ATHLETIC METRICS SYNCHRONOUS COLLECTION AND EVALUATION PLATFORM AND RELATED METHODS

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/632,439, filed on Apr. 10, 2024; the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In today's competitive youth sports environment, coaches and parents are turning to physical evaluations, game video and educational information in their efforts to properly gauge athlete development and their next steps. Collecting and coordinating the appropriate athletic metrics information has been a complicated and unwieldy endeavor for individuals to track and utilize. In fact, efforts to collect this information is often disjointed, requiring multiple parties to collect and then another set of parties that coordinate the metrics with video by manual verification and indirect storage structuring.

Expanding this idea to national and international aggregation of the verified athletic metrics to establish ranking among athletes according to measured skills would serve to offer tracking and evaluations for a wider array of players, coaches, and scouts. However, the ability to rank nationally or internationally is limited and strictly based on capacity of collection and verification. In fact, collection of this vast amount of data would require manual aggregation, which presents physical and commercial impediments; requiring a much more expansive array of human infrastructure for collection and processing athletic metrics for evaluation and comparison (to find the best athlete). Within such structure, beyond intake processors of the athletic metrics, there is the further requirement of video verification and association with athletic metrics that serves as proof of performance required for true evaluation. This video verification is captured and organized asynchronously, or manually after the athletic metrics have been recorded. Consequently, this significant human infrastructure/personnel requirement dramatically reduces the ability for expansion of a commercially profitable business based on national and international aggregation of the verified athletic metrics. As such, there remains a need for methods, tools, and systems that offer an athlete the ability to automate collection of athletic metrics of an athlete for evaluation and comparison to others in a manner that affords synchronous verification of video recording of the athlete taken during collection. There also remains a need for such methods, tools, and systems to achieve increased capacity with relatively less infrastructure requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to methods, tools, and systems that offer the ability to automate collection of athletic metrics for evaluation and comparison to others in a manner that affords synchronous verification of video recording of the athlete taken during collection. In particular, the present invention provides methods of synchronously collecting and evaluating athletic metrics, an athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform, and systems for athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation. Moreover, such methods, tools, and systems achieve increased capacity with relatively less infrastructure requirements, affording commercially viable methods, platforms, and systems.

One aspect of the present invention provides an athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform comprising an interface for collecting and evaluating athletic metrics in a synchronous manner, wherein the interface comprises a first machine-readable medium having instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor to perform a method comprising the steps of: collection of one or more athletic metrics of a subject athlete by electronically monitoring said athletic metrics during athletic activity; storage of said athletic metrics on a second machine-readable medium; verification of said athletic metrics by synchronous coordination of a video recording of subject athlete taken during collection of the one or more athletic metrics using direct structured storage; evaluating and integrating said verified athletic metric into a global aggregated database; presenting of said verified athletic metric data for access by a user of the interface, such that the athletic metrics are collected and evaluated in said synchronous manner for access by the user of the interface.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of collecting and evaluating athletic metrics in a synchronous manner comprising the steps of: collection of one or more athletic metrics of a subject athlete by electronically monitoring said athletic metrics during athletic activity; storage of said athletic metrics on a machine-readable medium; verification of said athletic metrics by synchronous coordination of a video recording of subject athlete taken during collection of the one or more athletic metrics using direct structured storage; evaluating and integrating said verified athletic metric into a global aggregated database; presenting of said verified athletic metric data for access by a user of the interface, such that the athletic metrics are collected and evaluated in said synchronous manner for access by the user of the interface.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a system for athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation comprising: an athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform of the present invention; and an external data collection device suitable for electronically monitoring said athletic metrics of a subject athlete during athletic activity and interfacing with the athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform to relay the collected athletic metrics, such that the system is suitable for collecting and evaluating in a synchronous manner for access by a user of the interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Advantages of the present methods, platforms, and systems will be apparent from the following detailed description, which description should be considered in combination with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

FIG. 1 depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a representation of an exemplary system for athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation comprising the athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a multi-sport evaluation platform through collection and evaluation of athletic metrics. In fact, the collection and evaluation methods, tools and system of the present invention test, track, monitor, and evaluate athletes' physical fitness with respect to a multitude of sport-specific disciplines, measuring the overall athleticism, current readiness, and future potential of an athlete. The metrics captured and evaluated provide coaches, trainers, or scouts/recruiters a clear understanding of the athletes' abilities. Synchronous coordination of video by direct structured storage creates verified athletic metrics, which offer the ability to automate collection of athletic metrics for evaluation and comparison to others in manner that affords synchronous verification of video recording of the athlete taken during collection.

