Abstract:
A sports training system employing a mounting apparatus and a tablet computer having an interactive user interface and a camera. The tablet computer is mounted to the mounting apparatus and used to record still pictures or live video of an athlete performing an athletic feat. The video may be reviewed by the athlete, a coach, or another professional. Comments may be drawn directly on the video or otherwise relayed to the athlete. The system may also compare successive attempts at the athletic feat to determine progress.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority in and incorporates by reference U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/641,525, filed May 2, 2013. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a system and method for stabilizing a tablet computer for interactive photo and video recording, and more specifically to a system employing a mounting apparatus and interactive computing device for instant sports training feedback and suggestions for improvement in the areas of sports, athletics, and otherwise. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Using technology to increase sport performance and sport training is nothing new. However, the best way to increase athletic performance is to have an educated coach or teacher watch the athlete and provide instant constructive feedback. This is all but impossible to do unless the athlete is practicing in front of an instructor. 
         [0006]    Using video recording equipment to record an athlete&#39;s practice or actual performance technique can be helpful at reviewing specifics at a later time, but typical recording devices do not include a screen that would accommodate immediate feedback to the athlete at the time when the feedback is most useful. 
         [0007]    Interactive tablet computers today typically include video capabilities and a large touchscreen interactive display. However, these devices are often somewhat cumbersome and are not ideal for recording detailed video useful for instruction, such as an athlete&#39;s golf swing. It is very difficult to keep the tablet steady enough to review the intricate details of a golf swing during review of the recorded video due to these difficulties. 
         [0008]    What is needed is a system capable of ensuring that a tablet computing device including quality video recording and playback capabilities remains steady during recording such that instant feedback is available to the athlete for the purposes of instruction. Further, it would be ideal to ensure that the system is capable of providing feedback in all weather conditions, including full sunlight or during rainfall. 
         [0009]    Heretofore there has not been available a tablet computer stabilization system and method with the advantages and features of the present invention. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention generally provides a stabilizing mounting system with numerous features aimed at stabilizing a tablet computer for the purposes of recording and reviewing sporting activities for the purposes of instruction. The present invention includes numerous elements necessary to ensure that the tablet computer is securely attached to the mounting system during recording sessions, but is easily removed for review or other use. 
         [0011]    The mounting system may be a tripod, a base, or a hand-held element. The primary purpose of the mounting system is to stabilize a tablet personal computer for use in the instruction in a field, such as sports training The tablet computer captures images or video and allows for playback of that video on an interactive touchscreen. This allows the user to interact with the video in numerous ways. 
         [0012]    For example, a sports training system includes the ability to record and review video of sport activities. The user has the capability to slow down, speed up, re-watch, and even mark up the video to provide the best instruction to the athlete being recorded. The present invention may be used in front of an instructor, for personal use, or some combination of the two where the user records sport activities and then digitally sends them to a coach located at a remote location for near-instant commentary. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an athlete being observed in an embodiment of the present invention employing a tripod mounting apparatus. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective diagram showing the interaction between elements of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevational view of a frame element for containing a tablet computing device as part of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5A  is side sectional view of a tripod foot which is an element included in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5B  is a top plan view thereof. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5C  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5D  is a side elevational view thereof. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention employing a hand-held mounting apparatus. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a front elevational view of the handle element employed within an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention employing a base for mounting the handle element of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the base element of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view demonstrating the relationship between multiple elements employed in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a front elevational view of a frame element employed within an embodiment of the present invention including numerous optional attachments. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a detailed perspective view of the frame element and mounting arm thereof. 
           [0030]      FIG. 14A  is a side elevational view of the mounting arm thereof. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14B  is a top plan view thereof. 
           [0032]      FIG. 14C  is a front elevational view of an alternative mounting arm. 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a side perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment employing a mounting base. 
           [0035]      FIG. 17A  is a top plan view of the base thereof. 
