Abstract: An electronic cribbage board is provided which replaces the traditional pegs by LED's which light up to indicate each player's score. A keyboard for entering each player's score is provided which has a key for every possible score obtainable during the play of a cribbage hand. The score is entered by depressing a single key. Two LED's for each player are illuminated at the same time to present a present score and a previous score.

Abstract: An electronic golf scoring system which includes a scoring subsystem installed for example in a golf cart or carried manually on the golf course; a handicap subsystem installed for example in a fixed location, e.g. in a clubhouse or the like; a portable data memory device that serves for transferring data between the scoring subsystem and the handicap subsystem; some interface or means for reading data into and out of the memory device connected to and being part of both the scoring subsystem and the handicap subsystem, wherein the data includes player identification data identifying each player preparing to play a round of golf and golf course pictorial data which serve to provide pictorial features of the chosen golf course, and other data as may be useful to the players.

Abstract: An apparatus arranged for securement to a chair member or alternatively as a mobile unit mounted on wheels, wherein the organization includes an indicator bulb selectively operated through a switch and a counter, whereupon an individual providing indication of "win" in a bingo game tuns on a switch to illuminate the associated bulb with the counter arranged for indicating which game is a "winning" game.

Abstract: A system for monitoring play of a golfer (24,26) comprises Location Information Transmitters (LIT) (52, 54, 56) at predetermined locations within a golf course and a Mobile Electronic Transmitter/Receiver (METAR) (48, 50) carried in association with a golfer (24,26) on a golf bag (30) or a golf cart (28).A METAR (48) transmits a METAR code to a LIT (54), which then transmits its LIT code and the received METAR code to a Tracking Center (22) display terminal. Golf course personnel can monitor the display terminal and determine play of golfers (24, 26), golf cart (28, 34) utilization and golf hole (10, 14) utilization. When the golfer (24) causes a slow play indication, the Tracking Center (22) is notified and the slow golfer (24) is asked to increase the rate of play or leave the golf course. The METAR (48) transmission may be begun in response to the METAR (48) receiving an LIT code periodically transmitted by an LIT (52, 54, 56) over a restricted transmission range (58, 60, 62).

Abstract: An electronic timing apparatus for determining precisely when vehicles pass over a particular line on a road, particularly a race track (20), has a series of separate loop antennas (26), arranged in closely adjacent relationship one to another across the width of the track. Each vehicle (81,82) is fitted with a transmitter (28) for transmitting a unique identifying signal which is received by a loop antenna as the vehicle passes over the line. The width (x) of the antenna loops relative to the width of the vehicles is such that only one transmitter (28) can pass over a particular loop at the one time whereby when two or more vehicles cross the line simultaneously, signals from the respective transmitters are received in different antennas. A respective receiver module (27) is connected to each antenna loop and processes the identifying signal which is then fed to a micro-controlled (43) which calculates the time at which the particular vehicle crossed the line.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the speed play of a golfer (24, 26) comprises Location Information Transmitters (LIT) (52, 54, 56) at predetermined locations within a golf course and a Mobile Electronic Transmitter/Receiver (METAR) (48, 50) carried in association with a golfer (24, 26) on a golf bag (30) or a golf cart (28). Each LIT (52, 54, 56) periodically transmits a LIT code over a restricted transmission range (58, 60, 62) such that when METAR (48) arrives within an LIT (54) transmission range (60), the METAR (48) receives the LIT code and subsequently initiates a counter to measure time required by the golfer (24) to move within transmission range (62) of a next LIT (56). If the counter exceeds a prescribed time, then a display on the METAR (48) indicates slow play.Additonally, the METAR (48) transmits the received LIT code and a METAR code to a Tracking Center (22) display terminal.

Abstract: An umpire's counter is provided with a housing having a top face and a bottom face. On the side of the housing between the faces, inputs for advancing a balls display, a strikes display, an outs display and an inning display are provided. A separate button is provided for clearing at least the strikes and balls display. A strap can be provided on the back of the umpire's counter which encircles the umpire's hand of encircles two of the umpire's fingers. The strap enables the umpire to make a "safe call" without dropping the counter. An audible output is provided for indicating when at least the balls or strikes displays have been advanced. Each of the inputs are provided in recesses with covers to prevent inadvertent actuation of the displays. A time, score or alarm set display is provided and buttons are provided for advancing the home and visitors score or advancing the hours and minutes during alarm setting.

