Standalone and multi-game miniature golf structure

Abstract

To provide a device and a method for a stand-alone type miniature golf structure capable of changing obstacles and hall form in the whole course.SOLUTION: A miniature golf structure (10) includes a digital display screen (200) positioned to align vertically with a rear end of a putting surface (120) and sensors (300) configured to detect lateral positions at which a plurality of balls cross the patting surface rear end. A processor is configured to send command signals to the digital display screen to display putting target(s) for each shot of a plurality of miniature golf games, to identify, via the sensor(s), a lateral position at which a golf ball crosses the putting surface, to determine whether the lateral position of the golf ball aligns vertically with an arbitrary putting surface, and to generate a score for the shot based on the lateral position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to miniature golf and more particularly to stand-alone, multi-game miniature golf structures.

[0002] [Citation to Related Applications] This application is a claim of the interest of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 590,217, filed October 13, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 537,702, filed September 11, 2023, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. [Background technology]

[0003] Miniature golf (also known as "mini golf" or "putt-putt") is typically played on a miniature golf course with a series of holes. Each player putts their ball into each of the series of holes. Often, each hole on a miniature golf course includes one or more artificial obstacles and / or unusual geometrical features to make putting the ball into the hole difficult, yet fun. Example obstacles include ramps, cans or tubes, curved or angled walls, windmills, etc. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Many miniature golf courses have a large number of holes, e.g., 18, and therefore each player may be challenged with a wide variety of obstacles and holes throughout the course. Such holes are spaced and spread out to allow various players to navigate the course without getting in each other's way. To accommodate such an arrangement of holes, many miniature golf courses have a fairly large footprint that is often expensive to pay for and to maintain.

[0005] Additionally, large miniature golf obstacles are large objects that are fixed in position relative to one or more of the holes of a miniature golf course. For example, a windmill or other rotating structure may be placed between a tee and a corresponding hole. A pipe hole transports a golf ball from one putting level to another to create a multi-tiered miniature golf hole. Although these hole configurations are initially entertaining to players, many repeat players of miniature golf courses may become bored by facing the same obstacles over and over again. Thus, it may be advantageous for miniature golf course operators to change the obstacle and hole configurations throughout the course from time to time. However, operators often do not do so because replacing obstacles and / or reconfiguring holes on a miniature golf course is often expensive and may require significant downtime. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The appended claims claim the subject matter of the present application. This specification discloses aspects of embodiments and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention described in the claims. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description, other embodiments are envisioned according to the teachings described herein, and therefore, these embodiments are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0007] An exemplary embodiment is illustrated for a stand-alone multi-game miniature golf structure. An exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure disclosed herein has a putting surface with a front end and a back end. The stand-alone miniature golf structure has one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects with the back end. The stand-alone miniature golf structure has a digital display screen positioned above the one or more sensors in vertical alignment with the back end of the putting surface and adjacent to the back end in vertical alignment with the back end of the putting surface, a memory for storing instructions for a plurality of miniature golf games, and one or more processors. For each shot of the plurality of miniature golf games, the one or more processors are configured to send command signals to the digital display to display one or more putting targets based on instructions stored in the memory, identify with the one or more sensors a lateral position where a golf ball intersects with the back end of the putting surface, determine whether the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with any of the one or more putting targets, and generate a score for the shot based on the lateral position of the golf ball relative to the one or more putting targets.

[0008] Another exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure disclosed herein includes a putting surface having a front end and a rear end, a plurality of ball detection lanes adjacent to and extending perpendicular to the rear end of the putting surface, one or more sensors configured to detect which of the plurality of ball detection lanes a golf ball is shot into, a digital display screen positioned adjacent to and above the rear end in vertical alignment with the plurality of ball detection lanes, a memory for storing instructions for a plurality of miniature golf games, and one or more processors. For each shot in the plurality of miniature golf games, the one or more processors are configured to send command signals to the digital display to display one or more putting targets based on the instructions stored in the memory, identify with the one or more sensors a lateral position where the golf ball intersects the rear end of the putting surface, determine whether the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with any of the one or more putting targets, and generate a score for the shot based on the lateral position of the golf ball relative to the one or more putting targets.

[0009] An exemplary putting structure disclosed herein has a putting surface with a front end and a back end. The putting structure has a tee surface located adjacent the front end of the putting surface, a ball return surface disposed below the putting surface, and a sensor assembly located adjacent the back end of the putting surface. The sensor assembly includes a sensor cartridge with one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a golf ball intersects the back end. The sensor assembly is configured to direct the golf ball from the back end of the putting surface to the ball return surface to return the golf ball to the tee surface in preparation for the next putt.

[0010] An exemplary sensor cartridge for a putting structure is disclosed herein. The sensor cartridge has a body including a top panel with an upper surface along which a golf ball is to travel. The upper surface has a trailing edge and a leading edge. The sensor cartridge has a plurality of walls projecting upwardly from the leading edge of the body. The plurality of walls extend between the trailing edge and the leading edge of the upper surface. The plurality of walls are parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another to define a plurality of ball detection lanes for the golf ball extending perpendicular to the leading edge of the upper surface. The sensor cartridge has a plurality of sensors, each sensor corresponding to a corresponding one of the plurality of ball detection lanes. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to detect when a golf ball passes through a corresponding ball detection lane.

[0011] An exemplary sensor cartridge for a putting structure is disclosed herein. The sensor cartridge has a body including a top panel with an upper surface along which a golf ball is to move. The upper surface has a trailing edge, a leading edge, and two opposing ends. Each of the trailing edge and the leading edge extends between the two opposing ends. The sensor cartridge has a sensor positioned adjacent one of the two opposing ends and configured to detect a lateral position of a golf ball moving along the upper surface toward the leading edge.

[0012] Another exemplary putting structure disclosed herein has a putting surface with a front end and a back end. The putting structure has a tee surface located adjacent the front end of the putting surface, a ball return surface disposed below the putting surface, a body with a cartridge chamber disposed adjacent the back end of the putting surface and the ball return surface, and a sensor cartridge configured to be securely received within or removed from the sensor cartridge. The sensor cartridge has one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a golf ball intersects the back end of the putting surface. The sensor cartridge is configured to direct the golf ball from the back end of the putting surface to the ball return surface to return the golf ball to the tee surface in preparation for the next putt.

[0013] An exemplary ball dispensing assembly for a putting structure is disclosed herein. The ball dispensing assembly has a track along which a golf ball is configured to roll. The track extends between an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is located downstream of a putting surface of the putting structure. The outlet is positioned to dispense the golf ball onto the tee face. The ball dispensing assembly includes a frame located adjacent to at least a portion of the track and an actuator having an actuator body and an actuator arm. The actuator body is attached to the frame. The actuator arm is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The ball dispensing assembly includes a pivot arm operatively connected to the actuator arm and configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The pivot arm is configured to be in a closed position when the actuator arm is in the extended position to prevent the golf ball from being dispensed. The pivot arm is configured to be in an open position when the actuator arm is in the retracted position to allow the golf ball to be dispensed.

[0014] Another exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure disclosed herein includes a putting surface having a front end and a back end, one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects the back end, a digital display screen positioned above the one or more sensors and adjacent to the back end of the putting surface so as to be vertically aligned with the back end, a memory for storing instructions for a miniature golf game, and one or more processors. For each shot of the multiple miniature golf games, the one or more processors are configured to select a primary target based on the instructions stored in the memory, generate an interface including the primary target, send command signals to the digital display screen to display the interface, identify, with the one or more sensors, a lateral position where the golf ball intersects the back end of the putting surface, and award a first point value associated with the primary target to a corresponding player in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with the first target.

[0015] Another exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure disclosed herein includes a putting surface having a front end and a back end, one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects the back end, a digital display screen positioned above the one or more sensors and adjacent to the back end so as to be vertically aligned with the back end of the putting surface, a memory for storing instructions for a miniature golf game, and one or more processors. For each shot in the miniature golf game, the one or more processors are configured to generate an interface including a target based on instructions stored in the memory, send command signals to the digital display to display the interface, identify, with the one or more sensors, a lateral position where the golf ball intersects the back end of the putting surface, in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with the target, award a predetermined point value associated with the target, and in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is not vertically aligned with the target, reduce the number of remaining chances for a corresponding player by one.

[0016] Another exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure disclosed herein includes a putting surface having a front end and a back end, one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects the back end, a digital display screen positioned above the one or more sensors and adjacent to the back end of the putting surface so as to be vertically aligned with the back end, a memory for storing instructions for a miniature golf game, and one or more processors configured to generate an interface with a plurality of targets and a vertical centerline of the plurality of targets based on instructions stored in the memory, send command signals to the digital display to display the interface, identify with the one or more sensors the lateral position where the golf ball intersects the back end of the putting surface, and, in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with any of the plurality of targets, move the centerline and the plurality of targets laterally on the interface.

[0017] Another exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure disclosed herein includes a putting surface having a front end and a back end, one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects the back end, a digital display screen positioned above the one or more sensors and adjacent to the back end of the putting surface so as to be vertically aligned with the back end, a memory for storing instructions for a miniature golf game, and one or more processors configured to generate an interface with a plurality of targets and a vertical centerline of the plurality of targets based on instructions stored in the memory, send command signals to the digital display to display the interface, identify with the one or more sensors the lateral position where the golf ball intersects the back end of the putting surface, and, in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with any of the plurality of targets, move the centerline and the plurality of targets laterally on the interface.

[0018] Another exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure disclosed herein includes a putting surface having a front end and a back end, one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects the back end, a digital display screen positioned above the one or more sensors and adjacent to the back end of the putting surface so as to be vertically aligned with the back end, a memory for storing instructions for a game of miniature golf, and one or more processors configured to generate an interface including moving targets arranged in an array based on instructions stored in the memory, send command signals to the digital display to display the interface, identify with the one or more sensors a lateral position where a golf ball intersects the back end of the putting surface, determine a position of the moving targets of the interface when it is determined that the golf ball has intersected the back end of the putting surface, and award a first point value associated with a first of the moving targets to a current player in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with a first of the moving targets.

[0019] Another exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure disclosed herein includes a putting surface having a front end and a back end, one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects with the back end, a digital display screen positioned above the one or more sensors and adjacent to the back end so as to be vertically aligned with the back end of the putting surface, a memory for storing instructions for a miniature golf game, and one or more processors configured to generate an interface including a swinging target based on the instructions stored in the memory, send command signals to the digital display to display the interface, determine a position of the swinging target of the interface when it is determined that the golf ball has intersected the back end of the putting surface, and provide a point value of the swinging target to a current player in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with a first of the swinging targets.

[0020] For a better understanding of the present invention, please refer to the embodiments illustrated in the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and related elements may be omitted or in some cases, proportions may be exaggerated to emphasize and clearly show the novel features described herein. In addition, the system components may be arranged in various ways as known in the art. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example stand-alone miniature golf structure in accordance with the teachings herein. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example stand-alone miniature golf structure in accordance with the teachings herein. [Diagram 3]2A-2C are diagrams illustrating various shots that may occur on the example putting surface of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 illustrates the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 with the putting surface of FIG. 3 omitted to show an exemplary interior portion of the stand-alone miniature golf structure. [Diagram 5] 4 illustrates the putting surface of FIG. 3, an example ball return surface of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1, and an example sensor assembly. [Figure 6] 6 illustrates an example path of a golf ball entering the sensor assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 illustrates an example path of a golf ball exiting the sensor assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 illustrates the sensor assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 illustrates the sensor assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 10] 6 illustrates an exemplary sensor cartridge of the sensor assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 11] 6 illustrates an exemplary sensor cartridge of the sensor assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 12] 6 illustrates an exemplary sensor cartridge of the sensor assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 13] 11A to 11C are diagrams showing how various shots are detected by the sensor cartridge of FIG. 10. [Figure 14] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary deflector tray of the sensor assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 15] 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary illumination housing of the sensor assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 16] 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary sensor cartridge of the sensor assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 17] 17A to 17C are diagrams showing how various shots are detected by the sensor cartridge of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 illustrates the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 with various access panels removed. [Figure 19] 6 shows the sensor assembly of FIG. 5 housed within an exemplary sensor chamber of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 accessed by removing an access panel. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 further illustrates the sensor chamber of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 20 further illustrates the sensor chamber of FIG. 19. [Figure 22] 2 illustrates an exemplary ball dispensing assembly of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1. [Diagram 23] 2 illustrates an exemplary ball dispensing assembly of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 24] 2 illustrates an exemplary ball dispensing assembly of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1. [Diagram 25] 25A-25C are diagrams illustrating the sequence of the ball dispensing assembly of FIGS. 22-24 dispensing golf balls to a player of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 26] 25A-25C are diagrams illustrating the sequence of the ball dispensing assembly of FIGS. 22-24 dispensing golf balls to a player of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 27] 25A-25C are diagrams illustrating the sequence of the ball dispensing assembly of FIGS. 22-24 dispensing golf balls to a player of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 28] 25A-25C are diagrams illustrating the sequence of the ball dispensing assembly of FIGS. 22-24 dispensing golf balls to a player of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of example electronic components of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1. [Diagram 30] 2 shows an example background and an example status bar of an interface presented by a display for a game of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1. [Diagram 31]FIG. 31 illustrates the vertical alignment of the background digital lane of FIG. 30 with the ball detection lane of the sensor assembly of FIG. 5. [Diagram 32] FIG. 31 further illustrates the status bar of FIG. 30. [Diagram 33] 2 is a flow diagram of an example method of operating the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 in accordance with the teachings herein. [Diagram 34] 2 is a flow diagram of an example method for the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 to conduct a first game. [Diagram 35] 4 is a flow diagram of an example method for the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 to conduct a second game. [Diagram 36] 10 is a flow diagram of an example method for the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 to conduct a third game. [Figure 37A] 4 is a flow diagram of an example method for the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 to conduct a fourth game. [Figure 37B] 4 is a flow diagram of an example method for the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 to conduct a fourth game. [Figure 38] 5 is a flow diagram of an example method for the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 to conduct a fifth game. [Figure 39] 6 is a flow diagram of an example method for the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 to conduct a sixth game. [Diagram 40] 2 is a flow diagram of an example method for the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 to detect and score player shots. [Diagram 41] 35 shows an exemplary first interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the first game of FIG. 34. [Diagram 42] 35 shows an exemplary second interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the first game of FIG. 34. [Diagram 43]42 is a schematic diagram of the first interface of FIG. 41. [Diagram 44] 35 is a schematic diagram of a third interface of the first game of the game of FIG. 34. [Diagram 45] 43 is a schematic diagram of the second interface of FIG. 42. [Figure 46] 35 is a schematic diagram of a fourth interface of the first game of FIG. 34. [Figure 47] 36 shows an exemplary interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the second game of FIG. 35. [Figure 48] 48 is a schematic diagram of the interface of FIG. 47. [Figure 49] 36 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary interface of the second game of FIG. 35. [Figure 50] 36 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary interface of the second game of FIG. 35. [Figure 51] 36 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary interface of the second game of FIG. 35. [Figure 52] 37 is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the third game of FIG. 36. [Figure 53] 37 is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the third game of FIG. 36. [Figure 54] 37 is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the third game of FIG. 36. [Figure 55] 37 is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the third game of FIG. 36. [Figure 56] 37 is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the third game of FIG. 36. [Figure 57]37 is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the third game of FIG. 36. [Figure 58] 37B is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by a display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the fourth game of FIGS. 37A and 37B. [Figure 59] 37B is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by a display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the fourth game of FIGS. 37A and 37B. [Figure 60] 37B is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by a display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the fourth game of FIGS. 37A and 37B. [Figure 61] 37B is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by a display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the fourth game of FIGS. 37A and 37B. [Figure 62] 39 is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the fifth game of FIG. 38. [Figure 63] 39 is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the fifth game of FIG. 38. [Figure 64] 39 is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the fifth game of FIG. 38. [Figure 65] 39 is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the fifth game of FIG. 38. [Figure 66] 40 is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the sixth game of FIG. 39. [Figure 67]40 is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the sixth game of FIG. 39. [Figure 68] 40 is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the sixth game of FIG. 39. [Figure 69] 40 is a schematic diagram of an interface presented by the display of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 for the sixth game of FIG. 39. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] While the invention can be embodied in various forms, the drawings show some illustrative and non-limiting embodiments which will be described below, but the disclosure should not be construed as limiting the invention to the particular embodiments shown, but as illustrative of the invention.

[0023] The stand-alone miniature golf structure disclosed herein is configured to play interactive multiplayer games (e.g., games for 2-6 players) in which targets change in real time between shots and / or based on previous events. The multiplayer games are user-selectable and configurable for a number of user-selected gameplays, such as individual and team gameplays. In this way, the stand-alone miniature golf structure allows players to have an unlimited number of non-repetitive play experiences, so that repeat players do not tire of playing games at the stand-alone miniature golf structure. New games can be easily uploaded to the stand-alone miniature golf structure and / or updated over time, further diversifying the playing experience of repeat players.

[0024] The stand-alone miniature golf structure disclosed herein has a single teeing and putting surface, and the stand-alone miniature golf structure occupies a relatively small footprint compared to a miniature golf course with many holes. Due to its small footprint, the stand-alone miniature golf structure can be easily installed in an arcade, bar, beer garden, casino flooring, and / or gaming establishment.

[0025] An exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure has a tee face, a digital display screen, and a putting face extending from the tee face toward the digital display screen. A player is to putt a golf ball along the putting face in a direction from the tee face toward the digital display screen. The digital display screen is positioned above a rear end of the putting face. The digital display screen is configured to present one or more putting targets for the player. Additionally, the digital display screen is vertically aligned with the rear end of the putting face. For example, if the putting target is located at the center of the digital display screen, the putting target is aligned with the center of the rear end of the putting face, and the player is to putt the golf ball to the center of the rear end. If the putting target is located to the left of the digital display screen, the putting target is aligned with the left side of the rear end of the putting face, and the player is to putt the golf ball to the left side of the rear end. Similarly, if the putting target is located to the right of the digital display screen, the putting target will be aligned with the right side of the trailing edge of the putting surface and the player will putt the golf ball onto the right side of the trailing edge.

[0026] An exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure has one or more sensors (e.g., fork sensors, proximity switches, lidar sensors, etc.) positioned adjacent to the back edge of the putting surface. The sensors are configured to detect the lateral position of the golf ball as it intersects the back edge of the putting surface. That is, the sensors enable detection of whether a player has putted the golf ball to a lateral position along the back edge that is vertically aligned with a putting target presented on a digital display screen.

