelerometer sensors to detect the acceleration
of the helmet to calculate the force exerted on the player's head.
The helmet may also sense and alert when a player may suffer or has
suffered a sunstroke. The helmet may include photo-sensors for
determining a player's vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse
rate, and/or body temperature, and alert the player and/or outside
party when there are signs of sunstroke, such as high body
temperature and rapid pulse. The helmet may be used in a variety of
sports, such as baseball, football, ice hockey, etc.
[0043] The helmet may also communicate with a variety of external
devices that may sense the player's health vital signs. For
example, the helmet may communicate with a watch or a body band
that may register the player's blood pressure, pulse rate, and/or
body temperature. The external devices may sense a variety of vital
signs, such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and/or body temperature.
The external devices may be watches, body bands, or wearable
fabrics.
[0044] The helmet may include a computer that may determine whether
the impact may have caused a concussion. The helmet may warn
players of the potential concussion. The helmet may include the
capability for one or two way communication between the player
wearing the helmet and an outside third party, such as a physician,
parent and/or coach. After the computer determines that a potential
concussion may have occurred, the computer may initiate one way
communication with the player and or an outside party not within
the immediate proximity of the player; and/or two-way communication
between the player and/or the outside party. The helmet may notify
the player by a voice or sound alert via a microphone or speaker
that advises the player that he has suffered an impact that may
have caused a concussion. The helmet may notify the outside party
via a text message and/or voicemail message that the player has
suffered an impact that may have a caused a concussion. The helmet
may allow the outside party to communicate with the player wearing
the helmet. The outside party may be a person or it may be an
automated voice response system. The outside party may determine
whether the player has concussion symptoms or should seek medical
attention by asking the player questions to evaluate whether the
impact has disrupted brain function such as memory, consciousness,
and organized thought; and may perform nerocognitive testing on the
player while he is on the field. The helmet may communicate with an
outside system or may determine on its own whether the player has a
concussion.
[0045] The helmet may allow outside personnel to assist a player
during the game and alert the appropriate medical staff. The helmet
may allow live access to a player's health statistics and may allow
monitoring of the player's health during injury or sunstroke.
[0046] An embodiment of a football 100 according to the present
invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The football 100 preferably
includes one or more sensors 110, a display screen 120, components
230, a camera 140, speakers 150, and an Universal Serial Bus (USB)
port 260. The components 230 may communicate directly and
indirectly with the sensors 110, the display screen 120, the camera
140, the speakers 150, and the USB port 260 via wires or wireless
connections. The football 100 may communicate with other devices
via wires or wireless connections. With reference to FIG. 5, the
football 100 may wirelessly send signals to and receive signals
from a television 510, joystick 520, laptop 530, keyboard 540, cell
phone 550, remote control 560, tablet computer 570, or game console
580. Alternatively, the football 100 may communicate with any other
devices that are capable of wirelessly sending and/or receiving
signals. The television 510, joystick 520, laptop 530, keyboard
540, cell phone 550, remote controller 560, tablet computer 570, or
game console 580 may control the functionality of the football 100
or may send and receive content and electronic files to and from
the football 100, including files such as video, image, music, or
sound files. The football 100 may include a keypad or trackpad
integrated on the outer surface of the football 100 for controlling
the content and functionality of the football 100.
[0047] The sensors 110 of football 100 preferably sense motion,
touch, light, heat or sound. The sensors 110 can be located on the
outer surface of the football 100 or may be located in whole or in
part on the display 120 of the football 100.
[0048] The sensors 110 may include components that are responsive
to touch. For example, the sensors 110 may include panels or
portions that include components that have resistive components,
surface acoustic wave components, and/or capacitive components. The
sensors 110 may sense when a user touches certain parts of the
football 100. Alternatively, or in addition to, the sensors 110 may
sense when a user touches any part of the football 100.
[0049] In order to sense touch, the sensors 110 preferably have a
continuous electrical current running through them. When a user
touches the sensors 110, the voltage in and around the area touched
by the user preferably changes in magnitude. The sensors 110 sense
this change and transmit the location and magnitude in the changes
in voltage to the components 230. The touch sensors may be
activated by a voltage of 1.8-12 V, or by a variety of other
voltage ranges, depending on the type of touch sensors that are
implemented in the football 100. The sensors 110 may sense complex
gestures, including gestures that involve touching multiple parts
of the display screen in order to interact with the content
displayed on the display screen. For example, the sensors 110 may
sense when a user is attempting to move content across a visual
display by dragging the content with their finger. The sensors 110
may also sense when a user uses their fingers to make a "pinching"
motion in order to manipulate content shown on the display.
[0050] The sensors 110 may include one or more of the following
types of touch sensors: single/double button, Active stylus,
two-touch, unlimited touch, sliders, wheel sensors, touch switches,
deadman switches, capacitive sensing sensors, multi touch
technology sensors, touch pad and track pad sensors. For example,
the sensors 110 may be capacitive sensors such as those
manufactured by Alps Electric Corporation, Cirque, or Synaptics.
Alternatively, or in addition to, the sensors 110 may be
touchscreen sensors, such as those manufactured by Bending Wave,
GDS, Capacitive-Alps Electric Corporation, Atmel, Cirque, Cypress,
Host Optical, Synaptics, Infrared, or Neonode. Alternatively, or in
addition to, the sensors 110 may be projected capacitance sensors,
such as those manufactured by Visual Planet, Bending Wave, GDS, 3M,
Elo or any other type of touch sensors. Alternatively, or in
addition to, the sensors 110 may be surface acoustic wave sensors,
such as those manufactured by Elo TouchSystems or General Touch.
Alternatively, or in addition to, the sensors 110 may be resistive
sensors, such as those manufactured by Elo TouchSystems or 3M.
[0051] The sensors 110 may be a variety of sound sensors. For
example, the sensors 110 may be one or more of the following types
of sound sensors: piezoelectric microphone, fiber optic microphone,
liquid microphone (which may be operable in an aquatic
environment), Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone,
speakers as microphone, or any others type of sound sensors.
[0052] The sensors 110 may be a variety of image or light sensors.
For example, the sensors 110 may be one or more of the following
types of image or light sensors: electro-optical sensors, ambient
light sensors, active-matrix light-emitting diode (AMOLED) circuit,
light-addressable potentiometric sensors, photo sensors,
active-pixel sensors, photodiode arrays, light emitting diode (LED)
circuits, photodiodes, phototransistors, photoelectric sensors,
photomultipliers, photo-resistors, or any others type of image
sensors. Some manufacturers of the sensors 110 may include Agilent,
Aptina, Canesta, Canon, Micron Technology, Nikon, ESS Technology,
Fuji, MagnaChip, Cypress Semiconductor, Eastman Kodak, Matsushita,
Fuji, MagnaChip, Pix Art Imaging, TransChip, or Trusight.
[0053] The sensors 110 may be a variety of heat, sound, motion or
other types of sensors. For example, the sensors 110 may be motion
sensors, such as sensors that sense proximity and/or movement. The
sensors 110 may be visual sensors, such as one or more of the
following: optical sensor, virtual sensor, video sensor technology,
touch hologram, infra-red sensor. The sensors 110 may be heat
sensors, such as silicon bandgap temperature sensors. The sensors
110 may be pressure and impact sensors. The sensors 110 may be
transducers, or any other type of temperature, motion, visual and
pressure sensors.
[0054] Upon activation of one or more of the sensors 110, the
football 100 may display one or more of the following: lights,
lenticular images, images, video, or various computer generated
graphics. The sensors 110 may also activate an operating system,
such as a Microsoft, Apple, Google operating system that provides
users the ability to access a variety of software applications and
functions, including the applications and functions discussed below
with respect to components 230. In particular, the display 120 of
the football 100 may display lights, colors, two or
three-dimensional images or videos, or lenticular images. The
display 120 may have sufficient mechanical strength to withstand
the normal forces and high impact pressure that the football 100
may be subjected to during recreational and competitive play. The
display 120 may include a single display or multiple display
panels. The display 120 may be in part or in whole resistant to
abrasion and may have non-slip properties.
[0055] The display 120 and/or the outside skin of the football 100
may be bendable, stretchable, or flexible, allowing a user to
manipulate the shape of the football 100 while maintaining the
ability to utilize the display 120 and other features of the
football 100. Additionally, the display 120 may be stretched during
or after manufacturing. For example, a bendable or flexible display
120 may be composed of a skin flexible AMOLED that may include
thin-film display technology in which organic compounds form the
electroluminescent material and an active matrix refers to the
technology behind the addressing of pixels. Alternatively, the
display 120 may be composed of an organic light-emitting diode
(OLED), which is a light-emitting diode (LED) in which the emissive
electroluminescent layer is a film of organic compounds that emits
light in response to an electric current. This layer of organic
semiconductor material may be situated between two electrodes.
