INTERACTIVE GOAL SYSTEM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/706,514, filed on October 11, 2024. The contents of the above-identified patent documents are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to athletic equipment and accessories. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for interactive athletic training and gaming using wireless technology.

BACKGROUND

Sports training methods, for sports such as soccer, are designed to develop the skills, tactics, and physical fitness of the players. Traditional training methods include drills focused on dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control. However, these methods fail to engage younger players as these methods may be repetitive and lack variety. Due to shorter attention spans of younger players, training should include activities that are both enjoyable and challenging to maintain interest. Training that is too complex or monotonous may lead to disengagement.

Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods for improved sports training that overcome these challenges.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to athletic equipment and accessories and, more specifically, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for interactive football athletic training and gaming using wireless technology.

In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method is provided. The computer-implemented method includes receiving one or more data signals from at least one user device having instructions to initiate a preset mode, monitoring, using a plurality of sensors, an aperture of a goal post system according to the preset mode, determining, using the plurality of sensors, whether a target object passed through the aperture, and upon determining that the target object passed through the aperture, performing an action based on the preset mode.

In another embodiment, a goal post system is provided. The goal post system includes a crossbar body including a display disposed on an outer surface of the crossbar body, at least one mounting body coupled to the crossbar body, the at least one mounting body and the crossbar body defining an aperture, a plurality of sensors coupled to the at least one mounting body and the crossbar body, a wireless communication module coupled to the plurality of sensors, and a controller including a processor and coupled to the crossbar body.

In yet another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided. The non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program code, that when executed by at least one processor of an electronic device, causes the electronic device to: receive one or more data signals from at least one user device having instructions to initiate a preset mode, monitor, using a plurality of sensors, an aperture of a goal post system according to the preset mode, determine, using the plurality of sensors, whether a target object passed through the aperture, and upon determining that the target object passed through the aperture, perform an action based on the preset mode.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “transmit,” “receive,” and “communicate,” as well as derivatives thereof, encompass both direct and indirect communication. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase “associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof, means to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The term “controller” means any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation. Such a controller may be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software and/or firmware. The functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. The phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

Moreover, various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed from computer readable program code and embodied in a computer readable medium. The terms “application” and “program” refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computer readable program code. The phrase “computer readable program code” includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase “computer readable medium” includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A “non-transitory” computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport transitory electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes media where data can be permanently stored and media where data can be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.

Definitions for other certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1A illustrates an example goal post system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates a portion of the example goal system of FIG. 1A, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example system architecture for an example goal post system, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example goal post system operating in example preset modes according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of an example method of interactive training using a goal post system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic of an example wireless communication network using an example goal post system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example user device according to various embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of an example method of interactive training using a goal post system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic of an example wireless communication network using a plurality of example goal post systems according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A through FIG. 8, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

As introduced above, traditional sports training lacks interactive, measurable progress tracking. Further, due to shorter attention spans of younger players, training should include activities that are both enjoyable and challenging to maintain interest. Training that is too complex or monotonous may lead to disengagement.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an interactive goal post system and method for interactive sports training that includes a goal post having a plurality of sensors, e.g., motion camera sensors, radar presence sensors, and optical sensors, as well as a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module is configured to receive, process, and transmit data streams received from the plurality of sensors. The data transmitted from the wireless communication module may be sent, via a wireless communication network, to a user device or multiple user devices within the wireless communication network to enable interactive training and gaming modes using the goal post system and provide measurable progress tracking and increasing engagement of the users.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example goal post system 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1A, the goal post system 100 includes a crossbar body 102 and at least one mounting body 104, e.g., a first mounting body 106 coupled to a first end 102A of the crossbar body 102 and a second mounting body 108 coupled to a second end 102Bof the crossbar body 102, configured to support the crossbar body 102. The crossbar body 102 includes a display 110 disposed an outer surface 112 crossbar body 102. Each of the at least one mounting body 104, e.g., the first mounting body 106 and the second mounting body 108, includes an indicator array 114, such as an LED array, disposed on an outer surface 116 of the at least one mounting body 104, e.g., a first indicator array 118A disposed on the first mounting body 106 and a second indicator array 118B disposed on the second mounting body 108. The crossbar body 102 and the at least one mounting body 104 may define an aperture 120 configured to receive a target object 122, e.g., a ball, during use of the goal post system 100. For example, the aperture 120 should be larger than the target object 122. The goal post system 100 may also include a net coupled to the crossbar body 102, the at least one mounting body 104, or a combination thereof configured to receive the target object 122.

