EP1442315A2 - Systeme et procede ameliores permettant de mesurer la distance entre deux objets par la reception de donnees transmises par satellite - Google Patents

Systeme et procede ameliores permettant de mesurer la distance entre deux objets par la reception de donnees transmises par satellite

Info

Publication number
EP1442315A2
EP1442315A2 EP01980006A EP01980006A EP1442315A2 EP 1442315 A2 EP1442315 A2 EP 1442315A2 EP 01980006 A EP01980006 A EP 01980006A EP 01980006 A EP01980006 A EP 01980006A EP 1442315 A2 EP1442315 A2 EP 1442315A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
distance
location
gps receiver
data
golf
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01980006A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Bertho Boman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority claimed from PCT/US2001/042700 external-priority patent/WO2003034088A2/fr
Publication of EP1442315A2 publication Critical patent/EP1442315A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an improved system and method, using location defining data from global position satellites, to measure the precise distance between two objects on the surface of the earth.
  • the invention is especially useful for accurately measuring the distance and direction between two objects on a golf course, such as the distance and direction between the hole or pin on a green associated with a fairway on a golf course and a golf cart located along the fairway, or the distance and direction between the hole or pin on a green associated with a fairway of the golf course or a hazard on the golf course and a golf ball on the fairway of the golf course, or the distance and direction between the club house of a golf course and a golf cart on the golf course.
  • hole when used hereinafter shall refer to a combination of a teeing ground or tee, a fairway and a putting green associated with the fairway, on a golf course. It is well known in the field of golf, that a normal golf course consists of eighteen (18) holes; that each hole has a tee, a fairway and a green; and, that each green has a Hole or pin (hereinafter referred to as "pin”) into which the golf ball is holed by a golf player (hereinafter referred to as "player”) .
  • pin Hole or pin
  • the size, in area, of the green depends on the design of the golf course and, in many instances, the green may be a relatively large area.
  • the pin which is a hole in the green, not exceeding 108 mm in diameter and at least 100 mm in depth, (according to the 1996 Rules of Golf, published and copyrighted, 1995, by the United States Golf Association and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland) may be positioned anywhere on the green. The player, when addressing the green with his golf ball from the fairway, is most interested in knowing the distance, in yardage, as accurately as possible, between the golf ball on the fairway and the pin on the green associated with that fairway.
  • U.S. Patent #4,815,020 to Cormier issued March 21, 1989 teaches that the distance between a golf ball and the green remaining after the tee-off flight of the golf ball, may be determined by measuring the distance of the flight of the golf ball from the tee and calculating the distance between the golf ball and the green, since the distance between the tee and the green is already known.
  • the Cormier teaching provides for measuring the distance of the flight of the golf ball from the tee using dead reckoning, such as a wheel operated counter on a hand- drawn golf bag caddie cart, for example. The counter counts the revolutions of a wheel on the caddie cart as the caddie cart is pulled from the tee to the location of the golf ball on the fairway.
  • Cormier teaching leaves much to be desired.
  • the basic measurement of distance used by Cormier is the distance from the center of the tee to the center of the green, not necessarily to the pin on the green.
  • Cormier does not teach where, or how to find where, on the green, the pin is located.
  • measuring distance by counting rotations of a wheel on a cart pulled across a rough terrain is highly inaccurate because of the roughness of the terrain, slippage of the wheel and/or indirect routing of the cart.
  • U.S. Patent #5,056,106 to Wang et al teaches that distances between a golf player and predetermined objects located on a golf course may be determined by using a plurality of radio transmitters positioned throughout the vicinity of the golf course.
  • the radio transmitters in predetermined locations, broadcast codified, spread-spectrum RF signals which are received by a hand-held receiver/processor which computes distances between the receiver and objects on the golf course.
  • the teaching of Wang et al is overly complicated and expensive in equipment, installation and maintenance.
  • GPS global position satellites
  • GPS Data The GPS transmissions
  • GPS receiver (hereinafter referred to as "GPS receiver”).
  • the GPS Data received by a GPS receiver, may be translated or converted into location defining data, such as latitude and longitude coordinates, for example, that define an exact location, on earth, for the antenna of the GPS receiver receiving the GPS Data.
  • the United States government has caused a contamination of the signals transmitted by the satellites in the global position indicating system.
  • the contamination affects the GPS Data, causing a randomly occurring and changing inaccuracy in the location defined for the GPS receiver receiving GPS Data from satellites in the GPS system.
  • the inaccuracy occurs and changes randomly, with time, in direction and in magnitude. Since the inaccuracy in the location defined for a GPS receiver receiving GPS Data is random in both occurrence and change, the location defined for a GPS receiver may be accurate or inaccurate, with respect to it actual location. Thus, although the GPS Data is correctly translated or converted, the location defined for the receiving GPS receiver may be accurate or inaccurate, the inaccuracy of the location defined being off-set from the actual, true location, in any direction, plus or minus, by as much as forty yards .
  • U.S. Patent #5,364,093 to Huston et al teaches that the distance between the pin on a green and a mobile cart may be determined using GPS Data transmitted from GPS when the exact location of the pin on the green and the exact location of the mobile golf cart are each known.
  • the Huston et al teaching provides for previously determining the exact location of the pin on the green, by independent means.
  • the mobile cart is provided with a GPS receiver and a computer.
  • the GPS receiver receives GPS Data which, when translated, defines an inaccurate location for the mobile cart.
  • a differential or error correction signal is used to change the inaccurate location of the golf cart to a correct location.
  • the distance between the accurate location of the mobile golf cart and the previously determined location of the pin on the green is then calculated from two defined accurate locations.
  • the differential or error correction signal is generated by comparing position locating data derived from GPS Data received by a fixedly located GPS receiver with previously determined, corresponding position locating data defining the exact, correct location of the fixedly located GPS receiver.
  • the differential signal is transmitted to the mobile GPS receiver on the golf cart.
  • the exact location of the mobile cart is determined by correcting the GPS Data defining the inaccurate location of the mobile GPS receiver on the golf cart with the differential signal.
  • Huston et al in their #5,364,093 patent teach measuring distance between a golf cart and the pin on the green. This leaves the player to measure the distance between the golf ball on the fairway and the pin on the green because golf carts are normally not permitted to trespass on the fairway of the golf course.
  • the U.S. Patent #5,434,789 to Fraker et al teaches a golf diagnostic system which uses GPS Data for plotting locations for measuring the flight of a golf ball and for measuring distance between the GPS receiver and other previously known locations on the golf course.
  • the teaching includes using differential or error correction signals generated by and transmitted from a fixed GPS receiver, located in a previously known and defined location, to adjust location coordinates, for accuracy.
  • Huston et al , '093 and Fraker et al , '789 require the generation of differential or error correction signals.
  • the U.S. Patent #5,469,175 to Boman, issued November 21, 1995 teaches a system and method for accurately measuring the distance between a golf ball on a fairway and the pin on the green.
  • the accurate location of a mobile golf cart carrying a GPS receiver is determined by correcting the inaccurate location derived from GPS Data received by the GPS receiver on the golf cart, using a differential or error correction signal.
  • the differential signal is generated by comparing GPS Data defining, inaccurately, the location of a fixed GPS receiver, with corresponding signal data defining the accurate location of the fixed GPS receiver.
  • the corrected location of the GPS receiver mounted on the golf cart is determined, the corrected location of the mobile GPS receiver is adjusted by the distance and direction between the golf ball on the fairway and the golf cart.
  • U.S. Patent #4,949,089 to Ruszkowski, Jr. teaches a target locator system which uses the global position satellite system to provide location coordinates for a mobile target locator.
  • the mobile target locator measures the distance, direction and inclination between the target and the mobile target locator.
  • Location coordinates for the target are then generated by mathematically calculating the location coordinates for the target locator, obtained from the global position satellite system, with the measured distance, direction and inclination between the target locator and the target, providing a set of location coordinates for the target.
  • the generated target location coordinates are transmitted to the weapons delivery system, which now has the location coordinates for the target .
  • the present invention takes advantage of the fact that when the locations of two spaced objects are each defined in corresponding location defining terms, such as latitude and longitude or other grid coordinates, for example, the difference between the two corresponding location defining terms is the distance and direction between the two objects. This is true if correct locations are defined or incorrect locations are defined, so long as both data defining the respective locations are correspondingly accurate or both data are correspondingly inaccurate .
  • the present invention provides a method, apparatus and/or system for accurately measuring the distance and direction between two objects using the raw, contaminated GPS Data transmitted from GPS satellites in orbit and received by each of two GPS receivers.
  • the present invention avoids decontaminating the GPS Data and avoids determining and/or defining and/or identifying the actual, true location of either or both objects and/or GPS receivers before, during or after measuring the distance and direction between the two objects.
  • the present invention provides for accurately measuring such distance and direction without changing or correcting the GPS Data received or changing or correcting the locations defined by the GPS Data. Accuracy in the location defined for the same site, by successive transmissions of GPS Data, changes randomly, with time.
  • the contamination causing inaccuracy in the GPS Data received at substantially the same time, by two GPS receivers is identical for each GPS receiver.
  • the difference between identically contaminated GPS Data received by each of two GPS receivers at substantially the same time is determined and from the difference between the two sets of identically contaminated GPS Data, the distance and direction between the two GPS receivers is accurately determined.
  • GPS receivers are used to accurately measure the distance between two objects and the direction of such distance.
  • Two spaced GPS receivers which may represent one each of two spaced objects or the location of two spaced objects, respectively, located in two undefined locations, are provided.
  • Each GPS receiver receives GPS Data from GPS satellites, i.e., global position satellites.
  • Each set of GPS Data, received by each respective GPS receiver is translatable into a location defining data, which defines a location for the GPS receiver receiving the particular GPS Data.
  • GPS Data Although the locations for the GPS receivers defined by GPS Data are inaccurate, with respect to defining the exact locations of the receiving GPS receivers, the inaccuracies are identical and the locations defined can be used to determine the distance between the two GPS receivers and the direction of that distance.
  • a computer or data processing means is provided to receive and combine at least two sets of raw GPS Data, at least one set from each of two GPS receivers, for mathematically calculating the difference between two sets of GPS Data. The difference between the two sets of GPS
  • GPS Data received by each of two spaced GPS receivers defines an accurate distance and direction between the two GPS receivers.
  • two sets of GPS Data received by two GPS receivers, are translated or converted into latitude and longitude coordinates, or other location defining coordinates.
  • the two sets of GPS Data used are in raw, contaminated state and may be in untranslated or unconverted form or may be in raw, contaminated but translated form.
  • the invention avoids determining, identifying and/or defining the true or accurate location or site of either GPS receiver; avoids the need for generating error correcting data; and, avoids the need for correcting the inaccuracy in location defined by the GPS Data, as taught in the prior art.
  • the invention is especially useful on a golf course for determining accurate distance and direction between two objects on the golf course, although the invention is not limited to such use.
  • At least two GPS receivers are provided, along with a computer or data processor and at least two transmitting/receiving radios.
  • One GPS receiver is essentially fixed on or at the pin on the green of a hole on a golf course. The exact, defined location of the pin on the green need not be known or determined.
  • a radio is coupled to the GPS receiver at the pin, to transmit GPS Data received by the GPS receiver at the pin.
  • Another GPS receiver is mobile or portable and may be anywhere on the golf course.
  • the computer or data processor is preferably associated with the mobile or portable GPS receiver.
  • Another radio is coupled to the mobile GPS receiver and to the computer for receiving GPS Data transmitted by the radio coupled with the GPS receiver at the pin and for applying such GPS Data to the computer.
  • the mobile GPS receiver is coupled to its associated computer to apply GPS Data received by the mobile GPS receiver to its associated computer.
  • GPS Data from the GPS receiver at the pin and GPS Data from the mobile GPS receiver are transmitted and/or applied to the computer.
  • the computer is programmed at least to mathematically calculate at least two sets of GPS Data to determine the difference between the two sets of GPS Data. With one set of GPS Data, received by one GPS receiver at one location defining a location for the one GPS receiver and a second set of GPS Data, received by another GPS receiver at a second location defining a second location for the other (second) GPS receiver, then, the difference between the two sets of GPS Data defines the distance and direction of such distance between two locations defined by two sets of GPS Data.
  • the distance and direction determined is the distance and direction between the GPS receiver at the pin and the mobile GPS receiver on the golf course. This is the distance and direction cart- to-pin.
  • the mobile or portable GPS receiver may be carried across the golf course on a golf cart or in a golf bag of a player or carried by the player.
  • the distance and direction derived by the computer is between the golf ball on the fairway and the pin. This is the distance and direction ball-to-pin.
  • the distance and direction may be displayed visually and/or audibly.
  • At least two mobile or portable GPS receivers are provided along with at least one computer or data processor and at least two radios.
  • Each of the GPS receivers may be mounted or carried on golf carts used on the golf course.
  • Each of the GPS receivers may have associated therewith, a computer and each of the GPS receivers has a radio for transmitting and receiving.
  • Each GPS receiver is for receiving GPS Data from satellites in the GPS system.
  • one of the GPS receivers, with computer and radio is mounted or carried on a golf cart used by a Golf Course Supervisor, for example.
  • the other GPS receiver may be mounted or carried on a golf cart used by a player on the golf course.
  • a system interactive between the golf cart of the Golf Course Supervisor and the player golf cart, remotely activates the GPS receiver on the player golf cart, when actuated.
  • the GPS receiver on the player golf cart receives GPS Data which is transmitted by the on-board radio.
  • the radio on board the golf cart of the Golf Course Supervisor receives the GPS Data transmitted from the player golf cart and applies the player GPS Data to the computer on the Golf Course Supervisor golf cart.
  • the GPS receiver on the Golf Course Supervisor golf cart receives GPS Data and applies the locally received GPS Data to the on-board computer.
  • the computer mathematically calculates the difference between the two sets of GPS Data and derives therefrom the distance and direction between the Golf Course Supervisor golf cart and the player golf cart, for on-the-course golf cart tracking, leading to golf play control.
  • a GPS receiver with computer and radio may be located in the club house or pro shop of a golf course.
  • the GPS receiver located in the club house (or pro-shop) also includes a system for selectively actuating remote GPS receivers.
  • a mobile GPS receiver may be turned on remotely, in response to a coded signal transmitted by a radio, in the club house, for example.
  • a remote actuation system a selected mobile GPS receiver, mounted on a player golf cart, on the golf course, is remotely activated and the GPS Data received by the selected mobile GPS receiver and the GPS Data received by the GPS receiver in the club house are transmitted and/or applied to the computer associated with the club house GPS receiver, for calculating the distance and direction between the selected player golf cart and the club house.
  • each golf cart, used on the golf course may be provided with a GPS receiver and a radio and each golf cart or GPS receiver may be provided with an identifying code. Golf cart tracking may be modified to provide golf player tracking, if desired.
  • distance and direction between a golf ball on the fairway and the pin on the green is measured.
  • a fixed GPS receiver with radio and one or more mobile GPS receivers with computer and radio
  • the fixed GPS receiver is preferably located on or in the vicinity of the golf course, the exact location of which need not be defined.
  • the mobile GPS receiver may be mounted or carried on a golf cart used by a player on the golf course or may be carried by the player on the golf course.
  • the distance and direction between the pin on the green and the fixed GPS receiver is measured, by conventional means, and is stored in the computer, for later use.
  • the fixed GPS receiver and the mobile GPS receiver each receive respective sets of GPS Data from satellites in the global position system, preferably, at substantially the same real time.
  • the respective sets of raw, contaminated GPS Data are applied to the computer for calculating the difference between the two sets of GPS Data, for deriving the distance and direction between the fixed GPS receiver and the mobile GPS receiver.
  • the distance and the direction between the fixed GPS receiver and the mobile GPS receiver is a derived leg, extending from the fixed GPS receiver to the mobile GPS receiver.
  • the distance and direction between the fixed GPS receiver and the pin, already measured and stored in the computer, is a known leg, extending from the fixed GPS receiver to the pin.
  • the derived leg and the known leg extend from the same point, the fixed GPS receiver. With the direction of both legs known, the angle between the legs is determined.
  • the leg connecting the extremes of the known leg and the derived leg is calculated, providing the distance and direction between the mobile GPS receiver and the pin.
  • the calculated leg is the distance and direction between the golf ball and the pin.
  • Distance and direction between the fixed GPS receiver and the pin, or any object, for example, may be measured by any of several conventional means, for example, a tape measure or any mechanical, optical, electric, electronic and/or sonic distance measuring means or range finder, without the need for defining the location of either the fixed GPS receiver or the object.
  • object is intended to represent a pin on a green, or a hazard on the golf course, or the club house or pro shop on the golf course, or any other object on the golf course.
  • a GPS receiver may be substituted for, or represent the object, in practicing other aspects of the invention the object retains its own identity. This will be apparent to those reading this disclosure and to those practicing the invention.
  • the distance and direction between the fixed GPS receiver and each of a plurality of objects may be measured and codified.
  • the measurement and ID code for the particular object may be programmed and/or stored in a computer or data processor, for later retrieval and/or use.
  • the mobile GPS receiver may represent each of a plurality of GPS receivers, whether mobile or portable, transported over the golf course on golf carts or by the player, for example.
  • a mobile GPS receiver, with an associated computer may be mounted on a mobile unit, such as a golf cart, for example, or may be portable and carried on a golf cart or a golf bag or by a person, such as a player, for example.
  • a golf cart may be motor driven, engine driven or manually moved over the golf course.
  • the invention provides for a computer or data processor and may include one or more radios, to receive and/or send GPS Data received by GPS receivers, to computers, as discussed above.
  • a read out means such as a monitor or screen, for example, a cathode ray tube, a light emitting diode screen or a liquid crystal screen, is also provided.
  • a GPS Data converter means may be used, if desired, to convert or translate GPS Data into location coordinates such as latitude and longitude, for example, which define a location.
  • the mobile GPS receiver, the computer, the radio and the read out means are mounted on the golf cart, however, corresponding equipment may be transported by the player.
  • the computer may receive GPS Data from a GPS receiver through a solid link, while also receiving other GPS Data from a second GPS receiver, through an air link, such as an RF receiver means, for example.
  • the read out means may be a monitor, printer or other visual readout means and/or may be an audible means.
  • GPS Data received from satellites in the GPS system by a GPS receiver, is in radio frequency form and is translatable into angular distances or location coordinates, such as latitude and longitude, for example, which define a location on earth.
  • two different locations such as the locations of two spaced objects, for example, are defined by sets of latitude and longitude values
  • the difference between the latitude values of each set and the longitude values of each set is a latitude value and a longitude value which is translatable into a distance and an angle of that distance.
  • the GPS receiver in fixed location is preferably operated on a continuing basis, transmitting received GPS Data, relating to the site or location of the particular fixed GPS receiver.
  • the mobile GPS receiver is operated in response to demand.
  • the two sets of GPS Data used, one set of GPS Data defining one location and another set of GPS Data defining another, spaced location, are received coincidentally.
  • the two sets of GPS Data or the two sets of location coordinates translated from the two sets of GPS Data are mathematically combined, preferably by a computer or data processor programmed for the same.
  • the latitude difference value and/or the longitude difference value may be converted into distance such as meters and centimeters or miles and yardage, for example, and direction.
  • Distance on a golf course such as distance between the golf cart and the pin or distance between the golf ball on the fairway and the pin are preferably provided in yardage.
  • Direction may be a magnetic direction or true direction.
  • a fixed GPS receiver receive GPS Data continuously and that the coupled radio transmit the GPS Data instantly and continuously.
  • the mobile GPS receiver and the radio to which it is coupled operate on demand.
  • a fixed GPS receiver and it associated equipment in a club or pro-shop on a golf course would be operated on a demand basis.
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram representing the basic invention
  • Fig. 2 represents location defining coordinates and coordinate differences which may be obtained practicing the invention represented in Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 2a represents a graphic form for calculating and deriving distance and direction when practicing the invention
  • Fig. 2b represents location coordinate differences charted in vector form to derive distance and direction;
  • Fig. 3 is a block diagram representing another aspect of the invention.
  • Fig. 3a is a representation of the invention represented in Fig. 3 practiced on a golf course
  • Fig. 4 is a block diagram representing still another aspect of the invention.
  • Fig. 4a is a representation of the invention represented in Fig. 4 practiced on a golf course
  • Fig. 5 is a representation of a golf cart with apparatus mounted thereon for practicing the invention
  • Fig. 6 is a representation of a portion of Fig. 6 along line 6-6; and Fig. 7 is a representation of part of a golf course, with several holes with equipment and apparatus represented for practicing several aspects of the invention.
  • Fig. 1 a block diagram, represents a preferred embodiment of the basic invention utilized for measuring the distance and direction between two undefined locations or sites.
  • GPS global position satellites
  • Block 10 represents a global position signal receiver (GPS receiver), AR, with antenna 11.
  • Block 12 represents a GPS receiver, BR, with antenna 13.
  • GPS receiver AR is spaced from GPS receiver BR, some unknown distance and direction. The location or site of both GPS receivers are undefined.
  • Each GPS receiver receives transmitted RF carrier signals modulated with time and timing signal data (GPS Data) from one or more satellites in the GPS system.
  • GPS Data time and timing signal data
  • GPS Data is translatable (or convertible) into coordinate data that defines a location, on earth, for the antenna of the GPS receiver receiving the GPS Data.
  • GPS receiver includes the GPS receiver and the antenna.
  • a converter means, for converting GPS Data into coordinate data may be associated with each GPS receiver to convert the GPS Data received by the GPS receiver into coordinate data, such as latitude and longitude, for example, which defines a location for the GPS receiver receiving the particular GPS Data.
  • Broken line block 18 represents a converter means for GPS receiver AR and broken line block 19 represents a converter means for GPS receiver RR.
