Abstract:
A programmable electronic sports target system. The system includes one or more target devices mounted to a goal with a net. Each of the one or more target devices has a programmable module disposed therein for controlling and operating the one or more target devices. A remote control system containing a computer and a database is connected to each programmable module to receive target sensor data from the programmable module of each of the one or more target devices for analyzing the data and for transmitting operational control data to the programmable module for operational control of the target devices having the programmable module disposed therein. Target application software within mobile communications devices receives target sensor data from the remote control device and to transmit operational control data to the remote control device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/251,793 filed on Nov. 6, 2015 which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A number of sports require the player to accurately direct a sports object such as a lacrosse ball, field hockey ball, soccer ball or hockey puck to a specific location at a specific time in order to be proficient at scoring. For example, lacrosse utilizes goals containing frames and nets as backdrops, which are set up at opposite ends of a field as established target devices. Players attempt to direct the lacrosse ball into the concave end of the goal in order to score. The goal is protected by a goalie who attempts to obstruct the directed sports object and prevent it from entering the concave goal area. In order to exercise accuracy, players use target devices mounted on or in front of goals in a practice setting. Additionally, some sports require repetitive practice throwing or kicking a sports object against a rebounding surface to develop stick or foot skills. 
         [0003]    Current sports goal target devices consist of a flat or semi-flat surface extending across the goal opening that contain holes or open spaces that act as a target to shoot the ball at, through and or into the net. The current target systems are designed to measure shooting accuracy by preventing the ball from entering the net or goal if the ball is not directed to the specific and fixed opening accurately. In other sports goal target devices, the target devices are mounted on the goal frame and extend in front of the concave goal to prevent the directed sports object from entering the net or mounted on the net and directly impacted by the sports object. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a programmable electronic sports target system. The system includes one or more target devices mounted to a goal with a net. Each of the one or more target devices has a programmable module disposed therein for controlling and operating the one or more target devices. A remote control system containing a computer and a database is connected to each programmable module to receive target sensor data from the programmable module of each of the one or more target devices for analyzing the data and for transmitting operational control data to the programmable module for operational control of the target devices having the programmable module disposed therein. Target application software within mobile communications devices receives target sensor data from the remote control device and to transmit operational control data to the remote control device. 
         [0005]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a method of improving control, accuracy and timing by a user when directing a ball at a goal while responding to various cues from one or more target devices. The method includes providing one or more target devices mounted to the goal, each having a programmable module disposed therein. Connecting each of the programmable modules to a remote control system containing a computer and a database. Receiving target sensor data from the programmable module of each of the one or more target devices at the remote control system. Analyzing and storing the target sensor data received from the one or more target devices with the computer and the database. Transmitting operational control data from the computer and the database to the programmable module for operational control of the target devices having the programmable module disposed therein. 
       ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    An aspect of the invention, is for a net used in a net sport like Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Field Hockey, etc., to provide a target that measures and records the impact of a projectile such as a ball using sensors and indicates shooting activity using colored lights. This can be accomplished by attaching electronic devices and cushions that protect and attach the devices to the back of the net, allowing the net to limit some of the force of the ball or directed sports object that might otherwise damage the electronic device. 
         [0007]    Another aspect of the invention, relates to a protective target called a target device, that contains a programmable module that contains LED lighting, sensors and communications electronics. 
         [0008]    Still another aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that contains an inflatable target that mounts to the back of a net secured to a sports goal or sports rebounder by attaching it to the frame or net with fastening devices such as straps, ties, elastic bands or cords, or other fasteners. 
         [0009]    Yet another aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that contains one or more inflatable target devices that hold and protect the electronic program module(s). 
         [0010]    Another aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that contains a programmable electronic module that illuminates the target in various colors and sequences. 
         [0011]    Still another aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that includes a sensor used to measure sound at certain decibel ranges to determine an impact or a miss of a ball. 
         [0012]    An aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that contains a sensor that measures impact of a ball on the target. 
         [0013]    Yet another aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that contains a sensor that measures vibration in the target. 
         [0014]    A still further aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that contains a sensor that measures the directed objects velocity. 
         [0015]    Another aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that contains a sensor that measures the directed objects trajectory. 
         [0016]    An aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that contains a camera sensor that records the player or players. 
         [0017]    Another aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that contains a counter that counts hits and misses. 
         [0018]    Yet another aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that contains a communications device, such as (Bluetooth, RF or Wi-Fi) to connect the target to a remote access device. 
         [0019]    Still another aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that contains a module that is programmable and contains RGB LED modules. 
         [0020]    An additional aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that contains one or more target devices that can be linked together electronically with wires or wirelessly. 
         [0021]    Another aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that uses colored lights to direct or signal actions. 
         [0022]    A yet another aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that includes lights that are activated in time based sequences. 
         [0023]    An aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that includes lights that are activated by RF or IR remote control. 
         [0024]    Another aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that includes lights that are activated by output from sensors. 
         [0025]    A still additional aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that includes a module that collects and stores data. 
