U.S. patent application number 14/987595 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-07 for basketball training system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Timothy Demario Baxter, Maury Cole. Invention is credited to Timothy Demario Baxter, Maury Cole.
Application Number | 20160193518 14/987595 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56285951 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160193518 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baxter; Timothy Demario ; et
al. |
July 7, 2016 |
BASKETBALL TRAINING SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
A basketball training system has one or more mobile wireless
communication devices for wearing or carrying by players, a
backboard carrying a basketball hoop, a video camera associated
with the backboard for collecting video of basketball training and
transmitting the collected video to a processing device integral
with or separate from the mobile device, and motion sensors mounted
around the backboard for detecting shot attempts and providing shot
attempt data to the device or processing unit. Distance and
position of the mobile device relative the backboard is collected
for each shot. Score information is detected by sensors or input by
the user on the mobile device when a shot is made. An application
associated with the processing unit calculates and stores shot and
score data and associated position data and calculates shot
percentages at different shot locations relative to the backboard
for later review by the player or coach.
Inventors: |
Baxter; Timothy Demario;
(San Diego, CA) ; Cole; Maury; (San Diego,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Baxter; Timothy Demario
Cole; Maury |
San Diego
San Diego |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56285951 |
Appl. No.: |
14/987595 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62100801 |
Jan 7, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/450 ;
473/483 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 24/0062 20130101;
A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 2225/093
20130101; A63B 71/0686 20130101; A63B 2071/0663 20130101; A63B
2208/12 20130101; A63B 63/083 20130101; A63B 23/0355 20130101; A63B
2225/50 20130101; A63B 69/0071 20130101; A63B 2071/026 20130101;
A63B 2220/806 20130101; A63B 21/02 20130101; A63B 71/0669 20130101;
A63B 2220/13 20130101; A63B 21/4034 20151001; A63B 2220/836
20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 2220/833 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00; A63B 63/08 20060101 A63B063/08; A63B 71/06 20060101
A63B071/06 |
Claims
1. A basketball training system, comprising: at least one mobile
wireless communication device for wearing or carrying by a player
during training, the wireless communication device including an
input for player entry of commands and data and a transceiver for
transmitting and receiving data; a basketball hoop device
comprising at least a backboard and a hoop projecting from the
backboard, and a plurality of position sensors associated with the
backboard and configured to detect the location of the mobile
wireless communication device relative to the backboard and to
produce output signals corresponding to the detected position of
the player and distance of the player from the hoop; a data storage
unit; and one or more processors associated with the data storage
unit which receive inputs from the mobile wireless communication
device and sensors, detect shots made by a player directed at the
hoop during a training session and count each shot which goes
through the hoop as a score, determine the location and distance of
the player from the hoop at the time of each shot, and store a
record of the number of shots, the number of scores, and the
location of the player when each shot and score is made in the data
storage unit.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile wireless communication
device includes the data storage unit and the one or more
processors.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the input of the mobile wireless
communication device includes a score count input for user entry of
a score when a shot goes through the hoop, and the one or more
processors increment a total score count by one each time user
entry of a score is received, and store the player location and
time of each score.
4. The system of claim 3, further comprising an electronic
scoreboard associated with the backboard, the one or more
processors displaying an updated score count on the electronic
scoreboard each time a score is detected.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the basketball hoop device is
portable and comprises a base stand, a pole extending upwards from
the stand, and a mounting mechanism which secures the backboard to
the pole.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the backboard is adjustably
mounted on the pole, the mounting mechanism includes a drive device
for moving the backboard up and down on the pole, and the mobile
communication device includes a wireless control device for
actuating and controlling the drive device, whereby the player can
remotely control the height of the backboard.
7. The system of claim 5, further comprising a video camera
positioned on the basketball hoop device and associated with the
one or more processors to collect video of training sessions and
store the training session video in the data storage unit.
8. The system of claim 5, wherein the portable basketball hoop
device is configured for outdoor use, and includes a built-in solar
panel and battery for providing power to one or more components of
the basketball hoop device.
9. The system of claim 5, further comprising resistance bands for
arm and leg exercises secured to the base stand of the basketball
hoop device.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable wireless
communication device has a wristband for securing around the wrist
of a player.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the portable wireless
communication device comprises a Bluetooth watch having a display
unit and including one or more processors which collect and store
score inputs entered by the player and other basketball training
data.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein the display unit includes a
clock display and a stop watch function.
13. The system of claim 1, further comprising additional portable
wireless communication devices for wearing by one or more
additional players, the one or more processors further collecting
and storing shot location, shot count, and score count information
for each additional player separately from other collected player
information.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors
compute player shot positions and shot percentages for each
location based on the stored shot, score and location data for a
training session.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors
transmit stored player training data periodically or on command to
a basketball training data website.
16. A portable basketball hoop device, comprising: a base stand; a
pole extending upwards from the stand; a backboard including a hoop
projecting from the backboard; a mounting assembly adjustably
mounting the backboard on the pole; a drive device associated with
the mounting assembly to move the backboard up and down relative to
the pole; and the drive device having a user actuated control input
which controls actuation and direction of the drive device, whereby
the height of the backboard and hoop can be adjusted.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the control input is configured
for receiving manual and remote wireless control inputs by a
user.
