JP7133546B2 - Method and Apparatus for Simulating Gaming Events - Google Patents

Description

REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 146 claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/935,064 entitled Golf Club Simulation Device, filed February 3, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. .

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to sports equipment simulators, and more particularly, in exemplary embodiments, electronic simulations that provide a realistic sports experience using portable gaming devices such as golf club shafts and simulation devices. Regarding the device.

The market for sports-related video game systems is huge, with 1.2 billion electronic gamers worldwide, 700 million playing online games, and an estimated 120 million playing games at least once a week. , play golf-related games. Sports-related games are the first thing that comes to mind when we think of "games," but non-sports-related games that require gamers to shake things up are also popular. For example, a game may simulate swinging an axe, sword, weapon, or the like. However, sports provide a good example and are referenced more specifically in the following description.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus that actually influences gamers to actually try sports and train users on sports skills and techniques. In the exemplary embodiments referenced throughout this disclosure, it would be desirable to have a golf club simulation device that combines the thrill of sports simulation with the physical experience of actually swinging a real golf club. Additionally, it would be desirable to have a golf club simulation device that can vary the weight distribution and shaft flex/bend to simulate the actual feel of the selected club. Further, while using only fixed length clubs (or limited variable length clubs) that can be swung indoors without ceiling height restrictions, for each of a selectable number of clubs, the user is given the appropriate shaft orientation angle. It would be desirable to have a golf club simulation device that trains.

Although golf is a popular game, the number of people actually playing golf on golf courses has stagnated in recent years for a number of reasons: (1) the game is played without significant practice or game play; and (2) it takes a considerable amount of time to master proper swing technique. Simply playing a casual video game with a traditional interface (mouse clicks, joysticks, etc.) encourages gamers to improve their real gaming skills, hit the golf course and play the game. , I do not acquire realistic swing techniques.

Conventional golf simulators have attempted to simulate the game of golf through computer software or using a handheld device that has the properties of a stick-like implement. While probably effective for their intended purpose, existing devices focus on the visual representation of each golf course, the expected wind and geographic conditions, and the timing of swinging a simulated golf club. . Existing golf simulation products do not allow users to feel and experience the actual length, weight, swing speed/resistance, and impact of an actual hit of a golf ball. For example, casual video games, such as smartphones, online games, and console games, are not effective in teaching real golf game skills or getting gamers to actually play the game with real golf clubs. Conversely, golf swing practice equipment requires the use of real clubs along with optical technology including cameras.

One major limitation of electronic golf games is the inability to calculate and show the actual trajectory of a golf ball struck by the "virtual swing" of the golf club. That is, if a real shaft or stick-like implement could be swung and hit a ball simply by pressing a keyboard button or clicking a mouse, the velocity, angle, rotation, and other parameters could be captured and not calculated and applied to collisions with a virtual target object (in this case a golf ball).

Accordingly, we have a method and apparatus for simulating a gaming event (such as golf) having an inertial measurement unit ("IMU") configured to detect and generate a ratio of acceleration data and angular rotation data of the gaming machine. would be desirable. In an exemplary embodiment, the gaming machine may be a shaft representing a golf club. Additionally, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus for simulating a gaming event having an image sensor in communication with an IMU and an optical assembly associated with a gaming machine including a target object displaced from the image sensor. Image sensor and IMU data may be used to calculate a virtual trajectory of a target object that has been hit and acted upon by a gaming machine (eg, a golf club).

The methods and apparatus for simulating gaming events according to the present invention change the way users interact with casual games on mobile devices, console games, etc., with the goal of influencing gamers to actually participate in sports. do. By incorporating the real-world feel of the sport and sporting equipment being simulated, the present invention is available using thousands of IOS, Android, and console games that exist today. For example, when a golf experience is implemented, the present invention includes ball flight models, actual club feel, club position angle sensors, ball impact sensations, and other haptic features described below. Apparatus and methods for simulating (1) on-board display screens and (2) game platforms on remote electronic devices such as IOS, Android, tablets, consoles, personal computers, laptops, cloud-based games, etc. designed to interact with two visual media such as Via wireless communication, such as Bluetooth®, the apparatus and method for simulating communicate with the two visual media. Specifically, the purpose of the present invention is to "turn gamers into golfers," or more generally, turn gamers into enthusiasts of the respective sport being simulated. Devices according to the present invention are intended to replace traditional video game controllers such as joysticks with minor tactile responses (vibrations and sounds), computer mice, mobile touch screen interfaces and even cameras such as the Wii™. there is Existing game interfaces do not have realistic-feeling interactive interfaces.

