adidas has been granted a patent for a method that monitors the movement of a ball during athletic activities. The method involves using a sensor module to detect movement, assess conditions during free flight, and calculate the distance traveled based on a trajectory model. GlobalData’s report on adidas gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

According to GlobalData’s company profile on adidas, Footwear 3D Printing was a key innovation area identified from patents. adidas's grant share as of July 2024 was 74%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Method for monitoring ball movement in athletic activities

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: adidas AG

The patent US12070655B2 outlines a method and system for accurately determining the distance traveled by an object, particularly in athletic activities. The method involves a sensor module attached to the object, which detects when the object is in free flight. It gathers data on the object's condition during this phase, including its rate of rotation, trajectory model, and other parameters such as speed and launch angle. The system utilizes a combination of acceleration and magnetic field data to ensure reliable measurements, even if some data is lost or unreliable. The trajectory model is established based on the object's condition, allowing for the calculation of the distance traveled.

Additionally, the system is designed to provide outputs based on the calculated distance, which can be displayed alongside individual characteristics or activity metrics. The monitoring system includes a transceiver to transmit data from the sensor module, facilitating real-time analysis. The patent also covers methods for determining drag force and speed by comparing acceleration data with established drag profiles. This comprehensive approach enables the accurate assessment of distance traveled, even in cases of interrupted free flight, and allows for the recording of individual characteristics associated with the object's flight.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.