Patent Application
20250144496
This invention relates to sports equipment and more particularly relates to basketball shooting equipment.
Sports training equipment may be configured to help players practice their sport by assisting players with improving techniques, movements, or the like through repetition.
Apparatuses, methods, systems, and program products are disclosed for a basketball shooting system. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a frame, at least one rail coupled to the frame, a sled movably connected to the at least one rail and configured to move along a first axis in a z-direction, a shaft connected to the sled in a perpendicular orientation relative to the at least one rail and configured to rotate at least 180 degrees about a rotational axis in a vertical plane defined by a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, a backboard connected to the sled and configured move along the shaft in the vertical plane in a y-direction, and a basketball hoop connected to the backboard.
An apparatus, in one embodiment, is configured to present an interface displaying a graphic of at least a portion of a basketball court, receive a selection of a location on the graphic of the at least a portion of the basketball court, and trigger an actuator coupled to a basketball hoop to orient the basketball hoop relative to a user's position based on the selected location.
A system, in one embodiment, includes a frame, at least one rail coupled to the frame, a sled movably connected to the at least one rail and configured to move along a first axis in a z-direction, a shaft connected to the sled in a perpendicular orientation relative to the at least one rail and configured to rotate at least 180 degrees about a rotational axis in a vertical plane defined by a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, a backboard connected to the sled and configured move along the shaft in the vertical plane in a y-direction, and a basketball hoop connected to the backboard. The system, in further embodiments, is configured to present an interface displaying a graphic of at least a portion of a basketball court, receive a selection of a location on the graphic of the at least a portion of the basketball court, and trigger an actuator coupled to a basketball hoop to orient the basketball hoop relative to a user's position based on the selected location.
In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
In general, the subject matter herein is directed to a basketball shooting system that can be used for training or games in a home or commercial setting. The basketball shooting system, in one embodiment, allows someone to shoot a basketball into a framed chute, which captures the loose ball and is configured to allow gravity to return the ball to the player in front of the frame. With the system described herein, a basketball player can practice shooting more efficiently to accelerate the development of shooting technique, accuracy, and ability while removing the necessity for continual ball retrieval. As described below, this system uses technologies such as a moveable sled mechanism, sensors, control systems, and user interfaces designed specifically for basketball shot practice and training. This field blends motion tracking, automation, and components of sports and entertainment equipment design to produce a useful tool for basketball players of all ability levels to enhance their shooting.
The field of basketball training equipment and practice aids has seen various innovations. There are, however, some shortcomings with conventional basketball practice systems. Conventional basketball practice sessions often involve players manually retrieving basketballs from the floor or rebounding systems. While these methods are sufficient for basic practice, they are time-consuming and can disrupt the flow of training, as players frequently need to retrieve basketballs.
Basketball rebounding machines are designed to return basketballs to the player after a shot. However, these machines require the player to adjust the machine in addition to requiring the user to retrieve the basketball after a shot. Basketball rebounding machines also require the shooter to move around the court, e.g., forward, backward, and side-to-side to practice different shots.
The subject matter disclosed herein describes a basketball return chute that allows a person to touch any spot on a graphical image of a basketball court to trigger the backboard, using precision, robotic electric motors to automatically move, in seconds, to a position that resembles the orientation of the basketball hoop from the selected location on the court. This allows the shooter to shoot any shot without ever having to move from the front of the basketball return chute or retrieve a basketball. Moreover, the solutions herein may incorporate motion tracking and sensor technologies to capture player movements and ball trajectories for performance analysis and feedback.
For instance, after the user shoots a shot, cameras and other sensors in the basketball return chute can track and monitor the basketball's trajectory. Software tracks every shot and displays characteristics of the shot such as the path, arc, angle of entry, and distance from the front, rear, or sides of the basketball hoop. Furthermore, the solutions herein track statistics for the user and display information such as the number of shots taken, the number of missed shots, the number of made shots,. This is achieved through the use of proprietary software algorithms
Given the shortcomings in conventional basketball training and sports equipment automation, the subject matter herein provides a basketball training system that effectively and adaptably returns basketballs to the player in a way that improves practice and training sessions. Moreover, the subject matter herein offers a dynamic solution that may be integrated into a commercial, entertainment center or tailored to the unique training requirements and preferences of individual players, coaches, and facilities.