Generally, at least one of these electrodes is transparent.
Alternatively, the display 120 may be composed of a passive-matrix
OLED (PMOLED) that may include strips of cathode, organic layers
and strips of anode. The display 120 may be printed onto any
surface or suitable substrate and in particular may be composed of
a flexible OLED structure that allows the surface to be shaped in
the shape of football 100.
[0056] The display 120 may include touch sensors that may sense a
user's interaction with the display 120. The display 120 may
include one or more of the sensors 110 described above. The display
120 may be in whole or in part a touchscreen display, such as a
resistive screen and/or a capacitive screen display.
[0057] The display 120 may sense the touch of a finger or a stylus.
The display 120 may include multi-touch technology that senses when
multiple portions of a display are touched simultaneously by
fingers and/or styluses. With reference to FIG. 3, the display 120
may display a screenshot 370 that has an interactive touchscreen
keyboard that allows the user to type emails, notes, commands,
status updates via social networks, etc. FIG. 4 demonstrates
another illustrative screen shot 470 that displays a different
interface on the display 120. The screen shot 470 displays an
interactive menu that allows a player to play music by touching the
display 120. The sensors on the display 120 may allow users to
interact with a graphical interface shown on the display 120. For
example, users may use their fingers to zoom in and out of web
pages and images by placing two fingers on the screen and spreading
them farther apart or bringing them closer together. The sensors on
the display 120 may allow users to scroll through a long list or
menu by sliding a finger over the display from bottom to top, or
vice versa. The sensors 120 may allow users to type texts,
hyperlinks, notes, articles, social networking updates, and other
information by tapping the display.
[0058] The components 230 may allow the display 120 and the
football 100 to provide computer functionality. For example, the
components 230 may allow the football 100 to provide Internet
connectivity, social networking functionality, games, third party
applications, web browsing, email, etc. The components 230 in
combination with display 120 may display lights, images, or videos
in two or three dimensions. Alternatively, the components 230 in
combination with the speakers 150 may play sounds and/or music. The
components 230 may include elements that connect to a memory or the
USB port 260 via a wired or wireless Internet connection.
[0059] The components 230 may include a memory and a processor. The
memory may be any type of memory, including, but not limited to
random access memory such as DRAM, SRAM, T-RAM, ZRAM, TTRAM memory,
virtual memory, flash memory, or embedded memory. The processor may
include one or more of the following: a microprocessor that draws
power from a rechargeable battery, a computer CPU that executes
commands in clock cycles, an under clocked processor that may run
fewer instructions per second then the processor is capable of
executing in order to reduce heat production and conserve battery
life.
[0060] The components 230 may include one or more of the following:
an accelometer, a two- or three-axis gyroscope, a graphics and/or
video processor, a Wi-Fi and/or cellular chip and/or antenna, an
USB dock, a power supply, a speaker controller chip, a touchscreen
controller chip, a camera sensor chip and lens, a projector sensor
chip and lens, a microphone operating alone or with a microphone
connector, a holographic image sensor, data storage, a Bluetooth
transmitter and receiver, a video recorder, a projector, a fan,
and/or a cooling pad for cooling the components 230.
[0061] The components 230 may include hardware and/or software for
and providing the football 100 computer functionalities, including,
but not limited to: music players; web browsers; e-mail access;
text messaging; mini-keyboards; onscreen keyboards; voice dialing;
Bluetooth capabilities; character recognition (allowing for
handwritten input); synchronization capabilities of multiple email
accounts; synchronization capabilities of desktop or laptop
computers or other devices; voice recording; GPS; web browsing;
Microsoft Office (MS) compatible applications (for example, a
native system with Pocket PC operating systems or a Google
operating systems that may require third-party software); social
networking functionality, including You Tube, Facebook, Twitter,
and Internet connectivity; multi-player connectivity;
multi-application execution capability; software applications,
including third party applications; Wi-Fi, and/or 2G/3G/4G
connectivity.
[0062] The components 230 may include software that includes
instructions for executing an operating system with a set of
programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common
services for application software. For example, the components 230
may be pre-loaded with operating systems. Alternatively, operating
systems may be later downloaded to the components 230. The
operating systems may include android operating system, iOS, Linux,
Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, or any operating systems that can be
incorporated in a computer device, include cellular phones,
computer, or video game devices, or web servers.
