U.S. patent application number 15/601903 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-09 for system for incentivizing charitable giving based on physical activity and a method of using the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Uncharted Play, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jessica O. Matthews, Victor Angel Mosti, Melissa K. Seligmann.
Application Number | 20170323321 15/601903 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50339779 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170323321 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matthews; Jessica O. ; et
al. |
November 9, 2017 |
SYSTEM FOR INCENTIVIZING CHARITABLE GIVING BASED ON PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY AND A METHOD OF USING THE SAME
Abstract
A system and method for incentivizing charitable giving based on
physical activity includes a computer and a sports ball associated
with a first participant identifier. The sports ball includes a
sensor that detects and logs activity data. The activity data is
received by the computer, and in further transmitted to a server.
The server stores the received activity data in a participant
record associated with the first participant identifier and assigns
a plurality of credits to the participant record associated with
the first participant identifier based on the activity data stored
in the participant record. Software executing on the server
generates a report based on the credits assigned to the participant
record associated with the first participant identifier and
transmits the report to a participant computer associated with the
first participant identifier.
Inventors: |
Matthews; Jessica O.; (New
York, NY) ; Mosti; Victor Angel; (New York, NY)
; Seligmann; Melissa K.; (New York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Uncharted Play, Inc. |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50339779 |
Appl. No.: |
15/601903 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14034134 |
Sep 23, 2013 |
9691078 |
|
|
15601903 |
|
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|
61704196 |
Sep 21, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0217 20130101;
G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06Q 30/0279 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20120101
G06Q030/02; G06Q 30/02 20120101 G06Q030/02; G06Q 30/02 20120101
G06Q030/02 |
Claims
1.-20. (canceled)
21. A system for incentivizing charitable giving based on physical
activity by participants using sports equipment, comprising: a
selected piece of sports equipment used by a first participant, the
selected piece of sports equipment comprising a shell and a cavity,
and disposed within the cavity: a sensor for detecting an
acceleration of the selected piece of sports equipment; a processor
communicatively coupled to the sensor, wherein the processor is
configured to (i) receive signals from the sensor and (ii) based at
least on the signals, a timing of the signals received, and a
predetermined rest threshold, determine activity data of the
selected piece of sports equipment used by the first participant,
wherein the activity data distinguishes a lack of acceleration of
the selected piece of sports equipment between when the selected
piece of sports equipment is in physical use and when the selected
piece of sports equipment is not in physical use by comparing the
timing of the signals received to the predetermined rest threshold;
one or more computer processors; and a memory including
instructions executable by the one or more computer processors to:
assign an identifier to identify the first participant from other
participants; receive the activity data of the first participant
from the processor; and assign a plurality of credits to the
identifier based at least in part on the activity data, wherein a
given credit of the plurality of credits corresponds to a
predetermined monetary value that is applicable to a charity by the
first participant.
22. The system of claim 21, further comprising a database, wherein
the memory includes instructions executable by the one or more
computer processors to store a participant record comprising the
activity data for the first participant in the database, wherein
the participant record is associated with the identifier of the
first participant.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the participant record
comprises at least one of the first participant's personal
information, charitable goals, past charitable donations, and the
duration of use of the selected piece of sports equipment.
24. The system of claim 22, wherein the memory includes
instructions executable by the one or more computer processors to
generate an activity report of the first participant based at least
in part on the participant record and transmit the activity report
to a computer associated with the identifier of the first
participant.
25. The system of claim 21, wherein the plurality of credits is
assigned to the identifier of the first participant based at least
in part on the type of physical use of the selected piece of sports
equipment.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the type of physical use of the
selected piece of sports equipment includes at least one of
kicking, stopping, and bouncing.
27. The system of claim 21, wherein the activity data corresponds
to a duration of use of the selected piece of sports equipment.
28. The system of claim 21, wherein the activity data corresponds
to an amount of kinetic energy generated by the selected piece of
sports equipment.
29. The system of claim 21, wherein the memory includes
instructions executable by the one or more computer processors to
receive the activity data from the selected piece of sports
equipment without user intervention.
