Active sports tracker and method

Abstract

A sports tracking and analysis system includes a RFID tag implanted onto an item associated with a player and at least one RFID tag implanted on a game ball. The tags and reader are arranged to transfer data such as the time and location of player and ball to each other for readers positioned throughout the field. The readers communicate the data to a computer system designed to process the data and generate player performance statistics including real-time measurements of many characteristics and, over time or based on input data, historical performance statistics. A method of tracking and analyzing the performance of a sports game is also included.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 749,499, filed Dec. 12, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to sports analysis systems and, more particularly, to an analysis system and method designed to track movements of players and the ball, monitor interaction between them, analyze performance, calculate statistics and perform other functions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Statistics are very important to sports especially professional sports such as baseball and football. Both live and past performances of a team and its individual players are followed in real-time and recorded by commentators and sports enthusiasts to calculate statistics for entertainment purposes and as a coaching aid. In baseball for example, various aspects of the game are monitored such as the speeds of the pitch, a hit, and base ru...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] In general, the present invention addresses these needs by providing a system and method for actively tracking, processing and distributing data pertaining to player performance, movement of the ball and related statistics in a sports game. At least one active radio frequency identification (“RFID”) transponder or “tag” (both active and passive RFID tags are generally referred to as “tags”) is implanted into one or more items worn or used by one or more of the game players, such as a player's helmet or shoe. The active player tag contains a RFID chip attached to an antenna enabling it to receive and transmit its stored data to field readers located throughout the field of play. Field readers have an antenna and coupler configured to function to both retrieve stored data from player tags and transmit a signal to tags without requiring direct contact or a clear line of sight.

[0006] The game ball contains at least one passive RFID tag that transmits data collected thereon, such as its location coordinates, back to the player tag. Game ball tag energizes from the electromagnetic field waves generated by the player tag. Optionally, a second passive tag is implanted at a position on the game ball spaced apart from the first tag, such as on opposite ends of a football. Each ball tag and player tag contains unique identification information. Active player tag also transmits data received from the ball tag to the field readers enabling players to interact with the game ball and the field.

[0010] Thus, an object of the present invention improves analysis of a sports game and performance of its individual players by ensuring the accurate tracking of the ball and player movement and placement on the field. Based on this, an object in another example is to obtain and report up-to-the-minute data and statistical information stored for the ball and individual players. This may be advantageously used to provide management, coaches and players information needed to make game play decisions and to improve player and team skills. As accurate and precise information is vital for the success of any business or franchise team, another object in an embodiment of the invention is to enhance the ability to analyze the effectiveness and performance trends of current players which provides a potential for significant improvements to data available on individual players as they progress through their sports careers. An example of the system and method also eliminates ball spot errors, reduces human error in statistical recording, and provides a historical database and an ongoing performance history for sports teams and their players.

Problems solved by technology

This can be difficult during a game due to the speed of play and visual obstructions.

Instant replays and guestimates based on sideline yardage or other “ghost scales,” sometimes displayed on television with hockey or football for example, aid with this task, but can still fail to provide accurate, simultaneous information efficiently.

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