Goaltending sensing apparatus and related method of use

Abstract

The invention relates to a method to determine a goaltending while playing basketball. The method begins with sensing if a vibration, pressure or motion change has occurred within an enhanced ball. The second step is to send data from a sensor packet containing one or more sensors via an RF switch to a backboard sensor having a sensory zone and computer having a processor, memory device and RF switch. The third step measures if the enhanced ball was deflected in a downward trajectory through a program contained within the memory device of the computer. The fourth step is to assess whether the enhanced ball would have gone through a rim of a backboard. The final step is to send an alert through an alert display of a goaltending once the computer confirms the downward trajectory and likelihood the enhanced ball would have gone through the rim.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention is directed toward an enhanced ball equipped with both motion and vibration sensors in communication with various sensors on a basketball backboard for purposes of determining, via calculation, whether a goaltending has occurred. The invention is further directed to a method of use.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The game of basketball, initially developed in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, has grown into a highly popular and international sport. The game is played with two teams of five individuals—traditionally on a wooden floor containing two backboards each raised ten feet above the wooden floor. Basketball includes the skills of shooting, dribbling, passing and defending.[0003]One of the hallmarks of basketball is the fact that players conform to a standardized set of rules in order to play the game fairly. Many of these rules are, subject to a large degree of interpretation, while others are often difficult to call due to the speed of th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention solves the current lack of objectivity when it comes to assessing whether a goaltend or block has occurred. The apparatus is directed to a goaltending system to be used during a basketball game. The system includes an enhanced ball having an exterior side and corresponding interior side having two or more sensors, one or more RF switches and an internal power source. Positioned above the rim and infront of the backboard is a backboard sensor which includes an electromagnetic sensory zone and a computer having a processor, memory device and RF switch. An alert display is connected to the backboard sensor to alert players and a referee that a deflection was either a shotblock or a goaltending.

[0009]The enhanced ball may include two or more pressure sensors, motion sensors and vibration sensors housed within two or more sensor packets. These sensor packets connect to the interior side of the enhanced ball. The backboard sensor further includes a plurality of motion sensors placed along the length of the backboard capable of measuring the velocity and trajectory of the enhanced ball. In addition, the backboard sensor can include an antenna capable of receiving data from the enhanced ball when the enhanced ball is within the sensory zone. Optionally, a camera array having a track of one or more digital cameras capable of pivoting in tandem can be included with the backboard sensor.

[0010]The computer within the backboard sensor may also include a memory device in communication with the processor to maintain one or more programs. These programs may determine, among other things, whether the enhanced ball is within the sensory zone. Further, these programs may denote if the enhanced ball is within a downward trajectory (by measuring various height / elevations at a specific points in time) within the sensory zone to assess if there has been a deflection. Finally, a program can determine that at the point of deflection whether the enhanced ball was likely to fall within the rim to signify a goaltending.

[0011]The invention is further directed at a method for determining a goaltending during a basketball game. The method begins with sensing whether there has been a vibration, pressure change or motion change through a sensor packet located within the interior side of the enhanced ball. The second step is to send data from the sensor packet within the enhanced ball through one or more RF switches to a backboard sensor having a sensory zone and computer that includes a processor, memory device and RF switch. The third step is to measure whether the enhanced ball was deflected in a downward trajectory through a program contained within the memory device of the computer. The fourth step is to assess whether the enhanced ball would have gone through a rim of a backboard in which the blackboard sensor was connected. The final step is to send an alert through an alert display of a goaltending once the computer confirms the downward trajectory and likelihood the enhanced ball would have gone through the rim.

Problems solved by technology

Many of these rules are, subject to a large degree of interpretation, while others are often difficult to call due to the speed of the game.

One example of a basketball rule that is difficult to call during a game is whether a shot has been “blocked” or whether there has been goaltending.

While a blocked shot is considered a positive act in basketball, goaltending is considered a violation of the rules of basketball.

However, goaltending occurs when the ball is on a downward arced path such that it is likely to go through the rim for a score.

However, such visual determination can be suspect based upon the referee's inability to perceive (due to line of sight or the general speed of the game).

This determination can also be affected by subjective issues (dislike for a player, etc).

To date, there is no objective system to create a decisive determination whether a deflection is a block or goaltend.

Moreover, there is no abiity to graphically or visually confirm whether the ball indeed was blocked or goaltended.

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