EP3337580A1

EP3337580A1 - Golf ball, system, and method for locating a golf ball

Info

Publication number: EP3337580A1
Application number: EP16745683.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabian MATHAR; Christian Tschoban; Julia GÜNTHER; Kai Schrank; Irene SCHÜRZ; Roland SCHÜRZ; Helga MORGENSCHWEIS; Bernd MORGENSCHWEIS
Original assignee: Intras-Golf Ug (haftungsbeschrankt) & CoKg; Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung eV
Current assignee: Intras-Golf Ug (haftungsbeschrankt) & CoKg; Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung eV
Priority date: 2015-08-20
Filing date: 2016-07-26
Publication date: 2018-06-27
Also published as: US20180236303A1; DE102015113809A1; DE102015113809B4; WO2017029081A1; CN108348804A

Abstract

The invention relates to a golf ball (1) having at least one transmit and receive antenna (10), and having a position determination unit (11), which is in communicative connection with the transmit and receive antenna (10), and which is configured to receive GPS data that indicate the position of the golf ball (1). The golf ball further has a communication unit (12), which is in communicative connection with the transmit and receive antenna (10), and which is configured to transmit wireless data, in particular the position of the golf ball (1). Furthermore, the golf ball has at least one charging coil (14), which is connected to an energy store (13), and which is configured to charge the energy store (13) by means of inductive energy transmission. The invention further relates to a method for locating an object, in particular a sphere-like object like a golf ball, for example, and to a transmit and receive antenna for use in such a sphere-like object.

Description

Golf ball, system and method for locating a golf ball

description

The present invention relates to a golf ball, and to a system and a method for locating an object, in particular a golf ball.

When playing golf, the problem often occurs to find a beaten ball again. Due to the size of the golf ball and the distance it overcomes by a blow, it is often not possible for the player to accurately track the position of the golf ball from the point of impact. In addition, if a golf ball lands in high grass or other terrain with difficult insight, finding it is often so difficult that the game and that of the following players, despite the maximum search time determined by the search greatly delayed, or that the golf ball found no more becomes. There is therefore a need for a golf ball that can be located electronically. But also for locating objects in agriculture (for example, marked plants or animals) and in industrial logistics (for example, objects on construction sites) there is a need for a precise

Locating method.

The systems known in the art are perceived as unsatisfactory. From DE 101 43 588 AI a golf ball with integrated GPS unit is known, by means of which the position of the golf ball is determined. However, the accuracy of the location determination achieved in this way is not sufficient to reliably locate the golf ball in rough terrain. There are also known systems in which the golf ball is located by means of radio bearings. These systems have a limited range, which is usually not sufficient to determine the location of the golf ball immediately after a blow. Thus, the player must first visually determine the approximate location of the golf ball to make the location from an approximate position. If visual localization is difficult, for example on a hilly golf course, this can lead to a loss of the golf ball. The loss of a ball has a significant impact on the game of golf. So the player has to decide if he has to play a provisional ball. If yes, will a provisional ball played with the appropriate time.

Usually, this decision takes time, as it is often unclear whether the ball is actually lost or still playable.

The object of the present invention is to improve conventional systems for finding a golf ball and existing methods for locating objects. The system should be robust, precise and easy to use.

In particular, in view of the problems mentioned, a golf ball should be specified whose location is possible during the entire stroke and in which the accuracy of the location is improved.

This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1, and by a system according to claim 12 and a method according to claim 15.

In particular, the object is achieved by a golf ball comprising:

° at least one transmitting and receiving antenna;

A position determining unit in communication with the transmitting and receiving antenna and adapted to receive GPS data indicating the position of the golf ball;

° a communication unit which is in communicative connection with the transmitting and receiving antenna and is adapted to transmit radio data, in particular the position of the golf ball and / or acceleration data and / or gyro data;

° at least one charging coil, which is connected to an energy storage and is adapted to charge the energy storage by means of inductive energy transfer.

An essential point of the invention is that for locating an object, in particular the golf ball, several positioning concepts are combined, so that on the one hand a location over long distances and on the other hand a sufficiently accurate location at small distances is possible. The systems use a common transmitting and receiving antenna. This ensures optimal traceability of the golf ball without exceeding the given weight and size of the golf ball. In one embodiment, the golf ball has an inner core, in which the position determination unit, the communication unit and the energy storage are arranged. The arrangement of the electronic components in the inner core, it is possible to choose a usual for golf balls multilayer structure. In addition, the inner core performs a protective function by protecting the electronic components from the mechanical impact to which the golf ball is subjected when impacted.

