Ball rolling target scoring game

Abstract

An example may include identifying a presence of a ball at a first location via one or more sensors, creating a score based on the first location and storing the score in memory, identifying a presence of the ball at one or more additional locations via the one or more sensors, adding an additional score to the score based on the one or more additional locations to create a final score and storing the final score in memory, and initiating a new game command.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application generally relates to a ball rolling game with a ball that is played similar to bowling and golf and which is scored by achieving target positions.BACKGROUND

[0002] Numerous bowling and golf putting games are known. Some commercial golf putting games are played outdoors with multiple greens and large putting surfaces and others use a board placed on tabletops. Still others use a portable device with many components that may be placed indoors or outdoors. Bowling may also be played at a bowling center, a yard style bowling game, or on a portable countertop surface.

[0003] However, there are some drawbacks associated with the existing golf putting and bowling games. For instance, these games require players to use golf clubs or putters to hit a golf ball, which involves purchasing and maintaining additional equipment. Such games also require large dedicated spaces which are cost inducing and which can fall apart or wither over time. This can be costly and necessitates regular upkeep. Additionally, the gameplay demands a certain level of physical fitness, limiting accessibility for some users. Furthermore, traditional golf putting games only award points when the ball is successfully put into the hole, making the game more challenging and less recreational. Lastly, the courses in these games are typically fixed, offering little to no customization options for players. Bowling games also require advanced equipment necessary to engage and pickup pins between each frame.

[0004] Therefore, a new golf-like and bowling-like game may be easy to play, requires little equipment and may include dynamic layouts and may also be scored autonomously.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In a first aspect of the present invention, a golf-like game apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a ball and at least one course. The at least one course comprises a playing surface having a first end and a second end. The playing surface comprises a starting area at the first end from which the ball is rolled. The playing surface further comprises a target area adjacent to the second end of the playing surface. The target area comprises a plurality of divots and a plurality of scoring zones.

[0006] In one embodiment, the ball comprises a plurality of circular ridges and a plurality of circular grooves. In one embodiment, the starting area comprises a starting point. In one embodiment, the at least one course further comprises at least one sidewall configured to prevent the ball from rolling off the playing surface. In one embodiment, the plurality of divots comprises six divots.

[0007] In one embodiment, the playing surface further comprises at least one obstacle designed to interfere with a player's attempt to roll the ball toward the target area of the playing surface. In one embodiment, the at least one obstacle comprises one or more obstacles selected from the following: an inclined surface, a declined surface, a ridge, a groove, a tunnel, and a transverse projection from the at least one sidewall.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present invention, a method of playing a golf-like game is provided. The method comprises the steps of: a) placing a ball on a starting area of at least one course; b) rolling, by at least one player, the ball toward a target area of the at least one course, the target area comprising a plurality of divots and a plurality of scoring zones; c) if the ball has landed in a divot, recording a score associated with the divot; d) if the ball has landed in a scoring zone, recording a score associated with the scoring zone; e) repeating steps (a)-(d) for every course of the at least one course; and f) tallying a total score of each player to determine a winner.

[0009] In one embodiment, step (a) comprises placing the ball at a starting point of the starting area of at least one course. In one embodiment, step (b) further comprises rolling the ball twice. In one embodiment, step (d) further comprises providing another chance of roll if the at least one player chooses not to accept the score associated with the scoring zone.

[0010] Another embodiment may include a computerized score keeping system that includes one or more computers which communicate with a radio or related wireless communication mechanism inside the ball. The computer elements may communicate with one another and may include one or more computer elements. The score keeping can be performed by sensor readings by any one or more of the divot elements or sensors associated with the divots. Sensors associated with the ball and / or the divot elements may receive movement and other data and share the data with a main computer processing element to tally a score, start, end or continue a particular round of gameplay.

[0011] An example embodiment may include identifying a presence of a ball at a first location via one or more sensors, creating a score based on the first location and storing the score in memory, identifying a presence of the ball at one or more additional locations via the one or more sensors, adding an additional score to the score based on the one or more additional locations to create a final score and storing the final score in memory, and initiating a new game command.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the dimensions of the components of the present invention, independently and in relation to each other can be different. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale. Some drawings are enlarged or reduced to improve drawing legibility.

