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WO2018136249A1 - Système de suivi en temps réel pour des objets de notation de sport et procédés d'utilisation - Google Patents

Système de suivi en temps réel pour des objets de notation de sport et procédés d'utilisation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018136249A1
WO2018136249A1 PCT/US2018/012690 US2018012690W WO2018136249A1 WO 2018136249 A1 WO2018136249 A1 WO 2018136249A1 US 2018012690 W US2018012690 W US 2018012690W WO 2018136249 A1 WO2018136249 A1 WO 2018136249A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
scoring
scoring object
location
determining
motion
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2018/012690
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Joshua MARRIS
Robert ANGERS
Anil Agarwal
Thomas Russell
Original Assignee
CHIP'd, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by CHIP'd, Inc. filed Critical CHIP'd, Inc.
Publication of WO2018136249A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018136249A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B71/0669—Score-keepers or score display devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
    • A63B2024/0028—Tracking the path of an object, e.g. a ball inside a soccer pitch
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
    • A63B2024/0056—Tracking a path or terminating locations for statistical or strategic analysis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B2071/065—Visualisation of specific exercise parameters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/10—Positions
    • A63B2220/12—Absolute positions, e.g. by using GPS
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/40—Acceleration
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/806—Video cameras
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/50—Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry

Definitions

  • the subject of this patent application relates generally to tracking systems, and more particularly to a real-time tracking system for sports scoring objects and associated methods of use for monitoring and tracking various attributes associated with the movement of said scoring objects.
  • the scoring object provides an at least one object location sensor configured for determining at least one of a current latitude, longitude and altitude of the scoring object, an at least one object motion sensor configured for determining an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object, an object communication device configured for selectively communicating with an at least one user device under the control of a user, and a microcontroller in electrical communication with each of the object location sensor, object motion sensor, and object communication device.
  • a user application resides in memory on the at least one user device.
  • the system is configured for allowing the object communication device of the scoring object to be placed in communication with the user device.
  • a start location of the scoring object is determined prior to being put into motion.
  • an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object is monitored.
  • an end location of the scoring object is determined. At least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute is transmitted to the user application of the user device which, in turn, displays said data via an at least one display screen of the user device
  • Figure 1 is a simplified schematic view of an exemplary real-time tracking system for an exemplary sports scoring object, in accordance with at least one embodiment
  • Figure 2 is an architecture diagram of an exemplary shot data structure, in accordance with at least one embodiment
  • Figure 3 is an architecture diagram of an exemplary user account data structure, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for monitoring and tracking various attributes associated with the movement of an exemplary scoring object, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
  • Fig. 1 there is shown a simplified schematic view of an exemplary realtime tracking system 20 for an exemplary sports scoring object 22, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
  • the system 20 provides, in at least one embodiment, at least one scoring object 22 and an at least one user device 24 in selective communication with the at least one scoring object 22.
  • an at least one database 26 is in communication (either locally or remotely) with the user device 24 and configured for selectively storing data related to at least one of the scoring object 22 and the associated at least one user device 24.
  • the user device 24 and database 26 are one and the same - as such, it is intended that those terms as used herein are to be interchangeable with one another.
  • the user device 24 and database 26 are omitted, such that the system 20 and associated methods described herein are implemented solely through the scoring object 22 - thus, any methods or functionality described herein as being carried out by the user device 24 or database 26 may, in at least one embodiment, also be carried out by the scoring object 22, regardless of whether such embodiments nevertheless incorporate the user device 24 and/or database 26.
  • scoring object is intended to include any object that is used in various sports-related activities that is used for scoring points - i.e., golf balls, soccer balls, basketballs, baseballs, footballs, tennis balls, hockey pucks, flying discs, etc.
  • scoring points i.e., golf balls, soccer balls, basketballs, baseballs, footballs, tennis balls, hockey pucks, flying discs, etc.
  • system 20 and associated methods are discussed primarily in the context of golf for illustrative purposes herein, the present invention should not be read as being so limited. Instead, the system 20 and associated methods may be incorporated into any other type of sports scoring objects now known or later developed.
  • each of the scoring object 22, user device 24, and database 26 may be achieved using any wired- or wireless-based communication protocol (or combination of protocols) now known or later developed.
