Abstract: A target game includes a target area having first and second electrical grids that are configured to maintain a predetermined spacing therebetween. The target game includes a processor in communication with a power supply and grids so as to actuate the power supply to impart a level of capacitance between the grids, to measure an amount of time required for the level of capacitance between the grids to be discharged, and to detect a change in the amount of time required for the level of capacitance to be discharged. The game includes at least one dart having a conductive front portion sized to span the predetermined spacing between the grids. An output device is in data communication with the processor for conveying the detection of a change in an amount of time required for the level of capacitance between the grids to be discharged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy gun capable of transmitting a laser beam and/or an infrared (“IR”) beam of light for use in a game. The toy gun also has a detector for detecting a laser and IR signal. A controller within the gun tracks the number of shots fired, the type of light beam fired, the number of hits received by other guns, and permits the user to alternate between firing an IR beam or laser beam. The toy gun also has unique features available through the use of lasers, including detecting the distance to a target. The present invention further relates to an interactive electronic targeting system for use with a toy laser gun. The targeting system includes an electronic multi-colored backlit board with light detecting sensors positioned within the board. The targeting system is programmed with multiple interactive games for use with a toy gun.

Abstract: An induction frame for a dartboard is positioned on the front surface of the dartboard according to predetermined shape and number so as to define a plurality of scoring areas thereon. The induction frame is inductive and has conductive ends that are used to penetrate the dartboard. On the front side of the respective frames is formed guiding surface that is located in the direction in which the dart is tossed. The abovementioned design enables the respective frames to be directly connected to the electronic scoring unit for scoring, thus effectively simplifying the structure, reducing the complexity and cost of the circuit.

Abstract: A system and method which comprises a plurality of amusement machines (i.e., video games, flipper games, pinball machines, prize dispensing games, arcade games, electronic darts, kiddie rides, pool tables, golf games, basketball games, billiards, redemption games, soccer tables, shuffle board alleys and bowling alleys, touch-screen countertop games and the like) equipped with play components and associated apparatus to capture multimedia information based on the performance of the players at the machines, apparatus to transmit the multimedia information captured from the machines to a network, and a processor based machine (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)) for managing and storing this multimedia information.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium, device and system for calculating an out-shot sequence in a game of darts The device may include an input component, a processing component, and an output component. The input component may receive a player's turn score or overall score. The processing component may be in communication with the input component and may execute software instructions for computing an out-shot sequence based on the overall score. The output component may be in communication with the input component and the processing component and may provide the out-shot sequence to the player. The input component may also receive a player's out-shot preference and the processing component may compute the out-shot sequence based on the overall score and the out-shot preference.

Abstract: A pattern testing board is able to detect an emission beam such as a laser or light beam from a shooting system. A pattern testing board includes a plurality of paired emission beam sensors and hit indicators. Each emission beam sensor is responsive to a detected emission beam and each hit indicator signals the sensing of the emission beam by the associated emission beam sensor. Multiple pattern testing boards may be mounted together to provide a larger pattern testing system array. Further, an overlay with a representation thereon, a moving image display system, or a reflective moving image display system may be positioned in front of one or more pattern testing boards. Still further, the pattern testing board may be incorporated in a unique target system that includes the pattern testing board for determining the beam pattern emitted by the beam emitter, a level selection board for selecting a level of play, and a targeting game board having a plurality of targets.

Abstract: A quick detachable basketball machine comprising a front cabinet unit and a rear cabinet unit is disclosed. The front cabinet unit has an electronic coin slot box, two lower side panels, two upper side panels detachably connected to the lower side panels at the top, an oblique baffle obliquely detachably coupled between the upper side panels, an outer guide board detachably supported between the lower side panels, and two stop blocks mounted on the outer guide board. The rear cabinet unit has a bottom box, a vertical back rack hinged to the rear side of the top wall of the bottom box and holding a rim hoop ring, two side panels respectively hinged to two opposite lateral sides of the top wall of the bottom box and connectable to the bottom side of the vertical back rack, and a top plate bridging the side panels.

