Abstract: A system for wagering on individual events in a sporting event. In addition to allowing users to wager on individual events, the system allows the creation of communities of users based upon a number of different factors, including location, team affiliation, betting history, or other common factors. Users can view their standing among their own communities and specialty communities, such as celebrities or experts, on a leaderboard. Wagers can be based upon the user's standing on a leaderboard at the end of a predetermined number of game events. The system further allows users to message other members and propose wagers directly to other players.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to predicting outcome in a sporting environment are described. The methods and apparatus are used to relate trajectory performance of an object to body motions and body orientation associated with a generating the trajectory of the object. When equipment is utilized to generate the trajectory of an object, than the effects of equipment motions and equipment orientation can be also related to trajectory performance. The method and apparatus can be used to predict body motions and body orientations that increase the likelihood of achieving a desired outcome including specifying optimum motions and orientations for a particular individual. The method and apparatus may be used in training, coaching and broadcasting environments.

Abstract: An electronic tag game includes a system having magnetic field sensors that are to be worn by a player of the electronic tag game. The magnetic field sensors are configured to detect a change in the local magnetic field. The magnetic field sensors may be in operable communication with one another and are configured to send a signal reporting a change in the local magnetic field to a controller which may be communication with electronic device such as a smart phone or the like. The local magnetic field may be altered by one or more devices configured for creating a change in the local magnetic field. For example, a spherical projectile or hand-held object may be provided and include a magnet that is configured to alter the magnetic field around the magnetic field sensors when a player wearing the magnetic field sensor is struck with the projectile.

Abstract: A method of monitoring operation of a vehicle detects an application of force to the vehicle and a change of momentum of the vehicle is calculated. If the change of momentum and the application of force are determined to occur within a predetermined time period of one another, an impact signal is generated.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed that includes instructing a human player to perform a plurality of different actions in a determined order with a physical basketball, including actions of bouncing the physical basketball, and obtaining, with one or more electronic sensors, data that characterizes motion of the physical basketball being handled by the human player who is performing the instructed actions at a location. The method also includes communicating the data from the sensors to a console videogame system that is proximate to the location, and graphically representing, in a videogame displayed on a display device, performance by the human player, the performance being affected by the captured data, the representation of performance by the human player being compared against a standard of performance.

Abstract: An electronic tag game includes a system having magnetic field sensors that are to be worn by a player of the electronic tag game. The magnetic field sensors are configured to detect a change in the local magnetic field. The magnetic field sensors may be in operable communication with one another and are configured to send a signal reporting a change in the local magnetic field to a controller which may be communication with electronic device such as a smart phone or the like. The local magnetic field may be altered by one or more devices configured for creating a change in the local magnetic field. For example a spherical projectile or hand-held object may be provided and include a magnet that is configured to alter the magnetic field around the magnetic field sensors when a player wearing the magnetic field sensor is struck with the projectile.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for tracking an object. The apparatus includes a grid including a plurality of antennae arranged to form an array of cells in which the object can be tracked, and a communication tag provided to the object to be sensed for tracking a location of the object. A receiver is operatively connected to the antennae for transmitting an interrogation signal via the antennae and receiving a signal indicative of a location of the object within the array in response to transmission of the interrogation signal. A processor unit utilizes the signal to determine useful data indicative of the location of the object in the array, and a platform presents the usable data to a user to relay information about the location of the object.

Abstract: Item movement is determined via wireless tracking using RFID data from at least one RFID reader. The RFID data associates RFID tag information with each antenna of the RFID reader that receives the tag information. At least one processer is configured to identify a first appearance of unique tag information in the RFID data. Items may be grouped when their first appearance in RFID data and their antenna association indicates that they first appear in a location within a predetermined amount of time, as indicated by RFID data, and/or when they have all moved from a previous location within a predetermined amount of time, as indicated by different RFID data. A group designation comprises the relevant unique tag information, which may be stored in memory along with a time stamp.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a concept for an elastically deformable item of sports equipment comprising at least one deformable electromagnetic coil structure around a curved surface within the item of sports equipment, such that the at least one electromagnetic coil structure forms a three-dimensional curve having non-vanishing geometric torsion and curvature to provide an elongation reserve related to a maximum deformation of the item of sports equipment.

Abstract: A variable-color region (106) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface (102) at a surface zone (112) and normally appears along it as a principal color. An impact-dependent portion (138) of the variable-color region responds to an object (104) impacting the zone at an object-contact area (116) by providing an impact signal if the impact meets threshold impact criteria. The impact signal identifies an expected location of a print area (118) in the zone. The print area meets one of plural different print-area location criteria respectively corresponding to plural changed colors materially different from the principal color. Responsive to the impact signal, a controller (702) determines which location criterion is met by the print area and provides an initiation signal at a corresponding condition. The impact-dependent portion responds to the initiation signal by temporarily appearing along the print area as the changed color for that location criterion.

