System and method for determining ball movement
First Claim
1. A laced ball for use in a sport activity, the ball comprising:
- a lace comprising one or more threads, the lace woven into the ball outer surface; and
wherein the one or more threads are a communication element comprising a receiver, processor, transmitter and antenna, and wherein the communication element is adapted to communicate a signal.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for identifying ball movement and position is disclosed. The system includes a ball for use in a sport activity comprising a lace or thread on, or adjacent to, an outer surface of the ball, and a communication element such as a wire or antenna disposed within the lace or thread, the ball'"'"'s communication element being adapted to communicate via a signal received from, or sent to, one or more communication elements, such as a transmitter or receiver, disposed at or near a playing area. The playing area communication elements are adapted to communicate ball position based upon the signals sent and/or received. A processor is provided which is adapted to translate or process information received by the playing area communication elements into position, trajectory and/or movement of the ball. A method of identifying ball movement, trajectory and position and a ball for use with a ball movement and position identification system are also disclosed.
84 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A laced ball for use in a sport activity, the ball comprising:
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a lace comprising one or more threads, the lace woven into the ball outer surface; and wherein the one or more threads are a communication element comprising a receiver, processor, transmitter and antenna, and wherein the communication element is adapted to communicate a signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system for identifying movement and position of balls on, in, within and/or around a sport playing area, the system comprising:
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a laced ball for use in a sport activity, wherein the laced ball has an outer surface, a lace comprising one or more threads threads disposed adjacent to the outer surface and comprising a ball communication element which is a receiver, processor, transmitter, and antenna, which communication element is formed of the one or more threads, wherein the ball communication element is adapted to communicate a signal; and at least one playing area communication element positioned near the playing area, wherein the at least one playing area communication element is adapted to communicate with the ball communication element via the signal. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. A system for identifying movement and position of balls on, in, within and/or around a sport playing area, the system comprising:
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a laced ball for use in a sport activity, wherein the ball has an outer surface, a lace disposed adjacent to the outer surface and comprising one or more threads forming a ball communication element comprising a receiver, processor, transmitter, and antenna, wherein the ball communication element is adapted to communicate a signal; a playing area communication element positioned near the playing area, the playing area communication element adapted to communicate ball position based upon the signal received by the playing area communication element from the ball communication element; and an additional processor in communication with the ball communication element and laying area communication element, the additional processor adapted to process ball position information received by the playing area communication element into position and movement of the ball.
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Specification