Mobile image capture system

• US 7,840,378 B2
• Filed: 12/28/2006
• Issued: 11/23/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nike, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Nike, Inc.
• Inventors: Vock, Curtis A., Youngs, Perry, Larkin, Adrian
• Primary Examiner(s): Charioui; Mohamed
• Application Number:
  US11/646,799
• Publication Number:
  US 20070110278A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,426 Days
• Field of Search: 702/80, 702/104, 702/105, 702/110, 702/116, 702/122, 702/175, 702/182, 702/188, 340/937, 340/870.3, 482/8, 348/157, 348/158, 348/159, 455/11.1
• US Class Current: 702/182
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0647 Visualisation of executed movements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/14 specially adapted for animals
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/05 Image processing for measuring physical parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/12 Absolute positions, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/16 Angular positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/18 Inclination, slope or curvature
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/34 Angular speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/52 Weight, e.g. weight distribution
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/56 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/62 Time or time measurement used for time reference, time stamp, master time or clock signal
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/806 Video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/807 Photo cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/836 Sensors arranged on the body of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2244/24 Horse riding
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0003 Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0006 Computerised comparison for qualitative assessment of motion sequences or the course of a movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0022 for skating
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0093 : for surfing, i.e. without a sail; for skate or snow boarding
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/18 : for skiing
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/06 : Indicating or scoring devices for games or players , or for other sports activities
• CPC Class Codes: A63C 17/26 : with special auxiliary arrangements, e.g. illuminating, marking, or push-off devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63C 2203/18 : Measuring a physical parameter, e.g. speed, distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63C 5/06 : with special devices thereon, e.g. steering devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3218 : wherein at least part of the system is portable
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/38 : Transmitter circuitry for the transmission of television signals according to analogue transmission standards H04N5/14 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/185 : from a mobile camera, e.g. for remote control

Abstract

A mobile image capture system, a system comprising: a sensing unit for attaching to a vehicle, the sensing unit having a camera constructed and arranged to view a participant on the vehicle, the camera capturing at least one image; and processing electronics for storing data representing the captured at least one image or for relaying data representing the captured at least one image to a computer or a network.

Claims

1. A mobile image capture system, comprising:

a sensing unit comprising at least one sensor and at least one camera, wherein the at least one sensor and the at least one camera are attached to an article of footwear worn by a participant, and wherein the at least one camera is constructed and arranged to view the participant while the participant is wearing the article of footwear, the at least one camera capturing a sequence of images of the participant while wearing the article of footwear; and

processing electronics for storing data representing the captured sequence of images or for relaying data representing the captured sequence of images to a computer or a network.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing electronics relay data representing the captured at least one image to the computer or the network in real-time.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one image includes a sequence of images.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing electronics include digital video memory for storing data representing the captured at least one image.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensing unit further comprises an interface for transmitting data representing the captured image to the computer or the network.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising an antenna and relay electronics for transferring data representing the captured image to a remote location.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer includes a CD or DVD ROM storage device for storing data representing the captured at least one image.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one image includes a sequence of images.