JP6431604B2 - Operation of instrumentation ball - Google Patents

Description

  This application claims priority from US provisional number 62 / 013,956, filed June 18, 2014. The disclosure of this prior application is considered part of (and incorporated by reference) the disclosure of this application.

  This description relates to systems and techniques for operating instrumented game devices handled by users such as basketball and soccer balls, including electronics capable of detecting motion and magnetic fields. Is. For example, this specification relates to an instrumented basketball that can be used in conjunction with a magnetic basketball net so that the success or failure of a shot can be detected.

  To support financial rewards, such as university scholarships, sponsorship opportunities, and other revenue-generating careers, several television channels dedicated to sports competition, Along with professional athletes selling all kinds of products and the star athletes (both amateur and professional) that the public respects, athletics are becoming an integral part of society. Millions of people watch professional and university events at any night, and hundreds or hundreds of millions of Super Bowl, Final Four, Soccer World Cup, and other championships Watch major events like this.

  As a result, athletes can create a lot of money as can the teams and others that support them. The relative increase in the importance of athletics has been accompanied by attempts to increase athletic performance at all levels of development, from infants to professionals. The collection of athletic performance data can provide objective feedback to athletes as they attempt to progress. The athletic performance data can be used by athletes to set goals for progress, track the progress of an athlete's progress, and for competition between athletes and other athletes.

  This specification describes systems and techniques that can be used in combination with instrumented sports equipment that can be manipulated by humans, such as soccer balls and basketball. For example, this specification describes an instrumented basketball that can be used in conjunction with a magnetic basketball net and an algorithm that is computerized to detect the success or failure of a shot. In particular, the systems and techniques described herein apply to instruments in sports equipment such as sensors that measure movement (eg, gyros and accelerometers) and sensors that measure the magnetic field around the ball (eg, magnetometers). Related. Further, the systems and techniques described herein are also related to nets that include one or more magnets (eg, basketball goal nets, soccer nets, etc.). The motion data (inertia data) and magnetic field data collected by the sports equipment can be processed in an algorithm that can determine whether or not the shot is successful. In addition, the algorithm can make a determination of the type of success and the type of failure. For example, the algorithm can distinguish between a basketball success shot that was "swish" and a basketball success shot that hit the rim before falling through the net. Such data provides statistical information for trained athletes, so that one athlete's ability can be compared to another athlete's ability (their performance measures based on ball movement data are Can be stored on a computer device) to provide data in the context of entertainment (e.g., statistics derived from exercise and other data displayed on sports competition television broadcast screens), or Use in various ways, such as using motion data to influence the play of a video game, such as using the motion data from a human to influence the behavior of his or her avatar in a video game. can do.

  The Earth's magnetic field is affected by a ferromagnetic object (eg, a steel basketball rim). As an instrumented basketball approaches the basketball rim, the basketball magnetometer senses disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field signal. When the perceived turbulence signature represents a change known to be related to basketball passing near the rim (perhaps magnetic data alone, or the player first shot the ball in a shot form) Or in combination with other data, such as accelerometer or gyro data, indicating that the ball was struck in a dunk form, and also indicating that the ball passed through the basketball net as a “swish” The ball records events associated with successful or unsuccessful shots (eg, flags associated with such events together with the time of the event) Can be saved). The ball then sends the data either immediately while the ball is in use or when the ball is stationary or when the ball is inductive charging platform (wireless communication function to communicate with the electronic device inside the ball). It is possible to communicate with an external computer device wirelessly after being placed on the computer.

  The electronic device in the associated ball is paired with a communication device and / or computer device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer, via a mechanism such as Bluetooth® wireless or Wi-Fi data communication. Can do. The sensor mechanism in the ball may have a pair table memory that stores several devices that are previously paired with Bluetooth® and others. Applications installed on such devices, such as applications downloaded from the application store to the device, can be freely purchased or obtained and provided to enhance interactivity with such balls it can. For example, an athlete may charge a ball with a charging stand or charging dock, and may pair the ball or dock with a smartphone at that time or at another time. Athletes can also perform dribbling (eg, normal dribbling, crossover dribbling, etc.) and shooting practice (eg, set shots and jump shots from various positions and distances) after the electronic device in the ball is fully charged. Many predetermined exercises (for example, from an application on a website or a smartphone) may be performed. While practice is in progress, the ball can collect exercise data and can process the data to an available form by using on-board processing algorithms and circuitry. (The ball may automatically turn on when it detects a certain number of strong bounces, or when it is placed on a charging stand or charging dock, or a strong bounce (such as a typical dribbling It may be switched off automatically after a certain amount of time without acceleration (similar to a ball bouncing on a hard floor). Sent partially or partially to a smartphone or other external computing device, and a user may utilize one or more other people of similar skill level (eg, collected or individual) using the GUI on the device. Can see his or her abilities compared to other players, and can confirm his or her abilities. In addition, such an application may communicate with the server system, may provide a class or other score for the athlete's competence, particularly the practice aspects, and may be specific to the athlete's competition. Targeted advice may be provided to improve performance in the face.

