Real-Time Tracking System for Sports Scoring Objects and Methods of Use

BACKGROUND

The subject of this patent application relates generally to tracking systems, and more particularly to a real-time tracking system for sports scoring objects and associated methods of use for monitoring and tracking various attributes associated with the movement of said scoring objects.

Applicant(s) hereby incorporate herein by reference any and all patents and published patent applications cited or referred to in this application.

By way of background, tracking certain attributes of sports scoring objects in motion—i.e., objects that are used in various sports-related activities for scoring points, such as golf balls, soccer balls, basketballs, baseballs, footballs, tennis balls, hockey pucks, flying discs, etc.—can be difficult, if not impossible, by the naked eye alone. Aside from determining a current location of such a scoring object, which is beneficial for activities like golf, a user (or player) may also wish to gather information related to other desired attributes, such as flight path, launch trajectory, object speed, object spin rate, carry distance, and total distance, among others. Thus, there remains a need for a system that is capable of monitoring and tracking such attributes in real-time.

Aspects of the present invention fulfill these needs and provide further related advantages as described in the following summary.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention teach certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the exemplary advantages described below.

The present invention solves the problems described above by providing a real-time tracking system for sports scoring objects and associated methods of use. In at least one embodiment, the scoring object provides an at least one object location sensor configured for determining at least one of a current latitude, longitude and altitude of the scoring object, an at least one object motion sensor configured for determining an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object, an object communication device configured for selectively communicating with an at least one user device under the control of a user, and a microcontroller in electrical communication with each of the object location sensor, object motion sensor, and object communication device. Additionally, a user application resides in memory on the at least one user device. Upon the user desiring to track the at least one scoring object, the system is configured for allowing the object communication device of the scoring object to be placed in communication with the user device. A start location of the scoring object is determined prior to being put into motion. Upon determining that the scoring object is in motion, an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object, as captured by the object motion sensor of the scoring object, is monitored. Upon subsequently determining that the scoring object has come to rest, an end location of the scoring object is determined. At least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute is transmitted to the user application of the user device which, in turn, displays said data via an at least one display screen of the user device

Other features and advantages of aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the present invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic view of an exemplary real-time tracking system for an exemplary sports scoring object, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an architecture diagram of an exemplary shot data structure, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an architecture diagram of an exemplary user account data structure, in accordance with at least one embodiment; and

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for monitoring and tracking various attributes associated with the movement of an exemplary scoring object, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

The above described drawing figures illustrate aspects of the invention in at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further defined in detail in the following description. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown a simplified schematic view of an exemplary real-time tracking system 20 for an exemplary sports scoring object 22, in accordance with at least one embodiment. The system 20 provides, in at least one embodiment, at least one scoring object 22 and an at least one user device 24 in selective communication with the at least one scoring object 22. In at least one embodiment, an at least one database 26 is in communication (either locally or remotely) with the user device 24 and configured for selectively storing data related to at least one of the scoring object 22 and the associated at least one user device 24. It should be noted that, in at least one embodiment, the user device 24 and database 26 are one and the same—as such, it is intended that those terms as used herein are to be interchangeable with one another. In at least one embodiment, the user device 24 and database 26 are omitted, such that the system 20 and associated methods described herein are implemented solely through the scoring object 22—thus, any methods or functionality described herein as being carried out by the user device 24 or database 26 may, in at least one embodiment, also be carried out by the scoring object 22, regardless of whether such embodiments nevertheless incorporate the user device 24 and/or database 26.

At the outset, it should be noted that the term “scoring object” is intended to include any object that is used in various sports-related activities that is used for scoring points—i.e., golf balls, soccer balls, basketballs, baseballs, footballs, tennis balls, hockey pucks, flying discs, etc. Thus, while the system 20 and associated methods are discussed primarily in the context of golf for illustrative purposes herein, the present invention should not be read as being so limited. Instead, the system 20 and associated methods may be incorporated into any other type of sports scoring objects now known or later developed.

