Smart net for ball sports

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a smart net for net-based sports, including a net that includes strands that are woven into a pattern; and one or more sensors that are disposed within one or more of the strands, and methods of using and manufacturing thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 666,350, filed on Jul. 1, 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] This specification describes enhanced techniques for detecting objects that are used in sports.BACKGROUND

[0003] Nets are commonly used in ball sports. Among other uses, nets can catch balls that have passed through a goal, or protect spectators, or create an obstacle in a game, or define the perimeter of a playing surface, or even make up part of a piece of sporting equipment itself. In a fast moving sport, motion of a net can indicate a current position of a ball to a player or spectator.SUMMARY

[0004] This specification describes a smart net, methods of manufacturing a smart net, systems that use a smart net, methods that use sensor data from smart nets, for games or sports that involve balls or other objects (e.g., shuttlecocks) that are hit, kicked, headed or thrown by players. Using sensors within its strings, the smart net described by this specification can be used to determine information about a position of a ball. Because the sensors are placed within the strings of the smart net, the smart net can be unobtrusive and can be used to determine shot placements with accuracy, and in real-time or near real-time to a shot or play being made.

[0005] In general, an aspect disclosed herein is a smart sports net for net-based sports. The smart sports net includes a sports net that includes one or more strands that are woven into a pattern; one or more sensors that are combined with at least some of the one or more strands. The smart sports includes a controller in data communication with the one or more sensors, the controller operable to perform steps including: receive sensor data from at least one of the one or more sensors; and determine, using at least some of the sensor data and in response to an object interacting with the sports net, a shot parameter.

[0006] Examples may include one or more of the following features. The one or more sensors can be disposed within the one or more strands. The one or more strands can be the one or more sensors. The pattern has a dimension that is smaller than the object. The one or more sensors may include sensors that output sensor data that indicate a deformation of at least one sensor of the one or more sensors, and the controller may be configured to determine the shot parameter based on the indication of the deformation of the at least one sensor. The sports net may include an emitter configured to emit a signal, and where at least one of the one or more sensors is a receiver configured to receive the emitted signal, where the sensor data may include an indication that the receiver ceases to receive the emitted signal, and the controller may be configured to determine the shot parameter using the indication that the receiver ceases to receive the emitted signal. The sports net may include an interface configured to provide the data communication between the controller and the one or more sensors. The controller may be configured to determine the shot parameter, which may include determining whether the shot was successful, a trajectory of the object, a location of a player who interacted with the object, a spin of the object, an arc of release of the object, or any combination of these.

[0007] In general, an aspect disclosed herein is a smart net adaptive kit. The smart net adaptive kit includes one or more sensors configured to be disposed within one or more of strands of a sports net; a controller in data communication with the one or more sensors, the controller operable to perform steps including: receive sensor data from one or more sensors that are placed within strings of the sports net; and determine, using at least some of the sensor data and in response to an object interacting with the sports net, a shot parameter.

[0008] Examples may include one or more of the following features. The kit may include a rim configured to provide an interface between the one or more sensors and the controller. The controller may be in data communication with the one or more sensors, the controller operable to perform steps including: receive different sensor data from the one or more different sensors, and determine, using at least some of the sensor data, at least some of the different sensor data, and in response to the object interacting with the sports net, the shot parameter.

[0009] In general, an aspect disclosed herein is a computer-implemented method performed on one or more processors, the method including receiving sensor data from one or more sensors that are combined with strings of a sports net; and determining, using at least some of the sensor data and in response to an object interacting with the sports net, a shot parameter.

[0010] Examples may include one or more of the following features. The method where the shot parameter may include whether the shot was successful, a shot direction, an incoming vector, a shot distance, an indication of contact, a ball velocity, a ball energy, a ball rotational speed, a shot location, a maximum shot height, or a launch angle. The one or more sensors may include electrical circuits, and where determining whether the shot was successful may include evaluating a change in electrical characteristic of electricity passing through the electrical circuits. The method may include determining locations associated with the sensors that can be placed within the strings of the net. The determining whether a shot was successful may be further based on the determined locations associated with the sensors. Determining the shot parameter may include providing the at least some of the sensor data to a machine learning model trained to determine the shot parameter using the at least some sensor data, and receiving, from the machine learning model, the shot parameter.

[0011] In general, an aspect disclosed herein is one or more computer storage media encoded with instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a method described herein.

[0012] In general, an aspect disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a smart net. The method includes obtaining string material; obtaining one or more sensors, combining the one or more sensors with the string material, and forming a sports net by intertwining the combined one or more sensors and the string material thus providing the smart net.

[0013] Examples may include one or more of the following features. The method may include obtaining a controller; configuring the controller to receive sensor data from the one or more sensors; and configuring the controller to determine, using at least some of the sensor data and in response to an object interacting with the sports net, a shot parameter.

[0014] The subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in various implementations and may result in one or more of the following advantages.

[0015] In some examples, the smart net described herein can determine information about a position of a ball with increased accuracy compared to visual confirmation. This provides increased confidence in determining whether the ball has crossed a positional threshold, e.g., into or through the net, or into or out of bounds. This provides increased accuracy and reliability in scoring and refereeing the game in which the smart net is employed.

[0016] In some examples, the smart net described herein can include sensors placed within the strings of the smart net. This provides a smart net which can be unobtrusive, e.g., does not affect standard game play. This can reduce opportunities in which the sensor interferes with gameplay. This can increase the immersion of spectators and reduce obstructive visual sensing elements during gameplay.

[0017] In some examples, the smart net described herein can be used to determine object position in real-time, or near real-time. This provides reduced gameplay down-time in which a person, e.g., a referee, or a contender, may be required to judge the potential position of the object to determine an outcome.

[0018] In some examples, the smart net described herein can be placed in player equipment. This can provide increased accuracy in determining the position of a player, or determining whether a player has touched or is in possession of an object.

[0019] In some examples, the smart net described herein can be placed in protection netting.

[0020] This can provide increased accuracy in determining whether an object has left a playing surface, is traveling on a particular trajectory, or is endangering a spectator.

[0021] In some examples, the smart net described herein can be used to generate statistics. This can provide increased feedback for a team or individual to quickly identify areas for improvement, or aid in the rapid development of skills.

[0022] In some examples, the smart net described herein can optionally replace or augment less reliable sensors. This can increase instances of sensing applications using fewer computational resources and with less power.

[0023] The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a user playing a ball sport utilizing a smart shot count system.

[0025] FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of the smart shot count system.

[0026] FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of a smart net string.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a flow chart diagram of a method of determining a shot parameter.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a flow chart diagram of a method of manufacturing a smart net.

[0029] In the figures, like references indicate like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Using sensors within its strings, the smart net described by this specification can be used to determine information about a position of a ball, for example whether a ball is within or has passed through a goal or scoring zone, or whether a ball has touched or avoided an obstacle or a playing surface. The smart net can be positioned at or near a goal, obstacle, a playing surface, a boundary, player equipment, or any other location where nets are traditionally used with ball sports. Because the sensors are placed within the strings of the smart net, the smart net can be unobtrusive and can be used to determine shot placements with accuracy, and in real-time or near real-time to a shot or play being made.

[0031] In some examples, the smart net can be placed at a goal, and can be used to determine whether shots that are made on the goal are successful or unsuccessful. In some examples, the smart net can be used to determine where a shot was placed with respect to the smart net, e.g., within, without, from a side, from the top, or from the bottom, or whether the ball contacted a rim before the net. If a shot is detected by a different component, the smart net can also detect that the shot missed the goal entirely.

[0032] In other examples, the smart net can be placed in player equipment, e.g., webbing of a lacrosse stick or the strings of a racquet and can be used to determine whether a player has touched or is in possession of a ball. In additional examples, the smart net can be placed in spectator protection netting and can be used to determine if a ball has left a playing surface or is traveling on a particular trajectory. In any case, the smart net can be used to generate individual or team statistics and can provide spectators with immediate feedback regarding the success or failure of made shots.

[0033] The ability to quickly and accurately measure the performance of shots using the smart net can allow players, spectators and / or coaches to assess the performance of players or teams and can aid in the development of skills. Because its sensors are placed within the strings of the smart net, the smart net can look no different than a standard net and can mimic the playability and general “look and feel” of standard nets. The smart net can optionally replace or augment other less reliable sensors, e.g., mechanical switches, and can be used to generate accurate classifications using fewer computational resources and with less power.

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates an example smart basketball system 100. Briefly, the smart basketball system 100 includes a backboard 106, a rim 104 and a smart net 102.