  In certain embodiments, such systems and techniques can provide one or more advantages. For example, a net having an instrument ball and magnetism can be provided, whereby a chute can be detected and success or failure can be determined. Data relating to success / failure determination can be collected and transmitted wirelessly to an external computer device for display to the user. In certain embodiments, the type of success and / or the type of failure can be determined utilizing the systems and techniques provided herein. For example, a “swish” can be distinguished from a shot that fell through the rim after hitting the rim. In some embodiments, a shot that fails at the front of the rim can be distinguished from a shot that fails at the rear of the rim. Such information should be used to assess athletes and to provide insights to athletes regarding what areas to work on to improve shoot ability and consistency. Can be useful. More complete and accurate statistics may be maintained by the system, in which the exact time the basket was scored may be determined (to a fraction of a second), and such “created” By subtracting the time indicated by the motion sensor data that the ball has come out of the player's hand from the “made” time, it is possible to calculate the flight time of the shot. In addition, automatic scoring and statistics collection systems may be utilized, which are all cheaper than human systems and provide better accuracy and precision. Success sensing as described herein can play a role in larger systems by collecting data on the relative scores of the competition. With such a system, the role of scorer can be assigned to one of the officials of the competition, making the management of the competition easier (less personnel to be deployed) ) And make it cheaper.

  In one embodiment, a magnet net for a basketball goal includes a standard basketball net and one or more magnets coupled to the standard basketball net.

  Such a magnetic net for basketball goals can optionally include one or more of the following features. The one or more magnets may be configured to be removed from the basketball net and reconnected to the standard basketball net without damaging the standard basketball net. . The one or more magnets may be placed in a space in a standard basketball net string so that the one or more magnets are not directly visible. The one or more magnets may include four or more magnets.

  In another embodiment, an athletic ball system includes an athletic ball and a basketball goal net with magnetism. The athletic ball includes a multi-layered ball outer shell sealed from a surrounding region of the ball outer shell, and one or more electronic sensors disposed inside the outer peripheral surface of the athletic ball. A magnet basketball goal net includes a standard basketball goal net and one or more magnets coupled to the standard basketball goal net.

  Such an athletic ball system can optionally include one or more of the following features. The athletic ball further supports one or more electronic sensors and circuitry associated to monitor the motion of the athletic ball and a magnetic field signal in the vicinity of the athletic ball. A circuit board may be included. The associated circuit configuration may include a wireless communication chip or chip set. The one or more electronic sensors may include (i) an accelerometer or angular velocity sensor, (ii) a magnetometer, and (iii) a near field communication sensor. The associated electronic device recognizes the disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field around the athletic ball to recognize when the athletic ball has touched or passed near the rim of the basketball goal May be programmed as follows. The associated electronic device includes a magnetic field of one or more magnets coupled to a standard basketball goal net to recognize when the athletic ball has passed the magnet basketball goal net. May be programmed to recognize.

  In another embodiment, the computer-implemented method uses a computer system installed on the sports equipment to locate the magnetic field around the sports equipment as part of the actual sports event, located within the sports equipment. Recognizing data obtained from one or more sensors configured to analyze; analyzing the data by a computer system to recognize temporary changes in the magnetic field around the sports equipment; Determining by the computer system that a temporary change in the magnetic field around the device indicates that the sports equipment has passed the magnetic goal net.

  Such computer-implemented methods can optionally include one or more of the following features. Analysis of the data may include recognizing a change in the magnetic field around the sports equipment that is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Further, the computer-implemented method may include analyzing inertial data by a computer system to recognize the movement of the sports equipment. In addition, the computer-implemented method indicates that the movement of the sports equipment indicates that the sports equipment has collided with the rim of the goal before the sports equipment has passed the magnetic goal net. It may include determining. The computer-implemented method also indicates that the movement of the sports equipment indicates that the sports equipment did not collide with the rim of the goal before the sports equipment passed the magnetic goal net. It may include determining by the system. The sports equipment may be a basketball including a magnetometer. Further, the computer-implemented method includes wirelessly transmitting data from the sports equipment to an external computer device configured to indicate that the sports equipment has passed the magnetic goal net. May be.

  The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and advantages, and from the claims.

An athlete who shot an instrumented basketball to pass a goal including a net with an integral magnet is shown. 1 is a schematic plan view of a basketball goal with an exemplary net including an integral magnet. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a basketball goal with an exemplary net including an integral magnet. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a basketball goal with another exemplary net including an integral magnet. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a basketball goal with another exemplary net including an integral magnet. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a basketball goal with another exemplary net that includes an integral magnet. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a basketball goal with another exemplary net that includes an integral magnet. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a basketball goal with another exemplary net that includes an integral magnet shown schematically. FIG. 4 is an example of a time-series plot of inertial and magnetic field data obtained from an instrumented basketball shot to a basketball goal with a net including an integral magnet. FIG. 4 is another example of a time-series plot of inertial and magnetic field data obtained from an instrumented basketball shot to a basketball goal with a net including an integral magnet. FIG. 4 is another example of a time-series plot of inertial and magnetic field data obtained from an instrumented basketball shot to a basketball goal with a net including an integral magnet. FIG. 4 is another example of a time-series plot of inertial and magnetic field data obtained from an instrumented basketball shot to a basketball goal with a net including an integral magnet. FIG. 4 is another example of a time-series plot of inertial and magnetic field data obtained from an instrumented basketball shot to a basketball goal with a net including an integral magnet. FIG. 4 is another example of a time-series plot of inertial and magnetic field data obtained from an instrumented basketball shot to a basketball goal with a net including an integral magnet. FIG. 4 is another example of a time-series plot of inertial and magnetic field data obtained from an instrumented basketball shot to a basketball goal with a net including an integral magnet.

  Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

  This document describes systems and techniques for operating instrumented competition equipment handled by users such as basketball and soccer balls, including electronic devices capable of detecting motion and magnetic fields. For example, this specification describes an instrumented basketball that can be used in conjunction with a magnetic basketball net so that the success or failure of a shot can be detected.