It should also be noted that the respective communication between each of the scoring object 22, user device 24, and database 26 may be achieved using any wired- or wireless-based communication protocol (or combination of protocols) now known or later developed. As such, the present invention should not be read as being limited to any one particular type of communication protocol, even though certain exemplary protocols may be mentioned herein for illustrative purposes. It should also be noted that the term “user device” is intended to include any type of computing or electronic device, now known or later developed, capable of communicating with the scoring object 22—such as desktop computers, mobile phones, smartphones, laptop computers, tablet computers, personal data assistants, gaming devices, wearable devices, etc. As such, the system 20 should not be read as being limited to use with any one particular type of computing or electronic device, even though certain exemplary devices may be mentioned or shown herein for illustrative purposes.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in the exemplary embodiment, each of the scoring object 22, user device 24, and database 26 contains the hardware and/or software necessary to carry out the exemplary methods for monitoring and tracking various attributes associated with the movement of the scoring object 22, as described herein. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the user device 24 comprises a plurality of computing devices selectively working in concert with one another to carry out the exemplary methods for monitoring and tracking various attributes associated with the movement of the scoring object 22, as described herein. In at least one embodiment, the user device 24 provides a user application 28 residing locally in memory 30 on the user device 24, the user application 28 being configured for selectively communicating with the scoring object 22, as discussed further below. It should be noted that the term “memory” is intended to include any type of electronic storage medium (or combination of storage mediums) now known or later developed, such as local hard drives, RAM, flash memory, secure digital (“SD”) cards, external storage devices, network or cloud storage devices, integrated circuits, etc. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the user device 24 is in the possession (or otherwise under the control) of a user who is desirous of utilizing the system 20 for monitoring and tracking various attributes associated with the movement of the scoring object 22.

With continued referenced to FIG. 1, in at least one embodiment, the at least one scoring object 22 provides an at least one object location sensor 32 configured for determining at least one of a current latitude, longitude and altitude of the scoring object 22. In at least one embodiment, the object location sensor 32 is a global navigation satellite system (“GNSS”) or a global positioning system (“GPS”). However, in further embodiments, any other devices or technologies capable of determining at least one of the current latitude, longitude and altitude of the scoring object 22, now known or later developed, may be substituted. In at least one embodiment, the scoring object 22 further provides an at least one object motion sensor 34 configured for determining an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object 22, as discussed further below. In at least one embodiment, the object motion sensor 34 is a gyroscope, such as a 3-axis gyroscope or 6-axis gyroscope for example, providing an at least one accelerometer. However, in further embodiments, any other devices or technologies capable of determining at least one motion attribute of the scoring object 22 (as described herein), now known or later developed, may be substituted.

In at least one embodiment, the scoring object 22 further provides an object communication device 36 configured for selectively communicating with the at least one user device 24, as discussed further below. In at least one embodiment, the object communication device 36 is an extended Bluetooth low energy (“XBLE”) device coupled with an omni-directional antenna. However, in further embodiments, any other devices or technologies capable of allowing wireless communication between the scoring object 22 and the at least one user device 24, now known or later developed (such as cellular, Wi-Fi, or long range FM for example), may be substituted. In at least one embodiment, the scoring object 22 further provides a microcontroller 38 in electrical communication with each of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, and object communication device 36, the microcontroller 38 configured for controlling each of the respective components and for facilitating communication of data therebetween. In at least one embodiment, the scoring object 22 further provides an at least one battery 40 configured for selectively providing power to each of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, object communication device 36, and microcontroller 38. In at least one embodiment, the battery 40 is a non-rechargeable battery, such as a LiMnO2 battery for example. However, in further embodiments, any other type of non-rechargeable or rechargeable battery may be substituted. In still further embodiments, any other devices or technologies capable of selectively providing power to each of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, object communication device 36, and microcontroller 38, now known or later developed, may be substituted.

In at least one embodiment, each of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, object communication device 36, microcontroller 38, and battery 40 is embedded within the scoring object 22 so as to not alter the external shape or dimensions of the scoring object 22. Additionally, in at least one such embodiment, the size and shape of each of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, object communication device 36, microcontroller 38, and battery 40, along with the particular position and arrangement of said components within the scoring object 22 are such that neither the total weight nor the distribution of weight of the scoring object 22 are affected (i.e., the replaced weight of the scoring object 22, and the distribution of that weight, is substantially the same as the unaltered scoring object 22), thereby allowing the scoring object 22 to behave normally, as if said components were not present. In at least one embodiment, where the battery 40 is embedded within the scoring object 22, the battery 40 is configured for being charged wirelessly, such as through inductive charging or any other wireless charging method now known or later developed.

In at least one embodiment, where the scoring object 22 is a golf ball, the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, object communication device 36, microcontroller 38, and battery 40 are sealed in a substantially spherical housing that is embedded within the golf ball. In at least one embodiment, the housing is an epoxy resin that encases the components. In at least one such embodiment, the housing is formed by dipping the components in epoxy resin, or alternatively by compression or injection molding. In at least one embodiment, the epoxy resin has a density that substantially matches an average density of the components. In at least one further embodiment, the housing may be constructed out of any other material or combination of materials, now known or later developed (such as metal for example), capable of allowing the scoring object 22 to substantially carry out the functionality described herein. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the components are substantially centered within the housing, with the housing being substantially centered within the golf ball. Thus, the housing creates a substantially balanced sphere with the center of gravity being substantially centered within the sphere, which helps ensure that the golf ball will behave normally, as if the housing were not present within the golf ball. In at least one embodiment, the battery 40 has a substantially cylindrical or spherical shape and is constructed to survive the relatively high temperatures associated with golf ball manufacturing, which can reach upwards of 180 degrees Celsius.