The device enables home use so that even beginners can play a little and come back often, without having to take dedicated trips or experience the humiliation of driving ranges. In addition, avid golfers in the United States (approximately 6.2 million) can use the device indoors and outdoors, and feedback from use encourages avid golfers to modify, practice, and improve their swings. be able to.

In accordance with the present invention, an electronic module within the gaming machine includes an inertial measurement unit ("IMU") for detecting acceleration motion, angular motion, and the moment of impact to optimally calculate a virtual golf ball or other virtual ball. an optical assembly for predicting the virtual trajectory of the object. The target object's virtual trajectory may be displayed on a display screen, either on the game console itself, on the computer, or on the television display. A tactile member, such as a vibrating or acoustic element, is placed within the shaft housing and activated to simulate ball impact when the shaft housing is exhibiting a swing.

It is understood that the technology presented herein may include software development modules or kits that integrate into existing and future electronic gaming systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a general object of the present invention is to simulate a gaming event that combines the experience of swinging a sports-related device (hereinafter referred to as a "mobile gaming device") with the enjoyment of a video game simulating the respective gaming event. It is to provide a method and apparatus for

It is another object of the present invention, as described above, for simulating gaming events, wherein the mobile gaming device includes an inertial measurement unit ("IMU") that detects and generates a ratio of acceleration data and angular rotation data. It is to provide a method and apparatus. It is still another object of the present invention, as described above, to use tactile elements such as vibrations and sounds to enable the mobile gaming device to sense a target object (e.g., a virtual golf ball) when a golf swing of the club is performed. To provide a method and apparatus for simulating a gaming event, simulating the action (eg, collision) with Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for simulating a gaming event comprising an image sensor in data communication with an IMU and an optical assembly having an image target member displaced from the image sensor as described above. The image sensor is configured to generate image target data indicative of the spatial position of the image target member. It is a particular object of the present invention, as mentioned above, that the generated acceleration data, angular rotation data, and image target data together are images substantially impacted by motion of the gaming machine (e.g., club impact). The object is to provide a method and apparatus for simulating a gaming event that allows calculation of the virtual trajectory of the target. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are shown by way of illustration and example as embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of a golf club simulation apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention used with an inertial measurement unit and an optical assembly. FIG. 1b is another schematic diagram of a golf club simulation apparatus similar to FIG. 1a used with an inertial measurement unit (IMU). FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an input assembly according to the invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an inertial measurement unit (“IMU”) similar to FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a golf club simulation device according to the present invention; FIG. 5a is a top view of a golf club simulation device similar to FIG. 4; FIG. Figure 5b is a side view of a golf club simulation device similar to Figure 5a. FIG. 5c is a cross-sectional view along line 5c-5c of FIG. 5a. Figure 5d is a top view of a head housing similar to Figure 4; FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the golf club simulation device similar to FIG. 7a is a top view of an input assembly similar to FIG. 6; FIG. Figure 7b is a side view of an input assembly similar to Figure 7a. Figure 7c is a perspective view of an input assembly similar to Figure 7b. Figure 8a is a side view of a gripping member similar to Figure 6; Figure 8b is a perspective view of a gripping member similar to Figure 8a. Figure 8c is a bottom view of a gripping member similar to Figure 8a.

1a to 8c of the accompanying drawings, a method and apparatus for simulating a gaming event according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The method and apparatus according to the preferred embodiment includes a mobile gaming device 10 useful for simulating one or more gaming activities or other game-like functions. To illustrate and understand the functioning of the present invention, gaming machine 10 is shown in the accompanying drawings in the form of a golf club in use for simulating a golf swing and actual game play. In an exemplary, but non-limiting embodiment, the gaming machine 10 shown herein is an electronic module having a shaft housing 120, a grip member 130, a club head housing 140, and an inertial measurement unit ("IMU") 161. 160. However, it is understood that IMU 161 may be incorporated into gaming machines configured to simulate the play of other sports, other games, or similar activities involving device movement. Regardless of the shape of the housing (including shaft housing 120 in the exemplary embodiment shown in these drawings), mobile gaming device 10 has an inertial motion sensor configured to detect and generate a ratio of acceleration data and angular rotation data. It includes an instrumentation unit (“IMU”) 161 . More specifically, game machine 10 according to the present invention includes an electronic module 160 coupled to the game machine (eg, shaft housing 120) and processor 104 or control circuitry. Electronic module 160 may include processor 104 . Operation of processor 104 is effected by execution of programming instructions stored in non-volatile memory 106 or by pre-printed circuitry and other electronics. However, the operation of processor 104 in accordance with programming instructions may simply be described as processor 104 being "programmed" to operate as described below.