  FIG. 1 shows a scenario 100 for electronically determining the success and / or failure of a basketball shoot. This figure is a side view of one player 102 with a straight basketball shot, such as a free throw or a top of the key shot. The ball 104 is one or more instruments 106 (eg, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, coils, or other field detectors) for detecting motion and for detecting the magnetic field that the ball 104 passes through. (Other field sensing devices)). The basketball goal 108 includes one or more magnets 109 that are integrated with the net of the goal 108. When the ball passes the goal 108, the magnetic field generated by the magnet (s) 109 is detected by the meter (s) 106 in the ball 104.

  The graph of the field strength 110 sensed by the instrument (s) against time or position (they are the same here because the motion is from left to right over time) An example of strength 110 (for illustration only) is shown. As can be seen, the magnetic field 110 is relatively constant over the main arc of the ball because the ball is far from electrical or magnetic (other than the earth). However, as the ball 104 passes the basketball goal 108, the magnetic field 110 changes suddenly (in this example, first to one polarity and then to the other as the ball 104 approaches and retracts from the magnet 109). To the polarity) and then settled again (because the ball 104 falls to the floor).

  In some embodiments, shot success and / or failure detection and determination is performed using the ball 104's own electronics and algorithms. That is, in some embodiments, the ball 104 is data collected from the instrument (s) 106 (eg, motion data from accelerometers and / or gyroscopes, and magnetic field data from one or more magnetometers). A built-in microprocessor that executes one or more algorithms that can determine successful and / or unsuccessful shoots. In some embodiments, the output of the algorithm (also known as motion measurement data) can be transmitted wirelessly to an external computer device for display to the user. For example, in one specific example, such motion measurement data may be transmitted wirelessly (eg, using Bluetooth® technology) to a smartphone executing an application associated with instrumentation basketball 104. Can do.

  In some embodiments, motion data and magnetic field data from the instrument (s) 106 may be sent from the ball 104 to an external computer that analyzes the data to determine success and / or failure of the shot. Also, in some embodiments, a trigger to indicate points or mistakes may be an event, which is linked to a sports competition timeline, such as a timeline based on a sports competition game time. May be.

  Although the specific aspect of instrumented basketball 104 is common to regular basketball, one different feature is the built-in instrument 106 of instrumented basketball 104. Such an instrument 106 (eg, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and the like) can be placed inside the ball 104, such as inside the outer shell or inner bag of the ball 104, and It moves with the ball 104 to sense the motion imparted to the ball 104 and to sense the magnetic field around the ball 104. For example, the accelerometer's three axes unprocessed when the player 102 hits a shot (eg, a basketball jump shot or dunk) or kicks a soccer ball to indicate G force applied to the ball 104 Data may be converted. Other raw data is stored for the sporting event, such as a stored function for the height of the basketball shoot, so that the raw data from the meter 106 is used to provide processed data indicative of the characteristics of the shoot. May be processed along with assumed assumptions (assumptions). For example, the instrument 106 may measure angular velocity, acceleration, linear velocity, and / or deceleration. As another example, meter 106 may use such measurement parameters to identify the number of times basketball 104 has bounced or touched within a certain period of time. As yet another example, meter 106 may measure the angle at which basketball 104 contacts a surface (eg, the floor). As yet another example, the meter 106 may be used to identify the rotational speed of the basketball 104. In addition, the instrument 106 may measure, for example, the rotational speed of a spirally moving football, the basketball shoot arc, the basketball shoot axis and speed, or the speed at which a soccer ball is kicked. May be used.

  Further, the instrument 106 may include one or more magnetic sensors (eg, a three-axis magnetometer) that can sense the magnetic field around the ball 104. In some embodiments, a magnetometer can measure the Earth's magnetic field and can also detect disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field. The earth's magnetic field is disturbed by a ferromagnetic object (eg, a steel basketball rim). Thus, when the instrumented basketball 104 approaches the basketball rim, the basketball 104 magnetometer can sense disturbances to the earth's magnetic field signal that can be considered by the ball 104 electronic device to be present. In addition, the magnetometer of the ball 104 can sense a magnetic field emanating from a magnet, such as from one or more magnets 109 attached to the basketball goal 108 net. Thus, the electronic device of the ball 104 can determine when the ball 104 has contacted the basketball goal 108 net.

  In some embodiments, inertial data from accelerometers and gyroscopes can be combined with magnetic field data from magnetometers to determine whether the shoot was successful, as described in more detail later, and further success or failure Can be used in algorithms that can distinguish between these types.

  An electronic device, such as a digital signal processor (DSP) and another electronic device form, that communicates with the instrument 106 and is further disposed within the ball 104 is not meaningful in the context of a particular sport It is possible to execute a processing operation for changing the sensor data into processing data (for example, motion measurement data) clearly directed to a specific sport.

  Such raw data, processed data, or both are outside the ball 104, such as by wireless data communication established between the wireless interface in the ball 104 and a computer outside the ball 104. Provided to the computer system. For example, the data can be provided to a smartphone or tablet that is executing an application for providing the smartphone or tablet with an interface for performing data communication with the electronic device in the ball 104. Such applications can be obtained from online application stores, such as Apple's iTunes Store and Google Play Market, and the data received from the ball 104 can be converted into a graphical display, The graphical display can be easily confirmed and understood by an athlete or by one or more other persons, such as a coach, a referee, or a competition event audience. For example, the speed at which a basketball shoot was released, the angle at which the basketball shoot was released, the number of successful shoots versus the number of failed shoots, the type of failed shoot, the type of successful shoot, and the player dribbling The data about the amount of time until the ball is released from or the amount of time until the ball is lifted from the chute and until the ball is released may be displayed as text on the screen of a smartphone or tablet computer. Such data can also be converted to a graph shape, which can be done by an electronic device in the ball, a computer device outside the ball 104, or partly both. As an example, such an electronic device can calculate an arc drawn by a basketball shoot based on information received from the meter 106 in the ball 104, and the arc is drawn on the background of a smartphone or tablet device. Can be displayed with lines. The arcs so displayed may be shown next to best practices art, which shows how to aim for a shot in the ideal world.