Apparatuses, methods, systems, and program products are disclosed for a basketball shooting system. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a frame, at least one rail coupled to the frame, a sled movably connected to the at least one rail and configured to move along a first axis in a z-direction, a shaft connected to the sled in a perpendicular orientation relative to the at least one rail and configured to rotate at least 180 degrees about a rotational axis in a vertical plane defined by a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, a backboard connected to the sled and configured move along the shaft in the vertical plane in a y-direction, and a basketball hoop connected to the backboard.
In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a chute coupled to the frame and configured to return a ball to a user. In one embodiment, the chute has a decline from the basketball hoop towards a front of the frame. In one embodiment, the chute comprises a throwback mechanism for returning the ball to the user through the air. In one embodiment, the chute comprises a sold surface.
In one embodiment, the frame tapers away from the basketball hoop towards a top of the frame such that the frame is wider at a top of the frame than at a bottom of the frame. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a bounce bar configured to ricochet a ball from the basketball hoop towards a front of the frame.
In one embodiment, the basketball hoop is dynamically resizeable to increase or decrease a diameter of the basketball hoop. In one embodiment, the backboard is dynamically resizeable to increase or decrease an area of the backboard. In one embodiment, the shaft is configured to rotate at least 90 degrees about the rotation axis in a left direction and right direction relative to a front of the frame.
An apparatus, in one embodiment, is configured to present an interface displaying a graphic of at least a portion of a basketball court, receive a selection of a location on the graphic of the at least a portion of the basketball court, and trigger an actuator coupled to a basketball hoop to orient the basketball hoop relative to a user's position based on the selected location.
In one embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more sensors configured to track a basketball shot. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to generate and present an animation of the basketball shot on the interface based on input from the one or more sensors.
In one embodiment, the one or more sensors comprises a motion tracking sensor and the processor is configured to cause the apparatus to track the user's motion during the basketball shot using data from the motion tracking sensor and generate one or more suggestions for improving the user's basketball shot motion.
In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to generate one or more holographic images of other users to simulate competition or training. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to track one or more shooting statistics for the user. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to receive a difficulty setting and adjust the basketball hoop based on the difficulty setting.
In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to run one or more pre-programmed shooting routines and adjust the basketball hoop based on the one or more pre-programmed shooting routines. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to detect a gesture or a voice command and adjust the basketball hoop based on the gesture or voice command.
A system, in one embodiment, includes a frame, at least one rail coupled to the frame, a sled movably connected to the at least one rail and configured to move along a first axis in a z-direction, a shaft connected to the sled in a perpendicular orientation relative to the at least one rail and configured to rotate at least 180 degrees about a rotational axis in a vertical plane defined by a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, a backboard connected to the sled and configured move along the shaft in the vertical plane in a y-direction, and a basketball hoop connected to the backboard. The system, in further embodiments, is configured to present an interface displaying a graphic of at least a portion of a basketball court, receive a selection of a location on the graphic of the at least a portion of the basketball court, and trigger an actuator coupled to a basketball hoop to orient the basketball hoop relative to a user's position based on the selected location.
In one embodiment, the frame 100 is made of various support structures 102. The main support structures 104 taper or angle away from the basketball assembly near a top of the frame such that the top is wider or broader than the bottom of the frame 100. Further, the frame 100 may include one or more rail or track structures 106 that are configured to allow a sled of the basketball hoop assembly to slide along an axis A in a z-direction from the back of the frame 100 towards the front, and vice versa. Furthermore, the frame 100 may taper or increase in height from the front of the frame 100, where the user stands, towards the back of the frame 100. For example, the frame may be eight feet tall near the front where the user stands and 15 feet tall towards the back of the frame 100.
