Abstract: Various arrangements for authorizing content viewing are detailed herein. Sports wager data corresponding to a sports wager placed by a user may be provided to a television service provider system. The television service provider system can perform a lookup action to determine a content event based on the sports wager data. In response to the received sports wager data, a user account may be authorized using a rights scheme for access to a television channel on which the content event is scheduled to be broadcast. The television service provider system may deauthorized the user account for access to the television channel by removing the rights scheme such that access to the television channel on which the content event was broadcast is blocked after the event.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices, systems, and methods for implementing drills and providing coaching instructions to users. Embodiments may load a drill, measure values obtained from one or more sensors installed on a player's tennis racket and/or worn on the player's body, and use those values to detect various parameters, such as the physical impact of a ball at the player's racket. Embodiments may then output a coaching instruction to the user. Embodiments may also include adding customized coaching instructions to a drill.

Abstract: To provide a device for measuring a time of passage that is capable of sensing passage of the torso more accurately than a photoelectric cell while maintaining the ease of use of a photoelectric cell, passage of a runner is sensed by causing the upper portion of the body of the runner to be broadly illuminated by infrared light, visible light, and/or other such electromagnetic waves, and by detecting light reflected from large part(s) of the body of the runner.

Abstract: A system for and method of scoring a game of golf is provided. A stroke baseline, a points baseline, and a stroke count are utilized to calculate a hole score for each hole. The stroke baseline is typically derived from the par value for a hole, while the stroke count is typically the total strokes required to complete the hole, including any penalty strokes. Typically, the points baseline for each hole is equal to the distance, in yards, between the player's tee-up location and a target location of the hole, the target location being a location on the putting green. Each player selects a tee-up location for each hole, thereby allowing each player to influence the baseline score for each hole. A performance factor is determined for each hole based on the player's performance on that hole.

Abstract: A time tracking system includes a stopwatch having a waterproof housing, the stopwatch further having a control system with a transceiver for communication; a first sensor secured to a first end of a swimming lane, the first sensor to communicate with the stopwatch via the transceiver; the control system is to track swimming speed based off of communication with the first sensor.

Abstract: Provided herein is an on-line multiplayer gaming system to score real-world angling events of multiple players. The system includes a first angling event sensing device, processor, and a gaming application on a first mobile device in communication with a recreation monitoring platform. The system further includes a second angling event sensing device, processor, and a second gaming application on a second mobile device in communication with the recreation monitoring platform. The recreation monitoring platform calculates scores for the first and second player based on data from their respective angling event sensing device.

Abstract: A device and methods of using the device to provide timing and detection of the finish line for a sporting event are described. The device makes use of a Doppler radar transducer to detect the user as they approach and pass the finish line. In some embodiment the device further includes sensors that detect false starts and measure physiological parameters of the user during the event.

Abstract: A protection management unit is described that detects one or more poor performing transducers in a loudspeaker array. Upon detection of one or more poor performing transducers, the protection management unit adjusts driving signals for neighboring transducers to compensate for the reduced capabilities of the poor performing transducers. By adjusting driving signals to neighboring transducers, the protection management unit ensures that a desired tone and spatial response for sound emitted by the loudspeaker array is maintained despite one or more poor performing transducers. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, may cause the computer to receive data recorded by a wearable device during a fishing trip. The computer may receive location data that corresponds to the fishing trip. The computer may use the data recorded by the wearable device to determine a time period for a fishing activity during the fishing trip. The computer may use the location data to determine locations corresponding to the time period.

Abstract: Athletic performance monitoring and tracking may provide multiple ways in which to track athletic movement and activity. In one example, an athletic monitoring device may include or be associated with multiple types of movement sensors and switch between the sensors or use both depending on various factors including type of workout. Workouts may also be tagged with various parameters including mood, weather, terrain, athletic equipment used and the like. In one or more examples, the parameters may be automatically determined based on location. User workouts and accomplishments may also be celebrated through messages from celebrities, family, friends and other users. In some cases, the messages may be triggered by various conditions. Coaching may also be provided to the user to help improve workouts and overall athletic performance. Running routes may also be automatically tracked, stored and shared.

