U.S. patent application number 15/978025 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-15 for portable basketball shooting machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is Grind Basketball, LLC. Invention is credited to Thomas Fields, Erik Gonzalez, Michael Gonzalez, Prasad Murugesu, Raj Shah.
Application Number | 20180326278 15/978025 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64096912 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180326278 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fields; Thomas ; et
al. |
November 15, 2018 |
PORTABLE BASKETBALL SHOOTING MACHINE
Abstract
A shooting system includes a collapsible ball capture support
adapted to support a ball capture device and a ball return. The
ball return detects a ball captured by the ball capture device and
returns the ball to a user in response to the detected ball. To
return the ball to the user, the system identifies a location of
the user with respect to the shooting system, orients the ball
return toward the user, and accelerates the ball along a trajectory
based on a distance between the user and the shooting system.
Inventors: |
Fields; Thomas; (Houston,
TX) ; Gonzalez; Erik; (Houston, TX) ;
Gonzalez; Michael; (Houston, TX) ; Murugesu;
Prasad; (Houston, TX) ; Shah; Raj; (Houston,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Grind Basketball, LLC |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64096912 |
Appl. No.: |
15/978025 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62505638 |
May 12, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/20 20130101;
A63B 63/083 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 2063/001
20130101; A63B 69/408 20130101; A63B 2220/805 20130101; A63B
2220/807 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 71/023 20130101;
A63B 2225/54 20130101; A63B 2220/20 20130101; A63B 2220/808
20130101; A63B 71/0036 20130101; A63B 2071/0655 20130101; A63B
2069/401 20130101; A63B 2220/801 20130101; A63B 2071/0625 20130101;
A63B 2220/803 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 69/0071
20130101; A63B 2220/56 20130101; A63B 69/409 20130101; A63B 2220/50
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00; A63B 63/08 20060101 A63B063/08 |
Claims
1. A shooting system, comprising: a collapsible ball capture
support adapted to support a ball capture device; and a ball return
programmed to: detect a ball captured by the ball capture device;
and return the ball to a user in response to the detected ball.
2. The shooting system of claim 1, wherein returning the ball to
the user comprises: identifying a location of the user with respect
to the shooting system; orienting the ball return toward the user;
and accelerating the ball along a trajectory based on a distance
between the user and the shooting system.
3. The shooting system of claim 1, wherein ball return comprises: a
catch adapted to receive the ball; an arm attached to the catch and
support; and an actuator adapted to rotate arm about the
support.
4. The shooting system of claim 1, wherein the ball return is
further programmed to: identify an attempted shot; identify an
outcome of the attempted shot; and identify a physiological
condition of the user while performing the attempted shot.
5. The shooting system of claim 1, wherein the ball return is
further programmed to: identify the user of the ball; detect a
second ball captured by the ball capture device; identify a second
user of the second ball; and return the second ball to the second
user.
6. The shooting system of claim 5, wherein identifying the first
user comprises: reading a radio frequency identification tag of the
ball; matching a identifier provided by the reading of the radio
frequency identification tag to the first user.
7. The shooting system of claim 5, wherein identifying the first
user comprises: reading a visual identification tag of the ball;
matching a identifier provided by the reading of the visual
identification tag to the first user.
8. The shooting system of claim 1, wherein the ball capture support
comprises: a collapsible support arm.
9. The shooting system of claim 8, wherein the collapsible support
comprises a plurality of sections each having different cross
section dimensions.
10. The shooting system of claim 9, wherein the cross section
dimensions are adapted fit all of the sections of the plurality of
sections within one section of the plurality of sections.
11. The shooting system of claim 9, wherein each section is a
tubular element.
12. The shooting system of claim 8, wherein the ball capture
support further comprises: a collapsible mast; and a support
manifold adapted to rotatably connect the collapsible support arm
to the mast.
13. The shooting system of claim 12, wherein the support manifold
is adapted to translate along a length of the collapsible mast.
14. The shooting system of claim 12, wherein the ball capture
support further comprises: a mast support adapted to rotatably
connect the mast to the ball return.
15. The shooting system of claim 12, wherein the collapsible
support arm is connected to the mast via a first revolute
joint.
16. The shooting system of claim 15, wherein the mast is connected
to the ball return via a second revolute joint.
17. The shooting system of claim 15, wherein the collapsible
support arm and the collapsible mast have a same length when the
collapsible support arm is in a collapsed state and the mast is in
a collapsed state.
18. The shooting system of claim 15, wherein the ball capture
support further comprises: a second collapsible support arm,
wherein the collapsible support arm has a shorter length than a
second length of the second collapsible support arm when the second
collapsible support arm is in an extended state and the collapsible
support arm is in an extended state.
19. The shooting system of claim 15, wherein the collapsible
support arm and the second collapsible support arm have a same
length when the second collapsible support arm is collapsed state
and the collapsible support arm is collapsed.
20. The shooting system of claim 12, wherein the collapsible
support arm is rotatable via the revolute joint to align a length
of the collapsible support arm to be parallel to a length of the
collapsible mast.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/505,638 filed on May 12, 2017 and entitled
"PORTABLE BASKETBALL SHOOTING MACHINE." The content of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/505,638 is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Success in sports requires a combination of innate physical
ability and skill refinement through practice. For example,
succeeding as a point guard in basketball requires both physical
stamina to run the court and fine motor skill to control the
ball.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, a shooting system in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention includes a collapsible ball
capture support adapted to support a ball capture device and a ball
return. The ball return detects a ball captured by the ball capture
device and returns the ball to a user in response to the detected
ball.
[0004] In one aspect, a method of operating a shooting system in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention includes
detecting a ball captured by a ball capture supported by a
collapsible ball capture of the shooting system and returning the
ball to the user via a ball return of the shooting system in
response to the detected ball.
[0005] In one aspect, a non-transitory computer readable storage
medium in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention
includes instructions which when executed by a shooting system
cause the shooting system to perform a method of operating the
shooting system, the method includes detecting a ball captured by a
ball capture supported by a collapsible ball capture of the
shooting system and returning the ball to the user via a ball
return of the shooting system in response to the detected ball.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] Certain embodiments of the invention will be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying
drawings illustrate only certain aspects or implementations of the
invention by way of example and are not meant to limit the scope of
the claims.
[0007] FIG. 1A shows a diagram of a system in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 1B shows a diagram of a system and a ball capture
device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
invention.
[0009] FIG. 1C shows a side view diagram of the system of FIG. 1A
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2A shows a diagram of an example support manifold in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 2B shows a diagram of an example mast support in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2C shows a diagram of an example ball return in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 3A shows a side view diagram of the system of FIG. 1A
in a fully extended state in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 3B shows a second side view diagram of the system of
FIG. 1A in a partially extended state in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 3C shows a third side view diagram of the system of
FIG. 1A in a partially collapsed state in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 3D shows a fourth side view diagram of the system of
FIG. 1A in a fully collapsed state in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 4A shows a diagram of a system including a shooting
system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
invention.
[0018] FIG. 4B shows a diagram of a cloud in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 4C shows a diagram of an example shooting system in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 4D shows a diagram of an example local user device in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 5A shows a diagram of a flowchart of a method of
operating a shooting system in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 5B shows a diagram of a flowchart of a second method of
operating a shooting system in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 shows a diagram of a computing device in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Specific embodiments will now be described with reference to
the accompanying figures. In the following description, numerous
details are set forth as examples of the invention. It will be
understood by those skilled in the art that one or more embodiments
of the present invention may be practiced without these specific
details and that numerous variations or modifications may be
possible without departing from the scope of the invention. Certain
details known to those of ordinary skill in the art are omitted to
avoid obscuring the description.
[0025] In the following description of the figures, any component
described with regard to a figure, in various embodiments of the
invention, may be equivalent to one or more like-named components
described with regard to any other figure. For brevity,
descriptions of these components will not be repeated with regard
to each figure. Thus, each and every embodiment of the components
of each figure is incorporated by reference and assumed to be
optionally present within every other figure having one or more
like-named components. Additionally, in accordance with various
embodiments of the invention, any description of the components of
a figure is to be interpreted as an optional embodiment, which may
be implemented in addition to, in conjunction with, or in place of
the embodiments described with regard to a corresponding like-named
component in any other figure.
[0026] In general, embodiments of the invention relate to systems,
devices, and methods for performing sports training. For example, a
system may be used to train a user's ability to shoot a basketball
into a hoop. The system may be used to train other skills without
departing from the invention.
[0027] The system may be easily transportable while providing a
high ball capture capability. By doing so, embodiments of the
invention may improve the availability of sports training systems
to users. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the system
is collapsible, e.g., capable of reducing the length, width, and
depth of a sphere circumscribing the system.
[0028] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the system is
multi-concurrent user capable. In other words, the system may be
capable of simultaneously training multiple users at the same time.
The system may include a ball discrimination mechanism that enables
the system to identify a user of a ball. In this manner, the system
may identify a user of each ball and return that user's ball to its
users.
[0029] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the system may
detect when a shot is detected and whether the shot is made. When a
shot is attempted, the system may identify a physiological
characteristic of the user that attempted the shot. The system may
use the identified physiological characteristic to estimate whether
an outcome of the shot, e.g., made or missed, was due to a user's
skill or a user's level of fatigue. The system may provide the user
a training regimen based on the estimate of the user's skill.
[0030] FIG. 1A shows a shooting system in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the invention. The shooting system may include
a ball capture support (100) for supporting a ball capture device
and a ball return (110) device for returning captured balls to a
user of the system.
[0031] The ball capture device may capture balls beings used by
users of the system. The balls may be, for example, basketballs.
The ball capture device may be, for example, a net having a shape
adapted to funnel captured balls to a selected location. For
additional details regarding ball capture devices, See FIG. 1B.
[0032] The shooting system illustrated in FIG. 1A may be used by a
basketball player to practice shooting. When placed in close
proximity to a basketball hoop, a ball capture device supported by
the ball capture support (100) may receive balls from both made and
missed shots by the basketball player.
[0033] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the ball
capture support (100) is a physical structure for supporting a ball
capture device. The ball capture support (100) may be physical
connected to the ball return. The ball capture support (100) may
not be physically connected to the ball return without departing
from the invention. For additional details regarding the ball
capture support (100), See FIG. 1C.
[0034] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the ball return
(110) is a physical structure for returning balls to a user. The
ball return (110) may include a mechanism for passing captured
balls to a user. For additional details regarding the ball return
(110), See FIG. 2C.
[0035] As discussed above, the system of FIG. 1A may support a ball
capture device. FIG. 1B shows a diagram of the system supporting a
ball capture (120) device in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention. FIG. 1B is a front view of the
system.
[0036] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the ball
capture (120) is a net adapted to be supported by the ball capture
support (100). The call capture (120) may include two openings, an
entrance (122) and an exit (124).
[0037] When attached to the ball capture support (100) via
attachment points (126) on the ball capture (120), the entrance may
be positioned at a top of the system near where a user may attempt
to shoot a ball. The exit (124) may be disposed proximate to the
ball return (110). The ball capture (120) may form a tube or funnel
like structure that directs balls that are captured in the entrance
(122) toward the exit (124). By positioning the exit (124)
proximate to the ball return, balls that traverse out of the exit
(124) may be captured by the ball return (110).
[0038] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the ball
capture support may be collapsible, in other words, the components
of the ball capture support (100) may be adapted to reduce in
length to reduce the size of the ball capture support (100). By
doing so, the system may be more easily transported. For additional
details regarding the process of collapsing or extending the ball
capture support, See FIGS. 3A-3D. for additional details regarding
components of the ball capture support (100), See FIG. 1C.
[0039] While the exit (124) of the ball capture device is
illustrated as being free standing, i.e., not connected to another
component, the exit (124) may be connected to other component of
the system without departing from the invention. For example, the
exit (124), or a portion thereof, may be connected to the ball
return. Doing so may improve the reliability of directing captured
balls into the ball return. In such a scenario, the ball capture
may form a shroud around a ball return mechanism of the ball
return. A hole or other aperture in the ball capture device may
enable the ball return to pass the ball back to a user while the
exit (124) is attached to the ball return.
[0040] FIG. 1C shows a side view diagram of the system in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. As
discussed above, the ball capture support (100) may be a
collapsible structure. To provide the aforementioned functionality,
the ball capture support may include collapsible support arms
(102), a support manifold (104), a collapsible mast (106), and a
mast support (108). Each of the components of the ball capture
support (100) is discussed below.
[0041] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the collapsible
support arms (102) are physical structures adapted to support a
ball capture, e.g., a net. The collapsible support arms (102) may
be linearly collapsible tubular structures. For example, each of
the collapsible support arms (102) may include a number of sections
(e.g., 103A, 103B, 103C, 103D) of tubing that are of different
diameters. By being of different diameter, the sections of tubing
may be housed within each other when a collapsible support arm is
collapsed. The sections may have a circular, square, or rectangular
cross section. The sections may have other cross sectional shapes
without departing from the invention.
[0042] In one or more embodiments of the invention, each section of
tubing has a tapered diameter over the length of the section so
that the sections interlock with each other when a collapsible
support arm is extended. Each collapsible support arm may include
any number of sections without departing from the invention.
[0043] In one or more embodiments of the invention, each section of
tubing has an interlocking mechanism on at least one end of the
section. The interlocking mechanism may be adapted to interlock
with another section when the at least one end of the section is
proximate to an end of the another section. In this manner, each of
the sections may be extended and interlocked into an extended
state. In contrast, the interlocking mechanisms may be released to
enable the section to be collapsed into a collapsed state. For
additional details regarding collapsing the collapsible support
arms, See FIGS. 3A-3D.
[0044] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the collapsible
support arms (102) are formed from metal such as aluminum. The
collapsible support arms (102) may be formed of other metals
without departing from the invention.
[0045] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the collapsible
support arms (102) are formed from plastic such as polyvinyl
chloride. The collapsible support arms (102) may be formed of other
plastics without departing from the invention.
[0046] In one or more embodiments of the invention, a first end of
each collapsible support arm includes an attachment point (not
shown) to attach a corresponding portion of a ball capture device.
A second end of each collapsible support arm may be adapted to
rotatably attach to the support manifold. For example, the second
end may include a hold for a pivot pin. The pivot pin may rotatably
attach the second end to the support manifold.