[0035] The backboard 106 can be a standard backboard or a smart backboard, e.g., a backboard 106 that includes a computer processor, display and / or ball or player tracking sensors, among other components. The backboard 106 can provide an external power and / or a data connection to the smart net 102 or to a smart rim 104.

[0036] The backboard 106 can be supported by a pole or other support and can draw power from an electrical connection on the pole. Power can be provided by an integrated power connection on the pole, or by running cables up the outside of a pole. The pole can be a conventional support, or a smart pole or smart support.

[0037] The rim 104 is attached to the backboard 106. In general, a rim 104 (or “hoop”) is circular, is typically made of metal, and has an opening through which the ball 20 passes when a successful shot is made. The rim 104 can be a standard basketball rim 104 or a smart rim 104 that houses a computer processor, sensors and / or a power supply, and that includes an optional interface for exchanging data and / or providing power to or from a smart net 102 or a smart backboard 106.

[0038] The rim 104 can be a basketball rim that is configured to deflect, e.g., deflect in one or more directions in response to external forces on the rim 104. For example, the rim 104 can include a hinge and one or more springs that facilitate deflection of the rim 104 in multiple degrees of freedom. In some embodiments, the rim 104 can be a breakaway rim that can bend and flex in response to impacts and forces at the rim 104 and returns to a resting horizontal position after the impact or force is released. The hinge can include a ball and socket, or a gimbal, and at least one spring (e.g., two, three, or more springs) positioned in or near a base of the rim 104. The hinge can facilitate a connection between a fixed portion of the rim (e.g., at an interface with a backboard) and a flexible portion of the rim (e.g., extending from the backboard).

[0039] The smart net 102 is attached to the rim 104 by attaching loops of the net 102 to connection points on the rim 104. The location of the connection points on the rim 104 may be customized to align with the position of the loops of the smart net 102, and / or the connection points may be located to align with the loops of standard nets.

[0040] The smart net 102 can include one string 118 or multiple strings. In some examples, each string 118 is formed from multiple individual strands, e.g. woven from multiple fibers, e.g. extruded as individual strands. In some examples, the strings 118 include an exterior, visible surface, and a hollow or solid core. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the smart net 102 is made of up multiple strings 118 that are woven together to form the loops, e.g., a mesh of strings. In this example, the majority of the loops are roughly diamond shaped or triangle shaped.

[0041] In some embodiments, the string 118 is formed from a material which is used for sports. The material can be flexible which can absorb energy from an object interacting with a net material. The material can be durable to provide a long lifespan of the string 118 over multiple games of the sport. The material can be synthetic or natural materials. In some examples, the material can be nylon, polyester, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene (PP).

[0042] The smart net 102 includes multiple sensors 116 (shown with references to FIGS. 2A and 2B) that are placed at least partially within the strings 118 themselves (e.g., within the material of the strings 118, within the fibers 114 of each string 118, and / or within the core of each string 118). From its outside appearance, each string 118 can be made to look like a string of a standard net such that, when the strings 118 are woven together, the smart net 102 looks like and retains the physical characteristics of a standard basketball net. Alternatively, the string can be made to look differently than a string of a standard net, to showcase to players and others that the net is a smart net.

[0043] Sensors 116 which can be woven into the net 102 include stress, strain, deflection, acceleration, or pressure sensors. Some examples include piezoelectric strain sensors or strain gauge sensors. For example, the smart net 102 may be suspended from the rim by multiple fasteners, e.g., catches or couplers. A strain gauge sensor mounted to determine a linear force applied to several fasteners by individual strands of the smart net 102 can generate a signal when an object is passing through the net 102. The controller 108 receiving multiple strain signals from the net 102 can determine an approximate direction the object is passing through the net 102 by comparing the respective signals from individual strain gauges.

[0044] In some examples, the sensors 116 or the strands themselves are made of a smart material whose electrical characteristics change under stress or when deformed or elongated. In other examples, the sensor 116 is a circuit that is formed by weaving, intertwining, or both, an electrically conductive smart material through, around, or both, the woven strands of a net 102. The smart net 102 may receive power and / or may supply data through an interface 110 with a smart shot counting rim 104, a smart backboard 106, a smart net 102 support, or through some other component. Alternatively, the smart net 102 may be supplied with power via an internal battery. The movement of the smart net 102 during gameplay may be harvested to power the smart net 102 and / or its sensors 116.

