Smart capacitive detection sensor system

• US 20110212757A1
• Filed: 04/26/2010
• Published: 09/01/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/12/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Philip A. Williams, Wilbert Q. Murdock
• Original Assignee: Philip A. Williams, Wilbert Q. Murdock
• Inventors: Murdock, Wilbert Quinc, Williams, Philip Alister
• Application Number:
  US12/799,517
• Publication Number:
  US 20110212757A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2503/10 Athletes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/11 Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb for measuring pulse A61B5/02 ;A61B5/1038 takes precedence; motion detection to correct for motion artifacts in physiological signals A61B5/721
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1121 Determining geometric values, e.g. centre of rotation or angular range of movement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1127 using markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1128 using image analysis A61B5/1127 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6895 Sport equipment
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/744 Displaying an avatar, e.g. an animated cartoon character
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/745 using a holographic display
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0034 during flight
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0037 on a target surface or at impact on the ground
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0056 for statistical or strategic analysis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0068 Comparison to target or threshold, previous performance or not real time comparison to other individuals
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/063 Spoken or verbal instructions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0647 Visualisation of executed movements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/065 Visualisation of specific exercise parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0694 Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/00 Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/13 Relative positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/16 Angular positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 : Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/53 : Force of an impact, e.g. blow or punch
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/62 : Time or time measurement used for time reference, time stamp, master time or clock signal
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/801 : Contact switches
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/803 : Motion sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 : Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/89 : Field sensors, e.g. radar systems
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 : with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 : Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0006 : Computerised comparison for qualitative assessment of motion sequences or the course of a movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0021 : Tracking a path or terminating locations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0062 : Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0075 : Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0084 : Exercising apparatus with means for competitions, e.g. virtual races
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/04 : Heads
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 57/357 : for golf cups or holes, e.g. flags
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 57/40 : Golf cups or holes
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 57/405 : Cups with automatic ball ejector means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/00 : Targets or goals for ball games golf cups A63B57/40
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 67/02 : Special golf games, e.g. miniature golf or golf putting games played on putting tracks; putting practice apparatus having an elongated platform as a putting track
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/36 : for golf
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3614 : using electro-magnetic, magnetic or ultrasonic radiation emitted, reflected or interrupted by the golf club
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/362 : electrical or electronic
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3632 : Clubs or attachments on clubs, e.g. for measuring, aligning A63B69/3614 takes precedence; clubs for swinging exercises in general A63B15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3655 : Balls, ball substitutes, or attachments on balls therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3658 : Means associated with the ball for indicating or measuring, e.g. speed, direction
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3676 : for putting A63B69/3608, A63B69/3661, A63B69/3667 and A63B69/3697 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3685 : Putters or attachments on putters, e.g. for measuring, aligning A63B69/3614 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3688 : Balls, ball substitutes, or attachments on balls therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0616 : Means for conducting or scheduling competition, league, tournaments or rankings
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 : Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0669 : Score-keepers or score display devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0686 : Timers, rhythm indicators or pacing apparatus using electric or electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/21 : characterised by their sensors, purposes or types
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 : using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/212 : using sensors worn by the player, e.g. for measuring heart beat or leg activity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/218 : using pressure sensors, e.g. generating a signal proportional to the pressure applied by the player
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/245 : specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/35 : Details of game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/42 : by mapping the input signals into game commands, e.g. mapping the displacement of a stylus on a touch screen to the steering angle of a virtual vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/44 : involving timing of operations, e.g. performing an action within a time slot
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/54 : involving acoustic signals, e.g. for simulating revolutions per minute [RPM] dependent engine sounds in a driving game or reverberation against a virtual wall
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/573 : using trajectories of game objects, e.g. of a golf ball according to the point of impact
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/79 : involving player-related data, e.g. identities, accounts, preferences or play histories
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/795 : for finding other players; for building a team; for providing a buddy list
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/812 : Ball games, e.g. soccer or baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/814 : Musical performances, e.g. by evaluating the player's ability to follow a notation
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/87 : Communicating with other players during game play, e.g. by e-mail or chat
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 : being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/638 : according to the timing of operation or a time limit
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8047 : Music games
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/24 : Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for video games A63F13/00; computerized gaming systems G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/19 : Sporting applications
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/26 : involving a sensor measurement for aiding acquisition or tracking
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0639 : Performance analysis of employees; Performance analysis of enterprise or organisation operations
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0038 : Sports
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 : for remote operation

