SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED PORTABLE SOCCER GOAL HAVING AN INTERACTIVE DISPLAY

Abstract

The present invention is a soccer simulation system having a portable soccer goal with an interactive display, the system including a sectionalized grid have a plurality of sections each with at least one sensor for sensing a soccer ball and including a managing station in electrical communication with a goal controller and a server.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/024,521 entitled “SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED PORTABLE SOCCER GOAL HAVING AN INTERACTIVE DISPLAY” and filed on Jul. 15, 2014, whose inventor is Jorge Martinez, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is broadly directed to soccer goals and more particularly to an improved simulated soccer system with a portable sectional soccer grid adapted for receiving a soccer ball through a section of the sectional grid the system including an interactive display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable soccer goals have been used for training and practice. Some of these goals are freestanding inflatable goals that have limitations to actual soccer goals with rigid sides and structures. Other prior art portable soccer goals involve a net for receiving and rebounding a kicked soccer ball. These goals may include an outer frame with a net extending along the outer frame providing an interior netted region. In some cases, use of these goals may cause interference with a kicker kicking a ball into the goal area by rebounding the ball into the kicking area. Other goals may include an electronic sensor connected to the frame or net to help record the number of kicked soccer balls, but do not provide location information related to the position of the kicked ball through the goal and do not provide and interactive display showing the results of the goal to reward targeted goal kicks. Other goals may include an impact surface with a proximity based sensor used to record the location of the kicked soccer ball, however, the ball is again rebounded into the kicking area leading to interference with the kicker's continued use of the goal. As indicated, many of these soccer goals have limitations which are improved upon with the present invention

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an improved soccer simulation system having a portable soccer goal with an interactive display, the system including a sectionalized grid have a plurality of sections each with at least one sensor for sensing a soccer ball and including a managing station in electrical communication with a goal controller and a server.

Sensing of a soccer ball includes detection of a moving soccer ball by way of a leading surface, a main body or a rearmost surface of the soccer ball entering or departing from a sensing range of the sensor, so that location, speed, and/or direction of a moving soccer ball entering, passing through or departing said sectionalized grid may be determined by way of input of signals to and calculations taking place at the goal controller and server. Sections of the sectionalized grid may be divided by physical elements which are visible to the eye or may be defined by desired functions and sensor ranges of the system.

Various objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings submitted herewith constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention in an exemplary environment.

FIG. 2 is block diagram of an embodiment of a Managing Station in accordance with one aspect of the invention depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the Goal Controller in accordance with one aspect of the invention depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of exemplary components of a server with the system depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an example process for a component in the system depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is front view of an exemplary embodiment of the improved portable soccer goal with interactive display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the improved sectionalized soccer goal in accordance with the embodiment from FIG. 6 showing an illuminated section.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the improved sectionalized soccer goal in accordance with the embodiment from FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a side view of one section of the improved sectionalized soccer goal in accordance with the embodiment from FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a front side view of an alternative embodiment of the improved sectionalized soccer goal.

FIG. 11 is a rear side view of a vertical member-rear support junction in accordance with the improved sectionalized soccer goal of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a rear schematic diagram of an embodiment of the improved sectionalized soccer goal.

FIG. 13 is a front schematic diagram of an embodiment of the improved sectionalized soccer goal.

FIG. 14 is a left front perspective view of an embodiment of an improved sectionalized soccer goal within a simulated soccer experience.

FIG. 15 is a left side perspective drawing of an embodiment of an improved sectionalized soccer goal within a simulated soccer experience.

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the sectionalized soccer goal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral 50 generally refers to a system for simulating a soccer experience including a sectionalized grid 70 having a plurality of sections 71 each including at least one sensor 80 for sensing a soccer ball 64 and including a managing station 78 in electrical communication with a goal controller 87 and a server 90 which may be located remotely or locally using a single or combination of various known networks 84 using various standardized connectors for the desired networked communication between the various devices including using various signal or data transmission cables such as but not limited to parallel cables, serial cables (USB), VGA, Cat V, Cat 6, video and audio cables. Alternatively, the managing station 78, goal controller 87 and saver 90 may be networked using wireless topology as desired.