Abstract: An assistance device for sports training of sports requiring rhythmic activity. Audible prompts are delivered to the user so that he or she knows when to engage in a certain activity of the sport, the primary example being that of the golf club stroke. A clock provides a sequence of pulse signals at a constant time interval, with the interval being adjustable by the user. Multiple sound generators selectably receive the clock signals and generate corresponding audible sounds. A timing sequence controller correlates the multiple sound generators for the training effect. A visual display is included to give the user rapid understanding of how the device is used.

Abstract: A tennis ball is provided with a radar signal reflecting element, so that during a tennis game a radar sends a signal to the tennis ball and receives a reflected signal which is compared by a computer with a stored position of a tennis court to determine a position of the tennis ball relative to the tennis court.

Abstract: A tournament system for electronic games in which scores achieved on the games are transmitted to one or a hierarchy of computers in which a winner is determined. At least one computer stores a player code associated with player credits. The players insert credit cards into the games which read the player codes, send the codes to a computer, obtain verification signals from the computer and are thereby enabled. The computer also stores handicap values associated with players and/or the games, and modifies the scores by the handicap values. The computer can also download advertising, winner or other messages to specific ones or all the games for display, and can cause the games played to be modified or changed.

Abstract: Optical system for detecting and signaling a ball out-of-bounds condition on a tennis court. An optical shape plane interfered by a tennis player disables an underlying optical timed plane. The timed plane discriminates between an interference caused by a player's foot or a tennis ball. The optical planes are produced by emitter and receptor sensor units which surround the tennis court. The sensor units may be configured around the tennis court in sets of units referred to as optical lattices. Each optical lattice provides intersecting light beams allowing for continuity in court coverage when a player disables a timed plane. An out-of-bounds ball is signalled by an audiovisual device.

Abstract: A portable validation unit for an electronic gaming system, particularly a BINGO system. The validation unit communicates through a serial data interface with a base station of the gaming system to receive a serial number defining a particular validation unit and corresponding employee, and further receives a validation code defining a particular gaming schedule. As the gaming schedule is played on electronic BINGO cards, wins of each game are validated by connecting a validation unit to an electronic card to ensure that the card has a matching validation code stored therein for the current gaming schedule and is indicating a winning sequence of called numbers. If there is no winning indication, then the validation unit sounds one of two audible tunes depending upon whether the validation codes match. In response to a matching validation code and win indication, the validation unit will sound another short recognizable audible tune indicating a win.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling the movement of a golf cart relative to a selected restricted area on a golf course, such as a green. A signal transmitter having a transmitting antenna is postioned in the vicinity of the selected restricted area. A transmission signal is produced from the transmitting antenna at the selected restricted area. A signal receiver having a receiving antenna is positioned on the golf cart for receiving the transmission signal when the golf cart moves into the vicinity of the transmitting antenna. An alarm on the golf cart is activated when the transmission signal received by the receiving antenna reaches a predetetermined level for indicating to an operator of the golf cart that the cart has moved into the restricted area on the golf course. The activation period of the first alarm is timed so that a second alarm on the golf cart can be activated after the expiration of a predetermined time period of activation of the first alarm.

Abstract: A golf information system which automatically provides golfers with reference position and distance information from a number of points on a particular golf course hole. In one embodiment, radio frequency identification tags would be positioned along a golf cart path, for example, buried underneath the path, and a reading system carried by the golf cart would output an interrogation signal which would activate the tags causing the tags to output a coded signal which would be received by the reading unit, which would retrieve information about that location from memory and output it to the golfer. The system can further be used to display advertising messages and to provide golf course management features such as monitoring cart usage and speed of play.