18. The device of claim 16, further comprising a four bar pivot
linkage securing the backboard to the pole, wherein the drive
device comprises a drive motor and a drive member driven by the
drive motor and pivotally linked to at least one bar of the pivot
linkage for adjusting backboard height.
19. The device of claim 18, further comprising a lockable swivel
mount connecting the pole and attached backboard to the base stand,
whereby the pole and backboard are pivotable between a vertical,
operative position and a generally horizontal, storage orientation
adjacent the base stand.
20. The device of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of
resistance bands for arm and leg exercises secured to the base
stand.
21. A retrofit basketball training kit for a wall or pole mounted
basketball hoop backboard, comprising: at least one electronic
scoreboard and an attachment device for securing the electronic
scoreboard to a basketball hoop backboard; a plurality of motion
and position sensors having attachment devices for attachment at
selected positions around a hoop on the basketball hoop backboard;
and at least one mobile wireless communication device for wearing
or carrying by a player during training, the wireless communication
device including an input for user entry of commands and data and a
transceiver for transmitting and receiving data, a data storage
unit; and one or more processors associated with the data storage
unit which receive inputs from the user input and the sensors and
transmit outputs to the electronic scoreboard, detect shots made by
a player directed at the hoop during a training session, count each
shot which goes through the hoop as a score, determine the location
and distance of the player from the hoop at the time of each shot,
store a record of the number of shots, the number of scores, and
the location of the player when each shot is made in the data
storage unit, and transmit a control output to the electronic
scoreboard to update a total points score each time a score is
counted during a training session.
22. A computer-implemented ball game training method that uses one
or more hardware processors to: receive and store positions of a
mobile wireless communication device worn or carried by player
relative to a scoring hoop or goal during a ball play training
session based on inputs from sensor devices associated with the
scoring hoop or goal which detect location of the mobile wireless
communication device; detect shots directed at the scoring hoop or
goal during the training session and store each shot along with the
detected wireless communication device location for each shot;
detect a score when a ball goes through the hoop or into the goal,
and store accumulated total scores for each shot location; and
calculate and store a player's percentages of shots scored and
missed at each shot location in a training session.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of detecting a score
comprises detecting player input of a score on the mobile wireless
communication device.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the ball game is basketball.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/100,801 filed on Jan. 7, 2015, which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Related Field
[0003] The subject matter discussed herein relates generally to
ball sports training systems and methods, and is particularly
concerned with a basketball training system and method.
[0004] 2. Related Background
[0005] Basketball players typically practice shooting for extended
periods of time at various distances from the basketball hoop and
positions relative to the hoop. Typically, a trainer or coach
watches the player and manually keeps track of each shot made and
missed as well the position of the player for each shot in order to
determine shot percentages and identify a player's shooting
strength and weaknesses. Since this is very time consuming, coaches
are often not able to spend sufficient time watching each player's
shooting practice and gathering shooting data to accurately analyze
a player's weak areas and provide training in those areas. Video of
games can be gathered and stored for later viewing and analysis,
using video analysis systems such as those provided by HUDL of Des
Moines, Iowa, but this provides only an overview of team
performance and not detailed player performance data.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to one aspect, a basketball or other ball sport
training system is provided in which a player's shot performance
data is collected automatically during training workouts and
provided for review by the player and coach. In one aspect, the
system comprises one or more mobile wireless communication devices
such as Bluetooth watches or the like for wearing or carrying by a
player during training, and a basketball hoop or a goal device with
associated sensors and a video camera which collect and transmit
information to one or more processors which may be located in the
wireless communication device or in a separate computer or
website.
[0007] In the case of a basketball training system, a basketball
hoop device has a backboard and basketball hoop which may be wall
mounted or part of a portable basketball hoop device on a mobile
stand. The video camera is mounted on or behind the backboard for
collecting video of basketball games and training and transmitting
the collected video to the mobile device for storage. A plurality
of motion sensors mounted around the backboard are in wireless
communication with the mobile communication device or devices for
detecting player position relative to the motion sensors and shot
attempts, and providing shot attempt and player location
information to the one or more processors in the mobile device or
elsewhere. In one embodiment, a proximity sensor system is provided
for detecting distance of the mobile device from the backboard and
position relative to the backboard for each shot. A button on the
mobile device is pressed by a player when a shot goes through the
hoop. An application or program associated with the one or more
processors accumulates distance and shot data and calculates score
percentages at different distances from the backboard. At the end
of a workout, a display may be provided which indicates shot
attempt positions and score percentages at different positions in
different colors for different score percentage ranges.
[0008] In one aspect, the portable or wearable wireless
communication device is a Bluetooth device. The one or more
processors collect and store shot data with position for each shot
and scoring shot information of a player wearing or carrying the
device during training, as well as video data of the training
session downloaded from the camera. Data accumulated during a
training session may be processed by an app or program provided in
a microprocessor or controller of the portable device itself or a
separate computer or processor to calculate shooting percentages at
different player positions and distances from the hoop. Player
training reports and associated videos may be transmitted to a
website for easy access by players, trainers, recruiters and the
like. The portable or wearable device or a computer communicating
with the device is configured to display video footage of the
training session as well as calculated shooting percentages,
eliminating the need to have a second person watching all shots and
manually entering distance and hit or miss data for each shot and
calculating shooting percentages from such data.
