Abstract: A golf ball tracking system identifies a first pixel at which a golf ball is located in a first image frame and a second pixel at which the golf ball is located in a second image frame. The system may determine that the first pixel represents a location where the golf ball impacts the golf surface based at least in part on a difference in location between the first pixel in the first image frame and the second pixel in the second image frame.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes circuitry that analyzes a motion of a user by determining a start time and an end time of a motion session from characteristics of motion data regarding the motion of the user. The motion data is indicative of a type of sports-related motion performed by the user.

Abstract: A system and method of awarding a participant with a real or virtual prize over a network, the system and method comprising present one or more details of a match in the session application to the participant over the network to the remote participant computer for selection of the match, wherein the match is associated with at least one prize type, receive a request from the participant to join the match, the request including a participation type associated with the participant and participant characteristics, determine participant eligibility to participate in the match and receive the at least one prize type associated with the match by comparing the prize type, participation type, and the participant characteristics with a set of eligibility requirements for the match, if the participant is eligible and achieves a win condition then award the participant the prize associated with the match and the prize type.

Abstract: A score tracking device for billiards incorporates a frame assembly further subdivided into three (3) sections, each bisected by a middle frame member. A plurality of balls simulating a scoring means is maintained with each section and traversing along a track. A given position of a ball within a respective track designates a given score in a counting manner. The device is configured with hardware suitable to securing the device from a ceiling, a wall, or being supported on a horizontal support structure.

Abstract: A housing for a ground vehicle-mountable aerial vehicle is provided. The housing includes a base portion defining a cavity and an opening leading into the cavity. The cavity is structured to receive an unmanned aerial vehicle therein. The cavity is configured so as to open upwardly when the housing is mounted on the vehicle. The housing also includes a drafting wall structured to extend from the base portion at a location forward of at least a portion of the cavity when the housing is mounted on the ground vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a platform that allows individual users to maintain personal performance statistics, which, collectively, are used to determine and update difficulty ratings for various multi-stage sport courses. Ratings are determined for each leg of a given course. The platform enables a user to predict his or her performance on an unfamiliar course based on course ratings and the user's historical performance on other courses.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for objectively determining tennis player rankings and rating levels for a broad range of tennis players, from novice amateurs to top-ranked professionals, on a single continuum are disclosed. Player-specific match outcome data stored in an electronic archive database are communicated to an electronic processing element that calculates player rankings and rating levels. Updated player-specific data is then communicated back to the electronic archive database for storage. The disclosed ranking and rating process evaluates each player's body of work, including the results of his/her most recent match.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for determining parameters of a contact between bodies occurring within an activity. A digital camera directed towards a target area during the activity captures image frames including infra red image data. Structure for comparing image data for multiple temporally spaced frames with image data of a reference datum records any localized infra red emission appearing in at least one incident frame. The image data for at least one of the incident frames is analyzed to determine at least one parameter of the contact, and the image data for the incident frame is recorded. Visual display means displays the incident frames including the image data in the IR spectrum to enable visual inspection of the activity in the target area at the time of the incident frame and that gave rise to the contact producing the infra red emission.

Abstract: A game system moves a player character in a virtual game space in accordance with an operation by a player. Further, the player character's moving amount per predetermined unit time is detected at each predetermined time interval. A predetermined parameter (gage amount) value is calculated at each predetermined time interval based on the moving amount detected at each predetermined time interval. Also, the game system adds the predetermined parameter value calculated at each predetermined time interval for accumulation. In response to a predetermined operation performed by the player, the game system causes the player character to perform a predetermined motion (e.g., special shot) on a condition such that a value obtained as a result of the addition reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A user interface device for controlling an audio visual system. In one embodiment, a device for interfacing with an audio/visual system includes a sensor mat including a surface and operable to be disposed on a substantially flat floor. The sensor mat is further operable for generating electrical signals responsive to physical interactions of a user with the surface. The interface device also includes an electronic control unit including circuitry for coupling to the mat, the electronic control unit for detecting the physical interactions of the mat and the electronic control unit operable to be placed on the substantially flat floor. The interface device further includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end and physically coupled to the electronic control unit via the first end and extending laterally therefrom. The second end of the elongated shaft is operable to be displaced in various directions by interactions with both hands of the user.

Abstract: An electronic scoring display for tennis includes a display box connected to support pole affixed to a tennis net support post. The display box has identically opposed faces that include numeric light emitting diode displays for completed game scores and LED indicators for completed sets. Switches control each players completed game displays from 0 to 9 in a circular rotation. A switch controls both completed set indicator lights in a circular sequence of all possibilities. A switch reverses each players respective score information on the display.

Abstract: The agent basically consists of Saxolith, a crystalline marble-based filler, and Erkamar, a binder having adhesive properties. The agent preferably also contains dimethylethanolamine to improve the dissolution of resins and to stabilize the pH, as well as isopropanol as the diluent, Sipernat to improve the flow properties, Agitan as defoaming agent and coagulant, as well as Byk to improve the flow properties and as a filler. The agent is produced by adding Erkamar to at least the same quantity of water, mixing it and stirring it for a few hours, cooling the mixture to room temperature, and adding at least the same quantity of Saxolith as that of Erkamar added previously and stirring until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.

Abstract: Techniques are provide for linking actions in an online fantasy sports game to a currency balance associated with a user of the game. The techniques adjust the balance by a first quantity in response to a sports player action, where the first quantity is based upon the player action, and adjust the balance by a second quantity in response to transfer of a sports player to or from a fantasy sports team associated with the user, where the second quantity is based upon a value of the sports player; and, prevent transfer of the sports player to the fantasy sports team in response to the second quantity being greater than the balance. The currency balance may be increased by the first quantity in response to the sports player action. The sports player action may include scoring a number of game points, and the first quantity may be based upon the number of game points.

Abstract: Pose and play dolls that will stand on a platform by magnetic attraction and dance with lifelike animation, but which may be removed from the stand for ordinary play. The dolls include animation powered from the platform through the legs of the doll. A motor in the doll animates the doll body, arms and head, with proportional feedback allowing control by a controller in coordination with music being played. The doll head may rotate or gyrate, and the arms swing as a unit or with the lower arms bending as the arms swing. In one form of platform simply rotates through controlled angles, again in coordination with the music being played. In another form of doll, the hips are configured to swing back and forth, and another form of platform controls the hip movement, again in coordination with the music being played. Various other features and capabilities are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for determining a player rating for at least one tennis player enhances the tennis playing experience of by matching tennis players of comparable tennis skills. The methodology comprises assigning numerical player ratings generally corresponding to each player's individual tennis skill level. A competitive threshold is established, corresponding to a minimum number of games that a player must win in a match between players having the same player rating. A player is considered to be competitive within a rating level, regardless of whether the player wins or loses matches, provided the player wins at least the minimum number of games that corresponds to the established competitive threshold. Adjustments are made to a player's rating only if/when the player has a sustained record of “non-competitive” matches with similarly rated players.

Abstract: A ball game kit is easily carried and readily assembled to facilitate play in recreational areas such as parks or beaches. The kit includes a container housing paddles, balls, and a unilateral court assembly appointed to be laid on a ground surface and secured thereto by way of securing mechanism to yield a playing field. The playing field is divided into two opposing player courts separated by a middle zone or dead zone. The court assembly includes a continuous rope or cord-like member. The court can be readily and accurately adjusted from a singles playing court to a doubles playing court by condensing and/or expanding the court assembly, without having to add sections or dismantle the court assembly. Glow in the dark properties may be provided to the court assembly, paddles, and/or balls for play in dimly lit or foggy conditions.

Abstract: After a batter hits a ball, the height of the ball moving on a trajectory passing through present movement positions is judged. For example, future movement positions positioned on a time axis ahead of the present movement positions are indicated on the ground by elliptical marks. The peak of the height becomes a boundary, and in the rising process of the ball, the mark is displayed in, for example, a star shape and blue, and in the falling process of the ball, the mark is displayed in, for example, an elliptical shape and red. Therefore, enjoyment of operations by the combination of the operation support of a computer and the operation skill of the user himself can be obtained.

Abstract: After a batter hits a ball, the height of the ball moving on a trajectory passing through present movement positions is judged. For example, future movement positions positioned on a time axis ahead of the present movement positions are indicated on the ground by elliptical marks. The peak of the height becomes a boundary, and in a rising process of the ball, the mark is displayed in a first color, and in a falling process of the ball, the mark is displayed in a second color. Therefore, the enjoyment of operations by the combination of the operation support of a computer and the operation skill of the user himself can be obtained.

Abstract: Machine for competition and entertainment through impulse of an object with three-dimensional freedom of movement where two teams of participants play a game, one team on either side shooting an object with three-dimensional freedom of movement (1.3) to one another. The object moves on a gameboard (1.1) until one team fails to repel it, thus scoring points for one of the participants. Repulsion of the object originates from a repulsion sector (1.9) from which, by working a group of controls (1.7 and 1.8), movement can be provoked. The mobile object (1.3) has freedom within a zone where it is controlled by a mechanical system (1.6) where the movements are produced as a result of the action of motive elements which are governed by a control unit according to the position of the mobile object, the position of the repulsion sector and the operation of the controls.