SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCOREKEEPING

Abstract

A scorekeeping system can include a display device having a scoreboard configured to display a game status based on display information, and an application executable by a user device having a user interface. The application can configure one or more processors of the user device to send initial display configuration information that causes the display device to display an initial game status, receive update information associated with the game status from a user interface of the user device, determine updated display configuration information, and send the updated display configuration to cause the display device to display an updated game status.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/495,943, filed Apr. 13, 2023, titled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCOREKEEPING, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to scorekeeping systems for games and sports.

BACKGROUND

Accurate and efficient scorekeeping in sports such as racket sports or other individual or team sports can be particularly challenging during the course of play when scoring is performed by players rather than by spectators. Current methods and devices for scorekeeping and tracking player positioning are manual, inconvenient, and have limited functionality for customization.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a system for scorekeeping includes a display device including a scoreboard configured to display a game status based on display configuration information; and an application executable by a user device having a user interface. The user device includes one or more processors in communication with the user interface and the display device, the one or more processors configured with processor-executable instructions included in the application to at least: send, to the display device, initial display configuration information that causes the display device to display an initial game status; receive, from the user interface of the user device, update information associated with the game status; determine updated display configuration information based on the received update information; and send, to the display device, the updated display configuration information to cause the display device to display an updated game status.

In some embodiments, the one or more processors are further configured to: receive, from the user interface of the user device, initial game information associated with the game status; and determine the initial display configuration information based on the received initial game information. In some embodiments, the initial game information includes a serving position.

In some embodiments, the update information associated with the game status includes an indication of a team winning a rally.

In some embodiments, the update information includes an indication of a user selection of one of two selectable options displayed on the user interface, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine the updated display configuration information based on the user selection.

In some embodiments, the display device further includes a speaker.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a remote control configured to communicate wirelessly with at least the display device or the user device. In some embodiments, the remote control is configured to attach to a sports equipment handle, a wearable band, or a body of a user. In some embodiments, the remote control is configured to be mounted on a handle of a pickleball racket.

In some embodiments, the user device includes a smart watch.

In some embodiments, the one or more processors of the user device are further configured to iteratively: receive, from the user interface of the user device, additional update information associated with the game status; determine additional updated display configuration information based on the received additional update information; and send, to the display device, the additional updated display configuration information to cause the display device to display a subsequent updated game status. In some embodiments, the one or more processors are further configured to compare at least a portion of the additional update information or the additional updated display configuration to an end game configuration threshold. In some embodiments, the one or more processors are further configured to: determine, based on the comparing, that a score of the game has reached the end game configuration threshold; and send, to the display device, an indicator that the end game configuration threshold was met.

In some embodiments, the display device further comprises a plurality of legs configured to support the display device in an upright position on a surface and to support the display device in an inverted position from a fence or other vertical structure.

In some embodiments, the display device further comprises a sensor configured to detect whether the display device is in an upright position or an inverted position, and the display device is configured to invert graphical information displayed on the scoreboard based on signals received from the sensor.

In a second aspect, a computer-implemented method includes, by one or more processors of a user device: sending, to a display device having a scoreboard configured to display a game status, initial display configuration information that causes the display device to display an initial game status; receiving, from a user interface of the user device, update information associated with the game status; determining updated display configuration information based on the received update information; and sending, to the display device, the updated display configuration information to cause the display device to display an updated game status.

In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving, from the user interface of the user device, initial game information associated with the game status; and determining the initial display configuration information based on the received initial game information. In some embodiments, the initial game information includes a serving position. In some embodiments, the initial game information includes a serving team.

In some embodiments, the update information includes an indication of a user selection of one of two selectable options displayed on the user interface, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine the updated display configuration information based on the user selection.

In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving, from the user interface of the user device, additional update information associated with the game status; determining additional updated display configuration information based on the received additional update information; and sending, to the display device, the additional updated display configuration information to cause the display device to display a subsequent game status.

In some embodiments, the method further includes comparing at least a portion of the additional update information or the additional updated display information to an end game configuration threshold. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining, based on the comparing, that a score of the game has reached the end game configuration threshold; and sending, to the display device, an indicator that the end game configuration threshold was met.

In some embodiments, the update information associated with the game status includes an indication of a team winning a rally.

In some embodiments, the user device includes a smart watch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1 is a block diagram of an example scorekeeping system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example display device according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another example display device according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a rear view of the example display device illustrated in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a rear perspective view of the example display device illustrated in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is a front perspective view of the example display device illustrated in FIG. 3A in an inverted position.

FIG. 3E is a rear perspective view of the example display device illustrated in FIG. 3A in the inverted position mounted on a fence.

FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating an example method of providing display information in a scorekeeping system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a flowchart illustrating an example method of updating display information in a scorekeeping system according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5J depict an example user device executing an example scorekeeping user interface according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of updating display information in a scorekeeping system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an example paddle-mounted remote control according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the example paddle-mounted remote control of FIG. 7A with a mounting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of systems for scorekeeping in sports are disclosed herein. Although certain illustrative embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail, the claims are not limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, combinations, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and defined by the appended claims.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a scorekeeping system that may be integrated with other devices to improve the accuracy and enjoyment of playing a competitive or team-based sport. Such embodiments may be used, for example, in racket or paddle games such as pickleball, tennis, badminton, racquetball, and the like. Implementing such systems may simplify scorekeeping for games when there are one or more players or teams, especially as serving and point scoring switches frequently during the activity.

As the system is implemented, the user interface can help guide and teach players through the selected game. The application may help teach rules, scoring, playing configuration, and the like. Utilizing a system as disclosed may help develop player or spectator understanding and expertise in a more efficient manner than reading or simply watching. Through a series of prompts, the user interface and scoreboard can instruct players how they should be positioned on the court and the intricacies of scoring a complicated and rule heavy game.

In another scenario, games with multiple players or teams may wish to remotely control a portable scoreboard or display that can be easily seen by everyone. A scoreboard can be designed to indicate important features about the game, such as the score, scoring side, scoring player, serving side, serving player, serving position, or the like to minimize the information that must be remembered or organized in the players' heads. Scoreboards or displays tracking such information may be placed around the court so that every player can see the details. Advantageously, the scoreboard may be remotely controlled by a watch, smartphone or smart device, or other user device. The user device may communicate with the scoreboard and the player via a simple and streamlined user interface. In examples with remote control capabilities, time spent tracking score or traversing to and from a manual score keeping device may be minimized or eliminated.

