Wireless Scoring and Gaming System and Method for Using RF and/or IR to Activate Receiving Peripheral Devices

Abstract

A wireless scoring and gaming system includes a plurality of basketball goal sets and a receiving peripheral. The system supports RF, IR or similar transmissions amongst the scoring transmitters of the basketball goal sets and the scoring receiver of the receiving peripheral. The receiving peripheral includes a scoring controller comprising logic to calculate a score and drive circuitry for an LCD or LED alphanumeric display and/or video display. The receiving peripheral can light up and multiplex a score as well as output appropriate audio sound bites via a variety of means, and can accurately output the score of opposing players or teams via wireless control and activation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/628,515, filed Nov. 1, 2011, by Bradley S. Faecher, entitled “Wireless Scoring & Gaming System Using RF and/or IR to Activate Receiving Perpheral Devices,” incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to scoring and gaming technologies. More particularly, the present invention relates to automation control for tracking scoring events during a game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since its inception by James Naismith in circa 1891, the game of basketball has become one of the world's favorite pastimes and sporting activities. Throughout the ages and around the globe, basketball games are played as a team sport or in single one-on-one competitions by players of all ages. Unlike other sports, basketball is viewed as a game of skill requiring dexterity, timing, and finesse in lieu of being reliant only on strength.

Conventionally, the objective of basketball is to throw or shoot a ball through a horizontally positioned basketball hoop to score points while following a set of rules. A typical basketball hoop includes a circular rim that is mounted to a backboard. A net drapes along the bottom of the rim. A player scores a goal or basket by throwing or shooting a basketball to cause it to travel through the top of the rim and out of the bottom of the net. Generally, the player scores two points for the shooting team if the player shoots the basketball within a zone defined by being less than a predetermined distance from the basketball hoop. If the player shoots the basketball from a location beyond the predetermined distance from the basketball hoop, the players scores three points for the team. The winning team is the team that accumulates the most points at the end of the game.

In a full-court environment, the game is played by two teams of typically five players on a rectangular court that has a basketball hoop positioned on opposing ends of the court. Each team has a designated basketball hoop that serves as the respective team's scoring goal. In a half-court environment, both teams use a single basketball hoop as their goal.

As discussed, a team or individual player scores if the basketball passes through the basketball hoop. A continuous challenge during a basketball game is ensuring the basketball actually passes through the net as opposed to rebounding off the rim or only passing on the outside of the net.

Another challenge is determining the actual location of the player when the basketball is shot towards the basketball hoop. As the shooting player moves to avoid the defensive maneuvers of the opposing player(s), it is important to be able to precisely pinpoint the location of the shooting player when the basketball is shot to determine whether a scoring basket merits a score of two-points or three-points, as discussed above.

Therefore, there is a need for a real-time or near-term reliable approach to detecting a scoring region and recognizing the correct score during a live sporting activity.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Wireless scoring and gaming systems and methods are provided to measure and monitor the performance of players in a real-time competitive sporting activity, such as a basketball game, darts, hockey, soccer, or the like. As described, techniques and/or methodologies are provided for detecting, for example, a scoring region and determining a correct score during a live game.

In an embodiment, a wireless scoring and gaming system includes a plurality of basketball goal sets that is communicatively coupled to a receiving peripheral over communications infrastructure (e.g., radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), or the like). Each basketball goal unit includes a respective basketball hoop, scoring transmitter, and scoring sensor. Each scoring sensor is coupled, for example, to the inner rim of a respective basketball hoop, to the backboard of the basketball hoop, or at a position between the basketball hoop and the bottom of the net hanging from the rim of the basketball hoop. When actuated, the scoring sensor produces an electronic signal to notify the receiving peripheral that a basket has been made.

The receiving peripheral includes a scoring receiver, a scoring display, an audio output, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The scoring receiver accesses signals from the scoring transmitters over the wireless communications infrastructure. The scoring display can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or LED alphanumeric display and/or a video display, and includes drive circuitry to light up and multiplex a score for an ongoing basketball game in real time or near term.

A scoring controller is included as a component of the receiving peripheral, in one or all of the basketball goal sets, or as a standalone device (e.g., personal computer, personal digital assistant, smart phone, or the like). The scoring controller comprises microcontroller and/or intelligence logic, which is operative to calculate a score and drive circuitry for the scoring display, the audio output, and/or the LEDs of the receiving peripheral.