  Thus, the systems and techniques described herein provide that the target characteristics for handling the ball 104 are, for example, with a delay of less than 1 second or 2 seconds, and in addition to smartphones, tablets, Google Glass head mounted displays. Allowing it to be captured and displayed in real time in a visually pleasing manner on a variety of computing devices, such as style head-up displays and other suitable methods.

  Referring to FIG. 2A, as briefly described above, the net 220 of the basketball goal 200 includes one or more magnets 222a and 222b. It should be understood that the magnets 222a and 222b are schematically illustrated. That is, the magnets 222a and 222b are drawn in the radial direction of the basketball goal 200, but FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3 and 4 show the specific direction of the physical shape of the magnets 222a and 222b. It should be understood that it is not intended to be illustrated.

  The basketball goal 200 includes a rim 210 to which a net 220 is connected. The basketball goal 200 may include a standard type of rim 210 and net 220, except that one or more magnets 222a and 222b are added to the net 220.

  The net 220 in the illustrated embodiment includes two magnets: a magnet 222a and a magnet 222b. In some embodiments, one magnet, three magnets, four magnets, five magnets, six magnets, or more than six magnets may be included in one net 220. In some embodiments, magnets 222a and 222b are the same or generally similar to each other. In some embodiments, magnets 222a and 222b are different from each other. Such differences between magnets 222a and 222b include, but are not limited to, size, shape, magnetic strength, material, fixing method, fixing position and direction, color, polarity direction, and the like , Element differences are included.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 222a is attached to the net 220 near the front of the rim 210f and the magnet 222b is attached to the net 220 near the rear of the rim 210b. This provides just one example of an embodiment in which magnets 222a and 222b can be oriented with respect to net 220 and rim 210. Furthermore, all other possible orientations of magnets 222a and 222b with respect to net 220 and rim 210 are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the north pole of each of the magnets 222 a and 222 b is oriented toward the inside of the basketball goal 200. In one embodiment, the south pole of each of the magnets 222 a and 222 b is oriented toward the inside of the basketball goal 200.

  In one embodiment, one North pole of magnets 222a or 222b is oriented toward the inside of basketball goal 200 and the other South pole of magnets 222a or 222b is directed toward the inside of basketball goal 200. Oriented.

  Referring now to FIG. 2B, the basketball goal 250 includes a rim 260 to which a net 270 is coupled. Net 270 includes one or more magnets 272a and 272b. In this embodiment, the north pole of the magnet 272 a is oriented toward the inside of the basketball goal 250, and the south pole of the magnet 272 b is oriented toward the inside of the basketball goal 250. In some embodiments, such an arrangement results in the magnetic field strength of magnets 272a and 272b complimenting each other. However, not all embodiments require such an arrangement.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets 222a, 222b, 272a, and 272b are shown with their polarities aligned along the radial direction of the basketball goals 200 and 250, although such orientation is essential. Absent. In certain embodiments, the polarity of one or more of the magnets 222a, 222b, 272a, and 272b may be oriented nominally orthogonal to the radial direction of the basketball goals 200 and 250. Also, in some embodiments, one or more of the magnets 222a, 222b, 272a, and 272b have a polarity of about 0 ° and about 90 ° with respect to the radial direction of the basketball goals 200 and 250. May be oriented at an angle between.

  Referring to FIG. 3, a basketball goal 300 includes a rim 310 to which a net 320 is connected. The net 320 includes magnets 322a, 322b, 322c, and 322d. The basketball goal 300 may include a standard type of rim 310 and net 320, except that magnets 322a, 322b, 322c, and 322d are added to the net 320.

  The net 320 in the illustrated embodiment includes four magnets: magnet 322a, magnet 322b, magnet 322c, and magnet 322d. In certain embodiments, one net, two magnets, three magnets, five magnets, six magnets, or more than six magnets may be included in one net 320. In some embodiments, magnets 322a, 322b, 322c, and 322d are the same or generally similar to each other. In some embodiments, magnets 322a, 322b, 322c, and 322d are different from each other. Such differences between magnets 322a, 322b, 322c, and 322d include, but are not limited to, size, shape, magnetic strength, material, fixing method, fixing position and direction, color, polarity direction, and Contains elemental differences, such as those similar to them.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 322a is attached to the net 320 near the front of the rim 310f, the magnet 322b is attached to the net 320 near the rear of the rim 310b, and the magnet 322c is attached to the left net of the rim 310L. The magnet 322d is attached to the net 320 on the right side of the rim 310r. This provides another example of an embodiment in which magnets 322a, 322b, 322c, and 322d can be oriented with respect to net 320 and rim 310. Furthermore, all other possible orientations of magnets 322a, 322b, 322c, and 322d with respect to net 320 and rim 310 are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the north pole of each of the magnets 322 a, 322 b, 322 c, and 322 d is oriented toward the inside of the basketball goal 300. In some embodiments, the south pole of each of the magnets 322 a, 322 b, 322 c, and 322 d is oriented toward the inside of the basketball goal 300. Also, in some embodiments, one or more of the magnets 322a, 322b, 322c, or 322d has the north pole oriented toward the inside of the basketball goal 300 and at the same time the magnets 322a, 322b, 322c. , Or 322d, the south poles of the remaining magnet (s) are oriented towards the inside of the basketball goal 300.