Abstract: A magnetic dart board that includes embedded conductor coils beneath scoring areas. When a dart with a magnetic head strikes a scoring area of the dart board a current is induced in the underlying conductor coil. The induced current provides an electrical signal that is transmitted to an automatic scoring system that calculates and displays scores. The dart board is made from a plurality of layers including a top layer, an insulating layer, a sensing layer and a body layer. The multi-layered dart board is flexible and can be rolled up for storage, shipping and transportation.

Abstract: An electronically-scored game comprises an electronic controller and at least one sensor operatively connected with the controller, the at least one sensor adapted to detect at least one activity associated with the game and to generate a signal. A memory stores information corresponding to a plurality of audible recordings, the memory operatively connected with the controller. A sound generator is operatively connected with the controller. A speaker is operatively connected with the sound generator. Upon detection of the at least one activity associated with the game, the signal from the sensor activates the controller to cause at least one of the plurality of audible recordings to be selected and played by the sound generator through the speaker.

Abstract: A mechanized ball-throwing game is provided, comprising at least one game play object, at least one rotating goal assembly, means to maintain a count of the number of times a game play object passes through each of the at least one rotating goal assembly in each of a plurality of designated directions, and means to display the count.

Abstract: A force-bearing object or non-penetrating projectile's contact location can be determined and mapped by a computer using methods of pressure, penetration, or stress sensitivity.

Abstract: A dartboard has board member, and the board member has a plurality of target blocks to be stuck by darts. The back side of the board member has an induction layer and a magnetic member. The magnetic member provides a fixed magnetic field, and the induction layer has a substrate and a circuit on the substrate. A dart with a steel iron or iron alloy point sticks into the board member, and disturbs the distribution of the magnetic field provided by the magnetic member, causing electromagnetic induction and inducing a current in the circuit of the induction layer to provide an automatic score.

Abstract: An air mattress has a resilient front panel, an opposed rear panel and at least one interior panel extending therebetween dividing the mattress into ball and strike chambers. A ball air valve attached to the rear panel at the ball chamber activates in response to a predetermined pressure increase in the chamber occurring in response to deflection of the front panel at the ball chamber. A strike air valve attached to the rear panel at the strike chamber activates in response to a predetermined pressure increase in the chamber occurring in response to deflection of the front panel at the strike chamber. Signaling devices alert when a strike or ball air valve activates informing a user whether a pitch is a ball or a strike.

Abstract: A dart and dartboard set, which includes a dart, which is a plastic dart with a flat magnet at the front end, and a dartboard, includes a front fabric panel printed with a score, ring pattern, a back fabric panel, two induction circuit membranes separated by a flexible magnet panel and packed between the front fabric panel and the back fabric panel, and a control circuit board for counting and displaying the score.

Abstract: A dartboard positioning device and method includes a housing that has a back wall, a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall and a bottom wall. The back wall is arcuate and abuttable against an edge of a dartboard. A center mark indicator is positioned on the first side wall. A distance measuring assembly is positioned in the housing and is adapted for determining a distance from the center mark indicator to a selectable point. A laser pointer mounted on the first side wall defines the center mark indicator and is adapted for directing a point of light away from the housing. The laser pointer is angled with respect to the housing so that the point of light strikes a floor surface spaced 7? 9.25? from the first side wall when the center mark indicator is positioned 5? 8? above the floor surface.

Abstract: Described is a game including a base unit, a target area, a launch area, and an electronic controller. The target area is attached to the base unit and has multiple target sections. The launch area is attached to the base and is configured for bouncing a playing piece into one of the multiple target sections. The electronic controller is configured to monitor the target sections and control game play.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting the speed and/or location of a moving object within a target area are disclosed. A pitch speed measurement and strike zone detection apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a support frame configured to support a pair of reflective surfaces on either side of a target area. A light source and receiver configured to direct a light beam back and forth between the reflective surfaces can be used to form a light curtain that detects when an object passes through a particular location within the target area. Multiple light sources and receivers may be employed to measure the speed of the object, and to determine whether the object passes through a particular strike zone. The device may include an adjustment mechanism and self-alignment laser to reposition the reflective surfaces, as necessary.

Abstract: A pattern testing board is able to detect an emission beam such as a laser or light beam from a shooting system. A pattern testing board includes a plurality of paired emission beam sensors and hit indicators. Each emission beam sensor is responsive to a detected emission beam and each hit indicator signals the sensing of the emission beam by the associated emission beam sensor. Multiple pattern testing boards may be mounted together to provide a larger pattern testing system array. Further, an overlay with a representation thereon, a moving image display system, or a reflective moving image display system may be positioned in front of one or more pattern testing boards. Still further, the pattern testing board may be incorporated in a unique target system that includes the pattern testing board for determining the beam pattern emitted by the beam emitter, a level selection board for selecting a level of play; and a targeting game board having a plurality of targets.

Abstract: A basketball system that includes a movable platform and a pole rotatably mounted to the movable platform. The pole has either a curved or an angled region, and also has an axis of rotation. The basketball system also includes a backboard mounted to the pole and a rim mounted to the backboard. The rim has a vertical central axis that is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the pole. In addition, the movable platform is horizontally adjustably mounted to a base. A controller may be employed to control the operation of the system, such as by adjusting the distance and rotation of the pole in accordance with a stored program or a user defined preference, by starting and stopping a ball return system in accordance with the player pace of shooting, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides sporting equipment having lights.

Abstract: A system for a dart-based golf game on an electronic dart game machine has been developed that includes at least one electronic dart board having distinct scoring segments, a CPU electrically connected to the electronic dart board, and a video display electrically connected to the CPU. The CPU displays game mode graphics on the video display, including a golf course hole graphic having a virtual ball and a hole, and a power meter having a moving element. The CPU correlates an instantaneous movement of said moving element at an instant of the dart contact with a movement of the virtual ball on the golf course hole graphic.

Abstract: A pattern testing board is able to detect an emission beam such as a laser or light beam from a shooting system. A pattern testing board includes a plurality of paired emission beam sensors and hit indicators. Each emission beam sensor is responsive to a detected emission beam and each hit indicator signals the sensing of the emission beam by the associated emission beam sensor. Multiple pattern testing boards may be mounted together to provide a larger pattern testing system array. Further, an overlay with a representation thereon, a moving image display system, or a reflective moving image display system may be positioned in front of one or more pattern testing boards. Still further, the pattern testing board may be incorporated in a unique target system that includes the pattern testing board for determining the beam pattern emitted by the beam emitter, a level selection board for selecting a level of play; and a targeting game board having a plurality of targets.

Abstract: An electronic dart comprises a frame, a target grille rotatable in the frame, protective frames on the target grille target blocks on sector-shaped spaces of the target grille, a sensor assembly, a rear board threadedly secured to both the target grille and the frame, and a score display board on the bottom being at a relative long distance from the dart for preventing from being hit by errant darts. A replacement of the damaged target block can be done by first disengaging the rear board and the target grille from the frame. Furthermore, score signal is wirelessly sent to the score display board.

Abstract: A device for target scoring includes an elongated retro-reflective member, a first light source, a second light source, a first light sensor, a second light sensor and a processor. The first light source is disposed at a first location and is spaced apart from the retro-reflective member. The first light source is also positioned so as to be able to direct a first beam of light toward the retro-reflective member. The second light source is disposed at a second location spaced apart from both the retro-reflective member and from the first light source. The second light source is also positioned so as to be able to direct a second beam of light toward the retro-reflective member so that the second beam of light intersects the first beam of light over an area so as to define a target area. The first light sensor is disposed adjacent the first light source and is positioned so as to be able to receive light from the first light source that has been reflected from the retro-reflective member.

