Abstract: Subjective and objective assessment attributes and measurements related to athletes are captured in an athlete assessment database. Attributes can be entered and updated by at least one evaluator in the field to the athlete assessment database using a client/server software application and mobile client devices. Following capture of the assessment attributes to assessment attribute records in the athlete assessment database, at least one ranked listing of the athletes is created based on the captured assessment attribute data, for printing, display or further use. Captured assessment attributes with relation to the athletes in question can be averaged, normalized or otherwise manipulated. A drafting interface could be provided to allow for immediate or streamlined team selection in a league. The method enhances the speed and accuracy of team selection and athlete ranking processes, over current paper based processes.

Abstract: The unattended child alert device for vehicle mounts on the door into the passenger compartment of the automobile such that the unattended child alert device for vehicle is positioned in the passenger compartment. The unattended child alert device for vehicle monitors detects when the door is opened and closed. The unattended child alert device for vehicle monitors makes an audible announcement when the door of the automobile is opened. The unattended child alert device for vehicle monitors makes an audible announcement when the door of the automobile is closed. The audible announcement is a spoken message that tells the operator of the automobile to remember their children. The unattended child alert device for vehicle further records short spoken messages that the operator of the automobile would like recorded. The unattended child alert device for vehicle comprises a housing and a control circuit. The housing contains the control circuit.

Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to a system, method, apparatus, and computer readable media configured for monitoring a user performing an exercise and generating a avatar of the user and a virtual shadow, wherein the virtual shadow illustrates proper form of the exercise. The example embodiments may further be configured for determining an amount of overlap between the virtual avatar and the virtual shadow, and generating a feedback score based on the amount of overlap.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided that can display selected predetermined postures or predetermined motions on a frame by frame basis or as a continuous motion for imitation or emulation by a system user or subject to, for example, learn the motion or posture, or to be guided in rehabilitation from a trauma, surgery or other injury, or to permit comparison of the users posture or motion to a baseline posture or motion for purposes of analysis or diagnosis.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a computer-implemented athletic performance analysis method that includes obtaining, at a computer system, first motion data reflecting motion of a sporting device during one or more drills performed by an athlete. The method also includes creating and storing action data by identifying a plurality of portions of the motion data, where each of the portions correspond to one or more actions by the athlete; comparing the action data for the athlete, with the computer system, to corresponding aggregated action data for a plurality of other athletes to determine a relative skill level for the athlete with respect to the one or more actions; and generating data for a report that reflects the relative development level of the athlete.

Abstract: A method and system for playing a bowling game in combination with a poker-type card game is disclosed. The method and system comprising the steps of initiating a conventional bowling game, filling at least one bowling frame, dealing one or more hole cards to a player, continuing the bowling game for one or more additional frames, dealing one or more community cards, continuing the bowling game for one or more additional frames, dealing another set of one or more community cards, continuing the bowling game for one or more additional frames, dealing a final set of community cards, completing the bowling game by filling a final bowling frame, determining a final bowling score, determining if a poker hand formed from a combination of hole cards and community cards is a winning hand, providing a poker award if the poker hand is a winning hand, and combining the poker award with the final bowling score to create an enhanced bowling score.

Abstract: A system and method for graphically and statistically analyzing and predicting the motion of a bowling ball. In one embodiment, the system includes an automatic precision ball thrower, a computer aided tracking system (“C.A.T.S.”), and a computing device. Certain static properties of the bowling ball are recorded as independent variables. The automatic precision ball thrower is used to throw the bowling ball down the lane a number of times and the C.A.T.S. records various dynamic characteristics of its path. This data is received by the computing device which uses it to calculate a plurality of dependent variables associated with the path of the bowling ball. The computing device relates the independent variables to the dependent variables using multivariable regression analysis, yielding a set of equations which can be used to predict the dependent variables (or dynamic characteristics) of a second bowling ball given a set of independent variables (or static characteristics of the second bowling ball).

Abstract: The game will be called Bowl N Hold-em. It will combine the standard game of bowling, along with the poker game Texas Hold-em. The game will utilize the bowling center's computer scoring system, along with a standard deck of playing cards. This will be done by creating a computer program that will be compatible with a bowling center's existing computer software. The maximum number of players per pair of lanes, shall be ten. One standard deck of playing cards shall be used per pair of lanes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and analyzing the pressure distribution on the foot of a bowler. Methods are taught for analyzing a bowler's performance. In some embodiments, the bowler performs a plurality of bowling motions. The distribution of pressure exerted on the foot are measured and recorded at regular time intervals. The bowler's performance is evaluated based upon the recorded pressure distributions. Methods are also taught for using recorded foot pressure distribution data to fit a bowler with proper footwear.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a bonus bowling score may include determining a speed with which bowling pins are knocked down by a player. The speed may correspond to a bonus score that may be used, in some configurations, to break ties. In one arrangement, a bowling game may determine a reference time at which a bowling ball crosses a predefined location in a bowling lane. A speed time may be determined based on when a last of the pins that have been knocked down has fallen. A bonus score may then be determined based on the difference between the speed time and the reference time. In one example, the smaller the difference (i.e., faster speeds), the higher the bonus score. Bonus scores might only be used in tie breaking situations. Alternatively, bonus scores may be used in regular scoring.