Abstract: Multiple-contact switches are disclosed. An example multiple-contact switch disclosed herein includes a double throw switch having a common terminal, a first throw terminal, and a second throw terminal, the common terminal being coupled to a reference; a first throw circuit coupled to the first throw terminal, the first throw circuit to output an open signal to a process control device when the common terminal is substantially in contact with one of the first throw terminal or the second throw terminal; and a second throw circuit coupled to the second throw terminal, the second throw circuit to cause the first throw circuit to output a close signal to the process control device when the common terminal is substantially in contact with the other one of the first throw terminal or the second throw contact terminal, wherein at least one of the open signal or the close signal corresponds to the reference.

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: Embodiments are described for assisting an athlete in counting laps on a repetitive course, and providing feedback to the athlete during the event regarding the number of laps that have been completed. In one embodiment, a mechanical or digital counter may be coupled to a runner, cyclist, cyclist's bicycle, or swimmer such that an input interface may be easily reached, and such that a feedback interface may be viewed during the event. In other embodiments, an input interface may be automated with wireless technologies, and the athlete may be provided with counting and/or timing feedback through a feedback interface coupled to the athlete that may be viewed during the event.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for a sports game involving movement of a projectile, the apparatus comprising impact sensors for detecting impacts by a player of the sport game or the projectile, the impact sensors being coupled to a processor operable to derive characteristic data for a projectile movement from impacts detected by two or more of the player impact sensors. By monitoring impacts, rather than the movement of the projectile through the air, the apparatus may be both inexpensive and easy to install.

Abstract: A video game player can control the movement of a moving object in a video game during a moving object dispatch operation by a character, thereby allowing the video game player to experience nervousness and a sense of realism when causing the character to dispatch the moving object. This video game program includes a first request receiving function, a operation display function, a second request receiving function, a moving object control function, and a moving object display function. In the video game implemented with this program, a dispatch request for dispatching the moving object is received from the controller in the second request receiving function when the dispatch operation of the character is displayed on the monitor. According to the timing at which the second request receiving function received the dispatch request, the movement of the moving object is controlled in the moving object control function.

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: An integrated environment for sports watching, sports wagering, and fantasy league play is provided. Odds, spread, or money line information may be displayed for any available sporting contest. Wagers may be accepted and payout information may be automatically calculated. The desired wager amount may be deducted from a wagering account bank balance associated with the user. Data relating to the sporting contest may be received from a supplemental data feed or data source in real-time, and the user's wagering account bank balance may be automatically updated based on the received data and the placed wager. The integrated fantasy league feature allows a user to create or join a public or private fantasy league, create new teams, view player or team statistics, and send messages between other users. Fantasy league point totals may be automatically computed and displayed to the user.

Abstract: A counting and indication device for jumping a rope comprising in combination at least a detection unit for detection of a rope to be used when jumping the rope; a counting device that is connected to the detection unit for counting the moments that the rope passes as detected by the detection unit; and a display device for showing the count of the counting device.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a computer-implemented method of providing an event related game. The method includes receiving event data associated with a media broadcast at a computer, generating a printable game set, and providing the printable game set in an electronic format configured for printing by a user. The printable game set includes at least one game card and a set of trade tickets. The at least one game card includes a list of game events associated with the media broadcast. Each trade ticket of the set of trade tickets identifies a game event.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: providing a table game of the type where a player seeks to sink one or more balls of a set of balls in one or more pockets of the table by striking the balls with a cue ball in accordance with the rules of the table game; receiving a wager from a player additional to any amount required to play the table game, the wager entitling the player to receive at least one bonus associated with an event if the player achieves the event; and electronically monitoring play of the table game to determine whether the player achieves the event and the bonus should be awarded to the player.

Abstract: A poolside connector system and method for use with swimming pool race timing systems and signaling devices. A deck plate or similar poolside signal junction is provided with an optical receiver terminal, and a cable connection from a poolside signaling device such as a touchpad or backup button is provided with an optical transmitter terminal that can be plugged into the deck plate terminal. Electrical signals from the touchpad and backup button representing completed laps are transmitted as optical signals to the deck plate junction. The optical connection at the deck plate is non-conductive and electrically sealed from the poolside environment, and thus has no exposed electrical terminals to corrode. The low voltage DC current on which the optical terminals operate is provided in sealed fashion to the electrically insulated optical terminals, in a preferred form via an inductive power coupling whose halves are sealed in the deck plate and the removable cable connection.

