Stand-alone multi-game miniature golf structure

Abstract

To provide a device and a method for a stand-alone type miniature golf structure capable of changing the form of an obstacle or a hole over the whole course.SOLUTION: A miniature golf structure (10) has a digital display screen (200) vertically aligned with the rear end of a putting surface (120) and a sensor (300) for detecting the lateral position at which a plurality of balls intersect the rear end of the putting surface. The processor is configured to send a command signal to the digital display to display a putting target for each shot of the plurality of miniature golf games, identify a lateral position at which the one golf ball intersects the putting surface with the sensor, determine whether the lateral position is vertically aligned with any putting surface, and generate a score for the shot based on the lateral position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] [Citation of Related Applications] This application claims the benefit 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 "minigolf" 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 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 challenging yet enjoyable. 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 by a wide variety of obstacles and holes throughout the course. The holes are spaced and scattered from one another to allow various players to navigate the course without interfering with each other. To accommodate this arrangement of holes, many miniature golf courses have a fairly large footprint that is often expensive to construct and maintain.

[0005] Additionally, large miniature golf obstacles are large objects fixed in position relative to one or more of the holes on 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, creating a multi-tiered miniature golf hole. While these hole configurations are initially entertaining, many repeat players of miniature golf courses may become bored of encountering the same obstacles over and over again. Thus, it may be advantageous for miniature golf course operators to occasionally change the obstacle and hole configurations throughout the course. However, operators often do not do so because replacing obstacles and / or reconfiguring holes on a miniature golf course is often expensive and can 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 as set forth in the claims. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examining the following figures and detailed description, other embodiments are envisioned according to the teachings set forth herein, and these embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0007] An exemplary embodiment is illustrated for a stand-alone, multi-game miniature golf structure. The 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 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 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, the lateral position where the golf ball intersects 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 into which of the plurality of ball detection lanes a golf ball is shot, a digital display screen positioned adjacent to and above the rear end so as to be vertically aligned 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 transmit a command signal to the digital display. screento display one or more putting targets based on instructions stored in memory, and one or more sensors to detect when the golf ball is Putting lane among multiple ball detection lanes Identify the Putting Lane is vertically aligned with any of the one or more putting targets, and Putting Lane The system is configured to generate a score for the shot based on the position of the

[0009] An exemplary putting structure disclosed herein has a putting surface with a front end and a rear end. The putting structure has a tee surface located adjacent to the front end of the putting surface, a ball return surface disposed below the putting surface, and a sensor assembly located adjacent to the rear end of the putting surface. The sensor assembly includes a sensor cartridge with one or more sensors configured to detect the lateral position of a golf ball as it intersects with the rear end. The sensor assembly is configured to direct the golf ball from the rear end of the putting surface to the ball return surface and 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 travels. The upper surface has a trailing edge and a leading edge. The sensor cartridge has a plurality of walls projecting upward 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 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 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 opposite ends. Each of the trailing edge and the leading edge extends between the two opposite ends. The sensor cartridge has a sensor positioned adjacent to one of the two opposite ends and configured to detect the 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 rear end. The putting structure has a tee face 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 rear 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 the lateral position of a golf ball as it intersects with the rear end of the putting surface. The sensor cartridge is configured to direct the golf ball from the rear end of the putting surface to the ball return surface and return the golf ball to the tee face 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 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 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 in a multiple miniature golf game, 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, the 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 and adjacent to the one or more sensors 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 the 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; award a predetermined point value associated with the target in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with the target; and reduce the number of remaining chances for a corresponding player by one in response to determining that the lateral position of the golf ball is not vertically aligned with the target.

[0016] Another exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure disclosed herein includes a putting surface having a front end and a rear end, one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects the rear end, a digital display screen positioned above and adjacent to the one or more sensors so as to be vertically aligned with the rear 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 with a plurality of targets and a vertical centerline of the plurality of targets based on the 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 rear 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 rear end, one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects the rear end, a digital display screen positioned above and adjacent to the one or more sensors so as to be vertically aligned with the rear 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 with a plurality of targets and a vertical centerline of the plurality of targets based on the 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 rear 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, based on the instructions stored in the memory, an interface including a row of moving targets, 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, determine the position of the moving targets in the interface when the golf ball is determined to have intersected the back end of the putting surface, and award a first point value associated with the first of the moving targets to the 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 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 game of miniature golf, and one or more processors configured to generate, based on the instructions stored in the memory, an interface including a swinging target, send command signals to the digital display to display the interface, determine a position of the swinging target in the interface when the golf ball is determined to have intersected the back end of the putting surface, and award 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 configurations as known in the art. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure in accordance with the teachings herein. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary stand-alone miniature golf structure in accordance with the teachings herein. [Figure 3]2A-2C illustrate various shots that may occur on the exemplary 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. [Figure 5] 4 illustrates the putting surface of FIG. 3, an exemplary ball return surface of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1, and an exemplary sensor assembly. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary paths of a golf ball entering the sensor assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6A and 6B show exemplary paths of a golf ball exiting the sensor assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 shows the sensor assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 shows 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 shows the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 with various access panels removed. [Figure 19] 6 illustrates 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. [Figure 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. [Figure 25] 25A-25C illustrate 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 illustrate 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 illustrate 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 illustrate 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 exemplary electronic components of the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 30] 2A and 2B show 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. [Figure 31]31 shows the vertical alignment of the background digital lane of FIG. 30 with the ball detection lane of the sensor assembly of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 32] FIG. 31 further illustrates the status bar of FIG. 30. [Figure 33] 2 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of operating the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 in accordance with the teachings herein. [Figure 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. [Figure 35] 10 is a flow diagram of an example method for the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 to execute a second game. [Figure 36] 10 is a flow diagram of an example method for the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 to execute a third game. [Figure 37A] 10 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] 10 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] 10 is a flow diagram of an example method for the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 to conduct a sixth game. [Figure 40] 2 is a flow chart of an example method for detecting and scoring a player's shots for the stand-alone miniature golf structure of FIG. 1 . [Figure 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. [Figure 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. [Figure 43]42 is a schematic diagram of the first interface of FIG. 41. [Figure 44] 35 is a schematic diagram of a third interface of the first game of the game of FIG. 34. [Figure 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 diagram of another exemplary interface for the second game of FIG. 35. [Figure 50] 36 is a diagram of another exemplary interface for the second game of FIG. 35. [Figure 51] 36 is a diagram of another exemplary interface for 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 diagram of the interface presented by the 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 diagram of the interface presented by the 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 diagram of the interface presented by the 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 diagram of the interface presented by the 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 INVENTION

[0022] While the present invention may be embodied in various forms, the drawings show some illustrative and non-limiting embodiments, which will be described below; however, the disclosure should be considered as an exemplification of the invention, rather than as limiting the invention to the particular embodiments shown.

[0023] The standalone miniature golf structures disclosed herein are configured to implement 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 variety of user-selected gameplays, such as individual and team gameplay. In this manner, the standalone miniature golf structures provide players with an unlimited number of non-repetitive play experiences, thereby ensuring that returning players do not tire of playing games with the standalone miniature golf structures. New games can be easily uploaded to the standalone miniature golf structures and / or updated over time, further diversifying the playing experience for returning 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 includes a tee face, a digital display screen, and a putting face extending from the tee face toward the digital display screen. A player putts 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 the 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 in 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 toward 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 toward 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 includes one or more sensors (e.g., fork sensors, proximity switches, lidar sensors, etc.) positioned adjacent the trailing edge of the putting surface. The sensors are configured to detect the lateral position of the golf ball as it intersects the trailing edge of the putting surface. That is, the sensors enable detection of whether a player putts the golf ball to a lateral position along the trailing edge that is vertically aligned with a putting target presented on a digital display screen.

[0027] The stand-alone miniature golf structure has lanes that facilitate alignment of the target on the 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 multiple ball detection lanes adjacent to the rear of the putting surface. The ball detection lanes facilitate sensors to accurately detect the lateral position where the 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 to the putting surface. The digital lanes facilitate a player's identification of the location of the target and / or the corresponding lateral position of the rear of the putting surface.

[0028] The stand-alone miniature golf structure is configured to facilitate easy access to and from the cartridge chamber to allow 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 and from 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. This sensor cartridge configuration allows the stand-alone miniature golf structure to be installed in a relatively tight 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 variety of gaming experiences. The memory is configured to store instructions for multiple miniature golf games, allowing a player to play any 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 randomly select multiple games, the size of each target, the location of each target, and the score associated with each target. The processor sends command signals to the digital display screen to cause the selected targets to be presented in a selected manner. The processor is also configured to detect, based on data collected via the sensor, the lateral position at which the golf ball intersects with the rear 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 predetermined 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. 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 the previous shot to keep the miniature golf game running in a timely and organized manner.

[0031] 1-3 illustrate 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 from which one or more players 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 face 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. In addition, 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 putts from the golf ball away from the tee face 110 and along the putting surface 120 toward the putting target. Sensor assembly 300 is configured to detect whether the golf ball is putted into a lateral position along the back edge 125 of putting surface 120 that aligns with any of one or more putting targets and / or hazards provided by digital display screen 200. As disclosed in detail below, 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 aligns with the putting target, the player may be awarded a predetermined amount of points associated with the putting target. If the detected lateral position of the shot aligns with a hazard, the player may be deducted a predetermined amount of points associated with the hazard. In some embodiments, the putting targets and / or hazards provided by 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 FIG. 3 , an off-target shot 140 may bounce off the sideboards 40 and return to the tee surface 110, allowing the player to retry the putt.

[0035] 1 , the ramp portion of the main 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 main body 15 has one or more ball retention rails 64 and one or more ball retention fences 66 ( FIG. 5 ). Each ball retention fence 66 is coupled to a corresponding ball retention rail 64, and the ball retention rails 64 and ball retention fences 66 are positioned to retain golf balls on the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. For example, each pair of ball retention rails 64 and ball retention fences 66 is positioned adjacent the rear portion of the main 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 side board 40 and side cover 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the ball dispensing assembly 800 is housed within the right side board 40 and side cover 50. The ball dispensing assembly 800 includes a ramp 890 that extends from the corresponding side board 40 to the tee face 110 so that the ball dispensing assembly 800 can return the golf ball to the tee face 110 in preparation for the next shot.

[0037] Additionally, tee surface 110 extends from the 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 retention rails 62 and fences extend around a portion of the tee 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 tee face 110 to provide access to and from the tee face 110. That is, each doorway 60 allows a player to enter or exit the tee face 110 of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the tee face 110 and doorways 60 are configured to allow able-bodied and disabled individuals to access the tee face 110 and play on the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. For example, the tee 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 tee face 110 is wide enough to accommodate the limited 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 gameplay 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 , digital display screen 200 and sensor assembly 300 are mounted to the rear portion of body 15. Digital display screen 200 is mounted to the rear portion of body 15 so as to be positioned above and vertically aligned with sensor assembly 300 and rear end 125 of 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 digital display screen 200. Additionally, camera 290 is mounted to the rear portion above digital display screen 200. Camera 290 is configured to capture images and / or video of players and / or shots during a game being played on stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. In some embodiments, the captured images and / or video are then provided by a display, such as 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 internal 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 internal components of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10.

[0042] 4 shows the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 with the putting surface 120 removed to reveal 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. Additionally, 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 the ball dispensing assembly 800 (FIGS. 7 and 22).

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

[0044] Referring to FIG. 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 a 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, ball return surface 150 is positioned below putting surface 120 to facilitate the subsequent return of the golf ball from tee face 110 (Figures 1-3) for a new shot. As shown in Figure 7, ball return surface 150 extends between sensor assembly 300 and ball dispensing assembly 800. In particular, the ball return surface in the illustrated embodiment extends from the leading edge of the sensor cartridge of sensor assembly 300 (e.g., sensor cartridge leading edge 436 in Figure 10, sensor cartridge leading edge 636 in Figure 16, etc.) to ball dispensing assembly 800. The putting surface 120, sensor assembly 300, and ball return surface 150 are positioned relative to one another so 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., sensor cartridge top surface 435 in FIG. 10, sensor cartridge top surface 635 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 golf ball return path 135. That is, the sensor assembly 300 is configured to direct the golf ball from the trailing end 125 of the putting surface 120 toward the ball return surface 150 and ball dispensing assembly 800 to return the golf ball to the tee face 110 for the next putt.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, ball return surface 150 is oriented at a downward slope from sensor assembly 300 to ball dispensing assembly 800 so that gravity can assist in returning the golf ball toward tee face 110. Referring again to Figure 5, putting surface 120 is angled (sloped) at a slope from its front end to its rear end. Putting surface 120 is tilted to allow ball return surface 150 to be positioned below 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 plurality of sensors 470 (also referred to as "first sensors" or "lane detection sensors") configured to detect the lateral position at which 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 predetermined lateral position along the trailing edge 125 of the putting surface 120, thereby detecting when the golf ball crosses the corresponding predetermined 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 main body 405 to allow access to components housed below the upper panel 430.

[0050] The top surface 435 has a leading edge 436 and a trailing edge. The top surface 435 slopes downward 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 to and flush with the ball return surface 150. The top surface 435 slopes downward 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 plurality of walls 460 (also referred to as "lane walls") projecting upward from the top surface 435. Each wall 460 extends between a trailing edge 436 and a leading edge 436 of the top surface 435. The walls 460 are parallel to and spaced apart from one another, thereby at least partially defining 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, and each fork sensor has two oppositely positioned prongs. 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 prong of the fork sensor extends upward from the corresponding sensor body into an opening in a wall 460. Each prong 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 the adjacent walls 460.

[0053] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the sensors 470 are positioned such that each 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. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the front sensors 472 and rear sensors 474 is a fork sensor. Each ball detection lane 450 is monitored by a corresponding front sensor 472 and a corresponding rear sensor 474, thereby detecting a golf ball that enters the corresponding ball detection lane 450. As shown in FIG. 10 , each wall 460 has 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. Furthermore, 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 intersects the leading edge 436 of the sensor cartridge 400. The sensors 480 are positioned near the leading edge 436 to detect when the golf ball intersects the leading edge 436. The sensors 480 may include proximity sensors, such as non-contact proximity sensors. The sensors 480 may also include photoelectric sensors, such as photoelectric beam sensors. 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 the golf ball intersects any portion of the leading edge 436 located between the transmitter 482 and the receiver 484. As will be disclosed in detail below, the point at which the golf ball intersects 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, sensor cartridge 400 is shown detecting two shots landing at different locations on top surface 435. Figure 13 shows two lines with arrows, each indicating the path of the golf ball for a respective shot. A horizontal line indicates the detection beam of each of 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 left-most 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 passes through the ball detection lane 450. In addition, sensor 480 is configured to detect when the golf ball crosses the leading edge 436 and leaves 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 passes through the ball detection lane 450. Sensor 480 is also configured to detect when the golf ball crosses the leading edge 436 and leaves 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 side panels 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 combine with each other to form the side panel 410 of the sensor cartridge 400. The front panels 420 of the cartridge bodies 402, 404 combine with each other to form the front panel 420 of the sensor cartridge 400. The rear panels 425 of the cartridge bodies 402, 404 combine with each other to form the rear panel 425 of the sensor cartridge 400. The upper panels 430 of the cartridge bodies 402, 404 combine with each other to form the upper panel 430 of the sensor cartridge 400. The bottom panels 440 of the cartridge bodies 402, 404 combine 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 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 enable the standalone miniature golf structure 10 to be installed in tight spaces. For example, if the sensor cartridge 400 were formed with a single, inseparable body, an operator would need a clearance along the side of the body 15 of the standalone miniature golf structure 10 the length of the sensor cartridge 400 to remove the sensor cartridge 400 from the cartridge chamber 700, for example, for maintenance purposes. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor cartridge 400 is formed with removable cartridge bodies 402, 404, reducing the required clearance 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 each other, 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 sidewalls 510 and a roof 520 extending between and connected to the sidewalls 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 in an illumination housing 550 (FIG. 15) to illuminate one or more of the targets and / or ball-detection lanes 450 associated with the putt.

[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 arranged side by side between opposing sidewalls 510 to at least partially define ball detection lanes 450. The deflectors 525 extend from the rear to the front of the deflector tray 500 such that each ball detection lanes 450 extends perpendicular to the rear end 125 of the putting surface 120. Additionally, each deflector 525 has opposing deflection surfaces 530. For example, each deflector 525 has a left deflection surface 530 and a right deflection surface 530. The left deflection surface 530 is configured to direct a golf ball toward the left side of the corresponding deflector 525 into the ball detection lane 450, and the right deflection surface 530 is configured to direct a golf ball toward the right side of the corresponding deflector 525 into the ball detection lane 450.

[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 plurality 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 side by side to define lighting lanes 565 extending forward from the back panel 555. The lighting housing 550 further includes a plurality of canopy panels 570, each extending over a front edge 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 a respective one 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 shows another example sensor cartridge 600 of the sensor assembly 300. For example, the sensor assembly 300 may include the sensor cartridge 600, the deflector tray 500, and the 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 includes a sensor 680 (also referred to as a "first sensor") configured to detect the lateral position of a golf ball as it intersects the trailing edge 125 of the putting surface 120. Figure 17 shows the sensor 680 of the sensor cartridge 600 detecting two shots that land 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 a 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 travels (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, the side panels 610, the front panel 620, and the rear panel 625 each include 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, front panel 620, rear panel 625, upper panel 630, and / or bottom panel 640 may be decoupled from other components of the main body 600 to allow access to components housed beneath the upper panel 630.

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

[0070] In some embodiments, sensor cartridge 600 includes one or more second sensors configured to further detect when the golf ball crosses leading edge 636 of sensor cartridge 600. The second sensors may be positioned near leading edge 636 to detect when the golf ball crosses leading edge 636. The second sensors may include proximity sensors, non-contact proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, photoelectric beam sensors, etc. As disclosed in detail below, the time when the golf ball crosses leading edge 636 is used to control when 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 will be 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 the insertion and removal of the sensor cartridge into and from the cartridge chamber 700.

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

[0073] Each cartridge body 602, 604 has side panels 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 combine with each other to form the side panel 610 of the sensor cartridge 600. The front panels 620 of the cartridge bodies 602, 604 combine with each other to form the front panel 620 of the sensor cartridge 600. The rear panels 625 of the cartridge bodies 602, 604 combine with each other to form the rear panel 625 of the sensor cartridge 600. The upper panels 630 of the cartridge bodies 602, 604 combine with each other to form the upper panel 630 of the sensor cartridge 600. The bottom panels 640 of the cartridge bodies 602, 604 combine 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. Furthermore, in other embodiments, each cartridge body 602, 604 can include a corresponding sensor 680 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 enable the standalone miniature golf structure 10 to be installed in tight spaces. For example, if the sensor cartridge 600 were formed with a single, inseparable body, an operator would need a clearance along the side of the body 15 of the standalone miniature golf structure 10 the length of the sensor cartridge 600 to remove the sensor cartridge 600 from the cartridge chamber 700, for example, for maintenance purposes. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor cartridge 600 is formed with removable cartridge bodies 602, 604, reducing the required clearance 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 each other, set one of the cartridge bodies 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, and 25 removed from the main body 15. The access panel 25 has been removed from the main body 15 to provide access to the cartridge chamber 700. The main body 15 of the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 defines the cartridge chamber 700. As shown in FIG. 19, the sensor cartridges 400 and 600 of the sensor assembly 300 are housed within the cartridge chamber 700. The cartridge chamber 700 is positioned adjacent the rear end 125 of the putting surface 120 and the ball return surface 150 so that the sensor cartridges 400 and 600 can be securely housed in fixed positions adjacent 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 detached from the main 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 main body 15, and the other access panel 25 is configured to be positioned on the right side of the main body 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the left access panel 25 remains coupled to the main body 15, and the right access panel 25 is detached to provide access to the cartridge chamber 700.

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

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

[0080] The stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 includes 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 conveyor 720 is configured to facilitate the sliding of the sensor cartridges 400, 600 into and out of the cartridge chamber 700. The roller conveyor 720 is positioned adjacent to the right doorway to facilitate the insertion and removal of the sensor cartridges 400, 600 into and from the cartridge chamber 700 via the right doorway. The roller conveyor 730 is positioned adjacent to the left doorway to facilitate the insertion and removal of the sensor cartridges 400, 600 into and from 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] Referring to Figure 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 extending parallel to one another. The track further includes 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] Track 810 extends between inlet 805 and notch 875 of ball dispensing assembly 800. Referring briefly back to FIG. 7, inlet 805 is positioned downstream of ball return surface 150, sensor assembly 300, and putting surface 120. Outlet 875 is positioned to dispense golf balls onto tee face 110. In the illustrated embodiment, ball dispensing assembly 800 includes a ramp 890 that extends from outlet 875 onto tee face 110 to deliver golf balls onto 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 illustrate 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 illustrate the features of frame 820, actuator 835, and pivot arm 860.

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

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

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

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

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

[0090] 22 , ball dispensing assembly 800 includes one or more sensors 880, 885. Sensor 880 (also referred to as the “first sensor” or “ball acceptance sensor”) is positioned near 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 release sensor”) is positioned near 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 the receipt and dispensing of a golf ball, respectively.

[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 communications 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, etc. The memory 910 may include one or more of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, read-on memory, etc. In some embodiments, the memory 910 may include a combination of multiple types of memory, such as volatile and 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 described herein. For example, the instructions may reside completely or partially within the memory 910, any one or more of the computer-readable media, 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. Furthermore, 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 form of computer-readable storage device and / or storage disk, and is expressly defined to exclude propagating signals.

[0094] The communications module 970 is configured to enable wired or wireless communications 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 perform one or more functions.

[0095] The communications module 970 includes a wired or wireless network interface that enables communications with a network and / or computing devices. The communications 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 communications module 970 includes hardware, software, and a network interface capable of communicating via a wireless personal area network (WPAN), such as Bluetooth®. In such an embodiment, the communications module 970 can perform pairing with another nearby computing device. Additionally or alternatively, the communications 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.) via a WPAN or WLAN to receive user selections from the player. The communications module 970 may be configured to communicate with the mobile device, an operator, and / or a remote server to receive updates for one or more games.

[0097] Input devices for the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 include a user interface 250 and a card reader 260 for the check-in station 70. In some embodiments, the user interface 250 for the check-in station 70 is a touchscreen 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 activate output devices.

[0098] The input device of electronic component 900 further includes one or more shot sensors 920. Shot sensors 920 are configured to detect the lateral position at which the golf ball is putted by the player. Exemplary shot sensors 920 include sensor 470 of sensor cartridge 400 and sensor 680 of sensor cartridge 600. Shot sensors 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 for electronics 900 include a sensor 880 configured to detect when ball dispensing assembly 800 receives a golf ball, a sensor 885 configured to detect when ball dispensing assembly 800 releases a golf ball for dispensing, a camera 290 mounted on the rear portion of body 15, and / or a clock 930. Clock 930 may be used to monitor how long a group occupies stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. Additionally or alternatively, clock 930 may be used to time the release of a golf ball from ball dispensing assembly 800 after the golf ball rolls out of sensor cartridge 400, 600.

[0100] The electronics 900 of the standalone miniature golf structure 10 further includes a plurality of output devices, including a digital display screen 200 configured to provide a plurality of interfaces for the available games of the standalone miniature golf structure 10. As described in further 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 in FIGS. 30 and 31), a status bar associated with the game being played (e.g., status bar 2050 in FIGS. 30 and 32), animations, and / or other information.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, the output device further includes 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 the 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 operate the actuator arm 245 of the actuator 235. The controller 960 may include a processor and / or memory, and the controller is configured to control the operation 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 standalone miniature golf structure 10, for example, based on instructions stored in the memory 910. For example, the memory 910 is configured to store instructions for each of the games playable on the standalone miniature golf structure 10. In some embodiments, the instructions stored in the memory 910 enable one or more of the games to be played by a range of players forming a range of players and / or multiple different gameplays. For example, the instructions enable the game to be played by two to six players based on user selection. The instructions enable 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 group. For team gameplay, two or more players are grouped together into teams to compete against other teams in a group.

[0103] Processor 905 is configured to send command signals to digital display screen 200 to display a game interface based on instructions stored in memory 910. For example, digital display screen 200 is configured to provide one or more putting targets and / or one or more hazards based on instructions sent by processor 905. Processor 905 is configured to select a lateral position, width, and point value for each of the putting targets and / or hazards provided by digital display screen 200 based on instructions stored in memory 910. In some embodiments, processor 905 is configured to randomly select the lateral position, width, and point value for each putting target and / or hazard. As disclosed in more detail below, processor 905 may be configured to vary the putting targets and / or hazards provided by digital display screen 200 for each shot in a game, for example, to keep repeat players engaged 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 shows an example interface 2000 with such a background. In FIG. 30 , the background includes a plurality of digital lanes 2010 vertically aligned with a predetermined 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 shown 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, the 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] 30, digital display screen 200 is configured to provide a status bar near the top of each interface for a game based on instructions received by processor 905. As shown in FIG. 32, 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 for each player (the player currently putting), and the gameplay (e.g., individual mode or team mode) of the game. Processor 905 is configured to send instructions to digital display screen 200 that cause status bar 2050 to update 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, and 680 of sensor assembly 300. For each putt, processor 905 is configured to detect, using sensors 470 and 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, using sensor 470, into which of ball detection lanes 450 the golf ball was shot.

[0107] In this case, processor 905 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 digital display screen 200. 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, processor 905 assigns a predetermined point value to the corresponding player. If the lateral position of the putt is aligned with the lateral position of a hazard, processor 905 subtracts a predetermined point value from the corresponding player.

[0108] After detecting the shot, the processor 905 is configured to control 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 intersected 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 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 a 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 comprising one or more programs that, when stored in a memory (e.g., memory 910 of FIG. 29) and executed by one or more processors (e.g., processor 905 of FIG. 29), cause the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10 to conduct one or more games for a group of players. While the example program is described with reference to the flow diagram shown in FIG. 33, many other methods can be used as alternatives. For example, the execution order of blocks can be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to implement method 1000. Furthermore, because 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, in block 1010, processor 905 identifies the number of players in a row. For example, user interface 250 of check-in station 70 receives a user selection of the number of players from one of the players, and processor 905 collects the user-selected number of players from user interface 250. In block 1020, processor 905 identifies a name for each row. For example, user interface 250 receives a user selection of the player's name, and processor 905 collects the user-selected name from user interface 250. Additionally or alternatively, processor 905 identifies, via the user selection collected by user interface 250, whether any of the players are able-bodied or disabled 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] At block 1030, the processor 905 identifies a game to be played by the group of players. In some embodiments, the processor 905 randomly selects a game to be played from a plurality of games uploaded to the standalone miniature golf structure 10 (e.g., by executable instructions stored in memory 910). 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 a gameplay for the selected game. For example, the selected game can be played in individual mode or team mode. In some embodiments, the processor 905 automatically selects a gameplay for the selected game based on the user-selected number of players. For example, if there are two players in the group, the processor 905 automatically selects 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, processor 905 executes the selected game based on instructions stored in memory 910. Example methods for executing the games are disclosed in detail below. For example, FIG. 34 shows an example method 1050A for executing a first game, FIG. 35 shows an example method 1050B for executing a second game, FIG. 36 shows an example method 1050C for executing a third game, FIG. 37A and FIG. 37B show an example method 1050D for executing a fourth game, FIG. 38 shows an example method 1050E for executing a fifth game, and FIG. 39 shows an example method 1050F for executing a sixth game.

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

[0114] In block 1070, the processor 905 determines the total score for each player and / or team in the row. A display, such as the digital display screen 200, presents the total score in the row. Additionally or alternatively, the processor determines the winning player and / or team for the session, and the display displays 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 standalone miniature golf structure 10 to execute a first game for a group of players. While the example program is described with reference to the flow diagram shown in FIG. 34, many other methods may alternatively be used. For example, the execution order of the blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to implement method 1050A. Furthermore, because method 1050A is disclosed in conjunction with components of FIGS. 1-32, 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., three rounds, four rounds, etc.). Within each round, players in a group take turns taking a predetermined number of shots (e.g., three shots). In some embodiments, if the group determines that the group includes able-bodied and disabled players, each player putts 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 presented by the digital display screen 200. For example, the processor 905 may generate a game interface including a first target, a secondary target, a tertiary target, a hazard, etc. If the lateral location at which the golf ball is putted is vertically aligned with the first putting target, the player is awarded a first point value associated with the first putting target. Similarly, if the lateral location at which the golf ball is putted is vertically aligned with the second putting target or the third putting target, the player is awarded a second point value associated with the second putting target or a third point value associated with the third putting target. In contrast, if the lateral location 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 change from shot to shot. For example, processor 905 varies the location, width, and / or point value of the targets and / or hazards based on instructions stored in 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 target width, and / or increasing hazard width. In some embodiments, no repeated lateral locations are selected as the center point of each player's first putting target. 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 for shots, and FIGS. 43-46 show example diagrams 2130, 2140, 2150, 2160 for the respective interfaces.

[0120] Referring again to FIG. 34, method 1050A begins at block 1105, where processor 905 determines the number of rounds for the game. For example, processor 905 determines the number of rounds based on a user-selected number of players. Processor 905 may select a smaller number of rounds for a group of players and / or a larger number of rounds for a group of players. At 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 the user-selected number of players and / or the number of rounds selected for the game. Processor 905 may select a smaller number of shots per round for a game with a larger number of rounds and / or a group of players. Processor 905 may select a larger number of shots per round for a game with a smaller number of rounds and / or a group of players.

[0121] At block 1115, processor 905 begins a round of the game. At block 1120, 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, and 2160, the first putting target corresponds to the target with the highest value.

[0123] In block 1130, 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 these 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 target. For example, each second putting target is located adjacent to the first putting target, and each third putting target is 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] In block 1135, processor 905 selects any hazards for the shot. Each hazard corresponds to a respective negative point value. In selecting the hazards, processor 905 selects a lateral location, width, and / or point value for each hazard. Figure 42 and Figures 44-46 each illustrate hazards. In some embodiments, 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 (Figures 44 and 46), or a third putting target (Figures 42 and 45). In some embodiments, processor 905 randomly selects the lateral location, width, and / or point value associated with the hazard.

[0125] At block 1900, processor 905 detects and scores the player's shot. An exemplary method 1900 for detecting and scoring the player's shot is disclosed in detail below with reference to FIG. 40. At block 1140, processor 905 updates the player's and / or player's team's total points based on the most recent shot. For example, processor 905 increases the total points if the shot was against a putting target or subtracts from the total points if the shot was against 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 processor 905 determining 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 processor 905 determining that there is not one more shot, method 1150A proceeds to block 1150.

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

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

[0129] FIG. 35 is a flow diagram of an example method 1050B of executing a second game (also referred to as "survival" or "survival game") to implement 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), may comprise one or more programs that cause the standalone 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 alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to implement method 1050B. Additionally, because method 1050B is disclosed in conjunction with components of FIGS. 1-32, 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 multiple rounds (e.g., six rounds, eight rounds, etc.). Each player putts one shot for each round. Each player begins with a predetermined number of lives (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) at the start of the game. That is, the processor 905 is configured, based on instructions stored in the memory 910, to allocate a predetermined number of lives to each player at the start of the game. Each player putts one shot for each round. In some embodiments, once the group has determined that the group includes able-bodied and disabled players, the players 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 position of the shot matches the lateral position of the target, a predetermined point value is assigned to the player. If the player misses the target (e.g., if the lateral position of the shot does not match the lateral position 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 changes for each round and / or each shot. In some embodiments, the location and / or width of the target is 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 locations 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 previous 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 each interface of the game.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0140] At block 1255, processor 905 determines whether there are any players who have at least one life remaining after the completion of the last round. In response to the processor determining that there are no remaining players, method 1050B proceeds to block 1260, where processor 905 determines the overall score and / or winning player and / or team for the game. In addition, digital display screen 200 presents the overall score and / or winning player and / or team. Returning to block 1255, in response to the processor determining that there are remaining players, method 1050B proceeds to block 1265, where processor 905 awards a predetermined bonus point value to each remaining player. Upon completing block 1265, method 1050B proceeds to block 1260. Upon completing block 1260, 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 standalone miniature golf structure 10 to execute the third game for a group of players. While the example program is described with reference to the flow diagram shown in FIG. 36, many other methods may alternatively be used. For example, the execution order of the blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to implement method 1050C. Furthermore, because method 1050C is disclosed in conjunction with components of FIGS. 1-32, the functionality of some of these components will not be described in detail below.

[0142] With respect to the third game, the objective 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 mode 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 end the match. For each round, one player from each player / team takes 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 player or one player / team are located on one side of the center line, and the putting targets for the other player / team are located on the other side of the center line.

[0144] 52-57 illustrate example interfaces 2310, 2320, 2330, 2340, 2350, and 2360, respectively, showing a match of a game. For example, FIG. 52 illustrates the start of a match, FIG. 57 illustrates the end of the match, and FIGS. 53-56 illustrate portions of the match between the start and end. In the example interfaces, each player / team is assigned three targets, with a first target extending from the 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, which 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 their own targets with a shot, the center line and target move laterally toward their end lines. In addition, a corresponding point value is awarded for that player. Alternatively, when a player hits another player's / team's target, the center line and target move laterally toward the other player's / team's end line. In addition, a corresponding point value is subtracted for that 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 intersects the end line of one of the teams / players.

[0146] 35, the method 1050C begins at block 1305 where 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, 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 are mirror images of each other. At block 1325, processor 905 selects a player for the next shot. At block 1900, processor 905 detects and scores the player's shot. An exemplary 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 processor 905 determining that the center line has not reached the end line, method 1050C proceeds to block 1345. At block 1345, processor 905 determines whether there is one more player to shoot in the current round. In response to processor 905 determining that there is one more player for the round, method 1050C returns to block 1325. Alternatively, in response to processor 905 determining that there is not one more player for the round, 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 processor 905 that the center line has reached the end line, method 1050C proceeds to block 1345 where processor 905 awards a predetermined point value to the winning team and / or player.

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

[0152] 37A and 37B are a flowchart of an example method 1050D for executing a fourth game (also referred to as "Sitting Duck" or "Defenseless Game") to implement block 1050 of FIG. 33. The flowcharts 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 standalone miniature golf structure 10 to execute a fourth game for a group of players. While the example program is described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 37A and 37B, many other methods may alternatively be used. For example, the execution order of the blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to implement method 1050D. Furthermore, because method 1050D is disclosed in conjunction with components of FIGS. 1-32, the functionality of some of these components will not be described in detail below.

[0153] With respect to the fourth game, the objective is to score as many points within a predetermined time period (e.g., one minute). Each player putts as many shots as possible within the corresponding time limit. That is, the processor allows a player to take an unlimited number of shots within the predetermined time limit. Once a shot is detected by the processor 905 via the sensor, another ball is quickly 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, and 2440 in FIGS. 58-61, 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 first row (e.g., the bottom row) may include a mixture of 5-point targets, 10-point targets, and 5-point hazards. The second row (e.g., the middle row) may include a mixture of 15-point targets, 20-point targets, and 10-point hazards. The third row (e.g., the top row) may include a mixture of 25-point targets, 50-point targets, and 15-point hazards. The rows may move in different directions and / or at different speeds. 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, processor 905 selects a point value range, direction of movement, and speed of movement for the corresponding moving target and / or hazard.

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

[0156] Referring again to FIG. 37A, method 1050D begins at block 1405, where processor 905 selects the next player to play the game. In block 1410, processor 905 selects a corresponding sequence for each column of moving targets. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 58-61, there are three columns of targets, each having a different sequence of moving targets and hazards compared to the other columns. Processor 905 has selected sequences for the first column (e.g., the bottom column), the second column (e.g., the middle column), and the third column (e.g., the upper column). Additionally, processor 905 selects a corresponding direction and speed of movement for each column 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 a row of moving targets and hazards, and the digital display screen 200 presents this interface.

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

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

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

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

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

[0163] In block 1455, processor 905 determines the location of the moving target at the time the shot is detected by the sensor. In block 1460, 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, processor 905 selects the target and / or hazard in the lowest 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 hazard (e.g., not vertically aligned with the target and / or hazard), 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 the 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, 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 the 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, processor 905 awards the current player the point value associated with the first moving target in the lower row.

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

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

[0168] FIG. 38 is a flowchart 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 flowchart 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 standalone miniature golf structure 10 to execute the fifth game for a group of players. While the example program is described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 38, many other methods may alternatively be used. For example, the execution order of the blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to implement method 1050E. Furthermore, because method 1050E is disclosed in conjunction with components of FIGS. 1-32, the functionality of some of these components will not be described in detail below.

[0169] With respect to the fifth game, the objective is to score a similar number of points over multiple rounds. Each player putts 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 player in each round. Players are awarded points 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. Digital display screen 200 is configured to display the same interface for the duration of the game, with the interface updating each time a target or hazard is hit by a shot. Figures 62-65 depict example screenshots 2510, 2520, 2530, and 2540 as the game interface unfolds over time.

[0171] Each target and / or hazard may have the same width (e.g., two lanes of a 20-lane board). For example, the rows may be arranged so 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, that target or hazard 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 the illustrated embodiment, the targets and hazards are arranged so that the longer the game is played, the higher the point values ​​that become available. For example, the targets in the first row (e.g., the bottom row) have targets with the lowest point values ​​(e.g., 5 points), the targets in the second row (e.g., the second bottom row) have targets with the second lowest point values ​​(e.g., 10 points), etc. That is, based on instructions stored in memory 910, processor 905 assigns different point values ​​to each of the targets in the first row compared to the point values ​​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 at 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 row with more players and / or may select more rounds for a row with fewer players. At 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, processor 905 detects and scores the current player's shot. An exemplary 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, method 1900 includes 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 may then be aligned with a target and / or hazard, for example. For example, the shot location may 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, processor 905 selects the bottom-most 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, processor 905 identifies whether the current player's shot was detected as hitting a target or a hazard. In response to processor 905 determining that the current player's shot did not hit a target or a hazard, method 1050E proceeds to block 1540. Alternatively, in response to processor 905 determining that the current player's shot did hit a target or a hazard, 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 FIGS. 63 and 64, a 5-point block is removed from the game interface upon being hit by a shot. FIG. 65 illustrates the game interface after the other hit targets and hazards have been removed.

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

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

[0179] At block 1550, processor 905 determines whether there is another round of the game to be played. In response to processor 905 determining that there is another round, method 1050E returns to block 1510 to begin the next round. Alternatively, in response to processor 905 determining that there is not another round, method 1050E proceeds to block 1555, where processor 905 determines the overall score and / or winning player and / or team for the game. Additionally, digital display screen 200 presents the overall score and / or winning player and / or team. Upon completion of block 1555, 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 standalone miniature golf structure 10 to execute the sixth game for a group of players. While the example program is described with reference to the flow diagram shown in FIG. 39, many other methods may be used. For example, the execution order of the blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to implement method 1050F. Additionally, because method 1050F is disclosed in conjunction with components of FIGS. 1-32, the functionality of some of these components will not be described in detail below.

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

[0182] As shown in the 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 predetermined time period 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 predetermined time period 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, method 1050F begins at block 1605, where processor 905 selects the next player to play the game. Additionally, ball dispensing assembly 800 dispenses golf balls onto tee face 110 for the selected player based on instructions from processor 905. At block 1610, processor 905 starts a timer for a predetermined time period (e.g., 60 seconds). The player is then to take as many shots as possible within the predetermined time period. At block 1615, processor 905 identifies how much time remains within the predetermined time period.

[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, 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 predetermined 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. JPEG2026002849000002.jpg83152 Table 1

[0186] In some embodiments, the target width continuously decreases until a predetermined minimum target width (e.g., one lane width) 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 decreases and the point value increases 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 this interface. The swinging target will continue to swing across the interface for the current player's predetermined time allotment. In some embodiments, the processor 905 causes the swinging target to move at a constant, predetermined speed (e.g., 1.25 lane minutes per second).

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

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

[0190] In block 1645, processor 905 determines the location of the oscillating target at the time the shot was detected by the sensor. In block 1650, processor 905 determines whether the shot location corresponds to the oscillating target at the time the shot was taken. For example, 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 processor 905 determining that the lateral position of the shot does not match the lateral position of the oscillating target, method 1050F returns to block 1615. Alternatively, in response to processor 905 determining that the lateral position of the shot does match the lateral position of the oscillating target, method 1050F proceeds to block 1655, where processor 905 awards the user points currently associated with the oscillating target for hitting the oscillating target with a shot.

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

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

[0194] FIG. 40 is a flow diagram of an example method 1900 for detecting and scoring player shots during a game that implements blocks 1900 of FIGS. 34-39. The flow diagram of FIG. 40 represents machine-readable instructions that may be stored in 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 execute a sixth game for a group of players. While the example program is described with reference to the flow diagram shown in FIG. 40, many other methods may alternatively be used. For example, the execution order of the blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to implement method 1900. Additionally, because method 1900 is disclosed in conjunction with components of FIGS. 1-32, 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 interface of the digital display screen 200 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 interface of the digital display screen 200 to each of the selected putting targets and / or hazards. In embodiments in which the sensor assembly 300 includes ball detection lanes 450 and the interface of the digital display screen 200 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 consecutive 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 processor 905 to generate an interface for the shot and digital display screen 200 to present this interface, the interface indicating the location, width, and point value for each of the putting targets and / or hazards selected for the shot.

[0197] In 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 a respective predetermined time for each game playable on the stand-alone miniature golf structure 10. In some embodiments, the predetermined time is relatively short for games intended to be quick. In other embodiments, the predetermined time is relatively long for games that can be played at a slower pace.

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

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

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

[0201] At block 1970, processor 905 awards or subtracts points from the user for the shot. For example, in response to processor 905 determining that the player's shot corresponded to a putting target, processor 905 awards the player the point value associated with the putting target. In response to processor 905 determining that the player's shot corresponded to a hazard, processor 905 subtracts the point value associated with the putting hazard from the player's total points. 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 align with multiple targets and / or hazards that are each vertically aligned with one another when the player's shot is detected by a sensor. For example, the shot location may align 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 for 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 rear end. The stand-alone miniature golf structure has one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects the rear end. The stand-alone miniature golf structure has a digital display screen positioned above the one or more sensors in vertical alignment with the rear end of the putting surface and adjacent to the rear end in vertical alignment with the rear 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 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, the 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.

[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 according to embodiment 2, wherein the multiple gameplays include individual gameplay and team gameplay.

[0207] [Embodiment 4] A standalone 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 the 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 in multiple 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 in multiple miniature golf games.

[0211] [Embodiment 8] The stand-alone miniature golf structure of 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 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 standalone 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] [Embodiment 12] 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 has been shot onto, a digital display screen positioned adjacent to and above the rear end so as to be vertically aligned 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 transmit a command signal to the digital display. screen to display one or more putting targets based on instructions stored in memory, and one or more sensors to detect when the golf ball is Putting lane among multiple ball detection lanes Identify the Putting Lane is vertically aligned with any of the one or more putting targets, and Putting Lane The system is configured to generate a score for the shot based on the position of the

[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] The stand-alone miniature golf structure of embodiment 13, wherein the multiple gameplays include individual gameplay and team gameplay.

[0218] [Embodiment 15] A standalone 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 the 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 multiple 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 multiple 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 in 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 multiple digital lanes, each vertically aligned with each of the multiple ball detection lanes, to facilitate the player putting the 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 as described in any one of embodiments 12 to 20, further comprising a tee surface located adjacent 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 standalone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 21 or 22, wherein one or more processors are configured to issue instructions to the ball dispensing assembly to cause it 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 the multiple ball detection lanes.

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

[0228] [Embodiment 25] A putting structure according to 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 forms a leading edge of the upper surface positioned adjacent to the ball return surface, the upper surface being angled downward toward the leading edge to guide the golf ball to the ball return surface.

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

[0231] [Embodiment 28] The putting structure of any one of embodiments 24-27, 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 predetermined 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 one or more sensors include a lidar sensor configured to detect the lateral position where the golf ball intersects with the rear edge of the putting surface.

[0233] [Embodiment 30] A putting 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, and the plurality of ball detection lanes are arranged so that a golf ball passes through one of the ball detection lanes to facilitate detection of the lateral position of the golf ball, which is the putting position.

[0235] [Embodiment 32] A putting structure according to embodiment 30 or 31, wherein the sensor assembly further comprises 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 configured to illuminate a corresponding portion along the rear edge of the putting surface associated with one of the lateral positions that 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 upward 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 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 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 according to 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 downward from the trailing edge to the leading edge to guide the golf ball through a corresponding one of the outlets of the multiple ball detection lanes.

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

[0241] [Embodiment 38] A sensor cartridge as described in embodiment 37, wherein the two corresponding sensors of one of the plurality of ball detection lanes are staggered relative to the 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 branches of a corresponding one of the plurality of fork sensors extend so that the corresponding one of the plurality of fork sensors can 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 plurality of 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 intersects 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] A sensor cartridge as described in 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 opposite ends. Each of the trailing edge and the leading edge extends between the two opposite ends. The sensor cartridge has a sensor positioned adjacent one of the two opposite ends and configured to detect the lateral position of the 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 the golf ball intersects 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 allow 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 53] A putting structure has a putting surface with a front end and a rear end. The putting structure has a tee surface located adjacent the front end of the putting surface, a ball return surface located below the putting surface, a body with a cartridge chamber located at the rear end of the putting surface and adjacent the ball return surface, and a sensor cartridge configured to be securely received in or removed from the sensor cartridge. The sensor cartridge has one or more sensors configured to detect the lateral position of a golf ball as it intersects the rear end of the putting surface. The sensor cartridge is configured to direct the golf ball from the rear end of the putting surface to the ball return surface and 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 according to embodiment 54, wherein the one or more access panels include access panels positioned on opposite ends of the cartridge chamber.

[0259] [Embodiment 56] A padding structure according to embodiment 55, wherein the main body comprises the floor of the cartridge chamber.

[0260] [Embodiment 57] The padding structure of embodiment 56, further comprising one or more roller conveyors positioned along the 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 of any one of embodiments 53 to 57, further comprising one or more stopper blocks, wherein when the sensor cartridge is positioned within the cartridge chamber, the one or more stopper blocks are configured to engage with an end of the sensor cartridge and be fixed in place to securely position the sensor cartridge in place.

[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 positioned within 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] [Embodiment 63] 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 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.

[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 the closed position.

[0269] [Embodiment 66] A ball dispensing assembly according to 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 that is hingedly connected to the actuator arm so 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 to disengage from the golf ball in an open position.

[0272] [Embodiment 69] A ball dispensing assembly as described in embodiment 68, wherein the distal end is configured to rotate downward when the pivot arm is moved to a closed position and to rotate upward when the pivot arm is moved 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 71] The ball dispensing assembly of embodiment 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 73] The bowl dispensing assembly of embodiment 72, wherein the second sensor is a fork sensor positioned adjacent the outlet.

[0277] [Embodiment 74] A ball dispensing assembly as described in embodiments 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] [Embodiment 75] A stand-alone miniature golf structure has 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 game of miniature golf, and one or more processors. For each shot in a game of miniature golf, 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, with the one or more sensors, the 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 one or more processors are configured to change the location of the first target for each shot by the player.

[0280] [Embodiment 77] A standalone 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 embodiments 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 the second target based on instructions in response to a determination that the second target should be included, generate an interface further including the second target, and award the corresponding player a second point value associated with the second target 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 the first target.

[0283] [Embodiment 80] A standalone 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, select a hazard based on instructions in response to a determination that a hazard should be included, generate an interface further including the hazard, and award the corresponding player a third point value associated with the hazard in response to a determination that the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with one of the hazards.

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

[0285] [Embodiment 82] A standalone 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 target location, narrowing target width, or introducing hazards in preparation for each subsequent shot for the player.

[0287] [Embodiment 84] A standalone 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 gameplay and team gameplay.

[0288] [Embodiment 85] A standalone miniature golf structure described in 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, and a digital display screen configured to display a plurality of digital lanes, each digital lanes being vertically aligned with each of the plurality of ball detection lanes.

[0290] [Embodiment 87] A stand-alone miniature golf structure has 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 and adjacent to the one or more sensors 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, the 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.

[0291] [Embodiment 88] A standalone 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 the miniature golf game.

[0292] [Embodiment 89] A standalone 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 standalone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 89, wherein 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 standalone 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 standalone 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 determining that the player has no remaining chances.

[0298] [Embodiment 95] A standalone 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 gameplay and team gameplay.

[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, and a digital display screen configured to display a plurality of digital lanes, each digital lanes being vertically aligned with each of the plurality of ball detection lanes.

[0301] [Embodiment 98] A stand-alone miniature golf structure has a putting surface having a front end and a rear end, one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position where a ball intersects the rear end, a digital display screen positioned above and adjacent to the one or more sensors so as to be vertically aligned with the rear end of the putting surface, a memory for storing instructions for a game of miniature golf, and one or more processors, the one or more processors configured, based on the instructions stored in the memory, to generate an interface with a plurality of targets and a vertical centerline of the plurality of targets, 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 rear 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 plurality of targets includes 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 standalone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 99, wherein one or more processors are configured to move the center line 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 center line 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 according to 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 targets are positioned adjacent to one another in a continuous line.

[0306] [Embodiment 103] A standalone 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 standalone 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 standalone 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 standalone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 98 to 105, wherein one or more processors are configured to designate each of a plurality of targets with a corresponding point value based on instructions stored in memory.

[0310] [Embodiment 107] A standalone 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 gameplay and team gameplay.

[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, and a digital display screen configured to display a plurality of digital lanes, each digital lanes being vertically aligned with each of the plurality of ball detection lanes.

[0313] [Embodiment 110] 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 game of miniature golf, and one or more processors configured to generate, based on the instructions stored in the memory, an interface including moving targets arranged in a row, 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, determine the position of the moving targets in the interface when the golf ball is determined to have intersected the back end of the putting surface, and award a first point value associated with the first of the moving targets to the 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 standalone miniature golf structure as described in embodiment 110, wherein 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 standalone 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 the lower row of rows and a second one of the moving 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 moving targets in the lower row.

[0316] [Embodiment 113] A standalone 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 standalone 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 the 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 the current player to shoot an unlimited number of shots within a predetermined time limit.

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

[0321] [Embodiment 118] A standalone 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 the first golf ball of a previous shot has been detected by one or more sensors.

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

[0323] [Embodiment 120] A stand-alone miniature golf structure according to any one of embodiments 110-119, 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 110-120, further comprising a sensor assembly defining a plurality of ball detection lanes, and a digital display screen configured to display a plurality of digital lanes, each digital lanes being vertically aligned with each of the plurality of ball detection lanes.

[0325] [Embodiment 122] A stand-alone miniature golf structure has 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 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, based on the instructions stored in the memory, an interface including targets arranged in a row, 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 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 the current player.

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

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

[0332] [Embodiment 129] A standalone 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 standalone 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 assign 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 standalone miniature golf structure described in any one of embodiments 122 to 130, wherein, based on instructions stored in memory, the miniature golf game includes individual gameplay and team gameplay.

[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, and a digital display screen configured to display a plurality of digital lanes, each digital lanes being vertically aligned with a respective one of the plurality of ball detection lanes.

[0337] [Embodiment 134] 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, the one or more processors configured to generate, based on the instructions stored in the memory, an interface including a swinging target, send command signals to the digital display to display the interface, determine the position of the swinging target in the interface when the golf ball is determined to have intersected the back end of the putting surface, and award 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 memory, one or more processors are configured to cause the swinging target to swing laterally across the interface.

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

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

[0341] [Embodiment 138] A standalone 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 predetermined time limit.

[0342] [Embodiment 139] A standalone 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 one or more sensors have detected the first golf ball of a previous shot.

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

[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, and a digital display screen 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. 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 sign 110 Tee surface 120 Putting Surface 200 digital display screens 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. 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 trailing edge; a digital display screen positioned above and adjacent to the one or more sensors so as to be vertically aligned with the rear edge of the putting surface; a memory for storing instructions for a plurality of miniature golf games; one or more processors, wherein the processors perform, for each shot in the multiple miniature golf games: sending a command signal to the digital display to display one or more putting targets based on the instructions stored in the memory; identifying a lateral position where the golf ball intersects the trailing edge of the putting surface with the one or more sensors; determining whether the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with any of the one or more putting targets; 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. 2. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 1, wherein the instructions stored by the memory allow any of the plurality of miniature golf games to be played by a range of players and for a plurality of game plays.

3. 3. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 2, wherein the plurality of gameplays includes individual gameplay and team gameplay.

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

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

6. 2. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to randomly select a lateral position, width, and point value of each of the one or more putting targets for each shot in 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. 2. 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 the rear end of the putting surface.

9. 10. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 1, further comprising a tee face located adjacent the front end of the putting surface and a ball dispensing assembly configured to return the golf ball to the tee face in preparation for the next shot.

10. 10. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 9, further comprising a ball return surface extending between the one or more sensors and the ball dispensing assembly to direct the golf ball putted by a player to the ball dispensing assembly.

11. 11. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 10, wherein the one or more processors are configured to instruct the ball dispensing assembly to release another golf ball at a predetermined time after the one or more sensors detect that the golf ball has rolled onto the ball return surface.

12. 1. A stand-alone miniature golf structure comprising: 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 the golf ball was shot onto; a digital display screen positioned adjacent to and above the rear end so as to be vertically aligned with the plurality of ball detection lanes; a memory for storing instructions for a plurality of miniature golf games; one or more processors, wherein the processors perform, for each shot in the multiple miniature golf games: sending a command signal to the digital display to display one or more putting targets based on the instructions stored in the memory; identifying a lateral position where the golf ball intersects the trailing edge of the putting surface with the one or more sensors; determining whether the lateral position of the golf ball is vertically aligned with any of the one or more putting targets; 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.

13. 13. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 12, wherein the instructions stored by the memory allow any of the plurality of miniature golf games to be played by a range of players and for a plurality of game plays.

14. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 12 , wherein the one or more processors are configured to change the one or more putting targets for each shot in the plurality of miniature golf games.

15. 13. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 12, wherein the one or more processors are configured to randomly select a lateral position, width, and point value of each of the one or more putting targets for each shot in the plurality of miniature golf games.

16. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 12 , 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.

17. 13. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 12, wherein the digital display screen is configured to display a plurality of digital lanes, each digital lanes being vertically aligned with a respective one of the plurality of ball detection lanes to facilitate a player putting the golf ball in a direction toward the one or more putting targets.

18. 13. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 12, further comprising a sensor assembly including the plurality of ball-detection lanes and the one or more sensors.

19. 13. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 12, further comprising a tee face located adjacent the front end of the putting surface and a ball dispensing assembly configured to return the golf ball to the tee face in preparation for a next shot.

20. 20. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 19, further comprising a ball return surface extending between the one or more sensors and the ball dispensing assembly to direct the golf ball putted by a player to the ball dispensing assembly.

21. 21. The stand-alone miniature golf structure of claim 20, wherein the one or more processors are configured to instruct the ball dispensing assembly to release another golf ball onto the tee face a predetermined period of time after the one or more sensors detect that the golf ball has entered one of the plurality of ball detection lanes.

22. 1. A putting structure comprising: a putting surface having a front end and a rear end; a tee surface located adjacent the front end of the putting surface; a ball return surface disposed below the putting surface; a sensor assembly located adjacent the trailing edge of the putting surface, the sensor assembly including a sensor cartridge with one or more sensors configured to detect a lateral position of a golf ball as it intersects the trailing edge, the sensor assembly configured to direct the golf ball from the trailing edge of the putting surface to the ball return surface to return the golf ball to the tee surface in preparation for the next putt.

23. 23. The putting structure of claim 22, wherein the sensor cartridge comprises an upper surface along which the golf ball travels between the putting surface and the ball return surface.

24. 23. The putting structure of claim 22, wherein the sensor cartridge defines a leading edge of the upper surface positioned adjacent the ball return surface, the upper surface being angled downward toward the leading edge to guide the golf ball to the ball return surface.

25. 25. The putting structure of claim 24, wherein the sensor cartridge further includes one or more sensors configured to detect when the golf ball intersects the leading edge of the sensor cartridge.

26. 23. The putting structure of claim 22, 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 predetermined lateral position along the trailing edge of the putting surface.

27. 23. The putting structure of claim 22, wherein the one or more sensors include a lidar sensor configured to detect the lateral position where the golf ball intersects the trailing edge of the putting surface.

28. 23. The putting structure of claim 22, wherein the sensor assembly further includes a deflector tray positioned above the sensor cartridge.

29. 29. The putting structure of claim 28, 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 the golf ball passes through one of the ball detection lanes to facilitate detection of the lateral position that is the putting location of the golf ball.

30. 30. The putting structure of claim 29, wherein the sensor assembly further includes a lighting housing positioned behind the deflector tray, the lighting housing having a plurality of lights arranged in a side-by-side relationship, each of the plurality of lights configured to illuminate a corresponding portion along the rear edge of the putting surface associated with one of the lateral positions being a putting target or a putting location of the golf ball.

Images