The sports industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity driven by digital advancements, high-level of social media interactions, broad appeal for immersive sports experience, and fan engagement, as well as the growing importance of technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, blockchain, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, cloud, data analytics, wearable tech and many more. In the last three years alone, there have been over 76,000 patents filed and granted in the sports industry, according to GlobalData’s report on Internet of Things in sports: sensor integrated scoring devices. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which uses over 49,000 patents to analyze innovation intensity for the sport industry, there are 10+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
Sensor-integrated scoring devices is a key innovation area in Internet of Things
Electronic scoring systems or automated scoring systems are used for sports such as shooting and archery. The electronics presented on screens will automatically display the score based on the shot placement. Same as in archery optical laser technology is used for accurate and faster results. Further advancements are going towards the use of image processing techniques for automatic scoring systems.
GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 270+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established sports companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of sensor-integrated scoring devices.
Key players in sensor-integrated scoring devices – a disruptive innovation in the sports industry
‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.
‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.
Patent volumes related to sensor-integrated scoring devices
Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics
Nike is the foremost company when it comes to submitting patents for sensor-equipped score-keeping gadgets. Some other significant patent filers in the sector of electronic scoring systems are adidas, Apple, Toyota, Peloton Interactive, and LG. Sensor-integrated scoring devices are the most sophisticated technology available, with potential uses in sports such as target shooting.
In terms of application diversity, ERMI leads the pack. Katalyst and EW Healthcare Partners stand in second and third positions, respectively. By means of geographic reach, Nike holds the top position, followed by Nestle and Neofect.
Sensor-integrated scoring devices are growing in importance in more sports. New-generation interactive shooting targets will give precise impact measurement and an unlimited choice of targets.
To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the sports industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Internet of Things in Sport.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. 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.
