Systems and Methods for Multi-Variable Point Mechanisms in Sports and Games

Abstract

A basketball shooting game system (1) having at least two differently sized rims (10) configured to receive a shot basketball (2) from a shooter (3) is disclosed. The system (1) may include a processor (95) configured to determine whether a basketball (2) has traversed through one of the at least two differently sized rims (10) and generate a made shot identifier (94) and generate a plurality of data. The system (1) may include first data (99) generated from the processor including at least a basket size identifier (92) representative of a first sized rim from the at least two differently sized rims (10), second data (99) generated from the processor (95) including at least a basket size identifier (92) representative of a second sized rim from the at least two differently sized rims (10), and a display (28) configured to display a numeric value representing a score, wherein the score is based at least in part on the made shot identifier (94) and the first and second data (99).

Claims

1. A basketball training shooting game system comprising: a hoop assembly comprising: at least two differently sized rims configured to receive a shot basketball from a shooter; a rim position system configured to selectively place one of said at least two differently sized rims in a basketball shooting position where said one rim is placed horizontal with respect to a vertical backboard; wherein when said one rim is placed in said basketball shooting position, the other of said at least two differently sized rims is placed out of said basketball shooting position; wherein said rim placement system is configured to switch which of said at least two differently sized rims occupies said basketball shooting position; and a processor configured to: determine whether a basketball has traversed through one of the at least two differently sized rims and generate a made shot identifier; and generate a plurality of data; first data generated from the processor including at least a basket size identifier representative of a first sized rim from the at least two differently sized rims; second data generated from the processor including at least a basket size identifier representative of a second sized rim from the at least two differently sized rims; and a display configured to display a numeric value representing a score, wherein the score is based at least in part on the made shot identifier and the first and second data.

2. The system as described in claim 1, further comprising third data generated from the processor including at least a ball color identifier representative of a color of the basketball and wherein the score is further based at least in part on the third data.

3. The system as described in claim 2, wherein the ball color identifier is a virtual ball color identifier.

4. The system as described in claim 1, further comprising fourth data generated from the processor including at least a shot hand identifier representative of which hand shot the basketball and wherein the score is further based at least in part on the fourth data.

5. The system as described in claim 1, further comprising fifth data generated from the processor including at least a distance identifier representative of a distance between the shooter and the at least two differently sized rims wherein the score is further based at least in part on the fifth data.

6. The system as described in claim 1, further comprising a variable rate ball returner configured to provide basketballs to the shooter at a return rate, wherein the return rate changes at least in part due to the made shot identifier.

7. The system as described in claim 1, further comprising a mechanism to switch the one of the at least two differently sized rims for a different one of the at least two differently sized rims based on a predetermined switching schedule or based at least in part due to the made shot identifier.

8. A method for controlling an aspect of a basketball training shooting game system comprising: providing a hoop assembly comprising at least two differently sized rims configured to receive a shot basketball from a shooter; positioning one of said at least two differently sized rims in a basketball shooting position where said one rim is placed horizontally with respect to a vertical background; when said one rim is placed in said basketball shooting position, the other of said at least two differently sized rims is placed out of said basketball shooting position; switching placement of said at least two differently sized rims in said basketball shooting position; determining, with a processor, whether a basketball has traversed through one of the at least two differently sized rims and generate a made shot identifier; generating, with the processor, first data including at least a basket size identifier representative of a first sized rim from the at least two differently sized rims; generating, with the processor, second data including at least a basket size identifier representative of a second sized rim from the at least two differently sized rims; determining, with a processor, a score based at least in part on the made shot identifier and the first and second data; and displaying, with a display, the score.

9. The method as described in claim 8, further comprising generating, with the processor, third data including at least a ball color identifier representative of a color of the basketball and wherein determining the score is further based at least in part on the third data.

10. The method as described in claim 9, wherein the ball color identifier is a virtual ball color identifier.

11. The method as described in claim 8, further comprising generating, with the processor, fourth data including at least a shot hand identifier representative of which hand shot the basketball and wherein determining the score is further based at least in part on the fourth data.

12. The method as described in claim 8, further comprising generating, with the processor, fifth data including at least a distance identifier representative of a distance between the shooter and the at least two differently sized rims and wherein determining the score is further based at least in part on the fifth data.

13. The method as described in claim 8, further comprising setting, with the processor, a ball return rate for providing basketballs to the shooter, and changing, with the processor, the return rate based at least in part on the made shot identifier.

14. The method as described in claim 8, further comprising generating a control signal for switching the one of the at least two differently sized rims for a different one of the at least two differently sized rims based on a predetermined switching schedule or based at least in part due to the made shot identifier.

15-20. (canceled)

21. The system as described in claim 1, wherein said at least two differently sized rims are configured to rotate axially.

22. The method as described in claim 8, and further comprising a step of rotating said at least two differently sized rims to place one of said rims in said basketball shooting position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary three-sided basketball hoop configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 2 is perspective view of an exemplary ball returner in accordance with some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 3 is an exemplary control diagram for a shooting game in accordance with some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a computer system which may be used in implementing embodiments of the present disclosure.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] It should be understood that embodiments include a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of the application. These elements are listed with initial embodiments; however, it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the embodiments of the application to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. The specific embodiment or embodiments shown are examples only. The specification should be understood and is intended as supporting broad claims as well as each embodiment, and even claims where other embodiments may be excluded. Importantly, disclosure of merely exemplary embodiments is not meant to limit the breadth of other more encompassing claims that may be made where such may be only one of several methods or embodiments which could be employed in a broader claim or the like. Further, this description should be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a multi-basketball hoop assembly 1 (referred hereafter also as the hoop assembly) for shooting a basketball 2. The hoop assembly 1 and basketball 2 may exist in a physical or real space or may exist virtually, such as one reproduced on a screen. For brevity, FIG. 1 will be discussed in the context of the physical space but one having ordinary skill will appreciate that each element described herein with respect to this embodiment can also exist in the virtual space. The hoop assembly 1 may include at least two rims 10, including a first rim 10a with a diameter Da, a second rim 10b with a diameter Db, and a third rim 10c with a diameter Dc. In this embodiment, each of rims 10 have different diameters, but in other embodiments not shown, some or all the rims 10 may have the same diameter. In other embodiments not shown, the at least two rims 10 may include two rims, four rims, or more than four rims. In some embodiments, Da may be 13 inches, Db may be 15 inches, and Dc may be 18 inches. In other embodiments, the diameters Da, Db, and De may be different than these values.