30. The system of claim 21, wherein the memory includes
instructions executable by the one or more computer processors to
rank a plurality of participants including the first participant
based at least in part on the respective activity data of the
plurality of participants.
31. A system for incentivizing charitable giving based on physical
activity by participants using sports equipment, comprising: a
selected piece of sports equipment used by a first participant, the
selected piece of sports equipment comprising a shell and a cavity,
and disposed within the cavity: a sensor for detecting an
acceleration of the selected piece of sports equipment; a processor
communicatively coupled to the sensor, wherein the processor is
configured to receive signals from the sensor and based at least on
the signals determine activity data of the selected piece of sports
equipment; and a generation module electrically coupled to the
sensor and the processor, wherein the generation module is
configured to generate electric power upon acceleration of the
selected piece of sports equipment and provide the electric power
to the sensor and the processor, wherein the activity data
corresponds to an amount of kinetic energy or power generated by
the selected piece of sports equipment; one or more computer
processors; and a memory including instructions executable by the
one or more computer processors to: assign an identifier to
identify the first participant from other participants; receive the
activity data of the first participant from the processor; and
assign a plurality of credits to the identifier based at least in
part on the activity data, wherein a given credit of the plurality
of credits corresponds to a predetermined monetary value that is
applicable to a charity by the first participant.
32. The system of claim 31, further comprising a database, wherein
the memory includes instructions executable by the one or more
computer processors to store a participant record comprising the
activity data for the first participant in the database, wherein
the participant record is associated with the identifier of the
first participant.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein the participant record
comprises at least one of the first participant's personal
information, charitable goals, past charitable donations, kinetic
energy or power generated by the selected piece of sports
equipment, and the duration of use of the selected piece of sports
equipment.
34. The system of claim 32, wherein the memory includes
instructions executable by the one or more computer processors to
generate an activity report of the first participant based at least
in part on the participant record and transmit the activity report
to a computer associated with the identifier of the first
participant.
35. The system of claim 31, wherein the plurality of credits is
assigned to the identifier of the first participant based at least
in part on the type of physical use of the selected piece of sports
equipment.
36. The system of claim 35, wherein the type of physical use of the
selected piece of sports equipment includes at least one of
kicking, stopping, and bouncing.
37. The system of claim 31, wherein the activity data is based at
least in part on a duration of use of the selected piece of sports
equipment.
38. The system of claim 37, wherein the processor is configured to
distinguish between a lack of acceleration of the selected piece of
sports equipment while the selected piece of sports equipment is in
physical use and a lack of acceleration of the selected piece of
sports equipment when the selected piece of sports equipment is not
in physical use.
39. The system of claim 31, wherein the memory includes
instructions executable by the one or more computer processors to
receive the activity data from the selected piece of sports
equipment without user intervention.
40. The system of claim 31, wherein the memory includes
instructions executable by the one or more computer processors to
rank a plurality of participants including the first participant
based at least in part on the respective activity data of the
plurality of participants.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to collecting and distributing
charitable donations. In particular, the present invention relates
to a system and method for tracking physical activity and assigning
credits based on the amount of physical activity, the credits being
redeemable for charitable donations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Soliciting, making, and receiving charitable donations are
important, are becoming ever more important as government resources
allocated to charitable causes is decreases. At the same time,
there is a growing need for such support.
[0003] There are a many different system and methods that
facilitate charitable giving. For example, a person may donate a
portion of their personal assets to a cause or charitable entity of
their choosing. In another known method, a person may solicit funds
from third parties for a specific charitable cause, for example
building a new hospitable. Sometimes, such donors will pledge
donations based on the completion of a goal, for example running a
marathon.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention resides in one aspect in a system for
incentivizing charitable giving based on physical activity. The
system includes a server having software executing thereon that
receives activity data indicative of an amount of physical
activity. The received activity data has a first participant
identifier associated therewith. The system is in communication
with a database that comprises a plurality of participant records.