Networking allows for electrical communication between the various system 50 components thereby facilitating the simulated soccer experience. The network 84 may include logic to provide wireless access for devices associated with the managing station 78 and the goal controller 87. Through the network 84, computer 78a may for instance communicate with the server 90, e.g. through a IP network 84 that is physically connected to each other or wirelessly using a typical communications infrastructure for communicating with local and remote devices using, for example, fiber optic, wireless, satellite, and wired communications networks. The system 50 components can be physically connected to or remotely connected to each other with for example, one or more managing stations 78 or goal controllers 87 or servers 90 which may be located in a central office or regional center for monitoring a relatively large number of remotely connected components. The server 90, and managing stations 78 can be separated by large distances and the utilized network 84 will be able to provide the required communications between the various components of the system 50 using standard networking equipment such as firewalls, routers, gateways, hubs and switches which may utilize various network protocols such as but not limited to, 802.11, 3G, 4G, LTE, standard telephony or non-standard telephony protocols.

The exemplary environment in which system 50 or methods associated with the system 50 or the sectional goal device described herein may be implement may include devices 78a, 78b, 78c, . . . , 78-N (where N>1) (collectively referred to as input/output devices individually or collectively as managing station 78), and may be in communication with one or more servers 90 having variously attached storage devices (not shown) in electronic communication with the system 50 all of which can be connected to network 84. While FIGS. 1-3 shows a particular number and arrangement of devices, in practice, system 50 may include additional, fewer, different, or differently arranged devices than are shown in FIGS. 1-3. For example, each of the managing stations and goal controllers 78, 87 may be implemented as multiple, possibly distributed devices or they may be implemented within a single device.

An embodiment of the managing station 78 is depicted in FIG. 2 with a computer 78a in networked communication with a reader gateway 78b. FIG. 1 includes an internet interface 85 which provides communication between devices associated with the Managing Station using a local network 84a and the server 90 connected to a remote network 84b.

Generally, the managing station 78 is in communication with the Goal Controller 87 and can perform a test on and determine the status of the Goal Controller 87. In addition, the Managing Station 78 creates new subscriptions, manages the operation of the system 50 and synchronizes the transfer and receipt of information between a local database (not shown) and a remote database associated with the Server 90.

The reader gateway 78b receives data from a barcode reader 78c which may read data off a barcode affixed to a card (not shown) which may be utilized at a entry portal to provide kicker profile data or administrative profile data depending on whether the barcode corresponds to an administrative user or a kicking user. The profile data may be entered into the system 50 from a remote computer and associated with the particular barcode, which is affixed or otherwise associated with the card (not shown) available to the administrative user, kicker or other system user. In one embodiment, the user profile previously configured and retrievably stored within the system 50 and associated with the barcode scanned by the barcode scanner 78c determines what type of access the user is provided.

The system 50 may generate an ID card (not shown), using information collected by the system and associated with a particular user. The ID card may be based upon a template previously created by the system and retrievably stored on a local or remote storage device (not shown). The ID card may include user specific information such as name, skill, age, gender, various demographic, financial and historical data and may include an image associated with the user, which may be obtained with camera 78d associated with computer 78a. The demographic information may be obtained from the user or based upon information accessible from other sources, which are available and associated with the user. The historical data may include information about prior performances or use of the system 50, including but not limited to score, dates of use, length of use and ranking within user specific categories or within system specific categories. The financial data may include payment information such as, but not limited to, credit card, credit balance or affiliated financial institution information.

The camera 78d may provide a digital file representing an image of the user, which is transmitted to the computer 78a or is otherwise retrievably stored on storage media associated with the system 50. The camera 78d may also provide audiovisual information in the form of an electronic file or data which can be transmitted to the computer 78a or otherwise retrievably stored by the system 50 within the storage device (not shown) associated with the computer 78a or the system 50.

A monitor 78e may be provided by the system to display current usage information about the user and the system to provide feed back to the user and/or entertain other system 50 users. The information displayed on the monitor 78e may include information related to the current user, such as status, score, or ranking of the user or related information relating the user in comparison to a grouping of other system users as well as demographic information about the user such as name, gender and age. The monitor 78e may also provide historical information obtained from the system about the user such as historical or current use of the system 50, such as but not limited to number of kicks and average scores. The monitor 78e may include a static display receiving device capable of receiving processed content such as videos, photographs, audio recordings through a network, such as network 84 from the computer 78a such as, but not limited to a video projector. Alternatively, the content may be transmitted directly to the monitor 78e for processing and display or the content maybe transmitted wirelessly via a wireless network.