[0047] While the collapsible support arms (102) are illustrated as
including four arms in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the collapsible support
arms (102) may include different number of collapsible support arms
without departing from the invention. For example, 3, 5, or 10
collapsible support arms may be used without departing from the
invention. Additionally, different collapsible support arms may
have different lengths when extended. For example, as seen in FIG.
1B, the support arms angled toward the left may have a longer
length than the support arms directed upwardly on the page.
[0048] As discussed above, the collapsible support arms (102) may
rotatably attach to the support manifold (104). In one or more
embodiments of the invention, the support manifold is a physical
device that connects the collapsible support arms (102) to the
collapsible mast. The support manifold (104) may include a number
of receivers, or other structures, for attachment to the
collapsible support arms (102). The support manifold (104) may a
receiver for attachment to the collapsible mast (106).
[0049] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the support
manifold (104) is adapted to translate along a length of the
collapsible mast (106). For example, the support manifold (104) may
include a collar adapted to attach to the cross section of the
collapsible mast (106). The collar may enable the support manifold
(104) to translate along the length of the collapsible mast (106).
The support manifold (104) may include a stopping mechanism to fix
its position along the length of the collapsible support mast
(106). The stopping mechanism may be, for example, a mechanical
brake or a bolt that interferes with the collapsible mast (106)
when tightened. Different stopping mechanisms may be used without
departing from the invention.
[0050] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the support
manifold (104) is formed from metal such as aluminum. The support
manifold (104) may be formed of other metals without departing from
the invention. In one or more embodiments of the invention, formed
from means including as a component. A support manifold (104) may
be formed from aluminum, for example, if the support manifold (104)
includes aluminum as a part of an alloy or aluminum as a portion of
a component of the support manifold (104).
[0051] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the support
manifold (104) is formed from plastic such as polyvinyl chloride.
The support manifold (104) may be formed of other plastics without
departing from the invention.
[0052] For additional details regarding the support manifold, See
FIG. 2A.
[0053] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the collapsible
mast (106) is a physic device for elevating the support manifold
(104) above the ball return (110). By elevating the support
manifold (104), a capture device supported by the collapsible
support arms (102) may be positioned more closely to a basketball
hoop, or other target, to increase the likelihood of capturing
balls shot towards the basketball hoop.
[0054] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the collapsible
mast (106) is a tubular structure. A first end of the collapsible
mast (106) may be adapted to attach to the mast support (108). A
second end of the collapsible mast (106) may be adapted to attach
to the support manifold (104). Like the collapsible support arms
(102), the collapsible mast (106) may include any number of tubular
sections adapted to enable the length of the collapsible mast (106)
to change. In this manner, the collapsible mast (106), like the
collapsible support arms (102), may be collapsed to minimize a
length of the collapsible mast (106) or extended to maximize the
length of the collapsible mast (106).
[0055] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the collapsible
mast (106) is formed from metal such as aluminum. The collapsible
mast (106) may be formed of other metals without departing from the
invention.
[0056] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the collapsible
mast (106) is formed from plastic such as polyvinyl chloride. The
collapsible mast (106) may be formed of other plastics without
departing from the invention.
[0057] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the mast
support (108) is a physical device adapted to rotatably attach the
collapsible mast (106) to the ball return (110). The mast support
(108) may include a pivot joint, or other structure, that enables
the collapsible mast (106) to rotate when attached to the mast
support (108). The mast support (108) may include a lock, or other
mechanism, that prevents the collapsible mast (106) from rotating
when the lock is engaged.
[0058] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the mast
support (108) is formed from metal such as aluminum. The mast
support (108) may be formed of other metals without departing from
the invention.
[0059] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the mast
support (108) is formed from plastic such as polyvinyl chloride.
The mast support (108) may be formed of other plastics without
departing from the invention.
[0060] For additional details regarding the mast support, See FIG.
2B.
[0061] While the collapsible support arms (102), support manifold
(104), collapsible mast (106), and mast support (108) have been
described as being formed from metal or plastic, the aforementioned
components may be formed from other materials without departing
from the invention. For example, the aforementioned components may
be formed from fiberglass, carbon, fiber, or other high performance
structural materials.
[0062] Additionally, each of the aforementioned components may be
formed heterogeneously. In other words, different portions of each
of the aforementioned components may be formed from different
material.
[0063] Further, while the ball capture support (100) has been
illustrated and described as including a limited number of
components for the sake of brevity, the ball capture support (100)
may include additional, fewer, and/or different components without
departing from the invention. For example, as will be discussed in
greater detail below, the ball capture support (100) may include
and/or act as support for one or more sensors that may be used to
track the position of a ball and/or the position of a user of the
system.
[0064] To further clarify aspect of one or more embodiments of the
invention, FIGS. 2A-2C show example of components of the system
illustrated in FIG. 1A.
[0065] FIG. 2A shows a diagram of an example support manifold (200)
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In
FIG. 2A, the example support manifold (200) is illustrated in a
state where it is connected to four collapsible supports arms
(e.g., 203A, 203B, 2030, 204B) and a collapsible mast (210).
[0066] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the example
support manifold (200) is adapted to connect to the collapsible
supports arms (e.g., 203A, 203B, 203C, 204B) via four corresponding
joints e.g., 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D). The joints may enable the
collapsible support arms to rotate while connected to the example
support manifold (200).
[0067] For example, the joints may enable the support arms to
rotate from being in a first orientation where the support arms are
parallel to the collapsible mast (210) to a second position where
the support arms are at an angle to the length of the collapsible
mast (210). The first orientation may enable the support arms to be
more easily transported and the second orientation may enable the
support arms to provide a broader area of support for a ball
capture device.
[0068] In other words, the second orientation may spatially
separate the attachment points of the collapsible support arms and,
consequently, enable a ball capture device to capture balls over a
larger area/volume. In this manner, the example support manifold
(200) may enable the system to both be easily transportable by
placing the collapsible support arms in the first orientation and
capable of providing a ball capture device with spatially
distributed attachment points that enable the ball capture device
to be more likely to capture balls shot towards a hoop or other
target. For additional details regarding spatially separating the
attachment points of the collapsible support arms, See FIGS.
3A-3D.
[0069] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the joints are
revolute joints. For example, the joints may each include a pin
that traverses through a portion of a corresponding collapsible
support arm. A length of the collapsible support arm may be
rotatable about the length of the pin. The joints may be other
types of joints without departing from the invention. For example,
the joints may provide multiple degrees such as, for example, a
ball and socket joint.
[0070] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the revolute
joints may have a restricted angle of rotation. In other words, the
collapsible support arm may only be able to rotate over a
predetermined portion of a rotation. The angle of rotation may be,
for example, 45.degree. or 30.degree.. The angle of rotation may be
less than 135.degree.. The angle of rotation may be less than
90.degree..
[0071] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the joints
include a reversible locking mechanism (not shown). When locked,
the collapsible support arms may be prevented from rotating. The
locking mechanism may be, for example, a pin, bolt, or other
interference type engagement mechanism. Other types of locking
mechanisms may be used without departing from the invention.
[0072] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the example
support manifold (200) includes a mast adapter (212). The mast
adapter (212) may be adapted to connect to the collapsible mast
(210) to the example support manifold (200). The connection made by
the mast adapter (212) may enable the example support manifold
(200) to reversibly translate along the length of the collapsible
mast (210). For example, the mast adapter (212) may include a
through-hole or other structure having a cross section that is
complimentary to a cross section of the collapsible mast (210).