In one embodiment, the frame 100 may support a chute 108, which may be configured to return a ball to the user after the user shoots the ball. In such an embodiment, the chute 108 may decline from the back of the frame 100 towards the front where the user is located so that gravity can help return the ball to the user. In one embodiment, the chute 108 is made of a netting or mesh material. In other embodiments, the chute 108 may be a solid material, such as wood, metal, or plastic.
In one embodiment, the frame 100 and/or the chute 108 includes a bounce bar 110 that is located towards an end of the chute 108. As the ball rolls down the chute 108 and back to the user gains speed and momentum. The ball impacts the bounce bar 110 and bounces upward toward the user, which enables the user to shoot again immediately. In such an embodiment, the bounce bar 110 is angled, inclined, shaped, or the like so that the ball is aimed towards the user when the ball strikes bounce bar. In one embodiment, the height, position, orientation, or the like of the bounce bar is adjustable.
In one embodiment, the chute 108 may include a mechanical throwback mechanism that throws the ball back to user. The throwback mechanism may be a mechanical arm, for example, that is triggered when the ball rolls over the arm. Other structures may be used to strike the ball as it moves down the chute and bounce or throw it towards the user.
In a commercial setting, a plurality of basketball shooting systems may be installed (similar to bowling lanes in a bowling alley). Such an embodiment may include a central ball repository where chutes direct basketballs to after they are shot and where basketballs are selected from to be distributed to users to shoot. In such an embodiment, the chute or repository includes one or more sensors that are configured to identify, sense, or the like basketballs that may be damaged or otherwise nonfunctional and notify a user that the basketball is nonfunctional. In such an embodiment, the nonfunctional basketballs may not be returned to users, but are instead directed to a different location. Furthermore, the ball repository may include a cleaning system to clean and disinfect the basketballs before they are returned to users.
In one embodiment, the basketball hoop assembly 200 includes a shaft 210 connected to the sled 202 in a perpendicular orientation relative to the at least one rail 106 and configured to rotate at least 180 degrees about a rotational axis C in a vertical plane defined by a vertical axis B perpendicular to the horizontal axis A. In one embodiment, the basketball hoop assembly 200 includes a backboard 204 connected to the shaft 210 and configured move up and down along the shaft 210 in the vertical plane in a y-direction. In such an embodiment, a motor (e.g., a servo motor) such as an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motor, or other actuator may be used to move the backboard 204 up and down along the vertical axis B. In this manner, the backboard 204, and ultimately the basketball hoop 206 or rim connected to the backboard 204, can be set at different heights for the user shooting the basketball.
In one embodiment, the backboard 204 ranges in sizes from a standard professional size backboard, e.g., 72 inches wide. and can be as small as 42 inches wide. In certain embodiments, the backboard 204 may be dynamically resizeable, e.g., based on user input or a predefined setting, by expanding or retracting the area, width, height, or the like of the backboard 204. For example, the height and/or width of the backboard 204 may be increased or decreased by sliding or retracting portions of the sides of the backboard 204.
In one embodiment, the backboard 204 is configured to rotate about the rotational axis C at least 90 degrees in a left direction and at least 90 degrees in a right direction relative to the front of the frame 100. In the embodiment shown in
In one embodiment, the basketball hoop 206 is connected to the backboard 204 and may vary in sizes from professional to youth sizes. In certain embodiments, the basketball hoop 206 may be dynamically resizeable, e.g., based on user input or a predefined setting, by expanding or retracting the area, diameter, radius, or the like of the basketball hoop 206. For example, the diameter of the basketball hoop 206 may be increased or decreased by expanding or retracting portions of the basketball hoop 206.