Abstract: A system and method optically track players and automatically capture broadcastable video of a sporting event within a venue. The system includes at least one fixed tracking camera, a remote-controlled broadcast camera, and a scoreboard camera, with each of the components being in communication with a processing system. The method involves dividing the venue into zones of interest, optically tracking individual players in the zones of interest, identifying player groups in the zones of interest, determining a zone of interest containing the most players, analyzing player activity in the zone of interest with the most players, selecting a current gameplay scenario corresponding to the player activity from a set of predetermined gameplay scenarios, and adjusting the pan, tilt and zoom of a broadcast camera according to the current gameplay scenario.

Abstract: A system and method optically track players and automatically capture broadcastable video of a sporting event within a venue. The system includes at least one fixed tracking camera, a remote-controlled broadcast camera, and a scoreboard camera, with each of the components being in communication with a processing system. The method involves dividing the venue into zones of interest, optically tracking individual players in the zones of interest, identifying player groups in the zones of interest, determining a zone of interest containing the most players, analyzing player activity in the zone of interest with the most players, selecting a current gameplay scenario corresponding to the player activity from a set of predetermined gameplay scenarios, and adjusting the pan, tilt and zoom of a broadcast camera according to the current gameplay scenario.

Abstract: A sports ball communication system includes a band that is to be worn by a participant who is meant to handle the sports ball; and a communication unit constructed and arranged to be worn by the participant on the band. The communication unit includes a main control unit, a memory for storing predetermined messages, and at least one sensor for sensing the actions of the ball by the participant. The system may include as sensors a microphone for sensing a bounce of the ball by the participant, and an accelerometer for sensing a motion of a ball handling hand of the participant.

Abstract: A court border module using a display apparatus is disclosed, which uses piezoelectric elements to drive the display apparatus. When a ball hits a court border, which is defined by the display apparatus, a force is applied to the piezoelectric elements which then generate power to drive the corresponding part of the display apparatus. The color of the part of the display apparatus hit by the ball is switched. Therefore the change in the color of the court border can be observed by officials and others to instantly and objectively determine whether the ball has hit the court border.

Abstract: A system simultaneously tracks multiple objects. All or a subset of the objects includes a wireless receiver and a transmitter for providing an output. The system includes one or more wireless transmitters that send commands to the wireless receivers of the multiple objects instructing different subsets of the multiple objects to output (via their respective transmitter) at different times. The system also includes object sensors that receive output from the transmitters of the multiple objects and a computer system in communication with the object sensors. The computer system calculates locations of the multiple objects based on the sensed output from the multiple objects. In some embodiments, the system can also track an item based on proximity of that item to one or more of the objects. In such embodiments, the multiple objects each includes one or more local sensors.

Abstract: A collapsible soccer goal for playing and practicing variations of the traditional soccer game in a circular configuration at locations comprising and typically requiring smaller play areas than usually required for traditional soccer play. The inventive device comprises a multi-panel frame and net structure and appropriate netting and ground attachment devices to secure the netting to the frames and the device to the ground. The concentric circle lines establishing the play area parameters facilitate the unique form of soccer play described herein. In addition to the unique application of the device, the unique design and nature of this device, making it optionally foldable, collapsible, and light weight, facilitates its transportation to, speedy placement on, and removal from the area of use.

Abstract: A device for recognizing when an object or a person crosses a threshold that is marked by a magnetic field comprises a first magnetic field sensor that is designed to detect a first magnetic field component of the magnetic alternating field and to deliver an associated magnetic field sensor signal. The device comprises a second magnetic field sensor that is designed to detect a second magnetic field component of the alternating magnetic field. The device also comprises an evaluator that is designed to deliver information in response to a change in a phase relationship between the magnetic field sensor signal delivered by the first magnetic field sensor and a reference signal based on the detection of the second magnetic field component by the second magnetic field sensor, said information indicating that the object or person has crossed the marked threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing hitting in a restricted zone during game play includes a signal generator for signaling the location of a restricted zone in a playing area contained by a barrier. A proximity detector receives the signal generated by the signal generator. An indicator indicates when the proximity detector is within the restricted zone, the signal generator and the indicator being carried by a player.

