Sporting Devices and Structures Having Dynamic Visual Indicia

Abstract

An on-field vision training system is disclosed that provides a visual identifier near the athlete during game play and training exercises and other visual identifier positioned away from the athlete, but so as to still be seen by the athlete during game play and training exercises. The athlete uses the visual identifiers during game play and training exercises to improve vision, focus, and concentration. An American football having unique visual identifiers for use as an in-flight visual training tool is also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to and the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/178,587, filed on Jul. 23, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vision training system for use primarily on-field by athletes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order for most athletes to perform at peak efficiency, they must effectively view their surroundings and circumstances and they typically must quickly and precisely react accordingly. Athletes usually spend hours, days, and months training so as to increase their athletic performance, but they often neglect taking steps to improve their vision and reaction time accordingly.

Known vision improving exercises and methods are typically performed off-field, and usually not during game play. As a result, when athletes are involved in game play and the like, they tend to forget or not use their vision improving techniques, thereby rendering them useless at improving an athlete's performance when it counts most, during the sporting event.

Similarly, many vision training drills and exercises to not use traditional equipment used by an athlete while playing their particular sport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, despite the available athlete vision training systems and devices, there remains a need for an on-field vision training system that has been proven to improve sports visual performance during game play, and that readily reminds the athlete to following the vision training lessons during game play. In addition to the other benefits disclosed herein, the present invention fulfills these needs.

FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an example on-field vision training system with a visual display configured for use on a baseball bat in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged visual display of the on-field vision training system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an example on-field mounted visual display of the on-field vision training system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is the example on-field vision training system of FIG. 1 configured for use in basketball in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an example on-field vision training system with a visual display configured for use on an article of footwear in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is the example on-field vision training system of FIG. 1 configured for use in American football in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an example on-field vision training system with a visual display configured for use on a glove in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is the example on-field vision training system of FIG. 1 configured for use in soccer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a front, isometric view of an example on-field vision training system configured for use on an American football in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a side view of the football of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is an example visual display pattern for use on a first end of the football of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 11 is an example visual display pattern for use on a second end of the football of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 12 shows an example sporting device in communication with an external electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example method for altering one or more visual properties of a material of a sporting device or sporting structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An on-field vision training system 10 is disclosed in FIGS. 1-11 and discussed herein.

In general, the training system 10 has a visual display 12 that is preferably a sequence of images aligned in a row 14 (FIG. 2). Each image of the sequence of images preferably represents a symbol that the athlete has pre-associated as a reminder to perform a particular task or event during game play. A first visual display 12a is preferably positioned somewhere near or on the athlete, and at least a second visual display 12b with preferably the same sequence of images is posited at one or more locations throughout the sports field so that the second visual display 12b is visible by the athlete during game play. During game play, the athlete uses the visual displays 12a, 12b primarily as a vision training and concentration tool.

The on-field vision training system 10 is allows athletes to complete a series of sport-specific vision exercises to improve visual skills on the field and thereby improve the athlete's performance on the field of play. The system is designed to work the athlete's visual, neural and cognitive systems through a specific sequence of exercises which have been proven to improve sports visual performance. The order and sequence of exercises is preferably very specific and organized specifically to enhance the performance of the eyes for a particular sport activity.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, the visual display 12 of the on-field vision training system 10 preferably has five symbols which are affixed, preferably by being detachably secured with adhesive tape or the like, or incorporated into the actual design of various articles of on-field equipment, including bats 16 (FIG. 1), sports gloves 18 (FIG. 7) and articles of footwear 20 (FIG. 5) are used in combination with similar symbols which are affixed at various points on the field of play as shown in FIGS. 1-8. The player then uses this system of symbols to perform various exercises which condition the eyes, neurons and cognitive system to work together in an optimal manner to maximize the athlete's visual performance on the field of play. The system 10 allows training and conditioning of an athlete's visual skills in the context of the field of play, with all of the attendant variables, distractions and other factors that affect performance in actual sporting contests. Example visual symbols and sequences are shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an example on-field vision training system configured for use during a baseball game is shown. The visual display 12a is affixed to a baseball bat 16 while a larger visual display 12b having the same sequence of characters is affixed along the outfield fence 20 or the like. During game play the athlete uses both visual displays 12a, 12b to focus on the batting event and improve visual cue sensing. For example, when stepping up to the plate for his or her turn a bat, the athlete may initially focus on the third character down on the visual display 12a, and then look to the outfield to find that same character on the outfield visual display 12b. He or she may then initiate other pre-determined sequences of viewing these and other symbols, thereby forcing the athlete to focus on these events and become less distracted by other events, such as cheering or hostile spectators, arising during game play.