In a (further) embodiment, the inner core consists of a

Plastic with knobs as twist protection. The position determination unit, the communication unit and the energy storage are embedded in the inner core. Thus, optimal protection of the electronic components is ensured. Alternatively, the electronic components can be encased with plastic, for example overmoulded.

In a (further) embodiment, at least one transmission and

Receiving antenna arranged on the surface of the inner core,

especially glued or printed on this. This allows a simple and inexpensive production of the golf ball. The send and

Receiving antenna can be printed by inlay printing on the inner core. The transmitting and receiving antenna is integrally connected by printing to the inelastic inner core. This is the send and

Receiving antenna under mechanical stress is not exposed to strong deformations. In addition, the shield is reduced by further outlying material of the golf ball by the near-surface arrangement of the transmitting and receiving antenna.

In an alternative embodiment, the transmit and receive antennas are molded into the inner core near the surface. Preferably, the transmit and receive antennas are cast 0.5 to 1 mm away from the surface of the inner core. As a result, the mechanical strength of the transmitting and receiving antenna is further increased.

In a (further) embodiment, the transmitting and receiving antenna comprises at least two antenna units, each antenna unit having a

Has meandering structure. Each meandering shape of each antenna unit preferably lies within a substantially rectangular outer contour. Each antenna unit can be in an advantageous Continue to design the invention between 2 and 20 conductor loops. Antenna units with this shape can cover the frequencies required for communication. The meander structures of the transmitting and receiving antenna lie on a spherical surface, so the shape of the transmitting and receiving antenna essentially follows the spherical shape of the golf ball.

In a (further) embodiment, the one or more antenna units of the transmitting and receiving antenna has a planar structure. They cover at least 25%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 60% of the surface of the inner core. The planar design of the antenna units facilitates printing on the inner core. Due to the large surface of the transmitting and receiving antenna their transmission and reception properties are improved.

In a (preferred) embodiment, the transmission and

Receiving antenna two antenna units. These are arranged on the inner core such that the inner core is located between the antenna units and the antenna units face each other. This ensures that the golf ball can not come to rest in a position in which the transmitting and receiving antenna is shielded by the golf ball itself. The two antenna units may be arranged point symmetrically with respect to the center of the inner core, or mirror-symmetric with respect to a plane passing through the center of the inner core.

The area covered by an antenna unit may be between 1 and 2.5 cm ² .

In a (further) embodiment, the golf ball comprises a sensor unit for the acquisition of measured values, wherein the sensor unit in communicative

Connection with the transmitting and receiving antenna is. As a result, data relevant for the player can be measured during flight of the golf ball and made available to the mobile terminal for further processing and display.

In a (further) embodiment, the sensor unit comprises at least one acceleration sensor and at least one yaw rate sensor. With data collected by these sensors can also be calculated the flight curve of the golf ball, on the one hand as further information to the user On the other hand can serve as a basis for locating the golf ball during the flight.

In a (further) embodiment, the at least one charging coil is arranged on the inner core such that the area enclosed by the charging coil does not overlap with the areas covered by the transmitting and receiving antenna. Thus, interference between the at least one charging coil and the transmitting and receiving antenna can be suppressed. This ensures that the sending and receiving of data on the send and receive

Reception antenna is not affected by the charging coil. It is therefore preferable that the antenna units of the transmitting and receiving antennas cover at most 80%, more preferably at most 70%, more preferably at most 60%, of the surface of the inner core.

The invention further provides a system for locating a golf ball which uses a golf ball according to the invention and further comprises a mobile terminal adapted to receive the radio data transmitted by the golf ball. This provides the player with a viable solution to track the position of the golf ball during the game as well as to locate its exact location after hitting or rolling out.

In one embodiment, the mobile terminal comprises a screen on which the position of the golf ball can be displayed. This makes it possible to combine the display of the golf ball position with a map of the golf course, so that the player can easily determine the position of the golf ball. For example, the player can already see at the tee-off location whether the golf ball has been knocked out so that he can decide a so-called

playing provisional second ball afterwards. In a preferred

Embodiment, the mobile terminal also includes a

Position determining unit, by means of which the position of the mobile terminal can be determined by GPS. For example, the distance between the player and the beaten golf ball can be determined.