This direct structured storage automates video verification and reduces infrastructure, providing industry enabling advantages, allowing expansion to a large network array for collection without requiring the expansion of intake processors and manual verification infrastructure. The cost and infrastructure savings afford a business model suitable for increasing the capacity and scale for national and international aggregation of the verified athletic metrics to establish ranking among athletes according to measured skills to offer tracking and evaluations for a wider array of players, coaches, and scouts/recruiters.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to methods, tools, and systems that offer the ability to automate collection of athletic metrics for evaluation and comparison to others in a manner that affords synchronous verification of video recording of the athlete taken during collection. In particular, the present invention provides methods of synchronously collecting and evaluating athletic metrics, an athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform, and systems for athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation. Moreover, such methods, tools, and systems achieve increased capacity with relatively less infrastructure requirements, affording commercially viable methods, platforms, and systems.

The present invention, including methods, platforms, and systems will be described with reference to the following definitions that, for convenience, are set forth below. Unless otherwise specified, the below terms used herein are defined as follows:

I. Definitions

As used herein, the term “a,” “an,” “the” and similar terms used in the context of the present invention (especially in the context of the claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and plural unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context.

The term “agility” is used herein to describe the athletic metric characterized by an athlete's ability to move quickly and change directions while maintaining control and balance.

The language “and/or” is used herein to mean both “and” in the conjunctive form and “or” in the disjunctive form.

The language “anthropometric data” is art-recognized, and is used herein to describe data related to characteristics such as, height, weight, and body composition.

The term “athlete” is used herein to describe a person who engages in a sport and other forms of physical exercise. In certain embodiments, the athlete may be in college, high school, or a professional athlete.

The language “athletic metric” is used herein to describe a quantification of any measurement of a characteristic of an athlete. In certain embodiments, the athletic metric is selected from speed, strength, power, agility and/or coordination. In particular embodiments, the athletic metric is collected by measuring results of a sport-related drill of a sport. In specific embodiments, the sport-related drill is selected from running, throwing (e.g., pitching), catching, ball hitting, stick handling, kicking, ball shooting, passing, jumping, swinging (e.g., a bat), agility, endurance, and grip strength.

As used herein, the language “application programming interface” or “API” are art-recognized, and used interchangeably, to describe a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software, i.e., a way for two or more computer programs to communicate with each other. In contrast to a user interface, which connects a computer to a person, an application programming interface connects computers or pieces of software to each other. It is not intended to be used directly by a person (the end user) other than a computer programmer who is incorporating it into the software. An API is often made up of different parts which act as tools or services that are available to the programmer. A program or a programmer that uses one of these parts is said to call that portion of the API. The calls that make up the API are also known as subroutines, methods, requests, or endpoints. An API specification defines these calls, meaning that it explains how to use or implement them.

The term “coach” includes an expanded meaning that incorporates related staff and department employees.

The language “directed structured storage” is used herein to describe the structured coordination/organization of the data files of a recorded video taken of an athlete during collection of the one or more athletic metrics to directly store such video by electronic association with the athletic metrics. Such directed structured storage serves to verify the athletic metrics collected, allowing a reviewer of the athletic metric to confirm the athlete verifiably generated the athletic metric. This directed structured storage also affords automated metric verification.

The term “interfacing” is art-recognized, and is used herein to describe the means of communication between two entities, for example a system/tool and user data entry. In certain embodiments, the interfacing may be bi-directional. In other embodiments, the interfacing may be uni-directional. In particular embodiments, such interfacing may be achieved through a graphical user interface. The “interface” itself may serve as the location/point of communication/data exchange; where a user interface affords a user the ability to visualize and input information located on machine readable media, and where electronic interfaces affords transfer/input of data from data collections devices to machine readable media.

The language “machine-readable medium” is art-recognized, and describes a medium capable of storing data in a format readable by a mechanical device (rather than by a human). Examples of machine-readable media include magnetic media such as magnetic disks, cards, tapes, and drums, punched cards and paper tapes, optical disks, barcodes, magnetic ink characters, and solid state devices such as flash-based, SSD, etc. Machine-readable medium of the present invention are non-transitory, and therefore do not include signals per se, i.e., are directed only to hardware storage medium. Common machine-readable technologies include magnetic recording, processing waveforms, and barcodes. In particular embodiments, the machine-readable device is a solid state device. Optical character recognition (OCR) can be used to enable machines to read information available to humans. Any information retrievable by any form of energy can be machine-readable. Moreover, any data stored on a machine-readable medium may be transferred by streaming over a network. In a particular embodiment, the machine readable medium is a network server disk, e.g., an internet server disk, e.g., a disk array. In specific embodiments, the machine-readable medium is more than one network.