Abstract: A multifunctional basketball game monitoring unit capable of sensing shots attempted and shots made in normal play and shots attempted and shots made from a spot location and further adjusting the score for the time a player remains in the air when shooting from the spot location; the unit acting to calculate, store, and display total time in play, total score, total percent of baskets made of total baskets attempted and total score shooting from the spot location for each of two backboard hoop assemblies.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for determining projectile impact locations and, in a specific application, to determining a golfer's performance in using a particular club, such as a specific iron. The apparatus has an array of a plurality of vibration sensors distributed in a predetermined pattern in a target area, each of which generates a signal indicative of the sensing of vibration, a processor connected for receiving sensor signals generated and for processing received sensor signals for determining a location of projectile impact relative to the locations of sensors in the target area and for generating an electrical location signal, and a display connected with the processor for receiving the location signal and for displaying to an observer a representation of the location of projectile impact in the target area.

Abstract: A scoring system for sporting contests includes positioning an appropriate number of judges about the site of the contest and providing each with a signalling device which is connected to a display which superimposes the points awarded on a picture of the contest. The picture is generated by a television camera positioned so as to present a view of the contest comparable to that of each judge. The signalling device for each judge is also connected to a computer which records and totals the scores thus provided and produces a total score. Variations of the system provide differential scores for the contestants for each increment of the contest.

Abstract: A multifunctional basketball game monitoring unit that allows automatic scoring taking into account foul shots, and position sensitive shots and also allows scoring of shots missed with a programmable control processing unit allowing for a great variety of differing output statistics both to visual display and to a printer and also allowing a variety of audio choices as programmed or as entered on a keyboard to the controller.

Abstract: Timing and warning system for use on a track involving a plurality of vehicles (12,13,14) including a series of stationary transceivers (15) located at selected locations along the track (11) and a mobile transmitter (18) located in each vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting and for recognizing impacts by measuring changes in impedance. The device comprises a sensor (6) and an external electronic system (10) which permanently monitors the impedance of the sensor. After a learning period, the electronic system records the impedance of the apparatus at rest, after which, whenever the sensor is subjected to an external action (9), its impedance varies at a certain rate of change, thereby enabling the electronic system to detect the derivative of the rate of change of the impedance, or in a different application to detect the pure change in impedance, and transmit a signal to a user (16).

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for detecting pitches which are illegal in the game of slow pitch softball by virtue of their having exceeded a maximum allowable height of twelve feet in traveling from the pitcher's mound to home plate. Infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light is reflected from a ball reaching a height above the permitted maximum to a detector which is incorporated in a unit typically mounted on the backstop at the appropriate height. The light which is reflected may be natural light, or the light may be generated in and propagated from the backstop-mounted unit. In both cases, the impingement of the reflected light on the detector causes that component to output an electrical signal which is amplified and employed to drive a sound generator, thereby providing an audible warning that an illegal pitch has been thrown.

Abstract: An electronic card game scoring device which is used to eliminate tedious and error-prone mental calculations in scoring and recording games which provides graphic representations of symbols and characters pertinent to the type, status, and score of the game in play. The device provides pushbutton data input which allows a user to enter data into the control portion which processes the inputed data and transmits the output to data output devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCD's). The device also allows deletion of erroneously entered scores and the subsequent entering of data representing the correct score. An integral tone generator creates one of a plurality of predetermined tones or chords as determined by the control portion responsive to the type, status, and score of the game being played.

Abstract: An electronic monitoring apparatus for detecting and indicating contact and non-contact of an athlete's shoes with the ground has pressure sensitive means on each shoe on the bottom surface. The pressure sensitive means are connected to a signal generator in each shoe, producing signals indicative of contact or non-contact. The signal in one shoe is transmitted to the other shoe, where the signals are combined to actuate an indicator when both shoes are out of contact. The signal generators can also be arranged to produce signals indicative of a heel to toe sequence, in which case the pressure sensitive means on each shoe is divided into two zones, one at the heel and one adjacent the toe area.

Abstract: An electronic scoring device for use by two contestants playing Boss Dice. When a first contestant wins a Hand or Round, he/she pushes his switch and a hand or game light is illuminated on his side of the scorekeeper device to rotate the advantage. If the same contestant wins the second hand or game, the same switch is pushed and the numeral "1" appears on a display to note the winner of the first game (here two straight hands) and the circuitry causes the first hand or round light to go out. In the next case where both contestants have won one round each, both game lights will have been illuminated on the scorekeeper by each contestant having pushed his respective switch. The winner of the third and final round, pushes his switch, causes the digital display to advance one digit on his display and both round lights are extinguished.