         [0026]    Another additional aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that includes a module that communicates data via an output device. 
         [0027]    An aspect of the invention, relates to a programmable electronic sports target system that is connected to a internet based community via a software application and interface device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]    The structure, operation, and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures (FIGs.). The figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of “slices”, or “near-sighted” cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines which would otherwise be visible in a “true” cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity. 
           [0029]    In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) may be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting. 
           [0030]      FIG. 1  is a front view of the programmable electronic sports target system, mounted on the back of a lacrosse goal, in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a side, perspective view of the programmable electronic sports target system, mounted on the back of a lacrosse goal, in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a front, perspective view of the programmable electronic sports target system mounted to a hockey goal, in accordance with the present invention 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of a target of the programmable electronic sports target system mounted on the back of the net or fabric of a rebound device, in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a front view of a target of the programmable electronic sports target system mounted on a net of a rebound device, in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the programmable module, in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  is a rear view of the programmable module, in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  is a rear view of the target and the programmable module of the programmable electronic sports target system, in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the target of the programmable module of the programmable electronic sports target system, in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  is a schematic of programmable electronic sports target system, in accordance with the present invention 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0040]    A large variety of sports involve directing a sports object or projectile such as a lacrosse ball, field hockey ball, soccer ball or hockey puck at or into, a goal bearing a net as a backdrop or a fabric or net based rebound device. There is a need for a sports target system that is easily installable, configurable and portable, is easy to use, and effectively improves skills both physically and cognitively, while measuring improvement by collecting data and delivering and presenting the data to an individual or community. 
         [0041]    The programmable electronic sports target system  10  (hereafter “target system”), see  FIG. 1 , is designed to provide users with the ability to improve control, accuracy and timing when directing a sports object, i.e. a ball, at a goal  12  or rebound device  14  (see  FIG. 4 ) while responding to various illumination or audible cues from the target devices  16 . The target system  10  incorporates easily installable, programmable illuminated target or multiple target devices  16 , each containing an internal programmable module  18  which incorporates LED lights  26 , and sensors and communications devices embedded in a durable protective cushion that attaches to the back surface of the sports goal nets  12  or rebounding devices  14 . 
         [0042]    The purpose of the target system  10  is to provide users with the ability to improve control, accuracy and timing by responding to various illumination or audible cues from the target devices  16  when directing the sports object at the goal  12  or the rebound device  14 . The target devices  16  will provide an interactive environment that improves the self directed training experience or enables a controlled environment for accurate measurement during player development. The target device  16  can be controlled by remote interface from a Bluetooth or a Wi-Fi enabled device or a RF or IR remote control. The ability of the target devices  16  to deliver data wirelessly to an internet enabled application will further enhance the interactive environment and allow for players to compete with other users to create a connected community of users. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate the target system  10  which is mounted to a goal  12 , illustrated as a lacrosse goal  13 . However, it is within the terms of the invention to utilize any type of goal  12  with a net, such as a hockey goal  15 , as seen in  FIG. 3 . The target system  10  includes one or more target devices  16 , which are controlled and operated with an internal programmable module  18 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The target devices  16  may either be independent or connected together. The target devices  16  can be made in various shapes or sizes and of protective, durable impact resistant material or of an inflatable material constructed of polymer or polymer coated fabric that is designed to protect the electronic module that is contained within the target. The target devices  16  can create a loud sound when impacted by the directed sports object. As noted, the target system  10  may also be used in conjunction with a net  14   a  in a rebound device  14 , as seen in  FIG. 4 . The target devices  16  can be mounted to the front or rear of the net. By attaching the electronic target devices to the rear of the net, the net tends to cushion the target devices allowing the net to limit some of the force of the ball or directed sports object that might otherwise damage the electronic device. 
         [0044]    Each of the one or more target devices  16  are mounted to the net  12   a  of the goal  12 . The target devices  16  may be mounted in any desired manner, such as with flaps  17 , illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Further, the target devices may be placed in any appropriate positions, such as the sides and rear of the net  12   a , as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  illustrates the target  16  attached to the net  12   a  of the goal  12  utilizing flaps  17 . The flaps  17  incorporate a binding technique, such as Velcro strips  17   a , that allow the flaps to be removably secured to the net  12   a . However, it should be noted that any desired mounting technique may be employed, such as straps, ties, elastic bands or cords, or other fasteners to secure the target  16  to the net  12   a.    
         [0046]    As seen in  FIG. 8 , the internal programmable module  18  controls the target  16  and is designed to illuminate the target using white or colored LED lights  26  after being placed within the target, as seen in  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a front view of the internal programmable module  18 . The module  18  is programmed to sequence illuminating different color LED lights  26 , shown in  FIG. 6 , to signal the player to react quickly and direct the ball at the appropriately lighted target  16  when the target is illuminated with a specific lighted color. The color and timing sequence of LED lights  26  can be controlled in a variety of possible ways. 
         [0047]    As seen in  FIG. 7 , switch  28  on the rear  18   b  of the module  18  can be used to select pre-determined programs that are stored in the programmable device. 