Referring to FIGS. 4 & 5, an example on-field vision training system configured for use in basketball is shown. The visual display 12 is affixed to an article of footwear 20 worn by the athlete, and another visual display 12c is affixed to or near the backboard 32 of the basket. During a free throw, an athlete uses both visual displays 12a, 12c to focus on the free throw event, follow and remember established free-throw procedures, and reduce undue distractions from interfering with making the shot. For example, when stepping up to free throw line 30, the athlete may initially focus one or more of the characters of the shoe mounted visual display 12a, and then look for the same characters on the near backboard mounted visual display 12c. He or she may then initiate other pre-determined sequences of viewing these and other symbols, thereby forcing the athlete to focus in preparation for taking the free throw. A third visual display 12b may also be provided and used, such as at the free throw line 30 or the like.

Referring to FIG. 6, an example on-field vision training system configured for use in American football is shown. The visual display 12a is preferably affixed to a glove 18 (FIG. 7) worn by the athlete, the football 50 (FIGS. 9A & 9B) used during game play or practice, and one or more other visual displays 12b, 12c are preferably positioned around the football field as shown. A similar arrangement is also shown in a soccer configuration in FIG. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-11, a preferred visual display pattern for use on a football 50 is shown. Preferably, the pattern includes a series of concentric, different colored circles/rings 66, 68, 70 extending from the respective ends 62, 64 of the football 50 as best shown in FIG. 9A. The center circle 62 is preferably different colors on each end 62, 64 of the football, with a first concentric ring 68 extending there-around in a different color from the color of the adjacent center circle 62. A second concentric ring 70 is preferably aligned around the first concentric ring 68, and it is preferably a different color from the adjacent center ring 62 and first concentric ring 68. Preferably, the second concentric ring is yellow. A preferred example color pattern is to have a red center circle 66, blue first concentric ring 68, and yellow second concentric ring 70 on one side 62 (FIG. 11) of the football 50, and a blue center circle 66, red first concentric ring 68, and yellow second concentric ring 60 (FIG. 10) on the opposite side 66 of the football 50. Accordingly, one drill using these color patterns is for the thrower of the football 50 to position one of the two sides 62, 66 toward the athlete, and throw the football 50 toward the athlete. The athlete then calls out the color (red or blue) of the center circle 66 directed toward them while the football 50 is in flight.

The size of the center circle 62 and rings 68 and 70 can also be optimized for maximum visual training. For example, one end 62 (FIG. 11) of the football 50 may have a smaller sized center circle 62 and rings 68 and 70, than those items found on the opposite side 66 (FIG. 10). Accordingly, as an athlete's vision training improves using the side having the larger visual pattern, he or she may select the more difficult visual pattern found on the opposite side to further improve his or her vision training. In addition, a pair of small brightly colored circles 56 (which are preferably yellow) are preferably positioned on the visual display. These small brightly colored circles 56 are preferably positioned opposite each other so as to straddle the ends 62, 66 as shown.

More preferably, a plurality of elongate, concentrically aligned, spaced apart lines 54 are provided along the “catch zone” of the football as best shown in FIGS. 9A & 9B. These lines offer a visual indicator to the athlete as to where he or she should seek to catch the ball.

In addition, one or more numbers 58 and/or letter 60 are provided on the football. These numbers 58 and letters 60 allow for vision training exercises such as number/letter call-out drills to be performed with an in-flight football.

With a football marked as described, it can be appreciated that an athlete uses the visual cues to assist with focus and concentration. The visual displays are preferably incorporated into a wide variety of in-flight ball, route, passing and hand-eye coordination drills.

Further aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and methods for providing a range of dynamic visual indicia. In one aspect, one or more dynamic visual indicia or patterns may be provided on one or more sporting devices, such as football 50 shown in FIGS. 9-11. As explained above, however, the utilization of visual indicia or patterns is not limited to example football 50, but may be applied to any apparatus, tool, and/or equipment utilized either passively or actively, during a fitness or sporting activity. Example sporting devices may include, but are not limited to: golf balls, basketballs, baseballs, soccer balls, footballs, powerballs, hockey pucks, weights, bats, clubs, sticks, paddles, mats, and combinations thereof. Thus, any physical item that may be manipulated (either directly or indirectly) by an athlete during an athletic activity is within the scope of this disclosure. In certain embodiments, a sporting device may be attached to or worn by a user, such as gloves and/or shoes.

Further, as elaborated above in relation to FIGS. 1-8, one or more sporting structures may include one or more visual indicia. Example sporting structures may include, but are not limited to objects within a sporting environment for utilization with or during a specific sport or fitness activity, including for example: a goal, net, hoop, backboard, portions of a field, such as a midline, outer boundary marker, base, and combinations thereof. In this regard, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more sporting devices may also be part of (or form) a sporting structure and vice-versa. A sporting structure may comprise one or more sporting devices or be configured to interact with a sporting device. Illustrative embodiments generally described throughout this provided below are described in relation to example sporting devices; however, those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that any discussion herein applies to sporting structures as well, unless expressly indicated otherwise.

In accordance with a first aspect, dynamic visual display devices may be utilized in a reversible manner on a sporting device (or structure). In this regard, in contrast to standard visual indicia commonly utilized on sporting devices, a first visual display device may be provided at a first location and/or orientation on a sporting device and be selectively displayed during a first time period. Likewise, a second visual display may be provided (either in conjunction with or in the absence of a first visual display) on a second location and/or orientation during a second time period. The second visual display may overlap (either fully or partially) the location of the first visual display or vice versa.