Abstract: A race hazard condition alerting system includes a transmitter actuated by a flagman or other race official and a sufficient number of receiver units so that each race car will have a receiver unit. The transmitter transmits a coded signal, which can be received everywhere along the race course, to correspond to a red, yellow, or green flag condition. The receiver units, which are each self-contained with a built-in power supply, receive and decode the signal and then switch on green, yellow, or red lamps. This system provides the race competitors with substantially instantaneous alerting to any hazard condition on the track. In a preferred embodiment, a flash capability is included. The transmitter can also operate a trackside warning light system.

Abstract: A high-speed, portable computer interfaced, fluid-filled, foam-padded, heavy bag with local electronic force indicator is provided along with a mechanically-driven paper chart recorder with digital output, split screen video data recording system, and printer for automatic data analysis used to measure a fighter's individual, peak, and total applied force on a target. Such target is constructed so that the fighter feels both familiar and comfortable for each hit, each session, and for such fighter's entire training career spent practicing a bag connected in the system of the present invention. Such system is accurate enough to determine at which point a fighter'punching or kicking muscle groups undergo initial fatigue and subsequent tetanus, or tightening.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a strike at bowling alleys has a display board provided with a plurality of displays adapted to show a plurality of symbols thereon, a detector adapted to detect the occurrence of a strike, a microcomputer adapted to determine a several-digit number at random in accordance with an output from the detector, and a lighting circuit adapted to show numerals on the display board in accordance with numeric signals from the microcomputer. The microcomputer outputs random numeric signals successively to the lighting circuit with the microcomputer has received an output from the detector, to show numerals on the display board so that the numerals look as if they were rotated, and the outputting of the numeric signals to the lighting circuit is continued so as to show after the lapse of a predetermined period of time the determined numerals on the displays on the display board in order at predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: The presence of a golf ball is sensed upon a tee. After it is struck, its presence is sensed in a target cup. A Hole in One Alarm receives status information from the tee sensor and the cup sensor, and processes that information using logic and timing elements to determine that the sequence and timing conforms to a true "hole in one" event, then activating a signal. The logic and timing elements are coupled and set so as to reject deliberate attempts to defeat the Hole in One Alarm and other event sequences not consistent with a true "hole in one" event.

Abstract: A multifunctional basketball monitoring unit that allows visual display and print out of a total baskets made score and the percentage of total baskets made of total baskets attempted in free throw and goal shooting either under time pressure or with no time limitation.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for determining projectile impact locations and, in a specific application, to determining a golfer's performance in using a particular club, such as a specific iorn. The apparatus has an array of a plurality of vibration sensors distributed in a predetermined pattern in a target area, each of which generates a signal indicative of the sensing of vibration, a processor connected for receiving sensor signals generated and for processing received sensor signals for determining a location of projectile impact relative to the locations of sensors in the target area and for generating an electrical location signal, and a display connected with the processor for receiving the location signal and for displaying to an observer a representation of the location of projectile impact in the target area.

Abstract: Low intensity laser oscillators produce precisely located beams on each side of the net detected by laser receivers on the opposite end of the net along with appropriate electronics to monitor and announce each time that the served balls intercept the beams and cause the laser beams to not be detected by the appropriate receiver.

Abstract: An audio signal and a selected one of a plurality of sub-audio tones are transmitted to a plurality of receiving each being capable of being conditioned by first, second or third selected sub-audio tones so that either all receivers, or only a select group of all of the receivers or only an intended group are the receivers accept the transmitted audio signal, there being as many selectable second sub-audio signals as there are groups and as many selectable third sub-audio signals as there are receivers.

Abstract: A deadness board apparatus remotely displays the "dead" status of each player in the game of croquet with respect to each other's player or color. The system includes a "dead" scoreboard with colored panels for ball colors and a light in each panel. The "on" or "off" status of the colored panels indicates "dead" or "alive" status of a player with respect to each of the three other colors. The lights are controlled by relays which are in turn controlled remotely by radio signals from transmitters which can be carried by each player. Each transmitter may additionally include a control button for increasing the player's (or team's ) score when his ball is hit through a wicket.

Abstract: An electrically operated line monitor for tennis wherein different characteristics are used for rays which are projected from the same first position to the same second position. In one embodiment of the invention, to monitor the center line (104) on a tennis court, a master ray (111) is projected down the center line (104) and has different characteristics to two other rays (114, 117) projected on either side of the master ray (111) and over the service courts (108, 107) adjacent to the center line (104). In another form of the invention, a ray (128) which can be a master ray is projected just inside a critical line from a first position to a second position, a diverging ray (133) having the same characteristics as the master ray is projected from the second position to the first position and another diverging ray (135) having different characteristics to the two other rays is projected from the first position to the second position; this prevents interference due to careless setting-up.

Abstract: The optical line watchers continuously monitor the out areas along the court lines, selectively capture the images when the ball touches the watched areas, and convert optical information into electrical pulses of current, which properly selected and amplified, produce audio and video announcements.

Abstract: The data display instrument for a bicycle comprises an LCD field having an analog scale field to display the momentary travelling speed and an analog scale field to display the pedalling speed. The scale fields are automatically switchable to two measuring ranges. Furthermore, two digital numerical fields are provided in which a multiplicity of information concerning the riding situation can be displayed in dependence on the travelling speed. In addition to the momentary speed and the momentary pedalling speed which are displayed in the scale fields, the digital fields will during travel display the distance travelled since a last reset and the average speed. Immediately after the bicycle comes to a standstill, the digital fields will indicate the travelling time since the last reset and the maximum speed. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed during which the bicycle continues to remain immobile, the digital fields will indicate the total distance travelled and the wheel diameter.

Abstract: Systems for automatically determining whether a conductive, volant game device touches down in bounds or out of bounds on a playing surface. The system includes boundary line and out of bounds circuits which can be completed by the touchdown of the game device thereupon. A control unit processes the signal generated by each completed circuit and turns on a signal which is coded to indicate whether the device touched down in bounds or out of bounds. Associated circuits and control capabilities provide a signal when the game device touches the top of a net or other barrier in games in which that type of contact is significant.

Abstract: Timing system for use on a track involving a plurality of vehicles including a series of stationary transceivers located at selected locations along the track and a mobile transmitter located in each vehicle.

Abstract: An impact detection apparatus (10) includes a device that utilizes multiple sensor elements (11) to determine whether or not a ball lands in or out on a tennis court (12). The sensor positions (13-134) are adjacent to the various boundary lines of the tennis court (12). The sensor elements (11) are layered devices which, when compressed, generate an electrical impulse. The impulse is then analyzed through various signal processing means so that an impact caused a sensor (11) to be compressed may be characterized as being a ball, a footstep, or some other object. In this way, near-simultaneous impacts of a ball and a footstep can be distinguished. If the impact is characterized as a ball that has landed out, a control console (206) will give a visual and/or audible signal so that players, and officials if present, are informed that the ball was out.

Abstract: An electronic drag race starting signal unit includes a housing contained circuit provided with or energizing a series of race starting lamps. The race start indicator or Christmas Tree, which may be a series of LED's, are preferably three aligned amber or yellow lamps terminating in aligned relationship with a red lamp and a green lamp interposed betwen the red lamp and the adjacent yellow lamp. A manually held pushbutton switch, when closed, simulates a vehicle transmission brake and energizes the circuit to sequentially or simultaneously energize the yellow lamps followed by the green lamp which is the start signal. A counter in the circuit visually records the time lapse between the start signal and the release (opening) of the push-button switch by the operator which, if it is received before a predetermined time, energizes the red lamp as a disqualification.

Abstract: A system is provided that analyzes the output voltage caused by the impact of an object, particularly a tennis ball, relative to a boundry line. It combines sensors mounted on a tennis court's surface with computer graphics and data acquisition software that indicates to a tennis umpire, line judge or player that the ball or other object has struck a boundary line.

Abstract: A poker game used with a pool table. A plurality of balls, each ball marked with the face and suit of a card, corresponds to representations of the cards on a wall mounted scoreboard, the scoreboard carrying the same card markings for each player. A pushbutton under each card is manually operable to light up an individual indicated card when the corresponding ball is sunk on the pool table. A micro-processor is operable to determine the highest scoring "hand" of each player.

