U.S. patent application number 15/432939 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-17 for motion-related, information-indicating system for football.
The applicant listed for this patent is Razmik Karabed. Invention is credited to Razmik Karabed.
Application Number | 20170232305 15/432939 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59560180 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170232305 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karabed; Razmik |
August 17, 2017 |
MOTION-RELATED, INFORMATION-INDICATING SYSTEM FOR FOOTBALL
Abstract
Motion-related, information-indicating systems for football
generate and present flight relevant information of a thrown
football. These systems include a measuring device and an
indicating device. In one embodiment, the system measures the spin
speed of a football using a gyro. If the spin speed is higher than
a preset value, then an LED light on the football is tuned on. A
quarterback assesses his spin speed by whether the LED light is on
or off. In another embodiment, the indicating device is an LED
light positioned on a ring worn by the quarterback. A
transmitter/receiver pair transfers signals from the thrown
football to the ring. In another embodiment, the system measures
the acceleration of a football using an accelerometer. Further the
system indicates the acceleration value on an LCD display monitor
positioned on the ground. A quarterback checks the LCD display to
access the strength of his throw.
Inventors: |
Karabed; Razmik; (San Jose,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Karabed; Razmik |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59560180 |
Appl. No.: |
15/432939 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62296598 |
Feb 17, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/570 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 43/06 20130101;
A63B 2071/0625 20130101; A63B 2220/40 20130101; A63B 69/002
20130101; A63B 2220/51 20130101; A63B 71/0619 20130101; A63B
2243/007 20130101; A63B 2071/065 20130101; A63B 2225/74 20200801;
A63B 43/004 20130101; A63B 2220/833 20130101; A63B 2220/35
20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 43/06 20060101
A63B043/06 |
Claims
1. A football adapted to be thrown in a manner resulting in
spinning of said football substantially around a long axis thereof
as said football travels along a trajectory; said football having a
measuring device and an indicating device.
2. The football of claim 1, where the measuring device comprises a
sensor measuring flight information.
3. The football of claim 2, where the sensor measures the spin
speed of the football.
4. The football of claim 2, where the sensor measures the strength
of the throw of the football.
5. The football of claim 1, where the indicating device comprises a
display monitor.
6. The football of claim 5, where the display monitor is physically
separate from the football.
7. The football of claim 1, where the indicating device comprises a
light source.
8. The football of claim 7, where the light source is on the
football.
9. The football of claim 7, where the light source is physically
separate from the football
10. The football of claim 1, where the indicating device comprises
a sound source.
11. A football adapted to be thrown in a manner resulting in
spinning of said football substantially around a long axis thereof
as said football travels along a trajectory; said football having a
measuring device and an indicating device; where the measuring
device comprises a sensor measuring flight information.
12. The football of claim 11, where the sensor measures the spin
speed of the football.
13. The football of claim 11, where the sensor measures the
strength of the throw of the football.
14. The football of claim 11, where the indicating device comprises
a display monitor.
15. The football of claim 14, where the display monitor is
physically separate from the football.
16. The football of claim 11, where the indicating device comprises
a light source.
17. The football of claim 16, where the light source is on the
football.
18. The football of claim 16, where the light source is physically
separate from the football.
19. The football of claim 11, where the indicating device comprises
a sound source.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
provisional patent application No. 62/296,598, filed Feb. 17, 2016,
the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1) Field of the Invention
[0003] One or more embodiments of the invention relate generally to
motion-related, information-indicating devices and methods. More
particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to
motion-related, information-indicating systems that can, for
example, inform a quarterback the spin-speed and the strength of a
thrown football.
