Abstract: The present invention concerns the integration of laser engagement systems such as the MITS and MILES laser systems with standard two dimensional silhouettes, thereby creating a silhouette which can be defeated by laser fire. A laser enhanced silhouette allows live fire target systems (infantry systems and armor systems) to be engaged and defeated with the use of MILES laser Code. The laser enhanced silhouette replaces the plywood or plastic live fire silhouette which is normally utilized on live fire target systems. By connecting the laser enhanced silhouette electronics to the live fire target system's hit sensor electrical connection, the live fire target system can be engaged by laser equipped weapons.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing shooting skills that take into account the effects of wind on the trajectory of a bullet. The method includes the step of entering basic shooting data into a central unit, measuring force and direction of the wind with at least one wind indicator, feeding the measured force and direction of the wind to the central unit, analyzing the measured force and direction of the wind and the entered data to determine the effects of the wind on the trajectory of the bullet and transmitting the effects of the wind to a marksman. The apparatus includes at least one wind indicator for measuring force and direction of the wind. A central unit is provided to allow entry of basic shooting data. The central unit also collects and analyzes the measured force and direction of the wind with the entered data. The data analyzed by the central unit is transmitted to the marksman through a terminal which tells the marksman what effects the wind will have on the trajectory of the bullet.

Abstract: A target apparatus for use in playing new target games comprises a frame within which one or more of a plurality of target zones may be visually designated, with the location of the visually designated target zone(s) changing over time in accordance with a predetermined pattern. Methods for utilizing the apparatus to play new target games are also described. Rules for three new target games (entitled SINGLES TARGET TENNIS, DOUBLES TARGET TENNIS and TEAM TARGET TENNIS) are disclosed in detail, although the apparatus may also be used to play additional target games. Electronic versions of the new target games are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer system utilizing a local area network and multiple computers used in association with a trapshooting competition of the type wherein each entrant in each event is, at one of multiple squad-assignment stations, assigned to a squad (of particular entrants) scheduled for shooting at a specific time and place. This system's operators, software, and hardware efficiently manage the competition, including computer-assisting assignment of each entrant to a position in a squad. The computer system has a method for temporarily restricting access to an entrant list for a squad of an event to a particular computer workstation, enabling efficient assigning of an additional entrant to a temporarily-restricted entrant list, as well as handling functions like handicapping, scoring, fees, prizes, etc.

Abstract: A dartboard comprises a grid frame having sectors being provided with at least a receding guide opening at two lateral opposite sides thereof respectively; gliding plates having at least a projecting slide block extending out of two opposite lateral sides thereof respectively to slidably accommodate to said receding guide opening; soft target plates being inserted into, filled with, and fixed in the receiving recess; and a front metal grid having a rear end assembling with the front end of said grid frame.

Abstract: A remote targeting apparatus and method comprising surrounding a projectile target with a sensor array, computing projectile impact data, transmitting the data receiving the data at a controller; and displaying information corresponding to the data. RF transmission/reception is performed, most preferably at a frequency of between approximately 902 and 928 MHz, with the controller having RF Faraday cage shielding and collision avoidance being employed to permit multiple sensor arrays to operate in a vicinity of one another. Projectile impact locations within twelve inches of the center of the projectile target are calculated to an average RMS accuracy of less than approximately fifty thousandths of an inch, directly in an orthogonal Cartesian coordinate system. Velocity is also determined via an additional sensor at a predetermined distance from the sensor array which measures a difference in time between the projectile passing the additional sensor and the sensor array.

Abstract: An electric dart game includes a frame secured in a board and having a number of segments slidably engaged in a number of scoring areas. A plate and a spider are secured to the frame. Two conductor sheets are disposed behind the plate and each includes a circuit having a series of switch points. The segments each includes a slide and a block secured together. The slides each has one or more hooks for engaging with the frame and for preventing the slide from being disengaged from the frame. The slides and the blocks may be easily assembled without additional fasteners.

Abstract: A system is provided for handicapping unranked players in a dart game match, wherein the match includes a plurality of successively played games. Upon initiation of a match, a default average is assigned to an unranked player. An initial handicap is calculated for the unranked player based on the difference between the default average and an actual average of a ranked opponent of the unranked player. The initial handicap is then used for the first game in the match. At the end of the first game, a first new handicap is calculated for the unranked player based at least upon the unranked player's actual average in the first game. The first new handicap is used for the second game in the match. The unranked player's handicap is repeatedly recalculated after completion of each game in the match based at least upon the unranked player's actual average in previous games of the match. The recalculated handicaps are used for the next game in the match.

