U.S. patent application number 15/864830 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-12 for rfid-based location identification in athletic equipment and athletic playing fields.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rick C. Bergman. Invention is credited to Rick C. Bergman.
Application Number | 20180193694 15/864830 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62782122 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180193694 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bergman; Rick C. |
July 12, 2018 |
RFID-BASED LOCATION IDENTIFICATION IN ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT AND
ATHLETIC PLAYING FIELDS
Abstract
A system for determining a position of one or more pieces of
athletic equipment on an athletic playing surface is provided. The
system includes one or more pieces of athletic equipment each
including therein an RFID chip, the RFID chip comprising an
electronic circuit configured to produce and transmit an RF signal.
The system also includes an array of sensors positioned on or in
proximity to the athletic playing surface and configured to receive
RF signals from the RFID chip of each of the one or more pieces of
athletic equipment. The system also includes a processing system
operably connected to the array of sensors to receive data from the
array of sensors, the processing system programmed to process the
data from the array of sensors to determine a position of each of
the one or more pieces of athletic equipment on the athletic
playing surface.
Inventors: |
Bergman; Rick C.; (Grafton,
WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bergman; Rick C. |
Grafton |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62782122 |
Appl. No.: |
15/864830 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62443456 |
Jan 6, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2102/02 20151001;
A63B 2024/0034 20130101; A63B 24/0021 20130101; A63B 71/0605
20130101; A63B 2243/0066 20130101; A63B 39/00 20130101; A63B
2102/00 20151001; A63B 71/1225 20130101; A43B 5/02 20130101; A63B
2243/0037 20130101; A43B 3/0015 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101;
A63B 2225/54 20130101; A63B 43/002 20130101; A63B 2024/0025
20130101; A63B 2243/0025 20130101; A63B 2243/007 20130101; A63B
2102/182 20151001; A63B 41/00 20130101; A63B 2220/10 20130101; A63C
19/065 20130101; A63B 2024/0028 20130101; A63B 2102/24 20151001;
A63C 2203/22 20130101; A63B 2243/0095 20130101; A63B 43/00
20130101; A63B 2071/125 20130101; A43B 3/0005 20130101; A63B 37/00
20130101; A63B 2102/14 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A63B 43/00 20060101 A63B043/00; A63B 41/00 20060101
A63B041/00; A63B 37/00 20060101 A63B037/00 |
Claims
1. A system for determining a position of one or more pieces of
athletic equipment on an athletic playing surface, the system
comprising: one or more pieces of athletic equipment each including
therein a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip, the RFID chip
comprising an electronic circuit configured to produce and transmit
an radio-frequency (RF) signal; an array of sensors positioned on
or in proximity to the athletic playing surface and configured to
receive RF signals from the RFID chip of each of the one or more
pieces of athletic equipment; and a processing system operably
connected to the array of sensors to receive data from the array of
sensors, the processing system programmed to process the data from
the array of sensors to determine a position of each of the one or
more pieces of athletic equipment on the athletic playing
surface.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the processing system is further
programmed to process the data from the array of sensors to track
movement of each of the one or more pieces of athletic equipment on
the athletic playing surface.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more pieces of athletic
equipment comprises shoes worn by players competing on the athletic
playing surface.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein the RFID chip in the shoe
comprises RFID chips embedded in the shoe in a top-front portion of
the shoe, a heel of the shoe, and in an outer edge of the shoe, so
as to enable positional determination of a player's toes, heel, and
sidefoot on the athletic playing surface relative to an
out-of-bounds line.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more pieces of athletic
equipment comprises kneepads worn by players competing on the
athletic playing surface.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the RFID chip in the kneepads
enable determination of a vertical positioning of the kneepads
relative to the athletic playing surface, so as to enable
determination of when a player's knee contacts the athletic playing
surface.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more pieces of athletic
equipment comprises one of a football, basketball, volleyball,
soccer ball, baseball, softball, lacrosse ball, tennis ball, hockey
puck, or rugby ball.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein, when the one or more pieces of
athletic equipment comprises a football or rugby ball, the RFID
chip comprises RFID chips embedded in the football or rugby ball at
locations generally corresponding to ends of the football or rugby
ball and each of four sides of the football or rugby ball, so as to
enable determining of the position of each end and surface of the
football or rugby ball on the athletic playing surface.