Some embodiments of the system may include integrating multiple components together to minimize the equipment or pieces needed to enjoy the game or sport being played. For example, the scoreboard or display may be integrated into a speaker to enable users to listen to music while playing the game. Additionally, the application or user interface may be integrated into a user device that the player already wears or carries with them, such as a watch (e.g., as an application executed by a smart watch or other user device). Implementing embodiments of the system disclosed herein would minimize the amount of equipment or system components needing to be carried to a court or playing area.

In certain embodiments, the user interface between the scorekeeping device and the user device may be customizable for the sport being played to account for rule changes, court configurations, serving or team configurations, the number of players included, and the like. The system can be configured to accommodate various sports and rules. The system can advantageously accommodate different types of equipment required across different sports or variations of different sports.

Implementing the system and components as disclosed herein may include a streamlined user interface with fewer buttons than traditional scorekeeping devices. In some embodiments, an optimized user interface may only include two buttons for the scorekeeper to update the system. The scorekeeping system may advantageously provide an easier and less manual way of tallying points in a game. With a streamlined interface and prompts guiding the scorekeeper through the game, the scorekeeping system improves accuracy of scorekeeping and reduces time needed in other scorekeeping methods. This improved ease of scorekeeping may be especially advantageous in amateur or recreational games in which the players themselves are responsible for keeping score while simultaneously participating in an active game.

Example Scorekeeping Systems

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example scorekeeping system 100 according to the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the scorekeeping system 100 can include a user device 102. User device 102 may be in communication with a display device 104. The user device 102 can include a processor 106, an application 108, a user interface 110 in communication with a display 112 and an input device 113. The user device 102 can further include a memory 116 and a communication interface 114. The display device 104 can include a scoreboard display 118, one or more speakers 120, a communication interface 122, an amplifier 124, one or more sensors 126, one or more processors 128, and memory 130. Example interactions between components of the scorekeeping system 100 are explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C.

Non-limiting examples of the user device 102 include a personal computing device, laptop computing device, handheld computing device, mobile device (c.g., mobile phones or tablet computing devices), wearable device configured with network access and program execution capabilities (e.g., “smart eyewear” or “smart watches”), wireless device, electronic reader, or some other portable electronic communication device or appliance. The user device 102 is configured for wired and/or wireless communications via the communication interface 114. In some embodiments, the user device 102 can encompass any one or more of a broad range of wearable and portable technology, including smartwatches, smartphones, fitness bands, smart glasses, and other emerging wearable devices capable of executing the application and communicating with the scorekeeping system. The user device 102 can include one or more applications 108 executing on the processor 106 of the user device 102. The user device 102 may be worn, such as a watch with a wristband, a phone that removably attaches to the player, or a device worn around the neck of a player. In alternative embodiments, the user device 102 may be kept in a pocket or next to the player, such as a phone in a pocket or another electronic device that is kept nearby the player.

In some embodiments, the processor 106 may be a computer or other electronic device that can receive and transmit data. The processor may include one or more CPUs, controllers, or other processing circuitry in communication with and configured to control and receive input from any or all of the other components of the scorekeeping system 100. For example, the processor 106 may be configured to store and retrieve data from a memory 116 and to control components of the display device 104 by communicating via the communication interface 114. The processor 106 may further be configured to receive data sent from the communication interface 122 of the display device 104 and received at the communication interface 114 of the user device 102. The processor 106 can communicate to and from the memory 116 and output information to the display 112 via the user interface 110. The user interface 110 can also accept input from the input device 113, such as a touch screen, GUI, keyboard, mouse, digital pen, microphone, mass storage device, etc. In some embodiments, a single touchscreen interface can be both the input device 113 and the display 112. In addition to manual input via a user interface 110, the system can integrate automated score detection mechanisms using audio, visual, and sensor-based technologies to detect game events and automatically update scores, subject to user confirmation or adjustment. This feature leverages machine learning algorithms for continuous improvement in detection accuracy.

Communication between the user device 102 and the display device 104, in some embodiments, may be achieved by communication between the communication interface 114 of the user device 102 and the communication interface 122 of the display device 104. Communications between communication interfaces 114 and 122 may be wired or wireless. The communication interfaces 114 and 122 may accordingly provide for communication between the processor 106, the scoreboard display 118, and the speaker 120. In some embodiments, communication between the communication interfaces 114, 122 occurs through a Bluetooth network. In alternative embodiments, communication can occur via Wi-Fi, near-field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), or any other suitable wired or wireless communication protocol. In some embodiments, Bluetooth communication may be specialized for the types of components communicating with each other. For example, user device 102 may need to pair and communicate with both the scoreboard display 118 and the speaker 120. Certain Bluetooth adapters or receivers may be implemented that can handle multiple Bluetooth profiles.

The memory 116 can include computer program instructions that the processor 106 executes in order to implement one or more embodiments described herein. For example, the application 108 may be embodied in computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 116. The application 108 may be configured to cause the processor 106 perform some or all of the processes associated with the user device 102 as described herein. In some embodiments, the application 108 may be executed at least partially on the processor 106. The memory 116 may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and/or other persistent, non-transitory computer readable media.

In some embodiments, the user device 102 may include additional or fewer components than are shown in FIG. 1. For example, a user device 102 may include more than one processor 106 or memory 116. In another example, the user device 102 may not be coupled to a display 112 (e.g., if the user device 102 is a screen-less scorekeeping device or the like).

In one example implementation, the application 108 is an application on a mobile phone or a smart watch. The application is capable of receiving and interpreting requests or selections from a scorekeeper or user to enable proper scorekeeping on both the user device 102 and the display device 104. In some embodiments, such as smart watch implementations, communication between the user device 102 and the display device 104 may be direct or may be achieved through an intermediary device 130 (e.g., a mobile phone or other computing device).