  In the illustrated embodiment, each of the magnets 322a, 322b, 322c, and 322d is disposed about 90 ° apart around the outer edge of the basketball goal 300, but such relative orientation is essential. is not. For example, referring to FIG. 4, a basketball goal 400 includes a rim 410 to which a net 420 is coupled. The net 420 includes magnets 422a, 422b, 422c, and 422d that are not 90 ° apart around the outer edge of the basketball goal 400. Instead, the two magnets (422a and 422b) are biased toward the front of the rim 410f, while the remaining two magnets (422c and 422d) are biased toward the rear of the rim 410b. In certain embodiments, the magnets may be arranged alternately or in addition to each other with the magnet biased toward one or both sides of the rim 410. It should be understood that any and all patterns of regular and / or irregular orientation of the magnet on the net relative to the rim are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

  Although the embodiment described so far includes one magnet along the vertical direction of the net, the embodiment provided in the present specification is not limited thereto. That is, in an embodiment, two or more magnets may be arranged on the net in a substantially straight line with each other (that is, at different heights on the net). In an embodiment, two or more magnets may be arranged on the net at different heights and different radial directions.

  Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a basketball goal 500 is shown in two different perspective views. The basketball goal 500 includes a rim 510 to which a net 520 is connected. The basketball goal 500 may include a standard type rim 510 and net 520 except that magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d are added to the net 520 (the magnet 522d is in front of the net 520). But not visible in the given figure). The net 520 in the illustrated embodiment includes four magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d, but in one embodiment, as described above, one, two, three, five, six. Alternatively, more than six magnets may be included.

  In the illustrated embodiment, magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d are flexible strip magnets. Such flexible strip magnets are just one example of the types of magnets that can be used in conjunction with the net 520. In some embodiments, one or more of the magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d are cylindrical, rectangular rod, spherical, U-shaped, ring-shaped or donut-shaped, disc-shaped, rectangular, multi-fingered (Multi-fingered rings) and other conventional shapes.

  As described above, the polarity of magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d can be directed to any arrangement as desired. For example, the magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d may be multipolarized only on one surface and provided with polarity in the axial direction through the thickness.

  In the illustrated embodiment, magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d are attached to the inside of net 520. In some embodiments, magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d may be attached to the outside of net 520. In some embodiments, magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d may be attached to both the inside and the outside of net 520. In some embodiments, the magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d may be hidden inside the string of the net 520.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d are attached to the net 520 side using a hook-and-loop mechanism. That is, the magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d have either the hook back surface or the loop back surface, and the corresponding mounting member has the opposite surface (hook or loop). The magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d are attached to the net by engaging the attachment member with the magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d and sandwiching the net 520 therebetween. This approach for attaching magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d to net 520 adds magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d to net 520 and / or net 520 without modifying net 520. Can be removed from. However, in some embodiments, magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d are substantially permanently attached to net 520.

  In certain embodiments, the magnets 522a, 522b, 522c, and 522d may be various such as, but not limited to, tightening, securing, using clips, using tape, using adhesives, weaving, stitching, etc. Attached to or within net 520 using various techniques and combinations of these techniques.

  Referring to FIG. 6, a basketball goal 600 is shown in a perspective view. The basketball goal 600 includes a rim 610 to which a net 620 is coupled. The basketball goal 600 may include a standard type of rim 610 and net 620, except that magnets 622a, 622b, 622c, and 622d are added to the net 620. The net 620 in the illustrated embodiment includes four magnets 622a, 622b, 622c, and 622d, but in certain embodiments, as described above, one, two, three, five, six. Seven, eight, or more than eight magnets may be included.

  In the illustrated embodiment of the magnets 622a, 622b, 622c, and 622d with the net 620, the magnets 622a, 622b, 622c, and 622d are disposed within the inner space of the net 620 string. That is, the string of the net 620 is tubular, whereby the magnets 622a, 622b, 622c, and 622d are disposed inside the string of the net 620. Using this approach, in some embodiments, there is nothing visible that indicates that the net 620 includes magnets 622a, 622b, 622c, and 622d. Net 620 looks like any regular basketball net.

  In some embodiments, magnets 622a, 622b, 622c, and 622d are elongated magnets, such as columnar magnets. For example, in certain embodiments, magnets 622a, 622b, 622c, and 622d are manufactured by K & J Magnetics Inc. of Pipersville, PA. # D36-N52 magnet or # D36 magnet sold by The outer diameter of such an exemplary magnet is well suited for installation in the tubular string of net 620.

  Referring to FIG. 7, chart 700 includes a graph of inertial sensor signal 710 and a magnetic sensor signal 740. Chart 700 shows the output of a sensor located within instrumented basketball (eg, sensor 106 located within instrumented basketball 104 of FIG. 1). More specifically, the chart 700 shows the output (on the Y axis) of such a sensor versus time (on the X axis).

In the illustrated chart 700, a plot 710 _sum is a _sum of three-axis angular velocity gyroscopes in basketball, and a plot 712 _sum is a _sum of three-axis accelerometers in basketball. Further, the magnetic force sensor is a three-axis sensor disposed in the basketball and is added together to generate a plot 740 _sum . By entering plots 710 _sum and 712 _sum into the algorithm, it can be determined that basketball was moving in the air at time 400. In other words, it is the beginning of the shoot. At a time of about 1300, the basketball is hitting an object which in this example is the rim of the basketball goal. At a time of about 1700, the basketball is still hitting an object that is the floor in this example.