[0017] The rims 10 may be equal-angularly spaced apart about a centrally located vertical shaft 22. The rims 10 may rotate axially about a vertical support assembly 20 including the vertical shaft 22 via a stepper motor 24. The vertical shaft 22 may be offset a distance behind a fixed backboard 30, such that rotation of the stepper motor 24 is configured to position an innermost portion (with respect to the vertical shaft 22) of each of the rims 10 horizontally in front of the backboard 30 a preset fixed distance. More details regarding the mechanical structural of the hoop assembly 1 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/376,718, which has been incorporated by reference.

[0018] The hoop assembly 1 may comprise sensors 38 that provides sensor data 122 about gameplay variables. For example, sensors 38 may include one or more cameras 26, tracking wristbands 5, encoder 34, and optical sensor/mechanical lever 32. The camera 26 may be positioned to capture visual data regarding the position of the shooter 3 with respect to the backboard 30. Specifically, it may be configured to measure the distance 40 between the shooter 3 and the rim 10. In some embodiments, two or more cameras 26 positioned at different angles may configured for such purpose. The tracking wristbands 5 may located on the wrists of the shooter 3 to help determine which hand 41 (left hand 4b or right hand 4a) is shooting the basketball 2. The tracking wristbands 5 may be equipped with accelerometers and/or wireless transmitters, such as RF-ID, to help identify the movement and position of the hand. Additionally or alternatively, the tracking wristbands 5 may contain optical indicators identifiable to the camera 26 to help the camera 26 identify the shooting hand 41. Furthermore, the camera 26 may be configured to determine the color of or markings on the basketball 2. As an extension, the camera 26 may also be configured to track the basketball 2 after a shot and determine not only an attempted shot 46, but if it was made or missed. The optical sensor/mechanical lever 32, may be used in addition to or instead of the camera 26 to determine a made shot 44. All basketballs shot at by the player may funnel into a variable rate ball returner 70 (FIG. 2). Some details of the ball returner 70 may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,049, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the ball returner 70 may be configured with a second optical sensor/mechanical lever to count each returned basketball 2, and effectively count each attempted shot 46. The difference between the total attempted shots 46 and made shots 44 provides data on the number of shots missed. The ball returner 70 may return the basketball 2 at a ball return rate 47. The ball return rate 47 may be constant or controlled by a game engine software 50 discussed in more detail below.

[0019] The encoder 34 is configured to determine the angular position of stepper motor 24 and effectively, the angular position of the rims 10, and thus, a particular rim (10a-10c, for example) that the shooter 3 is shooting at. The particular rim that a shooter 3 is shooting at can be represented by a rim size variable 42.

[0020] Returning to ball color, the basketballs 2 may contain standard, brown-colored balls and, in some embodiments, differently colored balls. As is discussed in more detail below, the differently colored balls may be represented by input variables having an assigned value for each ball color. In a preferred embodiment, however, the basketballs 2 may have a virtual ball color 43 assigned to it. For example, the game engine software 50 may determine that a particular ball at a particular time may be considered to have a virtual ball color 43 assigned to it. When this occurs, the game engine software 50 may notify the shooter 3 via the display 28, audio, and/or tactile signals that the upcoming ball has a virtual color assigned to it. A virtually-colored ball may have modifiers associated with it such as having a higher value, a multiplier in value, modifier in a ball return rate, and/or may cause detrimental modifiers to other players in head-to-head or group play.

[0021] The hoop assembly 1 may exist as an individual unit, or a plurality of them may be located adjacent one another. For example, two hoop assemblies 1 may be located side-by-side to allow competition between two shooters 3. In some embodiments, three or more hoop assemblies 1 may be located in a row to permit group play or multiple simultaneous instances of singular play.

[0022] FIG. 2 provides a non-limiting example of the variable rate ball returner 70 used in conjunction with the hoop assembly 1. The ball returner 70 may include a net 74 to capture all shot basketballs 2, made or missed. The net 74 may taper downward toward a collar 74 to funnel output the basketballs 2 onto a rail system 76. The collar 74 may include a second optical sensor/mechanical lever (not shown) to count each returned basketball 2. The rail system 76 may guide basketballs 2 to a stop position 80 accessible to the shooter 3 for picking up and shooting another basketball 2.

[0023] The rail system 76 may be supported by support stands 78 to allow the basketballs 2 to roll controllably under the force of gravity to the stop position 80. The rail system 76 may also be supported by variable height support stand 84 for adjusting the height of at least one variable rail segment 76a. The height of the support stand 84 may be adjusted by one or more actuators 82. When the height of the support stand 84 is raised, the angle the variable rail segment 76a makes with respect to the ground is decreased causing basketballs 2 to roll slower back to the shooter 3. When the height of the support stand 84 is lowered, the angle the variable rail segment 76a makes with respect to the ground is increased causing basketballs 2 to roll faster back to the shooter 3. Thus, the actuator 82 can speed up or slow down the ball return rate 47. The actuator 82 may include a linear encoder 86 to provide position data to the game engine software 50. In another embodiment (not shown), the rail system may include an actuating gate, which may include an obstruction positioned between the rails of the rail system 76 that is raised to stop the passage of basketballs 2 to the stop position 80 or lowered to allow passage thereof. By controlling the rate of raising and lowering the actuating gate, the ball return rate 47 may also be controlled.