Each participant record has a participant identifier associated
therewith. Software executing on the server stores the received
activity data in the participant record associated with the first
participant identifier. Software executing on the server assigns a
plurality of credits to the participant record associated with the
first participant identifier based on the activity data stored in
the participant record associated with the first participant
identifier. Software executing on the server generates a report
based on the credits assigned to the participant record associated
with the first participant identifier. The server has a
communication link with the internet. Software executing on the
server transmits the report to a participant computer associated
with the first participant identifier via the communication
link.
[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the activity
data is indicative of a use of a sports ball associated with the
first participant identifier.
[0006] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
sports ball includes a sensor that is configured to detect an
acceleration of the sports ball, the acceleration being indicative
of the use of the sports ball.
[0007] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
activity data received by the server is indicative of a duration of
the use of the sports ball.
[0008] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the report
generated by the software executing on the server identifies the
duration of the use of the sports ball associated with the first
participant identifier and further identifies a number of credits
earned for the duration of the use of the sports ball.
[0009] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, software
executing on the server generates a charitable donation response
form. The form identifies at least one charitable donation option
that is redeemable for a predetermined number of credits. The
server further includes software executing thereon for receiving a
reply to the charitable donation form.
[0010] In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the
report generated by the server includes a rank associated with the
first participant identifier. The rank is indicative of the
duration of use with the sports ball associated with the first
participant identifier relative to the duration of use of sports
balls associated with one or more other participant
identifiers.
[0011] The present invention resides in another aspect in a system
for incentivizing charitable giving based on physical activity. The
system includes a computer associated with a first participant
identifier. The computer has a communication link to the internet.
The system further includes a sports ball associated with the first
participant identifier. The sports ball includes a sensor for
detecting an acceleration of the sports ball. A processor is in
communication with the sensor, and software executing on the
processor receives signals from the sensor indicative of the
acceleration of the sports ball. Software executing on the
processor determines activity data based on the signals received
from the sensor. The system includes a communication link between
the sports ball and the computer. Software executing on the
computer associated with the first participant identifier transmits
the first participant activity data via the communication link with
the internet. The system further includes a server having software
executing thereon. Software executing on the server receives the
activity data indicative of an amount of physical activity. The
received activity data has a first participant identifier
associated therewith. The system is in communication with a
database that comprises a plurality of participant records. Each
participant record has a participant identifier associated
therewith. Software executing on the server stores the received
activity data in the participant record associated with the first
participant identifier. Software executing on the server assigns a
plurality of credits to the participant record associated with the
first participant identifier based on the activity data stored in
the participant record associated with the first participant
identifier. Software executing on the server generates a report
based on the credits assigned to the participant record associated
with the first participant identifier. The server has a
communication link with the internet. Software executing on the
server transmits the report to a participant computer associated
with the first participant identifier via the communication
link.
[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the activity
data is indicative of a duration of the use of a sports ball
associated with the first participant identifier.
[0013] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
sports ball includes a sensor that is configured to detect an
acceleration of the sports ball, the acceleration being indicative
of use of the sports ball.
[0014] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, software
executing on the server generates a charitable donation response
form. The form identifies at least one charitable donation option
that is redeemable for a predetermined number of credits. The
server further includes software executing thereon for receiving a
reply to the charitable donation form.
[0015] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
system includes software executing on the server for subtracting a
number of credits corresponding to the predetermined number of
credits from the credits associated with the participant record
associated with the first participant identifier in response a
selection of a donation option.
[0016] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
system includes software executing on the server for generating a
donation redemption form that includes a confirmation that the
donation has been redeemed.
[0017] In yet one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor
comprises a piezoelectric component that generates an electrical
current in response to an acceleration of the sports ball.
[0018] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the ball
includes a shell defining a spheroid, the shell defining a cavity.
The shell defines a first opening and a second opening
substantially diametrically opposite the first opening. A first
panel is configured to substantially close the first opening. The
first panel has a sleeve that extends radially inward from an inner
surface of the first panel. A second panel is configured to
substantially close the second opening. The second panel has a
sleeve that extends radially inward from an inner surface of the
second panel. The sensor and the processor are supported in a
center of the sphere by a distal end of the first sleeve and a
distal end of the second sleeve.