In certain embodiments, the display device 104 includes a specialized scoreboard display 118. For example, the scoreboard display 118 may be designed specifically for a sport such as pickleball or tennis. The display device 104 may be in communication with the processor 106 to receive information from the user device 102. The display device 104 may be used to display scoring information about the game, such as the score, scoring side, scoring player, serving side, serving player, serving position, or the like. The scoreboard display 118 may be a digital display that duplicates the scorekeeping information being processed by the application 108 and/or the processor 106. The scoreboard display 118 is described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3A-3E.

The display device 104 may also include one or more speakers 120. The speaker 120 may be in communication with the user device 102 via the communication interfaces 114, 122. The speaker 120 may be in communication with an amplifier 124 to enable the speaker 120 to output sound at a range of desired volumes. The communication interface 122 can enable pairing, connection, and/or any other communication with the communication interface 114 of the user device 102 for transfer of data between the user device 102 and the

The one or more sensors 128 can include, for example, a tilt switch and/or an accelerometer configured to determine movement and/or positioning of the display device 104, an ambient light sensor for detecting a brightness of ambient light in the surrounding environment, etc. For example, if the display device 104 is configured to operate in an upright position and in an inverted position, as described below with reference to FIGS. 3D and 3E, the one or more sensors 128 may be used to detect an orientation of the device so that the score can be displayed upright on the scoreboard display 118. In another example, the display device 104 may adjust the brightness of the scoreboard display 118 based at least in part on a brightness detected by an ambient light sensor.

The one or more processors 128 of the display device 104 can be in communication with the scoreboard display 118, one or more speakers 120, communication interface 122, amplifier 124, one or more sensors 126, and memory 130, which may store computer-executable instructions executable by the processor to control the display device 104.

Display device 104 and user device 102 may also be connected with a power supply or individual power supplies. A power supply may include one or more battery modules disposed within the display device 104 and/or the user device 102. In alternative embodiments, the power supply may be a wired electrical connection. A power adapter may also be provided to provide power to the display device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example display device according to the present disclosure. As shown, in some embodiments, the scoreboard display 118 and the speakers 120 may be integrated into a unitary display device 104. The display device 104 may have a set of speakers 120 (e.g., on opposing sides of the display device 104), a single speaker, or more than two speakers. Alternatively, some embodiments of the display device 104 may not include speakers.

The display device 104 may have a housing 201. The housing 201 may contain a display 212. The display 212 may include specialized lights and screens to function as a scoreboard display 118. The housing 201 may also contain a connector 214 for providing power and/or charging the display device 104. The display device 104 may further include a handle 204 for carrying and transporting the display device 104.

The housing 201 may also include one or more input devices such as a series of buttons 206. Buttons 206 may be programmed to manually control the speakers 120 or the display 212. For example, a power button 210 may be used to power on and off the display device 104, including the display 212 and the speakers 120. Display device 104 may have a communication network pairing button 211 to pair the display device 104 to other compatible components within the scorekeeping system 100, such as the user device 102 of FIG. 1. Other buttons 208 may be configured for increasing or decreasing volume of the speakers 120. Buttons 208 may also be configured for other functions such as manually increasing or decreasing a score, changing a server number or position, or otherwise on the scoreboard display 118.

In some embodiments, the scoreboard display 118 may be designed for particular games or sports. In one example, the display device 104 may be customized for pickleball. A scoreboard display 118 configured for pickleball may be configured to display a first number 215 representing a current score of a first player or team and a second number 216 representing a current score of a second player or team.

Scoreboard display 118 may have a third number 217 indicating a current serving player on a team. Scoreboard display 118 may have lights such as lights 218a, 218b, 218c, and 218d indicating serving position on the court. The lights 218a-d may light up in certain patterns to match the positions of the players on the court. For example, lights 218a and 218c may represent the first team serving positions affiliated with score at first number 215. In the same example, lights 218b and 218d can represent the second team's serving positions affiliated with score at the second number 216. In some embodiments, lights 218a-d and numbers 215, 216, and 217 may be displayed in different colors to distinguish between two different teams or sets of players. Light colors for individual players or teams may be customizable or may be predetermined. In some embodiments, the display may be only a single color.

In some embodiments, the display device 104 may contain one or more speakers 120, as previously discussed. Multiple speakers 120 may be arranged in various configurations around the display device 104. The speakers 120 may be paired with and controlled remotely by the user device 102 (FIG. 1). When paired to a user device 102, the volume may be adjusted and audio may be selected via the user device 102. In some embodiments, the display device 104 may not contain speakers at all and may be configured solely as a scoreboard display device.

The display device 104 may take on different shapes, for example, it may be generally cylindrical, rectangular, or irregularly shaped. The overall size of the display device 104 may be smaller or larger depending on the size of the display 212 or integrated speakers 120. A front face of the housing 201 may contain the display 212 and a back side may be empty or nonfunctional. Alternatively, the display device 104 may have a display on one or two opposite sides. In some embodiments, the display device 104 may not be portable. For example, the display device 104 may be permanently mounted to a wall or beside a court for repeated use at a single location.

In some embodiments, the display 212 may be an LCD screen or contain one or more colored lights such as incandescent, LED, electroluminescent, fluorescent, or other lights, etc. The display 212 may have an adjustable brightness and/or colors used in the display may be customized. The display device 104 may incorporate advanced adaptive display technologies, including but not limited to orientation sensors and ambient light sensors, to optimize visibility under various environmental conditions and orientations, ensuring energy efficiency and readability in both bright daylight and low-light conditions. For example, the display 212 may be configured to increase or decrease brightness based at least in part on signals received from an ambient light sensor of the display device 104. In some embodiments, the display 212 may alternatively or additionally include one or more display mechanisms operating independently of lighting, for example, an electromechanical display such as a 7-segment electromechanical display for displaying alphanumeric information, or any other suitable mechanical or electromechanical display device.

In some embodiments, the display device 104 may have more or fewer buttons 208 or other interface controls than those displayed in FIG. 2. In addition to those previously disclosed, the display device 104 can have buttons for complete manual control of the display device 104. For example, the display may be controlled through buttons when a mobile device is unable to connect. The speaker 120 volume may be controlled through buttons on the display device 104. Buttons may also be used for programming or customizing the

The display device 104, in some embodiments, may be battery powered. Batteries within the device may be rechargeable through the connector 214 on the display device. In some embodiments, the display device 104 may be solar powered or rely on other power sources such as a wired power connection.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate an another example display device 104 according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3A, the display device 104 may have a housing 201. The housing 201 may contain a display 212. The display 212 may include specialized lights and screens to function as a scoreboard display 118 (FIG. 1).

