Ultrasonic shots-made detector for basketball launching device

Detectors and related systems and methods for automatically detecting made and missed basketball shots using ultrasonics are provided. A launcher is connected to a structural subassembly and passes basketballs to locations about a basketball playing area having a basketball goal. A detector having at least one ultrasonic sensor is selectively positioned below and adjacent to a rim of the basketball goal and transmits bursts of ultrasonic signals. A processor monitors for reflections of the transmitted bursts occurring within a specified time period after transmission excluding an initial time period and time after the specified time period, and records a made shot where reflections of the transmitted bursts are detected within the specified time period. An accelerometer may optionally be included for determining if the made shot was a swish.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is filed as original and makes no priority claim.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments relate generally to a shots-made detector for a basketball launching device which utilizes ultrasonics, and related systems and methods.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Basketball return machines exist which assist a basketball player by returning made shots, and usually at least some missed shots, to the player such that the player does not have to spend time retrieving the basketballs. This way, the player is able to fit more shots into a given practice session. Some basketball return machines use a guide or track to direct basketballs towards a player. Other basketball return machines use launching devices to eject basketballs in various directions on a playing area. Exemplary basketball return machines include, without limitation, THE GUN machines available from Shoot-A-Way, Inc. of Upper Sandusky, Ohio (shootaway.com/) and DR. DISH machines available from Airborne Athletics, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn. (www.drdishbasketball.com/).

In order to provide the player with feedback regarding his or her shooting performance during a given practice session, detection devices are sometimes used to monitor the player's performance. Such detection devices may take the form of flappers which are placed along the route a basketball would take during or after passing through the rim and are physically moved or contacted when a basketball moves along such a route, thus indicating a successfully made shot. Such devices are subject to physical wear, jamming, and may disrupt the basketball's travel. Other exemplary detection devices include photo-eyes. Such photo-eyes may be mounted in close proximity to a basketball hoop and monitor for changes in the ambient light created when a basketball passes through the hoop. Such photo-eyes are subject to inaccurate readings due to changes in ambient lighting conditions which may be caused, for example, by the net shifting in front of the photo-eye, reflections, flash photographs, or lights being turned on or off. Additionally, all of the above detection devices may be difficult to appropriately position in relation to the basketball goal.

An improved made-shots detector is disclosed which utilizes ultrasonics. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, accelerometer data is also used to determine if a made shot is a “swish” or not, statistics for which may be separately recorded. As used herein, the term swishes may refer to a made basketball shot which does not touch, or substantially impact, a rim of a basketball goal. The detector may be used in conjunction with a basketball launching device.

The detector may comprise one or more ultrasonic sensors, data from which may be received at one or more processors, such as microprocessors, to detect made and/or missed basketball shots. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the detector may be connectable to, or otherwise securable adjacent to, a basketball rim or backboard. For example, without limitation, the detector may comprise one or more housings for the ultrasonic sensors. The housing(s) may comprise, or be attached to, a bracket. The bracket may be configured for selective securement to a basketball goal, such as at, over, to, or at least partially about a bracket connecting a basketball hoop to a backboard. In this fashion, the ultrasonic sensors may be suspended at a position below and adjacent to the rim, such as next to any net hung from the rim. The housing(s) and/or bracket may be permanently or temporarily attached to a pole, such as a telescoping pole, for mounting and removal from the basketball goal.

Each of the ultrasonic sensors may comprise multiple transmitters and receivers may be utilized. The multiple transmitters and receivers may be utilized and/or paired in various fashions (e.g., transmitter1with receiver1, transmitter2with receiver2, transmitter1with receiver2, transmitter2with receiver1, etc.). Various utilizations and/or pairings may occur during a given sensing episode to provide and/or confirm determinations of made or missed shots. Detected return signals at certain time periods of a given sensing episode may be ignored, such as to eliminate false positive signals reflected from a near or far net portion.

Where return signals during a sensing episode are returned at the appropriate time intervals, a made shot may be determined. Where no such return signals are received, a missed shot may be recorded. The sensing episode may begin and end during a predetermined time range following issuance of a command to pass a basketball from the launching device.

In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the detector may comprise one or more accelerometers. Data from the accelerometer(s) may be fed to the processor(s) to determine if a made-shot is a swish. The accelerometer(s) may be attached, directly or indirectly, to one or more of the housing(s) such that movement and/or vibrations are transmitted to the accelerometer(s), such as upon impact of a basketball at the backboard and/or rim. Alternatively, or additionally, the accelerometer(s) may be attached, directly or indirectly, to the rim, backboard, or other portion of the basketball goal.

