With Electrically Actuated Or Operated Indicator Patents (Class 273/371)
  • Patent number: 11623127
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for remote competition involving first and second sets of targets at first and second geographically remote locations. Status, hit and game information including game result information is communicated and received from first and second apps at the first and second locations via a cloud resource, and a competition occurs between users at the first and second locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: IO TARGETING
    Inventors: Alan R Loudermilk, Jr., Paresh Patel, Alan Loudermilk, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11529550
    Abstract: A sports training system includes an array of break beam sensors. Each sensor is configured to detect a passage of an object, such as a hockey puck, between adjacent posts and provide information for the passage to a controller communicatively attached to the array of sensors. A mobile application is configured to receive information from the controller and provide, for presentation to a user, passage statistics for the passages completed by one or more players. Servers are located in at least one data center. The servers are configured to receive and store the passage statistics and to provide access to the passage statistics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Puck Hero, LLC
    Inventor: Sean Bartels
  • Patent number: 11161027
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and techniques for automated detection of goals and announcement of same are provided. The system includes a modified hockey puck and a set of goal units that can be mounted on a hockey goal. Within the puck are light sources, motion sensors, infrared transmitters, and a power source. Within the goal units are light sources, infrared sensors, and a microcontroller. When the goal units are mounted on the hockey goal, the infrared sensors form a detection area through which the puck must pass in order to count as a goal. The infrared transmitter of the puck and the infrared sensors of the goal units communicate with one another, and, when an infrared signal is received, the microcontroller automatically triggers one or more annunciator devices, such as visual, auditory, or haptic devices, to automatically indicate that a goal has been scored without human intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Glo-Flite LLC
    Inventors: Jamilla Kounellas, Kevin Hay, Paul Wierenga
  • Patent number: 11058951
    Abstract: An information processing system includes a controller which receives an operation input of a user and an information processing unit which performs an information process based on the operation input received by the controller. The information processing unit includes a game progress unit which controls an own character in the virtual space based on the operation input of the user to draw the virtual space with the corresponding color of the own character and a battle determination unit which performs a battle determination based on a drawing state of a corresponding color of an enemy character, which is different from the corresponding color of the own character, to a virtual space and a drawing state of the corresponding color of the own character to the virtual space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shintaro Sato
  • Patent number: 11045717
    Abstract: A basketball machine includes a body having an inclined lane, a display configured to display a game having a plurality of challenges, a hoop including an engagement portion and an opening, a sensor configured to detect whether a ball has passed through the opening of the hoop, and a processor. The game has a first image layer showing a plurality of display areas, a reference object and a plurality of moving objects. The moving object moves towards and past the reference object. Each moving object has a bonus prize. The sensor generates a scoring signal when the detected result is positive. The processor calculates an accumulated number of times the scoring signal has been received and converts the accumulated number into an instant score. The processor determines whether the player qualifies as completing the current challenge, and controls the game to enter the next challenge when the determination is positive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: PAOKAI ELECTRONIC ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ming-Shan Wei
  • Patent number: 11000750
    Abstract: The two-part system includes a modified hockey puck and a set of goal units that can be mounted on a hockey goal. Within the puck are light sources, motion sensors, infrared transmitters, and a power source. Within the goal units are light sources, infrared sensors, and a microcontroller. When the goal units are mounted on the hockey goal, the infrared sensors form a detection area through which the puck must pass in order to count as a goal. The infrared transmitter of the puck and the infrared sensors of the goal units communicate with one another, and when an infrared signal is received the microcontroller triggers the light sources mounted to the goal to illuminate and indicate that a goal has been scored. Additionally, both the puck and the goal units are designed to reduce power consumption by switching between a low-energy mode or an active mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Glo-Flite LLC
    Inventor: Jamilla Kounellas
  • Patent number: 10864424