The term “platform” is used herein to describe an interface that is capable of operating by access through one or more of a web version (e.g., the internet), a desktop version, or an application, e.g., on a mobile device application (e.g., downloaded through an app store such as iTunes™, Google Play™, or other such application stores/databases.

The term “power” is used herein to describe the athletic metric characterized by an athlete's ability to create maximal force in minimal time.

The term “recruiter” or “scout” includes an expanded meaning that incorporates related staff and department employees.

The term “speed” is used herein to describe the athletic metric characterized by acceleration, maximum running speed, and speed endurance of an athlete.

The term “strength” is used herein to describe the athletic metric characterized by how much force an athlete can create in each of or both the upper and lower body.

The term “synchronous,” as used herein in the expression “synchronous coordination,” describes the time frame of structured coordination/organization of the data files of a recorded video taken of an athlete during collection of the one or more athletic metrics to directly store such video by electronic association with the athletic metrics, wherein such directed structured storage happens in an automated manner (e.g., without the need for human involvement), e.g., as the athletic metric is collected from the athlete or in very close time proximity to the collection.

The term “user” is used herein to describe any person that interfaces with the tools of the present invention described herein through electronic means, e.g., computer or mobile device. Such user may be credentialed or non-credentialed, and which may afford certain access rights in the interface based on such status.

The language “user interface” is used herein to describe the graphical user interface (GUI), e.g., which allows a user to interface with the application programming interface (API), and enter data using interface components such as buttons, text fields, check boxes, etc.

II. Methods of the Invention

One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of collecting and evaluating athletic metrics in a synchronous manner comprising the steps of:

• • collection of one or more athletic metrics of a subject athlete (e.g., more than one athlete) by electronically monitoring said athletic metrics during athletic activity;
  • storage of said athletic metrics on a machine-readable medium;
  • verification of said athletic metrics by synchronous coordination of a video recording of subject athlete taken during collection of the one or more athletic metrics using direct structured storage, e.g., affording automated metric verification;
  • evaluating and integrating (e.g., actively integrating) said verified athletic metric into a global aggregated database (e.g., comparison of data to internal/self-comparative or other athlete);
  • presenting of said verified athletic metric data for access by a user of the interface (e.g., coach, scout, trainer, athlete), e.g., in a user interface, e.g., as a global aggregated database,
  • such that the athletic metrics are collected and evaluated in said synchronous manner for access by the user of the interface.

In certain embodiments of the methods of the present invention, the user of the interface is an athlete (e.g., college, high school, or professional), a scout/recruiter (e.g., college, high school, or professional), or a coach (e.g., college, high school, or professional).

In certain embodiments, the methods of the present invention further comprise the step of accessing the interface by the user of the interface. In certain embodiments, the step of accessing requires authentication, e.g., secure access authorization.

In certain embodiments of the methods of the present invention, the subject athlete is able to send a notification to a user of the interface (e.g., coach, recruiter, and/or scout; e.g., high school, college, or professional). In certain embodiments, the notification may include athlete's proof of performance. In certain embodiments, the notification may include athlete's personal record.

In certain embodiments, the methods of the present invention further comprises the step of identification of a target area for athletic metric improvement.

In certain embodiments, the methods of the present invention further comprise the step of offering the subject athlete a suggestion for improving athletic metric. In certain embodiments, the suggestion is for improving a sport-related drill of a sport. In particular embodiments, machine learning and artificial intelligence may be used to produce the suggestions for improving athletic metrics. In specific embodiments, the machine learning and artificial intelligence may be used to produce the suggestions for improving a sport-related drill of a sport.

In certain embodiments, the methods of the present invention further comprise the step of offering the coach user of the interface suggestions for improving coaching style. In certain embodiments, the suggestions identify training exercises that improve athletic metric of a subject athlete. In particular embodiments, machine learning and artificial intelligence may be used to produce the suggestions for improving coaching style.

In certain embodiments, the methods of present invention further comprise the step of collecting and presenting athletic metric requests by the user of the interface (e.g., coach and/or scout/recruiter). In certain embodiments, the user of the interface is able to present their athlete/player needs, listing specific requirements, and/or enabling other users of the interface to recommend players that match these needs.

In certain embodiments, the methods of present invention further comprise the step of notifying athlete after the athletic metric of the athlete is viewed (e.g., by coach or scout/recruiter). In certain embodiments, the athlete is notified of the specific components of the athletic metric viewed, for example, data or video or related profile information.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of notifying the coach of the athlete after the athletic metric of the athlete is viewed (e.g., by scout/recruiter).