Where data from the ultrasonic sensor(s) indicates a made shot, and movement data received from the accelerometer(s) within an associated time period is below a predetermined threshold, the detector may register a swish. This may reflect a lack of jarring of the basketball goal caused when the basketball from a shooting attempt travels through the rim without touching or otherwise substantially impacting the rim, backboard, or other portion of the goal. Where data from the ultrasonic sensor(s) indicates a made shot, and movement data received from the accelerometer(s) within an associated time period is above the predetermined threshold, the detector may register a regular made-shot. This may reflect jarring of the basketball goal caused when the basketball from a shooting attempt first strikes the rim, backboard, or other portion of the goal.

A performance report may be generated comprising percentages of successfully made shots for each pass receipt location the basketballs were ejected and/or shooting location where shots were taken. The performance report may comprise a rendering which may substantially match the rendering on the interface. The percentages of successfully made shots may be provided on the rendering of the performance report at the pass receipt location and/or the shooting locations the basketballs were ejected to so that a user can quickly asses their areas of strength and weakness. The performance report may separately indicate swish shots, such as overall and/or at each pass receipt location.

Further features and advantages of the systems and methods disclosed herein, as well as the structure and operation of various aspects of the present disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

FIG.1is a front view of an exemplary basketball launching device10andFIG.2is a side view of the basketball launching device10. The basketball launching device10may comprise a support structure12. The support structure12may comprise a frame, platform, rigid members, combinations thereof, or the like. One or more wheels14may be mounted to the support structure12which permit movement of the basketball launching device10around a playing area30. A housing16may be mounted to the support structure12. The housing16, in exemplary embodiments, may be mounted to the support structure12in a rotatable manner. One or more apertures18may be located in the housing16. At least a first one of the apertures18may be sized to permit basketballs60to be ejected therethrough to various pass receipt locations at the playing area30. The first one of the apertures18may be located on a front of the housing16, though any location may be utilized. A second one of the apertures18may be located on an upper portion of the housing16and may be sized to permit the basketballs to enter the housing16through the second one of the apertures18. In other exemplary embodiments, the housing16is not required or is provided outside the travel path of the basketball.

The support structure12may comprise a frame20, at least a portion of which may extend vertically. At least a portion of the frame20may be collapsible, though such is not required. The frame20may comprise one or more support members22. At least some of said support members22may be adjustable in length. In exemplary embodiments, at least some of the support members22may comprise telescoping poles. In exemplary embodiments, four support members22may extend upwardly and outwardly from the support structure12in a splayed fashion, though any number and configuration of support members22may be utilized. The support member22may, in exemplary embodiments, be selectively collapsible.

A net24may be attached to one or more of the support members22. Openings in the net24may be sized to prevent the basketballs60from passing therethrough. The net24may be configured to create a funnel shape when mounted to said support members22such that basketballs60gathered in the net24are directed towards the housing16where they may be received through one or more openings, such as but not limited to, the second one of the apertures18. However, any size, shape, and type of net24may be utilized. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more guide tracks may extend between the bottom of the net24and the housing16.

The basketball launching device10may be placed in proximity to a basketball goal40by a user, such as directly below a rim46of the goal40. However, the device10may optionally be placed elsewhere about a playing area.

The basketball goal40may be regulation type, height, size and configuration, though such is not required. The basketball goal40may comprise a post42which extends to the playing area30, a backboard44, the rim46, and a net48, for example without limitation. For example, without limitation, the rim46may be positioned 10 feet above the playing area30.

Some or all of the frame20may be adjustable. For example, without limitation, the frame20may comprise one or more mechanisms for collapsing the support members22, the net24, and/or the frame20. In this way, the basketball launching device10may be selectively reduced in size. In exemplary embodiments, the basketball launching device10may be sufficiently reduced in size so as to fit through a standard size doorway, though such is not required. As another example, without limitation, the frame20may comprise one or more mechanisms for expanding the support members22, the net24, and/or the frame20. In this way, the basketball launching device10may be selectively increased in size. In exemplary embodiments, the basketball launching device10may be positioned and sufficiently increased in size such that one or more upper edges of the net24extend above the rim46of the basketball goal40when so positioned. When expanded, the net24may create a sufficiently sized top opening to accommodate most, or all, of a user's made shots as well as at least some, or all, of the user's missed shots, which are gathered by the net24and returned to the housing16.

In still other exemplary embodiments, adjustment of the net24may be achieved by adjustment of the support members22, with or without adjustment of the frame20.FIG.1illustrates an exemplary configuration of the basketball launching device10with the net24positioned below the rim46andFIG.2illustrates an exemplary configuration of the basketball launching device10with the net24positioned above the rim46of the basketball goal40. Any height of the net24in a collapsed and/or expanded position may be utilized.

The support structure12, the housing16, the support poles22, and/or the frame20may, at least in part, define a structural subassembly13. The structural subassembly13may comprise one or more of the support structure12, the housing16, the support poles22, and/or the frame20. The term structural subassembly13may therefore refer to such components, or subcomponents thereof, collectively or individually.

An interface50may be provided for receiving user input and/or displaying information. The interface50may comprise one or more physically depressible buttons, electronic icons capable of direct or indirect selection, one or more electronic displays, one or more touch screens, combinations thereof, or the like. The interface50may be connected to the frame20. Alternatively, the interface50may be mounted to the housing16or other component of the basketball launching machine10. Any size, shape, or location of the interface50may be utilized. Alternatively, or additionally, the interface50may be provided on one or more personal electronic devices70such as, but not limited to, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, some combination thereof, or the like. Such personal electronic devices70may be physically separate from the basketball launching machine10or physically integrated therewith. For example, without limitation, the personal electronic devices70may be permanently mounted to one or more components of the basketball launching machine10. In other exemplary embodiments, the personal electronic devices70may be configured for selective and/or temporary mounting to the frame20, housing16, or other component of the basketball launching machine10such as, but not limited to, by way of a holder or mounting device.

As further described herein, the device10may comprise one or more detectors100for detecting made and/or missed basketball shots. The detector(s)100may be connected to the device10, such as mounted to the support members22or other portions of the structural subassembly13, though such is not required. In other exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the detector(s)100may be attachable to portions of the basketball goal40. The detector(s)100may be in wired or wireless connection with components of the device10. The detector(s)100may be physically separate, or separable, from a remainder of the device10.

FIG.3is a detailed view of the interface50with an exemplary location selection display51. The interface50may comprise a rendering, illustration, or other visual depiction52of elements of an exemplary playing area30, such as but not limited to a regulation basketball court. The visual depiction52may comprise, for example without limitation, depictions of a baseline, a key, a three-point arc, a basketball goal, combinations thereof, or the like. Any size, shape, arrangement, type, or kind of such basketball playing area elements or regulation or non-regulation type playing areas may be provided as part of the visual depiction52on the interface50.

The location selection display51may comprise a number of selectable areas62. The selectable areas62may be located at various positions on the visual depiction52to correlate with pass receipt positions on the playing area30. The selectable areas62may be selected by the user to create custom shooting arrangements. The selectable areas62, in exemplary embodiments, may be visually depicted as indicia such as but not limited to a circle though any size, shape, color, type, or the like of such selectable areas62may be utilized.

In exemplary embodiments, the interface50may comprise a touch screen. In such embodiments, the visual depiction52may be electronically generated electronic icons at the touch screen. The selectable areas62, in such embodiments, may already be visible on the interface50, such as in the form of indicia or icons, and may change when selected. In other such embodiments, the selectable area62, such as in the form of indicia or icons, may not be visible and may become visible when the corresponding area of the interface50is selected. Such selection may be performed by direct, individual, physical contact, though such is not required. The touch screen may comprise a resistive, capacitive, or other type of touch screen. Some or all of the selectable areas62may be physically and/or electrically separated from one another or may be part of an undivided touch screen, display, panel, or the like.

In other exemplary embodiments, the interface50may comprise an electronic display. In such embodiments, the visual depiction52may be electronically generated on the electronic display. The selectable areas62, in such embodiments, may already be visible on the interface50, such as in the form of indicia or icons, and may change when selected. Such selection may be performed by one or more selection devices64. Such selection devices64may permit interaction with the images displayed on the electronic display. For example, without limitation, such selection devices64may comprise a keypad, mouse, buttons, arrows, some combination thereof, or the like. The electronic display may comprise an LCD, cathode ray, OLED, plasma, or other type of electronic display.

In still other exemplary embodiments, the interface50may comprise a static panel. In such embodiments, the visual depiction52may be painted, printed, integrally formed, or otherwise provided on the interface50in a permanent or semi-permanent fashion. The selectable areas62, in such embodiments, may comprise buttons. The selectable areas62may comprise illumination devices or the like which are configured to indicate whether the selectable areas62have been selected by a user. Such selection may be performed by direct, individual, physical contact, though such is not required.

Once selected, the selected ones of the selectable areas62may be changed, such as by illumination, highlighting, color changes, appearance, disappearance, shape change, number or other indication change, filled in, combinations thereof, or the like.

The selectable areas62may be provided at various locations on the visual depiction52. The selectable areas62may be circular in shape, though any size and shape selectable areas62may be utilized. The selectable areas62may be located at spaced angular positions along the visual depiction52. For example, without limitation, a number of selectable areas62may be positioned on or along the visual depiction of the three-point arc56. In exemplary embodiments, some of the selectable areas62may be located inside the three-point arc56and other selectable areas62may be located outside of the three-point arc56, though such is not required. Alternatively, or in addition, some or all of the selectable areas62may be located within or around the visual depiction of the key58. The selectable areas62may, alternatively or additionally, be provided in visual correlation to a visual depiction of a baseline54. Any size, shape, number, or arrangement of selectable areas62may be utilized.

