Abstract: A smart soccer goal for tracking and communicating motion of objects includes a goal frame; a net coupled to the goal frame including a plurality of lights; and one or more sensors coupled to the goal frame. A first sensor of the one or more sensors is directed to detecting movement within and immediately near the smart soccer goal and a second sensor of the one or more sensors is directed to detecting movement outside of the smart soccer goal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a ball shot attempt location on a ball court are disclosed. The method includes receiving an input video, where the input video includes the ball shot attempt and one or more players; receiving a declared ball shot attempt; determining a potential shooter by detecting a moving object flow in the input video; determining a potential shooter image region in the image plane by analyzing an overlapping image area of the ball trajectory and the potential shooter; determining a shooter foot-on-court time; determining a most probable pair of shooter legs in the potential shooter image region; determining a shooter foot location based on the most probable pair of shooter legs; and determining a ball shot attempt location on the ball court by applying a camera projection to the shooter foot location.

Abstract: A smart soccer goal for tracking and communicating motion of objects includes a goal frame; a net coupled to the goal frame including a plurality of lights; and one or more sensors coupled to the goal frame. A first sensor of the one or more sensors is directed to detecting movement within and immediately near the smart soccer goal and a second sensor of the one or more sensors is directed to detecting movement outside of the smart soccer goal.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to evaluating the performance of a person playing basketball are described. The systems and methods can be used to provide an evaluation sequence that can determine and evaluate the performance level of a person at one or more basketball skills. The evaluation sequence for the person can include a first sequence of actions that are the same each person being evaluated for a particular skill and a second sequence of actions that is based on the results of the first sequence and may be different for each person. Once the first and second sequences have been completed by the person, the system can determine a performance level for the person for the skills being evaluated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a ball shot attempt result, the ball shot attempt captured by a camera on a mobile computing device, are disclosed. The methods and systems perform steps comprising receiving an input video captured using the camera on the mobile computing device, wherein the input video comprises a ball shot attempt at a goal; receiving a declared ball shot attempt, the declared ball shot attempt detected by analyzing a ball trajectory in the input video; detecting an element movement associated with an element of the goal; and determining the ball shot attempt result based on the element movement and the ball trajectory. In some embodiments, the element of the goal is a net, and the declared ball shot attempt is detected by analyzing the ball trajectory in a ball shot attempt Region of Interest (ROI) within frames of the input video.

Abstract: A basketball illumination system includes a light source mounted beneath a basketball rim to prevent glare and improve visibility of the rim in low lit conditions. Some embodiments include an L.E.D. strip arranged in a hoop directly below the rim. A bungee cord may couple the L.E.D. strip to the rim under tension to prevent the L.E.D. strip from straying into the path of balls travelling through the rim. Some embodiments include a rebound sensor and/or a shot senor. Each sensor may change the illumination of the L.E.D. strip in a different way upon detection.

Abstract: There are provided a basketball game console, a network basketball game console, and basketball method using the same. The invention includes an image detecting unit, an identification unit, a central processing unit, and a driving unit. The central processing unit controls such that images of a ball received in the image detecting unit are identified when a passing detection sensor detects signals. Therefore, it is possible to identify a color, pattern, or clean shot of the ball going into a rim. The game console allows a multi-play game so that it is possible to play more interesting games over a network.

Abstract: A basketball return apparatus comprising a frame, an attachment section, one or more flaps, and a basketball return mechanism. The attachment section, which is no smaller than a basketball hoop, is connected to the frame and configured to attach to a basketball hoop. The attachment section includes one or more sensors that detect and record the number of basketball shots passing through the basketball hoop. The one or more flaps are connected to the attachment section, and are configured to tilt downwardly and inwardly towards the attachment section. The one or more flaps, which are connected to and positioned around the attachment section, are flexible to absorb the momentum of an incoming basketball and are capable of directing the basketball towards the attachment section. The one or more flaps include one or more sensors that detect and record the data generated by the contacts caused by incoming basketballs contacting the one or more flaps.