In a (further) embodiment, the mobile terminal comprises a

Memory on which data received from the golf ball can be stored. This may include both the golf ball sent positions and sensor data. This data may be used to indicate to the player the trajectory and / or the departure speed of the golf ball after a strike. It can also the number of strokes needed to be determined at a hole. In addition, an on-memory history of the data sent by the golf ball may be used to analyze a player's game and to evaluate player development over multiple games.

The invention further provides a method for locating a golf ball which uses the system according to the invention for locating a golf ball and comprises the following steps:

° GPS locations of the golf ball (1) based on the GPS data sent by the golf ball (1)

° Switching to local positioning (Near Field Communication) as soon as the mobile terminal (20) and the golf ball (1) fall below a distance required for local positioning.

In the context of the invention, alternatively / additionally, a method for locating an object, in particular a golf ball, specified, wherein the object

° at least one transmitting and receiving antenna;

° a position determination unit which is in communicative connection with the transmitting and receiving antenna and is designed to

GPS data indicating the position of the object to receive;

° a communication unit communicating with

the transmitting and receiving antenna is and is designed to

To send radio data, in particular the position of the object;

° an energy store, which is in particular connected to a charging coil, which is designed to charge the energy storage by means of inductive energy transfer;

having,

comprising the following steps:

GPS objects of the object based on the GPS data transmitted by the object by means of a mobile terminal adapted to receive the radio data transmitted by the object, and in particular comprising a screen on which the position of the object can be displayed;

° Switching to local positioning (for example Near Field Communication) as soon as the mobile terminal and the object fall below the distance required for local positioning.

To avoid repetition, already described above functional elements and functional units or Features of the golf ball according to the invention, which are equally applicable to an object to be located, not described again.

Accordingly, the previous statements apply, in particular to features, effects and advantages, the transmitting and receiving antenna, the

Position determination unit, the communication unit and the

Energy storage of the golf ball according to the invention equivalent to the transmitting and receiving antenna, the position determination unit, the communication unit and the energy storage of the object.

With the location method according to the invention, it is possible, on the one hand, to achieve a high range of the location, while the accuracy of the location is improved, for example, when the player approaches the golf ball.

In addition to the use in golf, the inventive

Locating method also in industrial logistics (for example, on construction sites) or in agriculture (for example, for animal monitoring or in the

Plant production).

In the framework of animal monitoring, at least one animal to be monitored (for example, a chicken, a sheep, a bovine animal), in conjunction with the necessary signal unit (transmitting and receiving antenna,

Position determination unit, communication unit, energy storage etc.) in the context of the invention represents the object or object to be located, even in free range and group formation (for example, in a herd) reliably and accurately located, even if it is very close together with other animals stands. Thus, with the help of the GPS data on the pasture, a GPS location (coarse location) can be carried out and then be differentiated by means of the local location (fine location) between very closely spaced animals.

The method may equally be used for monitoring at least one plant (for example, before and after harvesting), which also constitutes the object in connection with said signal unit in the context of the invention. For example, extensive fields and forests can be monitored on the basis of coarse localization, and by means of fine localization even small plants can be differentiated or harvested logs can be detected or determined in a feline. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps:

° determining the position of the object in flight, in particular a golf ball, from GPS data transmitted from the object

° calculating the trajectory of the object, in particular a golf ball, from at the start of movement (for example projectile when igniting the propellant charge) and / or flight start, in particular at tee, and / or during flight determined, in particular measured, sensor data (for example, to acceleration,

Rotation, direction)

Determining a calculated impact position of the object from the calculated trajectory

° Compensate the calculated impact position of the object with GPS data sent during the flight

Due to the calculated impact position of the object, for example a golf ball, an approximate position of the object can also be determined if the object is moved or struck so far that the range of the radio connection between mobile terminal and object is exceeded.

Matching the calculated landing position with GPS data received during the flight further increases the accuracy of this prediction. As soon as the mobile device returns to the range of the object and receives data sent by it, the position is determined again based on the GPS data sent by the object.

In another embodiment, the method of locating a golf ball further comprises matching the calculated or located landing position of the golf ball with current golf rules and / or individual location rules to determine if the golf ball is "in" or "out". By comparing the position of the golf ball with current golf rules and / or individual course rules hints and / or recommendations for action may be derived for any necessary measures. It may, for example, the recommendation

to play another ball from the current position, if it is determined that the previously defeated golf ball is "out." This further improves the flow of the game.

