Patent Publication Number: US-2010113174-A1

Title: Golf clubs providing for real-time collection, correlation, and analysis of data obtained during actural golf gaming

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/386,191, filed Apr. 15, 2009, entitled “AUTOMATIC REAL-TIME GAME SCORING DEVICE AND GOLF SWING ANALYZER”, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/195,857 filed Oct. 10, 2008 entitled “GOLF SWINGER” the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to golf club devices, and more particularly to game performance tracking and swing analysis. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The game of golf is complex given the numerous elements that affect a golf shot. The basic physical properties include the properties of the golf club, the ball, as well as the ball lie and weather conditions. The more complex aspects involve the golf swing and the ball strike, which are the subject of detail analysis by golf instructors, as well as equipment designed to analysis a club swing. 
     Due to the aforementioned complexities even the simple act of accurately detecting a golf shot allowing for automatic scoring has not been reliably achieved, therefore, to this day a round has required manual input from the golfer. Such a requirement often leads to inaccurate scoring, distraction from the game, and loss of enjoyment. 
     An important aspect in improving one&#39;s game of golf is a need to be able to review the cause-and-effect relationships that result during each and every swing. Again considering the complexities mentioned above this can only be done accurately during actual play. The basic factors of such an analysis may be the club used, the distance the ball traveled, the effects the swing had on the ball travel (such hook or slice), and the hole/golf course in which these results occurred. This cause-and-effect relationship ultimately is the result of the golfer&#39;s club speed, swing profile, body/head positions and other parameters throughout the swing. 
     While some of the swing analysis methods utilized by Renee Russo in the movie Tin Cup may not possess practical value, more complex devices utilized to ascertain/estimate swing parameters during practice can be found at local golf instruction centers. However, these complex swing analyzers are not suitable for use during golf play on an actual course. Moreover, these analyzers do not provide statistics of an actual golf shot during play, and as a function of real world conditions. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention achieves technical advantages as a device and system utilizable during actual golf game play configured to obtain information related to a player&#39;s golf swing. This information may include information generated by a sensor(s) located on or within a golf club, which information is configured to be sent to a golf appliance, such as a golf glove, a personal automatic scoring apparatus, or a golf cart monitoring/display unit. These sensors provide data to facilitate assessing a player&#39;s swing, to determine a ball strike, determine swing velocity, identify the club used, and other data usable during actual game play. One aspect of the invention allows for sensor(s) to be an integral part of a newly manufactured club. Another aspect of the invention allows for existing golf clubs to be retrofitted by an individual with a sensor(s). An additional aspect of the invention provides for power coupling across the sensor(s) golf appliance interface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical golf club showing one placement of a golf scoring system swing detector and/or club identifier, facilitating detecting an actual golf ball strike during actual play, and analysis of club swing profiles during actual game play as discussed throughout the various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  2 C shows multiple locations of swing detectors and/or club identifiers that may be golf club mounted; 
         FIG. 3  shows multiple locations a scoring system receiver, and/or scoring system display units that may be worn on the golfer or mounted on a golf cart; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a club mounted swing detector; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a second embodiment for a club mounted swing detector; 
         FIG. 6  shows a block diagram of one embodiment of the automatic scoring gaming device; 
         FIG. 7  shows a block diagram of another embodiment of the automatic scoring gaming device; 
         FIG. 8  shows representations of a golf glove, and a golf club grip, wherein data information transfer occurs through physical proximity or contact, and a showing how power may be supplied to devices resident with-in the golf club; 
         FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of the automated scoring system according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10-12  are visual renditions of displays that may created by scoring devices according to one embodiment; 
         FIGS. 13A ,  13 B,  13 C,  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C depict the various club positions during a typical golf swing, with various locations of additional sensors providing real-time feedback of the various body positions effecting the outcome of a shot; 
         FIG. 15A  is a block diagram depicting various embodiments that may be used to transfer/couple power between a swing detector, such as  200  or  400 , and a unit such as  500  or  600 ; 
         FIGS. 15B ,  15 C,  15 D and  15 E depict different methods of direct and proximal power coupling shown in  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of a golf glove depicting how the glove finger tips map to a corresponding portions of the club grip; 
         FIG. 17  shows the golf glove with portions below the fingers of the glove corresponding to portions of the club grip; 
         FIG. 18  depicts the golf glove of  FIG. 16  shown open, palm facing up, where physical zones with electrical contacts on the glove are configured to transfer power and/or information through physical proximity or physical contact with the golf club grip; 
         FIG. 19  depicts the signal/data interface as a wireless interface, such as by RF and RFID; 
         FIG. 20  shows possible locations that may be used for the sensor, processor, power, or antenna placement within a golf club; 
         FIG. 21  shows a flexible circuit that may be embedded into or under a club grip, which facilitates the transfer of power and/or signals between a corresponding golf appliance(s) and sensor(s) contained on this circuit, within the golf club, or sensor(s) mounted on the club; 
         FIG. 22A  shows a module inserted into a club at the top of the grip and also shows how it may directly couple to the grip; 
         FIGS. 22B , and  22 C show how a club mounted sensor may be advantageously configured for power, or battery access; 
         FIG. 23  shows embodiments in which power and/or signal interface coupling, or sensors, may be placed within or under the grip itself; 
         FIG. 24A  shows a module which inserted into a club at the top of the grip and also shows how it may directly couple to the grip; and 
         FIGS. 24B and 24C  and show embodiments in which the signal interface coupling is enhanced by the antenna placement in the grip cap. 
     
    
    