[0004] 2) Description of Prior Art and Related Information
[0005] In the American, Canadian, and Australian varieties of the
game of football, as well as in the game of rugby, a ball having a
generally prolate spheroid shape is used. (Australian footballs and
rugby footballs tend to have more rounded ends than American and
Canadian footballs. As used herein, the term "football" shall be
understood to refer to any ball having a generally prolate spheroid
shape, regardless of the particular sport for which it is
intended). To produce a smooth and efficient trajectory, a football
is preferably thrown such that it rotates or spins about its long
axis (i.e., the axis through the ball's pointed ends). This spin is
understood to generate forces that minimize wobbling of the ball,
leading to a smooth, accurate, and energy-efficient trajectory. A
professional football player can give a football a spin speed of
about 10 revolutions per second. See, e.g., Wattsa et al., "The
Drag Force on an American Football," Am. J. Phys., Vol. 71, No. 8,
August 2003.
[0006] In general, throwing a football accurately and efficiently
is not an easily learned skill. A portion of the necessary skill
involves achieving rapid spinning of the ball about its long axis.
Another portion of the necessary skill involves achieving a strong
throw for long passes. Both a beginner quarterback and a well
skilled one are concerned with the spin speed of the ball as well
as the strength of the throw. Consequently, for the purpose of
developing and refining such skills, it would be advantageous to
have a means of measuring 1) the spin speed of a football during
its flight and 2) the strength of the throw.
[0007] Heretofore, there have not been shown any practical means of
indicating or measuring these skills: 1) the spin speed of a thrown
football and 2) the strength of the throw. More specifically, it is
believed by the inventor that the prior art provides no practical
methods for one to evaluate progress in achieving desired levels of
spin on a football and desired strength levels of the throw.
[0008] It is known in the prior art to provide multiple colors and
other indicia on the surface of a football. In some cases, it is
believed that this is done primarily or exclusively for ornamental
or cosmetic reasons, and not to provide information about a desired
spin speed or throw strength. However, in some other cases, like in
US 2010/0304905 A1, this is done to provide information about spin
speed. More specifically, the multiple colors are designed such
that when the football spins at a speed higher than a predetermined
speed then the multiple colors merge into a single color. The
shortcomings of using mixing colors is that the minimum speed
required to mix colors varies by 1) the strength of daylight, 2)
positions of the sun or the light source, the football, and the
observer, and 3) the health of the observer's eye vision. These
variations weaken the robustness of using mixing colors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In view of the foregoing, the present invention is directed
to motion-related, information-indicating systems for generating
and presenting flight relevant information of a thrown football.
The information may contain at least one of the following flight
parameters: 1) the spin speed, 2) the strength of the throw.
[0010] It is an aspect of the invention that motion-related,
information-indicating systems include a measuring device and an
indicating device.
[0011] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the
measuring device is in the form of one or more sensors that are
positioned in some manner either on or inside of a football. The
sensors gather information on the spin speed of the football.
[0012] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the
measuring device is in the form of one or more sensors and it is
positioned in some manner either on or inside of a football. The
sensors gather information on the strength of the throw of the
football.
[0013] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the
measuring device comprises a gyro positioned to measure the speed
spin of a football in revolutions per second. The gyro generates an
output signal that has a value, `1`, when the football is spinning
faster than a predetermined value, revolutions per second, for
example 4.3 revolutions per second, and has a value, `0`,
otherwise. Further the indicating device comprises an LED light
positioned on the football. The LED light is configured to turn on
and off corresponding to the value, `1` or `0`, of the output
signal of the gyro respectively. If the indicating LED light is
observed to be on, this confirms to an observer that the spin speed
of the football must be faster than a nominal speed.
[0014] Further, a practicing quarterback can assess his/her
progress in perfecting passing skills by assessing whether a
football has been thrown with sufficient spin as to cause the
indicating LED light to turn on.
[0015] Furthermore, a football having a measuring device and an
indicating device as disclosed in this embodiment provides a means
for both beginning and advanced quarterbacks to consistently
evaluate spin speed and thereby assess their progress in developing
passing skills.
[0016] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the
measuring device comprises an accelerometer positioned to measure
the acceleration of a football.
[0017] Acceleration is measured in meters per second squared
(m/s.sup.2). The accelerometer generates an output that is
proportional to the actual acceleration.
[0018] Further the indicating device comprises an LCD display
monitor positioned on the ground. The LCD display monitor is
configured to display acceleration values. The embodiment further
comprises a controller and a transmitter/receiver pair.