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in the architecture diagram of FIG. 2 and discussed in greater detail below, the at least one user device 24—or the at least one database 26—stores and manages an at least one set of shot data 42 containing various details related to the at least one scoring object 22, preferably each time the scoring object 22 is put into motion (i.e., thrown, hit, kicked, etc.). In at least one embodiment, the shot data 42 includes (but is certainly not limited to) at least one of a unique object identifier 44 (such as an alphanumeric name, for example), a start location 46 value containing the geographic coordinates of the scoring object 22 prior to being put into motion, an end location 48 value containing the geographic coordinates of the scoring object 22 after subsequently coming to rest, an altitude 50 value containing the altitude reached by the scoring object 22 while in motion, a flight path 52 value containing details related to the flight path of the scoring object 22 while in motion, a launch trajectory 54 value containing details related to the launch trajectory of the scoring object 22 as it was put into motion, a speed 56 value containing the speed reached by the scoring object 22 while in motion, a spin rate 58 value containing the spin rate of the scoring object 22 while in motion, a travel distance 60 value containing the distance between the start location 46 and end location 48 values, a distance to goal 62 value containing the distance between the scoring object 22 and the location toward which the scoring object 22 is being moved (i.e., goal, hoop, hole, basket, etc.), a timestamp 64 value containing at least one of a date and time at which the associated shot data 42 is collected (i.e., the timestamp associated with the particular throw/hit/kick/etc. of the scoring object 22), an environmental conditions table 66 containing details related to select environmental conditions in which the scoring object 22 is being used (i.e., weather conditions, playing field conditions, etc.), a club used 68 value containing details related to the particular golf club used to hit the scoring object 22 (where the scoring object 22 is a golf ball), and a swing count 70 value containing details related to the particular swing/stroke number associated with the current scoring object 22 hit (again, where the scoring object 22 is a golf ball).

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in the architecture diagram of FIG. 3, the at least one user device 24—or the at least one database 26—also stores and manages a user account 72 for each user containing various details related to the user and associated at least one scoring object 22. In at least one embodiment, each user account 72 contains (but is certainly not limited to) at least one of a unique user identifier 74 (such as an alphanumeric username or email address, for example), a ranking 76 as compared to one or more other users, a shot data table 78 containing the at least one set of shot data 42 associated with the user, a score history 80 containing details related to past scores achieved by the user, a statistics table 82 containing select statistics associated with the user's past interactions with the scoring object 22, a challenge list 84 containing select performance-based challenges for the user to complete, and a friend list 86 containing select other users with whom the user has chosen to associate.

Ultimately, the particular types of data to be stored in each of the shot data 42 set and user account 72 is dependent, at least in part, on the type of scoring object 22 and associated sport in which the scoring object 22 is used. Thus, the above described data types are merely exemplary. It should also be noted that while the terms “table” and “list” are used herein to describe certain exemplary data structures, in at least one embodiment, any other suitable data type or data structure, or combinations thereof, now known or later developed, capable of storing the appropriate data, may be substituted. Thus, the present invention should not be read as being so limited.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in at least one embodiment, the user device 24 provides a data receiver 88 configured for receiving the selectively transmitted data from the object communication device 36 of the scoring object 22. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the user device 24 provides an at least one display screen 90 configured for displaying the scoring object 22 data in real-time, as discussed in detail below. In at least one such embodiment, the display screen 90 is a touchscreen.

As mentioned above, in at least one embodiment, the system 20 enables the at least one user to monitor and track various attributes associated with the movement of the scoring object 22 in real-time. Furthermore, given the wide range of different scoring objects 22 that the system 20 may be configured to monitor and track, the system 20 may be utilized in a variety of contexts. As such, the system 20 and associated methods described herein should not be read as being so limited. Instead, the system 20 and associated methods described herein are provided for illustrative purposes only in order to facilitate a more complete understanding of representative embodiments now contemplated. These examples are intended to be a mere subset of all possible contexts in which the system 20 may be utilized. Ultimately, the system 20 may be utilized in virtually any context where scoring object 22 monitoring and tracking is desired—both by users themselves as well as any other interested parties, such as playing field operators, coaches, scoring object 22 manufacturers, etc.