Abstract: To provide a game device capable of allowing a user to feel a difference in state of mind between a player of a winning team and a player of a losing team when defending. A selection unit (56) selects one or more player characters from among the player characters belonging to a team not in possession of a moving object. In a case where control by a first player character control unit (58) is applied, a determination unit (62) determines whether or not a reference period has elapsed after a given reference time. In a case where elapse of the predetermined period after the reference time is determined, a switching unit (66) switches the state in which control by the first player character control unit (58) is applied to a state in which control by a second player character control unit (60) is applied. A reference period data control unit (64) changes the length of the reference period, based on game state information.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the effectiveness of coaches and video game designers for games like soccer, American football, basketball, lacrosse or ice hockey by using RF technology and software. A base station is equipped with a computer programmed with algorithms to track the players and game equipment and thereby produce data of interest to a coach or game designer.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing impact of a body on a strip located on a support, characterized by comprising: a strip (2) of material presenting piezoelectric characteristics, applicable to a support in the region to be monitored; at least one continuous tape (4) made of conductive material and associated with said strip (2) in a manner parallel to it; a device (6) connected to said tape to condition the electric signal generated by the impact of said body on said strip (2); a device (12) for sensing said signal; a device (18) for indicating the sensed signal.

Abstract: There is provided a method and a system for registration of real time position of tennis ball relatively to boundary lines on tennis court. The method and system comprise sensitive to near-infrared radiation at least one video camera, outputting video image of court and the method and system further include at least one point source of near-infrared radiation, illuminating tennis court and displaced relatively to the video camera. It is suggested a simple and inexpensive way of determining if a tennis ball bounces in or out of court by determining point of intersection of trajectories of the tennis ball and its shade from near-infrared radiation and comparing the position of the determined point of intersection with previously calibrated boundary lines of court.

Abstract: A disclosed device provides a trajectory detection and feedback system. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched the object into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area. The feedback information may include one or more trajectory parameters that the human may use to evaluate their skill at sending the object along a desired trajectory. In a particular embodiment, a non-intrusive machine vision system that remotely detects trajectories of moving objects may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. The feedback information, such as a trajectory entry angle into the basketball hoop and/or an entry velocity into the hoop for the shot, may be output to the player in an auditory format using a sound projection device.

Abstract: A miniature kick bag game and apparatus kit for playing a footbag game between opposing teams divided into two zones by a medially positioned two foot high portable reticulated net, or nets, is provided. The reticulated net, or nets, are substantially two vertical feet in height.

Abstract: A disclosed device provides a trajectory detection and feedback system. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving volleyballs in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each volleyball and providing feedback information to a human that has launched the volleyball into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area. The feedback information may include one or more trajectory parameters that the human may use to evaluate their skill at sending the volleyball along a desired trajectory. In a particular embodiment, a non-intrusive machine vision system that remotely detects trajectories of moving volleyballs may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a volleyball hit towards a virtual target area by a player.

Abstract: A movable frame may be positioned about a playing surface and defines a substantially straight pathway for a tool to follow while altering a playing surface, such as by cutting or marking the surface. A template that may be used to accurately define key positions of a playing surface, like a tennis court. Various pairs of the key positions may, in turn, be used to define each line that is to be marked or altered on the playing surface. Patterns of sensor circuits are defined for indentifying whether a ball impacts the tennis court at a position that is in play, or out of play.

Abstract: The present invention is an article and process for determining the site of impact of a movable object on a treated surface, where a tennis ball is treated with a striking composition, and a boundary line region is treated with a receiving composition such that when the striking composition and the receiving composition are in physical contact, a colorimetric indicator is left on the receiving composition to indicate the point of contact.

Abstract: A marker for a sports field comprising an elongated substantially vertical device for marking a field position associated with a game playable on the sports field using an object that may become airborne. The field position is used to determine compliance of the object when airborne with a rule of the game. The apparatus also comprises a source for emitting an elongated generally vertical beam of electromagnetic radiation adjacent to the device to help mark the field position.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus to provide a virtual tennis net that can be placed on any convenient surface having two movable poles each having a light source dependent thereon; at least two scanning mirrors; at least two retroflectors; at least two beam splitters; at least two photo-detectors; and an audible or visible signal device that is actuated in response to interruptions of light falling on said photo-detectors such that when a the light beam is interrupted by a tennis ball, the beam is momentarily blocked and the signal to the photo-detector is interrupted, providing a signal that is used to trigger a light or sound signal that indicates the ball did not pass over the virtual net.

Abstract: In particular situations it may be desirable to follow, trace or otherwise localize specific (groups of) objects or animals, in particular people. The invention relates to a localization system. The invention also relates to a method for localizing objects or animals using such a localization system.

