Abstract: A hand held device for recording scores of a golf game played by one or more players comprises a VDU which selectively displays reference fairways graphically, and which permits a player to enter the position of the location of a ball after each shot on the VDU by positioning a cursor at a position on the green or the reference fairway displayed on the VDU corresponding to the position of the ball on the fairway or green being played. A microprocessor stores a graphical representation of each reference fairway with the positions of the ball, which have been entered by the cursor on each fairway, in a RAM, and computes the number of shots to each hole. A score card for each player is displayed on the VDU. Graphical representations of each player's performance on each fairway can be reviewed after the game.

Abstract: When the game machines (2100, 2110 and 2120) join the same network game, display images necessary for the users playing in a common virtual space are displayed in the displays (2105, 2115 and 2125) of the game machines. The game machines are connected with the controllers (2109, 2119 and 2129). The users operate various operations by means of the controllers for executing the game. The user can play match against or cooperate with the users participating in a common network game, and can also communicate with the users.

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: Systems and method for providing a game achievements system where players are rewarded with game achievements based on mastering certain in-game facets of the games they play. Each game achievement may be conveyed in a profile as a badge or trophy, title, description, date, etc. Players may also accumulate points based on game achievements. A display interface may be made available such that a player may see his achievements and total points, as well as those of others.

Abstract: A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing, a battery having no more than 225 milliamp hours of power, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.

Abstract: Skill scores represent a ranking or other indication of the skill of the player based on the outcome of the game in a gaming environment. Skills scores can be used in matching compatible players on the same team and matching opposing players or teams to obtain an evenly-matched competition. An initial skill score of a player in a new gaming environment may be based in whole or in part on the skill score of that player in another game environment. The influence that the skill scores for these other game environments may have in the skill score seeding for the new game environment may be weighted based on a defined compatibility factor with the new game environment. The compatibility factor can be determined based on a game-to-game basis, compatible categories or features, game developer defined parameters, or any combination of considerations.

Abstract: An electronic scoring system for use in a variety of martial arts (including traditional styles of martial arts, mixed martial arts, weapons based martial arts, mixed weapons based martial arts or the fighting arts generally). The scoring system allows an objective determination of the force, location and effectiveness of forces applied during competition, without the need for electric weaponry.

Abstract: The system provides a method and apparatus for creating additional interest and participation for attendees at, or viewers of, live events and for fans and audience members observing or following along on television or the internet. The system provides a “game within a game” for an event by allowing participating patrons to predict event outcomes before or during the event, even on a short term real-time basis. The participant is rewarded for correct guesses and can even be given recognition at the event on a display (e.g. scoreboard) or jumbo screen. The participant can also earn points for using the system, even when guessing wrong. Participation and attendance are rewarded and the user can redeem points at the venue, further encouraging attendance.

Abstract: A system and method of organizing a plurality of participants in one or more billiards competitions. Specifically, the system and method schedules, tracks and scores a plurality of participants in one or more billiards competitions. The system utilizes client server technology over a network such as the Internet, with a relational database and a database management system. The method utilizes a scheduling system for scheduling participants in billiards competitions, a handicap system for allowing participants of a wide range of skill levels to competitively participate with each other and a point system for measuring participant performance in billiards competitions. The method for utilizing the scheduling system, the handicap system and the point system is integrated into the overall system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating graphic animation technologies with fantasy sports contest applications are provided. This invention enables a fantasy sports contest application to depict plays in various sporting events using graphic animation. The fantasy sports contest application may combine graphical representation of real-life elements such as, for example, player facial features, with default elements such as, for example, a generic player body, to create realistic graphic video. The fantasy sports contest application may provide links to animated videos for depicting plays on contest screens in which information associated with the plays may be displayed. The fantasy sports contest application may play the animated video for a user in response to the user selecting such a link. In some embodiment of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may also customize animated video based on user-supplied setup information.