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in the flow diagram of FIG. 4, through the user application 28 residing in memory 30 on the at least one user device 24, upon the associated user desiring to utilize the system 20 to manage and track at least one scoring object 22, the user application 28 first determines whether the associated user is new to the system 20 (402). If the associated user is new, the user is required to properly register a new user account 72 with the system 20 via the user device 24 (404)—or, alternatively, via any other computing or electronic device capable of communicating with the system 20. Once the user is registered with the system 20, the scoring object 22 is activated (406) and then paired or otherwise placed into communication with the user device 24 (408). In at least one embodiment, where the various components discussed above are embedded within the scoring object 22, the scoring object 22 is activated by physically moving the scoring object 22 in a pre-defined motion or sequence of motions, which better ensures that the scoring object 22 will not be unintentionally activated when not in use by the user (i.e., while in storage or transit). In at least one further embodiment, the scoring object 22 is activated by transmitting an at least one activation signal to the microcontroller 38 from a source such as the user device 24, for example. In at least one such embodiment, the activation signal provides a sufficient amount of power to the microcontroller 38 in order to wake the microcontroller 38, which allows the scoring object 22 to consume little to no energy prior to being activated. In at least one further embodiment, the scoring object 22 provides an at least one photoconductive device in electrical communication with the microcontroller 38, such that the photoconductive device is configured for activating the scoring object 22 upon detecting light (for example, when the scoring object 22 is removed from the product packaging or a storage pouch). In still further embodiments, the scoring object 22 may be selectively activated using any other mechanism or technology (including any combinations thereof), now known or later developed.

With continued referenced to FIG. 4, in at least one embodiment, once activated, the microcontroller 38 determines the start location 46 of the scoring object 22 as captured by the object location sensor 32 (410). Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, the start location 46 of the scoring object 22 may be determined by a location sensor (not shown) of the user device 24, such as an onboard GPS chip, given that the user device 24 will presumably be positioned proximal the scoring object 22 (i.e., on the user's person) prior to the scoring object 22 being put into motion. In at least one embodiment, after determining the start location 46, the object location sensor 32 is disabled in order to conserve the battery 40. In that regard, it is important to note that, in at least one embodiment, each of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, and object communication device 36 is selectively enabled (i.e., powered on) by the microcontroller 38 when the component is utilized, then subsequently disabled (i.e., powered off) by the microcontroller 38 in order to conserve the lifespan of the battery 40. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, it is to be understood that any mention of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, and object communication device 36 as part of the methods described herein impliedly includes the steps of enabling said component, then subsequently disabling said component after its particular use. In at least one alternate embodiment, one or more of the object location sensor 32, object motion sensor 34, and object communication device 36 remain enabled while the scoring object 22 is in use.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, in at least one embodiment, upon the microcontroller 38 determining that the scoring object 22 is in motion (414), as captured by the object motion sensor 34, the microcontroller 38 monitors one or more desired attributes or behaviors of the scoring object 22 as captured by the object motion sensor 34 (416)—such as flight path 52, launch trajectory 54, speed 56, spin rate 58, etc. (again, ultimately depending on the type of scoring object 22). Upon the microcontroller 38 subsequently determining that the scoring object 22 has come to rest (418), as again captured by the object motion sensor 34, the microcontroller 38 determines the end location 48 of the scoring object 22 as captured by the object location sensor 32 (420). The shot data 42 is then transmitted to the user device 24 (422), where the user application 28 is able to display desired information via the display screen 90 of the user device 24 (426)—such as the location of the scoring object 22, so it may be retrieved by the user—and also perform further calculations based on the shot data (424), as discussed further below. These steps are repeated for each throw/hit/kick/etc. of the scoring object 22 (428).

In at least one embodiment, in the specific context of golf (i.e., where the scoring object 22 is a golf ball), the user is able to manually or automatically input the particular club used 68 to be used for hitting the scoring object 22. In at least one embodiment, the user may also manually input—or, alternatively, the user application 28 may automatically acquire from the relevant sources—select environmental conditions (412), such as the current temperature, current humidity, current time of day, current wind speed and direction, current elevation, current grass conditions, etc., so that such conditions may be factored into any subsequent shot data 42 analysis to be performed by the user application 28.