Abstract: The present invention contributes to advancements in the art of inventory management and distribution by providing a system and method for processing, distributing, and tracking reusable inventory items. Reusable articles, such as surgical garments and accessories, are adapted with radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags having unique identification numbers. A “reader” is used to retrieve stored information from the tags without requiring direct contact or clear line-of-sight. The reusable articles are processed and distributed using an inventory management system wherein lifecycle data is obtained for each reusable article. The reusable articles are distributed to the end users from central processing facilities, used, returned, cleaned, inspected, folded, sterilized, and returned to inventory for re-distribution. Periodic quality control inspections are conducted in response to predetermined usage parameters.

Abstract: A wireless scoreboard display system, including at least two scoreboard displays, two controllers, a spread spectrum radio receiver in each scoreboard display, and a spread spectrum radio transmitter in each controller. Software controls the selection of a transmitting channel while a combination of hardware and software is used in the selection of a receiving channel.

Abstract: A hand held lap indicator for indicating a lap number to a swimmer in a pool includes a casing having a front surface, a rear surface and a handle portion. The front surface provides a lap indicating display operable to display a lap indicating number to the swimmer. The handle portion includes at least one button which is actuatable to at least advance the lap indicating number in response to a manual input by the user or holder of the lap indicator. The lap indicator may include a timing device and may be operable to display a timing output to the swimmer. The rear surface of the casing preferably includes a last lap indicating panel, such that when the user flips the lap indicator around, the last lap indicating panel indicates to the swimmer that the swimmer is on the final lap.

Abstract: An electronic fishing information recording and storage device is disclosed. The device attaches to a traditional fishing rod and reel assembly and automatically records the number of casts executed with the subject rod and reel. For each fish caught, the device is capable of recording relevant information about the type of fish and weather conditions at the time of catch. Means are provided for transfer of fishing information to a traditional personal computer. The device provides a method for tournament fishing wherein the allotted time for each contestant to fish can be replaced by the number of casts allotted.

Abstract: An electronic fishing information recording and storage device is disclosed. The device attaches to a traditional fishing rod and reel assembly and automatically records the number of casts executed with the subject rod and reel. For each fish caught, the device is capable of recording relevant information about the type of fish and weather conditions at the time of catch. Means are provided for transfer of fishing information to a traditional personal computer. The device provides a method for tournament fishing wherein the allotted time for each contestant to fish can be replaced by the number of casts allotted.

Abstract: A score counter for sensing route of basketball shots includes a pair of photoelectric sensors installed at respective positions below an inner rim of a basket hoop to detect basketball valid shots. Such an arrangement overcomes basket net interference to the photoelectric sensors to avoid malfunctions and is capable of discriminating the correct route after a basketball is thrown into the basket hoop.

Abstract: A method for counting a number of objects passing through an entry threshold, comprising the steps of disposing a sensor (11) having a matrix of sensing points in an area of the entry threshold, identifying successive complete footprints of the same object on the sensor, and distinguishing between different footprints using clustering. The method is used in association with a pressure mat disposed at the entry threshold and tracks the progress of the object across the mat. Specifically, when a footprint vanishes from the mat, retroactive processing is effected in respect of the body associated with that footprint so that other footprints belonging to the same body may be ignored. The number of footprints thus associated with the body and which are not ignored serves as a counter of the number of bodies crossing the entry threshold.

Abstract: The pedometer having improved accuracy by calculating actual stride lengths of a user based on relative stride rates. The pedometer includes a waist or leg mounted stride counter, a transmitter for transmitting data to a wrist-mounted display unit, and a data processor for calculating necessary base units and actual stride rates and lengths. The pedometer can also interact with a heart monitoring device.

Abstract: A control grid for an automated scorekeeping device for table tennis or ping pong includes a voice recorder that is used to announce the score before each serve of the game. The scorekeeping device further includes optional visual displays. The scorekeeping device is actuated by means of a grid system attached to the ends of the table. The grid is activated by the players' touching the grid with a conductive strip affixed to the end of their paddles. The scorekeeper can be adjusted manually to correct mistakes, and can be used in multiple modes.

Abstract: An athletic training device including a housing. Also included is light or speaker mounted on the housing for providing an indication upon the actuation thereof. At least one impact sensor is mounted on the housing for actuating the indication means upon being struck by a user.

Abstract: A lap counting mechanism is described for a race-track for toy cars of the type in which the cars are guided in slots. The guide member of the car, which in use is received within the slots, is provided with a left-right asymmetry and the lap counting mechanism is able to detect this asymmetry. This allows at least two cars to be clearly distinguished by the lap counting mechanism and so the number of laps that an individual car has done may be totaled accurately even though the cars may swap tracks and slots. The sensing means and the associated asymmetry may be electrical, optical or magnetic. Means are also provided for detecting the speed of the cars and for generating sound and light effects.