    Abstract: A soccer training system may include one or more rebound units, including: a base; at least one rebound surface and at least one tunnel having a tunnel inlet and a tunnel outlet, the tunnel has a cross section larger than a soccer ball. The shape of the tunnel may be such that when the base is placed on the ground a soccer ball entering the inlet is directed towards the outlet. The system may further include one or more defense player simulation devices, including a stable body to be placed on a field; and at least one adjustable indicator located on the stable body. In operation the at least one adjustable indicator may be configured to provide game instructions to a user. The system may further include a controller configured to: control the at least one adjustable indicator to provide the game instructions to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventors: Yaakov Amsalem, Leandro Moncarz
  • Patent number: 10668347
    Abstract: A sports training system includes an array of break beam sensors. Each sensor is configured to detect a passage of an object, such as a hockey puck, between adjacent posts and provide information for the passage to a controller communicatively attached to the array of sensors. A mobile application is configured to receive information from the controller and provide, for presentation to a user, passage statistics for the passages completed by one or more players. Servers are located in at least one data center. The servers are configured to receive and store the passage statistics and to provide access to the passage statistics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Puck Hero, LLC
    Inventor: Sean Bartels
  • Patent number: 10610757
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to improving player performance for trajectory-based sports are described. In particular, sporting devices are described that can be utilized to improve player performance in basketball. The sporting devices can include a camera-based system configured to capture and analyze the trajectory of a shot taken by a player. The camera-based system can be configured to provide feedback that allows a player to optimize the trajectory mechanics associated with shooting a basketball. In one embodiment, the camera-based system can be used in conjunction with a training aid that is attached to a basketball rim. The training aid can be configured to improve the trajectory mechanics of individuals utilizing the modified basketball rim to practice their shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Pillar Vision, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan W. Marty
  • Patent number: 10532275
    Abstract: A target that, depending upon a type of game for which the target is programmed, senses whether and where it has been struck by a laser light. The target face displays a game board (such as a dart board) and allows laser light to pass through. A plurality of light sensors are behind the target face. When a designated portion of the target face is struck by a laser light, a sensor records the strike. One or more of: the game to be played using the target, the number of players, starting the game, resetting the target for a new game, and changing players, is accomplished remotely by striking an area on the target with laser light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: CRIMSON TRACE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Larry E. Moore
  • Patent number: 10507392
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention for implementing the objective above, a method for determining cheating in a dart game is disclosed. The method for determining cheating in a dart game may include: collecting game data and multimedia information of a player from a dart game device; transmitting the collected game data and multimedia information to a client device; receiving, from the client device, feedback information related to legitimacy of play with respect to the multimedia information; and processing the game data of the player corresponding to the multimedia information, on the basis of the received feedback information related to legitimacy of play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: PHOENIXDARTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang Uk Hong
  • Patent number: 10378857
    Abstract: An automatic deviation correction method, which is applied to a shooting sighting telescope. The automatic deviation correction method includes the following steps: converting an optical image obtained by a shooting sighting telescope into an electronic image, extracting a target paper area from the electronic image, and performing pixel-level subtraction on the target paper area and an electronic reference target paper to detect points of impact, calculating a center point of each of the points of impact to obtain a deviation of the center point of each of the points of impact and a center point of the target paper area; and inputting the deviation into the shooting sighting telescope for automatically correcting subsequent shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: HUNTERCRAFT LIMITED
    Inventors: Danyang Li, Ming Chen, Yayun Gong
  • Patent number: 10245506
    Abstract: A video game system can include a console, a camera and a light targeting peripheral (LTP), where the LPT can direct non-visible light (e.g., infrared (IR) light) onto a display screen. The camera is positioned so that is can view the display screen, and can locate a non-visible light dot on the display screen during video game play. The system can be used with any size or type of electronic display (e.g., any type of television, computer screen, etc.), or any type of non-electronic display (e.g., projector screen) on which the video game can be projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Performance Designed Products LLC
    Inventors: Steve Lavache, Richard Baxter, Thomas John Roberts
  • Patent number: 10143915
    Abstract: A multiple target electronic dart gaming machine includes multiple targets mounted on opposite sides of a game board of a target assembly that is housed in a cabinet of the gaming machine. A visual display video monitor provides players and observers with game scores and the like. The game board may be axially rotated between at least first and second positions so as to allow game play on the different targets which can be moved into and out of position to aid in gameplay such as deciding which player goes first. Additionally, the position of the game board may be detected through the use of a detector on or in the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Arachnid 360, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick G. Rice
  • Patent number: 10126102
    Abstract: An automatic scoring dart target device and a method of using the same are provided. The device includes a dart target, a plurality of image capturing units, a background-shield and a processor. The dart target is made of solid material on which darts are shot. The image capturing units and the dart target are disposed on the same surface. The image capturing units respectively capture a plurality of images at intersecting directions. The background shield is disposed relative to the image capturing units so that the image capturing units can generate the background information. The processor calculates the scores based on the background information and locations of the dart in a selection of two images among the plurality of images individually captured by the corresponding plurality of image capturing units. Thus, the scores of landed darts can be automatically calculated when using the conventional dart target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: NVTEK Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Chih Teng, Chin-Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 10112097
    Abstract: A batting tee system includes a housing, a ball holder for holding a ball, a neck coupled between the housing and the ball holder, an actuator, and a control system. The actuator may be positioned in the housing and operable to actuate the neck along the axis to extend and retract the neck from the housing thereby increasing and decreasing a distance between the ball holder and the housing. The control system may be operable to cause the actuator to actuate the neck to a first random position along the axis. The control system may be further operable to cause the actuator to actuate the neck to a second random position along the axis, different than the first, after a ball is hit from the ball holder when the neck is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Robosport Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Salvatore LoDuca, Michael R. LaLuna, Nicholas J. Derba
  • Patent number: 10107594
    Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical field of spotting scopes, particularly to an analysis method for automatically analyzing a shooting accuracy, which is applied to an electronic spotting scope. The analysis method includes the following steps: converting an optical image obtained by a spotting scope into an electronic image, extracting a target paper area from the electronic image, and performing pixel-level subtraction on the target paper area and an electronic reference target paper to detect points of impact, calculating a center point of each of the points of impact, and determining a shooting accuracy according to a deviation of the center point of each of the points of impact and a center point of the target paper area. The analysis method provided by the present invention is simple and intuitive, facilitates the interpretation of a result, and does not need a system with too much artificial intervention to replace an existing monotonous high-error spotting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Huntercraft Limited
    Inventors: Danyang Li, Ming Chen, Yayun Gong
  • Patent number: 10109158
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dart game device and a dart game method for providing a betting mode in a dart game, and a computer-readable medium, and provides a betting mode game method which accumulates credits paid by a player, and calculates and returns the credits. In addition, provided are a device for implementing the method and the computer-readable medium for implementing the method on a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Hong International Corp.
    Inventor: Sang Uk Hong
  • Patent number: 10092793
    Abstract: A system for capturing and analyzing a trajectory of a tennis ball or other object associated with a play of a game of tennis and providing feedback is described. The system may be designed to capture and analyze a trajectory of a tennis ball during various activities related to the play of a game of tennis. The system may be configured to provide immediate feedback that may be utilized by a player to improve their performance as well as provide entertainment value above and beyond what is normally associated with the play of a game of tennis. Further, the system may be operable for use in an area where tennis is normally played during normal playing activities, such as player playing a game or practicing on an outdoor tennis court. The system may be operable to account for factors associated with its ambient environment, such as wind, temperature and humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Pillar Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Marty, Thomas A. Edwards
  • Patent number: 10060713
    Abstract: The embodied invention is a method and equipment suitable for a shooting game with dynamic shot recognition and automatic scoring among multiple players firing at the same target. Each player's shot is scored based on a difference in the target's image from a prior image as viewed by a camera. The scoring target is aligned with the camera, and the output of the score change is displayed to the multiple shooters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventor: Rod Ghani
  • Patent number: 10004969
    Abstract: A bowling training apparatus and method of use that is operable to facilitate the identity of a bowling ball on a lane at a desired point. The bowling training apparatus specifically identifies a board number of a bowling lane that the bowling ball was located at a particular point and displays the board number to the user. The bowling training apparatus further includes a housing having a central processing unit disposed therein. A sensor assembly is secured to the housing wherein the sensor assembly is coupled to the housing utilizing a mount. The mount is configured to permit vertical adjustment of the sensor assembly. A ball position sensor is integrated into the sensor assembly. The housing further includes a display screen configured to display the board number location of a passing bowling ball. The bowling training apparatus further measures temperature, speed and relative humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Maxim Bulanov
  • Patent number: 9989337
    Abstract: A dart game system comprising a steel-tipped dart, a sisal dart board, at least one first mobile computing scoring device comprising a scoring interface, and a remote mobile computing device adapted to receive the scoring interface from the at least one scoring device for display of real-time dart game scores at a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: DartConnect LLC
    Inventor: David Macher
  • Patent number: 9891028
    Abstract: The embodied invention is a method and equipment suitable for a shooting game with dynamic shot recognition and automatic scoring among multiple players firing at the same target. Each player's shot is scored based on a difference in the target's image from a prior image as viewed by a camera. The scoring target is aligned with the camera, and the output of the score change is displayed to the multiple shooters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Rod Ghani
  • Patent number: 9764212
    Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a basketball net or flat net measures the translational kinetic energy of a ball that passes through an aperture in the net or impacts the net. The net includes one or more electrically conductive cords, which have a resistance that varies depending on the degree to which the cord is stretched. From sensor measurements, a processor determines: (a) instantaneous rate of change of resistance, and (b) duration of a time period that begins when resistance exceeds a baseline (with hysteresis). In the case of a basketball net, a processor may calculate the translational kinetic energy of the ball as equal to a sum of two terms. The first term is inversely proportional to the square of the duration; the second is proportional to the square of the integral of the instantaneous rate of change of resistance over the time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Victor Michael Bove, Jr., Jared Markowitz, Daniel Novy, Santiago Alfaro
  • Patent number: 9694268
    Abstract: A volleyball practice assembly includes a target unit that may be mounted to a support thereby facilitating the target unit to have a ball launched toward the target unit. The target unit registers when the ball strikes the target unit thereby facilitating the target unit to aid in accuracy training with respect to the ball. A control circuit is coupled to the target unit and the control circuit detects when the ball strikes the target unit. A remote unit is provided. The remote unit is in communication with the target unit such that the remote unit controls operational parameters of the target unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Jacob Vincent
  • Patent number: 9638495
    Abstract: A system and method advance human performance in sighting, tracking, recognizing, and reacting to (collectively “engaging”) moving and stationary objects, for example, advancing skill in engaging targets with a firearm. System components include software and hardware that provide target and non-target image stimuli that can be manually or automatically generated as stationary or moving stimuli on a grid pattern. The system includes a database including a plurality of training scenarios, each training scenario including a sequence of stimuli, the sequence of stimuli including targets for the trainee to engage; a display for the presentation of the sequence of stimuli; and a data processor generating the presentation of the sequence of stimuli on the display, providing an operator interface, and providing performance reporting. The sequence of stimuli can include a range of difficulty of engagement, for example, an increasing period, a plateau period, and a final period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Conflict Kinetics Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Stanley
  • Patent number: 9513091
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a rolling target device. In particular, the present invention relates to a target comprising two L-shaped halves that are selectively joined together via complimentary slots, wherein the complementary slots comprise reinforcing buttresses that provide stability and increased rigidity to the arms of each L-shaped half. The buttresses of each L-shaped half further comprise one or more channels which are configured to receive a securement strap, such as a zip tie. When the complementary slots of the L-shaped halves are fully joined together, the one or more channels on each respective half are aligned, thereby providing a single, annular channel through which the securement strap may be inserted and secured. The present invention further includes a rolling target device comprising a lightweight polymer material that is self-healing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel Roberts
  • Patent number: 9486700
    Abstract: Video games can be improved upon by combining traditional gameplay mechanics (e.g., a player's use of a controller) and live-action combat elements that may be measured and scored. For example, a player may fire projectiles at a target when prompted by a game, may have to dodge projectiles fired at the player as part of the game, may have to traverse the room to touch or move an object, and/or may have to strike a dummy or other object as instructed by the game. Such live-action combat aspects may be incorporated into a video game having otherwise traditional gameplay mechanics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Dean Schumacher
  • Patent number: 9440142
    Abstract: A blocking mechanism for a table-type amusement game, and a table-type amusement game equipped with a blocking mechanism. The blocking mechanism utilizes a series of blocking pins goes from a closed position, which blocks a playing piece from scoring to an upper open position, which permits the playing piece to score. The blocking mechanism may be manually or electrically operated. When the blocking mechanism is electrically operated, it may be activated by the insertion of a coin into a coin and/or bill acceptor of the type found on table-type amusement games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Mega Mania Diversons LLC
    Inventors: Donald C. Campion, Xiwen Jiang, Xi Qingyuan
  • Patent number: 9261353
    Abstract: A medical robot system and a method to control the medical robot system are used to detect position information of a surgical instrument in an incised region, thereby improving the safety of robotic surgery. A surgical instrument may be inserted in a through-hole of a trocar inserted into an incised region of a patient. The medical robotic system includes a surgical instrument position detection apparatus to detect position information of the surgical instrument in the through-hole of the trocar, when the surgical instrument is inserted into the through-hole. The medical robotic system further includes a console to control an operation of a surgical robot having the surgical instrument, based on the detected position information of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae Jun Sang, Kwang Kyu Lee, Woong Kwon, Kyung Shik Roh
  • Patent number: 9114312
    Abstract: A device for a toy gun is adapted for connection to the front end of the barrel of a toy gun. The device comprises a laser unit including a sighting means and a firing means, so that the firing accuracy of the toy gun can be increased. Also, the device can measure the speed of a projectile fired from the toy gun, the total number of projectiles that have been fired from the toy gun, so that a player can adjust the toy gun or replace the magazine of projectiles at an appropriate time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Guay Guay Trading Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yin-Hsi Liao
  • Patent number: 9072975
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic dart gaming apparatus using an Internet communication network and to a method for same, and more particularly, to an electronic dart gaming apparatus using an Internet communication network and to a method for same which notify of various contests and provide ways of directly participating in the contests using a plurality of electronic dart gaming apparatus uses connected through an Internet communication network without additional notification means such as a homepage or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: HONG INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sang Uk Hong
  • Publication number: 20150145212
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dart game system. The dart game system includes a dart game device, multiple external facilities, and a control unit configured to control the dart game device and the multiple external facilities. The dart game device includes a dart target having a plurality of point regions, a sensing unit configured to sense a hit to the dart target by a dart, a light source unit configured to output light, and a sound source unit configured to output sound. The multiple external facilities includes additional light source units configured to output additional light, and additional sound source units configured to output additional sound. The control unit is configured to control the light source units and the sound source units to output light or sound according to patterns, which depend on an occurrence of an event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Sang Uk HONG
  • Publication number: 20150145211
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dart game device interworking with at least one external device. The dart game device includes a dart target having a plurality of point regions, a sensing unit configured to sense a hit to the dart target by a dart, a light source unit configured to output light in a light pattern, a sound source unit configured to output sound in a sound pattern, and a communication unit configured to communicate with the external device and control the external device to output light in the light pattern or to output sound in the sound pattern. The light and sound patterns depend on an occurrence of an event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Sang Uk HONG
  • Publication number: 20150123346
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shooting target and method of using the target for electronically determining the shooting position on a shooting target. Said shooting position is determined in a number of ways, including by use of a plurality of accelerometers to determine the impact area and transmit data relating to the impact to a remote receiver for real-time presentation to the shooter. Said method enables the shooting position to be determined by means of relatively economical electronic systems and said shooting target is portable such that the shooter may bring the target to a plurality of firing ranges and locations to convey the same real-time reporting and benefits to the shooter. Said shooting target may be set-up on a standard target stand to wirelessly relay shot impact information to a portable personal computing device to present real-time virtual impact data to the shooter. This data can then be stored and categorized given user-selected inputs and shared with other shooters in an online forum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Gregory T Mason
  • Publication number: 20150084281
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a small arms training system. In exemplary embodiments, a training system includes a control system, shooter systems that can include a user interface, and a target system that collects projectile position information in relation to a target. In one embodiment, the systems are linked via a mesh radio network and are configured to process GPS information for rapid and accurate positioning of the shooter in relation to the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Kenneth V. Miller
  • Patent number: 8932157
    Abstract: Typical embodiments of the disclosed apparatus are: a traditional soccer ball; a game-play area that is confined within rebound-fences and pass walls; a vertical scoring standard that is configured to spin on a vertical axis when struck by a soccer ball. The identified apparatus may be used in a confined and multi-directional soccer game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Alan N. Wright
  • Patent number: 8925926
    Abstract: A game table system adapted used with a plurality of cups and at least one ball, comprising a table structure defining a game surface and a plurality of cup areas, a sensor associated with each of the cup areas; and at least one cup light associated with each of the cup areas. The at least cup light is energized to indicate locations of the cup areas. Each sensor is configured to detect when a cup is supported by the game surface on the cup area associated with that sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Phipps Custom Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Mark Alway
  • Publication number: 20140367918
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shooting target and method of using the target for electronically determining the shooting position on a shooting target. Said shooting position is determined in a number of ways, including by use of a plurality of accelerometers to determine the impact area and transmit data relating to the impact to a remote receiver for real-time presentation to the shooter. Said method enables the shooting position to be determined by means of relatively economical electronic systems and said shooting target is portable such that the shooter may bring the target to a plurality of firing ranges and locations to convey the same real-time reporting and benefits to the shooter. Said shooting target may be set-up on a standard target stand to wirelessly relay shot impact information to a portable personal computing device to present real-time virtual impact data to the shooter. This data can then be stored and categorized given user-selected inputs and shared with other shooters in an online forum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory T. Mason
  • Patent number: 8894068
    Abstract: A multiple target electronic dart gaming machine having shared electronic components. According to certain embodiments, the multiple targets are mounted on opposite sides of a game board of a target assembly that is housed in a cabinet of the gaming machine. The gaming machine may be floor-standing or wall mountable. Either affixed above the top of the target assembly, below the bottom of the target assembly, or both, is a visual display video monitor for providing players and observers with game scores and the like. The game board may be axially rotated between at least first and second positions so as to allow game play on the different targets. Additionally, the position of the game board may be detected through the use of a detector on or in the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: B.I.G. Three Sixty LLC
    Inventors: Patrick G. Rice, Matthew Samuel Malmberg, Richard F. Jones, Thomas P. Myers
  • Patent number: 8844933
    Abstract: A movable object for use in a system having means for determining whether the movable object passes a flat target plane of the system, the movable object having a plurality of sensor means, radio wave emitter means arranged in the movable object, and control means for controlling the operation of the radio wave emitter means, the control means being arranged to sample an electromagnetic field intensity measured by the sensor means and transmit data relating to the field intensity measured by the individual sensors by means of said radio wave emitter means, wherein the transmitted data allow for a unique identification of which of said plurality of sensor means measured the transmitted data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventor: Jorn Eskildsen
  • Publication number: 20140265132
    Abstract: An electronic gaming system for playing a game by a player includes an electronic dart board, a playfield on the electronic dart board, a screen associated with the electronic dart board and a controller. The playfield includes a bonus target, a first target, a second target and a third target. The bonus target is smaller than the first target, the second target, and the third target and is positioned between the first target, the second target and the third target. The screen is configured to display a representation of the playfield to alert the player of the status of the game. The controller is in communication with the playfield to send a signal to the playfield regarding the size and location of the first target, the second target and the third target. The controller is also in communicating with the screen regarding the status of the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Megatouch, LLC
    Inventor: William L. LAYNE, IV
  • Patent number: 8814642