  • the present invention should not be read as being limited to any one particular type of communication protocol, even though certain exemplary protocols may be mentioned herein for illustrative purposes.
  • the term "user device” is intended to include any type of computing or electronic device, now known or later developed, capable of communicating with the scoring object 22 - such as desktop computers, mobile phones, smartphones, laptop computers, tablet computers, personal data assistants, gaming devices, wearable devices, etc.
  • the system 20 should not be read as being limited to use with any one particular type of computing or electronic device, even though certain exemplary devices may be mentioned or shown herein for illustrative purposes.
  • each of the scoring object 22, user device 24, and database 26 contains the hardware and/or software necessary to carry out the exemplary methods for monitoring and tracking various attributes associated with the movement of the scoring object 22, as described herein.
  • the user device 24 comprises a plurality of computing devices selectively working in concert with one another to carry out the exemplary methods for monitoring and tracking various attributes associated with the movement of the scoring object 22, as described herein.
  • the user device 24 provides a user application 28 residing locally in memory 30 on the user device 24, the user application 28 being configured for selectively communicating with the scoring object 22, as discussed further below.
  • the term "memory” is intended to include any type of electronic storage medium (or combination of storage mediums) now known or later developed, such as local hard drives, RAM, flash memory, secure digital (“SD”) cards, external storage devices, network or cloud storage devices, integrated circuits, etc.
  • the user device 24 is in the possession (or otherwise under the control) of a user who is desirous of utilizing the system 20 for monitoring and tracking various attributes associated with the movement of the scoring object 22.
  • the at least one scoring object 22 provides an at least one object location sensor 32 configured for determining at least one of a current latitude, longitude and altitude of the scoring object 22.
  • the object location sensor 32 is a global navigation satellite system ("GNSS") or a global positioning system (“GPS").
  • GNSS global navigation satellite system
  • GPS global positioning system
  • any other devices or technologies capable of determining at least one of the current latitude, longitude and altitude of the scoring object 22, now known or later developed may be substituted.
  • the scoring object 22 further provides an at least one object motion sensor 34 configured for determining an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object 22, as discussed further below.
  • the object motion sensor 34 is a gyroscope, such as a 3-axis gyroscope or 6-axis gyroscope for example, providing an at least one accelerometer.
  • a gyroscope such as a 3-axis gyroscope or 6-axis gyroscope for example, providing an at least one accelerometer.
  • any other devices or technologies capable of determining at least one motion attribute of the scoring object 22 (as described herein), now known or later developed, may be substituted.
  • the scoring object 22 further provides an object communication device 36 configured for selectively communicating with the at least one user device 24, as discussed further below.
  • the object communication device 36 is an extended Bluetooth low energy (“XBLE”) device coupled with an omni-directional antenna.
  • XBLE extended Bluetooth low energy
  • any other devices or technologies capable of allowing wireless communication between the scoring object 22 and the at least one user device 24, now known or later developed such as cellular, Wi-Fi, or long range FM for example), may be substituted.
  • the scoring object 22 further provides a microcontroller 38 in electrical communication with each of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, and object communication device 36, the microcontroller 38 configured for controlling each of the respective components and for facilitating communication of data therebetween.
  • the scoring object 22 further provides an at least one battery 40 configured for selectively providing power to each of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, object communication device 36, and microcontroller 38.
  • the battery 40 is a non-rechargeable battery, such as a LiMn02 battery for example. However, in further embodiments, any other type of non-rechargeable or rechargeable battery may be substituted.
  • any other devices or technologies capable of selectively providing power to each of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, object communication device 36, and microcontroller 38, now known or later developed, may be substituted.
  • each of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, object communication device 36, microcontroller 38, and battery 40 is embedded within the scoring object 22 so as to not alter the external shape or dimensions of the scoring object 22. Additionally, in at least one such embodiment, the size and shape of each of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, object communication device 36, microcontroller 38, and battery 40, along with the particular position and arrangement of said components within the scoring object 22 are such that neither the total weight nor the distribution of weight of the scoring object 22 are affected (i.e., the replaced weight of the scoring object 22, and the distribution of that weight, is substantially the same as the unaltered scoring object 22), thereby allowing the scoring object 22 to behave normally, as if said components were not present. In at least one embodiment, where the battery 40 is embedded within the scoring object 22, the battery 40 is configured for being charged wirelessly, such as through inductive charging or any other wireless charging method now known or later developed.