9. The system of claim 7 wherein the athletic playing surface
comprises one of a football field and a rugby field that includes
goal posts thereon, and wherein the RFID chips in the football or
rugby ball, and the interaction thereof with the array of sensors,
enable the processing system to determine when the football or
rugby ball passes through the goal posts during a kick.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein a weight of the RFID chip is less
than 1 ounce, and wherein the weight and a size of the RFID chip
does not affect performance of the ball or puck during use.
11. A wearable location tag system comprising: a wearable article
comprising a shoe or kneepad worn by a football player; and one or
more radio frequency identification (RFID) chips incorporated into
the wearable article and configured to produce and transmit an
radio-frequency (RF) signal therefrom; wherein each of the one or
more RFID chips comprises an electronic circuit that includes: a
processor configured to store data, instructions, and programs
thereon, including timing instructions for generating RF signals to
be transmitted; and a transceiver and antenna operably connected to
the processor to send and receive RF signals to exchange
information and data with one or more remote outside sensors
incorporated into a football field; and wherein interaction of the
one or more RFID chips with the one or more remote outside sensors
enables determination of a position of the wearable article on the
football field.
12. The wearable location tag system of claim 11 wherein, when the
wearable article is a shoe, the interaction of the one or more RFID
chips with the one or more remote outside sensors enables
positional determination of a shoe's toe, heel, and sidefoot on the
football field relative to an out-of-bounds line.
13. The wearable location tag system of claim 11 wherein, when the
wearable article is a kneepad, the interaction of the one or more
RFID chips with the one or more remote outside sensors enables
determination of a vertical positioning of the kneepad relative to
the football field, so as to enable determination of when the
kneepad contacts the football field.
14. An athletic ball comprising: an outer layer; and one or more
radio frequency identification (RFID) chips embedded in the
athletic ball under the outer layer and configured to produce and
transmit an radio-frequency (RF) signal therefrom; wherein each of
the one or more RFID chips comprises an electronic circuit that
includes: a processor configured to store data, instructions, and
programs thereon, including timing instructions for generating RF
signals to be transmitted; and a transceiver and antenna operably
connected to the processor to send and receive RF signals to
exchange information and data with one or more remote outside
sensors incorporated into an athletic playing surface; and wherein
interaction of the one or more RFID chips with the one or more
remote outside sensors enables determination of a position of the
athletic ball on the athletic playing surface.
15. The athletic ball of claim 14 wherein the athletic ball
comprises one of a football, basketball, volleyball, soccer ball,
baseball, softball, lacrosse ball, tennis ball, hockey puck, or
rugby ball.
16. The athletic ball of claim 14 wherein interaction of the one or
more RFID chips with the one or more remote outside sensors enables
positional determination of the athletic ball relative to an
out-of-bounds line or other boundary line on the athletic playing
surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a non-provisional of, and claims
priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/443,456, filed Jan. 6, 2017, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to sporting
events and, more particularly, to the use of RFID-based location
identification in athletic equipment and athletic playing fields in
various sporting events.
[0003] Over the 20 years, the popularity of amateur and
professional sports has continued to grow exponentially. By some
estimates, amateur and professional sports and the activities
associated therewith brings roughly $14.3 billion in earnings a
year in the United States, for example. Part of the appeal of
amateur and professional sports is the fast-paced, action-packed
nature of such events, with sports such as American-style football,
basketball, baseball, rugby, tennis and soccer being some of the
more popular sports watched by consumers.
[0004] In many sports, the location of a player or ball being used
relative to an out-of-bounds boundary or other playing field
marker/location is important to the game. That is, the occurrence
of a player or ball contacting an out-of-bounds boundary may cause
stoppage of a play (American football), possession of the ball to
go to an opposing team (basketball, soccer) or points being awarded
to a player (tennis). Thus, it is recognized that the accurate
determination of if/when a player or ball contacts an out-of-bounds
boundary is important to the outcome of the game.
[0005] An exemplary illustration of the importance of the accurate
determination of a player or ball is provided in American football.
Organized football games typically include several officials
(referees, umpires, head linesmen, line judges, back judges, field
judges and side judges) whose primary responsibilities are to
monitor play including the position of the football. In recent
years, professional football leagues (including the National
Football League.RTM.) and amateur leagues (including the NCAA.RTM.)
have adopted the use of video replays to assist officials in
reviewing disputed calls during the course of a football game.