Each of the selectable areas62may comprise one or more markers66. The markers66may comprise numbers, letter, symbols, some combination thereof or the like. The markers66may provide nomenclature for the selectable areas62as well as the corresponding shooting positions on the playing area. The interface50may be configured to monitor for, and/or receive, a user selection of one or more of the selectable areas62to create a custom basketball practice arrangement. The selectable areas62may be individually selected by physical touch in a direct or indirect manner. The selectable areas62may form input locations for receiving user input.

Alternatively or in addition to the embodiments described herein, a number of predetermined sets of selectable areas62may be preprogrammed to define pre-made practice arrangements. Such pre-made practice arrangements may be made available by way of certain ones of said selectable areas62. In such embodiments, the interface50may be configured to permit the user to select one or more such predetermined programs as an alternative to, or in addition to, creating a custom practice arrangement.

The selectable areas62may be arranged on the visual depiction52to visually correspond with pass receipt locations at the playing area. In this way, the player knows where to stand to receive passes from the basketball launching machine10and the player is able to select particular areas to focus on, such as areas of weakness. The selectable area62may be provided on a1:1basis with such pass receipt locations, though any ratio may be utilized.

The interface50may comprise one or more areas67for selecting additional options such as, but not limited to, a time delay between passes, a number of basketballs per location, and the like. In exemplary embodiments, the separate area(s)67may not be required and such options may be selected at the area with the visual depiction52. The areas67may be part of the interface50, or be separate therefrom. The areas67, for example without limitation, may comprise further selectable areas of a touch screen, icons on an electronic display, dedicated button(s), combinations thereof, of the like.

FIG.4is a side view of the basketball launching device10with certain elements of the housing16removed to illustrate the launcher28. The launcher28may be configured to launch one or more basketballs60to one or more pass receipt locations at the playing area30for a player72to catch and shoot towards the basketball goal40. For example, without limitation, the launching device28may comprise a catapult arm, thrower, wheeled device, pneumatic device, some combination thereof, or the like. Any kind or type of launching device28may be utilized. The launcher28may be mounted to the housing16and/or the support structure12in a rotatable manner, though such is not required.

The interface50may be placed in electronic communication with a controller68. The controller68may be located at the housing16, though any location of the controller68may be utilized, including but not limited to at a remote location such as a server and/or personal electronic device70. The controller68may comprise one or more electronic storage devices with executable software instructions and one or more processors. Alternatively, or in addition, the controller68may be part of one or more other components of the basketball launching device10including but not limited to, the detector(s)100and the interface50. The controller68may be configured to receive electronic signals from the interface50regarding the user's selection of the selectable areas62to form a custom practice arrangement and may program the launcher28to pass basketballs60to each of the pass receipt locations at the playing area30corresponding to each of selectable areas62selected by the user at the interface50to perform the custom practice arrangement. The controller68may be configured to, alternatively or additionally, receive input from the interface50including user selection of the selection devices64, area67, pre-programmed drill, user preferences, other options, some combination thereof, or the like and program the launcher28and/or display such user selections at the interface50in accordance with the received input.

The basketball launching device10may be positioned in proximity to the basketball goal40such that the basketballs60passing through the rim46, and at least some of the basketballs60bouncing off the backboard44but not necessarily passing through the rim46or otherwise resulting in a missed shot (i.e., not passing through the rim46), may be captured in the net24. The detector(s)100may be positioned below and adjacent to the rim46in exemplary embodiments, without limitation. In this way, the detector(s)100may be configured to detect a presence of any basketballs60passing through the rim46.

FIG.5illustrates the interface50with an exemplary performance report80for a given practice session. The report80may comprise the same or similar visual depiction52of the playing area30, though such is not required. The visual depiction52may be the same or different from the visual depiction52provided at other displays, such as but not limited to at the interface50.

The performance report80may comprise shooting feedback86located at, and corresponding to, substantially each of the selectable areas62forming the practice arrangement. The feedback86may by visually depicted with indicia of the same size and shape as the selectable areas62, though such is not required. For example, without limitation, the feedback86may be provided without such indicia, or with different types, color, size, shape, or the like characteristics compared to the selectable areas62. The feedback86may comprise a number of made shots, a number of missed shots, a percentage of made shots, a percentage of missed shots, a grade, a pass/fail indication, swishes information, combinations thereof, or the like. The feedback86may be provided in the same or similar form, such as but not limited to, shape, font, color, size, some combination thereof, or the like, as the selectable areas62. For example, without limitation, the selectable areas62and the feedback86may comprise circles. In this way, the user may be able to quickly ascertain their strong and weak shooting positions. An overall number and/or percentage of made and/or missed shots, or other information, may be displayed at a second area94, though such is not required. In exemplary embodiments, such all number and/or percentage of made and/or missed shots, or other information, may, alternatively or additionally, be displayed at a separate display on the basketball launching device10or elsewhere.

