Smart basketball

Abstract

A smart basketball is used to be electrically connected to a server and includes a sphere and a chipset. The chipset is located in the sphere, and includes a tracking and positioning unit, a gyroscope and a transmission unit. The tracking and positioning unit is used for generating a position data of the smart basketball. The gyroscope is used for generating a rotation data of the smart basketball. The transmission unit is electrically connected to the tracking and positioning unit, the gyroscope and the server, and is used for transmitting the position data and the rotation data to the server.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of Application No. 114107140 filed in Taiwan on February 26, 2025 under 35 U.S.C. § 119, the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a smart basketball, particularly to a smart basketball that allows players to conveniently record detailed exercise data during basketball games.

[0003] Basketball is widely popular around the world; however, traditional basketball data mainly serves the purpose of sports competition and lacks the ability to track and analyze data such as player movement, speed, and rotation. Athletes or coaches who wish to record such data often need to rely on manual observation and recording or video analysis, but manual observation and recording are not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also prone to errors and difficult to maintain over long periods. Furthermore, they cannot provide comprehensive data analysis. While video analysis can provide image recordings, it usually requires significant time for manual marking and analysis, and the extraction of detailed data such as ball rotation, speed, and force remains inaccurate.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a smart basketball that can comprehensively and real-time record and analyze the athletic data of players when they shoot baskets, became a worthy topic for discussion.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The main object of this present invention is to provide a smart basketball that allows players to conveniently record detailed exercise data during basketball games.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a smart basketball of the present invention is used for electrically connecting to a server. The smart basketball includes a sphere and a chipset. The chipset is located in the sphere, and the chipset includes a tracking and positioning unit, a gyroscope, and a transmission unit. The tracking and positioning unit is used for generating the position data of the smart basketball. The gyroscope is used for generating the rotation data of the smart basketball. The transmission unit is electrically connected to the tracking and positioning unit, the gyroscope, and the server, and is used for transmitting the position data and rotation data to the server.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this present invention, the sphere further includes a cover and a carcass, the cover covers the carcass, and the chipset is located between the cover and the carcass.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this present invention, the chipset further includes an accelerometer sensor, the accelerometer sensor is electrically connected to the transmission unit.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this present invention, the accelerometer sensor is used for generating an acceleration data of the smart basketball.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this present invention, the transmission unit is further used for transmitting the acceleration data to the server.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this present invention, the chipset further includes a memory, and the memory is electrically connected to the transmission unit.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this present invention, the chipset further includes a battery, and the battery is electrically connected to the tracking and positioning unit, the gyroscope, the accelerometer sensor, the memory and the transmission unit.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a system structure diagram of a smart basketball and a server according to one embodiment of the present invention.DETAILD DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0016] To further understand the technical content of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is specifically described as follows.

