A bowling enhancement system is for a bowling lane, and may include a mobile device, an image sensor arranged over the bowling lane and configured to generate image data of the bowling lane, projectors arranged over the bowling lane and configured to generate a set of projected images onto the bowling lane, and a server. The server may be configured to cause a given projector to project a pairing token onto the bowling lane, when receiving the pairing token from the mobile device, establish a communication link with the mobile device to receive a given game characteristic from the mobile wireless communications device, determine a tracking path of a bowling ball traveling on the bowling lane based upon the image data, and selectively change the set of projected images based upon the tracking path of the bowling ball and the given game characteristic.

A method of operating an electronic basketball scoreboard apparatus is disclosed. The method includes receiving a game parameter; operating a basketball game based upon the received game parameter; receiving a first indication of a ball passing through a first basketball hoop; receiving a second indication of a ball passing through a second basketball hoop; determining a first score of the basketball game based on the first indication from the first score sensor; determining a second score of the basketball game based on the second indication from the second score sensor; recording video of the basketball game; transmitting the recorded video; and transmitting the first score and the second score.

A bowling enhancement system is for a bowling lane, and may include a mobile device, an image sensor arranged over the bowling lane and configured to generate image data of the bowling lane, projectors arranged over the bowling lane and configured to generate a set of projected images onto the bowling lane, and a server. The server may be configured to cause a given projector to project a pairing token onto the bowling lane, when receiving the pairing token from the mobile device, establish a communication link with the mobile device to receive a given game characteristic from the mobile wireless communications device, determine a tracking path of a bowling ball traveling on the bowling lane based upon the image data, and selectively change the set of projected images based upon the tracking path of the bowling ball and the given game characteristic.

An interactive bowling system using scoring systems and/or other computer infrastructures which interact with visual and/or audio effects within the bowling center. The system includes a management system having stored therein instructions to provide special effects associated with one or more events to one or more special effects components. Upon an occurrence of an event, the management system: determines that the occurrence of the event is associated with one or more special effects; and provides the instructions to the one or more special effects components to effectuate the special effects associated with the one or more events.

A wireless electronic table game scoreboard is disclosed. An example scoreboard apparatus includes a data transmission module in wireless communication with a user device and configured to wirelessly receive a plurality of game parameters from the user device. The apparatus also includes a score sensor configured to detect a ball passing through a basketball hoop. The apparatus further includes a game execution module configured to operate a basketball game based upon the plurality of received game parameters and record a score of the basketball game based on signals received from the score sensor indicative of the ball passing through the hoop. Additionally, the apparatus includes a camera configured to record video of the basketball game. The data transmission module is configured to transmit the recorded video of the basketball game to the user device in connection with the recorded score.

A slot and alignment trainer for bowling is disclosed. An example slot and alignment trainer for bowling includes a base and a plurality of guide posts configurable in the base to introduce multiple levels of difficulty. A plurality of openings may be formed in the base. Each of the plurality of openings is prepositioned to receive one of the plurality of guide posts. An adjustable slot may be formed by a plurality of spaced apart guide posts extending upright in the base. The adjustable slot may be configured in the base to provide a user with real-time feedback while practicing a bowling swing.

A bowling aiming apparatus, configured to be used with a bowling lane, includes a frame and a target suspended from the frame. The frame includes two legs which lie parallel to one another within opposite troughs of the bowling lane and extend along a longitudinal direction of the troughs. The frame further includes two uprights, each coupled to a respective leg, such that the uprights are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the legs. The frame further includes a crossbar assembly coupled to the uprights and arranged perpendicularly to the uprights and perpendicularly to the legs. The crossbar assembly spans a width of the bowling lane. The target is suspended from the crossbar assembly, and is positioned on the crossbar assembly such that at least a portion of the target is arranged in a line of sight of a bowler using the bowling lane.

A system and method for measuring motion properties of a movable object, such as a sporting device, wherein the movable object has an embedded magnetized unit creating a magnetic field. A measurement device, having a first magnetic field sensor positioned a known distance away from a second magnetic field sensor, is positioned in the vicinity of the movable object's trajectory, whereby the first and second magnetic field sensors output signals when the movable object passes within their respective proximities. A control module, that is responsive to the output signals created by the magnetic field sensors, is configured to record the times of output signal events. The control module is further configured to calculate motion properties, such as the speed and rate of spin, of the movable object based upon the recorded times of various sensor output events and the known distance between the first and second magnetic field sensors.

A training or exercise apparatus may have a base and an adjacent movable armature or frame that carries a riding member, or shuttle, or carrier. The carrier has an engagement interface with an element of sporting or exercise equipment. The sporting or exercise equipment is engaged by the user, typically by being grasped. The apparatus defines a physical or virtual schedule describing an arc for a swing in the particular activity. The apparatus may include a manual or electronic means of imposing resistance to the motion. This resistance may be adjustable, and may be programmable as a function of one or both of position and speed. The apparatus may include an array of sensors such as may be used to determine the pre-existing stroke, and such as may be monitored during training to assess progress. The apparatus may be operated passively, or it may be operated interactively in a manner in which real-time feedback causes the apparatus to adjust resistance to the motion.

A system for enhancing ball control by a bowler when swinging and releasing a bowling ball, and corresponding method of formation, are disclosed. A rigid sleeve is placed over the thumb of the bowler. The rigid sleeve is dimensioned and configured to fit in close cooperation with and slide readily along a thumbhole of the bowling ball, and to grip and be retained on the thumb. The thumb and rigid sleeve are inserted in the thumbhole. The bowling ball is then swung and released, while retaining the rigid sleeve on the thumb. The interior of the rigid sleeve may be coated with a tacky substance or may have installed thereon a shimming material. When swinging and releasing the bowling ball, the thumb and rigid sleeve may be withdrawn from the thumbhole prior to fingers being withdrawn from the finger holes. Ends of the rigid sleeve may be rounded to eliminate sharp edges.