  • Block 14 represents a computer or data processor programmed at least to receive and mathematically combine two sets of GPS Data, for calculating the difference between the two sets of GPS Data.
  • the GPS Data processed by the computer is raw, contaminated GPS Data which may be unconverted data, translatable into coordinate data or may be converted or translated data, translated into coordinate data.
  • a GPS receiver with a converter means is available on the open market and may be modified for use in practicing the invention.
  • converter means 18 and 19 are used in association with the GPS receivers AR and BR, respectively.
  • the line or link 16 carries converted data, represented by GPS DATA AR, defining a location for the GPS receiver, AR, in latitude and longitude coordinates, to the computer, CPU.
  • the line 17 carries converted data, represented by GPS DATA BR, defining a location for the GPS receiver, BR, in latitude and longitude coordinates, to the computer CPU.
  • Block 14 represents a computer or data processor programmed at least to receive and mathematically combine two sets of GPS Data, in unconverted form or in converted form, such as GPS DATA AR and GPS DATA BR, for example, for calculating the difference between the two sets of GPS Data, for deriving the distance and direction between the two locations defined by the two sets of GPS Data.
  • the line 16 represents a communication link and/or interface between GPS receiver AR and the computer, CPU through which GPS Data is transmitted to the computer.
  • Line 17 represents a communication link and/or interface between GPS receiver BR and the computer CPU through which GPS Data is transmitted to the computer CPU.
  • the communication link 16 and/or 17 may be an air link or a solid link.
  • the computer or data processor CPU includes a read out 15 which may be visual, such as a monitor or a print out, for example, and/or may be audible, such as represented by the speaker 15a.
  • the computer or data processor, CPU may be programmed at least to receive and to mathematically combine two sets of location coordinates, such as one set of latitude and longitude values with another set of latitude and longitude values, for example, each set of location coordinates defining a different location, to calculate the difference between the two sets of location coordinates and to derive a distance and a direction between the two locations defined by the two sets of location coordinates.
  • Fig. 2 represents sets of latitude and longitude location coordinates in two columns, A and B.
  • the location coordinate sets in column A represent location coordinates received at real time tl, t2 and t3 by a first GPS receiver.
  • the location coordinate sets in column B represent location coordinates received at the same clock time, tl, t2 and t3, by a second GPS receiver.
  • location is defined in an east/west distance from the Greenwich meridian and a north/south distance from the Equator meridian, respectively.
  • Other forms of location defining coordinates may be used, if desired.
  • the latitude and longitude values in column A and in column B are examples of latitude and longitude values that may be translated from GPS Data received by GPS receivers positioned at locations AR2 and BR2 , for example, in Fig. 2a.
  • the three sets of location coordinates in column A of Fig. 2 represent the GPS DATA AR, latitude and longitude values, received at clock times tl, t2 and t3, respectively, by the GPS receiver AR and that the GPS receiver, AR, in Fig. 1, corresponds to a GPS receiver AR2 , represented in Fig. 2a.
  • the three sets of location coordinates in column B of Fig. 2 represent the GPS DATA BR, latitude and longitude values, received at the same clock time, tl, t2 and t3, respectively by the GPS receiver BR and, that the GPS receiver, BR, in Fig. 1, corresponds to a GPS receiver BR2 represented in Fig. 2a.
  • the longitude value following W represents a distance, in units of degrees, minutes and seconds, west of the Greenwich meridian
  • the latitude value following N represents a distance, in units of degrees, minutes and seconds, north of the Equator meridian.
  • the distances defined by each degree, each minute and each second and/or part thereof are well established.
  • the latitude value in column A, received at time tl is mathematically combined with the latitude value in column B, received at time tl to calculate a difference latitude value, time tl, column D.
  • the longitude value in column A, received at time tl is mathematically combined with the longitude value in column B, received at time tl to calculate a difference longitude value, time tl, column D.
  • GPS receiver AR in Fig. 1 receives GPS Data from satellites SS, in the GPS system.
  • the GPS Data received by the GPS receiver AR is converted into GPS DATA AR, which translates into W 80 18' 41.7781" X N 26 05' 22.5491".
  • GPS receiver BR in Fig. 1 receives GPS Data from satellites SS in the GPS system.
  • the GPS Data received by the GPS receiver BR is converted into GPS DATA BR, which translates into
  • the value .0048" is translatable into a distance, i.e., 48 ten thousands of a navigational second, in an east-west direction and .0014" is translatable into a distance, i.e., 14 ten thousands of a navigational second, in a north-south direction.
  • Fig. 2 represents three sets of translated latitude and longitude coordinate values for each of the two locations, AR2 (column A) and BR2 (column B) taken at three different clock times tl, t2 and t3.
  • Column D represents the latitude and longitude difference values that translate into distance and direction between the two locations AR2 and BR2 , for example.
  • Fig. 2a represents, in graphic form, the latitude and longitude coordinate values in columns A and B of Fig. 2, with the latitude and longitude difference values represented in column D, also shown in Fig. 2a.
  • the line 36 in Fig. 1 represents the distance and direction between the locations AR and BR.
  • Line 36a, Fig. 2a, corresponds to line 36 in Fig. 1.
  • the line 36b, Fig. 2b represents the latitude and longitude difference values represented in column D of Fig. 2, plotted in vector form, on the vertical axis, NS, north/south, and the horizontal axis, EW, east/west.
  • the latitude and longitude difference values in column D represent navigational distances in terms of seconds and define a north/south distance of .0014 seconds distance, for example, and an east/west distance of .0048 seconds distance, for example.
  • the distance of a navigational second is known in meters and centimeters
  • the distance of .0014 navigational seconds, and/or .0048 navigational seconds may be translated into meters and centimeters or, may be converted into yardage, if desired.
  • the distance between the two locations, such as AR2 and BR2 may be converted into and expressed in yardage, if desired.
  • the line 36 in Fig. 1 and 36a in Fig. 2a represent the distance between the two locations of the GPS receivers, AR2 and BR2 (Fig.
