Patent ID: 12233326

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1illustrates example components of a detection device according to an embodiment. As illustrated byFIG.1, a detection device100may include one or more transmitters102, one or more receivers104, a processor106, a power source108and/or one or more visual indicators110. A transmitter102may be an optical transmitter, such as, for example an infrared transmitter. A receiver104may be an optical receiver such as, for example, an infrared receiver. The power source108may include one or more batteries. Optionally, one or more detection devices may include one or more speakers112.

In various embodiments, a transmitter102may be located opposite a receiver104of a detection device. For example, a transmitter may be located on a left side of a detection device and a receiver may be located on an opposite side of the detection device. This may allow multiple detection devices to be used together, as discussed in more detail below.

The processor106is a central processing device, configured to perform calculations and logic operations required to execute programming instructions. An example of a processor may be a microprocessor and/or the like. As used in this document and in the claims, the terms “processor” may refer to a single processor or any number of processors in a set of processors that collectively perform a set of operations.

A detection device may include one or more data stores or other memory devices114. Read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, hard drives and other devices capable of storing electronic data constitute examples of data stores or memory devices. A data store or memory device may include a single device or a collection of devices across which data and/or instructions are stored. Various embodiments of the invention may include a computer-readable medium containing programming instructions that are configured to cause one or more processors to perform the functions described in this disclosure.

The processor106may be in communication with one or more transmitters102, one or more receivers104and/or one or visual indicators110. For example, a receiver104may provide a processor106with information that it receives, and the processor may use this information to perform one or more actions at the detection device such as, for example, causing one or more visual indicators110to be illuminated. In various embodiments, one or more visual indicators110may be light-emitting diodes (LEDs), light panels, light arrays, and/or the like.

In various embodiments, detection devices100may communicate with one or more electronic devices via one or more communication devices114. One or more communication devices114may facilitate communication between a detection device and one or more other detection devices and/or other electronic devices via one or more wireless communication protocols. Examples of communication devices114may include, for example, a wireless communication transmitter, receiver, transceiver, and/or the like.

For instance, detection devices100may communicate with one another via short range wireless communication such as, for example, near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and/or the like.

A detection device100may include a short range communication receiver, transmitter such as, for example, a Bluetooth antenna, an NFC chip, an RFID tag, a Zigbee chip, a wireless transmitter, receiver and/or transceiver, and/or the like. A detection device100may communicate with one another via radio frequency (RF) communication. A detection device100may include an RF transmitter, an RF receiver and/or an RF transceiver.

FIG.2Aillustrates an external view of an example detection device100according to an embodiment. The detection device100illustrated inFIG.2Ahas a generally circular shape with an opening202through its center. A detection device100having this configuration may receive at least a portion of a training cone through its opening202. In this embodiment, the detection device100may be positioned on a training cone so that it is elevated from the ground.

Although this disclosure illustrates a generally circular detection device100with an opening202through its center, it is understood that detection devices having different shapes or configurations may be used within the scope of this disclosure. For example, a detection device may be generally circular without an opening through its center. As another example, a detection device may be square, rectangular, oblong, triangular and/or any other suitable shape, and may or may not have an opening through at least a portion of the device.

As illustrated byFIG.2A, a receiver104may be located near a first side204of the detection device100, and a transmitter102may be located on a side206of the detection device that is opposite the side near which the receiver is located. The position of the transmitter102and/or receiver104may be indicated by one or more visual designations. A visual designation may be a character, word, symbol, image and/or the like. For example, as illustrated inFIG.2A, the position of the receiver is indicated with ‘R’ and the position of the transmitter is indicated with ‘T’. Other visual designations may be used within the scope of this disclosure.FIG.2Ashows these visual indications on a top surface of the detection device in proximity to the component to which it corresponds. However, the placement of the visual designations may vary within the scope of this disclosure.

