Scoring in games such as golf or croquet can be time consuming, complicated and prone to cheating. Existing arrangements attempt in part to solve this problem by employing automatic scoring.

US 5, 582, 550 discloses a putting game which uses golf balls each incorporating a low- powered transmitter and an antenna. Another antenna underneath each fairway detects each time a club containing a permanent magnet strikes the ball. Signals from the fairway antennae are received by a central antenna connected to a stroke counter. A "ball-in-hole"magnet produces a signal indicating the presence of a golf ball in the hole.

Thus it will be seen that a special club is needed to enable the impacts to be counted.

WO 01/49379 describes a putting game involving golf balls containing RFID tags. A plurality of RF antennae are located under the surface of the playing area from the tee to the hole, and are connected to a central computer which calculates the number of times a ball has been hit.

However, a problem with these existing arrangements is that r. f. antennae are installed underneath a green or fairway which involves installation costs and disruption. Another problem is that the ball is restricted to being hit over a defined playing area.

The present invention seeks to overcome or reduce one or more of the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a ball incorporating means arranged to count the number of times the ball has been struck.

The ball preferably also incorporates identification means which are capable of uniquely identifying the ball.

The identification means preferably comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

The ball preferably also comprises control means for the counting means, the control means being arranged to be externally actuated to initialise the counting means before the ball leaves a tee and also being arranged to be externally actuated to cause the counting means to deliver its accumulated count to an external detector upon arriving in a hole.

The initialising process may involve zeroing the counting means so that it delivers its count or the number of strokes.

Alternatively, the initialising process may involve flagging a current count value of the counting means so that, upon the ball arriving at the hole, a subtraction process is effected in respect of the final count value and the previously-flagged count value, before the result is delivered as the number of strokes. The subtraction process may be undertaken within the ball under the control of the control means, or externally of the ball by the control means itself.

After the count is increased by one to indicate that the ball has been struck, the counting means may be temporarily disabled. For example the counting means may be disabled for a predetermined time, e. g. five seconds after the ball has been struck. Alternatively, the counting means may be disabled until a motion detecting means detects that the ball is again stationary.

The ball preferably includes its own power supply in the form of a battery.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf game comprising a tee and a hole and employing golf balls which are capable of counting the number of times they are struck, means being providing at or adjacent the tee for initialising a count value and means being provided in or adjacent the hole for detecting the accumulated count value.

The game preferably comprises a control means with means for receiving the accumulated count value and means for indicating the accumulated count value.

The balls may incorporate unique identification means, the means at or adjacent the tee including means for identifying a ball about to be played, the means in or adjacent the hole including means for identifying a ball entering the hole and the control means indicating the respective identification together with the accumulated count value.

The means in or adjacent the hole may detect the actual number of strokes taken.

Alternatively, the control means may include means for calculating the number of strokes taken by subtracting a value detected by the means at or adjacent the tee from the count value detected by the means in or adjacent the hole.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 is a side section view of a golf game in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view of a golf ball according to an embodiment of the present invention for use in the game of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a sectional view of a golf ball according to another embodiment of the present invention for use in the game of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a golf game according to another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a sectional view of a target according to a further embodiment of the present invention for use in the game of Figure 4.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a golf putting game 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

The game 100 includes a ball 110, a tee area 102 and a hole 120. The ball includes a wireless communication device, an impact or stroke detector and means for counting hits to the ball. The tee area 102 includes a wireless communication device 104 and the hole 120 also includes a wireless communication device 124 which are preferably able to communicate with a control device 200, either by a wired connection as illustrated or by wireless communication.

A player places his/her ball 110 on the tee area 102. Preferably, the ball has a unique identification code that is read by the communication device 104 when the ball 110 is first placed on the tee area 102 in position ready to be played. The communication device 104 communicates the identification code to the control device 200 which maintains a record of balls"in play". The control device 200 checks its record to determine if the ball 110 is already in play and, if not, adds the identification code to the record and advises the communication device 104 accordingly. If the communication device 104 is advised that the ball 110 is not in play, it is arranged to zero the means for counting hits within the ball.

The ball 110 is then struck one or more times by the player using golf club 106. Each hit is registered by the impact or stroke detector within the ball 110 which increments the means for counting hits. When the ball 110 enters the hole 120, it is detected and its identification code is read by the communication device 124. The communication device 124 also reads data from the means for counting strokes within the ball. This data is

communicated to the control device 200. Upon receipt of the data, the control device removes the identification code of the ball from the record of balls"in play"allowing the ball to be played again and updates a score associated with the ball's identification code.

Preferably, the score is displayed on an electronic indicator board 202 located adjacent to the hole.

Alternatively, the initialising process may involve flagging a current count value of the counting means so that, upon the ball arriving at the hole, a subtraction process is effected in respect of the final count value and the previously-flagged count value, before the result is delivered as the number of strokes. The subtraction process may be undertaken within the ball under the control of the control means, or externally of the ball by the control means itself.