Looking to the illustrative sporting device shown in FIGS. 9-11, football 50 exhibits a first pattern or indicia which may include the series of concentric, different colored circles/rings 66, 68, 70 extending from the respective ends 62, 64 of the football 50. Yet, a second pattern may be devoid of circles 66, 68, and/or 70. In one embodiment, the second pattern may comprise different sized and/or colored circles that replace circle(s) 66, 68 and/or 70. In still yet other embodiments, a second pattern may be devoid of any circles/rings. For example, in one embodiment, one or more different geometric patterns may be provided as visual indicia. In this regard, aspects relate to one or more computer-readable medium(s) comprising computer-executable instructions, that when executed, perform methods for dynamically providing visual indicia on a sporting device. The visual-indicia may be utilized in the formation of a plurality of patterns. In this regard, a pattern may be user-selected from one or more predetermined sets of patterns. In certain embodiments, users may create, or build new patterns as well as modify existing patterns. A display device may be utilized to display available or existing patterns, and in certain embodiments, permit the user to observe modifications to existing patterns. In further embodiments, one or more patterns may be downloaded via a wireless or wired connection and/or transmitted to sporting device 1200, such as ball 50, via a wired and/or wireless connection. Further, patterns may be automatically altered based on sensor detected criteria, e.g., relating to performance on either side of the throwing or catching end of football 50.

FIG. 12 shows an illustrative sporting device 1200, which may include an encasement, such as represented by portion 1201. If, for example, sporting device 1200 is a sporting ball (such as a football, soccer ball, basketball, etc.), portion 1201 may comprise the outer surface of the respective ball. Yet, in other embodiments, portion 1201 may form (or be a portion of) a housing, encasement, or compartment of sporting device 1200, in which one or more materials separate portion 1201 from an outer surface of sporting device 1200. For example, insulation or energy absorbing materials may be positioned between an outer perimeter of sporting device 1200 and portion 1201. However, for simplicity, reference to portion 1201 and/or an outer surface of a sporting device, such as device 1200, are utilized interchangeably, however, one skilled in the art will appreciate that portion 1201 is not required to be the outer-most surface of sporting device 1200.

Sporting device 1200 may further comprise one or more computer-readable medium(s), such as memory 1202. Memory 1202 may include read-only memory (ROM) and/or random access memory (RAM). RAM and/or ROM may include any type of one or more non-transitory computer readable medium, including, optical, magnetic, disc, solid state, such as flash memory, and combinations thereof. Memory 1202 may comprise computer-executable instructions, that when executed by a processor, such as processor 1203, perform one or more operations, such as for example, methods for dynamically providing visual indicia on the sporting device 1200. Processor 1203 may be a programmable microprocessor, yet in other embodiments, processor 1203 may be a purpose-specific circuit device, such as an ASIC. Although both memory 1202 and processor 1203 are shown to be fully encased within sporting device 1200, those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that memory 1202 and/or processor 1203 may be external to sporting device 1200. For example, processor 1203 and/or memory 1202 may optionally be in operative communication with, and as such may provide processed or raw signals to, transceiver 1204 for transmission to an electronic device, such as device 1206 (discussed in more detail below).

In certain embodiments, power supply 1207 may be configured to provide power to transceiver 1204, memory 1202, processor 1203, and/or other internal or external components of sporting device 1200. The power supply 1207 may be configured to accept either alternating current (AC) and/or direct current (DC). In certain embodiments, power supply 1207 may comprise a converter for converting energy between AC and DC power. In one embodiment, power supply 1207 may comprise or be in communication with a power scavenging device, such as for example, to obtain energy from the motion of sporting device 1200. For example, the “spiral” rotation of an American football or spinning action of a baseball in flight may be utilized for energy generation. Likewise, the swinging of or contact with a bat, club or stick may also be utilized Similarly, the rotation of a puck could also be utilized for the capturing of energy. Yet, in other embodiments, power supply 1207 may obtain energy from the sporting environment, such as from solar power.

Power supply 1207 may be configured to provide power to one or more display devices to provide dynamic visual indicia on sporting device 1200. In one embodiment, outer-surface 1201 of sporting device 1200 may comprise one or more materials configured to emit light. Yet in another embodiment, at least a portion of outer surface 1201 may be transparent and/or translucent, such as to allow the passage of visible light from within an interior portion of the sporting device 1200 to be visible on the portion 1201 and/or an outer perimeter of the sporting device 1200. In another embodiment, at least a portion of outer surface 101 may be reflective, e.g., either statically or dynamically, or both. In still other embodiments, a combination of the above or other properties may be provided, so as to enable visually-perceivable output. Output of visual indicia may be performed through one or more output devices, such as illustrative output device 1208.

Example output device 1208 may comprise one or more display devices associated with a video adapter configured to control an array having a plurality of pixels. A plurality of pixels may be configured to display different color spectrums. For example, red, green, white and blue light sources, such as LEDs, may be controlled by red, green, white and blue input signals respectively and may be positioned on a black background. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a combination of red, green and blue LEDs allows for the generation of a wide variety of other colors. In alternative embodiments, other primary color combinations may be used. For example, magenta, cyan and yellow light emitting diodes may be utilized. Further, an LED array may be replaced with or used in combination with other light generation and display components such cathode ray tubes (CRTs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), field emission displays (FEDs), plasma displays or any other device that produces a visual indicia that is viewable external to the sporting device 1200.

Further embodiments may utilize one or more chromatic materials, either alone, or in addition to one or more other materials providing visually-perceivable properties, such as output device 1208. Chromatic materials (also known as chromic materials) may include, for example, electro chromatic, thermo chromatic and/or photo chromatic materials. In one embodiment, at least a portion of outer surface 1201 comprises one or more chromatic materials. In one embodiment, chromatic material(s) may be provided on a portion of sporting device 1200 through one or more processes, including but not limited to: screen-printing, stenciling, and printing. For example, stenciling may be performed to provide one or more patterns shown in FIGS. 9-11 on an American Football. Those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that any pattern or collection of patterns may be stenciled on a myriad of sporting devices (as well as sporting structures). In another embodiment, a film of material, including for example, PET, may be printed with chromatic material(s) before application on a location of sporting device 1200. Yet, in other embodiments, glass or other structures may be utilized as a substrate for one or more chromatic materials. Application to sporting device 1200 may include at least one mechanical bonding process, such as stitching, and/or at least one chemical process, such as utilizing an adhesive. In one embodiment, one or more electro chromatic materials (electro chromes) are polymer based. In another embodiment, one or more metal oxide films are utilized as electro chromes. Examples include, but are not limited to: cobalt oxide, indium tin oxide, iridium tin oxide, molybdenum trioxide, nickel oxide, tungsten trioxide, vanadium pentoxide, cerium oxide, niobium pentoxide, and/or ruthenium dioxide. In yet another embodiment, one or more organic inks may be utilized as an electro chrome. Example organic dyes include, but are not limited to: phthalocyanine complexes, bipyridilium systems, carbazoles, methoxybiphenyl, quinones, diphenylamine and/or pyrazolines. Still other materials may be employed, e.g., titanium dioxide in conjunction with viologen.

Power supply 107 may be configured in controlling one or more chromes. In one or more embodiments, power supply 107 may be configured so that one or more thermo chromes are controlled via application of selected thermal signals. In any such embodiment, power supply 107, together with processor 103, may deliver selected or various heat output(s) to one or more portions of thermo chrome(s) comprising output device 108. In one or more other embodiments, power supply 1207 may be configured to provide an adjustable signal (such as for example, a power level) to one or more electro chromes. In one embodiment, different signals result in different visual indicia on sporting device 1200. In one embodiment, one or more bistable materials may be utilized in which a first electronic signal (which may be zero volts/amps or otherwise below a minimum threshold of power) applied to the electro chrome(s) may result in switching the electro chrome(s) from a first state to a second state. In one embodiment, a temporary application of power may result in the material(s) resting at a second state until a second power level is applied to the materials. After the transition from the first state to the second state is complete, a bistable electro chrome may continue to draw small, a negligible amount of, or zero power to stay in that second state. In one embodiment, application of a first electronic signal may result in at least one electro chrome appearing substantially transparent. Thus, the substantially transparent electro chrome may not form part of a specific visual indication on sporting device 1200. Yet, in another embodiment, the first electronic signal (which may be zero volts or below a threshold of minimum power) may be substantially opaque such as to form part of a visual indication. Application or alteration of an electronic signal may reverse the at least one electro chrome from substantially transparent to opaque and/or vise-versa from opaque to substantially transparent.

In yet further embodiments, one or more electro chromes may provide a plurality of visually-distinctive states. For example, upon receiving no electronic signals or below a threshold level of electronic signals, a first electro chrome may be in a first state. For example, at a first state, the electro chrome may be substantially transparent. Yet, the first electro chrome may be altered upon application of a second electronic signal, such that it's visual appearance is visually-distinct from the first state when viewed external to the sporting device 1200, to be at a second state. For example, in one embodiment, the electro chrome may be altered from being substantially transparent to being a first color. Still yet in further embodiments, the visual perception of the electro chrome (when viewed from the external side of the sporting device 1200) may be altered to be a third state, such that it is visually distinct from the second state. For example, at a third state, the same electro chrome may be a second color that is visually-distinct from the first color.