[0013] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the ball of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the ball of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary course of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary course of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of yet another exemplary course of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of yet another exemplary course of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of yet another exemplary course of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart illustrating the method of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a radio frequency sensor used for an automated scoring configuration of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 10A illustrates a radio frequency sensor used with the ball for an automated scoring configuration of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 10B illustrates a passive radio frequency sensor used with the ball for an automated scoring configuration of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 11A illustrates the ball being detected near a radio frequency controlled divot sensor configuration of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 11B illustrates the ball being detected near a different radio frequency controlled divot sensor configuration of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of the divots being mobile and controlled to perform various movement operations according to the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the divots being mobile and controlled to perform various live movement operations during a live game according to the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 14 illustrates a top and bottom view of a divot including internal components according to the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 15 illustrates an example method of operation of the automated scoring performed by the course in a configuration of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 16 illustrates an example computer system configured to perform one or more example processes according to the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

[0033] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. When not explicitly defined herein, to the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

[0034] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

[0035] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subject matter disclosed under the header.

[0036] Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures and description. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

[0037] Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up”, “down” and the like, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, “radially”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly,”“outwardly” and “radially” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate. As used herein, the term “proximate” refers to positions that are situated close / near in relationship to a structure. As used in the following description, the term “distal” refers to positions that are situated away from positions.

[0038] The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in the context of game apparatuses, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

[0039] The present invention involves a golf-like game or a bowling-like game apparatus and a method of playing the same. It is an aim of the present invention to provide a game apparatus that combines elements of golf putting and bowling. It is another aim of the present invention to provide a game that accommodates players of varying skill levels. It is another aim of the present invention to provide a customizable game with an infinite number of course designs.

[0040] Referring now to the figures of the present disclosure. The golf-like game apparatus of the present invention comprises a ball 100 and at least one course 200.

[0041] The ball 100 is configured to roll on the at least one course 200. It should be noted that the ball 100 can be of any shape, size, material, features, type or kind, orientation, location, quantity, components, and arrangements of components that would allow the present invention to fulfill the objectives and intents of the present invention. In one embodiment, the ball 100 is a generally spherical ball. The ball 100 of the present invention is specifically designed for the game. In a preferred embodiment, the ball 100 may include a plurality of circular ridges 101 and a plurality of circular grooves 102. The plurality of circular ridges 101 and the plurality of circular grooves 102 work in tandem, allowing players to control the movement and positioning of the ball 100.

[0042] The at least one course 200 is designed to have a similar footprint as mini golf courses. It should also be noted that the at least one course 200 can be of any shape, size, material, features, type or kind, orientation, location, quantity, components, and arrangements of components that would allow the present invention to fulfill the objectives and intents of the present invention. The at least one course 200 is configured to be placed on an ordinarily flat surface, such as a floor or the like. Typically, the at least one course 200 has a rectangular shape, as shown in FIGS. 3-6. However, it is contemplated that other regular or irregular polygons are also possible configurations for the course. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a substantially L-shaped course is used. In one embodiment, the at least one course 200 comprises a playing surface 210 having a first end 211 and a second end 212. In one embodiment, the at least one course 200 further comprises at least one sidewall 220 configured to prevent the ball 100 from rolling off the playing surface 210. The playing surface 210 comprises a starting area 213 at the first end 211 from which the ball 100 is rolled from behind a line or other indicator as to where the starting area ends. In one embodiment, the starting area 213 comprises a starting point 214 (see FIG. 4) on which the ball 100 can be placed before the game begins. In another example FIG. 5 has curved and rounded obstacles 218.

[0043] The playing surface 210 further comprises a target area 215 adjacent to the second end 212 of the playing surface 210. The ball 100 is rolled by a player from the starting area 213 toward the target area 215. The target area 215 comprises a plurality of divots 216 and a plurality of scoring zones 217. The plurality of divots 216 may be a plurality of holes that have a diameter slightly larger or smaller than that of the ball 100. In one embodiment, the plurality of divots 216 may have varying diameters. In one embodiment, the plurality of divots may be associated with different point values, based on the difficulty of the respective divot 216. However, in one embodiment, at least some of the divots may be give the same point value. In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the plurality of divots may be designated as a “strike / spare” divot which has the highest point value among the plurality of divots on the course. In one embodiment, the plurality of divots 216 comprises six divots, however, the number of divots may vary depending on the size of the course, the difficulty of the course and other variables and considerations.