Often the position of a football during the play is the primary
issue under dispute. For example, whether the football crossed the
goal line of the end zone during a play, or whether a player's
forward progress with the football during a play passed the first
down marker on the field of play. The goal line is an imaginary
plane extending upward from the line of paint at the edge of the
end zone (goal line) on the field of play. These decisions or calls
by the officials on the field or in the replay booth can be very
difficult at times due to line of sight limitations of the
officials and/or the cameras used to film the game action.
[0006] Further, the players themselves can increase the difficulty
of tracking or determining the position of a football during a
play. Because football plays involve tackling and blocking, often
the players themselves obstruct a clear view of the football during
a play. It is also not uncommon for an official to make an
incorrect call on a play due to the position of the official during
the play and the angle of the official's view of the play itself.
Even video replays can result in incorrect decisions or
inconclusive evidence based upon the positions of the video cameras
taping the football game. Additionally, player's often attempt to
reposition and improve the position of the football after the play
has been whistled dead or over by the official. In some instances,
the official may not detect such late repositioning of the football
by a player. An incorrect goal line or first down call can be a
determinative factor in the outcome of a football game.
[0007] Video replays have improved the integrity and accuracy of
the game official's decisions or calls during a game. However, in
many cases, the process of stopping the game to review the video
tape evidence of a disputed play can take several minutes.
Spectators of football games often find such delays to be too long,
boring and/or disruptive to the flow of the game. Many coaches
believe a few minute delay to review a disputed call can negatively
affect a team's emotional level, and overall momentum. Others
believe the time needed to complete a football game in general has
been too long, even before the introduction and incorporation of
replay reviews of disputed plays.
[0008] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a system or
method that improves the monitoring and observation of the football
game action to minimize the occurrences of incorrect decisions by
officials, particularly those decisions involving the position of
the football during a play. It would further be desirable for such
a system or method more accurately monitor the football game during
play, including the position of the football, without introducing
undesirable delays to the football game. Such improving of the
monitoring and observation of a game action to minimize the
occurrences of incorrect decisions by officials is also desirable
in numerous other sports, including but not limited to basketball,
baseball, rugby, tennis, hockey and soccer, for example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
system for determining a position of one or more pieces of athletic
equipment on an athletic playing surface is provided. The system
includes one or more pieces of athletic equipment each including
therein an RFID chip, the RFID chip comprising an electronic
circuit configured to produce and transmit an RF signal. The system
also includes an array of sensors positioned on or in proximity to
the athletic playing surface and configured to receive RF signals
from the RFID chip of each of the one or more pieces of athletic
equipment. The system also includes a processing system operably
connected to the array of sensors to receive data from the array of
sensors, the processing system programmed to process the data from
the array of sensors to determine a position of each of the one or
more pieces of athletic equipment on the athletic playing
surface.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a wearable location tag system includes a wearable article
comprising a shoe or kneepad worn by a football player and one or
more RFID chips incorporated into the wearable article and
configured to produce and transmit an radio-frequency RF signal
therefrom. Each of the one or more RFID chips comprises an
electronic circuit that includes a processor configured to store
data, instructions, and programs thereon, including timing
instructions for generating RF signals to be transmitted, and a
transceiver and antenna operably connected to the processor to send
and receive RF signals to exchange information and data with one or
more remote outside sensors incorporated into a football field.
Interaction of the one or more RFID chips with the one or more
remote outside sensors enables determination of a position of the
wearable article on the football field.
[0011] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, an athletic ball includes an outer layer and one or more
RFID chips embedded in the athletic ball under the outer layer and
configured to produce and transmit an radio-frequency RF signal
therefrom. Each of the one or more RFID chips comprises an
electronic circuit that includes a processor configured to store
data, instructions, and programs thereon, including timing
instructions for generating RF signals to be transmitted, and a
transceiver and antenna operably connected to the processor to send
and receive RF signals to exchange information and data with one or
more remote outside sensors incorporated into an athletic playing
surface. Interaction of the one or more RFID chips with the one or
more remote outside sensors enables determination of a position of
the athletic ball on the athletic playing surface.