[0019] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the ball
further includes a foam ring disposed therein between the distal
end of the first sleeve and the distal end of the second sleeve.
The foam ring is configured to further support the sensor and the
processor, and is further configured to increase the rigidity of
the shell.
[0020] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
sports ball further includes an electric generator and a battery
disposed therein. A rotor of the electric generator is mechanically
coupled to the pendulum at a first axis of rotation of the
pendulum. The electric generator is electrically coupled to the
battery. An acceleration of the ball relative to a playing surface
causes the pendulum to rotate about the first axis of rotation. The
rotation of the pendulum rotates the electric generator which
generates electrical energy at least a portion of which is stored
by the battery.
[0021] The invention and its particular features and advantages
will become more apparent from the following detailed description
considered with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a system and method in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of a system and method in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention in which a
participant is presented with one or more charitable donation
options that are redeemable for assigned credits.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a report in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a charitable donation response form in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5A is an exploded view of a sports ball in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 5B is a schematic of a microprocessor, sensor, and
transmitter in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the control logic for
use with the microprocessor shown in FIG. 5B in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a generation
module in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 8A is an exploded view of portion of a sports ball n
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the sports ball shown in FIG.
8A.
[0032] FIG. 8C is a view of the ball shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention for incentivizing charitable
donations based on physical activity. The system 10 includes a
server 200 having software executing thereon. The server 200 is in
communication with a network 130 via a communication link. The
network 130 may be, for example, the internet, an intranet, or some
other type of network. A participant computer 100 is in
communication with the network 130 and can communicate with the
server 200 via the network 130. Although one participant computer
100 is explicitly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, it should be
understood that a plurality of participant computers 100
communicate with the server 200 via the network 130. In this way,
the server 200 can access and store a plurality of participant
records and further provide objective comparisons of the
performance of each participant thereby serving, in part, to
incentivize charitable giving.
[0034] The server 200 may be any type of computer hardware that is
configured to execute software and communicate with participant
computers 100 and other third parties 249 via the network 130.
Although the term server is generally used throughout this
disclosure, it is not intended to limit the present invention to a
specific type of computer. Moreover, it should be understood that
the server 200 may comprise a plurality of computers that
communicate via a network. In yet other embodiments, the server 200
may comprise one or more cloud computers, including hardware and
software, which are maintained by a third party.
[0035] The server 200 is in communication with a participant record
database 220. The database 220 is configured to provide storage of
information on physical hardware by, for example, executing
software on the server 200. The database 220 may take many forms
and may be accessible in many different manners. The database 220
allows the server 200 to store information and to retrieve
information upon execution of software. The server 200 may be in
communication with one or more third parties 249, as is further
described below via a network or through some other channel.
[0036] During operation of the system 10, the server 200 receives
and stores information regarding a participant record. The system
10 is premised on the concept of assigning credits to a participant
based on an amount of physical activity that the participant
performs. The credits can be redeemed through the system 10 for
charitable donations. The participant uses a sports ball for a
period of time. As will be disclosed in further detail below, the
sports ball tracks and stores data indicative of the duration of
the use of the ball. This is referred to activity data. The
activity data is transmitted to a participant computer, which in
turn is transmitted to the server. Software executing on the server
stores the activity data and assigns a number of credits to the
participant based on the duration of physical activity.
[0037] In the embodiment disclosed in the FIGS., the server 200
hosts a website that is accessible by a plurality of participant
computers 100 via the internet 130. The plurality of participant
computers 130 can communicate with the server 200 by accessing the
webpage hosted by the server 200 via the internet 130. It should be
understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the
server 200 comprises a plurality of computers. For example, the
server 200 may comprise a first computer for hosting the website, a
second computer for performing backend analysis of the participant
records, and a third computer for managing storage and access to
the data and for communicating with one or more third parties, such
as a charitable organization. Although the present invention
discloses using an interactive website to facilitate the transfer
of information between the server 200 and one or more participant
computers 100, the present invention is not limited in this regard.
For example, the server 200 and the one or more participant
computers 100 may exchange information by electronic mail or by
some type of file transfer protocol.