In the context of the invention, furthermore, a transmitting and receiving antenna for a ball-like object, in particular a ball, is specified, which in particular has a ball-like inner core, wherein the transmitting and receiving antenna is at least partially ellipsoidal, in particular spherical, and in particular at least two antenna units, wherein preferably each antenna unit has a meandering structure and / or the two antenna units are preferably substantially symmetrical, in particular point symmetrical, formed.

In a further embodiment, the transmitting and receiving antenna for a sphere-like object, in particular the at least two antenna units, a planar structure and / or the transmitting and receiving antenna covers at least 25%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 60% of the surface of the ball-like object or the surface of the ball-like inner core of the ball-like object.

In a further embodiment, the transmitting and receiving antenna for a ball-like object in the ball-like core is located near the surface of the core, in particular 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm from the surface,

cast, or the transmitting and receiving antenna is suitable for arranging, in particular sticking, on the surface of the core or on the surface of the ball-like object.

To avoid repetitions, already in the preceding

described functional elements and functional units or features of the transmitting and receiving antenna of the golf ball according to the invention, which are equally applicable to the transmitting and receiving antenna of a ball-like object, not described again.

Accordingly, the previous statements apply, in particular to features, effects and advantages, the transmitting and receiving antenna of

Golf ball according to the invention equivalent to the inventive transmitting and receiving antenna of a ball-like object.

A sphere-like object is to be understood as meaning an object whose shape substantially or identically corresponds to the shape of, for example, a sphere (for example an icosahedron stump), a capsule (halved sphere in the middle of which a cylinder with the same radius has been inserted), in particular one low level of the cylindrical part, an ellipsoid and / or an egg corresponds or is. Due to the at least partially ellipsoidal (shaped like an ellipsoid), in particular spherical, formation of the transmitting and receiving antenna, the transmitting and receiving antenna of the shape of the surface of the ball-like object or the ball-like nucleus follow and thus efficiently use the space occupied by the object or take up as little additional space as possible.

The transmitting and receiving antenna according to the invention can be used, inter alia, in medical technology (for example in free-floating endoscopes), in

Mechanical engineering (for example, in balls of bearings), in objects for monitoring process engineering processes (for example in biogas plants, breweries or ball mills) or in objects for ballistic investigations.

In one embodiment, the golf ball described above is in a

Simulation system, in particular in a golf simulation system, used or used. With the help of the sensors in the golf ball, the tee and / or the departure lane of the golf ball can be recorded in great detail. On the basis of the information thus obtained, the simulation system according to the invention can calculate and display a (theoretical / simulated) trajectory. In a

Embodiment of the invention, the trajectory on the described

(mobile) terminal shown. In one embodiment, the representation may be such that the trajectory of a virtual golf ball within a virtual environment, for example, a virtual representation of a

Golf course, visualized. This visualization can be done on the terminal and / or a screen of the simulation system. When using a screen and / or any other display device, such as a large-sized screen, the user is provided with a very realistic simulation.

In one embodiment, the app already described is used on the terminal to evaluate the tee and / or departure lane. A

large-scale display can be done by connecting a corresponding projector and / or a large-sized screen. Alternatively, the evaluated data can be transmitted wirelessly and / or wired to a further computing unit for display. The simulation system described has considerable price advantages over conventional indoor systems.

Further embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the

Dependent claims.

The invention will be described with reference to embodiments, which are explained in more detail with reference to the figures. Show here

Fig. 1 is a connection diagram, which schematically shows the electronic

Show components and their compounds in a golf ball according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view showing the multilayer structure of the golf ball according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3a is a schematic view of a layout for a transmitting and

Receiving antenna unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3b is a schematic view of a layout for a transmitting and

Receiving antenna with two antenna units;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an inner core of the golf ball on which the transmitting and receiving antenna is applied;

Fig. 5a is a perspective view of the inner core of the golf ball, showing a possible placement of a charging coil with respect to the transmitting and receiving antenna;

Fig. 5b is a perspective view of the inner core of the golf ball, shown in another possible placement of a charging coil with respect to the transmitting and receiving antenna.