Abstract: A device is described for locating the positions of impact of projectiles as they strike a target by detecting the pressure or force delivered upon impact. A sensor layer is made of resistive ink applied to a non-conductive material. An electrical current is applied to the resistive ink layer, and when the force of impact from the projectile acts upon the sensor layer a change in impedance is measured via standard circuits and electronics. The magnitude of the impact force can also be correlated to the magnitude of the resulting change in impedance. The resistive ink layer can be divided into smaller sections to provide location data to the output electronics. Each section of the sensor layer connects to the output electronics via sensor connectors made from either conductive inks or standard wires. Output electronics connect to a standard display device. A pressure transfer layer may be present in front of the sensor layer when the projectile has a higher velocity.

Abstract: A dart board includes a backing plate with a frame connected thereto and a plurality of ribs on the frame so as to define a plurality of partitions in which a plurality of blocks are movably received respectively. Each block has flexible convex portions which contact an inside of the ribs defining the partition when the block is hit by darts. A plurality of spring members are connected between the backing plate and the blocks so as to bounce the blocks back after the impact disappears.

Abstract: A multiple part telescoping game housing is disclosed having an upper housing with a game site thereon and a lower housing. The upper housing is movable relative to the lower housing to permit easy positioning and secure locking of the upper housing in a game play position in which the upper housing extends vertically upward from the lower housing, and a retracted storage or transport position in which the upper housing is positioned substantially within the lower housing.

Abstract: It comprises an impact resistant casing (1) having a frontal opening and means for removably fastening a target (2) covering such opening, the target (2) being of a sheet material through which projectiles can go and having an external face with a depicted motive to be shot. Electronic means are provided for detecting the position of impact on said target (2), comprising an electronic camera (3) arranged to obtain successive images of a face of target (2) after each shot, an image treating unit (4) for determining the geometric center of the projectile at each impact from a treatment of the obtained images, and a data receiving and/or retransmitting center (6,7) for displaying the results on a viewing screen (13, 14) and/or for retransmit them through a telecommunication network.

Abstract: Current technology exists to record baseballs or softballs thrown in miles per hour. What is new about The Pitching Coach is the ability to record balls and strikes for each pitch thrown. This gives the opportunity to monitor every pitch thrown for speed and accuracy thereby enabling users to improve their pitching skills as if they were working with a pitching coach.

Abstract: A target device includes a rear sheet member and a front sheet member each having one or more conductor members aligned with each other, and an intermediate member disposed between the sheet members for separating the conductor members from each other. The intermediate member is compressible or deformable, or includes one or more openings having an area large enough for allowing the conductor members to be contacted with each other when the sheet members are deformed and hit by balls. The target device may be supported in any place or position with a frame.

Abstract: An intelligent basketball game assembly has a main body including a driving mechanism provided with a first moving member for moving a goal support rightward and leftward, a second moving member for moving the goal support forward and rearward, and a rotating member for rotating an upper portion of the goal support; an auxiliary body provided with operation buttons including a start button and a difficulty mode setting button, a coin insertion, a premium discharge opening through which a premium is provided, a ball stopper, a pair of ball stop supports having vertical rails along which the ball stopper is moved upward or downward.

Abstract: The present invention provides a football passing game system. A target with a number of target zone apertures of various sizes is mounted on a stand which holds the target a distance away from a player position. A game player attempts to pass a football through one of the defined target zone apertures. At least one light sensor is mounted adjacent each of the target zones to detect the passage of a football through an aperture. An impact sensor is mounted to the target and detects if the football impacts the target instead of passing through a target zone aperture. When a signal is generated by a light sensor or the impact sensor, a controller mounted to the target detects the signal and calculates the corresponding change in the game status. The game status is displayed on an electronic display adjacent the target.

Abstract: A score structure for a dart board includes a frame with at least three sides and one of the at least three sides is an inward curved side. A body member is received in the frame and the inward curved side urges one of sides of the body member to let the body member be snugly received in the frame.

Abstract: A game of tag using wireless devices is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, players in a game space are each assigned a player to tag and assigned to another player to be tagged. Thus, each player is both “it” (trying to tag a target player) and a target (trying to evade being tagged). Interaction among players is conducted via wireless device.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic dart game machine comprising a dart board and a central processing unit (CPU). The dart board has distinct scoring areas. The central processing unit (CPU) interprets dart contact with the distinct scoring areas as game set-up information during a game set-up mode.

Abstract: A target game includes a target member having two films each of which has a center conductive member, and one or more ring-shaped conductive members. A spacer panel is disposed between the films and has a number of openings for allowing the conductive members to be contacted with each other. A plate is disposed in front of the films and has a center portion and one or more ring portions. The conductive members may be contacted with each other when the spacer panel is compressed and when a ball hit onto the plate. The target member is supported in a frame with four cables.

Abstract: A system for the accurate electronic detection and location of missiles, such as darts, is disclosed in which electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through a dart board to signal receiving elements positioned on the side of the dart board opposite the target face and the change in electromagnetic signal is detected when a dart is embedded in one of the dart board target areas. The larger signal receiving elements of the dart board are divided into signal sensing portions which are electrically distinct from adjacent smaller signal receiving elements of the target and also the remainder of the total area of the larger signal receiving element, and the sensing portions are located adjacent the smaller signal receiving elements of the target to improve the accuracy and reliability of the electrical scoring of the darts which become embedded in or close to the smaller signal receiving elements.

Abstract: A dart board assembly includes a frame having a plurality of block bodies which are movably engaged with spaces defined by ribs extending from the frame. The frame is fixed to a backing and an electronic sensing member is connected between the backing and the frame. A plurality of conducting switches extend from the electronic sensing member. A first surface of a thin and elastic contact pad is connected to the electronic sensing member and a plurality of protrusions protrude from a second surface of the contact pad and a recess is defined in a second surface of the electronic sensing member corresponding to each of the protrusions. A gap is defined between an inside of each recess and the switches. The inside of the recess contacts the conducting switch corresponding thereto when the block body is stricken by a dart and moves the contact pads toward the electronic sensing member.

Abstract: A target device includes a rear sheet member and a front sheet member each having one or more conductor members aligned with each other, and an intermediate member disposed between the sheet members for separating the conductor members from each other. The intermediate member is compressible or deformable, or includes one or more openings having an area large enough for allowing the conductor members to be contacted with each other when the sheet members are deformed and hit by balls. The target device may be supported in any place or position with a frame.

Abstract: A game set that includes first and second guns that can be activated. The second gun is not activated if the first gun is activated before the second gun.

Abstract: A ballistic projectile velocity measurement apparatus including two screens spaced apart at a known fixed distance for providing time measurement start and stop signals indicative of the passage of a ballistic projectile through a light curtain formed by contiguous focused light beams from plural infrared light sources which causes a perturbation or fluctuation in the light intensity level received by one or more photo-optic sensors to calculate the speed or velocity of the ballistic projectile. A calculation and display unit for receiving the time measurement signals, calculating the speed or velocity of the ballistic projectile and storing and displaying the sensed and calculated information is connected to the screens and controlled by keyboard command.

Abstract: An electronic dart game includes a dart and a dartboard provided with a frame and a main body for being shot by the dart. The dart game can be scored automatically for being provided a plurality of inductance coils on the frame and connected to a electronic scoring means. A point or a slender shaft of the dart is magnetized so that an electronic signal can be generated while the dart is shot to go through the inductance coils in accordance with the Lenz's law. Therefore, the chances for erroneous signal to occur are very slim. As the main body is designed directly to the frame, the dartboard has a stable one-piece surface, thus a player will have a similar satisfactory sensation as shooting onto a classical one-piece dartboard.

Abstract: An impact location determination system (20) includes a damage resistant strike plate (22) having a planar surface (26) adapted to be impacted by a projectile (28). Pressure sensor assemblies (55) are embedded in the strike plate (22) and detect a pressure disturbance event outwardly propagating as a wave (36) from an impact location (34). The wave (36) propagates through the strike plate (22) at a propagation velocity that is slower than the speed of sound for the strike plate (22). A signal processing circuit (32) measures time difference of arrival figures (196 and 198) between pairs of pressure sensors (140 and 142) and determines the impact location (34) in response to the time difference of arrival figures (196 and 198) and the velocity of the wave (36) through the strike plate (22).

Abstract: A system for simulating shooting sports includes a non-projectile ammunition transmitter system that is retrofittable to any standard firearm having an ammunition chamber, a barrel, and a firing pin and a self-contained receiver system. The transmitter system includes an actuating beam cartridge and an adjustable beam choke. The beam cartridge includes a first actuating beam emitter responsive to the firing pin. The beam choke includes a second emission beam emitter responsive to the first actuating beam. The receiver system is a self-contained reusable target having beam sensors and hit indicators. The beam sensors are “triggered” when the emission beam “hits” or is “sensed by” the beam sensors. When the beam sensors sense the emission beam, they cause the hit indicators to indicate that the target has been “hit” by the emission beam.

Abstract: In a shooting game toy, a target includes a display device that provides different image patterns to facilitate a communication of different states, or changes of state, of a shooting game or the toy. In a preferred embodiment, the display device is an electroluminescent display having a plurality of display elements that are activated in a predefined sequence corresponding to each state or change of state of the shooting game. For example, a routine hit of the target may be visually displayed as an image pattern representative of a conventional “outward burst” pattern, while a reset to a known state may be visually displayed as an inwardly contracting pattern, a destruction of the target as yet another visual pattern, and so on. By providing different display patterns at each target, the state of the game, or a change of state of the Game, is visually communicated to each participant having a view of the target, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the shooting game.

Abstract: A practice device comprising a plurality of striking targets arranged about a frame in an overall configuration which approximates the shape of an opponent. The targets are individually articulated to the frame, so that each individual target reacts independently in response to a strike. The targets are each in communication with a common force sensor, through a load transfer shaft movable relative to the frame and bearing on a force sensor such as a load cell, which provides feedback to the athlete regarding the force of each strike.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for playing and method of controlling a computerized dart game of simulated tug-of-war. The method generates on a display a goal graphic, at least one player graphic, and at least one challenger graphic. The goal graphic typically includes a first side on which the player graphic is initially displayed and a second side on which the challenger graphic is initially displayed. The method monitors the segments in at least one electronic dart board for hits by darts and determines at least one offset value associated with a segment hit by a dart. The offset value may represent the sum of one or more hits by a player, the sum of one or more hits by a challenger, of the difference between one or more by a player and hits by a challenger. In a single player game, the method itself may generate a random challenger value.

Abstract: A pitching practice device includes a frame with four sides and a net portion composed of longitudinal and latitude strings is defined within the frame. Each string has an end connected to a connection member and the other end of the string is connected to a handle. Each connection member is connected to a spring and an emitting member is connected to the connection member. Each connection member is received in a tube fixedly located in the frame and has a receiving member. When the strings are hit by a ball, the emitting members send a message to the corresponding receiving members to calculate the speed of the ball by the displacement of the strings.

Abstract: A computerized portable pneumatic target apparatus includes at least one target; a computer located at the firing point of a shooting range and connected by a first wireless radio frequency link to the at least one target for controlling operation of the at least one target; a shot detector located at the firing point and connected by either a second wireless radio frequency link or a wire to the computer; an air operated mechanism for raising and lowering the at least one target; a source of air pressure located near the at least one target and connected to the air operated mechanism; and a source of direct current located near the at least one target and connected to the air operated mechanism and the first wireless radio frequency link.

Abstract: A dart target with a function of automatically displaying scores is disclosed. The dart target is installed with a damping panel. The damping panel is formed by at least one damping layer; the damping layers are made of flexible and transmitted cloth, such as sisal, non-woven cloth, etc. Thus, metal dart can be used. As the dart passes through the target panel, it can be damped by the damping layer and fixed. A pattern is formed at the surface of the first damping layer so that the dart player may identify the target. The target panel is a plane for being used by metal dart needle, and the score can be displayed properly. The target unit is constructed by a sisal block and a frame box.