Intelligent training ball with sensors, LED control and app connection

Abstract

The ball changes color using integrated LED technology, with the color varying depending on the training mode, shot power, or movement patterns.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a smart ball for sports applications, in particular for training and practice purposes in the fields of soccer, freestyle, or general reaction and coordination training. The ball is equipped with sensors, a microprocessor controller, and a visual LED output, and communicates with an external mobile application (app). State of the art

[0002] Current technology includes sports equipment with built-in sensors or LED systems. However, these are usually limited to passive data collection or do not offer direct, adaptive interaction with the equipment through visual or functional feedback. Furthermore, integration of various training modes with active control and real-time output directly on the equipment is often lacking. Object of the invention

[0003] The invention aims to provide an intelligent training device in the form of a ball that enables both autonomous training functions and interactive feedback through color and light patterns. The goal is to improve athletic performance, particularly in the areas of shooting power, ball control (e.g., juggling), speed, agility, as well as cognitive and coordination skills. Solution

[0004] The task is solved by a ball with the following characteristics: 1. Electronic equipment • Microprocessor (5): The ball is equipped with an ESP32-C3 microcontroller. This controls sensor data acquisition, analysis, LED control, and communication with a mobile app via Wi-Fi / Bluetooth. • Sensor technology: ◯ Acceleration sensor(4) for measuring movement data such as speed, shot force, impact moments and direction of movement. ◯ GPS module(6), which is used to locate and analyze movement patterns. • LED system(2): Multi-colored LEDs are integrated into the ball's surface. These provide visual feedback and can be customized depending on the training mode, performance level, or movement situation. • Power supply (7 / 3): An integrated battery powers all components. Charging is done via a USB-C interface integrated into the ball's casing. 2. Training modes and application

[0005] The ball has several adjustable training and game modes that can be selected and adjusted via a paired app: a) Shot force measurement • The acceleration sensor measures the shooting force. • Depending on the strength, a corresponding LED color is displayed on the ball. • The data is saved in the app and can be used for training evaluation. b) Juggling mode • The ball detects repeated upward movements through the accelerometer. • Each successful contact triggers a color change or LED animation. • The app automatically counts the number of juggling contacts. c) Speed ​​and reaction training • Color changes on the ball indicate directions of movement or reactions. • The ball can be used to analyze reaction time and movement speed. • The aim is to promote cognitive processing and coordination. d) Freestyle and creative mode • Creative ball movements are recognized and highlighted with LED effects. • The data can be synchronized with the app and saved for analysis or social media purposes. 3. App features • Control and selection of training modes. • Visualization of progress and training data. • Storage of training results and shot data. • Real-time pairing with the ball via Bluetooth / Wi-Fi. • Optional: Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to adapt training based on user behavior and performance progress. 1) Ball 2) Light bulbs 3) Battery 4) Acceleration sensor 5) Microprocessor 6) GPS module 7) Voltage regulator

Claims

[1] Color change of the ball through integrated LED technology, whereby the color varies depending on training mode, shot power or movement patterns. [2] Combination of color change with built-in sensors (e.g. acceleration and GPS sensor) and a microprocessor, whereby the LED control is dependent on recorded movement data. [3] Program control of the color change through predefined training modes or external control via a mobile application (app). [4] Possibility of charging the electronics integrated in the ball via a USB-C interface, which is permanently integrated into the ball housing. [5] Connecting and using an app to select and control training modes, evaluate data and interact with the ball’s electronics. [6] Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for learning-based training optimization, in particular for the automated adaptation of training content based on performance data and usage behavior. [7] Counting function for recording juggling movements, in which contacts triggered by the sensor are counted and output in the app or directly via LED pulses. [8] Reaction training through color impulses, in which certain colors signal certain actions or directions in order to train reaction speed. [9] Use of a ball with combined LED, sensor and communication functions, with all electronic components integrated in a shock-resistant inner core. [10] System for wireless communication between ball and app via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or WLAN for real-time data transmission and control.

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