           [0036]      FIG. 17B  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0037]      FIG. 17C  is yet another front elevational view thereof. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     I. Introduction And Environment 
       [0038]    As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0039]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
       II. Preferred Embodiment Sports Training System  2   
       [0040]    This invention is aimed at utilizing a versatile tablet computer  8 , such as Apple, Inc.&#39;s iPad®, for sports video recording and instructing purposes. The present invention considerably enhances a tablet computer&#39;s capabilities as a video training system by combining the tablet with a tripod  10  or other stabilizing mounting apparatus  4 . This tripod may be substantially re-engineered so as to benefit the user in the process of video-taping various sports activities. The tablet “jacket” or “frame”  12  is designed to encompass the sides and back of the tablet acting as a frame to hold it securely in place so it can be attached to the tripod. Additional benefits of the frame  12  are the inclusion of three accessory clips  14  along the edges of the frame for adding accessories such as microphones and lights. 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  demonstrates the preferred embodiment sports training system  2  viewing an athlete  6  (here a golfer) using a tablet computer  8  on a mounting apparatus  4 , herein embodied by a tripod base  10 . The tablet computer must necessarily include several elements, including a central processing unit (CPU), data storage element, a display, and a camera  72 . The display is preferably a touchscreen interface  52 , and the camera  72  is preferably able to capture moving pictures. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  demonstrates the frame  12  capable of housing the table computer  8  and mounting to a tripod  10 . The frame  12  includes a number of clips  14  for mounting photography accessories such as microphones and lights. The frame employs a lip  22  and a backing element  24  for containing and protecting the tablet computer. The frame may include a number of levels  20  for ensuring that the tablet is squarely mounted to the tripod  10 . The frame also includes a frame connector  16  and a frame connector platform  18 . 
         [0043]    The tripod  10  includes a tripod receptacle  26  similar to the connection interface receiver slot  44  including a releasable receiver clip  50  shown in  FIG. 7 . This allows the frame connector  16 , which generally employs a wedge-shaped cross section, to slide into the receptacle  26  and snap into place using a receiver clip  50 . The receiver clip  50  may be depressed to release the frame connector  16  and, therefore, the frame  12 . The frame connector platform  18  acts as a guide for mounting the frame  12  to the tripod  10 . 
         [0044]    The tripod  10  employs most typical tripod elements, including a telescoping central post  34  and telescoping extendable legs  32 . Each leg terminates into a foot  28 . A preferred embodiment includes a foot  28  with a securing spike receiver  70  for inserting a securing spike  30 . This allows the tripod to be firmly mounted to the earth, and will prevent wind or other unexpected forces from tipping the tripod and damaging the tablet computer  8 . Alternatively, the spike could be driven straight through the leg of an existing tripod  10  which has been modified to receive the frame  12 , or to which the frame  12  has been modified to fit. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show a more detailed view of the frame  12 . In addition to the elements mentioned above, the frame may include frame lock inserts  36  which accept hand screw frame locks  66  (as shown in  FIG. 12 ). These locks employ thumb screws and are used to secure the tablet computer  8  to the frame  12 . 
         [0046]      FIGS. 5A-D  demonstrate the use of the tripod feet  28  and the securing spikes  30 . The feet  28  include a tripod leg interface  68  for accepting the insertion of a tripod leg, and a securing spike receiver  70  for accepting the insertion of a securing spike  30 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  demonstrates the use of a hand-held mounting apparatus  38  and employing it in the sports training system  2 . This mounting apparatus may be detachable from the telescoping central post  34  of the tripod  10  discussed above, or it may be a completely separate element. The mounting apparatus  38  is ergonomically designed to be held by a human hand  40 . 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 7  and discussed above, the hand-held mounting apparatus  38  includes a receptacle  42  with a receiver slot  44  for accepting the frame connector  16  of the frame  12 . A releasable clip  50  holds the frame connector  16  in place within the receiver slot  44 . A post  46  is affixed to the base of the receptacle  42 , and ideally is ergonomically shaped. The post  46  includes a post-base  48 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  shows the hand-held mounting apparatus  38  affixed to the frame  12  and mounted to a mounting base  54 . The mounting base secures the post  46 , but the post may be unmounted by simply lifting the post-base  48  away from the mounting base  54 .  FIG. 8  also shows the camera&#39;s  72  position next to the touchscreen interface  52 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 9  shows the mounting base  54  in more detail, including securing spike receivers  62 , a base plate  56 , and a receptacle  58  including a receiver slot  60  for accepting the post-base  48  of the hand-held mounting apparatus  38 . It is shown that the size and shape of the post-base  48  is generally conformed to the size and shape of the mounting base receiver slot  60 . This is shown more clearly in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 11  shows the frame  12  discussed previously, including a number of accessories to improve usability. These accessories include photography mounting shoes  64  which attach to the clips  14  of the frame  12 . Further, these accessories include the hand screw frame locks  66  discussed previously. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 1-11  together present the physical elements capable of allowing the sports training system  2  to work. The tablet computer  8  is mounted in a frame  12  which protects the computer and allows the computer to be mounted to a mounting apparatus such as a tripod  10  or a hand-held mounting post  38 . The mounting means may even change on a minute-to-minute and activity-to-activity basis, as deemed appropriate by the athlete  6  or the athlete&#39;s coach. 