[0009] In one aspect, a portable basketball hoop device with an
integrated video camera and sensors is provided. Alternatively,
these components may be provided in a retrofit kit for replacing
the backboard of an existing fixed or portable basketball hoop, or
as separate components for mounting on an existing backboard, along
with two or more portable or wearable wireless communication
devices. In one aspect, a portable basketball hoop device comprises
a base, a pole extending vertically from the base, a backboard
adjustably mounted on the pole for adjusting hoop height, and a
hoop secured to the backboard at a position spaced in front of the
backboard. Motion sensors which detect shot attempts are mounted at
spaced intervals on the backboard for providing outputs to the
portable device on detection of shot attempts. A proximity sensor
system associated with the backboard and mobile communication
device detects distance and position of the player wearing or
carrying the device, and stores this data each time a shot is
detected. The video camera is associated with the basketball hoop
device and positioned to face the play area and shoot a video of a
player's workout which is communicated to the portable device for
storage and later playback.
[0010] In one aspect, an electronic scoreboard provided on the
backboard also displays the number of shots made based on player
pressing of the score button or key on the mobile device for each
shot that goes in. Alternatively, shots going through the hoop may
be detected by appropriate sensors in or behind the hoop. In one
aspect, two electronic score boards may be provided for
accumulating shots of two different players each wearing or
carrying one of the portable wireless communication devices, for
use when playing one on one basketball games, for example.
[0011] In another aspect, the portable basketball hoop is designed
for outdoor use and has a built-in solar panel and associated
battery for providing power to the video camera, sensors, and
scoreboard display panels.
[0012] In another aspect, a portable basketball hoop device is
provided in which the height of the hoop can be readily adjusted
for players of different heights, such as children of different
ages and adults of different height. In one aspect, the portable
basketball hoop device comprises a base stand, a pole extending
upwards from the stand, a backboard, a hoop projecting from the
backboard, and a mounting assembly which adjustably mounts the
backboard on the pole so that the height of the hoop can be
adjusted. In one aspect, the mounting assembly includes a drive
device which moves the backboard up and down relative to the pole,
and a wireless control device which controls actuation and
direction of the drive device, whereby the height of the backboard
and hoop can be remotely controlled. In one embodiment, a four bar
pivot linkage secures the backboard to the pole, and the drive
device is pivotally linked to at least one bar of the pivot linkage
for adjusting backboard height. The drive device may also be
actuated manually.
[0013] The pole and attached backboard may be collapsible by means
of a swivel mount or the like for storage purposes when not in use.
In one aspect, resistance bands for arm and leg exercises may be
secured to the base of the basketball hoop device to allow players
to exercise while another player is practicing shots.
[0014] Other features and advantages will become more readily
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the
following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
basketball training or monitoring system;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the portable basketball
hoop device of FIG. 1 with a player about to make a shot and
wearing a portable wireless communication device forming part of
the system of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the basketball hoop
device of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a top elevation view of the device of FIGS. 1 to
3;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a
basketball training retrofit kit for installation on an existing
portable or fixed basketball hoop device;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the portable
wireless communication device of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of the training system incorporated in the portable
wireless communication device of FIG. 6;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating steps in a method of
monitoring a training session and providing a shot performance
report for players or trainers using the training system of FIGS. 1
to 7; and
[0023] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example processor
based system that may be used in connection with various
embodiments described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The subject matter described herein is taught by way of
example implementations. Various details have been omitted for the
sake of clarity and to avoid obscuring the subject matter. The
examples shown and described below are directed to a basketball
training system and method and a portable basketball hoop
device.
[0025] After reading this description it will become apparent to
one skilled in the art how to implement the invention in various
alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However,
although various embodiments of the present invention will be
described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this
detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not
be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present
invention.
[0026] Although the ball sport training system in the embodiments
described below is used for basketball training, similar systems
may be used for shot training in other sports in which points are
scored by directing a ball through a hoop, into a goal, or the
like, such as soccer, football, hockey, ice hockey and the
like.
[0027] FIGS. 1 to 4, 6 and 7 illustrate one embodiment of a
basketball training system 100. The system basically comprises a
portable or movable basketball hoop device 120 and one or more
portable or wearable wireless communication devices 20 which
communicate with system components incorporated in the basketball
hoop device 120 in order to track and save training performance. In
the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, device 120 is a portable basketball
hoop device which can be used indoors or outdoors, but in
alternative embodiments a backboard incorporating the backboard
components of FIGS. 1 to 4 may be provided for fixed mounting on an
inside or outside wall or fixed pole mount, or a retrofit training
system 200 is provided for mounting on a fixed or wall mounted
backboard 140, as illustrated in FIG. 5 and described in more
detail below. Some retrofit components in the retrofit system 200
are identical to corresponding components in the portable
basketball hoop device 120 of FIGS. 1 to 4, and like reference
numbers are used for like parts as appropriate.
[0028] In one embodiment, two or more wireless communication
devices 20 are provided in the system, and may be designed to be
worn or carried by two players or more players at the same time
during training or games. In the illustrated embodiment, devices 20
may be secured to players by arm or wrist bands or straps. In one
embodiment, devices 20 are designed as Bluetooth watches including
a basketball training app, as described in more detail below, and
may be incorporated in simple wrist or arm bands or designed for
carrying in other ways in alternative embodiments, such as hung
around the neck, in a pocket, or the like. Alternatively, the
basketball training app or software may be downloaded onto a
player's mobile phone which they carry during training. Devices 20
are configured for wireless communication with other system
components via Bluetooth or other wireless communication protocols,
and the system distinguishes between inputs from different devices
20 and stores accumulated data separately for each player under
that player's profile, as described in more detail below.