Plot 740 _sum is the output of the magnetometer in basketball. From time 0 to time 1300 and from time 1500 to time 2000, it can be seen that the magnetometer output indicates a calm sensing result of the earth's magnetic field. However, from time 1300 to time 1500, the magnetometer detects a significant magnetic field change. These detected changes in magnetic field are associated with two conditions: (1) the proximity of the magnetometer in the basketball to the basketball rim, and (2) the magnetometer in the basket within the net. The degree of proximity to the magnet. Each of these two conditions has distinct magnetic signal characteristics that allow the algorithm to distinguish between them. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of a successful shoot through the net with a squirt are unique to the properties of the shoot that first hit the rim and bounced up and then dropped through the net. Furthermore, because the rear part of the rim has more metal than the front part of the rim, the collision of the ball with the front part of the rim has unique magnetic properties compared to the collision of the ball with the rear part of the rim. Yes.

By using both the graph of inertial sensor signal 710 and the graph of magnetic sensor signal 740, the algorithm determines that a shoot was attempted and whether the shoot succeeded or failed. be able to. In this example, as shown in plot 740 _sum , the chute is successful because the magnet signal in the net has been detected by the magnetometer. Furthermore, the algorithm can detect from the inertial sensor signal that basketball has passed through the net. That is, in this case, for example, when basketball passes through the net, the basketball is delayed due to friction of the net.

  Referring to FIG. 8, chart 800 includes a graph of inertial sensor signal 810 and a graph of magnetic sensor signal 840. Chart 800 shows the output of a sensor located in instrumented basketball (eg, sensor 106 located in instrumented basketball 104 of FIG. 1). More specifically, the chart 800 shows the output (on the Y axis) of such a sensor with respect to time (on the X axis).

In the chart 800, a plot 810 _sum is a combined value of a triaxial angular velocity gyroscope in a basketball, and a plot 812 _sum is a combined value of a triaxial accelerometer in the basketball. Further, the magnetic force sensor is a three-axis sensor disposed in the basketball and is added together to generate a plot 840 _sum . By entering the plots 810 _sum and 812 _sum into the algorithm, it can be determined that the basketball was moving in the air at time 400. In other words, it is the beginning of the shoot. At a time of about 1200, the basketball is hitting an object which in this example is the rim of the basketball goal. At a time of about 1900, the basketball is still hitting an object that is the floor in this example.

Plot 840 _sum is the output of the magnetometer in basketball. From time 0 to about 2000, it can be confirmed that the output of the magnetometer indicates a calm sensing result of the earth's magnetic field.

By using both the inertial sensor signal 810 graph and the magnetic force sensor signal 840 graph, the algorithm determines that a shoot was attempted and whether the shoot was successful or failed. be able to. In this example, as shown in plot 840 _sum , the chute fails because the magnet signal in the net has not been detected by the magnetometer. More specifically, the algorithm can detect that a shoot was attempted and that it collided with the rim but was not in the rim.

  Referring to FIG. 9, chart 900 includes a graph of inertial sensor signal 910 and a graph of magnetic sensor signal 940. Chart 900 shows the output of a sensor located in the instrumented basketball (eg, sensor 106 placed in instrumented basketball 104 of FIG. 1). More specifically, the chart 900 shows the output (on the Y axis) of such a sensor versus time (on the X axis).

  In the chart 900, a plot 912 is a total value of a triaxial accelerometer in basketball. Plot 942 is the expected value of the magnetometer when there is no magnet or soft iron (eg, a basketball goal rim) near the basketball. The algorithm can determine that the basketball was moving in the air when the time was approximately 100. In other words, it is the beginning of the shoot. At time 1250, the basketball is hitting an object which in this example is the rim of the basketball goal. Further, the algorithm expects the magnetometer when the signal from the magnetometer in graph 940 is no magnet or soft iron (eg, basketball goal rim) near the basket, as represented by plot 942. Therefore, it can be determined that it is not so far off.

  By utilizing both the graph of inertial sensor signal 910 and the graph of magnetic sensor signal 940, the algorithm determines that a shoot was attempted and whether the shoot was successful or failed. be able to. In this example, as shown in graph 940, the chute fails because the magnet signal in the net has not been detected by the magnetometer. More specifically, the algorithm can determine that a shoot was attempted and that it collided with the rim but was not in the rim. In addition, the algorithm can determine that the ball has contacted the front of the rim because a very small disturbance in the magnetometer signal has been detected upon collision with the rim.

  Referring to FIG. 10, chart 1000 includes a graph of inertial sensor signal 1010 and a magnetic sensor signal 1040. Chart 1000 shows the output of a sensor located in instrumented basketball (eg, sensor 106 placed in instrumented basketball 104 of FIG. 1). More specifically, the chart 1000 shows the output of such a sensor (on the Y axis) versus time (on the X axis).

  In the chart 1000, a plot 1012 is a total value of a triaxial accelerometer in basketball. Plot 1042 is the expected value of the magnetometer when there is no magnet or soft iron (eg, basketball goal rim) near the basketball. The algorithm can determine that the basketball was moving in the air when the time was approximately 100. In other words, it is the beginning of the shoot. At a time of about 1350, the basketball is hitting an object which in this embodiment is the rim of the basketball goal. Further, the algorithm expects the magnetometer when the signal from the magnetometer in graph 1040 does not have a magnet or soft iron (eg, basketball goal rim) near the basket, as represented by plot 1042. From this, it can be determined that it is clearly off. However, the magnetic signal characteristic of plot 1042 does not include characteristics associated with a ball that has passed near a magnet installed in the net.

  By utilizing both the inertial sensor signal 1010 graph and the magnetic sensor signal 1040 graph, the algorithm determines that a shoot was attempted and whether the shoot was successful or failed. be able to. In this example, as shown in graph 1040, the chute fails because the magnet signal in the net is not detected by the magnetometer. More specifically, the algorithm can determine that a shoot was attempted and that it collided with the rim but was not in the rim. Further, the algorithm can determine that the ball has contacted the rear of the rim because a significant disturbance in the magnetometer signal has been detected upon impact with the rim. Major disturbances can be associated with contact between the basketball and a significant amount of soft iron such as the back of the basketball goal rim.