Thus, the mast adapter (212) may enable the example support
manifold (200) to translate along the length of the collapsible
mast (210) by providing for the collapsible mast (210) to traverse
through the example support manifold (200).
[0073] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the mast
adapter (212) includes a lock (214). The lock (214) may reversibly
attach the example support manifold (200) to a portion of the
collapsible mast (210). When attached, the example support manifold
(200) may be fixed in position along the length of the collapsible
mast (210). The lock may be, for example, a pin and corresponding
holes. The lock (214) may be other structures for reversibly
stopping the translation of the example support manifold (200)
along the length of the collapsible mast (210) without departing
from the invention.
[0074] FIG. 2B shows a diagram of an example mast support (220) in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. As
discussed above, the example mast support (220) may connect the
mast to other portions of the system.
[0075] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the example
mast support (220) includes a mast support joint (214). The mast
support joint (214) may rotatably connect the collapsible mast
(210) to other portions of the system. In this manner, the
collapsible mast (210) any other portions of the system connected
to the collapsible mast (210) may be reoriented with respect to a
ball return. By doing so, the system may be more easily transported
when the mast is rotated into a first orientation and enable the
collapsible mast (210), and other components of the system, to
position a ball capture device proximate to a hoop or other target
when the collapsible mast (210) is rotated into a second
orientation.
[0076] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the mast
support joint (214) is a revolute joint. For example, the mast
support joint (214) may include a pin that traverses through a
portion of the collapsible mast (210). A length of the collapsible
mast (210) may be rotatable about the length of the pin. The mast
support joint (214) may be another type of joint without departing
from the invention. For example, the mast support joint (214) may
provide multiple degrees freedom.
[0077] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the revolute
joint may have a restricted angle of rotation. In other words, the
collapsible mast (210) may only be able to rotate over a
predetermined portion of a rotation. The angle of rotation may be,
for example, 90.degree.. The angle of rotation may be less than
135.degree.. The angle of rotation may be less than 90.degree..
[0078] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the mast
support joint (214) includes a mast support joint lock (216). The
mast support joint lock (216) may be a reversible locking
mechanism. When locked, the collapsible mast (210) may be prevented
from rotating. The locking mechanism may be, for example, a pin,
bolt, or other interference type engagement mechanism. Other types
of locking mechanisms may be used without departing from the
invention.
[0079] FIG. 2C shows a diagram of an example ball return (240) in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. As
discussed above, the example ball return (240) may receive ball
from a ball catch device and return the balls to a user of the
system. To provide the aforementioned functionality, the example
ball return (240) may include an arm (246), a catch (248), and an
actuator (250) adapted to throw balls towards users, a rotatable
support (242) adapted to orient the arm (246) and catch (248)
dynamically towards users, an engagement base (244) adapted to
secure the system in place, a computing device (not shown) to
orchestrate the operation of the system, sensors (not shown),
compressed gas sources, and/or power supplies. Each component of
the example ball return (240) is discussed below.
[0080] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the arm (246),
catch (248), and actuator (250) are physical devices adapted to
throw a ball received in the catch (248) towards a player. For
example, the arm (246) may be a rotatable linear element attached
on one end to a joint and attached to the catch (248) on the other
end. The actuator (250) may be connected to a portion of the arm
(246) on one end and a portion of the rotatable support (242) on
the other end. The actuator (250) may be a linear actuator and,
consequently, activating the actuator may cause the arm (246) and
catch (248) to rotate. By rotating the arm (246) and catch (248) a
ball (not shown) disposed in the catch (248) may be accelerated to
a predetermined velocity and returned to a player.
[0081] The actuator (250) may be activated at different speeds
thereby accelerating balls to different velocities. In this manner,
balls may be returned to users via different trajectories. Thus,
the system may dynamically adjust the return trajectories of the
balls.
[0082] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the actuator
(250) is controlled by, the computing device. Consequently, the
computing device may control the trajectory of each ball.
[0083] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the actuator
(250) is a pneumatically driven cylinder. The computing device may
control the flow of gas to the pneumatically driven cylinder to
control the trajectory of each ball. The computing device may
control the flow of gas using, for example, an electrically
actuated pin valve disposed between a compressed gas source and the
actuator.
[0084] While the actuator (250) has been described as being a
linear, pneumatically driven device, other types of actuators maybe
used without departing form the invention. For example,
electrically or hydraulically driven actuators may be used without
departing from the invention. Further, the actuator (250) may not
be a linear actuator. For example, the actuator (250) may be a
rotational actuator. Actuators that provide different type of
motion may be used without departing from the invention. Similarly,
mechanically devices other than the arm (246) and catch (248),
described above, may be used in conjunction with the actuator (250)
without departing from the invention. Different mechanical
structures coupled with actuators may be used to control the
trajectory of balls returned by the example ball return (240)
without departing from the invention. Further, any number of
mechanical structures and any, number of actuators may be used to
return balls to users without departing from the invention.
[0085] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the arm (246),
catch (248), and actuator (250), or other mechanical devices
performing similar functions, are mounted to the rotatable support
(242). The rotatable support (242) may be a structural component
attached to the engagement base (244). The attachment to the
engagement base (244) may be rotatable joint and, thereby, enable
the rotatable support (242) to rotate with respect to the
engagement base (244). In this manner, the arm (246), catch (248),
and actuator (250), or other mechanical devices performing similar
functions, may be dynamically rotated to adjust a path of a ball
returned by the example ball return (240). By adjusting the path of
the ball, the path may be directed towards a user as the user moves
with respect to the example ball return (240). Thus, in combination
with controlling the trajectory of the ball, the example ball
return (240) may return balls to users of the system regardless of
their position with respect to the system. Doing so may improve the
time efficiency of a user of the system because the ball may be
returned directly to a user.
[0086] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the rotation of
the rotatable support (242) is controlled by the computing device.
For example, a computer controlled actuator (not shown) may
dynamically adjust the rotation of the rotatable support (242)
under the control of the computing device. In this manner, the
computing device may control both the rotation of the rotatable
support (242) and the actuator (250) and, thereby, control the path
of each ball returned by the example ball return.
[0087] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the engagement
base (244) is a structural component adapted to secure the system
to target location. For example, the engagement base (244) may feet
(not shown), pads, or other structures. By securing the system to a
target location, mechanical forces caused by the activation of
actuators may be transmitted to the target location. By doing so,
the system may decrease the likelihood that it moves or otherwise
changes location or orientation during its normal operation. The
engagement base (244) may include other structures for securing it
to a target location without departing from the invention.
[0088] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the engagement
base (244) includes deployable wings (not shown) or other laterally
extendable elements. The deployable wings may increase a width
and/or length of the engagement base. The increased width and/or
length may decrease the likelihood of the system moving or
otherwise changing its orientation due to the activation of
actuators, forces applied by balls, or other forces caused by users
of the system or third parties.
[0089] While not illustrated in FIG. 2C, the system may include a
bag for facilitating transportation of the system. When in a
collapsed state, the system may fit within the bag. The bag may be,
for example, a duffle bag. Other types of bags may be used without
departing from the invention. Additionally, the system may include
handles adapted to facilitate transportation of the system. For
example, the handles may be mounted on extendable portions
connected to the engagement base (244) or other portions of the
system. The bag may be adapted to enables the handles to protrude
through the bag to enable a user to access the handles. The system
may include any, number of handles and arrangement of the handles
thereon without departing from the invention.