[0029] One embodiment of a wireless communication device in the
basketball training or monitoring system 100 is described in more
detail below in connection with FIGS. 6 to 8. Device 20
communicates with various components of the system incorporated in
basketball hoop device 120, as described in more detail below. In
one embodiment, devices 20 with wrist or arm bands are provided for
wearing on the left and right wrist or arm of a player. The device
20 may comprise a smart watch with a touchscreen display, a
built-in stop watch function and other functions.
[0030] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, in one embodiment a
basketball hoop device 120 comprises a support base 1 which may
have one or more hollow compartments designed for filling with
sand, water or the like for stability purposes, an upright pole or
post 2 extending upward from base 1, and a backboard 6 with a
surrounding support frame 5 adjustably mounted on pole 2. A
basketball hoop 7 is secured to a lower central position on the
backboard and spaced outward from the backboard. The backboard may
be of acrylic glass as is known in the field. V-brace 13 extends
between a rear portion of the base 1 and a raised position on post
2 and is secured to base 1 and post 2 via suitable connecting
hardware 21 to add strength and support. In the illustrated
embodiment, a servo motor 11 is mounted on the rear side of post 2
and a drive screw shaft 9 extends upwards from motor 11. As best
illustrated in FIG. 3, backboard 6 is adjustably mounted on post 2
via a four bar pivot linkage 35 comprising upper pivot link or pair
of parallel upper links or pivot arms 3 pivotally mounted at one
end to the rear of backboard 6 or backboard frame 5 and at the
other end to an upper part of post 2, and lower pivot arm or arms 4
pivotally mounted at one end to backboard 6 or frame 5 at a
location spaced below the pivot connection of upper pivot arms 3,
pivoted to post 2 at an intermediate position 36, and connected at
the opposite or rear end to ball screw end mount 8 of screw shaft
9. This allows the height of the backboard and hoop to be readily
adjusted without changing their orientation. End mount 8 is driven
up and down screw shaft 9 by actuation of drive motor or servo
motor 11. In one embodiment, servo motor 11 includes a control
input (FIG. 7) and a position encoder 15 and is adapted to be
actuated remotely by a user via a user control input 128 (see FIG.
6) of portable device 20 worn or carried by the user, as described
in more detail below, or other wireless controller. Thus, the
height of the hoop 7 can be easily adjusted by a player or coach to
accommodate players of different heights, such as children and
adults. Alternatively, hoop height can be adjusted by a suitable
manual input device provided on the post or the drive motor
housing. In other embodiments, the portable basketball device may
also be used as a stand-alone, height adjustable basketball hoop
device without the training system and associated components.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a plurality of Bluetooth enabled
motion sensors 25 are provided on the backboard and configured for
communication with portable communication device 20 as described in
more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, sensors 25 are
provided at spaced positions around the periphery of backboard 6,
and monitor player or portable communication device position
relative to the board (distance and angle) along with shot
detection outputs on detection of ball motion in the vicinity of
the backboard indicating that a player has made a shot. FIG. 2
illustrates sensor detection of player or portable communication
device position relative to the indicated sensors 25 at the time a
shot is made. On detection of the shot attempt, sensors also
provide output on the player position and distance from the hoop at
the time of the shot. Sensors may be provided elsewhere on the
backboard and a greater or a lesser number of sensors may be
provided in alternative embodiments, depending on the number of
sensors needed to detect shots coming from different positions
relative to hoop 7.
[0032] Backboard 6 in one embodiment also includes electronic score
boards 17, 18 at opposite upper corners for accumulating scores of
one or more players during a training session or one-on-one game.
Only one score board may be provided in some embodiments. Score
boards 17, 18 may be incorporated into a display embedded in
backboard 6 or may be separate devices hung from the backboard via
hooks 28. A shot clock 19 may also be provided above the center of
the board, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Shot clock 19 may be mounted
on the upper rim of the board via mounting bracket 24. In one
example, the score boards 17, 18 are different colors and are
incremented each time a respective player presses a shot key or
button of user control input 128 of FIGS. 6 and 7, as described in
more detail below. Each score board 17, 18 is associated with a
respective communication device or Bluetooth watch 20 and is
actuated to increment the score on receipt of a score input from
the respective device 20. Alternatively, one or more sensors around
the hoop may detect a ball passing through the hoop and provide a
score output to the wireless communication device or other computer
to increment the saved score as well as the score on the
scoreboard.
[0033] A video camera 27 may be mounted behind the backboard as
illustrated in FIG. 3 or on the backboard in alternative
embodiments. The video camera may also be controlled from the
portable communication device 20 and video output may be linked to
a video input of device 20 and stored by the device, as described
below. As illustrated in FIG. 2, camera 27 is directed through a
window 38 above hoop 7 and is designed to record players as they
direct shots towards hoop 7. The camera may be directed at the
player via inputs from the various position sensors 25. The video
data can later be compared to the accumulated shot data for each
player, including shots made and missed and corresponding shooting
positions, so that weak positions for a player's shots can be
identified for future training sessions.