[0024] FIG. 3 provides a non-limiting example of a control and shot tracking diagram for a basketball shooting game. The sensors 38 for each hoop assembly 1 may output combined sensor data 122 including data from the tracking wristbands 5, camera 26, optical sensor/mechanical lever 32, and/or encoder 34 to a data acquisition component 138. Based on the sensor data 122, the data acquisition component 138 may output first control signals 51 representing distance 40, shooting hand 41, rim size 42, virtual ball color 43, made shot 44, attempted shot 46, and any other virtual parameter 48 created by the game engine software 50, such as badges and icons to modify point values (similar to the virtual ball color 43), time, etc. The first control signal 51 may be sent from the data acquisition component 138 to a microcontroller 95, which may then send second control signals 52 to a stepper motor controller 96, third control signals 49 to a ball return controller 55 to set or alter the ball return rate 47 with ball return control signals 58, and display signals 36 to the display 28. A power source 97 may provide electrical power 98 to the stepper motor controller 96 and the ball return controller 55. The stepper motor controller 96 may provide electrical power 54 and perhaps even motor control signals 53 to the stepper motor 24 which may then provide a mechanical linkage 56 to provide a rotational component 57 of a hoop assembly 1 and the attached basketball rims 10. The ball return controller 55 may provide electrical power 58 and perhaps even ball return control signals 58 to the actuator 82 to adjust the height of the rail segment 76a and control the ball return rate 47. The microcontroller 95 may include the game engine software 50.

[0025] Such sources and controllers can provide a desired angular position in which the basketball rim 10 may be placed facing forward in front of the backboard 30. The stepper motor 24 can divide a full rotation into a number of equal steps perhaps utilizing a step angle and gearbox ratio. In some embodiments, the encoder 34 may be used perhaps to provide a closed loop system. This may provide significantly improved velocity smoothness, reduced overall current consumption, higher torque at lower velocities, and the like. The stepper motor 24 may use a phase technology with 200 full steps per revolution which may be about 1.8 degrees per full step. In some embodiments, the stepper motor 24 may stop at about every 50 steps in a four-sided basketball hoop configuration or even at about every 66 steps in a three-sided basketball hoop configuration.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computing device or computer system 100 which may be used in implementing the embodiments of the hoop assembly 1 disclosed above. For example, the computing system 100 of FIG. 4 may be or include the microcontroller 95 discussed above. The computer system (system) includes one or more processors 102-106. Processors 102-106 may include one or more internal levels of cache (not shown) and a bus controller or bus interface unit to direct interaction with the processor bus 112. Processor bus 112, also known as the host bus or the front side bus, may be used to couple the processors 102-106 with the system interface 114. System interface 114 may be connected to the processor bus 112 to interface other components of the system 100 with the processor bus 112. For example, system interface 114 may include a memory controller 114 for interfacing a main memory 116 with the processor bus 112. The main memory 116 typically includes one or more memory cards and a control circuit (not shown). System interface 114 may also include an input/output (I/O) interface 120 to interface one or more I/O bridges or I/O devices with the processor bus 112. One or more I/O controllers and/or I/O devices may be connected with the I/O bus 126, such as I/O controller 128 and I/O device 130, as illustrated.

[0027] I/O device 130 may also include an input device (not shown), such as an alphanumeric input device, including alphanumeric and other keys for communicating information and/or command selections to the processors 102-106. Another type of user input device includes cursor control, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to the processors 102-106 and for controlling cursor movement on the display device. In addition, input devices may include a joystick or a screen pad on a mobile device.

[0028] System 100 may include a dynamic storage device, referred to as main memory 116, or a random access memory (RAM) or other computer-readable devices coupled to the processor bus 112 for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processors 102-106. Main memory 116 also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by the processors 102-106. System 100 may include a read only memory (ROM) and/or other static storage device coupled to the processor bus 112 for storing static information and instructions for the processors 102-106. The system set forth in FIG. 3 is but one possible example of a computer system that may employ or be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the above techniques may be performed by computer system 100 in response to processor 104 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 116. These instructions may be read into main memory 116 from another machine-readable medium, such as a storage device. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 116 may cause processors 102-106 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with the software instructions. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure may include both hardware and software components.

[0030] A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form (e.g., software, processing application) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). Such media may take the form of, but is not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media and may include removable data storage media, non-removable data storage media, and/or external storage devices made available via a wired or wireless network architecture with such computer program products, including one or more database management products, web server products, application server products, and/or other additional software components. Examples of removable data storage media include Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory (DVD-ROM), magneto-optical disks, flash drives, and the like. Examples of non-removable data storage media include internal magnetic hard disks, SSDs, and the like. One or more memory devices may include volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), etc.) and/or non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.).

[0031] Computer program products containing mechanisms to effectuate the systems and methods in accordance with the presently described technology may reside in main memory 416, which may be referred to as machine-readable media. It will be appreciated that machine-readable media may include any tangible non-transitory medium that is capable of storing or encoding instructions to perform any one or more of the operations of the present disclosure for execution by a machine or that is capable of storing or encoding data structures and/or modules utilized by or associated with such instructions. Machine-readable media may include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more executable instructions or data structures.