In at least one embodiment, the user application 28 is further configured for providing via the display screen 90 an aerial view of the golf course on which the user is currently playing. Additionally, the current hole is displayed along with the location of the scoring object 22. In at least one embodiment, the user application 28 is further configured for utilizing at least one of a camera, GPS chip, and gyroscope of the user device 24 to provide, via the display screen 90, an augmented reality view of the golf course, with select information dynamically superimposed on the golf course, such as the flight path of the scoring object 22 for example. In at least one embodiment, in addition to providing the distance to goal 62 (i.e., the distance between the scoring object 22 and the current hole), the user application 28 may selectively provide other desired distances relative to the scoring object 22, such as the distance between the scoring object 22 and the front/middle/back of the green, the front/back of bunkers, water hazards, etc., based on the known geographic coordinates of such locations relative to the location of the scoring object 22. In at least one embodiment, a GPS chip or similar location sensor may be mounted on the flag pole of the current hole in order to determine a relatively more accurate distance between the scoring object 22 and the current hole. Relatedly, in at least one embodiment, the user application 28 is able to determine the location of the scoring object 22 relative to the golf course—i.e., tee box, fairway, rough, bunker, green, water hazard, etc.—based on the end location 48 of the scoring object 22. In at least one such embodiment, the user application 28 utilizes geofenced boundaries of the different areas of the golf course to automatically determine the location of the scoring object 22. In at least one embodiment, the user application 28 is also capable of automatically administering penalties upon determining that the scoring object 22 landed in a penalty area (i.e., water hazard or out of bounds). In at least one embodiment, the user application 28 provides a movable cursor on the display screen 90, which allows the user to obtain the distance between the scoring object 22 and any selected point on the golf course.

In at least one embodiment, the user application 28 is further configured for visualizing the flight path 52 of the scoring object 22 via the display screen 90, as overlaid on the aerial view of the golf course on which the user is currently playing. In at least one embodiment, the user application 28 also selectively displays desired shot data 42 information, such as the altitude 50, launch trajectory 54, speed 56, spin rate 58, travel distance 60, etc.

In at least one embodiment, upon the microcontroller 38 determining that the scoring object 22 is in motion (414)—i.e., upon the golf ball being hit—the microcontroller 38 increments the swing count 70 by one. Additionally, upon the scoring object 22 reaching the goal—i.e., upon the golf ball entering the current hole—or otherwise upon the user notifying the user application 28 that the user is moving to a new hole, the swing count 70 is automatically reset to zero. In this way, the user application 28 is able to automatically track the number of swings the user takes for a given hole, while also tracking and storing the relevant shot data 42 for each separate swing.

As mentioned above, in at least one embodiment, the user application 28 is configured for performing further calculations based on the shot data 42. In at least one such embodiment, in the specific context of golf, the user application 28 is able to automatically calculate a variety of statistics 82 associated with the user, based on the shot data 42, including but not limited to: scoring averages for par three holes, par four holes, etc.; driving distance and accuracy; shot to green proximity; short game performance; putting performance by distance; and strokes gained. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the user application 28 allows the user to filter such statistics based on one or more criteria, including but not limited to at least one of weather conditions, time periods, golf courses, etc.

In an at least one embodiment, the user application 28 is also capable of providing the user with golf club suggestions for upcoming shots, based on past shot data 42 and statistics 82 associated with the user, along with data related to the particular hole and current environmental conditions 66.

In at least one embodiment, the system 20 allows the user to share data with select other users, with select other users being stored in the friend list 86 of the associated user account 72. In at least one embodiment, such connected users are able to engage with each other during a round of golf on the same course. Additionally, they are able to view the score history 80 and statistics 82 of other users on their friend list 86. In at least one embodiment, the system 20 also allows users to participate in competitions or challenges with other users (or, alternatively, with themselves), with such competitions and challenges being stored in the challenge list 84 of the associated user account 72. Such challenges may include getting the best score on a given hole, or the longest drive, for example. In at least one embodiment, the system 20 is also capable of maintaining one or more rankings 76 for each user based on user statistics 82 and/or challenges, and also based on different community levels (i.e., a given course, a given city, a given state, a given country, worldwide, etc.).

In at least one embodiment, the system 20 is also capable of sharing select data with manufacturers of the scoring object 22, which allows the manufacturers to learn how effective their scoring objects 22 are, so that they may use that information to further improve future generations of the scoring objects 22. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the system 20 is capable of sharing select data with playing field operators (such as golf course operators, for example), which allows said operators to track the performance of their playing fields/courses as well as user activity levels, so that they may use that information to further improve their playing fields/courses.

Aspects of the present specification may also be described as follows:

1. A method for tracking an at least one scoring object in real-time, the scoring object having an at least one object location sensor, an at least one object motion sensor, an object communication device, and a microcontroller, the method comprising the steps of: implementing a user application residing in memory on an at least one user device under the control of a user, the at least one user device in selective communication with the at least one scoring object; and upon the user desiring to track the at least one scoring object: allowing the object communication device of the scoring object to be placed in communication with the user device; determining a start location of the scoring object; and upon determining that the scoring object is in motion: monitoring an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object, as captured by the object motion sensor of the scoring object; and upon determining that the scoring object has come to rest: determining an end location of the scoring object; transmitting at least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute to the user device; and displaying at least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute via an at least one display screen of the user device.