[0019] The controller and the transmitter are positioned in the
ball the same as the accelerometer, while the receiver is
positioned next to the LCD display on the ground.
[0020] The controller is configured to receive the accelerometer
output and to send it to the transmitter. In turn, the transmitter
sends the acceleration of the football to the receiver on the
ground. The receiver is configured to show its received
acceleration value on the LCD display. If the indicating LCD
display monitor shows an acceleration value, this confirms to an
observer that the football was released with a force related to the
displayed value.
[0021] Further, a practicing quarterback can assess his/her
progress in perfecting passing skills by assessing whether a
football has been thrown with sufficient strength as to cause the
indicating LCD display monitor to show a value lager than a
predetermined value.
[0022] Furthermore, a football having a measuring device and an
indicating device as disclosed herein provides a means for both
beginning and advanced quarterbacks to consistently evaluate the
strength of the throw and thereby assess their progress in
developing passing skills.
[0023] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the
measuring device comprises a gyro positioned to measure the speed
spin of a football in revolutions per second. The gyro generates an
output signal that has a value, `1`, when the football is spinning
faster than a predetermined value, revolutions per second, for
example 4 revolutions per second, and has a value, `0`, otherwise.
Further the indicating device comprises an LED light positioned on
a finger ring to be worn by the thrower.
[0024] The embodiment further comprises a transmitter/receiver
pair. The transmitter is positioned in the ball the same as the
gyro, while the receiver is positioned inside the ring the same as
the LED light.
[0025] The transmitter is configured to send the gyro output value
(`1` or `0`) to the receiver in the ring. The LED light is
configured to turn on and off corresponding to the values `1` and
`0` received by the receiver respectively. If the indicating LED
light on a ring worn by a quarterback is observed to be on, this
confirms to an observer that the spin speed of the football must be
faster than a nominal speed.
[0026] Further, a practicing quarterback can assess his/her
progress in perfecting passing skills by assessing whether a
football has been thrown with sufficient spin as to cause the
indicating LED light on the finger ring to turn on.
[0027] Furthermore, a football having a measuring device and an
indicating device as disclosed herein provides a means for both
beginning and advanced quarterbacks to consistently evaluate spin
speed and thereby assess their progress in developing passing
skills.
[0028] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the
measuring device comprises an accelerometer positioned inside a
football to measure the acceleration of a football. The
accelerometer generates an output that is proportional to the
actual acceleration.
[0029] The indicating device comprises a `smart phone`.
[0030] The embodiment further comprises a controller and a
transmitter. The controller and the transmitter are positioned in
the football the same as the accelerometer.
[0031] The controller is configured to receive the accelerometer
output and to send it to the transmitter. The transmitter and the
`smart phone` are configured to send and receive acceleration
values respectively. The communication between the transmitter and
the `smart phone` may be via a wireless Wi-Fi connection.
[0032] The `smart phone` is configured to show the received
acceleration values on its display. It is further configured to
vibrate or buzz if the acceleration value is larger than a preset
value. If the `smart phone` monitor displays an acceleration value,
this confirms to an observer that the football was released with a
force related to the displayed value.
[0033] Further, a practicing quarterback can assess his/her
progress in perfecting passing skills by assessing whether a
football has been thrown with sufficient strength as to cause the
`smart phone` to vibrate or buzz, indicating an acceleration value
larger than a preset value.
[0034] Furthermore, a football having a measuring device and an
indicating device as disclosed herein provides a means for both
beginning and advanced quarterbacks to consistently evaluate the
strength of the throw and thereby assess their progress in
developing passing skills.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as
an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying
drawings, in which like references may indicate similar
elements.
[0036] FIG. 1 depicts the first embodiment of a motion-related,
information-indicating system for football;
[0037] FIG. 2 depicts the second embodiment of a motion-related,
information-indicating system for football;
[0038] FIG. 3 depicts the third embodiment of a motion-related,
information-indicating system for football;
[0039] FIG. 4A depicts the ring assembly of the third embodiment of
the current invention;
[0040] FIG. 4B depicts an exploded view of the ring assembly of the
third embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 5 depicts the fourth embodiment of a motion-related,
information-indicating system for football.
