DANIEL, Isaac, S. (3401 Sw 160th Avenue, Suite430Miramar, FL, FL, US)
| CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A system comprising: a. at least one signaling means; b. at least one first communications means connected to the at least one signaling means; and c. at least one second communications means operative to electronically communicate with the at least one first communications means. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one signaling means is a type of signaling means selected from the group consisting essentially of: a flag, a card, and a hand. 3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system comprises at least one means for receiving user input electronically connected to the at least one first communications means. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first communications means comprises a wireless communications means. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one second communications means comprises a wireless communications means. 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one article of wear, wherein the at least one second communications means is connected to the at least one article of wear. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one article of wear is a type of article of wear selected from the group consisting essentially of: a wristband, a watch, an arm band, a leg band, an article of headwear, a waistband, and an article of neckwear. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises at least one means for alerting a user electronically connected to the at least one second communications means. 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first set of computer executable instructions operative to a. receive user input from the means for receiving user input; and b. electronically send the user input to the at least second communications means. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second set of computer executable instructions operative to: a. electronically receive the user input from the at least one first communications means. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the second set of computer executable instructions are further operative to communicate the user input using the at least one means for alerting a user. 12. An apparatus comprising: a. a shaft; b. at least one communications means connected to the shaft; and c. at least one means for receiving user input connected to the shaft. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising at least one flag connected to the shaft. 14. An apparatus comprising: a. an article of wear; b. at least one processor connected to the article of wear; and c. computer executable instructions readable by the processor, and operative to receive information originating from a signal calling means. 15. A signal calling kit comprising: a. at least one signaling means; b. at least one article of wear; c. at least one first communications means; and d. least one second communications means. 16. The signal calling kit of claim 15, wherein the at least one first communications means is connected to the at least one signaling means. 17. The signal calling kit of claim 15, wherein the at least one second communications means is connected to the at least one article of wear. 18. A method for improving signal calling during a sports game comprising: a. using at least one first communications means connected to at least one signaling means to communicate information to at least one referee. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein using at least one first communications means connected to at least one signaling means to communicate information to at least one referee further comprises receiving the information using the at least one second communications means. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one second communications means is connected to at least one article of wear. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the article of wear is in the possession of the at least one referee. |
System and Method for Improving In-Game Communication
FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to electronic systems, apparatuses, and methods, and more particularly, to systems, methods, and various other disclosures related to in-game communications, and more specifically, to in-game communications between referees.
BACKGROUND
During a sports game, an assistant referee communicates a call in the form of a signal to the chief referee. The chief referee then recognizes the signal and makes a decision based on the call. There are many instances where the chief referee does not recognize a signal from an assistant referee, and instead of stopping the game, as he or she should, lets the game continue without making any kind of call. Often times, this adversely affects the outcome of the game, since the outcome of a game can often hinge on a critical call - or missed call.
Currently, in various sports, an assistant referee may attempt to signal a call to a chief referee, but for whatever reason, the chief referee may not be aware that the assistant referee is trying to signal a call. It may be that the chief referee is too busy watching a play, or has been distracted by another activity on or off the field. The various systems, methods, apparatuses, and other embodiments described herein help referees and other sports officials to communicate better during a game. SUMMARY
The various systems, methods, apparatuses, and other embodiments described herein result from the realization that in-game communications may be improved by providing a system and method for using at least one communications means connected to a signal calling means to communicate information between at least two users, which may include two referees.
Accordingly, the various embodiments and disclosures described herein solve the limitations of the prior art in a new and novel manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A and IB show various embodiments of a system;
FIGS. 2A and 2B show various embodiments of an apparatus;
FIG. 3 shows an apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 4 shows a kit in accordance with various embodiments; and
FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram representing a method in accordance with one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 1A and IB show a system 100, in accordance with various embodiments. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, system 100 comprises at least one signaling means 102, at least one first communications means 104 connected to at least one signaling means, and at least one second communications means 106 operative to electronically communicate with at least one first communications means 104. The terms "connected," or "connection," as used in the present disclosure may include being removable or non-removable, embedded, and the like.
In one embodiment, at least one signaling means 102 may be a type of signal means used in sports, such as, but not limited to, a flag, such as a soccer flag (as shown in FIG. IB) or a football flag, a card, a board, a stake, an indicator box, and the like.
