Golfing game including object sensing and validation
US5860648A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2007/345
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An arcade game including an object sensor for detecting a playing piece directed by a player. A target field including at least one target receives the directed playing piece, and the sensor determines the identity and a position of the playing piece. A scoring mechanism provides a game score based on a distance between the final resting position of the playing piece and one of the targets. In a described embodiment, the playing piece is a golf ball putted by the player toward a target hole. A removal mechanism removes the playing piece from the target field so that the player may retrieve the playing piece. The sensor includes a visual sensor, such as a video camera, and a digital processor for examining recorded images of the target field to validate the playing piece, determine a final position of the playing piece, and determine the distance between the playing piece and the target. Target field images can also be examined to determine and validate the trajectory of the playing piece. The sensor and digital processor also compensate for changing lighting conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.