  • the scoring object 22 is a golf ball
  • the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, object communication device 36, microcontroller 38, and battery 40 are sealed in a substantially spherical housing that is embedded within the golf ball.
  • the housing is an epoxy resin that encases the components.
  • the housing is formed by dipping the components in epoxy resin, or alternatively by compression or injection molding.
  • the epoxy resin has a density that substantially matches an average density of the components.
  • the housing may be constructed out of any other material or combination of materials, now known or later developed (such as metal for example), capable of allowing the scoring object 22 to substantially carry out the functionality described herein.
  • the components are substantially centered within the housing, with the housing being substantially centered within the golf ball.
  • the housing creates a substantially balanced sphere with the center of gravity being substantially centered within the sphere, which helps ensure that the golf ball will behave normally, as if the housing were not present within the golf ball.
  • the battery 40 has a substantially cylindrical or spherical shape and is constructed to survive the relatively high temperatures associated with golf ball manufacturing, which can reach upwards of 180 degrees Celsius.
  • the at least one user device 24 - or the at least one database 26 - stores and manages an at least one set of shot data 42 containing various details related to the at least one scoring object 22, preferably each time the scoring object 22 is put into motion (i.e., thrown, hit, kicked, etc.).
  • the shot data 42 includes (but is certainly not limited to) at least one of a unique object identifier 44 (such as an alphanumeric name, for example), a start location 46 value containing the geographic coordinates of the scoring object 22 prior to being put into motion, an end location 48 value containing the geographic coordinates of the scoring object 22 after subsequently coming to rest, an altitude 50 value containing the altitude reached by the scoring object 22 while in motion, a flight path 52 value containing details related to the flight path of the scoring object 22 while in motion, a launch trajectory 54 value containing details related to the launch trajectory of the scoring object 22 as it was put into motion, a speed 56 value containing the speed reached by the scoring object 22 while in motion, a spin rate 58 value containing the spin rate of the scoring object 22 while in motion, a travel distance 60 value containing the distance between the start location 46 and end location 48 values, a distance to goal 62 value containing the distance between the scoring object 22 and the location toward which the scoring object 22 is being moved (i.e.
  • the at least one user device 24 - or the at least one database 26 - also stores and manages a user account 72 for each user containing various details related to the user and associated at least one scoring object 22.
  • each user account 72 contains (but is certainly not limited to) at least one of a unique user identifier 74 (such as an alphanumeric username or email address, for example), a ranking 76 as compared to one or more other users, a shot data table 78 containing the at least one set of shot data 42 associated with the user, a score history 80 containing details related to past scores achieved by the user, a statistics table 82 containing select statistics associated with the user's past interactions with the scoring object 22, a challenge list 84 containing select performance-based challenges for the user to complete, and a friend list 86 containing select other users with whom the user has chosen to associate.
  • a unique user identifier 74 such as an alphanumeric username or email address, for example
  • a ranking 76 as compared to one or more other users
  • a shot data table 78 containing the at least one set of shot data 42 associated with the user
  • a score history 80 containing details related to past scores achieved by the user
  • a statistics table 82 containing select
  • each of the shot data 42 set and user account 72 is dependent, at least in part, on the type of scoring object 22 and associated sport in which the scoring object 22 is used.
  • the above described data types are merely exemplary.
  • table and “list” are used herein to describe certain exemplary data structures, in at least one embodiment, any other suitable data type or data structure, or combinations thereof, now known or later developed, capable of storing the appropriate data, may be substituted.
  • the present invention should not be read as being so limited.
  • the user device 24 provides a data receiver 88 configured for receiving the selectively transmitted data from the object communication device 36 of the scoring object 22. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the user device 24 provides an at least one display screen 90 configured for displaying the scoring object 22 data in real-time, as discussed in detail below. In at least one such embodiment, the display screen 90 is a touchscreen.
  • the system 20 enables the at least one user to monitor and track various attributes associated with the movement of the scoring object 22 in real-time.