Scoreboard display 118 may be configured to display first and second numbers 215 and 216, indicating current scores. Scoreboard display 118 may display a third number 217 indicating a current serving player on a team. Scoreboard display 118 may have lights such as lights 218a, 218b, 218c, and 218d indicating serving position on the court. The lights 218a-d may light up in certain patterns to match the positions of the players on the court. For example, lights 218a and 218c may represent the first team serving positions affiliated with score at first number 215. In the same example, lights 218b and 218d can represent the second team's serving positions affiliated with score at the second number 216. In some embodiments, lights 218a-d and numbers 215, 216, and 217 may be displayed in different colors to distinguish between two different teams or sets of players. Light colors for individual players or teams may be customizable or may be predetermined. In some embodiments, the display may be only a single color.

A best illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the housing 201 may also include one or more input devices such as a series of buttons. For example, a power button 210 may be used to power on and off the display device 104, including the display 212. Display device 104 may have a communication network pairing button 211 to pair the display device 104 to other compatible components within the scorekeeping system 100, such as the user device 102 of FIG. 1.

The display device 104 may take on different shapes, for example, it may be generally cylindrical, rectangular, or irregularly shaped. The overall size of the display device 104 may be smaller or larger depending on the size of the display 212 or integrated speakers 120. A front face of the housing 201 may contain the display 212 and a back side may not contain a display. Alternatively, the display device 104 may have a display on two opposite sides. In some embodiments, the display device 104 may not be portable. For example, the display device 104 may be permanently mounted to a wall or beside a court for repeated use at a single location.

In some embodiments, the display 212 may be an LCD or LED display or contain one or more colored lights such as incandescent, LED, electroluminescent, fluorescent, or other lights, etc. The display 212 may have an adjustable brightness and/or colors used in the display may be customized. In some embodiments, the display 212 may alternatively or additionally include one or more display mechanisms operating independently of lighting, for example, an electromechanical display such as a 7-segment electromechanical display for displaying alphanumeric information, or any other suitable mechanical or electromechanical display device.

The display device 104, in some embodiments, may be battery powered. Batteries within the device may be rechargeable through the connector 214 on the display device. In some embodiments, the display device 104 may be solar powered or rely on other power sources such as a wired power connection.

The display device 104 may further include a handle 204 for carrying and transporting the display device 104. The display device 104 may include one or more fect 220 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or more feet). As best illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the display device 104 may include two feet 220. The feet 220 can extend out of the back of the display device 104 and the display device 104 can lean on the fect 220 to maintain an upright position. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the feet 220 can attach to the display device 104 via hinges, which can allow the feet 220 to fold into pockets 222 in the display device 104 which advantageously makes the display device 104 more compact and durable for transportation and storage.

Each foot 220 can include a notch 224. As illustrated in FIGS. 3D and 3E, the display device 104 can be flipped over to an inverted position in which the notches 224 can hook onto a fence 230 or any other suitable mounting structure (e.g., a railing, wall, net, or the like) to maintain a hanging position. As discussed above with reference to FIG. 1, the display device 104 can include one or more sensors 126 such as a tilt switch or accelerometer which can detect whether the display device 104 is in an upright or inverted position. The one or more processors 128 within the display device 104 may be configured to automatically invert the content shown on display 212 (e.g., the numbers 215, 216, and 217, and the positions thereof) when the sensor detects an inversion between the upright position illustrated in FIG. 3A and the inverted position illustrated in FIG. 3D.

Scorekeeping within a Scorekeeping System

FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating an example method 300 of providing display information in a scorekeeping system. The method 300 can be performed in accordance with any scorekeeping system such as, for example, the scorekeeping system 100 of FIG. 1. Throughout the discussion of FIG. 4A, reference will be made to components illustrated in FIG. 1.

The method 300 may begin at block 301 when a game begins, such as when a user initiates a request at a user device 102. For example, the user may select, through an application 108 executing on the user device 102, an option to start a pickleball game to be tracked through the system 100.

At block 302, the system 100 receives initial data from the user interface 110. For example, the user may input to the application 108 an indication of which team is serving first. The user may also input their position on the court, for example, whether they are starting on the left side or the right side of their side of the court. Other initial information may include number of players, number of teams, number of points in the game, team names, or other customizable information.

In some embodiments, the system 100 may have pre-existing information regarding the starting parameters of the game. For example, the system 100 may be set to a default end score of eleven points with two-point lead required to win a game. The system may be set to a default of two teams with two players on each team. The application 108 may further allow the scorekeeper to change the default game settings through a series of prompts.

At block 303, the processor 106 determines the starting parameters of the game based on the data received from the user interface 110 in block 302. The determined starting parameters may include an initial display configuration for either or both of the user interface 110 of the user device 102 (e.g., on display 112) and the scoreboard display 118 of the display device 104. The starting parameters determined may include the starting scores, serving team or player, serving position, etc., as well as the specific lighting configuration by which the parameters are displayed.

At block 304, the system 100 may provide an initial display configuration in accordance with the starting parameters previously determined at block 303. The user device 102 may provide visual output indicating the starting score, serving team or player, and serving position through the user interface 110 and/or through display 112. Similarly, the user device 102 may communicate with the display device 104 via communication interfaces 114 and 122 to send the initial display configuration to the display device 104. The display device 104 may visually display the initial display configuration (e.g., on scoreboard display 118), which may be the same information as appearing on the user device 102. Playing of the game may then commence.

At block 305, the system 100 may receive update information via the user device 102. For example, the pickleball rally may have finished and a user of the user device 102 may indicate that one of the teams won the rally or that the rally ended with neither team winning (e.g., by providing a corresponding input via a button or graphical user interface on the user device 102). In some scenarios, the update information may indicate that a new serve will commence.

At decision state 307, the processor 106 determines, based on the received update information and one or more rules or other logic of the application 108, if an update to the current score is necessary. This information will be based any updated information received from the user device 102 and with respect to the rules of the game. Determination of score updates is described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 4B. If it is determined at decision state 307 that a score update is necessary, the method 300 continues to block 309, where the processor 106 updates the score such as by adding one to the score of the team that won the rally. If it is determined at decision state 307 that a score update is not necessary, the method 300 continues to block 310.