In a further embodiment, system 100 comprises at least one means for receiving user input (shown as 108 in FIG. IB) electronically connected to at least one communications means 104. The means for receiving input 108 may be positioned on at least one signaling means 102, and may include any type of means for receiving user input, such as, but not limited to, at least one button, a touch screen, a keypad, a keyboard, and the like. In one embodiment, means for receiving user input 108 may be used to transmit input received from means for receiving user input 108 to at least one second communications means 106, which in some embodiments, may be remotely located (such as across a game field).
The terms "electronically connected," or "electronic connection," as used throughout the present disclosure, may include being wirelessly connected or being wired connected.
In a further embodiment, system 100 comprises a means for receiving electrical power (not shown) electronically connected to at least one first communications means 104, such as, but not limited to, a battery terminal, a battery, a rechargeable battery, a power socket, and the like, and which may be used to power at least one first communications means 104, means for receiving user input 108, and/or any other electronic devices connected to signaling means 102.
In one embodiment, the at least one first communications means 104 comprises a wireless communications means, including, but not limited to, a wireless communications module, such as, but not limited to, a Bluetooth module, a ZIGBEE® module, a WiFi module, or any other wireless communications module. In some embodiments, at least one first communications means 104 may include an antenna, and in a further embodiment, such antenna may extend along an extending portion of at least one signaling means 102. In embodiments where at least one signaling means 102 comprises a shaft (shown as 110 in FIG. IB), such as in the case of a flag, the antenna may extend along the length of the shaft 110.
In one embodiment, the at least one second communications means 106 comprises a wireless communications means, including, but not limited to, a wireless communications module, such as, but not limited to, a Bluetooth module, a ZIGBEE® module, a WiFi module, or any other wireless communications module.
In a further embodiment of system 100, system 100 comprises an article of wear (shown as 112 in FIG. IB), wherein at least one second communications means 106 may be connected to article of wear 112, such as, not but not limited to, by being embedded in article of wear 112. In some embodiments, article of wear 112 may be any type of article of wear, including, but not limited to a wristband, a watch, an arm band, a leg band, a waistband, an article of headwear, such as, but not limited to, a hat, a head band, a helmet, and the like, and an article of neckwear, such as, but not limited to, a necklace, a neck band, a tie, and the like.
In some embodiments, at least one second communications means 106 may include an antenna, and in a further embodiment, such antenna may extend along an extending portion of at least one article of wear 112. In embodiments where at least one article of wear 112 comprises a wristband (shown as 116 in FIG. IB), the antenna may extend along the length of wristband 116.
In yet a further embodiment, system 100 comprising at least one means for alerting a user (shown as 114 in FIG. IB) electronically connected to at least one second communications means 106. In some embodiments, at least one means for altering a user 114 may include, but is not limited to, any or all of the following: a vibrator, a display device, such as a liquid crystal display, an audible alarm, and the like. In one embodiment means for alerting a user 114 may be used to alert a user that information has been transmitted to at least one second communications means 106. In a further embodiment, means for alerting a user 114 may be used to communicate that information to the user. In some embodiments, such information may include, but is not limited to, any or all of the following: a signal to stop game play, an out of bounds call, an off sides call, a foul call, a score call, a substitution call, a penalty call, a miscellaneous call, time remaining, and the like.
In one embodiment, system 100 comprises a means for receiving electrical power electronically connected to at least one second communications means 106 (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a battery terminal, a battery, a rechargeable battery, a power socket, and the like, which may be used to power at least one second communications device 106, means for alerting user 114, and any other electronic devices that may be connected to article of wear 112.
In a further embodiment, system 100 comprises at least one first processor (not shown) electronically connected to at least one first communications means 104. In yet a further embodiment, system 100 comprises at least one second processor (not shown) electronically connected to at least one second communications means 106. At least one first processor and at least one second processor may be any kind of processors, including, but not limited to, a single core processor, a multi core processor, a video processor, and the like.
In yet a further embodiment, system 100 comprises a first set of computer executable instructions operative to receive user input from means for receiving user input 108, and electronically send the user input to at least one second communications means 106. In one embodiment, the first set of computer executable instructions may be loaded directly on at least one first processor and/or at least one second processor, or may be stored in a storage means, such as, but not limited to, computer readable media, such as, but not limited to, a hard drive, a solid state drive, a flash memory, random access memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD- ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and the like. The first set of computer executable instructions may be any type of computer executable instructions, which may be in the form of a computer program, the program being composed in any suitable programming language or source code, such as C++, C, JAVA, JavaScript, HTML, XML, and other programming languages.