[0032] Embodiments of the present application may relate to a sample space which may be a set in which all of the possible outcomes of a statistical experiment may be represented as unique permutations in a Gamespace. It may also relate to a Gamespace which may be a set in which all of the possible permutations of shot distance and even basket diameter can be represented as data sets. Data sets may represent scoring points and may be used to avoid confusion in the descriptions of possible game engine calculations that may actually determine the actual point value of a shot. Individual data sets may represent a unique combination of variables such as but not limited to, shot distance 40 and rim size 42 in the shooting of basketballs. In some embodiments, the larger a Gamespace, the more data sets it may contain. Larger Gamespaces may be created by adding more variables. Some variables may include but are not limited to: additional actual physical characteristics of the basketball shot such as whether the shooting hand 41, the actual colors of the balls for the shot attempted with, whether the shot was successful or not 44, 46, or the like. Other variables may include but are not limited to a virtual nature, such as the virtual color of the basketball 43 as displayed electronically on monitors or phones and may include: virtual shot distance, virtual rim size, virtual ball color 43, virtual shooting hand, or the like. It may be desirable to create enough combinational variations to initiate emergent gameplay. Virtual shot variables and physical shot variables may be combined as discussed below in more detail.

[0033] Returning to FIG. 3, the game engine software 50 may take the outputted first control signals 51 (including the variables: distance 40, shooting hand 41, rim size 42, virtual ball color 43, made shots 44, attempted shots 46, and virtual parameters 48) and generate identifiers such as a distance identifier 90, a shot hand identifier 91, a basket size identifier 92, a ball color identifier including a virtual ball color identifier 93, and a made/miss identifier including a made shot identifier 94. The game engine software 50 may take the identifiers 90-94 and associate them with related saved data, such as that shown in Tables 1-5 below. The game engine software 50 may use one or more of the identifiers 90-94 to create data 99, which may be used by the processor 95 in creating control signals 36, 49, and 52. The data 99 may also be used in the calculation of a score, which is discussed in more detail below.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Distance Between the Shooter and the Rim Temporary Placeholder Identifier Distance Value Actual Value SD1 15-16 1 Game Engine Generated SD2 16-19 9 2 Game Engine Generated SD3 19 9-22 1.8 3 Game Engine Generated SD4 22 1.8-23 9 4 Game Engine Generated SD5 >23 9 5 Game Engine Generated

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Shooting Hand Temporary Identifier Hand Placeholder Value Actual Value SH1 Dominant 1 Game Engine Generated SH2 Non-dominant 2 Game Engine Generated

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Rim Size Temporary Identifier Diameter Placeholder Value Actual Value BD1 18 1 Game Engine Generated BD2 15 2 Game Engine Generated BD3 13 3 Game Engine Generated

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Ball Color/Virtual Ball Color Virtual Temporary Identifier Ball Color Placeholder Value Actual Value VC1 Red 1 Game Engine Generated VC2 Blue 2 Game Engine Generated VC3 Green 3 Game Engine Generated VC4 Yellow 4 Game Engine Generated VC5 Orange 5 Game Engine Generated

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Made/Missed Shots Temporary Identifier Made/Missed Placeholder Value Actual Value MS1 Missed 0 Game Engine Generated MS2 Made 1 Game Engine Generated

[0034] A shot point may be positive; however, negative values may be assigned for failed attempts perhaps as an opportunity to exploit a shot mechanic. The rim size 42 may be utilized perhaps via a multiplication principle with other variables. A shooting hand 41 may assign different point values for use of a dominant hand or non-dominant hand. Badges and icons or other virtual parameters 48 may be displayed within a game. In addition to points or point multipliers these may be used in the manipulation of time available for a whole game or even subroutines within a main game.

[0035] In some embodiments, values may have additional values that depend on the game engine software 50 that are deployed to utilize them. These values may be the result of calculations of numerical operators, again possibly depending upon the goals of the game engine software 50. Indeed, the values of the underlying variables may change dependent upon the game engine. As a non-limiting example, a simple numerical value of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 might be assigned to a distance variable (see Table 1); numerical values of 1, 2, 3 might be assigned based upon the three different rim sizes (see Table 3); numerical values of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 might be assigned based upon the color of the virtual ball (see Table 4); any combination or permutation; or the like. In this embodiment, a shot from distance 5, at the smallest basket diameter 1, with a virtual ball color having a value of 5, may provide a data set with numbers 3, 3, and 4 as its individual points. Other embodiments may include a game engine that might assign a value based upon, for example, the raw multiplication of three attribute values: 3*3*4 for an exemplary value of 36. Other embodiments may include a game engine which may assign a value based upon the addition of these same points. Yet another embodiment may weigh the individual points based upon variables, which may be defined as different components comprising aspects of the basketball shot. Some embodiments may include attributes that may also be considered as sub-components of the above-mentioned variables.

[0036] In embodiments, a point mechanism may include a single shot distance variable restricted to three distinct point attributes of, for example, 1, 2, or 3. In some embodiments, this lack of variability may be an extreme detriment in developing complex gameplay, unless perhaps other game mechanics are utilized. Additional game mechanics, such as defense, rebounding, passing, dribbling, speed, etc. may create complex gameplay. However, in some embodiments, these variables may also dilute, distract, and partially nullify the raw attraction of the shot mechanic for players. Additionally, they may convey an overwhelming competitive advantage to certain physiques and physical attributes which may be extremely frustrating to competitors that have the best pure shooting skills. A method to dramatically increase the size of a Gamespace may have created fuller isolation and exploitation of the shot mechanic and may be needed to create a platform around which complex gameplay can be created, perhaps by focusing solely on the shot mechanic. Creating a larger Gamespace technology platform by the utilization of multiple basket diameter sizes combined with the different distance point attributes using the multiplication principle may significantly increase the size of the available space upon which complex game routines can be developed. Adding more variables with their associated attributes such as a game engine generated virtual ball color that is used in game calculations and displayed upon monitors, smart devices, smart phones, etc. may allow the creation of even larger Gamespaces.

[0037] Distance may be a point variable and may utilize any number of distance variables as part of the game. It is understood that any number of distance delineations are possible. In embodiments, distance selection can be set by a player or perhaps generated from a game engine or the like. Approximately fifteen unique combinations utilizing distance variables and basket diameter variables may be represented in the non-limiting examples of Tables 6 and 7. Table 8 provides three variables that result in approximately 75 unique combinations that populate the Gamespace.

[0038] In some embodiments, the ability to change the basket diameter may enable complex and emergent gameplay by creating its initial combinational permutations. Multiple basket diameters may enable the initial combinational permutations that may be critical in creating a large initial Gamespace.

[0039] In some embodiments, an output method may be responsive to a basket diameter, perhaps to report to the game engine software 50 as a non-limiting example. In embodiments, nonnumerical values may be assigned to certain variables such as via badges or icons. These may be beneficial in conferring certain attributes to a game routine. For example, they could be utilized in game time management on a master basis, a subroutine basis, or the like. Master time routines and sub time routines may provide a game engine to control the flow of a game and perhaps even build psychological tension. In some embodiments, controlling the ball return rate 47 of the actual shooting balls may allow the game engine to exert control over the flow of the game and even build psychological tension.

[0040] In other embodiments, a Gamespace may consist of all possible combinations of attributes of chosen shot variables, upon which any number of game engines may access to create game routines.

[0041] The game engine software 50 may create a game space including all possible permutations of variables in a particular gaming instance. A game space may be a data set created by combining elements from the data in one of Tables 1-5 with other elements from the data in another one of Tables 1-5. For example, in a game space having the variables shot distance and rim size, the game space is created to capture all permutations of the data in Tables 1 and 3. This game space is shown in Table 6 below.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 First Gamespace for shot distance and rim size BD1 SD1 1 BD1 SD2 2 BD1 SD3 3 BD1 SD4 4 BD1 SD5 5 BD2 SD1 2 BD2 SD2 4 BD2 SD3 6 BD2 SD4 8 BD2 SD5 10 BD3 SD1 3 BD3 SD2 6 BD3 SD3 9 BD3 SD4 12 BD3 SD5 15

[0042] In this example the unique identifier for each possible combined data identifier is shown next to the multiplied place holder value. In another example shown in Table 7, the Gamespace is created using shot distance and rim size, but with the summed place holder value.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Second Gamespace for shot distance and rim size BD1 SD1 2 BD1 SD2 3 BD1 SD3 4 BD1 SD4 5 BD1 SD5 6 BD2 SD1 3 BD2 SD2 4 BD2 SD3 5 BD2 SD4 6 BD2 SD5 7 BD3 SD1 4 BD3 SD2 5 BD3 SD3 6 BD3 SD4 7 BD3 SD5 8

[0043] Tables 6 and 7 show possible scoring schemes where the relative values of the temporary placeholder values are added or multiplied. In some embodiments, the game engine software 50 may assign a different value than what is shown in the temporary placeholder cell. As shown in the far-right column in each of Tables 1-5, the game engine generated value may have a non-linear relationship than the simple linearly incremented values in the place holder column and in other embodiments, game engine generated values may include predetermined values or AI generated values based on collected data from game instances. Moreover, the game space may include more than two variables. For example, Table 8 shows a game space for shot distance, rim size, and virtual ball color.

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Gamespace for shot distance, rim size, and virtual ball color BD1 SD1 VCI BD1 SD2 VCI BD1 SD3 VCI BD1 SD4 VCI BD1 SD5 VCI BD2 SD1 VC1 BD2 SD2 VC1 BD2 SD3 VC1 BD2 SD4 VC1 BD2 SD5 VC1 BD3 SD1 VC1 BD3 SD2 VC1 BD3 SD3 VC1 BD3 SD4 VC1 BD3 SD5 VC1 BD1 SD1 VC2 BD1 SD2 VC2 BD1 SD3 VC2 BD1 SD4 VC2 BD1 SD5 VC2 BD2 SD1 VC2 BD2 SD2 VC2 BD2 SD3 VC2 BD2 SD4 VC2 BD2 SD5 VC2 BD3 SD1 VC2 BD3 SD2 VC2 BD3 SD3 VC2 BD3 SD4 VC2 BD3 SD5 VC2 BD1 SD1 VC3 BD1 SD2 VC3 BD1 SD3 VC3 BD1 SD4 VC3 BD1 SD5 VC3 BD2 SD1 VC3 BD2 SD2 VC3 BD2 SD3 VC3 BD2 SD4 VC3 BD2 SD5 VC3 BD3 SD1 VC3 BD3 SD2 VC3 BD3 SD3 VC3 BD3 SD4 VC3 BD3 SD5 VC3 BD1 SD1 VC4 BD1 SD2 VC4 BD1 SD3 VC4 BD1 SD4 VC4 BD1 SD5 VC4 BD2 SD1 VC4 BD2 SD2 VC4 BD2 SD3 VC4 BD2 SD4 VC4 BD2 SD5 VC4 BD3 SD1 VC4 BD3 SD2 VC4 BD3 SD3 VC4 BD3 SD4 VC4 BD3 SD5 VC4 BD1 SD1 VC5 BD1 SD2 VC5 BD1 SD3 VC5 BD1 SD4 VC5 BD1 SD5 VC5 BD2 SD1 VC5 BD2 SD2 VC5 BD2 SD3 VC5 BD2 SD4 VC5 BD2 SD5 VC5 BD3 SD1 VC5 BD3 SD2 VC5 BD3 SD3 VC5 BD3 SD4 VC5 BD3 SD5 VC5

[0044] The calculated values for Table 8 may be a multiplication product of each temporary placeholder value (i.e., BD*SD*VC), an addition summation of each temporary placeholder value (i.e., BD+SD+VC), or a combination of the two operations (e.g., BD*(SD+VC)). In other embodiments, the game engine generated values for each data set may be added together, multiplied together, or a combination thereof. One having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that more complex formulas may be used to calculate a score for each unique identifier permutation.