[0012] Various other features and advantages will be made apparent
from the following detailed description and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The drawings illustrate embodiments presently contemplated
for carrying out the invention.
[0014] In the drawings:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a football that incorporates an
electronic chip/RFID tag circuit therein, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the electronic chip/RFID
tag circuit of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a shoe that incorporates an
electronic chip/RFID tag circuit therein, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a kneepad that incorporates an
electronic chip/RFID tag circuit therein, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a monitoring system for
monitoring the location of a football and/or player athletic
equipment, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a basketball that incorporates an
electronic chip/RFID tag circuit therein, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a tennis ball that incorporates an
electronic chip/RFID tag circuit therein, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a rugby ball that incorporates an
electronic chip/RFID tag circuit therein, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to the use
of RFID-based location identification in athletic equipment and
athletic playing fields in various sporting events. An RFID tag is
incorporated in a ball or in piece of athletic equipment worn by a
player, in order to identify the location of the ball or equipment
on the field or court. An associated monitoring system is arranged
on the field or court that interact with the RFID tag to provide
for such location identification. Based on the identified location
of the ball or piece of athletic equipment, events of interest
within the game can be determined/identified--such as a player or
ball contacting an out-of-bounds boundary or particular line/marker
on the field.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, an American football--such as might be
used in football games conducted by the NFL.RTM. and NCAA.RTM.--is
indicated generally at 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The
football 10 is one example of an inflatable game ball in/with which
embodiments of the invention may be incorporated; however, other
aspects and features of the present invention are applicable to
other sports games, balls and equipment, such as, for example,
basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls, baseballs, softballs,
lacrosse balls, tennis balls, hockey pucks, and rugby balls.
[0025] With respect to the football 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, the
football is an inflatable object having a major longitudinal
dimension and a minor transverse dimension. The football 10 is
configured to be grasped, thrown, caught, kicked, and carried by a
player during use. The football 10 includes, a cover 12, a bladder
14, a lacing 16, and electronic chips 18. It is recognized that a
rugby ball would have a similar construction to football 10 shown
in FIG. 1 regarding inclusion and placement of electronic chips 18
therein.
[0026] The electronic chips 18 or circuits are optimally positioned
on or within the football 10 to optimize the effectiveness of the
electronics and to minimize or eliminate any negative impact the
electronics may have on the play, feel and/or performance of the
football 10. The positioning of the electronic chips 18 can also
improve the feel, play and/or performance of the football 10. Each
electronic chip 18 is a circuit including one or more devices and
may be configured to actively transmit one or more electronic
signals 20 used to indicate the location and movement of the
football. Alternatively, the electronic chip 18 can include a
passive circuit that allows for the detection of the location and
movement, of the football to be ascertained when subjected to a
magnetic field or other sensing system. The electronic chip 18 has
a weight and size that does not affect performance of the football
during use, with a weight of less than 1 ounce, and more
preferably, a weight of less than 0.5 ounce, being desirable.
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic chips 18 are
thin, flexible radio frequency identification (RFID) tags/chip
circuits that can be applied to the football, i.e., to the bladder
or an intermediate layer of the football. Each RFID tag circuit 18
is an integrated circuit for storing and processing information,
and modulating and demodulating a radio-frequency (RF) signal. The
RFID tag circuit 18 also includes at least one antenna for
receiving and transmitting the signal. The RFID tag circuit 18 can
be passive or active, with an active tag including a battery as a
power source. In other alternative preferred embodiments, the RFID
tag circuit 18 can be a wire mesh, or a pattern or a circuit
configured to affect a magnetic field or create a voltage change at
it moves through or about a sensing area. In other alternative
preferred embodiments, the RFID tag circuit 18 is configured with
one or more receivers, transmitters, transceivers, power sources,
processors, micro-controllers and switches. The RFID tag circuits
18 can be applied as a patch or a layer at desired locations about
or within the football 10 including on the inner or outer surface
of the cover 12, within the cover 12, on or within the bladder 14
or within other layers such as winding layers, linings, and padding
layers. An RFID tag circuit 18 can also be advantageously
positioned beneath the lacing 16 for additional protection and
positioning away from the kicking region of the football 10.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, a plurality
of RFID tag circuits 18 are included in the football 10 at
locations generally corresponding to the ends of the football and
each of four sides of the football 10. Positioning of the tag
circuits 18 at such locations allows for a sensing of each end and
surface of the football, which is desirable in determining where
the nose of the ball is positioned on a field, as well as sides of
the ball--which may be necessary in determining if the ball has
crossed the goal line during play, has reached a first down marker,
etc.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, an electronic chip/RFID tag circuit 18
is shown in more detail. The electronic chip 18 includes a
plurality of electronic devices such as, for example, sensors,
receivers, transmitters, transceivers, power supplies, memory,
micro-processors, micro-controllers, analog to digital converters,
and combinations thereof. The electronic chip 18 can be arranged
with a wide range of combinations of one or more of these
components. In the particular embodiment of FIG. 2, the electronic
chip 18 includes a circuit having a processor 22, a transceiver 24,
memory 26, a transmitter 28, a receiver 30 and a power supply (i.e.