Computer 78a may correspond to an internet device, a personal computer including desktops, all-in-ones, laptops, tablets or a mobile communication device such as, but not limited to, a cell phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone or another type of portable device, with the ability to be networked using network 84 including direct, Wi-Fi and telephony networks, for communication with the system 50 to receive content from the goal controller 87 and transmit it for display by the monitor 78e.

A speaker 78g or other output device may also be provided by the system 50 to simulate the soccer experience or entertain the crowd during use of the system 50. Speaker 78g usage may include sounds of cheers or music to enhance the user experience. While FIG. 3 shows a particular number and arrangement of input and output devices, in practice, system 50 may include additional, fewer, different, or differently arranged input and output devices than are shown in FIG. 3.

In addition, various routines or system functionality may be performed by the managing station 78 as configured or controlled during operation of the system 50. Different routines or functions may be controlled manually or if pre configured, associated with an input command. For example a specific routine or function maybe associated with a particular barcode, which may be scanned by the barcode reader 78c and upon receipt of the relevant data, cause the system 50 to perform the desired function or routine. For example, one barcode may be scanned by the barcode reader 78c, which was previously configured within the system 50 to illuminate a preconfigured plurality of sections 71 within the sectionalized soccer grid. In this manner, if the routine is initiated, the system 50 may reward the user if the soccer ball 64 is received within the configured illuminated section 71. Another barcode may be associated with a different system routine and when scanned by the barcode reader 78c may initiate a routine or function, which cause the system 50 to alternate or rotate the illumination of section 71 throughout the sectionalized grid 70. If during operation of the system 50, the soccer ball 64 passes through the illuminated section, the system 50 may award points to the kicker. In this way, system 50 may challenge and train the kicking user to improve their goal kicks. While FIG. 2 shows a particular number and arrangement of devices, in practice, system 50 may include additional, fewer, different, or differently arranged devices than are shown in FIG. 2.

An embodiment of the goal controller 87 is further depicted in FIG. 3 with a variety of inputs and outputs. Generally, the goal controller 87 is adapted for receiving and transmitting information collected from the sectionalized grid 70. In one embodiment the goal controller 87 may be an Arduino programmable computer, which uses shields or additional boards to handle different functionalities. The goal controller 87 generally receives and passes through a sensor which is the illustrated embodiment with the optical sensors 87a. The goal controller 87 passes and receives information from the Managing Station 78, to control illumination of lights 87b. In one embodiment, the goal controller 87 uses programmed instructions to receive information from the Managing Station 78 over the local networked connection 84a. Such as, but not limited to, instruction to actuate lights 87b or to scan the configured optical sensors 87a. The optical processor 87a may be configured as normally closed condition and based upon passage of a ball through the optical sensor can be used to determine if a soccer ball has passed through section 71. In one embodiment, the goal controller 87 may utilize six drivers on an output circuit to handle the load from the lights 87b.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the illustrated goal controller 87 may receive data from a plurality of optical sensors 87a. The optical sensor 87a may be used to identify which section of the sectionalized soccer grid 70 receives the kicked soccer ball 64. The goal controller 87 is also in communication with various output devices, including but not limited to the optional lighting stat, which are illustrated as illumination strips 87b and speakers 87c. The input and output devices including the optical sensor 87, exemplary illumination strips 87b and speakers 87c may be used to enhance the soccer game experience and can be adapted to present a variety of different aspects and features of the system 50. While FIG. 3 shows a particular number and arrangement of input and output devices, in practice, system 50 may include additional, fewer, different, or differently arranged input and output devices than are shown in FIG. 3.

The network 84 may generally include logic to provide wireless communication for various devices of the system 50. Network 84 may be a network that provides wired or wireless (radio) content to various devices for the system 50 using direct, Bluetooth, infrared, Wi-Fi, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11f, 802.11g, 3G or 4G mobile telecommunications standards.