More specifically, electronics module 160 includes inertial measurement unit (“IMU”) 161 having accelerometer 162 , gyroscope 163 , and magnetometer 164 . As the club is being swung, the IMU 161 may analyze in real-time many parameters such as, but not limited to, swing speed, angular velocity, weight fluctuation settings (discussed below), and air resistance/drag for the selected club. is configured to The operation of IMU 161 is described further below. First, however, an exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described to facilitate understanding of the operation of the invention.

Elongated shaft housing 120 includes opposed lower end 122 and upper end 124 (FIG. 4). Shaft housing 120 defines an interior area between upper and lower ends in which other assemblies and electronics may be placed within the housing. Shaft housing 120 is coupled to an inner or outer surface of shaft housing 120 and is a longitudinally extending channel configured to receive wires electrically connecting the respective electronic components, battery 62, and the respective motors. may include channels that In other embodiments, telecommunications may use a wireless technology known as Bluetooth®. Preferably, battery 62 is a rechargeable six hour battery. Preferably, shaft housing 120 is constructed of a semi-rigid material such as TPE that bends in a predetermined manner in response to the torque and angular momentum experienced by shaft housing 120 when the club is being swung. A flexible shaft housing structure is particularly preferred at portion 125 extending between head housing 140 and grip member 130 .

Grip member 130 has a proximal end 132 operably coupled to upper end 124 of shaft housing 120 and a distal end 134 opposite proximal end 132 . Grip member 130 may define an internal chamber 135 configured to receive other components. Grip member 130 may include a structure that is substantially similar to a conventional golf club grip in terms of appearance and tactile properties. Shaft housing 120, grip member 130, head housing 140, and other associated structural components preferably have a symmetrical configuration that can be used equally effectively by either left-handed or right-handed users. is understood.

A tactile membrane switch 131 (or array of membrane switches) may be coupled to grip member 130 and configured to receive user input data when a user's hand grasps grip member 130 . Membrane switch 131 is in data communication with the input assembly (via wired or wireless communication), as described below. Further referring to EVIU 161, accelerometer 162 is configured to detect the rate of acceleration, eg, swing motion of shaft housing 120, to generate acceleration data. Gyroscope 163 is configured to detect rotational motion, eg, angular motion, of shaft housing 120 . In the x-, y-, and z-axes of real-world motion, accelerometer 162 and gyroscope 163 can each provide three different channels of data. Therefore, six different motion attributes can be represented with only two components. For example, a two-axis solid-state accelerometer can be used to detect acceleration in two directions, and a three-axis accelerometer can be used to detect acceleration forces in three dimensions (x, y, and z axes of motion). can be done. Additionally, a solid combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers can be employed to provide maximum position and motion data.

Capturing is divided into both translational and rotational movements. Translational motion refers to up-down motion, side-to-side motion, and forward-backward motion. Rotational motion refers to pitch, roll, and yaw. Accelerometers measure non-gravitational acceleration forces in translational motion. The relationship between each coordinate (x, y, z) and the constant 9.8 m/s gravitational force determines whether the object is vertically straight or tilted along one of the other axes. To detect. Unlike the accelerometer 162, the gyroscope 163 can measure rotational forces, so the gyroscope measures rotational speed about an axis, also called angular velocity. A gyroscope measures degrees of rotation per second or rotations per second about an axis. In theory, if you could use the wheel to run around the room while keeping the wheel perfectly stationary on all axes, no change in angular velocity would be recorded.