battery 32). The processor 22 is preferably a micro-processor or a
micro-controller capable of processing algorithms, routines,
programs and/or applications. The processor 22 can include a timer
or sample rate capability. The memory 26 is operably associated
with the processor 22 and is used to store data, instructions,
programs, and files. The memory 26 can include read only memory and
random access memory.
[0030] The transceiver 24 is a combination of a receiver and a
transmitter that is operably coupled to the processor 22. The
transceiver can be coupled to an antenna 34. The transceiver 24 can
send or receive a signal, such as the electronic signal 20, and to
exchange information and data with a remote outside sensor, a
receiver, a server, a computer, a network of computers or the
Internet. The transmitter 28 and the receiver 30 can also be used
to send and receive, respectively, a signal representing
information and data for communication with a remote sensor,
transmitter, receiver, server, computer, computer network or the
Internet. The transmitter 28 and receiver 30, along with the
battery 32 and the sensor 76, are also operably coupled to the
processor 22. Accordingly, the electronic chip/RFID tag circuit 18
is capable of receiving and transmitting data that, as will be
explained in greater detail below, can be used to identify the
location of the football 10 to a precise degree within a field of
play.
[0031] While FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the inclusion of an
electronic chip/RFID tag circuit 18 within a football 10 (or rugby
ball) for purposes of tracking a location of the ball, it is
recognized that other positioning information may be of use during
the course of play of an athletic event, such as in a football
game. As an illustrative example, it may be highly desirable to be
able to determine when a ball carrier has stepped out of bounds
during a play and/or if a ball carrier has made contact with the
ground during a play such that he should be ruled down. To provide
for such determinations, embodiments of the invention are further
directed to the incorporation of an electronic chip/RFID tag
circuit 18 within other athletic equipment besides the ball itself,
such as in the footwear or kneepads of a player, for example.
[0032] FIG. 3 depicts a shoe 36 that includes electronic chips/RFID
tag circuits 18 embedded therein, such as in the top-front portion
of the shoe 36, the heel of the shoe 36 and in outer edge/side of
the shoe--so as to enable positional determination of a player's
toes/heel/sidefoot on a field relative to an out-of-bounds line,
for example. Antennas 34 are embedded in the sides of the shoe 36,
with one of the antennas running along the convex side of the shoe
36 and the other of the antennas running along the concave side of
the shoe 36. The placement of electronic chip/RFID tag circuits 18
in the FIG. 3 shoe 36 can be accomplished during manufacture of the
shoe 36, which might easily achieve water tightness of electronic
chip/RFID tag circuit 18. Alternatively, electronic chip/RFID tag
circuits 18 may be purchased separately, and installed into the
shoe 36 by placing a tag in a pocket that is manufactured in the
shoe 36 for that purpose.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
kneepad 38 that includes an electronic chip/RFID tag circuit 18
embedded therein. The kneepad 38 may have a generally conventional
construction and thus be formed a single foam board 40 made of PE
(polyethylene) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) cut into a
pad-shaped main unit 42 in a pre-determined shape. The peripheries
of the pad-shaped main unit 42 may be defined with edge wrapping by
a side strap 44 made of fabric or rubber. In one embodiment, a
recessed portion or cavity 46 may be formed in the foam board 40
that may be shaped/sized to receive the electronic chip/RFID tag
circuit 18 therein. While electronic chip/RFID tag circuit 18 is
shown in FIG. 4 as generally being centered on kneepad 38, it is
recognized that the RFID chip will be placed where a players knee
ends, which can be determined generally from a players height, or
more specifically from the specific team and information provided
thereby, so as to monitor a vertical positioning of the kneepad
relative to the field and thereby enable proper determination of
when a player's knee contacts the ground, for example.