[0034] Optional resistance training bands 14 may be secured to base
1 for arm and leg strength training by players while another player
is practicing shots. In another aspect, the portable basketball
hoop is designed for outdoor use and has a built-in solar panel 12
as illustrated in FIG. 3, and has an associated battery (not
visible in the drawings) for providing power to the video camera,
sensors, servo motor 11, and scoreboard shot clock 19 and score
display panels 17, 18. Solar panel may be mounted on top of pole 2
in one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In one embodiment,
base 1 has front wheels 40 and a handle 42 at the rear for lifting
the back of base 1 and transporting the portable basketball hoop
device 120 from one location to another. In one embodiment, pole 2
may be pivotally mounted on base 1 and V-struts 13 may be
collapsible to allow the pole and baseboard to be folded down into
a generally flat, more compact storage position when not in
use.
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates components of a retrofit basketball
training kit for installing on an interior or exterior wall or
fixed pole. In one embodiment, the retrofit kit comprises a
backboard 6 and the same system components illustrated in FIG. 1
mounted on the backboard 6, along with the portable communication
devices 20. In an alternative embodiment, the kit comprises
separate components of the system adapted to be installed on an
existing basketball hoop backboard 70 such as a fixed wall mounted
or pole mounted backboard and hoop, and FIG. 5 illustrates the
components of this embodiment mounted on backboard 70. Apart from
the different mounting arrangements, the components are identical
to those of the previous embodiment and like reference numbers are
used for like parts as appropriate. The components comprise one or
two electronic score boards 17, 18 which have mounting hooks 28 for
hanging on the upper edge of the backboard, a shot clock or 24
second clock 19 with mounting base 24 with mounting screws for
securing to the top center of the backboard, a plurality of
wireless, Bluetooth enabled motion and position sensors 25 for
attaching at spaced locations around the periphery of the backboard
using adhesive, screws or the like, and a video camera 27 for
mounting on the center of the backboard when wall mounted.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of one embodiment of
portable wireless communication device 20 which includes a central
processing unit or microprocessor 130 in communication with power
supply 122, data storage unit or module 124, a short range wireless
antenna or transceiver 125 such as a Bluetooth antenna, one or more
second communication modules 126 for Internet, cellular, or other
communications via wireless or wired communication protocols, a
user input device 128 such as a keypad, touchscreen, or other input
mechanism, and a display unit 131. The display unit may include a
watch face with a timer and/or stopwatch function (not
illustrated). The power supply 122 may be a battery or the like and
provides power to the microprocessor and other components, and may
be contained in the same housing as microprocessor 20, for example.
The battery may be re-chargeable with a conventional cell-phone
type charger. The device 20 may be a communication device such as a
cell phone with a basketball training monitor app downloaded by a
user onto the device, or may be a custom made portable wireless
communication device on a wristband or the like for wearing by
players during basketball training workouts.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a more detailed drawing illustrating various
devices and functional modules of the training app or program which
may be provided on portable wireless devices 20. As illustrated,
microprocessor 20 includes a transceiver or communication module
132 which receives inputs from various sensors and other monitoring
devices associated with the basketball training hoop device 120 and
also provides outputs to one or more of the monitoring devices via
antenna 125. Any suitable short distance wireless communication
link may be used, such as Bluetooth, WLAN, WI-FI, or the like. In
one embodiment, antenna 125 is a Bluetooth antenna, and transceiver
module 132 is a Bluetooth HID (human interface device) module such
as a BCM20730 module, manufactured by Broadcom Corporation of
Irvine, Calif. Communication module 132 may also be configured for
long distance wireless communication with other remote devices 60
such as computers, cell phones or the like via a second wireless
antenna 126 or via a USB plug in to a local computer or laptop.
Also included in microprocessor 20 in one embodiment are a video
input module 134 for receiving input from camera 27 and providing
control signals to camera 27, a player shot position sensor module
135, data storage module 124, a display control module 137 which
controls display unit or LCD 131, optional hoop height control or
adjustment module 138, and a score count input/output module 139
which all communicate with Bluetooth antenna 125 via remote
communications module 132. Modules 136 and 138 also communicate
with the user control input or module 128. Processor 20 also
includes a player shot percentage and position processing module
140 which computes player positions and shot percentages for each
position based on sensor inputs from components of the basketball
hoop device 120 and input from user control input 128, as described
in more detail below. The user can send a signal to raise or lower
the hoop via the hoop height adjustment control module of
microprocessor 20, and the signal is transmitted via Bluetooth
antenna 25 to a servo motor controller 64 (see FIG. 3). A proximity
sensor 142 may be provided for detecting distance of a player
holding or wearing device 20 from backboard 6.
[0038] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a
system and method for monitoring a player's performance during a
basketball training session. Initially, the device 20 is configured
to obtain and store the player's profile (step 170). This may be
done once on initial use of device 20 by a particular player. In a
team coaching situation, other players set up their profiles on
their own user devices 20. In one example, the profile includes
some or all of the following information:
Player name
Date of Birth
Height
Weight
[0039] Right or left handed State and City of residence School name
or club team name Player's cone drill time
Grade
[0040] Any colleges or teams interested in player.
