Cross-reference to Related Applications

This Application is a patent cooperation treaty (PCT) application tracing priority to copending United States Provisional Patent Application having serial number 63/094,382 filed on October 21, 2020, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated by reference.

Technical Field and Background of Invention

Broadcasting of sporting events began with descriptions of events sent via telegraph at least as early as the 1890s. Later, the descriptions received via telegraph would be read over radio waves by local broadcast personalities. Eventually radio broadcasts featuring broadcast personalities would be transmitted live, to remote destinations. One such radio broadcast was a prizefight between Jack Dempsey and Billy Miske in September 1920. Television later added a further dimension of video to the audio signals of radio. The world’s first live televised sporting event is often said to be the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. Broadcasting of sporting events would continue to evolve, eventually adding color video and high definition video content.

However, one recurrent theme for well over 100 years, whether via telegraph, radio, or television broadcast has been that the broadcast of sporting events has been primarily from the third person perspective. That is, a camera, and audio capture device, if any, may be positioned a distance away from an athlete or the action in order to capture the perspective of an observer of the sport. Likewise, the content broadcast to the public has been limited to audio and video reproductions.

Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for a system of broadcasting and communicating sporting events (and other events) which allows an observer to experience sensations of the event from a first person perspective. Likewise, there is a need in the art for a system of broadcasting and communicating sporting events (and other events) which communicates more than merely video and audio content to the observer.

Summary of the Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system of broadcasting and communicating sporting events (and other events) which allows an observer to experience sensations of the event from a first person perspective.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a system of broadcasting and communicating sporting events (and other events) which communicates sensations experienced by an athlete (or other person) beyond video and audio content to the observer.

It is a further object of the invention that the system be unobtrusive to the event and unobtrusive to the athlete or person from whose first person perspective is being communicated to observers.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention are achieved by providing a system for communicating a plurality of sensations from a first person perspective of an athlete to one or more observers. According to such a system, an embodiment may include a camera imbedded in an outer front surface of a helmet and may also include a microphone, a battery, and a wireless and receiver. Such a system may further include an audio/visual display device configured for use by the one or more observers, in communication with the wireless transmitter and receiver. The audio/video display device may include a video display screen, a speaker, and a user interface configured to control all functions of the camera and the audio/visual display device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the audio/visual display device may be one or more of a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a personal computer. According to another embodiment of the invention, the system may further include a plurality of impact sensors imbedded in the helmet. The sensors may be connected to the wireless transmitter and receiver. The plurality of impact sensors may convey data to the audio/visual display device. The data may cause predefined regions of the video display screen to illuminate for a predefined period of time.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the wireless transmitter and receiver may transmit and/or receive via one or more of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared, cellular, and/or radio signal.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a system for communicating a plurality of sensations from a first person perspective of an athlete to a plurality of observers may include a head attachment device configured to removably secure to the athlete’s head and to receive the plurality of sensations. The head attachment device may include a computer, imbedded in the head attachment device. The computer may have a plurality of ports and a wireless transmitter for transmitting a plurality of wireless signals. The head attachment device may also have one or more cameras, imbedded in the head attachment device. The camera may have an outer surface that is flush with an outer surface of the head attachment device, and may be connected to the computer via the plurality of ports of the computer. The head attachment device may have one or more microphones imbedded in the head attachment device and may be connected to the computer via the plurality of ports of the computer. The head attachment device may have a plurality of impact sensors imbedded in the head attachment device and may be connected to the computer via the plurality of ports of the computer. The head attachment device may have a battery imbedded in the head attachment device and the battery may be configured to supply power to the computer, the one or more camera lenses, the one or more microphones, and the plurality of impact sensors. The system may also include a broadcast server positioned a distance from the athlete. The server may include a wireless receiver configured to be in communication with the wireless transmitter of the computer. The server may also include a processor configured to receive the signals from the computer via the wireless receiver, the signals may include images and/or video from the one or more cameras, sound from the one or more microphones, and data from the plurality of impact sensors. The server may also include a transmitter configured to transmit the signals from the processor for viewing by the plurality of observers. The system may also include an audio/visual display device configured for use by one or more of the plurality of observers. The display device may be in communication with the transmitter of the broadcast server and may include a processor configured to receive the signals from the transmitter of the broadcast server and to convert the signals so that they may be perceived by the plurality of observers. A video display screen may be configured to display the images and/or video from the one or more cameras of the head attachment device based on the signal converted by the processor. One or more audio speakers may be configured to emit sound from the one or more microphones of the head attachment device based on the signal converted by the processor. A conveying device may be configured to convey data from the plurality of impact sensors based on the signal converted by the processor.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the head attachment device may be a helmet having cushioning which may be worn by a person such as an athlete.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the head attachment device may be an elastic headband which may be worn by a person such as an athlete.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the conveying device may include one or more predefined regions of the video display screen configured to illuminate upon receipt of the signal converted by the processor. According to another embodiment of the invention, the wireless transmitter may transmit via one or more of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared, cellular, and/or radio signal.