  • the GPS receiver AR and the GPS receiver BR may be positioned in any spaced locations and the distance and direction between the two locations of the GPS receivers, are mathematically calculated.
  • the GPS receivers may be stationary or may be in motion.
  • a GPS receiver is traveling, continuous adjustments may be made in the location of the traveling GPS receiver. Travel of a mobile GPS receiver on a golf cart, for example, may be detected by sensing the rotation of the wheels, as is well known. The derived distance may be adjusted in both distance and direction of travel.
  • a GPS receiver On a golf course, for example, a GPS receiver, or the antenna thereof, may be mounted or attached to the pole received in the pin on the green and a mobile GPS receiver may be carried on a golf cart used on the golf course, or may be portable and carried along the golf course. With related computer equipment on the golf cart, the Derived Leg provided by the invention is the distance, cart-to- pin. If the mobile GPS receiver is portable and is held over a golf ball on the fairway by the player, the distance is ball-to-pin.
  • a GPS receiver on a golf cart operated by a Supervisor of Golf Play and GPS receivers on player golf carts the Supervisor of Golf Play may selectively actuate a GPS receiver on a player golf cart and the invention will provide the Supervisor of Golf Play with the distance and direction of a player golf cart from the golf cart of the Supervisor of Golf Play.
  • the player golf cart may be located on the golf course using a map thereof, and the speed of play of players on the golf course may be determined and/or controlled.
  • Fig. 3 is a block diagram representing a system practicing the invention described herein, employing a fixed GPS receiver, block 41, GPS RECEIVER 1 and a mobile GPS receiver, block 42, GPS RECEIVER 2.
  • the objective of the system is to accurately measure the distance and direction between the GPS RECEIVER B and an object, 45, using GPS satellites contaminated transmissions, with the exact locations of both GPS receivers, 1 and 2, and the object, 45, undefined.
  • the system uses GPS Data received from the GPS satellite system for calculating the distance and direction between the two GPS receivers, 1 and 2, as describe above.
  • the distance and direction between the object 45 and the fixed GPS RECEIVER 1 is measured using conventional distance and direction measuring means, without the necessity of defining the exact location of either the GPS receiver A or defining the exact location of object 45.
  • the object 45 may be a pin on the green or a hazard or any other object on the golf course, for example.
  • the distance and direction between the fixed GPS RECEIVER 1 and the object 45 may be measured at any convenient time by conventional distance measuring means, such as tape measure, optical sight, micro wave or any other distance measuring or range finding means, for example.
  • Direction may be a compass or true north direction.
  • the distance and direction of the Known Leg 46 are stored in a computer or data processor 48, CPU.
  • RECEIVER 2 receive GPS Data from satellites SS in the GPS system and apply GPS DATA 1 and GPS DATA 2 to the computer 48. Distance and direction between GPS RECEIVER 1 and GPS RECEIVER 2 is derived from calculations with GPS DATA 1 and GPS DATA 2, as previously discussed. The Derived Leg, 47, is between GPS RECEIVER 1 and GPS RECEIVER 2.
  • each of two legs, 46 and 47 are stored in the computer, block 48, CPU. With the distance and direction of each leg known and extending from a common point, the angle formed by the two legs is calculated. With these known factors, the distance of the leg 49, between the extremes of the legs 46 and 47, is calculated. This is the Calculated Leg. Thus the distance and direction between the object 45 and the GPS RECEIVER 2, is calculated by the computer. The read-out 51 displays the distance of the calculated leg 49.
  • Fig. 3a is a graphic representation of part of a golf course on which the invention, represented in Fig. 3, is practiced.
  • a fairway 51 of a golf course with a green 52, pin 54 and flag pole 55, received in the pin 54 are represented.
  • a golf cart 57 with a GPS receiver, 58, mounted thereon stands off the fairway.
  • a mobile GPS receiver 62 with antenna 63 is represented mounted on a golf cart 60.
  • a computer or data processor, 64 with monitor 65, is connected to the GPS receiver 62.
  • a radio is connected to the GPS receiver 62.
  • Fig. 6 is a top graphic view of the golf cart 60, Fig . 5, along lines 6-6.
  • Mounted on the golf cart are a range finder 66 and direction finder 67.
  • the range finder and direction finder are mounted so that a center axis passing through the apparatus is co-axial with an axis passing through the antenna 63.
  • the range finder 66 and direction finder 67 are operated by a person using the golf cart.
  • Distance between the GPS receiver 62, at antenna 63, and a golf ball 70, on the fairway, is measured by the distance measuring means 66. The distance measurement is applied to the computer 64.
  • Direction of the ball 70 from the GPS receiver, at antenna 63, is measured by the direction finder 67.
  • the direction finder includes a compass 71, that tracks magnetic north, and a pointer 72.
  • the distance measuring means maybe any conventional range or distance finding or indication device, as previously discussed.
  • the range finder and direction finder are connected to the computer so that distance and direction data between the golf ball and the GPS receiver, essentially the antenna, may be applied to the computer.
  • the distance and direction data correspond to a Measured Leg. It should be understood that distance and/or direction measured from a GPS receiver, is measured from the antenna of the GPS receiver.
  • the golf cart 60 also has mounted thereon a radio 68 with antenna 69 for transmitting and receiving data to and from other GPS receivers in the system.
  • the radio 68 is coupled to the on-board GPS receiver for transmitting GPS Data received by the on-board GPS receiver to GPS receivers in the system via their respective radios.
  • Radio 68 is also coupled to the on-board computer 64 for transmitting to the on-board computer GPS Data received by the radio from other GPS receivers in the system.
  • the golf cart 57 corresponds to the golf cart 60 in Figs. 5 and 6 and includes a GPS receiver with antenna, a range finder, a direction finder, a computer, a radio and a monitor or read-out means.
  • a GPS receiver 53 is mounted on or connected to the pole 55 so that the antenna of the GPS receiver is coaxial with the axis of the pole 55.
  • the GPS receiver 53 also includes a radio (not shown) for transmitting GPS Data received by the GPS receiver 53 to radios on golf carts, for example.
  • GPS Data is received from the satellites SS by the GPS receiver 58 on the golf cart and by the GPS receiver 53 at the pin-pole 55.
  • the pole 55 is normally received in the pin 54 on the green 52 so that the GPS Data received by GPS receiver 53 relates to the pin 54.