  • the system 20 may be utilized in a variety of contexts. As such, the system 20 and associated methods described herein should not be read as being so limited. Instead, the system 20 and associated methods described herein are provided for illustrative purposes only in order to facilitate a more complete understanding of representative embodiments now contemplated. These examples are intended to be a mere subset of all possible contexts in which the system 20 may be utilized.
  • the system 20 may be utilized in virtually any context where scoring object 22 monitoring and tracking is desired - both by users themselves as well as any other interested parties, such as playing field operators, coaches, scoring object 22 manufacturers, etc.
  • the user application 28 through the user application 28 residing in memory 30 on the at least one user device 24, upon the associated user desiring to utilize the system 20 to manage and track at least one scoring object 22, the user application 28 first determines whether the associated user is new to the system 20 (402). If the associated user is new, the user is required to properly register a new user account 72 with the system 20 via the user device 24 (404) - or, alternatively, via any other computing or electronic device capable of communicating with the system 20. Once the user is registered with the system 20, the scoring object 22 is activated (406) and then paired or otherwise placed into communication with the user device 24 (408).
  • the scoring object 22 is activated by physically moving the scoring object 22 in a pre-defined motion or sequence of motions, which better ensures that the scoring object 22 will not be unintentionally activated when not in use by the user (i.e., while in storage or transit).
  • the scoring object 22 is activated by transmitting an at least one activation signal to the microcontroller 38 from a source such as the user device 24, for example.
  • the activation signal provides a sufficient amount of power to the microcontroller 38 in order to wake the microcontroller 38, which allows the scoring object 22 to consume little to no energy prior to being activated.
  • the scoring object 22 provides an at least one photoconductive device in electrical communication with the microcontroller 38, such that the photoconductive device is configured for activating the scoring object 22 upon detecting light (for example, when the scoring object 22 is removed from the product packaging or a storage pouch).
  • the scoring object 22 may be selectively activated using any other mechanism or technology (including any combinations thereof), now known or later developed.
  • the microcontroller 38 determines the start location 46 of the scoring object 22 as captured by the object location sensor 32 (410).
  • the start location 46 of the scoring object 22 may be determined by a location sensor (not shown) of the user device 24, such as an onboard GPS chip, given that the user device 24 will presumably be positioned proximal the scoring object 22 (i.e., on the user's person) prior to the scoring object 22 being put into motion.
  • the object location sensor 32 is disabled in order to conserve the battery 40.
  • each of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, and object communication device 36 is selectively enabled (i.e., powered on) by the microcontroller 38 when the component is utilized, then subsequently disabled (i.e., powered off) by the microcontroller 38 in order to conserve the lifespan of the battery 40. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, it is to be understood that any mention of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, and object communication device 36 as part of the methods described herein impliedly includes the steps of enabling said component, then subsequently disabling said component after its particular use. In at least one alternate embodiment, one or more of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, and object communication device 36 remain enabled while the scoring object 22 is in use.
  • the microcontroller 38 upon the microcontroller 38 determining that the scoring object 22 is in motion (414), as captured by the object motion sensor 34, the microcontroller 38 monitors one or more desired attributes or behaviors of the scoring object 22 as captured by the object motion sensor 34 (416) - such as flight path 52, launch trajectory 54, speed 56, spin rate 58, etc. (again, ultimately depending on the type of scoring object 22). Upon the microcontroller 38 subsequently determining that the scoring object 22 has come to rest (418), as again captured by the object motion sensor 34, the microcontroller 38 determines the end location 48 of the scoring object 22 as captured by the object location sensor 32 (420).
  • the shot data 42 is then transmitted to the user device 24 (422), where the user application 28 is able to display desired information via the display screen 90 of the user device 24 (426) - such as the location of the scoring object 22, so it may be retrieved by the user - and also perform further calculations based on the shot data (424), as discussed further below. These steps are repeated for each throw/hit/kick/etc. of the scoring object 22 (428).
  • the user in the specific context of golf (i.e., where the scoring object 22 is a golf ball), the user is able to manually or automatically input the particular club used 68 to be used for hitting the scoring object 22.