  Referring to FIG. 11, chart 1100 includes a graph of inertial sensor signal 1110 and a graph of magnetic sensor signal 1140. Chart 1100 shows the output of a sensor located in instrumented basketball (eg, sensor 106 located in instrumented basketball 104 of FIG. 1). More specifically, chart 1100 shows the output of such a sensor (on the Y axis) versus time (on the X axis).

In the chart 1100, a plot 1110 _sum is a total value of a triaxial accelerometer in basketball. Further, the magnetic force sensor is a three-axis sensor arranged in the basketball, and is added together to generate a plot 1140 _sum . By entering the plots 1110 _sum and 1112 _sum into the algorithm, it can be determined that the basketball was moving in the air at time 100. In other words, it is the beginning of the shoot. At the time of about 1300, the basketball is slowly decelerated by contacting the net rather than the basketball goal rim in this embodiment. At a time of about 1900, the basketball is still hitting an object that is the floor in this example.

Plot 1140 _sum is the output of the magnetometer in basketball. From time 0 to time 1300, it can be confirmed that the output of the magnetometer indicates a calm sensing result of the earth's magnetic field. However, at about 1300 time, all elements of the magnetometer data show a sudden change, which is influenced by the magnetic field of one or more magnets in the basketball goal net. It shows that it received.

  By utilizing both the graph of inertial sensor signal 1110 and the graph of magnetic sensor signal 1140, the algorithm determines that a shoot was attempted and whether the shoot was successful or failed. be able to. In this example, as shown in plot 1140, the chute is successful because the magnet signal in the net has been detected by the magnetometer. More specifically, the algorithm can determine that a shoot was attempted and that it was a “swish” because the shoot was successful but not colliding with the basketball goal rim.

  Referring to FIG. 12, chart 1200 includes a graph of inertial sensor signal 1210 and a graph of magnetic sensor signal 1240. Chart 1200 shows the output of a sensor located in instrumented basketball (eg, sensor 106 located in instrumented basketball 104 of FIG. 1). More specifically, chart 1200 shows the output of such a sensor (on the Y axis) versus time (on the X axis).

In the illustrated chart 1200, a plot 1210 _sum is a _sum of three-axis angular velocity gyroscopes in basketball, and a plot 1212 _sum is a _sum of three-axis accelerometers in basketball. Further, the magnetic force sensor is a three-axis sensor disposed in the basketball and is added together to generate a plot 1240 _sum . By entering plots 1210 _sum and 1212 _sum into the algorithm, it can be determined that the basketball was moving in the air at time 100. In other words, it is the beginning of the shoot. At a time of about 1200, the basketball is hitting an object which in this example is the rim of the basketball goal. At a time of about 1700, the basketball is still hitting an object that is the floor in this example.

Plot 1240 _sum is the output of the magnetometer in basketball. From time 0 to about 1300 and from about 1350 to about 2000, it can be seen that the magnetometer output indicates a calm sensing result of the earth's magnetic field. However, from time 1300 to time 1350, the magnetometer detects a significant magnetic field change. These detected changes in magnetic field are associated with two conditions: (1) the proximity of the magnetometer in the basketball to the basketball rim, and (2) the magnetometer in the basket within the net. The degree of proximity to the magnet. Each of these two conditions has distinct magnetic signal characteristics that allow the algorithm to distinguish between them. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of a successful shoot through the net with a squirt are unique to the properties of the shoot that first hit the rim and bounced up and then dropped through the net. Furthermore, because the rear part of the rim has more metal than the front part of the rim, the collision of the ball with the front part of the rim has unique magnetic properties compared to the collision of the ball with the rear part of the rim. Yes.

By using both the inertial sensor signal 1210 graph and the magnetic force sensor signal 1240 graph, the algorithm determines that a shoot was attempted and whether the shoot was successful or failed. be able to. In this example, as shown in plot 1240 _sum , the shoot was successful because the magnet signal in the net was detected by the magnetometer. Furthermore, the algorithm can detect from the inertial sensor signal that basketball has passed through the net. That is, in this case, for example, when basketball passes through the net, the basketball is delayed due to friction of the net. In this example, the algorithm can determine that the shoot was successful after a slight contact with the rim (as indicated by plot 1212 _sum ).

  Referring to FIG. 13, chart 1300 includes a graph of inertial sensor signal 1310 and a magnetic sensor signal 1340. Chart 1300 shows the output of a sensor located in instrumented basketball (eg, sensor 106 located in instrumented basketball 104 of FIG. 1). More specifically, chart 1300 shows the output of such a sensor (on the Y axis) versus time (on the X axis).

In the chart 1300, the plot 1310 _sum is the total value of the triaxial accelerometer in basketball. Further, the magnetic force sensor is a three-axis sensor disposed in the basketball and is added together to generate a plot 1340 _sum . By entering plots 1310 _sum and 1312 _sum into the algorithm, it was determined that at time 700, the basketball was decelerating rapidly in contact with the basketball goal rim in this example. can do. The bounce on the rim lasts until about 1600.

Plot 1340 _sum is the output of the magnetometer in basketball. From time 0 to time 1800, it can be confirmed that the output of the magnetometer shows a generally calm sensing result of the earth's magnetic field. However, at about 1800 time, all elements of the magnetometer data show a sudden change, which is influenced by the magnetometer's magnetic field in one or more of the basketball goal nets. It shows that it received.