The performance report80may be displayed at the interface50. The performance report80may be generated at the controller68, the interface50, the personal electronic device70, some combination thereof, or the like.

In other exemplary embodiments, the interface50, and/or various displays thereof, may be provided on the personal electronic device70in addition to, or alternatively to, at the basketball launching machine10. It is notable that the user of the interface50may be provided to the basketball player72or may be some other individual such as, but not limited to, a friend, parent, coach, assistant, or the like.

FIG.6illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the performance report80. The performance report80may comprise a listing of feedback86, at least some of which may comprise the swishes information86B. Such feedback86may be provided for individual pass receipt and/or shooting locations selected or provided at the interface50and/or overall categorizations of such statistics for one or more shooting sessions, across a team or other group, combinations thereof, or the like. Such feedback86may be provided together or separately, such as in listings, a scrolling manner, combinations thereof, or the like.

FIG.7andFIG.8illustrate exemplary competition facilitating systems. A facility95configured to hold one or more basketball launching machines10may be provided. The facility95may be a gym, recreation center, school facility, retail location, or any other type of kind space and/or building. The facility95may have a ceiling height sufficient to accommodate players shooting basketballs towards the one or more basketball launching machines10. The facility95may have one or more playing surfaces, such as a wooden basketball playing floor with or without regulation or non-regulation playing line markings, configured to facilitate basketball play. One or more basketball launching machines10may be provided about the same or different playing areas30. Each of the basketball launching machines10may be associated with a basketball goal40, though such is not required. Netting, walls, or other dividers may be provided between each of the basketball launching machines10.

Multiple players may practice at the one or more basketball launching machines10at the same or different times. Data may be transmitted from one or more of the basketball launching machines10, associated personal electronic devices70, combinations thereof, or the like, wired or wirelessly, to one or more scoreboards97. The scoreboard(s)97may be configured to generate and/or display the performance report80in any embodiment, combinations thereof, or the like shown and/or described herein. The scoreboard(s)97may be positioned within the facility95, such as but not limited to, mounted to one or more walls or from a ceiling thereof, in view of some or all of the basketball launching machines10and/or detector(s)100. In exemplary embodiments, the scoreboard(s)97are configured to display a ranking81of shooting statistics or other feedback86for various players in a group, team, or the like. In exemplary embodiments, at least some of the statistics86may comprise, or consist of, statistics associated with off of the swish information86B may be provided indicating the same.

A single interface50and/or controller68may be used to control each of the basketball launching machines10. Alternatively, or additionally, a separate interface50and/or controller68may be provided for each of the basketball launching machines10. In this way, a common practice routine may be provided to each of the basketball launching machines10for a competitive challenge by the single interface50, or commonly programmed at each machine10. Alternatively, separate practice routines may be provided for each of the basketball launching machines10, such as by the single interface50or separate interfaces50.

In exemplary embodiments, the scoreboards97may be configured to display feedback86, such as shooting statistics, from all such basketball launching machines10in a given facility95. The scoreboard97may periodically or continuously display feedback86for all users of the basketball launching machines10within the facility95, or a subset of such users, such as but not limited to, current users of such machines10. This may facilitate competition between users of machines10of a given facility95. In other exemplary embodiments, the scoreboards97may be configured to display feedback86from basketball launching machines10in multiple facilities95. In such embodiments, the statistics displayed may be for all users of all such machines10in all such facilities95, or a subset of such users. This may facilitate competition intra-facility95competitions, such as but not limited to, intra-region, intra-conference, intra-state, national, or worldwide competitions. As another example, without limitation, the scoreboard97may be configured to display cumulative feedback86for all users of all machines10at a given facility95against all user of all machines10at another facility95, or subsets of such users. This may facilitate intra-facility95competitions. In still other embodiments, the scoreboards97may be configured to display feedback86for select groups of users and/or select machines10of select facilities95. This may facilitate group competitions, such as but not limited to, friends, families, teams, or the like.

The feedback86from multiple machines10and/or facilities95may be gathered at one or more centralized databases89, though such is not required. Such databases89may, alternatively or additionally, be in electronic communication with remote devices70such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, servers, combinations thereof, or the like. The centralized databases89, where utilized, may be in electronic communication with each other and/or the scoreboards97of any number of facilities95. User's may be able to specify relationships with facilities95, groups (e.g., friends, families, teams, combinations thereof, or the like), regions, conferences, states, nations, combinations thereof, or the like to facilitate such scoring, display, and competition. Such information may be recorded by way of the user interfaces50, at the databases89, at remote devices70, combinations thereof, or the like. A single, central database89may be provided for all facilities95, for example. As another example, a database89may be provided for each facility95and each of said databases may be in communication with one another89.

