INTERACTIVE BALL
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.
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.