Communication method and system between team leader and team

Abstract

A method and system for communication between a team leader and team members, including: leader equipment including a microphone, a transmitter, and a target selection device for selecting at least one target member to receive a communication including an audio signal; and member equipment including a receiver and an audio output device, wherein the member equipment facilitates receipt of the audio signal to the at least one selected target member.

Description

[0001] Communication Method and System between Team Leader and Team

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of verbal wireless communication and, more particularly, to a system and method of facilitating communication between a coach and team players during a game or between a team leader and the team during an activity.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Today in many fields, such as military, security, sports games and the like, there is a need to talk to and / or guide the players or team members during the game or activity. For example, in soccer, the coach needs to be able to communicate with one or more players during the game. This usually takes place in the form of shouting instructions from the sidelines to players that may or may not be able to hear the coach.

[0006] Similar scenarios exist in many fields such as in the military, between a commander and his soldiers, or in business, between a manager and his employees, etc. In some of these cases, immediate communication may be extremely important or even critical, such as during games or in the middle of an operation.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to the present invention there is provided a method and system for communication between a team leader and team members, including: leader equipment including a microphone, a transmitter, and a target selection device for selecting at least one target member to receive a communication including an audio signal; and member equipment including a receiver and an audio output device, wherein the member equipment facilitates receipt of the audio signal to the at least one selected target member.

[0009] According to further features the target selection device includes a user interface for selecting at least one representation from a predefined group of representations of the team members. According to still further features the target selection device includes a user interface that responds to voice commands for selecting the at least one target member.

[0010] According to still further features the target selection device is configured to select transmission to at least one of: a single team member, a group including a predefined portion of the team members, all the team members, and a broadcasting mechanism adapter to broadcast the communication to non-team members.

[0011] According to still further features the audio output device is a speaker. According to still further features the audio output device is a bone conduction speaker.

[0012] According to still further features the audio output device is an ultrasonic speaker. According to still further features the ultrasonic speaker is attached onto, or embedded in, team member apparel. According to still further features the ultrasonic speaker is attached to skin of a team member. According to still further features the ultrasonic speaker is mounted on an elevated post and output from the ultrasonic speaker is directed by tracking software to the at least one selected target member.

[0013] According to still further features the member equipment further includes a microphone and transmitter. According to still further features the microphone and the transmitter are activated using voice commands.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Various embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1A-1C are various options, according to an example embodiment, of communication between a leader and members of the team;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a configuration 200 where the communication is unidirectional, employing a simplex communication scheme;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a second configuration 300 where the system employs bidirectional communication, a duplex communication scheme;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a screenshot 400 of an example communication feature of the system;

[0020] FIG. 5 is an example embodiment of a receiver / speaker device 500 that is attached to the back of a team member’s shirt;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a device 600 that is adhered to the skin of the member;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a pictorial depiction of a configuration 700;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a graphic comparison 800 between a conventional loudspeaker and an ultrasonic speaker.

[0024] DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Effective communication between coaches and players is crucial in team sports like football. Traditional methods such as shouting or using hand signals have limitations due to distance, noise interference, and line-of-sight obstacles. Existing communication devices may be bulky, intrusive, or prohibited during official play. There is a disclosed herein a discreet, efficient communication system that allows coaches to convey instructions without hindering player performance or violating regulations.

[0026] The principles and operation of method and system for facilitating communication between, at least, a team leader and one or more members of the team, according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. Figures 1A-1C illustrate various options, according to an example embodiment, of communication between a leader and members of the team. Various configurations of the communications system are disclosed herein. According to all the embodiments, the leader (e.g., the coach of a soccer team) is able to communicate with: a single member (e.g., one team player, see Fig. 1A), a subset of members (e.g., the defenders, see Fig. IB), and / or all the members (e.g., the entire team, see Fig. 1C). Figs. 1A, IB and 1C each depict a tablet 100 which includes an example representation of the coach 110 and players 120. Each player can be selected by touching the player’s icon 120 to open a communication channel to that player. For a group broadcast, the coach can tap the T button 132 for the midfield players, the D button 134 for the backs / defenders, and the F button 136 for the forward players.

[0027] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a configuration 200 where the communication is unidirectional, employing a simplex communication scheme. The communication is from the leader 210 to the member or members 250. In this configuration, the leader is in possession of a microphone 212 and transmitter 214. The leader also has a device for selecting the target or targets of the broadcast 216. The members 250 have receivers 254 to receive the transmission from the leader and speakers 258 that output the audio communication. The individual device allows the target member, and preferably only that member, to hear the audio output.