Brief Description of the Drawing Figures

The present invention is best understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a right side view of an embodiment of the invention shown on an athlete;

Fig. 4 is a rear view of an embodiment of the invention shown on an athlete;

Fig. 5 is a left side view of an embodiment of the invention shown on an athlete;

Fig. 6 is a front side view of an embodiment of the invention shown an athlete;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 9 is a front side perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 show a system 10, according to the present invention, for communicating a plurality of sensations from a first person perspective of an athlete to a plurality of observers.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a system 10 for communicating a plurality of sensations from a first person perspective of an athlete to a plurality of observers may include a padded helmet 20 worn by an athlete 22. The athlete 22 will observe via the athlete’s senses the environment 70 around the athlete such as the boxer shown. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the environment 70 might be an athletic field, a sports court, a gym, a boxing ring, a race track, a body of water and many other such venues. The helmet 20 will have imbedded therein a computer 30. The computer 30 will be connected to a camera lens 38 and other sensory devices such as microphones 32 and impact sensors 34 as shown in Figures 3 - 6 and discussed further below. The computer 30 receives signals from the sensors such as the lens 38. The computer 30 is in wireless communication with a portable audio/video device 50 as shown in Figure 1. The portable audio/video device 50 may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal computer, a smart television, or other similar device having wireless communication and display functions. The wireless communication may be via Bluetooth but one may also be via Wi-Fi, infrared, cellular, and/or radio signal. The audio/video device 50 is configured to display senses as perceived by the athlete 22 on a display screen 52 of the audio/video device 50. The audio/video device 50 may also have the ability to control all functions of the computer 30 such as via a graphical user interface (not shown).

The embodiment shown in Figure 2 is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 except that a server 40 is in direct communication with the computer 30. Like the audio/video device 50 of Figure 1, the server of Figure 2 is in communication with the computer 30. The server 40 may control all functions of the computer 30 and may relay the data wirelessly received from the computer 30 to a display device 60. The communication from the server to the display device 60 may be wirelessly communicated as shown but a wired connection, such as via a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, CAT5 cable, HDMI cable, and similar wired connections may be utilized. The display device 60 will communicate all data transmitted by the computer 30 to an observer. Such data may include images received via a camera lens 38, audio received via microphones 32, and impact data from impact sensors 34. Referring now to Figures 3 through 8, the helmet 20 as worn by athlete 22 is shown in greater detail. One of skill in the art will recognize that the helmet 20 may comprise any number of different types and styles of helmets such as used in boxing, wrestling, equestrian, football, baseball, hockey, racing, cycling, lacrosse, and other sports. As shown, the head gear / helmet 20 is made from leather and includes padded protection for the head of the athlete 22. The padding may include one or more slabs of impact attenuating foam which may aid in shock absorption in protecting the head. The helmet 20 may attach to the athlete’s head via friction alone or may utilize strapping which may attach with hook and loop fasteners, snaps, lacing, buckles, and other devices. The helmet may include removable face guards (not shown) and other attachments for safety of the athlete 22.