[0027] The stand-alone miniature golf structures have lanes that facilitate alignment of targets on a digital display screen with the rear of the putting surface. For example, some stand-alone miniature golf structures have walls and / or dividers that define a number of ball-detection lanes adjacent the rear of the putting surface. The ball-detection lanes facilitate sensors to accurately detect the lateral location where a golf ball intersects with the rear of the putting surface. Additionally, the digital display screen can present digital lanes that are vertically aligned with the ball-detection lanes adjacent the putting surface. The digital lanes facilitate a player to identify the location of targets and / or the corresponding lateral location of the rear of the putting surface.

[0028] The stand-alone miniature golf structure is configured to facilitate easy access to the cartridge chamber for an operator to easily service the sensor cartridge with sensors and / or other components. The cartridge chamber may include a roller conveyor to facilitate easy access to the sensor cartridge. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor cartridge may be formed with multiple bodies (e.g., a second body and a second body) that are separately removable. Such a configuration of the sensor cartridge allows the stand-alone miniature golf structure to be installed in a relatively small space with relatively little clearance adjacent to the cartridge chamber.

[0029] The exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure further includes a memory and one or more processors to enable a multi-faceted gaming experience. The memory is configured to store instructions for a number of miniature golf games to allow a player to play any one of the multiple games at any given time. The processor is configured to control what is presented on the digital display screen for each shot within each miniature golf game. For example, the processor is configured to select (randomly) a number of games, the size of each target, the location of each target, the score associated with each target, etc. The processor sends command signals to the digital display screen to cause the selected targets to be presented in the selected manner. The processor is also configured to detect, based on data collected via the sensor, a lateral position where the golf ball intersects with the trailing edge of the putting surface. The processor is then configured to determine whether the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with any of the targets presented on the digital display screen, and generate a score for the corresponding shot based on the comparison. For example, if the lateral position of the shot vertically aligns with a target on a digital display screen, the processor may be configured to award a predefined number of points associated with that target.

[0030] The exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure may further include a ball dispensing assembly configured to dispense a golf ball onto a tee face in preparation for a next shot. The exemplary ball dispensing assembly includes a track along which the golf ball is configured to roll, and the exemplary ball dispensing assembly further includes an actuator including an actuator arm and a pivot arm. The pivot arm is operatively connected to the actuator arm. The pivot arm is configured to be in a closed position to prevent the golf ball from being dispensed and in an open position to allow the golf ball to be dispensed. In some embodiments, the ball dispensing assembly is configured to release the golf ball a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second, 2 seconds, etc.) after the sensor detects a previous shot to keep the miniature golf game running in a timely and organized manner.

[0031] 1-3 show an exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 in accordance with the teachings herein. The stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 is a putting structure onto which one or more players may putt golf balls, for example, to complete one or more games of miniature golf. The stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 (also referred to as a "miniature golf structure," "golf structure," "stand-alone golf structure," "putting structure," or "stand-alone putting structure") includes a tee surface 110, a putting surface 120, a digital display screen 200, and a sensor assembly 300.

[0032] The putting surface 120 has a front end and a rear end (rear end 125 in FIGS. 5 and 6). The front end of the putting surface 120 is adjacent to and extends from the tee face 110. The sensor assembly 300 is adjacent to the rear end 125 of the putting surface 120. The digital display screen 200 is positioned above the sensor assembly 300 and / or the rear end 125 of the putting surface 120. Additionally, the digital display screen 200 is vertically aligned with the sensor assembly 300 and / or the rear end 125 of the putting surface 120. The digital display screen 200 is configured to display one or more putting targets and / or hazards. A player will putt from the golf ball in a direction away from the tee face 110 and along the putting surface 120 toward the putting target. The sensor assembly 300 is configured to detect whether the golf ball is putted into a lateral position along the rear end 125 of the putting surface 120 that aligns with any of one or more putting targets and / or hazards provided by the digital display screen 200. As disclosed in detail below, the sensor assembly 300 includes one or more sensors configured to detect the lateral position at which the golf ball is putted. If the detected lateral position of the shot is aligned with the putting target, the player may be awarded a predefined amount of points associated with the putting target. If the detected lateral position of the shot is aligned with a hazard, a defined amount of points associated with the hazard may be deducted from the player. In some embodiments, the putting targets and / or hazards provided by the digital display screen 200 are changed (e.g., randomly) for each shot, each round, and / or each player.

[0033] The stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 further includes a body 15 that carries the putting surface 120, the digital display screen 200, and the sensor assembly 300. The body 15 in the illustrated embodiment has a ramp portion and a rear portion.

[0034] The putting surface 120 is secured to a ramp portion of the body 15. The ramp portion includes sideboards 40, each extending along a corresponding side of the putting surface 120. For example, one sideboard 40 extends along the left side of the putting surface 120 and another sideboard 40 extends along the right side of the putting surface 120. As shown in FIGURE 3, an off-target shot 140 may bounce off the sideboards 40 and back to the tee surface 110, allowing the player to retry the putt.

[0035] 1, the ramp portion of the body 15 further includes side covers 50, which are coupled to and cover corresponding sideboards 40. For example, one side cover 50 is coupled to and covers one sideboard 40, and the other side cover 50 is coupled to and covers the other side cover 40. In addition, the body 15 has one or more ball retaining rails 64 and one or more ball retaining fences 66 (FIG. 5). Each ball retaining fence 66 is coupled to a corresponding ball retaining rail 64, and the ball retaining rails 64 and ball retaining fences 66 are positioned to retain golf balls on the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. For example, each pair of ball retaining rails 64 and ball retaining fences 66 is positioned adjacent to a rear portion of the body 15 along the putting surface 120. One set of ball retaining rails 64 and ball retaining fences 66 is coupled to the left side cover 50 and another set of ball retaining rails 64 and ball retaining fences 66 is coupled to the right side cover 50 .

[0036] As disclosed in detail below, a ball dispensing assembly 800 (FIGS. 7 and 22) is housed within a cavity formed by a corresponding sideboard 40 and side cover 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the ball dispensing assembly 800 is housed within the right sideboard 40 and side cover 50. The ball dispensing assembly 800 includes a ramp 890 that extends from the corresponding sideboard 40 to the tee face 110 so that the ball dispensing assembly 800 can return the golf ball onto the tee face 110 in preparation for the next shot.

[0037] Additionally, tee surface 110 extends from a front end of the ramp portion of body 15. In the illustrated embodiment, tee surface 110 abuts and is coupled to putting surface 120, with the tee surface extending horizontally along the ground and the putting surface sloping toward sensor assembly 300. In other embodiments, tee surface 110 may be integrally and monolithically formed with putting surface 120.

[0038] One or more ball retaining rails 62 and fences extend around a portion of the teeing face 110 to retain golf balls on the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. Additionally, one or more doorways or access points 60 are positioned along the teeing face 110 to allow access onto and out of the teeing face 110. That is, each doorway 60 allows a player to enter or exit the teeing face 110 of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the teeing face 110 and doorways 60 are configured to allow able-bodied or disabled people to access the teeing face 110 and play on the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. For example, the teeing face 110 and doorways 60 are configured to comply with applicable government regulations (e.g., the Americans with Disabilities Act). For example, the doorways 60 are relatively low in height and the teeing face 110 is wide enough to accommodate the few mobility aids of such players.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 includes a check-in station 70 located adjacent to the teeing face 110. The check-in station includes a user interface 210, e.g., a touch screen, for allowing one or more players to select game information. For example, the user interface 250 is configured to allow players to identify the number of players in a group, provide a name for each player, select one of a number of games to play, select a game play for the selected game, identify whether any players in the group are able-bodied or disabled, etc. Additionally, the check-in station 70 includes a card reader 260 configured to allow one or more players to operationally play the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1 , the digital display screen 200 and the sensor assembly 300 are mounted to the rear portion of the body 15. The digital display screen 200 is mounted to the rear portion of the body 15 so as to be positioned above and vertically aligned with the sensor assembly 300 and the rear end 125 of the putting surface 120. In the illustrated embodiment, signs 80, 85 and lighting fixtures 280 (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) are mounted to the rear portion of the body around the digital display screen 200. Additionally, a camera 290 is mounted to the rear portion above the digital display screen 200. The camera 290 is configured to capture images and / or video of players and / or shots during a game being played on the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. In some embodiments, the captured images and / or video are then provided by a display, such as the digital display screen 200, for replay of game play.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, one or more access panels 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 are removably coupled to the side and / or rear of the main body 15. The access panels 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 are configured to be removed from the main body 15 to provide an operator with access to the interior components of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. Additionally, another access panel 122 is positioned along the putting surface 120 to provide access to the interior components of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10.

[0042] 4 illustrates the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 with the putting surface 120 removed to show the components that would otherwise be housed below the putting surface 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 includes one or more supports 105 upon which the putting surface 120 rests. In addition, the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 includes a ball return surface configured to convey a golf ball putted into the sensor assembly 300 to a ball dispensing assembly 800 (FIGS. 7 and 22).

[0043] 5 further illustrates the putting surface 120, the ball return surface 150, and the sensor assembly 300. The front end of the putting surface 120 is adjacent to the tee surface 110 (FIGS. 1-3) from which a player will putt a golf ball. The rear end of the putting surface 120 is adjacent to the sensor assembly 300. The putting surface 120 further includes a rear end 125 at its rear end. The rear end 125 extends laterally between the opposing sides of the putting surface 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear end 125 extends vertically along a longitudinal axis of the putting surface 120.

[0044] 6, the sensor assembly 300 is positioned adjacent to and extends along the trailing edge 125 of the putting surface 120. The sensor assembly 300 is positioned in a manner to detect the lateral position of the shot 130 relative to the putting surface 120. That is, the sensor assembly 300 is positioned to detect the lateral position at which the golf ball intersects the trailing edge 125 of the putting surface 120 when putted by the player. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor assembly includes a plurality of ball detection lanes 450 arranged side-by-side along the width of the sensor assembly 300. Each of the ball detection lanes 450 aligns with and corresponds to a corresponding lateral position along the trailing edge 125 of the putting surface 120, thereby facilitating the sensor assembly 300 to detect the lateral position at which the golf ball intersects the trailing edge 125. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the ball detection lanes 450 extends adjacent to and perpendicular to the trailing edge of the putting surface 120.

[0045] Referring again to Figure 5, the ball return surface 150 is positioned below the putting surface 120 to facilitate the subsequent return of the golf ball off the tee face 110 (Figures 1-3) for a new shot. As shown in Figure 7, the ball return surface 150 extends between the sensor assembly 300 and the ball dispensing assembly 800. In particular, the ball return surface in the illustrated embodiment extends from a leading edge of the sensor cartridge of the sensor assembly 300 (e.g., sensor cartridge leading edge 436 of Figure 10, sensor cartridge leading edge 636 of Figure 16, etc.) to the ball dispensing assembly 800. The putting surface 120, the sensor assembly 300, and the ball return surface 150 are positioned relative to one another such that after a golf ball enters one of the ball detection lanes 450 (FIG. 6), the golf ball falls onto a top surface of the sensor cartridge (e.g., the top surface 435 of the sensor cartridge in FIG. 10, the top surface 635 of the sensor cartridge in FIG. 16, etc.) and then travels along the ball return surface 150 toward the ball dispensing assembly 800. FIG. 7 shows an example of a return path 135 of a golf ball. That is, the sensor assembly 300 is configured to direct the golf ball from the rear end 125 of the putting surface 120 toward the ball return surface 150 and the ball dispensing assembly 800 to return the golf ball to the tee surface 110 for the next putt.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the ball return surface 150 is oriented at a downward slope from the sensor assembly 300 to the ball dispensing assembly 800 so that gravity can assist in returning the golf ball toward the tee face 110. Referring again to Figure 5, the putting surface 120 is angled at a slope from its front end to its rear end. The putting surface 120 is tilted to allow the ball return surface 150 to be positioned below the putting surface 120 at a downward slope.

[0047] 8 and 9 show an example of a sensor assembly 300, which includes a sensor cartridge 400, a deflector tray 500, and an illumination housing 550. The deflector tray 500 is positioned above the sensor cartridge 400, and the illumination housing 550 is positioned behind the deflector tray 500. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor cartridge 400 and / or the deflector tray 500 constitute each of the ball detection lanes 450. That is, in some embodiments, the sensor cartridge 400 constitutes a ball detection lane. In other embodiments, the deflector tray 500 constitutes a ball detection lane 450. In other embodiments, the combination of the sensor cartridge 400 and the deflector tray 500 constitutes a ball detection lane 450.

[0048] 10-12 further illustrate an example sensor cartridge 400 of the sensor assembly 300. The sensor cartridge 400 includes a number of sensors 470 (also referred to as "first sensors" or "lane detection sensors") configured to detect a lateral position where a golf ball intersects the trailing edge 125 of the putting surface 120. For example, each of the sensors 470 is configured to monitor a predefined lateral position along the trailing edge 125 of the putting surface 120, thereby detecting when the golf ball crosses the corresponding predefined lateral position. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the sensors 470 corresponds to a respective one of the ball-detection lanes 450, and the sensor is configured to detect when the golf ball passes through the corresponding ball-detection lane 450.

[0049] The sensor assembly 300 includes a body 405. The body 405 has an upper panel 430 with a top surface 435 along which a golf ball will travel (e.g., between the putting surface 120 and the ball return surface 150). In the illustrated embodiment, the body 405 further includes a plurality of side panels 410, a front panel 420, a rear panel 425, and a bottom panel 440. The front panel 420, the rear panel 425, and the bottom panel 440 extend laterally between two of the side panels 410. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the side panels 410, the front panel 420, and the rear panel 425 includes an opening that provides access to one or more components, such as a sensor 470, housed beneath the upper panel 430 of the sensor cartridge 400. Additionally or alternatively, each of the side panels 410, the front panel 420, the rear panel 425, the upper panel 430, and / or the bottom panel 440 may be separated from other components of the body 405 to allow access to components housed beneath the upper panel 430.

[0050] The top surface 435 has a leading edge 436 and a trailing edge. The top surface 435 slopes downwardly from trailing edge to leading edge to guide a golf ball toward the leading edge 436. For example, as disclosed in detail below, the leading edge 436 of the sensor cartridge 400 is positioned adjacent and flush with the ball return surface 150. The top surface 435 slopes downwardly toward the leading edge 436 to guide a golf ball from the top surface 435 of the sensor cartridge 400 onto the ball return surface 150.

[0051] Additionally, the sensor cartridge 400 of the illustrated embodiment has a number of walls 460 (also referred to as "lane walls") that project upwardly from the top surface 435. Each wall 460 extends between a trailing edge and a leading edge 436 of the top surface 435. The walls 460 are parallel to and spaced apart from one another to at least partially define ball detection lanes 450. In the illustrated embodiment, the walls 460 are perpendicular to the leading edge 436 of the top surface 435 of the sensor cartridge 400 such that each of the ball detection lanes 450 extends parallel to the putting surface 120 of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. Each of the ball detection lanes 450 has an outlet located adjacent the leading edge 436 of the top surface 435. With the top surface 435 angled downward from the trailing edge to the leading edge 436, any golf ball that lands on the top surface 435 is directed through an outlet of one of the ball detection lanes 450.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the sensors 470 is a fork sensor, with each fork sensor having two oppositely located tines. As shown in FIG. 11, each of the fork sensors has a body (also referred to as a "sensor body") positioned below the upper panel 430. Each tine of the fork sensor extends upwardly from a corresponding sensor body into an opening in a wall 460. Each tine of the fork sensor extends into a corresponding opening in an adjacent wall 460, thereby enabling the fork sensor to monitor a ball-detecting lane 450 located between adjacent walls 460.

[0053] Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sensors 470 are positioned such that a ball detection lane 450 is monitored by two of the sensors 470. As shown in FIG. 11, the sensors 470 include a plurality of front sensors 472 and a plurality of rear sensors 474. Each of the front sensors 472 and the rear sensors 474 is a fork sensor in the illustrated embodiment. Each ball detection lane 450 is monitored by a corresponding front sensor 472 and a corresponding rear sensor 474, thereby allowing a golf ball entering the corresponding ball detection lane 450 to be detected. As shown in FIG. 10, each wall 460 includes a front opening 462 and a rear opening 464 facing the adjacent ball detection lane 450. The front opening 462 is configured to receive a prong 476 of the corresponding front sensor 472, and the rear opening 464 is configured to receive a prong 478 of the corresponding rear sensor 474. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, each front sensor 472 is offset from an adjacent front sensor 472 and each rear sensor 474 is offset from an adjacent rear sensor 474. The two sensors 470 for each ball-detecting lane 450 are staggered relative to the two sensors 470 of an adjacent ball-detecting lane 450, allowing each of the sensors 470 to fit within a relatively compact area along the sensor cartridge 400.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor cartridge 400 further includes one or more sensors 480 (also referred to as “second sensors” or “ball detection sensors”) configured to detect when a golf ball crosses a leading edge 436 of the sensor cartridge 400. The sensors 480 are positioned proximate the leading edge 436 to detect when a golf ball crosses the leading edge 436. The sensors 480 may include a proximity sensor, such as a non-contact proximity sensor. The sensors 480 may also include an optoelectronic sensor, such as an optoelectronic beam sensor. In the illustrated embodiment, each sensor 480 includes a transmitter 482 and a receiver 484 facing each other in a spaced apart relationship. The sensors 480 are configured to detect when a golf ball crosses any portion of the leading edge 436 that is located between the transmitter 482 and the receiver 484. As disclosed in detail below, the point at which the golf ball crosses leading edge 436 is used to control when ball dispensing assembly 800 dispenses another (new) ball in preparation for the next shot.

[0055] Referring to Figure 13, there is shown a sensor cartridge 400 detecting two shots landing at different locations on the top surface 435. Figure 13 shows two lines with arrows, each of which indicates the path of the golf ball for a respective shot. A horizontal line indicates the detection beam of each of the front sensor 472 and rear sensor 474 of sensor 470. Another horizontal line indicates the detection beam of sensor 480.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the leftmost shot lands near the trailing edge of the top surface 435. Both the front sensor 472 and the rear sensor 474 of the corresponding ball detection lane 450 are configured to detect when the golf ball has passed through the ball detection lane 450. In addition, a sensor 480 is configured to detect when the golf ball has crossed the leading edge 436 and left the sensor cartridge 400. The right shot lands near the middle of one of the ball detection lanes 450. As a result, the front sensor 472 of the ball detection lane 450 is configured to detect when the golf ball has crossed the ball detection lane 450. The sensor 480 is also configured to detect when the golf ball has crossed the leading edge 436 and left the sensor cartridge 400.