FIG. 1B illustrates a portion 130 of the example goal system of FIG. 1A, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the portion 130 includes a corner or junction between the crossbar body 102 and one of the at least one mounting body 104 of FIG. 1A.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the goal post system 100 includes a plurality of sensors 132 coupled to the at least one mounting body 104 and the crossbar body 102. For example, the crossbar body 102 may include a plurality of optical sensors 134, a motion camera sensor 136, and a radar presence sensor 138 configured to determine the presence of a user. The motion camera sensor 136 may include a motion sensor, such as a passive infrared sensor or a microwave sensor, coupled to a camera. The radar presence sensor 138 may be a radar sensor configured to use a millimeter wave radar to detect human movement and presence in front of or around the goal post system 100, e.g., in a predetermined zone.

The plurality of sensors 132 may include time of flight (TOF) sensors configured to determine whether the target object 122 has passed through the aperture 120 of the goal post system 100. The TOF sensors 140 may be disposed in or on the crossbar body 102, the at least one mounting body 104, or a combination thereof. The TOF sensors 140 may be laser-based such that the TOF sensor uses a laser to measure distance and depth based on reflection of the emitted laser beam. The goal post system 100 may also include a wireless communication remote control module 142 coupled to the plurality of sensors 132.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example system architecture 200 for an example goal post system 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the system architecture 200 may be incorporated into the goal system of FIG. 1A, e.g., using a processor.

As shown in FIG. 2, the system architecture 200 includes a main controller 152 that has the wireless communication module 160. The main controller 152 is electrically coupled to the motion camera sensor 136, the TOF sensors 140, the radar presence sensor 138, the optical sensors 134, and the wireless communication remote control module 142. The wireless communication remote control module 142 may be a network interface controller and configured to connect the main controller 152 to a wireless network. The wireless communication remote control module 142 may include a processor (not shown) configured to manage packet framing, error detection, and data transmission and reception.

Additionally, the main controller 152 is coupled to a battery module 154 configured to supply power to the main controller 152 and the goal post system 100, the display, a prompt module 156, the first indicator and the second indicator, and a light adjustment sensor 158. The light adjustment sensor 158 configured to provide light sensitivity data to the main controller 152. The light adjustment sensor 158 may include a phototransistor, a photodiode, an ambient light sensor, a light-dependent resistor (LDR), an infrared resistor, or a combination thereof. The prompt module 156 is configured to process data and determine whether a prompt is appropriate. For example, the prompt module 156 may determine that the display 110 should display text or that the first indicator and second indicator should indicate a successful attempt, e.g., by lighting LEDs of the LED array in a particular order.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example goal post system 100 operating in example preset modes according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the goal post system 100 may be the goal post system 100 of FIG. 1A and incorporate the system architecture 200 of FIG. 2 to store, execute, and operate in the preset modes.

The goal post system 100 may operate in various preset modes. For example, and as shown in FIG. 3A, the goal post system 100 may digitally create a plurality of zones 302 (nine shown) using the TOF sensors 140. The goal post system 100 may then operate in a shot location tracking mode. In this mode, The TOF sensors 140 may determine and record the location where the target object 122 crosses the aperture 120, e.g., the goal line of the goal post system 100, for a training period. For example, the TOF sensors 140 may record the location where the target object 122 crossed the aperture 120, stored as location data, based on distance from each of the TOF sensors 140. The TOF sensors 140 may then communicate the location data to a processor in the main controller 152, where the location that the target object 122 crossed the aperture 120 is determined. Each of the preset modes may operate for a training/gaming period selected by a user and may be for a predetermined length of time or an undetermined length of time, e.g., terminated upon input from the user. Alternatively, the training period may terminate upon a predetermined number of instances of the target object 122 crossing the aperture 120.

The preset modes may include user feedback, e.g., actions taken by the goal post system 100, in response to determining that a target object 122 has crossed the aperture 120. For example, in the example shot location tracking mode, the goal post system 100 may collect location data for each instance of the target object 122 crossing the aperture 120 and prompt the display, the indicator array 114, or a combination thereof, to indicate the location of the shot, e.g., by lighting portion 130s of the display 110 or indicator array 114 corresponding to the location, based on the location data. The goal post system 100 may also, using the wireless communication module 160, send shot location information to a user device.