A. Collection Of Athletic Metrics Of Subject Athlete

The methods of collecting and evaluating athletic metrics in a synchronous manner of the present invention comprise the step of collection of one or more athletic metrics of a subject athlete by electronically monitoring said athletic metrics during athletic activity. In certain embodiments, there is more than one subject athlete.

In certain embodiments of the methods of the present invention, the athletic metrics of more than one subject athlete is collected. Collecting the athletic metrics of more than one subject affords comparison between the athletes, e.g., the athletes' abilities.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the one or more athletic metrics are selected from the group consisting of speed, strength, power, agility and coordination.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the one or more athletic metrics are collected by measuring results of a sport-related drill of a sport. In certain embodiments, the sport-related drill is selected from running, throwing (e.g., pitching), catching, ball hitting, stick handling, kicking, ball shooting, passing, jumping, swinging (e.g., a bat), agility, endurance, and grip strength. In certain embodiments, the sport is selected from the group consisting of baseball, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and football. In particular embodiments, the sport is selected from the group consisting of baseball, softball, and lacrosse.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the athletic metric is mapped to one or more physical standards required for optimal athletic performance (e.g., mapped in the interface). In certain embodiments, the physical standards are anthropometric features selected from the group consisting of height, weight, wing span, and body composition. In particular embodiments, the athletic metric is selected from the group consisting of grip strength, 10 yard dash, 20 yard dash, 30 yard dash, 40 yard dash, T-drill, bat speed, 5-10-5 shuttle, overhand velocity, vertical jump, and broad jump. In specific embodiments, these athletic metrics are mapped to one or more physical standards required for optimal athletic performance as follows:

• • Grip strength measures forearm strength 10, 20, 30 and 40 yard dash and T-drill measure footspeed and quickness Bat speed measures swing speed of the bat at impact 5-10-5 shuttle measures change in direction speed Overhand velocity measures upper body strength Vertical jump measures lower half power Broad jump measures explosiveness and lower body strength

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the electronic monitoring of said athletic metrics during athletic activity comprises electronically capturing timing, speed, distance, strength, motion, and agility. In certain embodiments, such devices are automated, e.g., automated monitoring devices. In particular embodiments, the capturing device is selected from the group consisting of a device for wireless anthropometric measurement (e.g., height, weight, body composition, or wingspan), an OCR capable device, a radar device, a data-enable baseball bat, a data-enabled baseball, and virtual reality tools. In specific embodiments, the device for electronically capturing is selected from one or more of the group consisting of Brower Timing System (Speed/Agility), Dashr Timing System (Speed/Agility), Jamar Hand Dynamometer (Hand Grip), Blast Motion (Hitting Analytics), Pocket Radar (Arm Velocity, Shot Velocity, Exit Speed), Rapsodo (Pitching Analytics), Wingspan (measuring wingspan and hands), and Vertup (measures vertical jump). In particular embodiments, personal tracking devices, e.g., wristband/bracelet scans, are coordinated with electronic capture devices and/or cameras.

In certain embodiments, the method of the present invention further comprises the step of interfacing with an external data collection device suitable for electronically monitoring said athletic metrics during athletic activity to relay the collected athletic metrics. In certain embodiments, the external data collection device is used for electronically capturing timing, speed, distance, strength, motion, and agility. In certain embodiments, the external data collection device operate via an application programming interface. In certain embodiments, such devices are automated, e.g., automated monitoring devices. In particular embodiments, the capturing device is selected from the group consisting of a device for wireless anthropometric measurement (e.g., height, weight, body composition, or wingspan), an OCR capable device, a radar device, a data-enable baseball bat, a data-enabled baseball, and virtual reality tools. In specific embodiments, the device for electronically capturing is selected from one or more of the group consisting of Brower Timing System (Speed/Agility), Dashr Timing System (Speed/Agility), Jamar Hand Dynamometer (Hand Grip), Blast Motion (Hitting Analytics), Pocket Radar (Arm Velocity, Shot Velocity, Exit Speed), Rapsodo (Pitching Analytics), Wingspan (measuring wingspan and hands), and Vertup (measures vertical jump). In specific embodiments, personal tracking devices, e.g., wristband/bracelet scans, are coordinated with electronic capture devices and/or cameras.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the subject athlete is identified by a personal tracking device (e.g., that interfaces with the athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform or interfaces with the external data collection device). In certain embodiments, the personal tracking device interfaces with the external data collecting device (e.g., capturing timing, speed, distance, strength, motion, and agility). In particular embodiments, the personal tracking device is an electronic signal generating tag, e.g., bracelet, e.g., radio frequency based. In particular other embodiments, the personal tracking device comprises a QR code identifier, e.g., bracelet.