Abstract

An apparatus that wirelessly integrates actual golf equipment with a computer to allow players to engage in a competitive real sport such as golf. This system includes motion sensing devices, smart golf clubs, and golf ball receptacles all containing circuits and contact sensors coupled with signal processing and radio frequency transmitter circuitry to thereby wirelessly communicate game performance information to a remote receiver-computer. This invention uses the electric field of a capacitive plate for sensing object proximity, motion and composition. More particularly, the invention relates to a system wherein an objects physical geometry, spatial orientation and motion, and an environmental change of state can be detected via a change in the dielectric of a capacitor array. This invention also uses the coupling of sports equipment and a computer to communicate information wirelessly to a personal computer and thereby, if desired, to the internet. An individual player may opt to play solo or practice to improve basic golfing techniques. The system employs specially developed computer software to process player performance data, control game play, communicate game information, generate and control visual simulations, and display player performance information.

Claims

1. A golf club or sports implement motion sensing and direction detection device, comprising:

a plurality of motion sensors uniformity distributed upon or proximate to a device surface area; and

a communications circuit connected with a plurality of sensors to transmit an electromagnetic signal upon one or more of the sensors detecting club motion over the device.

means for acquiring information of a ball-club contact event from a first array of sensors and transmitting these data via a first communications link wirelessly to a receiver for analysis by a first computer;

means for detecting digitally coded wireless transmissions from data derived from data acquired from said first communications link and said first and second contact sensor arrays encompassing a golf ball receptacle, golf club spatial orientation device, or a golf club motion sensing plate, remotely connected to said means for acquiring information of a ball-club contact event from a first array of sensors and transmitting these data via a first communications link wirelessly to a receiver for analysis by a first computer; and

means for a second computer programmed to communicate with one or more said first computers. a third communications link for transmitting data derived from data acquired by said first computers to said second computer. a fourth communications link for transmitting data derived from said data acquired by said second computer to said first computers. wherein said second computer is programmed to cause the transfer of local player events from a remote player site to one or more remote player sites for presentation to said remote players, notify players when it is their respective turn to play, measure player time delays, disconnect remote player sites with excessive time delays, and conduct an internet search for other opponents if the remaining players wish to continue to play. at each remote player site, the computer under the control of the golfing system program, monitors and controls initialization and the sequential play of the golf game, or alternatively, the individual player practice session, electrically connected to said means for detecting digitally coded wireless transmissions from data derived from data acquired from said first communications link and said first and second contact sensor arrays encompassing a golf ball receptacle, golf club spatial orientation device, or a golf club motion sensing plate.

2. The golf club motion sensing and direction detection device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of motion detecting sensors comprise a plurality of capacitors connected in a capacitor array and adapted to create electromagnetic fields at an upper surface of the device upon energizing with a high frequency alternating voltage.

3. The golf club motion sensing and direction detection device of claim 2, wherein the sensing device is a multilayer plate including at least one continuous conductive layer and a plurality of electrically isolated conductive platelets spaced from and located above at least one continuous conductive layer with a dielectric sandwiched between them to form the motion sensors.

5. The golf club motion sensing and direction detection device according to claim 1, wherein the communications circuit includes a wireless electromagnetic signal transmitting circuit.

6. The golf club motion sensing and direction detection device of claim 5, wherein the wireless electromagnetic signal transmitting circuit is a radio frequency transmitter.

7. The smart capacitive detective sensor system as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a top motion plate, bottom motion plate, homogenous electrically conductive interior surface, capacitive platelet, golf club motion plate capacitive network, capacitive components of the motion sensor plate, network of electrical comparator amplifiers, multiplexer, transmitter, antenna, spatial orientation device golf club motion sensor, for sensing varying characteristics of capacitance representing the velocity, angle, and proximity of a golf club relative to the surface of the device and or spatial orientation devices to detect the rotational orientation, translational path, and directional orientation of said club-head, remotely connected to said wireless signal receiver and computer.

8. The smart capacitive detective sensor system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for detecting digitally coded wireless transmissions from data derived from data acquired from said first communications link and said first and second sensor arrays encompassing a golf club spatial orientation device, or a golf club motion sensing plate comprises a computer, wireless signal receiver, a golf club, golf ball receptacle, golf club motion sensor plate, microprocessor wireless signal receiver and computer.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:

a coaxial cable, wherein the electrode terminal is coupled to the first electrode via a center conductor of the coaxial cable and wherein a shield output of the electric field sensor is coupled to the conductive layer via an outer shield of the coaxial cable.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the shield output maintains an approximately zero voltage differential between the center conductor and the outer shield.

12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second electrode is subject to frost accumulation and the first electrode at least partially surrounds the second electrode.

13. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the member is at least a portion of a cooling element.

14. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a refrigerator or air conditioner, the refrigerator or air conditioner comprising the first electrode, the second electrode, the electric field sensor, the first insulating layer, and the first conductive layer.

15. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a transportation device, the transportation device comprising the first electrode, the second electrode, the electric field sensor, the first insulating layer, and the first conductive layer.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the transportation device comprises a window, the window comprising the first and second electrodes.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first and second electrodes each comprises indium titanium oxide.

18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the transportation device comprises a wing, the wing comprising the first and second electrodes.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein when the first electrode terminal is enabled, the second electrode terminal couples the second electrode to ground and the third electrode terminal couples the third electrode to ground.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:

a first insulating layer at least partially surrounding the first electrode;

a first conductive layer at least partially surrounding the first insulating layer, wherein a shield output of the electric field sensor is coupled to the first conductive layer;

second insulating layer at least partially surrounding the second electrode; and

a second conductive layer at least partially surrounding the second insulating layer, wherein the shield output of the electric field sensor is coupled to the second conductive layer.

23. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the member subject to frozen material accumulation comprises a cooling element of a refrigerator or air conditioner.

4. The golf club motion sensing and direction detection device of either 2 or 3, further comprising an array of comparators connected to each one of the sensors.

9. An apparatus comprising:

a first electrode;

a second electrode located at a distance from the first electrode, the second electrode forming a capacitive element with the first electrode, wherein a gap is present between the first and second electrodes, wherein each of the first electrode and second electrode partially surrounds a member subject to accumulation of frozen material, such that the gap is formed between edges of the first and second electrodes along lateral sides of the member;

an electric field sensor having an electrode terminal coupled to the first electrode and providing an electric field output value representative of an amount of frozen material located in the gap between the first and second electrodes;

a first insulating layer around the member, between the member and the first electrode and between the member and the second electrode; and

a conductive layer around the member, between the member and the first insulator, wherein a shield output of the electric field sensor is coupled to the conductive layer.

19. An apparatus comprising:

a member subject to accumulation of frozen material;

a first electrode at least partially surrounding the member;

a second electrode at least partially surrounding the member and located at a first distance from the first electrode, the second electrode forming a capacitive element with the first electrode;

an electric field sensor having a first electrode terminal coupled to the first electrode and providing an electric field output value representative of an amount of frozen material formed on the member between the first and second electrodes; and

a third electrode at least partially surrounding the member and located at a second distance from the first electrode, the first electrode between the second and third electrodes;

wherein the electric field sensor comprises a second electrode terminal coupled to the second electrode and a third electrode terminal coupled to the third electrode, and wherein when the first electrode terminal is enabled, the electric field output value is representative of an amount of frozen material formed on the member between the second and third electrodes.

22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first electrode, first insulating layer, and first conductive layer form concentric rings, and wherein the second electrode, second insulating layer, and second conductive layer form concentric rings.

25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the first electrode, first insulating layer, and first conductive layer form concentric rings, and wherein the second electrode, second insulating layer, and second conductive layer form concentric rings.

26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the member subject to frozen material accumulation comprises a cooling element of a refrigerator or air conditioner.

24. An apparatus comprising:

a member subject to accumulation of frozen material;

a first electrode at least partially surrounding the member;

a second electrode at least partially surrounding the member and located at a first distance from the first electrode, the second electrode forming a capacitive element with the first electrode;

an electric field sensor having a first electrode terminal coupled to the first electrode and providing an electric field output value representative of an amount of frozen material formed on the member between the first and second electrodes;

a first insulating layer at least partially surrounding the first electrode;

a first conductive layer at least partially surrounding the first insulating layer, wherein a shield output of the electric field sensor is coupled to the first conductive layer;

a second insulating layer at least partially surrounding the second electrode; and

a second conductive layer at least partially surrounding the second insulating layer, wherein the shield output of the electric field sensor is coupled to the second conductive layer;

a third insulating layer at least partially surrounding the member, the third insulating layer between the member and the first electrode;

a third conductive layer at least partially surrounding the member, the third conductive layer between the member and the third insulating layer, wherein the shield output of the electric field sensor is coupled to the third conductive layer;

a fourth insulating layer at least partially surrounding the member, the fourth insulating layer between the member and the third conductive layer;

a fifth insulating layer at least partially surrounding the member, the fifth insulating layer between the member and the second electrode;

a fourth conductive layer at least partially surrounding the member, the fourth conductive layer between the member and the fifth insulating layer, wherein the shield output of the electric field sensor is coupled to the fourth conductive layer; and

a sixth insulating layer at least partially surrounding the member, the sixth insulating layer between the member and the fourth conductive layer.