In accordance with certain aspects, methods for adjusting the visually-perceivable properties of sporting device 1200 or a sporting structure may be utilized in the provisioning of visual cues to an athlete. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of one example method for utilizing dynamic visual indicia in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In accordance with one embodiment, a user input configured to alter a visually-perceivable property of at least one material (or device) of a sporting device (which may be light-emitting and/or light-reflecting), such as sporting device 1200, may be received. The user input may be configured to select one of a several selections that each alter a visually-perceivable property of at least one material of sporting device 1200 (see, e.g., block 1302). The user input may be received from one or more users. Users may include, but are not limited to: athletes and/or coaches. For example, a first user input may be configured to cause a pattern, such as a first visual display/indicia, to be provided on an outer surface of sporting device 1200. Example displays, indicia, or patterns may include, but are not limited to, any of the one or more displays shown in FIG. 9-11 on football 50. A first display or indicia may comprise one or more patterns that may be utilized in a fitness routine. An example fitness routine may be focused on hand-eye coordination, yet another routine may be focused on accuracy or preciseness of an athlete's performance during the fitness routine.

In contrast, a second or further selection at block 1302 may result in the provisioning of a second or further pattern, such as a second visual display or visual indicia, to be provided through output device 1208 and/or on an outer surface 1201 of sporting device 1200. The second pattern may differ from the first pattern in one or more aspects, including, size, shape, color, position, location, brightness, orientation, and combinations thereof.

As one example, the illustrative sporting device (football 50) of FIGS. 9-11, the size of center circle 62 and/or rings 68, 70 may be altered to produce the second different pattern, indicia, and/or display. For example, end 62 (shown in FIG. 11) of the football 50 may have a smaller sized center circle 62 and rings 68 and 70, than those provided for the first pattern.

Yet, in another embodiment, the first pattern may be devoid of any shapes and/or colors presented by the second pattern. Those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that any types of patterns may be used, and may depend on the intended fitness routine to be performed by one or more athletes.

In certain embodiments, the user input at block 1302 (or other method described herein) may be received from physical contact with the sporting device 1200. For example, a physical structure of sporting device 1200 may be manipulated to provide one or more user inputs. The physical structure may, but is not required to be, located on an outer surface (e.g., portion 1201) of sporting device 1200. The physical structure may be a “fitness component” of sporting device 1200. As used herein, a fitness component is any physical structure that is conventionally understood by an athlete regularly engaged in an athletic activity that routinely utilizes the sporting device 1200 to be part of (such as being integral with, part of, or otherwise connected with) that type of sporting device 1200. Thus, a fitness component may not consist solely of a switch (or other component) that is only provided to receive the user input. Rather, an example fitness structure may be, for example, laces, such as laces on an American football. Thus, a switch, actuator, or other non-obtrusive mechanism may be positioned such that manipulation of the fitness structure actuates the switch, actuator or other non-obtrusive mechanism. In one embodiment, different laces or group of laces may be manipulated by an athlete or other individual to select one or more user inputs. For example, manipulation of a first lace may provide a first user input and manipulation of a second lace may provide a second user input. Alternatively, a single lace may be manipulated in different manners to provide multiple different user inputs. In this regard, sporting device 1200 may comprise one or more sensors, such as sensor(s) 1209 (which may comprise illustrative sensors 1209A and/or 1209B), that may be utilized to receive a user input; such as the user input received at block 1302. Sensor(s) 1209 may be in operative communication with one or more structures, including for example, a fitness structure. Although sensors 1209A and 1209B are depicted within sporting device 1200, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more sensor or other device configured to receive a user input may be located outside (either partially or entirely) of portion 1201.

In other embodiments, an athlete's physical activity with the sporting device 1200 during a fitness routine or activity may be a user input received at block 1302. For example, one or more sensors, such as sensors 1209A and/or 1209B, may be configured to detect motion parameters of either the sporting device 1200 and/or an athlete. Example motion parameters and inputs are described below in relation to blocks 1306-1310; however, those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will readily appreciate that such athletic actions or other motion parameters may be utilized as a user input in relation to block 1302.

In other embodiments, a user input, such as an input received at block 1302, may be received from an electronic device that is external to the sporting device 1200. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 12, electronic device 1206 may be in wireless communication with sporting device 1200. Wired communication protocols may also be utilized, such as but not limited to a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) connection that permits selective connection between the sporting device 1200 and another electronic device. Electronic device 1206 may optionally comprise two or more detachable components, such as for example, components 1212a and/or 1212b. For example, component 1212a may be a relatively smaller component than component 1212b. In one embodiment, component 1212b may comprise a mobile terminal device and/or a personal media player and component 1212a may provide further functionality to component 1212b. Component 1212a may connect to component 1212b such that processor 1211 may communicate with computing unit 1213 of electronic device 1206. Processor 1211 may communicate directly with computing unit 1213, and in certain embodiments, be a part of computing unit 1213. Component 1212a may also communicate with computing unit 1213 and other portions of component 1212b through input/output (I/O) interface 1214, using one or more channels, such as channel 214a. In certain embodiments, for example, where 1212a is not detachable, I/O interface 214 may be excluded. Further, processor 1211 of component 1212a and/or computing unit 1213 of component 1212b may be redundant or otherwise not required in certain embodiments.

Computing unit 1213 may comprise a processor configured to read and/or write data to memory 1202 and/or 1215. Example data may include raw or processed signals from sensors 1209. Computing unit 1213 may further operate on processed signals provided by one or more fitness devices, such device 1200, for example, to generate a set of athletic data corresponding to athletic activity performed by an athlete and/or motion parameters of sporting device 1200. Computer-executable instructions may be located on a memory, such as memory 1215. Example computer-executable instructions may include one or more processes discussed herein, including but not limited to include performing operations on the output from sensor(s) 1209, such as curve smoothing, noise filtering, outlier removal, amplification, summation, integration, or the like.

Electronic device 1206 may further comprise I/O interface device 1217. I/O interface device 1217 may comprise one or more ports or interfaces (or devices connected through such ports or interfaces) configured to receive an input or transmit an output. In one embodiment, wired communication protocols may also be utilized, such as but not limited to a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) connection that permits selective connection. In certain embodiments, I/O interface device 1217 may comprise a wireless data “port,” such as a Bluetooth interface, a Wi-Fi interface, an infrared data port, or the like. In certain embodiments, I/O interface device 1217 and/or transceiver 1204 may be utilized to obtain computer-executable instructions that when implemented by a processor, such as processor 1211 and/or 1203, result in different patterns or indicia to be displayed on sporting device 1200.

At block 1304, a visually-perceivable property of the at least one material or device, such as output device 1208, of sporting device 1200 may be altered. In certain embodiments, the material or device may comprise a material or device that may be light emitting, light reflecting, or a combination. In accordance with one embodiment, altering the visually-perceivable property may the result of (either directly or indirectly) of the user input received at block 1302. Example visually-perceivable properties that may be altered may include: color, brightness, active or inactive, timing of property adjustment, size, location, and/or combinations thereof. One or more properties may be altered to provide the first visual indicia, pattern, or display. Other factors besides the user input received at block 1302 may contribute to the alteration of one or more visually-perceivable properties at block 1304.

In certain embodiments, at least one alteration does not occur until a predefined criterion is met. In this regard, block 1304 may incorporate one or more other inputs or determinations, such as example determinations 1306, 1308, and/or 1310 shown in FIG. 13. Although blocks 1306, 1308 and 1310 are shown below block 1304, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that one or more blocks 1306, 1308, and/or 1310 may occur before, during and/or after one or more processes of block 1304. Further, the ordering of blocks 1306, 1308, and 1310 is merely for illustrative purposes.

At optional decision 1306, it may be determined whether to adjust the output of a material, such as output device 1206. In one embodiment, decision 1306 may be implemented to alter the visually-perceivable property(ies) only upon detecting that sporting device 1200 is in motion (or meets a threshold of motion) during a fitness event or routine. For example, a first visual indicia may not be provided on an American football until that ball is thrown or may not be provided on a soccer ball until that soccer ball is kicked. This may be useful as to prevent or minimize the potential of an unfair advantage that allows the receiver to know a pattern before the ball is in motion during the routine. In another embodiment, one or more patterns may be utilized to set/reset the “catch zone” of a ball, such as the football as best shown in FIGS. 9A & 9B. Such patterns or indicia may offer a visual indicator to the athlete as to where he or she should seek to catch the ball 50.

In accordance with other embodiments, sporting device 1200 may comprise one or more sensors, such as sensor(s) 1209, configured to provide information that may be utilized, either independently or in conjunction with, other sensors, such as one or more sensors associated with one or more sporting devices or sporting structures. For example, a sporting device 1200 may comprise sensors configured to measure a force and/or a direction of the force. As one example, sensor(s) 1209 may comprise a sensor in a basketball and another sensor may be positioned on a backboard of a basketball court. Sensor(s) 1209 may include a removable accelerometer module that is configured to detect acceleration. The accelerometer module may be replacable with a different sensor (i.e., a pressure sensor). Using removable sensors may permit a sensor, such as sensor 1209A to be used with several different fitness devices, such as soccer balls, powerballs, footballs, and/or allow a user to upgrade or replace a faulty device, without having to obtain a new sensor. In certain embodiments, placement of one or more sensors 1209 may be configured so that the weights of the included sensor(s) 1209 do not change the balance or center of gravity of the sporting device 1200. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that sensors 1209 are not limited to accelerometers or force sensors, but rather any other type of sensors may be incorporated. For example, a sensor may comprise a gyroscope, camera, thermometer, or otherwise.

In one embodiment, upon receiving an indication that sensor(s) 1209 detected a parameter above a threshold, block 1307 may be implemented to adjust the visually-perceivable property. For example, upon detection of a ball being thrown, block 1307 may initiate the displaying of the first pattern/indicia as selected by the first user input of block 1302. In yet, another embodiment, block 1307 may adjust the first pattern/indicia such that the displayed pattern/indicia on sporting device 1200 is not the same (but may be similar to) the first pattern resulting from the selection at block 1302. For example, in one embodiment, sensor(s) 1209 may detect that a soccer ball was kicked higher than intended for the fitness routine associated with the selected user input, thus a second pattern may be displayed on sporting device 1200. The second pattern may be larger in size (as compared to the first pattern) to permit the receiver to better perceive it. Alternatively, the coloration, brightness or any other property of a light-emitting/light-reflecting material of sporting device 1200 may be adjusted.