A separate scoreboard97may be provided in each facility95, though such is not required. The individual machines10, the databases89, and/or the remote devices70may be in electronic communication with one or more of the scoreboards97and be configured to command said scoreboards97to display the feedback86, including but not limited to, rankings81and swishes information86B in association with some or all of the displayed feedback86. The feedback86may be displayed in any form or format, including but not limited to, as a ranking81and/or the same or similar to some or all of the performance report80.

The interface50and various displays thereof as shown and provided herein, including but not limited to the location selection display51and/or the performance report80(in any exemplary embodiment shown and/or described herein, combinations thereof, or the like) may be provided at the basketball launching machine10, the remote personal electronic device70, the scoreboard97, combinations thereof, or the like.

The various selection or selectable areas shown and/or described herein, such as but not limited to selection devices64, areas67, and/or second area94, may be separate from, or integrated with, the various displays such as, but not limited to, the visual depiction52, the location selection display51, the reports80, the shooting feedback86, selectable areas86, markers66, combinations thereof, and the like such that such items are provided on a common interface50, display, touch screen, panel, or the like or on separate displays, touch screens, panels, interfaces50, or the like.

Mounting or connections shown and/or described herein may be made directly or indirectly (e.g., by intervening members, brackets, combinations thereof, or the like).

FIG.9throughFIG.17illustrate an exemplary detector100for use with, or forming part of, the basketball launching device10, components thereof, and methods for operating the same. The detector100may comprise one or more ultrasonic sensors102, data from which may be received at one or more processors126of the detector100, which may be microprocessors, to detect made and/or missed basketball shots. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the detector100may comprise two ultrasonic transmitters114(labeled T1, T2), and two ultrasonic receivers116(labeled R1, R2). The receivers116and transmitters114may be positioned on opposing sides of a circuit board104, or other substrate, with the receivers116located vertically above the transmitters114, respectively, as shown with particular regard to at leastFIG.9.

The receives116and transmitters114may be pointed inward, at least at a relatively small angle (e.g., 15 degrees or less from perpendicular), though such is not necessarily required. Any number, arrangement, and/or type of receivers and transmitters may be utilized. The ultrasonic sensors102may act as transceivers. Some or all of the ultrasonic sensors102may utilized separate transmitters114and receivers116. Some or all of the ultrasonic sensors102may, alternatively or additionally, utilize combined transmitter/receivers.

The detector100may be connectable to, or otherwise securable adjacent to, the basketball rim46, the backboard44, the net48, or other portion of the basketball goal40, such as shown with particular regard to at leastFIG.10. For example, without limitation, the detector100may comprising a housing subassembly108, at least a portion of which is configured for selective connection to a bracket extending between the rim46and the backboard44such that the ultrasonic sensors102are positioned outside of, but adjacent to, the net48when the detector100is installed at the basketball goal40, such as to detect the presence and/or non-presence of any basketballs60traveling through the rim46to detect the made and missed shots where such a presence is detected, or undetected, respectively.

For example, without limitation, the detector100may comprise a housing subassembly108with one or more components (e.g.,108A,108B), such as to hold, position, and protect the ultrasonic sensors102. The housing subassembly108may comprise, or be attached to, a bracket108B. The bracket108B may be configured for selective securement to one or more portions of the basketball goal40, such as at, over, to, or at least partially about a bracket connecting the basketball rim46to the backboard44. In this fashion, the ultrasonic sensors102may be suspended at a position below and/or adjacent to the rim46, such as next to any net48attached to the rim46. Alternatively, or additionally, at least some of the ultrasonic sensors102may be positioned at or just above the rim46. Any positioning of the ultrasonic sensors102may be utilized.

The housing subassembly108may be permanently or temporarily attached to a pole109, such as a telescoping pole, for mounting and removing the detector100from the basketball goal40as shown with particular regard to at leastFIG.14.

Alternatively, or additionally, the detector100may be connected to, or be connectable to, part of the basketball launching device10such that the detector100is located in a similar position when the device10is positioned at the basketball goal40. For example, without limitation, the detector100may be connected to, or connectable to, one or more of the support members22and/or the frame20.

As illustrated with particular regard to at leastFIG.14, a first portion of the housing subassembly108A may be provided at a non-zero angle relative to a second portion of the housing subassembly108B. The first portion of the housing subassembly108A may comprise the ultrasonic sensors102. The second portion of the housing subassembly108B may be configured for attachment to a portion of the basketball goal40. The first and second portions of the housing subassembly108A,108B may be moveable relative to one another, in exemplary embodiments without limitation, such as pivotable about the pole109.