System 50 is operable to monitor, receive and record user performance data related to receipt of the soccer ball 64 by the sectionalized grid 70 from the goal controller 87 and transmit the information to the managing station 78 for use by the system 50 and for retrievable storage on the server 90 that may reside on a remote device in communication via the internet 85 to the managing station 78 via local network 84a. Aspects of system 50 may include monitoring of multiple managing stations 78, analysis by an admin user analyzing the retrievably stored information, generating various system reports, and transmitting, or providing access to the system 50 reports to an authorized user.

Referring to FIG. 2, the computer 78a and/or the reader gateway 78b may optionally communicate wirelessly and may be a computerized, wireless device, such as cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, portable computer, and even a separate computer platform that has a wireless communications portal, and which also may alternatively or additionally have a wired connection to a network 84 or the Internet 85.

Managing station 78 and server 90 may comprise a computer platform interconnected with an input mechanism and an output mechanism respectively providing inputs and outputs for communicating with resident applications. For example, the managing station 78, profile server 90 illustrated in FIG. 1, may include, but is not limited to, an input mechanism such as a key or keyboard, a mouse, a touch-screen display, camera 78d, and a voice recognition module. Output mechanisms may include, but is not limited to, monitor/display 78e, printer 78f, audio speaker 78g, and/or a haptic feedback mechanism.

As further illustrated in FIG. 4, Managing station 78, server 90 may further include a communications interface 90f embodied in one or any combination of hardware, software, firmware, executable instructions and data operable to receive and/or to transmit and otherwise enable communication between components within the local network 84a in communication with the managing station 78 and the goal controller 87, as well as to enable both hardwired communications and wireless communications external to both.

For example, the communications interface 90f may include, but is not limited to, communication interface components such as a serial port, a universal serial bus (USB), a parallel port, and wired and/or air interface components for implementing communication protocols/standards such as World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), infrared protocols such as Infrared Data Association (IrDA), short-range wireless protocols/technologies, Bluetooth® technology, ZigBee® protocol, ultra wide band (UWB) protocol, home radio frequency (HomeRF), shared wireless access protocol (SWAP), wideband technology such as a wireless Ethernet compatibility alliance (WECA), wireless fidelity alliance (Wi-Fi Alliance), 802.11 network technology, public switched telephone network technology, public heterogeneous communications network technology such as the Internet, private wireless communications network, land mobile radio network, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), advanced mobile phone service (AMPS), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), single carrier (1×) radio transmission technology (RTT), evolution data only (EV-DO) technology, general packet radio service (GPRS), enhanced data GSM environment (EDGE), high speed downlink data packet access (HSPDA), analog and digital satellite systems, and any other technologies/protocols that may be used in at least one of a wireless communications network and a data communications network.

Further, the managing station 78, server 90 may include a processing unit 90b, which may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other chipset, processor, logic circuit, or other data processing device. Generally, the processing unit 90b is operable to execute an application programming interface (API) layer that may interface with any resident programs, such as a optical output application and optical sensor application. In one non-limiting aspect, the API may include a runtime environment executing on an integrated light output driver circuit or a optical sensor circuit device.

Additionally, the processing unit 90b may include one or a combination of processing subsystems that provide functionality to the managing station 78 and server 90. If a handheld device such as a smart phone is utilized as the computer 78a, processing subsystems may include subsystems such as: sound, non-volatile memory, file system, transmit, receive, searcher, layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, main control, remote procedure, handset, power management, diagnostic, digital signal processor, vocoder, messaging, call manager, Bluetooth® system, Bluetooth® LPOS, position determination, position engine, user interface, sleep, data services, security, authentication, USIM/SIM, voice services, graphics, USB, multimedia such as MPEG, GPRS, etc. In a personal computer environment for the computer 78a the processing subsystems may include subsystems such as: sound, non-volatile memory, file system, task management, transmit, receive, searching, internet, indexing, video and graphics processing, USB, multimedia, etc. In other words, processing subsystems may include any subsystem components that interact with applications executing on the computer platform. For example, processing subsystems may include any subsystem components that receive data reads and data writes from API on behalf of any resident client application.

