Disney, who also owns ESPN, has been the leader in patents in the Sports Analytics sector for years. As of October 2020, it is maintaining a solid twenty-three (23) document lead over SMT, counting both application and patents, and is showing no signs of allowing its lead to dwindle. However, Disney doesn't only distinguish itself as being the largest assignee of the sector, but also one of the most diverse, previously holding patents in all categories except for the Data Analytics subcategories of Event and Telemetry. That is, until its most recent patent, U.S. Patent No. 10,795,560, was granted on October 6, 2020.
This patent was the first of Disney's to be granted in the Event subcategory and teaches a method for detecting when an anomalous event (AE) occurs during a sporting event. According to the patent, these events are things like spectacular catches in a football game that might warrant a social media response. This is achieved through a combination of analyzing the noise of the crowd and the language of the commentator. However, the new technology disclosed in the patent does not stop there. It also goes on to describe a method of presenting the event and information about the event through what is described as an AE GUI. Here is where augmented reality would be implemented to show the event to viewers along with other information regarding the event such as level of social media interest, social media responses, and details such as players involved and analytics of the event. This information can then be sent to viewers automatically through an alert.
While Disney has not shown any sign of bringing this technology to market, the idea of it as a possibility is enough to excite sports fans everywhere. It just goes to show how Disney, and other leaders of the sector, are constantly looking for new and exciting ways to revolutionize how consumers everywhere watch and enjoy sports, even if that means expanding outside of their comfort zones.
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