Magnetometer 164 is configured to generate global spatial orientation and generate orientation data. The magnetometer is configured to calibrate the EVIU by verifying, confirming, or otherwise correcting errors caused by the accelerometer and gyroscope. Magnetometers are essentially configured to provide a means for mitigating errors that may exist in other sensors. A "new" axis missed by the other two sensors is not measured, allowing fusion of the sensors to provide the opportunity for more accurate results. The generation of IMU data is important in that the IMU 161 can determine the static angle and position during operation of the gaming machine 10 (ie, determine the attributes of the shaft housing 120 in the preferred embodiment). In the example of a golf simulation device, predetermined club data stored in memory may be associated with corresponding angles of shaft housing 120 . From the angle of housing 120, IMU 161 can determine the user's club selection. The current club selection may be displayed on the display 102 associated with the gaming device 10 to confirm the user's selection or provide an opportunity to change the selection. Operating the IMU 161 in this manner is a possible means for the user to enter data indicative of club selection. That is, the gyroscope 163 is able to determine the initial (at rest) spatial position of the shaft housing 120, or "starting position", and only when the shaft housing is in the correct position does the gyroscope provide confirmation. may be displayed on the display 102, or the respective LED may be energized to light up to indicate that the club is ready to swing. In operation, as the mobile gaming device 10 is being swung, the accelerometer 162 or gyroscope 163 measures, in real time, but not limited to, swing speed, angular velocity, weight variation settings, air resistance on the mobile gaming device 10, and so on. / configured to analyze many parameters such as drag. In an exemplary embodiment, the gyroscope 163 can determine the initial (at rest) spatial position of the shaft housing 120, i.e. (the "starting position"), when the shaft housing is in the correct position. Only then does the gyroscope activate the respective LED to light up to indicate that the club is ready to swing.

The motion and rotation data from IMU 161 described above is passed to circuitry within electronics module 160 to determine the virtual trajectory of a virtual image target (eg, a virtual golf ball, i.e., the virtual ball path struck by head housing 140). or may be analyzed by the processor 104. Circuitry within electronic module 160 causes the trajectory data to be graphically displayed on digital display 102 of input member 100 . In one embodiment, motion and angle data from each sensor in electronics module 160 may be sent to processor 104 . Referring to the exemplary embodiment, the processor 104 is electrically connected to the digital display 102 and may perform programming, the trajectory of a virtual ball, or the swing of the shaft housing 120 resulting in a hit by the head housing 140 . Other virtual targets that have been dropped may be displayed on the digital display 102 . Trajectory calculations may use parameters related to ball spin, velocity, launch angle, dynamic loft, and the like. Using wireless signal transmission such as Bluetooth®, the trajectory or other swing statistics may be transmitted to a remote device such as a laptop, remote display screen, or other remote electronic device.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment of the invention, a microphone may be in data communication with processor 104 and may be configured to collect user input such as game play instructions, commands or selections. Applied to the exemplary embodiment of the golf simulation system, the microphone may be located in the interior chamber 135 of the grip member 130 . Preferably, a microphone is coupled to the distal end 134 of the grip member 130 and is located partially within the interior chamber 135 and extends partially from the distal end 134 or otherwise extends from the distal end 134 . The microphone communicates with distal end 134 through an opening defined by . The microphones are at least electrically connected to a digital display, associated circuitry, or processor located along shaft housing 120 . In operation, the microphone is configured to receive audible club selection input data from a user and convert the input data for display. It is understood that voice recognition software or circuitry is also included in the microphone to accurately convert the user's voice commands into meaningful club size indicators displayed on the display. In one embodiment, a speaker may be disposed within the interior chamber of the grip member 130 and may be used to audibly confirm a spoken club request or club requested via the enter button. may be electrically connected to the microphone.

In embodiments, multifunction input member 100 may be coupled to mobile gaming device 10 and includes structure capable of receiving data supplied by a user. The input member 100 is in data communication with a processor 104 programmed to alter the operation of the system according to supplied user data. Referring again to the exemplary embodiment, input member 100 may be coupled to the outer surface of shaft housing 120 (FIGS. 1 and 2a-2c). The input member 100 includes a digital display 102 on which club selection, virtual ball hitting trajectories, club options, etc. are displayed. Additionally, the input member 100 may include data input components, such as one or more buttons, keypads, touch screen elements, dials, etc., using which the user makes club selections. Input member 100 may include circuitry or, preferably, processor 104 (described above) that executes programming instructions stored in non-transitory memory 106 , processor 104 and memory 106 being located within input member 100 . Processor 104 may be coupled to digital display 102 and may perform programming and provide a graphical user interface that allows a user to enter club selection data using data entry components. Predetermined data regarding golf club size, weight, other club characteristics, user selection data, etc. may be stored in memory 106 . While sufficient to provide a "generally accurate" trajectory, the motion and rotation data supplied by the IMU 161 does not reveal how a virtual object (such as a virtual ball) actually collides with a virtual swing. It may not be perfectly accurate in calculating the true trajectory depending on whether it is received or not. For example, acceleration and angle data just before and after the "moment" of impact is important in determining the actual and accurate trajectory of a virtual object, such as a golf ball.