[0017] Please refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 for the smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a system structure diagram of a smart basketball and a server according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a smart basketball 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention allows players to conveniently record detailed sports data while playing basketball. The smart basketball 1 is electrically connected to a server 900. The server 900 is set up on the network, and the server 900 is, for example, a server host of a sports application (APP). The server 900 can analyze the player’s sports data and transmit the data to a smartphone that has installed the corresponding sports APP. The smart basketball 1 includes a sphere 10 and a chipset 20.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sphere 10 is provided for a player to use in athletic activities, such as dribbling, shooting, passing, and other movements. The sphere 10 includes a cover 11, a carcass 12, a winding 13, and a bladder 14. The cover 11 forms the outermost layer of the sphere 10, the outer surface has fine particles to provide friction, and the material may be genuine leather, rubber, or synthetic leather. The cover 11 covers the carcass 12. The carcass 12 is a supporting structure made of rubber. The winding 13 is located inside the carcass 12 and is formed by uniformly wound nylon threads or cloth layers, the winding 13 is used for protecting the bladder. The bladder 14 is the innermost layer of the sphere 10 and is made of rubber. However, the cover 11, carcass 12, winding 13, and bladder 14 are conventional basketball structures and do not constitute the focus of the present invention; therefore, they will not be further elaborated.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the chipset 20 is located between the cover 11 and the carcass 12. In this way, when a player uses the smart basketball 1 in play, the cover 11 can also protect the chipset 20 from being damaged by external collisions or compressions with the ground or basketball hoop. However, the location of the chipset 20 is not limited to the above. The chipset 20 may be designed to be placed at any internal position covered by the cover 11 without contacting the exterior, such as between the winding 13 and the carcass 12. The chipset 20 includes a tracking and positioning unit 21, a gyroscope 22, an accelerometer sensor 23, a memory 24, a transmission unit 25, a processor 26, and a battery 27.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tracking and positioning unit 21 may be, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip. The tracking and positioning unit 21 is used for positioning the smart basketball 1, precisely tracking the location of the smart basketball 1 on the court to determine its current position, record its movement trajectory, and generate position data of the smart basketball 1. The gyroscope 22 can sense the current rotational speed and direction of the smart basketball 1, such as whether it is stationary, being thrown in any direction, rotating at how many revolutions per second, and the orientation of its axis of rotation, thereby generating rotation data of the smart basketball 1. The accelerometer sensor 23 is used for sensing the current acceleration of the smart basketball 1, and generating acceleration data of the smart basketball 1, which can then be used to calculate speed, impact force, and other parameters, such as the strength of dribbling or the initial velocity of a shot. Through the combined operation of the tracking and positioning unit 21, the gyroscope 22, and the accelerometer sensor 23, the position and movement of the smart basketball 1 can be comprehensively detected, thus producing detailed sports data of the smart basketball 1.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the memory 24 is used for storing the position data, the rotation data, and the acceleration data generated respectively by the tracking and positioning unit 21, the gyroscope 22, and the accelerometer sensor 23, for subsequent transmission to the server 900.

[0023] The transmission unit 25, for example, may be a network chip. The transmission unit 25 is electrically connected to the tracking and positioning unit 21, the gyroscope 22, the accelerometer sensor 23, the memory 24, and the server 900, and is used for transmitting the position data, rotation data, and acceleration data stored in the memory 24 to the server 900 via the network. The processor 26, for example a central processor chip, is used for controlling and coordinating the operation of the tracking and positioning unit 21, the gyroscope 22, the accelerometer sensor 23, the memory 24, and the transmission unit 25. The battery 27, for example, may be a wirelessly rechargeable battery. In this way, even if the chipset 20 and its battery 27 are fully covered by the cover 11 without external contact, the smart basketball 1 can be placed on a wireless charging dock and charged via wireless charging technology. The battery 27 is electrically connected to the tracking and positioning unit 21, the gyroscope 22, the accelerometer sensor 23, the memory 24, and the transmission unit 25. The battery 27 supplies electrical power to the tracking and positioning unit 21, the gyroscope 22, the accelerometer sensor 23, the memory 24, the transmission unit 25, and the processor 26, thereby enabling these components to function properly.

[0024] When a player wants to use the smart basketball 1 of the present invention to record sports data during play, the player only needs to use the smart basketball 1 in a normal manner. The tracking and positioning unit 21 will automatically position the smart basketball 1 to determine its current location and generate position data of the smart basketball 1. The gyroscope 22 will automatically sense the current direction of the smart basketball 1, such as whether it is stationary, thrown in any direction, or rotating, and will generate rotation data of the smart basketball 1. The accelerometer sensor 23 will automatically sense the current acceleration of the smart basketball 1 and will generate acceleration data of the smart basketball 1.

[0025] The position data generated by the tracking and positioning unit 21, the rotation data generated by the gyroscope 22, and the acceleration data generated by the accelerometer sensor 23 are all stored in the memory 24. The transmission unit 25 then transmits the position data, rotation data, and acceleration data stored in the memory 24 to the server 900 via the network. After receiving the position data, rotation data, and acceleration data, the server 900 analyzes the movement trajectory of the smart basketball 1, including dribbling paths, shooting paths, passing paths, and so on. From these trajectories, further analysis can be performed on the player’s dribbling, shooting, and passing techniques and handling characteristics. The movement trajectories, shooting paths, passing paths, as well as the corresponding analysis of skills and touch derived by the server 900 can then be transmitted to the player’s smartphone with the corresponding sports application installed. This enables the player to review their own sports performance and make adjustments to their basketball training methods accordingly. It should be noted that the transmission unit 25 is designed such that only after the tracking and positioning unit 21, the gyroscope 22, and the accelerometer sensor 23 all detect that the smart basketball 1 has remained stationary for a period of time (indicating the player has stopped playing), will it transmit the position data, rotation data, and acceleration data to the server 900. However, the transmission mode of the transmission unit 25 is not limited to this; it may also be configured to transmit data to the server 900 at specific intervals (for example, every 6 hours).