[0045] Furthermore, the Gamespace may include data from the shooting hand (Table 2) and made or missed shot (Table 5) or any permutation of Tables 1-5. The application of the made or missed shot may simply be a multiplication of a zero or one to the score depending on whether the shooter 3 misses or makes a shot, respectively.

[0046] In other embodiments, the game engine software 50 may create a shot record including the exemplary scoring regiments discussed above and date and time code. The game engine may save the shot records in memory, including system memory or memory accessible to the shooter 3.

[0047] As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the various embodiments of the present invention(s) may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involves both game routines techniques as well as devices to accomplish the appropriate game routine. In this application, the game routine techniques are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.

[0048] The discussion included in this application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the various embodiments of the invention(s) and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. As one example, terms of degree, terms of approximation, and/or relative terms may be used. These may include terms such as the words: substantially, about, only, and the like. These words and types of words are to be understood in a dictionary sense as terms that encompass an ample or considerable amount, quantity, size, etc. as well as terms that encompass largely but not wholly that which is specified. Further, for this application if or when used, terms of degree, terms of approximation, and/or relative terms should be understood as also encompassing more precise and even quantitative values that include various levels of precision and the possibility of claims that address a number of quantitative options and alternatives. For example, to the extent ultimately used, the existence or non-existence of a substance or condition in a particular input, output, or at a particular stage can be specified as substantially only x or substantially free of x, as a value of about x, or such other similar language. Using percentage values as one example, these types of terms should be understood as encompassing the options of percentage values that include 99.5%, 99%, 97%, 95%, 92% or even 90% of the specified value or relative condition; correspondingly for values at the other end of the spectrum (e.g., substantially free of x, these should be understood as encompassing the options of percentage values that include not more than 0.5%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 8% or even 10% of the specified value or relative condition, all whether by volume or by weight as either may be specified). In context, these should be understood by a person of ordinary skill as being disclosed and included whether in an absolute value sense or in valuing one set of or substance as compared to the value of a second set of or substance. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure and should (and, it is believed, would) be understood to a person of ordinary skill in this field. Where the application is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions of the embodiments and that each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.

[0049] It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the various embodiments of the invention(s). Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of the various embodiments of the invention(s). A broad disclosure encompassing the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting the claims for any subsequent patent application. It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of embodiments of the invention(s) both independently and as an overall system.

[0050] Further, each of the various elements of the embodiments of the invention(s) and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used or implied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the various embodiments of the invention(s), the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method termseven if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which embodiments of the invention(s) is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of a shot should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of shootingwhether explicitly discussed or notand, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of shooting, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a shot and even a means for shooting. Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description. Further, each such means (whether explicitly so described or not) should be understood as encompassing all elements that can perform the given function, and all descriptions of elements that perform a described function should be understood as a non-limiting example of means for performing that function. As other non-limiting examples, it should be understood that claim elements can also be expressed as any of: components, programming, subroutines, logic, or elements that are configured to, or configured and arranged to, provide or even achieve a particular result, use, purpose, situation, function, or operation, or as components that are capable of achieving a particular activity, result, use, purpose, situation, function, or operation. All should be understood as within the scope of this disclosure and written description.

[0051] Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. Any priority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated by reference. Finally, all references listed in the listing below or other information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of the various embodiments of invention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s).

[0052] Finally, all references listed in the list of References To Be Incorporated By Reference or other information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s).

REFERENCES TO BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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TABLE-US-00009 Number of Patent No. Kind Code Date Issued Patentee Pages 2,918,283 Dec. 22, 1959 Marschalk 4,239,214 Dec. 16, 1980 Brenner 5,480,139 Jan. 2, 1996 Owen Jr., et al. 6,458,049 B2 Oct. 1, 2002 Bush 8,210,916 Jul. 3, 2012 Ma et al. 9,238,165 Jan. 19, 2016 Marty et al. 10,080,944 Sep. 25, 2018 Bowling 11,083,945 Aug. 10, 2021 Joseph et al. 11,364,426 B2 Jun. 21, 2022 Brown 3,802,703 Apr. 9, 1974 Tassel 4,266,764 May 12, 1981 Collins 4,268,029 May 19, 1981 Collins 6,508,730 B2 Jan. 21, 2003 Pile 6,692,385 B2 Feb. 17, 2004 Walker, Jr. et al. 6,780,129 B1 Aug. 24, 2004 Higuchi 7,011,310 B2 Mar. 14, 2006 Rowan 7,766,771 B2 Aug. 3, 2010 Vysosias 8,480,402 B2 Jul. 9, 2013 Pecherski 10,692,325 B2 Jun. 23, 2020 Simons et al. 10,885,740 B2 Jan. 5, 2021 Higgins et al. 10,918,922 B2 Feb. 16, 2021 Brey et al. 10,967,255 B2 Apr. 6, 2021 Rosado 11,045,730 B1 Jun. 29, 2021 Goldman 11,189,127 B2 Nov. 30, 2021 Karrbrink et al. 11,380,160 B1 Jun. 5, 2022 Letovsky D773,570 S Dec. 6, 2016 Pasquale et al.

II. U.S. Patent Application Publications

TABLE-US-00010 Kind Number Publication No. Code Publication Date Applicant of Pages 2005/0176527 A1 Aug. 11, 2005 Zuccarini 2008/0015061 A1 Jan. 17, 2008 Klein 2009/0042673 A1 Feb. 12, 2009 Radice 2013/0065713 A1 Mar. 14, 2013 Faecher 2024/0108958 A1 Apr. 4, 2024 Bush 2012/0142458 A1 Jun. 7, 2012 He et al. 2014/0300054 A1 Oct. 9, 2014 Stimac et al. 2021/0322850 A1 Oct. 21, 2021 Hermandorfer 2018/0043265 A1 Feb. 15, 2018 Edwards et al. 2018/0093150 A1 Apr. 5, 2018 Pratt 2019/0224545 A1 Jul. 25, 2019 Torgerson 2020/0342479 A1 Oct. 29, 2020 Buck 2022/0280849 A1 Sep. 8, 2022 Adams et al.