Abstract: When playing a sport it is generally difficult to localize (exactly) an accessory requirement for that sport at a determined point in time. The localizing of sports equipment may however be desired in particular situations, for instance to track down lost articles of sports equipment, or to be able to apply the rules of a sport in efficient manner. The invention therefore relates to a system for localizing sports equipment. The invention also relates to a method for localizing sports equipment using such a system.

Abstract: The present invention is an article and process for determining the site of impact of a movable object on a treated surface, where a tennis ball is treated with a striking composition, and a boundary line region is treated with a receiving composition such that when the striking composition and the receiving composition are in physical contact, a calorimetric indicator is left on the receiving composition to indicate the point of contact.

Abstract: A system and appertaining method are described to detect whether a projectile impact occurs on one side of a boundary line or the other The system utilizes force sensing resistor-based sensors that may be configured in sections or groups and connected to a control system with a display. Sensor installation methods for the sensors and associated electronics are also provided. An impact classification system is provided for distinguishing between various events, including a footstep, ball impact and tennis racquet contact. A sensor monitoring system is provided for determining the health of sensors and providing an error indication if sensor problems exist. A service detection system is provided when the system is used for tennis that permits activation of selected groups of sensors and deactivation of others.

Abstract: A system for applying RFID in ball game field to assist in making a decision in ball game includes a RFID tagging element embedded in a ball used in the game; a plurality of RFID reading devices spaced along borderlines of the ball game field for reading the RFID tagging element in the ball; and a control center connected to the RFID reading devices. When the ball with embedded RFID tagging element touches any of the borderlines, at least one of the RFID reading devices reads the RFID tagging element and sends a signal to the control center for determining whether the ball is out of bound or not. When the RFID reading devices are arranged at goal areas, the system may be used to determine the scoring. A decision signal is sent from the control center to a referee for use as a reference in making a decision.

Abstract: A movable frame may be positioned about a playing surface and defines a substantially straight pathway for a tool to follow while altering a playing surface, such as by cutting or marking the surface. A template that may be used to accurately define key positions of a playing surface, like a tennis court. Various pairs of the key positions may, in turn, be used to define each line that is to be marked or altered on the playing surface. Patterns of sensor circuits are defined for indentifying whether a ball impacts the tennis court at a position that is in play, or out of play.

Abstract: A computer monitoring system includes a processor and sensors electrically thereto that are positioned beneath the playing surface directly below a boundary line. The sensors are connected in series to the processor such that each sensor is independently activated and generates an analog output signal when a predetermined weight limit is detected thereon. The sensors are positioned below a three-point and a free-throw line. An analog-to-digital converter is coupled to the processor and sensors that receives and converts the analog signals to digital signals. A memory includes programmable software instruction that cause the system to perform a series of operations. The processor generates and transmits audible and visual notification signals for each of the consecutive digital signals when the time span is greater than the threshold interval.

Abstract: A system, electronic device and method are provided that utilize the positioning capabilities of impulse radio technology to track one or more moving athletes. The movement of these athletes can be displayed on a television, a handheld unit or an Internet site. In addition, the present invention can utilize the communication capabilities of impulse radio technology to enable secure communications to take place between an athlete and their teammates, fans or coaches. The athletes can include, for example, track and field athletes, baseball players, football players, basketball players, soccer players or hockey players.

Abstract: A T.V camera in center field beyond the playing field directed at the home plate along a main axis. The camera senses the baseball in the strike zone. A second T.V. camera directed at the home plate in direction perpendicular to the main axis, which also senses the baseball in the strike zone, but in an area between the front end limits of the home plate. The two T.V. cameras are connected in series and serve to control the scoreboard and show on the scoreboard when the baseball in its passage by the strike zone constitutes a strike.

Abstract: This application describes a method and apparatus for precisely locating moving or stationary objects, with specific application to the real time display of the position of balls and/or players in sporting events and/or monitoring of airplanes in runways, prisoners in prison, children in childcare, and basically subjects in any area with predetermined boundaries

Abstract: A computerized sensor system for monitoring a ball game played with a game ball by several players on a court or field includes a game monitoring computer containing a sensor signal identifying and processing program; a central receiver for receiving sensor signals and relaying the sensor signals to the computer; a score display mechanism operationally linked to the game monitoring computer to display information sent by the computer; a ball transmitter secured to the ball broadcasting a ball sensor signal; a player sensor/transmitter transmitting a player sensor signal to the central receiver identifying the team of the given player and sensing the presence of the ball transmitter within a detection radius; and court or field sensors secured relative to the court or field and correspondingly positioning above the court or field for monitoring the location of the ball and of a player having the ball.