[0042] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are
not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0043] The invention and its various embodiments can now be better
understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein
illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly
understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as
examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as
ultimately defined in the claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0044] In the disclosure that follows, in the interest of clarity,
not all features of actual implementations are described. It will
of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual
implementation, as in any such project, numerous engineering and
technical decisions must be made to achieve the developers'
specific goals and sub-goals (e.g., compliance with system,
technical, and practical constraints), which will vary from one
implementation to another. Moreover, attention will necessarily be
paid to proper design and engineering practices for the environment
in question. It will be appreciated that such development efforts
could be complex and time-consuming, outside the knowledge base of
typical laymen, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for
those of ordinary skill in the relevant fields.
First Embodiment
[0045] Referring to FIG. 1 a first embodiment of a motion-related,
information-indicating system for football is described. In FIG. 1,
a football 1 is depicted with respect to a longitudinal axis pp'.
The football 1 has two ends 2 and 3, and pp' axis passes through
the ends 2 and 3.
[0046] In accordance with the first embodiment of the invention,
the motion-related, information-indicating system for football
includes a measuring device 10 and an indicating device 20. The
measuring device 10 is positioned inside the football 1 and the
indicating device 20 is positioned on the surface of the football
1.
[0047] The measuring device 10 of the first embodiment is a gyro;
and it is configured to detect the spin speeds about the pp' axis
that are greater than or equal to R revolutions per second. The
measuring device 10 has two ports, A and B. Port B is at voltage
level of `0`, which corresponds to a voltage level ground 12. Port
A is at voltage level `0` if the spin speed of the football 1 is
less than R and it is at voltage level `1` if the spin speed of the
football 1 is greater than or equal to R. The voltage level `1`
does not necessarily correspond to a voltage of 1 volts but it
corresponds to a predetermined voltage level that is distinct from
the ground voltage (`0`).
[0048] The indicating device 20 is a light source; it may be an LED
type. The indicating device 20 has two ports: A' and B'. Ports A
and B of the measuring device 10 are connected to the ports A' and
B' of the indicating device 20, respectively. The indicating device
20 is configured to be `on` if port A of the measuring device 10 is
at level `1`, and to be `off` if port A of the measuring device 10
is at level `0`.
[0049] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, if the light
source of the indicator device 20 is observed to be on, this
confirms to an observer that the spin speed of the football 1 must
be faster than or equal to R revolutions per second.
[0050] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
practicing quarterback can assess his/her progress in perfecting
passing skills by assessing whether the football 1 has been thrown
with sufficient spin as to cause the light source of the indicator
device 20 to turn `on`.
[0051] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
football 1 having the measuring device 10 and the indicating device
20 as disclosed herein provides a means for both beginning and
advanced quarterbacks to consistently evaluate the spin speed and
thereby assess their progress in developing passing skills.
Second Embodiment
[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of a
motion-related, information-indicating system for football is
described. In FIG. 2, the football 1 is depicted with respect to
the longitudinal axis pp'. The ends 2 and 3 of the football 1 are
also shown.
[0053] In accordance with the second embodiment of the invention,
the motion-related, information-indicating system for football
includes a measuring device 30 and an indicating device 70. The
measuring device 30 is situated inside the football 1, but the
indicating device 70 is on the ground; it is not physically
attached to the football 1.
[0054] The measuring device 30 of the second embodiment is an
accelerometer. It is configured to measure the acceleration of the
football 1. More specifically, the measuring device may be a three
axes accelerometer that measures the acceleration on three
dimensions. Even more specifically, the measuring device 30 may
compute the magnitude of the acceleration of the football 1 based
on the magnitudes of acceleration on its three axes. If a1, a2, and
a3 are the magnitudes of the acceleration of the football 1 along
the three axes of the accelerometer of the measuring device 30,
then the magnitude of the acceleration of the football 1 would be,
square root of (a1.sup.2+a2.sup.2+a3.sup.2).
