Abstract: User identity is verified using license keys issued during a pre-registration process. In one embodiment, members of a defined community communicate with other members of the community using uniquely identifying PKI keys. In one embodiment, the identity of a user is assured by having a system-level administrator issue license keys and pre-register the user. In one embodiment, during a pre-registration process, a setup server may be accessed to generate a private license key that will be used to secure and encrypt all communication from one user to another.

Abstract: A game apparatus and method can determine flight characteristics of an object propelled by a player from a launch site toward a backstop. The foregoing can operate with a launch detector located at the launch site for producing a launch signal in response to launching of the object. A backstop sensing arrangement may be employed at the backstop having at least one spaced pair of sensors for producing a pair of arrival signals in response to arrival of the object at the backstop. A processor may be employed, which is coupled to the launch detector and the backstop sensing arrangement. The processor can (a) determine the relative response times of the launch detector and the backstop sensing arrangement, and (b) produce a characteristic signal as a function of the relative arrival times of the pair of arrival signals.