Abstract: The game will be called Bowl N Hold-em. It will combine the standard game of bowling, along with the poker game Texas Hold-em. The game will utilize the bowling center's computer scoring system, along with a standard deck of playing cards. This will be done by creating a computer program that will be compatible with a bowling center's existing computer software. The maximum number of players per pair of lanes, shall be ten. One standard deck of playing cards shall be used per pair of lanes.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing sports instruction are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the method includes the steps of each of a plurality of instructors entering a name and one or more credentials into a server based data storage unit and each of the plurality of students selecting one of the plurality of instructors based on the one or more credentials. At a server, one or more uploaded files are received from each of the plurality of students and they are stored in the data storage unit. A selected one of the plurality of instructors reviews the uploaded files and provides instruction based on the uploaded files. The students can rate the instructors based on their experience. Other aspects of online sports instruction are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bowling center system includes first and second pinsetters each associated with a respective corresponding one of first and second bowling lanes. A communication device communicates data to bowlers and a lane pair control system is configured to control the pinsetters, to receive pin data from said pinsetters during current bowling, to generate current scoring data based on the received pin data, and to supply signals corresponding to the generated current scoring data to the communication device, whereby the current scoring data is communicated to the bowlers. The lane pair control system is further configured to access stored game data corresponding to previous bowling and to supply signals corresponding to the accessed stored game data to the communication device, whereby the accessed stored game data is communicated to the bowlers.

Abstract: An instructional device for bowling including a board portion having a generally rectangular configuration defined by opposed short upper and lower edges and opposed long side edges. The board portion has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface has indicia thereon to replicate a standard bowling lane. The upper surface is a scale model of a standard bowling lane. The indicia include longitudinal board lines, a pin deck, lo alignment arrows, targeting dots, a foul line, and approach dots. An acetate overlay is disposed over the upper surface of the board portion. The acetate overlay allows a use of dry erase pens on the board portion for instructional purposes.

Abstract: A bowling center system includes first and second pinsetters each associated with a respective corresponding one of first and second bowling lanes. A communication device communicates data to bowlers and a lane pair control system is configured to control the pinsetters, to receive pin data from said pinsetters during current bowling, to generate current scoring data based on the received pin data, and to supply signals corresponding to the generated current scoring data to the communication device, whereby the current scoring data is communicated to the bowlers. The lane pair control system is further configured to access stored game data corresponding to previous bowling and to supply signals corresponding to the accessed stored game data to the communication device, whereby the accessed stored game data is communicated to the bowlers.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the assessment and biofeedback training of coordination skills of a subject critical to maximizing the power and accuracy of athletic ball-strike activities. In preferred embodiments, the invention provides for assessment and biofeedback training of weight bearing and center of gravity control under conditions requiring the athlete to strike a ball such that the distance and direction of flight trajectory of the ball are accurate relative to a performance goal. One embodiment of the invention includes a body movement sensor, a ball strike sensor, a display, and a computer. The body movement sensor provides an output indicative of the motion of the subject's body over a period of time including the moment of ball strike. The computer causes the display to show both a trajectory of the motion of the subject's body and the moment of ball strike in relation to a region of the trajectory.

Abstract: An automatic bowling scoring system comprises the first video camera for taking an image of player's throwing form, the second video camera for taking an image of pins, display means for displaying at least the image of the player's throwing form, the image of the pins and a picture for a game, and game advancing device for advancing the game according to state of a fallen down pin. The picture is a red pin one, a slot machine one, a parcheesi one or the like. With the red pin picture, when a pin corresponding to the red pin picture is fallen down a premium is given to a player. With the slot machine picture, when specified pins are fallen down a slot machine game is started to give a premium to the player. With the parcheesi picture, the parcheesi game is performed for each throwing.

Abstract: A pocket sized, hand held electronic device for indicating the ball path for both the strike and spare ball. To indicate where the ball should start from the foul line, over which arrow it should pass and where it should strike the pin array. A plurality of indicators are provided at appropriate locations on the part of the device on which the static image of a standard bowling alley is provided. By pressing switch elements of a membrane switch arranged in the same configuration as the pattern of the real bowling pins, the user indicates which pins are still standing for the second ball, for a spare. With this input the device indicates the recommended ball path. Pressing a reset switch returns the display to the strike setting, to again indicate the ball path for the first ball of the next frame. The device can be adjusted to match the actual curve of the ball. One embodiment provides limited directions while a second embodiment provides more directions for the advanced bowler.

