Wireless sensor scoring with automatic sensor synchronization

Abstract

Embodiments provide mechanisms and methods for measuring shooting performance in multiplayer environments. These mechanisms and methods include automatic synchronization that enables sensors associated with multiple players to interact with one or more control consoles in a common playing area free of interference. The ability to associate sensors to interact with one or more control consoles in a common playing area free of interference make it possible for coaches and players to measure levels of play, build teamwork among multiple players, improve and maintain skills, select players to meet game situations and team requirements, make decisions on player roles, and use playing environment space more efficiently.

1 . A shooting sports measurement system, comprising: 
 a plurality of first sensors to detect shots taken by a plurality of players,    a plurality of second sensors to determine shots made by the plurality of players,    a console, the console communicatively coupled with the plurality of first sensors and the plurality of second sensors to receive data and determine performance of at least one player based at least in part on the data received; and    a synchronization mechanism to enable the console to learn which of the plurality of first sensors and the plurality of second sensors are associated with the console, thereby enabling the console to determine performance exclusively for players being monitored by the sensors associated with the console.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a detection mechanism that detects a position of a player when the player takes a shot, the console determining performance of at least one player based at least in part on information received from the detection mechanism that detects a position of a player.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first sensor comprises a vibration sensor adapted to be attached to the basketball rim or backboard to detect a shot taken.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second sensor comprises at least one of an optoelectronic sensor or a counter lever, adapted to be attached to the basketball rim or backboard to determine number of shots made at a specified location.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the console acts as an input and output device for each shooting session.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the console includes a time display, wherein the time display is selectively enabled to be at least one of continuously displayed and displayed alternating with display of play information.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the detection mechanism that detects position of a player making shots comprises: 
 an infrared sensor that automatically detect a player's position using a 2-D grid.    
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the detection mechanism that detects position of a player making shots comprises: 
 a pressure sensor grid disposed at least a portion of a playing field.    
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the detection mechanism that detects position of a player making shots comprises: 
 a camera with a ranging device.    
   
   
       10 . The system of claim  29  further comprising: 
 a plurality of cells superimposed onto at least a portion of a playing field, wherein the plurality of cells indicates a player's position when a shot is taken.    
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of cells superimposed onto at least a portion of a playing field further comprises: 
 a plurality of cells of varying sizes according to relevance to scoring in the shooting sport under practice superimposed onto at least a portion of a playing field.    
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of cells superimposed onto at least a portion of a playing field further comprises: 
 a plurality of cells associated with an alphanumeric naming convention facilitating ease of use superimposed onto at least a portion of a playing field.    
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of cells superimposed onto at least a portion of a playing field further comprises: 
 a plurality of cells arranged according to a playing rule superimposed onto at least a portion of a playing field.    
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of cells superimposed onto at least a portion of a playing field further comprises: 
 a plurality of cells arranged according to an international playing rule superimposed onto at least a portion of a playing field.    
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a video device for capturing a video record of a player taking a shot, wherein the video device is triggered when a shot is taken.    
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a wireless headset for capturing a audio commands from a player taking a shot, wherein the audio commands control recording of information about the shot.    
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the detection mechanism includes visual player location indicia that are adapted to be viewed by a console operator such that the console operator can manually enter the indicia into the console.  
   
   
       18 . A computer based method for measuring shooting sports performance, the method comprising the computer implemented steps of: 
 determining whether a shot is made;    synchronizing the shot with one of a plurality of players;    determining a location of the player taking the shot when the shot is taken;    receiving information about the player; and    determining performance of the player based on the determining steps.    
   
   
       19 . A shooting sports measurement system, comprising: 
 a sensor to determine shots made,    a detection mechanism that detects a position of a player when the player takes a shot;    a console, the console communicatively coupled with the sensor and the detection mechanism to receive data and determine performance of a player; and    a synchronization mechanism to associate the sensors with the console, thereby enabling the console to determine performance exclusively for players being monitored by the sensors.    
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the detection mechanism includes visual player location indicia that is adapted to be viewed by a console operation, such that console operator can manually enter the location into the console.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 19  wherein the detection mechanism automatically detects a position of a player when the player take a shot.  
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 19  wherein the detection mechanism automatically detects a position of a player when the player takes a shot.