[0028] In some embodiments, the members do not need receivers or speakers in order to receive the audio transmission from the leader (see below for further details).

[0029] Another configuration is depicted in Figure 3. Fig. 3 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of a second configuration 300 where the system employs bidirectional communication, a duplex communication scheme. In this configuration, the members, like the leader, additionally carry (on their person or clothing) microphones and transmitters. According to the present configuration, communication can take place between the leader and one or more members, where both the leader and the members are able to transmit and receive audio communications. In embodiments, the members are only able to communicate with the leader. According to configuration 300, the leader 310 is equipped with a microphone 312, a transceiver (transmitter [Tx] and receiver [Rx]) 314, a selector device 316, all of which are similar to the corresponding components, mutatis mutandis, described with reference to configuration 200 above. In addition, leader 310 is equipped with a speaker 318.

[0030] In configuration 300 each of the members 350 has a microphone 352, a transceiver 354 to both receive communications from the leader 310 and transmit audio communications to the leader. The members each have speakers 358 that output the audio communication. The individual device allows the target member, and preferably only that member, to hear the audio output. Additionally, according to the present configuration, the members 350 can each transmit communications with the leader 310.

[0031] In some embodiments, the members 350 can further communicate with other members 350 of the team. This optional feature is indicated with broken arrows 365.

[0032] For all embodiments and configurations, one optional feature is that a third party or parties may also receive the communication transmissions. For example, the leader device broadcasts 270 / 370 the audio signal (e.g., via WiFi or cellular networks) to one or more additional parties (e.g., to fans in the stadium and / or to viewers of the game on television or over the internet).

[0033] For all configurations, at least one entity, namely the leader, needs to have: (1) a microphone, (2) a transmitter, and (3) a target selector. In some embodiments a receiver and speakers are also included in the leader’s system. Microphone technology is well known in the art. Transmitters are also well known. Any kind of device that transmits a signal (in real-time or near real-time) that can be perceived audibly with the appropriate equipment - such as a supersophisticated, audio-transmission setup, or a simple cellphone device, or a radio transmitter, etc. - is considered to be within the scope of the term transmitter (and variations thereof).

[0034] The target selector device may be embodied on a computing device (preferably portable, such as a smartphone or tablet) that controls transmission of the signal and decides where the signal is transmitted to. The number and types of devices and embodiments are too numerous to list, therefore any device or system that is capable of selecting one or more targets and enabling / facilitating / controlling communication from the transmitting device to the selected one or more target devices, is considered to be within the scope of the invention.

[0035] One example of such a device, depicted in Figs. 1A-1C, is a tablet computer that has a user display / interface that depicts a representation of all potential targets, where a user (e.g., leader) selects the representation or representations of the target or targets and then speaks into the microphone. To that end the team leader’s equipment includes a user interface such as a touchscreen interface allowing selection of players, grouping, and message broadcasting; and a microphone with audio processing, preferably a high-fidelity microphone with noise cancellation for clear audio input. The communication is transmitted to the target or targets either as a continuous stream over an open channel, like a phone or radio call, or as an audio package that is recorded by the leader and then sent to the member, like a voice note. In some embodiments, a combination of the two aforementioned options may be used.

[0036] Figure 4 illustrates a screenshot 400 of an example communication feature of the system. The screenshot depicts a selected player (David Beacham) with a dialogue prompt that has opened after the user tapped the David Beacham player icon. The dialogue box includes the player’s name, some statistics and a log of the chat messages. The example embodiment includes a ‘Talk’ button that can be tapped to record a message that is then sent to the selected target (David Beacham). Messages received from the player also appear in the Player Chat area and can be played by pressing the play icon of the message.

[0037] According to some embodiments, player selection may be voice activated. Preselected or learned (e.g., using Al, machine learning models, large language models, and the like) voice commands can automatically select an individual, group, or the entire team for the broadcast.

[0038] The second part of the system is the member side. For the members to receive the audio transmission there needs to be, at least: (4) a receiver, and (5) an audio output device, such as a speaker. According to some embodiments discussed above, the members further have a microphone and a transmitter. According to the latter embodiments, the microphone and the transmitter are activated using voice commands.