         [0048]    Alternatively, the LED lights  26  can be programmed via various remote Wi-fi or Bluetooth enabled interface devices such as smart phones or computers, or IR or RF remote controls illuminate specific colors in specific time based sequences to signal and direct different response events to the player. 
         [0049]    The programmable module  18  may also contain a number of sensors  30 . As seen on the front  18   a  of the programmable module  18  in  FIG. 6 , a sensor  30   a  can be provided to measure the impact or failure to impact the target with the directed sports object, sensor  30   b  can measures the speed or velocity of the directed sports object, sensor  30   c  can measure the accuracy of the directed sports object impacting the target and the sensor  30   d  can measure the reaction time and/or cognitive ability of the player. The sensor  30  can also be a camera sensor to record a specific player in combination with the measurement from one or more of the other sensors  30 . The programmable module  18  may also contain a speaker  32  that provides voice or sound based commands that can provide directions to the player. The sensor so can also to measure sound at certain decibel ranges to determine whether a ball has impacted the target device. 
         [0050]    As seen in  FIG. 7 , the programmable module  18  also contains an LCD display  34  to record impact hits and misses, a communications device  36  for connecting the module  18  to other target devices in the target system, a power switch  38  and a USB connection  40  to connect the programmable module  18  to a computer in a data server  52  for storing data collected from the one or more programmable modules. 
         [0051]    The programmable module  18  may connect to other programmable modules within other target devices  16  of the target system  10  via wireless or wired communication, creating a linked target system. The programmable module(s)  18  may connect to a remote control system  50  via infrared, radio frequency, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi remote control. The programmable module  18  will record and store date that can be downloaded or pushed out via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or direct connection for data analysis and presentation. The programmable module  18  can connect to a software application that collects data or controls the device. 
         [0052]    As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the programmable electronic sports target system  10  includes a remote control system  50  such as a data server  52 , which contains a computer and a database, that is typically wirelessly interconnected with the plurality of programmable module  18  via infrared, radio frequency, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi remote control. The data server  52  of the remote control system transmits target sensor data received from the plurality of programmable module  18  to users of the programmable electronic sports target system. Preferably, users download target application software  54  to their mobile communications devices  56 , such as smart phones  58 , tablet devices  60 , or other mobile communications devices  62 . The data server  52  can transmit desired data to the target application software  54  where users can obtain this data through their mobile communications devices  56 . In addition, all of the data can be stored on the data server where it can be retrieved later. The target application software  54  can be installed into the mobile communications devices  56  of each individual that is participating in use of the programmable electronic sports target system  10 . 
         [0053]    Further, the target application software  54  can control and manipulate the plurality of programmable modules  18  with the remote control system  50 . A user can enter specific commands into the target application software  54  with directives for the programmable modules  18 . This operational control data is transmitted to the data server  52 . Then, the data server  52  transmits this information to the plurality of programmable modules  18 , which receive the information and control the target devices  16 , as discussed in more detail above. 
         [0054]    As seen in  FIG. 8 , the target  16  includes a cavity  16   a . The programmable module  18  is secured within the cavity  16   a . Once the programmable module  18  is placed inside cavity  16   a , enclosure flap  16   b  is folded over the cavity  16   a  and attached to the rear  16   c  of the target  16 . Flap  16   b  can include a fastening device to attach the inflatable target  16  to the  12   a  or net  14   a  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , respectively. As seen in  FIG. 9 , the programmable module  18  shines through a transparent front panel  16   d  of the target  16  illuminating the front of the target. 
         [0055]    In use, the player directs a ball or other projectile towards a lit target  16  mounted to the goal  12  or rebounder  14 . The target  16  will then register a hit or a miss dependent on whether target is impacted by the ball or other projectile in the area of the net  12   a  or  14   a  to which target is attached directly behind. The net  12   a  or  14   a  may stretch from the force of the ball moving the net back. The target  16  will also move with the net  12   a  or  14   a  that it is attached to. The net  12   a  or  14   a  will reach its maximum stretch point limiting the force transfer from the ball into target  16 . 
         [0056]    When target  16  is impacted directly by the ball, the impact sensors  30   a  will register the impact as a hit on LED display  34  which has digits assigned to register hits sequentially. When target  16  is not impacted directly by the ball but on another area of the goal  12 , the impact sensors  30   a  will register a miss on the LED display  34  which has digits assigned to register misses sequentially. Further, any other pertinent information may be collected with the various other sensors  30 , such as speed or velocity of the ball, accuracy of the impact, and reaction time and/or cognitive ability of the player. The programmable module  18  will record and store data that can be downloaded or pushed out via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or direct connection for data analysis and presentation by means such as a computer monitor connected to the computer in the data server  52 . The programmable module  18  can connect to a software application that collects data or controls the device via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Radio Frequency (RF) or Infrared (IR) controllers and publishes data to an online community of users. 
         [0057]    Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, certain equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, etc.) the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.