Further, the managing station 78 and server 90 may include memory 90c for storing data, information, logic, executable instructions, etc. For example, memory 90c may comprise volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read-only and/or random-access memory (RAM and ROM), electronically programmable ROM (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash cards, or any memory common to computer platforms. Further, memory 90c may include one or more flash memory cells, and may further include any secondary and/or tertiary storage device, such as magnetic media, optical media, tape, or soft or hard disk.

By way of example, consistent with FIG. 4, Profile server 90 may correspond to a system server such as a content server or any other system server desirable in the present invention and may include one or more devices such as: a bus 90a, a processing unit 90b, a memory 90c, an input device 90d, an output device 90e, a communication interface 90f, and a storage device 90g. In another implementation, server 90 may include additional, fewer, different or differently arranged components. The bus 90a may include a path, or collection of paths that permits communication among the devices. As previously described, processing unit 90b may include one or more processors, sockets, fractional processors or microprocessors that interpret and execute instructions. Additionally or alternatively, processing unit 90b may be implemented as or included in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or another type of processor that interprets and executes instructions. Memory 90c may include memory, secondary storage, or another type of static storage device that stores static information or instructions for use by processing unit 90b. The managing station 78 and profile server 90 may include various input devices which may include a mechanism that permits an operator to input information into the profile server 90 such as a control button, a keyboard, a keypad, a touch pad, radio signal, location device like a GPS signal, one or more biometric mechanisms or other type of input device. Output devices 90e may include a mechanism that outputs information to the operator, such as a light emitting diode (LED), a display, a speaker, or other type of output. Communications interface 90f may include a component that permits the devices to communicate with other devices using any transceiver-like mechanism that enables the devices to communicate with other devices, networks 84, 84a, 84b, through the internet 85, or a remote terminal or portal.

The Managing Station 78 and Server 90 may perform certain operations in response to processing unit executing software instructions contained in a computer-readable medium, such as memory 90c. A computer-readable medium may be defined as a non-transitory memory device. A memory device may include space within a single physical memory device or spread across multiple physical memory devices.

The software instructions may be read into the memory 90c from another computer-readable medium, such as storage device 90g, or from another device via network 84, 84a, 84b or other communication interface 90f. The software instructions contained in the memory 90c may cause the processing unit 90b to perform processes that will be described later. Alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement processes described herein. Thus, implementations described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrate an embodiment of the sectionalized soccer grid 70 having a plurality of sections 71 with a goalie obstacle or FIG. 60 spaced between a pair of vertical members 72. A horizontally spanning member 74 and a base 76 are spaced apart and span the pair of vertical members 72. In one embodiment, each section 71 includes at least one optical sensor 87a and a lighting device 87b. A simulated soccer field 62 is illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 with the soccer ball 64 positioned for use by a kicking user (not shown). In addition, the display/monitor 78e, which although in FIGS. 6-7 is associated with a wall, may in a portable embodiment be adapted for portability.

In a movable goalie embodiment of the invention, goalie obstacle or FIG. 60 is optionally moveable along a ground mounted by electric motor drive to a track parallel to grid 70 so that FIG. 60 may be moved, by commands from Managing Controller 78, to a position right or left of the position shown in FIG. 15, imitating motion of a human goalie attempting to block a shot. Motion of FIG. 60 may be random or may reflect a tendency from historical data for user 8 to kick ball 64 toward or through a grid section, resulting in moving FIG. 60 to block that user-desired grid section and forcing user 8 to attempt a less favorable grid section. Further, optionally, a position of FIG. 60 in front of the grip 70 is determined by a sensed location of ball 64 detected by the Managing Station 78 upon the field shown in FIG. 15. In a specific illustration, ball 64 may be located farther to the right of the position shown for user 8 in FIG. 15, whereupon location of FIG. 60 would shift to the right of user 8 to protect the grid members there by way of a more favorable angle to user.