In another embodiment, system 100 further comprises a second set of computer executable instructions operative to electronically receive at least one user input from at least one first communications means 104. In a further embodiment, the second set of computer executable instructions may be further operative to communicate the user input using at least one means for alerting a user 114. Such communication may include, but is not limited to, vibrating a vibrator, displaying the user input on a display device, sounding an audible alarm, or audibly communicating the user input through a speaker or headphone. In one embodiment, the second set of computer executable instructions may be loaded directly on at least one first processor and/or at least one second processor, or may be stored in a storage means, such as, but not limited to, computer readable media, such as, but not limited to, a hard drive, a solid state drive, a flash memory, random access memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and the like. The second set of computer executable instructions may be any type of computer executable instructions, which may be in the form of a computer program, the program being composed in any suitable programming language or source code, such as C++, C, JAVA, JavaScript, HTML, XML, and other programming languages. Referring now to FIG. 2A, an apparatus 200 is shown in accordance with one embodiment. Apparatus 200 may comprise a shaft 202, at least one communications means 204 connected to shaft 202, and at least one means for receiving user input 206 connected to shaft 204. FIG. 2B shows a further embodiment of apparatus 200, wherein apparatus 200 comprises at least one flag 208 connected to the shaft.
In one embodiment, at least one communications means 204 comprises a wireless communications module, such as, but not limited to, a Bluetooth module, a ZIGBEE® module, a WiFi module, or any other wireless communications module. In some embodiments, at least one communications means 204 may include an antenna (not shown), and in a further embodiment, such antenna may extend along shaft 202.
In a further embodiment, apparatus 200 comprises a means for receiving electrical power electronically (not shown) connected to at least one communications means 204, such as, but not limited to, a battery terminal, a battery, a rechargeable battery, a power socket, and the like, which may be used to power at least one communications means 204, and any other electronic devices that may be connected to apparatus 200.
Shaft 202 may be made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal, such as aluminum or steel, wood, plastic, resin, and the like. At least one flag 208 may be made of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, cotton, nylon, and the like.
In yet a further embodiment, apparatus 200 comprises at least one processor (not shown) electronically connected to at least one communications means 204. The at least one processor at may be any kind of processor, including, but not limited to, a single core processor, a multi core processor, a video processor, and the like. In yet a further embodiment, apparatus 200 comprises a set of computer executable instructions readable by the at least one processor and operative to receive user input from means for receiving user input 206, and electronically send the user input to at least one second communications means (not shown). In one embodiment, the computer executable instructions may be loaded directly on the at least one processor, or may be stored in a storage means, such as, but not limited to, computer readable media, such as, but not limited to, a hard drive, a solid state drive, a flash memory, random access memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and the like. The computer executable instructions may be any type of computer executable instructions, which may be in the form of a computer program, the program being composed in any suitable programming language or source code, such as C++, C, JAVA, JavaScript, HTML, XML, and other programming languages.
In one embodiment apparatus 200 may be a signal calling means used to communicate play calls amongst referees during a game.
In some embodiments, apparatus 200 may embody, implement, or be implemented and/or embodied, in whole, or in part, with any of the various systems, methods, apparatuses, and other embodiments described throughout the present disclosure.
Referring now to FIG. 3, an apparatus 300 is shown in accordance with one embodiment, wherein apparatus 300 comprises an article of wear 302, at least one processor (not shown) connected to article of wear 302, and computer executable instructions readable by the processor and operative to receive information originating from a signal calling means 308.
In some embodiments, article of wear 302 may be any kind of article of wear, such as, but not limited to, a wristband, a watch, an arm band, a leg band, a waistband, an article of headwear, such as, but not limited to, a hat, a head band, a helmet, and the like, and an article of neckwear, such as, but not limited to, a necklace, a neck band, a tie, and the like.
In one embodiment, the at least one processor at may be any kind of processor, including, but not limited to, a single core processor, a multi core processor, a video processor, and the like.