As illustrated with particular regard to at leastFIG.12, the receivers116may be electronically connected to one or more processors126, such as by way of at least one variable gain amplifier118and a manual trip adjustment120. The processor(s)126may be electronically connected to the transmitters114, such as by way of at least one pulse generator124. The processor(s)126may be in electronic communication with the controller(s)68of the device10, or may operate as such controller(s)68. The variable gain amplifier118may be utilized, such as by the processor(s)126, to amplify weaker signals, such as those returned from further distances. Any type or level of amplification may be utilized.

The processor(s)126may be configured to ignore returned signals below a predetermined threshold, which may be fixed or variable, such as based on the amplification levels. The threshold may be set to ignore background noise or other irregular signals. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, such filtering may, alternatively or additionally, be provided by the manual trip adjustment120which may prevent signals below the threshold from reaching the processor(s)126.

As illustrated with particular regard to at leastFIG.11, the processor(s)126may be configured to command the transmitters114of the ultrasonic sensors102to transmit one or more pulses, or bursts of pulses, of ultrasonic signals as generally indicated at item112A, for example. The transmissions may be made at intervals, such as at t1and t3with time t2therebetween. The receivers116may be configured to monitor for return of the emitted ultrasonic signals, such as due to reflection off an object or objects. In order to eliminate or reduce false positives that may be caused by the net48, as generally indicated at item112B, the processor(s)126may be configured to ignore return signals received at specific time periods, such as during a first predetermined period of time t4occurring after emission and a second predetermined period of time t6occurring after emission, which may be generally corresponded with the anticipated arrival of signals reflected from the near and far portions of the net48, respectively. This may reduce or eliminate false positives. As generally indicated at item112C, and specifically at t7, where signals are returned within a specific time period t5, which may be the time period outside the forbidden zones (e.g., t4, t6) of item112B, the processor(s)126may be configured to determine that a made shot has been made. The processor(s)126may be configured to utilize a minimum and maximum time, essentially have a specified time range, from emission of ultrasonic signals to which the processor(s)126will signal a made shot based on return of reflected signals. In other exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the receivers116may be turned off during the forbidden zones (e.g., t4, t6) and/or only activated during the specific time period (e.g., t5).

As illustrated with particular regard to at leastFIG.23, each of the ultrasonic sensors102may comprise multiple transmitters114and receivers116, some or all of which may be utilized in a given sensing episode in various combinations. Each of the sensors102may be under individual firmware control of the processor(s)126, though such is not necessarily required. The use of multiple sensors102may broaden lateral coverage and may increase the ability to detect the basketballs60when one of the transmitters114and/or receivers116is blocked by an object, such as the net48. This may be particularly helpful as the net48may sway or otherwise move during normal use, when shots are being attempted or not. Thus, one or more of the transmitters114and/or receivers116may be periodically blocked or obstructed.

The multiple transmitters114and receivers116may be utilized and/or paired in various fashions (e.g., transmitter T1with receiver R1, transmitter T2with receiver R2, transmitter T1with receiver R2, transmitter T2with receiver R1, etc.) by the processor(s)126. Various utilizations and/or pairings may be programmed to occur during a given sensing episode, such as on a random, sequential, or the like basis. The time it takes for the basketball60to pass through a signaling range of the detector100may permit multiple combinations of the transmitters114and receivers116to be utilized. For example, without limitation, where signals are returned during the initial forbitten zone from a given one of the sensors102which is active, a determination may be made by the processor(s)126that the transmitter114is likely blocked and the processor(s)126may instead utilize a different transmitter114and/or receiver116. As another example, without limitation, confirmation of detection during the specified time period may be required from multiple ones or combinations of the transmitters114and receivers116, otherwise the signals may be disregarded as false positives.

The processor(s)126may be configured to utilize some or all of the sensors102, or components thereof, in a given instance. The processor(s)126may be configured to record a made shot where return signals are received at any of the receivers116during the specified time period. Alternatively, or additionally, the processor(s)126may be configured to record a made shot only where multiple or all sensors102utilized record return signals during the specified time period. The receivers116may be inactivated and/or signals may be ignored where received during the forbidden time periods.

As illustrated with particular regard to at leastFIGS.17and21, in exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the detector100may comprise one or more accelerometer(s)106. The accelerometer(s)106may be connected to the same processor(s)126as the ultrasonic sensor(s)102, though such is not required. A single, three-axis accelerometer106may be utilized which is mounted to a circuit board104or other substrate, though any type, kind, number, and/or arrangement of accelerometers106may be utilized. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the accelerometer(s)106, the processor(s)126, and/or other component(s) may be configured to combine the reading from all axis of the accelerometer(s)106such that the direction of the ball hitting the rim46does not affect the determination of a swish or a normal made shot.

A manual trip adjustment, such as a potentiometer (digital or otherwise), may be interposed between the accelerometer(s)106and the processor(s)126, and may be utilized to prevent transmission of signals below a given threshold to the processor(s)126. Alternatively, or additionally, the processor(s)126may electronically filter out such signals.