In an embodiment, the scoring controller includes a gaming manager, a display controller, an audio controller, and an LED controller. The gaming manager is operative to access a scoring signal or notification from the scoring receiver after the scoring signals are received from the scoring transmitters and scoring sensors of the basketball hoops. The gaming manager computes a score based on an appropriate gaming module, and directs the other components to produce special effects, such as sound and lighting. Upon computation of an appropriate score, the gaming manager actuates the display controller to drive the scoring display of the receiving peripheral and output the appropriate score.

When the receiving peripheral is configured to produce both light and sound, the gaming manager sends an appropriate response to the audio controller and the light controller. When the audio controller is actuated, the audio controller drives the audio output of the receiving peripheral, thereby producing a sound. Similarly, when the LED controller is actuated, the LED controller drives the LEDs of the receiving peripheral, thereby producing, for example, a flashing pattern.

In an embodiment, each of the basketball goal sets includes at least one respective scoring transmitter that is detachably coupled to, or worn by, a player. Each of the player-worn scoring transmitters can be configured to operate over a different channel. The systems and methods of the present invention are operative to determine, in real time or near term, the proximity or distance between a player-worn scoring transmitter and a basketball goal set to determine whether a player is shooting from a two-point zone, or a three-point zone.

The above described and many other features of the present invention will become apparent, as the invention becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements, additionally in which the leftmost digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless scoring and gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a wireless scoring and gaming system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a scoring controller according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a wireless scoring and gaming system according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate a wireless scoring and gaming system according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example for utilizing the wireless scoring and gaming system of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C;

FIG. 7 illustrates a wireless scoring and gaming system according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a wireless scoring and gaming system according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a wireless scoring and gaming system according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a wireless scoring and gaming system according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a wireless scoring and gaming system according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and in which is shown by way of illustration a number of specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Wireless scoring and gaming systems and methods are described for measuring and monitoring the performance of players in a real-time competitive sporting activity, such as a basketball game, darts, hockey, soccer, or the like. The described techniques and/or methodologies of the present invention are provided for detecting, inter alias, a scoring region and determining a correct score during a live game.

FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless scoring and gaming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 100 includes a plurality of basketball goal sets 104a-104b that is communicatively coupled to a receiving peripheral 103 over communications infrastructure 110 (described in greater detail below). Each basketball goal unit 104a-104b includes a respective scoring transmitter 101a-101b, a respective basketball hoop 105a-105b, and a respective scoring sensor 106a-106b. Each basketball hoop 105a-105b is attached to a backboard and includes a net hanging from the circular rim of the respective basketball hoop 105a-105b. (The terms “rim” and “hoop” may be used interchangeably herein). As known in a conventional game of basketball, basketball hoop 105a-105b defines the goal that a basketball player targets when he or she shoots the basketball (shown in FIG. 1 as basketball 120) in an attempt to cause the basketball to pass down through the center of the rim of basketball hoop 105a-105b and the net extending therefrom.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, when a player successfully shoots basketball 120 through one of the basketball hoops 105a-105b, this scoring event actuates a respective scoring sensor 106a-106b and causes a corresponding scoring transmitter 101a-101b to send a notification signal to receiving peripheral 103.

Each scoring sensor 106a-106b is coupled to the inner rim of a respective basketball hoop 105a-105b, or its backboard, or at a position between the basketball hoop 105a-105b and the bottom of the net hanging from the rim of the basketball hoop 105a-105b. When actuated, the actuated scoring sensor 106a-106b produces an electronic signal to notify receiving peripheral 103 that a basket has been made.

FIG. 2 illustrates a wireless scoring and gaming system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The components of system 200 are similar to the components of system 100. However, system 200 provides a side-view of basketball hoops 105a-105b, which in turn provides a side-view of scoring sensors 106a-106b. In FIG. 2, each scoring sensor 106a-106b is a piezoelectric lever or device (including, for example, a tilt switch, mercury switch, leaf electrode switch, accelerometer, or any other device) that is positioned between the basketball hoop 105a-105b and the bottom of the net, and extends radially inward to a distance sufficient for being contacted by basketball 120 when basketball 120 passes through the net of the basketball hoop 105a-105b. When contacted and actuated by the passing basketball 120, scoring sensor 106a-106b pivots downward to close an electronic switch to produce a signal indicating that a goal has been successfully scored and thereafter pivots back upward to open the switch for future scoring attempts.

In another embodiment, scoring sensor 106a-106b includes one or more light sources or optoelectric sensors positioned between the basketball hoop 105a-105b and the bottom of the net hanging from the basketball hoop 105a-105b. When a light beam produced by a light source is broken by basketball 120 passing through the net, the actuated scoring sensor 106a-106b produces a signal indicating that a goal has been successfully scored. Scoring transmitter 101a-101b accesses the scoring signal from scoring sensor 106a-106b and forwards a notification signal to receiving peripheral 103.

The type of scoring sensor 106a-106b should be selected to minimize manufacturing and design cost and promote ease of producibility for mass production. As such, in an embodiment, a mechanical lever, such as the one shown in FIG. 2, can be utilized to control cost.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, receiving peripheral 103 is an electronic scoreboard that includes a scoring receiver 102, a scoring display 107, an audio output 108, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 109a-109b. In an embodiment, audio output 108 and LEDs 109a-109b are optional components, and therefore, one or both components may be omitted (see, for example, FIG. 2). Scoring receiver 102 is receptive of signals from scoring transmitters 101a-101b over wireless communications infrastructure 110. Scoring display 107 outputs, for example, the score for an ongoing basketball game in real time or near term. Scoring display 107 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or LED alphanumeric display and/or a video display, and includes drive circuitry essential to the design. Scoring display 107 can be operative to light up and multiplex a score via its control logic. Scoring display can also be implemented as one or more bar graphs that move (e.g., vertically or horizontally) to indicate the players' score.

Although receiving peripheral 103 is shown as an electronic scoreboard in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, it should be understood that some or all of the operations and functions of receiving peripheral 103 can be included in other types of devices. For example, receiving peripheral 103 can be a wireless device, such as a personal computer, personal digital assistant, smart phone, or the like. In such embodiment, a sportscaster or other individual can read the score from the display of the wireless device and/or receive the score through an earpiece coupled to the wireless device, and thereafter, announce the score verbally to the players or audience.

In another embodiment, receiving peripheral 103 is operative to output information through an audio output. FIG. 7 illustrates a wireless scoring and gaming system 700 useful for such an audio output. Receiving peripheral 103 in FIG. 7 includes a speaker for outputting audio score updates in response to scoring events detected at scoring sensors 106a-106b and relayed by scoring transmitters 101a-101b to a scoring receiver included as a component of receiving peripheral 103. As shown in FIG. 7, receiving peripheral 103 can take the shape of a sportscaster or other objects, people, animals, or the like, as determined by the system architect.

In another embodiment, receiving peripheral 103 can be a component of, or integrated within, clothing or accessories (such as, a vest, belt, belt buckle, wrist band, pin, or the like) worn by the players. For example, receiving peripheral 103 can be communicatively coupled to a device that vibrates, emits a sound, and/or lights up when a goal has been successfully scored. FIG. 8 illustrates a wireless scoring and gaming system 800 that includes receiving peripheral 103 (shown as receiving peripherals 103a-103b) integrated with a wearable vest that vibrates, emits a sound, and/or lights up when a goal has been successfully scored. As described above, a scoring event accessed from scoring sensors 106a-106b is relayed to scoring transmitters 101a-101b and forwarded to a scoring receiver included as a component of receiving peripheral 103 (shown as wearable vest/receiving peripherals 103a-103b in FIG. 8).

FIG. 3 illustrates a scoring controller 300 that includes microcontroller and/or intelligence logic, which is operative to calculate a score and drive circuitry for one or more of scoring display 107, audio output 108, and LEDs 109a-109b. Scoring controller 300 includes a gaming manager 304, a display controller 308, an audio controller 310, and an LED controller 312. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, scoring signals from scoring sensors 106a-106b of basketball hoops 105a-105b are sent via scoring transmitters 101a-101b and accessed by scoring receiver 102 and thereafter relayed to gaming manager 304. Gaming manager 304 is operative to activate and execute a plurality of gaming options and play effects. For example, gaming manager 304 can execute a software program to compute a score based on an appropriate gaming module as well as direct the other components to produce special effects, such as sound and lighting. Upon computation of an appropriate score, gaming manager 304 actuates display controller 308, which drives scoring display 107 and outputs the appropriate score or scoring update.

In an embodiment, receiving peripheral 103 produces both light and sound when activated. When a scoring signal is accessed from scoring receiver 102 thus indicating that scoring sensor 106a-106b has been actuated by a scoring basket, gaming manager 304 sends the appropriate response to audio controller 310 and LED controller 312. When audio controller 310 is actuated, audio controller 310 drives audio output 108, thereby creating a synthesized voice, music, sounds of a cheering crowd, or the like. Similarly, when LED controller 312 is actuated, LED controller 312 drives at least one LED 109a-109b. For example, LEDs 109a-109b can light in a flashing pattern determined by the LED controller 312.

Scoring controller 300 can be a component of receiving peripheral 103, in one or all of basketball goal sets 104a-104b, or a standalone device (e.g., personal computer, personal digital assistant, smart phone, or the like).

In an embodiment, scoring controller 300 is integrated in the receiving peripheral 103. Accordingly, scoring transmitters 101a-101b interface with scoring receiver 102 over a wireless communications infrastructure 110. Signal transmissions from scoring transmitters 101a-101b are activated in response to a successful scoring event at basketball goal sets 104a-104b. In an embodiment, wireless communications infrastructure 110 comprises different channels, or different frequency or time division multiplexing or like configurations, to facilitate accurate scoring of each respective individual and/or team.

Referring back to FIG. 2, it should be noted that the antenna for scoring transmitters 101a-101b and scoring receiver 102 are not visible. In this embodiment, the antenna for scoring transmitters 101a-101b and scoring receiver 102 can be embedded or enclosed in the housings for basketball goal sets 104a-104b and receiving peripheral 103, respectively. Alternatively, the antennas can be coupled to the back of basketball goal sets 104a-104b and receiving peripheral 103, such that they are not noticeable.

FIG. 4 illustrates a wireless scoring and gaming system 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 400 includes a basketball goal set 404 and a basketball goal set 403 that are communicatively coupled to each other over communications infrastructure 110. Each of basketball goal set 404 and basketball goal set 403 includes a basketball hoop 105a-105b, and a scoring sensor 106a-106b. Basketball goal set 404 includes a scoring transmitter 401, and basketball goal set 403 includes a scoring receiver 402.

Basketball goal set 403 also includes a receiving peripheral (shown as scoring display 107 and audio output 108, collectively). The receiving peripheral of basketball goal set 403 operates similarly to receiving peripheral 103; however, the receiving peripheral of basketball goal set 403 is integrated into basketball goal set 403 instead of being a standalone component. Scoring display 107 of the receiving peripheral displays the output score, and audio output 108 provides audio and other sound effects. For example, a scoring event at basketball goal set 404 causes scoring transmitter 401 to send a wireless notification signal to scoring receiver 402 of basketball goal set 406. Similarly, a scoring event at basketball goal set 403 is communicated to control logic (e.g., scoring controller 300) in the receiving peripheral of basketball goal set 403 by a wired or wireless communications link.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate a wireless scoring and gaming system 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 500 includes a receiving peripheral 502 coupled to a basketball goal set 501. Basketball goal set 501 includes basketball hoop 105 and scoring sensor 106, as described above with reference to basketball hoops 105a-105b, and scoring sensors 106a-106b.

Receiving peripheral 502 is configured to operate similarly to receiving peripheral 103 and the receiving peripheral (e.g., scoring display 107 and audio output 108) of basketball goal set 403. Receiving peripheral 502 includes a scoring display 503, an audio output 512, a plurality of three-point visual readouts 510a-510b, a plurality of control input buttons 509a-509b, and a plurality of LEDs 511a-511b. Scoring display 503, similarly to scoring display 107 discussed above, outputs the score for an ongoing basketball game in real time or near term. Audio output 512, similarly to audio output 108 discussed above, outputs audio and other sound effects consistent with game play, such as a synthesized voice, music, or the like. LEDs 511a-511b, similarly to LEDs 109a-109b discussed above, produce lighting effects, such as flashing patterns or the like. Three-point visual readouts 510a-510b are LEDs, and are discussed in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 6.

Control input buttons 509a-510b allow a human operator to input manual commands into system 500. For example, one of control input buttons 509a-510b can operate as an on/off situation for activating or deactivating receiving peripheral 502. Alternatively or additionally, one of control input buttons 509a-510b can operate to pause one or more functions of system 500, such as the score-keeping functions of scoring display 503.

System 500 also includes scoring transmitters 513a-513b that are worn by or detachably coupled to the respective players. Each scoring transmitter 513a-513b can be configured to operate over a different channel or utilized frequency or time division multiplexing or the like.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary utilization of scoring transmitters 513a-513b with respect to FIGS. 5A-5C. Referring to FIG. 6, the proximity or distance between a scoring transmitter 513a-513b and basketball goal set 501 determines whether a player is shooting from a two-point range in zone 602, or a three-point range in zone 604. For example, within twenty-one feet from basketball goal set 501, the score is two points. Outside the twenty-one foot barrier, the score is thee points. Therefore, the proximity or distance from basketball goal set 501 determines the value of a scored goal. Control logic (e.g., scoring controller 300) in receiving peripheral 503 determines in real time or near term the value of a successful scoring event.

In an embodiment, three-point visual readout 510a-510b are operative to light-up and/or vibrate when a player coupled to one of the scoring transmitters 513a-513b is presently located in three-point zone 604 and/or two-point range zone 602. Alternatively or additionally, three-point visual readout 510a-510b are operative to light-up and/or vibrate when a player coupled to one of the scoring transmitters 513a-513b successfully scores a basket from three-point zone 604 and/or two-point range zone 602.

FIG. 9 illustrates a wireless scoring and gaming system 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 900 is useful in a gaming arcade or similar environment, where players compete against other players or play alone for prizes or similar recognition. As shown, system 900 includes a plurality of basketball goal sets 904a-904b communicatively coupled to a receiving peripheral 103 over communications infrastructure 110. Each basketball goal unit 904a-904b includes a respective scoring transmitter 101a-101b and a respective scoring peripheral 903a-903b.

Each basketball goal unit 904a-904b includes a plurality of basketball hoops (shown as, 105a-105b for basketball goal unit 904a and 105c-105d for basketball unit 904b), and each basketball hoop 105a-105b includes a corresponding scoring sensor 106a-106d. As discussed above with reference to FIG. 1, when a player successfully shoots a basketball (shown as basketballs 120a-120d in FIG. 9) through one of the basketball hoops 105a-105d, this scoring event actuates a respective scoring sensor 106a-106d and causes a corresponding scoring transmitter 101a-101b to send a notification signal to receiving peripheral 103. In response to the notifications signal, receiving peripheral 103 sends an output signal to the scoring peripheral 903a-903b corresponding to the basketball goal unit 904a-904b that transmitted the notification signal. The scoring peripheral 903a-903b can output audio and/or visual signals. Scoring peripheral 903a-903b can also operate as a public address (PA) system for announcing messages from a human operator.

FIG. 10 illustrates a wireless scoring and gaming system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 1000 is useful for players participating in a game of darts. As shown, system 1000 includes a plurality of dartboards 1005a-1005b communicatively coupled to a receiving peripheral 1003 over communications infrastructure 110. Each dartboard 1005a-1005b includes a respective scoring transmitter 1001a-1001b.

When a player shoots a dart 1020a-1020b causing the dart 1020a-1020b to hit the dartboard 1005a-1005b, a scoring sensor causes a corresponding scoring transmitter 1001a-1001b to send a notification signal to receiving peripheral 1003. The scoring sensor can be electronic paneling integrated in dartboards 1005a-1005b, one or more laser sensors coupled to dartboards 1005a-1005b, a combination of both, or the like. In an embodiment utilizing electronic paneling, the panels comprise electric circuitry that is actuated when a dart 1020a-1020b hits a specific location on one of the dartboards 1005a-1005b. In an embodiment utilizing a laser sensor, a laser beam is interrupted when a dart 1020a-1020b hits a specific location on one of the dartboards 1005a-1005b. Coordinates for the location hit by the dart 1020a-1020b is sent to the receiving peripheral 1003, and used to determine a score.

Similarly to receiving peripheral 103 (described with reference to FIG. 1), receiving peripheral 1003 is an electronic scoreboard that includes a scoring receiver 1002. Receiving peripheral 1003 can be a LCD or LED alphanumeric display and/or video display. In response to notification signals from scoring transmitter 1001a-1001b, receiving peripheral 1003 can output a score, produce lighting patterns, generate sound effects, or serves as a PA system for announcing messages from a human operator. Like receiving peripheral 103, receiving peripheral 1003 can also be implemented in other types of wireless devices or devices integrated in the players clothing or accessories, or the like.

Each dartboard 1005a-1005b can be used by one player, or both dartboard 1005a-1005b can be used by two or more players or teams of players simultaneously while they compete against each other.

In an embodiment, a scoring transmitter (e.g., scoring transmitters 513a-513b described with reference to FIG. 5) can be coupled to or worn by the players to signal or verify the player's distance from the dartboards 1005a-1005b, and/or be operative to light-up, vibrate, or generate a sound if the player scores or steps outside of a desired range from the dartboards 1005a-1005b.

Referring to FIG. 11, a wireless scoring and gaming system 1100 is useful for players participating in a game of hockey or soccer, according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 1100 includes a plurality of hockey/soccer goals 1105a-1105b communicatively coupled to a receiving peripheral 1103 over communications infrastructure 110. Using a hockey stick 1126a-1126b, a player can shoot a hockey puck 1122 or a street hockey ball 1124a-1124b into one of the hockey/soccer goals 1105a-1105b to score a goal. Alternatively, a player can kick a soccer ball 1120 into one of the hockey/soccer goals 1105a-1105b to score a goal.

Each hockey/soccer goal 1105a-1105b includes a respective scoring transmitter 1101a-1101b, and a respective scoring sensor 1106a-1106b. Each scoring sensor 1106a-1106b includes one or more light sources or optoelectric sensors positioned to sense or detect an object, such as a soccer ball 1120, hockey puck 1122, street hockey ball 1124a-1124b, or the like, when the object passes into the respective hockey/soccer goal 1105a-1105b. When a light beam produced by a scoring sensor 1106a-1106b is broken by the scoring object (e.g., soccer ball 1120, hockey puck 1122, or street hockey ball 1124a-1124b) passing into the hockey/soccer goal 1105a-1105b, the actuated scoring sensor 1106a-1106b produces an electronic signal to indicate that a goal has been successfully scored. Scoring transmitter 1101a-1101b accesses the scoring signal from scoring sensor 1106a-1106b and forwards a notification signal to receiving peripheral 1103.

In an embodiment, the system components of the present invention (e.g., receiving peripheral 103, basketball goal set 403, receiving peripheral 502, scoring sensors 106a-106b, scoring transmitters 101a-101b, scoring transmitters 513a-513b, dartboards 1005a-1005b, receiving peripheral 1003, hockey/soccer goal 1105a-1105b, receiving peripheral 1103, or the like) are battery operated devices that supply the appropriate power to various active and passive components of each complementary module.

It should be understood that the systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, and 1100, as described herein, are exemplary systems for implementing various aspects of the present invention. Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the quantity of system components illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5A, 5B, 5C, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 can be increased or decreased as desired by the system architect.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a game of basketball, darts, hockey, and soccer, it would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) that the present invention can be utilized with other games and sporting activities, including, for example and without limitation, pool, tennis, racquetball, squash, ping-pong, etc.

Communications infrastructure 110 supports a wireless interface for radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), BLUETOOTH® enabled, or other wireless communications protocols. Although the transmitters and receivers of the present invention operate within a wireless environment, it should be understood that communications infrastructure 110 can include a wired and/or wireless local area network (LAN), virtual LAN (VLAN), wide area network (WAN), and/or metropolitan area network (MAN), such as an organization's intranet, a local internet, the global-based Internet (including the World Wide Web (WWW)), an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), licensed wireless telecommunications spectrum for digital cell (including CDMA, TDMA, GSM, EDGE, GPRS, CDMA2000, WCDMA FDD and/or TDD or TD-SCDMA technologies), or the like. Communications infrastructure 110 can support wired, wireless, or combinations of both transmission media, including satellite, terrestrial (e.g., fiber optic, copper, UTP, STP, coaxial, hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC), or the like), radio, free-space optics, microwave, and/or any other form or method of transmission.

FIGS. 1-11 are conceptual illustrations allowing an explanation of the present invention. It should be understood that various aspects of the embodiments of the present invention could be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In such an embodiment, the various components and/or steps would be implemented in hardware, firmware, and/or software to perform the functions of the present invention. That is, the same piece of hardware, firmware, or module of software could perform one or more of the illustrated blocks (e.g., components or steps). Unless explicitly stated otherwise herein, the ordering or arrangement of the steps and/or components should not be limited to the descriptions and/or illustrations hereof.

In software implementations, computer software (e.g., programs or other instructions) and/or data is stored on a machine readable medium as part of a computer program product, and is loaded into a computer system or other device or machine via a removable storage drive, hard drive, or communications interface. Computer software can be implemented by any programming or scripting languages, such as Java, Javascript, Action Script, or the like. Computer programs (also called computer control logic or computer readable program code) are stored in a main and/or secondary memory, and executed by one or more processors (controllers, or the like) to cause the one or more processors to perform the functions of the invention as described herein. In this document, the terms “machine readable medium,” “computer program medium” and “computer usable medium” are used to generally refer to media such as a random access memory (RAM); a read only memory (ROM); a removable storage unit (e.g., a magnetic or optical disc, flash memory device, or the like); a hard disk; electronic, electromagnetic, optical, acoustical, or other form of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, or the like); or the like.

Notably, the figures and examples above are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Moreover, where certain elements of the present invention can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present invention are described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components are omitted so as not to obscure the invention. In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not necessarily be limited to other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance presented herein, in combination with the knowledge of one skilled in the relevant art(s). Moreover, it is not intended for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration. While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail could be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A wireless scoring and gaming system for measuring and monitoring performance of a plurality of players in a real-time competitive sporting activity, comprising:

a first sensor detecting a scoring event during the competitive sporting activity;

a second sensor identifying a first player in real time or near term when the first player actuates the scoring event, the second sensor further identifying the first player from at least two players competing against each other; and

a scoring control center communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor to receive information and determine the performance of the first player.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is attached to a basketball hoop or a basketball backboard, and wherein the first sensor is operative to detect a basketball passing through the basketball hoop to thereby indicate the scoring event.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second sensor comprises at least one wireless transmitter removably coupled to the first player.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a detector operative to detect a position of the first player when the first player throws a basketball towards a basketball hoop to thereby actuate the scoring event.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the scoring control center is operative to award the first player with a first predetermined amount of points when the position of the first player is within a first zone relative to the basketball hoop and award the first player with a second predetermined amount of points when the position of the first player is within a second zone relative to the basketball hoop.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the scoring control center is integrated with a basketball backboard, and wherein the scoring control center is operative to calculate, store, or display a total score of baskets made by the first player.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the scoring control center is operative to produce an audio output to indicate a score.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the scoring control center is located remotely from one or more basketball backboards, and wherein the scoring control center is operative to calculate, store, or display a total score of baskets made by a first team comprising the first player and a second team comprising a second player.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the scoring control center is communicatively coupled to at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor over a wireless medium.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a wireless device removably attached to the first player and communicatively coupled to at least one of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the scoring control center, wherein the wireless device is operative to vibrate, emit a sound, or produce a lighting pattern in response to the scoring event.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor includes an electronic dartboard, and wherein the first sensor is operative to detect a dart contacting a position on the electronic dartboard to thereby indicate the scoring event.

12. A wireless scoring and gaming system for measuring and monitoring performance of a plurality of players in a real-time competitive sporting activity, comprising:

a first sensor detecting a scoring event during the competitive sporting activity;

a second sensor detecting a position of a first player when the first player throws an object towards a goal to thereby actuate the scoring event; and

a scoring control center communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor to receive information and determine the performance of the first player.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the second sensor comprises at least one wireless transmitter removably coupled to the first player.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the scoring control center is operative to award the first player with a first predetermined amount of points when the position of the first player is within a first zone relative to the goal and award the first player with a second predetermined amount of points when the position of the first player is within a second zone relative to the goal.

15. The system of claim 12, further comprising a wireless device removably coupled to the first player and communicatively coupled to at least one of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the scoring control center, wherein the wireless device is operative to vibrate, emit a sound, or produce a lighting pattern in response to the scoring event.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the goal is a basketball hoop.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein the goal is a dartboard.