In a goal zone preset mode, the goal post system 100 may record the number of instances that the target object 122 crosses each zone during the training period. Similar to the example shot location tracking preset mode described above, the goal post system 100 may provide user feedback using the display, the indicator array 114, or both, for each shot. The goal post system 100 may also provide location data for each instance at the termination of the training period, e.g., via the wireless communication module 160 to the user device 502.

Alternatively, the goal post system 100 may provide a target zone to the user, using the prompt module 156, before each shot. The target zone may be determined randomly by the main controller 152 of the goal post system 100, by following one of a set of predetermined patterns, based on user input, or a combination thereof.

In an accuracy percentage preset mode, the goal post system 100 may create digital zones 302 across the aperture 120, as shown in FIG. 3B. The goal post system 100 may assign a score or points for each zone then award the points based on which zone the target object 122 crosses, e.g., the location data of the shot, and tally the points accumulated during the training period. The goal post system 100 may also calculate a percentage based on the number of times that the target object 122 passed through specified zones 302 during the training period. Similar to the example goal zone tracking preset mode described above, the goal post system 100 may provide user feedback using the display, the indicator array 114, or both, for each shot. The goal post system 100 may also provide location data for each instance that the target object 122 crossed the aperture 120, e.g., the goal line, at the termination of the training period, e.g., via the wireless communication module 160 to the user device 502.

In an example speed of shot preset mode, the goal post system 100 may determine or record a velocity of each shot taken. For example, the TOF sensors 140 of the plurality of sensors 132 may record the length of time that the target object 122 took to cross the aperture 120 and send this data as velocity data to the main controller 152 for processing. Similar to the preset modes described above, the goal post system 100 may provide user feedback for each shot using the display, the indicator array 114, or both. For example, the prompt module 156 may instruct the display 110 to show the velocity data for each shot and instruct the indicator array 114 to light a particular pattern. The goal post system 100 may also calculate an average velocity of all shots taken during a training period and display the average velocity using the display, send the average velocity to a user device 502, or a combination thereof.

In an example target challenge multiplayer gaming preset mode, the goal post system 100 may digitally create a plurality of zones 302 (FIG. 3B) using the TOF sensors 140 for a gaming period. The goal post system 100 may provide a target zone to each of a plurality of users, using the prompt module 156, before each shot. The target zone may be determined randomly by the main controller 152 of the goal post system 100, by following one of a set of predetermined patterns, based on user input, or a combination thereof. The goal post system 100 may assign a score or points for each target zone then award the points based on whether the target object 122 crosses the target zone, e.g., using the location data of the shot, and tally the points accumulated for each of the plurality of users during the gaming period. The goal post system 100, using the prompt module 156, may also instruct the display, the indicator array 114, or a combination thereof, to light a pattern, e.g., light the indicators of the indicator array 114 closest to the location of the shot according to the location data, or display a rolling tally of points for each of the plurality of users.

In an example free target play multiplayer gaming preset mode, the goal post system 100 may digitally create a plurality of zones 302 (nine shown) using the TOF sensors 140 for a gaming period. The goal post system 100 may assign a score or points for each target zone then award the points to each of a plurality of users based on which zone the target object 122 crosses, e.g., using the location data of the shot, and tally the points accumulated for each of the plurality of users during the gaming period. The goal post system 100, using the prompt module 156, may also instruct the display, the indicator array 114, or a combination thereof, to light a pattern, e.g., light the indicators of the indicator array 114 closest to the location of the shot according to the location data, or display a rolling tally of points for each of the plurality of users.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of an example method 400 of interactive training using a goal post system 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the method 400 may be performed using the goal post system 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic of an example wireless communication network 500 using an example goal post system 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the wireless communication network 500 may include the goal post system 100 of FIG. 1A and may be used to perform the method 400 of FIG. 4.