[0090] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the computing
device of the system is a programmable computer operably connected
to the active elements of the system including, but not limited to,
the actuators and the sensors. The computing device may be, for
example, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a
desktop computer, an embedded computer, a microcontroller, a thin
client, a server, or a cloud resource. The computing device may be
other types of devices without departing from the invention. The
computing device may include one or more processors, memory (e.g.,
random access memory), and persistent storage (e.g., disk drives,
solid state drives, etc.). The persistent storage may store
computer instructions, e.g., computer code, that when executed by
the processor(s) of the computing device cause the computing device
to perform the methods illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B. For additional
details regarding a computing device, See FIG. 6.
[0091] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the sensors are
adapted to detect: (i) attempted shots made toward a target
proximate to the system, (ii) made shots, and (iii) a condition of
the user of the system while shots are being attempted. The sensors
may include, for example, optical sensors such as charge capture
devices, pressure sensors such as strain gauges, bump sensors,
acoustic sensors, and/or direction finding sensors. The direction
finding sensors may be, for example, blue tooth enabled sensors
that are able to track a relative location of a Bluetooth
transmitter with respect to the blue too enabled sensors. A user of
the system may wear a Bluetooth transmitter while using the system
to enable the system to track the relative location of the user of
the system. Alternatively, charge coupled device based sensors
combined with image analysis routines may be used to track the
relative location of the user. Different types of sensors may be
used without departing from the invention.
[0092] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the system may
include sensors disposed proximate to the catch (248) to detect the
presence of a ball. The sensors may be, for example, acoustic,
capacitive, or inductive sensors. The sensors may be operably
connected to the computing device by any combination of wired
and/or wireless connections. The computing device may aggregate the
sensors readings, store them, and make decisions regarding how to
respond to the sensor readings.
[0093] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the system may
include a tag reading sensor disposed proximate to the catch (248)
to detect the presence of a ball. The tag reading sensor may be
adapted to read a tag on the ball. Reading the tag on the ball may
enable the system to associated a ball with a particular user. In a
scenario in which multiple users are using the system concurrently,
reading tags on balls may enable the system to identify
corresponding users. The system may then return the ball to the
identified corresponding user. In this manner, the system may be
used by multiple users concurrently.
[0094] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the tag is an
radio frequency identification tag. The sensor may be a radio
frequency tag reader adapted to read radio frequency identification
tags.
[0095] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the tag is a QR
code. The sensor may be an image sensor, e.g., charge coupled
device, adapted to read QR codes.
[0096] In one or more embodiments of the invention, pressure
sensors are disposed between the system and a ball catch device.
The sensors may detect force applied to the ball catch device by a
ball when captured by the ball catch device. In this manner,
attempted shots may be detected. Other sensors may be used to
detect when shots are attempted without departing from the
invention.
[0097] In one or more embodiments of the invention, an image sensor
is disposed near the ball return and having a field of view of the
ball capture device. In other words, the field of view may be
directed upwardly in FIG. 2C. The image sensor may be adapted to:
(i) detect the presence of a ball within its field of view and (ii)
identify whether a detected ball was shot through a hoop or other
target. In this manner, the system may detect attempted shots and
made shots. Other sensors may be used to detect when shots are
attempted and/or made without departing from the invention.
[0098] In one or more embodiments of the invention, an acoustic
sensor is disposed near the ball return and adapted so that its
field of view is directed toward a hoop or other target when the
system is disposed proximate to the hoop. The field of view may be
aligned along an axes of the hoop, e.g., normal to a plane having
its center at the center of the hoop and that is coplanar with the
hoop. By doing so, the acoustic sensor may detect the presence of a
ball and whether the ball traverses a path down the center of the
hoop such that the shot is made as opposed to missed, in one or
more embodiments of the invention, the acoustic sensor is an
ultrasonic distance. Other distance finding sensors may be used
without departing from the invention. For example, an optical
distance finding sensor, e.g., laser range finder, interferometer,
etc., may be used without departing from the invention.
[0099] While the sensors have been described as being in the
alternative, the system may include multiple sensors of multiple
types that each attempt to make similar measurements without
departing from the invention. The computing device may aggregate
the sensor readings and make a decision regarding how to continue
to operate the system based on the aggregated sensor readings.
[0100] As discussed above, the system may be adapted to change its
topology to enable to (i) be easily transportable and (ii) provide
support for a ball capture device. FIGS. 3A-3D show examples of how
the topology of the system may be adapted from a topology in which
it provides support for a ball capture device to a second topology
in which it may be easily transportable.
[0101] FIG. 3A shows a side view diagram of a shooting system in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The
shooting system includes collapsible support arms (300), a support
manifold (302), a collapsible mast (304), a mast support (306), and
a ball return (308) each similar to the similarly named components
illustrated in FIG, IC.
[0102] In FIG. 3A, the shooting system is illustrated in a topology
in which the collapsible support arms (300) and collapsible mast
(304) are extended. Similarly, the support manifold (302) is
disposed at an end of the collapsible mast (304) away from the mast
support (306). In this configuration, the system may be capable of
supporting a ball capture device near a hoop or other target. In
other words, the system may be in a fully extended topology.
[0103] FIG. 3B shows a second side view diagram of the shooting
system of FIG. 3A in a state where the collapsible mast (304) has
been collapsed and the support manifold (302) has been moved toward
the mast support (306) along the collapsible mast (304). In this
configuration, the length of the collapsible mast (304) is
minimized and the collapsible support arms (300) have been
translated toward the ball return (308) thereby reducing the
overall height of the system.
[0104] FIG. 3C shows a third side view diagram of the shooting
system of FIG. 3A in a state where the collapsible mast (304) has
been collapsed, the support manifold (302) has been moved toward
the mast support (306) along the collapsible mast (304), the
collapsible support arms (300) have been collapsed, and the
collapsible support arms have been rotated to be parallel to the
collapsible mast (304). In this configuration, the length of the
collapsible support arms (300) is minimized and aligned with the
collapsible mast (304) to reduce a lateral dimension of the system
size.
[0105] FIG. 3D shows a fourth side view diagram of the shooting
system of FIG. 3A in a state where the collapsible mast (304) has
been collapsed, the support manifold (302) has been moved toward
the mast support (306) along the collapsible mast (304), the
collapsible support arms (300) have been collapsed, the collapsible
support arms have been rotated to be parallel to the collapsible
mast (304), and the collapsible support arms (300) and collapsible
mast (304) have been rotated with respect to the mast support
(306). In this configuration, the height, width, and depth of the
system may be minimized. The shooting system may be easily moved in
this configuration.
[0106] While the shooting system is illustrated as being collapsed
via a set of steps in FIGS. 3A-3D, the shooting system may be
collapsed and expanded via different orders of steps without
departing from the invention.
[0107] As discussed with respect to FIG. 4A, the shooting system
may include a computing device. In one or more embodiments of the
invention, the shooting system is a component of a larger system.
FIG. 4A shows a diagram of a system in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention. The system may enable the shooting
system (400) to interact with other components. The other component
may include a local user device (410), a cloud (420), and remote
user devices (430). The aforementioned components may be operably
connected by any combination of wired and/or wireless connections.