Abstract: An electronic athletic instrument which measures the differences in time in which shock waves (or vibrations), caused by a movable game element hitting the instrument, are detected by different sensors, located on the periphery of the surface. By means of predetermined open window time periods and possible delays, as well as effecting different dimensional zones, this instrument is able to provide for instructive feedbacks to different players with different skill levels.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the relative point of impact of an object in flight proximal a reference line on a surface. The reference line may be imaginary or it may be visually perceptible. In a preferred application, the reference line is the outer edge of a game court boundary stripe such as the service box stripe or the base line stripe on a tennis court. At least one plane of radiated energy, preferably light beams, is pre-positioned with respect to the reference line. Detectors, preferably photodetectors, provide data signals indicative of the relative elevation of the object at two successive points in time based on intersection of at least one plane of radiated energy by the object. A programmed microcomputer determines whether the point of surface impact is to one side or another of the reference line, or coincident with the reference line, based on the data signals. The microcomputer commands an annunciator to provide an audible or visual indication of the determination.

Abstract: Coding systems utilizing machine-readable coding are disclosed. The coding systems are extremely simple to use and preferred embodiments of the machine-readable coding require no external reference or reference code or starting point or orientation for reading or decoding. The number of usable codes for any given number of code elements (bits or digits) is maximized, or, conversely, a minimum number of code elements is required for a given application, thus allowing each code element to be of maximum size for a given coding area. Also, methods and apparatus for encoding objects, and for reading, decoding, processing and using the information obtained from such encoded objects are disclosed. The coding may be applied to objects such as casino chips, currency, automated production line components, consumer products, household items, zip coded objects, etc.

Abstract: A race condition alerting system includes a transmitter actuated by a flagman or other race official and a receiver unit in each race car. The transmitter transmits a pulse encoded signal repeatedly over about a ten second interval, with a digital code that corresponds, e.g., to a green flag or a yellow flag condition. The receiver units which are self contained receive and decode the signal and then switch on the appropriate indicator. To combat electrical engine noise, the receiver includes a noise gate and a pulse width decoder. A latching flip flop holds the appropriate indicator on until a different coded signal is transmitted. All of the race competitors receive the same visual indication substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A lap timing device for swimmers utilizes a proximity sensor to detect the completion of each lap a swimmer swims during a training session. The device, which is preferably portable and in the form of a starting block of standard AAU dimensions, is placed adjacent an edge of a swimming pool. The number of laps of the training session are input and the swimmer stands on the diving platform of the device. When the swimmer dives off of the platform, a switch starts a clock/counter in the device. The proximity sensor, preferably an ultrasonic transducer, detects the completion of each lap. When the predetermined number of laps is counted by the device, an alarm sounds, indicating to the swimmer the end of the training session, and the total swim time, average time per lap, fastest lap time and slowest lap time are displayed.

Abstract: A system for displaying the occurrence and magnitude of stride forces produced by a sport participant in a sporting event having a first portable housing placed on the legs of the participant for sensing the stride force and a second portable housing located elsewhere on the body of the participant for receiving the force signals from each portable sensor located on the legs of the participant and for storing that information or for transmitting it to a remote location.

Abstract: A pair of running shoes provided with a housing at the heel thereof, into one of which an electronic device is removably mounted. The electronic device comprises a normally open inertia switch for producing a footstrike count, an oscillator crystal for providing a stopwatch function, a sound generating device, a battery power source and a gate array for counting time and footstrikes. The electronic device together with a computer and a cable for enabling communication between the computer and the electronic device in the shoe form a computer shoe system for enabling accurate information to be obtained with respect to a period of usage of the shoes of one or more users as well as enabling a running log to be maintained.

Abstract: A sensor capable of being adapted to sporting protective gear for sensing forces or vibrations encountered by the protective gear. The device senses the forces and delivers a signal proportional to the sensed force into a circuit for determining the accumulative force encountered by the protective gear over a period of time. The determining circuit is capable of decrementing the accumulated force according to a predetermined source-time pattern in order to allow the user of the sporting protective gear to recover. The accumulated force is sensed and as decremented is suitably displayed.