The basketball hoop apparatus 300, in one embodiment, may include a semiconductor integrated circuit device (e.g., one or more chips, die, or other discrete logic hardware), or the like, such as a field-programmable gate array (“FPGA”) or other programmable logic, firmware for an FPGA or other programmable logic, microcode for execution on a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), a processor, a processor core, or the like. In one example, the basketball hoop apparatus 300 may be mounted on a printed circuit board with one or more electrical lines or connections (e.g., to volatile memory, a non-volatile storage medium, a network interface, a peripheral device, a graphical/display interface, or the like). The hardware appliance may include one or more pins, pads, or other electrical connections configured to send and receive data (e.g., in communication with one or more electrical lines of a printed circuit board or the like), and one or more hardware circuits and/or other electrical circuits configured to perform various functions of the basketball hoop apparatus 300.
The semiconductor integrated circuit device or other hardware appliance of the basketball hoop apparatus 300, in certain examples, includes and/or is communicatively coupled to one or more volatile memory media, which may include but is not limited to random access memory (“RAM”), dynamic RAM (“DRAM”), cache, or the like. In one example, the semiconductor integrated circuit device or other hardware appliance of the basketball hoop apparatus 300 includes and/or is communicatively coupled to one or more non-volatile memory media, which may include but is not limited to: NAND flash memory, NOR flash memory, nano random access memory (nano RAM or NRAM), nanocrystal wire-based memory, silicon-oxide based sub-10 nanometer process memory, graphene memory, Silicon-Oxide-Nitride-Oxide-Silicon (“SONOS”), resistive RAM (“RRAM”), programmable metallization cell (“PMC”), conductive-bridging RAM (“CBRAM”), magneto-resistive RAM (“MRAM”), dynamic RAM (“DRAM”), phase change RAM (“PRAM” or “PCM”), magnetic storage media (e.g., hard disk, tape), optical storage media, or the like.
The data network 322, in one example, includes a digital communication network that transmits digital communications. The data network 322 may include a wireless network, such as a wireless cellular network, a local wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi network, a Bluetooth® network, a near-field communication (“NFC”) network, an ad hoc network, and/or the like. The data network 322 may include a wide area network (“WAN”), a storage area network (“SAN”), a local area network (“LAN”), an optical fiber network, the internet, or other digital communication network. The data network 322 may include two or more networks. The data network 322 may include one or more servers, routers, switches, and/or other networking equipment. The data network 322 may also include one or more computer readable storage media, such as a hard disk drive, an optical drive, non-volatile memory, RAM, or the like.
The wireless connection may be a mobile telephone network. The wireless connection may also employ a Wi-Fi network based on any one of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”) 802.11 standards. Alternatively, the wireless connection may be a Bluetooth® connection. In addition, the wireless connection may employ a Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) communication including RFID standards established by the International Organization for Standardization (“ISO”), the International Electrotechnical Commission (“IEC”), the American Society for Testing and Materials® (ASTM®), the DASH7™ Alliance, and EPCGlobal™.
In one embodiment, the interface module 302 is configured to present an interface displaying a graphic of at least a portion of a basketball court on the computing device 320. The at least a portion of the basketball court may include a half-court image or graphic of a basketball court, showing the lines relative to a basketball hoop such as the free throw line, the three point line, the lines defining the key area and out of bounds, and/or the like.
In one embodiment, the location module 304 is configured to receive a selection of a location on the graphic of the at least a portion of the basketball court from the computing device 310. For instance, the user may tap or click the center of the free throw line to practice or shoot free throws, or may select a location around the three point line to practice three point shots, or may select a location near the basketball hoop to practice layups.