[0041] Once the user device 20 has been set up for use by a player
and either the device is turned on or the training app associated
with the device is turned on, the system monitors for start of the
workout (step 172), which may be indicated by player input of a
start key on user control input 128. Once it is determined that a
workout has started, the video camera is turned on (step 174) and
all video received by device 20 during the session may be stored or
transmitted to data storage unit or module 124 (step 175). The
video camera is turned off when a player actuates an end session
input at user control 128 at the end of a training workout. The
system monitors for any shot attempts or score inputs during a
training session (step 176). Shot attempts are detected based on
sensor outputs from backboard motion sensors 25 received by player
shot sensor input module 135 via Bluetooth antenna 125. On
detection of a shot attempt (step 178), outputs from proximity
sensor 142 also received by shot sensor input module 135 enable the
player's distance from the backboard to be determined at each shot,
and the shot and position information is stored in data storage
module 124 along with the time of the shot in step 180, for later
use by player shot percentage and position processing module 140.
If the training session is over (182), the routine ends (184),
otherwise the system continues to monitor for detection of more
shots (178). If the player scores on any shot, they manually enter
a score on input device or control input 128 which is detected at
step 185, and the electronic scoreboard 17 or 18 associated with
that user device is incremented by one (step 186). The score and
the time the score input was detected is stored in the data storage
unit (step 188), and the detected player position may also be
stored or determined letter based on comparison with stored shot
data, video data, or both. If the training session is over (190),
monitoring for score entry ends at step 184. Otherwise, the system
continues to monitor for score inputs.
[0042] Prior to a training session, the player or coach may adjust
hoop height based on the player's height, either remotely by
actuating the hoop height adjustment control module 138 via input
at user control device 128, or by manual adjustment at drive motor
11. This allows the basketball device 120 to be readily adjusted
for training of both adults and children.
[0043] At the end of a training session, the player shot percentage
and position processing module 140 calculates player positions,
number of shots associated with that position, and the number of
score inputs detected while in that position, so that score
percentages in each position can be determined. Player position for
each shot may be determined from a combination of detected player
distance from the backboard at the time of receiving motion sensor
inputs, sequence of motion sensor inputs, and/or video data at the
time each motion sensor input is received. Player position at each
score input when a shot goes through a hoop can be determined based
on motion sensor and/or video data received at the same time the
player actuates the score input on user input device 128, which may
be a SCORE button or the like. Thus, the processing module 140 can
determine the total number of shots at each position and the number
of score inputs received at that position. In one embodiment, the
direction from which a shot originated may be determined based on
tracking ball motion by determining a sequence of outputs from
sensors 25, allowing player position when a shot is taken to be
calculated.
[0044] Data on shots taken, distance and location of the player
relative to the hoop when each shot is taken, and total scores
compared to total shots at that location are accumulated in the
data storage unit 124 of the device 20. A player can record when a
shot goes through the hoop 7 by pressing a shot input key or button
on the user control input 128, and this is received by the score
count input/output module and recorded by the data storage unit
along with location and distance of the player from the hoop at the
time of each shot. Thus, data on shots taken as well as which shots
went through the hoop and which shots were missed during a training
session is stored in the data base along with data on player
position for each shot. The accumulated training data may be
displayed in various formats on the display unit 130, and may be
transmitted to a remote user device or Internet accessible website
60 where it can be viewed along with the associated training video
by coaches, interested colleges or teams, and the player. In one
embodiment, the playing area around the hoop is displayed with
score percentages from each position displayed in different dot
sizes and colors to indicate where the player scores well and where
they need further training. Such information can be accumulated
over time to determine player performance improvement.
[0045] The system described above may be used by multiple players
and coaches at the same time, and accumulates data on each player
in the stored profile for that player. Output reports from the
training system described above can be provided for review by
players and trainers or coaches to determine weak and strong
shooting positions, and determine what shot positions require
further training. At the same time, accumulated video of the
training session can be reviewed so that mistakes can be seen.
Accumulated video and shot percentage results may be transmitted to
a training website, and the player and trainer can log in to see
how they did in a workout, by viewing video footage of shots
side-by-side with the calculated shooting percentages. Data can
also be viewed on the watch or portable device 20. In one
embodiment, each player is logged in at the website with a time
stamp to their account each time they initiate a training session,
and the system keeps track of how many times a day, week or month
each player trains. Level of shot performance over time can be
accumulated and provided in a graphical chart or bar chart for each
player, showing growth as a shooter. The website may be configured
to store game videos and individual player performance highlights
to each player account and allow players to download game
highlights, High School performance highlights, and the like. The
website or mobile app in one embodiment has a player setting
visible only to the player and a coach setting that only the coach
can see.
[0046] In some embodiments, the system may also have a setting for
college coaches and recruiters to receive shot percentage data or
view game video or data, and to monitor growth and performance of
promising players on a nationwide basis. Coaches can download high
school or club basketball statistics. The system may be configured
to nationally rank all players using the system by grade and
graduation class so they can see what each player around the world
is doing. Ranking continuously adjusts as players take more shots
over time.
[0047] Although the system described above is designed for
basketball training and coaching, similar systems may be used in
other sports where scoring by aiming a ball into a hoop, goal, net
or the like is involved, such as soccer, hockey, ice hockey and the
like.
