The present disclosure is directed to a system for sensor-based objective determination. In general, sensor data may be used to render objective determinations that were not previously possible due to the unavoidable subjectivity of human-based officiating systems. For example, at least one device may be configured to make objective determinations during the course of a sporting event. Data collection circuitry may receive data from sensor devices coupled to players, equipment, playing surfaces, etc. Data analysis circuitry may categorize the data and input the data into a model to determine if an infraction occurred. For example, categorization may involve determining a type of infraction that may have occurred based on the sensor data. The model may then be selected based on the type of infraction, the model being developed utilizing prior sensor data, rules for the sporting event, etc. Output circuitry may generate a notification based on the infraction determination.

Methods and systems for use in automating or assisting umpiring of a baseball or softball game are described herein. A location of a strike zone is determined based on video images of a batter standing next to home plate captured by a camera. Locations of a ball traveling towards the batter, and locations of the bat being held by the batter, are autonomously tracked using computer vision based on video images captured by at least two cameras having different positions. Additionally, there are autonomous determinations of whether a location of the ball intersects with the strike zone, and whether the batter made a genuine attempt to swing the bat at the ball, and based one at least one of these determinations, there is an autonomous determination of whether a “strike” or a “ball” occurred. Additionally, an indication of whether a “strike” or a “ball” occurred is autonomously output.

The disclosure is directed to systems and methods for providing a user with key performance indicators of a basketball player relating to accuracy, precision and improvement. Specifically, the disclosure is directed to a system of sensors coupled to a basketball backboard adapted to provide an accurate tracking of a shot in a given three-dimensional space and extract features manipulated to yield key performance indicators based on establishing whether, how often and where the ball center passes the rim plane at a sub-cm resolution over a period of no more than 200 msec.

The two-part system includes a modified hockey puck and a set of goal units that can be mounted on a hockey goal. Within the puck are light sources, motion sensors, infrared transmitters, and a power source. Within the goal units are light sources, infrared sensors, and a microcontroller. When the goal units are mounted on the hockey goal, the infrared sensors form a detection area through which the puck must pass in order to count as a goal. The infrared transmitter of the puck and the infrared sensors of the goal units communicate with one another, and when an infrared signal is received the microcontroller triggers the light sources mounted to the goal to illuminate and indicate that a goal has been scored. Additionally, both the puck and the goal units are designed to reduce power consumption by switching between a low-energy mode or an active mode of operation.

Implementations of a time-out synchronized system are provided. In some implementations, the time-out synchronized system comprises a coach's device and a referee's device (“referee's wristband”). In some implementations, a method of using the time-out synchronized system comprises a coach using the coach's device to make a timeout call and a referee using the referee's wristband to be alerted and/or informed of the timeout call during an organized sports event, such as a basketball game.

A force sensor including: a first part including a detection coil; a second part positioned opposite the first part and including: a ferromagnetic plate translationally movable relative to the first part to move towards the first part when a force is transferred to the sensor and to reduce reluctance of a magnetic circuit formed by the first and second parts in series with a variable gap; and an electronic detection circuit configured to generate a signal dependent on the reluctance of the magnetic circuit. The ferromagnetic plate is formed by an amorphous metal alloy.

An illuminated rim for a roundnet set is provided. The illuminated rim of the present application is an illuminated circular frame attached to the top of an existing frame of a standard roundnet set. The underside of a connector unit of the illuminated rim snaps onto the existing frame of the standard roundnet set. An optional sensor may be used in connection with the game to detect pressure on the net from, for example, a ball hitting it. Once the sensor is triggered, the LED lights may be programmed to go off. In an embodiment, the device may be programmed so that the light may be used to determine if a valid or invalid shot was executed by a player.

An electronic sideline marker for use in football comprises a first display configured to display an indication of a down and a second display configured to display one or more timers. The second display may be configured to display a play clock, a go-clock, and/or a throw-clock. A play clock may first be displayed, and the marker may then receive an indication (e.g., a button press) that the football has been snapped, at which point display of the play clock may be replaced with display of a go-clock. The marker may be configured to output indications when the play clock, go-clock, and/or throw-clock expire. The marker may be configured to electronically communicate with one or more other markers for use in the football game, or one or more other remote electronic devices such as sensors in flag football belts, flags, and/or footballs.

Systems and devices for a team game played on an obround court includes radially symmetric barriers defining cylindrical goals having circular openings concentric with the semicircles of the obround court. An annular halt zone extends around the barriers. A free throw line extends around each halt zone. An obround judge lane extends along the perimeter of the court and is occupied by two judges or referees that monitor the game, while another judge or referee remains inside the perimeter. The court is divided by a centerline which includes a circle at the center of the court. The outer wall of the barrier includes one or more video screens. Audience members can access a computer network to display images, text or video selected by them in real-time during gameplay. The ball used for the game has a surface texture provided by a plurality of square pebbles instead of rounded pebbles.

Methods and apparatus for staging emulated live performance routine competitions. Various emulation methods and apparatus may allow for live conditions to be emulated even in the absence of actual staged live competition. Live performance routines may be recorded and stored as live performance routine data. Competition judging may be input and stored as competition judging input data. Data transformation processors may transform such data into live performance routine competition conditions emulated data that may emulate live performance routine competition conditions. Data may be aggregated into an emulated live performance routine competition for remote spectator access.