Heads Up Sports Training System

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a sports training system including a first housing including a transmitter; a second housing including a receiver and a wireless communication module; and a plurality of illuminating targets in communication with the wireless communication module; wherein, in operation: the transmitter projects a transmission; the receiver is positioned laterally away from the transmitter and receives the projected transmission; in response to an object passing between the transmitter and receiver, the receiver is blocked from receiving the projected transmission; and in response to the receiver being blocked from receiving the projected transmission, a selected one of the targets illuminates.

Claims

1. A sports training system comprising: a first housing including a transmitter; a second housing including a receiver and a wireless communication module; and a plurality of illuminating targets in communication with the wireless communication module; wherein, in operation: the transmitter projects a transmission; the receiver is positioned laterally away from the transmitter and receives the projected transmission; in response to an object passing between the transmitter and receiver, the receiver is blocked from receiving the projected transmission; and in response to the receiver being blocked from receiving the projected transmission, a selected one of the targets illuminates.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the selection of one of the targets to illuminate is random or pseudo-random.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the selection of one of the targets to illuminate is directed by an input from a remote control.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the remote control is a mobile device.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter and the receiver each include a base, a cap, and a leveling mechanism that enables the cap to be repositioned with respect to the base to align for communication between the transmitter and the receiver.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the projected transmission is an infrared beam.

7. A sports training system comprising: a first housing including a transmitter; a second housing including a receiver and a wireless communication module; a multi-color indicator in communication with the wireless communication module; and a plurality of colored targets corresponding to the colors on the multi-color indicator; wherein, in operation: the transmitter projects a transmission; the receiver is positioned laterally away from the transmitter and receives the projected transmission; in response to an object passing between the transmitter and receiver, the receiver is blocked from receiving the projected transmission; and in response to the receiver being blocked from receiving the projected transmission, a selected one of the colors on the multi-color indicator illuminates.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the selection of one of the colors to illuminate is random or pseudo-random.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the selection of one of the colors to illuminate is directed by an input from a remote control.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the transmitter and the receiver each include a base, a cap, and a leveling mechanism that enables the cap to be repositioned with respect to the base to align for communication between the transmitter and the receiver.

11. A method of using a sport training system comprising: a first housing including a transmitter; a second housing including a receiver and a wireless communication module; a multi-color indicator in communication with the wireless communication module; and a plurality of colored targets corresponding to the colors on the multi-color indicator, the method comprising the steps of: projecting a transmission from the transmitter to the receiver; receiving the transmission in the receiver; and in response to an object passing between the transmitter and receiver, illuminating a selected one of the plurality of targets.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the selection of one of the targets to illuminate is random or pseudo-random.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the selection of one of the targets to illuminate is directed by an input from a remote control.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the remote control is a mobile device.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the transmitter and the receiver each include a base, a cap, and a leveling mechanism that enables the cap to be repositioned with respect to the base to align for communication between the transmitter and the receiver.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a sports training system.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of another example of a sports training system.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of another example of a sports training system.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of another example of a sports training system.

[0036] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a transmitter.

[0037] FIG. 5b is a perspective view of a receiver.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bottom of the transmitter and receiver shown in FIG. 5.

[0039] FIGS. 7a-7b illustrates an application of a sports training system as a soccer training drill.

[0040] FIG. 8a-8b illustrate an application of a sports training system as a football passing training drill.

[0041] FIGS. 9a-9c illustrate an application of a sports training system as a football blocking training drill.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The following detailed description provides examples of implementations of the sports training system. Although the examples provided below mainly focus on training drills related to soccer, it is understood that the systems provided herein may be applied to training in many sports, including, but not limited to, soccer, hockey, football, baseball, and basketball. In general, the teachings provide herein may be applicable to skills training for any athletic activity that involves objects, targets, and player reaction based on the observation of the environment.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a first example of a sports training system 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the sports training system 10 includes a transmitter 12, a receiver 14, a multi-color indicator 16, four targets 18a-18d, a first player 20, a second player 22, and a ball 24.

[0044] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the transmitter 12 projects an IPLED beam towards the receiver 14, which receives the IPLED beam. The communication between the transmitter 12 and the receiver 14 is continuous, creating a space between the transmitter 12 and the receiver 14 through which any passing object, such as the ball 24, will break the communication between the transmitter 12 and the receiver 14. A break in the communication between the transmitter 12 and the receiver 14 causes a wireless communication module 30 in the receiver 14 to send a signal to the multi-color indicator 16. A processor 32 is located in either the receiver 14 (see, FIG. 5b) or the multi-color indicator 16. When the processor 32 is located in the receiver 14, the processor 32 determines what signal to send to the multi-color indicator 16. When the processor 32 is located in the multi-color indicator 16, the processor 32 determines how to respond to the signal received. In either instance, the communication of the signal from the receiver 14 to the multi-color indicator 16 causes a scripted, random, or pseudo-random color to light on the multi-color indicator 16. The color corresponds to one of the four targets 18a-18d. In this example, each of the four targets 18a-18d has a fixed color association. For example, the first target 18a may be red, the second target 18b may be yellow, the third target 18c may be green, and the fourth target 18d may be blue.