At block 310, the processor 106 may update the server information to reflect a new serving team, a new serving player, and/or a new serving position. The processor 106 may determine the change in serving information based on the received update information and one or more rules or other logic of the application 108. Determination of updates to server information is described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 4B.

At block 311, the system 100 may update the display configuration and may transmit the updated display configuration to the display 112 of the user device 102 to reflect the updated scores, server, and/or server position based on update information received in block 305. Additionally, the system 100 may update the scoreboard display 118 of the display device 104 to reflect the update information received at block 305. The display 112 may show the same information as the scoreboard display 118, or the information displayed on the display 112 may include more, less, or different information than the information displayed on the scoreboard display 118.

At decision state 312, the processor 106 may determine, based on the updated display configuration, whether the game is complete based on the score and previous scoring pattern. The system may compare the calculated score to a scoring threshold that may have been assigned as a default at the beginning or was selected by a user of the user device 102. If the game has not reached the scoring threshold, the method 300 will return to block 305 and when further update information is received (e.g., after a next rally ends and a user inputs an indication of a winner of the rally). The method 300 may continue to repeat blocks 305 to 312 until the winning score is met. If the game is complete and a team has reached a winning score (e.g., if one team has reached the score threshold and complied with any additional requirements such as a “win by two” rule), the method 300 proceeds to block 312 and the game is terminated in the application. In some embodiments, the scoreboard display 118 and/or the display 112 of the user device 102 may be updated to display an indication that the game is over and/or an indicator of the winning player or team, which may include a final score of the game.

FIG. 4B is a flowchart illustrating an example method 350 of updating display information in a scorekeeping system. The method 350 can be performed in accordance with any scorekeeping system such as, for example, the scorekeeping system 100 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the method 350 can be implemented as a process for determining updates to scores and/or server information within the method 300 of FIG. 4A. Throughout the discussion of FIG. 4B, reference will be made to components illustrated in FIG. 1.

The method 350 may begin at decision state 351 when the system receives update information from the user device 102 such as an indication of a winner of a rally in the game. The user device 102 may receive updates from the scorekeeper through the user interface 110. For example, at the end of a rally, the user may indicate through the user interface that the serving team or the receiving won the rally. In some embodiments, the user may indicate that the user's team or the other team won the rally; in this example, the processor 106 may determine whether the winning team was the serving team or the receiving team based on preexisting information stored in the memory 116.

If it is determined at decision state 351 that the serving team won the rally, the method 350 continues to block 352. At block 352, the system 100 can update the score to increase by one for the serving team. The method continues to block 353, where the system 100 can keep the serving player the same but can change the serving position (e.g., by switching from left to right or from right to left). The method 350 then proceeds to block 364, where the updates to the score and the serving position information are incorporated to update the display configuration. The updated display configuration may then be communicated to the user device 102 and/or the display device 104, and the display 112 of the user device 102 and the scoreboard display 118 can display the updated score and serving positions accordingly. The serving position may be indicated on the user interface 110 through a series of dots (see FIG. 5 at 410a-410d) and/or on the display device through lights 218a-218d. The serving player, one or two, can be tracked on the display device 104 at number 217.

If it is determined at decision state 351 that the receiving team won the rally, the method continues from block 351 to block 354. At block 354, the system 100 can keep the score between the teams the same in accordance with an example rule in which only a serving team may score a point for winning a rally.

Advancing to decision state 355, the system 100 may determine if the serving team remains the same as before or if the serving team should be updated. The decision at decision state 355 may be made based on whether the current server number is 1 or 2 (e.g., whether the server of the most recent rally was the first or second server on the team).

If it is determined at decision state 355 that the previous rally was served by server one, then the serving position changes at block 356. At block 358, the serving player advances to two, and the serving team is not changed. The method 350 then proceeds to block 364, where the updates to the serving position information and the serving team information are incorporated to update the display configuration. The updated display configuration may then be communicated to the user device 102 and/or the display device 104, and the display 112 of the user device 102 and the scoreboard display 118 can display the updated score and serving positions accordingly. The serving position may be indicated on the user interface 110 through a series of dots (see FIG. 5 at 410a-410d) and/or on the display device through lights 218a-218d. The serving player, one or two, can be tracked on the display device 104 at number 217.

If it is determined at decision state 355 that the rally was started by server two, the method 350 continues to block 360. At block 360, the system 100 can change the serving position. At block 362, the system 100 can change the serving team. Proceeding to block 363, the serving player will advance to player one.

The method 350 then proceeds to block 364, where the updates to the serving position information and the serving team information are incorporated to update the display configuration. The updated display configuration may then be communicated to the user device 102 and/or the display device 104, and the display 112 of the user device 102 and the scoreboard display 118 can display the updated score and serving positions accordingly. The serving position may be indicated on the user interface 110 through a series of dots (see FIG. 5 at 410a-410d) and/or on the display device through lights 218a-218d. The serving player, one or two, can be tracked on the display device 104 at number 217.

FIGS. 5A-5J depict an example user device executing an example scorekeeping user interface, corresponding to the user interface 110 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the user interface 110 may be displayed on a user device 102 through display 112. The user interface 110 may communicate with the scorekeeper, wearer, or user of the user device 102, through a series of selectable options. In the example of FIGS. 5A-5J, the user device 102 is a smart watch device having a touchscreen display that serves as both the display 112 and the input device 113 of FIG. 1. However, the interface of FIGS. 5A-4J may equally be implemented using any other suitable type of user device in accordance with the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the first user interface upon initialization, may include an option menu which prompts the user to select between “Quick Start” 416 and “New Match” 418. The option menu may also include other options for example “Players” 420, “History” 422, “Pair” 424, “Play Options” 426, and “Settings” 428. Other options may be included as well.