B. Storage Of Athletic Metrics

The methods of collecting and evaluating athletic metrics in a synchronous manner of the present invention comprise the step of storage of said athletic metrics on a machine-readable medium. In particular, the collected athletic metrics are stored on the machine-readable medium in manner suitable for synchronous coordination of the video recording of subject athlete taken during collection of the one or more athletic metrics using direct structured storage. The verified athletic metric is then accessible on the machine-readable medium, e.g., with the associated video, for evaluation and aggregation into a global aggregated database. The global aggregated database may be stored on the same or different machine-readable medium.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the collected athletic metric that is stored is selected from the group consisting of speed, strength, power, agility and coordination.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the user interface communicates with the stored verified athletic metrics (e.g., from the machine-readable medium) to present the verified athletic metrics to the user of the interface.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the user interface communicates the stored global aggregated database of the verified athletic metrics (e.g., from a machine-readable medium) to present the global aggregated database of the verified athletic metrics to the user of the interface.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the machine-readable medium is selected from the group consisting of magnetic media, punched cards, paper tapes, optical disks, barcodes, magnetic ink characters, and solid state devices. In certain embodiments, the machine-readable medium is one or more network server disks.

C. Verification Of Athletic Metrics By Synchronous Coordination

The methods of collecting and evaluating athletic metrics in a synchronous manner of the present invention comprise the step of verification of said athletic metrics. The verification of the athletic metrics is established by synchronous coordination of a video recording of subject athlete taken during collection of the one or more athletic metrics using direct structured storage, directly storing such video by electronic association with the athletic metrics. Such directed structured storage serves to verify the athletic metrics, allowing a reviewer of the athletic metric to confirm the athlete verifiably generated the athletic metric. This directed structured storage also affords automated metric verification. The synchronous coordination, or collection, that is associated with the verification offers video association with the athletic metrics through directed structured storage, e.g., wherein such directed structured storage happens in an automated manner, e.g., as the athletic metric is collected from the athlete or in very close time proximity to the collection.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the video recording taken during collection of the athletic metrics may be manually captured by an individual.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the video recording taken during collection of the athletic metrics may be captured automatically. In certain embodiments, devices that capture athletic metrics are designed with sensors that engage measurement when activated.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the user interface communicates with the stored verified athletic metrics (e.g., from the machine-readable medium) to present the verified athletic metrics to the user of the interface, e.g., with the associated video.

D. Evaluating And Integrating Verified Athletic Metric

The methods of collecting and evaluating athletic metrics in a synchronous manner of the present invention comprise the step of evaluating and integrating (e.g., actively integrating) said verified athletic metric into a global aggregated database. The evaluation of the verified athletic metric makes a comparison of the numerical value to other numerical values previously collected and verified. The numerical value is then integrated into the athlete's profile and a global aggregated database. In certain embodiments, the integration is active, i.e., occurring at the time of measurement, collection, and verification.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the comparison of the numerical value of the verified athletic metric is compared to the numerical values collected and verified for another athlete (e.g., other athletes), i.e., in the global aggregated database. In certain embodiments, the comparison of the numerical value of the verified athletic metric is compared to the numerical values collected and verified for the same athlete in prior attempts, e.g., and the best numerical value is selected or an average of the numerical values is calculated for the inclusion in the global aggregated database. In particular embodiments, the numerical value may be converted to a corresponding letter grade.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the methods further comprises the step of scoring the athletic metric to rank the athletic metric (e.g., team centered, locally, nationally or internationally), e.g., compared to other metrics collected. In certain embodiments, the scoring may be based on letter grade. In certain alternate embodiments, the scoring may be numerical, e.g., on a scale of 0-100 or 0-1000.

E. Presenting Of Verified Metric Data For Access By User of Interface

The methods of collecting and evaluating athletic metrics in a synchronous manner of the present invention comprise presenting of said verified athletic metric data for access by a user of the interface (e.g., coach, scout/recruiter, athlete), e.g., in a user interface, e.g., as a global aggregated database. The verified metric data is presented in a graphic user interface (GUI), e.g., on a dashboard. In certain embodiments, the GUI shows itemized data of the athlete, or the integrated data of the global aggregated database, e.g., in an active feed (e.g., ranking feed). In certain embodiments, the presented athletic metrics are organized by athletic metric, school/location, leaderboard, rank, sport, and/or division.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the user interface communicates with the stored verified athletic metrics (e.g., from the machine-readable medium) to present the verified athletic metrics to the user of the interface, e.g., with the associated video.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the user interface communicates the stored global aggregated database of the verified athletic metrics (e.g., from a machine-readable medium) to present the global aggregated database of the verified athletic metrics to the user of the interface.

