Sensor activated ball and sport accessory with computer functionalities

Abstract

A ball or sport accessory allows players to interact using a variety of computing functions; combines one or more sensors, displays, cameras, projectors, memory, hardware, processors or other components capable of providing computer functionality; allows users to record and share images and video, to receive live directions from coaches or other players, to understand or correct mistakes by replaying videos instantaneously, or to undertake other computing activity without the need of additional devices; allows users to listen to music or to watch two or three dimensional movie or television files; and / or functions as a cell phone. The ball or sport accessory may allow users to play video games, view holograms, project images or videos, and download websites and / or third party applications. The sport accessory may determine whether the user has sustained an impact that may cause a concussion, or whether the user may suffer a sunstroke.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 581,898, filed on Dec. 30, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention generally relates to balls, athletic equipment, and sports accessories, and specifically sensor activated balls, athletic equipment and sports accessories.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Many recreational or athletic activities require balls and other sport accessories, such as bats, helmets, basketball hoops, etc. But conventional balls or sport accessories typically are drab and dull, failing to stimulate the players' senses. For example, conventional balls and sport accessories do not display images or play sounds when a player catches or touches them. The lack of interactivity of conventional balls and sport accessories is particularly noticeable when a user is ex...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a ball or sport accessory that combines sensors, display, and computer functionality. The sensors may sense touch, sound, light, image or heat, and the computer may execute various functions. The display may be a touchscreen that displays images, videos, emails, and other content. The accessory may also include cameras, speakers, or microphones that may be activated by the sensors. The accessory may also have pressure sensors to measure force exerted on the accessory and determine if a potential concussion has occurred. The accessory may communicate wirelessly with health monitors that sense the person's vital signs and transmit them to the accessory. Overall, the invention provides a more advanced and functional sports accessory that combines technology with sports activities.

Problems solved by technology

But conventional balls or sport accessories typically are drab and dull, failing to stimulate the players' senses.

For example, conventional balls and sport accessories do not display images or play sounds when a player catches or touches them.

The lack of interactivity of conventional balls and sport accessories is particularly noticeable when a user is exercising alone, without anyone with which to interact.

U.S. Publication No. 2010 / 0313334 discloses a sports cap with a display that may be touch activated, however the sports cap is not a durable ball or sport accessory that players may use to engage in athletic or recreational activity.

U.S. Publication No. 2009 / 0029808 discloses a basketball board with a display and a pressure type sensor, but does not disclose that the display provides computer functionality, such as mobile web browsing, social networking and / or voice calling.

Conventional touch activated devices do not have the design or durability to be used during physical athletic activities.

For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,082,578 and 7,755,605 discuss devices that are used to activate a display screen; however these devices are not designed for athletic activity.

These touch activated devices are similar to control devices, such as a computer mouse, that are used to manipulate graphical objects on user interfaces, and are not durable enough to withstand sport activities.

Additionally, conventional balls or sport accessories lack computer functionality.

For example, conventional balls or sport accessories do not allow players to record images or videos, and share them with others, such as through web pages and / or social networking sites.

However, many players do not use their phones, cameras, computers, game consoles, or other electronics during athletic activity for fear these electronics might be damaged.

U.S. Publication No. 2011 / 0281621 provides a system that wirelessly integrates golf equipment with a computer, but does not provide computer functionality as part of the actual golf equipment.

Furthermore, conventional sport accessories lack the ability to sense the potential for or existence of concussions or sunstroke, and informing a physician, parent, or other person when there is a potential for or existence of concussions or sunstroke so that medical attention can be provided if necessary.

For example, conventional sport accessories lack the ability to sense the impact of forces that may cause a player to suffer a concussion; determine when a potential concussion may have occurred; and communicate to the player and / or with an outside party (e.g., coach, physician or parent) when a player has suffered a potential concussion.

Conventional sport accessories also lack the ability to sense the vital signs of a player, determine whether the player may suffer or has suffered a sunstroke, and communicate with an outside party (e.g. coach, physician, or parent) when the player may suffer or has suffered a sunstroke.

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