Abstract: An apparatus used to officiate sporting events in which the positioning of the ball on the field by the officials is critical to the play. The apparatus employs a laser beam which is directed by the official parallel to the field of play at a height below the width of the ball. In use, a first official directs the laser beam across the field to a second official who uses the laser beam illumination to properly “spot” the ball. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is mounted onto the shoe of the official; in another, the apparatus is placed on an edge marker.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful system for judging boundary lines on a court in sporting games, for determining whether a ball in play bounces in or out of court. The system comprises at least one camera to capture as frames movement of the ball and a frame grabber associated with each of the cameras to process the frames. An image processing system is configured to receive the digitized frame from the frame grabbers and to process the digitized frame to determine whether the ball is in or out of court and to generate a signal if the ball is out of court. There is an output device coupled to the image processing system to receive the signal and alert the players.

Abstract: A system for locating players on a field includes first and second directional scanning antennas located adjacent the field. A transponder carried by the players detects the radiation from each antenna and transmits timing signals. The timing signals are received at a central station and compared to reference timing signals synchronized with the scanning of the antennas to provide an indication of the angular position of each player from the scanning antenna locations. The actual field position of the players can then be computed. The system can also locate the position of a playing object, such as a ball.

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 method of determining in a game of tennis the point of contact of a service ball relative to a service line by (a) monitoring a field of view along the service line and producing an electronic representation of an upper boundary of the ball as it passes through the field of view, (b) scanning the upper boundary of that representation progressively in the direction of the ball flight and determining at successive spaced positions along the path of the ball the angle of definition of the boundary, and (c) comparing successive values of that angle and noting the position of the ball at which that angle reduces relatively rapidly to a lower or even a negative value. A preferred method determines and compares successive horizontal components of successive sections of the boundary which have successive equal value vertical components.

Abstract: A system is provided with a directional antenna having first and second antenna patterns oriented around an antenna boresight direction. The antenna boresight is oriented in a direction corresponding to a play determinative line on a playing field. Signals are emitted firm a playing object, used as a ball and detect using the two antenna patterns. Comparison of the detected signals provides an output indication when the playing object crosses the play determinative line.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a vertically disposed elongated antenna to the horizontal edge of a volleyball net has a base wall and an oppositely disposed spaced clamping wall secured together at adjacent edges by a U-shaped live hinged portion. The clamping wall extends in a tapered direction towards the base wall to define a narrowed net receiving access lot opposite to the live hinge portion. A vertically disposed shoulder extends outwardly from an outer surface of the base wall, and a vertical bore is located in the shoulder to receive an end of an elongated antenna. The clamp members are comprised of a single piece of plastic material. An elongated lift member is on an elongated horizontal free edge of the clamping wall and extends outwardly from the access slot. A plurality of serrations are formed on an inner surface of the base wall opposite to the clamping wall. The shoulder on said base wall has a vertical length greater than the vertical height of the base wall.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for determining whether a ball in a sport has contacted the ground in or out of bounds as well as where along the boundary the impact occurred. A pair of conductors run adjacent to and beneath the boundary lines of the sport court or field. The two conductors are electrically separated by an insulator, but will contact each other at the point of impact and thereby create an electrical short when a force, such as is caused by the impact of a ball, is applied to the boundary line. The short causes two counter-propagating voltage pulses to travel out from the location of the short towards a detector which detects the pulses and the time delay between receipt of the pulses. The fact of whether pulses were detected is indicative of whether the ball was in or out of bounds, while the time delay between the pulses is indicative of the location along the boundary line where the ball struck the ground.

Abstract: A system is described for the automatic detection of ball bounces on a tennis court, and which is applicable to similar games. The system comprises a sonar-like sound system in conjunction with a pressure-sensitive system located on the court surface itself. The sound system uses a multiplicity of microphones to detect and means to analyze the sounds and to calculate the position of sounds identified as balls striking the court surface. The pressure system is used to detect ball bounces on the boundary lines themselves, and utilizes coaxial cables as the sensing elements. The pressure system is checked only when the sound system determines that a ball is bouncing on or near one of the boundary lines. Processing is done by a personal computer to which a special interface card is added.

Abstract: System for detecting whether a conductive felt covered game ball has landed within the boundary area of a gaming surface. The system incorporates permanently installed decorative circuits which stay in an active open state while awaiting touch down of conductive game ball. Completion or closure of active open circuit determines the ball in-bounds and thus still in-play. The control box will transmit a filtered signal to an audible tone or a wireless hearing aid designed for official use. Controversial opinions regarding continuation or elimination of the human element in officiating has allowed such a system to be designed which will initially aid officials and henceforth apply accruing detection modifications as these demands present themselves.