  • the user may also manually input - or, alternatively, the user application 28 may automatically acquire from the relevant sources - select environmental conditions (412), such as the current temperature, current humidity, current time of day, current wind speed and direction, current elevation, current grass conditions, etc., so that such conditions may be factored into any subsequent shot data 42 analysis to be performed by the user application 28.
  • the user application 28 is further configured for providing via the display screen 90 an aerial view of the golf course on which the user is currently playing. Additionally, the current hole is displayed along with the location of the scoring object 22.
  • the user application 28 is further configured for utilizing at least one of a camera, GPS chip, and gyroscope of the user device 24 to provide, via the display screen 90, an augmented reality view of the golf course, with select information dynamically superimposed on the golf course, such as the flight path of the scoring object 22 for example.
  • the user application 28 may selectively provide other desired distances relative to the scoring object 22, such as the distance between the scoring object 22 and the front/middle/back of the green, the front/back of bunkers, water hazards, etc., based on the known geographic coordinates of such locations relative to the location of the scoring object 22.
  • a GPS chip or similar location sensor may be mounted on the flag pole of the current hole in order to determine a relatively more accurate distance between the scoring object 22 and the current hole.
  • the user application 28 is able to determine the location of the scoring object 22 relative to the golf course - i.e., tee box, fairway, rough, bunker, green, water hazard, etc. - based on the end location 48 of the scoring object 22.
  • the user application 28 utilizes geofenced boundaries of the different areas of the golf course to automatically determine the location of the scoring object 22.
  • the user application 28 is also capable of automatically administering penalties upon determining that the scoring object 22 landed in a penalty area (i.e., water hazard or out of bounds).
  • the user application 28 provides a movable cursor on the display screen 90, which allows the user to obtain the distance between the scoring object 22 and any selected point on the golf course.
  • the user application 28 is further configured for visualizing the flight path 52 of the scoring object 22 via the display screen 90, as overlaid on the aerial view of the golf course on which the user is currently playing.
  • the user application 28 also selectively displays desired shot data 42 information, such as the altitude 50, launch trajectory 54, speed 56, spin rate 58, travel distance 60, etc.
  • the microcontroller 38 upon the microcontroller 38 determining that the scoring object 22 is in motion (414) - i.e., upon the golf ball being hit - the microcontroller 38 increments the swing count 70 by one. Additionally, upon the scoring object 22 reaching the goal - i.e., upon the golf ball entering the current hole - or otherwise upon the user notifying the user application 28 that the user is moving to a new hole, the swing count 70 is automatically reset to zero. In this way, the user application 28 is able to automatically track the number of swings the user takes for a given hole, while also tracking and storing the relevant shot data 42 for each separate swing.
  • the user application 28 is configured for performing further calculations based on the shot data 42.
  • the user application 28 in the specific context of golf, is able to automatically calculate a variety of statistics 82 associated with the user, based on the shot data 42, including but not limited to: scoring averages for par three holes, par four holes, etc.; driving distance and accuracy; shot to green proximity; short game performance; putting performance by distance; and strokes gained.
  • the user application 28 allows the user to filter such statistics based on one or more criteria, including but not limited to at least one of weather conditions, time periods, golf courses, etc.
  • the user application 28 is also capable of providing the user with golf club suggestions for upcoming shots, based on past shot data 42 and statistics 82 associated with the user, along with data related to the particular hole and current environmental conditions 66.
  • the system 20 allows the user to share data with select other users, with select other users being stored in the friend list 86 of the associated user account 72.
  • such connected users are able to engage with each other during a round of golf on the same course. Additionally, they are able to view the score history 80 and statistics 82 of other users on their friend list 86.
  • the system 20 also allows users to participate in competitions or challenges with other users (or, alternatively, with themselves), with such competitions and challenges being stored in the challenge list 84 of the associated user account 72. Such challenges may include getting the best score on a given hole, or the longest drive, for example.
  • the system 20 is also capable of maintaining one or more rankings 76 for each user based on user statistics 82 and/or challenges, and also based on different community levels (i.e., a given course, a given city, a given state, a given country, worldwide, etc.).