The method 400 includes receiving one or more data signals from at least one user device 502 having instructions to initiate a preset mode in operation 402. As shown in FIG. 5, the wireless communication network 500 includes at least one user device 502, such as a cellular phone, capable of receiving and transmitting data, displaying prompts, and receiving user input.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example user device 502 according to various embodiments of this disclosure. The user device 502 may include antenna(s) 605, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver 610, transmitter processing circuitry 615, a microphone 620, and receiver processing circuitry 625. The user device 502 also includes a speaker 630, a controller/processor 640, an input/output interface 645, a touchscreen 650, a display 655, and a memory 660. The memory 660 includes an operating system (OS) 661 and one or more applications 662.

The controller/processor 640 can include one or more processors and execute the basic OS program 661 stored in the memory 660 in order to control the overall operation of the user device 502. In one such operation, the controller/processor 640 controls the reception of forward channel signals and the transmission of reverse channel signals by the RF transceiver 610, the receiver processing circuitry 625, and the transmitter processing circuitry 615 in accordance with well-known principles. In some embodiments, the controller/processor 640 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

The controller/processor 640 is also coupled to the touchscreen 650 and the display 655. The operator of the user device 502 can use the touchscreen 650 to enter data into the user device 502. The display 655 may be a liquid crystal display, light emitting diode display, or other display capable of rendering text and/or at least limited graphics, such as from web sites. The memory 660 is coupled to the controller/processor 640.

Referring to FIG. 5, the wireless communication network 500 also includes the goal post system 100 and at least one network 504, such as the Internet, a proprietary Internet Protocol (IP) network, or other data network. In particular, the wireless communication module 160 of the goal post system 100 may communicate directly with any number of user devices via a first data stream 506. Similarly, the wireless communication module 160 could communicate directly with the network 504 via a second data stream 508. The at least one user device may also directly communicate with the network 504 via a third data stream 510. The wireless communication network 500 is configured to allow interactive sports training using the goal post system 100. For example, the user device 502 may receive an input from a user, e.g., via an application, to initiate a preset mode of the goal post system 100. The user device 502 may transmit data packets or frames through the first data stream 506 to the goal post system 100 to initiate the preset mode.

In operation 404, the goal post system 100, using the processor in the main controller 152, may initiate monitoring, using a plurality of sensors 132, of the aperture 120 according to the preset mode. For example, in a shot location tracking preset mode, the plurality of sensors 132, e.g., the TOF sensors 140, may begin emitting and receiving photons to determine whether a target object 122 crosses the aperture 120 of the goal post system 100.

In operation 406, the main controller 152 of the goal post system 100 may determine, using the plurality of sensors 132, whether a target object 122 passed through the aperture 120. For example, the plurality of sensors 132, such as the TOF sensors 140, may detect that the target object 122 passed through a threshold of the aperture 120, e.g., a ball entered the goal. For example, the photons emitted by the each of the TOF sensors 140 may return to the same TOF sensor at a faster rate, indicating a shorter travel distance due to reflection off of the target object 122. The photon travel distance is then used to indicate a location of the target object 122 from each TOF sensor. This may include collecting location data and velocity data indicating the location and velocity of the target object 122 as it passes through the aperture 120. For example, each TOF sensor in the plurality of sensors 132 disposed throughout the goal post system 100 may determine a distance from said sensor that the target object 122 was detected and send this data as the location data to the main controller 152 for processing. Data or signal processing techniques may be used by a processor in the main controller 152 to minimize noise and improve accuracy of detecting a target object 122 rather than a user or other ambient or non-target object that crosses the aperture 120. Each TOF sensor may also record the time that the target object 122 was detected by the sensor, e.g., the time it took for the target object 122 to cross into the goal and send this data as the velocity data to the main controller 152 for processing. The main controller 152, using a processor, may then process the location data from each of the TOF sensors 140 to determine the location in the aperture 120 where the target object 122 crossed. Similarly, the main controller 152, using a processor, may process the velocity data from each of the TOF sensors 140 to determine a velocity of the target object 122 as it crossed the aperture 120.

In operation 408, upon determining that the target object 122 passed through the aperture 120, performing an action based on the preset mode. Once the main controller 152 receives sensor data, e.g., the location data or the velocity data, the main controller 152, using a processor, may then perform an action according to the active preset mode. For example, in a speed of shot preset mode, the prompt module 156 may instruct the display 110 to show the velocity data for each shot and instruct the indicator array 114 to light a particular pattern. The goal post system 100 may also calculate an average velocity of all shots taken during a training period and display the average velocity using the display, send the average velocity to a user device 502, or a combination thereof.