In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same and like parts. Fig. 1 is a connection diagram showing the electronic components and their connections in a golf ball 1 according to an embodiment of the

Invention shows. The golf ball 1 has a transmitting and receiving antenna 10. This serves to receive data for determining the position of the golf ball 10. Therefore, the transmitting and receiving antenna 10 is a

Position determining unit 11 connected in the present

Embodiment is formed by a commercially available GPS module. In this case, an internal antenna of the position determination unit 11 can be dispensed with. This reduces energy consumption and saves both weight and installation space.

On the other hand, the transmitting and receiving antenna 10 serves to transmit radio data to a user. Therefore, the transmitting and receiving antenna 10 is connected to a communication unit 12 which provides and transmits radio data to be transmitted. The golf ball 1 further has a sensor unit 15. The sensor unit 15 comprises an acceleration sensor 15a and a

Rotation rate sensor 15b. The golf ball 1 also has an energy storage 13, which supplies the electronic components in the golf ball 1 with electrical energy. The energy storage 13 is formed in the present embodiment by an accumulator whose capacity is sufficient to supply the electronic components of the golf ball 1 for 6.5 hours with an operating voltage of 3 volts.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view showing the multilayer structure of the golf ball 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The golf ball 1 consists of an inner core la, which is enclosed by an elastic sheath lb. The outermost layer of the golf ball 1 is formed by the outer shell 1c.

The inner core la is made of a hard plastic material, with individual nubs ld inside and outside as torsion protection, and serves to protect the previously executed electronic components. These are therefore cast in the inner core la. The arrangement of the electronic components in the inner core la is chosen so that the center of gravity of the inner core la coincides with its geometric center, so that the flight characteristics of the golf ball 1 are not impaired. The density of the material used is similar to the density of the cast electronic components to ensure a uniform weight distribution inside the core. The elastic jacket 1b is formed of a rubber material. The elastic sheath lb absorbs the energy of the tee and guides it around the inner core la. The deformation of the golf ball 1 at the tee is thus realized primarily by the elastic sheath lb, whereby the components located in the inner core la are well protected. The elastic sheath 1b may consist of several layers of material in order to improve the playing characteristics or the derivation of the energy of the tee around the inner core la of the golf ball.

The outer shell lc is a hard plastic shell, which has 1 Dimples to improve the flight characteristics of the golf ball. The diameter of a compliant golf ball 1 must be at least 42.67 mm, while the weight must not exceed 45.93 g. Due to the weight savings resulting from the use of the common transmit and receive antenna 10, the weight of the inner core can be limited to about 16 g.

Since the civil GPS signal has a frequency of 1575.42 MHz and the SRD band Europe is used at 868 MHz for communication with the mobile terminal, the transmitting and receiving antenna 10 is designed as a multi-band antenna. The multi-band antenna 10 is composed of two antenna units 10a, 10b having a planar structure. In Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an antenna unit of the transmitting and receiving antenna 10 is shown. The

Antenna unit is meandering and consists of parallel

Conductor loops. The loop line follows a substantially rectangular outer contour. The multi-band antenna 10 consists of two antenna units 10a, 10b whose schematic layout is shown in FIG. 3b. The

Antenna units 10a, 10b are connected to each other by connecting webs. When the dimensions of the planar layout shown in Fig. 3b are appropriately selected, the multi-band antenna 10 can be printed directly on the inner core 1a of the golf ball 1. *** " The dimensions are chosen so that the connecting webs which extend beyond the two antenna units 10a, 10b are connected to one another during printing, so that the

Multiband antenna 10 spans the entire inner core la and the

Antenna units 10a and 10b with respect to the inner core la are opposite to each other. Such a printed inner core la is shown in Fig. 4 in a perspective view. The configuration with two

Antenna units 10a, 10b offers the advantage that the golf ball 1 can not come to rest in a position in which the communication with the GPS satellites or the transmission function of the communication unit 11 thereby is prevented that the golf ball 1, the multi-band antenna 10 shields. It is also ensured during the flight that one of the antenna units 1a, 10b always faces the player, which facilitates the transmission of the radio data.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the design of the multi-band antenna 10 forms four substantially circular areas on the inner core 1a, which are not covered by the multi-band antenna 10. The arrangement of the charging coil 14 in the golf ball 1 is selected so that the charging coil 14 does not interfere with the multi-band antenna 10. Two of the possible arrangements for the charging coil 14 are shown schematically in FIGS. 5a and 5b. The charging coil 14 may in this case be arranged on the surface of the inner core 1a or may be cast into the inner core la near the surface. It can also be provided several charging coils 14.