  • the system 20 is also capable of sharing select data with manufacturers of the scoring object 22, which allows the manufacturers to learn how effective their scoring objects 22 are, so that they may use that information to further improve future generations of the scoring objects 22. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the system 20 is capable of sharing select data with playing field operators (such as golf course operators, for example), which allows said operators to track the performance of their playing fields/courses as well as user activity levels, so that they may use that information to further improve their playing fields/courses.
  • playing field operators such as golf course operators, for example
  • a method for tracking an at least one scoring object in real-time the scoring object having an at least one object location sensor, an at least one object motion sensor, an object communication device, and a microcontroller, the method comprising the steps of: implementing a user application residing in memory on an at least one user device under the control of a user, the at least one user device in selective communication with the at least one scoring object; and upon the user desiring to track the at least one scoring object: allowing the object communication device of the scoring object to be placed in communication with the user device; determining a start location of the scoring object; and upon determining that the scoring object is in motion: monitoring an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object, as captured by the object motion sensor of the scoring object; and upon determining that the scoring object has come to rest: determining an end location of the scoring object; transmitting at least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute to the user device; and displaying at least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute via an at least one
  • step of activating the scoring object further comprises the step of transmitting an at least one activation signal to the microcontroller of the scoring object.
  • step of determining the start location of the scoring object further comprises the step of capturing the start location of the scoring object via the object location sensor of the scoring object.
  • step of determining the start location of the scoring object further comprises the step of capturing the start location of the scoring object via the user device.
  • step of determining the end location of the scoring object further comprises the step of capturing the end location of the scoring object via the object location sensor of the scoring object.
  • step of monitoring an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object further comprises the step of monitoring at least one of an altitude, flight path, launch trajectory, speed, and spin rate of the scoring object.
  • step of monitoring an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object further comprises the step of monitoring at least one of an altitude, flight path, launch trajectory, speed, and spin rate of the scoring object.
  • step of acquiring an at least one environmental condition further comprises the step of acquiring at least one of a current temperature, current humidity, current time of day, current wind speed and direction, current elevation, and current grass condition.
  • a method for tracking an at least one scoring object in real-time the scoring object being a golf ball having an at least one object location sensor, an at least one object motion sensor, an object communication device, and a microcontroller embedded therewithin, the method comprising the steps of: implementing a user application residing in memory on an at least one user device under the control of a user, the at least one user device in selective communication with the at least one scoring object; and upon the user desiring to track the at least one scoring object: allowing the object communication device of the scoring object to be placed in communication with the user device; determining a start location of the scoring object; and upon determining that the scoring object is in motion: monitoring an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object, as captured by the object motion sensor of the scoring object; and upon determining that the scoring object has come to rest: determining an end location of the scoring object; transmitting at least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute to the user device; and displaying at least one of the start location, end location and at
  • step of activating the scoring object further comprises the step of determining whether the scoring object is being physically moved in a pre-defined motion or sequence of motions.
  • step of determining the start location of the scoring object further comprises the step of capturing the start location of the scoring object via the object location sensor of the scoring object.
  • step of determining the start location of the scoring object further comprises the step of capturing the start location of the scoring object via the user device.
  • step of determining the end location of the scoring object further comprises the step of capturing the end location of the scoring object via the object location sensor of the scoring object.
  • step of monitoring an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object further comprises the step of monitoring at least one of an altitude, flight path, launch trajectory, speed, and spin rate of the scoring object.
  • step of acquiring an at least one environmental condition further comprises the step of acquiring at least one of a current temperature, current humidity, current time of day, current wind speed and direction, current elevation, and current grass condition.
  • step of determining a golf club type to be used for hitting the scoring object further comprises the step of determining a golf club type to be used for hitting the scoring object.
  • step of displaying at least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute via an at least one display screen of the user device further comprises the step of providing via the display screen an aerial view of a golf course on which the user is currently playing, with at least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute overlaid on said aerial view.