In yet another embodiment, apparatus 300 further comprises at least one communications means (not shown) electronically connected to the at least one processor. In one embodiment, at the least one communications means comprises a wireless communications module, such as, but not limited to, a Bluetooth module, a ZIGBEE® module, a WiFi module, or any other wireless communications module. In some embodiments, the at least one communications means may include an antenna (not shown), and in a further embodiment, such antenna may extend along a length of article of wear 302, such as in the case of a wristband portion 304 of article of wear 302.
In yet a further embodiment, the computer executable instructions may be operative to receive information originating from signal calling means 308 using the at least one communications means. Signal calling means 308 may be any signal calling means, such as those described above with reference to FIGS. 1 A through 2B, including apparatus 200.
In one embodiment, apparatus 300 may further comprise a means for alerting a user 306 electronically connected to the at least one processor. In some embodiments, at least one means for altering a user 306 may include, but is not limited to, any or all of the following: a vibrator, a display device, such as a liquid crystal display, an audible alarm, and the like. In one embodiment means for alerting a user 306 may be used to alert a user that information has been transmitted to the at least one communications means. In a further embodiment, means for alerting a user 306 may be used to communicate that information to the user. In some embodiments, such information may include, but is not limited to, any or all of the following: a signal to stop game play, an out of bounds call, an off sides call, a foul call, a score call, a substitution call, a penalty call, a miscellaneous call, time remaining, and the like. As mentioned above, the information may originate from signal calling means 308.
In one embodiment, the computer executable instructions may be loaded directly on the at least one processor, or may be stored in a storage means, such as, but not limited to, computer readable media, such as, but not limited to, a hard drive, a solid state drive, a flash memory, random access memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and the like. The computer executable instructions may be any type of computer executable instructions, which may be in the form of a computer program, the program being composed in any suitable programming language or source code, such as C++, C, JAVA, JavaScript, HTML, XML, and other programming languages.
In a further embodiment, apparatus 300 comprises a means for receiving electrical power electronically (not shown) connected to the at least one communications means, such as, but not limited to, a battery terminal, a battery, a rechargeable battery, a power socket, and the like, which may be used to power the at least one communications means, and any other electronic devices that may be connected to apparatus 300.
In some embodiments, apparatus 300 may embody, implement, or be implemented and/or embodied, in whole, or in part, with any of the various systems, methods, apparatuses, and other embodiments described throughout the present disclosure.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a signal calling kit 400 is shown in accordance with one embodiment, wherein signal calling kit 400 comprises at least one signal calling means 402, at least one article of wear 404, at least one first communications means 406, and at least one second communications means 408.
In one embodiment, at least one first communications means 406 may be connected to at least one signaling means 402. In another embodiment, at least one second communications means 408 may be connected to at least one article of wear 404.
In a further embodiment, signal calling kit 400 includes at least one means for receiving user input 410, electronically connected to at least one first communications means 406.
In some embodiments, signal calling means 402 may be any kind of signal calling means, such as those embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1A through 3, including, but not limited to, apparatus 200. In other embodiments, article of wear 404 may be any kind of article of wear, such as those embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1A through 3, including, but not limited to, apparatus 300.
In some embodiments, communications means 406 and 408 may be those communications means and/or communications modules described above with reference to FIGS. 1 A through 3.
Accordingly, in various embodiments, signal calling kit 400 may implement, be implemented by, embody, be embodied by, or integrate with any of the apparatuses, systems, methods, and other embodiments described throughout the present disclosure.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram representing method 500 is shown in accordance with one embodiment, wherein method 500 comprises using at least one first communications means connected to at least one signaling means to communicate information to at least one referee (block 502). In one embodiment, using at least one first communications means connected to at least one signaling means to communicate information to at least one referee further comprises receiving information with at least one second communications means. In a further embodiment, the at least one second communications means is connected to at least one article of wear, wherein the article of wear may be in possession of the at least one referee.
In various embodiments, method 500, or any portion thereof, may be carried out by any of the various systems, methods, apparatuses, and other embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1A through 4. In yet a further embodiment, the various systems, methods, apparatuses, and other embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1A through 4 may be used to carry out method 500, including, but not limited to, the various articles of wear, signaling means, communications means and modules, computer executable instructions, and various other hardware and software described throughout the present disclosure.
While the principles of the disclosure have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.