[0038] A plurality of participants can access the system 10 via the
one or more participant computers 100. The participant computer
100, for example, may include a desktop computer, a laptop, a smart
phone, a tablet, or any other processor based device that enables
communication via the internet. In some embodiments, the
participant computer 100 includes an interface, such as a touch
screen, that allows the participant to enter information and
instructions into the participant computer 100 and enables the
display of information to the participant.
[0039] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the system 10 includes a sports ball 20. A sports ball 20 may be a
ball having any size and shape that may be used during a physical
activity. For example, the sports ball 20 may include, but is not
limited to, a soccer ball, a baseball, a football, a golf ball, and
a basketball, among others. The terms sports ball is not intended
to limit the present invention. As will be appreciated by a person
having ordinary skill in the art and being familiar with this
disclosure, the present invention may be practiced with other types
of equipment used to perform physical activity. For example, the
present invention may be practiced using a jump rope, a throwing
disc, and a tennis racket, for example.
[0040] The sports ball 20 includes a sensor 30 that detects an
acceleration of the sports ball 20. The sports ball 20 also
includes a processor 40 that is in communication with the sensor 30
so that the processor 40 receives data from the sensor 30
indicative of an acceleration of the sports ball 20. As shown in
FIG. 5B, the sensor 30 and the processor 40 are referred to as
sensor hardware 42.
[0041] As the participant uses the sports ball 20, the ball is
subject to a series of accelerations. For example, the ball 20 is
kicked, the ball is stopped, and the ball is bounced. Software
executing on the processor 40 determines that the sports ball 20 is
being used in response to receiving such data and generates
activity data 50 indicative of a period of the use of the sports
ball. For example, if a participant uses a sports ball 20 for one
hour, the activity data 50 will indicate that the ball 20 was used
for one hour.
[0042] The processor 40 in the sports ball 20 is in communication
with the participant computer 100. For example the sports ball 20
and the processor 40 may communicate by wireless or wired
transmission such as Bluetooth, wifi, or radio frequency modules.
In this manner, the participant can use the participant computer
100 to receive activity data 50 from the sports ball 20 and to
further affect data stored in the ball 20 and update software
executing on the processor 40. Although the term processor is used
herein, the sports ball 20 may comprise a microcontroller or other
type of processor based computer having software executing thereon
disposed therein.
[0043] The participant computer 100 includes software 110 executing
thereon to receive the activity data 50 from the sports ball 20. In
one embodiment, the participant may open a software application
associated with the sports ball 20 on the participant computer 100.
This may include, but is not limited to, an application executing
on a smart phone. The application may provide an indication that
the sports ball 20 is in communication with the participant
computer 100 and is ready for an exchange of activity data 50. In
another embodiment, the software executing the participant computer
100 may automatically receive the activity data 50 from the sports
ball 20. In other embodiments, the software executing on the
computer may prompt the participant to initiate the transmittal of
activity data 50 from the sports ball 20 to the participant
computer 100. In some embodiments of the present invention,
software executing on the participant computer 100 stores the
activity data 50 in a database associated with the participant
computer 100. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
participant computer 100 is a smart phone such as an iPhone or an
Android phone.
[0044] Software 110 executing on the participant computer 100
transmits activity data 50 to the server 200 via the network 130.
Software executing on the server 100 receives the activity data 50
associated with the participant and stores the activity data 50 in
the database 230. In the embodiment shown, a unique participant
identifier is assigned to each participants with access to the
server 200. Software executing on the server 200 uses the
participant identifier to distinguish and delineate between
different participants. The software 210 executing on the server
200 stores the activity data 50 is the database 220 in a
participant record associated the participant identifier. The
participant record includes all information and data associated
with a participant identifier. For example the record may include
personal information, charitable goals, past charitable donations,
and the duration of use of the sports ball 20. Although an
embodiment disclosing a configuration of data stored by the server
200 is disclosed, the present invention is not limited in this
regard as other configurations may be used.
[0045] Software executing on server 200 assigns credits to each
participant record based on the activity data 50 associated with
that participant record. Software executing on the server 212
receives a participant record from the database 220. Software
executing the server 214 assigns a number of credits to the
participant record based on the activity data 50. A person of
ordinary skill in the art and familiar with this disclosure will
understand that the formula for assigning the credits can vary
based on the configuration of the system. For example, one credit
will be assigned for each hour of use with the sports ball 20. In
other embodiments, different types of physical use can be
incentivized by awarding more credits for the same amount of use as
compared to as a different type of sports ball. The assigned
credits are stored and associated with the participant identifier.
In the embodiment shown, the system 10 is configured so a
participant earns credits for performing physical activity.
[0046] Software executing on the server 216 generates a report 230
based on the assigned credits and transmits that report 230 via the
network 130 to the participant computer 100. Software 120 executing
on the participant computer 100 receives the report 230. In some
embodiments, software 120 executing the participant computer 100
displays the report 230. In reference to FIG. 3, a report 230 in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown.
In the embodiment shown, the report 230 is a webpage that is
displayed in a browser running on the participant computer 100. The
report 230 shows the participant name and displays information
regarding the participant's use of the system 10.
[0047] The report 230 displays a number of accumulated credits 231.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the participant "Anthony Q" has
earned 127 credits as illustrated by the report 231. The report 230
also includes a leader board 237. The leader board 237 displays a
leader in charitable giving in a group. This ranking may be based
on any number of factors, for example hours, credits, donation,
etc., and the ranking may be among all participants of the system
10 or may be among a sub group using the system 10. The report 230
further includes an avatar 233 chosen by the participant, an
identification of the total hours of play 232, and a display of the
hours spent on donating to different charitable organizations 335.
The report 230 further includes a progress bar 233 that illustrates
a participant's progress to a goal, and further illustrates a
number of hours of play 234 required to reach a goal. Finally, in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the report identifies a number of
awards, also referred to as badges, earned by the participant. In
some embodiments, the badges are assigned based on the duration of
the physical use of the sports ball and the badges can be redeemed
for donations. Although a particular embodiment of a report 230 is
shown in FIG. 3, the present invention is not limited in that
regard. For example, a person of ordinary skill in the art and
familiar with this disclosure will understand that the report may
take many different forms and may display many different types of
data.
[0048] The information displayed in the report 230 is stored in the
participant record associated with a participant. In some
embodiments of the present invention, participants may access
software executing on the server 200 by a browser, a cloud
application, or by some other method. It some embodiments it is
possible for a participant to view records of other participants
using the system 10, or at least portions thereof. This sharing of
information has been found to further incentivize participation and
fundraising.
[0049] The system 10 allows a participant to redeem earned credits
for charitable donations. For example, one or more third party
entities or individuals, for example a corporation seeking to
allocate a portion of money to a charitable causes, can sponsor
charitable donations made through the system 10. In reference to
FIG. 2, software executing on the server receives donation
information from one or more third parties 249. For example, a
company may pledge $10,000 to be allocated to different donation
goals and offered to participants of the system 10. Software 240
executing on the server 200 stores the donation information in the
database 220. It should be understood that the present invention is
not limited to receiving donation pledges from third parties, and
that other funding models may be employed.
[0050] The charitable donation options may be displayed to the
participant so that the participant can redeem credits. Software
executing on the server 242 retrieves donation information from the
database 220. Software 244 executing on the server 200 generates a
charitable donation response form 246 and transmits the form 246 to
a participant computer 100 via the network 130. Software 140
executing on the participant computer 100 receives and displays the
charitable donation response form 246.
[0051] In reference to FIG. 4, a charitable donation response form
246 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is
shown. The response form 246 identifies a number of available
credits 215. The form 246 also displays different charitable
donation options. For example, the form 246 displays a schools and
recreation donation option 214, a water and agriculture donation
option 213, a livelihood and vocation option 212, and a global
health option 211.
[0052] Through the participant computer 100, the participant can
select a charitable donation option presented on the form 246.
Based on the selection, software 142 executing on the participant
computer 100 generates a reply 144 to the form 246 and transmits
the reply 146 to the server 200. Software executing on the server
200 receives the reply 144 and updates the participant record
accordingly. Software executing on the server 200 may further
generate one or more instructions, for example to make the
donation, and transmit that instruction to one or more third
parties 249.
[0053] In reference to FIG. 5B, sensor hardware 22 for use with the
sports ball 20 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention is shown. The sensor hardware 22 includes a sensor 30, a
microcontroller 40, and a transmitter 42. The microcontroller 40 is
a processor based computer, and may also be referred to herein as a
processor. The sensor hardware 22 also includes a battery (not
shown in FIG. 5B). In the embodiment shown, the sensor 30 is a
piezoelectric component. As the ball 20 is accelerated, it vibrates
the piezoelectric component, which generates an electrical current
therein. The change in the piezoelectric element is detected by the
microcontroller 40. Software executing on the microcontroller 40
can determine whether the ball 20 is being used in a physical
activity based on the received signal. If that software executing
on the microcontroller 40 determines that physical activity is
occurring, the microcontroller begins logging this use until it is
stopped, thus determining activity data 50. The microcontroller 40
stores the activity data so that it can be later transmitted to the
participant computer 100.
[0054] In the embodiment shown, the microcontroller 40 is an
Arduino Fio Microcontroller Board, although the present invention
is not limited in this regard. The sensor hardware 22 includes a
wireless transceiver 42 that is in communication with the
microcontroller 40. The wireless transceiver 42 is used to transmit
the activity data 50 to the participant computer 100. It should be
understood, however, that the present invention is not limited in
this regard, and that there are many different ways in which the
activity data can be transmitted between the sports ball 20 and the
participant computer 100. For example, the sports ball 20 may
include a removable drive, or the data may be transmitted by a hard
wire connection. It should also be understood that the present
invention is not limited to the sensor hardware 22 disclosed
herein, for example the piezoelectric component 30 and the
microcontroller 40. A person of ordinary skill in the art and
familiar with this disclosure will understand that other types of
hardware capable of detecting and logging use of the sports ball 20
may be used with the present invention.
[0055] In reference to FIG. 6, the microcontroller 40 includes
software executing thereon for determining whether changes in a
signal received from the piezoelectric element is evidence of
physical use and for determining when to start and stop logging
based on intervals between received signals indicating physical
use. The control logic 500 is illustrated in FIG. 6. This logic 500
facilitates tracking of physical activity because it enables the
sensor hardware 22 to distinguish between periods of no
acceleration during physical use of the ball and periods of no
acceleration when the sports ball is not be used at all. In this
manner, the sensor hardware can accurately track use of the ball.
The sensitivity of the sensor hardware can be affected by adjusting
the threshold value in the control logic. Although a specific logic
is illustrated herein, for example in FIG. 6, a person of ordinary
skill in the art will understand that the present invention is not
limited in this regard. In a different embodiment, the activity
data 50 can be used to extrapolate/estimate the amount of kinetic
energy generated by the ball, either represented in Watts or in
minutes of light.
[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, an energy
generation module is included in the sports ball 20 to generate
electric energy for the microprocessor 40 and the wireless
transmitter 42 that are included in the sports ball 20. Such an
energy generation module is disclosed U.S. Patent Publication
U.S.20130023365 and titled Energy Storing Device and Method of
Using the Same. That disclosure is incorporated herein by
reference. It should be understood, however, that the present
invention is not limited in this regard, as a battery or other
source of electrical energy may be used to power the sensor
hardware 22.
[0057] In reference to FIG. 7, an exploded view of a generation
module 250 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention in shown. The generation module 250 includes a housing
260, a pendulum 280, an electric generator 290, a battery 296, and
supporting hardware including one or more brackets and fasteners as
discussed in detail below. The housing 260 includes a first section
262 and a second section 264. The electric generator 290 is mounted
on pedestal 270 extending from an inner surface 265 of the second
section 264 of the housing 260. A U-shaped bracket 272 is mounted
over the electric generator 290 and to the pedestal 270 using a
plurality of fasteners (not shown in the FIG. 7) to secure the
electric generator 290 to the pedestal 270. The electric generator
290 includes a rotor 292 extending from a surface 291 of the
electric generator 290.
