U.S. patent application number 16/873252 was filed with the patent office on 2020-11-05 for method of transmitting sensor data created in a game environment to a set of processors outside the game environment based on predefined.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wilbert Murdock, Philip Williams. Invention is credited to Wilbert Murdock, Philip Williams.
Application Number | 20200346119 16/873252 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004961066 |
Filed Date | 2020-11-05 |
![](/patent/app/20200346119/US20200346119A1-20201105-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200346119/US20200346119A1-20201105-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200346119/US20200346119A1-20201105-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200346119/US20200346119A1-20201105-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200346119/US20200346119A1-20201105-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200346119/US20200346119A1-20201105-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200346119/US20200346119A1-20201105-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200346119/US20200346119A1-20201105-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200346119/US20200346119A1-20201105-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20200346119/US20200346119A1-20201105-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20200346119/US20200346119A1-20201105-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200346119 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Murdock; Wilbert ; et
al. |
November 5, 2020 |
Method of transmitting sensor data created in a game environment to
a set of processors outside the game environment based on
predefined
Abstract
Players of tournament games require a network for them to play
with one another remotely. But, in order for play to occur
simultaneously, players must be informed that a game is ongoing or
underway. Similarly, if one player wishes another player to join,
the one player must invite the other, by in part, informing the
other player of the time and location of play as well as
information specific to the game the one player is participating in
or forming. Accordingly, a communication means is required to bring
players together. A communication means for remote players does not
exist for players of real-world games where players use physical
instruments where game data is based at least in part on
sensor-acquired data.
Inventors: |
Murdock; Wilbert; (Bronx,
NY) ; Williams; Philip; (Salt Point, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Murdock; Wilbert
Williams; Philip |
Bronx
Salt Point |
NY
NY |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004961066 |
Appl. No.: |
16/873252 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15466569 |
Mar 22, 2017 |
10653964 |
|
|
16873252 |
|
|
|
|
12799529 |
Apr 26, 2010 |
9662558 |
|
|
15466569 |
|
|
|
|
09570233 |
May 12, 2000 |
7789742 |
|
|
12799529 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/89 20130101;
A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 69/3658 20130101; A63B 2220/62
20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 69/3632 20130101; A63B 69/36
20130101; A63F 13/87 20140902; A63B 71/0686 20130101; A63B 2220/833
20130101; A63B 69/3688 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B
2220/16 20130101; A63B 2220/53 20130101; A63B 69/3685 20130101;
A63B 2071/065 20130101; A63B 2220/803 20130101; A63B 2071/0647
20130101; A63B 2071/063 20130101; A63B 2220/30 20130101; A63B
69/3676 20130101; A63B 69/3655 20130101; A63B 53/04 20130101; A63B
57/357 20151001; A63F 13/21 20140901; A63F 13/812 20140902; A63B
57/405 20151001; A63B 2220/00 20130101; A63B 2220/801 20130101;
A63B 71/0616 20130101; A63F 13/79 20140902; A63B 67/02 20130101;
A63B 2220/13 20130101; A63B 71/0669 20130101; A63B 69/362
20200801 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/79 20060101
A63F013/79; A63F 13/812 20060101 A63F013/812; A63F 13/87 20060101
A63F013/87; A63F 13/21 20060101 A63F013/21; A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36; A63B 67/02 20060101 A63B067/02; A63B 57/40 20060101
A63B057/40 |
Claims
1. A system comprising a sensor, a game apparatus, a server, a
gaming environment, and a network, the network comprising a
communication link, a first set of processors, and a second set of
processors, the server programmed to receive requests from the
second set of processors, and then provide the first and second set
of processors access to the gaming environment, receive transmitted
data from the first set of processors to the second set of
processors, and relay the data to the gaming environment, receive
data from the gaming environment, and relay the data to the second
set of processors, receive messages from the gaming environment,
and determine if the message includes a predefined data set;
wherein each processor of the first set of processors is coupled to
a game apparatus from a set of gaming equipment items, each game
apparatus comprises at least one sensor and a communication link,
the communication link is configured to receive, and transmit
information over the network, and or to the server.
2. The system of claim 1, each of the gaming equipment items
comprising a unique identifier, the unique identifier configured to
be received by the server, the server is configured to associate
each unique data set transmitted by the communication link with the
unique identifier.
3. The system of claim 1, the communications link comprising a base
station, the base station configured to operate as a gateway to the
network.