[0034] The electronic chip/RFID tag circuit 18 included in the
football 10 and/or athletic equipment 36, 38 illustrated in FIGS.
1-4 can be used in association with a monitoring system 50 that
monitors the football 10 and/or equipment 36, 38 over an entire
football field 52. According to one embodiment, the football field
52 can be configured with an array of wires 54 for creating a
magnetic field about the football field 52. Preferably, the array
of wires 54 are configured to run beneath the football field 52.
The array 54 can extend from one side of the field to the other at
spaced apart intervals. The intervals can range from being quite
small (within inches) to larger distances (100 yards apart or
greater). Alternatively the array can take other paths about or
beneath the field. A plurality of sensors 56 can be positioned
adjacent the array of wires 54 beneath, over or near the football
field 52. According to one embodiment, the sensors 56 transmit one
or more signals 58 representative of data or information relating
to changes in the magnetic field due to movement of the football 10
and/or equipment with respect to the field. According to another
embodiment, the sensors 56 transmit one or more signals 58
representative of data or information relating to RF signals
received from the football 10 and/or equipment--and a change in
timing with respect to the receipt of those RF signals--due to
movement of the football 10 and/or equipment with respect to the
field. The signals 58 are received by a receiver 60 which can be
coupled to a remote reader, microprocessor, computer, transmitter,
server, network of computers and/or the Internet. The sensors 56
and/or the receiver 60 can also process the signal 58 to desired
usable information. The monitoring system can be used to monitor,
detect and report: the exact position of the football 10 and/or
equipment 36, 38 on the football field 52 and the movement of the
football 10 and/or equipment 36, 38 on and about the football field
52. The accuracy of the system 50 can be improved by the number and
orientation of the array of wires 54 and/or the number of sensors
56 under, on, or about the football field 52. The system 50 can be
configured to detect movement of a football 10 and/or equipment 36,
38 on the football field 52 to within the nearest 10 millimeters.
In other preferred embodiments, the electronic chip can include a
GPS transmitter, receiver and/or transceiver.
[0035] The combination of the electronic chip/RFID tag circuit(s)
18 included in the football 10 and/or equipment 36, 38 and in the
monitoring system 50 provides for a precise determination of a
location of the football 10 and/or equipment 36, 38 within football
field 52. Based on the identified location of the ball 10 or piece
of athletic equipment 36, 38, events of interest within the game
can be determined/identified--such as a player or ball contacting
an out-of-bounds boundary or particular line/marker on the field
52.
[0036] Footballs 10 and/or equipment 36, 38 built in accordance
with the present invention will thus allow for more information
about the game to be available to officials, football league
representatives, and fans. The present invention can be used to
significantly improve the accuracy and integrity of official's
decisions regarding important game issues such as determining
whether the football crossed the goal line or a first down marker
during a play, the forward progress of the football during a play,
the knee of a player making contact with the ground during a play,
and/or a player making contact with the out-of-bounds boundary
during play. The present invention will enable an official to
access such information quickly and easily.
[0037] Footballs 10 and/or equipment 36, 38 built in accordance
with the present invention can also be used to reduce the number of
plays that require a replay review, or can be used to shorten the
timeframe used to review a play. The present invention will reduce
the likelihood of an incorrect call being made during a game that
can improperly affect the outcome of a game. The present invention
allows for the accurate position of the football 10 equipment 36,
38 to be determined regardless of whether: the official had the
proper view of the play; the replay cameras had a proper angle of
the play; the players' bodies obscured the view of the football;
and/or the player(s) repositioned the football after the play had
been ruled dead.
[0038] While a detailed description of embodiments of the invention
being incorporated into a football 10 and related football
equipment 36, 38 has been set forth above, it is recognized that
embodiments of the invention are not limited specifically to
football. That is, the system of the present invention could be
applied to various kinds of ball games, including football, rugby,
volleyball, baseball, basketball, etc., to provide the referee,
umpire, or judge with positional information that helps hopefully
avoid inaccurate judgments or rulings in the game.