In order to charge the golf ball 1, a charging station (not shown) is provided which has a primary coil via which energy is transferred by induction to the charging coil 14 located in the golf ball 1. The charging station has a recess which has substantially the shape of a hemisphere and in which the golf ball 1 is inserted for loading. The primary coil of the charging station is mounted on the circumference of the hemispherical trough or spherical and provided in the hemisphere depression of the charging station and surrounds the golf ball 1 and the charging coil 14 therein. The golf ball 1 has on its outer shell lc on a marker, which makes it possible , Insert the golf ball 1 in the charging station that the charging coil 14 and the primary coil in the

Essentially concentric. This improves the energy transfer and shortens the charging time. To optimize the charging process, the charging coil 14 can be optimized with the aid of additional ferrites.

For locating the described golf ball 1, a system is used, which in addition to the golf ball 1 comprises a mobile terminal 20, with which the of the

Communication unit 12 transmitted data can be received. The mobile terminal 20 has a screen displaying the position of the golf ball 1 together with a golf course terrain map. The mobile terminal 20 also includes a GPS module, so that the position of the player can be displayed on the map.

The position of the golf ball 1 is determined with the GPS unit 11 and sent to the mobile terminal 20. The range of the radio connection between Golf ball 1 and mobile terminal 20 is ideally between 300 to 500 m. In rough terrain, the range is correspondingly lower.

Furthermore, an approximate flight curve of the golf ball 1 is calculated on the basis of the data determined by the sensor unit 15. This approximate flight curve can already be determined and transmitted while the golf ball 1 is in flight. Thus, it is possible to indicate to the player immediately after the tee the approximate trajectory of the golf ball 1 and an approximate place of impact. The calculated trajectory is compared with the GPS data to increase the accuracy. In the event that the connection between golf ball 1 and mobile terminal 20 is interrupted by the

calculated place of arrival already an approximate position determination takes place. If the connection between golf ball 1 and mobile terminal 20 is interrupted, both the last position determined by GPS and the calculated location of impact are available. For example, the golf ball 1 lands in one

Water hazard, it can come to such an interruption. The last position determined by GPS can then be used to determine where the golf ball 1 entered the water obstacle. Although the golf ball 1 has landed outside the range of the mobile terminal 20, but still able to send data, the location can be performed by GPS again, as soon as the mobile terminal 20 is within range of the golf ball 1 again.

The accuracy of GPS positioning is about one meter. If the player with the mobile terminal 20 approaches the golf ball 1, as soon as the resolution of the GPS location is no longer sufficient, a local location between the golf ball 1 and the mobile terminal 20 is changed over.

The local location can be performed by means of an 868 MHz interface of the golf ball 1. At least one IC of the golf ball 1 may send a signal that may be used to locate the golf ball 1 locally.

Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the local location to be carried out, for example, by means of Near Field Communication (NFC). For the near field communication, a transponder may be provided in the golf ball 1, which establishes a connection with the mobile terminal 20 when the mobile terminal 20 enters its range. The near field communication can also be carried out by an evaluation of the signal strength of the signal emitted by the communication unit 12. Does the mobile terminal 20 have a GPS Unit, a point location can also be used by adjusting the GPS data received from the golf ball 1 and the mobile terminal 20 to perform the location. The decisive factor here is that the accuracy of the detection by means of near field communication is 10 cm or less, so that the player can locate the golf ball 1 reliably.

The invention has been described with reference to a concrete embodiment. In addition, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The components of the position determination unit 11, the

Communication unit 12 and the sensor unit 15 may be completely or partially formed on a common circuit board. They may be partially formed by software modules that are available on a common memory. It can be a microprocessor unit for controlling and processing the individual functional elements such as GPS positioning,

Radio communication and power supply can be provided. The circuit board can be made in Starflex / Flex technology, which allows the

To fold the printed circuit board to meet the small space budget.

The sensor unit 15 may comprise, in addition to said sensors, an inertial sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a force sensor, a pressure sensor and / or a bearing sensor (gyroscope), and a temperature sensor by means of which further information relevant to the player is measured. For example, the departure speed at tee off and the rotation of the golf ball 1 during flight may be used to infer the position of the golf club with which the golf club hit the golf ball 1. In general, the evaluation of the sensor data in the sensor unit 15 of the golf ball 1 can take place, so that the amount of data to be transmitted to the mobile terminal 20 is reduced. Alternatively, the sensor data can be transmitted unprocessed and the evaluation carried out in the mobile terminal 20.