[0055] In this disclosure, we use acceleration and strength (force)
interchangeably because they are related according to
(force)=(acceleration).times.(mass). For more accuracy, the Earth
gravitational acceleration, g, needs to be subtracted from (a1, a2,
a3) before computing the magnitude of the acceleration due to the
thrower's strength (force). The Earth gravitational acceleration,
g, is approximately equal to 9.8 m/s.sup.2. To properly subtract g
from (a1, a2, a3) we may need to: 1) Compute (g1, g2, g3), the
representation of g with respect to the accelerometer axes. 2)
Subtract (g1, g2, g3) from (a1, a2, a3). One way to compute (g1,
g2, g3) is to: 1) Measure the (roll, pitch, and yaw) of the
football 1 using Roll/Pitch/Yaw sensors. 2) Compute the
accelerometer axes with respect to Earth using 1) above and the
position of the accelerometer with respect to the football 1. 3)
Then, project a vector of length g pointing downward onto the axes
in 2) above to obtain (g1, g2, g3).
[0056] For even more accuracy in the measurement of throw strength,
one may go beyond the scope of the second invention by removing the
contributions of air resistance, wind speed and wind direction from
(a1, a2, a3). During a throw, the air resistance is generally a
function of 1) the football 1 geometry and 2) the football 1 speed
during the throw. One may need another sensor to measure the
contribution of the wind speed and the wind direction. The
indicating device 70 is a display; it may be an LCD monitor.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, the second embodiment additionally has
a controller 40, and a pair of transmitter and receiver 50 and 60,
respectively. The controller 40 and the transmitter 50 are situated
inside the football 1. The controller 40 is connected to both the
measuring device 30 and the transmitter 50. The receiver 60 is
situated next to the indicating device 70 and it is connected to
the indicating device 70. The transmitter 50 and the receiver 60
may be a pair of wireless Wi-Fi transmitter and receiver pair.
[0058] The connection of the controller 40 to the measuring device
30 enables the controller 40 to receive the magnitude of the
acceleration of the football 1 from the measuring device 30. The
connection of the controller 40 to the transmitter 50 enables the
controller 40 to send the magnitude of the acceleration of the
football 1 to the transmitter 50. The transmitter 50 sends the
magnitude of the acceleration to the receiver 60. The connection of
the receiver 60 to the indicating device 70 enables the receiver 60
to communicate the magnitude of the acceleration to the indicating
device 70. At last, the indicating device 70 displays the magnitude
of the acceleration.
[0059] Now, the controller 40 repeatedly performs the following
sequence of tasks: 1) it reads the magnitude of the acceleration of
the football 1 from the measuring device 30. 2) It sends the
magnitude of the acceleration to the LCD monitor of the indicating
device 70 through the transmitter 50 and the receiver 60. The LCD
monitor of the indicating device 70 shows the acceleration of the
football 1 based on the values it receives from the receiver
60.
[0060] The indicating device 70 may be configured such that in
addition to showing the current value of the acceleration of the
football 1, it also shows the maximum acceleration for each
throw.
[0061] The measuring device 30, the controller 40, the transmitter
50, the receiver 60, and the indicating device 70 may be
collectively configured to display the coordinates, (a1, a2, a3),
of the acceleration of the football 1.
[0062] The indicating device 70 may reset its values to zero once
the value of the acceleration is below a threshold, indicating end
of a throw.
[0063] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, if the LCD
monitor of the indicating device 70 shows an acceleration value,
this confirms to an observer that the football 1 was released with
a force related to the displayed value.
[0064] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
practicing quarterback can assess his/her progress in perfecting
passing skills by assessing whether the football 1 has been thrown
with sufficient strength as to cause the LCD monitor of the
indicating device 70 to show a large maximum value.
[0065] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
football 1 having the measuring device 30 and the indicating device
70 as disclosed herein provides a means for both beginning and
advanced quarterbacks to consistently evaluate the strength of the
throw and thereby assess their progress in developing passing
skills.