By using both the graph of inertial sensor signal 1310 and the graph of magnetic sensor signal 1340, the algorithm determines that a shoot was attempted and whether the shoot was successful or failed. be able to. In this example, as shown in plot 1340 _sum , the shoot was successful because the magnet signal in the net was detected by the magnetometer. More specifically, the algorithm can determine that a shot was attempted and that it bounced across the net after bouncing multiple times on the basketball goal rim.

  One or more design features of a magnetic basketball net provided herein can be combined with other features of another basketball net provided herein. Should be understood. Indeed, from two or more of the magnetic basketball net designs provided herein, hybrid designs combining various features can be created and are within the scope of the present invention.

  This specification includes many specific implementation details, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of any invention or claimable, but rather the specification of a particular invention. It should be construed as a description of the features specific to the embodiment. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of different embodiments can also be implemented in combination in one embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of one embodiment can also be implemented in separate embodiments or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features are described above as acting on a particular combination and so claimed at the outset, one or more features from the claimed combination may be in some cases The claimed combination may be directed to a partial combination or a variation of a partial combination.

  In addition to directing the teachings described above and later, apparatus and / or methods having different combinations of the features described above and later are contemplated. For this reason, the specification is also directed to other devices and / or methods having any other possible combination of dependent features claimed later.

  The many features and advantages described in the above description include various alternatives, along with details of the structure and function of the device and / or method. This specification is intended to be illustrative only and is therefore not intended to be comprehensive. In particular, according to the broad and general meaning of the terms expressing the appended claims, regarding the structure, materials, elements, components, shapes, sizes and arrangements of the parts containing combinations in the basic concept of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made as long as indicated. To the extent that these various modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, they are intended to be included therein. All references, publications, and patents referred to herein include the diagrams and drawings encompassed by them, and are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

  104: Ball, 106: Instrument, 108, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600: Basketball goal, 109, 222a, 222b, 272a, 272b, 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d, 422a, 422b, 422c, 422d, 522a, 522b, 522c, 522d, 622a, 622b, 622c, 622d: magnet, 210, 260, 310, 410, 510, 610: rim, 220, 270, 320, 420, 520, 620: net

Claims (17)

A magnet net for basketball goals with a rim ,
With a standard basketball net,
Net having a magnetic, characterized in that it comprises Rutotomoni connected to the standard basketball net, not connected to the rim, and one or more magnets, the.   The one or more magnets are configured to be removed from the basketball net and reconnected to the standard basketball net without damaging the standard basketball net. 2. The net having magnetism according to claim 1, wherein the net has magnetism.   The said one or more magnets are arranged in a space within the standard basketball net string so that the one or more magnets are not directly visible. Net with magnetism.   The net having magnetism according to claim 1, wherein the one or more magnets include four or more magnets. An athletic ball system,
An athletic ball,
A net with a magnet for a basketball goal with a rim ,
The athletic ball includes a multi-layered ball outer shell and one or more electronic sensors disposed inside an outer peripheral surface of the athletic ball, and the ball outer shell includes the ball outer shell. Sealed from the surrounding area,
Rene Tsu bets having a said magnetism, and net standard basketball goals, coupled to said standard net basketball goals Rutotomoni, not connected to the rim, one or more magnets And a ball system for athletic competitions.   And further including a circuit board supporting the one or more electronic sensors and an electronic circuit associated to monitor the motion of the athletic ball and a magnetic field signal in the vicinity of the athletic ball. The ball system for athletics according to claim 5, characterized in that:   The athletic ball system according to claim 6, wherein the associated electronic circuit includes a wireless communication chip or chip set.   The one or more electronic sensors include: (i) an accelerometer or angular velocity sensor; (ii) a magnetometer; and (iii) a near field communication sensor. Ball system for athletics. The associated electronic circuits, in order to recognize when the athletic ball that has passed through the near or the rim when in contact with the rim of the basketball goal, the periphery of the athletic balls, Earth 9. A ball system for athletics according to claim 8, programmed to recognize disturbances in the magnetic field. The associated electronic circuits, in order to recognize when the athletic ball has passed the Rene Tsu bets having a said magnetically coupled to the net of a standard basketball goal, the one 9. The athletic ball system according to claim 8, which is programmed to recognize the magnetic field of the magnet. A computer-implemented method comprising:
One or more sensors disposed within the sports equipment and configured to sense a magnetic field around the sports equipment as part of an actual sports event using a computer system installed in the sports equipment Recognizing data obtained from
Analyzing the data by the computer system to recognize temporary changes in the magnetic field around the sports equipment; and
The temporary change in the magnetic field around the sports instrument, that indicates that the goal net having a magnetic passed the sports instrument, seen contains that, be determined by the computer system,
A standard basketball net for a basketball goal with a rim as the magnetic goal net, and one or more magnets connected to the standard basketball net and not connected to the rim A computer-implemented method characterized by using a goal net comprising :   The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein analyzing the data includes recognizing a change in a magnetic field around the sports equipment that is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.   The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising analyzing inertial data by the computer system to recognize movement of the sports equipment. Further determines, movement of the sports instrument, prior to the sports instrument is passed through the net with the magnetic, that indicates that the sports instrument collides with the rim of the goal by the computer system The computer-implemented method of claim 13, comprising: Furthermore, movement of the sports instrument, prior to the sports instrument is passed through the net with the magnetic, said sports instrument indicates that it did not collide with the rim of the goal by the computer system 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, comprising determining.   The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the sports equipment is a basketball including a magnetometer.   And wirelessly transmitting data from the sports equipment to an external computer device configured to display that the sports equipment has passed the goal net having magnetism. The computer-implemented method of claim 11.

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