Accordingly, the present invention may include an optical assembly configured to provide important data on how the virtual club face of head housing 140 addresses tactile landmarks representing the moment of impact. . The optical assembly includes an image sensor 201 in data communication with the IMU 161 described above, a processor 104, and an image target member 202 (also referred to as a target object 202 or image target 202) positioned remotely from the image sensor 201. include. The optical assembly allows the processor 104 to determine the orientation of the game machine 10 relative to the virtual target object before and after the moment of impact. Referring to the exemplary embodiment, FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate the use of an optical assembly to determine the orientation of head housing 140 relative to image target member 202. FIG. Image sensor 201 may be included in electronics module 160 and may be used to take pictures of image target 202 . In an embodiment, image sensor 201 is a camera configured to take a predetermined number of snapshots (“frames”) per second (which may be referred to as “fps”). Image target 202 may be a tactile device, such as a mat, ball, or other landmark, having multiple locations, each snapped by image sensor 201 and communicated to processor 104 . , the “moment of impact” with the image target is shown. One or more snapshots of the position data of the image target 202 may be mathematically represented and represented and used with the above IMU data to determine a more accurate trajectory of the virtual object. is understood. Specifically, the IMU data is programmed to actuate the optical assembly and detect that a swing of the shaft housing 120 is in progress to generate optical data before and after the "moment of impact." It may be interpreted by processor 104 executing instructions. The IMU data and data from the optical assembly enable processor 104 to more accurately determine the ball flight path or trajectory from the swing of shaft housing 120 based on programming instructions. As noted above, the calculated trajectory may be displayed on the display 102 for review by the user, or wirelessly communicated to a remote device such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone, television, or the like. .

Another aspect of the present invention has been shown to significantly increase the chances of a good swing by properly positioning the head and eyes. With further reference to the input member 100, the digital display 102 only communicates with or is visible to the user when proper hand, foot, or head position is detected or verified. It may be configured to effectively indicate the proper position of the eyes and head. In other words, the viewing angle of the screen can be limited so that the user cannot see the screen until the user has their head and eyes in the best position to start swinging.

Additionally, digital display 102 may include a lenticular lens that allows the display to be visible only when viewing digital display 102 at a predetermined angle. Alternatively, the digital display 102 may be configured to have a "limited field of view" such that the display 102 is out of view unless at a predetermined angle. Requiring the user's head or hands to be properly positioned before the gaming device (in this case, the golf club) is operable is intuitive learning, or "Restricted Angle Display" (RAV). is called The user quickly "learns" the required grip, stance, head position, and other positional attributes are correct, allowing play to begin. The display 102 is an LED screen or LED screen configured to intuitively indicate to the user the correct starting position angle of the shaft housing 120, the position of the user's head and eyes at the beginning of each swing, based on the club selected. Based on the club selected, the user looks at the screen until a message appears on the display 102 indicating that the shaft housing 120 is in the desired position to start, which may be an OLED screen. The screen helps in that it changes the starting angle of the shaft housing 120 . By applying this technique to a launch-oriented game, the game itself dictates to the user which club should be struck in order for the desired ball flight model to achieve the desired result.

In yet another aspect, actual game play is also simulated with sound or vibration effects that appeal to the user's senses. The use of sensory effects is referred to as "tactile" design or pseudo-perception. In the present invention, haptic member 200 is associated with a mobile gaming device and is in data communication with electronic module 160 or processor 104 . In an exemplary embodiment, haptic member 200 is coupled with shaft housing 120 . It is understood that the haptic member 200 may be a vibrating element or a sound emitting element. The electronic module may also include audio output electronics. For example, an audio output of a "buzz" or impact sound of a ball may be output to headphones via a wireless Bluetooth® arrangement and movement of the gaming device 10 (e.g., shaft housing 120) is detected. , if the motion indicates a swing, the audio output is active.