[0057] 10 and 11, the bottom panel 440 includes one or more grooves 415 extending laterally along the bottom panel 440. As will be disclosed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, each of the grooves 415 is configured to receive a corresponding roller conveyor 720, 730 of a cartridge chamber 700 in which the sensor cartridge 400 is housed, thereby facilitating insertion and removal of the sensor cartridge into and from the cartridge chamber 700.

[0058] In some embodiments, the sensor cartridge 400 is formed by multiple cartridge bodies coupled together. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor cartridge 400 is formed by a cartridge body 402 (also referred to as a “first body” or “first cartridge body”) and a cartridge body 404 (also referred to as a “second body” or “second cartridge body”). The cartridge body 402 forms a first half of the sensor cartridge 400, and the cartridge body 404 forms a second half of the sensor cartridge 400.

[0059] Each cartridge body 402, 404 has a side panel 410, a front panel 420, a rear panel 425, an upper panel 430, and a bottom panel 440. The side panels 410 of the cartridge bodies 402, 404 are combined with each other to form the side panel 410 of the sensor cartridge 400. The front panels 420 of the cartridge bodies 402, 404 are combined with each other to form the front panel 420 of the sensor cartridge 400. The rear panels 425 of the cartridge bodies 402, 404 are combined with each other to form the rear panel 425 of the sensor cartridge 400. The upper panels 430 of the cartridge bodies 402, 404 are combined with each other to form the upper panel 430 of the sensor cartridge 400. The bottom panels 440 of the cartridge bodies 402, 404 are combined with each other to form the bottom panel 440 of the sensor cartridge 400. Additionally, the top surface 435 and the leading edge 436 of the cartridge bodies 402, 404 combine with one another to form the top surface 435 and the leading edge 436, respectively, of the sensor cartridge 400. Each of the cartridge bodies 402, 404 includes a portion of the wall 460, a sensor 470, and a sensor 480. For example, each of the cartridge bodies 402, 404 includes half of the wall 460, a sensor 470, and a sensor 480.

[0060] 12, the sensor cartridge 400 includes a latch assembly 490 configured to couple the cartridge bodies 402, 404 together to form the sensor cartridge 400. The latch assembly 490 includes a latch 492 and a slot body 494. The latch 492 is fixedly fastened to one of the cartridge bodies 402, 404. The slot body 494 is coupled to the other of the cartridge bodies 402, 404. To couple the cartridge bodies 402, 404 together, the latch 492 is inserted into a slot provided in the slot body 494. To decouple the cartridge bodies 402, 404 from each other, the latch 492 is removed from the slot in the slot body 494.

[0061] The sensor cartridge 400 is formed with cartridge bodies 402, 404 to allow the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 to be installed in a tight space. For example, if the sensor cartridge 400 were formed with a single body that could not be separated, an operator would need a clearance along the side of the body 15 of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 that is at least the length of the sensor cartridge 400 to remove the sensor cartridge 400 from the cartridge chamber 700, for example, for maintenance purposes. With the sensor cartridge 400 of the illustrated embodiment formed with cartridge bodies 402, 404 that are removable from one another, the required clearance can be reduced by half. For example, to remove the sensor cartridge 400 from the cartridge chamber 700, an operator may pull one of the cartridge bodies 402, 404 out of the cartridge chamber 700, remove the cartridge bodies 402, 404 from one another, set one of the cartridges 402, 404 aside, and then remove the other of the cartridge bodies 402, 404 from the cartridge chamber 700.

[0062] 14, an example deflector tray 500 of the sensor assembly 300 is further illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the deflector tray 500 has opposed side walls 510 and a roof 520 extending between and connected to the side walls 510. The roof 520 is angled upward from the back to the front of the deflector tray 500. The roof is angled upward to reflect light emitted by lights 575 of an illumination housing 550 (FIG. 15) to illuminate one or more of the targets and / or ball-detection lanes 450 associated with a putt being performed.

[0063] The deflector tray 500 of the illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of deflectors 525. The deflectors 525 are spaced apart from one another and disposed in juxtaposition between the opposed side walls 510 to at least partially define the ball detection lanes 450. The deflectors 525 extend from the rear to the front of the deflector tray 500 such that each of the ball detection lanes 450 extends perpendicular to the rear end 125 of the putting surface 120. Additionally, each of the deflectors 525 includes an opposed deflection surface 530. For example, each deflector 525 includes a left deflection surface 530 and a right deflection surface 530. The left deflection surface 530 is configured to direct a golf ball into the ball detection lane 450 toward the left side of the corresponding deflector 525, and the right deflection surface 530 is configured to direct a golf ball into the ball detection lane 450 toward the right side of the corresponding deflector 525.

[0064] 15 further illustrates an example lighting housing 550 of the sensor assembly 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting housing 550 includes a back panel 555 and a number of walls 560. The walls 560 extend forward from the back panel 555. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the walls 560 is perpendicular to the back panel 555. The walls 560 are spaced apart from one another and arranged in juxtaposition to define lighting lanes 565 extending forward from the back panel 555. The lighting housing 550 further includes a number of canopy panels 570, each extending over a front end corresponding to a respective one of the lighting lanes 565.

[0065] The lighting housing 550 further includes a plurality of lights or lamps 575 (e.g., LEDs). Within each lighting lane 565, a corresponding light 575 is coupled to the back panel 555 in a forward facing manner. Additionally, each lighting lane 565 is configured to be laterally aligned with each of the ball detection lanes 450. The light 575 of each lighting lane 565 is configured to illuminate the corresponding ball detection lane 450, for example, to indicate to a player that the ball detection lane 450 corresponds to a target and / or to indicate to the player that the player has just putted a golf ball into the ball detection lane 450. Each light 575 is directed and positioned relative to the canopy panel 570 of the corresponding lighting lane 565 and / or the rear surface of the roof 520 of the deflector tray 500 to direct light emitted by the light 575 onto a surface corresponding to the corresponding ball detection lane 450.

[0066] 16 illustrates another example sensor cartridge 600 of the sensor assembly 300. For example, the sensor assembly 300 may include a sensor cartridge 600, a deflector tray 500, and a lighting housing 550, where the deflector tray 500 is positioned above the sensor cartridge 600 and the lighting housing 550 is positioned behind the deflector tray 500.

[0067] The sensor cartridge 600 has a sensor 680 (also referred to as a "first sensor") configured to detect the lateral position where the golf ball intersects the trailing edge 125 of the putting surface 120. Figure 17 shows the sensor 680 of the sensor cartridge 600 detecting two shots landing at different locations on the sensor cartridge 600. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 680 is a lidar sensor and / or any other sensor capable of detecting the lateral position of the golf ball.

[0068] 17, the sensor cartridge 600 includes a sensor body 605. The body 605 includes an upper panel 630 with a top surface 635 along which a golf ball will travel (e.g., between the putting surface 120 and the ball return surface 150). In the illustrated embodiment, the body 605 further includes a plurality of side panels 610, a front panel 620, a rear panel 625, and a bottom panel 640. The front panel 620, the rear panel 625, and the bottom panel 640 extend laterally between two of the side panels 610. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the side panels 610, the front panel 620, and the rear panel 625 includes an opening to provide access to one or more components housed beneath the upper panel 630 of the sensor cartridge 600. Additionally or alternatively, each of the side panel 610, the front panel 620, the rear panel 625, the upper panel 630, and / or the bottom panel 640 may be decoupled from other components of the body 600 to allow access to components housed beneath the upper panel 630.

[0069] The top surface 635 has a leading edge 636 and a trailing edge. The top surface 635 is angled downward from the trailing edge to the leading edge 636 to guide a golf ball toward the leading edge 636. For example, as disclosed in detail below, the leading edge 636 of the sensor cartridge 600 is positioned adjacent to and flush with the ball return surface 150. The top surface 635 is angled downward toward the leading edge 636 to guide a golf ball from the top surface 635 of the sensor cartridge 600 onto the ball return surface 150.

[0070] In some embodiments, the sensor cartridge 600 includes one or more second sensors configured to further detect when the golf ball crosses the leading edge 636 of the sensor cartridge 600. The second sensor may be positioned near the leading edge 636 to detect when the golf ball crosses the leading edge 636. The second sensor may include a proximity sensor, a non-contact proximity sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a photoelectric beam sensor, or the like. As disclosed in more detail below, the time when the golf ball crosses the leading edge 636 is used to control when the ball dispensing assembly 800 dispenses another ball in preparation for the next shot.

[0071] The bottom panel 640 includes one or more grooves 615 extending laterally along the bottom panel 640. As disclosed in detail below with reference to Figures 20 and 21, each of the grooves 615 is configured to receive a corresponding roller conveyor 720, 730 of a cartridge chamber 700 in which the sensor cartridge 600 is housed, thereby facilitating insertion and removal of the sensor cartridge into and from the cartridge chamber 700.

[0072] In some embodiments, the sensor cartridge 600 is formed by multiple cartridge bodies coupled together. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor cartridge 600 is formed by a cartridge body 602 (also referred to as a “first body” or “first cartridge body”) and a cartridge body 604 (also referred to as a “second body” or “second cartridge body”). The cartridge body 602 forms a first half of the sensor cartridge 600, and the cartridge body 604 forms a second half of the sensor cartridge 600.

[0073] Each cartridge body 602, 604 has a side panel 610, a front panel 620, a rear panel 625, an upper panel 630, and a bottom panel 640. The side panels 610 of the cartridge bodies 602, 604 are combined with each other to form the side panel 610 of the sensor cartridge 600. The front panels 620 of the cartridge bodies 602, 604 are combined with each other to form the front panel 620 of the sensor cartridge 600. The rear panels 625 of the cartridge bodies 602, 604 are combined with each other to form the rear panel 625 of the sensor cartridge 600. The upper panels 630 of the cartridge bodies 602, 604 are combined with each other to form the upper panel 630 of the sensor cartridge 600. The bottom panels 640 of the cartridge bodies 602, 604 are combined with each other to form the bottom panel 640 of the sensor cartridge 600. Additionally, the top surface 635 and leading edge 636 of the cartridge bodies 602, 604 combine to form the top surface 635 and leading edge 636, respectively, of the sensor cartridge 600. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 680 is coupled to the cartridge body 604. In other embodiments, the sensor 680 is coupled to the cartridge body 602. Moreover, in other embodiments, each cartridge body 602, 604 can include a corresponding sensor 680 that is configured to monitor the top surface 635 of the corresponding cartridge body 602, 604.

[0074] Additionally, the sensor cartridge 400 may include a latch assembly configured to couple the cartridge bodies 602, 604 together to form the sensor cartridge 600. In such an embodiment, the latch assembly includes a latch and a slot body. The latch is fixedly fastened to one of the cartridge bodies 602, 604. The slot body is coupled to the other of the cartridge bodies 602, 604. To couple the cartridge bodies 602, 604 together, the latch 692 is inserted into a slot in the slot body 694. To decouple the cartridge bodies 602, 604 from each other, the latch 692 is removed from the slot in the slot body 694.

[0075] The sensor cartridge 600 is formed with cartridge bodies 602, 604 to allow the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 to be installed in a tight space. For example, if the sensor cartridge 600 were formed with a single body that could not be separated, an operator would need a clearance along the side of the body 15 of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 that is at least the length of the sensor cartridge 600 to remove the sensor cartridge 600 from the cartridge chamber 700, for example, for maintenance purposes. With the sensor cartridge 600 of the illustrated embodiment formed with cartridge bodies 602, 604 that are removable from one another, the required clearance can be reduced by half. For example, to remove the sensor cartridge 600 from the cartridge chamber 700, an operator may pull one of the cartridge bodies 602, 604 out of the cartridge chamber 700, remove the cartridge bodies 602, 604 from one another, set one of the cartridges 602, 604 aside, and then remove the other of the cartridge bodies 602, 604 from the cartridge chamber 700.

[0076] 18 shows the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 with the access panels 23, 24, 25 removed from the body 15. The access panel 25 has been removed from the body 15 to allow access to the cartridge chamber 700. The body 15 of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 defines the cartridge chamber 700. As shown in FIG. 19, the sensor cartridges 400, 600 of the sensor assembly 300 are housed within the cartridge chamber 700. The cartridge chamber 700 is located adjacent the rear end 125 of the putting surface 120 and the ball return surface 150 such that the sensor cartridges 400, 600 can be fixedly housed in a fixed position next to the rear end 125 of the putting surface 120 and the ball return surface 150.

[0077] 21, the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 has two access panels 25 configured to be removed from the body 15 to provide access to the cartridge chamber 700. For example, the two access panels 25 are configured to be positioned on opposite ends of the cartridge chamber 700. One access panel 25 is configured to be positioned on the left side of the body 15 and the other access panel 25 is configured to be positioned on the right side of the body 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the left access panel 25 remains coupled to the body 15 and the right access panel 25 is removed to provide access to the cartridge chamber 700.

[0078] The sensor cartridge 400, 600 is configured to be fixedly housed within the cartridge chamber 700 during operation of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10, and is removable from the cartridge chamber 700 for maintenance purposes. Figure 19 illustrates the cartridge chamber 700 with the sensor cartridge 400, 600 housed within the cartridge chamber 700. Figures 20 and 21 illustrate the cartridge chamber 700 with the sensor cartridge 400, 600 removed from the cartridge chamber 700.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 has a floor 710 of a cartridge chamber 700 .

[0080] The stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 has one or more roller conveyors 720, 730 extending along the floor 710 of the cartridge chamber 700. The roller conveyors 720, 730 extend along the length of the cartridge chamber 700. In the illustrated embodiment, the roller conveyors 720, 730 extend between both doorways of the cartridge chamber 700. The roller conveyors 720 are configured to facilitate the sliding of the sensor cartridges 400, 600 into and out of the cartridge chamber 700. The roller conveyors 720 are positioned adjacent to the right doorway to facilitate the insertion and removal of the sensor cartridges 400, 600 into and out of the cartridge chamber 700 via the right doorway. The roller conveyors 730 are positioned adjacent to the left doorway to facilitate the insertion and removal of the sensor cartridges 400, 600 into and out of the cartridge chamber 700 via the left doorway.

[0081] The stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 includes one or more stopper blocks 740, 750 for the cartridge chamber 700. When the sensor cartridge 400, 600 is placed in the cartridge chamber 700 as shown in FIG. 19, the stopper blocks 740, 750 are configured to engage the sensor cartridge 400, 600 to secure the sensor cartridge 400, 600 in place. In the illustrated embodiment, the stopper block 740 is configured to engage the side panel 410, 610 of the sensor cartridge 400, 600 positioned adjacent the right doorway. The stopper block 760 is configured to engage the side panel 410, 610 of the sensor cartridge 400, 600 positioned adjacent the left doorway. In some embodiments, the stopper blocks 740, 750 are positioned within corresponding notches along the floor 710 to hold the stopper blocks 740, 750 in place when the sensor cartridge 400, 600 is positioned within the cartridge chamber 700. Additionally or alternatively, the stopper blocks 740, 750 may be secured in place relative to the floor 710 with fasteners.

[0082] 22, an example of a ball dispensing assembly 800 is shown. The ball dispensing assembly 800 includes a track 810 along which a golf ball rolls. In the illustrated embodiment, the track 810 includes and is at least partially formed by two rails that extend parallel to one another. Additionally, the track has a curved portion 870. The two rails are located adjacent to an entrance 805, and the curved portion 870 is located adjacent to an exit 875.

[0083] 7, the inlet 805 is positioned downstream of the ball return face 150, the sensor assembly 300, and the putting surface 120. The outlet 875 is positioned to dispense the golf ball onto the tee face 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the ball dispensing assembly 800 includes a ramp 890 that extends from the outlet 875 onto the tee face 110 to deliver the golf ball onto the tee face 110 in a controlled manner.

[0084] Referring again to Figure 22, ball dispensing assembly 800 includes a frame 820 positioned adjacent at least a portion of track 810. Ball dispensing assembly 800 further includes an actuator 835 and a pivot arm 860. Figures 23 and 24 further show portions of frame 820, actuator 835, and pivot arm 860. Other portions of ball dispensing assembly 800 are not shown in Figures 23 and 24 to more clearly show the features of frame 820, actuator 835, and pivot arm 860.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 24, the frame 820 has a side portion 822 and a lower portion 824 that extends transversely from the side portion 822 below the rails of the track 810. The frame 820 further includes support flanges 826, 828. A sensor 880 (FIG. 22) is configured to mount to the support flange 826. The side portion 822 further includes an opening 825 that in turn allows the sensor 880 to detect when the ball dispensing assembly 800 has received one of the golf balls. A bracket 830 is configured to mount to the support flange 828. An actuator body 840 is coupled to the bracket 830, which is coupled to the support flange 828 to mount the actuator 835 to the frame 820.

[0086] 23, the actuator 835 has an actuator body 840 and an actuator arm 845 extending from the actuator body 840. The actuator body 840 is attached to the frame 820. The actuator arm 845 is configured to be actuated between an extended position and a retracted position. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 835 is a solenoid. In other embodiments, the actuator may be any other type of actuator capable of controlling the operation of the ball dispensing assembly 800.

[0087] The pivot arm 860 is operatively connected to the actuator arm 845. The pivot arm 860 is configured to transition between a closed position and an open position. The pivot arm 860 is configured to be in its closed position when the actuator arm 845 is in its extended position, and the pivot arm 860 is configured to be in its open position when the actuator arm is in its retracted position. As disclosed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 25-28 , the pivot arm 860 is configured to prevent a golf ball from being dispensed by the ball dispensing assembly 800 when the pivot arm 860 is in its closed position. The pivot arm 860 is configured to allow a golf ball to be dispensed by the ball dispensing assembly 800 when the pivot arm 860 is in its open position.

[0088] The pivot arm 860 is pivotally mounted to the frame 820 to rotate between its open position and its closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot arm 860 is pivotally mounted to the frame 820 by a pin 864 and a bracket 830. The pivot arm 860 further has a proximal end 862 and a distal end 866. The proximal end 862 is hingedly coupled to the actuator arm 845 such that the pivot arm 860 pivots about the pin 864 when the actuator arm 845 transitions between its extended position and its retracted position. The distal end 866 is configured to engage one of the golf balls when the pivot arm 860 is in its closed position and to be disengaged from the golf ball when the pivot arm 860 is in its open position.

[0089] 25-28 show the sequence in which the ball dispensing assembly 800 dispenses golf balls onto the tee face 110 (FIGS. 1-3). Initially, as shown in FIG. 25, the actuator arm 845 of the actuator 835 is in its extended position to position the pivot arm 860 in its closed position. The distal end 866 of the pivot arm 860 engages the leading golf ball to hold the two balls along the track 810. In FIG. 26, the actuator arm 845 has been actuated to its retracted position to position the pivot arm 860 in its open position. The distal end 866 of the pivot arm 860 has been released from the leading golf ball to allow the golf ball to roll further down the track 810 toward the outlet 875. In FIG. 27, the actuator arm 845 remains in its retracted position to allow the pivot arm 860 to remain in its open position. The lead golf ball rolls downward along the track 810 and is then dispensed onto the tee face 110. In Figure 28, the actuator arm 845 has been actuated back to its extended position to return the pivot arm 860 to its closed position. The distal end 866 of the pivot arm 860 engages the remaining golf ball, temporarily preventing the remaining golf ball from being dispensed onto the tee face 110.

[0090] Referring back momentarily to FIG. 22 , ball dispensing assembly 800 includes one or more sensors 880, 885. Sensor 880 (also referred to as the “first sensor” or “ball receiving sensor”) is positioned toward inlet 805 and is configured to detect when ball dispensing assembly 800 receives a golf ball from return face 150. Sensor 885 (also referred to as the “second sensor” or “ball releasing sensor”) is positioned toward inlet 875 and is configured to detect when ball dispensing assembly 800 dispenses a golf ball onto the tee face. In the illustrated embodiment, each of sensors 880, 885 is a fork sensor. In other embodiments, sensor 880 and / or sensor 885 may be any other sensor capable of detecting receipt and dispensing, respectively, of a golf ball.

[0091] 29, there is shown a block diagram of electronic components 900 of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic components 900 include one or more processors 905, memory 910, input devices, output devices, and a communication module 970.

[0092] The processor 905 may be any suitable processing device or set of processing devices, including, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, an integrated circuit, and the like. The memory 910 may include one or more of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a read-on memory, and the like. In some embodiments, the memory 910 may include a combination of multiple types of memory, such as a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The memory 910 is a computer-readable medium capable of implementing one or more sets of instructions, such as the methods of the present disclosure. The instructions may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described herein. For example, the instructions may reside completely or partially within any one or more of the memory 910, the computer-readable medium, and / or within the processor 905 during execution of the instructions.

[0093] The terms "non-transitory computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable media" include a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database and / or associated caches or servers that store one or more sets of instructions. Additionally, the terms "non-transitory computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" include any tangible medium that can store, encode or carry a set of instructions executable by a processor or that cause a system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein. As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" includes any type of computer-readable storage device and / or storage disk, and is expressly defined to exclude propagating signals.

[0094] The communication module 970 is configured to enable wired or wireless communication with other electronic devices. As used herein, the term "module" refers to hardware having circuitry configured to perform one or more functions. A "module" may further include firmware running on the circuitry to enable one or more functions to be performed.

[0095] The communication module 970 includes a wired or wireless network interface that enables communication with a network and / or computing device. The communication module 970 further includes hardware (e.g., a processor, memory, storage, antenna, etc.) and software for controlling the wired or wireless network interface. For example, the communication module 970 includes hardware, software, and a network interface capable of communicating via a wireless personal area network (WPAN), such as Bluetooth®, etc. In such an embodiment, the communication module 970 can perform pairing with another nearby computing device. Additionally or alternatively, the communication module 970 includes hardware, software, and a network interface for wirelessly communicating via a cellular network, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), a wireless local area network (WLAN), such as Wi-Fi®, etc.

[0096] For example, the communications module 970 may be configured to communicate with a player's mobile device (e.g., a smart phone, a smart watch, a tablet, etc.) over a WPAN or WLAN to receive user selections from the player. The communications module 970 may be configured to communicate with a mobile device, an operator, and / or a remote server to receive updates for one or more games.

[0097] The input devices of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 include the user interface 250 of the check-in station 70 and the card reader 260. In some embodiments, the user interface 250 of the check-in station 70 is a touch screen and / or other device that acts as both an input device and an output device. Additionally or alternatively, other input devices of the electronics 900 may also actuate output devices.

[0098] The input device of electronic component 900 further includes one or more shot sensors 920 configured to detect a lateral position at which the golf ball is putted by a player. Exemplary shot sensors 920 include sensor 470 of sensor cartridge 400 and sensor 680 of sensor cartridge 600. Shot sensor 920 may further include a sensor, such as sensor 480, configured to detect when the golf ball rolls out of sensor cartridge 400, 600.

[0099] Other example input devices of the electronics 900 include a sensor 880 configured to detect when the ball dispensing assembly 800 receives a golf ball, a sensor 885 configured to detect when the ball dispensing assembly 800 releases a golf ball for dispensing, a camera 290 mounted on a rear portion of the body 15, and / or a clock 930. The clock 930 may be used to monitor how long a group occupies the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. Additionally or alternatively, the clock 930 may be used to time the release of the golf ball from the ball dispensing assembly 800 after the golf ball rolls out of the sensor cartridge 400, 600.

[0100] The electronics 900 of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 further includes a number of output devices, including a digital display screen 200 configured to provide a number of interfaces for the available games of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. As described in more detail below, the digital display screen 200 is configured to provide a game interface including targets, hazards, digital lanes (e.g., digital lane 210 consistent with ball detection of FIGS. 30 and 31), status bars associated with the game being played (e.g., status bar 2050 of FIGS. 30 and 32), animations, and / or other information.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, the output devices further include one or more speakers 940 configured to provide audible signals to the player, a light 950, and a controller 960. The light 950 includes a lightning mounted on a rear portion of the body 15, a light 575 of the sensor assembly 300, and / or other light sources. The controller 960 is configured to actuate the actuator arm 245 of the actuator 235. The controller 960 may include a processor and / or memory, and is configured to control the actuation of the actuator arm 245 based on control signals received by the processor 905.

[0102] The processor 905 is configured to control the operation of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 based on, for example, instructions stored in the memory 910. For example, the memory 910 is configured to store instructions for each of the games playable on the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. In some embodiments, the instructions stored in the memory 910 may allow one or more of the games to be played by a range of players creating a range of players and / or multiple different gameplays. For example, the instructions may allow the game to be played by two to six players based on user selection. The instructions may allow the game to be played in individual gameplay or team gameplay based on user selection. For individual gameplay, each player competes against other players in a line. In team gameplay, two or more players are grouped together into a team to compete against other teams in a line.

[0103] The processor 905 is configured to send command signals to the digital display screen 200 to display a game interface based on instructions stored in the memory 910. For example, the digital display screen 200 is configured to provide one or more putting targets and / or one or more hazards based on instructions sent by the processor 905. The processor 905 is configured to select a lateral position, width, and point value for each of the putting targets and / or hazards provided by the digital display screen 200 based on instructions stored in the memory 910. In some embodiments, the processor 905 is configured to randomly select a lateral position, width, and point value for each putting target and / or hazard. As disclosed in more detail below, the processor 905 may be configured to vary the putting targets and / or hazards provided by the digital display screen 200 for each shot of a game, for example, to keep repeat players entertained over time.

[0104] In some embodiments, the digital display screen 200 is configured to provide digital lanes in the background of each interface of the game based on instructions received by the processor 905. FIG. 30 illustrates an example interface 2000 with such a background. In FIG. 30, the background includes a plurality of digital lanes 2010 vertically aligned with a predefined lateral position along the rear edge 125 of the putting surface 120. The digital lanes 2010 are configured to facilitate a player putting a golf ball in a direction toward a putting target provided on a portion of one or more of the digital lanes 210 in the background. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 31, each of the digital lanes 2010 is vertically aligned with a corresponding ball detection lane 450 of the sensor cartridge 400 of the sensor assembly 300 to further facilitate a player putting a golf ball in a direction toward the putting target. For example, if the putting target is positioned laterally within the third digital lane 2010, counting from the left edge, a player can easily identify whether the player should putt within the third ball detection lane 450 when viewing the golf ball from the left.

[0105] Referring briefly back to Fig. 30, the digital display screen 200 is configured to provide a status bar towards the top of each interface for a game based on instructions received by the processor 905. As shown in Fig. 32, the status bar 2050 is configured to identify the name of the game being played, the round of the game being played, the current shot within the current round, the number of players, the name of each player, the current score of each player (who is currently putting), and the gameplay of the game (e.g., individual mode or team mode). The processor 905 is configured to send instructions to the digital display screen 200 that cause the status bar 2050 to be updated in real time as the game is being played.

[0106] Additionally, processor 905 is configured to detect when a player completes a putt based on data collected by one or more of sensors 470, 480, 680 of sensor assembly 300. For each putt, processor 905 is configured to detect, via sensors 470, 680, the lateral position at which the golf ball intersects trailing edge 125 of putting surface 120. For example, processor 905 is configured to identify, via sensor 470, into which of ball detection lanes 450 the golf ball was shot.

[0107] The processor 905, in this case, is configured to determine whether the lateral position of the putt of the golf ball is vertically aligned with any of the putting targets and / or hazards presented to the player by the digital display screen 200. The processor 905 is configured to generate a score for the shot based on the lateral position of the putt relative to the lateral positions of each of the putting targets and / or hazards. For example, if the lateral position of the putt is aligned with the lateral position of the putting target, the processor 905 assigns a predefined point value to the corresponding player. If the lateral position of the putt is aligned with the lateral position of the hazard, the processor 905 subtracts a predefined point value from the corresponding player.

[0108] After detecting the shot, the processor 905 is configured to control the operation of the ball dispensing assembly 800. For example, the processor 905 is configured to instruct the ball dispensing assembly 800 to release another golf ball onto the tee face 110 at a predetermined time after the sensor 480, 680 detects that the putted ball has crossed the leading edge 436, 636 of the sensor cartridge 400, 600 and rolled onto the ball return surface 150. The memory 910 is configured to store respective predetermined times for each game playable on the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. In some embodiments, the predetermined time is relatively short for games that are intended to be quick. In other embodiments, the predetermined time is relatively long for games that can be played at a slower pace.

[0109] FIG. 33 is a flow diagram of an example method 1000 for the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 to conduct a session for a group of players. The flow diagram of FIG. 33 represents machine-readable instructions that may be stored in a memory (e.g., memory 910 of FIG. 29) and that, when executed by one or more processors (e.g., processor 905 of FIG. 29), may cause the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 to conduct one or more games for a group of players. Although the example program is described with reference to the flow diagram shown in FIG. 33, many other methods may be used as alternatives. For example, the execution order of blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to perform the method 1000. Additionally, because the method 1000 is disclosed in conjunction with the components of FIGS. 1-32, the functionality of some of these components will not be described in detail below.

[0110] First, at block 1010, the processor 905 identifies the number of players in a line. For example, the user interface 250 of the check-in station 70 receives a user selection of the number of players from one of the players, and the processor 905 collects the user-selected number of players from the user interface 250. At block 1020, the processor 905 identifies the name of each line. For example, the user interface 250 may receive a user selection of a player's name, and the processor 905 may collect the user-selected name from the user interface 250. Additionally or alternatively, processor 905 may, through user selections collected by user interface 250, identify whether any of the players are able-bodied or impaired in condition to enter an alternative gameplay mode (e.g., an "ADA mode"), in which the order in which one or more games can be played is altered to facilitate participation by such players.

[0111] In block 30, the processor 905 identifies a game to be played by the group of players. In some embodiments, the processor 905 randomly selects (e.g., by executable instructions stored in memory 910) a game to be played from a plurality of games uploaded to the standalone miniature golf structure 10. In other embodiments, the user interface 250 receives a user selection of a game from one of the players, and the processor 905 collects the user selected game from the user interface 250. At block 1040, the processor 905 identifies gameplay for the selected game. For example, the selected game can be played in an individual mode or a team mode. In some embodiments, the processor 905 automatically selects a gameplay for the selected game based on a user-selected number of players. For example, if there are two players in a party, the processor 905 automatically selects an individual mode for the selected game. In other embodiments, the gameplay is selected by the user. For example, the user interface 250 receives a user selection from one of the players, and the processor 905 collects the user selection from the user interface 250.

[0112] At block 1050, the processor 905 executes the selected game based on instructions stored in the memory 910. Exemplary methods for executing the games are disclosed in detail below. For example, FIG. 34 illustrates an exemplary method 1050A for executing a first game, FIG. 35 illustrates an exemplary method 1050B for executing a second game, FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplary method 1050C for executing a third game, FIG. 37A and FIG. 37B illustrate an exemplary method 1050D for executing a fourth game, FIG. 38 illustrates an exemplary method 1050E for executing a fifth game, and FIG. 39 illustrates an exemplary method 1050F for executing a sixth game.

[0113] At block 1060, the processor 905 determines whether another game in the session should be played by the party. In some embodiments, the session is time-based such that the processor 905 makes the decision to play another game if at least a predetermined amount of time remains for the session. In some embodiments, the processor 905 determines whether the game should be played another time based on a user selection received from the user interface 250. In response to the processor 905 determining that the game should be played another time, the method 1000 returns to block 1030 to play the game. Conversely, in response to the processor 905 determining that the game should not be played another time, the method 1000 proceeds to block 1060.

[0114] At block 1070, the processor 905 determines a total score for each player and / or team in the row. A display, such as the digital display screen 200, presents the total scores in the row. Additionally or alternatively, the processor determines the winning player and / or team for the session and the display shows this.

[0115] FIG. 34 is a flow diagram of an example method 1050A for executing a first game (also referred to as "pinpoint" or "pinpoint game") to implement block 1050 of FIG. 33. The flow diagram of FIG. 34 represents machine-readable instructions that may be stored in a memory (e.g., memory 910 of FIG. 29) and that, when executed by one or more processors (e.g., processor 905 of FIG. 29), cause the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 to execute a first game for a group of players. Although the example program is described with reference to the flow diagram shown in FIG. 34, many other methods may be used as alternatives. For example, the order of execution of blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to perform method 1050A. Additionally, method 1050A is disclosed in conjunction with components of FIGS. 1-32, and therefore the functionality of some of these components will not be described in detail below.

[0116] With respect to the first game, the objective is to score as many points as possible by avoiding hazards while hitting putting targets. The game is divided into a number of rounds (e.g., 3 rounds, 4 rounds, etc.). Within each round, players in a group take turns taking a set number of shots (e.g., 3 shots). In some embodiments, if the group determines that the group includes able-bodied and / or disabled players, each player may putt their shots one after the other (e.g., in "ADA mode") to reduce the amount of time each player needs to enter and exit the teeing surface 110.

[0117] For each shot, different targets and / or hazards are provided by the digital display screen 200. For example, the processor 905 may generate an interface for the game that includes a first target, a secondary target, a tertiary target, a hazard, etc. If the lateral position at which the golf ball is putted is vertically aligned with the first putting target, a first point value associated with the first putting target is awarded to the player. Similarly, if the lateral position at which the golf ball is putted is vertically aligned with the second putting target or the third putting target, a second point value associated with the second putting target or a third point value associated with the third putting target is awarded to the player. In contrast, if the lateral position at which the golf ball is putted is vertically aligned with a hazard, the hazard point value associated with the hazard is subtracted from the player's total point value.

[0118] The location, width, and / or point value of the targets and / or hazards may vary from shot to shot. For example, the processor 905 changes the location, width, and / or point value of the targets and / or hazards based on instructions stored in the memory 910. In some embodiments, the location, width, and / or point value of each target and / or hazard are randomly selected. In some embodiments, each shot for a player becomes increasingly difficult, for example, by introducing hazards, decreasing the width of the target, and / or increasing the width of the hazard. In some embodiments, no repeated lateral locations are selected as the center point of the first putting target for each player. Additionally or alternatively, the center point of a shot may be located no closer than a predetermined distance (e.g., the distance of two ball-detection lanes 450) from the previous shot.

[0119] 41 and 42 show example interfaces 2110, 2120 relating to shots, and FIGS. 43-46 show example diagrams 2130, 2140, 2150, 2160 relating to the respective interfaces.

[0120] Referring again to FIG. 34, the method 1050A begins at block 1105, In this block 1105, the processor 905 determines the number of rounds of the game. For example, the processor 905 may determine the number of rounds based on a user-selected number of players. The processor 905 may select fewer rounds for a line with a larger number of players and / or more rounds for a line with a smaller number of players. In block 1110, processor 905 determines the number of shots for each round in the game. For example, processor 905 determines the number of shots per round based on a user-selected number of players and / or the number of rounds selected for the game. Processor 905 may select fewer shots per round for games with more rounds and / or for a line of more players. Processor 905 may select more shots per round for games with fewer rounds and / or for a line of fewer players. .

[0121] At block 1115, the processor 905 starts a round of the game. At block 1120, the processor 905 selects one of the players for the next shot in the round.

[0122] At block 1125, processor 905 selects a first putting target for the shot. The first putting target corresponds to the highest point value available to the player for the shot. In selecting the first putting target, processor 905 selects a lateral location, width, and / or point value for the first putting target. Each of FIGS. 41-46 illustrates a first putting target. In some embodiments, processor 905 randomly selects the lateral location, width, and / or point value associated with the first putting target. For each of interfaces 2110, 2120 and charts 2130, 2140, 2150, 2160, the first putting target corresponds to the target with the highest value.

[0123] At block 1130, the processor 905 selects any other putting targets (e.g., a second target, a third target, etc.) for the shot.Each of the other putting targets corresponds to a corresponding point value that is less than the point value of the first putting target. In selecting the other putting targets, processor 905 selects a lateral location, width, and / or point value for each of the other putting targets. Each of FIGS. 41-46 illustrates a second putting target, and each of FIGS. 42 and 45 illustrates a third putting target. In some embodiments, the other putting targets are selected by processor 905 to be contiguous with the first putting targets. For example, each of the second putting targets is located adjacent to the first putting target, and each of the third putting targets is correspondingly located adjacent to a corresponding third putting target. In some embodiments, processor 905 randomly selects the lateral location, width, and / or point value associated with the other putting targets.

[0124] At block 1135, processor 905 selects any hazards for the shot. Each of the hazards corresponds to a respective negative point value. In selecting the hazards, processor 905 selects a lateral location, width, and / or point value for each of the hazards. FIG. 42 and each of FIGS. 44-46 illustrate hazards. In some embodiments, the hazards are selected by processor 905 to be in contiguous alignment with various putting targets. For example, each hazard is located next to a first putting target, a corresponding second putting target (FIGS. 44 and 46), or a third putting target (FIGS. 42 and 45). In some embodiments, processor 905 randomly selects the lateral location, width, and / or point value associated with the hazards.

[0125] At block 1900, the processor 905 detects and scores the player's shot. An example method 1900 for detecting and scoring the player's shot is disclosed in detail below with reference to FIG. 40. At block 1140, the processor 905 updates the player's and / or the player's team's total points based on the most recent shot. For example, the processor 905 increases the total points if the shot corresponded to a putting target or subtracts from the total points if the shot corresponded to a hazard.