         [0053]    Once the tablet computer is in position, either mounted on a tripod, hand-held, or otherwise, the tablet computer may begin recording video of the athlete in action. This may include swinging a golf club, swinging a baseball bat, throwing a football, swimming a lap, or any other athletic feat. 
         [0054]    Upon completion of the feat, the video is immediately available for review by the athlete  6 , the coach, or any other interested parties. The tablet computer may include software capable of editing the video, such as allowing the user to draw directly over the video, or to speed up, slow down, or otherwise alter video playback. Ideal software would allow the user or coach to highlight inefficient movements in the athlete&#39;s performance, or other areas of focus in the athletic feat being critiqued. 
         [0055]    Additionally, the tablet computer may be connected to a wireless network capable of communicating with other computers. In such a case, the user may upload the video to a website or send the video to another person (such as a coach) at a remote location. The video may be reviewed, edited, and marked-up by others, and then sent back to the original user or athlete. This can be done in near real time, and could facilitate the coaching and improvement of a vast number of athletes by not requiring personal one-on-one coaching for optimum results. 
         [0056]    The athlete may then perform the feat again. The tablet computer will record the feat a second time. The software may be capable of comparing the most recently recorded feat with previous attempts. This data can be used to indicate whether the athlete is listening and responding to instruction and thereby correcting his or her form. 
       III. Alternative Embodiment System  102   
       [0057]      FIGS. 12-15  demonstrate an alternative embodiment sports training system  102 . This system includes a slightly alternate mounting means for mounting a tablet computer  108  to a tripod  110  including a telescoping center post  134 , extendible legs  132 , and feet  128  secured with securing spikes  130 . A mounting arm  114  is employed in this embodiment. The arm mounts to the frame  112  via a frame mounting screw  116 , and mounts to the tripod  110  via a tripod mounting screw  118 . 
         [0058]    The mounting arm includes a “shoe”  120  and a “backing”  122 . A pair of spacers  124  are mounted to the backing  122  which protects the frame  112 . The frame screw  116  penetrates a hole in the backing  122  and is threaded directly into the frame  112 . Alternatively, the backing may include a notch  126 . A light hood  104  accessory can be attached to the frame by use of integrated magnets  106 ,  107 . The light hood  104  may be used to shield the screen from the sun. This allows the user to review video on the screen even in glaring outdoor sunlight. 
       IV. Alternative Mounting Means 
       [0059]      FIGS. 16-17C  demonstrate an alternative mounting means for the sports training system  102 . The shoe  120  of the mounting arm  114  is instead mounted to a base block  136 . The base block is secured to a table, the ground, or another object via securing spikes  130 .  FIG. 16  shows a camera  172  located on the reverse face of the tablet computer  108 , and an opening in the frame  112  which allows the camera to function when the frame is attached. 
         [0060]    The primary example used above references using the present invention for sports training. This is just one example of the use of this invention. The invention could be used in other fields of education or instruction, or in everyday life for recording and reviewing images. 
         [0061]    It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.