According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus, system, method and/or computer program product may provide an electronically and programmably controlled remote virtual spectator/viewer device enabling viewer interaction with an entertainment participant in an entertainment forum via an exemplary digital video camera, digital audio microphone, speaker system, and display device system coupled via at least one communications interface to a communications network to allow a remote viewer to virtually interact with and communicate with the entertainment participant in the entertainment forum. Embodiments may include a graphical user interface configured to allow control of a digital video camera, and digital microphone in the entertainment forum, by a remote user from a remote location.

A system and method for object detection may be used to detect the interaction between an object and a part of the human body. In one embodiment, the system is used to detect a soccer ball that is being juggled by a user.

An inflatable ball (such as a soccer ball) may have an outer shell comprising panels. The panels may include at least one surface texture. At least a subset of the panels may include indentations in addition to the surface texture. The indentations may include a shape which is different from a shape of the surface texture.

An inflatable apparatus for striking and propelling an object when affixed to a limb of a body preferably includes first and second oppositely facing walls, the first wall defining a striking surface for striking and propelling the object therefrom; and one or more sidewalls extending between and connecting the first and second oppositely facing walls, wherein the one or more sidewalls define an opening configured to permit passage of the limb from an exterior of the apparatus into an interstitial space of the apparatus for affixing the apparatus on the limb. The inflatable apparatus further includes one or more fluid-impermeable, expandable chambers in fluid communication with one or more ports whereby fluid introduced through the one or more ports enters into the one or more chambers for expanding the one or more chambers and tensioning the first wall defining the striking surface. A paddle-type game preferably uses such inflatable apparatus.

A system for illustrating the flight of a sports ball includes a radar, an imager, and a controller. The imager is configured to image a moving sports ball. The controller is configured to (i) receive, from the imager, an image including the moving sports ball, (ii) receive, from the radar, radar data associated with the moving sports ball, (iii) determine, from the radar data, a portion of a trajectory of the moving sports hall, (iv) alter the image to illustrate the portion of the trajectory relative to the moving sports ball, and (v) output the altered image.

In an aspect, an apparatus is provided and includes an air-tight object having an outer layer, an inner layer, and a cover, and a light module. The opacity of the outer layer is greater than the opacity of the inner layer. The outer layer defines a first aperture and a second aperture. The inner layer and the cover define a first interior region. The inner layer defines a second interior region. The light module is encapsulated within the first interior region and is configured to send light through the inner layer, through the second interior region of the air-tight object, and through the second aperture of the outer layer, wherein the cover is disposed between the light module and the outer layer.

A protector for protecting an arm or other body part of a wearer, such as a sports player playing lacrosse, hockey, baseball, or another sport. The protector comprises: a base for engaging the wearer's arm or other body part; and a pad member fastened to the base and comprising protective padding. The pad member may be fastened to the base by a narrow fastening zone. This may allow the protector to better fit on the wearer's arm or other body part, reduce resistance to movement of the wearer's arm or other body part, and/or increase breathability or ventilation of the wearer's arm or other body part and the protector itself.

The present disclosure provides for various objects (weights, playing apparatuses, balls, clothing, etc.) that have liquid disposed in them to assist in building and strengthening small muscle fibers and/or nerves. The various objects can include weights, playing apparatuses such as objects that can be swung in sports, balls, and clothing or other objects that can be worn by humans or other animals. The objects include fluid paths and re-directions walls disposed within the fluid paths to direct fluid flow to particular areas within the objects. The designated areas to where fluid flow is directed aid in development of small muscle fibers and/or nerves due to the fluid sloshing around at those particular locations. Methods of making and using the various objects disclosed are also provided.

A system for planning, managing, and analyzing sports teams and events. The system may include a content management function for storing data. The data can pertain to a plurality of sports-related statistics and a variety of identifying data. The system and method can also include an event management function for planning and evaluating sports-related events such as practices and games. The system and method can also include a report function which can provide a variety of statistical analyses.

Virtual and augmented reality sports training environments are disclosed. A user interacts with virtual players in a simulated environment of a virtual reality sporting event. In some embodiments, the user's actions and decisions are monitored by the simulated environment. The environment evaluates the user's performance, and provides performance feedback based on the user's decisions and timing. In one application, real life pitchers and their pitching data are tracked and replicated in a simulated pitching environment. A team of users may practice against a simulation of a pitcher they are about to compete against, swinging at pitches that they would see in a real game. Such environments may maximize effective practice time for users, and help develop better players with improved decision-making skills. Some embodiments include various pitch recognition training, which may be against replicated real-life pitchers.