  • the sets of GPS Data received by the GPS receiver 53 and the GPS receiver 58, respectively, are applied to the computer on-board the golf cart 57.
  • the computer derives the distance and direction between the GPS receiver 58 and the pin 54, leg 75 from calculations with the two sets of GPS Data. This is the distance, cart-to-pin.
  • the range finder and the direction finder on the golf cart 57 are operated and the distance and direction between the GPS receiver 58 and the golf ball 50, on the fairway, is measured, leg 77.
  • the distance and direction of both legs are applied to the computer on-board the golf cart. With the distance and direction of both legs 75 and 77 extending from a common point, the distance and direction between the extremes of the legs 75 and 77 is calculated, leg 79.
  • GPS receiver 53 or its antenna is represented mounted at or on the pole 55, the GPS receiver, or the antenna thereof, may be mounted at or on any object or hazard on the golf course and distance and direction between a mobile GPS receiver, which may effectively be the golf cart, or the golf ball on the fairway and the object on the golf course, may be measured.
  • Block 80 represents a fixed GPS receiver, positioned in fixed location on or in the vicinity of a golf course.
  • the fixed GPS receiver includes a transmitting means, such as a radio, for example, for transmitting GPS Data received by the fixed GPS receiver to mobile units in the system.
  • Block 81 represents a mobile GPS receiver, on a golf cart, for example, such as represented in Figs. 5 and 6, with peripheral apparatus.
  • the object 82 represents a pin on a green and block 84 represents a golf ball on the fairway. Without defining the exact location of the pin 82 or the exact location of the fixed GPS receiver 80, the distance and direction between the pin and the fixed GPS receiver is measured. Measurement may be accomplished using conventional measuring means, as described above.
  • This is leg 85, Known Leg.
  • the length or distance and direction of leg 85 is stored in the computer, block 87, for later retrieval and use.
  • the distance and direction between the golf ball 84 and the mobile GPS receiver or the golf cart 81 is measured using the distance and direction finding means on the golf cart, as described above. This is leg
  • leg 88 Measured Leg.
  • the distance and direction of leg 88 is stored in the computer 87.
  • the fixed GPS receiver, block 80 and the mobile or golf cart GPS receiver, block 81 each receive GPS Data for the satellites SS and each GPS receiver transmits GPS Data to the computer, CPU, 87. This is represented as GPS DATA A and GPS DATA B.
  • the computer derives the distance and direction between the fixed GPS receiver 80 and the mobile GPS receiver 81 from calculations with GPS DATA A and GPS DATA B.
  • the leg 89 is a Derived Leg. Using the distance and direction of Measured Leg, 88 and Derived Leg 89, the computer calculates leg 90, Calculated Leg, between the fixed GPS receiver 80 and the golf ball 84. Using the distance and direction of Known Leg, 85 and Calculated Leg 90, Calculated Leg 2, leg 92, is calculated by the computer. This is the distance, ball-to-pin.
  • Fig. 4 is represented in graphic form in Fig. 4a.
  • a hole on a golf course is represented with a fairway 93, a green 94 and pin 95.
  • a fixed GPS receiver 97 and a golf cart 96 with a GPS receiver 98 are represented along with a golf ball 99 on the fairway.
  • the golf cart 96 in Fig. 4a, corresponds to golf cart 60 in Figs. 5 and 6.
  • GPS receiver 98 represented in Fig. 4a, corresponds to GPS receiver 62 in Figs 5 and 6.
  • the golf cart 96 also includes a computer, a monitor, distance and direction finders and a radio, such as represented in Figs. 5 and 6.
  • the distance and direction between the fixed GPS receiver 97 and the pin 95, leg 101 are measured by conventional distance and direction measuring means, at some convenient time, and are stored in the computer associated with GPS receiver 98, for later retrieval and use.
  • GPS Data is received by each of the GPS receivers 97 and 98 from the satellites SS in the GPS system, at substantially the same time.
  • the two sets of GPS Data received by the respective GPS receivers are transmitted to the computer on board the golf cart 96.
  • the computer using the two sets of GPS Data calculates the distance and direction between the two GPS receivers 97 and 98, deriving the leg 102.
  • the leg 103, between the GPS receiver 89 and the golf ball 99, is measured in both distance and direction by the distance and direction finding apparatus on the golf cart 96 and is stored in the computer on board the golf cart 96.
  • the leg 105, between the ball 99 and the GPS receiver 97 is calculated.
  • the leg 107, between the ball and the pin is calculated, for the distance, ball-to-pin. If needed, the distance and direction of leg 104, between the GPS receiver 98 and the pin 95 may be calculated since the distance and direction of both legs 101 and 102 are known.
  • Fig. 7 represents several holes of a golf course, with a club house or pro-shop 110.
  • a fixed GPS receiver 112 is located on the golf course. The distance and direction between the fixed GPS receiver 112 and each of the pins 114, 115, 116 and 117 are measured using conventional measuring and direction finding means and each distance and direction is stored in each computer associated with a GPS receiver.
  • Each of the golf carts 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126 and 127 on the golf course correspond to the golf cart 60 in Figs. 5 and 6 and each includes a computer, a monitor, a distance and direction finding means and radio.
  • the distance and direction of each of the pre-measured legs 131, 132, 133 and 134 are stored in each computer in the system, with an identifying code, for later retrieval and use.
  • the apparatus on-board each golf cart is capable of on-board actuation and operation and remote actuation and operation and includes apparatus for remote activation and operation, which is state of the art technology.
  • the golf cart 121 represents a golf cart used by the Supervisor of Golf Play, for example, and may remotely actuate the apparatus on-board a selected player golf cart so the distance and direction between the golf cart 121 and any other golf cart on the golf course, may be derived.
  • the Supervisor of Golf Play knows where he is, on the golf course and, with the distance and direction between the golf cart 121 and other golf carts on the golf course, the Supervisor of Golf Play can determine the location of a golf cart and determine and/or monitor the speed of golf play on the golf course. The speed of golf play can also be monitored by placing a GPS receiver and associated equipment, in the club house or pro-shop, 110.
  • the GPS receiver and associated equipment on-board any golf cart, such as 126, for example, may be operated in cooperation with the fixed GPS receiver 112 to calculate the distance between the ball 135 and the pin 117, for example, as described with reference to Fig. 4a.