[0044] The plurality of scoring zones 217 may be assigned point values which are labeled on the board area or which are identified by a computing device which is tracking the balls movements as it moves across the areas of the board. Tracking of the balls position may be by infrared sensors, motion sensors, radio frequency (RF) tags located on the board, the ball having its own internal tags or related communication hardware and / or a combination of any of the examples noted. This configuration permits less skilled players (e.g., handicapped or less experienced players) to earn points with ease. In one embodiment, the plurality of scoring zones 217 may be color-coded, with each color representing a different point value. In one embodiment, one or more of the plurality of scoring zones 217 may be inclined or declined to increase a difficulty of having the ball stay in that area. In a preferred embodiment, the playing surface 210 further comprises at least one obstacle 218 (e.g., stairs, a ramp, a wall, a speed bump, bumps, grooves, etc.) designed to interfere with a player's attempt to roll the ball 100 toward the target area 215 of the playing surface.

[0045] In one embodiment, the at least one obstacle 218 comprises one or more obstacles selected from the following: an inclined surface, a declined surface, a ridge, a groove, a tunnel, and a transverse projection from the at least one sidewall. It should be noted that the at least one obstacle 218 may be adjusted between courses to alter difficulty levels dynamically. Although five exemplary courses are illustrated in the drawings, it should be understood that the game can consist of any number of courses.

[0046] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of playing a golf-like game is disclosed with reference to FIG. 8. The method comprises the steps of: at step 301, placing a ball or rolling a ball first contacting the surface on a starting area of at least one course; at step 302, rolling, by at least one player, the ball toward a target area of the at least one course without moving one's body or body parts past the starting area, the target area comprising a plurality of divots and a plurality of scoring zones; at step 303, if the ball has landed in a divot, recording a score associated with the divot; at step 304, if the ball has landed in a scoring zone, recording a score associated with the scoring zone; at step 305, repeating steps 301-304 for every course of the at least one course; and at step 306, tallying a total score of each player to determine a winner.

[0047] In one embodiment, step 301 comprises placing the ball at a starting point of the starting area of at least one course. In one embodiment, step 302 further comprises rolling the ball twice. In one embodiment, Step 304 further comprises providing another chance of roll if the at least one player chooses not to accept the score associated with the scoring zone.

[0048] The gameplay can be adjusted to various skill levels, ensuring everyone can join in the fun. In one embodiment, the present invention allows for a maximum of 10 points per course, mirroring bowling's scoring but adapted to a miniature golf setting. In this embodiment, the “strike / spare” divot may have a point value of 10, and other divots may be given 1-5 points respectively. For instance, landing the ball in the “strike / spare” divot on the first roll earns a strike (10 points), and on the second roll earns a spare (10 points). In one embodiment, the “strike / spare” divots may have additional enhanced effects, such as earning an extra turn or bonus points in the next course. For less skilled players, one or more additional rolls can also be provided.

[0049] The present invention enables users to customize the difficulty level through various adjustments, such as rearranging the locations of divots and scoring zones, modifying the point values of scoring zones, or altering the number and complexity of obstacles. In one embodiment, bonus points may be awarded for special achievements, such as the longest roll or clearing the most obstacles. Additionally, some courses may feature “challenge modes” that introduce special rules, such as using the non-dominant hand or completing timed rolls.

[0050] The following are exemplary gameplay rules that illustrate the features of the present invention. Each player takes turns rolling the ball from the starting point. Players have up to two rolls per course to score points. Landing the ball in the “Strike / Spare” divot on the first roll earns a strike (10 points). Landing in the “Strike / Spare” divot on the second roll earns a spare (10 points). Landing in divots labeled 1-5 earns the corresponding points. If the ball stops in a scoring zone, the player earns the designated points for that zone. The maximum score per course is 10 points. Total scores are tallied after all courses are completed.

[0051] In another example including an advanced gameplay with handicaps, the rules are similar to the basic gameplay, with the following exceptions: scoring zones offer bonus points or multipliers, if a player lands in a scoring zone, they can choose to accept the zone's score or attempt a second roll for a potentially higher score. Less experienced players receive an additional roll per course. Scoring zones provide higher points for beginners, encouraging skill development.

[0052] For a tournament play option, players are grouped into pairs or small teams. Each player / team takes turns on each course before proceeding to the next. Standard scoring applies, with additional bonus points for special achievements (e.g., longest roll, most obstacles cleared). “Strike / Spare” divots may have enhanced effects, such as earning an extra turn or bonus points in the next course. Certain courses may include “Challenge Modes” where specific rules apply (e.g., using the non-dominant hand, timed rolls). Scores are tracked on a leaderboard. The player / team with the highest cumulative score at the end wins. Each of the above-noted games and gameplay examples may be performed with the assistance of the computerized score keeping system based on or more computing devices stored in one or more of the gameplay elements. Examples of computers, sensors and related electronics are included below.