In certain embodiments, the methods of the present invention further comprises the step of creating a ranked listing to present the top athletic metrics, e.g., in the user interface. In certain embodiments, the ranked listing is a leaderboard, e.g., a team leaderboard. In particular embodiments, the leaderboard is the top 100 of the best athletic metrics. In specific embodiments, the ranked listing is nationally ranked. In specific embodiments, the ranked listing is internationally nationally ranked.

In certain embodiments, the methods of present invention further comprise the step of presenting an athletic metric need identified by the user of the interface, e.g., coach or recruiter. In certain embodiments, the presented athletic metrics may be searched by athletic metric, school/location, leaderboard, rank, sport, and/or division. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the user interface further comprises personalized content in a private tracking interface for the user of the interface, i.e., offering a private section for a user to organize their own analysis. In certain embodiments, users of the interface can rate players and see standout proof of performance videos, metrics, and game stats, as well as add notes through the private tracking system.

III. Platforms of the Invention

The methods of the present invention, described herein, may each (or all) be utilized and implemented as platform interface tool embodiments of the present invention for collecting and evaluating athletic metrics in a synchronous manner. As such, another embodiment of the present invention provides an athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform comprising an interface for collecting and evaluating athletic metrics in a synchronous manner, wherein the interface comprises a first machine-readable medium having instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor to perform a method comprising the steps of:

• • collection of one or more athletic metrics of a subject athlete (e.g., more than one athlete) by electronically monitoring said athletic metrics during athletic activity;
  • storage of said athletic metrics on a second machine-readable medium;
  • verification of said athletic metrics by synchronous coordination of a video recording of subject athlete taken during collection of the one or more athletic metrics using direct structured storage, e.g., affording automated metric verification;
  • evaluating and integrating (e.g., actively integrating) said verified athletic metric into a global aggregated database (e.g., comparison of data to internal/self-comparative or other athlete);
  • presenting of said verified athletic metric data for access by a user of the interface (e.g., coach, scout, athlete), e.g., in a user interface, e.g., as a global aggregated database, such that the athletic metrics are collected and evaluated in said synchronous manner for access by the user of the interface.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the first machine readable medium and the second machine readable medium are the same.

In certain embodiments, the methods of the present invention further comprise the step of accessing the interface by the user of the interface. In certain embodiments, the step of accessing requires authentication, e.g., secure access authorization. In particular embodiments, the secure access requires a platform subscription. In particular embodiments, varying subscription levels correspond to varying access levels/features. In specific embodiments, purchase of data collection devices incorporating the platform (or having the ability to access the platform) provides full subscription access to the interface.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the one or more athletic metrics are selected from the group consisting of speed, strength, power, agility and coordination.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the one or more athletic metrics are collected by measuring results of a sport-related drill of a sport. In certain embodiments, the sport is selected from the group consisting of baseball, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and football (e.g., baseball, softball, and lacrosse). In certain embodiments, sport-related drill is selected from running, throwing (e.g., pitching), catching, ball hitting, stick handling, kicking, ball shooting, passing, jumping, swinging (e.g., a bat), agility, endurance, and grip strength.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the athletic metric is mapped to one or more physical standards required for optimal athletic performance (e.g., mapped in the interface). In certain embodiments, the physical standards are anthropometric features selected from the group consisting of height, weight, wing span, and body composition.