[0026] Via the structural design of the smart basketball 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the position and movement of the smart basketball 1 can be fully detected, so as to generate detailed sports data of the smart basketball 1 during play (for example, position data, rotation data, and acceleration data). This sports data is automatically transmitted and recorded to the server, which can then perform analysis. The player can conveniently connect their smartphone to the server to view their performance during play and easily adjust their basketball training method accordingly. The development of the smart basketball 1 will help improve athlete training efficiency, optimize coaching strategies, and promote the scientific development of basketball.

[0027] It should be noted that the above is merely an embodiment and not limited to the embodiment. For example, if it does not depart from the basic framework of the present invention, it should be within the scope of the claims of the present patent, and the scope of the patent application should be referred to.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]To further understand the technical content of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is specifically described as follows.

[0017]Please refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 for the smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a system structure diagram of a smart basketball and a server according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018]As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a smart basketball 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention allows players to conveniently record detailed sports data while playing basketball. The smart basketball 1 is electrically connected to a server 900. The server 900 is set up on the network, and the server 900 is, for example, a server host of a sports application (APP). The server 900 can an...

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of Application No. 114107140 filed in Taiwan on February 26, 2025 under 35 U.S.C. § 119, the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a smart basketball, particularly to a smart basketball that allows players to conveniently record detailed exercise data during basketball games.

[0003] Basketball is widely popular around the world; however, traditional basketball data mainly serves the purpose of sports competition and lacks the ability to track and analyze data such as player movement, speed, and rotation. Athletes or coaches who wish to record such data often need to rely on manual observation and recording or video analysis, but manual observation and recording are not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also prone to errors and difficult to maintain over long periods. Furthermore, they cannot provide comprehensive data analysis. While video analysis can provide image recordings, it usually requires significant time for manual marking and analysis, and the extraction of detailed data such as ball rotation, speed, and force remains inaccurate.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a smart basketball that can comprehensively and real-time record and analyze the athletic data of players when they shoot baskets, became a worthy topic for discussion.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The main object of this present invention is to provide a smart basketball that allows players to conveniently record detailed exercise data during basketball games.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a smart basketball of the present invention is used for electrically connecting to a server. The smart basketball includes a sphere and a chipset. The chipset is located in the sphere, and the chipset includes a tracking and positioning unit, a gyroscope, and a transmission unit. The tracking and positioning unit is used for generating the position data of the smart basketball. The gyroscope is used for generating the rotation data of the smart basketball. The transmission unit is electrically connected to the tracking and positioning unit, the gyroscope, and the server, and is used for transmitting the position data and rotation data to the server.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this present invention, the sphere further includes a cover and a carcass, the cover covers the carcass, and the chipset is located between the cover and the carcass.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this present invention, the chipset further includes an accelerometer sensor, the accelerometer sensor is electrically connected to the transmission unit.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this present invention, the accelerometer sensor is used for generating an acceleration data of the smart basketball.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this present invention, the transmission unit is further used for transmitting the acceleration data to the server.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this present invention, the chipset further includes a memory, and the memory is electrically connected to the transmission unit.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this present invention, the chipset further includes a battery, and the battery is electrically connected to the tracking and positioning unit, the gyroscope, the accelerometer sensor, the memory and the transmission unit.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a system structure diagram of a smart basketball and a server according to one embodiment of the present invention.DETAILD DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0016] To further understand the technical content of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is specifically described as follows.

