Abstract: A split support ring having two halves joined by a hinge is mounted about a tree. A trolley is mounted on the support ring and movable horizontally in all positions over 360 angular degrees. A plurality of wheel assemblies are paced around the support ring and depend downwardly providing wheels angularly positionable into contact with the tree for supporting and moving the support ring vertically on the tree. A tension device in contact with the wheel assemblies causes the wheels to gain traction against the tree. A saw is mounted on the trolley, the saw engaged so as to move in mutually orthogonal directions for positioning the saw as needed in cutting into the tree and its branches or fronds.

Abstract: A method for engaging a player or a pair of players in a motion related game including the steps of attaching plural colored elements onto selected portions of the player(s) garments and processing a video stream of each of the players to separately identify the positions, velocities an accelerations of the several colored elements. The method further comprises generation of a combatant competitor image and moving the image in a manor to overcome the player. In a further approach, two players are recorded and their video images are presented one screens frontal to the other of the players. The same colored elements are used to enable computer calculations of fighting proficiency of the players.

Abstract: A method for engaging a player or a pair of players in a motion related game including the steps of attaching plural colored elements onto selected portions of the player(s) garments and processing a video stream of each of the players to separately identify the positions, velocities an accelerations of the several colored elements. The method further comprises generation of a combatant competitor image and moving the image in a manor to overcome the player. In a further approach, two players are recorded and their video images are presented one screens frontal to the other of the players. The same colored elements are used to enable computer calculations of fighting proficiency of the players.

Abstract: An interactive contact and simulation game apparatus in which a player and a three dimensional computer generated image interact in simulated physical contact. Alternately two players may interact through the apparatus of the invention. The game apparatus includes a computerized control means generating a simulated image or images of the players, and displaying the images on a large display means. A plurality of position sensing and impact generating means are secured to various locations on each of the player's bodies. The position sensing means relay information to the control means indicating the exact position of the player. This is accomplished by the display means generating a moving light signal, invisible to the player, but detected by the position sensing means and relayed to the control means. The control means then responds in real time to the player's position and movements by moving the image in a combat strategy.

Abstract: An orientation monitoring apparatus includes an inner spherical shell rigidly fixed within an outer spherical shell, and a spherical ball positioned between the two shells. The inner shell has a polar coordinate grid impressed on it so that the position of the ball relative to the grid is seen from above. An inertial platform is rotationally interfaced with the inner shell. This platform supports a video camera with a view of the grid and ball. As well, the platform supports a motor driven fly-wheel which keeps the platform in a desired horizontal attitude. The motor, camera and a computer are driven by a solar cell and storage battery also mounted onto the platform and which receives energy through the transparent shells. An optical recognition software driven by the computer, is used to automatically compute the movements of the ball relative to the grid so that rotational movements of the shells can be computed in three-space.