Abstract: A method for scoring constructed responses is provided. The method includes: establishing a question that requires a constructed response; determining at least one attribute parameter that defines the format of the constructed response; binding at least one variable to the at least one attribute parameter; defining at least one assertion rule, each setting forth a condition that the at least one variable will either satisfy or not satisfy; and creating a scoring system that includes at least full scoring credit if all of the at least one assertion rule is satisfied and partial scoring credit if some but not all of the at least one assertion rule is met; wherein when the question is presented and a constructed response received, the corresponding at least one variable is compared against the at least one assertion rule to identify which assertion rule is satisfied or not, and a score is provided based on the number and/or combination of satisfied at least one assertion rule.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to analysis of movement that is electronically captured and recognition of which movement was performed for purposes of evaluation. This type of motion capture, analysis and evaluation can have applicability across a number of fields, such as healthcare, entertainment, communication, and manufacturing. The recognition can occur once movement information collected from sensors is inputted into the system. The system can then analyze the movement information to determine what the movement is. In some games, such as sports games, movement recognition can provide feedback to a user about what they are doing. In other games, such as dance games, movement recognition can allow for users to dance a move from a set of moves providing for a more entertaining game.

Abstract: A method for predicting a golfer's swing speed, wherein the method comprises determining that the golfer is addressing a golf ball to swing a golf club, monitoring a backswing, determining a transition time, monitoring a downswing, determining an impact time, transmitting data for the golfer's swing to a receiver for analysis and generating a golfer's swing speed using a length of a shaft of the golf club.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method that aggregates, for each of a plurality of players, data of different wagering games based, at least in part, on criteria for an aggregate leaderboard. Values for each of the plurality of players are computed based, at least in part, on the data aggregated for each of the plurality of players and the criteria for the aggregate leaderboard. Ranks of the plurality of players are determined based, at least in part, on the computed values. A subset of the plurality of players with ranks above a threshold rank is determined. Indications of the subset of the plurality of players are supplied for updating the aggregate leaderboard.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for interfacing with a mobile device. According to one aspect, a method for interfacing one or more peripheral devices with a mobile device having a processor is provided. One or more unique tones/signals are generated at a respective peripheral device corresponding to an event detected by the respective peripheral device. The tones/signals are conveyed to a mobile device where they are received through a microphone in communication with the mobile device. A processor processes the signals into one or more digital commands, and correlates the digital commands with real-time data to identify an action. One or more outputs are then provided based upon the action.

Abstract: Open architecture communication systems and methods are provided that allow flexible data transmission between gaming machines and other devices and nodes within a gaming machine network. The gaming machine and other devices employ a communication interface that sends and receives data via a common communication protocol and via common communication hardware. The communication interface and common communication protocol allow data transfer between gaming machines and other network nodes such as gaming service servers, despite the presence of different proprietary gaming machine functions and proprietary communication protocols and despite the presence of various proprietary hardware and proprietary communication protocols relied on by the servers.

Abstract: Metrology data associated with a plurality of workpieces processed at a selected operation in the process flow including a plurality of operations is retrieved. A processing context associated with each of the workpieces is determined. The processing context identifies at least one previous tool used to perform an operation on the associated workpiece prior to the selected operation. A plurality of performance metrics is determined for a plurality of tools capable of performing the selected operation based on the metrology data. Each performance metric is associated with a particular tool and a particular processing context. A set of the performance metrics is identified for the plurality of tools having a processing context matching a processing context of a selected workpiece awaiting performance of the selected operation. The selected workpiece is dispatched for processing in a selected one of the plurality of tools based on the set of performance metrics.

Abstract: A tournament game, gaming machine, gaming system and method are disclosed wherein a player-interactive bonus feature is triggered and displayed simultaneously with a tournament game presentation and a bonus award is paid responsive to a player selecting a displayed bonus target, such as a balloon. The bonus award is paid in addition to any award payable based on the tournament game outcome.

Abstract: A photographing device is implemented with a gaming function in which win/loss of a game, which is provided with a first condition obtaining unit configured to obtain a first condition which is used to generate a first image file, a second condition obtaining unit configured to obtain a second condition which is used to generate a second image file, a score calculating unit configured to calculate a first score of the first image file and a second score of the second image file in accordance with the first condition and the second condition, respectively, a judging unit configured to judge win/loss of the game with respect to the first file and the second file based on the first score and the second score, and a display unit configured to display the win/loss of the game with respect to the first file and the second file.

Abstract: A system and method automatically report electronically recorded golf scores and other information to a golfer during or upon completion of a round of golf. A golfer operates a mobile terminal during play of a round of golf. The mobile terminal displays at least an electronic score card on its display. The mobile terminal may optionally display other information, such as advertisements, that may be of interest to the golfer. During play, the mobile terminal receives inputs from the golfer to record the golfer's scores. Other inputs may include selection of a displayed advertisement or purchase of a displayed product or service. Once the scores have been entered, the mobile terminal wirelessly transmits the scores and/or other information to a central server via a wireless subsystem. The scores and/or other information are then automatically communicated from the server to an email account and/or personal web portal account of the golfer.

Abstract: An electronic scoring system for use in a variety of martial arts (including traditional styles of martial arts, mixed martial arts, weapons based martial arts or the fighting arts generally). The scoring system allows an objective determination of the force, location and effectiveness of forces applied during competition, without the need for electric weaponry.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a gaming method, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving, from a live participant, a request for game play, the request including desired opponent information; (b) in response to the request, evaluating prior game play data associated with the live participant to assess the live participant's recent success in gaming, forming a satisfaction score; (c) in further response to the request, causing another user's prior game play data to be selected and retrieved based on the following (i) a substantial match with the desired opponent information; and (ii) a substantial match with the satisfaction score; and presenting a multi-player game environment where the live gaming participant can play against and have two-way interactions with an apparently live opponent, the apparently live opponent's interaction being based on the other user's prior game play data.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to allow golfers/teams to provide tournament scorekeepers with dynamic information. It is another object of this invention to allow golfers/teams on the golf course to get contemporaneous or real time information on how others in the tournament are performing. It is another object of this invention to allow golfers/teams to check there performance on a particular course post tournament or play. It is another object of this invention to provide golfers/teams with handicaps for each course and instantaneously calculate a score for any hole given said handicap.

Abstract: A data mining system and method retrieve data related to an item from a database. A survey is generated for presentation in a game. The survey includes the retrieved item data and solicits from a user input data pertaining to the retrieved item data. The input data is received from the survey and stored in a database with the item data. The input data is transmitted to the game and incorporated into the game such that the user interacts with the input data as part of playing the game.

Abstract: The automated table tennis referee includes sensors that detect bounces of a table tennis ball on first or second side of a table tennis table, the sides being divided by a net. The sensors detect when the ball touches the net. A digital signal processor acquires and processes the sensor data to determine ball hits unique to each sensor. A logic processor determines whether the ball hit occurred on the table's first side, second side, or net. The logic processor subsequently processes the sequence of ball bounces to determine the winner of the last volley, the count of points each player has accrued, who the server for the next serve should be, and the winner at the end of the game. A display unit shows the number of points counted for each player, which player owns the serve, which player won the last serve and the winner of the game.

Abstract: A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, devices and systems associated with adjusting for input latency within an electronic are disclosed. An electronic device may receive a user input, such as a user actuation of a device key. A latency adjusted time of the input may be calculated based, at least in part, on a latency of the electronic device in determining the user actuation of the device key. The latency adjusted time may be used to determine a result of the user input.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a user of a mobile device, such as a cell phone, with applicable legal or safety information, such as restrictions on the use of a cell phone, potential fines for cell phone use, potential dangers, personal protective equipment requirements, prohibitions, guidelines and the like, based on GPS position of the mobile device. A gaming aspect is incorporated as a method of incentivizing drivers to utilize the application by providing reward points uses the cell phone in a safe manner and consistent with applicable laws. Accrued points may be redeemed for gift cards or similar rewards.

Abstract: The invention provides scoring a performance of a guitar part in a rhythm-action game. It operates in the context of a video game platform in communication with a display and a controller and involves receiving an input performance from the controller including at least one input chord note, each input chord note including an input string value corresponding to a struck string and an input fret value associated with the input string value. Then, a reference performance is provided, which includes at least two reference chord notes to be input at a target time, each reference chord note including a reference string value and a reference fret value associated with the reference string value. Then, a degree of matching is determined between the input performance and the reference performance, and a score is assigned to the input performance based on the degree of matching.