Abstract: A golfer's wristwatch with score keeping capabilities comprising: a watch component including a front face, a watch case, time display means and a plurality of side edges; the front face of the watch component including a liquid crystal display window, the display window including a plurality of player numerals, the display window also including stroke count means displayed numerically adjacent to the player numerals, a side edge of the watch case including a time adjustment knob and a player indicator knob, the player indicator knob being operatively coupled to the numerals of the display window to highlight a specific player numeral, a stroke count button being operatively coupled to the stroke count means of the display window whereby each depression of the button causing the addition of one stroke to a player's score, the player's cumulative score being displayed in the display window; and a wrist band to permit coupling of the apparatus around a user's wrist.

Abstract: An automated scorekeeping device for racket and paddle sports. The device includes a voice recorder that is used to announce the score before each serve of the game. The device further includes optional visual displays. Actuating devices adapted to the equipment of the particular games are provided so that the players can easily operate the scorekeeper while participating in the game. The scorekeeper can be adjusted manually to correct mistakes, and can be used in multiple modes.

Abstract: A global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver is used in an electronic lap counter which maintains a lap count and which increments the lap count upon "observing" via the GPS receiver that the user, having gone away from an initial "start" location (e.g., an end of a pool or the start line of a closed loop running track), has returned to that location. A user-supplied indication, such as the pressing of a push button, serves as an indication to the lap counter that the lap counter's then current location is to be used as the start location.

Abstract: An electronic scoring device for analyzing a player's tennis game. A group of push-buttons are used to increment corresponding counters to track statistics within six different categories. The categories may include aces, winners, unforced errors, other won points, double faults, forced errors and other lost points. The output of each counter is visually displayed along with a sum of the values contained in all the counters.

Abstract: The electronic chronometry device (D) comprises an acquisition cell (2) arranged to receive time data (6) coming from at least one time events measurement sensor (8), a storing unit (9) for storing said time data (6), and a processing unit (4) of said time data (6) and associated with said acquisition cell (2). This device is characterized in that said storing unit (9) is associated with an interface (1) which is arranged so as to allow said processing unit (4) to access said storing unit (9) and to read certain of said time data (6) stored in said storing unit (9) without allowing modification of said storing unit (9) by said processing unit (4).

Abstract: A synchronized voltage controlled oscillator lap counting circuit includes a bearing resolver circuit having a single Hall-effect sensor element which provides differential voltage output signals in response to an external magnetic field. The differential amplifier receives the differential voltage output signals and provides a single amplified output signal. The single amplified output signal is provided to a voltage controlled oscillator. A pedometer provides a repetitive pulsed-output signal in accordance with movements of a user. The repetitive pulsed-output signal and a voltage controlled oscillator output signal are provided to a micro-controller. The micro-controller samples the voltage controlled output signal in synchronization with the repetitive pulsed signal output from the pedometer to resolve bearing directions based on intercepted frequencies of the voltage controlled output signal.

Abstract: Gaming machines provided with mechanical counters according to the regulations, to which there is grafted an electronic payment mechanism working on the basis of a chip card. It consists in diverting a certain number of links of the units of the machine by the electronic payment mechanism to enable wagers to be placed and payments to be made through the chip card, without the receiving or issuing of tokens and, preferably, without the modifying of the contents of the TOTAL IN and TOTAL OUT counters. A downgraded version modifies the contents of these counters and the balance of the feeder box containing the coins is obtained by modifying the formula used to compute this balance. It enables the efficiency of gaming machines to be raised.

Abstract: An automated scorekeeping device for volleyball or other games that includes an audible announcing system so that players are audibly informed of any changes in the score or serving team. The device may further include a visual display. Remote control actuators can be provided to one or more people to operate the scorekeeping device. The scorekeeper can be adjusted manually to correct mistakes, and can be used in multiple modes.

Abstract: An analogue display golf counter comprises a first example four hands independent of each other driven by four stepping motors. The position of the hands is controlled by an electronic system comprising counting, storing, processing and control means in response to programmed algorithms and to data introduced by means of two pushers. The first hand indicates the course position (hole), the second the operating mode, and the last two the number of points, one displaying the units with the sign and the other the tens. There are three operating modes, namely "simple total", "cumulative total" and "programming". In this latter mode, it is possible to program a standard course to which reference may be made.