[0017] Please refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 for the smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a system structure diagram of a smart basketball and a server according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a smart basketball 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention allows players to conveniently record detailed sports data while playing basketball. The smart basketball 1 is electrically connected to a server 900. The server 900 is set up on the network, and the server 900 is, for example, a server host of a sports application (APP). The server 900 can analyze the player’s sports data and transmit the data to a smartphone that has installed the corresponding sports APP. The smart basketball 1 includes a sphere 10 and a chipset 20.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sphere 10 is provided for a player to use in athletic activities, such as dribbling, shooting, passing, and other movements. The sphere 10 includes a cover 11, a carcass 12, a winding 13, and a bladder 14. The cover 11 forms the outermost layer of the sphere 10, the outer surface has fine particles to provide friction, and the material may be genuine leather, rubber, or synthetic leather. The cover 11 covers the carcass 12. The carcass 12 is a supporting structure made of rubber. The winding 13 is located inside the carcass 12 and is formed by uniformly wound nylon threads or cloth layers, the winding 13 is used for protecting the bladder. The bladder 14 is the innermost layer of the sphere 10 and is made of rubber. However, the cover 11, carcass 12, winding 13, and bladder 14 are conventional basketball structures and do not constitute the focus of the present invention; therefore, they will not be further elaborated.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the chipset 20 is located between the cover 11 and the carcass 12. In this way, when a player uses the smart basketball 1 in play, the cover 11 can also protect the chipset 20 from being damaged by external collisions or compressions with the ground or basketball hoop. However, the location of the chipset 20 is not limited to the above. The chipset 20 may be designed to be placed at any internal position covered by the cover 11 without contacting the exterior, such as between the winding 13 and the carcass 12. The chipset 20 includes a tracking and positioning unit 21, a gyroscope 22, an accelerometer sensor 23, a memory 24, a transmission unit 25, a processor 26, and a battery 27.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tracking and positioning unit 21 may be, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip. The tracking and positioning unit 21 is used for positioning the smart basketball 1, precisely tracking the location of the smart basketball 1 on the court to determine its current position, record its movement trajectory, and generate position data of the smart basketball 1. The gyroscope 22 can sense the current rotational speed and direction of the smart basketball 1, such as whether it is stationary, being thrown in any direction, rotating at how many revolutions per second, and the orientation of its axis of rotation, thereby generating rotation data of the smart basketball 1. The accelerometer sensor 23 is used for sensing the current acceleration of the smart basketball 1, and generating acceleration data of the smart basketball 1, which can then be used to calculate speed, impact force, and other parameters, such as the strength of dribbling or the initial velocity of a shot. Through the combined operation of the tracking and positioning unit 21, the gyroscope 22, and the accelerometer sensor 23, the position and movement of the smart basketball 1 can be comprehensively detected, thus producing detailed sports data of the smart basketball 1.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the memory 24 is used for storing the position data, the rotation data, and the acceleration data generated respectively by the tracking and positioning unit 21, the gyroscope 22, and the accelerometer sensor 23, for subsequent transmission to the server 900.

[0023] The transmission unit 25, for example, may be a network chip. The transmission unit 25 is electrically connected to the tracking and positioning unit 21, the gyroscope 22, the accelerometer sensor 23, the memory 24, and the server 900, and is used for transmitting the position data, rotation data, and acceleration data stored in the memory 24 to the server 900 via the network. The processor 26, for example a central processor chip, is used for controlling and coordinating the operation of the tracking and positioning unit 21, the gyroscope 22, the accelerometer sensor 23, the memory 24, and the transmission unit 25. The battery 27, for example, may be a wirelessly rechargeable battery. In this way, even if the chipset 20 and its battery 27 are fully covered by the cover 11 without external contact, the smart basketball 1 can be placed on a wireless charging dock and charged via wireless charging technology. The battery 27 is electrically connected to the tracking and positioning unit 21, the gyroscope 22, the accelerometer sensor 23, the memory 24, and the transmission unit 25. The battery 27 supplies electrical power to the tracking and positioning unit 21, the gyroscope 22, the accelerometer sensor 23, the memory 24, the transmission unit 25, and the processor 26, thereby enabling these components to function properly.

[0024] When a player wants to use the smart basketball 1 of the present invention to record sports data during play, the player only needs to use the smart basketball 1 in a normal manner. The tracking and positioning unit 21 will automatically position the smart basketball 1 to determine its current location and generate position data of the smart basketball 1. The gyroscope 22 will automatically sense the current direction of the smart basketball 1, such as whether it is stationary, thrown in any direction, or rotating, and will generate rotation data of the smart basketball 1. The accelerometer sensor 23 will automatically sense the current acceleration of the smart basketball 1 and will generate acceleration data of the smart basketball 1.

[0025] The position data generated by the tracking and positioning unit 21, the rotation data generated by the gyroscope 22, and the acceleration data generated by the accelerometer sensor 23 are all stored in the memory 24. The transmission unit 25 then transmits the position data, rotation data, and acceleration data stored in the memory 24 to the server 900 via the network. After receiving the position data, rotation data, and acceleration data, the server 900 analyzes the movement trajectory of the smart basketball 1, including dribbling paths, shooting paths, passing paths, and so on. From these trajectories, further analysis can be performed on the player’s dribbling, shooting, and passing techniques and handling characteristics. The movement trajectories, shooting paths, passing paths, as well as the corresponding analysis of skills and touch derived by the server 900 can then be transmitted to the player’s smartphone with the corresponding sports application installed. This enables the player to review their own sports performance and make adjustments to their basketball training methods accordingly. It should be noted that the transmission unit 25 is designed such that only after the tracking and positioning unit 21, the gyroscope 22, and the accelerometer sensor 23 all detect that the smart basketball 1 has remained stationary for a period of time (indicating the player has stopped playing), will it transmit the position data, rotation data, and acceleration data to the server 900. However, the transmission mode of the transmission unit 25 is not limited to this; it may also be configured to transmit data to the server 900 at specific intervals (for example, every 6 hours).

[0026] Via the structural design of the smart basketball 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the position and movement of the smart basketball 1 can be fully detected, so as to generate detailed sports data of the smart basketball 1 during play (for example, position data, rotation data, and acceleration data). This sports data is automatically transmitted and recorded to the server, which can then perform analysis. The player can conveniently connect their smartphone to the server to view their performance during play and easily adjust their basketball training method accordingly. The development of the smart basketball 1 will help improve athlete training efficiency, optimize coaching strategies, and promote the scientific development of basketball.

[0027] It should be noted that the above is merely an embodiment and not limited to the embodiment. For example, if it does not depart from the basic framework of the present invention, it should be within the scope of the claims of the present patent, and the scope of the patent application should be referred to.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]To further understand the technical content of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is specifically described as follows.

[0017]Please refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 for the smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a smart basketball according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a system structure diagram of a smart basketball and a server according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018]As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a smart basketball 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention allows players to conveniently record detailed sports data while playing basketball. The smart basketball 1 is electrically connected to a server 900. The server 900 is set up on the network, and the server 900 is, for example, a server host of a sports application (APP). The server 900 can an...

Claims

1. A smart basketball, for electrically connecting to a server, the smart basketball comprising:a sphere; anda chipset, located in the sphere, the chipset comprising:a tracking and positioning unit, for generating a position data of the smart basketball;a gyroscope, for generating a rotation data of the smart basketball; anda transmission unit, electrically connected to the tracking and positioning unit, the gyroscope and the server, and used for transmitting the position data and the rotation data to the server.

2. The smart basketball as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sphere further comprises a cover and a carcass, the cover covers the carcass, and the chipset is located between the cover and the carcass.

3. The smart basketball as claimed in claim 2, wherein the chipset further comprises an accelerometer sensor, the accelerometer sensor is electrically connected to the transmission unit.

4. The smart basketball as claimed in claim 3, wherein the accelerometer sensor is used for generating an acceleration data of the smart basketball.

5. The smart basketball as claimed in claim 4, wherein the transmission unit is further used for transmitting the acceleration data to the server.

6. The smart basketball as claimed in claim 5, wherein the chipset further comprises a memory, and the memory is electrically connected to the transmission unit.

7. The smart basketball as claimed in claim 6, wherein the chipset further comprises a battery, and the battery is electrically connected to the tracking and positioning unit, the gyroscope, the accelerometer sensor, the memory and the transmission unit.

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