Landscapes

  • Position Fixing By Use Of Radio Waves (AREA)

Abstract

Selon la présente invention, un récepteur de satellite de positionnement global (récepteur GPS) (41, 80) est placé dans un endroit fixe non défini sur un terrain de golf ou à proximité de celui-ci. On mesure la distance et la direction entre le récepteur GPS fixe et un drapeau ou un objet (45, 82) sur le terrain de golf à l'aide d'un appareil de mesure de la distance et de la direction traditionnel, et l'on obtient un premier tronçon mesuré. Un récepteur GPS mobile (42, 81), accompagné d'un ordinateur (48, 87), se trouve sur le terrain de golf. Une balle de golf (70, 84) se trouve sur le fairway menant au trou. Le récepteur GPS fixe reçoit des premiers signaux de satellite de positionnement global (données GPS) en provenance des satellites de positionnement global (SS) en orbite au-dessus de la Terre, lesquelles premières données GPS définissent un emplacement correspondant au récepteur GPS fixe. Le récepteur GPS mobile reçoit, en provenance des satellites de positionnement global, des secondes données GPS qui définissent un emplacement correspondant au récepteur GPS mobile. Les deux ensembles de données GPS sont contaminés de manière identique et les deux définitions d'emplacement manquent de précision. On calcule mathématiquement les premières données GPS et les secondes données GPS afin de dériver la distance et la direction entre le récepteur GPS fixe et le récepteur GPS mobile, et l'on obtient un tronçon dérivé (47, 49). On mesure ensuite la distance et la direction entre le récepteur GPS mobile et la balle de golf sur le fairway au moyen d'un appareil de mesure de la distance et de la direction traditionnel (66, 67), et l'on obtient un second tronçon mesuré (88). On combine alors mathématiquement le tronçon dérivé et le second tronçon mesuré pour calculer la distance et la direction entre le récepteur GPS fixe et la balle de golf et l'on obtient un premier tronçon calculé (49, 90). On combine ensuite mathématiquement le premier tronçon mesuré et le premier tronçon calculé pour calculer la distance et la direction entre la balle sur le fairway et le drapeau ou l'objet.
EP01980006A 2001-10-12 2001-10-12 Systeme et procede ameliores permettant de mesurer la distance entre deux objets par la reception de donnees transmises par satellite Withdrawn EP1442315A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2001/042700 WO2003034088A2 (fr) 2000-02-16 2001-10-12 Systeme et procede ameliores permettant de mesurer la distance entre deux objets par la reception de donnees transmises par satellite

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1442315A2 true EP1442315A2 (fr) 2004-08-04

Family

ID=32653970

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01980006A Withdrawn EP1442315A2 (fr) 2001-10-12 2001-10-12 Systeme et procede ameliores permettant de mesurer la distance entre deux objets par la reception de donnees transmises par satellite

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1442315A2 (fr)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO03034088A3 *

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2359095C (fr) Systeme et methode ameliores pour mesurer la distance entre deux objets en utilisant des donnees transmises par satellite
CA2407828C (fr) Systeme et methode ameliores de mesure de la distance entre deux objets
EP0694170B1 (fr) Systeme et procede permettant de mesurer la distance entre deux objets sur un parcours de golf
US5434789A (en) GPS golf diagnostic system
US5524081A (en) Golf information and course mangement system
US5364093A (en) Golf distance measuring system and method
US6263279B1 (en) Memory for GPS-based golf distancing system
US5772534A (en) Satellite enhanced golf information system
US8396664B2 (en) 3-D golf course navigation device and image acquisition method
US20030103001A1 (en) Golf distance measuring system and method
US20020082775A1 (en) Personal golfing assistant
US20020082122A1 (en) Distance determination method and system for a golf course
WO1998044362A2 (fr) Systeme topographique de navigation pour terrain de golf
JP3349510B2 (ja) 距離測定方式
CA2184497A1 (fr) Procede et appareil d'affichage de messages sur un terrain de golf
US20040196181A1 (en) Method and apparatus for message display on a golf course
GB2394376A (en) Measuring distance between two objects
WO2001061271A2 (fr) Systeme de navigation de golf a correlation de carte
EP0966690A1 (fr) Systeme robuste de navigation pour terrain de golf
AU785220B2 (en) Improved system and method for measuring distance between two objects using received satellite transmitted data
EP1442315A2 (fr) Systeme et procede ameliores permettant de mesurer la distance entre deux objets par la reception de donnees transmises par satellite
AU2002301496A1 (en) Improved system and method for measuring distance between two objects
KR100749512B1 (ko) Ｒｆ-ｉｄ 태그를 이용한 골프용 거리 측정 방법
WO1995020168A1 (fr) Procede et systeme permettant de determiner un emplacement et d'indiquer des distances entre des points selectionnes sur un parcours de golf
JPH08191913A (ja) ゴルフ場における測位システム

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20040510

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20050503