2. The method according to embodiment 1, further comprising the step of activating the scoring object.

3. The method according to embodiments 1-2, wherein the step of activating the scoring object further comprises the step of determining whether the scoring object is being physically moved in a pre-defined motion or sequence of motions.

4. The method according to embodiments 1-3, wherein the step of activating the scoring object further comprises the step of transmitting an at least one activation signal to the microcontroller of the scoring object.

5. The method according to embodiments 1-4, wherein the step of determining the start location of the scoring object further comprises the step of capturing the start location of the scoring object via the object location sensor of the scoring object.

6. The method according to embodiments 1-5, further comprising the step of, upon determining the start location of the scoring object, disabling the object location sensor of the scoring object.

7. The method according to embodiments 1-6, wherein the step of determining the start location of the scoring object further comprises the step of capturing the start location of the scoring object via the user device.

8. The method according to embodiments 1-7, wherein the step of determining the end location of the scoring object further comprises the step of capturing the end location of the scoring object via the object location sensor of the scoring object.

9. The method according to embodiments 1-8, further comprising the step of enabling the object location sensor of the scoring object.

10. The method according to embodiments 1-9, further comprising the step of, upon determining the end location of the scoring object, disabling the object location sensor of the scoring object.

11. The method according to embodiments 1-10, wherein the step of monitoring an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object further comprises the step of monitoring at least one of an altitude, flight path, launch trajectory, speed, and spin rate of the scoring object.

12. The method according to embodiments 1-11, further comprising the step of determining a travel distance between the end location and start location of the scoring object.

13. The method according to embodiments 1-12, further comprising the step of acquiring an at least one environmental condition.

14. The method according to embodiments 1-13, wherein the step of acquiring an at least one environmental condition further comprises the step of acquiring at least one of a current temperature, current humidity, current time of day, current wind speed and direction, current elevation, and current grass condition.

15. A method for tracking an at least one scoring object in real-time, the scoring object being a golf ball having an at least one object location sensor, an at least one object motion sensor, an object communication device, and a microcontroller embedded therewithin, the method comprising the steps of: implementing a user application residing in memory on an at least one user device under the control of a user, the at least one user device in selective communication with the at least one scoring object; and upon the user desiring to track the at least one scoring object: allowing the object communication device of the scoring object to be placed in communication with the user device; determining a start location of the scoring object; and upon determining that the scoring object is in motion: monitoring an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object, as captured by the object motion sensor of the scoring object; and upon determining that the scoring object has come to rest: determining an end location of the scoring object; transmitting at least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute to the user device; and displaying at least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute via an at least one display screen of the user device.

16. The method according to embodiment 15, further comprising the step of activating the scoring object.

17. The method according to embodiments 15-16, wherein the step of activating the scoring object further comprises the step of determining whether the scoring object is being physically moved in a pre-defined motion or sequence of motions.

18. The method according to embodiments 15-17, wherein the step of determining the start location of the scoring object further comprises the step of capturing the start location of the scoring object via the object location sensor of the scoring object.

19. The method according to embodiments 15-18, further comprising the step of, upon determining the start location of the scoring object, disabling the object location sensor of the scoring object.

20. The method according to embodiments 15-19, wherein the step of determining the start location of the scoring object further comprises the step of capturing the start location of the scoring object via the user device.

21. The method according to embodiments 15-20, wherein the step of determining the end location of the scoring object further comprises the step of capturing the end location of the scoring object via the object location sensor of the scoring object.

22. The method according to embodiments 15-21, further comprising the step of enabling the object location sensor of the scoring object.

23. The method according to embodiments 15-22, further comprising the step of, upon determining the end location of the scoring object, disabling the object location sensor of the scoring object.

24. The method according to embodiments 15-23, wherein the step of monitoring an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object further comprises the step of monitoring at least one of an altitude, flight path, launch trajectory, speed, and spin rate of the scoring object.

25. The method according to embodiments 15-24, further comprising the step of acquiring an at least one environmental condition.

26. The method according to embodiments 15-25, wherein the step of acquiring an at least one environmental condition further comprises the step of acquiring at least one of a current temperature, current humidity, current time of day, current wind speed and direction, current elevation, and current grass condition.

27. The method according to embodiments 15-26, further comprising the step of determining a golf club type to be used for hitting the scoring object.

28. The method according to embodiments 15-27, wherein the step of displaying at least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute via an at least one display screen of the user device further comprises the step of providing via the display screen an aerial view of a golf course on which the user is currently playing, with at least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute overlaid on said aerial view.

29. The method according to embodiments 15-28, further comprising the step of determining a current distance between the scoring object and a current hole of the golf course.

30. The method according to embodiments 15-29, further comprising the step of determining a travel distance between the end location and start location of the scoring object.