[0045] In some examples, a smart rim 104 includes other sensors 116. These sensors 116 can be mounted externally to the smart rim 104 or can be enclosed within a cross-section of the smart rim 104. The arrangement of the sensors 116 within the rim 104 can provide increased protection to the sensors 116.

[0046] In some examples, the sensors may not affect, e.g., may not substantially affect, the sensory experiences of the smart net 102. In some examples, the sensors may or may not be visible when looking at the smart net 102, may or may not be felt when holding the smart net 102, or a combination of these. In some examples, the sensors may not affect the structural characteristics of the smart net 102. The sensors may not affect the stretch, the flexibility, the rigidity, the elasticity, or the weight of the smart net 102, or a combination of these. The sensors may be active sensors, e.g., sensors that are configured to broadcast or transmit sensed information and / or identity information, or the sensors may be passive sensors. The sensors may be connected to a power source such as a battery, or they may be powered wirelessly when energized by an external power source.

[0047] Sensors which can be mounted to the rim 104, e.g., which provide sensor 116, include acoustic sensors, optical interrupters, motion sensors (e.g., IR or microwave motion sensors), LIDAR, or radar (e.g., millimeter wave radar). The sensors can be arranged to define a plane such that an object passing through the plane is detected.

[0048] The smart net 102 may include an interface to connect the sensors of the smart net 102 with a data or power connection on a smart rim 104 or smart backboard 106, or with another wired or wireless interface via the pole. The interface may be shrouded so as to look like a string 118 of the net 102. In other implementations, the smart net 102 is wireless, and communicates data without a wired data and / or power connection.

[0049] The interface can be a module that enables the smart net 102 to communicate over a local wireless network. Other types of short-range wireless communication protocols, such as 900 MHz wireless communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, Z-wave, Zigbee, Matter, or any other appropriate type of wireless communication, can be used to allow the smart net 102 to communicate with one or more other devices of the smart basketball system 100, e.g., the smart backboard 106, one or more other the smart nets, a controller, or a combination of these. In some implementations, the smart net 102 can communicate with one or more other the devices through a network, e.g., the internet.

[0050] In FIG. 1, a player 10 shoots a ball 20 toward the smart basketball system 100. The ball 20 passes through the rim 104 and the smart net 102 that is attached beneath the rim 104. The smart net 102 communicates signals indicative of the shot to a controller 108 (e.g., a controller 108 within the rim 104 or backboard 106, or external to the basketball system 100). These signals can reflect changes to properties of the strings 118 that occurred when the ball passed through the rim 104 and smart net 102, such as elongation, contraction or deformation of the strings 118, changes in relative or absolute locations of different parts of the strings 118 over time, pressure applied to the strings 118, (e.g., air pressure or contact pressure), changes in electric or magnetic field, or other measurements. The signals can reflect changes of proximity between various sensors that are within the strings.

[0051] Based at least in part on the signals communicated by the smart net 102, the controller 108 determines one or more shot parameters. In some examples, shot parameters can include a make, miss, trajectory, a location of a player who interacted with the ball, a time of release of the ball, a spin of the ball, an arc of release of the ball, whether the shot was successful, whether the shot missed the smart net 102, or a combination of these, among others.

[0052] Such a determination may involve applying these signals which can include one or more shot parameters to a machine learning model that was trained using similar signals including the shot parameters, e.g., successful and unsuccessful shots. The controller 108 can instruct an interface 110 to display information indicative of the shot parameter, e.g., at least one of a successful or not successful shot, and / or to output shot statistics. In this manner, the system can aid in the determination of successful shots in the sport in which the system is being employed. The machine learning models can be universal models, or they can be specific to characteristics of a particular ball, backboard, pole, rim, player or team, location, environment, and / or other factors.

[0053] In the situation where any component of the basketball system 100 other than the smart net 102 is also a smart device, the smart net 102 can work independently of that other smart device or can work in combination with that other smart device, and the other smart device can work independently of the smart net 102. Combining a smart net 102 with another smart device of a basketball system 100 may provide functionality that might not be possible from use of each device alone. A smart rim that uses a smart net may, for example, be able to determine shot parameters, e.g., as successful or not successful with greater accuracy, or may be able to assign an idiomatic description to the shot, such as “swish!”