     Table 1 is a tabular representation of some of profiles used to enable the various embodiments, and the devices that may be used to enable the time/cause/effect detection and profiling; 
     Table 2 is tabular representation of some of the various device embodiments enabled by this invention, showing their capabilities and interactions between the various additional devices utilized in each embodiment; 
     Table 3 is a tabular representation of some of the methods disclosed in the various embodiments with a brief description of each. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  a typical golf club  100  is represented. Shown also in  FIG. 1  is the addition of a device that may include a swing detector  200  attached to golf club  100 , shown in this embodiment at the top of the club&#39;s grip  102  in one preferred embodiment of the invention. The detector  200  is configured to detect an actual golf shot event, such as detecting the shaft  104 &#39;s motion and/or vibrations, such as a resonant frequency indicative of a ball strike or a jolt, or a sound indicative of an actual ball strike during golf play. The detector  200  may include an accelerometer and or other sensor elements configured to detect an actual golf swing and/or ball strike. The detector may be located at another location on or in the club, or integrated with the grip as desired. The detector  200  is configured to generate a signal indicative of an actual ball strike during the actual play of golf. 
       FIG. 1  also shows for illustration a ball  110  that may have a path  112  when struck by the club, a playing surface  114 , a divot  116 , a club head swing path  118 , and a club head backswing path  120 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 2  are multiple detectors  200 , one for each club, each configured to sense an actual swing and/or golf ball strike for the specific type of club, whether it be a driver  218 , iron  210 , or putter  202 , that are each club mounted. Each detector  200  shown is configured to transmit data indicative of a golf ball strike, and/or golf swing characteristics, back to a reading/processing device  306  via link  308 , such as display/scoring unit  600 , which may be worn by golfer  302 , or via link  310  to a remotely located device, such as in a golf cart  314  as shown at  316  in  FIG. 3 . The data transmitted may be responsive to a signal generated by unit  500 , or may be automatically sent without prompting. 
     In various other preferred embodiments, different points of attachment of the detector  200  may be used, such as next to the club grip and directly onto a club shaft at  208 , or within the club shaft itself at  206 . The detector can also be mounted near a club head at  204  and  214 , such as the club hosel, or internal to the club near point shown at  212 . Although  FIG. 2  shows different points of attachment on the three clubs represented, the specific points shown may be used on any of the clubs. 
     During a club swing, the golfer performs a slow backswing of golf club  100  in the direction indicated by  120 . At the pinnacle of this action the direction is reversed and with the aid of the body movements the club head is accelerated in the direction indicated by  118 . During this action different results may occur. The golf ball  110  may be struck directly, or the ground  114  may be lightly stuck before hitting golf ball  110 . Other results such as the ground  114  being stuck in a manner that results in a divot removed at  116  may occur, after which the golf ball  110  may or may not be hit by the club head  108 . Additionally, it is conceivable that the golf ball  110  is missed completely by the club head  108 . 
     Regardless of which of the above actions takes place, the club head  108  will continue in some manner in the direction indicated by  112 . Due to the amount of variables in the actions resulting from a golf club swing, the speed of a club head, and the similarity from one swing to the next, it is desirable for an automatic golf scorer that is capable of detecting and/or analyzing these variables to provide practical information as well as one that is portable, enabling its use during actual play. 
     While various approaches may be employed to detect the contact of a golf ball  110  and club head  108 , they may be intrusive. Any device mounted or adhered to the face of club head  108  may affect features that are designed into the head to aid in spin and momentum transfer to the golf ball. 
     Other devices/sensors may mount at an area of the club likely to provide the greatest amount of feedback to a detection device, such as at point  214 . Mounting a device in that location may affect the actual swing characteristics of the club itself, potentially altering the swing weight or resistance to the air, or just the fact that the golfer may perceive that such an affect occurs. 
     In yet another preferred embodiment, referring to  FIG. 3 , the detector  200  may be incorporated into/onto a glove of golfer  302  as shown at  305  and described later in reference to  806  and  822  shown in  FIG. 8 , wrist mounted in a player attachment/accessory  312 , or incorporated into a watch  304 . 
     In embodiments where the swing detector  200  is not physically attached to the club, the detector is configured to sense parameters indicative of the club swing and/or an actual ball strike. In a preferred embodiment each club has an ascertainable indicator that is indicative of the club. Identification may be made by reading an RFID code, by sensing a resistance indicative of the club, or some other method. 
     RFID tags may be designed in many physical configurations. For the above embodiments described wherein the swing detectors are not physically attached to each club, a properly shaped RFID device may be utilized in some of the locations previously discussed with swing detector  200 . For example, a small circular RFID tag may be attached at  216 , shown in  FIG. 2C , or a larger rectangular one may be placed under or near a golf club grip such as at  206 . 
     One embodiment of detector  200  is shown as detector  400  in  FIG. 4 . This detector  400  may be detachably mounted to clubs. This detector may also be selectively changed from club to club if desired. Shown in  FIG. 2  is this detector mounted at  216  onto a driver  218 , and at  208  mounted onto an iron  210 . Other locations for this embodiment can be at  204  and  214 . The detector  400  has a processor, such as a microprocessor, as well as supporting elements including memory and a data interface. 
     Detector  400  may also be mounted internally at points such as  206  and  212  shown in  FIG. 2B  on iron  210 . It is contemplated that similar mountings and variations may also be used on putter  202  and driver  218 . 
     Dependant on the preferred embodiment, the present invention advantageously detects both the club swing and actual ball hit. Additionally, it differentiates the actions that result in the incrementing of a stroke to the score, from those actions that do not, such as practice swings and divots. 
     As seen in  FIG. 4 , one embodiment of detector  200  is shown as detector  400  and may be attached directly to each club. Detector  400  includes a microprocessor  408 , such as a Microchip technologies 12F683 or 16F883 configured to evaluate inputs from sensors  1  and  2  ( 402  and  404 , respectfully), where such sensors may be accelerometers detecting positive and negative swing accelerations, and/or club angles, club vibration (such as a vibration frequency), or a step function delta indicative of a ball strike. One of the sensors may be used to provide additional feedback, such as a sound profile of the ball hit itself, or visual or sonic feedback of the golf ball itself. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 4  is a timer  410 , wherein the input signals received from the sensors and the timer are analyzed by processor  408  and compared to characteristic profiles stored in memory  412  indicative of many different types of events that may occur. For instance, the time between the initiation of a back swing until a ball strike can be correlated with other input, such as a club type, to determine actual club swing parameters. These club swing parameters are then transmitted back to unit  500  where additional analysis may be performed in real time, or at a later time, such as when the data is downloaded to a PC for later analysis. Transceiver  406  may be part of processor  408  or separate. Transceiver  406  is a low power short range device with a specific identification code and may be of the RF type, Bluetooth, or another transmission method. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram of another embodiment of swing detector  200  shown as detector  500 . Microprocessor  508 , timer  510 , sensors  1  and  2  labeled  502  and  504 , respectfully, memory  512 , and transmitter  506  may be utilized as described above for detector  400 , or in a different configuration. This embodiment is configured to be worn by the golfer as shown in  FIG. 3  as  304 ,  305 , or  312 . The detector  500  may also have a display  514  shown as  304  configured to generate a visual event indicative of the swing or ball strike. Moreover, the detector  500  may include an RFID interface  516  configured to receive RFID signals from a club, such as indicative of the club used during a swing and ball strike. Aside from an RFID device, an alternative method may be used for identifying each club, such as a resistance discrimination method, wherein each club has a unique resistance characteristic such as in the grip, detectable by golf glove  804  and shown worn by golfer  302  as  305 . Additionally, other club identification means could be employed as recognizable by those skilled in the art. 
     Detector  500  may also include a low power short range device with a specific identification code and may be of the RF type, Bluetooth, or another transmission method to communicate information to a display/scoring unit, such as unit  600  or unit  700 , as similarly done in device  400 , shown here as an RF interface or wireless interface  516 . A GPS receiver  518  may also be incorporated or the transceiver means used to communicate with a separate GPS device. 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram of the user worn display/scoring unit  600 . This unit partially consists of a microprocessor  604  such as a Microchip Technologies 18F6393, timer  612 , and micro display  610 . Information/data is received by transceiver  606  from a single club, or even multiple clubs, with embedded detectors. For the embodiments where the clubs do not have these detectors, information may be received from body mounted swing detectors, such as those shown in  FIG. 3  at locations  304 ,  305 , or  312 . Additionally, a physical contact glove detector may be used as described later in an additional embodiment. The unit  600  receives the data from the user worn glove transceiver/detector, such as that shown in  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B  at location  806  or  822 . Due to the many embodiments it is important to understand that a user worn display/scoring unit such as that shown as  304  in  FIG. 3  may also incorporate a swing detector, therefore, similarities as well as differences are explained in both the descriptions of units  500  and  600 . 