A selection of “New Match” 418, may cause the user interface to proceed to another screen with another set of selectable options. As shown in FIG. 5B, the user interface 110 may allow the scorekeeper to select game play options. Selecting “Play Options” 426 may also cause the user interface to proceed to the screen as illustrated in FIG. 5B. The user interface may provide a “Singles/Doubles” 430 option for selecting whether the game is a singles or doubles game, a “Winning Score” 432 option for selecting a winning score threshold, and a “Win By” 434 option for selecting a required score differential for winning. A user may select the game play options by selecting an option, then swiping left or right until the property of the option matches the user's preference, or by otherwise indicating the user's preference. Based on the input received, the processor 106 may at least temporarily store information in the memory 116 associating the selected options with the next match.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5C, the user interface may proceed to another screen with another set of selectable options. The user interface 110 may allow the scorekeeper to select where the scoreboard is positioned. The user interface may provide a “left side” 435 option and a “right side” 436 option, or the user interface may allow the user to swipe left for the “left side” 435 option or swipe right for the “right side” 436 option. For example, the scoreboard may be configured to be positioned at approximately mid-court outside of the sidelines of the court; left and right sides may correspond to the side of the court where the scoreboard is located relative to the user, who can playing on one of the two ends of the court. Based on the input received, the processor 106 may at least temporarily store information in the memory 116 associating the selected options with the next match.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5D, the user interface may proceed to another screen with another set of selectable options. The user interface 110 may allow the scorekeeper to select who is playing. The user interface may provide an “Add New Player” 438 option and a selection menu 440 including saved players to select from. Based on the input received, the processor 106 may at least temporarily store information in the memory 116 associating the selected options with the next match, including the players in the game and, in the case of doubles, the teams associated with the players.

As shown in FIG. 5E, the user interface may proceed to another screen with another set of selectable options. The user interface may prompt the user to select which team starts with selectable options “opponent starts” 402 or “my team starts” 403. Based on the input received, the processor 106 may at least temporarily store information in the memory 116 associating the user's team (e.g., “my team”) or the opposing team (e.g., “opponent” or “other team”) as the serving team and associating the other one of the teams as the receiving team.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5F, the user interface may proceed to another screen with another set of selectable options. The user interface 110 may allow the scorekeeper to select which side the scorekeeper will start on if playing doubles. The user interface may provide a “left side” 405 option and a “right side” 406 option. The user interface may also provide a return or back selection 407 to return to the previous screen.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5G, the user interface may proceed to another screen with another set of selectable options. The user interface 110 may allow the scorekeeper to select where each player is positioned to begin the game 448, 449, and which team will begin serving 450, 451. These selections may be made by swiping left and right or up and down, or by selecting a button on the user interface 110.

Based on the inputs received at the user interface screens shown in FIGS. 5A-5G, the processor 106 may determine initial display configuration information to be displayed on the scoreboard display 118 of the display device 104 (FIG. 1). The processor 106 may also cause the same initial display configuration or a modified version of the initial display configuration information to be displayed at the user device 102. The initial display configuration information may include a server number of 1, a light position indicating the initial server, and an initial score of 0-0.

A selection of “Quick Start” 416, may bypass any or all of the user interface screens illustrated in FIGS. 5B-5G and the processor 106 may determine initial display configuration information to be displayed on the scoreboard display 118 of the display device 104 (FIG. 1) based on the selections made for the previous game. In some examples of “Quick Start” 416 the initial display configuration may be the same as the previous game. In another example of “Quick Start” 416 the initial display configuration may include preprogramed variations from the previous game, such as maintaining the player, teams, and game properties set for the previous game but allowing the winner of the last game to pick their side and to serve first. The processor 106 may also cause the same initial display configuration or a modified version of the initial display configuration information to be displayed at the user device 102. The initial display configuration information may include a server number of 1, a light position indicating the initial server, and an initial score of 0-0.

In some embodiments, the user interface 110 may proceed to another screen, as shown in FIG. 5H, showing a scoreboard display indicating the score for each team 411 and server information. The displayed score on the user device 102 may match the score displayed on the display device 104. An image with the serving position may be displayed on the user interface. For example, the user device 102 may provide a pattern of dots 410a, 410b, 410c, and 410d to indicate the serving position. Serving position dots 410a-d may match the lights 218a-218d on the display device 104 indicating the same information. In some embodiments, a restart selection 412 may be available to return to the first user interface screen.

As further shown in FIG. 5H, two new selectable options may be available to indicate whether the “other team” 413 or “my team” 414 scored or won a rally. Each time a rally ends, the user of the user device 102 may provide update information (e.g., the update information received by the system at block 305 in FIG. 5A) by selecting “other team” 413 or “my team” 414 to indicate which team won the rally. As the game continues, the scorekeeper or user of the user device 102 may continue to control the scoreboard by only having to select one of two options (e.g., “other team” 413 or “my team” 414), advantageously providing a convenient and streamlined user experience by allowing score and server updates to be controlled by selection of a single option which can easily be accomplished even by an active player in the short time between the end of a rally and the next serve.

In some embodiments, the user interface 110 may proceed to another screen, as shown in FIG. 5I, showing a scoreboard icon 442 indicating the score for each team 411 and server information. The displayed score on the user device 102 may match the score displayed on the display device 104. An image with the serving position may be displayed on the user interface. For example, the user device 102 may provide the players' names in a patterned arrangement 410a, 410b, 410c, and 410d with one name highlighted to indicate the serving position. Serving position highlight may match the lights 218a-218d on the display device 104 indicating the same information. In some embodiments, an end selection 412 may be available to return to the first user interface screen.

As further shown in FIG. 51, the scoreboard icon 442 may be swiped to indicate whether the “other team” 413 or “my team” 414 scored or won a rally. Each time a rally ends, the user of the user device 102 may provide update information (e.g., the update information received by the system at block 305 in FIG. 4A) by selecting “other team” 413 or “my team” 414 to indicate which team won the rally. As the game continues, the scorekeeper or user of the user device 102 may continue to control the scoreboard by only having to select one of two options (e.g., “other team” 413 or “my team” 414), advantageously providing a convenient and streamlined user experience by allowing score and server updates to be controlled by selection of a single option which can easily be accomplished even by an active player in the short time between the end of a rally and the next serve.

As shown in FIG. 5J, after selecting which team won the rally, the user interface may proceed to another selection screen. This selection screen can be shown in “MVP Mode” 446. The “Select the player that hit the last shot” icon 444 may be swiped to indicate which player hit the last shot of the rally. Once this selection is made, the user interface may return to the scoreboard display illustrated in FIG. 5I, and an indication of the player who hit the last shot may be stored in the memory 116 for use in an “MVP Mode” as described below.