In certain embodiments, the method of the present invention further comprises the step of interfacing with an external data collection device suitable for electronically monitoring said athletic metrics during athletic activity to relay the collected athletic metrics. In certain embodiments, the external data collection device is used for capturing timing, speed, distance, strength, motion, and agility. In certain embodiments, the external data collection device operate via an application programming interface. In particular embodiments, such devices are automated, e.g., automated monitoring devices. In particular embodiments, the capturing device is selected from the group consisting of a device for wireless anthropometric measurement (e.g., height, weight, body composition, or wingspan), an OCR capable device, a radar device, a data-enable baseball bat, a data-enabled baseball, and virtual reality tools. In specific embodiments, the device for electronically capturing is selected from one or more of the group consisting of Brower Timing System (Speed/Agility), Dashr Timing System (Speed/Agility), Jamar Hand Dynamometer (Hand Grip), Blast Motion (Hitting Analytics), Pocket Radar (Arm Velocity, Shot Velocity, Exit Speed), Rapsodo (Pitching Analytics), Wingspan (measuring wingspan and hands), and Vertup (measures vertical jump). In specific embodiments, personal tracking devices, e.g., wristband/bracelet scans, are coordinated with electronic capture devices and/or cameras.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the subject athlete is identified by a personal tracking device (e.g., that interfaces with the athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform or interfaces with the external data collection device). In certain embodiments, the personal tracking device interfaces with the external data collecting device (e.g., capturing timing, speed, distance, strength, motion, and agility). In particular embodiments, the personal tracking device is an electronic signal generating tag, e.g., bracelet, e.g., radio frequency based. In particular other embodiments, the personal tracking device comprises a QR code identifier, e.g., bracelet.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the user of the interface is an athlete (e.g., college, high school, or professional), a scout (e.g., college, high school, or professional), or a coach (e.g., college, high school, or professional).

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of identification of a target area for improvement.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the methods further comprises the step of scoring the athletic metric to rank the athletic metric (e.g., team centered, locally, nationally or internationally), e.g., compared to other metrics collected. In certain embodiments, the scoring may be based on letter grade. In certain alternate embodiments, the scoring may be numerical, e.g., on a scale of 0-100 or 0-1000. In certain embodiments, the methods of the present invention further comprises the step of creating a ranked listing to present the top athletic metrics, e.g., in the user interface. In certain embodiments, the ranked listing is a leaderboard, e.g., a team leaderboard. In particular embodiments, the leaderboard is the top 100 of the best athletic metrics. In specific embodiments, the ranked listing is nationally ranked. In specific embodiments, the ranked listing is internationally nationally ranked.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of presenting an athletic metric need identified by the user of the interface, e.g., coach or recruiter. In certain embodiments, the presented athletic metrics may be searched by athletic metric, school/location, leaderboard, rank, sport, and/or division.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of notifying athlete after the athletic metric of the athlete is viewed (e.g., by coach or scout).

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of notifying the coach of the athlete after the athletic metric of the athlete is viewed (e.g., by scout/recruiter). In certain embodiments, the presented athletic metrics may be searched by athletic metric, school/location, leaderboard, rank, sport, and/or division.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the user interface further comprises personalized content in a private tracking interface for the user of the interface, i.e., offering a private section for a user to organize their own analysis. In certain embodiments, users of the interface can rate players and see standout proof of performance videos, metrics, and game stats, as well as add notes through the private tracking system.

In certain embodiments, the platform interface tools of the present invention may comprise advertisements for sports related products.

In certain embodiments, the platform interface tools of the present invention may produce lists of athletes, coaches, recruiters/scouts, and/or recruiting entities, e.g., based on identified/selected criteria.

IV. Systems of the Invention

The methods and platform interface of the present invention may serve as components of and be implemented as a system for athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation, including additional components such as, the external data collection devices or personal tracking device. As such, another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system for athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation comprising:

• • an athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform of any one of the present invention; and
  • an external data collection device suitable for electronically monitoring said athletic metrics of a subject athlete during athletic activity and interfacing with the athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform to relay the collected athletic metrics, such that the system is suitable for collecting and evaluating in a synchronous manner for access by a user of the interface.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the system comprises a camera for recording video, e.g., for verification of athletic metrics. In certain embodiments, the cameras are used to verify the athletic metrics by synchronous coordination of the video recording of subject athlete taken during collection of the one or more athletic metrics using direct structured storage.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the system comprises an external data collection device for electronic monitoring of said athletic metrics during athletic activity, electronically capturing timing, speed, distance, strength, motion, and agility. In certain embodiments, such devices are automated, e.g., automated monitoring devices. In particular embodiments, the capturing device is selected from the group consisting of a device for wireless anthropometric measurement (e.g., height, weight, body composition, or wingspan), an OCR capable device, a radar device, a data-enable baseball bat, a data-enabled baseball, and virtual reality tools. In specific embodiments, the device for electronically capturing is selected from one or more of the group consisting of Brower Timing System (Speed/Agility), Dashr Timing System (Speed/Agility), Vert Up (Vertical Jump), Jamar Hand Dynamometer (Hand Grip), Blast Motion (Hitting Analytics), Pocket Radar (Arm Velocity, Shot Velocity, Exit Speed), Rapsodo (Pitching Analytics), Wingspan (measuring wingspan and hands), and Vertup (measures vertical jump). In particular embodiments, personal tracking devices, e.g., wristband/bracelet scans, are coordinated with electronic capture devices and/or cameras.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the system comprises an external data collection device suitable for electronically monitoring said athletic metrics during athletic activity to relay the collected athletic metrics. In certain embodiments, the external data collection device is used for electronically capturing timing, speed, distance, strength, motion, and agility. In certain embodiments, the external data collection device operate via an application programming interface. In particular embodiments, such devices are automated, e.g., automated monitoring devices. In particular embodiments, the capturing device is selected from the group consisting of a device for wireless anthropometric measurement (e.g., height, weight, body composition, or wingspan), an OCR capable device, a radar device, a data-enable baseball bat, a data-enabled baseball, and virtual reality tools. In specific embodiments, the device for electronically capturing is selected from one or more of the group consisting of Brower Timing System (Speed/Agility), Dashr Timing System (Speed/Agility), Jamar Hand Dynamometer (Hand Grip), Blast Motion (Hitting Analytics), Pocket Radar (Arm Velocity, Shot Velocity, Exit Speed), Rapsodo (Pitching Analytics), Wingspan (measuring wingspan and hands), and Vertup (measures vertical jump). In specific embodiments, personal tracking devices, e.g., wristband/bracelet scans, are coordinated with electronic capture devices and/or cameras.