31. The method according to embodiments 15-30, further comprising the step of determining a current location of the scoring object relative to the golf course based on an at least one pre-defined geofence associated with a particular region of the golf course.

32. The method according to embodiments 15-31, further comprising the step of mounting an at least one location sensor on a flag pole of a current hole of the golf course for allowing the user application to determine a relatively more accurate distance between the scoring object and the current hole.

33. A real-time tracking system comprising: an at least one scoring object comprising: an at least one object location sensor configured for determining at least one of a current latitude, longitude and altitude of the scoring object; an at least one object motion sensor configured for determining an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object; an object communication device configured for selectively communicating with an at least one user device under the control of a user; and a microcontroller in electrical communication with each of the object location sensor, object motion sensor, and object communication device; and a user application residing in memory on the at least one user device, the at least one user device in selective communication with the at least one scoring object; wherein, upon the user desiring to track the at least one scoring object, the system is configured for: allowing the object communication device of the scoring object to be placed in communication with the user device; determining a start location of the scoring object; and upon determining that the scoring object is in motion: monitoring an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object, as captured by the object motion sensor of the scoring object; and upon determining that the scoring object has come to rest: determining an end location of the scoring object; transmitting at least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute to the user device; and displaying at least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute via an at least one display screen of the user device.

34. The real-time tracking system according to embodiment 33, wherein the at least one scoring object further comprises an at least one battery configured for selectively providing power to each of the object location sensor, object motion sensor, object communication device, and microcontroller.

35. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-34, wherein the at least one battery is a selectively rechargeable battery.

36. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-35, wherein the at least one object location sensor is a global navigation satellite system or global positioning system.

37. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-36, wherein the at least one object motion sensor is a gyro providing an at least one accelerometer.

38. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-37, wherein the at least one object motion sensor is one of a 3-axis gyro and a 6-axis gyro.

39. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-38, wherein the object communication device is an extended Bluetooth low energy device coupled with an omni-directional antenna.

40. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-39, wherein each of the object location sensor, object motion sensor, object communication device, microcontroller, and battery is embedded within the scoring object.

41. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-40, wherein the at least one scoring object is a golf ball.

42. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-41, wherein the object location sensor, object motion sensor, object communication device, microcontroller, and battery are sealed in a substantially spherical housing that is embedded within the scoring object.

43. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-42, wherein the housing is an epoxy resin that substantially encases the object location sensor, object motion sensor, object communication device, microcontroller, and battery.

44. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-43, wherein the object location sensor, object motion sensor, object communication device, microcontroller, and battery are substantially centered within the housing, with the housing being substantially centered within the scoring object.

44. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-44, further comprising an at least one database in communication with the at least one user device and configured for selectively storing data related to at least one of the scoring object and the associated at least one user device.

46. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-45, wherein the system is further configured for activating the scoring object.

47. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-46, wherein while activating the scoring object, the system is further configured for determining whether the scoring object is being physically moved in a pre-defined motion or sequence of motions.

48. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-47, wherein while determining the start location of the scoring object, the system is further configured for capturing the start location of the scoring object via the object location sensor of the scoring object.

49. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-48, wherein upon determining the start location of the scoring object, the system is further configured for disabling the object location sensor of the scoring object.

50. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-49, wherein while determining the start location of the scoring object, the system is further configured for capturing the start location of the scoring object via the user device.

51. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-50, wherein while determining the end location of the scoring object, the system is further configured for capturing the end location of the scoring object via the object location sensor of the scoring object.

52. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-51, wherein the system is further configured for enabling the object location sensor of the scoring object.

53. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-52, wherein upon determining the end location of the scoring object, the system is further configured for disabling the object location sensor of the scoring object.

54. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-53, wherein while monitoring an at least one motion attribute of the scoring object, the system is further configured for monitoring at least one of an altitude, flight path, launch trajectory, speed, and spin rate of the scoring object.

55. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-54, wherein the system is further configured for acquiring an at least one environmental condition.

56. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-55, wherein while acquiring an at least one environmental condition, the system is further configured for acquiring at least one of a current temperature, current humidity, current time of day, current wind speed and direction, current elevation, and current grass condition.

57. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-56, wherein the system is further configured for determining a golf club type to be used for hitting the scoring object.

58. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-57, wherein while displaying at least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute via an at least one display screen of the user device, the system is further configured for providing via the display screen an aerial view of a golf course on which the user is currently playing, with at least one of the start location, end location and at least one motion attribute overlaid on said aerial view.

59. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-58, wherein the system is further configured for determining a current distance between the scoring object and a current hole of the golf course.

60. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-59, wherein the system is further configured for determining a travel distance between the end location and start location of the scoring object.

61. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-60, wherein the system is further configured for determining a current location of the scoring object relative to the golf course based on an at least one pre-defined geofence associated with a particular region of the golf course.