[0039] Figure 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a receiver / speaker device 500 that is attached to the back of a team member’ s shirt. The device may be attached to the member’ s apparel (shirt, undergarment, etc.) using any attachment mechanism. Alternatively, the device may be embedded in the team member’s shirt (uniform). Further alternatively, the device may be secured in a special pocket sewn in the member’s apparel. The device may be placed at any relevant location on the clothing.

[0040] The speakers may be regular speakers that are angled towards the member’s ear or ears. According to another embodiment, the speaker(s) rest against the neck vertebrae and employ a frequency that transmits the sound waves via bone conduction to the member’s auditory system. According to yet another option, the speakers transmit an ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic signal becomes an auditory signal when the waves hit a surface (e.g., the skull or ears of the player). The device may or may not include a microphone and transmitter.

[0041] Another configuration is depicted in Figure 6. Fig. 6 illustrates a device 600 that is adhered to the skin of the member, e.g., using medical grade adhesive or a waterproof patch or plaster. The device 600 at least receives and outputs the audio signal. Here too, regular speaker technology may be employed. Alternatively, bone conduction technology may be employed. Further alternatively, ultrasonic to audible sound technology may be employed. The device may or may not include a microphone and transmitter. Ideal positioning of the ultrasonic speaker will be ascertained by testing multiple areas under sweat / rain conditions.

[0042] One example embodiment of device 500 or 600 includes a wearable System on a Chip (SoC), or (internet of Things (loT) chipset. The device may be attached to the player's shirt / sports apparel or neck (see Fig. 6), and function as an ultrasonic wave speaker that is adapted to receive and emit audio signals. For example, the device can be embodied on a flexible PCB board that utilizes 3.7V, UltraLow energy consumption and has a thickness of 3mm. Ideally the device retains a charge for the entire duration of a 90-minute game, which includes 50 minutes of transmission time (e.g., according to configuration 300) and reception time (all configurations). The battery may be a Lithium 3.7V battery.

[0043] The device hardware includes one or more of the following components:

[0044] WIFI 2.4Ghz - Low energy - for Live Sound;

[0045] MCU - Embedded for new updates;

[0046] Speaker - Ultrasonic / Digital / JobON + DSO + Driver - 3-6W;

[0047] Lithium Battery;

[0048] Wireless Charging - Class 6 Antenna;

[0049] Accelerometer - 4 dimensions movement; and a Microphone.

[0050] Ultrasonic speakers have unique characteristics that distinguish them from conventional speakers. They operate by emitting sound waves at frequencies above the human hearing range (typically above 20 kHz). An overview of unique advantages for various applications, such as a football field, include:

[0051] Higher Frequency Range

[0052] Ultrasonic Range: Traditional speakers emit sound in the audible range, between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, while ultrasonic speakers emit sound above 20 kHz. These frequencies are beyond the range of human hearing but can be modulated to create audible sound when interacting with the environment.

[0053] Targeted Sound Delivery: Ultrasonic waves are highly directional, allowing for precise targeting of sound to specific locations or individuals, making them ideal for specialized applications.

[0054] Highly Directional Sound

[0055] Beam-Like Sound: Unlike traditional speakers that radiate sound in all directions, ultrasonic speakers emit sound in a narrow beam, similar to how a flashlight directs light. This makes the sound highly focused and minimizes sound leakage to unintended areas.

[0056] Privacy of Communication: Ultrasonic speakers allow private communication. For example, sound can be directed at a single person, and those outside the narrow beam won’t hear it. This is valuable for applications such as targeted advertisements in public spaces, or in your case, player-to-coach communication on a noisy field.

[0057] Parametric Sound Technology Self-Demodulation: Ultrasonic speakers often use a technique called "parametric sound," where two ultrasonic signals interact with each other in the air, generating audible sound through self-demodulation. This phenomenon creates the perception of sound without the need for the air to physically vibrate in the audible frequency range, as is required in traditional speakers.

[0058] Long-Distance Clarity: Because ultrasonic waves do not dissipate as quickly as audible sound waves, they can deliver clear audio signals over longer distances in a straight line.

[0059] Reduced Sound Distortion

[0060] Low Distortion in Audio: Ultrasonic sound waves do not interfere with one another as much as traditional audible sound waves, leading to less distortion in the audio that’s delivered. The listener can hear clear, intelligible sound even in environments with significant background noise.