    Abstract: Ball games apparatus for use by two or more players, comprises a playing wall with a plurality of targets arranged across at least one face of said playing wall, each target having a particular value associated therewith. In use, a player aims by kicking or throwing a ball or the like at the playing wall and scores points to the value of the target that is struck. The targets may correspond to balls of a conventional pool or snooker game, providing a similar scoring system to the table-based game but at the same time encouraging participation in physical activity. Added complexity is provided by means of ground markers randomly selected to denote which of a series of positions relative to the playing wall from which a player takes aim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Playinnovation Limited
    Inventor: Marco Boi
  • Patent number: 8807569
    Abstract: Provided is an illuminated toss game having at least one (1) game piece that is tossed into at least one (1) scoring hole located in a top surface of a playing platform. The toss game further includes a speaker and various lighting devices that are activated when a game piece is tossed through a scoring hole. To sense when a game piece passes through a scoring hole the toss game also includes a detector that emits an electrical signal that causes lights near the scoring hole to signal that a point has been scored. The toss game further includes an on-board battery, power and audio ON/OFF switches, and a controller that causes various lighting and sound effects to occur. Additionally, the game piece includes illumination lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Rodney G. Davis
  • Publication number: 20140183823
    Abstract: A flying disc target which includes a frame having a plurality of adjustable legs and a support member having a plurality of hinges, each leg coupled to a hinge of the support member and a target member detachably coupled to the frame, the target member having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the target member includes at least one pocket extending from the first surface toward the second surface, wherein the pocket is configured to receive and store a flying disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: James Richard Deming, Jeffrey Paul Faust
  • Patent number: 8764016
    Abstract: A target (1) for use with a projectile has a web (7) defining a target face and a back board (29). The target face is divided into multiple segments (3, 5). A cup (19) filled with a projectile-receptive insert material (27) is mounted for sliding within each segment. Each cup has one or more resilient cushions (35) between the cup and the back board. Each cushion has at least one electroconductive area. The back board has pairs of switch contacts (25), forming electrical switches. The projectile impacting a cup at the target face with sufficient force causes the cup to slide within the segment urging the electroconductive area of the one or more cushions to touch the switch contacts, resulting in closing of the switch defined by the switch contacts and signaling a hit to onboard electronic circuitry. The at least one cushions beneath that cup return the cup substantially to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Mark F Stewart
  • Publication number: 20140151965
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a scoring system for archery, which is capable of detecting the scores in an electronic manner, and it is suitable for evaluation and displaying the obtained data. The system according to the invention contains arrow catch (1), which is provided with detector unit (3) that detects the impact of arrow (2) and determines its position, and also contains a processing and evaluating unit (4) which is in wired or in wireless connection, and a display unit (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Mihaly Garas
  • Publication number: 20140151964
    Abstract: A game table system adapted used with a plurality of cups and at least one ball, comprising a table structure defining a game surface and a plurality of cup areas, a sensor associated with each of the cup areas; and at least one cup light associated with each of the cup areas. The at least cup light is energized to indicate locations of the cup areas. Each sensor is configured to detect when a cup is supported by the game surface on the cup area associated with that sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Alway
  • Patent number: 8727887
    Abstract: A method of enabling users to transfer virtual items based on their locations is disclosed. A presence of a player of a computer-implemented game at a location is detected. A presence of an additional player of the computer-implemented game at the location is detected. The player is enabled to transfer a virtual item to the additional player based on the detection of the presence of the player at the location and the detection of the presence of the additional player at the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Amitt Mahajan, Matthew Adam Ocko, Brian Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8702104
    Abstract: An amusement game or attraction for two or more participants features at least one target device arranged to provide an output in response to impact of a target member of said target device by a projectile launched by a first participant, an effect device arranged to be activated by the target device to produce a physical effect on at least one participant, and a blocking device operable by a second participant and comprising a blocking member movable relative to said target by input from the second participant to attempt to block the projectile from impacting the target member. The game or attraction offers an added level of interaction for the second participant compared to previous games where the second participant gas no active role, and just awaits the potential outcome of a target strike by the first participant. The effect device may be a unique electromagnetically controlled bucket dumping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Brian Legary, James Legary