62. The real-time tracking system according to embodiments 33-61, further comprising an at least one location sensor mounted on a flag pole of a current hole of the golf course for allowing the user application to determine a relatively more accurate distance between the scoring object and the current hole.

In closing, regarding the exemplary embodiments of the present invention as shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that a real-time tracking system for sports scoring objects and associated methods of use are disclosed and configured for monitoring and tracking various attributes associated with the movement of said scoring objects. Because the principles of the invention may be practiced in a number of configurations beyond those shown and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not in any way limited by the exemplary embodiments, but is generally directed to a real-time tracking system for sports scoring objects and is able to take numerous forms to do so without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the particular geometries and materials of construction disclosed, but may instead entail other functionally comparable structures or materials, now known or later developed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor(s) for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor(s) expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intend for the present invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the present invention are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other group members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in the present specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about” means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent above and below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate numerical value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of a numerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if it were individually recited herein.

Use of the terms “may” or “can” in reference to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment also carries with it the alternative meaning of “may not” or “cannot.” As such, if the present specification discloses that an embodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may be or can be included as part of the inventive subject matter, then the negative limitation or exclusionary proviso is also explicitly meant, meaning that an embodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may not be or cannot be included as part of the inventive subject matter. In a similar manner, use of the term “optionally” in reference to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment means that such embodiment or aspect of the embodiment may be included as part of the inventive subject matter or may not be included as part of the inventive subject matter. Whether such a negative limitation or exclusionary proviso applies will be based on whether the negative limitation or exclusionary proviso is recited in the claimed subject matter.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar references used in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Further, ordinal indicators—such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.—for identified elements are used to distinguish between the elements, and do not indicate or imply a required or limited number of such elements, and do not indicate a particular position or order of such elements unless otherwise specifically stated. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the present invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the open-ended transitional term “comprising” (along with equivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof such as “including,” “containing” and “having”) encompasses all the expressly recited elements, limitations, steps and/or features alone or in combination with un-recited subject matter; the named elements, limitations and/or features are essential, but other unnamed elements, limitations and/or features may be added and still form a construct within the scope of the claim. Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using the closed-ended transitional phrases “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” in lieu of or as an amendment for “comprising.” When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, limitation, step, or feature not expressly recited in the claims. The closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the expressly recited elements, limitations, steps and/or features and any other elements, limitations, steps and/or features that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter. Thus, the meaning of the open-ended transitional phrase “comprising” is being defined as encompassing all the specifically recited elements, limitations, steps and/or features as well as any optional, additional unspecified ones. The meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting of” is being defined as only including those elements, limitations, steps and/or features specifically recited in the claim, whereas the meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” is being defined as only including those elements, limitations, steps and/or features specifically recited in the claim and those elements, limitations, steps and/or features that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter. Therefore, the open-ended transitional phrase “comprising” (along with equivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof) includes within its meaning, as a limiting case, claimed subject matter specified by the closed-ended transitional phrases “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” As such, embodiments described herein or so claimed with the phrase “comprising” are expressly or inherently unambiguously described, enabled and supported herein for the phrases “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.”

All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced and identified in the present specification are individually and expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the compositions and methodologies described in such publications that might be used in connection with the present invention. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents is based on the information available to the applicants and does not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.

It should be understood that the logic code, programs, modules, processes, methods, and the order in which the respective elements of each method are performed are purely exemplary. Depending on the implementation, they may be performed in any order or in parallel, unless indicated otherwise in the present disclosure. Further, the logic code is not related, or limited to any particular programming language, and may comprise one or more modules that execute on one or more processors in a distributed, non-distributed, or multiprocessing environment.

The methods as described above may be used in the fabrication of integrated circuit chips. The resulting integrated circuit chips can be distributed by the fabricator in raw wafer form (that is, as a single wafer that has multiple unpackaged chips), as a bare die, or in a packaged form. In the latter case, the chip is mounted in a single chip package (such as a plastic carrier, with leads that are affixed to a motherboard or other higher level carrier) or in a multi-chip package (such as a ceramic carrier that has either or both surface interconnections or buried interconnections). In any case, the chip is then integrated with other chips, discrete circuit elements, and/or other signal processing devices as part of either (a) an intermediate product, such as a motherboard, or (b) an end product. The end product can be any product that includes integrated circuit chips, ranging from toys and other low-end applications to advanced computer products having a display, a keyboard or other input device, and a central processor.

While aspects of the invention have been described with reference to at least one exemplary embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims and it is made clear, here, that the inventor(s) believe that the claimed subject matter is the invention.

Real-Time Tracking System for Sports Scoring Objects and Methods of Use

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