[0061] Applications in Communication

[0062] Non-Invasive Communication: Ultrasonic speakers can be used in applications where traditional loudspeakers might be intrusive, such as museums, art galleries, or even sports. In your case, ultrasonic communication systems can allow coaches to deliver instructions without the sound spreading across the entire field.

[0063] Interaction with the Environment

[0064] Audible Sound via Modulation: Ultrasonic speakers use sound modulation techniques to turn ultrasonic frequencies into audible sound when they interact with a surface or medium, such as air or solid objects. This unique capability allows the speakers to be used in a wide variety of environments without disturbing people outside the target area.

[0065] Limited Interference

[0066] Minimal Signal Overlap: Since ultrasonic frequencies are much higher than those used by standard communication devices (like radios or phones), they experience minimal interference. This makes ultrasonic speakers ideal for situations where radio frequency signals might be blocked, such as sports fields with dense equipment or metal structures.

[0067] Safe for Human Use

[0068] Non-Harmful: Ultrasonic sound waves at reasonable intensities are generally considered safe for humans, as they are beyond the audible range and don’t cause discomfort. This makes them a viable option for applications like player-to-coach communication, where players are continuously exposed to the sound waves without hearing them directly.

[0069] Specialized Applications

[0070] Coaching and Training: ultrasonic speakers can allow for targeted, discreet communication with players on a noisy field, where traditional communication methods would struggle. They can also be used in training sessions where coaches need to give direct instructions to, or critique, a single player without disrupting others or embarrassing a team member in front of his or her peers.

[0071] Security Systems: Ultrasonic speakers can be used in security systems to transmit sound to only specific areas, allowing guards to hear instructions without alerting intruders.

[0072] Hardware components may include:

[0073] Ultrasonic Wave Speaker that utilizes ultrasonic transducers to emit audio signals that are converted into audible sound near the player's ears, minimizing external noise;

[0074] Wireless Connectivity - e.g., equipped with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and / or Wi-Fi modules for stable communication.

[0075] Power Supply - e.g., a rechargeable battery designed to last for the duration of a game or training session.

[0076] Attachment Mechanism - e.g., clips or magnetic attachments to securely fasten to the player's apparel.

[0077] WIFI Antenna.

[0078] Software Components may include but are not limited to: a mobile application and firmware on the wearable device. The mobile application may include: a Player Management feature which allows coaches to manage player profiles and create custom groups; Real-Time Communication, where the app facilitates instant voice transmission to selected players; Encryption Protocols, such as AES -256 encryption for secure audio data transfer.

[0079] The firmware on the wearable device may include: Signal Processing which decodes incoming signals and controls the ultrasonic transducers; and Power Management features such as optimized battery usage through sleep modes and efficient processing.

[0080] The design elements of the device may include: an ergonomic form factor with a slim, lightweight design that does not impede movement or performance; durability aspects using water- resistant and impact-resistant materials suitable for sports environments; and the potential for customization, where the device can be designed to match team colors or branding.

[0081] Another possible configuration is depicted in Figure 7. Fig. 7 illustrates a pictorial depiction of a configuration 700. Configuration 700 includes the leader’s system as described above, but where the members system is different. According to the present configuration, there are provided one or more ultrasonic speakers 780 positioned on elevated platforms or posts 790 at either one or multiple positions. The platform further includes cameras and tracking software to track each player 750 individually. The speakers may be gimballed to adjust for line-of-site output. The leader selects the player on his / her device and begins talking. The member / player- side system receives the communication and outputs an ultrasonic signal 782 to the selected player 750. The tracking software controls the speaker and may even split the transmission of the signal between two or more speakers in order to maintain the line-of-site transmission if the player is moving or someone or something block the line of sight.

[0082] Figure 8 depicts a graphic comparison 800 between a conventional loudspeaker and an ultrasonic speaker. Directional speakers, also commonly known as parametric speakers, function to emit a narrow beam of sound towards a targeted area and just steps away no sound can be heard. In order to create these unique speakers, adaptive sound control technologies are used, namely parametric array, which is a nonlinear transduction mechanism. A parametric array does not generate sound directly, rather it uses ultrasonic waves to reproduce sound. Ultrasonic waves modulated with an audio signal are generated by ultrasonic transducers. As they pass through the air or encounter objects, they de-modulate and sound can be heard.

[0083] The diffraction of ultrasonic waves is much lower than sound waves because of their higher frequency. So, the ultrasonic waves, and the sound coming from the directional speaker, spread very little and are confined to a narrow beam that can reach tens of meters.