[0054] FIG. 2A depicts another example system 100 which includes a smart net 102 that is attached to a rim 104. Like standard nets, the smart net 102 can include strings 118 (or “strands”) that are made from natural or artificial fibers 114 that are woven together, and the strings 118 themselves can be woven together in grid pattern to form a weave of the net 102. The strings 118 can be woven fibers, plastic, chain, wire or other appropriate material. In general, the pattern has a dimension, e.g., a diameter, which is smaller than the ball 20.

[0055] The smart net 102 includes sensors 116 which can determine the presence of an object near or adjacent to the rim 104 or net 102, or that generate data that can be used to determine the presence of an object near or adjacent to the rim 104 or net 102. The sensor 116 generate signals indicative of a presence of the object and relay the signals to the controller 108 in a smart rim 104 or smart backboard 106 or elsewhere. In other implementations, reflectors are placed within the net 102, and a sensor, e.g., a radar, which is external to the smart net 102 can use measurements that indicate the strength or timing of reflections of electromagnetic energy from those reflectors in the same way as the sensor data was described above.

[0056] In some examples, the sensor 116 are integrated, e.g., embedded, woven, surrounding, or otherwise placed, fully or partially, with the strings 118 of the net 102. This can include sensor 116 that are woven, sewn or otherwise placed into the interior of the strings 118 before or after the strings 118 are woven into a smart net 102. The sensor 116 can be independent of each other or can be connected to each other so as to form a circuit, e.g., an electrical circuit. Sensor 116 in one string 118 of the net 102 can be connected to sensor 116 of other strings of the net 102. Different smart nets can also interface with each other.

[0057] The smart net 102 functions as a standard net within the context of a game or sport that is being played, such as functioning as a visual indicator. For example, in the games of basketball and football (e.g., soccer), the movement of a net can be used to help players interpret whether a shot was successful or unsuccessful, e.g., a visual scoring indicator. In tennis, the movement of a net can indicate that a ball was too low or that a player caused a foul, e.g., a visual foul indicator. The sensor 116 woven into the smart net 102 can exhibit the same or similar free motion as standard nets for a given sport or game.

[0058] FIG. 2A also illustrates an exploded view (inset A) of one string 118 of the smart net 102. In this view a sensor 116 (grey) is placed within the fibers 114 (white) of the strings 118 of the net 102. The illustrated placement of the sensor 116 into the net 102 is exemplary and other weave patterns can be implemented. By including lower cost sensor 116 within the strings 118 of a net 102, the cost of a net 102 can be comparable to that of a traditional net and can be cheaper and less complex than a net that relies solely on external sensors such as accelerometers.

[0059] One non-limiting example of the sensor 116 is a fiber-optic cable. In such an example, a light signal can be propagated through the sensor 116. Changes in the light signal as the sensors 116 move can be analyzed to determine changes in one or more parameters of the signal, such as a change in polarization, intensity, wavelength, color, or interference pattern.

[0060] In other implementations the strings 118 themselves are the sensors. As shown in FIG. 2B, in such an example, the strings 118a are entirely composed of sensors 116, e.g., no natural fibers or non-sensing fibers, e.g., the strings 118 are woven from fibers that are sensors. This could include a net that is composed of shielded cabling, e.g., coated wires or shielded fiber optic cables. As the strings 118 stretch and contract, the electrical properties, e.g., resistance, capacitance, inductance, current flow, of the fibers which make up the strings 118 change. The strings 118a may include components which provide processing or sensing capabilities to the strings 118a, e.g., a processor, or transitory or non-transitory memory. These changes in the signals can be used to determine one or more shot parameters of the ball, such as the presence of the ball.

[0061] Returning again to FIG. 2A, one non-limiting example of the sensor 116 is a metallic cable, or wire, e.g., a conductive wire. In such an example, an electromagnetic signal can be propagated through the sensor 116. Changes in the electromagnetic signal as the sensors 116 move can be analyzed to determine changes in one or more parameters of the signal, such as a change in field, intensity, or polarization.

[0062] One non-limiting example of the sensor 116 is a proximity sensor. In such an example, the sensor 116 may sense surrounding sensors from the net 102 or may sense the proximity of the ball 20 as it approaches.