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. The target may also include at least one triggering motion detector that detects a triggering motion that is associated with the target being launched into the air.

Abstract: An attractive magnetic dart system provides exciting games which are fun, educational and entertaining. Advantageously, the user-friendly system utilizes safe magnetic darts which will not harm people or damage walls, furniture, etc. surrounding the target. The safe magnetic darts each have a magnetic head with a flat front face, which is preferably much larger than the body of the dart. In the preferred form, the magnetic darts have long fins fabricated of a sponge-like material, such as urethane, to. enhance and better stabilize the flight of the darts. Desirably, the magnetic heads of the darts are heavier than the combined weight of the bodies and fins of the darts to further enhance magnetic contact of the magnetic head of the dart to the target. The magnetic dart preferably has optical viewing portions to view the target when aiming the dart and to view the portion of the target that the dart has struck.

Abstract: A dart board includes a score portion and a control portion which includes a plurality of functions and a locking button which is electrically connected to an integrated circuit board. At least one of the function buttons can be locked by pushing the locking button and the locking function is released by pushing the locking button twice. A start button is located on the control portion and electrically connected to the locking button.

Abstract: An electronic dart board includes an outer frame shell having a plurality of partition ribs defining a set of scoring chambers, and a set of base blocks respectively mounted in the scoring chambers, wherein a set of block holders are respectively nested in the scoring chambers to hold the base blocks in the respective scoring chambers, the block holders fitting the scoring chambers respectively, each block holder having a plurality of less at a bottom side and at least one locating rib respectively engaged into a respective locating groove on the base blocks.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic game apparatus comprising a plurality of player positions wherein each contestant is assigned a given player position, each position, each position having an equal number of target areas on a display by which each of the contestants proceeds from a first target area to a last target area, wherein the first contestant who activates all of the target areas in the shortest time interval wins, each target area having a light sensitive portion and a visual display portion, the light sensitive portion responsive to a user-controlled light emitting means for aiming and firing a light beam at the light sensitive portion to activate the target area, wherein the visual display portion is activated in response thereto to produce an illuminated pattern indicative of target activation.

Abstract: A method has been invented for monitoring an object passing through a frame space of a light panel, the light panel having at least one light emitter on the first side, the at least one light emitter for continuously emitting a fan-shaped light beam, across the frame through which and beyond which an object may pass, and at least one light detector on the second side of the frame and associated electronic sensing apparatus connected to the at least one light detector for continuously detecting the fan-shaped light beam from the at least one light emitter, the method including detecting with the at least one light detector and associated electronic sensing apparatus interruption by an object of the fan-shaped light beam continuously emitted by the at least one light emitter; and generating with the electronic sensing apparatus a signal signalling the interruption of the fan-shaped beam by the object.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for detecting impacts from, for example, a hockey puck striking a target apparatus embodying the sensor. The sensor uses a thin brass disc to which is secured a piezoelectric ceramic disc. In one embodiment an insulating disc having an electrically conductive element passing therethrough is held against the ceramic disc. In another embodiment a plastic spring clip carries an electrically conductive element at one end in contact with the ceramic disc. A wire is soldered to the brass disc and another wire is soldered to the electrically conductive element. The sensor may be incorporated into a spring biased sensor assembly which is positioned adjacent a medium that is expected to receive impact blows. The sensor will detect such blows and provide, consistently, a signal to indicate reception of the blows. The sensor can withstand a vast multitude of impacts without failure as the wires are not physically loaded.

Abstract: An electrical scoring dart target, which provides a "soccer" competition, an "American football" competition, as well as other "sport" competitions effect, is disclosed. The dart target includes a target defining a plurality of target areas. The target areas are divided into a frustration region, an offense/defense interaction region, and an offensive gain region. The electrical scoring dart target further includes a control panel disposed below the target and a control circuit provided within the target. The control panel has two sets of score displays and function keys, as well as a clocking display and a pilot lamp indicating attack. The plurality of target areas are configured as a "soccer", "American football", "basketball" or some other "sports" competition ground.

Abstract: A league and tournament system is disclosed which includes a centralized league machine that transmits data to one or more of a plurality of electronic dart games via modem or using a wireless portable data storage device. Transmission of information from the electronic dart machines can be via modem, facsimile transmission, or using the portable data storage device. The electronic dart machines are configured to receive and utilize league and tournament database information from the league machine for a variety of purposes, including automatic implementation of player handicaps, automatic control of match play, and team and player registration using the dart machine. The dart machine has a monitor that displays context sensitive menus using information obtained from the league or tournament database. The dart machine includes a barcode card reader that permits identification of league and tournament participants using barcode cards.

Abstract: A game apparatus and method played by throwing projectiles (such as darts) at a playing surface. The playing surface includes field markings that depict a sports field in perspective view. The playing surface also includes target markings that define offensive targets and defensive targets. The defensive targets resemble silhouettes of players involved in various action modes of a game. An active counter is provided for awarding score values according to factors such as time elapsed between when an offensive target is hit and a defensive target is hit.

Abstract: A water column game that includes a plurality of vertically oriented water columns, each having a housing disposed at the upper end thereof coaxial with and in open communication with the column. A float is freely disposed and captured within each housing. A target and valves are responsive to a game player for directing water into a lower end of each water column, such that water rises within the column and the housing in sequence so as to raise the float buoyantly within the housing. A switch is disposed at the upper end of each housing, and is responsive to contact by the float for indicating that the float has reached the upper end of the column. After each play, all water columns and housings are drained to a common sump. The water-fill volume of each column and housing is adjustable and all columns are fed from a common pump for equalizing the opportunity of each player to win.

Abstract: A dart game includes a dart board havng a number of dart segments slidably engaged in the score area for being shot by a dart and by one or more users. One or more sensing membranes are disposed behind the dart segments for detecting the shot of the dart onto the dart segments. One or more displayers may be used for displaying the scores shot by the users. A processing device may be actuated as an antomatic player in order to generate an automatic score in competing with the score of the dart segments shot by the user and for playing with the user. The playing capability of the processing means may be predetermined for generating the automatic score corresponding to that of the user. The automatic score is preferably randomly generated.

Abstract: This invention is an automatic gunnery system, responsive to airborne acoustic shock waves produced by a projectile passing through a target area. The invention relates specifically to the "hit" location of the said projectile for the condition when the flight path of the projectile is not perpendicular to the target area. Two pairs of concentric curved elongated acoustic energy conductors (curved sensor rods) are located adjacent to one side of said target area with acoustic transducers attached to the end portions thereof. Said transducers produce an electrical signal when a shock wave from the projectile reaches them through said energy conductors. Electrical signals from the transducers are connected to electronic circuitry and a calculating computer which calculates the intersection of two circles and determines the location of each "hit" on or near the target with each "hit" registered on a graphical display means.

Abstract: A score indicating method for a cricket dart game may show a warning signal and a close status in a single displayer for allowing the current player to realize the scores of all of the other players without switching the screens of the displayer. The displayer includes a number of score units for indicating a number of scores each and includes three score segments in each of the score units for indicating three shots of the dart segments. The score units each further includes a warning segment for warning the other when one of the players has shot three or more times of the score. The score units each further includes a close segment for indicating a close status when all of the players have shot three or more times of the score.

Abstract: An adjustable test stand for holding ballistic samples during testing, the est stand having trusses carrying specimen holding members the trusses having curved arms which cooperate with the specimen holders to hold the specimens at various angles of incidence relative to the vertical to allow testing over a variety of incident angles.

Abstract: A mock battle game for children in which each player in the role of a shooter is provided with a toy water gun which when triggered, projects a beam of water in the direction in which the gun is aimed. Each player who acts as a target wears a vest having at least one target zone that includes a water-sensor module housing a water-absorbent, non-conductive pad having embedded therein a pair of spaced electrodes. The pad is impregnated with salt crystals to form a resistance bridge between the electrodes which function as a normally open switch to connect a battery in the vest to an integrated circuit unit. When the switch is closed, the unit then generates a visible or audible signal. In the course of play when a shooter-player succeeds in striking the target zone on the vest of a target-player to wet the module therein, the salt crystals are then dissolved to produce a conducive salt solution that closes the switch, the resultant signal being indicative of a hit.

Abstract: A score keeping display apparatus includes a three-sided, generally triangular scoring display tier, each side of the display tier including two sets of dual character displays and two sets of LED indicators associated with each of the displays. The scoring display tier is supported on the upper end of a vertical post which is anchored at an opposite end to a base control unit. The base control unit is connectable to a power supply and contains a battery, battery charger, control circuit board, mini displays replicating the display tier, and control switches for operating the scoring display.

Abstract: A display device specially used with a dart target for the game of cricket, which has a simplified structure, a reduced volume and a low power consumption, is disclosed. The display device used with a dart target for cricket includes a personal qualification display composed of a plurality sets of luminous elements for illustrating qualification states of scores of respective one of the players, and a prompting display composed of a plurality of luminous elements each of which relates to a corresponding set of the luminous elements of the personal qualification display and a corresponding score for showing the present player that other players have been qualified for specific scores.

Abstract: In another form of the invention an apparatus for precisely locating an associated arrow embedded in an associated target having a first center which includes a plurality of corner cube reflectors disposed having a second center with the plurality of corner cube reflectors being arrayed generally around a first side of the target. The apparatus includes a light detection and transmitting module disposed on the side of the target which is generally opposite the plurality of corner cube reflectors and generates and receives pulses of light after the light has been reflected off one of the plurality of corner cube reflectors. The apparatus includes apparatus for determining the exact location of an arrow embedded in the target.

Abstract: An arcade game including an object sensor for detecting a playing piece directed by a player. A target field including at least one target receives the directed playing piece, and the sensor determines the identity and a position of the playing piece. A scoring mechanism provides a game score based on a distance between the final resting position of the playing piece and one of the targets. In a described embodiment, the playing piece is a golf ball putted by the player toward a target hole. A removal mechanism removes the playing piece from the target field so that the player may retrieve the playing piece. The sensor includes a visual sensor, such as a video camera, and a digital processor for examining recorded images of the target field to validate the playing piece, determine a final position of the playing piece, and determine the distance between the playing piece and the target. Target field images can also be examined to determine and validate the trajectory of the playing piece.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a system allowing play on several games machines, in particular coin-operated machines, set up remotely from each other. The system comprises at least two games machines (2A, 2B) set up in different locations (A, B) and connected by a bi-directional connecting line (14). The games machines (2A, 2B) each have a target face (62) where the darts land and a device for detecting and displaying the position of a "hit" on the target face. The system also includes computers (6A, 6B) for processing, evaluating and transmitting data. A number of transmitter and receiver units are mounted outside the target face (62); their connecting paths across the target face (62, 70) form a raster and are intersected by darts landing on the target face. The raster is provided with co-ordinates, and data on the co-ordinate values of points at which the darts strike can be transmitted to another games machine for hit location and display.

Abstract: A method and system for assuring the smooth, rapid execution and automatic control of a tournament. Participants' names are announced, and the participants notified to take their turn in the tournament by means of one or more electronic displays accessible to a number of potential participants. Personal identity data corresponding to the participants are entered, up to a given number of participants, based on the particular tournament variant via a data reading unit linked to each display. The groups of participants are arranged in order using a random access technique. Upon completion of each match, the winner is announced, and the groups of participants are organized for succeeding rounds. The tournament continues until completion, when the results are analyzed by the system and displayed.

Abstract: A dart target with clock and alarm functions comprises a key assembly having a plurality of press buttons for setting time and alarm, at least one display for displaying score and state of the dart target in a game mode and displaying present time in a time mode, a target sensing region composed of a plurality of target areas for indicating different countries and regions, and a microcomputer having a time/alarm/clocking logic circuit for transmitting present time data in the time mode. With this arrangement, the display can automatically display present time when departing from the game mode.

Abstract: A toy that can sense contact with a fluid. The toy preferably contains a conductive member and an adjacent conductive screen. An indicator circuit has one terminal connected to the conductive member and another terminal connected to the conductive screen. The screen and conductive member are in relative close proximity so a fluid which flows through the screen will provide an electrically conductive path between the two conductive members. The conductive path closes the indicator circuit. The indicator circuit has an audio unit and/or light source that are activated when the circuit is closed by the fluid. The conductive members can be attached to a shield which also has a spray device. A player can spray another player with the spray device of the shield. The player can also block the spray of an opposing player with the shield. If the fluid makes contact with the conductive members the indicator circuit provides an indication that a "hit" has occurred.

Abstract: A backstop or target particularly suited for use in athletic applications such as baseball or golf, and which includes a frame from which a flexible net is suspended at its corners and connected to a plurality of linear displacement sensors. As the net is displaced due to the impact of a projectile such as a ball, tension is applied to the cords which in turn move the axially-moveable components of each linear displacement sensor. In one embodiment, the linear displacement sensors utilize a light beam and photoelectric detector to plot the time intervals at which equally-spaced indices on the axially-moveable component pass a predetermined point. This data is used to determine position, velocity, or trajectory of the projectile relative to the initial plane of the net using direct geometric and trigonometric calculations.

Abstract: An arcade roping game and roping training apparatus having a mechanically movable steer that moves around a track on a game table. The game includes an automatic timer arrangement to measure the length of time from when the steer rounds a corner of the game table to when a player successfully ropes the steer and wraps the rope around a dally horn at the player's corner of the table. The dally horn has an electric switch which is triggered to stop the timer when the player's rope is wrapped around the dally horn. A dally horn is supported over the track at each corner of the game table by an arch structure. The arch structure prevents a player from roping the steer before the player's timer starts. The shape of the game table and the arch structures at each corner simulate a popular roping competition where a steer is turned 90 degrees just before its rear legs are roped.

Abstract: A sensor for locating the position of and measuring the velocity of an impacting object. The sensor employs a net attached at each edge to sensor modules mounted on a frame. Each sensor module includes an output drum, a take up drum, a spring and a motor. The net is attached to the sensor modules by cords wound on a spring loaded output drum. The drum is coaxial with a motor that generates a voltage proportional to the angular velocity of the drum. The diode isolated motor partially dissipates the energy of impact to heat on the return stroke in response to the restorative force of the spring. An object impacting a net draws the cord from the output drum, generating a voltage from an attached motor. A maximum voltage or an integrated voltage generated by the motors determines the velocity of impact. Each particular net has an associated set of axes. A pair of motors, their position known relative to the frame, are placed along these axes attached to one or more strings by a cord.

Abstract: On a base plate 13 there are provided L-shaped posts 16 and 17 having horizontal arms 16a and 17a and upright portions 16b and 17b, respectively, and a shooting target 11 is provided exchangeable manner between the upright portions. On the base plate 13 there is arranged a video camera 14 obliquely with respect to the shooting target 11. A picked-up image of the shooting target 11 is supplied to a processing device 15. On the horizontal arms 16a and 17a, there is arranged a reflection mirror 18 movably. The mirror 18 is adjusted such that light scattered by the mirror is made incident upon the video camera 14 through a bullet hole C formed in the shooting target 11 with a bullet A discharged from a gun P. An image of the bullet hole C is picked-up as a bright spot, so that a position of the bullet hole in the shooting target can be detected accurately and easily.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a controller for controlling the proceeding of a dart game provided for a plurality of players. The controller is mounted in an electronic dartboard and includes a calculator for calculating and storing respective scores of the plurality of players; a comparator electrically connected to the calculator for comparing a newly calculated score of the respective player with each of the other scores stored in the calculator, and then generating an adjusting signal when any of the compared results shows a predetermined relationship; and an arbitrator electrically connected to the calculator and the comparator for adjusting concerned scores in response to the adjusting signal.

Abstract: A dart game machine that electronically scores dart throws includes a reset mode which allows the game score to be backed up to a previous score state. The dart game machine includes a score data memory which tracks current and previous score data for each player so that the previous scores may be automatically restored upon backing up of the game.

Abstract: A kind of darts target with target indication and electrical scoring is disclosed. The darts target comprises a target defining a plurality of target areas, a plurality of pilot lamps arranged at positions the target for highlighting the corresponding target areas and electrically connected to a display output port of a microcomputer via a driver disposed within the target, and a control panel disposed below the target. The control panel includes an indicator for displaying score, and a set of function keys connected to the microcomputer for selecting various game modes. With this arrangement, game modes such as a random given mode, a hunting mode, a race mode and an interception mode can be obtained.

Abstract: In one form of the invention an apparatus for precisely locating an associated arrow embedded in an associated target having a first center which includes a plurality of light sources disposed in an arc having a second center and a plurality of photo sensors arrayed opposite the light sources with the target intermediate the light sources and photo sensors. The apparatus includes a apparatus for turning on and off the light sources sequentially to produce a scan of the target, apparatus for determining the exact location of the arrow embedded in the target with the apparatus for determining utilizing the apparatus for detecting. In another form of the invention an apparatus for precisely locating an associated arrow embedded in an associated target having a first center which includes a plurality of corner cube reflectors disposed having a second center with the plurality of corner cube reflectors being arrayed generally around a first side of the target.