[0048] The foregoing systems and methods and associated devices and
modules are susceptible to many variations. Additionally, for
clarity and conciseness, many descriptions of the systems and
methods have been simplified.
[0049] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
computer system 550 that may be used in connection with various
embodiments described herein. For example, the computer system 550
may be used as the microprocessor or central processing unit which
receives the outputs of the sensor devices used to detect motion
and distance of a player from a hoop and of the video camera, and
controls processing and storage of training data as well as
transmission of accumulated data via a transceiver or antenna.
However, other computer systems and/or architectures may be used,
as will be clear to those skilled in the art.
[0050] The computer system 550 preferably includes one or more
processors, such as processor 560. Additional processors may be
provided, such as an auxiliary processor to manage input/output, an
auxiliary processor to perform floating point mathematical
operations, a special-purpose microprocessor having an architecture
suitable for fast execution of signal processing algorithms (e.g.,
digital signal processor), a slave processor subordinate to the
main processing system (e.g., back-end processor), an additional
microprocessor or controller for dual or multiple processor
systems, or a coprocessor. Such auxiliary processors may be
discrete processors or may be integrated with the processor
560.
[0051] The processor 560 is preferably connected to a communication
bus 555. The communication bus 555 may include a data channel for
facilitating information transfer between storage and other
peripheral components of the computer system 550. The communication
bus 555 further may provide a set of signals used for communication
with the processor 560, including a data bus, address bus, and
control bus (not shown). The communication bus 555 may comprise any
standard or non-standard bus architecture such as, for example, bus
architectures compliant with industry standard architecture
("ISA"), extended industry standard architecture ("EISA"), Micro
Channel Architecture ("MCA"), peripheral component interconnect
("PCI") local bus, or standards promulgated by the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers ("IEEE") including IEEE 488
general-purpose interface bus ("GPIB"), IEEE 696/S-100, and the
like.
[0052] Computer system 550 preferably includes a main memory 565
and may also include a secondary memory 570. The main memory 565
provides storage of instructions and data in a computer readable
medium for programs executing on the processor 560, such as the
programs illustrated in the flow diagrams of FIG. 8 and described
above, and the cached map of key color and 12-key values, and the
corresponding alphanumeric values and controls. The main memory 556
is typically semiconductor-based memory such as dynamic random
access memory ("DRAM") and/or static random access memory ("SRAM").
Other semiconductor-based memory types include, for example,
synchronous dynamic random access memory ("SDRAM"), Rambus dynamic
random access memory ("RDRAM"), ferroelectric random access memory
("FRAM"), and the like, including read only memory ("ROM").
[0053] The secondary memory 570 may optionally include a hard disk
drive which has an internal storage medium (hard disk) 575 and/or a
removable storage drive for receiving a removable storage
medium.
[0054] In alternative embodiments, secondary memory 570 may include
other similar means for allowing computer programs or other data or
instructions to be loaded into the computer system 550. Such means
may include, for example, an external storage medium and interface
585. Examples of an external storage medium may include an external
hard disk drive or an external optical drive, or an external
magneto-optical drive.
[0055] Other examples of secondary memory 570 may include
semiconductor-based memory such as programmable read-only memory
("PROM"), erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM"),
electrically erasable read-only memory ("EEPROM"), or flash memory
(block oriented memory similar to EEPROM). Also included are any
other removable storage units and interfaces, which allow software
and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit to the
computer system 550.
[0056] Computer system 550 may also include a communication
interface 590. The communication interface 590 allows software and
data to be transferred between computer system 550 and external
devices 610 (e.g. printers, external storage media), networks, or
information sources, and devices as described above which are
associated with basketball hoop device 120. For example, computer
software or executable code may be transferred to computer system
550 from a network server via communication interface 590. Examples
of communication interface 590 include a modem, a network interface
card ("NIC"), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, an
infrared interface, and an IEEE 1394 fire-wire, just to name a few.
Communication interface may also comprise Bluetooth or other
wireless communication interface 125 of FIG. 7.
[0057] Communication interface 590 preferably implements industry
promulgated protocol standards, such as Ethernet IEEE 802
standards, Fiber Channel, digital subscriber line ("DSL"),
asynchronous digital subscriber line ("ADSL"), frame relay,
asynchronous transfer mode ("ATM"), integrated digital services
network ("ISDN"), personal communications services ("PCS"),
transmission control protocol/Internet protocol ("TCP/IP"), serial
line Internet protocol/point to point protocol ("SLIP/PPP"), and so
on, but may also implement customized or non-standard interface
protocols as well.
[0058] Software and data transferred via communication interface
590 are generally in the form of electrical communication signals
605. These signals 605 are preferably provided to communication
interface 590 via a communication channel 600. Communication
channel 600 carries signals 605 and can be implemented using a
variety of wired or wireless communication means including wire or
cable, fiber optics, conventional phone line, cellular phone link,
wireless data communication link, radio frequency ("RF") link, or
infrared link, just to name a few.
[0059] Computer executable code (i.e., computer programs or
software) is stored in the main memory 565 and/or the secondary
memory 570. Computer programs can also be received via
communication interface 590 and stored in the main memory 565
and/or the secondary memory 570. Such computer programs, when
executed, enable the computer system 550 to perform the various
functions of the embodiments described above.