In one embodiment, the trigger module 306 is configured to trigger an actuator coupled to a basketball hoop, e.g., via the basketball hoop assembly 200 to orient the basketball hoop relative to a user's position based on the selected location. For instance, if the user selects a location at the center of the free throw line, the trigger module 306 may determine the depth/distance, height, and orientation of the basketball hoop relative to the selected position and trigger or cause the basketball hoop assembly 200 to move to that position with the given depth/distance, height, and orientation, e.g., directly in front of the user, 10 feet high, at a depth or distance where the hoop is 15 feet in front of the user. The trigger module 306 may communicate with a controller for the basketball hoop assembly 200 to cause motors or actuators of the different elements of the basketball hoop assembly 200 to move, position, and/or orient to the selected location. If the user selects a baseline three point shot, e.g., from the corner of court, the trigger module 306 may determine the depth/distance to the basketball hoop from the selected location and cause an actuator for the basketball hoop assembly 200 to move the backboard and basketball hoop up to 90 degrees relative to the user to simulate a baseline three point shot.
In one embodiment, the animation module 308 is configured to generate and present an animation of the basketball shot on an interface. In one embodiment, the frame 100 and/or basketball hoop assembly 200 may include various sensors such as cameras, motion tracking sensors, lasers (LIDAR), or the like, that capture information related to a user's shot such as the rotation of the ball, the arc of the ball, the user's shooting form, and/or the like. In such an embodiment, the animation module 308 may use the captured sensor data to create an animation or reproduction of the user's shot as it would look on a real basketball court from the selected location.
In such an embodiment, the animation module 308 may generate a suggested, recommended, optimal, or best fit shot from the selected location and compare it with the user's shot. The animation module 308 may present both shots on the display, the user's and the optimal shot, and provide recommendations or feedback for the user to improve the user's shot to align more with the optimal shot. In one embodiment, the animation module 308 may use artificial intelligence (AI), such as a generative AI engine or foundation model, to analyze the user's shot and generate feedback for how the use can improve the shot, e.g., adjust hand placement on the ball, adjust footwork, or the like.
In one embodiment, the holograph module 310 is configured to generate one or more holographic images of other users to simulate competition or training. In such an embodiment, the holograph module 310 may present a holograph or image of another user on a display device, on a screen via a projector, or the like. The other user may be another user at a different location, may be a simulation of a professional basketball player, may be an AI-generated user, may be a basketball trainer, or the like. The holographic image of the other user may be used for competitions, games, instruction, training, or the like.
In one embodiment, the holograph module 310 may project basketball court lines and markings on the floor, e.g., free throw line, three-point line, or the like, to simulate a real basketball court. The holograph module 310, in one embodiment, may use projections to simulate a ball's trajectory and provide visual feedback to the user, based on tracking data associated with the user's shot.
In one embodiment, the holograph module 310 dynamically adjusts the size, location, position, and content of the holographic projections based on the user's location and actions. For example, a holographic image of a coach may appear next to the user to provide training tips while the user is shooting and may move around the player to assist the player in improving different aspects of the user's shot. In another embodiment, the user may “play” against a holographic opponent that the holograph module 310 displays in a multiplayer game scenario. In one embodiment, the holograph module 310 may project a visual scoreboard or game statistics for competition, training, or the like.
In one embodiment, the statistics module 312 is configured to track one or more shooting statistics for the user. The shooting statistics may include the number of shots the user has taken, the number of shots the user has made, the number of shots the user has missed, the user's total shooting percentage, the user's shooting percentage from various locations on the court, and/or the like. The statistics may be broken down by a given time period, by a location, by a group of locations (e.g., the left side of the basketball hoop), and/or the like. The statistics module 312 may send the user's statistics to recruiters, coaches, trainers, or the like, or may post the user's statistics on a webpage such as a social media page.
In one embodiment, the settings module 314 is configured to receive a difficulty setting and adjust the basketball hoop based on the difficulty setting. The selected difficult setting may be used to set different parameters of the basketball hoop assembly 200 such as the size of the backboard, the size of the rim, a timing or speed of a program, e.g., the time allowed between shots, and/or the like.
In one embodiment, the program module 316 is configured to run one or more pre-programmed shooting routines and adjust the basketball hoop based on the one or more pre-programmed shooting routines. For instance, the program module 316 may generate and present different pre-programmed shooting routines such as three-point shooting workouts, free throw shooting workouts, baseline shooting workouts, or the like, which the user can select and follow for a training session or for competition. For instance, a three-point training program may include shooting the ball from different locations along the three-point line for two minutes. In such an embodiment, the basketball hoop assembly 200 may be positioned and oriented between shots to simulate the position and orientation of a basketball hoop relative to the user from the different locations.