[0084] Advantages of the invention include, but are not limited to: Real-Time Communication which enables instant delivery of instructions without delays; Discreetness, where employing ultrasonic technology ensures that only the intended player hears the message; Improved performance, since direct communication can enhance team coordination and strategy execution; and Compliance with sports regulations, allowing use during official games.

[0085] Potential applications include, but are not limited to: Professional and amateur sports such as football, soccer, rugby, and other team sports requiring real-time strategy adjustments; Military training, allowing for coordinated exercises where silent communication is essential; Event management, allowing for staff coordination during large events or concerts.

[0086] Implementation of the method and / or system of embodiments of the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and / or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof using an operating system.

[0087] For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of method and / or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and / or data and / or a non — volatile storage, for example, non-transitory storage media such as a magnetic hard-disk and / or removable media, for storing instructions and / or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and / or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

[0088] For example, any combination of one or more non-transitory computer readable (storage) medium(s) may be utilized in accordance with the above-listed embodiments of the present invention. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non — exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read — only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a portable compact disc read — only memory (CD — ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable non — transitory storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0089] A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0090] As will be understood with reference to the paragraphs and the referenced drawings, provided above, various embodiments of computer-implemented methods are provided herein, some of which can be performed by various embodiments of apparatuses and systems described herein and some of which can be performed according to instructions stored in non-transitory computer-readable storage media described herein. Still, some embodiments of computer- implemented methods provided herein can be performed by other apparatuses or systems and can be performed according to instructions stored in computer — readable storage media other than that described herein, as will become apparent to those having skill in the art with reference to the embodiments described herein. Any reference to systems and computer — readable storage media with respect to the following computer-implemented methods is provided for explanatory purposes and is not intended to limit any of such systems and any of such non-transitory computer-readable storage media with regard to embodiments of computer-implemented methods described above. Likewise, any reference to the following computer-implemented methods with respect to systems and computer-readable storage media is provided for explanatory purposes and is not intended to limit any of such computer-implemented methods disclosed herein.

[0091] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware — based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0092] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0093] As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0094] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and / or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

[0095] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub — combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0096] The above-described processes including portions thereof can be performed by software, hardware and combinations thereof. These processes and portions thereof can be performed by computers, computer-type devices, workstations, processors, micro-processors, other electronic searching tools and memory and other non-transitory storage-type devices associated therewith. The processes and portions thereof can also be embodied in programmable non — transitory storage media, for example, compact discs (CDs) or other discs including magnetic, optical, etc., readable by a machine or the like, or other computer usable storage media, including magnetic, optical, or semiconductor storage, or other source of electronic signals.

[0097] The processes (methods) and systems, including components thereof, herein have been described with exemplary reference to specific hardware and software. The processes (methods) have been described as exemplary, whereby specific steps and their order can be omitted and / or changed by persons of ordinary skill in the art to reduce these embodiments to practice without undue experimentation. The processes (methods) and systems have been described in a manner sufficient to enable persons of ordinary skill in the art to readily adapt other hardware and software as may be needed to reduce any of the embodiments to practice without undue experimentation and using conventional techniques.

[0098] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. Therefore, the claimed invention as recited in the claims that follow is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS1. A system for communication between a team leader and team members, comprising: leader equipment including a microphone, a transmitter, and a target selection device for selecting at least one target member to receive a communication including an audio signal; and member equipment including a receiver and an audio output device, wherein the member equipment facilitates receipt of the audio signal to the at least one selected target member.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the target selection device includes a user interface for selecting at least one representation from a predefined group of representations of the team members.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the target selection device includes a user interface that responds to voice commands for selecting the at least one target member.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the target selection device is configured to select transmission to at least one of: a single team member, a group including a predefined portion of the team members, all the team members, and a broadcasting mechanism adapter to broadcast the communication to non-team members.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the audio output device is a speaker.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the audio output device is a bone conduction speaker.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the audio output device is an ultrasonic speaker.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the ultrasonic speaker is attached onto, or embedded in, team member apparel.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the ultrasonic speaker is attached to skin of a team member.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the ultrasonic speaker is mounted on an elevated post and output from the ultrasonic speaker is directed by tracking software to the at least one selected target member.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the member equipment further includes a microphone and transmitter.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the microphone and the transmitter are activated using voice commands.

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