As shown in Figures 3 through 8, the computer 30 may be imbedded in the helmet 20. The computer 30 may have lens 38. Microphones 32 may be attached directly to the computer as shown but may also be imbedded in peripheral areas of the helmet 20 and connected via wires to the computer 30. The camera lens 38 is preferably capable of capturing high definition video such as 1080P or 4k or higher definition. The camera 38 is preferably impact resistant and durable such that it can withstand the wear and tear implicated by various athletic uses. The camera 38 is also preferably small and lightweight. In one exemplary embodiment, the camera 38 is coupled directly to the computer 30. According to such an embodiment, the camera 38 and computer 30 combination have dimensions of 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches by 0.9 inches. According to such an embodiment, the camera 38 and computer 30 combination have a weight of less than 1.0 oz. The camera 38 and computer 30 may be waterproof up to 30 meters under water. The camera 38 and computer 30 may record video in 1920xl080P HD at 30 FPS. As shown in Figures 3 through 8, the helmet 20 may also have imbedded therein multiple impact sensors 34. Preferably, these impact sensors 34 are within the helmet 20 and not visible on the outside of the helmet 20. The impact sensors 34 may have a wired connection 36 to the computer 30. The impact sensors 34 may be designed to sense and transmit a signal to the computer 30 upon sensing an impact. For instance, where the helmet 20 is used in boxing, the impact sensor 34 will sense when a blow is made to the area of the helmet 20 where the particular impact sensor 34 is located. This sensor 34 will relay that data to the computer 30 which then sends the signal to the server 40 as shown in Figure 2 or to the audio/visual device 50 as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, impact sensor 34 may be located near the right temple of the athlete 22 and near the right jaw or chin of the athlete. As shown in Figure 4, an impact sensor 34 may be located on a rear of the helmet. As shown in Figure 5, impact sensor 34 may be located near the left temple of the athlete 22 and near the left jaw or chin of the athlete. As shown in Figure 6 impact sensor 34 may be disposed to the left and right of the mouth of the athlete 22 and the left and right forehead of the athlete. One of skill in the art will appreciate that impact sensor 34 may be positioned in different areas on the helmet 20 depending on the particular sport and particular sensation to be conveyed to the observer. For instance, an impact sensor 34 may be positioned on a top of a helmet 20 where in order to convey the impact of the crown of the helmet impacting a surface, such as when a football player “targets” an opposing player.

In one embodiment, when the signal from the impact sensor 34 is conveyed to the server 40 or audio/visual device 50, an output of the impact sensor 34 is communicated to the third party observer so that he or she can perceive the impact experienced by the athlete 22. The data may be displayed on screen 50 or 60 and may be in the form of an area of the screen that illuminates. For instance, if an impact sensor 34 located on a left side of the helmet 20 receives an impact from a boxer, a left side of the screen 50 or 60 may illuminated. By way of another example, a speaker on the audio/video device 50, 60 may impart a sound signaling the impact. By way of another example, the audio/video device 50, 60, may have vibration functions such that the device may vibrate in response to a signal received from the impact sensor 34.

Referring now to Figure 9, according to a further embodiment of the invention, one of skill in the art will understand that the term helmet 20 as used in Figures 1 through 8 connotes impact protection for the athlete. However, the invention further contemplates that suitable headgear may include a headband 80 as shown in Figure 9. The headband 80 may be worn by an athlete 22. As shown in Figure 9, the headband 80 may have a computer 30 imbedded in the headband 80. The computer 30 may have microphones 32 attached directly to the computer 30 and have a camera lens 38 attached directly to the computer 30. The headband 80 may be made of fabric and have elastomeric properties for securing to the head of the athlete 22. The headband 80 may also serve to absorb moisture.

The foregoing has described a system 10 for communicating a plurality of sensations from a first person perspective of an athlete to a plurality of observers. While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation.