Athletic training, data collection, dynamic, and personified sporting method, apparatus, system, and computer program product

• US 9,782,648 B2
• Filed: 02/20/2017
• Issued: 10/10/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Christopher Decarlo
• Original Assignee: Christopher Decarlo
• Inventors: DeCarlo, Christopher
• Primary Examiner(s): YEN, JASON TAHAI
• Application Number:
  US15/437,432
• Publication Number:
  US 20170157482A1
• Time in Patent Office: 232 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2503/10 Athletes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1113 Local tracking of patients, e.g. in a hospital or private home
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1124 Determining motor skills
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6895 Sport equipment
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/745 using a holographic display
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0025 Tracking the path or location of one or more users, e.g. players of a game
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0037 on a target surface or at impact on the ground
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0065 Evaluating the fitness, e.g. fitness level or fitness index
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0068 Comparison to target or threshold, previous performance or not real time comparison to other individuals
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0093 the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/0006 for pitching
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/065 Visualisation of specific exercise parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0675 Input for modifying training controls during workout
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/00 Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/14 Lacrosse
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2214/00 Training methods
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/13 Relative positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/24 Angular displacement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 : Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/34 : Angular speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/44 : Angular acceleration
• 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 2220/801 : Contact switches
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/802 : Ultra-sound sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/805 : Optical or opto-electronic sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 : Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/09 : Adjustable dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 : with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 : Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/74 : with powered illuminating means, e.g. lights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/007 : American football
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/00 : Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0021 : Tracking a path or terminating locations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0075 : Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 : Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/00 : Targets or goals for ball games golf cups A63B57/40
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/004 : Goals of the type used for football, handball, hockey or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/008 : Goals for rugby or American football
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/083 : for basketball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/00 : Training appliances or apparatus for special sports training of parachutists B64D23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/002 : for football American-football dummies A63B69/34
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0024 : for hockey
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0026 : for ice-hockey
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0071 : for basketball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/10 : Swimming instruction apparatus for use without water
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/12 : Arrangements in swimming pools for teaching swimming or for training
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/36 : for golf
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/38 : for tennis A63B61/006, A63B69/0073 and A63B69/0097 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0619 : Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 : Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: F41J 1/00 : Targets; Target stands; Target holders F41J2/00 - F41J11/00 take precedence; targets combined with bullet catchers F41J13/02
• CPC Class Codes: F41J 1/01 : Target discs characterised by their material, structure or surface, e.g. clay pigeon targets characterised by their materialF41J5/044 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F41J 1/10 : Target stands; Target holders
• CPC Class Codes: F41J 3/00 : Targets for arrows or darts, e.g. for sporting or amusement purposes targets for shooting or hurling games A63F9/0204
• CPC Class Codes: F41J 5/02 : Photo-electric hit-detector systems comprising a light-emitting device for simulating the firing of a gun F41G3/2622; detecting by optical means G01V8/10
• CPC Class Codes: F41J 5/052 : Targets comprising a plurality of electric contacts, each corresponding to a discrete target section and being actuated by the movement thereof F41J5/056 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06N 3/08 : Learning methods
• CPC Class Codes: G06N 5/022 : Knowledge engineering; Knowledge acquisition
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/01 : Social networking
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0038 : Sports
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 : relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising

Abstract

A computer implemented personified sporting apparatus, system, method and/or computer program product may provide an electronically and programmably controlled personification attributes of a sport, and can include: a sporting device, comprising a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement; and at least one user interface coupled to sporting device, wherein said user interface comprises at least one of: a display device, at least one input device, at least one output device, a keyboard, or a touchscreen, and wherein said at least one sporting device is configured to at least one of: enable at least one user to interact with said at least one sporting device; receive a selection of at least one sporting routine; or receive instructions to control said at least one sporting device. The device can include a robot, display(s), and/or optional speech bubbles.