[0063] The components 230 may include one or more pre-loaded or
downloaded software applications, including browsers, menus
allowing the navigation of different applications, multimedia
applications, digital camera access applications, Internet
television display, touchscreen keyboards, Internet radio, or
kinetic technology. The components 230 may allow real-time remote
access to and from the football 100. The components 230 may allow
either multi-user or single-user access, and may allow
multi-tasking or single-tasking access. The components 230 may
allow the use of a distributed or embedded personal office, mobile
phone, digital camera, or game consoles. The components 230 may
allow personalized access for a specific user, including
authentication functionality. The components 230 may allow the
football 100 to act as a single portal, for example as a web
portal.
[0064] The components 230 are preferably fixed to the inner surface
of the football 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the components 230 are
preferably fixed to the inner surface of the skin of the football
100. For example, the components 230 may be secured in a
compartment fixed on the inner surface of skin of the football 100.
Alternatively, the components 230 may be located anywhere within
the interior of the football 100.
[0065] The camera 140 may include the ability to take pictures or
video. The camera 140 may include one or more of the following: a
Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) chip in a projector based on
Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology, an image sensor format
camera, a high definition or high resolution digital camera, a
Digital Video camera, a built-in digital camera, a virtual camera,
or a kinetic camera. Alternatively, the football 100 may include
multiple cameras. The images or video recorded by the camera 140
may be displayed on the display 120 or may be transmitted via a
wired or wireless connection to other users. The images or video
recorded by the camera 140 may also be stored in the football 100
for later use. The operation of the camera 140 may be controlled
through a touch interface of the display screen 120. Alternatively,
or in addition to, the operation of the camera 140 may be
controlled through a variety of buttons or touch interfaces on the
football 100. Alternatively, or in addition to, the operation of
the camera 140 may be controlled through a remote device, such as
the devices shown in FIG. 5.
[0066] The speakers 150 may allow the football 100 to output sound
and music. The speakers 150 may be two or more internal speakers
that push sound through two small channels leading to three audio
ports in the device. The football 100 may include a volume switch,
a 3.5-mm TRRS connector, an audio output for providing sound or
music for headphones or other devices, a video jack for allowing
connection to other devices, and a microphone that can be used for
recording sound.
[0067] The USB port 260 may allow a user to connect the football
100 to a computer or an electronic device. The football 100 may
download data or information relating to videos, images, sounds,
music, or other information via the USB port 260. The USB port 260
may also allow a battery of the football 100 to be charged via the
USB port 260.
[0068] Using the components 230, the display 120 and other
features, the football 100 may advantageously provide players a
smart touch sports computer device that is cordless (unless being
charged), mobile (easily transportable), always connected (via
Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G etc.) and is capable of voice and video
communication, Internet browsing, and/or "geo-location"
capabilities. The football 100 can operate multiple applications
simultaneously, such as simultaneous operation of email and video
applications.
[0069] The football 100 may also include a projector. The project
is preferably a mini-projector that is sized to fit within the
football 100. The projector may allow players or users to project
and view images and/or video on a larger screen. The projector may
allow players to use one device for both athletic and recreational
activities and for displaying videos or images. The projector may
be located within the interior of the football 100, or may be in
whole or in part located outside of the football 100. The projector
100 may allow players and coaches to review games or plays in order
to correct their play and share their favorite moments of the
game.
[0070] The football 100 may include touch hologram technology. For
example, the touch holograms may be implemented using haptic
technology, such as Airborne Ultrasound Tactile Display technology,
that provides tactile feedback to a user by applying forces,
vibrations or motions to the user. The touch hologram may create
tactile feeling for a user or player. The touch hologram may also
display an interactive hologram. The touch hologram may be part of
the outer surface of the football 100 or as part of the display
120.
[0071] Another embodiment of a football 600 is illustrated in FIG.
6. The football 600 may include sensors 610, display 620, speakers
650, and an USB port 660 with components, and computer
functionality and operability as described above with reference to
the football 100. The football 600 may be entirely stretchable
and/or bendable. For example, the football 600 may be composed of
OLED, AMOLED or PMOLED material as described above with regard to
the display 120. Alternatively, the football 600 may be composed of
any flexible or bendable material. The flexible or bendable
material may allow the football 600 to be twisted in a variety of
directions, such as directions A and B. The football 600 can also
be stretched in a variety of directions, such as directions C and
D.
[0072] Another embodiment of a football 700 is illustrated in FIG.