A central member 73 is spaced between the vertical members 72 and as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 extends vertically between the base 76 and the spanning member 74. The sectionalized soccer grid 70 by limiting access by a soccer ball teaches and trains users to target specific sections 71 of the sectionalized soccer grid 70.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrates goalie FIG. 60 (also referred to as a goalie obstruction) obstructing the sectionalized soccer grid 70. Soccer ball 64 is illustrated entering section 71 and lighting device 87b is illuminated. As previously discussed, in operation, the goal controller 87 may scans the optical sensors 87a to determine the location of the received soccer ball 64 and upon receipt of the soccer ball, goal controller 87 commands the lighting device 87b to illuminate. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7, the lighting device 87b includes a plurality of LEDs extending circumferentially along section 71, although other generally known lighting devices are consider within the scope of the present invention. FIGS. 6-7 also illustrates monitor 78e, which in the depicted embodiment includes profile information received from the managing station 78 and is remotely retrievably stored on the date base of server 90. The information may include but is not limited to the users image and name as well as score and time elapsed.

Optional liner 66 is further illustrated in FIG. 8 extending along and angularly down from the rear of the sectionalized soccer grid 70. Liner 66 is constructed of an impact absorbing material and generally absorbs the impact from the kicked soccer ball 64 and is angled in such a manner as to deflect the soccer ball 64 towards the area defined on one side by the rear surface of the sectionalized soccer grid 70. The liner 66 helps to prevent rebound of the soccer ball within the goal away from the simulated soccer field 62. FIG. 7 illustrates an enclosure 88, which extends around the sectionalized soccer grid 70 and helps to contain the kicked soccer balls 64 within the simulated soccer field 62.

FIG. 7 illustrate an embodiment of the system 50 in which the goal controller 87 illuminates of different sections 71 of the sectionalized soccer grid 70 with the lighting devices 87b. The system 50 allows for section illumination of the sections 71 which may be manually programmed by an admin user on the managing station 78 or the system 50 may be pre-programmed and the desired illumination sections may be selected manually, using a barcode in commination with the barcode reader 98 or it may be generated by the system 50 based upon the information received from the goal controller 87 or as otherwise determined by the system 50. In this way, the system 50 allows for a way to easily modify and entertain various users of the system 50 while selectively illuminating various sections 71 of the sectionalized 70 soccer grid.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrates an embodiment of the sectionalized soccer grid 70 with rear support 75 and liner 66. FIG. 8 illustrates the vertical member 72 extending from the base 76 in a substantially vertical manner with a net encircling the sectionalized soccer grid 70 and rear support 75 extending outwardly from the spanning member 74 and towards the simulated soccer field 62. In FIG. 8, a number of sections 71 are visible. Plural reflectors 81 are further illustrated in FIG. 8 extending along an interior wall of each section 71 spaced opposite the optical device 80. In operation, the reflectors 81 are in communication with the optical device 80 to help identify the location of the received soccer ball 64. A portion of an interior wall of one section 71 is illustrated in FIG. 9 with an embodiment of the optical device 80 having a plurality of optical sensing devices 80a and a status indicator 80b. The optical device 80 is illustrated as being recessed within the interior of each section 71.

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate a partially assembled alternative sectionalized soccer grid 70 in which the vertical members 72 extend from the base 76 to the spanning member 74. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10, twenty-four sections 71 are visible and spaced throughout the sectionalized soccer grid 70. In addition the rear support 75 is visible extending from rear face of the sectionalized soccer grid 70 with at least one and as illustrated three angular depending members 75a being generally secured at a curvilinear segment 75d to a lateral bracing member 75c which extends the length of the sectionalized soccer grid 70. The lateral bracing member 75c is generally separated a distance rearwardly from the sectionalized soccer grid 70 by a spacer 75b a sufficient distance to properly support the sectionalized soccer grid 70 in operation. The liner 66 generally overlies the rear support 75.

FIG. 10 illustrates the rear face of the sectionalized soccer grid 70 with the optical device 80 recessed within partitions separating the sections 71 with communications cable extending rearwardly from the grid 70 to allow for electrical communication between the plurality of optical device 80 and the goal controller 87. FIG. 11 is fragmented view of the vertical member 72 with the optical device 80 secured to the vertical member 72 using mechanical fasteners in a recessed manner within an interior rear facing surface of the vertical member 72. The communications cable is illustrated as extending through a lower aperture 72a with a grommet 72b encircling the aperture 72a. In addition, FIG. 16 illustrates the supporting flange 75e secured, as in welded, to the spacer 75b and mechanically secured to the vertical member 72 with a mechanical fastener. A fragmented portion of the base 76 is shown extending inwardly from the vertical member 72 with an outer flange 76a extending outwardly from the vertical member 72 for mounting and providing additional stability to the sectionalized soccer grid 70.

With further reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 for an adaptation embodiment of the invention, the invention system comprises means by which any vertical or horizontal section of the grid 70 rectangles (referred to herein as a “removable section”), excepting parts of vertical members 72 or the topmost horizontal member of grid 70, may be removed or replaced in the grid. Input sensors 87a of FIG. 3 are optionally opposing faces of optical sensors. When a removable section is removed or replaced, such action is detected at Managing Station 78, whereat input signals of opposing faces of optical sensors 87a are re-defined so that a grid section is also re-defined by the then currently opposing faces of the optical sensors 87a in the remaining removable sections. Thus, input from optical sensors with opposing faces for a grid section with expanded size will record on Managing Station soccer goals to a grid section of expanded size, which may be recorded with notation associated with any goal at that expanded grid section as one which was made to an easier grid as opposed to a higher difficulty grid section. This adaptation embodiment allows the user to expand the size of a grid section, making a goal to that expanded grid section easier. Similarly, when a removable section is replaced in the grid of FIGS. 6 and 7, the user will find that scoring a goal in the invention system is more difficult. The adaptation embodiment allows use of the invention system by beginners and experts, who can control the size of the physical openings in the grid 70.

The adaptation embodiment may also include removable sections which dislodge upon impact by moving ball 64. As opposed to having a ball 64 rejected or reflected entirely by impact with physical sections of grid 70, in the adaptation embodiment, a user 8 may kick ball 64 toward grid 70 and impact a removable section which would dislodge and allow ball 64 to pass through grid 70, resulting in input to the Managing Station 78 that a goal was scored, but, by way of the Managing Station detecting a specific removable section had been dislodged, that goal was scored to a larger grid section than existed before user 8 kicked ball 64. Such a goal may be recorded to memory in Managing Station 78 associated with a notation that the goal was “easy” or is accorded a lesser score than a goal to a smaller grid, whereby goals to intact grid sections may be compared to goals to smaller grid sections.

It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising:

(a) a generally vertical rectangular soccer goal frame that defines a goal area;

(b) one or more vertical members and one or more horizontal members span the goal area and define grid openings between vertical and horizontal members themselves or between vertical or horizontal members and the soccer goal frame, where at least one grid opening is adapted to allow passage of a soccer ball through it;

(c) one or more ball sensors adapted to detect passage of a soccer ball through the grid openings; and

(d) a remote or local managing station connected with the ball sensors adapted to receive input from the ball sensors that is stored in a storage memory of computer of the managing station.

2. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the managing station comprises a computer connected with one or more of a camera whose photographs or video input are recorded as input to the storage memory, a monitor to display outputs from the storage memory, a printer to print out output from the storage memory, a speaker to produce audio output from the storage memory, lights adapted to be turned on or off according to output from the storage memory, a barcode reader which inputs to storage memory detection of barcodes scanned at a physical location close to the soccer goal frame, and an input/output connection between the computer and remote computer servers by way of Internet or similar computer networks.

3. The electronic device of claim 2 wherein an intervening goal controller directly receives all input from the ball sensors and transmits signals representing its input from the ball sensors to one of the computer or to remote computer servers by way of Internet or similar computer networks and the goal controller is adapted to receive input signals from the computer which are transmitted from the goal controller to control operation of said lights or speakers.

4. The electronic device of claim 2 wherein resident programs in the computer create operational outputs in response to input from ball sensors that a soccer ball has activated a ball sensor by passing through it.

5. The electronic device of claim 4 wherein one or more goal lights connected with the computer are arranged and oriented so that their being turned on indicates to a viewer in front of the soccer goal frame that a lighted goal light is associated with a specific grid opening and a first operational output are signals which turn on only a goal light when a ball sensor detects that a soccer ball has passed through the grid opening associated with that grid opening.

6. The electronic device of claim 5 wherein a lighted goal light illuminates a number value associated with a grid opening to a viewer in front of the soccer goal frame.