Claims

1. A personified sporting robotic device apparatus comprising:

at least one robot comprising;

a plurality of joint axes,

wherein each joint axis of said plurality of joint axes comprises;

at least one motor;

at least one structural member coupled to at least one of said each of said plurality of joint axes motors,

wherein each of said at least one motor is configured to move an associated coupled at least one of said at least one structural member;

at least one sporting device coupled to said at least one robot,

wherein said at least one sporting device comprises at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement; and

at least one computer processor,

wherein said at least one computer processor is coupled to said plurality of joint axes motors;

at least one memory coupled to said at least one computer processor;

at least one user interface coupled to said at least one robot, wherein said at least one user interface is configured to interact with a user to receive a selection of at least one sporting routine,

wherein said at least one user interface comprises;

at least one input device coupled to said at least one computer processor; and

at least one output device coupled to said at least one computer processor;

wherein the personified sporting robotic device apparatus comprises at least one of;

a) wherein said user interface comprises at least one of;

a display device,

said at least one input device,

said at least one output device,

a keyboard, or

a touchscreen;

b) wherein said at least one computer processor is configured to save or retrieve said at least one sporting routine from said at least one memory;

c) wherein said at least one computer processor is configured to randomize at least one challenge by said at least one sporting device;

or

d) wherein said computer processor is configured to at least one of;

combine a plurality of previously saved of said at least one sporting routine, or

shuffle a plurality of previously saved of said at least one sporting routine; and

further comprising

at least one of;

a) wherein said at least one sporting device comprises being configured to at least one of;

pitch or throw;

catch or hit;

automatically adjust;

automatically move;

move, adjust or modify position;

move in at least two directions;

move or adjust with respect to player position;

move with at least one of a velocity, or an acceleration;

automatically move in at least one of a horizontal plane, or a vertical plane;

adjust or move at least one goal;

adjust or move at least one target;

adjust or move in five axes of freedom relative to a support;

adjust or move with at least one fixed dimension;

adjust or move within a precise vertical or horizontal dimensional range;

provide at least one sporting goal for a game;

provide a plurality of sporting goals for a game;

provide an adjustable or moving goal;

provide at least one goal automatically moveable based on a received input;

or

provide at least one goal stationary for at least a predetermined interval;

b) wherein said at least one sporting device comprises at least one of;

a target;

a goal;

a ring;

a closed loop;

a closed polygon with an opening therein;

a ring between the user and a final target;

a border with an aperture therethrough;

or

a ring between the user and a final goal;

c) wherein said at least one sporting device comprises at least one of;

a pitching capability;

a throwing capability;

a catching capability;

a hitting capability;

an offensive capability;

a defensive capability;

a goal;

a basketball goal;

a soccer goal;

a target;

a hockey goal;

a field hockey goal;

a hockey goal;

a winter sports goal;

a summer sports goal;

a shooting sports target;

an archery goal;

a field goal;

a lacrosse goal;

a tennis target;

a golf target;

a football target;

an intermediate goal;

a plurality of goals;

or

a FRISBEE flying disc golf goal;

or

d) wherein said at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement comprises at least one of;

at least one personified attribute associated with said at least one sporting device;

or

at least one character associated with said at least one sporting device.

2. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 1, said

at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement comprises at least one of:

at least one personified attribute associated with said at least one sporting device;

or

at least one character associated with said at least one sporting device; and

wherein said at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement comprises;

at least one body part.

3. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 2,

wherein said at least one body part comprises:

a mouth;

at least one eye;

at least one leg;

at least one arm;

at least one hand;

at least one foot;

at least one eyebrow;

at least one tooth;

at least one tongue;

or

at least one eyelash.

4. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 1,

wherein said at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement comprises at least one of:

at least one personified attribute associated with said at least one sporting device;

or

at least one character associated with said at least one sporting device; and

wherein said at least one character comprises;

at least one representation of a mascot;

at least one representation of a comedic character;

at least one representation of a cartoon character;

at least one representation of an animated character;

at least one representation of a personified pet;

at least one representation of a person;

or

at least one representation of a personified object.

5. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 1, said

at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement comprises at least one of:

at least one personified attribute associated with said at least one sporting device;

or

at least one character associated with said at least one sporting device; and

wherein said at least one character comprises at least one representation of a personified object, comprising at least one of;

at least one representation of a personified robot;

at least one representation of a personified automobile;

at least one representation of a personified snowperson;

at least one representation of a personified monster;

at least one representation of a personified animated character;

at least one representation of a fictional character;

at least one representation of a personified insect;

or

at least one representation of a personified animal.

6. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 5,

wherein said at least one character comprises at least one representation of a personified object, wherein said personified object comprises at least one representation of a personified animal comprising at least one of;

at least one representation of a reindeer;

at least one representation of a deer;

at least one representation of an elephant;

at least one representation of a mouse;

at least one representation of a duck;

at least one representation of a fish;

at least one representation of a personified pet;

at least one representation of a dragon;

at least one representation of a lion;

or

at least one representation of an owl.

7. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 5, wherein said

at least one character comprises at least one representation of a personified object,

wherein said personified object comprises at least one representation of a personified insect comprising at least one of:

at least one representation of an ant;

at least one representation of a spider;

at least one representation of a grasshopper;

or

at least one representation of a bug.

8. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 2, wherein said

at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement, comprises at least one of:

at least one behavior;

or

at least one emotion.

9. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 8,

wherein said at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement comprises said at least one behavior or

said at least one emotion, comprising at least one of:

a smile;

a laugh;

a frown;

a wink;

a gesture;

a face or gesture depicting anger;

at least one representation of happiness;

at least one representation of sadness;

at least one representation of anger;

a face or gesture depicting crying;

a face or gesture depicting vomiting;

or

a face or gesture depicting eating.

10. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 8, wherein

said at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement comprises said at least one behavior or said at least one emotion comprises at least one interaction, comprising at least one of:

at least one voice;

at least one representation of an emotion;

at least one representation of a relationship;

at least one representation of a familial relationship;

or

at least one representation of a sporting relationship.

11. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 9, wherein

said at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement, comprises said at least one behavior or

said at least one emotion comprising at least one gesture, and wherein said at least one gesture comprises at least one of:

at least one facial gesture;

at least one body part gesture;

or

at least one hand gesture.

12. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 2, wherein said at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement comprises at least one audio, video, or display of at least one communication.

13. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 12,

wherein said at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement comprises said at least one audio, video, or display of said at least one communication, comprising at least one of:

at least one bubble of text;

at least one audio message;

at least one text message;

at least one video message;

at least one taunt;

at least one commentary;

at least one criticism;

at least one encouragement;

at least one cheer;

at least one text box;

or

at least one song.

14. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 8, wherein

said at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement comprises said at least one behavior or said at least one emotion comprises at least one interaction, wherein said interaction comprises at least one of:

at least one interaction with an athlete;

at least one interaction with an audience;

or

at least one interaction with a referee.

15. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 8, wherein

said at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement comprises said at least one behavior or

said at least one emotion, and further comprising at least one of:

wherein emotions are controlled by at least one user device;

wherein emotions are programmed;

wherein emotions are controlled by an artificial user device;

or

wherein emotions are controlled by an artificial intelligence software agent.

16. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 8,

wherein said at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement comprises said at least one behavior or said at least one emotion comprises at least one interaction, further comprising at least one of:

wherein said at least one sporting device comprises;

an ejector configured to;

receive at least one of;

 

at least one ball, or

 

at least one projectile; and

eject said at least one ball or said at least one projectile;

or

at least one sensor configured to sense a ball or projectile proximate to said at least one sporting device.

17. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus of claim 8,

comprising said ejector, wherein said ejector simulates spitting the at least one ball, or the at least one projectile out.

18. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one robot comprises said plurality of joint axes, wherein said plurality comprises at least one of:

at least 4 joint axes;

at least 5 joint axes;

at least 6 joint axes;

or

greater than 6 joint axes.

19. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one robot comprises at least one of:

a robotic pitcher;

a robotic catcher;

a robotic pitching cage;

or

a tunnel or a structure comprising a plurality of sensors.

20. The personified sporting robotic device apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said personification comprises an appearance of at least one of:

an emotion, happiness, scaredness, sadness, scariness, approving, anger, disappointedness, silliness, viciousness, friendliness, nastiness, asleep, sleeping, yawning, awakening, looking to the left, looking to the right, looking down, looking up, moving a left foot, moving a right foot, listening, talking, recording, waving, waving a right hand, waving a left hand, shaking a head, blinking, smiling, frowning, crying, gesturing, watching, calling, or screaming.