In alternative embodiments, the user interface may be designed with different prompts or selectable options. The prompts may be customized to match the particular sport or game being scored. The user interface may allow for the addition of player or team names. In some embodiments, the information entered into the user interface is reflected on the display or scoreboard of the scorekeeping device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 500 for implementing an “MVP Mode” 446 as described with reference to FIG. 5J. The method 500 can be performed in accordance with any scorekeeping system such as, for example, the scorekeeping system 100 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the system 100 may have pre-existing information regarding the starting parameters of the game. For example, the system 100 may be set to a default end score of eleven points with two-point lead required to win a game. The system may be set to a default of two teams with two players on each team. The system may set the players' names and the application 108 may further allow the scorekeeper to change the default game settings through a series of prompts. The system 100 may initiate each player's “MVP score” as zero to begin the game.

The method 500 may begin when a game begins if the user has selected to use “MVP Mode” 446. The method 500 may be initiated at decision state 501 after the end of the first rally in the game, and may be initiated again after each subsequent rally. For example, with reference to FIG. 5H, the method 500 may be initiated each time “other team” 413 or “my team 414” is selected in the user interface. At decision state 501, the system 100 receives data from the user interface 110. The first data includes which team won the rally. The system 100 can further determine, based on previously stored game state data, whether the team that won the rally was the serving team or the receiving team.

If the serving team won the rally, the method 500 moves from decision state 501 to decision state 502. At decision state 502, the user interface 110 prompts the user to input which player hit the last shot. Then, the user may input to the application 108 an indication of which player hit the last shot of the rally (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5J). If the player who hit the last shot is on the receiving team (e.g., the serving team won the rally and the receiving team hit the last shot), then the method moves on to block 504 and the hitter's MVP score is decreased (e.g., one MVP point may be subtracted from the hitter's MVP score, or another appropriate deduction or downward adjustment may be made to the hitter's MVP score). If the player who hit the last shot is on the serving team (e.g., the serving team won the rally and the serving team hit the last shot), then the method moves on to block 505 and the hitter's MVP score is increased (e.g., one MVP point may be added to the hitter's MVP score, or another appropriate addition or upward adjustment may be made to the hitter's MVP score).

If the receiving team won the rally, the method 500 moves from block 501 to decision state 503. At decision state 503, the user interface 110 prompts the user to input which player hit the last shot. Then, the user may input to the application 108 an indication of which player hit the last shot of the rally (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5J). If the player who hit the last shot is on the serving team (e.g., the receiving team won the rally and the serving team hit the last shot), then the method moves on to the block 504 and the hitter's MVP score is decreased (e.g., one MVP point may be subtracted from the hitter's MVP score, or another appropriate deduction or downward adjustment may be made to the hitter's MVP score). If the player who hit the last shot is on the receiving team (e.g., the receiving team won the rally and the receiving team hit the last shot), then the method moves on to the block 505 and the hitter's MVP score is increased (e.g., one MVP point may be added to the hitter's MVP score, or another appropriate addition or upward adjustment may be made to the hitter's MVP score).

This method 500 iterates for each rally of the game and the system 100 stores each player's MVP score. At the end of the game, the MVP score for each player can be displayed and the player with the highest MVP score can be designated the MVP of the game. In some embodiments, MVP scores can be stored only for individual games, or can be maintained across multiple games or indefinitely for individual player profiles stored in the application. Moreover, various MVP scoring modalities can be used. In some cases, an MVP score may be calculated only by evenly weighted addition and subtraction (e.g., by subtracting one point each time a score is adjusted at block 504 and adding one point each time a score is adjusted at block 505). In other modalities, certain shots can be weighted relative to other shots. For example, the score increase at block 505 (e.g., due to hitting a winning shot that lands in the court but is not returned) may be a larger value than the score subtracted at block 504 (c.g., due to committing a fault such as by hitting a shot that lands outside the court). In another example, the score increases (block 505) and/or decreases (block 504) resulting from the outcome of decision state 502 may be relatively larger than the corresponding score increases resulting from the outcome of decision state 503 because the rallies won by the serving team result in a point for the serving team and thus may be considered to have more importance relative to the rallies won by the receiving team. Other variations on MVP Mode scoring are contemplated and may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In some implementations a system as described herein may include one or more remote control devices configured to communicate with one or more other components of the system, such as a user device 102 and/or a display device 104. The remote control devices advantageously may be versatile and may feature ergonomic design for easy attachment to sports equipment handles, wearable bands, or directly onto a user or player's body. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate one particular example of a paddle-mounted remote control 610 which may be used instead of or in addition to the mobile applications described herein, as a user device 102 for controlling any of the scorekeeping systems disclosed herein. The remote control 610 is illustrated positioned next to a pickle ball racket 600 to illustrate an example size of the remote control 610. The remote control may be sized similarly to or slightly smaller than a cap or end of a racket handle 600 (e.g., the handle of a standard pickleball racket). In various embodiments, the remote control may be any of a variety of shapes or sizes. For example, it may be generally rounded rectangular, cylindrical, rectangular, or irregularly shaped.

The remote control 610 may include a power button 614, a first button 612, a second button 616, a first light 618, and/or a second light 620. The power button 614 may be positioned on a side face or other appropriate portion of the remote control 610. The first button 612 and second button 616 can be positioned on an end face of the remote 610. In some embodiments, the first button 612 and the second button 616 may be differently shaped and/or textured in order to help a user differentiate between the buttons 612, 616 without looking at the remote control 610. For example, the first button 612 may be concave and the second button 616 may be convex, or vice-versa. In another example, the first button 612 may be textured and the second button 616 may be smooth or may have a different texture relative to the texture on the first button 612. The difference in the surface shape between the first button 612 and the second button 616 can advantageously distinguish the two buttons from each other by touch. The first light 618 can indicate the battery level of the remote control. The second light 620 can indicate whether the remote control is wirelessly connected to the scoreboard. The remote control 610 may also include haptic and/or audio elements, such as to provide indications of power or battery status, connectivity status, and/or to provide feedback in response to input received via the buttons 612, 616. In one example, an audio element may play a first sound and/or a haptic clement may provide a first pattern of haptic feedback in response to the first button 612 being pressed, and the audio element may play a different second sound and/or the haptic element may provide a different second pattern of haptic feedback in response to the second button 616 being pressed. An audio and/or haptic alert may also be provided when the remote control 610 is in a low battery state.

