Interactive ball

Abstract

The present invention relates to an interactive ball and, more particularly to a ball (e.g., soccer ball) having one or more sensors and an integrated circuit and a memory that are configured to record at least one performance metric from a user that can be implemented through a variety of games and challenges. The performance metric includes a power mode and a challenge mode, with the challenge mode providing a variety of challenges for the user to perform or compete against, including dribbling, juggling, and flight time.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An interactive ball, comprising:
 a ball with one or more sensors attached thereto;   an integrated circuit and a memory, wherein the integrated circuit and at least one sensor are configured to record at least one performance metric from a user.   
     
     
         2 . The interactive ball as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the ball is a soccer ball. 
     
     
         3 . The interactive ball as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the at least one performance metric includes a power mode and a challenge mode. 
     
     
         4 . The interactive ball as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein when in the power mode, the integrated circuit in conjunction with the one or more sensors is operable for measuring the speed at which the ball is kicked and G-forces exerted upon the ball when the ball is kicked. 
     
     
         5 . The interactive ball as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein when in the challenge mode, the integrated circuit in conjunction with the one or more sensors is operable for initiating and recording performance measures from a user during a plurality of challenges. 
     
     
         6 . The interactive ball as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of challenges includes a juggling challenge, in which the ball counts a number of consistent impacts until the ball is at rest for a predetermined period of time, with the number of consistent impacts being displayed as a juggle count. 
     
     
         7 . The interactive ball as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of challenges includes a dribbling challenge, in which the ball counts a number of consistent impacts until the ball is at rest for a predetermined period of time, with the number of consistent impacts being displayed as a dribble count. 
     
     
         8 . The interactive ball as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the time between consistent impacts in the dribbling challenge is greater than the time between consistent impacts in the juggling challenge. 
     
     
         9 . The interactive ball as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein the plurality of challenges includes a flight time challenge, in which time is recorded between an initial impact and a landing impact as a flight time. 
     
     
         10 . The interactive ball as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the ball includes a connector port and is adapted to connect with and sync with a software application stored on a user's mobile device. 
     
     
         11 . The interactive ball as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein when in the challenge mode, the integrated circuit in conjunction with the one or more sensors is operable for initiating and recording performance measures from a user during a plurality of challenges. 
     
     
         12 . The interactive ball as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of challenges includes a juggling challenge, in which the ball counts a number of consistent impacts until the ball is at rest for a predetermined period of time, with the number of consistent impacts being displayed as a juggle count. 
     
     
         13 . The interactive ball as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of challenges includes a dribbling challenge, in which the ball counts a number of consistent impacts until the ball is at rest for a predetermined period of time, with the number of consistent impacts being displayed as a dribble count. 
     
     
         14 . The interactive ball as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of challenges includes a juggling challenge, in which the ball counts a number of consistent impacts until the ball is at rest for a predetermined period of time, with the number of consistent impacts being displayed as a juggle count, and wherein the time between consistent impacts in the dribbling challenge is greater than the time between consistent impacts in the juggling challenge. 
     
     
         15 . The interactive ball as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of challenges includes a flight time challenge, in which time is recorded between an initial impact and a landing impact as a flight time. 
     
     
         16 . The interactive ball as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the ball includes a connector port and is adapted to connect with and sync with a software application stored on a user's mobile device.