     Algorithms in processor  604 &#39;s embedded code perform additional analysis on this information/data. One preferred embodiment incorporates a GPS receiver  608 , while another embodiment having at least one sensor  602  determines game scoring by using and/or correlating the profiles and methods outlined in Tables 1 to 3. For example, the length of time between golf club swings, which club was last used, the changing of a club, and vibration data, such as a traveling profile described in Table 3. This data and the method algorithms may be used to determine that one hole is completed and a new hole is being approached and adjust the stroke count appropriately. 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram of the cart display/scoring unit  700  having at least one system including wireless interfacing, such as an RF interface  702 , and may have additional data communication means  706  such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth, Wireless Internet, Cellular, or USB. This unit partially consists of a microprocessor  704  and timer  714  and display  708 . Information/data is received by a transceiver/wireless interface  702  in real time from body mounted swing detectors, such as those shown in  FIG. 3  at locations  304 ,  306 , or  312 . 
     Transceiver  702  communicates with the multiple swing devices  200  while transceivers  702  and/or  706 , additionally, may be configured to receive code and profile updates, or download the results stored in unit  306  and  316  to a PC or other devices such as a PDA, in real time via a data link, or at a later user defined time. Using transceivers in place of transmitters allows for additional functionality. For example, the individual profiles and sensor characteristics can be updated, or swing device data communication could initiated by request or polling, such as initiated by remote display/scoring unit  306  or  316 . Such improvements may result in longer life to batteries in sensor  200 , not shown in these diagrams. 
       FIG. 7  also shows an embodiment where additional memory may be included. This memory can be interfaced to directly from an integrated memory controller  710  contained within a microcontroller, such as a Microchip technology PIC 18F8493. An advantage of this embodiment is that wireless data may be communicated amongst other teams such as in a tournament play. Additional memory also allows multiple players to have ready access to a great amount of historical play information previously obtained by the automatic analysis system being described herein. An instance of such data may be a data screen selection displaying information on selecting your golf club based on an analysis of the distance required and the average distance hit with various clubs that day and/or historically. An additional use may be to select a screen display that provides recommended changes to your golf swing based on how you are hitting the ball that particular day (e.g. you are slicing to the right, please try to do . . . , your acceleration is too slow, try picking up golf speed, etc.) 
     Advantageously, the display/scoring units described herein as units  304 , 306 ,  316 ,  600 , and  700 , release the user of the burden or trying to remember a lot of details during game play, but can rather rely on the data now immediately available to make adjustments to one&#39;s game play during the game. Frustration is reduced because a golfer does not have to wait until the next game to consider how to improve one&#39;s game. By knowing that one is hitting the 7 iron well, for instance, one may choose that club over a 6 iron if one knows that he/she is hitting it better. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the user worn glove includes a detector  806  or  822  configured to read/ascertain data indicative of the club used, and transmit or render available, this data to a remote device such as unit  306  or  316 , or any other data unit as desired. The advantage of this embodiment is that an active sensor or passive sensor can be placed on or within the club, which may be cheaper. This embodiment may not include an accelerometer, and may simply just count shots on each hole and the total for the round, or may also provide useful data during actual game play for consideration by the golfer prior to the next shot, or set of shots. 
       FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of the processing steps that may taken by the display/scoring unit  306  and  316  in conjunction with a single swing detector of type  200 , during a normal round of golf. As shown at step  902  the system is initialized, set to the desired mode, and started. 
     When the scoring unit resets during power-up, or is reset by a player, it remains in a standby state awaiting a user&#39;s input. Internal flags are initialized and sensor inputs are disabled until a player initiates the start of a game. The player may select a game, or to download stored information to a PDA, or other additional functionality. The display is updated at  904  and the player is queried as to the type of mode desired. During recreational games  906 , the user is allowed to modify the stoke count determined by the automatic scoring system  908 . Other rounds, such as those during a high school competition, could be set to lock out any user input that affects the score  910 . Additionally, this data may be broadcast in real time, or delayed, to a central location, such as a server, to obtain and display multiple player data for analysis or review. 
     In one embodiment unit  306  or  316  will now wait for input from a swing device  200 . Upon receiving input from the device, the state flow for the display/scoring by-passes step  912  and continues to  922 . When sensor device  200  detects motion at step  912 , the processor evaluates and performs data storage and calculations at step  914 . When a valid profile that affects unit  306  or  316  is detected this information is transmitted to it. If the transmitted information and the data within unit  306  or  316  determine that a shot was taken at step  918 , the shot count is incremented at  920 . 
     Step  922  looks to see if a user input has occurred. The actions that may result from an input are determined at step  924 . If the mode is recreational the score can be adjusted. In all cases a user can flag an event for analysis, of the processed data, at a later time. For example, if a player did not agree with the scoring of a hole he could flag that hole. The inputs to, and the decisions made by the swing counter, as well as the scoring unit could later be reviewed. 
     The scoring display unit  306  and  316  as well as the swing device  200  will continually be re-establishing a new current state and determining how it may affect the next action. This occurs at step  926 . Finally, all raw data is stored during step  928  and the process continues. 
     It is important to remember that the real time loop presented in this flow diagram occurs repeatedly at microprocessor speeds. The states shown on this diagram are simplified to facilitate the explanation and teaching of this invention. It will be recognized by one skilled in the art that methods and process steps can be altered to occur in a different order or even simultaneously, such as an internal counter routine updating status variables or data calculations caused by timer interrupts to the processor. 
     A GPS receiver coupled to, or integrated with, the above swing detection system, such as the user worn display/scoring unit, further enhances the present invention by providing ball location and golf hole data correlated to the data obtained, such game play and swing analysis. 
     The GPS receiver gathers information from multiple satellites. With this information, the invention can accurately determine the receiver&#39;s location during golf play. The GPS receiver is designed to communicate with processing devices in a NMEA2.1 or similar protocol. Information about the receiver&#39;s longitude, latitude, altitude, and time aid the invention in providing the golfer the ultimate of real time and post play analysis. 
     When the GPS unit is utilized in one preferred embodiment, the cause-and-effect relationship of a golf shot, swing profile, club, course, and other conditions can clearly be correlated, tracked and presented in a graphical and easy to interpret display, in real time in units  500  and  600 , or stored for post game analysis. 
     Graphical interfaces, and even animated interfaces, prove to surpass the learning traditionally obtained within a control facility, or environment, as well as greatly enhance the game enjoyment. 
     For an example, using the display device  306  or  316 , or a remote PC/PDA with downloaded data there from, during post-analysis, a golfer can pull up information about a round that has been played. By zooming in, any particular hole may be selected, or a screen button can be clicked. The player can choose other options to learn about prior performance on a given course or hole, and can add notes. Data can also be shared between users of various automatic scoring systems equipped with a wireless interface such as that shown in device  600 , or even uploaded to other sites, such as via the interne for further analysis, scoring and processing. 
     Now looking at  FIGS. 10A and 10B  there is shown one display that may be visually rendered by unit  306  or  316  during play. Understanding that unit  306  may be an embodiment that only allows for alpha-numeric type information, such as that displayed on a micro-display, the information presented in  FIG. 10A  is representative; however, the displayed unit may be such as a PDA. In such a case the information is presented both in  FIG. 10A  and  FIG. 10B  may be displayed. The visual display may include actual game specific information, including shots taken, club used, distance of each shot, hole information, course information, date, and other statistics valuable to the golfer, in real time, during the actual play of the game. This information can be used by the golfer in determining one or more future shots on the same hole, or a future hole. The user can scroll backwards and forward between individual holes to consider play during the actual game. For instance, while playing hole  10 , the user can scroll back to the display showing the play for hole  7  to ascertain the club and distance parameter and use this information to determine which club to play at a given location on hole  10 . As a course is played more frequently additional information you need in completing a more detailed pictorial is obtained. By having this information a golfer can more easily visualize what a given hole that was played like. Hazards, doglegs, and other information may provide feedback and why a particular club which chosen and why the distance with this club may be significantly different than when this club was used on a different hole. 