[0063] While FIG. 2A illustrates the sensor 116 having a uniform thickness throughout the string 118, in other implementations the sensor 116 has a varying thickness. In additional implementations, the sensor 116 does not extend the length of the string 118 as illustrated. In further examples, the smart net 102 can include different types of sensors including sensors 116 within the strings 118 of the net 102 and optionally sensors that are not within the strings 118 of the net 102. In additional examples, the strings 118 can include wires that are not sensors that connect the sensors 116 to each other or to an external interface 110. Antennas may also be woven into the strings 118 to improve the quality of wireless connections.

[0064] In some examples, the location of different sensors 116 in the rim 104 and in the smart net 102 is known to the controller 108 and can aid in the interpretation of the sensor data. Sensor data generated by the smart net 102 can supplement the data generated by the smart rim 104, e.g. to increase the accuracy of classifications made by a smart rim 104.

[0065] For example, the rim 104 includes an optical interrupter sensor can include an emitter 120 and a receiver 122. The emitter 120 emits a signal and the receiver 122 detects the signal. The signal is not received by the receiver 122 if an object is between the emitter 120 and the receiver 122. In such case, the controller 108 receives the notification of a lack of signal from the optical interrupter and determines that an object is between the emitter 120 and the receiver 122.

[0066] The controller 108 receives the signals from the sensors 116 from the smart net 102 and optionally in the smart rim 104. The controller 108 compares the received signals to one or more criteria to determine whether a shot was successful. The controller 108 can store in non-tangible media a library of criteria based on the types of sensors installed in the net 102 and / or rim.

[0067] The controller 108 receives the signals from the sensors 116 of the smart net 102 and optionally from the smart rim 104 and can determine one or more parameters about the shot, e.g., the interaction between the smart rim 104, the smart net 102, or both, and the ball 20.

[0068] Shot parameters which the controller 108 can be programmed to determine include shot direction relative to the smart net 102 and / or smart rim 104 (e.g., incoming vector, originating from left, right), shot distance relative to the smart net 102 and / or smart rim 104 (e.g., long, short), contact between the ball and the smart net 102 and / or smart rim 104 (e.g., a perfect swish, e.g., a net-only shot), ball velocity, ball energy, ball rotational speed). Other examples of useful shot and / or player 10 statistics can be determined or estimated using these values, such as where the shot was taken from on the court (e.g., the field of play), maximum height of ball, or launch angle.

[0069] In one example, the controller 108 receives a signal from the sensor 116 indicative of an object passing between the emitter and receiver. The controller 108 receives multiple signals from sensors 116 mounted between the rim 104 and the smart net 102 indicative of an object traveling downward through the smart net 102. The controller 108 uses the downward signal from the smart net 102 and the object passage signal from the interrupter and determines that an object passed through both the rim 104 and the net 102. In some examples, the controller 108 compares a time stamp from the rim sensor to a time stamp from the net 102 sensor 116 and determines whether the signal from the rim 104 was received before the signal from the net 102 sensor 116. In such cases, the controller 108 can determine that an object passed through the rim 104, and then the smart net 102.

[0070] In some examples, the ball 20 includes a component to which the sensor 116 and / or the smart net 102 are capable of detecting. This can include a reflective surface, a lightweight magnet or RFID tag.

[0071] Upon determination of the object passing through the rim 104 and then the smart net 102, the controller 108 sends a signal indicative of a successful shot to an interface 110 in communication with the controller 108. The interface 110 receives the signal and displays a notification indicative of a successful shot, and optionally a characterization of the type of shot that was made. In another example, the controller 108 receives a signal from the rim 104 but does not receive a signal from the net 102. The controller 108 can determine that an unsuccessful shot occurred and send a signal indicative of a failed shot to the interface 110. The interface 110 receives the signal and displays a notification indicative of a successful shot. The interface may be a device that is used or worn by a player, timekeeper, umpire, referee, or spectator, among other users.

[0072] The controller 108 can send and receive information from the interface 110, such as information input by a user. In one example, the user inputs a player 10 identification such that the controller 108 associates shot information with the player 10. In this manner, the controller can store, process, or communicate the shot information associated with the player. For example, the controller 108 can receive a player 10 identification and, for a pre-determined or user-determined time period, store shot information and associate the information with the player 10. In some instances, the controller 108 determines statistics based on the shot information and associates the statistics with the player 10. The controller 108 can then store, process, or communicate the statistics associated with the player 10. Examples of statistics include averages, deviations, timings, or percentages, of the shots undertaken by the player 10. The statistics can be calculated using any of the player 10, or shot, information disclosed herein.