In order to use several inventive golf balls 1 in a game or in a flight, the golf ball 1 can have a unique electronic

Identification or identification by means of which it can be clearly assigned to a mobile terminal 20.

The data transmission from the golf ball 1 to the mobile terminal can be clocked, for example with a frequency of 1 Hz. As a mobile terminal 20 can by selecting the radio frequency of a

Mobile phones or smartphones and a specially designed for the application device may be provided. The mobile terminal 20 may also be formed by a watch or a wrist-worn device. Alternatively, the display screen may be housed in such a device that is in radio communication with the mobile terminal 20. In this case, the mobile terminal 20 sends the display data to the display device. Thus, the information to be displayed on the position of the golf ball 1 is easily visible to a user without having to hold the mobile terminal 20 in his hand.

The mobile terminal 20 can be upgraded by installing an app so that it can communicate with the golf ball 1 according to the invention. In this context, the app (for example, on a smartphone) may be equipped to allow the player to locate the golf ball 1

support.

Furthermore, all measured values already described and others can be received by the app and displayed to the player in a suitable format. The app can be used to collect and evaluate received raw data, such as a variety of position information in the course of the flight of the golf ball 1. It can be determined by the app metrics such as the acceleration at the tee, the duration of flight, the course of the flight and the speed or the speed course during the flight.

The app can use some or all of these metrics to improve the player's game with helpful instructions. In the end, the app can take some kind of interactive coaching. For this it is possible that the app communicates with other facilities or devices. For example, a communication can take place with a specially equipped training golf club.

According to the invention, it is possible that the app queries and / or stores information about the golf course. This information can be used to improve the player's game. Furthermore, this information can be used to match the determined ball position with permitted positions ("IN" or "OUT"). Likewise, this information can be used to quickly and easily determine the playability of a particular ball. In this respect, the app contributes in conjunction with the system or golf ball 1 according to the invention substantially to accelerate the game flow. The player can quickly decide whether or not to lose a certain ball. Furthermore, special (individual) place information or the procedure corresponding to the location of the ball or even necessary measures (including penalty strikes) according to the rules can be displayed via this app. This also facilitates and accelerates the game significantly and also supports the player in the regular customer.

Furthermore, the app may be equipped to use the measurements and / or positions of the golf ball 1 to make an assessment of the game. It is possible to share this assessment with other players, so that a digital ranking is possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 golf ball

the inner core

1b elastic jacket

lc outer shell

ld pimples

10 transmit and receive antennas

10a first antenna unit

10b second antenna unit

11 position determination unit

12 communication unit

13 energy storage

14 charging coil

15 sensor unit

15a acceleration sensor

15b rotation rate sensor

20 mobile device

Claims

claims

1. Golf Ball (1), which has

° at least one transmitting and receiving antenna (10);

A position determination unit (11) in communicative communication with the transmitting and receiving antenna (10) and adapted to receive GPS data indicating the position of the golf ball (1);

° a communication unit (12) which is in communicative connection with the transmitting and receiving antenna (10) and is adapted to transmit radio data, in particular the position of the golf ball (1);

° at least one charging coil (14) which is connected to an energy store (13) and is adapted to charge the energy store (13) by means of inductive energy transfer.

2. golf ball (1) according to claim 1,

marked by

an inner core (la), in which the position determination unit (11), the communication unit (12) and the energy store (13) are arranged.

3. golf ball (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 2,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze i c h n et that

the inner core (la) of a plastic, preferably with knobs on the inside and / or outside of the inner core shell as Verdrehschutz (ld), consists, and the position determining unit (11), the

Communication unit (12) and the energy storage device (13) are cast in the inner core (la).

4. golf ball (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 2 or 3,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze i c h n et that

the at least one transmitting and receiving antenna (10) arranged on the surface of the inner core (la), in particular glued or printed on this, is.

5. golf ball (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 2 or 3, dadu rc hge ke nn ze ichn et that

the transmitting and receiving antenna (10) in the inner core (la) near the surface, in particular 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm from the surface, is poured.