Abstract: An basketball arcade game is disclosed that includes a rim, a backboard, a ball sensor for the detection of balls that pass through the rim, a scoreboard for displaying a score relating to the game, a ball control access panel to permit and restrict access to balls that are used with said game, and a central processor that receives input from the ball sensor and provides output to the scoreboard, and the rim further includes a light source and a motor to laterally drive the rim which are both controlled by the central processing unit, and the rim may display light signals reflecting conditions of the game including bonus conditions and the time of play remaining.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wireless shot tracking system including a programmable electronic unit that is in electrical communication with a shot detector for automatically tracking and displaying real-time shooting percentages of basketball players during basketball shooting sessions, and a telescoping pole for mounting the shot detector to a basketball rim from the ground. The programmable electronic unit provides a program mode, a play mode, a review mode and a random mode to help improve the shooting skills of a basketball player from different shooting locations on a basketball court. The shot detector includes one or more vibration sensors to detect missed shots, and an activator that extends along a horizontal axis in a central region of the basketball hoop to detect made shots. The programmable electronic unit interfaces with a computer via a USB port for uploading or downloading program updates or shooting session data.

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: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a basketball net or flat net measures the translational kinetic energy of a ball that passes through an aperture in the net or impacts the net. The net includes one or more electrically conductive cords, which have a resistance that varies depending on the degree to which the cord is stretched. From sensor measurements, a processor determines: (a) instantaneous rate of change of resistance, and (b) duration of a time period that begins when resistance exceeds a baseline (with hysteresis). In the case of a basketball net, a processor may calculate the translational kinetic energy of the ball as equal to a sum of two terms. The first term is inversely proportional to the square of the duration; the second is proportional to the square of the integral of the instantaneous rate of change of resistance over the time period.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel and unique basketball shooting target removably connected to a basketball goal. The target is an object that includes a female member having a female member core and female outer layer and a male member having a male member core and male outer layer. The female member core includes female lock flanges and female contact surfaces for engaging the male member core. The male member core has buttons that each includes respective cam locks configured for releasable engagement with female lock flanges on a female core to prevent horizontal movement. The male member core has male contact surfaces for engaging the female contact surfaces of the female member to prevent vertical movement. In operation, the male and female members removably connect with one another to engage a netting of a basketball goal and prevent movement relative to one another in horizontal or vertical direction.

Abstract: A wireless scoring and gaming system includes a plurality of basketball goal sets and a receiving peripheral. The system supports RF, IR or similar transmissions amongst the scoring transmitters of the basketball goal sets and the scoring receiver of the receiving peripheral. The receiving peripheral includes a scoring controller comprising logic to calculate a score and drive circuitry for an LCD or LED alphanumeric display and/or video display. The receiving peripheral can light up and multiplex a score as well as output appropriate audio sound bites via a variety of means, and can accurately output the score of opposing players or teams via wireless control and activation.

Abstract: A basketball practice machine includes a main body, a backboard, and a robot connected to the main body. The robot includes a bottom base rotatably connected to the main body and one or more arms, where one arm is rotatably connected to the bottom base. The backboard is connected to an end of one arm and may be oriented and fixed appropriately within a specified three-dimensional space.

Abstract: A shooting sports measurement system to use with a hoop comprises a net including a first sensor suspended within the net and connectable with the hoop to detect vibration transmitted through one or both of the net and the hoop and a second sensor to detect one or both of motion of the net and pressure from a passing object. The shooting sports measurement system further comprises a console communicatively coupled with the first sensor and the second sensor to receive data and calculate results.

Abstract: A static aiming target for perfecting basketball bank shots appears to move horizontally and vertically along a backboard as a player moves back and forth across the court and towards and away from the backboard. This apparent movement of the aiming target is produced by visual aiming regions which allow for predetermined viewing of portions of the aiming target as a function of a player's position on the court. In each case, a player shoots for the aiming target in order to complete a proper bank shot.