Third Embodiment
[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, a third embodiment of a motion-related,
information-indicating system for football is described. In FIG. 3,
the football 1 is depicted with respect to the longitudinal axis
pp'. The ends 2 and 3 of the football 1 are also shown.
[0067] In accordance with the third embodiment of the invention,
the motion-related, information-indicating system for football
includes a measuring device 10 and an indicating device 20.
According to FIG. 3, the measuring device 10 is positioned inside
the football 1 as in the first embodiment. The indicating device 20
is part of a ring assembly shown in FIG. 4A. FIG.4B shows an
exploded view of the ring assembly 90. It shows a finger ring 80
and the indicating device 20.
[0068] The measuring device 10 is a gyro that is configured to
detect spins (about the pp' axis) that are not slower than R
revolutions per second. The measuring device 10 has two ports: A
and B. The port B is at voltage level of `0`, which corresponds to
a voltage level ground 12. The port A of the measuring device 10 is
at voltage level `0` if the spin speed of the football 1 is less
than R, and it is at voltage level `1` if the spin speed of the
football 1 is greater than or equal to R.
[0069] The indicating device 20 is a light source; it may be an LED
type. The indicating device 20 has two ports: A' and B'.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, the third embodiment
additionally has a pair of transmitter and receiver, 50 and 60,
respectively. The transmitter 50 is situated inside the football 1,
and it is connected to the measuring device 10. But the receiver 60
is situated next to the LED light of the indicating device 20.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 3, the transmitter 50 has two ports: C and
D, and the receiver 60 has two ports: C' and D'. The ports D and D'
are grounded. The port D is grounded to the ground 12 and the port
D' is grounded to a ground 13. The transmitter 50 communicates its
port C value to the receiver 60, and the receiver 60 receives the
port C value and places it on its port C'. The ports of the
transmitter 50 are connected to the ports of the measuring device
10; port C is connected to port A and port D is connected to port
B. The transmitter 50 repeatedly transmits the value of port C, `0`
or `1`, to the receiver 60. The ports of the receiver 60 are
connected to the ports of the LED light of the indicating device
20; port C' is connected to port A' and port D' is connected to
port B'. Port B' is at voltage level of `0`, which corresponds to
the voltage level ground 13. The receiver 60 repeatedly provides
value of port C' to port A' of the LED light of the indicating
device 20. The indicating device 20 is configured to be `on` if
port A' is at level `1`, and to be `off` if port A' is at level
`0`.
[0072] Now while the football 1 has a spin speed of less than R
revolutions per second about the pp' axis, port A of the measuring
device 10 has value `0`. Therefore port C of the transmitter 50 has
value of `0`. Next the transmitter 50 communicates the value of
port C to the receiver 60. Therefore the value of port C' of the
receiver 60 is `0`. Consequently the value of port A' of the LED
light of the indicating device 20 is `0` and hence the LED light of
the indicating device 20 is `off`. But while the football 1 has a
spin speed of greater than or equal to R revolutions per second,
port A of the measuring device 10 has value `1`. Therefore port C
of the transmitter 50 has value of `1`. Next the transmitter 50
communicates the value of port C to the receiver 60. Therefore the
value of port C' of the receiver 60 is `1`. Consequently the value
of port A' of the LED light of the indicating device 20 is `1` and
hence the LED light of the indicating device 20 is `on`.
[0073] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, if the light
source of the indicator device 20 is observed to be `on`, this
confirms to an observer that the spin speed of the football 1 must
be no slower than R revolutions per second.
[0074] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
practicing quarterback can assess his/her progress in perfecting
passing skills by assessing whether the football 1 has been thrown
with sufficient spin as to cause the light source of the indicator
device 20 to turn `on`.
[0075] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
football 1 having the measuring device 10 and the indicating device
20 as disclosed herein provides a means for both beginning and
advanced quarterbacks to consistently evaluate spin speed and
thereby assess his/her progress in developing passing skills.