In certain embodiments of the present invention the system further comprises a personal tracking device by which the subject athlete is identified (e.g., that interfaces with the athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform or interfaces with the external data collection device). In certain embodiments, the personal tracking device interfaces with the external data collecting device (e.g., capturing timing, speed, distance, strength, motion, and agility). In particular embodiments, the personal tracking device is an electronic signal generating tag, e.g., bracelet, e.g., radio frequency based. In particular other embodiments, the personal tracking device comprises a QR code identifier, e.g., bracelet.

EXEMPLIFICATION

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments, and the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and which are not intended to be limiting in any way.

In this respect, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the Figures. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Example 1

Exemplary Embodiment

Athletic Metrics Synchronous Collection and Evaluation Platform

An exemplary embodiment of the athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform of the present invention is described below and depicted in FIG. 1 as a flow diagram.

The exemplary athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform comprises an interface 1 for collecting and evaluating athletic metrics in a synchronous manner. The interface 1 comprises a first machine-readable medium 2 having instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor to perform a method comprising certain steps.

One step of this method is collection 3 of one or more athletic metrics 4 of a subject athlete by electronically monitoring said athletic metrics during athletic activity. In certain embodiments, the one or more athletic metrics 4 are selected from the group consisting of speed, strength, power, agility and coordination, measuring results of a sport-related drill of a sport. The athletic metrics 4 are collected 5, and then through the step of storage 6 the athletic metrics 4 are stored 7 on the first machine-readable medium 2 (e.g., a second-machine readable medium that is the same as the first machine-readable medium).

Verification 8 of said athletic metrics 4 by synchronous coordination 9 of a video recording(s) 10 of subject athlete taken during collection of the one or more athletic metrics using direct structured storage to produce verified athletic metrics 11. The verified athletic metrics 11 are evaluated 12 and integrated into a global aggregated database 13.

The data of the verified athletic metrics 11 is presented 14 for access by a user of the interface in user interface 15, e.g., as a global aggregated database. The verified metric data is presented in a graphic user interface (GUI), e.g., on a dashboard. In certain embodiments, the GUI shows itemized data of the athlete, or the integrated data of the global aggregated database, e.g., in an active feed (e.g., ranking feed). In certain embodiments, the presented athletic metrics are organized by athletic metric, school/location, leaderboard, rank, sport, and/or division.

Example 2

Exemplary Embodiment

System for Athletic Metrics Synchronous Collection and Evaluation

FIG. 2 depicts a representation of an exemplary system for athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation comprising the athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform of Example 1. System 16 for athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation comprises: an athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform 17 of the present invention; and an external data collection device 18 suitable for electronically monitoring said athletic metrics of a subject athlete during athletic activity and interfacing with the athletic metrics synchronous collection and evaluation platform to relay the collected athletic metrics, such that the system is suitable for collecting and evaluating in a synchronous manner for access by a user of the interface.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The entire contents of all patents, published patent applications and other references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents were considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the following claims. Moreover, any numerical or alphabetical ranges provided herein are intended to include both the upper and lower value of those ranges. In addition, any listing or grouping is intended, at least in one embodiment, to represent a shorthand or convenient manner of listing independent embodiments; as such, each member of the list should be considered a separate embodiment.