Automatic scoring and performance measurement method and apparatus

Abstract

Method and corresponding apparatus for automated scoring, performance measurement / reporting and interactive entertainment and more particularly automated scoring for games, such as multiple basketball games and baseball, soccer, football, as well as other games with projectiles or other objects-of-interest. Generally players are automatically scored, their performance is measured and presented to them, entertainment devices are controlled and they are interactively entertained. One too many players can be entertained individually and / or as teams. Additionally, multiple games, of the same sport or different sports, can be played with this single method and apparatus. The method or apparatus may be utilized in conjunction with communication devices.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. provisional application bearing Ser. No. 60 / 922,644, filed on Apr. 10, 2007, and titled AUTOMATIC SCORING AND PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS; which provisional application is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates in general to player interactive and automated: sports scoring, performance measurement, and player entertainment apparatus and methods.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Sports and game playing and training are popular pastimes for many people. Most sports and games playing and training focus on scoring and / or performance measurement / enhancement. For many games and practice sessions the players must manually keep the score or measure their performance (or the performance of others). Keeping score and / or quantifying their performance helps motivate players and enhance their skill development.[0004]This score ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This score keeping and performance quantification is usually realized manually, possibly on paper, but usually “in their heads.” Manually keeping score and / or measuring performance while playing / training / coaching can lead to: inaccurate score and measurements; reductions in concentration on their play / training due to players concentrating on score / measures rather than play / training; player discomfort with their score or performance; discomfort with the person / device that is scoring and / or measuring performance; interference with their thoughts / actions; a lack of concentration in their play / performance; arguing with other players; as well as many other degradations in play / performance.

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