Each component of the system is discussed below.
[0108] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the shooting
system (400) is similar to the shooting system illustrated in FIGS.
1A-3D. For additional details regarding the shooting system, See
FIG. 4C.
[0109] In one or more embodiments of the local user device (410) is
a computing device. The computing device may be, for example, a
mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop
computer, a server, or a cloud resource. The computing device may
include one or more processors, memory (e.g., random access
memory), and persistent storage (e.g., disk drives, solid state
drives, etc.). The persistent storage may store computer
instructions, e.g., computer code, that when executed by the
processor(s) of the computing device cause the computing device to
perform the functions of the local user device (410) described in
this application and/or perform all or portion of the methods
illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B. For additional details regarding a
local user device (410), See FIG. 4D. For additional details
regarding a computing device, See FIG. 6.
[0110] In one or more embodiments of the cloud (420) is a computing
device. The computing device may be, for example, a mobile phone, a
tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a server,
or a logical computing device. A logical computing device may
utilize the computing resources of one or more physical computing
devices, e.g., servers. The computing device may include one or
more processors, memory (e.g., random access memory), and
persistent storage (e.g., disk drives, solid state drives, etc.).
The persistent storage may store computer instructions, e.g.,
computer code, that when executed by the processor(s) of the
computing device cause the computing device to perform the
functions of the cloud (420) described in this application and/or
perform all or portion of the methods illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B.
For additional details regarding a cloud (420), See FIG. 4B. For
additional details regarding a computing device, See FIG. 6.
[0111] In one or more embodiments of the remote user devices (430)
are computing devices. Each of the computing devices may be, for
example, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a
desktop computer, a server, or a cloud resource. The computing
device may include one or more processors, memory (e.g., random
access memory), and persistent storage (e.g., disk drives, solid
state drives, etc.). The persistent storage may store computer
instructions, e.g., computer code, that when executed by the
processor(s) of the computing device cause the computing device to
perform the functions of a remote user device (430) described in
this application and/or perform all or portion of the methods
illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B. For additional details regarding a
remote user device (430), See FIG. 4D. For additional details
regarding a computing device, See FIG. 6.
[0112] FIG. 4B shows a diagram of a cloud (450) in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the invention. The cloud (450) may
aggregate shooting data received from shooting systems and provide
content to the shooting systems. Additionally, the cloud (450) may
enable third parties to access the shooting data of users of the
system. To provide the aforementioned functionality, the cloud
(450) may include a data manager (455) and a persistent storage
(460). Each component of the system is discussed below.
[0113] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the data
manager (455) stores and provides shooting data from shooting
systems. The shooting data may be stored as a shot history (462).
The shot history (462) may be specified on a granular level, e.g.,
shooting data for each user may be stored. The shot history (462)
may include: (i) the quantity of attempted shots, (ii) the quantity
of made shots, and (iii) the physical condition of the user during
each shot attempt. The physical condition may be, for example, the
heart rate of the user. The shot history (462) may include
additional information regarding a user's use of the shooting
system without departing from the invention.
[0114] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the data
manager (455) provides active content (464). The active content
(464) may be workouts, training programs, or other type of training
content.
[0115] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the data
manager (455) provides the shot history (462) and active content
(464) based on access controls (466). The access controls (466) may
prevent unauthorized access to the shot history (462) and the
active content (464). For example, the access controls (466) may
include a list of credentials associated with users and third
parties that are authorized to access a portion of the shot history
(462) corresponding to a particular user. By doing so, a user may
enable third parties such as, for example, talent scouts, to review
the player's shooting history by adding credentials associated with
the talent scouts to the access controls (466). The cloud (450) may
provide a computer accessible console, or other configuration
utility, to users for which data is stored in the shot history
(462).
[0116] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the data
manager (455) is a hardware device including circuitry. The data
manager (455) may be, for example, digital signal processor, a
field programmable gate array, or an application specific
integrated circuit. The data manager (455) may be other types of
hardware devices without departing from the invention.
[0117] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the data
manager (455) is implemented as computing code stored on a
persistent storage that when executed by a processor performs the
functionality of the data manager (455). The processor may be
hardware processor including circuitry such as, for example, a
central processing unit or a microcontroller. The processor may be
other types of hardware devices for processing digital information
without departing from the invention.
[0118] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the persistent
storage (460) is a storage device. The storage device may include
any combination of hard disk drives, solid state drives, tape
drives, or other non-transitory storage media for storing data. The
persistent storage (460) may be a logical device without departing
from the invention.
[0119] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the persistent
storage (460) stores data structures including the shot history
(462), active content (464), and access controls (466). While
illustrated as separate data structures, each of the aforementioned
data structures may be combined with other data, stored in
different forms, and/or divided into any number of data structures
without departing from the invention. Additionally, while
illustrated as being stored using computing resources of the cloud
(450), the data structures may be stored in other locations without
departing from the invention.
[0120] FIG. 4C shows a diagram of an example shooting system (470)
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The
example shooting system (470) may obtain shooting data, provide the
shooting data to other entities, and/or provide an interactive
training experience based on active content. To provide the
aforementioned functionality, the example shooting system (470) may
include a manager (472), sensors (474), and a persistent storage
(460). Each component of the system is discussed below.
[0121] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the manager
(472) monitors attempted shots, made shots, and a condition of a
player while making the shots using sensors (474). The sensors may
be similar to those previously described. The aforementioned
information may be stored in as shot history (482) similar to the
shot history (462, FIG. 4B) of the Cloud (450, FIG. 4B). Similarly,
the condition of the user associated with each shot may be stored
in a player condition history (484). Additionally, the manager
(472) may orchestrate an interactive training experience. For
example, using active content (486) the manager (472) may provide
shooting instructions to a user and/or provide sensory feedback to
a user prior to, during, and/or after shooting. The active content
(486) may include, for example, workout instructions or games. The
active content (486) may include other types of interactive
activities without departing from the invention.
[0122] To provide the interactive content, the example shooting
system (470) may be operably connected to speakers (not shown),
optical displays (not shown), and/or tactile feedback devices. The
optical display may be, for example, liquid crystal displays. The
tactile feedback devices may be, for example, a wrist band
including a vibrator adapted to transmit vibrations to a wrist, or
other portion, of a user. The example shooting system (470) may
include the aforementioned component without departing from the
invention.
[0123] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the manager
(472) may obtain active content (486) from another entity such as a
cloud (450, FIG. 4B). The active content may be obtained from other
entities without departing from the invention.
[0124] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the manager
(472) is a hardware device including circuitry. The manager (472)
may be, for example, digital signal processor, a field programmable
gate array, or an application specific integrated circuit. The
manager (472) may be other types of hardware devices without
departing from the invention.
[0125] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the manager
(472) is implemented as computing code stored on a persistent
storage that when executed by a processor performs the
functionality of the manager (472). The processor may be hardware
processor including circuitry such as, for example, a central
processing unit or a microcontroller. The processor may be other
types of hardware devices for processing digital information
without departing from the invention.
[0126] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the sensors
(474) are physical devices. The sensors (474) may be adapted to
measure different physical quantities or perform different
identifications as previously discussed.