In the exemplary embodiment, by way of example, sounds may be associated with or indicative of precise movement of shaft housing 120 as detected by IMU 161 . If the motion and angle data indicate that shaft housing 120 is moving and head housing 140 is near the ground or virtual golf ball, IMU 161 may generate a vibration activation signal or an acoustic activation signal. It is understood that it may be configured to For example, the sound may be related to the velocity and momentum of the shaft housing 120; Resonance may be changed. Acoustic electronics can also mimic actual ball striking.

In use of the exemplary embodiment, the user can decide which size or type of golf club they would like to swing and thus be simulated by mobile gaming device 10 . A club may be selected by simply holding the shaft housing 120 at an angle corresponding to predetermined club data stored in memory. IMU 161 can determine the angle of shaft housing 120 and provide appropriate feedback on display 102, as described above. This process may be repeated until the user, via input member 100, selects the desired club. Alternatively, the clubs may be selected by the user giving numeric or alphanumeric instructions into the microphone or pressing respective input buttons. The club selection may be "displayed" on the digital display 42 and communicated to other components as described above.

In a manner similar to swinging an actual golf club, the user can grip the grip member 130 to prepare the club (ie, mobile gaming device) for swinging. However, before swinging, the angle of the shaft housing 120 must be at the proper angle and the head housing 140 must be properly positioned with respect to the simulated ball. Electronics associated with IMU 161 determine angular data regarding the position of shaft housing 120 . When a circuit or processor determines that the shaft angle and club head face are properly positioned, a plurality of LEDs are energized to communicate to the user that the shaft housing 120 is ready to swing. and the image is displayed on the digital display 102 .

As the user swings gaming device 10 , the sensors of IMU 161 and, in one embodiment, the optical assembly calculate the trajectory of a virtual ball or other object and provide swing data that can be displayed on display 102 . can be collected. Using wireless signal transmission such as Bluetooth®, the trajectory or other swing statistics may be transmitted to a remote device such as a laptop, remote display screen, or other remote electronic device. As previously mentioned, various tactile sensations or sounds can also be activated. While particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited insofar as such limitations are included in the claims and their permitted functional equivalents. want to be The principles and structures described herein may be applied to many other sports-related device movements, many sports simulations, games, and electronic gaming applications.

Claims (19)