Abstract: A basketball net includes a longitudinal strap assembly and an annular strap assembly each has a plurality of straps releasably or permanently secured together. Additionally, at least one of logo(s) and visual or audible scoring indication can be printed or mounted thereon. A hoop together with the mounted basketball net aims to bring advertisement effect or be more interesting when playing a ball game. A method of manufacturing the basketball net is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shooting sports measurement system to use with a hoop comprises a net including a first sensor suspended within the net and connectable with the hoop to detect vibration transmitted through one or both of the net and the hoop and a second sensor to detect one or both of motion of the net and pressure from a passing object. The shooting sports measurement system further comprises a console communicatively coupled with the first sensor and the second sensor to receive data and calculate results.

Abstract: A system for improving the speed and accuracy of shot on a hockey goal based upon feedback of the shot and the target report. An analogue sensor assembly records the number of hits and their speed and also displays the results with an LED based counter. This practice tool can, with repetition, increase the ability of the trainee to aim for the optimum location for scoring goals in hockey and other sports.

Abstract: The present invention provides an educational basketball game device, comprising a backboard which houses cheer lights outlining perimeter, a score display, a target, a hoop, and a sensor, an extendable pole which is made of two parts an upper part and a lower part, and a progress display made of several portions which illuminate game progress, and a baseboard which houses speakers, an extendable foul line and wheels. Also, the present invention provides a method for educating a game of basketball with an educational basketball game device. The educational method incorporates playing of recordings that cheer the player to make a shot, encourage the player to aim at target, motivate to keep practicing and getting the ball in the hoop. In addition, the educational method uses cheer lights to acknowledge success. Additionally, a visual display showing a cheering crowd of fans will light up when a goal is achieved.

Abstract: A foldable basketball game assembly includes a base, an extendable upright frame connected to an end of the base and an extendable end frame connected to the other end of the base. A board is connected to the upper section of the upright frame and a sound producing member is connected to the board. A hoop is pivotably connected to the sound producing member and a sensor extended from the sound producing member is located in a center of the loop so that when a ball enters the hoop, a pre-set sound is produced.

Abstract: A basketball game device includes a backboard to which a mount is attached for supporting a rim loop ring. A detector is mounted to an underside of the mount and transmits ultrasonic waves to a work space below the rim loop ring. The work space has an outer bound beyond distance of a remote edge of the rim loop ring. A valid distance within the remote edge of the rim loop ring is set in the detector. The detector repeatedly generates ultrasonic waves toward an object and detects the reflected signals representing a series of data corresponding to distances of the object. If the first data of the series of data indicates a distance shorter than the valid distance, the goal is considered legal and if the first data is a distance greater than the valid distance, the goal is illegal.

Abstract: A sound effect assembly that attaches to the net of a goal. The sound effect device contains a sensor that either detects the motion of the net or the passing of the ball or puck. When the sound effect assembly is activated, the sound effect device generates audible sounds, preferably that of a cheering crowd. Accordingly, each time a goal is made, the sound effect device produces the sounds of a cheering crowd. The sound effect device is produced in a very small housing that hooks onto the net of a goal. In this manner, the attachment of the sound effect device to the net does not adversely effect the characteristics of the net or the odds of making a goal by a person playing the sport.

Abstract: A golf ball marking guide has opposing first and second body portions. Each body portion has opposing front and back ends and opposing top and bottom edges. The body portions also have a drawing slot positioned between the opposing top and bottom edges and extending at least partially between the front and back ends. The body portions also have generally spherical concave inner surfaces. A tab extends from the front of the first body portion in a direction generally away from the body portion back. Another tab extends from the front of the second body portion in a direction generally away from the body portion back. A connector is provided at the back of the first body portion. A cooperating connector is also provided at the back of the second body portion. The two connectors are coupled, one with the other, whereby the two body portions are aligned with each other, their inner surfaces face each other and define a spherical frustum, and the two tabs are aligned with each other.