6. golf ball (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze i c h n et that

the transmitting and receiving antenna (10) comprises at least two antenna units (10a, 10b), each antenna unit (10a, 10b) having a

Has meandering structure.

7. golf ball (1) according to claim 6,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze i c h n et that

the at least two antenna units (10a, 10b) of the transmitting and

Receiving antenna (10) have a planar structure and / or at least 25%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 60% of the surface of the inner core (la) cover.

8. golf ball (1) according to claim 6 or 7,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze i c h n et that

the transmitting and receiving antenna (10) comprises two antenna units (10a, 10b) arranged on the inner core (1a) such that the inner core (1a) is located between the antenna units (10a, 10b) and the antenna units (10) 10a, 10b) face each other.

9. golf ball (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

marked by

a sensor unit (15) for acquiring measured values which are in

communicative connection with the transmitting and receiving antenna (10) is.

10. golf ball (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 9,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze i c h n et that

the sensor unit (15) comprises at least one acceleration sensor (15a) and at least one yaw rate sensor (15b).

11. Golf ball (1) according to one of the preceding claims, dadu rc hge ke nn ze ichn et that

the at least one charging coil (14) is arranged on the inner core (1a) such that the area enclosed by the charging coil (14) does not overlap with the areas covered by the transmitting and receiving antenna (10).

A golf ball locating system (1) comprising a golf ball (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and a mobile terminal (20) adapted to receive the radio data transmitted from the golf ball (1).

13. System according to claim 12,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze i c h n et that

the mobile terminal (20) comprises a screen on which the position of the golf ball (1) can be displayed.

14. System according to claim 12 or 13,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze i c h n et that

the mobile terminal (20) comprises a memory on which data received from the golf ball (1) can be stored.

15. A method for locating an object (1), in particular a golf ball (1), preferably using a system according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the object (1) is preferably:

- At least one transmitting and receiving antenna (10);

a position determining unit (11) in communicative connection with the transmitting and receiving antenna (10) and adapted to

GPS data indicating the position of the object (1) to receive;

a communication unit (12) in communicative connection with the transmitting and receiving antenna (10) and adapted to

Radio data, in particular the position of the object (1) to send;

- An energy store (13) which is in particular connected to a charging coil (14) which is adapted to the energy storage (13) by means of inductive

To charge energy transfer;

having,

the method comprising the following steps:

° GPS locations of the object (1) on the basis of the GPS data transmitted by the object (1) by means of a (mobile) terminal (20), ° Switching to local positioning as soon as the terminal (20) and the object (1) fall below a distance required for local positioning.

16. The method of claim 15, comprising the following steps:

° receiving the position of the object (1) in flight, in particular a golf ball (1), from GPS data transmitted by the object (1);

Calculating the trajectory of the object (1), in particular of a golf ball (1), at the start of movement and / or flight start, in particular during

Discount, and / or sensor data determined during the flight;

Determining a calculated impact position of the object (1) from the calculated trajectory;

° Matching of the calculated impact position of the object (1) with GPS data transmitted during the flight.

17. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 16, comprising the following

Steps:

Received by the terminal sent by the object (1)

Radio data, and in particular

° Representing the position of the object (1) on the terminal, in particular on a screen of the terminal.

18. transmitting and receiving antenna (10) for a ball-like object,

in particular a ball, which in particular has a ball-like inner core (1a),

wherein the transmitting and receiving antenna (10) at least partially ellipsoidal, in particular spherical, is formed

and in particular at least two antenna units (10a, 10b), wherein preferably each antenna unit (10a, 10b) has a meandering

Structure and / or the two antenna units (10a, 10b) are preferably formed substantially symmetrically, in particular point-symmetrical.

19. transmitting and receiving antenna (10) according to claim 18, d a d u r c h

e, that the transmitting and receiving antenna (10), in particular the at least two antenna units (10a, 10b), has a planar structure and / or at least 25%, preferably

at least 40%, more preferably at least 60%, of the surface of the ball-like object or the surface of the ball-like inner core (la) of the ball-like object covered.

A transmitting and receiving antenna (10) according to any one of claims 18 to 19, characterized in that

the transmitting and receiving antenna (10) in the ball-like core (la) is poured close to the surface of the core (la), in particular 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm from the surface,

or for arranging, in particular sticking, on the surface of the core or on the surface of the ball-like object is suitable.