The accelerometer(s)106portion of the detector100, such as shown with particular regard to at leastFIG.13, may be electronically connected to the ultrasonic sensor(s)102portion of the detector100, such as shown with particular regard to at leastFIG.12, such as by way of one or more common processor(s)126.

Data from the accelerometer(s)106may be fed to the processor(s)126to determine if a made-shot is a swish as further described herein. The accelerometer(s)106may be attached, directly or indirectly, to one or more of the housing(s)108such that movement and/or vibrations of the housings108are transmitted to the accelerometer(s)106, such as upon impact of a basketball60at the backboard44and/or rim46. Alternatively, or additionally, the accelerometer(s)106may be attached, directly or indirectly, to the rim46, backboard44, or other portion of the basketball goal40.

As illustrated with particular regard to at leastFIG.25, where return signals during a sensing episode are returned at the appropriate time period(s) (e.g., t5), a made shot may be determined. Where no such return signals are received during such time period(s), a missed shot may be recorded. The sensing episode may begin and end during a predetermined time range (e.g., t8) following issuance of a command from the controller(s)68to pass a basketball60from the launching device10. The issuance of such commands, or data indicating the same, may be relayed to the processor(s)126to initiate detection at the detector100. Alternatively, the commands may originate at the processor(s)126.

In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the detector100and/or the ultrasonic sensor(s)102may only be active during the sensing episode. Alternatively, or additionally, the detector100may be continuously and/or periodically sensing for the basketballs60, such as during a practice session and/or whenever powered, and data during certain time periods (e.g., during the sensing episodes) may be recognized as made or missed shots, or ignored, such as background noise.

Where one or more accelerometers106are utilized, movement data may be relayed to the processor(s)126. Where the processor(s)126receive data from the ultrasonic sensor(s)102indicating a made shot, and movement data from the accelerometer(s)106within a given, associated time period is below a predetermined threshold, the processor(s)126may be configured to register a “swish”. Where data from the ultrasonic sensor(s)102indicates a made shot, and movement data received from the accelerometer(s)106within the given, associated time period is above the predetermined threshold, the processor(s)126may be configured register a normal (non-swish) made-shot. Where no signals are returned from the ultrasonic sensor(s)102during the specified time, a missed shot may be recorded. The associated time period may include any period, including the sensing episode time period t8, the specified time period for detecting made shots t5, the time period between transmission bursts t2, the time period following passing of the basketball (e.g., t4and t5) combinations thereof, or the like.

A single or multiple bursts of ultrasonic transmissions may be provided during a given sensing episode. The bursts may be provided repetitively and/or at any interval(s). Return of reflected signals during the specified time (e.g., t5) from any one of the bursts may be used to indicate a made shot. Alternatively, or additionally, return of reflected signals during the specified time from multiple ones or all of the bursts may be required to indicate a made shot.

Notably, the use of the accelerometer(s)106and detection of swish is optional and may not be required. For instance, the detector100may rely solely on the ultrasonic sensors102and related components and may not be configured to separate record swishes.

The detector100, such as the processor(s)126thereof, may be in wired or wireless communication with the basketball launching device10, such as the controller(s)68thereof. The detector100may comprise one or more power sources, such as but not limited to rechargeable or replaceable batteries, to provide wireless operation power.

Some or all of the steps shown and/or described herein may be repeated in any order. Such as for each pass commanded by the device10.

In other exemplary embodiments, other types of detector(s) for detecting made shots may be provided at, or in association with, the basketball launching machine10in place of, or in combination with, the detector(s)100at the same or different locations detector(s)100. Such detectors may comprise, for example without limitation, photo eyes, flappers, audio sensors, proximity detectors, switches, cameras (e.g., time of flight (TOF) cameras), combinations thereof, or the like. Such detectors may be provided on the basketball launching machine10, such as on the frame20, the housing16, combinations thereof, or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, such detectors may be in electronic communication with the basketball launching machine10or components thereof, the electronic devices70, combinations thereof, or the like such as but not limited to, by way of wired or wireless connections. Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.

Certain operations described herein may be performed by one or more electronic devices. Each electronic device may comprise one or more processors, electronic storage devices, executable software instructions, and the like configured to perform the operations described herein. The electronic devices may be general purpose computers or specialized computing device. The electronic devices may comprise personal computers, smartphone, tablets, databases, servers, or the like. The electronic connections and transmissions described herein may be accomplished by wired or wireless means. The computerized hardware, software, components, systems, steps, methods, and/or processes described herein may serve to improve the speed of the computerized hardware, software, systems, steps, methods, and/or processes described herein. The electronic devices, including but not necessarily limited to the electronic storage devices, databases, controllers, or the like, may comprise and/or be configured to hold, solely non-transitory signals.