[0039] In one embodiment, the electronic chip/RFID tag circuit(s)
18 may be employed in a basketball game. In such an embodiment, the
electronic chip/RFID tag circuit(s) 18 would be incorporated into a
basketball 62 (FIG. 6) as well as the shoes 36 (FIG. 3) of the
players. In a basketball game, the ball 62 or shoes 36 of a player
touching the ball that contact any of the end lines and sidelines
is considered as being out-of-bounds. However, it is very possible
that the referee is blocked by ball players and may not see that
the ball 62 or shoes 36 of a player touches a borderline. Inclusion
of the electronic chip/RFID tag circuit(s) 18 within the ball 62 or
shoes 36 of players--along with use of a monitoring system 50
within the court (such as shown in FIG. 5) may be used to sense
when the ball 62 or shoes 36 of a player touches a borderline,
thereby removing the inaccuracy/inability of a referee to spot all
such occurrences. In the system of the present invention, a ball 62
or shoe 36 touching the end line or sideline would cause the
monitoring system 50 to detect such an occurrence and notify the
referee.
[0040] In another embodiment, the electronic chip/RFID tag
circuit(s) 18 may be employed in a tennis match. In such an
embodiment, the electronic chip/RFID tag circuit(s) 18 would be
incorporated into a tennis ball 64 (FIG. 7). In a tennis match, a
ball 64 that contacts any of the boundary lines or service lines is
considered as being in-bounds. However, it is very possible that
the umpire and/or line judges may not clearly see whether the ball
strikes a line during play due to the high speed of the ball and
the closeness of the ball to the line. Inclusion of the electronic
chip/RFID tag circuit 18 within the ball 64--along with use of a
monitoring system 50 within the court (such as shown in FIG. 5) may
be used to sense when the ball 64 touches a line, thereby removing
the inaccuracy/inability of the umpire and/or line judges being
able to make such a determination. In the system of the present
invention, a ball 64 touching the boundary lines or service lines
would cause the monitoring system 50 to detect such an occurrence
and notify the umpire.
[0041] In still another embodiment, the electronic chip/RFID tag
circuit(s) 18 may be employed in a rugby match. In such an
embodiment, the electronic chip/RFID tag circuit(s) 18 would be
incorporated into a rugby ball 66 (FIG. 7). In a rugby match, it
may be desirable to know when the ball 66 passes through goal posts
68 during a drop goal attempt. However, in some instances, it may
be difficult for a referee to determine when the ball 66 passes
through the goal posts 68 during such an attempt. Inclusion of the
electronic chip/RFID tag circuit 18 within the ball 66--along with
use of a monitoring system 50 within the field (such as shown in
FIG. 5) may be used to sense when the ball 66 passes through the
goal posts 68, thereby removing the inaccuracy/inability of the
referees being able to make such a determination. Additionally, and
as described with respect to FIG. 5 (and FIG. 6), it may also be
desirable to determine when the shoe 36 (FIG. 3) of a player
strikes a boundary line on the rugby field, and usage of electronic
chip/RFID tag circuit(s) 18 in the shoes of the players would
enable the monitoring system 50 to detect such an occurrence and
notify the referees.
[0042] Beneficially, embodiments of the invention thus provide a
system and method that improves the monitoring and observation of
the sporting event action to minimize the occurrences of incorrect
decisions by officials, particularly those decisions involving the
position of the ball during a play and or the ball/player being
in-bounds or out-of-bounds during a play. An RFID tag is
incorporated in a ball or in piece of athletic equipment worn by a
player, in order to identify the location of the ball or equipment
on the field or court. An associated monitoring system is arranged
on the field or court that interact with the RFID tag(s) to provide
for such location identification. Based on the identified location
of the ball or piece of athletic equipment, events of interest
within the game can be determined/identified--such as a player or
ball contacting an out-of-bounds boundary or particular line/marker
on the field.
