Golf ball

Abstract

A golf ball (10) including circuitry including a communications aerial (40) for communication with external components of the ball game apparatus, an internal holder member (20) in the form of a ring with components of the circuitry being located within the ring and at least one coil element (30) located externally of the ring.

1 . A ball for use in a ball game apparatus including:
 circuitry including a communications aerial for communication with external components of the ball game apparatus,   an internal holder member in the form of a ring with components of the circuitry being located within the ring and at least one coil element located externally of the ring.   
     
     
         2 . The ball according to  claim 1 , wherein the coil element is the communications aerial itself, the coil element being wound at least partially around the ring. 
     
     
         3 . The ball according to  claim 1 , wherein the coil element is a charging coil for charging a battery included within the circuitry. 
     
     
         4 . The ball according to  claim 1 , wherein the holder member is of a generally circular shape. 
     
     
         5 . The ball according to  claim 1 , wherein the ball includes one or more sensor elements included in or coupled with the circuitry. 
     
     
         6 . The ball according to  claim 1 , further comprising one or more counterweights. 
     
     
         7 . The ball according to  claim 1 , further comprising a magnetically-operated switch for switching the circuitry on and off. 
     
     
         8 . The ball according to  claim 1 , wherein the circuitry includes a memory for storing a code identifying the respective ball. 
     
     
         9 . The ball according to  claim 1 , wherein the circuitry includes a memory for storing data related to actions to which the ball has been subjected. 
     
     
         10 . The ball according to  claim 9 , wherein the memory is configured to have its data erased if an attempt is made to remove the ball from the vicinity of the ball game apparatus. 
     
     
         11 . A method of operating a golf facility, including a ball for use in a ball game apparatus including:
 circuitry including a communications aerial for communication with external components of the ball game apparatus,   an internal holder member in the form of a ring with components of the circuitry being located within the ring and at least one coil element located externally of the ring.   
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the ball includes a memory for storing data related to actions to which the ball has been subjected. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the data are erased if an attempt is made to remove the ball from the vicinity of the ball game apparatus.