Abstract: In an embodiment of a gaming method, an identifier may be received from a first gaming unit, wherein the identifier is associated with a tournament game card, wherein the tournament game card is provided to a player in response to paying a fee. Whether the identifier received from the first gaming unit is authentic may be determined. A duration the player may play in a tournament may be determined based on the identifier, and the first gaming unit may be enabled for play in the tournament for the duration if the identifier is authentic. A tournament score of the player may be received, and a winning player of the tournament, if any, may be determined. Data indicative of a value payout to be awarded to the winning player may be generated if the winning player of the tournament is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gaming systems and methods where enablement for play of a bonus game is linked to play of a primary game. A player may qualify for the bonus game by preselected criteria associated with play of the primary game. The qualified players may participate in the bonus game and compete against one another in one or more rounds to achieve a final winning outcome based on the individual player's skill, strategy, or knowledge. The player who achieves the final winning outcome at the end of a plurality of rounds of the bonus game is awarded a bonus pool funded by a portion of wagers accumulated during play of the primary game.

Abstract: Disclosed is a real-time, automatic golf scoring apparatus that can automatically tally golf scores and record the positions of golf shots. The real-time, automatic golf scoring apparatus includes: a storage unit for storing information regarding driver shot positions at holes; a communications unit for receiving position computation information for calculating a current position of a golfer; and a control unit for counting the number of driver shots if a condition on the number of driver shots based on the information regarding the driver shot positions and information regarding the current position of the golfer is satisfied using these means, the system is capable of providing useful real-time information to golf players and of automatically managing play records.

Abstract: Further interest after completion of a game and motivation to participate in the next game are given to players of any skill. Using the results (for example, skill points, maximum combo number) of players evaluated for each predetermined parameter in for example a music game, and players again compete against each other. In other words, after the music game a separate game (secondary game) is played. Winning or losing in the secondary game depends on the results of the players for each parameter in the primary game, and the skill of the player in the secondary game. Therefore, a player's effort and skill in the primary game can be utilized in the result of the secondary game, and even if the result of the primary game is unsatisfactory, the player can seize the chance to win the secondary game, depending on the skill of the player in the secondary game.

Abstract: A method of conducting a competition with remote controlled vehicles involving young, or young-at-heart people from a plurality of local institutions or establishments, and involving a hierarchy of competitions.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for providing data. At least one embodiment of a method includes providing, by a user device, a user interface configured to receive golf scoring data from a user, the user interface including a default score based on predetermined data related to past performance; receiving a first piece of golf scoring data from the user; determining, from the received first piece of golf scoring data, a second piece of golf scoring data; and storing the first piece of golf scoring data and the second piece of golf scoring data.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a video game or video game tournament (e.g., via a Web site) is disclosed. In accordance with the method and system a bonus is provided to a player playing the video game or participating in the video game tournament. In some embodiments a bonus is provided to the player if a rating associated with the player is worse than a threshold rating. In some embodiments a bonus is provided to the player if the occurrence of at least one predetermined condition is identified. Such a condition may be, for example, a condition that indicates the player will soon cease playing the video game or participating in the tournament.

Abstract: In a method for determining highlight segments of a sport video, the sport video having a plurality of image frames is analyzed to recognize a scoreboard image and a plurality of scoreboard characteristics thereof. The scoreboard image comprises at least one of the scoreboard characteristics. Then, a request message showing at least one recognized scoreboard characteristic is displayed on a user interface to receive a user response, wherein the user response includes a recognized result of one of the scoreboard characteristics. Finally, variations in the recognized scoreboard image among image frames can be monitored according to the user response. Therefore, the highlight segments of the sport video can be determined according to the variations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method for playing a hand-to-hand combat sport, including providing a fighting area comprising a fighting surface wherein the fighting surface is subdivided into a plurality of zones and scoring the match according to a predetermined set of rules that accounts for the location of the fighters with respect to the zones. The present invention further relates to a method for broadcasting a hand-to-hand combat sport in which an audio and/or video signal depicting the match is transmitted to a remote audience along with statistical information concerning the fight. The present invention further relates to an improved fighting area for conducting a hand-to-hand combat sport including a raised platform that is subdivided into a plurality of zones including: (i) a first zone situated at the center of the boxing area; and (ii) one or more zones surrounding said first zone.

Abstract: An elimination-style script-selection method includes a workshop reading of scripts performed before participants who have taken a theater-patronage-frequency survey. Any parallel survey responses between participants of disparate theatrical-patronage patterns are detected, and a weight adjustment factor is applied based thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shot tracking. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system for tracking shots of a golfer during a round of golf. One aspect of the present invention is a system for automatically tracking a golf club swung by a golfer. The system comprises a plurality of golf clubs. Each of the plurality of golf clubs comprises a device attached to a grip which is attached to a shaft which is attached to a golf club head. The device comprises a power source, a shock switch and a RFID component.