[0060] In this description, the term "computer readable medium" is
used to refer to any non-transitory computer readable storage media
used to provide computer executable code (e.g., software and
computer programs) to the computer system 550. Examples of these
media include main memory 565, secondary memory 570 (including hard
disk drive), and external storage medium 610, and any peripheral
device communicatively coupled with communication interface 590
(including a network information server or other network device).
These non-transitory computer readable mediums are means for
providing executable code, programming instructions, and software
to the computer system 550.
[0061] In an embodiment that is implemented using software, the
software may be stored on a computer readable medium and loaded
into computer system 550 by way of the removable storage drive,
interface 585, or communication interface 590. In such an
embodiment, the software is loaded into the computer system 550 in
the form of electrical communication signals 605. The software,
when executed by the processor 560, preferably causes the processor
560 to perform the features and functions previously described
herein.
[0062] Various embodiments may also be implemented primarily in
hardware using, for example, components such as application
specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"), or field programmable gate
arrays ("FPGAs"). Implementation of a hardware state machine
capable of performing the functions described herein will also be
apparent to those skilled in the relevant art. Various embodiments
may also be implemented using a combination of both hardware and
software.
[0063] The system 550 also includes optional wireless communication
components that facilitate wireless communication over a voice and
over a data network. The wireless communication components comprise
an antenna system 609, a radio system 615 and a baseband system
620. In the communication device 550, radio frequency ("RF")
signals are transmitted and received over the air by the antenna
system 609 under the management of the radio system 615.
[0064] In one embodiment, the antenna system 609 may comprise one
or more antennae and one or more multiplexors (not shown) that
perform a switching function to provide the antenna system 609 with
transmit and receive signal paths. In the receive path, received RF
signals can be coupled from a multiplexor to a low noise amplifier
(not shown) that amplifies the received RF signal and sends the
amplified signal to the radio system 615.
[0065] In alternative embodiments, the radio system 615 may
comprise one or more radios that are configured to communication
over various frequencies. In one embodiment, the radio system 615
may combine a demodulator (not shown) and modulator (not shown) in
one integrated circuit ("IC"). The demodulator and modulator can
also be separate components. In the incoming path, the demodulator
strips away the RF carrier signal leaving a baseband receive audio
signal, which is sent from the radio system 615 to the baseband
system 620.
[0066] If the received signal contains audio information, then
baseband system 620 decodes the signal and converts it to an analog
signal. Then the signal is amplified and sent to a speaker. The
baseband system 620 also receives analog audio signals from a
microphone. These analog audio signals are converted to digital
signals and encoded by the baseband system 620. The baseband system
620 also codes the digital signals for transmission and generates a
baseband transmit audio signal that is routed to the modulator
portion of the radio system 615. The modulator mixes the baseband
transmit audio signal with an RF carrier signal generating an RF
transmit signal that is routed to the antenna system and may pass
through a power amplifier (not shown). The power amplifier
amplifies the RF transmit signal and routes it to the antenna
system 609 where the signal is switched to the antenna port for
transmission.
[0067] The baseband system is also communicatively coupled with the
processor 560. The central processing unit 560 has access to data
storage areas 565 and 570. The central processing unit 560 is
preferably configured to execute instructions (i.e., computer
programs or software) that can be stored in the memory 565 or the
secondary memory 570. Computer programs can also be received from
the baseband processor 610 and stored in the data storage area 565
or in secondary memory, or executed upon receipt. Such computer
programs, when executed, enable the communication device 550 to
perform the various functions of the present invention as
previously described. For example, data storage areas 565 may
include various software modules (not shown) that perform the
various functions of the present invention as previously
described.
[0068] Those of skill will appreciate that the various illustrative
logical blocks, modules, units, and algorithm steps described in
connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can often be
implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or
combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability
of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks,
modules, and steps have been described above generally in terms of
their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as
hardware or software depends upon the particular constraints
imposed on the overall system. Skilled persons can implement the
described functionality in varying ways for each particular system,
but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as
causing a departure from the scope of the invention. In addition,
the grouping of functions within a unit, module, block, or step is
for ease of description. Specific functions or steps can be moved
from one unit, module, or block without departing from the
invention.
[0069] The various illustrative logical blocks, units, steps and
modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed
herein can be implemented or performed with a processor, such as a
general purpose processor, a multi-core processor, a digital signal
processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic
device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware
components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the
functions described herein. A general-purpose processor can be a
microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any
processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A
processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing
devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor,
a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in
conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0070] The steps of a method or algorithm and the processes of a
block or module described in connection with the embodiments
disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a
software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the
two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM
memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a
removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium. An
exemplary storage medium can be coupled to the processor such that
the processor can read information from, and write information to,
the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be
integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium can
reside in an ASIC. Additionally, device, blocks, or modules that
are described as coupled may be coupled via intermediary device,
blocks, or modules. Similarly, a first device may be described a
transmitting data to (or receiving from) a second device when there
are intermediary devices that couple the first and second device
and also when the first device is unaware of the ultimate
destination of the data.
[0071] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is
provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the
invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented
herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention
and are therefore representative of the subject matter that is
broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is further
understood that the scope of the present invention fully
encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those
skilled in the art and that the scope of the present invention is
accordingly limited by nothing other than the appended claims.
* * * * *