In yet another embodiment, the first pattern remains displayed on the sporting device 1200, however, a second pattern/indicia is displayed at block 1307 in addition to the first pattern. For example, the first pattern/indicia may be the pattern selected to be displayed for a particular training drill. Upon the sporting device 1200 being put in motion, it may be determined (such as from sensors 1209) that a motion parameter is above a particular threshold, therefore, a second pattern may be displayed to provide additional information. Example motion parameters may be related to: speed, rotation, acceleration, force or combinations thereof. The pattern displayed at block 1307 may be orientated to provide visual information to the athlete who placed sporting device 1200 in motion, an intended receiver of sporting device 1200, a spectator, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, if a first athlete throws an American football with a “spiral” that falls outside a threshold of acceptance, then one or more visual properties of the first pattern/indicia may be adjusted to more easily permit a second athlete to receive the football. Further, data regarding the motion parameter and/or the displayed pattern(s) may be stored on a memory, such as memory 1202, and/or transmitted (including in real-time) to external memory 1215.

Either as part of decision 1306 or as a separate decision, one or more visually-perceivable properties may be adjusted based upon athletic performance. In this regard, block 1308 may be implemented as a sub-component of 1306 or implemented in methods in which decision 1306 is absent. In one embodiment, decision 1306 may measure one or more sensor outputs to determine performance of a first athlete, such as an athlete who throws or kicks a ball. Accordingly, block 1307 may adjust a visually-perceivable property based upon properties of the first athlete's kick or throw. In contrast, decision 1308 may be implemented to alter at least one visually-perceivable property (thereby providing a new pattern/indicia at block 1309) upon detecting a second athlete has caught or received the ball. Thus in the above embodiment, decision 1308 may measure the athletic performance of the second athlete, whereas the determination at decision 1306 may be more akin to a binary determination as to whether the ball was thrown or not. The new indicia/pattern of block 1309 may show locations where the user made contact with the ball (i.e., actual receiving locations). In further embodiments, a pattern may provide an indication of optimal receiving locations.

During use of the sporting device, athletes may utilize visual patterns as visual cues to assist with focus and concentration. The visual displays may be incorporated into a wide variety of inflight ball, route, passing and hand-eye coordination drills. In other embodiments, visual patterns may be utilized to provide information to spectators, such as concerning motion parameters.

In further embodiments, optional decision 1310 may be implemented, either alone or in combination with other decision processes (such as 1306 and/or 1308), to determine whether to associate a new visual display/indicia or pattern with the selected user input 1302 or other user input. For example, if an athlete shows improvement during fitness routine or activity it may be desirable in certain embodiments to alter the displayed visual patterns associated with that fitness activity (e.g., see block 1311). For example, in one embodiment, sensor(s) 1209 may detect that an athlete received sporting device within a proper “catch zone”. In another embodiment, sensor(s) 1209 may collect data regarding other parameters of an athlete physically interacting with sporting device 1200. Examples include, but are not limited to: stopping a hockey puck with a stick, hitting a baseball with a bat, throwing a basketball, which may interact with a sporting structure, such as a backboard and/or rim. Thus, methods (which may be executed as part of block 1311) may be implemented to transmit an electronic signal indicative of one or more interactions, including performance characteristics of an athlete and/or motion characteristics of sporting device 1200. Those skilled in the art will understand that in at least some embodiments, motion characteristics and performance characteristics, may be the same, overlapping, or otherwise associated.

In one embodiment, block 1311 may adjust the difficulty level of a training routine or a portion thereof, by adjusting one or more display patterns, indicia or devices. For example, looking to the example sporting device (football 50) of FIGS. 9-11, the size of center circle 62 and/or rings 68, 70 may be altered to produce a different pattern, indicia, and/or display. For example, end 62 (shown in FIG. 11) of the football 50 may have a smaller sized center circle 62 and rings 68 and 70, than those that would have been provided if certain performance characteristics and/or motion parameters were not detected (such as during block 1310) during a previous routine. Accordingly, in one implementation, as an athlete's vision training improves using a first visual pattern, a more difficult visual pattern (or plurality of patterns) may be utilized to improve vision training. One or more patterns may be utilized to mark the “catch zone” of the football 50 or to assist perfecting a mechanism at which the athlete is deficient. Obviously, other sporting devices may have other “zones” such as a “strike zone” or the like.

Thus, a subsequent use of sporting device 1200 may be associated with a different pattern, indicia, or device due to one or more performance characteristics of the athlete or motion characteristics of the sporting device 1200 itself. In certain embodiments, one or more of blocks 1307, 1309 and/or 1311 may not be implemented. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 13, block 1302 may be initiated whether one or more other actions (including blocks 1307, 1309, and/or 1311) are conducted.