7. The electronic device of claim 4 wherein one or more speakers connected with the computer are arranged and oriented so that their having audio output indicates to a local or remote person receiving signals indicating the progress of ball sensor activations that such a ball sensor activation, or goal, has occurred and a second operational output are signals which produce audio output to the speakers indicating that a goal has occurred and optionally, through which grid opening a soccer ball has passed or a numerical value associated with that goal.

8. The electronic device of claim 4 wherein a first resident program on the computer causes an input of a ball sensor activation associated with a specific grid opening to be associated with a pre-determined numeric score value, whereafter the first resident program is adapted to output the numeric score value from the computer to one or more devices connected with the computer to display or otherwise announce the numeric score value to a person viewing or listening to results of the operation of the electronic device.

9. The electronic device of claim 8 wherein the numeric score value is adapted to be in input as a pre-determined numeric score value to the computer when the computer is connected with the bar code reader and a bar code to be read comprises information including said pre-determined numeric score values.

10. The electronic device of claim 8 wherein the numeric score value is displayed to a local or remote monitor.

11. The electronic device of claim 8 wherein the numeric score value is displayed by a printout of a local or remote printer.

12. The electronic device of claim 8 wherein the numeric score value is adapted to be announced on local or remote speakers.

13. The electronic device of claim 8 wherein the numeric score value is adapted to be stored in the computer with previously recorded numeric score values.

14. The electronic device of claim 13 wherein cumulative numeric score values stored in the computer are adapted to be added together to produce a cumulative score value, whereafter the first resident program is adapted to output the cumulative numeric score value from the computer to one or more devices connected with the computer to display or otherwise announce the numeric score value to a person viewing or listening to results of the operation of the electronic device.

15. The electronic device of claim 14 wherein the cumulative score value is adapted to be associated with a player name, whereafter the first resident program is adapted to output the player name with the cumulative numeric score value from the computer to one or more devices connected with the computer to display or otherwise announce the numeric score value to a person viewing or listening to results of the operation of the electronic device.

16. The electronic device of claim 15 wherein parts of the horizontal members or vertical members are replaceably removable, resulting in the first resident program associating with the player name a reduced numeric score value upon activation of a ball sensor for a grid opening where a part of a horizontal member or vertical member was removed and the ball sensor for an expanded grid opening is activated.

17. A method comprising:

(a) a generally vertical rectangular soccer goal frame that defines a goal area;

(b) one or more vertical members and one or more horizontal members span the goal area and define grid openings between vertical and horizontal members themselves or between vertical or horizontal members and the soccer goal frame, where at least one grid opening is adapted to allow passage of a soccer ball through it;

(c) one or more ball sensors adapted to detect passage of a soccer ball through the grid openings;

(d) a remote or local managing station connected with the ball sensors adapted to receive input from the ball sensors that is stored in a storage memory of computer of the managing station; and

(e) a field is located in front of the soccer goal frame, whereupon a human player attempts to kick a soccer ball through one of the grid openings large enough for a soccer ball to pass through.

18. The electronic device of claim 17 wherein the managing station comprises a computer connected with one or more devices in the form of a camera whose photographs or video input are recorded as input to the storage memory, a monitor to display outputs from the storage memory, a printer to print out output from the storage memory, a speaker to produce audio output from the storage memory, lights adapted to be turned on or off according to output from the storage memory, a barcode reader which inputs to storage memory detection of barcodes scanned at a physical location close to the soccer goal frame, and an input/output connection between the computer and remote computer servers by way of Internet or similar computer networks and activation of a ball sensor by passing of the soccer ball through it results in the computer operating a first resident program so that an operation output is output to a device connected to the computer.

19. The electronic device of claim 18 wherein the a first resident program on the computer causes an input of a ball sensor activation associated with a specific grid opening to be associated with a pre-determined numeric score value, whereafter the first resident program output the numeric score value from the computer to one or more devices connected with the computer to display or otherwise announce the numeric score value to a person viewing or listening to results of the operation of the electronic device.

20. The electronic device of claim 17 wherein numeric score values stored in the computer are adapted to be added together to produce a cumulative score value, whereafter the first resident program is adapted to output the cumulative numeric score value from the computer to one or more devices connected with the computer to display or otherwise announce the numeric score value to a person viewing or listening to results of the operation of the electronic device.