Preferably, each ball includes some form of visual identifier that allows the players to identify their own ball. This may be in the form of colour coding or a number and/or other labelling. Preferably the unique identifier code is associated with the visual identifier so that when results are reported, they are reported with reference to the visual identifier. In more elaborate systems, the controller 200 may include input means allowing player's names to be associated with balls. The controller 200 and indicator board 202 may be interfaced with (or replaced by) a personal computer to allow such applications and facilitate changes to game parameters by users in a simple manner.

Although the communication devices 104 and 124 have been described as moderately intelligent devices that would incorporate some level of processing capability, this could be varied to suit the intended market of the game. For example, communication devices 104 and 124 could be completely dumb electronic devices that merely allow the control device 200 to communicate with the ball through them. Alternatively, the control device 200 may be omitted completely and data regarding whether a ball was in play or not could be recorded by the means for counting or an associated component within the ball.

This could be written to at the tee area 102 and cleared when the ball was detected in the hole 120. In such a situation, the communication device 124 at the hole 120 may control

the indicator board 202. Alternatively, the indicator board 202 may be replaced by a speech or sound system incorporated within the hole 120 that provides a verbal/aural report of the number of hits taken to reach the hole.

Numerous variations to the game are possible. For example a timer may be included so as to limit the amount of time that may be taken between tee-off and reaching the hole 120. The timer may actuate a device which counts down the final few seconds of the allowed period in audible and/or visual manner. A player exceeding the time limit may be penalised by additional strokes, for example.

An advantage of the above-described game is that there is no need to install equipment for counting strokes over the entire playing region or course. Control equipment is installed solely adjacent the tee and the hole. In a modification the above-described game can be combined with a system which continuously monitors the position of the ball such as that disclosed in WO 01/49379 ; this provides a check on the accuracy of the score.

Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a ball 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention for use in the game of Figure 1.

The ball 110 includes an infra-red permeable outer cover 10, an infra-red permeable outer core member 11 and an infra-red permeable inner core member 21 which is moulded around a printed circuit board 12 and the components thereon. The weight of the printed circuit board and its components and the densities of the core members are preferably such that the ball weighs and is balanced the same as a conventional golf ball and behaves in a similar manner.

The printed circuit board 12 includes a microprocessor 13, a metal detector 15, a shock/impact sensor 16 for detecting strokes, a motion sensor 17, and a rechargeable battery 14, for which a charging and power supply circuit may be provided.

Alternatively, the battery 14 may be non-rechargeable in which case it is preferable that it has a lifetime of at least 2 years or 1,000 playing hours.

The printed circuit board also includes a communication device in the form of an infra- red transmitter/receiver circuit 19. The communication devices 104,124 would also include infra-red transmitter/receivers for communication with the ball 110 via the infra- red transmitter/receiver circuit 19.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of a golf ball according to another embodiment of the present invention for use in the game of Figure 1.

In this embodiment, the components of the ball 110 are largely the same as those of Figure 2. However, the communication device within the ball 110 includes an RF communications circuit 20 instead of an infra-red transmitter/receiver circuit.

Communication devices 104,124 would also include RF transmitter/receivers for communication with the ball via the RF communications circuit 20. In this embodiment, the ball does not need the infra-red permeable outer cover 10, infra-red permeable outer core member 11 and an infra-red permeable inner core member 21 and these could be replaced with components used in standard golf balls or other components to suit the game, the desired weight and/or balance of the ball 110.

Preferably, the RF communication device within the ball 110 is an active electronic circuit that uses near-field RF coupling techniques to transmit data to and from active readers located in or near to a tee area or a flag hole. Most preferably, the RF communication devices use RFID tag technology.

It should be appreciated that the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3 are not mutually exclusive and a ball may include more than one communications device. For example, a ball 110 may be produced that operates with both RF and infra-red based games. Other wireless communications technologies are possible and could be included within a ball 110.

The operation of the ball 110 in the embodiment of Figure 2 and 3 is substantially the same. Preferably, microprocessor 13 is coupled to metal detector 15, shock/impact sensor 16 and motion sensor 17. The microprocessor 13 is configured to provide a count of hits to the ball in dependence on signals from the sensors 15,16, 17. The sensor 15 is arranged to detect if the ball 110 is hit by a metal object. This allows hits from other balls to be discounted. The shock/impact sensor 16 provides a signal if the ball 110 is hit and motion sensor 17 detects if the ball 110 is moving.

In preferred embodiment, the microprocessor 13 uses signals received from the sensors 15,16, 17 to determine if the ball has received an impact, is currently moving or has stopped moving. This allows the microprocessor to calculate the number of hits made by a player. The number of hits is stored by the microprocessor 13. When the ball reaches the hole the information is sent to the control device 200 (via RF or infra-red).

In the preferred embodiment, several sensors are used because it may be useful to determine: a) if the ball has been hit by a metal object (i. e. a putter) by use of sensor 15; b) to allow a degree of vibration without triggering a hit (i. e. strikes by other balls, wind or someone walking close by), by use of shock/impact sensor 16; and c) to determine when a ball has come to rest and allow a time window to cater for stairs or multiple collisions by use of motion sensor 17.