[0126] At block 1145, processor 905 determines whether there is one more shot for the current player in the current round. In response to a determination by processor 905 that there is one more shot, method 1150A returns to block 1125 to perform one more shot for the current player. Conversely, in response to a determination by processor 905 that there is not one more shot, method 1150A proceeds to block 1150.

[0127] At block 1150, the processor 905 determines whether there is another player to putt during the current round. In response to a determination by the processor 905 that there is another player for the current round, the method 1050A returns to block 1125 to perform one or more shots for the other player. Alternatively, in response to a determination by the processor 905 that there is not another player for the current round, the method 1050A proceeds to block 1155.

[0128] At block 1155, the processor 905 determines whether there is one more round to be performed for the game. In response to the processor 905 determining that there is one more round, the method 1050A returns to block 1115 to perform another round. Alternatively, in response to the processor 905 determining that there is not one more round, the method 1050A proceeds to block 1160, where the processor 905 determines the overall score and / or the winning player and / or team for the game. Additionally, the digital display screen 200 presents the overall score and / or the winning player and / or team. Upon completing block 1160, the method 1050A ends.

[0129] FIG. 35 is a flow diagram of an example method 1050B of executing a second game (also called "survival" or "survival game") to execute block 1050 of FIG. 33. The flow diagram of FIG. 35 represents machine-readable instructions that may be stored in a memory (e.g., memory 910 of FIG. 29) and that, when executed by one or more processors (e.g., processor 905 of FIG. 29), cause the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 to execute a second game for a group of players. Although the example program is described with reference to the flow diagram shown in FIG. 35, many other methods may be used in the alternative. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to execute method 1050B. Additionally, method 1050B is disclosed in conjunction with components of FIGS. 1-32, and therefore the functionality of some of these components will not be described in detail below.

[0130] With respect to the second game, the objective is to survive each round. The game is divided into a number of rounds (e.g., six rounds, eight rounds, etc.). Each player will putt one shot for each round. Each player will start with a predetermined number of lives (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) at the beginning of the game. That is, the processor 905 is configured to allocate a predetermined number of lives to each player at the start of the game based on instructions stored in the memory 910. Each player will putt one shot for each round. In some embodiments, once the group has determined that the group includes able-bodied and disabled players, the players will putt all of their shots consecutively (e.g., in "ADA mode") to reduce the number of times each player needs to enter and exit the teeing surface 110.

[0131] For each shot, a target is presented by the digital display screen 200. If the lateral location of the shot matches the lateral location of the target, a predetermined point value is assigned to the player. If the player misses the target (e.g., the lateral location of the shot does not match the lateral location of the target), no point value is assigned to the player and one life is removed from the player. If the player has no lives remaining, the player is eliminated from the game. If the player survives all rounds of the game, bonus points are awarded to the player.

[0132] The location and / or width change for each round and / or each shot. In some embodiments, the location and / or width of the target are selected randomly. In some embodiments, each subsequent round becomes increasingly more difficult, for example, by decreasing the width of the target for each subsequent shot. In some embodiments, no repeated lateral positions are selected as the center point of the target for each player. Additionally or alternatively, the center point of a shot may be located no closer than a predetermined distance (e.g., the distance of two ball-detection lanes 450) from the preceding shot.

[0133] FIG. 47 shows an example interface 2210 for one shot of the game, and FIGS. 48-51 show example diagrams 2220, 2230, 2240, and 2250 for the respective interfaces of the game.

[0134] 35, the method 1050B begins by the processor 905 identifying a maximum number of rounds to be run for the game. At block 1205, the processor 905 starts a round of the game. At block 1210, the processor 905 selects one of the players for the next shot in the round.

[0135] At block 1215, the processor 905 selects a putting target for the shot. In selecting a putting target, the processor 905 selects a lateral location, width, and / or point value for a first putting target. Each of FIGS. 47-51 illustrates an example putting target. In some embodiments, the processor 905 randomly selects the lateral location, width, and / or point value associated with the first putting target. Additionally, in some embodiments, the processor 905 decreases the width of each subsequent shot to slowly increase the difficulty for the player over time.

[0136] In block 1900, the processor 905 detects and scores the player's shot. An example method 1900 for detecting and scoring the player's shot is disclosed in detail below with reference to FIG. 40. In block 1220, the processor 905 updates the total points of the player and / or the player's team based on the most recent shot. For example, the processor 905 increases the total points if the shot corresponds to a putting target or subtracts from the total points if the shot corresponds to a hazard. In block 1125, the processor 905 determines whether the putting target is missed by the player's putt.

[0137] In response to the processor 905 determining that the putting target has been missed, the method 1050B proceeds to block 1230 where the processor 905 subtracts one life from the player's remaining life. In block 1235, the processor 905 determines whether the current player has any lives remaining. In response to the processor 905 determining that the current player has no lives remaining, the method 1050B proceeds to block 1240 where the processor 905 removes the player from the game. Upon completion of block 1240, the method 1050B proceeds to block 1245. Returning to block 1235, in response to the processor 905 determining that the current player has at least one life remaining, the method 1050B proceeds to block 1245.

[0138] In block 1245, the processor 905 determines whether there is one more player for the current round of the game. In response to a determination by the processor 905 that there is one more player in the current round, the method 1050B returns to block 1210 to execute a shot for the other player. Alternatively, in response to a determination by the processor 905 that there is not one more player for the current round, the method 1050B proceeds to block 1250.

[0139] In block 1250, the processor 905 determines whether there is another round to be performed for the game. For example, the processor 905 may identify that there is no other round to be performed if a preselected maximum number of rounds has been completed. In response to the processor 905 determining that there is a round to be performed, the method 1050B returns to block 1205 to begin another round. Alternatively, in response to the processor 905 determining that there is no other round to be performed, the method 1050B proceeds to block 1255.

[0140] At block 1255, the processor 905 determines whether there are any players who have at least one life remaining after the last round is completed. In response to a determination by the processor that there are no remaining players, the method 1050B proceeds to block 1260, where the processor 905 determines the overall score and / or winning player and / or team for the game. Additionally, the digital display screen 200 presents the overall score and / or winning player and / or team. Returning to block 1255, in response to a determination by the processor that there are remaining players, the method 1050B proceeds to block 1265, where the processor 905 awards a predetermined bonus point value to each of the remaining players. Upon completing block 1265, the method 1050B proceeds to block 1260. Upon completing block 1260, the method 1050B ends.

[0141] FIG. 36 is a flow diagram of an example method 1050C for executing a third game (also referred to as "Tug of War" or "Tug of War Game") to implement block 1050 of FIG. 33. The flow diagram of FIG. 36 represents machine-readable instructions that may be stored in a memory (e.g., memory 910 of FIG. 29) and that, when executed by one or more processors (e.g., processor 905 of FIG. 29), cause the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 to execute a third game for a group of players. Although the example program is described with reference to the flow diagram shown in FIG. 36, many other methods may be used as alternatives. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to perform method 1050C. Additionally, method 1050C is disclosed in conjunction with components of FIGS. 1-32, and therefore the functionality of some of these components will not be described in detail below.

[0142] For the third game, the object is to have the center line of a set of putting targets intersect the end line. The game is played by two or more players / teams. Each player / team includes one player or team for individual or team mode, respectively. The game is played as a series of matches. If there are two or two participating players / teams, the two or two players / teams play each other for each match. If there are three or more participating players / teams, the players / teams participating in each match are rotated, for example in a round robin format.

[0143] For each match, a round of shots is completed until one or more of the players / teams reach their respective end line to finish the match. For each round, one player from each player / team performs a shot. For each shot, a center line and a set of putting targets are presented by the digital display screen 200. Each player / team is provided with a set of putting targets exclusively. The putting targets for one or more players / teams are located on one side of the center line and the putting targets for the other players / teams are located on the other side of the center line.

[0144] 52-57 show example interfaces 2310, 2320, 2330, 2340, 2350, and 2360, respectively, illustrating a match of a game. For example, FIG. 52 shows the start of a match, FIG. 57 shows the end of the match, and FIGS. 53-56 show the portion of the match between the start and end. In the example interfaces, each player / team is assigned three targets, a first target extending from a center line, a second target extending from the first target, and a third target extending from the second target. The first target is more valuable than the second target, and the second target is more valuable than the third target. In other embodiments, each set of targets may include more or fewer targets and / or the targets may be arranged in another manner.

[0145] When a player hits one of his targets with a shot, the center line and the target move laterally toward the end lines. In addition, a corresponding point value is awarded for the player. Alternatively, when a player hits another player / team's target, the center line and the target move laterally toward the other player / team's end lines. In addition, a corresponding point value is subtracted for the player. In some embodiments, the lateral distance of the shift is constant for each target. In other embodiments, the lateral distance of the shift depends on which target is hit. For example, hitting the first target results in a larger shift than hitting the second target, which in turn results in a larger shift than hitting the third target. Each match is played until the center line crosses the end line of one of the teams / players or one of the players.

[0146] Referring again to FIG. 35, the method 1050C begins at block 1305, At this block 1305, the processor 905 identifies the number of matches for the game.At block 1310, the processor 905 starts the next match of the game. At block 1315, the processor 905 starts the next round of the current match.

[0147] At block 1320, the processor 905 determines the location of each of the centerline and putting targets. For example, the targets include a left target located to the left of the centerline and a right target located to the right of the centerline. In some embodiments, the left target and the right target are adjacent to each other and / or mirror images of each other. At block 1325, the processor 905 selects a player for the next shot. At block 1900, the processor 905 detects and scores the player's shot. An example method 1900 for detecting and scoring the player's shot is disclosed in detail below with reference to FIG. 40.

[0148] At block 1330, processor 905 updates the player's and / or the player's team's total points based on the most recent shot. For example, processor 905 increments the total points if the shot is vertically aligned with the putting targets. At block 1335, processor 905 moves the centerline and the position of the putting targets laterally on the game interface if the shot is vertically aligned with one of the putting targets. For example, processor 905 moves the centerline and the position of the putting targets laterally by a predetermined amount or magnitude and a predetermined direction indicated for the hitting putting target. Processor 905 moves the centerline and the target to the right in response to determining that the shot is vertically aligned with one of the right side targets and / or moves the centerline and the target to the left in response to determining that the shot is vertically aligned with one of the left side targets. At block 1340, the processor 905 determines whether the center line has reached one of the end lines (ie, the right end line or the left end line).

[0149] In response to the processor 905 determining that the center line has not reached the end line, the method 1050C proceeds to block 1345. In block 1345, the processor 905 determines whether there is one more player to shoot in the current round. In response to the processor 905 determining that there is one more player for the round, the method 1050C returns to block 1325. Alternatively, in response to the processor 905 determining that there is not one more player for the round, the method 1050C returns to block 1315 to begin another round of the current match.

[0150] Returning to block 1340, in response to a determination by the processor 905 that the center line has reached the end line, the method 1050C proceeds to block 1345 where the processor 905 awards a predetermined point value to the winning team and / or player.

[0151] At block 1355, the processor 905 determines whether there is another match for the game. In response to the processor 905 determining that there is another match, the method 1050C returns to block 1310 to begin the next match. Alternatively, in response to the processor 905 determining that there is not another match, the method 1050C proceeds to block 1360 where the processor 905 determines the overall score and / or winning player and / or team for the game. Additionally, the digital display screen 200 presents the overall score and / or winning player and / or team. Upon completing block 1360, the method 1050C ends.

[0152] 37A and 37B are flow diagrams of an example method 1050D for executing a fourth game (also referred to as "Sitting Duck" or "Unprotected Game") to implement block 1050 of FIG. 33. The flow diagrams of FIGS. 37A and 37B represent machine-readable instructions that may be stored in a memory (e.g., memory 910 of FIG. 29) and that, when executed by one or more processors (e.g., processor 905 of FIG. 29), cause the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 to execute a fourth game for a group of players. Although the example program is described with reference to the flow diagrams shown in FIGS. 37A and 37B, many other methods may be used as alternatives. For example, the order of execution of blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to perform method 1050D. Additionally, method 1050D is disclosed in conjunction with components of FIGS. 1-32, and therefore the functionality of some of these components will not be described in detail below.

[0153] For the fourth game, the objective is to score as many points within a preset time period (e.g., one minute). Each player putts as many shots as possible during the corresponding time period. That is, the processor allows the player to shoot an unlimited number of shots during the preset time period. Once a shot is detected by the processor 905 via the sensor, another ball is rapidly dispensed by the ball dispensing assembly 800, allowing the player to quickly take another shot.

[0154] The game interface presented by the digital display screen 200 includes moving targets arranged in one or more rows. For each of the example interfaces 2410, 2420, 2430, 2040 of FIGS. 58-61, respectively, there are three rows of targets, each having a different sequence compared to the other rows, along which the moving targets and / or hazards move across the interface. That is, one or more of the rows may include a hazard. The sequence of the first row (e.g., the bottom row) includes a mixture of 5-point targets, 10-point targets, and 5-point hazards. The sequence of the second row (e.g., the middle row) includes a mixture of 15-point targets, 20-point targets, and 10-point hazards. The sequence of the third row (e.g., the top row) includes a mixture of 25-point targets, 50-point targets, and 15-point hazards. The rows may move in different directions and / or speeds from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the targets and hazards in the first and third columns will move to the right, and the targets and hazards in the second column will move to the left. The moving targets and hazards in the second column will move faster than the moving targets and hazards in the first column, and the moving targets and hazards in the third column will move faster than the moving targets and hazards in the second column. That is, for each column, the processor 905 selects a point value range, a direction of movement, and a speed of movement for the corresponding moving targets and / or hazards.

[0155] In some cases, two or more moving targets and / or hazards may be in the same lateral position as a detected shot (e.g., vertically aligned with one another). In such cases, the bottommost target aligned with the shot is selected as the target "hit"; targets higher in the row are then more valuable but more difficult to hit.

[0156] Referring again to FIG. 37A, the method 1050D begins at block 1405 where the processor 905 selects the next player to play the game. At block 1410, the processor 905 selects a corresponding sequence for each row of moving targets. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 58-61, there are three rows of targets, each having a different sequence of moving targets and hazards compared to the other rows. The processor 905 has selected sequences for the first row (e.g., the bottom row), the second row (e.g., the middle row), and the third row (e.g., the top row). Additionally, the processor 905 selects a corresponding direction and speed of movement for each row of moving targets.

[0157] At block 1415, the board dispensing assembly 800 dispenses another golf ball onto the tee face 110 for the current player's next shot based on instructions from the processor 905. At block 1420, the processor 905 generates an interface with the array of moving targets and hazards, and the digital display screen 200 presents this interface.

[0158] At block 1425, the processor 905 determines whether the current player has completed a shot. For example, the processor 905 determines that the player has completed a shot in response to any of the sensors 470, 480, 680 detecting the presence of a golf ball on the sensor assembly 300. In response to a determination by the processor 905 that the player is not yet finished, the method 1050D proceeds to block 1430.

[0159] At block 1430, the processor 905 determines whether any of the columns have reached their final target and / or hazard in the corresponding previously selected sequence. In response to the processor 905 determining that none of the columns have reached their final corresponding target and / or hazard, the method 1050D returns to block 1420 to continue generating and displaying the game interface. Alternatively, in response to the processor 905 determining that one or more of the columns have reached their final corresponding target and / or hazard, the method 1050D proceeds to block 1435 where the processor 905 again selects a corresponding new sequence for each of the columns that have reached their final target and / or hazard. Upon completion of block 1435, the method 1050D returns to block 1420.

[0160] Returning to block 1425, in response to the processor 905 determining that the player has completed the shot, the method 1050D proceeds to block 1440 of FIG. 37B.

[0161] At block 1440, the processor 905 determines whether the shot detected at block 1435 is the first shot of the current player. In response to a determination by the processor 905 that the most recently detected shot is not the first of the current player, the method 1050D proceeds to block 1450. Alternatively, in response to a determination by the processor 905 that the detected shot is the first of the current player, the method 1050D proceeds to block 1445 where the processor 905 starts a timer for the current player's default time limit. Upon completing block 1445, the method 1050D proceeds to block 1450.

[0162] In block 1450, the processor 905 detects a lateral location to which the golf ball was shot by the player. In some embodiments, the processor 905 detects the lateral location by identifying which of the ball-detection lanes 450 the golf ball traveled through when it intersected the trailing edge 125 of the putting surface 120. In embodiments in which the sensor assembly 300 includes a sensor cartridge 400, the processor 905 determines the lateral location of the shot by (1) identifying which of the sensors 470 detected the presence of the golf ball, and (2) identifying which of the ball-detection lanes 450 in turn corresponds to the sensor 470. In embodiments in which the sensor assembly 300 includes a sensor cartridge 600, the processor 905 determines the lateral location of the shot based on the detected lateral distance between the sensor 680 and the golf ball.

[0163] In block 1455, the processor 905 determines the location of the moving target at the time the shot is detected by the sensor. In block 1460, the processor 905 determines whether the shot location corresponds to a target and / or hazard. In a defenseless game, two or more moving targets and / or hazards may be in the same lateral position (e.g., vertically aligned with each other) when the current player's shot is detected. The shot location may then be aligned with multiple moving targets and / or hazards. For example, the shot location may be aligned with a first target in a first row, a second target in a second row, and a third target in a third row. In such an embodiment, the processor 905 selects the target and / or hazard in the bottommost row as the target and / or hazard to be "hit" by the player's shot as presented on the game interface. In response to the processor 905 determining that the shot location is not coincident with the target and / or hazards (e.g., not vertically aligned with the target and / or hazards), the method 1050D proceeds to block 1470.

[0164] Alternatively, in response to processor 905 determining that the shot location is coincident with a target and / or hazard (e.g., vertically aligned with a target and / or hazard), method 1050D proceeds to block 1465 where processor 905 awards or subtracts points from the user for the shot. For example, in response to processor 905 determining that a player's shot is aligned with a target, processor 905 awards the current player a point value associated with the target. In response to processor 905 determining that the current player's shot is aligned with a hazard, processor 905 subtracts the point value associated with the hazard from the current total points.

[0165] In embodiments in which the shot location is aligned with two or more targets and / or hazards, the processor 905 selects the lowest located target and / or hazard as presented on the game interface as the target and / or hazard "hit" by the player's shot and then awards or subtracts a corresponding point value from the player. That is, in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf shot is vertically aligned with both a first moving target in the lower row and a second moving target in the upper row, the processor 905 awards the current player the point value associated with the first moving target in the lower row.

[0166] Upon completing block 1465, the method 1050D proceeds to block 1470 where the processor 905 determines whether the timer's preset time limit has expired for the current player. In response to the processor 905 determining that the preset time limit has not expired for the current player, the method 1050D returns to block 1415 of FIGURE 34A to perform another shot for the current player. Alternatively, in response to the processor 905 determining that the preset time limit has expired for the current player, the method 1050D proceeds to block 1475.

[0167] In block 1475, the processor 905 determines whether there is another player to putt. In response to a determination by the processor 905 that there is another player, the method 1050D returns to block 1405 of FIG. 37A to select another player. Alternatively, in response to a determination by the processor 905 that there is not another player, the method 1050D proceeds to block 1480 where the processor 905 determines the overall score and / or winning player and / or team for the game. Additionally, the digital display screen 200 presents the overall score and / or winning player and / or team. Upon completion of block 1480, the block 1050D ends.

[0168] FIG. 38 is a flow diagram of an example method 1050E for executing a fifth game (also referred to as "Blockbreaker" or "Block Breaker Game") to implement block 1050 of FIG. 33. The flow diagram of FIG. 38 represents machine-readable instructions that may be stored in a memory (e.g., memory 910 of FIG. 29) and that, when executed by one or more processors (e.g., processor 905 of FIG. 29), cause the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 to execute a fifth game for a group of players. Although the example program is described with reference to the flow diagram shown in FIG. 38, many other methods may be used as alternatives. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to perform method 1050E. Additionally, method 1050E is disclosed in conjunction with components of FIGS. 1-32, and therefore the functionality of some of these components will not be described in detail below.

[0169] For the fifth game, the objective is to score as many points over multiple rounds. Each player will putt one or more shots (e.g., one, two, three, etc.) in each round of the game. That is, processor 905 is configured to run multiple rounds and run one or more shots for each of the players in each of the rounds. Points are awarded to players in response to hitting targets and points are deducted from players in response to hitting hazards.

[0170] As shown in Figures 62-65, the game interface initially includes targets and hazards arranged in rows. The digital display screen 200 is configured to display the same interface for the duration of the game, with the interface being updated each time a target or hazard is hit by a shot. Figures 62-65 depict example screenshots 2510, 2520, 2530, 2540 as the game interface evolves over time.

[0171] Each target and / or hazard may have the same width (e.g., two lanes of a twenty lane board). For example, the rows may be arranged such that the targets and hazards form a contiguous block at the start of a game. When a target or hazard is "hit" by a shot, it is removed from the interface. The targets and / or hazards in the upper row are then exposed to be hit by the next shot in the game. That is, in response to determining that a shot has hit a target, processor 905 removes the hit target from the interface in preparation for the next shot in the game.

[0172] In an exemplary embodiment, the targets and hazards are arranged such that the longer the game is played, the higher the point values ​​available to them. For example, the targets in the first row (e.g., the bottom row) have the targets with the lowest point values ​​(e.g., 5 points), the targets in the second row (e.g., the second bottom row) have the targets with the second lowest point values ​​(e.g., 10 points), etc. That is, based on instructions stored in memory 910, processor 905 assigns a different point value to each of the targets in the first row compared to the point value of each of the targets in the second row. Similarly, the point values ​​associated with hazards increase from the first row to the second row, increase from the second row to the third row, and so on.

[0173] Referring back to FIG. 38, method 1050E begins with block 1505 where processor 905 determines the number of rounds for the game. For example, processor 905 determines the number of rounds based on the number of players selected. Processor 905 may select fewer rounds for a line with more players and / or more rounds for a line with fewer players. In block 1510, processor 905 determines the number of shots (e.g., 2, 3, 4) for each round in the game.

[0174] At block 1515, processor 905 selects targets and / or hazards for one or more columns. For example, processor 905 selects a lateral position, width, and / or point value for each of the targets and hazards. At block 1520, processor 905 begins a round of the game. At block 1525, processor 905 selects one of the players for the next shot in the round.

[0175] In block 1900, the processor 905 detects and scores the current player's shot. An example method 1900 for detecting and scoring a player's shot is disclosed in detail below with reference to FIG. 40. As disclosed in detail below with reference to FIG. 40, the method 1900 includes the processor 905 detecting in block 1960 whether the shot location corresponds to a target and a hazard. With respect to the breakout game of FIG. 38, the targets and / or hazards are stacked on top of each other in layers of columns. The player's shot location can then be aligned with the targets and / or hazards, for example. For example, the shot location can be aligned with the first target in the first column, the second target in the second column, the third target in the third column, etc. In such an embodiment, the processor 905 selects the bottommost target and / or hazard as the target and / or hazard "hit" by the player's shot, as presented on the game interface. That is, in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with both the first target in the lower row and the second target in the upper row, processor 905 awards the current player the point value associated with the first target in the lower row.

[0176] In block 1530, the processor 905 identifies whether the current player's shot is detected as hitting a target or a hazard. In response to the processor 905 determining that the current player's shot did not hit a target or a hazard, the method 1050E proceeds to block 1540. Alternatively, in response to the processor 905 determining that the current player's shot hit a target or a hazard, the method 1050E proceeds to block 1535, where the processor removes the hit target or hazard in preparation for the next shot in the breakout game. For example, as shown in FIG. 63 and FIG. 64, the 5-point block is removed from the game interface upon hitting by the shot. FIG. 65 illustrates the game interface after the other hit targets and hazards have been removed.

[0177] At block 1540, the processor 905 determines whether there is one more shot for the current player in the current round. In response to the processor 905 determining that there is one more shot, the method 1050E returns to block 1900 to perform one more shot for the current player. Alternatively, in response to the processor 905 determining that there is not one more shot for the current player, the method 1050A proceeds to block 1545.

[0178] At block 1545, the processor 905 determines whether there is one more player to putt in the current round. In response to the processor 905 determining that there is one more player for the current round, the method 1050E returns to block 1525 to select one more player for the current round. Alternatively, in response to the processor 905 determining that there is not one more player for the current round, the method 1050E proceeds to block 1550.

[0179] At block 1550, the processor 905 determines whether there is one more round to be performed for the game. In response to the processor 905 determining that there is one more round, the method 1050E returns to block 1510 to begin the next round. Alternatively, in response to the processor 905 determining that there is not one more round, the method 1050E proceeds to block 1555, where the processor 905 determines the overall score and / or winning player and / or team for the game. Additionally, the digital display screen 200 presents the overall score and / or winning player and / or team. Upon completion of block 1555, the method 1050E ends.

[0180] FIG. 39 is a flow diagram of an example method 1050F for executing a sixth game (also referred to as an "oscilallator" or "oscillator game") to implement block 1050 of FIG. 33. The flow diagram of FIG. 39 represents machine-readable instructions that may be stored in a memory (e.g., memory 910 of FIG. 29) and that, when executed by one or more processors (e.g., processor 905 of FIG. 29), cause the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 to execute a sixth game for a group of players. Although the example program is described with reference to the flow diagram shown in FIG. 39, many other methods may be used as alternatives. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to perform method 1050F. Additionally, method 1050F is disclosed in conjunction with components of FIGS. 1-32, and therefore the functionality of some of these components will not be described in detail below.

[0181] For the sixth game, the objective is to score as many points within a predefined time limit (e.g., one minute). Each player putts as many shots as possible during the corresponding time limit. That is, the processor allows the player to take an unlimited number of shots during the predefined time limit. Once a shot is detected by the processor 905 via the sensor, another ball is rapidly dispensed by the ball dispensing assembly 800, allowing the player to quickly take another shot.

[0182] As shown in example interfaces 2610, 2620, 2630, and 2640 of FIGS. 66-69, respectively, the game interface presented by the digital display screen 200 includes a target that swings across the interface presented by the digital display screen 200. The target swings across the interface for a predefined time limit for the current player. Based on instructions stored in memory 910, the width of the swinging target gradually decreases as time passes, and the point value of the swinging target gradually increases over time. For example, as the amount of time remaining in the predefined time limit decreases, the width decreases and the point value increases. In some embodiments, the target moves at a constant speed as it swings across the interface.

[0183] Referring back to FIG. 39, the method 1050F begins at block 1605 where the processor 905 selects the next player to play the game. In addition, the ball dispensing assembly 800 dispenses golf balls onto the tee face 110 for the selected player based on instructions from the processor 905. At block 1610, the processor 905 starts a timer for a predefined time limit (e.g., 60 seconds). The player is to take as many shots as possible during the predefined time limit. At block 1615, the processor 905 identifies how much time remains during the predefined time limit.

[0184] At block 1620, the processor 905 determines whether there is any time remaining on the timer for the current player. In response to a determination by the processor 905 that there is time remaining for the current player, the method proceeds to block 1625.

[0185] In block 1625, the processor 905 selects a width and point value for the target based on instructions for the game stored in memory 910. For example, as the amount of time remaining within a predefined time period decreases, the width decreases and the point value increases. Examples of target widths and point values ​​for various amounts of time remaining are provided below in Table 1. TIFF2025040429000002.tif89154 Table 1

[0186] In some embodiments, the target width continuously decreases until a predetermined minimum target width (e.g., one lane) is reached and / or the target point value continuously increases until a predetermined maximum target point value (e.g., 50 points) is reached. In the illustrated embodiment, the minimum target width and maximum point value are reached when 10 seconds remain for the current player. In other embodiments, the target width is decreased and the point value is increased by a predetermined amount at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 5 seconds) until the minimum target width and maximum point value, respectively, are reached.

[0187] In block 1630, the processor 905 generates an interface with the swinging target, and the digital display screen 200 presents the interface. The swinging target continues to swing across the interface for the current player's predefined time limit. In some embodiments, the processor 905 causes the swinging target to move at a constant predefined speed (e.g., 1.25 lane minutes per second).

[0188] At block 1635, the processor 905 determines whether the player has completed the shot. For example, the processor 905 determines that the player has completed the shot in response to any of the sensors 470, 480, 680 detecting the presence of a golf ball on the sensor assembly 300. In response to the processor 905 determining that the player has not yet completed the shot, the method 1050F returns to block 1615. Alternatively, in response to the processor 905 determining that the player has completed the shot, the method 1050F proceeds to block 1640.

[0189] In block 1640, the processor 905 detects a lateral location to which the golf ball was shot by the player. In some embodiments, the processor 905 detects the lateral location by identifying which of the ball detection lanes 450 the golf ball traveled through when it intersected the trailing edge 125 of the putting surface 120. In embodiments in which the sensor assembly 300 includes the sensor cartridge 400, the processor 905 determines the lateral location of the shot by (1) identifying which of the sensors 470 detected the presence of the golf ball, and (2) identifying which of the ball detection lanes 450 in turn corresponds to the sensor 470. In embodiments in which the sensor assembly 300 includes the sensor cartridge 600, the processor 905 determines the lateral location of the shot based on the detected lateral distance between the sensor 680 and the golf ball. Additionally, in block 1640, the ball dispensing assembly 800 dispenses another golf ball onto the tee face 110 in preparation for the current player's next shot based on instructions from the processor 905.

[0190] In block 1645, the processor 905 determines the location of the oscillating target at the time the shot was detected by the sensor. In block 1650, the processor 905 determines whether the shot location corresponds to the oscillating target at the time the shot was taken. For example, the processor 905 determines whether the detected lateral position of the shot matches (e.g., is vertically aligned with) the lateral position of the oscillating target at the time the shot was detected.

[0191] In response to the processor 905 determining that the lateral position of the shot does not match the lateral position of the percussion target, the method 1050F returns to block 1615. Alternatively, in response to the processor 905 determining that the lateral position of the shot does match the lateral position of the percussion target, the method 1050F proceeds to block 1655 where the processor 905 awards the user points currently associated with the percussion target for hitting the percussion target with a shot.

[0192] Returning to block 1620 , in response to a determination by the processor 905 that there is no time remaining for the current player, the method proceeds to block 1660 .

[0193] In block 1660, the processor 905 determines whether there is another player to putt in the current game. In response to the processor 905 determining that there is another player for the game, the method 1050F returns to block 1605 to select the next player for the game. Alternatively, in response to the processor 905 determining that there is not a player, the method 1050F proceeds to block 1655 where the processor 905 determines the overall score and / or the winning player and / or team for the game. Additionally, the digital display screen 200 presents the overall score and / or the winning player and team. Upon completing block 1665, the method 1050F ends.

[0194] FIG. 40 is a flow diagram of an example method 1900 for detecting and scoring player shots during a game to execute blocks 1900 of FIGS. 34-39. The flow diagram of FIG. 40 represents machine-readable instructions that may be stored in a memory (e.g., memory 910 of FIG. 29) and that, when executed by one or more processors (e.g., processor 905 of FIG. 29), cause the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 to execute a sixth game for a group of players. Although the example program is described with reference to the flow diagram shown in FIG. 40, many other methods may be used as alternatives. For example, the order of execution of blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to execute method 1900. Additionally, method 1900 is disclosed in conjunction with components of FIGS. 1-32, and therefore the functionality of some of these components will not be described in detail below.

[0195] In block 1910, the processor 905 assigns a lateral position for the digital display screen 200 interface to each of the selected putting targets and / or hazards for the current shot. Additionally, the processor 905 assigns a width and point value for the digital display screen 200 interface to each of the selected putting targets and / or hazards. In an embodiment in which the sensor assembly 300 includes ball detection lanes 450 and the digital display screen 200 interface includes digital lanes 2010, the processor 905 assigns a lateral position for each putting target and / or hazard for the current shot by assigning each putting target and / or hazard to one or more of the digital lanes 2010 and a corresponding ball detection lane 450. For example, the processor 905 may assign the putting targets to one or more consecutively arranged digital lanes 2010 and a corresponding one or more ball detection lanes 450 vertically aligned with the consecutive digital lanes 2010.

[0196] Block 1920 causes the processor 905 to generate an interface for the shot and for the digital display screen 200 to present the interface, the interface indicating the location, width, and point value for each of the putting targets and / or hazards selected for the shot.

[0197] At block 1930, the ball dispensing assembly 800 dispenses a golf ball onto the tee face 110 for the player. The processor 905 controls the operation of the ball dispensing assembly 800. In some embodiments, the processor 905 is configured to instruct the ball dispensing assembly 800 to release another golf ball onto the tee face 110 at a predetermined time after the sensor 480, 680 detects that the golf ball for the previous shot has crossed the leading edge 436, 636 of the sensor cartridge 400, 600 and rolled onto the ball return surface 150. The memory 910 is configured to store respective predetermined times for each game playable on the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. In some embodiments, the predetermined times are relatively short for games that are intended to be quick. In other embodiments, the predetermined times are relatively long for games that can be played at a slower pace.

[0198] At block 1940, the processor 905 determines whether the player has completed the shot. For example, the processor determines that the player has completed the shot in response to any of the sensors 470, 480, 680 detecting the presence of a golf ball on the sensor assembly 300. In response to a determination by the processor 905 that the player has not yet completed the shot, the method 1900 remains at block 1940. Alternatively, in response to a determination by the processor 905 that the player has completed the shot, the method 1900 proceeds to block 1950.

[0199] In block 1950, the processor 905 detects a lateral location to which the golf ball was shot by the player. In some embodiments, the processor 905 detects the lateral location by identifying which of the ball-detection lanes 450 the golf ball traveled through when it intersected the trailing edge 125 of the putting surface 120. In embodiments in which the sensor assembly 300 includes a sensor cartridge 400, the processor 905 determines the lateral location of the shot by (1) identifying which of the sensors 470 detected the presence of the golf ball, and (2) then identifying which of the ball-detection lanes 450 corresponds to the sensor 470. In embodiments in which the sensor assembly 300 includes a sensor cartridge 600, the processor 905 determines the lateral location of the shot based on the detected lateral distance between the sensor 680 and the golf ball.

[0200] In block 1960, the processor 905 determines whether the shot location corresponds to any of the putting targets and / or hazards presented by the digital display screen 200 for the shot. For example, the processor 905 determines whether the detected lateral position of the shot is consistent (vertically aligned) with the assigned lateral position of any target and / or hazard at the time the shot is detected. The processor 905 determines that the shot location does not correspond to any target and / or hazard if the player's shot misses each of the putting targets and / or hazards. In response to the processor 905 determining that the lateral position of the shot does not match the lateral position of any putting target and / or hazard, the method 1900 ends. Alternatively, in response to the processor 905 determining that the lateral position of the shot is consistent with the lateral position of a putting target or hazard, the method 1900 proceeds to block 1970.

[0201] At block 1970, the processor 905 awards or subtracts points from the user for the shot. For example, in response to the processor 905 determining that the player's shot corresponds to a putting target, the processor 905 awards the player a point value associated with the putting target. In response to the processor 905 determining that the player's shot corresponds to a hazard, the processor 905 subtracts a point value associated with the putting hazard from the player's total points. The method 1900 ends upon completion of block 1970.

[0202] In some embodiments, a game (e.g., a defenseless game, a breakout game, etc.) includes multiple rows of targets stacked on top of a game interface. In such cases, a player's shot location may be aligned with multiple targets and / or hazards that are each vertically aligned with one another when the player's shot is detected by the sensor. For example, the shot location may be aligned with a first target in a first row, a second target in a second row, a third target in a third row, etc. In such embodiments, processor 905 selects the target and / or hazard in the lowest row as presented on the game interface as the target and / or hazard to be "hit" by the player's shot. Processor 905 then awards or deducts, respectively, a point value of the lowest target or hazard that is aligned with the lateral position of the shot, or awards or deducts a corresponding point value to the player.

[0203] Exemplary embodiments according to the teachings herein are disclosed below.

[0204] [Embodiment 1] A stand-alone miniature golf structure has a putting surface with a front end and a back end. The stand-alone miniature golf structure has one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects with the back end. The stand-alone miniature golf structure has a digital display screen positioned above the one or more sensors in vertical alignment with the back end of the putting surface and adjacent to the back end in vertical alignment with the back end of the putting surface, a memory for storing instructions for a plurality of miniature golf games, and one or more processors. For each shot of the plurality of miniature golf games, the one or more processors are configured to send command signals to the digital display to display one or more putting targets based on the instructions stored in the memory, identify with the one or more sensors the lateral position where the golf ball intersects with the back end of the putting surface, determine whether the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with any of the one or more putting targets, and generate a score for the shot based on the lateral position of the golf ball relative to the one or more putting targets.

[0205] [Embodiment 2] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 1, which, by virtue of instructions stored in the memory, allows any of a number of miniature golf games to be played by a range of players and for a number of game plays.

[0206] [Embodiment 3] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 2, wherein the multiple gameplays include individual gameplay and team gameplay.

[0207] [Embodiment 4] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 1, further comprising a check-in station with a user interface configured to receive user selection of one or more of a miniature golf game, game play, and number of players.

[0208] [Embodiment 5] A standalone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein one or more processors are configured to change one or more putting targets for each shot of a plurality of miniature golf games.

[0209] [Embodiment 6] A standalone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein one or more processors are configured to randomly select the lateral position, width, and point value of each of one or more putting targets for each shot in a plurality of miniature golf games.

[0210] [Embodiment 7] A standalone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein one or more processors are configured to present one or more hazards, including one or more putting targets, for one or more shots of multiple miniature golf games.

[0211] [Embodiment 8] The stand-alone miniature golf structure according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, further comprising a sensor assembly including one or more sensors, the sensor assembly being positioned adjacent to the rear end of the putting surface.

[0212] [Embodiment 9] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 8, further comprising a tee surface located adjacent to the front end of the putting surface and a ball dispensing assembly configured to return the golf ball to the tee surface in preparation for the next shot.

[0213] [Embodiment 10] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 9, further comprising a ball return surface extending between one or more sensors and the ball dispensing assembly to direct a golf ball putted by a player to the ball dispensing assembly.

[0214] [Embodiment 11] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 9 or 10, wherein one or more processors are configured to issue instructions to the ball dispensing assembly to release another golf ball at a predetermined time after one or more sensors detect that the golf ball has rolled onto the ball return surface.

[0215] A stand-alone miniature golf structure includes a putting surface having a front end and a rear end, a plurality of ball detection lanes adjacent to and extending perpendicular to the rear end of the putting surface, one or more sensors configured to detect which of the plurality of ball detection lanes a golf ball is shot into, a digital display screen positioned adjacent to and above the rear end in vertical alignment with the plurality of ball detection lanes, a memory for storing instructions for a plurality of miniature golf games, and one or more processors. For each shot in the plurality of miniature golf games, the one or more processors are configured to send command signals to the digital display to display one or more putting targets based on the instructions stored in the memory, identify with the one or more sensors a lateral position where the golf ball intersects the rear end of the putting surface, determine whether the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with any of the one or more putting targets, and generate a score for the shot based on the lateral position of the golf ball relative to the one or more putting targets.

[0216] [Embodiment 13] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 12, which, by virtue of instructions stored in the memory, allows any of a number of miniature golf games to be played by a range of players and for a number of game plays.

[0217] [Embodiment 14] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 13, wherein the multiple game plays include individual game play and team game play.

[0218] [Embodiment 15] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 12, further comprising a check-in station with a user interface configured to receive user selection of one or more of a miniature golf game, game play, and number of players.

[0219] [Embodiment 16] A standalone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 12 to 15, wherein one or more processors are configured to change one or more putting targets for each shot in a plurality of miniature golf games.

[0220] [Embodiment 17] A standalone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 12 to 16, wherein one or more processors are configured to randomly select the lateral position, width, and point value of each of one or more putting targets for each shot in a plurality of miniature golf games.

[0221] [Embodiment 18] A standalone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 12 to 17, wherein one or more processors are configured to present one or more hazards, including one or more putting targets, for one or more shots of multiple miniature golf games.

[0222] [Embodiment 19] A standalone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 12 to 18, wherein the digital display screen is configured to display a plurality of digital lanes, each of which is vertically aligned with each of a plurality of ball detection lanes to facilitate a player putting a golf ball in a direction toward one or more putting targets.

[0223] [Embodiment 20] A stand-alone miniature golf structure according to any one of embodiments 12 to 19, further comprising a sensor assembly including a plurality of ball detection lanes and one or more sensors.

[0224] [Embodiment 21] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 12 to 20, further comprising a tee surface located adjacent to the front end of the putting surface and a ball dispensing assembly configured to return the golf ball to the tee surface in preparation for the next shot.

[0225] [Embodiment 22] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 21, further comprising a ball return surface extending between one or more sensors and the ball dispensing assembly to direct a golf ball putted by a player to the ball dispensing assembly.

[0226] [Embodiment 23] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 21 or 22, wherein one or more processors are configured to instruct the ball dispensing assembly to release another golf ball onto the tee face at a predetermined period of time after one or more sensors detect that a golf ball has entered one of multiple ball detection lanes.

[0227] [Embodiment item 24] A putting structure has a putting surface with a front end and a back end. The putting structure has a tee surface located adjacent the front end of the putting surface, a ball return surface disposed below the putting surface, and a sensor assembly located adjacent the back end of the putting surface. The sensor assembly includes a sensor cartridge with one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a golf ball intersects the back end. The sensor assembly is configured to direct the golf ball from the back end of the putting surface to the ball return surface to return the golf ball to the tee surface in preparation for the next putt.

[0228] [Embodiment 25] A putting structure as described in embodiment 24, wherein the sensor cartridge has an upper surface along which the golf ball moves between the putting surface and the ball return surface.

[0229] [Embodiment 26] The putting structure of embodiment 24 or 25, wherein the sensor cartridge constitutes a leading edge of the upper surface positioned adjacent to the ball return surface. The upper surface is angled downward toward the leading edge to guide the golf ball to the ball return surface.

[0230] [Embodiment 27] The putting structure of embodiment 26, wherein the sensor cartridge further includes one or more sensors configured to detect when the golf ball intersects with a leading edge of the sensor cartridge.

[0231] [Embodiment 28] The putting structure of any one of embodiments 24 to 27, wherein the one or more sensors include a plurality of fork sensors, each of the plurality of fork sensors configured to monitor the golf ball's traversal of a corresponding predefined lateral position along the trailing edge of the putting surface.

[0232] [Embodiment 29] A putting structure described in any one of embodiments 24 to 27, wherein the one or more sensors include a lidar sensor configured to detect the lateral position where the golf ball intersects with the rear end of the putting surface.

[0233] [Embodiment 30] A padding structure according to any one of embodiments 24 to 29, wherein the sensor assembly further includes a deflector tray positioned above the sensor cartridge.

[0234] [Embodiment 31] A putting structure as described in embodiment 30, wherein the deflector tray includes a plurality of deflectors configured to define a plurality of ball detection lanes adjacent to and extending perpendicular to the rear end of the putting surface, the plurality of ball detection lanes being positioned such that a golf ball passes through one of the ball detection lanes to facilitate detection of a lateral position that is the putting position of the golf ball.

[0235] [Embodiment 32] The putting structure described in embodiment 30 or 31, wherein the sensor assembly further includes an illumination housing positioned behind the deflector tray.

[0236] [Embodiment 33] A putting structure as described in embodiment 32, wherein the lighting housing has a plurality of lights arranged in a side-by-side relationship, each of the plurality of lights being configured to illuminate a corresponding portion along the rear end of the putting surface associated with one of the lateral positions which are the putting target or the putting position of the golf ball.

[0237] [Embodiment 34] A sensor cartridge for a putting structure has a body including a top panel with an upper surface along which a golf ball travels. The upper surface has a trailing edge and a leading edge. The sensor cartridge has a plurality of walls projecting upwardly from the leading edge of the body. The plurality of walls extend between the trailing edge and the leading edge of the upper surface. The plurality of walls are parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another to define a plurality of ball detection lanes for the golf ball extending perpendicular to the leading edge of the upper surface. The sensor cartridge has a plurality of sensors, each sensor corresponding to a corresponding one of the plurality of ball detection lanes. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to detect when a golf ball passes through a corresponding ball detection lane.

[0238] [Embodiment 35] A sensor cartridge as described in embodiment 34, wherein each of the plurality of ball detection lanes has an outlet located adjacent to the leading edge of the upper surface.

[0239] [Embodiment 36] A sensor cartridge as described in embodiment 35, wherein the upper surface is angled downwardly from the trailing edge to the leading edge to guide a golf ball through a corresponding one of the outlets of a plurality of ball detection lanes.

[0240] [Embodiment 37] A sensor cartridge described in any one of embodiments 34 to 36, wherein the multiple sensors are arranged so that each of the multiple ball detection lanes is monitored by two corresponding sensors of the multiple sensors.

[0241] [Embodiment 38] A sensor cartridge as described in embodiment 37, wherein two corresponding sensors of one of the plurality of ball detection lanes are staggered relative to two corresponding sensors of an adjacent one of the plurality of ball detection lanes.

[0242] [Embodiment 39] A sensor cartridge according to any one of embodiments 34 to 38, wherein the plurality of sensors includes a plurality of fork sensors, each having two prongs.

[0243] [Embodiment 40] A sensor cartridge as described in embodiment 39, wherein each of the plurality of walls has an opening through which two prongs of a corresponding one of the plurality of fork sensors extend to enable the corresponding one of the plurality of fork sensors to monitor an adjacent one of the plurality of ball detection lanes.

[0244] [Embodiment 41] A sensor cartridge according to embodiment 39 or 40, wherein each of the multiple fork sensors has a sensor body positioned below the top panel.

[0245] [Embodiment 42] A sensor cartridge according to any one of embodiments 34 to 41, further comprising one or more second sensors configured to detect when the golf ball crosses the leading edge of the upper surface.

[0246] [Embodiment 43] A sensor cartridge according to any one of embodiments 34 to 42, wherein the main body includes a first main body and a second main body configured to be coupled to each other in a juxtaposed state.

[0247] [Embodiment 44] The sensor cartridge of embodiment 43, further comprising a latch configured to allow an operator to selectively couple and uncouple the first body and the second body.

[0248] [Embodiment 45] A sensor cartridge as described in embodiments 34 to 44, further having a bottom panel with one or more grooves, each configured to receive a portion of a corresponding roller conveyor to facilitate entry and exit into the cartridge chamber.

[0249] [Embodiment 46] A sensor cartridge for a putting structure has a body including a top panel with an upper surface along which a golf ball travels. The upper surface has a trailing edge, a leading edge, and two opposing ends. Each of the trailing edge and the leading edge extends between the two opposing ends. The sensor cartridge has a sensor positioned adjacent one of the two opposing ends and configured to detect a lateral position of a golf ball traveling along the upper surface toward the leading edge.

[0250] [Embodiment 47] 47. The sensor cartridge of embodiment 46, wherein the top surface is angled downward from the trailing edge to the leading edge to guide the golf ball toward the leading edge.

[0251] [Embodiment 48] A sensor cartridge according to embodiment 46 or 47, wherein the sensor includes a lidar sensor.

[0252] [Embodiment 49] A sensor cartridge according to any one of embodiments 46 to 48, further comprising one or more sensors configured to detect when a golf ball crosses the leading edge of the upper surface.

[0253] [Embodiment 50] A sensor cartridge according to any one of embodiments 46 to 49, wherein the main body includes a first main body and a second main body configured to be coupled to each other in a juxtaposed state.

[0254] [Embodiment 51] A sensor cartridge described in any one of embodiments 46 to 49, further having a latch configured to enable an operator to selectively connect and disconnect the first body and the second body.

[0255] [Embodiment 52] A sensor cartridge as described in embodiments 46 to 51, further having a bottom panel with one or more grooves, each configured to receive a portion of a corresponding roller conveyor to facilitate entry and exit into the cartridge chamber.

[0256] [Embodiment item 53] A putting structure has a putting surface with a front end and a back end. The putting structure has a tee surface located adjacent the front end of the putting surface, a ball return surface disposed below the putting surface, a body with a cartridge chamber disposed at the back end of the putting surface and adjacent the ball return surface, and a sensor cartridge configured to be securely received within or removed from the sensor cartridge. The sensor cartridge has one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a golf ball intersects the back end of the putting surface. The sensor cartridge is configured to direct the golf ball from the back end of the putting surface to the ball return surface to return the golf ball to the tee surface in preparation for the next putt.

[0257] [Embodiment 54] A padding structure as described in embodiment 53, further comprising one or more access panels configured to be removed from the body to provide access to the cartridge chamber.

[0258] [Embodiment 55] A padding structure as described in embodiment 54, wherein the one or more access panels include access panels positioned on opposite ends of the cartridge chamber.

[0259] [Embodiment 56] The padding structure of embodiment 55, wherein the main body includes a floor of the cartridge chamber.

[0260] [Embodiment 57] The padding structure of embodiment 56, further comprising one or more roller conveyors positioned along a floor of the cartridge chamber, the one or more roller conveyors configured to facilitate the sensor cartridge sliding in and out of the cartridge chamber.

[0261] [Embodiment 58] A sensor cartridge as described in embodiment 57, having a bottom panel with one or more grooves, each configured to receive a portion of a corresponding one of one or more roller conveyors to guide the sensor cartridge in and out of the cartridge chamber.

[0262] [Embodiment 59] The padding structure according to any one of embodiments 53 to 57, further comprising one or more stopper blocks, the one or more stopper blocks being configured to be fixed in position when the sensor cartridge is positioned within the cartridge chamber by engaging an end of the sensor cartridge to fixedly position the sensor cartridge in a fixed position.

[0263] [Embodiment 60] A padding structure according to any one of embodiments 53 to 59, wherein the sensor cartridge includes a first body and a second body configured to be coupled to each other in a juxtaposed state.

[0264] [Embodiment 61] A padding structure as described in embodiment 60, further comprising a latch configured to allow an operator to selectively couple and uncouple the first body and the second body.

[0265] [Embodiment 62] The padding structure of embodiment 61, wherein the latch is configured to couple the first body and the second body when the first body and the second body are located in the cartridge chamber. The latch is configured to decouple the first body and the second body from each other when the sensor cartridge is being removed from the cartridge chamber.

[0266] A ball dispensing assembly for a putting structure has a track along which a golf ball is configured to roll. The track extends between an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is located downstream of a putting surface of the putting structure. The outlet is positioned to dispense the golf ball onto a tee face. The ball dispensing assembly includes a frame located adjacent to at least a portion of the track and an actuator having an actuator body and an actuator arm. The actuator body is attached to the frame. The actuator arm is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The ball dispensing assembly includes a pivot arm operatively connected to the actuator arm and configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The pivot arm is configured to be in a closed position when the actuator arm is in an extended position to prevent the golf ball from being dispensed. The pivot arm is configured to be in an open position when the actuator arm is in a retracted position to allow the golf ball to be dispensed.

[0267] [Embodiment 64] The ball dispensing assembly of embodiment 63, wherein the track includes two rails extending parallel to each other.

[0268] [Embodiment 65] The ball dispensing assembly of embodiment 63 or 64, wherein the track is configured to retain one or more of the golf balls when the pivot arm is in a closed position.

[0269] [Embodiment 66] A ball dispensing assembly described in any one of embodiments 63 to 66, wherein the pivot arm is rotatably connected to the frame.

[0270] [Embodiment 67] A ball dispensing assembly described in any one of embodiments 63 to 66, wherein the pivot arm has a proximal end hingedly connected to the actuator arm such that the pivot arm rotates when the actuator arm moves between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0271] [Embodiment 68] A ball dispensing assembly described in any one of embodiments 63 to 67, wherein the pivot arm has a distal end configured to engage one of the golf balls in a closed position and disengage from the golf ball in an open position.

[0272] [Embodiment 69] The ball dispensing assembly described in embodiment 68, wherein the distal end is configured to rotate downward when the pivot arm is moving to a closed position and to rotate upward when the pivot arm is moving to an open position.

[0273] [Embodiment 70] A ball dispensing assembly described in any one of embodiments 63 to 69, further comprising a first sensor configured to detect when the ball dispensing assembly receives one of the golf balls.

[0274] [Embodiment item 71] The ball dispensing assembly of embodiment item 70, wherein the first sensor is a fork sensor positioned adjacent the inlet.

[0275] [Embodiment 72] A ball dispensing assembly described in any one of embodiments 63 to 71, further comprising a second sensor configured to detect when the ball dispensing assembly has dispensed one of the golf balls.

[0276] [Embodiment item 73] The ball dispensing assembly of embodiment item 72, wherein the second sensor is a fork sensor positioned adjacent to the outlet.

[0277] [Embodiment 74] A ball dispensing assembly as described in embodiment 63 to 73, further comprising a ramp extending from the outlet to the tee face to deliver one or more of the golf balls onto the tee face when the pivot arm is in the open position.

[0278] A stand-alone miniature golf structure has a putting surface with a front end and a back end, one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects the back end, a digital display screen positioned above the one or more sensors and adjacent to the back end so as to be vertically aligned with the back end of the putting surface, a memory for storing instructions for a miniature golf game, and one or more processors. For each shot of a multi-shot miniature golf game, the one or more processors are configured to select a first target based on instructions stored in the memory, generate an interface including the first target, send command signals to the digital display screen to display the interface, identify, via the one or more sensors, a lateral position where the golf ball intersects the back end of the putting surface, and award a first point value associated with the first target to a corresponding player in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with the first target.

[0279] [Embodiment 76] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 75, wherein the one or more processors are configured to change the location of the first target for each shot by the player.

[0280] [Embodiment 77] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 75 or 76, wherein for each shot, one or more processors are configured to randomly select a position, width, and first point value for the first target.

[0281] [Embodiment 78] A standalone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiment clauses 75 to 77, wherein for each shot, one or more processors are configured to determine whether a second target should be included based on instructions, select a second target based on instructions in response to a determination that a second target should be included, generate an interface further including the second target, and award a second point value associated with the second target to the corresponding player in response to a determination that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with the first target.

[0282] [Embodiment 79] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 78, wherein the second target is positioned adjacent to and in series with the first target.

[0283] [Embodiment 80] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 78 or 79, wherein for each shot, one or more processors are configured to determine whether a hazard should be included based on instructions, in response to a determination that a hazard should be included, select a hazard based on instructions, generate an interface further including the hazard, and in response to a determination that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with one of the hazards, award the corresponding player a third point value associated with the hazard.

[0284] [Embodiment 81] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 80, wherein the hazards are positioned adjacent to and in series with the second target and the first target.

[0285] [Embodiment 82] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 75 to 81, wherein one or more processors are configured to execute multiple rounds of a miniature golf game and execute multiple shots in each of the multiple rounds based on instructions stored in memory.

[0286] [Embodiment 83] A standalone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 75 to 82, wherein based on instructions stored in memory, one or more processors are configured to increase the difficulty for the player throughout the miniature golf game by at least one of changing the target location, narrowing the target width, or introducing hazards in preparation for each next shot for the player.

[0287] [Embodiment 84] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 75 to 83, wherein based on instructions stored in the memory, the miniature golf game includes individual game play and team game play.

[0288] [Embodiment 85] A stand-alone miniature golf structure according to any one of embodiments 75 to 84, wherein one or more sensors are positioned adjacent to the rear end of the putting surface.

[0289] [Embodiment 86] The stand-alone miniature golf structure of any one of embodiments 75 to 85, further comprising a sensor assembly defining a plurality of ball detection lanes. The digital display screen is configured to display a plurality of digital lanes, each digital lanes being vertically aligned with each of the plurality of ball detection lanes.

[0290] A stand-alone miniature golf structure has a putting surface with a front end and a back end, one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects with the back end, a digital display screen positioned above the one or more sensors and adjacent to the back end so as to be vertically aligned with the back end of the putting surface, a memory for storing instructions for a miniature golf game, and one or more processors. For each shot in the miniature golf game, the one or more processors are configured to generate an interface including a target based on instructions stored in the memory, send command signals to the digital display to display the interface, identify, with the one or more sensors, a lateral position where the golf ball intersects with the back end of the putting surface, in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with the target, provide a predetermined point value associated with the target, and in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is not vertically aligned with the target, reduce the number of remaining chances for a corresponding player by one.

[0291] [Embodiment 88] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 87, wherein one or more processors are configured to give each player a predetermined number of chances at the start of a miniature golf game.

[0292] [Embodiment 89] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 87 or 88, wherein one or more processors are configured to execute a maximum number of rounds based on instructions stored in memory.

[0293] [Embodiment 90] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 89, wherein the one or more processors are configured to award a bonus point value to each player who has at least one remaining chance upon completion of the maximum number of rounds.

[0294] [Embodiment 91] A standalone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 87 to 90, wherein for each round of the miniature golf game, one or more processors are configured to execute a shot for each remaining player.

[0295] [Embodiment 92] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 87 to 91, wherein one or more processors are configured to change the target position of the target for each round of the miniature golf game.

[0296] [Embodiment 93] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 87 to 92, wherein one or more processors are configured to decrease the target position of the target in preparation for each subsequent shot in the miniature golf game.

[0297] [Embodiment 94] A standalone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 87 to 92, wherein one or more processors are configured to remove a player in response to a determination that the player has no remaining chances.

[0298] [Embodiment 95] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 87 to 94, wherein based on instructions stored in the memory, the miniature golf game includes individual game play and team game play.

[0299] [Embodiment 96] A stand-alone miniature golf structure according to any one of embodiments 87 to 95, wherein one or more sensors are positioned adjacent to the putting surface.

[0300] [Embodiment 97] The stand-alone miniature golf structure of any one of embodiments 87 to 96, further comprising a sensor assembly defining a plurality of ball detection lanes. The digital display screen is configured to display a plurality of digital lanes, each digital lanes being vertically aligned with each of the plurality of ball detection lanes.

[0301] A stand-alone miniature golf structure has a putting surface with a front end and a back end, one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects the back end, a digital display screen positioned above the one or more sensors and adjacent the back end so as to be vertically aligned with the back end of the putting surface, a memory for storing instructions for a miniature golf game, and one or more processors, the one or more processors configured to generate an interface with a plurality of targets and a vertical centerline of the plurality of targets based on instructions stored in the memory, send command signals to the digital display to display the interface, identify with the one or more sensors the lateral position where the golf ball intersects the back end of the putting surface, and, in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with any of the plurality of targets, move the centerline and the plurality of targets laterally on the interface.

[0302] [Embodiment 99] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 98, wherein the multiple targets include one or more left side targets located to the left of the center line and one or more right side targets located to the right of the center line.

[0303] [Embodiment 100] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 99, wherein the one or more processors are configured to move the centerline and multiple targets to the right in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with one of one or more right side targets, and to move the centerline and multiple targets to the left in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with one of one or more left side targets.

[0304] [Embodiment 101] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 99 or 100, wherein the one or more left targets and the one or more right targets are mirror images of each other.

[0305] [Embodiment 102] A stand-alone miniature golf structure according to any one of embodiments 98 to 101, wherein the multiple targets are positioned adjacent to one another in succession.

[0306] [Embodiment 103] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 103, wherein based on instructions stored in the memory, the one or more processors are configured to further include a right end line and a left end line.

[0307] [Embodiment 104] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 103, wherein one or more processors are configured to end a match of the miniature golf game when the center line intersects the left end line or the right end line.

[0308] [Embodiment 105] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 98 to 104, wherein one or more processors are configured to designate each of a plurality of targets with a corresponding combination of movement magnitude and direction based on instructions stored in memory.

[0309] [Embodiment 106] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 98 to 105, wherein based on instructions stored in memory, one or more processors are configured to designate each of a plurality of targets with a corresponding point value.

[0310] [Embodiment 107] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 98 to 106, wherein based on instructions stored in the memory, the miniature golf game includes individual game play and team game play.

[0311] [Embodiment 108] A stand-alone miniature golf structure according to any one of embodiments 98 to 107, wherein one or more sensors are positioned adjacent to the rear end of the putting surface.

[0312] [Embodiment 109] The stand-alone miniature golf structure of any one of embodiments 98 to 108, further comprising a sensor assembly defining a plurality of ball detection lanes. The digital display screen is configured to display a plurality of digital lanes, each digital lanes being vertically aligned with each of the plurality of ball detection lanes.

[0313] A stand-alone miniature golf structure has a putting surface with a front end and a back end, one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects the back end, a digital display screen positioned above the one or more sensors and adjacent to the back end so as to be vertically aligned with the back end of the putting surface, a memory for storing instructions for a miniature golf game, and one or more processors configured to generate an interface including moving targets arranged in an array based on instructions stored in the memory, send command signals to the digital display to display the interface, identify with the one or more sensors a lateral position where a golf ball intersects the back end of the putting surface, determine a position of the moving targets of the interface when it is determined that the golf ball has intersected the back end of the putting surface, and award a first point value associated with a first of the moving targets to a current player in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with a first of the moving targets.

[0314] [Embodiment 111] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 110, wherein the one or more processors include hazards in at least one of the columns based on instructions stored in memory, and are configured to subtract a hazard point value associated with a first of the hazards from the current player in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with a first of the hazards.

[0315] [Embodiment 112] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 110 or 11, wherein in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with both a first one of the moving targets in a lower row in the rows and a second one of the moving targets in an upper row in the rows, the one or more processors are configured to award the current player a first point value associated with the first one of the moving targets in the lower row.

[0316] [Embodiment 113] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 110 to 112, wherein for each column, one or more processors are configured to select a range of point values, movement directions, and movement speeds for the corresponding moving targets.

[0317] [Embodiment 114] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 110 to 113, wherein for each column, one or more processors are configured to select a sequence in which a corresponding moving target will cross the interface.

[0318] [Embodiment 115] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 114, wherein in response to determining that the last of the moving targets in a sequence for one of the columns has been reached, one or more processors are configured to reselect the sequence in which the corresponding moving target will cross the interface.

[0319] [Embodiment 116] A standalone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 110 to 115, wherein one or more processors are configured to allow a current player to shoot an unlimited number of shots within a predefined time limit.

[0320] [Embodiment 117] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 116, wherein one or more processors are configured to start a predefined time limit in response to detection of a current player's first shot by one or more sensors.

[0321] [Embodiment 118] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 110 to 117, wherein the one or more processors further have a ball dispensing assembly configured to dispense a second golf ball in preparation for the current player's next shot in response to the one or more processors determining that a first golf ball of a previous shot has been detected by one or more sensors.

[0322] [Embodiment 119] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 110 to 118, wherein based on instructions stored in the memory, the miniature golf game includes individual game play and team game play.

[0323] [Embodiment 120] A stand-alone miniature golf structure according to any one of embodiments 110 to 119, wherein one or more sensors are positioned adjacent to the rear end of the putting surface.

[0324] [Embodiment 121] The stand-alone miniature golf structure of any one of embodiments 110 to 120, further comprising a sensor assembly defining a plurality of ball detection lanes. The digital display screen is configured to display a plurality of digital lanes, each digital lanes being vertically aligned with each of the plurality of ball detection lanes.

[0325] A stand-alone miniature golf structure has a putting surface with a front end and a back end, one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects the back end, a digital display screen positioned above the one or more sensors and adjacent the back end so as to be vertically aligned with the back end of the putting surface, a memory for storing instructions for a game of miniature golf, and one or more processors configured to generate an interface including targets arranged in a row based on instructions stored in the memory, send command signals to the digital display to display the interface, identify with the one or more sensors a lateral position where the golf ball intersects the back end of the putting surface, and, in response to determining that the golf ball has intersected the back end of the putting surface and is vertically aligned with a first of the targets, award a first point value to a current player associated with a first of the targets.

[0326] [Embodiment 123] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 122, wherein the digital display screen is configured to display an interface during the duration of the miniature golf game.

[0327] [Embodiment 124] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 122 or 123, wherein based on instructions stored in memory, one or more processors are configured to execute multiple rounds and execute shots for each of multiple players for each of the multiple rounds.

[0328] [Embodiment 125] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 122 to 124, wherein in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with a first of the targets, one or more processors are configured to remove the first of the targets from the interface in preparation for the next shot of the miniature golf game.

[0329] [Embodiment 126] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 122 to 125, wherein in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with both a first one of the targets in the lower row of rows and a second one of the targets in the upper row of rows, one or more processors are configured to award the current player a first point value associated with the first one of the targets in the lower row.

[0330] [Embodiment 127] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 122 to 126, wherein based on instructions stored in memory, one or more processors are configured to initially generate an interface and arrange a row of targets into contiguous blocks.

[0331] [Embodiment 128] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 122 to 127, wherein based on instructions stored in memory, one or more processors are configured to include hazards in one or more of the columns.

[0332] [Embodiment 129] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 122 to 128, wherein each of the targets has the same width based on instructions stored in memory.

[0333] [Embodiment 130] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 122 to 129, wherein based on instructions stored in memory, one or more processors are configured to give each of the targets in a first of the rows a point value that is different from the point value of each of the targets in a second of the rows.

[0334] [Embodiment 131] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 122 to 130, wherein based on instructions stored in the memory, the miniature golf game includes individual game play and team game play.

[0335] [Embodiment 132] A stand-alone miniature golf structure according to any one of embodiments 122 to 131, wherein one or more sensors are positioned adjacent to the rear end of the putting surface.

[0336] [Embodiment 133] The stand-alone miniature golf structure of any one of embodiments 122 to 132, further comprising a sensor assembly defining a plurality of ball detection lanes. The digital display screen is configured to display a plurality of digital lanes, each digital lanes being vertically aligned with each of the plurality of ball detection lanes.

[0337] A stand-alone miniature golf structure has a putting surface with a front end and a back end, one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects the back end, a digital display screen positioned above the one or more sensors and adjacent the back end so as to be vertically aligned with the back end of the putting surface, a memory for storing instructions for a miniature golf game, and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to generate an interface including a swinging target based on the instructions stored in the memory, send command signals to the digital display to display the interface, determine a position of the swinging target of the interface when it is determined that the golf ball has intersected the back end of the putting surface, and provide a point value of the swinging target to a current player in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with a first of the swinging targets.

[0338] [Embodiment 135] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 134, wherein based on instructions stored in the memory, one or more processors are configured to cause the swinging target to swing laterally across the interface.

[0339] [Embodiment 136] A stand-alone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 134 or 135, wherein based on instructions stored in memory, one or more processors are configured to gradually reduce the width of the swaying target over time.

[0340] [Embodiment 137] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 134 to 136, wherein based on instructions stored in memory, one or more processors are configured to gradually increase a point value associated with a swinging target over time.

[0341] [Embodiment 138] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 134 to 136, wherein one or more processors are configured to allow a player to shoot an unlimited number of shots within a predefined time limit.

[0342] [Embodiment 139] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 134 to 138, further comprising a ball dispensing assembly configured to dispense a second golf ball in preparation for the current player's next shot in response to one or more processors determining that a first golf ball of a previous shot has been detected by one or more sensors.

[0343] [Embodiment 140] A stand-alone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 134 to 139, wherein based on instructions stored in the memory, the miniature golf game includes individual game play and team game play.

[0344] [Embodiment 141] A stand-alone miniature golf structure according to any one of embodiments 134 to 140, wherein one or more sensors are positioned adjacent to the rear end of the putting surface.

[0345] [Embodiment 142] The stand-alone miniature golf structure of any one of embodiments 134 to 140, further comprising a sensor assembly defining a plurality of ball detection lanes. The digital display screen is configured to display a plurality of digital lanes, each digital lanes being vertically aligned with each of the plurality of ball detection lanes.

[0346] The above-described aspects or embodiments, particularly any "preferred" embodiments, are possible examples of implementations and are merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present invention. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit and principles of the technology described herein. Any and all modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0347] 10. Standalone Miniature Golf Structures 15 Main unit 21,22,23,24,25 Access Panel 40 Sideboard 50 Side cover 60 Entrance / Exit 70 Check-in Station 80,85 Signboard 110 Tee surface 120 Putting Surface 200 Digital Display Screen 210 User Interface 260 Card Reader 280 Lightning 290 Camera 300 Sensor assembly 400 Sensor Cartridge 450 Ball Detection Lanes 470 Sensors 500 Deflector Tray 525 Deflector 550 Lighting Housing 600 Sensor Cartridge 680 Sensors 800 Ball Dispensing Assembly 905 Processor 2010 Digital Lane

Claims

1. A stand-alone miniature golf structure comprising: A putting surface having a front end and a rear end; One or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where the ball intersects the rear end; A digital display screen positioned above and adjacent to the rear end of the one or more sensors so as to be aligned in a direction perpendicular to the rear end of the putting surface; A memory for storing instructions for a plurality of miniature golf games; One or more processors, wherein the processors, for each shot of the plurality of miniature golf games, Send a command signal to the digital display screen to display each of one or more putting targets based on the instructions stored in the memory; Identify, by the one or more sensors, a lateral position where the golf ball intersects the rear end of the putting surface; Determine whether the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with any of the one or more putting targets displayed on the digital display screen; A stand-alone miniature golf structure configured to generate a score for the shot based on the lateral position of the golf ball relative to the one or more putting targets.

2. The stand-alone miniature golf structure according to claim 1, wherein the instructions stored by the memory enable any one of the plurality of miniature golf games to be played by a certain range of numbers of players and for a plurality of game plays.

3. The stand-alone miniature golf structure according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of game plays include individual game plays and team game plays.

4. The stand-alone miniature golf structure according to claim 1, further comprising a check-in station with a user interface configured to receive one or more user selections among the miniature golf game, the game play, and the number of players.

5. The stand-alone miniature golf structure according to claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to change the one or more putting targets for each shot of the plurality of miniature golf games.

6. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to select a lateral position, a width, and a point value of each of the one or more putting targets for each shot of the plurality of miniature golf games.

7. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to present one or more hazards along with the one or more putting targets for one or more shots of the plurality of miniature golf games.

8. The one or more sensors include a plurality of fork sensors, The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fork sensors is configured to monitor the golf ball crossing a corresponding predetermined lateral position along the rear end of the putting surface.

9. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors include a lidar sensor configured to detect the lateral position at which the golf ball crosses the rear end of the putting surface.

10. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 1, further comprising a sensor assembly including the one or more sensors, the sensor assembly being positioned adjacent to the rear end of the putting surface.

11. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 1, further comprising a tee surface positioned adjacent to the front end of the putting surface and a ball dispenser assembly configured to return the golf ball to the tee surface for a next shot.

12. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 11, further comprising a ball return surface extending between the one or more sensors and the ball dispenser assembly to direct the golf ball putted by a player to the ball dispenser assembly.

13. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 12, wherein the one or more processors are configured to issue an instruction to the ball dispenser assembly to release another golf ball onto the tee surface at a predetermined time after the one or more sensors detect that the golf ball has rolled onto the ball return surface.

14. A stand-alone type miniature golf structure, a putting surface having a front end and a rear end, a plurality of ball detection lanes extending perpendicularly to the rear end in a state adjacent to the rear end of the putting surface, one or more sensors configured to detect in which one of the plurality of ball detection lanes a golf ball has been shot, a digital display screen positioned adjacent to the rear end and above the rear end so as to be aligned in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of ball detection lanes, a memory for storing instructions for a plurality of miniature golf games, and one or more processors, wherein the processor, for each shot of the plurality of miniature golf games, sends a command signal to the digital display screen to display each of one or more putting targets based on the instructions stored in the memory, identifies a put lane among the plurality of ball detection lanes in which the golf ball has been shot by the one or more sensors, determines whether the put lane is vertically aligned with any of the one or more putting targets displayed on the digital display screen, and is configured to generate a score for the shot based on the position of the put lane relative to the one or more putting targets. A stand-alone type miniature golf structure.

15. The stand-alone type miniature golf structure according to claim 14, wherein any one of the plurality of miniature golf games can be played by a certain number of players for a plurality of game plays according to the instructions stored by the memory.

16. The stand-alone type miniature golf structure according to claim 14, wherein the one or more processors are configured to change the one or more putting targets for each shot of the plurality of miniature golf games.

17. The stand-alone type miniature golf structure according to claim 14, wherein the one or more processors are configured to select a lateral position, a width, and a point value of each of the one or more putting targets for each shot of the plurality of miniature golf games.

18. The stand-alone miniature golf structure according to claim 14, wherein the one or more processors are configured to present one or more hazards along with the one or more putting targets for one or more shots of the plurality of miniature golf games.

19. The stand-alone miniature golf structure according to claim 14, wherein the digital display screen is configured to display a plurality of digital lanes that are each aligned perpendicular to a respective one of the plurality of ball detection lanes so as to facilitate putting the golf ball in a direction towards the one or more putting targets.

20. The one or more sensors include a plurality of fork sensors, The stand-alone miniature golf structure according to claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of fork sensors is configured to monitor a corresponding one of the plurality of ball detection lanes of the golf ball.

21. The stand-alone miniature golf structure according to claim 14, wherein the one or more sensors include a lidar sensor configured to detect a put lane among the plurality of ball detection lanes from which the golf ball is shot.

22. The stand-alone miniature golf structure according to claim 14, further comprising a sensor assembly including the plurality of ball detection lanes and the one or more sensors.

23. The stand-alone miniature golf structure according to claim 14, further comprising a tee surface located adjacent to the front end of the putting surface and a ball dispenser assembly configured to return the golf ball to the tee surface for a next shot.

24. The stand-alone miniature golf structure according to claim 23, further comprising a ball return surface extending between the one or more sensors and the ball dispenser assembly to direct the golf ball putted by a player towards the ball dispenser assembly.

25. The stand-alone miniature golf structure according to claim 24, wherein the one or more processors are configured to issue an instruction to the ball dispenser assembly to release another golf ball onto the tee surface after a predetermined period after the one or more sensors detect that the golf ball has entered one of the plurality of ball detection lanes.

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