[0076] If the football 1 is being passed around among many players,
then each player may wear a ring assembly in order to observe
his/her spin speeds. If a player spins the football 1 fast enough,
then the LED light of the indicating device 20 of the ring assembly
90 of all the players would light up. Although it is not in the
focus of the third embodiment, by using simple push button
switches, electronic identification tags, or proximity sensors, we
may allow only the ring assembly 90 of a player who is throwing the
football 1 to light up.
Fourth Embodiment
[0077] Referring to FIG. 5, a fourth embodiment of a
motion-related, information-indicating system for football is
described. In FIG. 5, the football 1 is depicted with respect to
the longitudinal axis pp'. The ends 2 and 3 of the football 1 are
also shown. In accordance with the fourth embodiment of the
invention, the motion-related, information-indicating system for
football includes a measuring device 30 and an indicating device
95. The measuring device 30 is situated inside the football 1, but
the indicating device 95 is on the ground, i.e., it is not
physically attached to the football 1.
[0078] The measuring device 30 of the fourth embodiment is an
accelerometer configured to measure the acceleration of the
football 1. The indicating device 95 is a smart phone; it may be an
iPhone.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 5, the fourth embodiment additionally has
a controller 40 and a transmitter 50. The controller 40 and the
transmitter 50 are situated inside the football 1. The transmitter
50 and the indicating device 95, the smart phone, form a wireless
transmitter and receiver pair.
[0080] The accelerometer of the measuring device 30 and the
controller 40 are connected such that the controller 40 is able to
receive the magnitude of the acceleration of the football 1 from
the measuring device 30. The transmitter 50 is connected to the
controller 40 such that the controller 40 is able to send the
magnitude of the acceleration of the football 1 to the indicating
device 95, the smart phone, which in turn displays the magnitude on
its monitor.
[0081] Now, the controller 40 repeatedly performs the following
sequence of tasks: 1) it reads the value of the acceleration of the
football 1 from the measuring device 30. 2) It sends the
acceleration value to the indicating device 95, the smart phone,
though the transmitter 50
[0082] The indicating device 95, the smart phone, shows the
acceleration value on its monitor. The indicating device 95 may be
configured such that in addition to showing the current value of
the acceleration of the football 1, it also shows the maximum
acceleration for each throw. The indicating device 95, the smart
phone, may reset the acceleration value to zero once the value
falls below a threshold, indicating end of a throw. Further, the
indicating device 95, the smart phone, may be configured to vibrate
or buzz if the acceleration value is larger than a preset value. In
accordance with one aspect of the invention, if the monitor of the
indicating device 95 shows an acceleration value, this confirms to
an observer that the football 1 was released with a force related
to the displayed value.
[0083] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
practicing quarterback can assess his/her progress in perfecting
passing skills by assessing whether the football 1 has been thrown
with sufficient strength as to cause the monitor of the indicating
device 95 to show a large maximum value.
[0084] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
practicing quarterback can assess his/her progress in perfecting
passing skills by assessing whether the football 1 has been thrown
with sufficient strength as to cause the indicating device 95 to
vibrate or to buzz, indicating a strength level larger than a
preset value.
[0085] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
football 1 having the measuring device 30 and the indicating device
95 as disclosed herein provides a means for both beginning and
advanced quarterbacks to consistently evaluate the strength of the
throw and thereby assess their progress in developing passing
skills.
[0086] All embodiments require a power source.
[0087] Although, in the first and the third embodiments, the
parameter, R, is assumed preset, nevertheless, one may modify the
systems to allow R to be adjustable using a dial, a knob or a
switch. Now a user may increase R as he improves his skills.
[0088] In the fourth embodiment, trajectories and position of the
football 1 may be shown on the smart phone 95 by using
Roll/Pitch/Yaw and GPS sensors in the football 1.
[0089] There are many ways to protect the components used inside
and on a football from the shocks and vibrations that the football
endures during play. We would like to mention the use of the
following materials: 1) Shock and vibration absorbing rubbers, 2)
Foams, memory foams, or 3) High-density open cell foam and
low-density open cell foam.
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