U.S. patent application number 16/871264 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-29 for method of conducting interactive computer sports on and off the internet.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wilbert Quinc Murdock. The applicant listed for this patent is Wilbert Q. Murdock, Philip Alister Williams. Invention is credited to Wilbert Quinc Murdock, Philip Alister Williams.
Application Number | 20200338424 16/871264 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004942525 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-29 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200338424 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Murdock; Wilbert Quinc ; et
al. |
October 29, 2020 |
Method of Conducting Interactive Computer Sports on and off the
Internet
Abstract
A multifunctional self-contained system that wirelessly
integrates actual sports equipment with a computer providing
critical feedback to improve all aspects of a player's game, and
also allows players to play an actual competitive real or visually
simulated game or sports with one or more players. Therefore, an
individual player may opt to play solo or practice to improve basic
golfing skills and techniques. The system includes sport implements
that include, but are not limited to, smart golf clubs, a golf ball
receptacle and a golf club motion sensing device, all containing
circuits with contact sensors and or motion sensors coupled with
signal processing and radio frequency transmitter circuitry to
wirelessly communicate game status and performance parameters to a
remote receiver and computer. The computer then optionally displays
important parameters such as proximity of a sports implement
contact face to an object, the impact of a sports implement with a
sports equipment item, wherein the contact force, contact time,
impact location, face angle, spatial orientation of a sports
implement in motion, and the subsequent energy, velocity, and
trajectory of game projectile such as a golf ball. The sports
implements can be further equipped with motion sensing devices, and
its motion and swing trajectory is visually simulated on the
computer display. Standard sport implements which include, but are
not limited to, golf clubs may be retrofitted with the device
sensors and associated electronic circuitry to convert such clubs
into "smart clubs" for use with the system. The system employs
specially developed computer software to process player performance
data, control game play, communicate game information to players,
generate and control visual simulations, and display player
performance information.
Inventors: |
Murdock; Wilbert Quinc;
(Bronx, NY) ; Williams; Philip Alister; (Salt
Point, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Murdock; Wilbert Q.
Williams; Philip Alister |
Bronx |
NY |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Murdock; Wilbert Quinc
Bronx
NY
Williams; Philip Alister
Salt Point
NY
|
Family ID: |
1000004942525 |
Appl. No.: |
16/871264 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12799520 |
Apr 26, 2010 |
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16871264 |
|
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09570233 |
May 12, 2000 |
7789742 |
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12799520 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/3676 20130101;
A63B 24/0062 20130101; A63B 2024/0056 20130101; A63B 69/3655
20130101; A63B 57/357 20151001; A63B 2220/30 20130101; A63B 24/0075
20130101; A63B 24/0084 20130101; A63B 2220/00 20130101; A63B
71/0616 20130101; A63B 2220/801 20130101; A63B 63/00 20130101; A63B
67/02 20130101; A63B 71/0669 20130101; A63B 24/0006 20130101; A63B
2220/13 20130101; A63B 2024/0034 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101;
A63B 2024/0037 20130101; A63B 69/3685 20130101; A63B 71/0622
20130101; A63B 2220/16 20130101; A63B 2071/065 20130101; A63B
24/0021 20130101; A63B 2071/0647 20130101; G01S 19/26 20130101;
A63B 69/3614 20130101; A63B 2220/89 20130101; A63B 69/3658
20130101; A63B 2220/62 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63F 9/24
20130101; A63B 69/3632 20130101; A63B 57/40 20151001; A63B 69/36
20130101; A63B 71/0686 20130101; A63B 69/3688 20130101; A63B
2024/0068 20130101; A63B 2220/833 20130101; A63B 2071/063
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36; A63B 24/00 20060101 A63B024/00; A63B 67/02 20060101
A63B067/02; G01S 19/26 20060101 G01S019/26 |
Claims
1: A system comprising: a sports implement configured to be
manipulated by a player during a game; a sensor disposed on the
sports implement and configured to output analog sensor data
representing a response of the sensor to a manipulation of the
sports implement; wireless communication circuitry; a processor
configured to receive the analog sensor data from the sensor,
process the received sensor data to form digital data, and transmit
the digital data using the wireless communication circuitry; a
first remote computer configured to receive the digital data from
the processor via the wireless communication circuitry; a display
screen operatively coupled to the first remote computer; and a game
server configured to communicate with the first remote computer via
an Internet, wherein the first remote computer is further
configured to perform operations comprising creating first visual
data using the digital data received from the processor to control
the display screen to display the first visual data on the display
screen in a first three-dimensional animation of the first game
event, and sending the first visual data to the game server via the
Internet only if the first remote computer has previously received
an alert from the game server indicating that it is the player's
turn.
2: The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the first visual data
includes a simulation of the first game event.
3: The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the sensor is
configured to be impacted by an object and or game projectile.
4: The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a
motion detector.
5: The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises
an accelerometer that is configured to derive device acceleration
motion data based on stimulation to said device and transmit the
spatial acceleration data to the processor, the acceleration data
relating to a spatial acceleration of the sports implement.
6: The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the processor is
further configured to determine if impact occurs between a game
projectile and the sports implement based on the analog sensor
data.
7: The system as recited in claim 6, wherein the sports implement
comprises a hitting surface, the sensor comprises an array of micro
sensors, each micro sensor of the array of micro sensors being
attached to the hitting surface, and the sensor is configured to
derive direction data based on stimulation to the micro sensors and
transmit the direction data to the processor, the direction data
relating to an angle of impact between the game projectile and the
sports implement.
8: The system as recited in claim 6, wherein the sensor comprises a
spatial orientation device that is configured to derive orientation
data based on stimulation to the spatial orientation device and
transmit the orientation data to the processor, the orientation
data relating to an orientation of the sports implement.
9: The system as recited in claim 6, wherein the sensor is
configured to transmit force and time data indicative of a force of
the impact between said object and or the game projectile and the
sports implement, and a time and duration of the force applied.
10: The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the analog sensor
data is transmitted by the sensor and received by the processor
from the sensor using a wireless radio frequency protocol.
11: The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the wireless
communication circuitry comprises a receiver, and the first remote
computer comprises a serial port listener that is communicatively
coupled to the receiver.
12: The system as recited in claim 11, wherein the first remote
computer comprises a socket event listener that is communicatively
coupled to the Internet.
13: The system as recited in claim 12, further comprising a second
remote computer configured to communicate with the game server via
the Internet, wherein the first remote computer is further
configured to not create second visual data following creation of
the first visual data unless the first remote computer has
previously received an alert from the game server indicating that
it is the player's turn.
14: The system as recited in claim 13, wherein the first remote
computer is further configured to receive second visual data from
the game server via the Internet when it is a turn of another
player using the second remote computer and to control the display
screen to display the second visual data on the display screen in a
second three-dimensional animation of a second game event.
15: The system as recited in claim 14, wherein the second remote
computer is communicatively coupled to the game server via the
Internet and programmed to create the second visual data based on
sensor data produced during a second game event and send the second
visual data to the first remote computer via the game server for
display on the display screen, wherein the first game event is a
first act performed by a first player at a first remote site
associated with the first remote computer and the second game event
is a second act performed by a second player at a second remote
site associated with the second remote computer.
16. system as recited in claim 6, wherein said sports implement
further comprises infrared transmitters and or receivers.
17. system as recited in claim 6, wherein digital sensor data is
transmitted from the sensor to the processor from a remote sensor
using an infrared transmitter.
18. system as recited in claim 6, wherein digital sensor data is
received from the sensor by the processor from a remote sensor
using an infrared receiver.
19. system as recited in claim 1, wherein the game server selects
players from a queue of awaiting players to initiate play in
response to a first remote player indicating a readiness to
play.
20. system as recited in claim 1, wherein the first remote computer
is further programmed to process data from said game server
representing the user performance of a competition at a remote site
during the turn of a competitor at a remote site.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/799,520, filed Apr. 26, 2010, which is a divisional and
claims the benefit and priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/570,233, filed May 12, 2000, both of which, in turn, claim the
benefit and priority of U.S. provisional patent application
60/133,722, filed May 12, 1999, for all subject matter common
hereto. The above referenced applications are incorporated herein
by reference as if restated in full.
REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0002] A microfiche appendix including 1 microfiche with 27 frames
accompanies and forms a part of this application.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to a smart game system coupling real
sports equipment and a computer. More particularly, this invention
relates to a system, wherein a sports implement, and or sports
equipment items, communicate dynamic contact and or movement
parameters wirelessly to a personal computer and thereby, if
desired, to the internet.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Resolving an object's direction post impact is a problem
that has been addressed in the literature often with great
complexity. In addition, few high-tech solutions have been employed
but may be unsuitable for use under repeated impact of the object
and impact surface.
[0005] A number of patented sport implements such as golf club
devices embody various ball contact or club swing sensing
components. Typically, these devices display information related to
a golf player's swing and accuracy in hitting a golf ball. In
certain of these, the information is displayed or signaled by some
of the golf club itself in the form of a small visual readout or an
audible sound. One such device contains an array of mechanically
depressible pins on the face of the golf club. When the ball is
struck by the club, the pins are physically depressed in a pattern
to inform the player of the location on the club face where contact
with the ball occurred. Another device uses a light emission and
reflection detection technique to provide a player's information,
displayed on the club, regarding the alignment of the golf ball
with the preferred location on the golf club face.
[0006] Also, numerous conventional computer golf game software
packages and video games use a variety of unrealistic techniques to
emulate the striking of a golf ball with a club. None of these,
correlate with actual golf clubs, actual golf ball target or cup
receptacles, or a swing detector that senses the actual golf
stroke.
[0007] It is desirable to remotely communicate actual player
performance, and location, whereby more sophisticated analysis and
prediction possibilities are realizable via computer technology and
state-of-the-art display techniques. Further, it is also desirable
to use such performance information in an expanded capacity to
provide interactive competitive game play among numerous players in
locations remote from each other.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] This invention relates to a system that interconnects real
golf or other sports equipment to a computer. In a preferred
embodiment the computer is coupled wirelessly to a golf club, a
receptacle, or a swing sensing component. Hereon, sport implements
and or gaming items are examples of a sports equipment, item, tool,
or unit, and the latter should be understood to be included in the
former. Further, the invention, with components summarized below,
allows one or more players to enter into a competition against each
other. Each player asks the computer who is available to play a
contest. Once a player pairs up against another player anywhere in
the world and play ensues, the computer display screens show each
participant's score via animation or graphics that preferably
relate to a player's individual performance statistics. A single
player may play without an opponent to practice and improve basic
sports such as golfing skills using the computer and display to
track performance.
[0009] The system application is unlimited. Much of this system can
be used not only for golfing competition on the Internet, but for
other sports as well. Sport implements other than golf clubs, swing
detectors and receptacles, can be outfitted with sensors according
to this invention and used for training purposes, rehab, or for
interactive internet game competition. Standard golf clubs or sport
implements may be retrofitted with the sensors and associated
circuitry to convert such clubs or implements into "smart clubs" or
smart sports implements for use with the system.
[0010] The technology can also be used for training, competition,
and the improvement of player reflexes and coordination. With
little or no modification, the technology also has applications in
medicine, particularly physical therapy.
[0011] 1. Smart Golf Club
[0012] A wireless golf club is constructed to contain, or
alternatively, a standard golf club is modified to contain a
multiple sensor or transducer array located on the club head at the
face or hitting surface. Upon impact of the head of the club with a
golf ball, the impacted sensors produce detectable variances
representing the magnitude and duration of the club-ball impact
force and impulse and the proximate location of such contact
relative to the preferred location, the "sweet spot", on the face
of the club head. The variances are electronically processed into
digitally coded information and remotely transmitted by an
electrical communication circuit either contained within or
attached to the golf club.
[0013] In each golf club device and golf ball receptacle device
according to this invention, in a preferred embodiment, the
transducers are or include piezo-active elements and or pressure
sensors. As used herein, "piezo-active" sensors include contact and
noncontact piezoelectric and or piezoresistive components.
Piezo-active components are defined as components with the
electrical properties of which, when the component is subjected to
a physical object or force, vary. Moreover, in another preferred
embodiment the sensors are micro sensors to detect and derive angle
and direction information data between an object and or game
projectile and the sports implement. Micro sensors are miniature
electronic devices that detect information about a specific
variable, such as temperature or light.
[0014] The smart golf club system uses biofeedback to create an
intelligent golf training and entertainment system. The smart golf
club system is a diagnostic and analysis tool used to improve a
player's skills by relatively instantaneous visual cues and
acoustic feedback with little or no human intervention. The smart
golf club system takes the generated data and reconstructs it into
a useful visual format that can be presented in a variety of ways
including 3-dimensional animation.
[0015] The smart golf club system integrated circuit or circuits
can be located anywhere within the club including the head and or
shaft.
[0016] The smart golf club has a means via its built-in
microcontroller to process, analyze, store, hitting pattern data
and transmit it to the computer and or the Internet for further
analysis. In playback mode the smart golf club system memorizes the
number of times each sensor was struck. This provides the golfer
information about his or her hitting pattern. Using a computer
algorithm, we can analyze and calculate a hitting pattern resulting
in a personalized, sports hitting detection system for each
athlete. A computer or equivalently a computer processor is hereon
and heretofore understood to be, and or comprise, a microcontroller
and or a microprocessor, and each of the latter is understood to be
included in the former.
[0017] 2. Golf Ball Receptacle
[0018] The ball receptacle has an open end to receive a golf ball
and contains a transducer located so as to sense the ball entering
the receptacle. Upon impact with the golf ball, the sensor produces
a detectable variance representing impact with the ball. The
variance is electronically processed into digitally coded
information and remotely transmitted by an electrical communication
circuit. In one preferred embodiment the communication circuit is
contained within the receptacle. Preferably, the receptacle
communication circuit is a radio frequency transmitter. The
receptacle can either be designed for indoor use or can be a cup in
an actual green with the communication circuit housed in the cup or
elsewhere conveniently located.
[0019] In each of the golf club device and golf ball receptacle
device according to this invention, in a preferred embodiment, the
transducers are or include piezo-active elements.
[0020] 3. Motion Sensor Plate
[0021] A golf club swing motion sensing device contains an array of
uniformly distributed sensing transducers upon or proximate to the
device surface. This motion sensing device may be formed as a mat
or a plate or other substantially flat surface from which a golf
ball is hit. The transducers produce detectable varying
characteristics such as capacitance representing the velocity,
angle, and proximity of a golf club relative to the surface of the
device. The variances are electronically processed into digitally
coded information and remotely transmitted by an electrical
communication circuit contained within or electronically connected
to the device.
[0022] 4. Wireless Signal Receiver and Computer
[0023] At each remote player site, wireless radio frequency
equipment receives the digitally coded transmitted signals from the
golf club, the golf ball receptacle, and the club swing motion
sensing device, or a sports implement. The signals are demodulated
and processed into serial binary data suitable for communications
to the computer via either serial or parallel ports. As the game
progresses, the computer under the control of the golfing software,
monitors and directs the flow of communications between the players
via the internet and displays the game simulations and performance
information.
[0024] 5. Computer Golfing Software System
[0025] At each remote player site, a computer under the control of
the game software, monitors and controls the sequential play of the
game and interacts with the local player or players at the site and
also competing players at the other remote sites via the internet.
The software system generates the game simulations for display and
tracks each player's performance as the game progresses.
[0026] The above and further features and advantages of the
invention will be better understood with reference to the
accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of
preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of components of a
computer implemented game system according to this invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a golf club with sensors and
circuitry used in the computer implemented system of FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the golf club head of
FIG. 2 and shows three sensors located at the face of the club
head.
[0030] FIG. 3A is a front plan view of a further embodiment of a
club head for use with the computer implemented golf system of FIG.
1.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic front plan view of a putter with a
club head and circuitry forming a further, alternative embodiment
of a club for use with the computer implemented system of FIG.
1.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a club head
electronics installation for use with the club heads of FIGS.
2-4.
[0033] FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of a golf ball receptacle
for use with the system of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view along the lines B-B of
FIG. 6A.
[0035] FIG. 6C is a fragmentary top plan view of the receptacle of
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrating internal components of the
receptacle.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a golf ball sensing element
with three distinct activation areas for use in the receptacle of
FIGS. 6A-6C.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a receptacle
electronics installation for communicating with the computer in a
computer implemented system according to FIG. 1.
[0038] FIGS. 9A-9D, are diagrammatic illustrations of a golf club
motion or swing sensor plate for use with the system according to
FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG. 9E is a block diagram of electronics used in
association with the swing sensor plate of FIGS. 9A-9D.
[0040] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a receiver computer
installation for use as the computer and information receiving
interconnect of the system of FIG. 1.
[0041] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of the software
operation of the computer of FIG. 10.
[0042] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrative of a client-server
portion of the operation of the computer of FIG. 10 operating as
indicated in the block diagram of FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0043] 1. Smart Golf Club
[0044] The smart golf club 20 has a head 40 and a shaft 42. As
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the head 40 has a shaft opening 42, a
plurality of embedded contact sensors 46 (three are illustrated in
the preferred embodiment), and the internal electronics circuitry
48 including a wireless radio frequency transmitter (58 in FIG. 5).
As shown, at least one of the sensors 46 is located at or proximate
to the optimal location on a club face 47 for contact with the golf
ball, the "sweet spot" 49. The remaining two sensors are adjacent
and on either side of the sweet spot 49. The contact sensors may
be, but are not limited to, pressure sensors employing piezo-active
type transducers, specifically, either piezoelectric and or
piezoresistive transducers (similar, but is not limited to, the
Cooper Instruments LPM 562).
[0045] In an alternative embodiment, FIG. 3A, three sensors 46 are
applied to the face of an adapted club by a Mylar tape or other
means 49. Again, the electronic circuitry is internal to the club
head 40 and connects to the sensors 46 by leads 27.
[0046] In a second alternative embodiment, to retrofit a standard
golf club, contact sensors 46 are part of an adapter 40 attached to
an ordinary club head as seen in FIG. 4 and wire connected to an
electronic circuitry 48 attached to the club shaft 42 or elsewhere
on the club.
[0047] A golf ball contacting any sensor 46 produces a detectable
variance indication the magnitude and duration of sensor-ball
impact. The variance may be a change in resistance of a micro
sensor and or a piezoresistive transducer and or a voltage change
in the case of a piezoelectric transducer. As shown in FIG. 5, the
variance is detected and amplified by an associated amplifier 52
and is the input to an associated integration circuit 54, the
output of which represents the energy and time duration of the
ball-club contact event. Connected to the integration circuit 54, a
microcontroller 56 is a multi-input signal processing circuit
(similar, but not limited to, a NXP MC9S08) having analog to
digital signal converting circuits (ADCs), one for each input
channel, and a sequential digital signal encoding circuit connected
so as to convert the ADC outputs into a time multiplexed serial
digital data stream containing a binary-coded word for each channel
indicating the energy of the associated sensor-ball impact
event.
[0048] A radio frequency transmitting circuit 58 receives the
serial digital data from the microcontroller 56 and wirelessly
transmits the information via an internal antenna 60 to a receiver
26 (FIG. 1) for subsequent processing by the computer 28.
[0049] 2. Golf Ball Receptacle
[0050] The golf ball receptacle 22 has a top 62 shaped to allow
entry of a golf ball, as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C. The
receptacle has a contact sensor pad 64, shown in FIG. 7, containing
at least one contact sensor (three different activation areas 65,
66, and 67 are illustrated in the preferred embodiment), a ball
return mechanism 69 (FIG. 6B) and internal electronic circuitry 68
(FIG. 6B). The internal circuitry includes a wireless radio
frequency transmitter (not separately shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and
6C). As shown, the preferred embodiment has contact sensor pad 64
positioned within the receptacle 60 such that the center activation
area 66 aligns with the center of a ball entry 70. Additional
sensor activation area 65 and 67 are adjacent, one on either side
of the center area 66. In the preferred embodiment, of FIGS. 6A,
6B, and 6C, and like the sensor used at the face of the club, the
sensors may be, but are not limited to, sensors employing
piezo-active type transducers.
[0051] A golf ball entering the receptacle 60 and containing the
sensor pad 65, 66, or 67 produces a detectable variance indicating
the ball entry event. The variance may be a change in resistance in
the case of a piezoresistive transducer (similar, but not limited
to, Cooper Instruments LPM 562) and or a voltage change in the case
of a piezoelectric transducer. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the
variance is detected and amplified by an associated amplifier 71.
The amplified signal then is input to a microcontroller 72 having
an analog to digital signal converting circuit (ADC) and a digital
signal encoding circuit connected so as to convert the ADC output,
representing the sensors signals into a serial digital data stream
containing a binary-coded word indicating the sensor-ball contact
event. The microcontroller 72 may be the same or similar to the
microcontroller 56 of the golf club electronics. A radio frequency
transmitter circuit 74 receives the serial digital data from the
microcontroller 72 and wirelessly transmits the information via an
internal antenna 76 to the receiver 26 (FIG. 1) for subsequent
processing by the computer 28.
[0052] The ball return mechanism 68 can be a simple back plate 80
located to be engaged by a ball entering the receptacle 22 and
supported and biased by a spring or springs 82 to eject the ball.
Other known ejection devices similar to those used in pinball
machines and either mechanically or even electrically activated can
be used to improve the effect if desired.
[0053] The receptacle configuration is susceptible to much
variation. The receptacle illustrated and described above is well
suited to indoor use, on carpet for example. It is clear, however,
that an actual cup, installed in an actual green, with real or
synthetic grass, can be similarly equipped.
[0054] 3. Motion Sensor Plate
[0055] The motion sensor plate 80 having a top motion plate 82 and
a bottom motion plate 84 is diagrammatically shown in FIGS. 9A-D,
wherein the top motion plate 82 contains a plurality of
capacitor-forming electrically isolated platelets 83 (twelve
platelets are illustrated in this exemplary preferred embodiment).
They are evenly distributed at or just below the top plate's
exterior upper surface 82. The bottom plate 84 has a homogenous
electrically conductive interior surface 85 underlying the
platelets 83. Each capacitive platelet 83 contained in the top
motion plate 82 forms a capacitive component when the top and
bottom motion plates are vertically closely spaced to form the
motion sensor plate. A suitable dielectric insulator may be
sandwiched between the two plates. The structure is adhesively, or
otherwise mechanically joined and it may be covered or coated as
desired. The result is a golf club motion sensor plate 80
containing a capacitor matrix (a 3.times.4 capacitor matrix is
illustrated in the preferred embodiment. The capacitive components
83 are connected to form a capacitive network 88 as is indicated in
FIG. 9E.
[0056] Applying an energizing high frequency alternating electrical
signal having a frequency in the range from 100 MHz to 200 MHz from
an oscillator 87 to the motion plate capacitive network 88 produces
an electromagnetic field above the surface of each platelet 83 of
the capacitive components of the motion sensor plate 80. Any
object, including a golf club, passing near the surface of the
energized motion plate will cause a perturbation of the
electromagnetic field as illustrated by the sample possible
pathways 90 across the plate in FIG. 9C. A network 92 of electrical
comparator amplifiers (FIG. 9B) is connected to the capacitor
network. The comparators of the network 92 are connected one-to-one
with the capacitive elements of the capacitive network 88. The
comparators of the network 88 detect voltage variations occasioned
by the electromagnetic field disturbance due to a golf cub moving
over certain of the capacitive elements of the motion plate. Each
different golf club motion over the energized motion plate will
produce a uniquely identifiable signal from the comparator
amplifier network. There are a variety of known proximity sensors
that could be gathered together in an array like that of the
platelets 83 to serve as the transducer portion of the golf club
and or sports implement motion detector.
[0057] The electrical signal from the comparative amplifier network
92 is applied to an analog-to-digital signal converter 94 (ADC) and
the ADC digitized output signal is converted into a serial digital
data stream by a multiplexer 96. This data identifies each platelet
having had its field disturbed. The serial digital data can be
input directly by wire from a multiplexer 96 to the computer 28
located at the site of the player and motion sensor plate 80, or as
in the preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, the serial data
can be transmitted 100 and an antenna 102, included in the motion
detector electronic transmitter communication circuitry from FIG.
1.
[0058] The computer 28, under the control of the game system
software, will analyze the serial digital club motion signal,
recognize from the transmitted signals the platelets 83 over which
the club head passed and display the golf club swing motion.
[0059] The motion sensors further comprise spatial orientation
devices such as a gyro meter and an accelerometer to derive spatial
orientation and or translational acceleration data housed inside or
mounted to the golf club, sports implement, or gaming item. A
gyroscope or equivalently a gyro meter is hereon and heretofore
understood to be, and or comprise, spatial orientation devices, and
each of the latter is understood to be included in the former.
[0060] 4. Wireless Signal Receiver and Computer
[0061] At each player site, a wireless radio frequency signal
receiver 26 is connected to the computer 28 by either the serial
(USB) or parallel computer ports as shown in the functional block
diagram, FIG. 10. The wireless signal receiver 26 detects digitally
coded radio frequency transmissions from the communication circuit
associated with any of a smart golf club 20, a golf ball receptacle
22, or a motion sensing plate 24, as shown in FIG. 1. The received
transmissions are demodulated by the RF receiver circuitry 122
(FIG. 10) connected to a microcontroller 124, which converts the
demodulated data signal to serial binary coded data suitable for
communications to a computer 28. The computer 28, under the control
of the internally installed game system software program, monitors
and directs the flow of communications between remotely located
players via the internet and displays the game simulations and
performance information. In appropriate installations the wireless
electromagnetic signals that communicate with the receiver may be
infrared communications.
[0062] 5. Computer Golfing Software
[0063] At each remote player site, the computer 28 (FIG. 1) under
the control of the golfing software program (shown in the golfing
software system functional block diagram, FIG. 11) monitors and
controls initialization and the sequential play of the golf game,
or alternatively, the individual player practice session. Upon
startup by a player at a particular site, the system input
parameters are set, and the system internet and player port
interfaces are initialized 130 as indicated by the arrows 130A and
1308. For internet communications, the serial port listener of the
computer 28 is enabled in the preferred embodiment and a remote
player event listener is initialized. It will communicate events
from one or more of the smart golf club, the golf ball receptacle
and the motion sensor plate. The main operational software
(program) thread is run 130, and the system awaits data input from
the appropriate computer communications ports at 132 (port), 133
(Remote player Socket Event Listener).
[0064] If the competitive play mode has been selected, the program
generates a player participation request and sends 134 the request
to the game internet server (GGC server) 34 (FIG. 1). Upon
identification of a player opponent at 150 (FIG. 12) by the game
server, the program initiates the player identification sequence
152 and sequential play begins 154. This software sequence and
control routine occurs at each remote site where play has been
initiated. During the game play sequences 154, the program
generates the appropriate animation, display, and audio data and
commands 136 and 138 (FIG. 11) and communicates with the associated
display and speaker devices 30 and 31 (FIG. 1). Upon the occurrence
of a local player event detected at 133, the main operating program
at 130 displays the event at 136, and communicates the event at 132
by causing a device transmission at 137 to be sent at 134 via the
internet game server 135 which displays the event for the opposing
player and alerts the opposing player that it is his/her turn to
play. The local player event may be, but is not limited to, the
smart golf club impacting a ball, the swing of a club across the
sensing plate or the ball's entry into the receptacle. The program
contains time delay limits for the player action, and delays of
play beyond these limits generate play quit and disconnect
signals.
[0065] The event at 133 also has the effect of indicating at 139
that it is no longer the local player's turn and enables (as
indicated by line 139) the serial port listener at 132 to detect an
event from the remote player, again via the internet.
[0066] If the single player practice mode is selected, the internet
communications sequences are disabled, other software sequential
operating routines continue as above described, and the player's
golf club stroke, ball-receptacle contact, and or club swing motion
sensor information are communicated only to the computer located at
the player's site and the performance information analyzed and
displayed only at the local player's site.
[0067] When a game is won, lost, or terminated, the gaming software
system generates the appropriate output signals 156 (FIG. 12),
displays the player performance information, and resets to initial
pre-game conditions. If one player opponent quits the game or is
"timed out" (due to an excessive delay in play) and the remaining
player wishes to continue play, the software resumes an internet
search for another opponent 152 and 153. Using programming as
contained in the accompanying microfiche appendix, one skilled in
the art can readily accomplish the game programming described.
Alternative programming too will be apparent from the foregoing
functional description and the illustrations contained in the
appended drawings
[0068] While a preferred embodiment has been described, it will be
appreciated that many variations and modifications in the system,
its operation, and its various components may be made without
departure from the spirit and scope of invention as set forth in
the appended claims.
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