Performing an action based on the preset mode may include displaying a prompt, using a prompt module 156, on a display 110 coupled to the goal post system 100. Depending on the preset mode, the required action may include displaying a pattern using an indicator array 114 coupled to the goal post system 100. In an accuracy percentage preset mode or a speed of shot preset mode, the required action may include gathering location data and velocity data for each instance that the target object 122 passed through the aperture 120 during a period. The required action may also include assigning a score to each instance that the target object 122 passed through the aperture 120 based on the location data, the velocity data, or a combination thereof.

In example global preset modes, the goal post system 100 may also transmit data packets to the network 504 as needed, e.g., to report a tallied score or accuracy percentage to a leaderboard, for each of the example preset modes described above. The goal post system 100 may also receive data packets from the network 504 that include information regarding the leaderboard and may then display the leaderboard data on the display. Alternatively, the user device 502 may transmit data packets, via the network 504, to update the leaderboard and may receive data packets from the network 504 with information from the leaderboard. The global preset modes allow users to track their performance over time, compare their scores with other users, and strive to improve their rankings within a particular preset mode. The leaderboard may update in real-time, providing instant feedback on the standing of a user, e.g., within the global community.

Additionally, performing an action based on the preset mode may include providing sport-specific technique feedback or suggestions to a user. In such configurations, the main controller 152 may include one or more machine learning models, such as deep learning networks, configured to provide feedback to a user based on sensor data from the plurality of sensors 132. For example, the one or more machine learning models may include one or more convolutional neural networks (CNNs), one or more recurrent neural networks (RNNs), one or more autoencoders, or a combination thereof, configured to provide feedback, such as sport-specific technique suggestions, based on the sensor data from the plurality of sensors 132. The one or more machine learning models may be trained on data (such as video streams and sensor data) representative of sport-specific techniques, including data based on specific professional athletes. The one or more machine learning models may then associate received sensor data and provide corrective sport-specific technique suggestions based on the reference data. The one or more machine learning models may be coupled to a database that stores previous user data (collected from the plurality of sensors 132 during previous sessions) and performance on the preset mode for a predetermined period of time. This configuration would allow for adaptive AI-based coaching styles (such as based on specific professional athletes) as well as long-term personalization of feedback provided.

The feedback may be provided by the one or more machine learning models configured for voice-based or conversational interactions, such as machine learning models that include vision language models (VLMs), language models (LMs), large language models (LLMs), and neural networks configured for natural language processing (NLP) models. In such configurations, the feedback may be generated using sensor data from the plurality of sensors 132, processing the sensor data based on the preset mode, and generating audio- or text-based output to the user. For example, the one or more machine learning models may use one or more VLMs to provide a prompt based on the sensor data to one or more LLMs. The LLMs may generate a response or feedback and provide that textual feedback to one or more NLP models. The one or more machine learning models may then use a text-to-speech system to provide audio-based feedback (coaching) to the user. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more machine learning models may send text-based feedback to the user, for example, using the user device 502. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more machine learning models may be used to activate a preset mode, such as by creating instructions to initiate a preset mode in operation 402, allowing the goal post system 100 to be voice-activated.

Further, the action may include using the network 504 to connect the goal post system 100 to a remote application (such as a virtual or online community that may be accessed using one or more applications on the user device 502, the goal post system 100, or both) that may include, for example, leaderboards, highlights, and global friend challenges. For example, the goal post system 100 may store user data, including a user profile and performance (scores, ball velocity, kicking accuracy) based on sensor data and the preset mode. The action may include, for example, posting scores for a user profile on a leaderboard in the remote application.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of an example method 700 of interactive training using a goal post system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the method 700 may be performed using the goal post system of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic of an example wireless communication network 800 using a plurality of example goal post systems according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the wireless communication network 800 may include a plurality of the goal post system of FIG. 1A, e.g., each goal post system using the wireless communication module in the system architecture 200 of FIG. 2, to collect, process, and transmit data streams and may perform the method 700 of FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 8, the wireless communication network 800 is configured for remote or global multiplayer preset modes and includes a first goal post system 802 communicatively coupled to a first user device 804 of a first user, and a network 810130. The wireless communication network 800 also includes a second goal post system 822 communicatively coupled to a second user device 824 of a second user and the network 810. The first user device 804 and the second user device 824 are communicatively coupled to the network 810 independent of the first goal post system 802 and the second goal post system 822. The first user device 804 may communicate directly with the first goal post system 802 via a first data stream 806. The first goal post system 802 may communicate directly with the network 810 via a second data stream 808. The first user device 804 may communicate directly with the network 810 via a third data stream 812. Similarly, the second user device 824 may communicate directly with the second goal post system 822 via a fourth data stream 826. The second goal post system 822 may communicate directly with the network 810 via a fifth data stream 828. Lastly, the second user device 824 may communicate directly with the network 810 via a sixth data stream 830.

The method 700 includes receiving one or more data signals from at least one user device, e.g., the first user device 804, having instructions to initiate a preset mode in operation 702. As shown in FIG. 8, the first user device 804 may receive an input from a user, e.g., via an application, to initiate a preset mode of the first goal post system 802. The first user device 804 may transmit data packets or frames to the first goal post system 802 using the first data stream 806 to initiate the preset mode.

In operation 704, the first goal post system 802, using a processor in the main controller, may initiate monitoring, using a plurality of sensors, e.g., the TOF sensors, of an aperture of the first goal post system 802 according to the preset mode.

In operation 706, the main controller of the first goal post system 802 may determine, using the plurality of sensors, whether a target object passed through the aperture. The first goal post system 802 may collect location data and velocity data indicating the location and velocity of the target object as it passes through the aperture.

In operation 708, upon determining that the target object passed through the aperture, performing an action based on the preset mode. The action may include transmitting, using a wireless communication module of the first goal post system 802, the location data or the velocity data to the second goal post system 822 connected to the network 810, e.g., using the second data stream 808 and the fifth data stream 828. The second goal post system 822 may be communicatively coupled to a second user device 824 of a second user. The second goal post system 822 may receive location data, velocity data, or a combination thereof from the goal post system 802. This configuration allows for virtual matches between users connected using the network 810. For example, in a target challenge gaming preset mode, the second goal post system 822 may receive a rolling tally of points for the first user, based on location data from instances that the target object crossed the aperture of the first goal post system 802. The second goal post system 822 may also perform an action in response to receiving the location data or velocity data from the first goal post system 802, including, but not limited to, transmitting an updated score to the second user device 824, displaying an updated score using a display of the second goal post system 822, and lighting up portions of an indicator array of the second goal post system 822 corresponding to the location data from the first goal post system 802 of the first user. The connection between the first goal post system 802 and the second goal post system 822 via the network 810 allows for advanced gamified modes that allow for players to, for example, play against each other (virtual matches) or enter tournaments using a remote application.

Additionally or alternatively, the first goal post system 802 and the second goal post system 822 may transmit sensor data captured by camera sensors of the plurality of sensors 132, such as one or more video clips, to each other or to a remote application, such as for a highlight reel supported by the remote application. Although shown with only two goal post systems, additional goal post systems may be connected via the network 810 during the same session (such as the same preset mode), allowing users to build teams and play with other users over the network 810.

Additionally or alternatively, the action may include simulating data (such as gameplay) of one or more users using one or more machine learning models, one or more deep learning models, or a combination thereof, such that the first goal post system 802 receives AI-generated data during a preset mode. This configuration allows a user to simulate multiplayer conditions using AI-generated data (such as for AI rivals and virtual boss battles). The one or more machine learning models may simulate real-time game performance for a given preset mode based on the trained data. The one or more machine learning models may simulate real-time game performance with varying degrees of sport-specific technique accuracy. In other words, the AI simulated real-time game performance may mimic different levels of athletic performance, such as by simulating a beginner with unrefined technique to professional level players with expert-level technique. To do so, the one or more machine learning models may be trained on data (such as video streams and sensor data) representative of different levels of sport-specific techniques or gameplay. This training or reference data may be stored in a reference database, either on-device, remotely, or a combination thereof.

The above flow charts illustrate example methods that can be implemented in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and various changes could be made to the methods illustrated in the flow charts herein. For example, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in each figure could overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur multiple times. In another example, steps may be omitted or replaced by other steps.

Although the present disclosure has been described with exemplary embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims. None of the description in this application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element that must be included in the claims scope. The scope of patented subject matter is defined by the claims.