       FIG. 11  shows a display in another format, which renders current game information, such as club performance/results during the current game. For instance, the player can appreciate the average distance of a shot as a function of the club. The results can even be weighted or selectively removed/edited so one can appreciate relevant information. 
       FIG. 12  shows a menu option so a golfer can, during game play, see and consider how he/she played the hole on a previous occasion. For instance, the player can select a desired course, the date played, and the hole played, and hit enter. The stored information for this entered data will then be displayed. Advantageously, the golfer can appreciate data from previous actual play on the same course or a different course, the same hole or a different hole. 
     Now looking at  FIGS. 13A ,  13 B,  13 C,  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C there is shown the various club and body positions that occur and can be detected and/or analyzed by detector  200  throughout the action of a typical golf swing. This is accomplished by a combination of analog and/or digital filtering, time profiling, and the effect of a shot as observed by the location of the ball&#39;s final landing place. Once again, referring to two distinctively different embodiments; that of utilizing a GPS receiver, and that of accomplishing similar informational data without the cost or benefit of a GPS receiver, these various embodiments are summarized in tables 1 to 3. To some, golf is a lifetime pursuit of perfection, while to others it is an afternoon in the sun. Therefore, much consideration has been given into how to teach multiple embodiments that reflect various market and product decisions. 
     Depending on the embodiment, an ordinary skilled engineer may incorporate one of several implementations presented here as well as others enlightened by these teachings. 
     Let us first look at the various events detected by the various embodiments disclosed: 
     A simple ball strike; 
     a practice swing versus a whiff; 
     a divot continuing into a ball strike; 
     a sand trap ball hit at the top. 
     While the simple ball hit may be basically shock detection, a more sophisticated algorithm is employed to distinguish this from the other above mentioned. 
     One may consider a swing profile analysis as a more complex action than the aforementioned, and this is not the case when implementing all of these features. A profile analysis of the swing essentially deals with the acceleration or velocity, depending on one&#39;s viewpoint of the swing. Also taken into account is the relative position of the club in the x,y,z planes throughout the profile. 
     Some of the desired information in swing analysis include but is not limited to 
     backswing velocity; 
     swing arc; 
     club swing acceleration; 
     club follow-through. 
     One should take note that the items mentioned here essentially are referring to the detection on the club or near the club, such as the golfer&#39;s wrist. Also, as clearly seen in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the specifics of the golfer&#39;s body position are not clearly addressed by the sensors located in one or both of those regions. 
     An occasional recreational golfer may simply require the convenience of an automatic scoring device. Improving golfers are likely to be interested in correcting and consistently reproducing a correct swing profile. 
     Table 1 is a tabular summary of various profiles that are analyzed during a round of golf. These profiles are used to determine/correlate a relationship between the golfer, elapsed time, and input from the various sensors. With this information, according to one embodiment explained later on, the invention may simply keep automatic score of a golf round. When other sensors are utilized, the invention allows one to track, show or render the ability/actual play, advantageously providing more meaningful, detailed, real-time information about one&#39;s performance. 
     Table 2 shows various profiles described, such as backswing or RFID read. The profile used will be dependent on the embodiment being implemented. Depending on the implementation, as shown in Table 2, there is another way of looking at how to determine that a golf shot was taken. 
     Table 3 complements Table 2 in that it provides a brief description of the methods that are used with the various device combinations to achieve these profiles. 
     Again referring to  FIGS. 13A ,  13 B, and  13 C one can observe the various positions throughout a typical golf backswing. Shown in these figures is a typical golfer  302  performing a swing using driver  218 .  FIG. 13A  shows a unit  200  configured to be worn on a hat or hatband with the detector located on the forehead. Additional sensors of this type may be worn in various other player locations such as on a belt to detect hip and body shifting throughout the swing. Sensors of this type may be attached in a multitude of means, such as but not limited to clip attachments, band attachment, and clothing with sensor integration. 
     Shown in  FIG. 13  is a slight movement of golf club  218  at or near golf ball  1308 , shown at location  1310 . In table 3 this is a method described as club swing: aim alignment. The data is collected from swing detectors  200  located on or in golf club  218 , and is coordinated with body worn detectors at locations  1304 ,  1305 , and/or all the locations on which the golfer chooses to place them. This data may be used to analyze both the effects of the club swing profiles summarized in table 1 such as of club swing: aim alignment  1310 , club swing: backswing  1306 ; as well as those effects introduced by the body movements themselves. Combined with time and analysis, the golfer is provided with information vital to identify the golfer&#39;s individual play characteristics and therefore rapidly aid in the improvement of his/her play. Examples of such information are backswing velocity, the lifting of one&#39;s head just prior to the shot, the body positional alignment in its relationship towards the flag and hole on the golf green. 
     In  FIG. 13A  the x,y,z positional coordinates shown at  1302  reflect those of the golfer&#39;s head throughout his swing, depicted in all  FIGS. 13A through 14C . Of particular importance is the timing when a head position changes from viewing the golf ball at location  1310  to watching its flight at the time of the swing completion  1416  in  FIG. 14C . 
     In  FIGS. 13A to 13C , the total backswing path is represented in stages shown starting as  1306 , continuing through  1312 , and reaching its peak at  1320 . The club angle change with respect to the vertical is shown as  1314 , while the body potion shift is shown as  1316 , and a final change in shoulder angle with respect to the horizontal ground plane at  1318 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13  the effects on the flight of golf ball  1308  from the club swing profile are primarily sensed and analyzed from club mounted detector  200 s during the path as shown by  1306 ,  1312 ,  1320 . The body&#39;s influences are shown here as  1302 ,  1316 ,  1318 . Without the benefit of time analysis and the benefit of the landing position of the ball, the instructional aid is diminished, while for a casual golfer this information may still be adequate. 
       FIGS. 14A to 14C  show the forward swing continuation. Here distinct locations of the swing are called out such as the combination of  1402 , followed by  1406 ; continuing  1410  to  1412 , and  1414  to the completion of the swing at  1416 . These points, as well as those that similarly occur within the swing paths shown in  FIG. 13 , indicate approximations of data collection times based on device  200  sensor input that is used during time/event profiling when a club is swung. 
     According to the various embodiments of this invention, this data can be obtained by the sensors  200  in real time. 
     Data Protocol Transfers 
     Dependant on the embodiment, either the display gaming device or the swing analyzer can initiate the start of data collection by the swing analyzer. The display gaming device may send a start request to the swing analyzer, and the swing analyzer then begins collecting data for analysis against desired profiles. When the swing analyzer determines that a profile has occurred, it transmits data back to the game display device. 
     Swing analyzer data transfer is both time and event tagged. Data logging is maintained in an efficient manner, so for example, if the golfer has taken practice swings but no ball hit was detected that data could be marked for over-write. In the swing analyzer, the RAM memory used to collect raw data is treated as a stack, wherein when the last memory location allocated for data storage is reached, the pointer is reset to the first location. If a protection flag is set it proceeds to the head of the next set of data. 
     Data transfer to the display unit may be either just specifically requested information, or a complete transfer of all raw data. Each time data is transferred via RF, power is consumed therefore transfers are kept minimal 
     In one embodiment, what is transferred is only the pertinent information. For instance, a ball hit has occurred in a mode selected to only keep score. In another embodiment, such as where analysis is performed, the pertinent sensor data is transferred with the time tag and the event tag. The analysis of this information is then correlated to one of the profiles discussed in table 1 to 3. 
     At times a request for all raw data may be made for later analysis. In such a case all of the time and event tags along with their sensor values are transferred. Collecting this amount of raw data requires an implementation using sufficient memory to allow for 18 or more holes. 
     One protocol transfer sequence may look like this: 
     Here, time is expressed in milliseconds while accelerometer x,y,z axis angle and acceleration are expressed as voltages. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Club ID/ 
                 Time 
                 Latitude 
                 Longitude 
                 X 
                 Y 
                 Z 
               
               
                 Protect and 
                   
                   
                   
                 axis 
                 axis 
                 axis 
               
               
                 error flag 
                   
                   
                   
                 accel 
                 accel. 
                 accel. 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Event Tag/ 
                 Time 
                 X 
                 X 
                 Y axis 
                 Y 
                 Z 
                 Z 
               
               
                 Protect and 
                 Delta 
                 axis 
                 axis 
                 angle 
                 axis 
                 axis 
                 axis 
               
               
                 error flag 
                   
                 angle 
                 accel. 
                   
                 accel. 
                 angle 
                 accel. 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Monolithic IC Accelerometers, such as an Analog Devices ATXL  330 , can work in both static and dynamic acceleration modes. A static acceleration of gravity is used in tilt sensing applications. A dynamic acceleration is a result of motion, shock, or vibration. Accelerometers of these type may prove advantages in one preferred embodiment. As seen in  FIG. 4 , sensor input may be applied directly to a processor I/O, may be conditioned and then applied, or may be used as two inputs proving isolation to allow for different filtering to take place out of the same accelerometer. 
     Additionally, accelerometers are chosen as one to three axis allowing for different levels of maximum g&#39;s. A user selects the bandwidth of an accelerometer using external capacitors on each X, Y, or Z. axis. Depending on the model of accelerometer chosen each axis may differ in available bandwidth. For example, on a ATXL  330  device, the X and Y axis allow a range of 0.5 Hz to 1600 Hz, while the Z axis is limited to 0.5 Hz to 550 Hz. Conforming to: 
         F   −3db =1/(2 pi (32 k )× C   (x,y,z)    
     Additionally advantages for this device is its low power consumption and its ability to run from a single supply ranging from 1.8 V. to 3.6 V. to accomplish this the signal outputs are ratio metric. One must however be aware that while the output sensitivity varies proportionally to the supply voltage the output noise is absolute in volts. Or stated another way as the supply voltage increases the noise density decreases: rms Noise=Noise Density×(BW×1.6.) 
     While the low power consumption of these devices makes them ideal for this application, one must be sure to take into account these noise considerations due to the extremely low mV levels being dealt with during calculations. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15A  ones observes a power/data interface shown at block  1504 , which power/data interface is configured to couple power/data between block  1502 , which may be a swing detector  200  or  400 , and block  1506 , which may be unit  500  or  600  as previously described. This power/data interface  1504  may be implemented by various means depending on the embodiment. Power may be provided by either direct physical contact as illustrated by  FIG. 15B , or by proximal location as shown in  FIGS. 15C ,  15 D, and  15 E. 
     In one embodiment power is transferred from swing detector  200  or  400  by direct contact as shown in  FIG. 15B . Here positive voltage and return conduction paths are shown at  1508  and  1510 , respectively. In this embodiment these conduction paths may be implemented in the golf glove  804  and configured to transfer power to a club grip  1610  when brought into contact therewith. In this embodiment, paths  1508  and  1510  could directly relate to the mappings as shown at  1802  and  1812  shown in  FIGS. 16-18 , which will be described in more detail shortly. 
     Power may also be transferred from swing detector  200  or  400  to unit  500  or  600  without direct physical contact such as using inductive coupling as shown in  FIG. 15C , capacitive coupling shown in  FIG. 15D , or power derived from an RFID field shown in  FIG. 15E , and discussed further in reference to  FIG. 19 . 
       FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of the hand  1604  configured to grasp a club grip  1610  with the mapping of specific regions on the hand/fingers to corresponding electrically conductive contact points on grip. In  FIG. 16  one can see a direct correspondence between specific electrical contact points on club grip  1610  and the gloved fingertips of a golfer shown at  1702 ,  1704 ,  1706 ,  1710 , and  1708 , numbered from the pinky to the thumb, respectively. Also shown in this Figure is the point on the palm, noted as  1712 , that does not show a contact point on the club grip. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 17 , a direct correspondence between specific contact points on the club grip and the golfer&#39;s hand is shown. Here, however, the mapping indicated as  1814 ,  1816 ,  1818 , and  1820 , respectively, from the pinky to the index finger, shows the correspondence between the hand, at the base of each finger in the region indicated, as opposed to the finger tip mapping shown in  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 18  depicts the golf glove  804  of  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17  shown open, palm facing up. The electrical contact points  1902  of the physical zones on the glove are configured to transfer power and/or data information through physical proximity or physical contact with electrical contact points of the club grip  1610 , which interface is represented as block  1504  in  FIG. 15A , which contact points may in turn be electrically coupled to sensors/components on the club. For instance, electrically conductive portions  1902  may be situated proximate the palm of the glove, the fingers proximate the palm, on the finger tips, or the thumb tip as desired for the selected embodiment. Some of these portions may also provide redundant paths for power or a circuit to make sure a suitable electrical path is established when used. These electrically conductive portions  1902  may be electrically coupled to a processing unit, such as a processing unit  806  or  822  as previously shown and described in reference to  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B , that can be attached to the top of the glove or proximate a wrist portion of the glove, or even wirelessly interfaced to remote processing unit, such as at  316  located at a golf cart as sown in  FIG. 3 , or display/scoring unit  600 . 
     It is understood that various arrangements of contacts may be configured for the purpose of detecting proper and repeatable hand grip positioning, and/or to insure contact and isolation between other signal interface paths. Moreover, the electrical contact points of the glove and/or the club grip may be non-planer, and raised/protruding to further enhance establishing a reliable electrically conductive connection when interfaced in use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 19  there is shown a wireless embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 15 , where power and/or data is interfaced and coupled between a remote unit, such as processing unit  806  or  822 , and a golf club sensor module  2102  using RF energy. An RFID interface  1902  is provided which couples power from RFID device  1904  wirelessly to RFID device  1910  incorporated into a golf club. RFID transceiver  1910  is further configured to supply power to processing unit  1916  if employed, as well as the club sensor(s)  200 . 
     Relevant swing data and club parameters are obtained from sensor(s)  200  and/or transferred from registers  1914  to registers  1912 . Data is then communicated via RF between register  1912  and register  1906 . All data can be unidirectional or bidirectional. Additionally, batteries may also be employed on the golf club to power the sensors and/or microcontroller. 
       FIG. 20  shows possible locations on the golf club  218  that may be used for the sensor, processor, power, or antenna. It is understood that while  FIG. 20  is illustrated as a driver for purposes of discussion, the present invention in its various embodiments may be used on any typical golf club such as those shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C, or other variations not shown, such as a sand wedge or pitching wedge. 
     In  FIG. 20  a driver  218  is shown with its shaft  2112  shown split into an upper section  2110  and lower section  2114 . A module  2102  is shown securely affixed to shaft  2110  above grip  2106 , and may be configured to be inserted into the end of the club. This module  2102  may be a plastic or rubber cap, or a modular unit as will further be described. 
     Location  2104  indicates the location where a sensor, such as detector  200 , or other device may be placed for such purposes as, but not limited to, swing detection, ball strike detection, golf club identification, and power or information transfer. 
     A module  2120 , which may also be a detector  200 , is shown that may be located at such locations indicated by  2104 ,  2108 , or  2116 . As shown here, this module  2120  may consist of a processing unit  2128 , a sensor  2126 , and a means for interconnecting these devices  2124 . This module may be of such type as unit  400  or unit  500 . 
     As fore mentioned keeping power consumption of a sensor module(s) low is advantageous. This may be accomplished by different means. One embodiment further configures module  2120  with a proximity sensor, not shown. This may be in the form of a sensor activated by a small magnet integrated into a golf glove. Another embodiment provides for activation by the physical contact between the grip and the golf glove, while another proximal activation is a result of the RF field generated by a proximal RFID device 
     .At location  2108 , a cutout reveals an electrical connection that may exist between a sensor, such as a microphone, and another device, such as module  2120 . As shown, this may be simply twisted pair wire, or flexible circuitry such as that shown in  FIG. 22  which may allow for communication between multiple components, including active or passive sensors, and the microcontroller. 
       FIG. 21  depicts one embodiment of a flexible circuit  2150  that may be embedded into, onto, or under the club grip  1610 . Flexible circuits, which are commonly known in the art, allow it to conform to the shape of the golf shaft, allowing it to be placed under the grip itself, inside the club, or along the surface of the club if desired. 
     One preferred embodiment is the integration of the sensors in a golf club during manufacturing, while an additional embodiment provides for the sensor(s) to be retrofitted into a club by a user or dealer.  FIG. 22A  shows an embodiment in which a module, such as  2102 , may be inserted into the top of the golf club  218 . 
     The module  2102  may contain a sub module  2310  configured to contain a battery(s)  2312  that is accessible for replacement as shown in  FIG. 23C . This battery may provide power to the sensors and/or electronics, such as the microcontroller. Access to the battery may be provided by unscrewing sub module  2310  aided by slot  2326 , freeing sub module  2310  by the release of a pressure retention spring clip  2314 , or other means. 
     While access to the battery may be required in some instances it may also be desirable to charge the batteries in place.  FIG. 22B  shows an embodiment where electrical contact can be made with the battery externally to charge the batteries without removal. For example, electrical contact  2316  extends from the exterior to the positive electrode of the battery for providing a positive voltage thereto, and electrical contact at  2318  may be used to supply a ground return path for that voltage. 
     Another embodiment, as also shown in  FIG. 22B , is a ground return path  2322  completed along the entire length of a metal shaft of the module  2312 . 
     In another embodiment the battery is replaced with a super capacitor or other means of energy storage. In this embodiment sub module  2310  does not need to be accessible. As with a battery the charging of a super capacitor may be accomplished by physical electrical contact between the charging power source and the super capacitor, or by a non physical means such as inductive, capacitive, or RF power coupling. 
     To gain final perspective on the ability to retrofit a golf club, one should observe that a sub component of module  2102  is cap  2103 . When it is desired to add a module to a previously non-equipped golf club, such as module  2102 , one can remove the original cap if provided, or gain an access through the club grip, for example by drilling an appropriately sized hole. Module  2102  can then be inserted and held securely by pressure fit, glue adhesion, or some other means. 
     Due to the many embodiments enabled by this invention it is understood that a module  2102  may contain only one sensor such as a microphone or RFID device, may additionally be configured with a processing unit, may only serve to provide a power or signal interface to a sensor  200  located elsewhere within or on the golf club, or to interface with an external appliance. 
     Looking at  FIG. 23 , the flexible circuit  2150  is provided for the sensor module  2102 , such as when located within the golf club  218 , and couples electrical signals/power from the module  2102  to an external appliance. The flexible circuit  2150  can be configured to couple the signals/power for module  2102  to a top of the club shaft as shown at  2360 , or under the club grip  1610  where electrical conductive paths provides for connection such as that shown at  2370 . The sensor module  2102  may be located within the shaft of club  218  by way of a slot  2350  in the shaft itself. The shaft may be additionally strengthened at this point using suitable material if desired. 
     In a different embodiment, an antenna may be provided for module  2102  that passes passing through the slot the  2350  and is wrapped around the shaft under the golf club grip thereby providing for a stronger signal transmission. 
       FIG. 24A  shows the module  2102  inserted into the club  218  at the top of the grip, and also shows how it may directly couple to the grip. 
       FIGS. 24B and 24C  show embodiments in which the signal interface coupling for module  2102  is enhanced by an antenna  2408  placed in the grip cap. 
     Herein, the majority of signal and power couplings that have been described around sensor module  2102  are located at the top of a golf club proximal the grip and contained by cap  2103 . It is well understood that for various reasons module  2102 , or similar module, could be located anywhere within or on the club. 
     For example, module  2102  may located proximal the hosel at location  2116  shown in  FIG. 20 , and which may provide for greater sensitivity in swing arc, vibration analysis, acoustic analysis, etc. Additionally the teachings herein are not limited to a single module. 
     Although for purposes of descriptions of the internal to external signals of power coupling, it is understood that a sensor module need not be located  2104 . 
     First Embodiment 
     Accordingly to a first embodiment, a swing detection device, such as an accelerometer and processor may be coupled to each golf club in a set of clubs. The user wears a game module configured to communicate and process data from the swing detector during an actual golf shot. A game module includes software, as well as a GPS unit, whereby the accelerometer data as well as the club used can be stored as a function of the golfer location provided by the GPS unit, including hole information and golf course information. The accelerometer can detect the shock of a ball strike, wherein the computer module is configured to use this data to distinguish an actual ball hit from a divot. Automatic scoring can be provided along with GPS location coordinates and the golf club used. The computer module may include a micro display. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Accordingly to a second embodiment, a swing detection device, such as an accelerometer and processor may be incorporated into a glove or as a wrist device. Each golf club is uniquely identified utilizing a device such as an RFID tag that may be passive or active as desired. In this embodiment the game module would excite the RF tag while in close proximity to it to determine the club used. Upon the event in which a player may switch clubs the processing of data would allow for correctly identifying which club was actually used last when the ball was struck. A game module includes software, as well as a GPS unit, whereby the accelerometer data as well as the club used can be stored as a function of the golfer location provided by the GPS unit, including hole information and golf course information. The accelerometer can detect the shock of a ball strike, wherein the computer module is configured to use this data to distinguish an actual ball hit from a divot. Automatic scoring can be provided along with GPS location coordinates and the golf club used. The computer module may include a micro display. 
     Third Embodiment 
     Accordingly to a third embodiment, a swing detection device, such as an accelerometer and processor unit may be coupled to each golf club in a set of clubs. The user wears a communication module configured to communicate and process data from the swing detector during an actual golf shot. A separate module includes software, as well as a GPS unit. This module may be a unit such as a properly configured GPS unit located in a golf cart. Additionally this unit may be a simple PDF type device or cell phone wherein simplified performance data can be collected and stored for real time or post analysis. 
     Four Embodiment 
     Accordingly to a fourth embodiment, a simplified shock detection device along with and modified RFID sensor may be utilized. In this embodiment a game module with query the sensor. The capability would be such that a stroke would be counted for a sufficient level of shock that results from a club striking a golf ball. The game module would have the capability to determine that a shot was performed, recorded the golf club used, and reset the shock detection device. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     Accordingly to a fifth embodiment, the user wears a swing detection device configured to communicate and process data from the swing detector during an actual golf shot. The data obtained from this device provides additional analysis information when coupled to an embodiment one, two, or three. 
     Sixth Embodiment 
     Accordingly to a sixth embodiment, a sensor/processing module is configured to be coupled to a golf club, the module configured to ascertain a golf parameter indicative of an actual golf shot during game play on a golf course, the module having an interface configured to communicate a signal indicative of the parameter to a golf appliance physically remote from the golf club, such as the game module(s) described in embodiment 1 and 2 or the communication module described in embodiment 3. 
     Seventh Embodiment 
     Accordingly to a seventh embodiment, a module is provided for which allows the coupling of power and signals across an interface proximal the golf club grip. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Profiles Summary 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Acceler- 
                   
               
               
                 PROFILES 
                 GPS 
                 ometer 
                 Club mounted sensor 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Ball Strike 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 1. Time/club profile 
                 Req&#39;r 
                   
                 Any Club used sensor 
               
               
                 delta 
               
               
                 2. Momentum transfer 
                   
                 Req&#39;r 
               
               
                 3. Swing angle delta 
                   
                 Req&#39;r 
               
               
                 4. Sound pattern 
                   
                   
                 Microphone 
               
               
                 determination 
               
               
                 Club Used 
               
               
                 1. RFID read 
                   
                   
                 RFID Tag 
               
               
                 2. RF transfer 
                   
                   
                 Accelerometer or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 microphone 
               
               
                 3. Grip transfer 
                   
                   
                 Resistive or microphone 
               
               
                 Club swing 
               
               
                 1. Backswing 
                   
                 Req&#39;r 
                 Club used or accelerometer 
               
               
                 2. Follow-through 
                   
                 Req&#39;r 
                 Club used or accelerometer 
               
               
                 3. Aim alignment 
                   
                 Req&#39;r 
                 Club used or accelerometer 
               
               
                 4. Swing angle 
                   
                 Req&#39;r 
                 Club used or accelerometer 
               
               
                 Accelerometer 
               
               
                 1. Vibration 
                   
                 Req&#39;r 
                 Club used or accelerometer 
               
               
                 2. Directional plane 
                   
                 Req&#39;r 
                 Club used or accelerometer 
               
               
                 3. Swing angle 
                   
                 Req&#39;r 
                 Club used or accelerometer 
               
               
                 Traveling 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 1. Riding 
                 Each of these profiles is dependent on 
               
               
                 2. Walking 
                 these sensor combinations chosen above. 
               
               
                 3. Waiting 
                 The requirements will be described in 
               
               
                 4. Watching 
                 detail in the various embodiments. 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Devices Summary 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Device 
                 Purpose 
                 Location 
                 Used with 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Scoring display 
                 The basic purpose of this 
                 This device may be 
                 One embodiment requires only a ball strike 
               
               
                 device 
                 device is to automatically keep 
                 located on a golf cart, 
                 detector to automatically count strokes. 
               
               
                   
                 one&#39;s golf score. Dependent on 
                 worn like a watch, 
                 Additional embodiments incorporate or 
               
               
                   
                 the embodiment and the other 
                 integrated into a golf 
                 integrate a swing detector. By adding a club 
               
               
                   
                 devices utilized, this device can 
                 glove, clipped onto ones 
                 ID means and GPS receiver a golfer can 
               
               
                   
                 range from automatically 
                 belt, or be an application 
                 easily analyze how he has performed 
               
               
                   
                 counting the shots to providing 
                 within a PDA or cell 
                 throughout play on a particular course using 
               
               
                   
                 the data for a complete swing 
                 phone. 
                 his various clubs. Additionally, various 
               
               
                   
                 and body position analysis for 
                   
                 sensors may be worn to provide information 
               
               
                   
                 each swing and club used in 
                   
                 on how his body position throughout the 
               
               
                   
                 active play. 
                   
                 swing affected each shots outcome. An 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 example of such a sensor would be a head 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 position sensor. 
               
