Patents by Inventor Albert Shum

Albert Shum has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9517406
    Abstract: Apparel is disclosed that can be worn to assist an interactive game in tracking the movement of the wearer. More particularly, the apparel may include one or more tracking marks formed of designs, patterns, or reflective materials that can be easily tracked by an interactive game employing one or more cameras or other detectors for detecting a change in position of an object. The apparel may take the form of, for example, hats, shirts, jackets, pants, gloves, and shoes. The apparel may use reflective materials, and the interactive game can employ a camera and a light source configuration where the camera is located within the observation angle of a player employing retroreflective materials reflecting light from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Shum, Thomas Foxen, James Meschter
  • Patent number: 9511261
    Abstract: A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Clark, Theodore H. Helprin, Albert Shum
  • Publication number: 20150375123
    Abstract: Apparel is disclosed that can be worn to assist an interactive game in tracking the movement of the wearer. More particularly, the apparel may include one or more tracking marks formed of designs, patterns, or reflective materials that can be easily tracked by an interactive game employing one or more cameras or other detectors for detecting a change in position of an object. The apparel may take the form of, for example, hats, shirts, jackets, pants, gloves, and shoes. By providing tracking marks on apparel, rather than using a special-purpose device that must be separately worn, a player may enjoy a more natural feel when playing the interactive game. Further, the player need not don any special equipment to play the game. Instead, a user can wear the apparel for everyday purposes, and then simply begin playing the game wearing the apparel without having to put on any additional equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Albert Shum, Thomas Foxen, James C. Meschter, Yves Behar
  • Patent number: 9162142
    Abstract: Apparel is disclosed that can be worn to assist an interactive game in tracking the movement of the wearer. More particularly, the apparel may include one or more tracking marks formed of designs, patterns, or reflective materials that can be easily tracked by an interactive game employing one or more cameras or other detectors for detecting a change in position of an object. The apparel may take the form of, for example, hats, shirts, jackets, pants, gloves, and shoes. By providing tracking marks on apparel, rather than using a special-purpose device that must be separately worn, a player may enjoy a more natural feel when playing the interactive game. Further, the player need not don any special equipment to play the game. Instead, a user can wear the apparel for everyday purposes, and then simply begin playing the game wearing the apparel without having to put on any additional equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Shum, Thomas Foxen, James C. Meschter, Yves Behar
  • Publication number: 20150224363
    Abstract: A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: James W. Clark, Theodore H. Helprin, Albert Shum
  • Patent number: 9039572
    Abstract: A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Shum, Theodore H. Helprin, James W. Clark
  • Patent number: 8956228
    Abstract: A system for promoting physical activity for video game players. A video game player wears an article of footwear with a physical activity monitor or “game pod” mounted thereon while exercising or performing some other type of physical activity. The game pod measures the amount of the player's physical activity, and records that amount in a memory. When the player desires to play a video game according to the invention, the player disengages at least the memory from the article of footwear, and then engages the memory with the computer hosting the video game through a computer interface. The computer then obtains the recorded amount of physical activity, and provides a computer function associated with the recorded amount of physical activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Shum, Charles Whipple Case, Jr., Allan M. Schrock
  • Publication number: 20150011914
    Abstract: Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices may include an authentication or activation system for providing power or otherwise determining the connection of a sensor in the article of footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: William E. Berner, JR., Albert Shum, Charles W. Case, Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Publication number: 20150004580
    Abstract: A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Albert Shum, Theodore H. Helprin, James W. Clark
  • Patent number: 8858398
    Abstract: A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Shum, Theodore H. Helprin, James W. Clark
  • Patent number: 8857078
    Abstract: Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices may include an authentication or activation system for providing power or otherwise determining the connection of a sensor in the article of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Berner, Jr., Albert Shum, Charles W. Case, Jr., Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 8740751
    Abstract: Athletic performance monitoring systems include components for sensing performance data and/or displaying desired information to users. Electronic interface systems facilitate transfer of the data from the performance sensing system to a display device, e.g., to enable the display of athletic performance data on an electronic display device, including conventional electronic display devices that are known and commercially available (e.g., cellular telephones, PDAs, pagers, beepers, MP3 or other audio players, radios, portable televisions, portable DVD players, other video playing devices, watches, etc.). The sensing systems, as well as any data transfer systems associated therewith, may be included as part of an article of footwear, an article of clothing, a piece of athletic equipment, or the like, or even included as part of the interface device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Shum
  • Publication number: 20140040076
    Abstract: A user enters into a subscription to receive footwear having one or more specified performance characteristics. As the user finishes wearing one set of footwear, the user can obtain a replacement set of footwear that also will have one or more specified performance characteristics. The performance characteristics may be consistent for each set of footwear provided according to the subscription. Alternately, the footwear performance characteristics may vary over the life of the subscription. Thus, the footwear provider may periodically obtain biometric information describing the user's athletic activities or performance. The footwear provider then can tailor the performance characteristics of footwear provided under the subscription to match the user's athletic activities or performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Shum
  • Publication number: 20130312291
    Abstract: Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices may include an authentication or activation system for providing power or otherwise determining the connection of a sensor in the article of footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: William E. Berner, JR., Albert Shum, Charles W. Case, JR., Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 8554691
    Abstract: A user enters into a subscription to receive footwear having one or more specified performance characteristics. As the user finishes wearing one set of footwear, the user can obtain a replacement set of footwear that also will have one or more specified performance characteristics. The performance characteristics may be consistent for each set of footwear provided according to the subscription. Alternately, the footwear performance characteristics may vary over the life of the subscription. Thus, the footwear provider may periodically obtain biometric information describing the user's athletic activities or performance. The footwear provider then can tailor the performance characteristics of footwear provided under the subscription to match the user's athletic activities or performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Shum
  • Patent number: 8499476
    Abstract: Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices include: (a) a housing, optionally an asymmetrical housing, for receiving an electronic module; (b) release mechanisms for removably mounting the module in the housing; and/or (c) activation/authentication systems for selectively activating the module. Additionally, methods of making articles of footwear or other structures that include such housings, electronic modules, release systems, activation systems, authentication systems, etc. are described. Performance sensing systems and methods of using the above devices for sensing performance characteristics also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Berner, Jr., Albert Shum, Charles W. Case, Jr., Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 8502693
    Abstract: An audible playback device that allows an athlete, such as a runner, to conveniently listen to audible content and receive athletic performance information. A device may be employed to both playback audible content and provide monitored performance information to a user. The performance information may be provided to a user audibly, so that the user does not need to move the monitoring device's user interface to a viewable position, or visually. For example, if the user does not wish to interrupt the audible content, the user may elect to view athletic information visually on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Shum, Gregory Vissia
  • Publication number: 20130011818
    Abstract: A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Albert Shum, Theodore H. Helprin, James W. Clark
  • Patent number: 8287436
    Abstract: A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Shum, Theodore H. Helprin, James W. Clark
  • Publication number: 20120232680
    Abstract: An audible playback device that allows an athlete, such as a runner, to conveniently listen to audible content and receive athletic performance information. A device may be employed to both playback audible content and provide monitored performance information to a user. The performance information may be provided to a user audibly, so that the user does not need to move the monitoring device's user interface to a viewable position, or visually. For example, if the user does not wish to interrupt the audible content, the user may elect to view athletic information visually on a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Albert Shum, Gregory Vissia