7. The football 700 may include sensors, a display, inner
components 730, camera, speakers, a USB port, and/or computer
functionality and operability as described above with reference to
the football 100. The inner components 730 may be connected to an
inner part 701. The inner part 701 may be composed of plastic or
other hard material, and may be aligned to the interior of the
football 701. The inner part 701 may stabilize the components 730,
allowing the football 701 to function as a computer during or after
athletic play.
[0073] An embodiment of a basketball 800 is illustrated in FIG. 8.
The basketball 800 may include sensors 810, display 820, camera
840, and a USB port 860 as described above with reference to the
football 100. The basketball 800 may include a plurality of
components, and computer functionality and operability as described
above with reference to the football 100.
[0074] An embodiment of a bat 900 is illustrated in FIG. 9. The bat
900 may include sensors 910, display 920, camera 940, and an USB
port 960 as described above with reference to the football 100. The
bat 900 may include a plurality of computer functionalities as
described above with reference to the football 100.
[0075] An embodiment of a helmet 1000 is illustrated in FIGS.
10-12. The helmet 1000 may include sensors 1010, display 1020,
camera 1140, speakers 1050, and a USB port 1060 as described above
with reference to the football 100. The helmet 1000 may include a
plurality of components, and/or computer functionality and
operability as described above with reference to the football
100.
[0076] An embodiment of a system diagram 1300 of a ball or sport
accessory is illustrated in FIG. 13. The system 1300 may be
implemented in the footballs 100, 600 or 700, the basketball 800,
bat 900, helmets 1000 or 1400, or any other ball or sport accessory
in accordance with the present invention. The system 1300 may
include display/touch sensors 1310, projector/third party
application software 1320, storage 1330, audio/volume components
1340, microphone 1350, video card/light sensor 1360, lens 1370,
sensor 1380 and processor 1390. The processor 1390 may control the
functionality of all the other components functioning within the
ball or sport accessory of the present invention. For example, the
processor 1390 may control the sensors, including touch sensor
1310, light sensor 1360, or sensor 1380. The processor 1390 may
also control software that affects the information that is
displayed or the sound that is outputted for the ball or sport
accessory. The processor 1390 receive a signal that one of the
sensors has been activated, and in turn activate a variety of
components of the ball or sport accessory. For example, the
processor 1390 may activate the display 1310 to display video or
images, including graphical user interfaces. The processor 1390 may
also execute the projector software or third application software
1320 that may access information stored in memory 1330,
[0077] The display 1310 may include touch sensors that are capable
of sensing complex hand or stylus motions. Based on the projector
software or third party application software 1320, the ball or
sport accessory may project information for display on a screen, or
may display or project information about a variety of activities,
including email or social networking. The audio/volume control 1340
may control the output of sound and may register sound information
received by a device, such as microphone 1350. The video card/light
sensor 1360 may register video or images received by a device, such
as the lens 1370. The video card/light sensor 1360 may include the
ability of adding special effects which may be programmed or
customized by a user. The sensor 1380 may be any type of sensor,
include a sensor that may sense temperature, sound, light, touch,
motion, etc.
[0078] An embodiment of a helmet 1400 is illustrated in FIGS.
14-15. The helmet 1400 may include sensors, display, camera,
speakers, a USB port, components and/or a plurality of computer
functionality and operability as described above with reference to
the football 100. The helmet 1400 may include a plurality of
pressure sensors 1401. The pressure sensors 1401 may include one or
more of the following types of sensors: flex force pressure
sensors, piezoelectric sensors, impact sensors, miniature tri-axial
sensors, velocity sensors, or any other type of motion sensor. The
sensors 1401 may be integrated into the structure of the helmet,
such as into the shell of the helmet, the foam padding of the
helmet, or any other part of the helmet structure. The sensors 1401
may detect force, torque, and/or acceleration exerted on the helmet
1400.
[0079] The helmet 1400 may include a computer that may receive
information from sensors 1401 and/or other sensors and may
determine whether the player wearing the helmet may have suffered a
concussion. The computer of the helmet 1400 may also determine
whether to notify the player and/or an outside party. The computer
may store information about the player, such as the player's
weight, height, age, blood pressure, pulse rate, allergies, medical
record of past concussion, hypertension tendencies, etc. The
computer may register an impact based on the information sensed by
the sensors 1401. Upon registering an impact, the computer may
determine the force of the impact based on the information from the
sensors 1401 and/or from the stored information. Based on the
stored and information and/or the information from the sensors
1401, the computer may determine whether a potential concussion has
occurred using the Head Impact Criterion (HIC) and Head Severity
Index (HSI). If the computer determines a potential concussion has
occurred, the computer may notify (1) an outside party via a text
message and/or voicemail message; and/or (2) the player wearing the
helmet 1400 via a voice and/or sound alert. The computer may
include software and/or hardware that may calculate acceleration,
force, torque, power, velocity, distance, or impact suffered by a
player; and perform the HIC and HSI. The computer may include
software and/or hardware that may analyze whether potential danger
exists to the player based on prior determinations and stored
information.