[0127] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the persistent
storage (486) stores data structures including the shot history
(482), the player condition history (484), and the active content
(464). While illustrated as separate data structures, each of the
aforementioned data structures may be combined with other data,
stored in different forms, and/or divided into any number of data
structures without departing from the invention. Additionally,
while illustrated as being stored using computing resources of the
example shooting system (470), the data structures may be stored in
other locations without departing from the invention.
[0128] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the active
content (486) stores workouts, interactive games, and/or other
interactive content. A work out may include, for example, a series
of instructions. Upon giving of an instruction to a user by, for
example, playing an audio message, the instructions may wait until
the user attempts a shot specified by the instruction or another
action. The instructions may then evaluate the performance of the
user and issue another instruction based on the outcome of the
previous instruction.
[0129] An interactive game may be, for example, a competitive skill
based series of instructions. The instructions may cause audio
messages to be played, a user's response to the audio message
tracked, and the performance of the user determined based on the
tracking.
[0130] In one or more embodiments of the invention, a user device
is utilized by the shooting system to provide a more immersive
experience. The shooting system may be operably connected to the
user device as illustrated in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4D shows a diagram of
an example local user device (490) in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention. The example local user device (490)
may display information to a user of the shooting system regarding
the user's performance, may generate sensory stimulation, and
perform other functions to create a more immersive experience for
the user. To provide the aforementioned functionality, the example
local user device (490) may include a shooting system client (492),
audio/visual/tactile simulation devices (494), a graphical user
interface generator (496), and a persistent storage. Each component
of the example local user device (490) is discussed below.
[0131] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the shooting
system client (492) orchestrates the operation of the example local
user device (490) to provide a user with feedback regarding his or
her shooting performance or provide stimulation as part of an
interactive content (e.g., 486, FIG. 4C). The shooting system
client (492) may obtain shot history (502) and player condition
history (504) from a shooting system, cloud, or another source and
store the data locally. Additionally, the shooting system client
(492) may obtain active content (506) from the shooting system, the
cloud, or another source. The shooting system client (492) may
obtain instructions from a user and take action using the
aforementioned data.
[0132] For example, the shooting system client (492) may cause the
example local user device (490) to display a graphical user
interface representing the shot history (502), the player condition
history (504), and/or an instruction or other display derived from
the active content (506). In another example, the shooting system
client (492) may cause the example local user device (490) to
generate a sensory stimulation such as, for example, a noise,
display of an image, or activation of a vibrating device. To do so,
the shooting system client (492) may utilize the
audio/visual/tactile stimulation devices (494) and/or the graphical
user interface generator (496).
[0133] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the shooting
system client (492) is a hardware device including circuitry. The
shooting system client (492) may be, for example, digital signal
processor, a field programmable gate array, or an application
specific integrated circuit. The shooting system client (492) may
be other types of hardware devices without departing from the
invention.
[0134] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the shooting
system client (492) is implemented as computing code stored on a
persistent storage that when executed by a processor performs the
functionality of the shooting system client (492). The processor
may be hardware processor including circuitry such as, for example,
a central processing unit or a microcontroller. The processor may
be other types of hardware devices for processing digital
information without departing from the invention.
[0135] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the
audio/visual/tactile stimulation devices (494) are physical devices
adapted to generate sensory stimulation. The audio/visual/tactile
stimulation devices (494) may be, for example, speakers, visual
displays, or vibratory sensors. The audio/visual/tactile
stimulation devices (494) may be other types of sensory stimulus
generation devices. The audio/visual/tactile stimulation devices
(494) may be adapted to generate sensory stimulus when instructed
to do so by the shooting system client (492) or another entity.
[0136] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the graphical
user interface generator (496) generates frames for display on a
visual display. The frames may be instructions for each discrete
display element of the visual display.
[0137] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the graphical
user interface generator (496) generates historical graphs of a
user's shot history (502) and/or player condition history (504).
The historical graphs may be, for example, timelines of a user's
percentage of made shots over time. The historical graphs may
include other statistical data and/or representations of
statistical data of the shot history (502) and/or player condition
history (504) without departing from the invention.
[0138] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the graphical
user interface generator (496) generates a graphical illustration
of an instruction derived from the active content (506). For
example, the graphical illustration may include a depiction of a
basketball court and a location from which the user is to take a
next shot. The graphical illustration may graphically illustrate
instructions derived from the active content (506) in other ways
without departing from the invention.
[0139] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the graphical
user interface generator (496) is a hardware device including
circuitry. The graphical user interface generator (496) may be, for
example, digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array,
or an application specific integrated circuit. The graphical user
interface generator (496) may be other types of hardware devices
without departing from the invention.
[0140] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the graphical
user interface generator (496) is implemented as computing code
stored on a persistent storage that when executed by a processor
performs the functionality of the graphical user interface
generator (496). The processor may be hardware processor including
circuitry such as, for example, a central processing unit or a
microcontroller. The processor may be other types of hardware
devices for processing digital information without departing from
the invention.
[0141] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the persistent
storage (500) stores data structures including the shot history
(502), the player condition history (504), and the active content
(506). While illustrated as separate data structures, each of the
aforementioned data structures may be combined with other data,
stored in different forms, and/or divided into any number of data
structures without departing from the invention. Additionally,
while illustrated as being stored using computing resources of the
example local user device (490), the data structures may be stored
in other locations without departing from the invention.
[0142] As discussed above, components of the system illustrated in
FIG. 4A may perform methods. FIGS. 5A-5B.
[0143] FIG. 5A shows a flowchart of a method in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the invention. The method depicted in FIG.
5A may be used to operate a shooting system in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the invention. The method shown in FIG. 5A
may be performed by, for example, a shooting system (e.g., 400,
FIG. 4A). Other component of the system illustrated in FIG. 4A may
perform the method of FIG. 5A without departing from the
invention.
[0144] In Step 500, a shot attempt is identified.
[0145] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the shot
attempt is identified using sensor data. For example, a shot
attempt may be identified when a distance sensor, e.g., ultrasonic
range finder, having a field of view of a basketball hoop, or other
target, sends data indicating the presence of an object within the
field of view.
[0146] In Step 502, it is determined whether the shot was made.
[0147] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the shot is
determined as made by monitoring a trajectory of the shot using a
sensor. For example, a distance sensor, e.g., ultrasonic range
finder, may be aligned with the center of a hoop. As a ball
traverses the hoop, the distance sensor may send data reflecting
the trajectory of the ball. If the trajectory indicates that it
passed through the hoop the shot may be determined as being
made.
[0148] In one or more embodiments of the invention, a shot being
made may have a corresponding signature in sensor readings. For
example, the signature may be a distance between the sensor and the
ball over a predetermined period of time. A shot that is made may
get progressively closer to the sensor over the predetermined
period of time. In contrast, a shot that is not made may suddenly
disappear from the field of view of the sensor. In this manner, the
sensor data may be analyzed to identify whether a shot has been
made.
[0149] If the shot is made, the method may proceed to Step 504. If
the shot is not made, the method may proceed to Step 506.
[0150] In Step 504, the number of shot attempts in a shot history
associated with a user is incremented. In other words, the shot
history is updated to reflect that an additional shot was taken by
a user.
[0151] In Step 506, the number of shot attempts and number of shots
made in a shot history associated with a user is incremented. In
other words, the shot history is updated to reflect that an
additional shot was taken and that an additional shot was made by a
user.