In various embodiments, the visual indicators110may be positioned at various locations of the detection device so that they are visible to a player.FIG.2Billustrates an example arrangement of visual indicators according to an embodiment. As shown inFIG.2B, the detection device100may include one or more visual indicator portions207which each may be associated with one or more visual indicators110. For instance, the detection device100shown inFIG.2Bhas four visual indicators portions207(two not shown), and each visual indicators portion corresponds to two lights110. Additional and/or alternate visual indicator portions or visual indicators may be used within the scope of this disclosure.

A visual indicator portion207may be fabricated from a transparent, translucent or semi-transparent or semi-translucent material. In this way, when a corresponding visual indicator110is illuminated, it may emit light through a visual indicator portion207. In various embodiments, one or more of the visual indicator portions may have a color so that the light that is emitted through the visual indicator portion appears to have a color as well. In various embodiments, the visual indicator may be illuminated all together or one at a time. In other embodiments, the visual indicator may be illuminated in a pattern, such as, for example, in a particular sequence or order. The manner in which the visual indicator are illuminated may depend on, for example, the setting of the detection device or the event that is detected, as is described in more detail below.

FIG.3illustrates a view of a bottom of an example detection device according to an embodiment. As illustrated byFIG.3, the bottom may include one or more compartments300,302,304for one or more batteries. The detection device100illustrated inFIG.3includes three battery compartments300,302,304, but it is understood that fewer or additional batteries may be used within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, the placement of one or more battery compartments may vary within the scope of this disclosure.

As shown inFIG.3, a detection device100may include a selection mechanism306. A selection mechanism refers to a mechanism that may be moved or switched between two or more positions. Each position of the selection mechanism may correspond to a mode of operation of a detection device. An example selection mechanism may be a slider switch, a toggle, a dial, a knob, one or more buttons, and/or the like. When a selection mechanism is set to a position that corresponds to a particular setting, the detection device100may operate in accordance with the setting. One or more settings may allow an athlete to complete different drills or exercises to improve his or her skills and/or fitness.

In various embodiments, two or more detection devices may be arranged in a particular configuration to execute a particular drill or exercise. To do so, a transmitter of one detection device may be aligned with a receiver of a different detection device. Alignment may involve placing the detection devices so that the transmitter of a first detection device is positioned within a threshold distance from a receiver of a second detection device. In various embodiments this threshold distance may be six feet. However, different threshold distances may be used within the scope of this disclosure.FIG.4illustrates a pair of detection devices in alignment according to an embodiment.

Because a detection device may include both a transmitter and a receiver, any number of detection devices may be arranged such that a transmitter of one detection device aligns with a receiver of another detection device. For example, multiple detection devices may be arranged in a line.

When alignment between two detection devices is achieved, one or more of the detection devices may provide a user with an indication of alignment. The indication may be a visual indication such as, for example, the illumination of one or more visual indicators. For instance, the detection device whose receiver is in alignment with another detection device may cause a visual indicator to be illuminated to indicate that alignment has been achieved. The visual indicator may be located in proximity to the receiver, and may illuminate in a specific color, such as, for example, blue.

When alignment between two detection devices is achieved, the transmitter of one detection device may emit a light beam across the gap between the two detection devices which may be received by the receiver of the other detection device. As such, the transmitter and receiver may form a light gate between the two detection devices. The light beam may be invisible to the human eye. In other embodiments, the light beam may have a color.

One or both of the detection devices of a pair may detect when the light beam is broken. The light beam may be broken in response to a game piece, such as, for example, a ball, a puck and/or the like crossing the light beam. For instance, if a player kicks a ball in the gap between a pair of detection devices, the ball will break the light beam.

As another example, a light beam may be broken in response to an athlete or other person crossing between the detection devices. For example, as part of footwork drills, an athlete may run between a pair of detection devices which may break the light beam.

When a light beam is broken, various different actions may be taken depending on the setting on which the detection devices are operating. Example settings that a detection device may operate in include, without limitation, an “off” setting, a “random pairs” setting, a “dribble weave (lights on)” setting, a “goal” setting, a “dribble weave (lights off)” setting and/or the like. In an “off” setting, a detection device may operate in a powered off or powered down mode.

The “random pairs” setting may be used for one or more pairs of detection devices.FIG.5illustrates three pairs of detection devices all operating in a “random pairs” setting according to an embodiment. When the detection devices are placed into “random pairs” setting (e.g., by placing the selection mechanism in a position that corresponds to the “random pairs” setting), one or more of the visual indicator of one of the three pairs may illuminate. For example, referring toFIG.5, lights of detection devices of Pair1may illuminate. This illumination may indicate to an athlete that the athlete is to perform an action using the pair such as, for example, kicking a game piece between the detection devices, running through the detection devices and/or the like.

When the light beam is broken between a pair of illuminated detection devices, the visual indicators that had been illuminated of the pair may turn off. However, even without having visual indicators that are illuminated, the pair of detection devices may remain engaged, meaning that a transmitter of one of the detection devices may continue to transmit a light beam to a receiver of the other detection device. For example, a receiver of a detection device may detect that a light beam has been broken. That detection device may send a message to the other detection device that includes one or more instructions that cause the other detection device (e.g., the processor of the other detection device) to cause its transmitter to continue emitting a light beam even after that light beam has been broken.

When the light beam is broken between a pair of illuminated detection devices, one or more visual indicators of one or more of the pairs may illuminate. For example, referring toFIG.5, one or more visual indicators of the detections devices of Pair1500, Pair2502, or Pair3504may illuminate. This process may repeat until an athlete stops practicing and the setting is changed.

In various embodiments, the first two detection devices that are paired together when the random pairs are set up may serve as a host pair for communications between and among one or more of the other pairs. For instance, referring toFIG.5, detection device506and detection device508may be the first two detection devices that are paired. In this context, paired means that they are the first two detection devices whose selection mechanism is placed in a position that corresponds to the “random pairs” setting and that are arranged so the transmitter of one detection device506is aligned with the receiver of the other detection device508. As such, detection devices506,508may serve as a host pair.

When a light beam is broken between a pair of detection devices (referred to throughout this example as an “engaged pair”), the detection device of the engaged pair that is serving as the receiver (receiver device) may detect the breakage. The receiver device may send a message to the other detection device of the engaged pair (transmitter device). The message may include one or more instructions that cause the other detection device to cause its transmitter device to stop illuminating its visual indicators. If the engaged pair is the host pair, one or more detection devices of the host pair may randomly identify a pair of detection devices, and send a message to both detection devices of the identified pair instructing each detection device to illuminate its visual indicators.

If the engaged pair is not the host pair, the receiver device of the engaged pair may send a message to the host pair. The receiver device may send a message to either detection device of the host pair. The message may inform the host pair that light beam of the engaged pair has been broken. Upon receiving such a message from an engaged pair, one or more of the detection devices of the host pair may randomly identify a pair of detection devices, and send a message to both detection devices of the identified pair instructing each detection device to illuminate its lights. In various embodiments, the host pair may send a message to the detection device of the engaged pair that is emitting a light beam instructing that detection device to continue to emit the light beam even after the light beam has been broken.

The illumination of the visual indicators of a pair of detection devices may indicate that a game piece or a player is to break the light beam of that pair next. In “random pairs” mode, visual indicators of only one pair of detections may illuminate at a time.

As an example, referring toFIG.5, Pair1500may serve as the host pair. Pair3504may currently be the engaged pair. Detection device516of Pair3504may detect when the light beam between it and detection device514is broken. When it detects the breakage, detection device516may send a message to detection device514instructing detection device514to stop illuminating its visual indicators and/or to continue emitting the light beam. Detection device516may also send a message to detection device506and/or detection device508as notification that the light beam has been broken. Detection device506and/or detection device508may randomly identify a pair in the set (e.g., Pair1, Pair2, or Pair3). For instance, detection device506and/or detection device508may identify Pair2502, and may send a message to detection device510and detection device512instructing each detection device to illuminate its visual indicators.

A “dribble weave (lights on)” setting may be used to facilitate a dribble exercise or drill. Multiple detection devices may be arranged in a straight line.FIG.6illustrates an example configuration of detection devices operating in a “dribble weave (lights on)” setting according to an embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.6, six detection devices (600,602,604,606,608,610) are arranged in a straight line.FIG.6illustrates an example path612illustrating the movement of a ball (or a person) between the detection devices.

When detection devices are operating in a “dribble weave (lights on)” setting, the visual indicators of each of the detection devices having this setting may be illuminated. The visual indicators may remain illuminated until an event breaks the light beam between two adjacent detection devices. For example, referring toFIG.6, when the light beam between detection device600and detection device602is broken, the visual indicators of detection device600may turn off and may remain off until the last light beam in the sequence of detection devices is broken. When the light beam between detection device602and detection device604is broken, the visual indicators of detection device602may turn off. This may continue until the light beam between detection device608and detection device610is broken, at which time the visual indicators of both detection device608and detection device610may turn off.

In various embodiments, the first detection device that is set to the dribble weave (lights on) setting may serve as a host device for communication between and among one or more other detection devices. For instance, referring toFIG.6, detection device600may be the first detection device that is placed into a dribble weave (lights on) setting. In this context, this may mean that the detection device is the first whose selection mechanism is placed in a position that corresponds to the “dribble weave (lights on)” setting.

As other detection device are set to the dribble weave (lights on) setting, each may send a message to the host device. The message may inform the host device that the detection device is in communication. The host device may keep track of an order or sequence of connected detection devices based on the order in which messages are received from such detection devices. For example, referring toFIG.6, host device600may receive a message from detection device602, followed by detection device604, then detection device606, then detection device608, then detection device610. The host device may determine each detection device's position in line based on when its message is received.

One or more detection devices may send a message to the host detection device when a light beam it is receiving is broken. For instance, referring toFIG.6, when the light beam between detection device602and detection device604is broken, detection device602may send a message to host detection device600. The detection device that is receiving a light beam may turn off one or more of its visual indicators when it detects that the light beam it is receiving has been broken. For example,

detection device602may cause its one or more of its visual indicators to turn off upon detecting that the light beam between it and detection device604has been broken.

When the host device receives a message from the last detection device in the sequence that is receiving a light beam, the host device may send a message to the last detection device in the sequence instructing it to turn off one or more of its visual indicators. For instance, referring toFIG.6, when host device600receives a message from detection device608that the light beam between detection device608and detection device610has been broken, host device may send a message to detection device610instructing it to turn off one or more of its visual indicators. As explained above, the host device keeps track of the sequence of detection devices in the dribble weave (lights on) setting.

In various embodiments, the visual indicators of all of the detection devices may remain off for a period of time. For instance, once the light beam between detection device608and detection device610is broken, the visual indicators of the detection devices600,602,604,606,608,610may remain off for one second. After this time period, the visual indicators of one or more of the detection devices may illuminate again to indicate that another exercise or drill can be performed. For instance, one or more detection devices of a host pair may send one or more instructions to one or more detection devices to illuminate its visual indicators.

In various embodiments, in order to place a detection device into a “dribble weave (lights on)” setting, a user may move the selection mechanism of a detection device to a position that corresponds to this setting. A user may change the setting of the detection to this setting in the order of the cones in the configuration. For example, referring toFIG.6, detection device600may be changed to a “dribble weave (lights on)” setting first, followed by detection602, detection604, and so on. As illustrated inFIG.6, the detection devices may be arranged so that the transmitter of one detection device is in proximity to a receiver of an adjacent detection device.

A “dribble weave (lights off)” setting may be used to facilitate a dribble exercise or drill. Multiple detection devices may be arranged in a straight line.FIG.7illustrates an example configuration of detection devices operating in a “dribble weave (lights off)” setting according to an embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.7, six detection devices (700,702,704,706,708,710) are arranged in a straight line.FIG.7illustrates an example path712illustrating the movement of a ball (or a person) between the detection devices.

When detection devices are operating in a “dribble weave (lights off)” setting, the visual indicators of each of the detection devices having this setting may be turned off until a light beam between it and an adjacent detection device is broken. The visual indicators may remain off until an event breaks the light beam between two adjacent detection devices. For example, referring toFIG.7, when the light beam between detection device700and detection device702is broken, the visual indicators of detection device700may turn on. When the light beam between detection device702and detection device704is broken, the visual indicators of detection device702may turn on. This may continue until the light beam between detection device708and detection device710is broken, at which time the visual indicators of both detection device708and detection device710may turn on.

In various embodiments, the first detection device that is set to the dribble weave (lights on) setting may serve as a host device for communication between and among one or more other detection devices. For instance, referring toFIG.7, detection device700may be the first detection device that is placed into a dribble weave (lights off) setting. In this context, this may mean that the detection device is the first whose selection mechanism is placed in a position that corresponds to the “dribble weave (lights off)” setting.

As other detection device are set to the dribble weave (lights off) setting, each may send a message to the host device. The message may inform the host device that the detection device is in communication. The host device may keep track of an order or sequence of connected detection devices based on the order in which messages are received from such detection devices. For example, referring toFIG.7, host device700may receive a message from detection device702, followed by detection device704, then detection device706, then detection device708, then detection device710. The host device may determine each detection device's position in line based on when its message is received.

One or more detection devices may send a message to the host detection device when a light beam it is receiving is broken. For instance, referring toFIG.7, when the light beam between detection device702and detection device704is broken, detection device702may send a message to host detection device700. The detection device that is receiving a light beam may turn on one or more of its visual indicators when it detects that the light beam it is receiving has been broken. For example, detection device702may cause its one or more of its visual indicators to turn on upon detecting that the light beam between it and detection device704has been broken.

When the host device receives a message from the last detection device in the sequence that is receiving a light beam, the host device may send a message to the last detection device in the sequence instructing it to turn on one or more of its visual indicators. For instance, referring toFIG.7, when host device700receives a message from detection device708that the light beam between detection device708and detection device710has been broken, host device may send a message to detection device710instructing it to turn on one or more of its visual indicators. As explained above, the host device keeps track of the sequence of detection devices in the dribble weave (lights off) setting.

The message that is sent by the last detection device in the sequence may inform the host pair that the last light beam has been broken. In various embodiments, the visual indicators of all of the detection devices may turn off for a period of time. For instance, after the light beam between detection device708and detection device710is broken, the visual indicators of the detection devices700,702,704,706,708,710may remain off to indicate that another exercise or drill can be performed.

In various embodiments, in order to place a detection device into a “dribble weave (lights off)” setting, a user may move the selection mechanism of a detection device to a position that corresponds to this setting. A user may change the setting of the detection to this setting in the order of the cones in the configuration. For example, referring toFIG.7, detection device700may be changed to a “dribble weave (lights off)” setting first, followed by detection702, detection704, and so on. As illustrated inFIG.7, the detection devices may be arranged so that the transmitter of one detection device is in proximity to a receiver of an adjacent detection device.

In a “goal” setting, two detection devices may be placed in proximity to one another such that the transmitter of one detection device is in proximity to the receiver of the other detection device.FIG.8illustrates an example configuration of detection devices operating in a “goal” setting according to an embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.8, detection devices800,802are a first pair representing a first goal, while detection devices804,806are a second pair representing a second goal. When in a “goal” setting, the visual indicators of the detection devices may remain off until a light beam between a pair of detection devices is broken. For instance, referring toFIG.8, the visual indicators of detection devices804,806may remain off until the light beam between these detection devices is broken. At this time, one or more visual indicators of both detection devices804,806may illuminate to indicate that a goal was made. The visual indicators may illuminate for a certain period of time (e.g., three seconds), before they may turn off.

This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, methodologies or protocols described, as these may vary. The terminology used in this description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope.

In this document: (i) the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to”; the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; and (iii) unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used in this document have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Also, terms such as “top” and “bottom”, “above” and “below”, and other terms describing position are intended to have their relative meanings rather than their absolute meanings with respect to ground. For example, one structure may be “above” a second structure if the two structures are side by side and the first structure appears to cover the second structure from the point of view of a viewer (i.e., the viewer could be closer to the first structure).

The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of agents, to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

The above-disclosed features and functions, as well as alternatives, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various components may be implemented in hardware or software or embedded software. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements may be made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.