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IV. Non-Patent Literature

TABLE-US-00012 2023 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest: Format and rules explained, https://en.as.com/nba/2023- nba-all-star-3-point-contest-format-and-rules-explained-n, accessed Apr. 11, 2023. Indoor Double Electronic Basketball Game with 4 Balls - Costway, https://www.costway.com/indoor-double-electronic-basketball-game-with-4-balls.html, accessed Apr. 21, 2023. Amazon.com: Moving Basketball Hoop Indoor for Kids and Adults, https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Basketball-Hoop-Indoor-Adults/dp/B09XM42DGL, accessed Jan. 17, 2023. Auto Hoop . . . The Disappearing Retractable Basketball Hoop, https://www.autohoop.com, accessed Jan. 17, 2023. 4 Ring Basketball Stand With Storage Bag, https://www.kaplanco.com/product/22094/4-ring- basketball-stand-with-storage- bag?c=12%7CGO1005&utm_term=&utm_campaign=(ROI)+Smart+Shopping+- +Everything+Else&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&hsa_acc:4352. . . , accessed Jan. 14, 2023. Amazon.com: Game Point Triple Shot Challenge (Indoor Basketball) : Sports & Outdoors, https://www.amazon.com/Game-Point-Triple-Challenge-Basketball/dp/B07B8BVVNX, accessed Jan. 17, 2023.

[0053] Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make claims to embodiments including at least: i) each of the scorekeeping devices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such processes, methods, systems or components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) an apparatus for performing the methods described herein comprising means for performing the steps, xii) the various combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed, xiii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, and xiv) all inventions described herein.

[0054] In addition and as to computer aspects and each aspect amenable to programming or other electronic automation, it should be understood that in characterizing these and all other aspects of the various embodiments of the invention(s)whether characterized as a device, a capability, an element, or otherwise, because all of these can be implemented via software, hardware, or even firmware structures as set up for a general purpose computer, a programmed chip or chipset, an ASIC, application specific controller, subroutine, logic, or other known programmable or circuit specific structureit should be understood that all such aspects are at least defined by structures including, as person of ordinary skill in the art would well recognize: hardware circuitry, firmware, programmed application specific components, and even a general purpose computer programmed to accomplish the identified aspect. For such items implemented by programmable features, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: xv) processes performed with the aid of or on a computer, machine, or computing machine as described throughout the above discussion, xvi) a programmable apparatus as described throughout the above discussion, xvii) a computer readable memory encoded with data to direct a computer comprising means or elements which function as described throughout the above discussion, xviii) a computer, machine, or computing machine configured as herein disclosed and described, xix) individual or combined subroutines, processor logic, and/or programs as herein disclosed and described, xx) a carrier medium carrying computer readable code for control of a computer to carry out separately each and every individual and combined method described herein or in any claim, xxi) a computer program to perform separately each and every individual and combined method disclosed, xxii) a computer program containing all and each combination of means for performing each and every individual and combined step disclosed, xxiii) a storage medium storing each computer program disclosed, xxiv) a signal carrying a computer program disclosed, xxv) a processor executing instructions that act to achieve the steps and activities detailed, xxvi) circuitry configurations (including configurations of transistors, gates, and the like) that act to sequence and/or cause actions as detailed, xxvii) computer readable medium(s) storing instructions to execute the steps and cause activities detailed, xxviii) the related methods disclosed and described, xxix) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these systems and methods, xxx) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, xxxi) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, xxxii) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, and xxxiii) the various combinations of each of the above and of any aspect, all without limiting other aspects in addition.

[0055] In addition, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention that may include claims directed to: [0056] Basketball point regimes that are based upon combinations of attributes from shot variables. [0057] The utilization of multiple input variables to determine the point value of a basketball shot. [0058] The utilization of combination of both shot distance and basketball rim diameter in the calculation of point values. [0059] The utilization of the combination of shot distance, basket diameter, and virtual ball color in the calculation of point values. [0060] The application of mathematical operators between basket shot variables and their subsets of attributes with differing point values and another set of shot variables and their subsets of attributes. [0061] The ability to weigh the variables and their associated attributes according to instructions received from game engine. [0062] Any permutation or combination of any of the above or any of the elements of the above.

[0063] Clauses for potential assertion include:

[0064] 1. A basketball shooting game system having at least two differently sized rims configured to receive a shot basketball from a shooter, the system comprising: [0065] a processor configured to: [0066] determine whether a basketball has traversed through one of the at least two differently sized rims and generate a made shot identifier; and [0067] generate a plurality of data; [0068] first data generated from the processor including at least a basket size identifier representative of a first sized rim from the at least two differently sized rims; [0069] second data generated from the processor including at least a basket size identifier representative of a second sized rim from the at least two differently sized rims; and [0070] a display configured to display a numeric value representing a score, wherein the score is based at least in part on the made shot identifier and the first and second data.

[0071] 2. The system as described in clause 1, further comprising third data generated from the processor including at least a ball color identifier representative of a color of the basketball and wherein the score is further based at least in part on the third data.

[0072] 3 The system as described in clause 2, wherein the ball color identifier is a virtual ball color identifier.

[0073] 4. The system as described in clause 1, 2, or 3, further comprising fourth data generated from the processor including at least a shot hand identifier representative of which hand shot the basketball and wherein the score is further based at least in part on the fourth data.

[0074] 5. The system as described in any of clauses 1-4, further comprising fifth data generated from the processor including at least a distance identifier representative of a distance between the shooter and the at least two differently sized rims wherein the score is further based at least in part on the fifth data.