[0152] In Step 508, a shot description and/or player condition is
stored.
[0153] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the shot
description specifies the relative location of the user in relation
to the hoop, or other target, when the shot attempt was attempted.
In one or more embodiments of the invention, the relative location
is identified based on a user location at the time of the shot
attempt. The user location may be identified using, for example,
sensor data. The sensor data may be, for example, direction and/or
distance measurements of the user with respect to the hoop or other
target. The direction and/or distance measurements may be taken
using any type of sensor including, but not limited to, radio
frequency direction and/or distance finding transceivers and
stereoscopic vision sensors. The direction and/or distance
measurements may be taken using any number of sensors and different
types of sensors without departing from the invention.
[0154] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the player
condition specifies a physiological characteristic of the user when
the shot was attempted. The physiological characteristics may be,
for example, a heart rate or a body temperature. The physiological
characteristics may be other characteristics without departing from
the invention.
[0155] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the player
condition is associated with a shot that was being attempted. By
doing so, the condition of the user at the time of the shot may be
determined. By determining the condition of the user at the time of
the shot, the shooting system may more accurately predict whether a
shot was made or missed due to fine motor skills or exhaustion. In
this manner, the shooting system may provide data that more
accurately reflects a user's shooting ability than contemporary
methods that only take into account whether a shot was actually
made.
[0156] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the player
condition is obtained from a user wearable device such as, for
example, a heart rate monitor. The user wearable device may be
other types of devices for measuring the physiological condition of
the user without departing from the invention. The user wearable
device may be operably connected to the shooting system or other
entity and, therefore, be capable of providing physiological
measurements to other entities.
[0157] The method may end following Step 508.
[0158] FIG. 5B shows a flowchart of a method in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the invention. The method depicted in FIG.
5B may be used to perform an interactive exercise via a shooting
system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
The method shown in FIG. 5B may be performed by, for example, a
shooting system (e.g., 400, FIG. 4A). Other component of the system
illustrated in FIG. 4A may perform the method of FIG. 5B without
departing from the invention.
[0159] In Step 520, an interactive content request is obtained from
a user.
[0160] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the interactive
content request specifies an active content.
[0161] In Step 522, the user is instructed.
[0162] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the user is
instructed via a sensory stimulus. The sensory stimulus may be, for
example, a noise, a display on a screen, or a tactile stimulation.
The sensory stimulus may be other types of stimulus without
departing from the invention.
[0163] In one or more embodiments of the invention, an instruction
included in the instructions to the user is based on the active
content specified by the interactive content activation request.
For example, the active content may include a number of
instructions. The instruction included in the instructions to the
user may be based on one of the instructions included in the active
content. The instruction may be, for example, to move to a
predetermined location with respect to a hoop or other target and
to attempt a shot.
[0164] In Step 524, a user shot is monitored.
[0165] The user shot may be monitored via the method illustrated in
FIG. 5A.
[0166] In Step 526, an outcome of the user shot is stored.
[0167] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the outcome
includes whether the shot was made, a description of the shot,
and/or a physiological condition of the user when the shot was
attempted.
[0168] In Step 528, it is determined whether additional
instructions are to be provided to the user.
[0169] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the
determination is made based on the active content. For example, the
active content may specify a list of shots to be attempted in
sequence, a next shot based on an outcome of the last attempted
shot, or other metrics that specify whether and what type of a next
shot is to be performed. In one or more embodiments of the
invention, the active content may specify that another shot is not
to be attempted. In other words, that the interactive content has
come to an end. If no next shot is specified, it may be determined
that there are no additional instructions.
[0170] If there are no additional instructions, the method may
proceed to Step 530. If there are additional instructions, the
method may proceed to Step 522.
[0171] In step 530, the shot outcomes of Step 526 are curated.
[0172] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the shot
outcomes are curated by storing them in persistent storage. The
persistent storage may be part of a shooting system, a local user
device, a remote user device, or a cloud.
[0173] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the shot
outcomes are curated by storing them in a cloud.
[0174] The method may end following Step 530.
[0175] As discussed above, embodiments of the invention may be
implemented using computing devices. FIG. 6 shows a diagram of a
computing device that does not host a validator in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the invention. The computing device
(600) may include one or more computer processors (602),
non-persistent storage (604) (e.g., volatile memory, such as random
access memory (RAM), cache memory), persistent storage (606) (e.g.,
a hard disk, an optical drive such as a compact disk (CD) drive or
digital versatile disk (MID) drive, a flash memory, etc.), a
communication interface (612) (e.g., Bluetooth interface, infrared
interface, network interface, optical interface, etc.), input
devices (610), output devices (608), and numerous other elements
(not shown) and functionalities. Each of these components is
described below.
[0176] In one embodiment of the invention, the computer
processor(s) (602) may be an integrated circuit for processing
instructions. For example, the computer processor(s) may be one or
more cores or micro-cores of a processor. The computing device
(600) may also include one or more input devices (610), such as a
touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, microphone, touchpad, electronic pen,
or any other type of input device. Further, the communication
interface (612) may include an integrated circuit for connecting
the computing device (600) to a network (not shown) (e.g., a local
area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet,
mobile network, or any other type of network) and/or to another
device, such as another computing device. Additionally, the
communication interface (612) may provide operable connections to
sensors and thereby enable the computing device (600) to obtain
sensor data.
[0177] In one embodiment of the invention, the computing device
(600) may include one or more output devices (608), such as a
screen (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display,
touchscreen, cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, projector, or other
display device), a printer, external storage, or any other output
device. One or more of the output devices may be the same or
different from the input device(s). The input and output device(s)
may be locally or remotely connected to the computer processor(s)
(602), non-persistent storage (604), and persistent storage (606).
Many different types of computing devices exist, and the
aforementioned input and output device(s) may take other forms.
[0178] Embodiments of the invention may provide a more accurate
estimate of a user's ability to perform activities such as, for
example, shooting a basketball. Embodiments of the invention may
enable a user's physiological condition to the outcome of an
attempted activity. By doing so, embodiments of the invention may
enable a user's ability to perform the activity to be discriminated
against the user's level of fatigue. In this manner, embodiments of
the invention may improve training regimens for the user by using
higher accuracy estimates of the user's ability.
[0179] Further embodiments of the invention may improve the
usability of training systems. Specifically, embodiments of the
invention may provide a shooting system that is easily
transportable and multi-concurrent user capable while still
providing high reliability ball capture capabilities. In this
manner, embodiments of the invention may improve the availability
of the shooting system.
[0180] Throughout this application, elements of figures may be
labeled as A to N. As used herein, the aforementioned labeling
means that the element may include any, number of items and does
not require that the element include the same number of elements as
any other item labeled as A to N. For example, a data structure may
include a first element labeled as A and a second element labeled
as N. This labeling convention means that the data structure may
include any number of the elements. A second data structure, also
labeled as A to N, may also include any number of elements. The
number of elements of the first data structure and the number of
elements of the second data structure may be the same or
different.
[0181] One or more embodiments of the invention may be implemented
using instructions executed by one or more processors of the data
management device. Further, such instructions may correspond to
computer readable instructions that are stored on one or more
non-transitory computer readable mediums.
[0182] While the invention has been described above with respect to
a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having
the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other
embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of
the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the
invention should be limited only by the attached claims.
* * * * *