[0043] While a number of sports and associated balls/equipment have
been shown and described above in/with which embodiments of the
invention may be implemented, it is recognized that embodiments of
the invention may also extend to extend to almost any sport in
which a ball is used during gameplay. Such sports include:
Angleball, Baseball, Basketball, Basque pelota, Bocce, Boules,
Bowling, Bowls, Candlepin bowling, Carpet bowls, Duckpin bowling,
Five-pin bowling, Nine-pin bowling, Ten-pin bowling, Irish road
bowling, Molkky, Canoe polo, Codeball, Cricket, Croquet, Cue sports
(e.g., billiards), Carom billiards, English billiards, Pool (or
pocket billiards), Snooker, Cycle ball, Dodgeball, Downball,
Fistball, Fives, Flickerball, Floorball, Football, Association
football (Soccer), Futsal, Indoor Soccer, Australian rules
football, Beach soccer, English public school football games,
Gaelic football, Gridiron football, American football, Canadian
football, Indoor football, Arena football, Football tennis,
International rules football, Medieval football games, Rugby
football, Rugby league, Rugby union, Underwater rugby, Wheelchair
rugby, Underwater football, Footvolley, Four square, Golf,
Grifball, Half-rubber, Handball, American handball, Australian
handball, Gaelic Handball, Hooverball, Hurling, Jai alai,
Jorkyball, Juggling, Kickball, Kick-to-kick (includes end-to-end
footy), Klootschieten, Korfball, Lacrosse, Lawn bowls, The
Mesoamerican ballgame, Netball, Newcomb ball, Omnikin Ball, Paddle
ball, Pelota mixteca, Petanque, Polo, Bicycle polo, Canoe polo,
Elephant polo, Horseball, Polocrosse, Segway polo, Yak polo, Push
ball, Quidditch, Racquetball, Rapid ball, Ringball, Ringo,
Rock-It-Ball, Rounders, Rugby, Rugby league, Rugby union, Sepak
takraw, Shinty, Skee ball, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Stickball,
Stickball (Native American), Streetball, Table football (foosball),
TagPro (Browser game), Tchoukball, Team handball, Tee ball,
Tetherball, Ulama, Valencian pilota, Escala i corda, Llargues,
Raspall, Valencian fronto, Underwater sports, Volleyball, Beach
volleyball, Wheelchair volleyball, Waboba, Water basketball, Water
polo, Wiffleball, and Wireball.
[0044] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the invention, a
system for determining a position of one or more pieces of athletic
equipment on an athletic playing surface is provided. The system
includes one or more pieces of athletic equipment each including
therein an RFID chip, the RFID chip comprising an electronic
circuit configured to produce and transmit an RF signal. The system
also includes an array of sensors positioned on or in proximity to
the athletic playing surface and configured to receive RF signals
from the RFID chip of each of the one or more pieces of athletic
equipment. The system also includes a processing system operably
connected to the array of sensors to receive data from the array of
sensors, the processing system programmed to process the data from
the array of sensors to determine a position of each of the one or
more pieces of athletic equipment on the athletic playing
surface.
[0045] According to another embodiment of the invention, a wearable
location tag system includes a wearable article comprising a shoe
or kneepad worn by a football player and one or more RFID chips
incorporated into the wearable article and configured to produce
and transmit an radio-frequency RF signal therefrom. Each of the
one or more RFID chips comprises an electronic circuit that
includes a processor configured to store data, instructions, and
programs thereon, including timing instructions for generating RF
signals to be transmitted, and a transceiver and antenna operably
connected to the processor to send and receive RF signals to
exchange information and data with one or more remote outside
sensors incorporated into a football field. Interaction of the one
or more RFID chips with the one or more remote outside sensors
enables determination of a position of the wearable article on the
football field.
[0046] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, an
athletic ball includes an outer layer and one or more RFID chips
embedded in the athletic ball under the outer layer and configured
to produce and transmit an radio-frequency RF signal therefrom.
Each of the one or more RFID chips comprises an electronic circuit
that includes a processor configured to store data, instructions,
and programs thereon, including timing instructions for generating
RF signals to be transmitted, and a transceiver and antenna
operably connected to the processor to send and receive RF signals
to exchange information and data with one or more remote outside
sensors incorporated into an athletic playing surface. Interaction
of the one or more RFID chips with the one or more remote outside
sensors enables determination of a position of the athletic ball on
the athletic playing surface.
[0047] While the invention has been described in detail in
connection with numerous embodiments, it should be readily
understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed
embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate
any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent
arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate
with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while
various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to
be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some
of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to
be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only
limited by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *