Automatic scoring and performance measurement method and apparatus

Abstract

Method and corresponding apparatus for automated scoring, performance measurement/reporting and interactive entertainment and more particularly automated scoring for games, such as multiple basketball games and baseball, soccer, football, as well as other games with projectiles or other objects-of-interest. Generally players are automatically scored, their performance is measured and presented to them, entertainment devices are controlled and they are interactively entertained. One too many players can be entertained individually and/or as teams. Additionally, multiple games, of the same sport or different sports, can be played with this single method and apparatus. The method or apparatus may be utilized in conjunction with communication devices.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. provisional application bearing Ser. No. 60/922,644, filed on Apr. 10, 2007, and titled AUTOMATIC SCORING AND PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS; which provisional application is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to player interactive and automated: sports scoring, performance measurement, and player entertainment apparatus and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sports and game playing and training are popular pastimes for many people. Most sports and games playing and training focus on scoring and/or performance measurement/enhancement. For many games and practice sessions the players must manually keep the score or measure their performance (or the performance of others). Keeping score and/or quantifying their performance helps motivate players and enhance their skill development.

This score keeping and performance quantification is usually realized manually, possibly on paper, but usually “in their heads.” Manually keeping score and/or measuring performance while playing/training/coaching can lead to: inaccurate score and measurements; reductions in concentration on their play/training due to players concentrating on score/measures rather than play/training; player discomfort with their score or performance; discomfort with the person/device that is scoring and/or measuring performance; interference with their thoughts/actions; a lack of concentration in their play/performance; arguing with other players; as well as many other degradations in play/performance. Automated scoring and performance measurement is needed and desired to enhance the player(s) play/training/performance/entertainment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts, in a simplified and representative form, a diagram depicting basketball players playing a game and a scoreboard accessory that is keeping track and announcing the score as well as entertaining the players in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 depicts a player receiving interactive visual and/or audio feedback regarding their basketball performance from their backboard accessory and/or from remote multimedia device in the vicinity of their play;

FIG. 3 depicts, in a simplified and representative form, a diagram showing three backboards indicating three different games: a team-on-team or 1-on-1 game, a shooting percentage or number-made-and-missed game, and a “HORSE” shooting game, with all games having both visual and audio interaction with the player(s);

FIG. 4 depicts, in a simplified and representative form, a diagram similar to FIG. 3 showing a backboard with scoring and visual/audio interaction, but the audio is now highly personalized for the player(s) and tailored just for them, and includes local and remote multi-media players;

FIG. 5 depicts, in a simplified and representative form, a diagram of a player safely and easily deploying/recovering the scoring/performance device and attaching it to the backboard, rim, and/or net by raising/lowering it with a pole without a requirement for a chair or other things to climb for added height;

FIG. 6 illustrates in a simplified and representative form, the primary components of this method or apparatus and their interconnections;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary and simplified flow chart for a method embodiment that automatically scores, measures and/or tracks player performance for multiple games according to various embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary flow chart for a method embodiment that automatically scores, measures and/or tracks player performance for multiple games according to various embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates in a simplified and representative form, a block diagram of an apparatus that automatically scores, measures and/or tracks player performance for multiple games according to various embodiments;

FIG. 10 illustrates in a representative form, a block diagram of an apparatus that automatically scores, measures and/or tracks player performance for multiple games according to various embodiments;

FIG. 11 depicts a simplified physical embodiment suitable for practicing one or methods of automated scoring and performance measurement attaching to a basketball rim in accordance with various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 12 depicts a simplified physical embodiment suitable for practicing one or methods of automated scoring and performance measurement attaching to a basketball rim and attaching the sensing component to the basketball net in accordance with various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 13. illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a successful “made” shot sensing unit while stationary and while being activated with a successful “made” shot;

FIG. 14 depicts a simplified physical embodiment suitable for practicing one or methods of automated scoring and performance measurement attaching to a basketball rim with an alternative net attachment in accordance with various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment scoring/measurement/communicating/indicating unit with alternative sensor components and mountings more appropriate for thrown or kicked balls;

FIG. 16 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 15 being activated with a successful “made” strike of the “make” sensor;

FIG. 17 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 15 being activated with an unsuccessful “attempt/miss” strike of the “attempt/miss” sensor;

FIG. 18 depicts the algorithm and a listing of pseudo-code that may be utilized for measuring performance and entertaining the player(s) for tracking and indicating the performance of successful and unsuccessful attempts;

FIG. 19 depicts the algorithm and a listing of pseudo-code that may be utilized for configuring and automatically scoring a basketball shooting game, commonly known as HORSE, for a selectable number of players, and for entertaining those players;

FIG. 20 depicts the algorithm and a listing of pseudo-code that may be utilized for configuring and automatically scoring a competitive basketball game between two (or more) players, commonly known as one-on-one, (or team-on-team) but played with a timer such that a player/team is awarded points based upon their scoring, and, alternatively, how rapidly they score, termed timed-head-to-head game;

FIG. 21 illustrates exemplary embodiments and components for tailoring the multimedia response(s) to players utilizing the scoring/measurement/communicating/indicating unit, including configuration of content for play in that unit as well as play on a remote multimedia device(s);

FIG. 22 illustrates exemplary embodiments and components for tracking the multiple dimensions of time playing, scoring, and/or performance quantification of the player(s) across time, at one or more playing station(s), and/or within a game, practice and/or tournament, consolidating the scoring and/or performance measurement across these dimensions;

FIG. 23 demonstrates one embodiment of the scoring/measurement/communicating/indicating unit, appropriate for basketball play, that can be safely and easily mounted to a basketball rim and net;

FIG. 24 demonstrates one embodiment of the scoring/measurement/communicating/indicating unit, appropriate for basketball play, and according to FIG. 24 that is safely and easily attached to a basketball rim and net; and

FIG. 25 demonstrates a zoom-in of the details of one embodiment of the scoring/measurement/communicating/indicating unit, appropriate for basketball play, and safely and easily attached to a basketball rim and net.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention relates in general to player interactive and automated: sports scoring, performance measurement, and player entertainment apparatus and methods, and more specifically to automated basketball scoring, performance measurement, multiple game play and audio entertainment both directly and via remote control.

Sports and game playing and training are popular pastimes for many people. Most sports and games playing and training focus on scoring and/or performance measurement/enhancement. For many games and practice sessions the players must manually keep the score or measure their performance (or the performance of others). Keeping score and/or quantifying their performance helps motivate players and enhance their skill development. This score keeping and performance quantification is usually realized manually, possibly on paper, but usually “in their heads.” Manually keeping score and/or measuring performance while playing/training/coaching can lead to: inaccurate score and measurements; reductions in concentration on their play/training due to players concentrating on score/measures rather than play/training; player discomfort with their score or performance; discomfort with the person/device that is scoring and/or measuring performance; interference with their thoughts/actions; a lack of concentration in their play/performance; arguing with other players; as well as many other degradations in play/performance. Automated scoring and performance measurement is needed and desired to enhance the player(s) play/training/performance/entertainment.

Scoring aids, counters, electronic scoreboards, wireless displays, manual “click” counters, timed and wireless pitching machines, and many other automated scoring and performance measurement devices exist to assist players in keeping score and measuring performance. The limitations of some of these devices is that they do not sufficiently solve the automated scoring and/or performance measurement problem. Some devices only sense the score of one particular game and do not work for a range of games or a range of performance measurement. For both experienced players and new players, games and/or training can get boring or unproductive unless a diversity of games and/or training are practiced. Therefore, multiple play/training modes are highly desirable as well for purposes of diversity. Players desire scoring/measurement devices that offer multiple play/training alternatives/options.

Another problem with existing devices is that they either focus on scoring for a game between two teams or on the individual performance of a single player. It is desirable for a single device to provided automated scoring, performance measurement/reporting, and interaction with local and/or remote multimedia devices for both individuals as well as multiple individual players, as well as teams that range in size from 1 up to 5. It is desirable to provide interaction and entertainment to individuals as well as teams so that the same device can be used regardless of the number of players that are currently available to play; the device will always support play/practice regardless of the number of players available.

Many players/trainers desire to be entertained while they play or practice. The primary form of desired entertainment is music; some other audio is listened to by players. Unfortunately, the music is not related to the play or performance of the player(s) or the score of a game. Interactive entertainment is a desirable feature of an automated scoring and/or performance measuring device.

Other scoring and/or training aids are bulky, difficult to install/utilize, interfere with the game/practice, require inconvenient maintenance, require constant transport, are not robust to play/training, and/or are expensive to the player to purchase and/or maintain. Other score/performance measuring devices require players to wear or have devices attached to them. Most players do not want to wear devices or have devices attached to them, regardless of size. Other devices have the potential for danger and could lead directly or indirectly to injury and are not considered safe under all conditions. Potentially unsafe scoring/measurement devices are undesirable. Players desire easy-to-use, easy-to-configure/emplace, easy-to-maintain, non-interfering, as-small-as-possible, low cost, safe scoring/training devices.

Other performance devices do not add significant play, performance and/or training value. Players desire scoring and/or performance measurement/enhancement devices that entertain with interactions that extend beyond the game/training, but are interactive with the game/training. Playing music while training is a common practice with players. It is desirable to have the music and other audio interact with the player's performance or scoring while they are playing. Other remote entertainment or recording devices can interact with the player's performance via remote control of the scoring/measuring device. Remote control of remote entertainment, recording or other external devices is desirable.

Another problem with existing scoring devices is that they cannot be scaled from individual play to automatically tracking the performance across an entire gym, set of gyms, or a playground. Coaches and tournament operators desire automated scoring and performance measurement that can be automatically logged across many players and multiple, simultaneous play areas (courts in basketball). Local logging and/or wired or wireless communications can enable local automated scoring devices to be utilized throughout multiple play areas and across many players and/or teams.

Clearly existing approaches for providing automated scoring, performance measurement/reporting and/or player interaction and entertainment do not provide satisfactory solutions to the above noted, among many other, problems and/or player desires.

In overview, the present disclosure concerns automated scoring, performance and entertainment apparatus and methods and more particularly automated scoring for multiple games, such as multiple basketball games and baseball, soccer, football, as well as other games with projectiles or other objects-of-interest. Generally players are automatically scored, their performance is measured and presented to them, and they are interactively entertained. Additionally, multiple games, of the same sport or different sports, can be played with this single method and apparatus. These automated scoring, performance measurement/presentation, and entertainment concepts and principles are disclosed, subsequently discussed, and are currently practiced.

For example, when the player(s) play(s) a particular sport, such as basketball, they may desire to play a variety of games in that sport. They may further desire to track their score, shooting performance, passing proficiency and/or timing. Players may wish to play alone, in a side-by-side competition with one or more other players, in one-on-one direct competition, in a “round robin” or one-on-many, or in team play (either competitively or to practice or enhance performance). The single scoring, performance measurement/tracking method and apparatus should be flexible and adaptable so as to support a diversity of games as well as diversity in number of players.

Referring to FIG. 1, a simplified and representative diagram depicting automated scoring, performance measurement and entertainment for two players playing basketball with a backboard in the background. FIG. 1 shows one situation, e.g., a basketball where players desire automated scoring as well as external and/or interactive entertainment. Players 101 are competing in a game of basketball. In the background the basketball backboard 102 has the current scores of the two players (or their respective teams) posted on it. The problem is to create the functionality that automatically detects and tracks the scoring, and presents it to the players or other observers (friends, coaches, parents, etc.) in a safe, easy-to-use, acceptable cost, highly robust, highly reliable, and highly entertaining set of methods and apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 1, a simplified and representative diagram depicting a method and apparatus 100 for automatically scoring and/or quantifying performance of play and then indicating that score and/or performance to the players 101, as well as entertaining them with performance-responsive, interactive multimedia 107, 109, 110. Players desire to be aware of the score and/or the quantification of their performance. The method and apparatus 100 for automatically scoring and/or quantifying performance of play can be attached to any component of the basketball system: the rim 103, the net 104, or the rim bracket 105 are options. The method and apparatus 100 for automatically scoring and/or quantifying performance of play requires access to the net 104 when the ball 106 passes through the net 104, and FIG. 1 depicts a ball passing-through-net sensor 108 that is a dual lever.

Referring to FIG. 2, a simplified and representative diagram depicting automated scoring, performance measurement and entertainment for the player(s) playing basketball. The player 200 shoots the ball 201 attempting to successfully make a basket/score by causing the ball 201 to pass down through the rim 202 and the net 203. The rim 202 and the net 203 are attached to a support and backboard 204 which support the rim and net. In FIG. 2 the automated scoring, performance measurement and entertainment device 205-206 is attached to any combination of the pole/backboard/rim/net. A performance feature of this device 205-206 is indicated by the audio 207 announcing the player(s) score/performance/entertainment. The interactive multimedia can be provided from a combination of the device itself 205 or auxiliary/remote devices as represented by the stereo 209 and the score/performance display 208. These remote multimedia devices can include many other devices as well and can interact with other automated scoring, performance measurement and entertainment devices to consolidate performance/scores and/or score a game that spans a large area such as a basketball court or gym.

Referring to FIG. 3, a simplified and representative diagram depicting the variety of games and game modes that can be incorporated within an automated scoring, performance measurement and entertainment apparatus. FIG. 3 shows examples providing multiple games and game modes, with the first example, backboard 300 featuring player-on-player scoring. The player-on-player scoring game automatically tracks a score 302 for Player 1 303 and a score 301 for Player 2 304. This player-on-player automated scoring game example also features audio from speakers 305 that represent audio sources or other forms of audio-visual entertainment that can interact with the players' scoring and/or performance. FIG. 3 shows another example of an automated shooting percentage game on backboard 310. The automated shooting percentage game tracks successful or “made” shots 312-313 as well as shot attempts 311 and 314. The combination of shot attempts and shots “made” also provides that the number of missed shots can be calculated and presented to the user as an option. This shooting percentage automated scoring game example also displays speakers 315 to represent audio sources or other forms of audio-visual entertainment that can interact with the players' scoring and/or performance. FIG. 3 further shows an example of a third game on backboard 320, a competitive shooting game commonly and popularly termed “HORSE”. In the game of HORSE a player shoots; if they make their shot, then the next player must attempt that same shot from the same location. If that player misses, then they are given a letter in the word HORSE. If they make the shot, then the next player must also make that shot. There exist many variations to this popular game with varying rules, but the “follow-my-successful shot” concept is the essence of the game. The automated HORSE scoring game automatically tracks the scores 321-322 for up to five players in this example, including Player 1 323 and Player 2 324. This HORSE automated scoring game example also displays a speaker 325 to represent audio sources or other forms of audio-visual entertainment that can interact with the players' scoring and/or performance.

Referring to FIG. 4, another simplified and representative diagram showing another example of an automated scoring game on backboard 400 with two scores 401-402. Again speakers 403 represent the audio-visual interactions. FIG. 4 further represents the incorporation of remote control of remote devices 405 that interact and/or respond to the automatically generated score and/or performance to provide audio-visual entertainment 406 to the player(s) or remote scoring or performance logging.

Referring to FIG. 5, a simplified and representative diagram depicting an option for a player 500 to deploy and recover the automated scoring, performance measurement and entertainment device 502. This method of device deployment/recovery eliminates the requirements for a ladder or other methods to vertically emplace the device. FIG. 5 shows one situation, e.g., a basketball player 500 without a ladder desiring automated scoring/measurement/entertainment as well as external and/or interactive entertainment. Player 500 holds a shaft/pole/support 501 that has the device 502 attached to the other end. The player then lifts the device to attach its components to any combination of the net 503, rim 504, and/or backboard 505. For recovery of the device 502 the player 500 raises their pole 501 to attach to the components of the device and safely lower them for recovery

Referring to FIG. 6, a circular flow chart of a method of automatically scoring, measuring performance and/or entertaining during play will be discussed and described. The method of FIG. 6 and similar methods can be practiced using the apparatus of FIG. 1 as well as other apparatus similarly configured and arranged. The method begins at the player(s) 600 who receives indications 608 related to their play performance and direct their primary object-of-play, a ball 601, in this example. The ball 601 is sensed by the sensors and/or switches 602 to provide inputs 605 that can be used in computations and operations 606 by the processor 603. The processor 603 further generates indicator signals 607 and sends them to transducers 604 for transduction into a form of energy that indicates 608 score/performance/entertainment to the player(s) 600 or remote devices 608.

Referring to FIG. 7, a linear flow chart of a method of automatically scoring, measuring performance and/or entertaining during play will be discussed and described. The method of FIG. 7 and similar methods can be practiced using the apparatus of FIG. 1 as well as other apparatus similarly configured and arranged. The method begins at START 700 which representatively corresponds to the beginning of a game. The first component of the flow is to SENSE 701 a player action of either attempting to score or actually scoring; or a success in another way, such as jumping up and sufficiently slapping the apparatus. Next, the sensed output is processed by a COMPUTE component 702 that transforms the sensed inputs into the score, performance measurement and/or remote control signals controls. Then the computed outputs are transformed by a GENERATE component 703 into signals and/or controls that can be transduced with the intent of direct and/or indirect interaction with the player. These signals/controls are transduced by the INDICATE component 704 into observable phenomenon that either directly or indirectly lead to player interaction. Finally, this method ENDs 705.

Referring to FIG. 8, a branching or decision flow chart of a method of automatically scoring, measuring performance and/or entertaining during play will be discussed and described. The method of FIG. 8 and similar methods can be practiced using the apparatus of FIG. 1 as well as other apparatus similarly configured and arranged. The method starts 800 and is waiting to be initiated by a Sensed Event 801 which causes the method to Wake up 802 and initiate the Game Selection and Configuration 803 component. The player selects and configures the desired game that they want automatically scored/measured/entertained. The Start Selected Game component 804 allocates, configures, resets and initiates memory and points the processor at the correct game algorithm to execute. When the game is started then the method might provide indications to the user for directions, timing and/or player selection, as well as indications of the players' score, performance and/or interactive entertainment. Then this automated scoring/measuring/entertaining method waits for a Sensed Event 805. The sensed event is received by the processor and utilized by the Is this a Make/Success? component 806. This decision process results in a Yes or No and either an Update for Make 807 or an Update for Miss/Attempt 808 is executed. The Update components are respectively followed by Generate Observables 809-810 components that create the signals and/or controls that are transduced by the Choose Transducer component 811 that selects the appropriate interactive devices to deliver a indication to the player through the various representative indicator mechanisms featured in FIG. 8 as: Update Visual Display 812, Transmit Remote Control Signals 813, Amplify; Transmit Speaker 814, that is additionally controlled by the Volume Control component 815.

Referring to FIG. 9, a simplified and representative component block diagram of an apparatus for automatically scoring/measuring/entertaining players in a game according to various embodiments will be discussed and described. The FIG. 9 depicts one embodiment of an apparatus that provides or enables automatic game scoring/measuring/entertainment. The apparatus of FIG. 9 is arranged and constructed for automatically scoring/measuring/entertaining player(s) in a game. Generally, the apparatus includes an input section 900-902 that is configured to sense the important status of a game-object-of-interest, such as a basketball going through the net or hitting the rim and missing; a computing and generating section realized as a controller/processor 903-904 configured to score/measure/specify entertainment and generate appropriate signals for indication/transduction for player observation; and an indicating section 905-909 that transduce the generated player observable signals/controls for player or remote system consumption. Any or all of the indicating components may be selected or utilized by the controller/processor for various player interactions.

In the FIG. 10 embodiment of the apparatus for automatically delivering player scoring/measurement/entertainment, the sense section 1000-1002 consists of switches which provide the status and control of the game's object-of-interest. The Power switch 1000 can be used to reset the apparatus or the game; the Attempt/Miss switch 1001 senses the presence of the object-of-interest, e.g., the basketball, while the Make switch 1002 senses any successful attempts or makes. A processor or computing unit 1003 receives the sensed signals 1000-1002 and calculates updated score(s)/performance measure(s) and controls interactive/remote entertainment. The processor can utilize memory in the form of ROM and RAM 1005 for both processing functions as well as storage of information/statuses. The updated information and controls are utilized to generate indicators for consumption by the player(s). The generated indications are transduced by a variety of transduction devices 1006-1011 to inform and entertain the player(s) as well as users associated with the players, e.g., parents and/or coaches. The control signals can be further generated to operate and control remote devices such as the stereo 1012.

Referring to FIG. 11, a simplified physical embodiment suitable for practicing one or more methods in accordance with various exemplary embodiments will be described. FIG. 11 displays a particularly detailed embodiment. The sensing, computing, generating and indicating components are efficiently realized in this embodiment that is particularly suited for the game of basketball. Some of these components are not visible externally, but FIG. 11 also depicts an internal view of this particular embodiment 1110. The sensor components 1113-1114; the computation and generation component 1112; and the indicator components 1103-1105 and 1108 are all represented. These components are intercoupled as shown and may be either wholly and/or individually integrated with, for example a communications device or stand alone apparatus or component. They are collectively arranged to provide an automated scoring/performance measuring/entertainment capability or the like.

Referring to FIG. 11, one embodiment of the scoring/performance measuring/entertaining apparatus is depicted. The externals of this embodiment 1100 comprise the assembly case 1101 with magnets or hook/loop material 1102 attached to the top of this case; the speaker 1103 for transducing sounds; the visual display 1104 for presenting information visually; a wireless or wired communications link 1105 for remote control functions; a connection to the “Make” sensor/switch 1106 and the “Make” sensor/switch assembly 1107. The remote audio-visual device 1108 provides further entertainment and is remotely controlled by the scoring/performance measuring/entertaining apparatus.

Referring further to FIG. 11, the internal components of one embodiment of the scoring/performance measuring/entertaining apparatus is depicted. The internal components of this embodiment 1110 comprise the power source 1111; the processor unit and associated electronics 1112; the “Attempt” sensor/switch 1113; and the “Make” switch 1114 within the “Make” sensors/switch assembly. The remote audio-visual device 1108 provides further entertainment and is remotely controlled by the automated scoring/performance measuring/entertaining apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 12, a simplified physical embodiment suitable for practicing one or more methods in accordance with various exemplary embodiments will be described. FIG. 12 displays a particularly detailed embodiment for the game of basketball. A basketball rim and bracket 1200, the automated scoring/performance measuring/entertaining apparatus 1201, a net-supported “Make” sensor/switch 1202 that will be placed within the basketball net 1203 are intercoupled as shown and may be either wholly and/or individually integrated with, for example communications devices, audio-visual devices, or stand alone apparatus or component. They are collectively arranged to provide a basketball automated scoring/performance measuring/entertaining apparatus to thereby facilitate player utility or entertainment or the like. As depicted in 1210 the “Make” sensor/switch 1211 is placed within the basketball net 1212 and supported.

Referring to FIG. 13, a simplified physical embodiment suitable for practicing one or more methods in accordance with various exemplary embodiments for sensing successful attempts will be described. FIG. 13 displays a particular embodiment for sensing an object-of-interest, e.g., a basketball, as it passes by the goal. This particular embodiment has the additional feature that it should not activate despite vertical motion of the entire assembly.

The “Make” sensor/switch assembly comprises a lever switch 1300 and torque transfer arms 1301. This assembly is intended to be hung or supported at a point close to the lever switch 1300. If no object-of-interest is passing through the goal, then the switch does not activate. Additionally, if the entire assembly is accelerated vertically, the switch should not activate. However, when the object-of-interest, e.g., a basketball, 1312 passes through the goal, the torque transfer arms 1311 are accelerated downward. Assuming that the assembly is supported near the lever switch 1310, then the lever switch will be rotationally accelerated in a clockwise direction. If the arm of the lever switch is weighted 1314, then the rotational acceleration of the switch 1310 and the inertia of the weight 1314 will cause the switch to activate, indicating a success, goal, score and/or “Make.”

Referring to FIG. 14, a simplified physical embodiment suitable for practicing one or more methods in accordance with various exemplary embodiments will be described. FIG. 14 displays an alternative embodiment for the “Make” sensor/switch 1400-1401. The “Make” sensor/switch 1400 is displayed hanging from the housing assembly while the “Make” sensor/switch 1401 is displayed handing from the net. This is a clip attachment to the net as an alternative to the hang attachment described in FIG. 12. This embodiment may be preferred for ease of emplacement or for enhanced safety.

Referring to FIG. 15, a simplified physical embodiment suitable for practicing one or more methods in accordance with various exemplary embodiments for sensing successful and unsuccessful attempts will be described. FIG. 15 displays a particular embodiment for sensing an object-of-interest, e.g., a baseball, as it impacts a location on the goal. The sensor/switch assembly 1500 comprises a lever switch 1501, an accelerometer-like switch 1502, a paddle impact target 1503, and an “Attempt” sensor/switch assembly 1504. This apparatus can further be utilized in basketball for jumping practice where the player must slap the paddle for a success or as a target for passing/scoring in football, basketball, soccer or similar object-of-interest centered games.

Referring to FIG. 16, a simplified physical embodiment suitable for practicing one or more methods in accordance with various exemplary embodiments for sensing successful and unsuccessful attempts will be described. FIG. 16 displays a particular embodiment for sensing an object-of-interest, e.g., a baseball, 1601 as it impacts a location on the goal. The sensor/switch assembly 1600 comprises a lever switch 1603 and a paddle impact target 1602. This apparatus senses/activates/switches when the ball 1601 impacts the paddle target 1602 and activates the lever switch 1603. Note that the accelerometer-like switch may or may not have activated during this successful event.

Referring to FIG. 17, a simplified physical embodiment suitable for practicing one or more methods in accordance with various exemplary embodiments for sensing “Attempts” will be described. FIG. 17 displays a particular embodiment for sensing an object-of-interest, e.g., a baseball, 1701 misses the paddle target goal and impacts the unsuccessful portion of the goal assembly 1702. Due to the vibration of the unsuccessful portion of the goal, the accelerometer-like sensor/switch 1703 activates to indicate an “Attempt.”

Referring to FIG. 18, a listing of Pseudo-code that may be utilized by the FIG. 12 embodiment to implement the method of FIG. 7 is shown. The Pseudo-code listing is self explanatory to those of ordinary skill. This particular Pseudo-code implements the game of sensing and indicating the number of attempts, successes, misses, and/or percentage success or miss. This code can be utilized automated scoring/performance measurement/entertainment for a wide variety of games.

Referring to FIG. 19, a listing of Pseudo-code that may be utilized by the FIG. 12 embodiment to implement the method of FIG. 7 is shown. The Pseudo-code listing is self explanatory to those of ordinary skill. This particular Pseudo-code implements the game of basketball HORSE; however, it is generally just a “follow-the-successful-attempt-or-get-a-letter game” and can be utilized by players of many sports. This code can be utilized automated scoring/performance measurement/entertainment for a wide variety of games.

Referring to FIG. 20, a listing of Pseudo-code that may be utilized by the FIG. 12 embodiment to implement the method of FIG. 7 is shown. The Pseudo-code listing is self explanatory to those of ordinary skill. This particular Pseudo-code implements the game of basketball Timed-Head-to-Head Scoring; however, it is generally just a “each player gets a chance to score/succeed, but more points are awarded for faster scores/successes game” and can be utilized by players of many sports. This code can be utilized automated scoring/performance measurement/entertainment for a wide variety of games.

Referring to FIG. 21, a simplified physical embodiment suitable for practicing one or more methods in accordance with various exemplary embodiments for remote monitoring 2100 of the automated scoring/performance measurement/entertainment device(s) 2101. Parents, coaches or other observers may utilize remote resources 2102-2107 to collect, monitor, document and consolidate the performance or entertainment/motivation level of players. The automated scoring/performance measurement/entertainment device(s) 2101 can transmit the scoring/performance information or the device's me can be accessed manually or remotely with other devices such as a mobile memory unit 2105. This collected and/or consolidated information can be utilized for enhancing performance, motivation, coaching and other sports-related enhancements.

Referring to FIG. 22, a simplified physical embodiment suitable for practicing one or more methods in accordance with various exemplary embodiments for remote monitoring 2200 of the multiple automated scoring/performance measurement/entertainment devices 2201-2203. Scorers, announcers, parents, coaches or other observers may utilize remote resources 2210 to collect, monitor, document and consolidate the performance or entertainment/motivation level of multiple teams and/or players. The automated scoring/performance measurement/entertainment devices represented by 2201-2203 can transmit the scoring/performance information or the device's me can be accessed manually or remotely with other devices 2210. This collected and/or consolidated information can be utilized for enhancing scoring, announcing, performance, motivation, coaching and other sports-reporting or sports-related enhancements.

FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an automated scoring/performance measurement/entertainment unit 2300. The “Make” sensor/switch assembly 2301 comprises a lever switch 2302 with a weight 2303 on the end of the lever and two torque transfer arms 2304 which are struck by the object-of-interest when a successful attempt is achieved. A wire 2305 connects the “Make” sensor/switch to the computational unit or processor circuitry 2306. The computational unit or processor further generates audio-visual and/or remote control indicators for the player(s). The first indicator in this embodiment is a speaker 2307 that plays audio that is generated by the processor. The second indicator in this embodiment is the remote controller 2308 that transmits infrared remote control codes that are generated by the processor. These remote control signals can operate and/or activate remote audio-visual or other entertainment/interaction devices. Additionally, the remote signals can be collected, logged, cataloged, consolidated and utilized by a parent, coach, the player(s) or others to monitor and enhance their play.

FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a deployed automated scoring/performance measurement/entertainment unit 2400. This unit of FIG. 24 is deployed for basketball play. The unit 2400 easily and safely mounts on a combination of the basketball rim and net. The computational unit or processor component 2401 and the remote control transmitter component 2402 are attached to the rim via magnet(s) and/or hook/loop materials. The “Make” sensor/switch assembly 2403 is securely and safely attached to the net with the torque transfer arms extending into the middle of net so that the ball passing through the net must contact at least one of them. Due to an interrupt driven processor, this unit can be emplaced and remain operational for extended periods of time.

FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary embodiment and detailed view of a deployed automated scoring/performance measurement/entertainment unit 2500. This unit of FIG. 25 is deployed for basketball play. The unit 2500 easily and safely mounts on a combination of the basketball rim and net. This unit can be very small and lightweight, with the majority of its weight derived from its energy source, e.g., batteries. Even if the processor/speaker/remote control component 2502 disengages from the rim 2501, this assembly will be supported by the “Make” sensor/switch assembly that is securely attached to the net and connected together with a sufficiently strong wire. This design assures safety along with functionality and performance.

From above, various methods and apparatus for automatically assessing or measuring and indicating scoring and performance have been shown. These include a method of automatically measuring and indicating scoring or performance to a player or set of players, where the method includes sensing a success, attempt or failure; computing the score or performance; generating indication(s) of score or performance for the player(s) or remote observer(s); and indicating the score or performance to the player(s) or other observers. The automatically measuring and indicating scoring or performance can comprise players corresponding to sport or game participation. The player may interactively control remote entertainment devices producing any form of media entertainment for the player, including audio, video, displays, and other media that the player may find entertaining.

Sensing a success, attempt or failure corresponding to sport or game participation can further comprise sensing the path or impact of a ball, puck, projectile, hand or other object-of-play. Sensing the path or impact of the object-of-play can further comprise determining whether ball, puck or other object-of-play succeeded, or that an attempt was made to succeed, in its scoring or performance action corresponding to a sport or game. Various examples of sports or game participation can comprise the sport or game participation in basketball, football, baseball, golf, hockey, cricket, volleyball, running or other moving-object-focused activity and the like. Variations of the sport or game participation can comprises, e.g., multiple basketball game types, such as shooting percentage, 1-on-1, 2-on-2, team-on-team, and/or HORSE-shooting games.

The computing the score or performance can comprise processing the sensing of success, attempt or failure measures to produce a score or performance for presentation to the player(s). The score or performance for presentation to the player(s) can be produced by apparatus or methods comprising or using a processor, memory and information transfer components. In varying embodiments the score or performance for presentation to the player(s) that is produced indicates a single player's success quantification or indicates scores or performances of multiple players for competition.

The generating indication(s) of score or performance for the player(s) or remote observers can comprise transforming the computed score or performance into sounds, speech, visual displays, infrared or radio frequency remote control signals, radio signals, or sound waves for direct or indirect indication(s) of score or performance to the player(s). The transformed representation of the score or performance can generate indication(s) of score or performance, which further comprises generation by synthesizing speech or playing words or phases representing the score or performance to the player(s) or remote observer(s). The transformed representation of the score or performance can generate the indication(s) of score or performance, which comprise generation of remote control signals or other transmissions to operate external generating methods for presentation to the player(s) or remote observer(s). The indicating the score or performance to the player(s) or remote observer(s) can further comprise transforming generated indicator(s) into player observable phenomenon such as audio or visual displays that the player(s)/observer(s) can sense to assess the computed score or performance or provide entertainment. The player or remote observer indicating phenomenon can include at least one or more of the energy propagation methods including sounds, speech, visual displays, infrared or radio frequency remote control signals, radio signals, or sound waves for direct or indirect indication(s) of score or performance or entertainment to the player(s) or remote observer(s).

The indicating the game/mode, score and/or performance to the remote observer(s) can further comprise transforming generated indicator(s) into a signal or representation suitable for remote observers to collect, compile, process and/or report. The transforming of generated indicator(s) can include one or more of the following signals or representations suitable for remote observer utilization; storing the game/mode, score and/or performance to a memory for remote observer utilization and/or communicating the game/mode, score and/or performance with wired or wireless communications methods.

Other embodiments include a method of automatically measuring and indicating basketball scoring or performance to basketball player(s), where the method comprises: sensing a successful, “made,” shot and any shot “attempt;” computing the player/team score(s) or shooting performance; generating indication(s) of player/team score(s) or shooting performance for the player(s) or remote observer(s); and indicating the score(s) or performance to the player(s) or other observers. The indicating the score(s) or performance can further comprise remote control of external devices such as multimedia devices for visual and/or audio display and/or entertainment.

Further embodiments include an apparatus that is arranged and constructed for automatically measuring and indicating scoring or performance to a player or set of players. The apparatus can comprise: a sensing section configured to provide sensor signals corresponding scoring, performance or apparatus configuration and option selection; a computing section configured to transform the sensor signals into score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration representations; a generating section configured to transform the score, performance, and/or configuration representations into a player or remote observable representation that corresponds to the computed score, performance or apparatus configuration; and a player indicating section configured to transduce the player observable representation into an energy form that can propagate to the player(s) and/or the remote observer(s). The sensing section can be comprised of motion sensitive switches creating the sensor signals.

The apparatus can further comprise a computing section including a signal processor configured to process the sensed signals to facilitate: configuring the apparatus state and mode of operation by enabling the player to select a game or performance measuring mode of operation; calculating score or performance measures; and mapping the updated apparatus state/mode, score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration into the proper representations for the generating section.

The generating section can comprise a processor configured to process the updated apparatus state/mode of operation, score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration representation to facilitate: generating the appropriate player observable representation depending upon the state of the apparatus and the player selected game or performance mode; mapping score or performance measures to appropriate game or performance measure dependent responses; mapping the player observable representation of the updated state/mode of operation, score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration into the proper representation for the indicating section; and generating the player or remote observable representation signals that will be transduced into propagating energy by the indicating section of the apparatus.

The apparatus can include an indicating section, which may further comprise a set of transducers configured to facilitate transducing the player observable representation signals into energy that will eventually lead to energy propagating to the player(s) or remote observer that conveys the updated apparatus state/mode of operation, score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration to the player. The indicating section can further comprise transducers to facilitate: transducing the player observable representation directly for the player(s) to observe; and transducing the player observable representation for indirect player observation via remote control of remote transducers. The indicating section with remote control functionality can comprise transducers to facilitate control of one or more remote transducers, e.g., portable audio player apparatus; visual displays; mechanical actuations and/or the like.

In one or more additional embodiments an apparatus is arranged and constructed for automatically measuring and indicating scoring or performance of basketball game(s) and/or performance measurement mode(s) to the player(s) and/or remote observer(s). The apparatus can comprise: a sensing section configured to provide sensor signals corresponding to attempted basketball shots, successful/made basketball shots, and/or failed/missed basketball shots apparatus configuration and option selection; a computing section configured to transform the attempt/made/missed sensor signals into basketball score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration representations into appropriate update calculations for each basketball game/mode selection update, game update or performance measure update; a generating section transforms the updated game/mode selection, basketball score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration representations into a player or remote observable representation that corresponds to the game/mode selection, computed score, performance or apparatus configuration suitable for indication to the player(s) and/or the remote observer(s); and a player or remote observer indicating section configured to transduce the player observable representation into an energy form that can propagate directly and/or indirectly to the player(s) and/or the remote observer(s).

The apparatus can further comprise basketball game(s) and/or performance measurement mode(s) comprising the alternative basketball game and/or performance measuring mode selections corresponding to: shooting percentage game and/or the numbers of attempted, made and missed shots; HORSE game, where multiple players score by making shots that the other player(s) cannot repeat; timed one-on-one (or one-on-multiple; or multiple-on-multiple) where each player attempts to score while being defended by the other player(s), and the scoring player receives more points for a faster score; timed shooting percentages from constrained locations on the court; and jumping training, where the player must trigger the make and/or miss indicators by jumping up and hitting/slapping them while being timed. The sensing section can comprise motion sensitive switches that sense the basketball striking or passing by the backboard, rim and/or net corresponding to the indications of an attempted, made or missed shot. The computing section can comprise a processor or controller that maps the indications of attempted, made or missed shots into corresponding basketball game selection update(s), basketball game score update(s) or basketball performance measure update(s) corresponding to currently selected mode of operation of the apparatus.

The generating section can comprise one or more processors or controllers that transforms the basketball game selection update(s), basketball game score update(s) or basketball performance measure update(s) into signals suitable for transduction corresponding to the indicating apparatus that are propagating energy directly or indirectly to the player(s) or remote observer(s). The processors or controllers can be generating signals suitable for transduction to facilitate: audio transduction from a speaker; visual transduction from a visual display; wired and/or wireless communications from acoustic, optical or radio frequency transmitting transduction device(s); and/or remote control communications from acoustic, optical or radio frequency transmitting transduction device(s).

The indicating section can comprise one or more transduction devices indicating the game/mode selection, game, and/or performance measure updates either directly or indirectly to the player(s) and/or the remote observer(s) including: e.g., audio transducers or speakers; visual transducers, including lasers, projector and/or display(s); wired and/or wireless communications transducers for acoustic, optical or radio frequency transmitter transduction; and/or remote control communications transducers for acoustic, optical or radio frequency transmitter transduction.

Additional embodiments include an apparatus arranged and constructed for automatically measuring and indicating scoring or performance of baseball game(s) and/or performance measurement mode(s) to the player(s) and/or remote observer(s). The apparatus can comprise: a sensing section configured to provide sensor signals corresponding to pitched ball locations (strikes and balls) and/or bat hitting ball locations (region of bat impacting the ball) and game/mode selection/configuration; a computing section configured to transform the strike/ball or bat impact sensor signals into baseball score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration representations into appropriate update calculations for each baseball game/mode selection update, game update or performance measure update; a generating section transforms the updated game/mode selection, baseball score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration representations into a player or remote observable representation that corresponds to the game/mode selection, computed score, performance or apparatus configuration suitable for indication to the player(s) and/or the remote observer(s); and a player or remote observer indicating section configured to transduce the player observable representation into an energy form that can propagate directly and/or indirectly to the player(s) and/or the remote observer(s).

Other embodiments include an audio or visual or audio-visual device arranged and constructed for generating a player observable sound/sight that interacts with their play scoring and/or performance measurement and/or entertainment that comprises: a user interface configured to provide an interface between the player's scoring and/or performance and the audio/visual device(s); a controller coupled the user interface and configured to facilitate the interface with the user and general control of the audio/visual device; an audio/visual device, coupled to and/or controlled by the controller, the communication interface configured to send a signal corresponding to the player's scoring and/or performance; and an interactive audio/visual response corresponding to the player's score/performance.

Claims

1. A method of automatically measuring and indicating scoring or performance to a player or set of players, the method comprising:

sensing a success, attempt or failure;

computing the score or performance;

generating indication(s) of score or performance for the player(s) or remote observer(s); and

indicating the score or performance to the player(s) or other observers.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the automatically measuring and indicating scoring or performance further comprises players corresponding to sport or game participation.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the player interactively controls remote entertainment devices producing any form of media entertainment for the player, including audio, video, displays, and other media that the player may find entertaining.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the sensing a success, attempt or failure corresponding to sport or game participation further comprises sensing the path or impact of a ball, puck, projectile, hand or other object-of-play.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the sensing the path or impact of the object-of-play further comprises determining whether ball, puck or other object-of-play succeeded, or that an attempt was made to succeed, in its scoring or performance action corresponding to a sport or game.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein the sport or game participation further comprises the sport or game participation in basketball, football, baseball, golf, hockey, cricket, volleyball, running or other moving-object-focused activity.

7. The method of claim 4 wherein the sport or game participation further comprises multiple basketball game types, such as shooting percentage, 1-on-1, 2-on-2, team-on-team, and/or HORSE-shooting games.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the computing the score or performance further comprises processing the sensing a success, attempt or failure measures to produce a score or performance for presentation to the player(s).

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the score or performance for presentation to the player(s) that is produced further comprises a processor, memory and information transfer components.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the score or performance for presentation to the player(s) that is produced indicates a single player's success quantification or indicates scores or performances of multiple players for competition.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the generating indication(s) of score or performance for the player(s) or remote observers further comprises transforming the computed score or performance into sounds, speech, visual displays, infrared or radio frequency remote control signals, radio signals, or sound waves for direct or indirect indication(s) of score or performance to the player(s).

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the transformed representation of the score or performance generate the indication(s) of score or performance further comprises generation of remote control signals or other transmissions to operate external generating methods for presentation to the player(s) or remote observer(s).

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the indicating the game/mode, score and/or performance to the remote observer(s) further comprises transforming generated indicator(s) into a signal or representation suitable for remote observers to collect, compile, process and/or report.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the transforming of generated indicator(s) further comprises one or more of the following signals or representations suitable for remote observer utilization:

storing the game/mode, score and/or performance to a memory for remote observer utilization; and/or

communicating the game/mode, score and/or performance with wired or wireless communications methods.

15. An apparatus arranged and constructed for automatically measuring and indicating scoring or performance to a player or set of players, the apparatus comprising:

a sensing section configured to provide sensor signals corresponding scoring, performance or apparatus configuration and option selection;

a computing section configured to transform the sensor signals into score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration representations;

a generating section configured to transform the score, performance, and/or configuration representations into a player or remote observable representation that corresponds to the computed score, performance or apparatus configuration; and

a player indicating section configured to transduce the player observable representation into an energy form that can propagate to the player(s) and/or the remote observer(s).

16. The apparatus of claim 0 further comprising a computing section comprising a signal processor configured to process the sensed signals to facilitate:

configuring the apparatus state and mode of operation by enabling the player to select a game or performance measuring mode of operation;

calculating score or performance measures; and

mapping the updated apparatus state/mode, score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration into the proper representations for the generating section.

17. The apparatus of claim 0 further comprising a generating section comprising a processor configured to process the updated apparatus state/mode of operation, score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration representation to facilitate:

generating the appropriate player observable representation depending upon the state of the apparatus and the player selected game or performance mode;

mapping score or performance measures to appropriate game or performance measure dependent responses;

mapping the player observable representation of the updated state/mode of operation, score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration into the proper representation for the indicating section; and

generating the player or remote observable representation signals that will be transduced into propagating energy by the indicating section of the apparatus.

18. The apparatus of claim 0 further comprising an indicating section further comprising a set of transducers configured to facilitate transducing the player observable representation signals into energy that will eventually lead to energy propagating to the player(s) or remote observer that conveys the updated apparatus state/mode of operation, score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration to the player.

19. An apparatus arranged and constructed for automatically measuring and indicating scoring or performance of basketball game(s) and/or performance measurement mode(s) to the player(s) and/or remote observer(s), the apparatus comprising:

a sensing section configured to provide sensor signals corresponding to attempted basketball shots, successful/made basketball shots, and/or failed/missed basketball shots apparatus configuration and option selection;

a computing section configured to transform the attempt/made/missed sensor signals into basketball score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration representations into appropriate update calculations for each basketball game/mode selection update, game update or performance measure update;

a generating section transforms the updated game/mode selection, basketball score, performance, and/or apparatus configuration representations into a player or remote observable representation that corresponds to the game/mode selection, computed score, performance or apparatus configuration suitable for indication to the player(s) and/or the remote observer(s); and

a player or remote observer indicating section configured to transduce the player observable representation into an energy form that can propagate directly and/or indirectly to the player(s) and/or the remote observer(s).

20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising basketball game(s) and/or performance measurement mode(s) comprising the alternative basketball game and/or performance measuring mode selections corresponding to:

shooting percentage game and/or the numbers of attempted, made and missed shots;

HORSE game, where multiple players score by making shots that the other player(s) cannot repeat;

timed one-on-one (or one-on-multiple; or multiple-on-multiple) where each player attempts to score while being defended by the other player(s), and the scoring player receives more points for a faster score;

timed shooting percentages from constrained locations on the court; and

jumping training, where the player must trigger the make and/or miss indicators by jumping up and hitting/slapping them while being timed.