[0053] FIG. 9 illustrates the sensor based automated scoring configuration of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, the location tracking component 400 may include a radio frequency (RF) component, such as a chip or tag that is placed inside the ball 100 or in a location where the ball 100 may be identified, such as a scoring zone and / or divot where the ball is to be identified for scoring purposes. Since the board is not very large, near field communication (NFC) antennas and components may be used to track a location that is intended to have a very short range, such as less than 12 inches. The component tracker 400 may be inside the ball and / or at the particular scoring location of the game board or area. The component tracker may have a transmitter and receiver pair 428, a battery 426, a memory 422 and a processor 424 for processing received signals.

[0054] FIG. 10A illustrates a radio frequency sensor used with the ball for an automated scoring configuration of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10A, the ball 100 may include active RF components, such as a battery 452, processor 454, transmitter / receiver 458 and a memory 456. In operation, as a ball 100 rolls towards a scoring zone or target, the RF component may transmit a wake-up signal or presence signal to any listening sensors. The closest sensor would have to be able to detect whether the ball 100 is in a scoring location by using triangulation of signal power or other location determination techniques which rely on the RF signal. Also, the ball may move towards the center of a divot and cause a vibration, an actuation, or other movement that can be sensed by a button, sensor or other receiving component that can then provide credit to the player of the game for achieving a goal, point, etc.

[0055] FIG. 10B illustrates a passive radio frequency sensor used with the ball for an automated scoring configuration of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10B, in another example, the ball would be a passive RF device which has a RFID tag 130 which is activated by the presence of an active RF device, such as a RF active sensor near the divot location where the ball can cause a score value to be instantiated as identified by the processor of the game system. When the ball 100 has a passive RFID tag and it may enter a detection zone of a particular active sensor associated with a particular scoring location on the board or area, the system may receive a confirmation that a particular score is to be awarded to the game depending on the game that is loaded and the scoring criteria.

[0056] FIG. 11A illustrates the ball being detected near a radio frequency controlled divot sensor configuration of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11A, the example includes the ball 100 being detected by a first divot 1108. As the ball rolls towards the first divot 1108, the ball 100 may be detected via a wireless signal and confirmed as being in the divot via a second sensor or a signal strength indicative of the ball's position. The score may be awarded to the active game based on that divot's score criteria and the game being played. The other divots 1104 and 1106 may also be part of the game where the ball must enter those divots prior to the game being completed.

[0057] FIG. 11B illustrates an example where the ball is being detected near a different radio frequency controlled divot sensor configuration of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11B, the ball 100 may be detected by a different divot 1102 and a score may be awarded to the game based on that divot's score. The sensors may be next to the divot, or inside the body of the divots, such as at the center of the divots depending on the design consideration used for a particular area being measured. Each divot may be made to have the same score or different scores by a central computing system stored in one particular divot or a nearby location. Each divot may communicate information by wireless transmission signals to any of the other divots.

[0058] In one example of a game being played, the user may bowl a ball or use a stick, such as a golf club to complete a series of ball actuating movements in an attempt to score points by landing the ball in one or more of the divots 1102-1108. One game may include two, three or more divots arranged a particular way and a sensor or various sensors and a computing component could determine whether each the one or more divots received the ball. After two or more attempts of moving the ball, the game may be over and it may be another player's turn to play the game. The ball movement may be identified by a RF tag inside the ball being detected after a movement is initiated. The ball may also have one or more of a gyroscope and an accelerometer to identify when ball movement occurs. Each divot 1102-1108 may include a sensor, a RF reader, a computer, and a set of wheels or belts which allow the divot to move from one location to another. Once a game is completed a second user may play, or, turns may be taken by each player intermittently. Once all users have had a chance to play, the player with the highest score may be deemed the winner of that round of game play, such as for a multiple turn game, a game where each divot must be satisfied by sinking a ball inside the divot, etc.

[0059] In another example, after the game is completed, the divots may automatically move to another preprogrammed position. A computer nearby or offsite and / or one of the divot entities may include a main computer that instructs the other divots to move to a new preset location. This enables one area to be a host for various different divot configurations some of which are going to be more difficult for a user to play. The instructions from one computer location may be sent to all divots. Each divot may receive an independent instruction (e.g., move 1, 2, ‘N’ feet forward and 3, 4, ‘X’ inches to the right, etc.). Any set of instructions shared with the various divots may cause new arrays of divot arrangements to be presented. The instructions may be arbitrary and / or unique for each game played. Once a divot entity receives instructions from an RF antenna or other communications hardware, the device may begin moving via the transportation elements affixed to the divot entity. The movement may be a mechanical movement from one or more transport mechanisms. At the next gameplay a new instruction may be received. Each turn taken may cause a new instruction to be sent to one or more of the divots.

[0060] A divot may have a hovering airflow component, wheels, belts, caterpillar tracks, etc. In operation, when a ball is sensed at a particular location, it may be a scoring event, such as when the ball is inside the divot or a non-scoring event when the ball is not inside the divot or is not touching an outer perimeter of the divot. For example, each divot may have more than one scoring area, the center may be a score of 3, the inner layer near the divot may be a 2 and the outer layer may be a 1. A timer of 20 seconds may be kept for each user turn to ensure turns are taken timely. If no ball presence is detected after 20 seconds, the game may score that turn a ‘0’.

[0061] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of the divots being mobile and controlled to perform various movement operations according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12, the example includes four divot entities 1102, 1104, 1106 and 1108. Each of the entities are controlled by a main computer application and device, such as a leader divot 1102. The instructions may be to change reward values, move to new locations, block one another from site, etc. One main computer may be responsible for all movements and all actions taken by any one or more of the divots.

[0062] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the divots being mobile and controlled to perform various live movement operations during a live game according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13, once a game has completed, a new position for each of the divots may be required. This may be performed by transmitting a notification from a main or leader divot entity 1102 which may have a game application installed and which creates instructions for the other divots. The instructions may be to initiate a movement operation by whatever transport hardware is available to the divots. Once the operation is sent, the divots may begin moving, such as by rolling wheels or other movement hardware installed on the divot entities. The dotted lines may indicate a location where the divots 1102 through 1106 were previously located, or a location where they are supposed to move once instructed. The game area is essentially changed providing a new “course” or other layout structure for subsequent games to be played by the users.

[0063] Also, in FIG. 13, the movements may be ongoing and live during a game. As a user is attempting to bowl or golf a ball towards a divot, the divot may arbitrarily start moving, faster, slower, etc. as instructed. This creates more difficult game functions and increased strategy for the players of the game.

[0064] FIG. 14 illustrates a top and bottom view of a divot including internal components according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14, each of the divots may have various hardware inside their respective bodies. The body may have wheels 1120 which are used to maneuver the divot entities around a course area. The divot hardware may also include a TX / RX pair 1128, a battery 1126, a controller 1124 and a memory 1122 similar to a computing device. Other hardware may include a monitor, speaker, lights, etc.

[0065] FIG. 15 illustrates an example method of operation of the automated scoring performed by the course in a configuration of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 15, an example game may include detecting a first ball presence at a first sensor based on a first wireless signal detected 512 for a first game being played and a first action performed by a user. A first score may be assigned to the game based on the ball being identified as being at the particular sensor 514 depending on the game scoring criteria. The game may proceed with another ball roll by a user which causes a second ball presence detection to be performed at a same or other sensor on the designated area via one or more additional wireless signals detected and a second score may be assigned based on the second ball presence 516. The total score may increase in points as a result of the two or more ball scoring rounds. The total score may be a sum of the first score and the second score 518 and total score may be stored as a completed game score 522.

[0066] The operations of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a computer program executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A computer program may be embodied on a computer readable medium, such as a storage medium. For example, a computer program may reside in random access memory (“RAM”), flash memory, read-only memory (“ROM”), erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a compact disk read-only memory (“CD-ROM”), or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

[0067] FIG. 16 illustrates an example computer system configured to perform one or more example processes according to the present invention. FIG. 16 is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the application described herein. Regardless, the computing node 600 is capable of being implemented and / or performing any of the functionality set forth hereinabove.

[0068] In computing node 600 there is a computer system / server 602, which is operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations that may be suitable for use with computer system / server 602 include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, rich clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

[0069] Computer system / server 602 may be described in the general context of computer system-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer system. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer system / server 602 may be practiced in distributed cloud computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer system storage media including memory storage devices.

[0070] As displayed in FIG. 16, computer system / server 602 in cloud computing node 600 is displayed in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of computer system / server 602 may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 604, a system memory 606, and a bus that couples various system components including system memory 606 to processor 604.

[0071] The bus represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus. Computer system / server 602 typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessible by computer system / server 602, and it includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. System memory 606, in one embodiment, implements the flow diagrams of the other figures. The system memory 606 can include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM) 610 and / or cache memory 612. Computer system / server 602 may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, storage system 614 can be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (not displayed and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not displayed, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided. In such instances, each can be connected to the bus by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, memory 606 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of various embodiments of the application.

[0072] Program / utility 616, having a set (at least one) of program modules 618, may be stored in memory 606 by way of example, and not limitation, as well as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networking environment. Program modules 618 generally carry out the functions and / or methodologies of various embodiments of the application as described herein.

[0073] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present application may be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present application may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,”“module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present application may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

[0074] Computer system / server 602 may also communicate with one or more external devices 620 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 622, etc. ; one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computer system / server 602; and / or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enable computer system / server 602 to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication can occur via I / O interfaces 624. Still yet, computer system / server 602 can communicate with one or more networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and / or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via network adapter 626. As depicted, network adapter 626 communicates with the other components of computer system / server 602 via a bus. It should be understood that although not displayed, other hardware and / or software components could be used in conjunction with computer system / server 602. Examples include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

[0075] One skilled in the art will appreciate that a “system” could be embodied as a personal computer, a server, a console, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cell phone, a tablet computing device, a smartphone or any other suitable computing device, or combination of devices. Presenting the above-described functions as being performed by a “system” is not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way but is intended to provide one example of many embodiments. Indeed, methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be implemented in localized and distributed forms consistent with computing technology.

[0076] It should be noted that some of the system features described in this specification have been presented as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom very large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, graphics processing units, or the like.

[0077] A module may also be at least partially implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified unit of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions that may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module. Further, modules may be stored on a computer-readable medium, which may be, for instance, a hard disk drive, flash device, random access memory (RAM), tape, or any other such medium used to store data.

[0078] Indeed, a module of executable code could be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.

[0079] It will be readily understood that the components of the application, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the application as claimed but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the application.

[0080] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and / or with hardware elements in configurations that are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the application has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent.

[0081] While preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, it is to be understood that the embodiments described are illustrative only and the scope of the application is to be defined solely by the appended claims when considered with a full range of equivalents and modifications (e.g., protocols, hardware devices, software platforms etc.) thereto.

Claims

1. A method comprising:identifying a presence of a ball at a first location via one or more sensors;creating a score based on the first location and storing the score in memory;identifying a presence of the ball at one or more additional locations via the one or more sensors;adding an additional score to the score based on the one or more additional locations to create a final score and storing the final score in memory; andinitiating a new game command.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first location is inside a divot area of a divot entity device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the presence of the ball is detected via a radio frequency tag affixed to the ball.

4. The method of claim 1, comprisingdetecting a radio frequency (RF) signal from the ball at one or more divot entities comprising a RF receiver.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the new game command comprises a wireless signal which causes a plurality of divot entities to move within a predefined area.

6. The method of claim 1, comprisingreceiving a radio signal transmitted from the ball at a computing device associated with one or more divot entity devices;determining a location of the ball based on the radio signal; andapplying the score based on the location of the ball.

7. An apparatus comprising:a processor configured toidentify a presence of a ball at a first location via one or more sensors;create a score based on the first location and storing the score in memory;identify a presence of the ball at one or more additional locations via the one or more sensors;add an additional score to the score based on the one or more additional locations to create a final score and storing the final score in memory; andinitiate a new game command.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first location is inside a divot area of a divot entity device.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the presence of the ball is detected via a radio frequency tag affixed to the ball.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured todetect a radio frequency (RF) signal from the ball at one or more divot entities comprising a RF receiver.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the new game command comprises a wireless signal which causes a plurality of divot entities to move within a predefined area.

12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured toreceive a radio signal transmitted from the ball at a computing device associated with one or more divot entity devices;determine a location of the ball based on the radio signal; andapply the score based on the location of the ball.

13. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store instructions that when executed cause a processor to perform:identifying a presence of a ball at a first location via one or more sensors;creating a score based on the first location and storing the score in memory;identifying a presence of the ball at one or more additional locations via the one or more sensors;adding an additional score to the score based on the one or more additional locations to create a final score and storing the final score in memory; andinitiating a new game command.

14. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the first location is inside a divot area of a divot entity device.

15. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the presence of the ball is detected via a radio frequency tag affixed to the ball.

16. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to perform:detecting a radio frequency (RF) signal from the ball at one or more divot entities comprising a RF receiver.

17. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the new game command comprises a wireless signal which causes a plurality of divot entities to move within a predefined area.

18. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to perform:receiving a radio signal transmitted from the ball at a computing device associated with one or more divot entity devices;determining a location of the ball based on the radio signal; andapplying the score based on the location of the ball.

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