[0075] 6. The system as described in any of clauses 1-5, wherein point values of the score are multivariable and predetermined based on a Gamespace representing each of the possible point outcomes for each possible input variable.

[0076] 7. The system as described in clause 6, wherein the Gamespace is configured to change during a game based on any of the input variables.

[0077] 8. The system as described in clause 6, wherein the Gamespace is configured to change during a game based on a machine learning algorithm analyzing any of the data associated with the point scores.

[0078] 9. The system as described in any of clauses 1-8, further comprising a variable rate ball returner configured to provide basketballs to the shooter at a return rate, wherein the return rate changes at least in part due to the made shot identifier.

[0079] 10. The system as described in any of clauses 1-9, further comprising a mechanism to switch the one of the at least two differently sized rims for a different one of the at least two differently sized rims based on a predetermined switching schedule or based at least in part due to the made shot identifier.

[0080] 11. A method for controlling an aspect of a basketball shooting game system having at least two differently sized rims configured to receive a shot basketball from a shooter, the method comprising: [0081] determining, with a processor, whether a basketball has traversed through one of the at least two differently sized rims and generate a made shot identifier; [0082] generating, with the processor, first data including at least a basket size identifier representative of a first sized rim from the at least two differently sized rims; [0083] generating, with the processor, second data including at least a basket size identifier representative of a second sized rim from the at least two differently sized rims; [0084] determining, with a processor, a score based at least in part on the made shot identifier and the first and second data; and [0085] displaying, with a display, the score.

[0086] 12. The method as described in clause 11, further comprising generating, with the processor, third data including at least a ball color identifier representative of a color of the basketball and wherein determining the score is further based at least in part on the third data.

[0087] 13. The method as described in clause 12, wherein the ball color identifier is a virtual ball color identifier.

[0088] 14. The method as described in any of clauses 11-13, further comprising generating, with the processor, fourth data including at least a shot hand identifier representative of which hand shot the basketball and wherein determining the score is further based at least in part on the fourth data.

[0089] 15. The method as described in any of clauses 11-14, further comprising generating, with the processor, fifth data including at least a distance identifier representative of a distance between the shooter and the at least two differently sized rims and wherein determining the score is further based at least in part on the fifth data.

[0090] 16. The method as described in any of clauses 11-15, further comprising setting, with the processor, a ball return rate for providing basketballs to the shooter, and changing, with the processor, the return rate based at least in part on the made shot identifier.

[0091] 17. The method as described in any of clauses 11-16, further comprising generating a control signal for switching the one of the at least two differently sized rims for a different one of the at least two differently sized rims based on a predetermined switching schedule or based at least in part due to the made shot identifier.

[0092] 18. The method as described in any of clauses 11-17, wherein point values of the score are multivariable and predetermined based on a Gamespace representing each of the possible point outcomes for each possible input variable.

[0093] 19. The system as described in clause 18, wherein the Gamespace is configured to change during a game based on any of the input variables.

[0094] 20. The system as described in clause 18, wherein the Gamespace is configured to change during a game based on a machine learning algorithm analyzing any of the data associated with the point scores.

[0095] 21. A basketball shooting game controller having a variable rate ball returner, the controller comprising: [0096] a processor configured to: [0097] determine whether a basketball has traversed through at least one rim and generate a made shot identifier; and [0098] generate a control signal for changing a ball return rate of the variable rate ball returner based at least in part on the made shot identifier.

[0099] 22 The controller of clause 21, wherein the processor is further configured to generate first data including at least a basket size identifier representative of a first sized rim from the at least one rim and second data including at least a basket size identifier representative of a second sized rim from the at least one rim, and wherein the generated control signal is further based at least in part on the first and second data.

[0100] 23. The controller of clause 21 or 22, wherein the processor is further configured to generate third data including at least a ball color identifier representative of a color of the basketball, and wherein the generated control signal is further based at least in part on the third data.

[0101] 24. The controller of clause 23, wherein the ball color identifier is a virtual ball color identifier.

[0102] 25 The controller of any of clauses 21-24, wherein the processor is further configured to generate fourth data including at least a shot hand identifier representative of which hand shot the basketball, and wherein the generated control signal is further based at least in part on the fourth data.

[0103] 26 The controller of any of clauses 21-25, wherein the processor is further configured to generate fifth data including at least a distance identifier representative of a distance between the shooter and the at least two differently sized rims, and wherein the generated control signal is further based at least in part on the fifth data.

[0104] With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with only initial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested in potential scope of this or subsequent applications should understand that broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in a case claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spite of any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, or arguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there is no intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. It should be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, such may require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered at any prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that to the extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented in this or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid such prior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims or the like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested in existing or later potential coverage, or considering if there has at any time been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender of potential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimer is ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application. Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d 1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this or any subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter lawsincluding but not limited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such lawsto permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments.

[0105] Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrases comprising, including, containing, characterized by and having are used to maintain the open-end claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation including that discussed in MPEP 2111.03. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the terms comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising, include or variations such as includes or including, contain or variations such as contains and containing, characterized by or variations such as characterizing by, have or variations such as has or having, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. The use of the phrase, or any other claim is used to provide support for any claim to be dependent on any other claim, such as another dependent claim, another independent claim, a previously listed claim, a subsequently listed claim, and the like. As one clarifying example, if a claim were dependent on claim 9 or any other claim or the like, it could be re-drafted as dependent on claim 1, claim 8, or even claim 11 (if such were to exist) if desired and still fall with the disclosure. It should be understood that this phrase also provides support for any combination of elements in the claims and even incorporates any desired proper antecedent basis for certain claim combinations such as with combinations of method, apparatus, process, and the like claims.

[0106] Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the various embodiments of the application, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.