Abstract: A basketball apparatus is provided that teaches basketball players to make the perfect basketball shot when shooting backboard shots from any location on the basketball court. The basketball apparatus consists of a backboard, a basketball hoop, a supporting bracket, and a target bulls eye. The target bulls eye is mounted behind the backboard and provides a target for the shooter which, if the basketball were in the proper trajectory to engage the target bulls eye, the basketball would engage the backboard at a perfect reflection point, thereby, bouncing off the backboard towards the basketball hoop to obtain the perfect basketball shot.

Abstract: A sound effect assembly that attaches to the net of a goal. The sound effect device contains a sensor that either detects the motion of the net or the passing of the ball or puck. When the sound effect assembly is activated, the sound effect device generates audible sounds, preferably that of a cheering crowd. Accordingly, each time a goal is made, the sound effect device produces the sounds of a cheering crowd. The sound effect device is produced in a very small housing that hooks onto the net of a goal. In this manner, the attachment of the sound effect device to the net does not adversely effect the characteristics of the net or the odds of making a goal by a person playing the sport.

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

Abstract: A hoop for indicating when a basketball passes therethrough that includes a ring and first and second apparatuses. In a first embodiment, the first apparatus includes a momentary microswitch, a lever that closes the microswitch when contacted by the basketball, and a timer that activates when the momentary switch is closed. In a second embodiment, the first apparatus includes a light source and a photo electric cell that receives a beam of light from the light source. When the beam of light is broken by the basketball, the photo electric cell activates and activates the timer. The second apparatus includes an internal ring, a plurality of bulbs removably mounted in, and illuminating through, the internal ring when the timer is activated, a plurality of tube assemblies that depend from, and visually communicate with, the internal ring, a speaker, and an annunciator that audiblizes through the speaker when the timer is activated.

Abstract: An action-responsive basketball backboard includes a backboard having a rim mounted thereon. Mounted thereon are a rim motion sensor operative to detect specific motions of the rim and output notification signals signaling detection of those specific motions, and a backboard motion sensor operative to detect specific motions of the backboard and output notification signals signaling detection of those specific motions. At least one set of indicator lights is mounted on the backboard and a power supply for supplying electrical power to the set of indicator lights is connected thereto for lighting the lights. A control box having a controllable switch interposed between the power supply and the set of indicator lights is included, the control box in information transmission connection with the rim motion sensor and the backboard motion sensor, the control box operative to receive notification signals from the rim and backboard motion sensors.

Abstract: An inductive score device comprises a casing, a cantilever, a resilient member, and a photoelectric element, wherein the cantilever is rotatable and normally held horizontally in the casing by taking advantage of the resilient member and a counterbalance mechanism, and is depressible downwardly by an external force and restorable by the resilient member every time the external force is removed. When the cantilever is moved downwardly, an interruption piece thereof will interrupt the light route of the photoelectric element to change the state thereof and trigger the score device to count automatically.

Abstract: The putting trainer includes a substantially flat plate upon which a golfer may place and strike a golf ball. The plate includes a first end having a recess shaped and dimensioned for receiving a golf ball and maintaining the golf ball in position adjacent the first end until such a time that the golfer strikes the golf ball toward a second end of the plate. The plate further includes a central alignment groove extending from the recess toward the second end of the plate, the central alignment groove providing a desired alignment for a golfer striking a golf ball sitting within the recess. The putting trainer also includes a plurality of obstacles respectively and selectively positioned within a plurality of indents formed within the plate.

