A system for integrating physical and electronic sports

Abstract

The system for the hybrid electronic and physical sports experience includes a physical playing environment (500) for a pair of teams to play a physical sport, sporting objects for playing the physical sport within the physical playing environment, at least two electronic game controllers each associated with one of the teams, and a display board. The components of the physical playing environment modified to receive electronic communications from the electronic game controllers may include at least one goal (240) and a lighting system (290). At least two of the electronic game controllers enable an electronic sports team member to send instructions to modify at least one of the components of the playing environment. The display board receives electronic communications from the electronic game controllers and displays the status of the hybrid electronic and physical sports experience.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems, processes, techniques, and methods for playing sports, and more specifically to devices, systems, processes, techniques, and methods that combine mechanics for playing electronic sports with mechanics for playing physical sports, such as football (e.g., football / soccer, American football, Canadian football, rugby union, rugby league, Australian rules, or similar sports), basketball, netball, hockey, lacrosse, or other goal (e.g., goals, hoops, uprights, etc.) based sports, and to providing entertainment using such devices, systems, processes, techniques, and methods. [Background technology]

[0002] Both electronic sports, also called e-sports, and physical sports are popular forms of recreation, entertainment, and competition. As electronic sports develop, there is a trend to blend electronic sports experiences with physical sports experiences, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,399,633 describes an interactive mixed reality system in which both real-world and virtual-world entities are integrated to allow aspects of the physical world to be part of the electronic game or sports environment. Other methods of combining electronic sports and physical sports also use the body as an input for electronic games. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,399,633 describes a home entertainment system for video game systems that includes a modular remote wireless handheld game control device with capabilities including position sensing. The Nintendo® Wii® home entertainment system allows users to use realistic body movements to control movements in various electronic games and electronic sports.

[0003] US Patent Publication 2005 / 0133963 describes an interactive apparatus and method that allows participants to compete in interactive games based on events occurring in real time. Furthermore, the system and method seeks to allow remote or electronic players to interact with physical sporting events in real time. However, it is still not possible for electronic sports players to play electronic sports simultaneously and on the same team as physical sports players. In addition, methods and systems for electronic sports players to affect the physical environment to enable more satisfying recreation, entertainment, and competition have not been integrated into physical sports gameplay. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application No. 2020 / 0368616 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 8,313,379 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,862 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure seeks to overcome these limitations by providing systems and methods that enable electronic sports players to control the physical sports environment to the benefit of their own team or the detriment of an opposing team during the course of a physical sports game.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system in which electronic sports players play electronic sports simultaneously and on the same team as physical sports players.

[0007] Therefore, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a hybrid electronic and physical sports experience by combining mechanics and a playing field for physical and electronic sports to create a hybrid sports environment.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a gaming system in which electronic sports players control the physical playing environment during the course of a physical sport to the advantage of their team or to the detriment of an opposing team. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment disclosed herein provides a system for a hybrid electronic and physical sports experience including a physical playing environment for a pair of teams to play a physical sport, sporting objects for playing the physical sport within the physical playing environment, a plurality of components of the physical playing environment, at least two electronic game controllers, and a display board, wherein at least one component of the physical playing environment is modified to receive electronic communications from at least two electronic game controllers each associated with one of the teams and to change state in response to a predetermined electronic communication from one of the electronic game controllers, and wherein the display board is capable of receiving electronic communications from the electronic game controllers to display a status of the hybrid electronic and physical sports experience.

[0010] Another embodiment disclosed herein provides a hybrid electronic and physical sports experience comprising a physical playfield including at least two goals, a plurality of electronic game controllers in electronic communication with the goals, a lighting system for the physical playfield in electronic communication with the electronic game controllers, and a display board for displaying a status of a game being played on the physical playfield, the display board in electronic communication with the electronic game controllers, wherein each goal is associated with a team and at least one electronic game controller is associated with each team.