21. A personified sporting apparatus comprising:

at least one sporting device,

wherein said at least one sporting device comprises;

at least one computer processor;

at least one memory coupled to said at least one computer processor;

at least one of at least one input device or at least one output device coupled to said at least one computer processor;

wherein said at least one computer processor of said at least one sporting device is configured to provide personification features to be displayed with respect to at least one sporting goal;

at least one of;

i) a robot,

ii) a display monitor,

iii) an augmented reality display, or

iv) a virtual reality display,

wherein said at least one of said robot, said display monitor, said augmented reality display, or said virtual reality display is coupled to said at least one computer processor,

wherein said at least one computer processor is configured to provide display of at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement to be made to the at least one sporting goal, comprising the at least one computer processor configured to communicate electronically to said at least one of said robot, said display monitor, said augmented reality display, or said virtual reality display,

wherein said at least one of said robot, said display monitor, said augmented reality display, or said virtual reality display, is at least one of;

physically, or

virtually,

coupled to the at least one sporting goal, and

wherein said at least one of said robot, said display monitor, said augmented reality display, or said virtual reality display, is configured to provide said display of said personification features in relation to the at least one sporting goal; and

at least one user interface comprising at least said at least one of said at least one input device, or said at least one output device,

wherein said at least one user interface is coupled to said at least one computer processor of the at least one sporting goal, wherein said user interface comprises at least one of;

a display device,

at least one input device,

at least one output device,

a keyboard, or

a touchscreen, and

wherein said at least one computer processor of said at least one sporting device is configured to at least one of;

enable at least one user to interact with said at least one sporting device;

receive a selection of at least one sporting routine;

or

receive instructions to control said at least one sporting device; and

further comprising at least one of;

a) at least one flat panel display coupled to or displaying the at least one sporting goal; and

at least one transparent protective cover configured to at least one of;

allow viewing of said at least one flat panel display;

or

protect said at least one flat panel display from impact of at least one of;

at least one ball, or

at least one projectile,

being aimed at the at least one sporting goal;

or

b) at least one of;

a wireless communication facility wirelessly coupling the at least one sporting goal and said at least one user interface, wherein said wireless communication facility is configured to communicate to the at least one sporting goal;

at least one audio device or at least one video device coupled to the at least one sporting goal configured to display, capture, or produce audio or video personified attributes;

at least one speaker or at least one microphone coupled to the at least one sporting goal configured to produce or capture personified sound;

at least one sensor coupled to said at least one computer processor configured to sense a ball or projectile proximate to the at least one sporting goal;

at least one robot coupled to the at least one sporting goal;

or

at least one flat panel display coupled to or displaying said sporting goal, configured to display personified attributes comprising at least one of;

at least one light emitting diode (LED) or LED back light coupled to the at least one sporting goal;

at least one liquid crystal display (LCD) coupled to the at least on sporting goal;

or

at least one transparent, protective covering of said at least one flat panel display.

22. The personified sporting apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising:

at least one animatronic appendage or facial feature.

23. The personified sporting apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the user comprises at least one of:

audience user;

a player user;

or

a referee user.

24. The personified sporting apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said at least one sporting goal comprises a plurality of personification displays.

25. The personified sporting apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said at least one sporting goal comprising said plurality of personification displays, comprises displays of a plurality of shapes comprising at least one of:

a circular display;

a rectangular display, a polygon shaped display, or a cloud shaped display.

26. The personified sporting apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said personification comprises an appearance of at least one of:

an emotion, happiness, scaredness, sadness, scariness, approving, anger, disappointedness, silliness, viciousness, friendliness, nastiness, asleep, sleeping, yawning, awakening, looking to the left, looking to the right, looking down, looking up, moving a left foot, moving a right foot, listening, talking, recording, waving, waving a right hand, waving a left hand, shaking a head, blinking, smiling, frowning, crying, gesturing, watching, calling, or screaming.