4. The system as in claim 1, wherein the predefined data set
includes data from said first processor, a player identification
data set, and an alert transmitted to a processor of the second set
of processors based on said player identification data set, said
alert comprising a message.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to
capture physiological data relating to a user of the game
apparatus.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the alert alternatively further
comprising an email message.
7. The system of claim 1, the second set of processors further
including a mobile communication device to receive data from said
first set of processors.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein said game apparatus further
comprise a motion detector to detect, and transmit, motion data to
said first processors.
9. The system of claim 4, wherein the predefined data set further
includes data relating to a processor of the first set of
processors, accessing the gaming environment, and the server
programmed to match the identification number from a list
associated with the processor of the first set of processors, and
accessing the gaming environment with a processor of the second set
of processors.
10. The system of claim 9, the alert comprising an invitation to a
user of a processor of the second set of processors to participate
in the gaming environment.
11. The system of claim 4, the alert further comprising payment and
or billing information.
12. The system of claim 4, wherein the alert and or the message
includes information relating to a change in said gaming
environment.
13. The system of claim 4, wherein the alert and or the message
further comprises a reminder relating to a game scheduled to occur
in said gaming environment.
14. The system of claim 4, wherein the server is further programmed
to receive an alert communication medium selection from a processor
of the second set of processors.
15. The system of claim 8, wherein said motion detector comprises
an accelerometer, to capture acceleration data of the game
apparatus, and transmit the acceleration data to the first
processor.
16. The system of claim 8, wherein said motion detector comprises a
gyroscope, to further capture spatial orientation data information
of the game apparatus and transmit the spatial orientation data to
the first processor.
17. The system of claim 8, wherein said motion detector further
comprises a proximity sensor, to capture proximity data of the game
apparatus to an object, and or projectile, and transmit the
proximity data to the first processor.
18. The system of claim 4, wherein the server is programmed to
assign data received from each said game apparatus to different
user accounts.
19. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more display
devices, wherein each of the one or more display device is
configured to display output data associated with the game
apparatus.
20. A gaming system, comprising a server, a host processor, and a
network of game systems, each game system comprising: a motion
sensing device; a sports implement; a display device; a processor;
and a wireless communication link transmitter and receiver; said
motion sensing device comprising a sensor, a first amplifier, and a
first analog-to-digital converter, the sensor configured to
transmit motion data to the first amplifier, the first amplifier
configured to receive motion data from the sensor, and transmit the
amplified data to the first analog-to-digital converter, the first
analog-to-digital converter configured to receive the amplified
motion data and transmit the digital motion data to the processor,
the processor programmed to receive the digital motion data from
the wireless communication link receiver, analyze the digital
motion data received from the wireless communication link receiver,
and transform the digital motion data received from the wireless
communication link receiver into performance data, and or graphical
data, transmit the graphic data to the display device, transmit the
digital motion data to the server, and the server is configured to
transfer local player events from a remote player site to another
remote player site for presentation to another player.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/466,569, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/799,529, 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, claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional
patent application 60/133,722, filed May 12, 1999. The above
referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference as if
restated in full.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Players of tournament games require a network to enable them
to play with one another remotely. But, in order for play to occur
simultaneously, players must be informed that a game is ongoing or
underway. Similarly, if one player wishes another player to join,
the one player must invite the other, by in part, informing the
other player of the time and location of play as well as
information specific to the game the one player is participating in
or forming. Accordingly, a communication means is required to bring
players together. A communication means for remote players does not
exist for players of real-world games where players use physical
instruments where game data is based at least in part on
sensor-acquired data.
SUMMARY
[0003] This invention relates to a system that interconnects a golf
club or other sports implements to a computer. From hereon, sports
equipment, sports equipment items, is an example of a gaming unit,
tool, or item, and the latter should be understood to be included
in the former. In a preferred embodiment, the computer is coupled
wirelessly to a sports implement component. Further, the invention,
with components summarized below, allows participants to be paired
or grouped together to enter into a game competition against each
other. Each player asks the computer who is available to play a
contest via the internet to the game server. Once a player pairs up
against another player anywhere in the world and game play ensues,
each local computer display shows 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 skills using the
computer and display to track performance.
[0004] A wireless piece of sporting equipment is constructed to
contain, or alternatively a standard piece of sporting equipment is
modified to contain multiple sensors or a transducer array located
on the surface of said sports equipment, gaming tool, or sports
implement and GPS sensing circuitry, an accelerometer, and a
gyroscope. Moreover, a gyroscope is hereon and heretofore
understood to be synonymous with a gyrometer and the latter is
understood to be included in the former.
[0005] In one embodiment, the sporting equipment is a hockey stick,
coupled with a hockey puck, race car steering wheel coupled with a
driver's hand, bow coupled with an arrow, boxing gloves coupled
with a fist, tennis racket coupled with a tennis ball, basketball
ball coupled with a shooting hand, football coupled with a throw,
bicycle coupled with a pedal, bowling ball coupled with a bowling
throw, soccer coupled with a kick, volleyball coupled with a
hitting hand, baseball bat coupled with a baseball, all using
sensors including accelerometers, gyroscopes and a compass, and or
a combination of multiple sensing devices. It should be noted that
sports like football would require a sensor-based football and
sensors on the hand of the quarterback for a full range of
interactive data. As an example upon impact of the tennis racket
with a tennis ball, or impact of the baseball bat with a baseball,
the impacted sensors produce detectable variances representing the
magnitude and duration of the racket-ball impact force, or baseball
impact force, and the proximate location of such contact relative
to the preferred location, the "sweet spot", on the face of the
tennis racket or baseball bat. The variances are electronically
processed into digitally coded information and remotely transmitted
by an electrical communication circuit either contained within or
attached to the tennis racket or sports implement. In the case of a
virtual game and therefore a virtual impact, the game implement
simulates the impact based on the velocity, acceleration, and
spatial orientation of the game implement itself at the point of a
virtual impact. A game projectile or object can therefore be real
or virtual.
[0006] The system responds to a predefined event occurring within a
gaming environment by automatically transmitting an alert or
message to a person outside the gaming environment, comprising: a
game server, that includes a processor and a memory storing a
number of machine instructions: the game server being included
within a gaming service that established the gaming environment and
further including a communication interface that couples the game
server to a network, and the processor executes the machine
instructions stored in the memory, causing the processor to carry
out a number of functions, including: detecting when a predefined
event occurs within the gaming environment, the gaming environment
provides a secure and limited access such that players only gain
access to the gaming environment through a secure gateway, the
secure gateway is inaccessible by any person communicating over a
network that is outside of the gaming environment, and the network
is accessible from within the gaming environment by players
participating in the gaming environment, and in response to
detecting the predefined event, initiating transmission of an alert
or message to a person outside the gaming environment over the
network.
[0007] The system further comprising an alerts service having a
server that includes a communication interface, a memory, and a
processor coupled to a communication interface, and the memory of
the alert server, the processor of the alert server executes the
machine instructions stored in the memory of the alert server to
carry out a further number of functions, including receiving at
least an indicia of information to be included in the alert or
message, transmitted from the game server and in response,
transmitting the alert or message to a person outside the gaming
environment over the network. The system sends the alert or
message, which is transmitted over the network as an email. The
system sends the alert or message, which is transmitted over the
network to a communication system that re-transmits the alert or
message to a portable communication device. The system's machine
instructions stored in the memory of the game server further cause
the processor of the game server to map an identifier of the person
within the gaming environment to a corresponding identifier that is
used to identify that person on the network, so that the alert
message will be sent to that person by the alert server outside the
gaming environment. Moreover, a processor or equivalently a
computer processor is hereon and heretofore understood to be, and
or comprise, a microcontroller and or a microprocessor or a
microcomputer, and each of the latter is understood to be included
in the former.
[0008] The system's execution of the machine instructions causes
the game server to detect that the predefined event has occurred
when a player gains access to the gaming environment, execution of
the machine instructions causes the processor to initiate
transmittal of information, identifying the player to at least one
person who is on a list of the player, where the list is stored in
the memory. The systems alert or message comprises an invitation to
at least one person to access the gaming environment and
participate in playing a game, thereon with the player. The systems
information included in the alert or message relates to payment or
billing a player for services rendered in the gaming environment.
The systems information included in the alert or message refers to
a change in a gaming content within the gaming environment. The
systems information included in the alert or message is a reminder
to a player to play a previously scheduled game within the gaming
environment.
[0009] The system's execution of machine instructions, further
causes the processor to enable a person to select at least one form
in which alert or messages will be transmitted, in response to the
predefined event, at least one said form being selectable from a
plurality of different forms. The system's number of forms include
an email, a pop-up that is displayable, and a message perceivable
on a portable communication device that is coupled to a
communications system.
[0010] A system for interactive processing, wherein the system
comprises a number of sports equipment, wherein each sports
equipment is provided with sensors, such that a set of sensor data
related to the game equipment is captured, and each sports
equipment also comprises a communication device associated with the
sports equipment for establishing a communication link with an
Internet server, wherein the Internet server is provided with an
application that is arranged to relate the data transferred from
different game equipment to one another. The system sensor is
capable of capturing at least one type of data selected from the
group comprising data, which are characteristic of the movement of
the sports game equipment, physiological data of the user of the
sports game equipment, and data describing the spatial orientation
and position of the sports game equipment.
[0011] The system, wherein the sports game equipment includes a
clock generating a time signal and electronic processing
associating the sensor data with the time signal. The system,
wherein at least one of the sports equipment comprises a number of
sensors including a location sensor. The system, wherein at least
one of the sports equipment includes a storage to store the sensor
data wherein the sports equipment are provided with a clarification
means allowing identification from which sports equipment sensor
data are transmitted to the Internet server. The system, wherein
the communications link between the sports equipment and the
Internet server comprises a base station. The system, wherein the
application is designed to assign data received from different
sports equipment to different user accounts. The system, wherein
the application generates output data to drive a display device to
visualize sensor data. A system for interactive processing, wherein
the system comprises a plurality of sports equipment, wherein each
sports equipment is provided with one (1) sensor such that a set of
sensor data related to the sports equipment is captured, and each
sports equipment also comprises a communication device associated
with sports equipment for establishing a communication link with an
Internet server, wherein the Internet server is provided with an
application, that is arranged to relate the data transferred from
different sports equipment to one another. A system, wherein the
sensor is capable of capturing at least one type of data selected
from a group comprising the data, that is characteristic of the
movement of sports equipment, physiological data of the user of the
sports equipment, data describing the environment, and data
describing the position of the sports equipment. The system,
wherein the sports equipment includes a clock generating a time
signal and electronic processing means associating the sensor data
with the time signal.
[0012] The system, wherein the application is designed to assign
data received from different sports equipment, to different user
accounts, generates output data to drive a display device to
visualize sensor data. The system provides a method for interactive
data processing and comprising the steps of capturing sensor data
that are related to a plurality of sports equipment; transferring
the sensor data to an internet server and relating the sensor data
received from different sports equipment to each other. The method
further comprising the steps of generating a time signal and
associating the time signal with the sensor data. The method
comprising the step of storing the sensor data and identifying from
which sports equipment the sensor data is received; comprising the
step of assigning the sensor data received from different sports
equipment to different user accounts. The system provides a method
of displaying the received sensor data.
[0013] A wireless smart 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 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. In
the case of a virtual game and therefore a virtual impact, the game
implement simulates the impact based on the velocity, acceleration,
and spatial orientation of the game implement itself at the point
of a virtual impact. A game projectile or object can therefore be
real or virtual.
[0014] 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" includes piezoelectric and
piezoresistive components. Piezo-active components are defined as
components with the electrical properties of which, when the
component is subjected to physical force, vary.
[0015] 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 utilizing 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.
[0016] The smart golf club system integrated circuit or circuits
can be located anywhere within the club including the head and or
shaft.
[0017] The smart golf club has a means via its built-in
microcontroller to process, analyze, store, hitting pattern data
and transmit it to the local 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. Hereon and heretofore the word, "smart," such as a
smart golf club, is understood to be a golf club or a game
implement fitted with electronic circuitry and components
comprising, but not limited to, a microcontroller, microcomputer,
and or microcontroller unless otherwise stated.
[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 display coded information
and remotely transmitted by an electrical communication circuit. In
one preferred embodiment the communication circuit is contained
within the receptacle. Preferably, the communications circuit for
the receptacle 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.
[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] The 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, a plate, or other substantially flat surface or simply a
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.
[0021] 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. The signals are demodulated and processed into
serial binary data suitable for communications to the local
computer via either serial or parallel ports. As the game
progresses, the computer under the control of the game software,
monitors and directs the flow of communications between the players
via the internet and displays the game simulations and performance
information.
[0022] 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 player 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] While the word ball is used in this disclosure, it should be
understood that any kind of projectile shall suffice for the
purpose of this disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of components of a
computer implemented golf system according to this invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a golf club with sensors and
circuitry and used in the computer implemented system of FIG.
1.
[0027] 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. FIG. 3A is a front plan view of a further embodiment of a
club head for us with the computer implemented golf system of FIG.
1.
[0028] 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.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a club head
electronics installation for use with the club heads of FIGS.
2-4.
[0030] FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of a golf ball receptacle
for use with the system of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view along the lines B-B of
FIG. 6A.
[0032] FIG. 6C is a fragmentary top plan view of the receptacle of
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrating internal components of the
receptacle.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] FIGS. 9A-9D are diagrammatic illustrations of a golf club
motion or swing sensor plate for use with the system according to
FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 9E is a block diagram of the electronics used in
association with the swing sensors plate of FIGS. 9A-9D.
[0037] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a computer installation for
use as the computer and information receiving interconnect of the
system of FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of the software
operation of the computer of FIG. 10.
[0039] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrative of a portion of the
operation of the computer of FIG. 10 operating as indicated in the
block diagram of FIG. 11.
[0040] FIG. 13 features an exemplary system diagram.
[0041] FIG. 14 features an exemplary system flowchart.
[0042] FIG. 15 features an exemplary system flowchart.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the invention
includes a wireless smart golf club 20, a wireless golf ball
receptacle 22, a wireless golf club motion sensing plate 24, a
wireless receiver 26 connected to a computer 28, and a display or
monitor 30 with speakers 31 operated under the control of golf
system software 32, and connected via the internet to an internet
game server 34 (called herein the GGC server).
[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 sensors employing piezo-active type
transducers, specifically, either piezoelectric 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 indicating the magnitude and duration of sensor-ball
impact. The variance may be a change in resistance of a
piezoresistive transducer 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 impulse 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] 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. 68). The internal circuitry includes a wireless radio
frequency transmitter (not separately shown in FIGS. 6A, B and C).
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, specifically, either piezo-electric
or piezo-transducers.
[0050] 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) 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.
[0051] The ball return mechanism 68 can be simple as a back plate
80 located to be engaged by a golf 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] The golf club 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 golf
club motion sensor plate. A suitable 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 5 indicated in FIG. 9E.
[0054] Applying an energizing high frequency alternating electrical
signal having a frequency in 1e8 range from 100 MHz to 200 MHz from
an oscillator 87 to the golf club 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 electromagnetic field disturbance due to a golf club 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
motion detector.
[0055] 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 golf-player and golf club 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 golf club motion electronic transmitter communication
circuitry from FIG. 1.
[0056] The computer 28, under the control of the golf 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.
[0057] 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 golf club motion sensing plate 24, as shown in FIG. 1. The
received transmission 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 golf 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.
[0058] 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
control initialization and the sequential play of the golf game, or
alternatively, the individual player practice session. Upon start
up 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 130b. For
internet communications, the serial port listener of the computer
28 is enabled in the preferred embodiment. A remote player event
listener is initialized. It will communicate events from one or
more of the 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).
[0059] 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 GGC
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 computer 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 GGC server 135 which
displays the event for the opposing player and alerts the opposing
player it is his/her turn to play. The local computer player event
may be, but is not limited to, the 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.
[0060] 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 computer player, again via the internet.
[0061] 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 is analyzed and
displayed only at the local computer player's site.
[0062] When a game is won, lost, or terminated, the golf 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 excessive delay in play) and the remaining
player wishes to continue play, the software resumes an internal
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 will be apparent from the foregoing
functional description and the illustrations contained in the
appended drawings.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 13, the system comprises a server 100 via a
network 102 to a first set of processors 106 within a gaming
environment 104 and a second set of processors 108 outside the
gaming environment. The first set of processors is connected via
communication links 114 to sports equipment items 110. The
communication links are integrated into or connected to sensors 112
that record or receive various data from the sports equipment
items, such as physiological data, location data, position data,
velocity data, energy data, proximity data, angle data, etc.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 14, the server is programmed to 200 to
receive requests from a first set of processors to access the
gaming environment and then 202 provide access. The server may
receive data from the first set of processors 204 and relay that
data 206 to the other processors in the gaming environment.
Similarly, the server may receive data from other processors in the
gaming environment 208 and relay them to the first set of
processors 210.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 15. The server is programmed to receive
signals from the gaming environment 300, determine if the signals
contain a predefined data set 302, and if so, transmit an alert or
message to the second set of processors 304.
[0066] While preferred embodiments have 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 spirt and scope of this invention as set forth
in the appended claims.
* * * * *