FIG. 7B illustrates a mounting device 630 for the remote control 610. The mounting 630 includes an attachment portion 632 and a remote case 634. The mounting device 630 can be formed from flexible silicon or another flexible material. The attachment portion 632 is configured to fit around the cap of a racket handle 600. The attachment portion 632 can stretch to fit around the cap of the racket handle 600. The remote case 634 is configured to fit around the remote control 610 described above with reference to FIG. 7A. The remote case 634 can stretch to fit around the remote 610. The remote case 634 may include a lip 636 which can protect the buttons 616 and 618 from being inadvertently pressed during play. The remote case 634 can also include molded features 638 which can contour around the features of the remote control 610 (e.g., the power button 614, the first button 612, the second button 616, the first light 618, and the second light 620). The lip 636 can be a raised portion surrounding the molded features 638.

In other embodiments, the mounting device 630 may include a different attachment portion 632. For example, the attachment portion 632 may be a carabiner, a necklace, a wrist band, a lanyard, an attachment loop, or another connection element. In other embodiments, the mounting device 630 may not include an attachment portion 632.

The remote control 610 can be used to enter information to be reflected on the display or scoreboard of the scorekeeping device. The remote control 610 can communicate wirelessly with the scorekeeping device. The first button 612 and the second button 616 can be used to initiate a game on the scoreboard of the scorekeeping device and indicate the location and first serve position based on prompts from the scoreboard or scorekeeping device. The remote control 610 can provide audio and/or haptic feedback when a button is pressed. Once the location and first serve position are set, gameplay can begin. A user can press one of the first button 612 or the second button 616 to indicate which team won the last rally. The remote 610 can communicate the button press to the scorekeeping device.

In some embodiments, communication between the remote control and the score keeping device occurs through a Bluetooth network. In alternative embodiments, the system is designed to be agnostic of communication protocols, supporting a range of standards including but not limited to Bluetooth (e.g., in all its evolving versions), Wi-Fi (c.g., across different IEEE 802.11 standards), NFC, RFID, and future-developed communication technologies to ensure backward compatibility and adaptability to new devices and standards. In some embodiments, Bluetooth communication may be specialized for the types of components communicating with each other. For example, remote control 610 may need to pair and communicate with the scoreboard display. Certain Bluetooth adapters or receivers may be implemented that can handle multiple Bluetooth profiles.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. It should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment are interchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from a depicted embodiment can be included with other depicted embodiments in any combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged, or excluded from other embodiments.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

It is noted that some examples above may be described as a process, which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel, or concurrently, and the process can be repeated. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a software function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

The above description discloses several methods and materials of the present invention. This invention is susceptible to modifications in the methods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methods and equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of the invention disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that this invention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but that it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within the true scope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the attached claims.

Claims

1. A system for scorekeeping comprising:

a display device comprising a scoreboard configured to display a game status based on display configuration information; and

an application executable by a user device having a user interface, the user device comprising one or more processors in communication with the user interface and the display device, the one or more processors configured with processor-executable instructions included in the application to at least: send, to the display device, initial display configuration information that causes the display device to display an initial game status; receive, from the user interface of the user device, update information associated with the game status; determine updated display configuration information based on the received update information; and send, to the display device, the updated display configuration information to cause the display device to display an updated game status.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:

receive, from the user interface of the user device, initial game information associated with the game status; and

determine the initial display configuration information based on the received initial game information.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the initial game information comprises a serving position.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the update information associated with the game status comprises an indication of a team winning a rally.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the update information comprises an indication of a user selection of one of two selectable options displayed on the user interface, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine the updated display configuration information based on the user selection.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a remote control configured to communicate wirelessly with at least the display device or the user device.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the remote control is configured to attach to a sports equipment handle, a wearable band, or onto a body of a user.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the remote control is configured to be mounted on a handle of a pickleball racket.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device comprises a smart watch.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors of the user device are further configured to iteratively:

receive, from the user interface of the user device, additional update information associated with the game status;

determine additional updated display configuration information based on the received additional update information; and

send, to the display device, the additional updated display configuration information to cause the display device to display a subsequent updated game status.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to compare at least a portion of the additional update information or the additional updated display configuration to an end game configuration threshold.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:

determine, based on the comparing, that a score of the game has reached the end game configuration threshold; and

send, to the display device, an indicator that the end game configuration threshold was met.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the display device further comprises a plurality of legs configured to support the display device in an upright position on a surface and to support the display device in an inverted position from a fence or other vertical structure.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the display device further comprises a sensor configured to detect whether the display device is in an upright position or an inverted position, and wherein the display device is configured to invert graphical information displayed on the scoreboard based on signals received from the sensor.

15. A computer-implemented method comprising, by one or more processors of a user device:

sending, to a display device having a scoreboard configured to display a game status, initial display configuration information that causes the display device to display an initial game status;

receiving, from a user interface of the user device, update information associated with the game status;

determining updated display configuration information based on the received update information; and

sending, to the display device, the updated display configuration information to cause the display device to display an updated game status.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

receiving, from the user interface of the user device, initial game information associated with the game status; and

determining the initial display configuration information based on the received initial game information.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the initial game information comprises at least one of a serving position or a serving team.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the update information comprises an indication of a user selection of one of two selectable options displayed on the user interface, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine the updated display configuration information based on the user selection.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

receiving, from the user interface of the user device, additional update information associated with the game status;

determining additional updated display configuration information based on the received additional update information; and

sending, to the display device, the additional updated display configuration information to cause the display device to display a subsequent game status.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising comparing at least a portion of the additional update information or the additional updated display information to an end game configuration threshold.

21. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

determining, based on the comparing, that a score of the game has reached the end game configuration threshold; and

sending, to the display device, an indicator that the end game configuration threshold was met.

22. The method of claim 15, wherein the update information associated with the game status comprises an indication of a team winning a rally.