The metal detector 15 may incorporate a magnetic sensing arrangement.

The motion sensor 17 may be in the form of an orientation monitor and may incorporate a magnetic sensor such as an electronic compass.

In a preferred embodiment, the microprocessor is arranged to fully power the ball 110 only when absolutely necessary, in particular: when on the tee; when rolling; and,

when in the flag hole.

At all other times the ball 110 preferably automatically shuts down.

Similarly, it is preferred that the flag-hole unit 120 is only fully powered when a ball 110 is present, or when the user is setting up the game play.

Preferably, interaction with the user is via speech or sound effects. For example, when a ball 110 arrives in the flag-hole 120, the unit 120 could generate a suitable sound effect and then read out the stroke count. One example would be"Red player took five strokes to reach hole 2; it's a double bogey".

The flag-hole 120 may include a number of switches/buttons to set up the game-play.

Alternatively, set-up may be performed by placing one or more of a number of shaped plastic tokens incorporating RFID tags in the flag-hole to be read, each tag corresponding to a different variation of the game.

The control unit 200 can be set up so that a single flag-hole simulates play at 9 or 18 holes, and to keep scores all the way through the game, summarising (for example, in speech) the score totals at the end of the game. After all the balls had been played at one hole, the next hole would be set up with a new hole number, e. g. hole 9, and possibly also a new"par"score to allow for physical modification to the course between the tee and the hole.

The flag 120 and/or tee area 102 may include a magnet to activate (wake-up) the ball 110 when it is placed over it to allow the microprocessor 13 to be read.

The game can be played over courses having a wide range of scales from a full-sized golf course to a carpet in a living room or office. In the latter case, suitable portable modules may be provided to simulate the tee and the hole. The modules may each comprise a

moulding incorporating a battery box for power supply batteries. The weight of the batteries assists in keeping the modules stationary during impacts by golf clubs and balls.

In modifications only one or two of sensors 15,16 and 17 is/are provided. Although this may lead to the counting of accidental impacts as actual strokes with a golf club, such arrangements have the advantage of being less expensive. If the metal detector 15 is omitted, cheaper non-metallic golf clubs can be employed.

For single players, or in games in which the players play the or each hole to a conclusion before the next player starts the hole, the identification feature can be omitted from the ball. If desired, suitable switching means can be provided adjacent the tee for a player to manually key in identification information before play starts. Again, such arrangements have the advantage of being less expensive.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a golf game according to another embodiment of the present invention. In addition to the tee area 102 and hole 120 of Figure 1, various targets and/or hazards may be introduced. The targets and hazards may be physical dumb obstacles such as the hills 300, tunnels 310 and other obstacles known in crazy golf and standard golfing ranges. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the targets and hazards also include active electronics to communicate with the ball 110 and reward or penalise the player.

For example, a sand trap may be simulated by a sand coloured mat 320 (or a mat bearing photographic reproduction of a sand trap). The mat 320 includes a communication device 325 such that it operates in a similar manner to the tee area 102. If a ball passes over the mat, a predetermined number of hits may be added to the count maintained by the ball 110 to represent being caught by the sand trap. Similarly, water traps 330 and out of bounds areas 340 could also be simulated. These have corresponding communication devices 335,345. In each case, particularly as the units could be battery powered, no significant set-up or installation is required, merely an addition of an extra unit to introduce additional features to a play area.

In addition to hazards, targets that provide a reward can also be introduced, as is discussed below, with reference to Figure 5.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of a target according to a further embodiment of the present invention for use in the game of Figure 4.

A target may be 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional. In the example embodiment shown, the target comprises a 3-dimensional bridge 400 providing a number of routes of passage for a ball 110.

A ball can travel through one of the tunnels 410,420, 430 or over the top 440 of the bridge 400. Depending on the route taken, points (for example in the form of hits deducted or a modifier applied to the player's final score) are added or deducted by communication devices 415,425, 435 and 445 positioned along the respective routes.

The communication devices communicate with the ball 110 in the same way as those at the tee area 102 or hole 120. Points or hits may be added or deducted by communicating with the microprocessor 13 within the ball 110 or by detecting the identification code of the ball and passing this information to the controller 200. As with Figure 1, there is no need for a separate controller if it is not desired as the ball 110 can carry all the data needed for output at the hole 120.

Appropriate sounds (and maybe lights) such as scores or sound effects can be made as the ball passes the communication devices 415,425, 435,445 in the bridge 400. The 'target'may be of any size, or shape (even a windmill).

Although the various embodiments above have been described with reference to golf balls and golf games, it will be apparent to the reader that the concepts disclosed herein are equally applicable to other ball games such as croquet.

In a croquet game, each hoop could detect the passage of a ball in the same manner as the bridge of Figure 5. The hoop could also include an indicator controlled by a central controller or similar unit to indicate the next hoop for a ball. Each ball may include an active transmitter/receiver that locally broadcasts its identification code when a hit is detected-in this manner, inter-ball collisions can be detected. Croquet mallets may also include transmitters and identification codes so that a ball can detect if it is being hit by a valid mallet.