[0080] The helmet may include a microphone and/or a speaker or
headset that permits one and/or two-way communication between the
player an outside party. The outside party may be a person, such as
a coach, parent, physician, nurse, assistant, etc. Alternatively,
the outside party may be an automated voice service, such as an
artificial intelligence interactive voice response system. The
communication system may be similar to automatic collision
notification system available in the automobile industry, such as
the OnStar System.
[0081] Upon notification, the outside party may perform
nerocognitive testing, ask the player a series of questions in
order to determine if the impact disrupted brain function such as
memory, consciousness, and organized thought, and/or determine
whether the player is ready to return to the game. If the outside
party is an automated system, the helmet may include software or
may communicate with outside software that performs the
nerocognitive testing, asks the player a series of questions in
order to determine if the impact disrupted brain function such as
memory, consciousness, and organized thought, and/or determines
whether the player is ready to return to the game.
[0082] The computer in the helmet 1400 may perform nerocognitive
testing on the player; determine whether the player wearing the
helmet 1400 suffered memory loss, lacks clarity of thought, and/or
or suffers from loss of balance, dizziness, light sensitivity,
and/or noise sensitivity; whether certain methods of treatment are
particularly appropriate; whether medical attention should be
sought; or whether it is safe to return to the game.
[0083] An embodiment of a helmet 1600 is illustrated in FIG. 16.
Helmet 1600 may include sensors, display, camera, speakers, a USB
port, components, and/or a plurality of computer functionality and
operability as described above with reference to the football 100.
Helmet 1600 may include a plurality of pressure sensors, a
computer, computer, software and communication functionalities as
described above with reference to helmet 1400.
[0084] Helmet 1600 may communicate with a plurality of external
devices that can sense a player's vital signs. Helmet 1600 may
communicate with a watch 1601, a body band 1602, and/or a wearable
sensor fabric 1603. Devices 1601, 1602, 1603 may communicate with
the helmet 1600 using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Internet, or other wireless
communication methodology. Devices 1601, 1602, 1603 may sense a
variety of vital signs, such as pulse rate, blood pressure, and/or
body temperature. The information sensed by devices 1601, 1602,
1603 may be used by the computer to determine to perform HCI and
HSI and determine whether a potential concussion has occurred,
whether the player should participate in a game, and/or whether the
player should receive a particular method of treatment, as
explained above with reference to helmet 1400.
[0085] The information sensed by devices 1601, 1602 1603 may also
be used to determine whether the player may suffer or has suffered
a sunstroke. As explained above with reference to helmet 1400,
helmet 1600 alerts the player and/or outside party when the player
may suffer from a concussion or sunstroke, and/or has suffered a
concussion or heatstroke. The computer of helmet 1600 may further
include software and/or hardware that may determine whether the
player may suffer or has suffered a sunstroke.
[0086] Helmet 1600 may also display information about the player's
vital signs. For example, as shown in screenshot 1604, helmet 1600
may display a player's blood pressure and pulse rate. As described
with respect to the helmet 1400, the helmet 1600 may allow an
outside party, such as physician 1606, to ask a player questions
about a potential concussion.
[0087] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is to
be limited only by the scope of the claims and their
equivalents.
[0088] Any number of the features of the different embodiments
described herein may be combined into one single embodiment, the
locations of particular elements can be altered and alternate
embodiments having fewer than or more than all of the features
herein described are possible. Functionality may also be, in whole
or in part, distributed among multiple components, in manners now
known or to become known.
[0089] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
While there had been shown and described fundamental features of
the invention as applied to being exemplary embodiments thereof, it
will be understood that omissions and substitutions and changes in
the form and details of the disclosed invention may be made by
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the
invention. Moreover, the scope of the present invention covers
conventionally known, future developed variations and modifications
to the components described herein as would be understood by those
skilled in the art.
* * * * *