Abstract: A bowling aid to enable a person to bowl whose natural thumb is missing, deformed, or injured, or to provide a person having a healthy thumb with an alternative mode of ball handling and control. A semi-rigid support member is removably received on the hand of the bowler and, when so received, extends between the upper surface of the hand and the palm of the hand and is contoured to snugly conform to the hand. An artificial thumb member is provided on the support member proximate to the general location of a natural thumb and projects away from the support member and away from the palm of the bowler's hand and is so sized and positioned as to be receivable in the thumb hole of a bowling ball when fingers of the bowler are received in the finger holes of the bowling ball. The bowling aid may be size adjustable and can be releasably secured to the hand. The support member may have an outer covering of flexible material such as fabric, leather, or plastic nonwoven sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable microcomputer-implemented bowling aid which indicates to the bowler (i) correct starting position and (ii) correct board marker over which to roll the ball after its released so as to maximize pin count with minimum data entry problems.In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the bowler first inputs game parameters such as right- or left-handness through I/O elements to a RAM of a microcomputer operationally connected to a bowling alley replica display. The replica display includes representations of (a) triangularly configured pins 1, 2, 3, . . . 10, (b) the bowling lane, (c) the foul line, (d) a series of board markers or spots adjacent to the foul line but on the pin side thereof and (e) a series of foot positions to the start of the bowler's approach to delivery of the bowling ball. The representations related to (a), (d) and (e) are keyed together by programing steps.

Abstract: A target sheet for use on a bowling lane and a method of training a bowler. The target sheet comprises pressure-sensitive microscopic capsules adapted to create a visible image when applying pressure thereon. Aligning indicia on one side of the sheet is used to provide reference points to gauge a ball's trajectory thereover and to align the sheet with boards on the lane. The second side of the sheet is provided with an adhesive adapted to fix the sheet to a bowling lane. The method involves fixing the sheet to a bowling lane, rolling a ball thereover, and comparing the image formed by the ruptured capsules with the reference points to determine the lane board corresponding to the image.

Abstract: A bowling device comprising a base, at least one transparent overlay, and fasteners for supporting the overlay on the base for limited sliding movement relative thereto is disclosed. A representation of a bowling alley and ten bowling pins is provided on the base. A representation of a path of body travel and a path of ball travel corresponding with one of a variety of bowling styles (i.e. straight ball, hook ball, etc.) is provided on one or more overlays having first and second ends.Slots are provided in the first and second ends of each overlay, at positions adjacent to the end of the path of ball travel and the beginning of the path of body travel. The slots are oriented substantially transversely to the path of ball travel. Pins are secured to the base so that a portion of each pin engages the edges of the first and second slots.

Abstract: A bowler's approach guide comprising an elongated relatively thin, flat sheet of material having sufficient strength so that a bowler may walk repeatedly thereover but flexible enough to be folded and placed into a compact package which can be readily carried from one location to a distant location is provided. The thin, flat sheet has a length and width corresponding to the length and width of a conventional approach area for a bowling alley and has imprinted on the upper surface thereof a duplication of the boards, guide markers and foul line of the conventional approach area. Also, a spot dart marks guide comprising a thin, flat sheet having imprinted on an upper surface thereof spot dart marks is provided.

Abstract: The Automatic Bowling Position Indicator (ABPI) of the present invention provides assistance to a bowler in order to achieve better scores by helping him to position himself on the approach. The positioning is dependent on variables such as whether the bowler is right or left handed, bowls a straight or hook ball, and the pins left standing. The invention assists the bowler directly in the area where the bowler makes his approach by providing a lighted indication of where to place his feet and by providing a lighted place over which the ball should pass. In addition, a group or team of bowlers is able to enter their bowling characteristics and have the present invention automatically advance and operate, thereby providing assistance throughout the game without further intervention.

Abstract: A computer device for assisting spot bowlers to determine starting position and direction in which to bowl a ball to collide with a predetermined pin or group of pins, comprising two coextensive, rectangular members. On one member, a representation of a bowling lane with appropriate markings is obversely displayed. The other member is transparent and contains a bowling ball indicator that is concentric with the five-pin location spot when the two members are aligned. The invention is calibrated by aligning the two members and for a strike ball tracing a straight line from the starting position of the proper foot to the target over which the ball passes on the transparent member.

Abstract: A calculating device for a bowling game whereby a bowler can readily ascertain an optimum approach starting location for throwing a bowling ball along a path which will maximize the number of pins knocked down. The calculating device comprises a first member having a first hairline and first and second indexes. The first index has indicia corresponding to bowling pin locations expressed in terms of distance from a given location, such as the marginal edge of a standard bowling lane. The second index has indicia corresponding to target marker locations expressed in terms of distance from the given location. A second member is slidably associated with the first member. The second member has a scale having indicia, corresponding to approach starting locations expressed in terms of distance from the given location, associated with the first hairline and second index. A cursor is slidably associated with the first and second members.