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. The target may also include at least one triggering motion detector that detects a triggering motion that is associated with the target being launched into the air.

Abstract: A kind of dart board with a baseball game effect is proposed. The dart board is composed of a plurality of target areas being configured as a baseball field and which are grouped into three main regions of play. A control panel is disposed below the target area and a control circuit provided within the target areas. The control panel has two sets of indicators which show scores, a switch key for switching the competition sides, a selection key for selecting whether one or two players are participating, a set key for setting the innings number, a pilot lamp configured as an infield of the baseball ground for indicating the baserunning and an indicator light composed of a group of lamps for indicating the put-out number. Two sets of flashers are respectively provided on the two sets of indicators for presenting a blinder light to prompt the defense to throw a dart when appropriate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ring-swing skill game for play by one or more players. The basic structure of the game apparatus includes an upright game console, a target hook projecting from the front side of the console, a boom projecting from the upper portion of the console, an elongated flexible tether cord suspended from the outer end of the boom, and a ring affixed to the lower free end of the tether cord for swinging movement toward the game console by the one or more players during game play to attain hooking engagement of the ring with the hook. An electrically powered programmable computer board including game scoring circuitry is electrically interconnected to the ring and hook for detecting and recording ring contact with, and ring catches by, the hook as scoring events.

Abstract: An arcade game including a number of playing pieces having distinct colors and a number of targets associated with at least one of the distinct colors. A sensor apparatus is arranged to sense the color of a playing piece received by a target. The targets can preferably be highlighted to draw a player's attention to a designated target. A scoring apparatus changes a game score when the color of a ball received by a highlighted target matches a color associated with the highlighted target. A variation of the game includes a playing piece return mechanism and a playing piece dispenser mechanism. Another variation of the game includes an award dispenser, which dispenses an award based upon the game score.

Abstract: A game apparatus having a plurality of game pieces to be pulled, kicked or struck for removal from a base. The base includes a sound emitting circuit to indicate removal of the game piece from the base.

Abstract: A new Speed Measuring Sports Goal System for measuring the speed of a shot into a sports goal. The inventive device includes a pair of motion sensors positioned in-line and perpendicular to the entrance of a sports goal for sensing an object shot into the sports goal, a control unit connected to the motion sensors for calculating the speed of the object, and a display unit for providing a visible readout of the speed. The motion detection beams generated by the pair of motion sensors are parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the path of the object shot into the sports goal. The control unit detects when the object traverses the motion detection beams and calculates the speed of the object based on the time of travel between the motion detection beams.

Abstract: A dart game controller and method of controlling a dart game is provided wherein a dart board has a plurality of target areas, each target area corresponding to a target value. A preset number of target values are stored in a memory. A mark detector identifies at a predetermined stage of game play which of the target values stored in the memory have been marked at least once by a player, but have not been marked more than a preset number of times by any of the plurality of players. Next, a number generator selects a replacement target value for each identified target value. The replacement target value is stored in the memory in place of the respective previous target value. The target value in the memory for each target value not identified by the mark detector remains unchanged. The method and apparatus is suitable for use in playing a variation of Random Cricket.

Abstract: A game of skill includes a lighted circular target intended to simulate the sun. A joystick is used to manipulate a crane mechanism and buttons are provided to allow the crane mechanism to be lowered and raised with an included magnet being used to allow lifting and dropping of magnetically attractive disks. The object of the game is to lift each disk, in turn, and to manipulate the joystick to cause disks to be dropped onto the simulated solar target surface to cover as high a percentage of the solar target surface as possible. An indicator is provided to indicate how much of the solar target surface has been covered, and a timer display displays the elapsed time.

Abstract: A target, especially for thrown missiles such as darts, has a disk member divided into target fields. An evaluating unit to receive and process electronic signals or actuated contacts of the disk member is associated with the disk member. At least one target element is formed on the target fields. The target element, when subjected to loads by a missile, actuates a contact which is connected to the evaluating unit. Each target element is given a predetermined value by the evaluating unit. Further, at least two target elements may be combined to form one value unit.

Abstract: Electronic detection and location of missiles, such as darts, are disclosed in which either ambient electromagnetic noise or specifically transmitted electromagnetic impressed signals are altered by interference from the missile, and this change is detected to detect the missile and its location. The material of the target area into which the missile is embedded is electrically nonconductive.