[0058] The pendulum 280 rotates about a first axis of rotation A at
or proximate to a proximal end 281 of the pendulum 280. The first
axis of rotation A of the pendulum 280 is perpendicular to a rod
288 of the pendulum 280. The pendulum 280 includes a recess (not
shown in the figures) proximate to the proximal end 281 for
receiving the rotor 292 of the electric generator 290. The recess
is configured so that when the rotor 292 is received therein an
axis of rotation of the rotor is coaxial with the first axis of
rotation A. The rotor 292 may be secured in the recess of the
pendulum 280 by any known method, including by a press-fit, an
adhesive, or by a mechanical fastener. The rotor 292 is inserted
through an opening 275 in a faceplate 274 of the U-bracket 272 and
through a washer 276 before being inserted into the recess of the
pendulum 280. The faceplate 274 and the washer 276 serve to
maintain the pendulum 280 rotating about a single axis of rotation,
the first axis of rotation A, regardless of the axis(es) of
rotation of the ball. The faceplate 274 further inhibits radial
forces from being transferred from the pendulum 280 to the electric
generator 290 along the rotor 292.
[0059] In reference to FIGS. 8A-8C, a ball 310 in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The ball 310
includes a generally spherical shell 320 that defines a cavity. The
ball 310 includes a generation module 360 that harnesses kinetic
energy of the ball 310 to generate and store electrical energy. It
should be understood that in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and
8B, the sensor hardware 22 is disposed in the generation module
360. The shell 320 defines a first opening 324 for accessing the
cavity and includes a first panel 330 for substantially closing the
first opening 324. The first panel 330 includes a cylindrical
sleeve 332 that extends radially inward from an inner surface 334
of the first panel 330. The shell 320 defines a second opening 344
for accessing the cavity and includes a second panel 350 for
substantially closing the second opening 344. In the embodiment
shown, the second opening 344 is substantially opposite the first
opening 324 in the shell 320. The second panel 350 includes a
cylindrical sleeve 352 that extends radially inward from an inner
surface 354 of the second panel 350.
[0060] During assembly the generation module 360 and the sensor
hardware 22 is secured in one or more of the first sleeve 332 and
the second sleeve 353. In some embodiments, the sensor hardware 22
is disposed in the case of the generation module. The first panel
330 and the second panel 350 are secured in the respective first
opening 324 and second opening 344 so that the first sleeve 332 and
the second sleeve 352 are disposed in the cavity. In some
embodiments, the first sleeve 332 is adapted to receive a distal
portion 353 of the second sleeve 352 when the first sleeve 332 and
the second sleeve 352 are fully inserted into the shell 320 thereby
increasing the rigidity of the assembled ball 310. In yet other
embodiments, a portion of the generation module 360 is received in
the first sleeve 332 and a portion of the generation module is
received in the second sleeve 352 when the first sleeve and the
second sleeve are fully inserted into the shell 320 thereby
increasing the rigidity of the assembled ball 310. One of the first
and the second panel 330, 350 includes an opening for an outlet,
however, the present invention is not limited in this regarding as
there may be more than one outlet or no outlets.
[0061] In reference to FIG. 5A, another embodiment of a ball 20 in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown.
The ball 20 includes a first panel and a second panel 320, 330. The
ball 20 further includes a ring structure 325. The ring 325 is
supported between the distal ends of the two panel 320, 330 so that
the sensor hardware 42 is disposed substantially in the center of
the ball 20. The ring 325 further serves to provide additional
support to the ball. In yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the sensor hardware 22 is disposed in soft foam which in
turn is disposed in the cavity a shell defining a spheroid. In this
embodiment, the foam maintains the position of the sensor hardware
22 in the sports ball 20. It should be understood to a person of
ordinary skill in the art, that while certain specific
configurations are disclosed relating to the configuration position
of the sensor hardware relative to the ball, the present invention
is not limited in this regard and that different options may be
used.
[0062] Although the present invention has been disclosed and
described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it should
be noted that other variations and modifications may be made, and
it is intended that the following claims cover the variations and
modifications within the true scope of the invention.
* * * * *