Abstract: A medal counting apparatus installed in a game parlor for counting medals which a game player has won, is disclosed. The medal counting apparatus comprises a counter for counting the medals, a medal supplying mechanism for receiving the medals to be dumped and for supplying them sequentially to the counter, a dump restraining unit for restraining the medals from being dumped into the medal supplying mechanism and a control unit for controlling operations of the medal supplying mechanism and the dump restraining unit. The medal supply control means puts the medal supplying mechanism into a stopped state when the dump restraining unit restrains the medals from being dumped and into an operation state when the dump restraining unit permits dumping of the medals. The control unit also instructs the dump restraining unit to close the receiving hopper when a medal dump restraining signal is input from the outside or the counter has not been used for a certain period of time.

Abstract: A device for detecting and counting occurrences of specific human motions. The device includes structure for mounting the device to an object or a part of the human body which takes part in the motion. The device further comprises at least one acceleration-sensitive switch, a computer connected to an output from the acceleration-sensitive switch, a reset switch connected to the computer, and a display which is controlled by the computer. The acceleration-sensitive switch is preferably uniaxial, and therefore closes to complete a circuit and generates a pulse only when subjected to acceleration forces in a predetermined direction. The computer is programmed to detect the duration of the pulses received from the acceleration-sensitive switch, and is further programmed with parameters indicative of the minimum duration of such a pulse which will be deemed to have resulted from the occurrence of the specific human motion.

Abstract: A microwave signal is generated from a fixed source across a fixed path to trigger individual FM transmitters in passing objects such as race vehicles. A vehicle transceiver then sends an omnidirectional specific frequency FM radio carrier signal with a tone imposed to a console and a portable remote receiver. As the FM signal and tone are detected and decoded by the console receiver, data word is sent to a scoring computer which displays the lap of that particular vehicle and the current order of all vehicles.

Abstract: A portable electronic scoreboard apparatus attachable to a basketball goal is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an electronic analysis and report mechanism capable of receiving input information, analyzing the information according to a mode of operation, and reporting output information which includes an indication of the number of successful shots and an indication of the shooting percentage. The apparatus also comprises an attempt detection means for detecting contact of a basketball with the basketball goal and sending a contact signal to the electronic analysis and report mechanism, and for detecting the successful passage of a basketball through the hoop and sending a passage signal to the electronic analysis and report mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the contact signal arises in response to vibration of a piezoelectric vibration sensor, and the passage signal arises in response to movement of a paddle beneath the hoop by the basketball.

Abstract: Swimming goggles include an AM/FM radio assembly as well as a lap counter. The radio assembly includes earphones that also include foam for plugging the swimmer's ear to prevent water from entering that ear. The goggles also include plastic temple pieces that serve a dual function of securely supporting the goggles on the swimmer and supporting the radio and lap counter.

Abstract: A portable electronic scoreboard for use with a game of darts is designed to be used with a real dart board without the need of connecting electronics. The scoreboard is totally self contained and provides the appeal of a high tech electronic scoreboard without the accompanying expense and complexity. The scoreboard can also be utilized to play the game of cricket.

Abstract: A separate differential score display unit is provided at each end of a basketball court, atop or beside of the shot time clock indicators presently used, and in position to be as visible to the players and coaches as is the shot time clock indicators. The differential score display units are color coded, e.g. home team lead shown by green light, or L.E.D.; visitor lead shown in red. The differential score display units may be (1) hard wired to the scoring table and main scoreboard with computerized controls automatically changing the differential display when the score changes; (2) hard wired directly to a separate scoring control; or (3) the differential score display units adapted to receive differential scoring input from suitable signal transmitting units controlled by the scoring table panel.

Abstract: A portable electronic scoreboard comprising a housing with a display face, an electronic mechanism disposed within the housing, and a score registering assembly. The housing back configuration is amenable to releasable attachment to a pole or a flat surface such as a wall. The housing back face configuration comprises a longitudinal channel capable of disposition adjacent to a pole and a strap fastener extendable about the pole. The housing back configuration also comprises a pair of flat surfaced wings having slots capable of receiving bolts of the like to secure the housing to a wall. The score registering assembly may be positioned to detect the successful passage of a basketball through a basketball goal. The score registering assembly comprises a paddle and a switch. The paddle actuates the switch if a basketball passing through the goal causes the paddle to change from a ready to a reactive position.