               
                 Swing detector 
                 In one embodiment a profiling 
                 This may be worn on the 
                 The swing detector will need to be part of or 
               
               
                   
                 algorithm is used to determine 
                 wrist, be part of a golf 
                 used with a scoring display device. When 
               
               
                   
                 a swing and hit of a golf ball 
                 glove, or integrated into 
                 physically separate from the automatic 
               
               
                   
                 has occurred. Another 
                 each golf club. 
                 scoring device a means such as IR, RF, or 
               
               
                   
                 embodiment will capture swing 
                   
                 Bluetooth communications providing for 
               
               
                   
                 specific data used for later 
                   
                 the transfer of data to the scoring device 
               
               
                   
                 analysis for improving one&#39;s 
                   
                 must be incorporated. When used in 
               
               
                   
                 game. 
                   
                 embodiments providing play analysis a 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 means for obtaining the club ID information 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 must incorporated. 
               
               
                 Ball strike 
                 In one embodiment no 
                 The ball strike detector 
                 A means to convey this information directly 
               
               
                 detector 
                 information is provided about 
                 will be located within each 
                 or indirectly to the automatic scorer display 
               
               
                   
                 the swing itself, only that a golf 
                 golf club 
                 device must be provided for. 
               
               
                   
                 ball was hit. Another 
               
               
                   
                 embodiment may choose to 
               
               
                   
                 incorporate this detector along 
               
               
                   
                 with the swing detector. 
               
               
                 Club ID 
                 In order to provide meaningful 
                 In all embodiments the 
                 A means to convey the club used 
               
               
                   
                 analysis, information 
                 device that provides this 
                 information must be provided for between 
               
               
                   
                 identifying what club was used 
                 identification must be 
                 each golf club and either the swing detector 
               
               
                   
                 during each swing, and where 
                 physically attached to 
                 or the automatic scoring device. 
               
               
                   
                 the ball landed as a result of 
                 each golf club. 
               
               
                   
                 that swing is required. 
               
               
                 GPS receiver 
                 Provides information on the 
                 Must be physically worn 
                 This will always be used with some 
               
               
                   
                 location of the golfer 
                 by the golfer. 
                 combination of the above mentioned 
               
               
                   
                 throughout the game play. For 
                   
                 devices. 
               
               
                   
                 play analysis the GPS receiver 
               
               
                   
                 specifically records where each 
               
               
                   
                 shot was taken from relative to 
               
               
                   
                 the hole. This information is 
               
               
                   
                 also used to produce the cause 
               
               
                   
                 effect analysis of each shot on a 
               
               
                   
                 specific golf course, each time 
               
               
                   
                 the golfer hits a ball. 
               
               
                 Body positions 
                 This section to be completed 
               
               
                 sensors 
                 later. 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Method Overview 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Profile Provided For 
                 Devices Used 
                 Method Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Ball Strike 
                   
                   
               
               
                 1. Time/club profile 
                 Scoring display unit with 
                 As a golfer grips a club an event profiling starts 
               
               
                 delta 
                 integrated GPS, and RFID 
                 that determines the time the club is held, what 
               
               
                   
                 reader. RFID tagged 
                 club it is, time elapsed between different club 
               
               
                   
                 clubs. 
                 handling, and GPS location changes; with and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 without a club handling. 
               
               
                 2. Momentum 
                 Scoring display unit with 
                 X, Y, Z, axis accelerometer provides information 
               
               
                 transfer 
                 integrated club swing 
                 to a microprocessor that determines a step 
               
               
                   
                 detector. 
                 function delta has occurred that is characteristic 
               
               
                   
                   
                 of a golf ball hit. 
               
               
                 3. Swing angle 
                 Scoring display unit with 
                 X, Y, Z, axis accelerometer provides information 
               
               
                 delta 
                 integrated club swing 
                 to a microprocessor that determines a club has 
               
               
                   
                 detector. 
                 been swung showing an angle profile change 
               
               
                   
                   
                 along one or more axis determined to indicate a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 club swing. 
               
               
                 4. Sound pattern 
                 Scoring display unit. Golf 
                 The microphone internal and near the head of a 
               
               
                 determination 
                 clubs with ball strike 
                 golf club profiles a sound pattern indicating the 
               
               
                   
                 microphone sensor and 
                 golf ball strike. Stroke count information is 
               
               
                   
                 RF transceiver, or direct 
                 transferred to the scoring unit by low power RF 
               
               
                   
                 grip contacts. 
                 transceivers or direct grip. 
               
               
                 Club Used 
               
               
                 1. RFID read 
                 The scoring display unit 
                 When a golf club is within close proximity, for 
               
               
                   
                 (if worn by the golfer) or 
                 example several inches to a scoring unit or 
               
               
                   
                 swing detector is 
                 swing detector this unit will excite the RF ID tag 
               
               
                   
                 equipped with an RFID 
                 providing club specific information. 
               
               
                   
                 reader and RFID tagged 
               
               
                   
                 golf clubs. 
               
               
                 2. RF transfer 
                 RF transceivers 
                 These units may be in several places, depending 
               
               
                   
                   
                 on the application they be located in each golf 
               
               
                   
                   
                 club, if equipped with accelerometers; in any 
               
               
                   
                   
                 embodiment of a gaming unit, or in a body worn 
               
               
                   
                   
                 swing detector. Depending on the embodiment 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the communication may be taking place between 
               
               
                   
                   
                 any of these devices. 
               
               
                 3. Grip transfer 
                 Physical direct contact 
                 For the purpose of identifying the golf club with 
               
               
                   
                 between a specialized golf 
                 the most typical embodiment being resistive 
               
               
                   
                 glove and the club. 
                 identification. 
               
               
                 Club swing 
               
               
                 1. Backswing 
                 Accelerometers either 
                 Time and angle, or time and X, Y, Z 
               
               
                 2. Follow-through 
                 club mounted or body 
                 accelerometer axis information and calculations 
               
               
                 3. Aim alignment 
                 worn by used in all of 
                 are used or determining these profiles. 
               
               
                 4. Swing angle 
                 these profiled events 
               
               
                 Accelerometer 
               
               
                 1. Vibration 
                 Accelerometers either 
                 The accelerometers may be used to determine 
               
               
                 2. Directional plane 
                 club mounted or body 
                 that a swing has occurred, a ball has been struck, 
               
               
                 3. Swing angle 
                 worn by used in all of 
                 travel is occurring, or in the analysis of the 
               
               
                   
                 these profiled events. 
                 players swing. 
               
               
                 Traveling 
               
               
                 1. Riding 
                 Accelerometers either 
                 For embodiments that do not employ a GPS 
               
               
                 2. Walking 
                 club mounted or body 
                 receiver, these profiles are used to determine the 
               
               
                 3. Waiting 
                 worn bar used in all of 
                 high probability that the golfer as taken a shot. 
               
               
                 4. Watching 
                 these profiled events in 
               
               
                   
                 the embodiments that do 
               
               
                   
                 not employ a GPS 
               
               
                   
                 receiver.