Robert L Firmin

US Patent:

20200023238, Jan 23, 2020

Filed:

Jan 6, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/470331

Inventors:

- Kensington CA, US
Robert L. Firmin - Kensington CA, US

International Classification:

A63B 24/00
G01B 11/02

Abstract:

A digital-optical tracking device and methods for tracking and timing swimmers are disclosed. The digital-optical tracking device is waterproof and submersible, and includes a stereo optical system that takes digital stereo images of an underwater region. The stereo optical system includes at least two optical elements, each of which forms an image in the stereo image. The tracking methods involve repeatedly determining distances to swimmers by measuring distances between stereo copies of the swimmers in successive, time-stamped stereo images. The methods may use predictive algorithms to determine regions of interest within the stereo images in which the swimmers are likely to be found. Once tracking data is established, it is displayed to the swimmers during their workouts and may be shared among multiple trackers in a peer-to-peer configuration, saved for later reference, and sent to a coach station or stations for real-time analysis.

US Patent:

20190187712, Jun 20, 2019

Filed:

Dec 18, 2018

Appl. No.:

16/223749

Inventors:

- Kensington CA, US
Robert L. Firmin - Kensington CA, US

International Classification:

G05D 1/02
B63B 35/00
H04N 7/18

Abstract:

A remotely-controlled observation vehicle for observing swimmers is disclosed. The vehicle is designed to float and move on the water, and includes a hull, which is typically sealed. An above-water camera mount is attached to the hull and extends upwardly from it. The above-water camera mount carries one or more cameras. A below-water camera mount is attached to the hull and extends downwardly from it. The below-water camera mount also carries one or more cameras. A first propulsion system is adapted to drive the vehicle through water, and a first steering system is associated with the first propulsion system. The observation vehicle also includes communication and control systems. The vehicle may be fore-aft symmetrical, with a propulsion system and a steering system disposed proximate to each end of the hull. Also disclosed is a system including a vehicle with an associated controller and a data review station.

US Patent:

20180204474, Jul 19, 2018

Filed:

Jan 1, 2018

Appl. No.:

15/859679

Inventors:

- Kensington CA, US
Robert L. Firmin - Kensington CA, US

International Classification:

G09B 5/02
A63B 33/00
A63B 71/06
A63B 24/00
G09B 19/00

Abstract:

Systems and methods for lap timing and counting in athletic events are disclosed. The systems and methods do not require the athlete to wear a counter/timer, a transmitter, a reflector or another kind of marker. A portable computing device with a sensor, such as a tablet computer with a camera, is positioned in an appropriate location. Data from the sensor is transformed into a time series of data, and one or more learned statistics are calculated in real time as benchmark ambient conditions. The learned statistics are essentially continuously updated and data that indicates irrelevant volatility is excluded. A detection threshold is determined and essentially continuously updated based on the learned statistics, and lap completion is determined based on the threshold. Times, lap counts, and other data are displayed on the portable device in real time.

US Patent:

20170178524, Jun 22, 2017

Filed:

Mar 3, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/449323

Inventors:

- Kensington CA, US
Robert L. Firmin - Kensington CA, US

International Classification:

G09B 5/02
G09B 19/00
A63B 71/06
A63B 24/00
A63B 33/00

Abstract:

Systems and methods for lap timing and counting in athletic events are disclosed. The systems and methods do not require the athlete to wear a counter/timer, a transmitter, a reflector or another kind of marker. A portable computing device with a sensor, such as a tablet computer with a camera, is positioned in an appropriate location. Data from the sensor is transformed into a time series of data, and one or more learned statistics are calculated in real time as benchmark ambient conditions. The learned statistics are essentially continuously updated and data that indicates irrelevant volatility is excluded. A detection threshold is determined and essentially continuously updated based on the learned statistics, and lap completion is determined based on the threshold. Times, lap counts, and other data are displayed on the portable device in real time.

US Patent:

20160327913, Nov 10, 2016

Filed:

Nov 10, 2015

Appl. No.:

14/937474

Inventors:

- Kensington CA, US
Robert L. Firmin - Kensington CA, US

International Classification:

G04F 10/00
G01V 8/10

Abstract:

Systems and methods for lap timing and counting in athletic events are disclosed. The systems and methods do not require the athlete to wear a counter/timer, a transmitter, a reflector or another kind of marker. A portable computing device with a sensor, such as a tablet computer with a camera, is positioned in an appropriate location. Data from the sensor is transformed into a time series of data, and one or more learned statistics are calculated in real time as benchmark ambient conditions. The learned statistics are essentially continuously updated and data that indicates irrelevant volatility is excluded. A detection threshold is determined and essentially continuously updated based on the learned statistics, and lap completion is determined based on the threshold. Times, lap counts, and other data are displayed on the portable device in real time.