Sports Playbook Animation Using Flat Files for Low-Bandwidth Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile applications for amateur and youth sports teams lack an effective interface for creating, sharing, and reviewing plays, and video files are too large for efficient distribution over low connectivity networks.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to create plays on a computing device, generating a flat file with player positions and movements, which is then converted into animations by a server, enabling device-agnostic distribution and sharing over low bandwidth networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If video files are used to represent plays in the playbook, then the visual representation quality is improved, but the file size increases making distribution over cellular networks and low connectivity areas impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) to create scalable vector copies of plays instead of raster video files. SVG files represent graphical content mathematically through paths, shapes, and transformations, allowing infinite scaling without quality loss while maintaining minimal file sizes suitable for mobile distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the representation parameters from raster-based video (fixed resolution, large file size) to vector-based SVG (mathematical descriptions, scalable, small file size). This parameter change enables the same visual information to be conveyed with dramatically reduced data requirements, making distribution over cellular networks feasible
2Adaptability or versatility
If a comprehensive playbook interface is provided allowing anyone to create and share plays, then the system versatility and user engagement are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal playbook interface that works across all mobile devices regardless of platform or screen size. The SVG format and responsive design enable the same play creation and sharing functionality to operate uniformly on smartphones, tablets, and computers, eliminating the need for device-specific implementations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized data exchange format and server-mediated architecture that simplifies complex peer-to-peer interactions. The server acts as an intermediary handling play storage, retrieval, and distribution, while standardized data formats enable seamless communication between different device types without requiring complex direct integration between them
3Ease of operation
If the playbook interface is optimized for mobile devices with limited connectivity, then the ease of operation in low connectivity areas is improved, but the functionality and feature set must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses SVG files that can be downloaded once and then viewed offline without requiring continuous network connectivity. The vector format allows complete plays to be stored in minimal space, enabling offline access to the full playbook functionality after initial download
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements progressive loading and selective synchronization where only essential play data is downloaded for offline use, while full functionality remains available when connectivity is restored. The system performs partial updates and synchronizes selectively rather than requiring complete data transfers
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems disclosed herein describe creating and/or distributing media files associated with a playbook for a sports team. A user may use a computing device to create, or edit, a play. The location of the players, the ball, and their respective movements may be recorded in a flat file that is used to generate an animation of the play. The flat file may be transmitted to a server, which may use the flat file to generate the animation of the play. The animation of the play may be distributed (e.g., sent) to one or more people associated with the team. Additionally, the animation of the play may be added to a playbook of a sports application, which may be a single point of contact for coaches, managers, parents, and/or athletes.