[0073] In some examples, the controller 108 includes a machine learning algorithm which receives the signals from the smart net 102 and the rim 104, processes the signals, and returns a success determination, e.g., successful or not successful. The machine learning algorithm can be pre-trained or can be trained by the controller 108 and / or the user through interaction with the interface 110.

[0074] Examples of where the controller 108 can be installed include, but are not limited to, within the rim, on the backboard 106, between the rim and the indicator, or within the indicator.

[0075] Disclosed herein are methods of determining shot characteristics using a smart net system, such as the system 100 described herein. The methods can be stored and implemented by the controller 108 using sensor data from the smart net 102, the rim 104, or both. FIG. 3 is a flow chart diagram depicting a method 300 for determining whether a shot was successful.

[0076] Sensor data is received from one or more sensors strings of a net (step 302). The sensors may be placed within strings of the net, such as sensors 116 within the strings 118 of FIG. 2A. A controller of the system can receive the sensor data from the sensors.

[0077] A shot parameter is determined based at least in part on the sensor data (step 304). The controller of the system can determine shot parameters such as an object traveling through a smart net of the system, a make, miss, trajectory, player location, ball release, spin, arc of release, whether the shot was successful or not successful, including whether the shot missed the goal entirely, or a combination of these.

[0078] Optionally, the one or more sensors include electrical circuits, and determining whether the shot was successful can include evaluating a change in electrical characteristic of electricity passing through the electrical circuits.

[0079] Optionally, the controller provides the sensor data to a machine learning model. The machine learning model can be trained to determine a shot parameter from the sensor data. The machine learning model can provide the shot parameter to the controller following the determination.

[0080] FIG. 4 is a flow chart diagram depicting a method 306 for manufacturing a smart net.

[0081] String material is obtained (step 308). The string material can be any described as used in the strings 118 described herein.

[0082] Sensors are obtained (step 310). The sensors can be any described herein, e.g., sensors 116. The sensors can be a smart material which whose electrical characteristics change under stress, e.g., when deformed or elongated. In other examples, the sensors create a circuit that is formed by weaving (e.g., intertwining, or both) an electrically conductive smart material through (e.g., around, or both) the woven strands of the sports net.

[0083] One or more sensors are combined with the strings (step 312). The one or more sensors can be provided by the sensors 116 described herein. The one or more sensors can be entwined with, intertwined with, woven with, placed within, disposed within, or a combination of these, the string material.

[0084] A smart net is formed by intertwining the combined sensors and (step 314), such as the smart net 102 described herein.

[0085] Optionally, the method 306 includes obtaining a controller. In some examples, the method 306 includes configuring the controller to receive data from the one or more sensors of the sensor strings, and configuring the controller to determine, using at least some of the sensor data and in response to an object interacting with the sports net, a shot parameter.

[0086] The above description uses basketball as an example sport to which the shot counting system can be applied. However, other sports and detection modes can be realized with the associated description. For example, the system can be applied to any net-based scoring games, such as a soccer goal, a hockey goal, a field hockey goal, a tennis net, or personal goals for at-home use. In some examples, the system can determine at what point a projectile struck the net, or for determining possession in a sport match. For example, the netting in a lacrosse stick may determine the presence or absence of a ball, or a tennis net may determine whether a strike occurred and / or at what location the net was struck.

[0087] While the smart net has been described above using the example of a basketball net, the smart net may be implemented in any object that involves strings or fibers that intersect and / or are woven together. In this regard, the smart net described by this specification can be implemented in a textile, in webbing, or in the strings of a racquet. The smart net could also be used in contexts other than sports as well, for example as in a safety net, skimmer, handheld collection net, a net gun, a pressure-sensing occupancy sensor, or filter. Further, where this specification uses the example of a ball, the smart net can detect the presence or impingement of any other object, such as a shuttlecock, puck, toy, frisbee, human body or body part, animal or other living thing, machine, hacky sack, arrow, pin, dart, discus, javelin, log or stick, doll, stone, or any other object.

[0088] The following disclosure is an example computer system which can provide one or more components of the example system 100 described here, e.g., the controller 108. For example, the system includes a processor, a memory, a storage device, and one or more input / output interface devices. Each of the components can be interconnected, for example, using a system bus.