In one embodiment, the pre-programmed routines may include games such as “horse”, “NBA All-Star Three Point Shooting Contest”, “Free Throw Shooting Contest”, or the like. In one embodiment, the program module 316 receives input from a user for dynamically creating a program in real-time. The user, for instance, may select one or more locations on the court interface, select how many shots to take at each location, select an order of the locations, and select a time period. The user may save the program for future training and/or edit the program.
In one embodiment, the input module 318 is configured to detect and receive a gesture or voice command from a user and adjust the basketball hoop assembly 200 based on the gesture or voice command. In such an embodiment, the input module 318 may receive predefined voice commands such as “free throw shot”, “baseline three-pointer”, “layup”, “elbow”, or the like to cause the basketball hoop assembly to position and orient itself at a position corresponding to the location associated with the voice command. Other commands may include directions such as “move five feet closer”, “turn 15 degrees to the right”, “move one foot higher”, or the like.
Similarly, gestures may be used to control the basketball hoop assembly 200, such as head, eye, face, arm, or hand gestures to move the basketball hoop assembly 200 closer or further away from the user, to turn the basketball hoop assembly 200 right or left, to raise or lower the basketball hoop assembly 200, or the like.
In one embodiment, the method begins and presents 502 an interface displaying a graphic of at least a portion of a basketball court. In one embodiment, the method receives 504 a selection of a location on the graphic of the at least a portion of the basketball court. In one embodiment, the method triggers 506 an actuator coupled to a basketball hoop to orient the basketball hoop relative to a user's position based on the selected location, and the method ends.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments.
These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method, and/or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having program code embodied thereon.
Many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom very large scale integrated (“VLSI”) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”), programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like.
Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of program code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.
Indeed, a module of program code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network. Where a module or portions of a module are implemented in software, the program code may be stored and/or propagated on in one or more computer readable medium(s).
Furthermore, embodiments may take the form of a program product embodied in one or more computer readable storage devices storing machine readable code, computer readable code, and/or program code, referred hereafter as code. The storage devices, in some embodiments, are tangible, non-transitory, and/or non-transmission.
The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (“RAM”), a read-only memory (“ROM”), an erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM” or Flash memory), a static random access memory (“SRAM”), a portable compact disc read-only memory (“CD-ROM”), a digital versatile disk (“DVD”), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.
Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.
Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (“ISA”) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (“LAN”) or a wide area network (“WAN”), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (“FPGA”), or programmable logic arrays (“PLA”) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.
Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.
These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
The schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of apparatuses, systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions of the program code for implementing the specified logical function(s).
It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more blocks, or portions thereof, of the illustrated Figures.
Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flowchart and/or block diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding embodiments. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the depicted embodiment. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted embodiment. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart diagrams, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and program code.
The description of elements in each figure may refer to elements of proceeding figures. Like numbers refer to like elements in all figures, including alternate embodiments of like elements.
As used herein, a list with a conjunction of “and/or” includes any single item in the list or a combination of items in the list. For example, a list of A, B and/or C includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C. As used herein, a list using the terminology “one or more of” includes any single item in the list or a combination of items in the list. For example, one or more of A, B and C includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C. As used herein, a list using the terminology “one of” includes one and only one of any single item in the list. For example, “one of A, B and C” includes only A, only B or only C and excludes combinations of A, B and C. As used herein, “a member selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C,” includes one and only one of A, B, or C, and excludes combinations of A, B, and C. As used herein, “a member selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C and combinations thereof” includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/595,654 entitled “BASKETBALL SHOOTING SYSTEM” and filed on Nov. 2, 2023, for Ernest Hemple, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63595654 | Nov 2023 | US |