  • a real-time tracking system comprising: an at least one scoring object comprising: an at least one object location sensor configured for determining at least one of a current latitude, longitude and altitude of the scoring object; an at least one object motion sensor configured for determining an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object; an object communication device configured for selectively communicating with an at least one user device under the control of a user; and a microcontroller in electrical communication with each of the object location sensor, object motion sensor, and object communication device; and a user application residing in memory on the at least one user device, the at least one user device in selective communication with the at least one scoring object; wherein, upon the user desiring to track the at least one scoring object, the system is configured for: allowing the object communication device of the scoring object to be placed in communication with the user device; determining a start location of the scoring object; and upon determining that the scoring object is in motion: monitoring an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object, as captured by the object motion sensor of the scoring object; and upon
  • the at least one scoring object further comprises an at least one battery configured for selectively providing power to each of the object location sensor, object motion sensor, object communication device, and microcontroller.
  • the real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-44, further comprising an at least one database in communication with the at least one user device and configured for selectively storing data related to at least one of the scoring object and the associated at least one user device.
  • the open-ended transitional term “comprising” encompasses all the expressly recited elements, limitations, steps and/or features alone or in combination with un-recited subject matter; the named elements, limitations and/or features are essential, but other unnamed elements, limitations and/or features may be added and still form a construct within the scope of the claim.
  • the meaning of the open-ended transitional phrase “comprising” is being defined as encompassing all the specifically recited elements, limitations, steps and/or features as well as any optional, additional unspecified ones.
  • the meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting of” is being defined as only including those elements, limitations, steps and/or features specifically recited in the claim, whereas the meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” is being defined as only including those elements, limitations, steps and/or features specifically recited in the claim and those elements, limitations, steps and/or features that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter.
  • the open-ended transitional phrase “comprising” (along with equivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof) includes within its meaning, as a limiting case, claimed subject matter specified by the closed- ended transitional phrases “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.”
  • embodiments described herein or so claimed with the phrase “comprising” are expressly or inherently unambiguously described, enabled and supported herein for the phrases “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.”
  • logic code programs, modules, processes, methods, and the order in which the respective elements of each method are performed are purely exemplary. Depending on the implementation, they may be performed in any order or in parallel, unless indicated otherwise in the present disclosure. Further, the logic code is not related, or limited to any particular programming language, and may comprise one or more modules that execute on one or more processors in a distributed, non-distributed, or multiprocessing environment.
  • the methods as described above may be used in the fabrication of integrated circuit chips.
  • the resulting integrated circuit chips can be distributed by the fabricator in raw wafer form (that is, as a single wafer that has multiple unpackaged chips), as a bare die, or in a packaged form.
  • the chip is mounted in a single chip package (such as a plastic carrier, with leads that are affixed to a motherboard or other higher level carrier) or in a multi-chip package (such as a ceramic carrier that has either or both surface interconnections or buried interconnections).
  • the chip is then integrated with other chips, discrete circuit elements, and/or other signal processing devices as part of either (a) an intermediate product, such as a motherboard, or (b) an end product.
  • the end product can be any product that includes integrated circuit chips, ranging from toys and other low-end applications to advanced computer products having a display, a keyboard or other input device, and a central processor.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de suivi en temps réel pour des objets de notation de sport et des procédés d'utilisation associés. Dans au moins un mode de réalisation, l'objet de notation fournit au moins un capteur de localisation d'objet, un capteur de mouvement d'objet, un dispositif de communication d'objet et un microcontrôleur. Lorsqu'un utilisateur souhaite suivre le ou les objets de notation, le système est conçu pour permettre au dispositif de communication d'objet de l'objet de notation d'être placé en communication avec un dispositif d'utilisateur. Un emplacement de départ de l'objet de notation est déterminé avant que l'objet ne soit mis en mouvement. Lorsque l'objet de notation est déterminé comme étant en mouvement, au moins un attribut de mouvement de l'objet de notation, capturé par le capteur de mouvement d'objet de l'objet de notation, est surveillé. Lors de la détermination ultérieure que l'objet de notation est à l'arrêt, un emplacement d'extrémité de l'objet de notation est déterminé. L'emplacement de départ et/ou l'emplacement d'extrémité et/ou un attribut de mouvement sont transmis à l'application d'utilisateur du dispositif d'utilisateur qui, à son tour, affiche lesdites données par l'intermédiaire d'au moins un écran d'affichage du dispositif d'utilisateur.
PCT/US2018/012690 2017-01-17 2018-01-05 Système de suivi en temps réel pour des objets de notation de sport et procédés d'utilisation WO2018136249A1 (fr)

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