[0089] The processor is capable of processing instructions for execution within the system. The term “execution” as used here refers to a technique in which program code causes a processor to carry out one or more processor instructions. The processor is capable of processing instructions stored in the memory or on the storage device.

[0090] The memory stores information within the system. In some implementations, the memory is a computer-readable medium. In some implementations, the memory is a volatile memory unit. In some implementations, the memory is a non-volatile memory unit.

[0091] An input / output interface devices provide input / output operations for the system. In some implementations, the input / output interface devices can include one or more of a network interface devices, e.g., an Ethernet interface, a serial communication device, e.g., an RS-232 interface, and / or a wireless interface device, e.g., an 802.11 interface, a 3G wireless modem, a 4G wireless modem, etc.

[0092] The term “system” may encompass all apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers.

[0093] Computer readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile or volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks.

Claims

1. A smart sports net for net-based sports comprising:a sports net that includes one or more strands that are woven into a pattern;one or more sensors that are combined with at least some of the one or more strands; anda controller in data communication with the one or more sensors, the controller operable to perform steps including:receive sensor data from at least one of the one or more sensors; anddetermine, using at least some of the sensor data and in response to an object interacting with the sports net, a shot parameter.

2. The sports net of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are disposed within the one or more strands.

3. The sports net of claim 1, wherein the one or more strands are the one or more sensors.

4. The sports net of claim 1, wherein the pattern has a dimension that is smaller than the object.

5. The sports net of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors comprise sensors that output sensor data that indicate a deformation of at least one sensor of the one or more sensors, and the controller is configured to determine the shot parameter based on the indication of the deformation of the at least one sensor.

6. The sports net of claim 1, wherein the sports net comprises an emitter configured to emit a signal, and wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is a receiver configured to receive the emitted signal, wherein the sensor data comprises an indication that the receiver ceases to receive the emitted signal, and the controller is configured to determine the shot parameter using the indication that the receiver ceases to receive the emitted signal.

7. The sports net of claim 1, comprising an interface configured to provide the data communication between the controller and the one or more sensors.

8. The sports net of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine the shot parameter comprises determining whether the shot was successful, a trajectory of the object, a location of a player who interacted with the object, a spin of the object, an arc of release of the object, or any combination of these.

9. A smart net adaptive kit, comprising:one or more sensors configured to be disposed within one or more of strands of a sports net; anda controller in data communication with the one or more sensors, the controller operable to perform steps including:receive sensor data from one or more sensors that are placed within strings of the sports net; anddetermine, using at least some of the sensor data and in response to an object interacting with the sports net, a shot parameter.

10. The kit of claim 9, further comprising a rim configured to provide an interface between the one or more sensors and the controller.

11. The kit of claim 10, comprising one or more different sensors configured to combine with the rim and the controller, wherein the controller is in data communication with the one or more sensors, the controller operable to perform steps including:receive different sensor data from the one or more different sensors, anddetermine, using at least some of the sensor data, at least some of the different sensor data, and in response to the object interacting with the sports net, the shot parameter.

12. A computer-implemented method performed on one or more processors, comprising:receiving sensor data from one or more sensors that are combined with strings of a sports net; anddetermining, using at least some of the sensor data and in response to an object interacting with the sports net, a shot parameter.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the shot parameter comprises whether the shot was successful, a shot direction, an incoming vector, a shot distance, an indication of contact, a ball velocity, a ball energy, a ball rotational speed, a shot location, a maximum shot height, or a launch angle.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more sensors comprise electrical circuits, and wherein determining whether the shot was successful comprises evaluating a change in electrical characteristic of electricity passing through the electrical circuits.

15. The method of claim 13, comprising determining locations associated with the sensors that are placed within the strings of the net.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the determining whether a shot was successful is further based on the determined locations associated with the sensors.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein determining the shot parameter comprises providing the at least some of the sensor data to a machine learning model trained to determine the shot parameter using the at least some sensor data, and receiving, from the machine learning model, the shot parameter.

18. One or more computer storage media encoded with instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of claim 12.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising:obtaining string material;obtaining the one or more sensors;combining the one or more sensors with the string material; andforming the sports net by intertwining the combined one or more sensors and the string material thus providing a smart net.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprisingobtaining a controller;configuring the controller to receive sensor data from the one or more sensors; andconfiguring the controller to determine, using at least some of the sensor data and in response to an object interacting with the sports net, a shot parameter.

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