Abstract: A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing, a battery having no more than 225 milliamp hours of power, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.

Abstract: A tournament system that encompasses and integrates wirelessly connected actual sports equipment with a computer and the internet to allow players geographically remote from one another to play an actual competitive sport. The system allows the communication of direct images and verbal interactions between geographically remote players during every aspect of play as if playing the same game together at the exact same time from their respective geographic locations. An individual player may opt to play solo or against the computer to improve techniques. Each local system of sports implements is coupled with signal processing and radio frequency transmitter circuitry to wirelessly communicate game performance information to a receiver and computer. The computer displays player information and visually displays and controls a sports competition in real-time between two or more players via the internet having similar equipment and remotely located from each other.

Abstract: A competitive game management system is disclosed which manages a competitive game played by a plurality of players. Take, for example, a league competition played by players A, B, C, and D. Between the player A and the player B, for instance, a home game operated by the player A and an away game in which a CPU acts as the simulated player A are arranged. Similarly, between the player A and each of the other players C and D, two games are arranged respectively. These arrangements are made for all combinations of players, and a league ranking is determined based on all the results of the games. Therefore, a player can play the game against other real players, and the result of the competitive game will be evaluated equally for each player.

Abstract: A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing composed of a polymer material, the housing having a main body and a projection body extending from the main body, the projection body having a length ranging from 1 mm to 5 mm and a diameter ranging from 20 mm to 25 mm, a battery, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.

Abstract: Position data is generated. The position data describes a respective current position of each of one or more billiard game objects in relation to a billiard table having a playing surface. A state of a billiards game being played is determined based on the position data. One or more perceptible effects associated with the determined state of the billiards game are selected. The one or more perceptible effects are produced in connection with the billiards game.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating graphic animation technologies with fantasy sports contest applications are provided. This invention enables a fantasy sports contest application to depict plays in various sporting events using graphic animation. The fantasy sports contest application may combine graphical representation of real-life elements such as, for example, player facial features, with default elements such as, for example, a generic player body, to create realistic graphic video. The fantasy sports contest application may provide links to animated videos for depicting plays on contest screens in which information associated with the plays may be displayed. The fantasy sports contest application may play the animated video for a user in response to the user selecting such a link. In some embodiment of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may also customize animated video based on user-supplied setup information.

Abstract: A scientific complexity quantification system calculates a specific percent complexity index rating for each manufactured product that can be graphed and compared to other products and that is based on mathematical quantifications of each product's key attributes. The complexity index takes into consideration differences in design and manufacturing complexity, financial considerations, product solution complexity and customer experience. The attribute scoring of individual products are then sorted into potential sourcing categories, such as “outsource,” “in house fulfillment,” or “further evaluation needed.

Abstract: A set of computer executable instructions configured to calculate penalties for a vehicle pilot navigating a competition course which incorporates at least one virtual obstacle, said set of instructions being configured to execute the steps of: a) receiving a vehicle location identifier associated with the present position of the pilots vehicle, and b) comparing the vehicle location identifier with a collision region associated with at least one virtual obstacle of the competition course, and c) assigning at least one penalty to the pilot of the vehicle if the vehicle's location intercepts with the collision region of an obstacle, and d) repeating steps a) through c) as the pilot navigates the competition course and the position of the vehicle changes.

Abstract: Scoring of each player may be based on the outcomes of a game between players who compete against each other in one or more teams of one or more players. The scoring may also consider partial play where one or more players of a game only play for a portion of the full time of the game. Additionally or alternatively, the scoring may consider partial rankings of teams where the relative ranking of one team to another may be unknown. Each player's score may be represented as a distribution over potential scores which may indicate a confidence level in the distribution representing the player's score. The scoring may be used to track a player's progress and/or standing within the gaming environment, used in a leaderboard indication of rank, and/or may be used to match players with each other in a future game.

Abstract: A tournament gaming system is disclosed including one or more gaming machines programmed for play of at least one tournament game. A plurality of gaming machines may be linked for tournament play by a host computer. Qualification for tournament play is based only upon criteria established only by the gaming operator or without consideration of player desire to participate in the tournament. Game play on at least some of the participating games is tracked and displayed during the tournament, which ends after a player of one of the games achieves predetermined results.