[0045] In use, the second player 22 passes the ball to the first player 20. As the ball 24 passes between the transmitter 12 and the receiver 14, the communication between them is broken and the receiver 16 sends a signal to the multi-color indicator 16. In response, the multi-color indicator 16 lights up a random color. In this example, the multi-color indicator 16 lights up as yellow, which corresponds to the second target 18b. Accordingly, as the first player 20 receives the pass from the second player 22, the multi-color indicator 16 lights up yellow to indicate to the first player 20 to pass the ball 24 in the direction of the second target 18b. Neither the first player 20, nor the second player 22 knows in advance which target or colored light will be selected by the processor 32.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a second example of a sports training system 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the sports training system 10 includes a transmitter 12, a receiver 14, four targets 18a-18d, a first player 20, a second player 22, and a ball 24.

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the transmitter 12 projects an IPLED beam towards the receiver 14, which receives the IPLED beam. The communication between the transmitter 12 and the receiver 14 is continuous, creating a space between the transmitter 12 and the receiver 14 through which any passing object will break the communication between the transmitter 12 and the receiver 14. A break in the communication between the transmitter 12 and the receiver 14 causes a wireless communication module 30 in the receiver 14 to send a signal to one of the four targets 18a-18d. The selection of the target 18 is made by the processor 32 in the receiver 14. The selection may be scripted, or it may be random or pseudo-random. The target 18 receiving the signal lights up. Each target 18 may have one or more lights that can visually signal in one or more colors.

[0048] In use, the second player 22 passes the ball to the first player 20. As the ball 24 passes between the transmitter 12 and the receiver 14, the communication between them is broken and the receiver 16 sends a signal to a random one or the targets 18a-d. In this example, the signal is sent to the third target 18c. Accordingly, as the first player 20 receives the pass from the second player 22, the third target 18c lights indicating that the first player 20 is to pass the ball 24 in the direction of the third target 18c.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a third example of a sports training system 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the sports training system 10 includes a transmitter 12, a receiver 14, a multi-color indicator 16, four targets 18a-18d, a first player 20, a second player 22, a ball 24, and a rebounding surface 34.

[0050] This example is similar to the example shown in FIG. 1, only there is no second player 22, the first player instead passes the ball 24 to himself or herself by kicking it off of a rebounding surface 34, such as, for example, a wall or a rebounding device such as the one sold under the trademark SOCCERWAVE. Accordingly, when the first player 20 kicks the ball 24 off the rebounding surface 34, the ball 24 may break the communication between the transmitter 12 and receiver 14 two times. In such cases, the wireless communication module 30 may communicate its signal in response to the first or second break in communication between the transmitter 12 and receiver 14.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a fourth example of a sports training system 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the sports training system 10 includes a transmitter 12, a receiver 14, four targets 18a-18d, a first player 20, a ball 24, and a rebounding surface 34.

[0052] This example is similar to the example shown in FIG. 2, only there is no second player 22, the first player instead passes the ball 24 to himself or herself by kicking it off of a rebounding surface 34. Again, the ball 24 may break the communication between the transmitter 12 and receiver 14 two times. In such cases, the wireless communication module 30 may communicate its signal in response to the first or second break in communication between the transmitter 12 and receiver 14.

[0053] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a transmitter 12. The transmitter 12 includes a base 36, a cap 38 mounting upon the base 36, an adjustment mechanism 40 to level and finely position the cap 38 (e.g., a multipoint leveling adjuster), an inner rechargeable power supply 42, and a transmitter signal device 44 and a transmitter lens 46 integrated within the cap 38. A power switch 28 is shown above the transmitter lens 46.

[0054] FIG. 5b is a perspective view of a receiver 14. The receiver 14 includes a base 36, a cap 38 mounting upon the base 36, an adjustment mechanism 40 to level and finely position the cap 38 (e.g., a multipoint leveling adjuster), an inner rechargeable power supply 42, and a receiver signal device 48 with a receiver lens 50 integrated within the cap 38. In addition, the receiver 14 includes the wireless communication module 30 and processor 32, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4. A power switch 28 is shown above the receiver lens 50.

[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates the bottom of the transmitter 12 shown in FIG. 5a. As shown in FIG. 6, the base 36 may be used to hold the power supply 42 and the targets 18a-18d. In this example, the targets 18a-18d are lights.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, in use, the transmitter 12 and receiver 14 are placed on the ground with the transmitter lens 46 and receiver lens 52 directed towards one another. The adjustment mechanism 40 on each of the transmitter 12 and receiver 14 provides fine adjustment with which to finalize the transmitter lens 46 and receiver lens 52 alignment. A wireless signal beam, preferably an IRLED signal similar to that used in television remote signal transmission, has been found most reliable, but other FCC approved transmission signals are contemplated. The signal is sent and received by the respective transmitter 12 and receiver 14 with power supplied through the respective rechargeable power supplies 42. This signal is constant once activated. The ball 24, when passing through the wireless signal beam, interrupts the signal, which electronically triggers the receiver 14 to activate the wireless communication module 30 to send a signal transmission to the multi-color indicator 16 or one or more of the four targets 18.

[0057] The targets 18 may be basic stationary targets 18 that have some color indicator corresponding to the colors of the multi-colored indicator 16. The targets 18 can be simple cones with a colored fabric drape, a stake with a colored plate, a net, or some other colorized device for the first player 20 to aim towards. In another example, the targets 18 may include a light that is illuminated when a signal is received from the wireless communication module 30.

[0058] As noted above, the barrier 34 associated with the single user embodiments may be something as simple as a wall, the side of a house, or a more sophisticated sports device. Some examples of these more challenging self-return devices include the soccer ball return training device sold under the trademark SOCCERWAVE, a pitch-back screen used for baseball or softball, an elastic panel associated with hockey puck return, etc.

[0059] The signal transmitted by the transmitter 12 and received by the receiver 14 may be any wireless signal known in the art or arising in the future, including short range FM, RF, infrared signal, low frequency short wave signal, laser, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LAN or ZigBee. This is not an exhaustive list of wireless transmission signaling devices or technologies.

[0060] FIGS. 7a-7b, 8a-8b, and 9a-9c each illustrate examples of the sports training system 10 in use. These examples are non-exhaustive, but help to illustrate to those skilled in the art various ways in which the sports training system 10 may be used.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 7a, a first player 20 is positioned to receive a pass from a second player 22. The transmitter 12 and receiver 14 are positioned such that the pass from the second player 22 to the first player 20 will trigger one of the four targets 18a-18d.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 7b, after the soccer ball 24 has passed through the transmitter 12 and receiver 14, the fourth target 18d illuminates and the player is directed to dribble or pass towards the fourth target 18d.

[0063] In the example shown in FIGS. 8a-8b, there is a first player 20 and two second players 22. The transmitter 12 and receiver 14 are positioned such that as the first player 20 (e.g., the quarterback) drops back to pass, one of the two targets 18a-18b illuminates and the first player 20 is directed to pass the football to the second player 22 adjacent the illuminated target 18a.

[0064] In the examples shown in FIG. 9a-9c, there is a first player 20 and a second player 22. The transmitter 12 and receiver 14 are positioned such that when the first player 20 comes out of his stance to hit the dummy held by the second player 22, one of the two targets 18a-18b illuminates and the first player 20 is directed to run towards the illuminated target 18b after shedding the block.

[0065] Alternatively, or in addition to the elements described above, the system 10 may include a remote control. The remote control may be used by the second player 22 (e.g., a coach or training partner) to control which colored light on the multi-colored indicator 16 or light on the selected target 18 is illuminated, as opposed to an automated random selection created by the processor 32. Similarly, an application may be provided on a mobile device allowing the third-party (i.e., second player 22, coach, training partner, etc.) the features and functions of the remote control.

[0066] In a more complex application, the targets 18 may be smart targets 18 that track the activity by the users. For example, the targets 18 may include one or more sensors to track the user's accuracy in drills. In one example, each target 18 may include or be associated with a hoop, or similar goal, that identifies whether the ball 24 (or other object) has been passed through the goal in response to a corresponding visual indicator. Similarly, the target 18 may have proximity sensors to determine whether a user passes the target 18 in response to the visual indication. Such data observed and collected by the smart targets 18 may be communicated to the processor 32 and/or to the mobile application. The system may keep track of the player statistics and report to the mobile application, either directly through or via a cloud computing system, such that the users have a record of the player's performance over time. Any number of statistics may be tracked, including time of use, accuracy in the drills, etc.

[0067] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.