With one or more sporting devices or structures marked as described, it can be appreciated that an athlete may utilize visual devices to assist with focus, concentration, sport-specific improvements, or other activities and may be incorporated into a wide variety of in-flight ball, route, passing and hand-eye coordination drills.

Having described and illustrated example embodiments with reference to the illustrative figures hereof, it will be apparent that the invention can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. For example, the sporting events, structures, and devices shown and the symbols displayed are exemplarily only. In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles may be put, it should be recognized that the described embodiments are illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the many aspects of the invention. Accordingly, we claim as our invention all such modifications as may come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A sporting device comprising:

a display device configured to provide a visually-perceivable output of the sporting device; and

a processor and a computer-readable medium, wherein the computer-readable medium comprises computer-executable instructions that when executed by the processer perform a method comprising: receiving an electronic signal picking one of a plurality of selections, wherein each of the selections are configured to alter a visually-perceivable property of the display device, wherein a first selection is configured to provide a first visual indicia of the sporting device and a second selection is configured to provide a second visual indicia; wherein the first visual indicia is further configured to be utilized during a first athletic routine with the sporting device and the second visual indicia is configured to be utilized during a second athletic routine with the sporting device.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions that when executed by a processor perform the method of:

altering a visually-perceivable property of the display to provide the first visual indicia upon receiving the first selection.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second athletic routines each comprise a sport-specific training exercise.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second athletic routines each improve a single sport-specific skill.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the first athletic routine is a sporting event with at least two opposing athletes and conducted in association with defined rules.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the display device comprises at least one chromatic material.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the display device comprises at least one electro chrome.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions that when executed by a processor perform the method of:

upon receiving the electronic signal picking the first selection, transmitting an electronic signal to a first electro chrome to switch the first electro chrome from a first state to a second state.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first electro chrome is substantially transparent while at the first state and the first electro chrome exhibits a first color while at the second state.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the display device comprises at least two electro chromes and wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions that when executed by a processor perform the method of:

switching the second electro chrome from a first state to a second state responsive to receiving an electronic signal selecting the second athletic routine.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the display devices comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of: LED, LCD, thermo chrome, photo chrome, electro chrome, and combinations thereof.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a user input device configured to receive a user input picking the one of the plurality of selections.

13. The device of claim 4, wherein the user input device is selected from the group consisting of: a fitness structure of the sporting device, an external electronic device, and combinations thereof.

14. The device of claim 4, further comprising:

a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with an external electronic device, wherein the user input device is located on the external electronic device.

15. A sporting device comprising:

a display device comprising at least one chromatic material configured to provide a visually-perceivable output of the sporting device;

a processor and a computer-readable medium, wherein the computer-readable medium comprises computer-executable instructions that when executed by the processer perform a method comprising: receiving an electronic signal indicative of a user input selecting one of a plurality of selections that each are configured to alter a visually-perceivable property of the of the display device, wherein a first selection is configured to provide a first visual indicia and a second selection is configured to provide a second visual indicia.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions that when executed by a processor perform the method of:

altering a visually-perceivable property of the display device to provide the first visual indicia following reception of the user input.

17. The device of claim 15, further comprising:

a user input device configured to receive the user input picking the one of the plurality of selections.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the user input device is selected from group consisting of: a fitness structure of the sporting device, an external electronic device, and combinations thereof.

19. The device of claim 15, wherein the user input is received from a fitness structure of the sporting device.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the sporting device is an American football and the fitness structure comprises at least one lace of the American football.

21. The device of claim 17, wherein the sporting device comprises a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with an external electronic device, wherein the user input device is located on the external electronic device.

22. The device of claim 15, further comprising:

a sensor configured to detect a motion parameter of the sporting device during a selected first athletic routine and the computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions that when executed by the processer perform a method comprising:

during performance of the first athletic routine with the sporting device, detecting a parameter selected from the group consisting of: an athletic performance parameter, the motion parameter of the sporting device, and combinations thereof.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions that when executed by the processer perform a method comprising:

transmitting information regarding the detected parameter to an external electronic device.

24. The device of claim 23, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions that when executed by the processer perform a method comprising:

responsive to the information regarding the detected parameter, associating the first selection with a third visual indicia.

25. The device of claim 15, further comprising an energy scavenging power supply.

26. The device of claim 26, wherein the energy scavenging device is configured to scavenge power from motion forces during an athletic routine, wherein the scavenged power is employed directly or indirectly toward controlling the display device.

27. The device of claim 15, wherein the sporting device is a football having a first end and an opposite second end, the football comprising a sensor configured to detect a motion parameter of the sporting device during a first athletic routine;

wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions that when executed by the processer perform a method comprising: after receiving an electronic signal indicative of the first selection has been picked, displaying a first visual indicia positioned about said first end configured to be visually-perceivable during the first athletic routine; and responsive to the athletic performance during the first athletic routine, providing a second visual indicia positioned about said one or both the first and second ends.