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 basketball score-keeping apparatus (10) for detecting and tracking shooting statistics of a player shooting a basketball (12) at a basketball goal (14) that detects a first location at which the basketball (12) crosses a generally horizontal detection plane (26) as it ascends and a second location at which the basketball (12) crosses the detection plane (26) as it descends. The apparatus (10) also tracks the shooting statistics of the player. The apparatus (10) may also include a display (30). The apparatus (10) may be coupled to other similar apparatuses to allow competition between players. Vibration (38) and verification (40) sensors may be part of the apparatus (10) in order to provide additional features.

Abstract: A basketball goal sounding apparatus, comprises an elastic cord, a trigger, conducting wires, a switch of power supply and a audio device properly connected to each other. The trigger comprises a hollow insulating tube, a metal spring placed in the hollow insulating tube and two metal plates with conductive contact fixed to the ends of the metal spring respectively. Each end of the elastic cord is extended to the respective end of hollow insulating tube and fixed to the respective plate. One end of the conducting wires is fixed to the inner wall of the hollow insulating tube, the other end of the wires is connected to the switch of power supply and the audio device. The present invention is simple in structure and easy to be implemented, and is helpful for the judgement of whether a shot is made, and for increasing the friendly atmosphere of the game.

Abstract: A collapsible playing section is removably attached to a player console and include casters as a stand alone amusement unit. A background includes three vertically aligned hoops, the medially one being rotated in a plane periodically out of alignment with the other two hoops which are stationary. One or more players in a coin operated game toss five balls in an attempt to pass the ball through all three hoops. A spring loaded telescoping link assembly for operating the moving hoop prevents ball jams. Points and prizes are assigned and awarded based on the number of hoops rung by a given player. More or fewer hoops, their speed of motion and the relative position of the movable hoop of hoops differ in different embodiments.

Abstract: A toy that releases a fluid onto a player when another player successfully projects a projectile onto a target. The toy may include a basketball hoop and a container that is filled with a fluid. The hoop is coupled to the container by a release mechanism and a trigger. The container may be elevated above a player by a post. The release mechanism is switched to a released state so that the fluid is released onto the player when the projectile is thrown through the basketball hoop and engages the trigger a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A ball basket comprises an attachment loop, a net and a sensing unit. The net is fastened at one end thereof with the attachment loop which is in turn fastened with a goal frame. The sensing unit is composed of a connection string and a sensing body connected with the connection string fastened with the net. The sensing body is provided with an oscillatory power switch for controlling an audio-photo element capable of bringing about an audio-photo effect at such time when the sensing body is impacted by a ball.

Abstract: A basketball passing machine (18) includes a basketball supply (20) which provides basketballs (48) for a basketball ejector assembly (26) which passes basketballs one-at-a-time in a controlled manner along a trajectory (70) towards a waiting player. The machine can be used with a collection net assembly (16) adjacent a backboard (6) so that basketballs from both made and missed shots are collected and directed into the basketball supply. The supply of basketballs allows the passing machine to pass basketballs to the player as fast as desired, such as every three to four seconds. Balls can be passed from the machine on demand; the pass rate, the azimuth of the trajectory, the speed of the ball and the number of balls placed in play at each position can be preprogrammed. Sensors (74, 104) are used to generate signals whenever a ball is placed in play and when a shot is made. Shooting accuracy and associated information can be displayed for a player as well as recorded for future reference.

Abstract: A device for converting a container into a figure to simulate an interactive game with a player, comprising a headboard in the shape of the head of the figure, a clip affixed to the headboard for attaching the headboard to the container, wherein a portion of the clip extends below the headboard where the clip connects to the container, a sensor mounted to the extending portion of the clip for generating an electrical signal in response to impact from an object projected by the game player, and feedback device responsive to the electrical signal generated by the sensor for providing feedback to the game player when an object has been properly received by the figure.

Abstract: A toy coin bank that directs a user to launch a coin at a target portion is disclosed. The toy coin bank includes an adjustable launching platform or tray to permit the user to decide the appropriate launch position. The toy bank also includes an audio signal to alert the user of his or her success in hitting the target.