[0011] Another embodiment disclosed herein provides a hybrid electronic and physical team sports environment comprising a means for playing a physical team sport including a physical sports environment, a plurality of means for playing electronic sports, each in electronic communication with at least a portion of the physical sports environment, and a means for modifying the physical sports environment in response to electronically communicated instructions from the means for playing the electronic sports.

[0012] One embodiment disclosed herein provides a system for a hybrid electronic and physical sports experience in which at least one component of the playing environment includes at least one goal.

[0013] Another embodiment disclosed herein provides a system for a hybrid electronic and physical sports experience, where at least one component of the playing environment includes a lighting system, a sound system, an interactive floor projection system, a holographic projection system, or a smoke and fan system.

[0014] Yet another embodiment disclosed herein provides a system for a hybrid electronic and physical sports experience in which an electronic game controller enables a user to send commands to modify at least one of a lighting system, a sound system, an interactive floor projection system, a smoke and fan system, a holographic projection system, a display board, and the goals.

[0015] Another embodiment disclosed herein provides a system for a hybrid electronic and physical sports experience in which at least one component of a playing environment includes at least two goals, each associated with one of the teams, and a predetermined electronic communication from an electronic game controller associated with a first team may instruct a goal associated with a second team to increase in size.

[0016] A predetermined electronic communication from an electronic game controller associated with the first team may instruct the goal associated with the first team to be reduced in size.

[0017] The plurality of electronic game controllers may include a first electronic game controller associated with a first team and a second electronic game controller associated with a second team.

[0018] The plurality of electronic game controllers may also include a third electronic game controller associated with a neutral game administrator.

[0019] The means for modifying the physical sports environment may also include means for adjusting a size of the first goal, means for adjusting a size of the second goal, means for adjusting a lighting system, and means for adjusting a sound system.

[0020] The means for modifying the physical sports environment may also include means for adjusting a height of the first goal and means for adjusting a height of the second goal.

[0021] The means for modifying the physical sports environment may also include means for adjusting the direction and intensity of lighting from the lighting system.

[0022] The predetermined electronic communication from the electronic game controller associated with the first team may include instructions for the lighting system to project additional light within the line of sight of the second team for a predetermined period of time.

[0023] The predetermined electronic communication from the electronic game controller associated with the first team may include instructions for the lighting system to dim the light for a predetermined period of time.

[0024] The means for playing a physical sport may also include means for displaying game situations and rule changes.

[0025] The means for playing the electronic sport may be one of a mobile phone, a tablet, a touch screen device, a virtual reality headset, a voice input headset, a voice input device, or a wearable device for voice or touch input.

[0026] In addition to the illustrative summary above, the disclosed invention may include any feature or step or group of features or steps illustrated in the description and / or drawings. Other illustrative advantages and / or objectives of the inventions disclosed herein, and the manner in which they are achieved, are further described in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Effect of the Invention

[0027] It is an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment and sporting system by combining mechanics of playing physical and electronic sports, in which an electronic sports player controls a physical sports environment to the advantage of his team or to the detriment of an opposing team during the course of a physical sports game.

[0028] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this first disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a physical playing environment for a pair of teams to play in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a lighting system as a component of a physical playing environment according to another embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a close-up view of a portion of a goal assembly, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a close-up view of a motor assembly for adjusting goal height, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a physical playing environment for playing hybrid physical and electronic basketball. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6 is a detailed top view of the goal according to one embodiment shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6 is a detailed top view of the goal according to one embodiment shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system architecture used for electronic communication between an electronic game controller and components of a playing environment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system architecture used for electronic communication between an electronic game controller and components of a playing environment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] SUMMARY Disclosed herein are systems and methods that integrate electronic and physical sports by enabling electronic sports players to control the physical sports environment.

[0031] As used herein, the term "electronic communication" refers to any form of communication transmitted, stored, or viewed using electronic media, such as wireless and wired transmissions (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc., and communication over cables, including LAN cables, MIDI cables, audio cables, HDMI cables, etc.), electronic storage media (computer-readable storage media, such as fixed (hard) drives, floppy disks, optical disks, magnetic tape, semiconductor memories such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory, or any transmission / reception medium such as the Internet or other communications network or link, or any other electronic storage medium, etc.), and electronic displays for displaying information (such as CRTs (cathode ray tubes), LCDs (liquid crystal displays), or LEDs (light emitting diodes), or other types of electronic monitors, etc.). Various implementations of the systems and methods described herein may be implemented using digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to transmit data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0032] A system for a hybrid electronic and physical sports experience includes a physical playing environment in which at least one of the components of the physical playing environment can be controlled and modified by at least one of a plurality of electronic game controllers, one electronic game controller can be associated with each of the teams, and a third electronic game controller can be associated with a neutral game coach or umpire.

[0033] The components of the physical playing environment include a pair of goals, each associated with one of the teams. The components of the physical playing environment may also include a lighting system, a sound system, an interactive floor projection system, a holographic projection system, and a smoke and fan system. Other components of the physical playing environment may be controlled and modified by electronic game controllers, as known by those skilled in the art or skilled in each particular sport. The lighting system, the sound system, the interactive floor projection system, the holographic projection system, and the smoke and fan system are in electronic communication with at least one of the electronic game controllers. For example, in some embodiments, only the electronic game controller associated with a neutral game coach or umpire is in electronic communication with the smoke and fan system. In other embodiments, the lighting system, the sound system, the interactive floor projection system, the holographic projection system, and the smoke and fan system are in electronic communication with all of the electronic game controllers.

[0034] A system for a hybrid electronic and physical sports experience includes a physical playing environment (100) for a pair of teams (not shown) to play a physical sport as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the pair of teams are both human teams. In other embodiments, the pair of teams may include a human team and a team that includes some or all computerized and / or robotic players. The physical playing environment (100) includes multiple components of the playing environment, such as a pitch having a first half (110) associated with a first team and a second half (120) associated with a second team, sidelines (170), penalty areas (165), a center circle (160), corner arcs (155), goal lines (150), and a fence or barrier (180). Sporting objects, such as balls, shuttlecocks, pucks, etc., for playing a physical sport in the physical playing environment (100) are also part of the system. In a preferred embodiment, the size of the pitch must be between 12 metres and 15 metres wide and between 20 metres and 25 metres long, with the semicircular radius of the penalty area (165) being 2 metres and the width being 4 metres.

[0035] Further components of the playing environment (100) include a pair of goals (130, 140), each associated with one of the teams associated with a respective half (110, 120). A first goal (130) is associated with the first team and the first half (110), and a second goal (140) is associated with the second team and the second half (120). Further, the height of at least one of the goals (130, 140) may be adjusted by receiving a command from an electronic game controller. The height adjustment may be for the duration of game play or for a predetermined time. For example, the height of the first goal (130) may be increased by an e-sports player of the second team using an associated electronic game controller. Alternatively, the height of the first goal (130) may be decreased by an e-sports player of the first team using an associated electronic game controller. In some embodiments, the width of at least one of the goals (130, 140) may be adjusted by receiving commands from an electronic game controller. A neutral game coach or umpire using a separate electronic game controller not associated with either of the teams may increase or decrease the height of either goal as a penalty or for other entertainment or sporting purposes.

[0036] The hybrid system also includes a display board, not shown, to display game status and rule changes. The display board is capable of receiving electronic communications from the electronic game controller to display status of the hybrid electronic and physical sports experience. For example, the display board may be configured to display changes in the time remaining in the game or changes in the game clock, and provide notifications regarding changes in game rules, changes in game players, or changes in items being played by the e-sports players, etc., in response to receiving electronic communications from the electronic game controller. The display board may also be configured to display and update the score and the time remaining in the game or the game clock.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a playing environment (200) including a field having a first half (210) associated with a first team, a second half (220) associated with a second team, a goal (240), and a penalty area (260), and a ceiling (230) to which a lighting system (290) is attached. Components of the playing environment (200) include the lighting system (290), which includes a number of light sources attached to the ceiling (230) as shown in FIG. 2. Alternative embodiments may include a lighting system with independent light sources around the playing field. The lighting system (290) also includes an array of electronic circuits for electronically controlling the direction and intensity of the lighting and receiving commands from an electronic game controller. The lighting system (290) of the physical playing environment (200) is capable of receiving predetermined electronic communications from at least one of the electronic game controllers. The lighting system (290) of the physical playing environment (200) can adjust the direction and / or intensity of lighting on the pitch and / or portions of the pitch from the lighting system (290) in response to certain electronic communications from the electronic game controller.

[0038] The electronic game controller may be equipped with a number of predetermined electronic communications for strategic use during game play. In some embodiments, a predetermined electronic communication from an electronic game controller associated with a first team instructs the lighting system (290) to project additional light within the line of sight of a second team for a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, a predetermined electronic communication from an electronic game controller associated with a first team instructs the lighting system (290) to reduce light on some or all of the playfield for a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, a predetermined electronic communication from an electronic game controller may instruct a sound system to change the tempo or volume of game audio or to play a distracting sound such as a siren. For example, a predetermined electronic communication from an electronic game controller associated with a first team instructs a sound system to play loud music for a predetermined period of time to disrupt the verbal exchanges of the second team.

[0039] The electronic game controller enables users, including electronic sports team members, neutral game coaches, and referees, to send commands to the lighting system (290) to thereby modify the physical sports environment (200) by adjusting the direction and / or intensity of lighting from the lighting system (290) onto the physical sports field.

[0040] The system for the hybrid electronic and physical sports experience includes a display board, the display board in electronic communication with an electronic game controller. The electronic game controller allows users, including e-sports team members, neutral game coaches, and referees, to modify the display board. The display board receives electronic communication from the electronic game controller and displays a status of the hybrid electronic and physical sports experience. For example, the display board can display the score, the time remaining in the game, the time remaining for any modifications made by the e-sports players, the status of any modifications made by the e-sports players, etc.

[0041] The dimensions of the goal are mechanically controlled in response to a predetermined electronic communication from the electronic game controller, and expand and contract according to the e-sports item being used by the user of the electronic game controller. For example, the goal may be adjusted hydraulically or by one or more motors and linear actuators. FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of a portion of a goal assembly according to some embodiments. The assembly includes a track (141), a roller wheel (142), a frame (143), a first mechanical rack (144), and a barrier mesh (145). A motor can drive a pinion to engage with the first mechanical rack (144) to slide the frame (143) holding the barrier mesh (145) in the track (141) by the roller wheel (142), so that the frame (143) and the barrier mesh (145) cover the side portion of the goal (140). The track (141) may be integrated into the top bar of the goal (140). Alternatively, other methods can be used to adjust the size of the goal.

[0042] FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of a motor assembly for adjusting the height of a goal according to some embodiments. The assembly includes a second mechanical rack (147), a pinion gear (148), and a motor (146) mounted on a second frame. The motor drives the second mechanical rack (147) and pinion gear (148) mechanism by rotating the pinion gear (148), thereby raising or lowering a panel of barrier mesh enclosed in a frame extending below the pinion gear (148) to cover or reveal at least a top portion of the goal (140). In some embodiments, the panel can be lowered to cover the entire entrance of the goal (140). The second mechanical rack (147) and pinion gear (148) mechanism adjusts the height of the goal assembly by vertically raising or lowering the panel of barrier mesh enclosed in a frame extending below the pinion gear (148). The motor (146) may be an electric motor in some embodiments. The motor (146) is started when the assembly receives a command from one of a plurality of electronic game controllers. For example, the height of the second goal (140) (as shown in FIG. 1) may be increased when an esports player of a first team sends a corresponding command to the motor (146) using an associated electronic game controller. Additionally, the height of the second goal (140) (as shown in FIG. 1) may be decreased when an esports player of a second team sends a corresponding command to the motor (146) using an associated electronic game controller.

[0043] In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses a hybrid electronic and physical sports experience comprising a physical playing environment including two goals for a pair of teams to play futsal, where a first goal is associated with the first team and a second goal is associated with the second team. Further, a height of the goal is adjusted by receiving an instruction from one of a plurality of electronic game controllers. The first controller is associated with the first team and the second controller is associated with the second team. Also, a lighting system, a sound system, an interactive floor projection system, a holographic projection system, and / or a smoke and fan system of the physical playing environment may be modified in response to an instruction from one of the plurality of electronic game controllers.

[0044] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses a hybrid electronic and physical sports experience including a physical playing environment for a pair of teams to play ice hockey, the system including two goals, a first goal associated with the first team and a second goal associated with the second team. Further, the height and width of the goals are adjusted by receiving instructions from one of a plurality of electronic game controllers. The first controller is associated with the first team and the second controller is associated with the second team. Also, a lighting system, a sound system, an interactive floor projection system, a holographic projection system, and / or a smoke and fan system of the physical playing environment may be modified in response to instructions from one of the plurality of electronic game controllers.

[0045] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses an apparatus and method for playing football (e.g., futsal, soccer / football, American football, Canadian football, rugby union, rugby league, Australian rules, or a similar sport), where the system includes two goals, a first goal associated with a first team and a second goal associated with a second team. Furthermore, the height of the goals is adjusted by receiving instructions from one of a plurality of electronic game controllers. The first controller is associated with the first team and the second controller is associated with the second team. Also, a lighting system, a sound system, an interactive floor projection system, a holographic projection system, and / or a smoke and fan system of the physical playing environment may be modified in response to instructions from one of the plurality of electronic game controllers.

[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a physical playing environment for playing hybrid physical and electronic basketball. The illustrated system for a hybrid electronic and physical sports experience includes a physical playing environment (500) suitable for playing the physical sport of basketball and two basketball hoop assemblies (530, 540), each having a goal or basketball hoop, where a first goal is associated with a first half of a basketball court (510) associated with a first team, and a second goal is associated with a second half of the basketball court (520) associated with a second team. The basketball hoop assemblies (530, 540) may include a backboard, a goal (i.e., a hoop), a robotic arm, a support structure, and wheels. The basketball hoop assemblies (530, 540) include a robotic arm for lifting and adjusting the height of the backboard and goal in response to electronic communication from an electronic game controller. The basketball hoop assemblies (530, 540) may also be mounted on wheels and motorized to allow the entire assembly to be moved in response to electronic communications from an electronic game controller. For example, the basketball hoop assembly (540) may be moved farther away from the second half of the basketball court (520) in response to electronic communications from an electronic game controller associated with a second team to make it more difficult for the physical sports players of the first team to score.

[0047] A plurality of electronic game controllers are in electronic communication with the goals, with at least one electronic game controller associated with each team. Additionally, at least one goal of the physical playing environment (500) is modified to receive a predetermined electronic communication from at least one of the electronic game controllers. In some embodiments, the predetermined electronic communication includes instructions to change the diameter or width of the basketball hoop or goal. In some embodiments, the predetermined electronic communication includes instructions to change the height of the goal or basketball hoop by modifying the height of the supports. For example, the goal may be adjusted by a robotic arm, hydraulically, or by one or more motors. In some embodiments, a predetermined electronic communication from an electronic game controller associated with a first team instructs a robotic arm that is part of a basketball hoop assembly (540) associated with a second team to decrease the height of the goal. Additionally, another predetermined electronic communication from an electronic game controller associated with a first team may instruct a robotic arm that is part of a basketball hoop assembly (530) associated with a first team to increase the height of the goal.

[0048] 6(a) and 6(b) are detailed top views of a portion of a basketball hoop assembly (530) associated with a first team. In some embodiments, the basketball hoop assembly (530) includes a backboard (532), a goal (531), a first reserve goal (533), a second reserve goal (534), and a mechanism (535) for moving the reserve goals (533, 534) from behind the backboard to in front of the backboard so that they face the field of play along with the goal (531). The mechanism (535) may be any electronically controlled mechanism, such as a motor and actuator, and may be partially or fully integrated into the backboard (532). In some embodiments, the backboard (532) includes an LED (light emitting diode) display and performs some or all of the functions of a display board.

[0049] In some embodiments, the electronic game controller may be configured to deliver instructions to move additional goals into the field of play. For example, a physical playing environment for playing hybrid physical and electronic basketball may be provided with a basketball hoop assembly having multiple hoops or goals, as shown in FIG. 6. One or more of the reserve goals (533, 534) may be moved into the field of play for a predetermined period of time by a mechanism (535) in response to a predetermined electronic communication from an electronic game controller associated with a second team. During that period, a physical sports player of the second team may score by using any of the goals in the field of play, thereby providing additional goals for the physical sports player. In other embodiments, an additional basketball hoop assembly may be moved onto the field of play, thereby providing additional goals for the physical sports player.

[0050] The present invention provides devices, systems, processes, techniques, and methods for electronic sports players to affect a physical sports environment for physical sports players as members of a hybrid physical and electronic sports team. The electronic sports players modify the physical sports environment to the advantage of their team or to the disadvantage of the opposing team during the course of a physical game. For example, in some embodiments, the physical sports environment may include a smoke and fan system, a holographic projection system, and / or an interactive projection system.

[0051] For example, in some embodiments, the interactive projection system may project objects onto the playing field, a portion of the playing field, or at least one goal for a predetermined period of time in response to a predetermined electronic communication from an electronic game controller associated with the first team. During that period, physical sports players of the first team may score additional points by passing the ball over or stepping on the projected object. In some embodiments, only the physical sports player who has control over the sports object (ball, shuttlecock, puck, etc.) may score points by running over or dribbling on the projected object. The interactive projection system may be configured to monitor interactions with the projected objects using infrared light or digital light processing (DLP®) technology, erase the projected objects after they have been interacted with, and provide updated scores to the display board.

[0052] For example, in some embodiments, the holographic projection system may project a three-dimensional object or hologram onto the playing field, a portion of the playing field, or at least one goal for a predetermined period of time in response to a predetermined electronic communication from an electronic game controller associated with the first team. During that period, physical sports players of the first team may score additional points by interacting with the projected hologram. For example, the electronic game controller may send instructions to the holographic projection system to project a hologram showing a smaller target in the goal. In some embodiments, only physical sports players with control of the sports object (ball, shuttlecock, puck, etc.) may score additional points by hitting or passing through the hologram showing the smaller target in the goal. The holographic projection system may be configured to monitor interactions with the projected holograms, erase the projected holograms after they have been interacted with, and provide updated scores to the display board.

[0053] In some embodiments, the smoke and fan system may include, for example, a theatrical smoke machine and / or fog machine, and a fan configured to rapidly remove the smoke from the playfield. As used herein, "smoke" may mean smoke, fog, mist, or other substance created to obstruct visibility on the playfield. In some embodiments, the smoke and fan system may introduce smoke onto the playfield or near a goal in response to a predetermined electronic communication from an electronic game controller associated with a first team. The smoke and fan system may blow away the smoke introduced in response to an esports play by an esports player of the first team in response to a second predetermined electronic communication from a second electronic game controller associated with a second team. The esports are played by electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, touch screen devices, virtual reality headsets, audio input headsets, audio input devices, wearable devices for audio input and / or touch input, and the like. Further, one means for playing the electronic sport is associated with a first team and another means for playing the electronic sport is associated with a second team.

[0054] In one embodiment, a system for playing electronic sports includes three electronic game controllers, a first game controller associated with a first team, a second game controller associated with a second team, and a third game controller associated with a neutral game official. In one embodiment, the neutral game official is referred to as a coach. In another embodiment, the neutral game official may be referred to as an umpire.

[0055] 7(a) and 7(b) show an embodiment of a system architecture used for a hybrid electronic and physical sports experience. The electronic game controller is a gaming client used, for example, by e-sports players and neutral game instructors. The electronic game controller can communicate with the server via protocols such as HTTP and MQTT. In some embodiments, the server includes a web controller using, for example, React.JS, a server-side application using, for example, Node.JS, a database using, for example, PostgreSQL, and an MQTT broker. The illustrated architecture allows the e-sports players and neutral game instructors to deliver commands to modify at least one of a lighting system, a sound system for providing game audio, a display board or scoreboard, and goals. In other embodiments, other outputs may allow one or more of the users to deliver commands to a smoke and fan system, a holographic projection system, or an interactive projection system. The server sends commands via protocols such as Web MIDI, Web Audio, HDMI, MQTT, etc., by using an interface such as a MIDI cable, an audio cable, an HDMI cable, a LAN cable, Wi-Fi, etc. The instructions may include instructions to increase the size of the goal, instructions to decrease the size of the goal, instructions to adjust the size of the goal, instructions to project additional light within the second team's line of sight for a predetermined period of time, instructions to dim the light for a predetermined period of time, instructions to adjust the direction and intensity of the light, instructions to play a distracting sound such as a siren, instructions to change the tempo or volume of music or other game audio, instructions to change the time remaining in the game or the game clock, instructions to update the score, instructions to provide notification regarding changes to the game rules, game players, or items being played by esports players, etc.

[0056] The devices, systems, processes, techniques, and methods disclosed herein are not limited to futsal, football, and basketball. They are also applicable to netball, hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, or other goal (e.g., goal, hoop, upright, etc.) based sports, providing amusement, competition, and entertainment using such devices, systems, processes, techniques, and methods disclosed herein. In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses an apparatus and method for playing any physical sport with at least one goal, each goal associated with a team. For example, a hybrid physical and electronic streetball or half-court basketball experience may have a physical playing environment that includes one goal. The goal is associated with a first team on offense. The relevance of the goal changes when the offensive team scores or when the defensive team has possession of the ball and clears the ball beyond the three-point line, making a goal associated with a second team. In other embodiments, the electronic game controller may be configured to deliver instructions to move additional goals into the field of play, for example, as described above with reference to FIG. 6.

[0057] It will be understood that the foregoing description has been given merely as an illustration of the invention, rather than as a limitation thereof, and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0058] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of stated features, elements, components, groups, wholes, and / or steps, but do not exclude other unstated features, elements, components, groups, wholes, and / or steps. The above also applies to words having similar meanings, such as the terms "having" and "including" and their derivatives. Also, the terms "section", "part", "portion", "member" or "element", when used in the singular, may have a dual meaning of a single part or multiple parts.

[0059] Further, in this document, relative terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc. may be used merely to distinguish one entity or act from another entity or act without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or hierarchy between such entities or acts. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "has," "having," "includes," "including," "contains," "containing," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or contains a list of elements may include other elements not expressly recited or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus, rather than including only those elements. An element followed by "comprises...a," "has...a," "includes...a," or "contains...a" does not, without further constraints, exclude additional identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or contains the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more, unless expressly stated otherwise in this specification. The terms "substantially," "essentially," "approximately," "about," or any other form thereof, are defined as being close to, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, but not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways not listed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 100 Physical Play Environment 110 First Half 120 Second Half 130 First Goal 140 Second Goal 141 Orbit 142 Roller Wheel 143 Frames 144 First Mechanical Rack 145 Barrier Mesh 146 Motor 147 Second Mechanical Rack 148 Pinion Gear 150 Finish Line 155 Corner Arc 160 Center Circle 165 Penalty Area 170 Sideline 180 Fences, Barriers 200 Playing Environment 210 First Half 220 Second Half 230 Ceiling 240 goals 260 Penalty Area 290 Lighting System 500 Physical Playing Environment 510 First half of the basketball court 520 Second half of the basketball court 530 Basketball Hoop Assembly 531 goals 532 Backboard 533 1st reserve goal 534 Second reserve goal 535 Mechanism 540 Basketball Hoop Assembly

Claims

1. 1. A system for a hybrid electronic and physical sports experience, comprising: a physical playing environment for a pair of teams to play a physical sport, at least one component of said physical playing environment being modified to receive electronic communications from at least two electronic game controllers, each associated with one of said teams, and to change state in response to a predetermined electronic communication from one of said electronic game controllers; sports objects for playing said physical sport within said physical playing environment; a display board capable of receiving electronic communications from the electronic game controller and displaying a status of the hybrid electronic and physical sports experience; Including, the system.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one component of the physical playing environment includes at least one goal.

3. the at least one component of the physical playing environment includes at least two goals, each associated with one of the teams; The system of claim 2 , wherein the predetermined electronic communication from the electronic game controller associated with a first team instructs the goal associated with a second team to be increased in size.

4. the at least one component of the physical playing environment includes at least two goals, each associated with one of the teams; The system of claim 2 , wherein the predetermined electronic communication from the electronic game controller associated with a first team instructs the goal associated with the first team to be reduced in size.

5. The system of claim 2 , wherein the at least one component of the physical playing environment includes a lighting system, a sound system, an interactive floor projection system, a holographic projection system, or a smoke and fan system.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the predetermined electronic communication from the electronic game controller associated with a first team instructs the lighting system to project additional light within the line of sight of a second team for a predetermined period of time.

7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the predetermined electronic communication from the electronic game controller associated with a first team instructs the lighting system to dim the lights for a predetermined period of time.

8. a physical playing field including at least two goals, each goal being associated with a team; a plurality of electronic game controllers in electronic communication with the goal, at least one electronic game controller being associated with each team; a lighting system for said physical playing field in electronic communication with said electronic game controller; a display board in electronic communication with said electronic game controller for displaying a status of a game being played on said physical playing field; A hybrid electronic and physical team sports environment.

9. The environment of claim 8 , wherein the electronic game controller enables a user to transmit instructions to modify at least one of the lighting system, the display board, and the goals.

10. The environment of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of electronic game controllers includes a third electronic game controller associated with a neutral game administrator.

11. A means for playing a physical team sport including a physical sports environment; a plurality of means for playing electronic sports, each in electronic communication with at least a portion of the physical sports environment; means for modifying the physical sports environment in response to electronically communicated instructions from the means for playing the electronic sport; A hybrid electronic and physical team sports environment.

12. The environment of claim 11 , wherein the physical sports environment includes a lighting system, a sound system, and a first goal associated with a first team and a second goal associated with a second team.

13. the means for modifying the physical sports environment includes means for adjusting a size of the first goal; means for adjusting the size of said second goal; means for adjusting the lighting system; means for adjusting said sound system; The environment of claim 12 , comprising:

14. The environment of claim 12 , wherein the means for modifying the physical sports environment includes means for adjusting a height of the first goal and means for adjusting a height of the second goal.

15. The environment of claim 12 , wherein the means for modifying the physical sports environment includes means for adjusting a direction and intensity of lighting from the lighting system.

16. The environment of claim 12 , wherein the means for playing the physical team sport includes means for displaying game states and rule changes.

17. 13. The environment of claim 12, wherein the means for playing the electronic sport is one of a mobile phone, a tablet, a touch screen device, a virtual reality headset, a voice input headset, a voice input device, or a wearable device for voice input or touch input.

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