an inertial measurement unit (“IMU”) associated with the mobile gaming device, configured to detect and generate acceleration and angular rotation data regarding movement of the mobile gaming device;
a processor located within the mobile gaming device in communication with the IMU to receive the generated acceleration data and the angular rotation data, the processor providing current path data associated with movement of the mobile gaming device; said processor programmed to use said generated acceleration data and said angular rotation data to determine;
An optical assembly associated with the mobile gaming device including an image sensor in communication with the processor and an image target member displaced from the image sensor, the image sensor indicating the spatial position of the image target member. an optical assembly configured to generate image target data;
using the generated acceleration data and the angular rotation data and the generated image target data to determine a virtual trajectory of the image target member that is virtually impacted by movement of the mobile gaming device; , the processor is programmed to
The mobile game device comprises:
an elongated shaft housing having opposed lower and upper ends and defining an interior region between said lower and upper ends;
a head housing coupled to the lower end of the shaft housing and defining an open space, wherein a lower portion of the shaft housing is located in the open space;
a battery;
an input member coupled to an exterior surface of the shaft housing and electrically connected to the battery, the input member configured to receive club selection data;
including,
A device for simulating gaming events. The inertial measurement device is
at least one accelerometer configured to detect acceleration and generate the acceleration data;
a gyroscope sensor configured to detect rotational motion to generate said angular rotation data;
a magnetometer sensor configured to detect spatial orientation and generate orientation data;
The simulation apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: the at least one accelerometer is one of a linear accelerometer and an accelerometer that detects translational or non-gravitational forces;
wherein the gyroscope sensor is configured to detect rotational pitch, yaw, and roll attributes;
The simulation device according to claim 2. wherein the image sensor is a camera configured to take a predetermined number of snapshots per second and generate image data associated with the snapshots;
wherein the image target member is a marker that indicates a moment of virtual impact due to movement of the mobile gaming device when each snapshot is taken by the image sensor;
The simulation device according to claim 1. 2. The simulation device of claim 1, further comprising a digital display in data communication with said processor, configured to provide a graphical user interface. Based on the acceleration data and the angular rotation data collected by the IMU, the processor simulates impact by actual movement of the mobile gaming device before and after a moment of impact determined by the optical assembly. programmed to determine the trajectory of a virtual target object to receive,
6. The simulation device of claim 5, wherein the processor is programmed to display data indicative of the determined trajectory on the digital display. 3. The simulation device of claim 1, further comprising an electronic module coupled to the mobile gaming device, the electronic module including the processor and the IMU. further comprising an input member coupled to the mobile gaming device configured to receive input data from a user;
The input member is
a digital display configured to provide a graphical user interface;
a data input component configured to receive data supplied by a user;
a non-volatile memory configured to store the user-supplied data and programming instructions;
2. The simulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is in data communication with the memory and configured to execute the programming instructions. 9. The simulation apparatus of claim 8, wherein programming instructions in said memory, when executed by said processor, cause said processor to display digital data indicative of said trajectory on said digital display. The processor determines, via the IMU and the optical assembly, whether an orientation of the mobile gaming device matches predetermined orientation data associated with the mobile gaming device, and if so, a positive 9. The simulation device of claim 8 programmed to display indicia on the digital display. 2. The simulation device of claim 1, further comprising an electronic module coupled to the shaft housing and electrically connected to the battery, the electronic module including the processor and the IMU. 12. The processor of claim 11, wherein the processor uses the acceleration data, the angular rotation data, and data from the optical assembly to determine the trajectory of the virtual golf ball impacted by the actual swing of the shaft housing. The simulation device described. a haptic member associated with the mobile gaming device and in communication with the IMU;
the IMU is configured to generate one of a vibration activation signal or a sound activation signal when the generated acceleration data and the angular rotation data indicate motion of the mobile gaming device;
2. The simulation device of claim 1, wherein the tactile member is actuated to cause one of a sound or vibration output upon receiving the vibration or the acoustic activation signal, respectively. 9. The simulation device of claim 8, wherein the data input component includes a microphone in data communication with the processor. an elongated shaft housing having opposed lower and upper ends and defining an interior region between said lower and upper ends; and a head housing coupled to said lower end of said shaft housing and defining an open space, said shaft A lower portion of the housing includes a head housing located in the open space, a battery, and an input member coupled to an outer surface of the shaft housing and electrically connected to the battery for receiving club selection data. detecting and generating acceleration and angular rotation data of the mobile gaming device via an inertial measurement unit (“IMU”) associated with the mobile gaming device having the input member configured to:
a processor located within the mobile gaming device in communication with the IMU to receive the generated acceleration data and the angular rotation data, using the generated acceleration data and the angular rotation data to: determining current path data associated with movement of the mobile gaming device;
generating image target data indicative of spatial locations of image target members via an optical assembly associated with the mobile gaming device, the optical assembly including an image sensor in data communication with the processor; generating, including an image target member displaced from the image sensor;
The processor uses the generated acceleration data and the angular rotation data and the generated image target data to determine a virtual trajectory of the image target member that is virtually impacted by movement of the mobile gaming device. A method for simulating a gaming event comprising: determining. The inertial measurement device is
at least one accelerometer configured to detect acceleration and generate the acceleration data;
a gyroscope sensor configured to detect rotational motion to generate said angular rotation data;
a magnetometer sensor configured to detect spatial orientation and generate orientation data;
16. A method for simulating a gaming event as recited in claim 15, comprising: the at least one accelerometer is one of a linear accelerometer and an accelerometer that detects translational or non-gravitational forces;
wherein the gyroscope sensor is configured to detect rotational pitch, yaw, and roll attributes;
17. A method for simulating a gaming event according to claim 16. wherein the image sensor is a camera configured to take a predetermined number of snapshots per second and generate image data associated with the snapshots;
when each snapshot is taken by the image sensor, the image target member is a marker that indicates a moment of virtual impact with movement of the mobile gaming device;
16. A method for simulating a gaming event according to claim 15. providing a haptic member coupled to the mobile gaming device configured to vibrate or emit a sound when activated;
the processor generating an activation signal when the generated acceleration data and the angular rotation data indicate motion of the mobile gaming device;
the processor activating the tactile member when the activation signal is generated;
16. A method for simulating a gaming event as recited in claim 15, comprising:

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