WO2009023935A1 - Appareil de golf - Google Patents

Appareil de golf Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009023935A1
WO2009023935A1 PCT/AU2008/001234 AU2008001234W WO2009023935A1 WO 2009023935 A1 WO2009023935 A1 WO 2009023935A1 AU 2008001234 W AU2008001234 W AU 2008001234W WO 2009023935 A1 WO2009023935 A1 WO 2009023935A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
distance
location
ball
calculating
trolley
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2008/001234
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Angelo Kotsis
Michael Squires
Nick Fondas
Angelo Doukas
Original Assignee
Xbug Pty Ltd
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
Priority claimed from AU2007904527A external-priority patent/AU2007904527A0/en
Application filed by Xbug Pty Ltd filed Critical Xbug Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2009023935A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009023935A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B55/00—Bags for golf clubs; Stands for golf clubs for use on the course; Wheeled carriers specially adapted for golf bags
    • A63B55/60—Wheeled carriers specially adapted for golf bags
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C22/00—Measuring distance traversed on the ground by vehicles, persons, animals or other moving solid bodies, e.g. using odometers, using pedometers
    • G01C22/004—Measuring distance traversed on the ground by vehicles, persons, animals or other moving solid bodies, e.g. using odometers, using pedometers for golf carts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S15/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
    • G01S15/02—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems using reflection of acoustic waves
    • G01S15/50—Systems of measurement, based on relative movement of the target
    • G01S15/58—Velocity or trajectory determination systems; Sense-of-movement determination systems
    • G01S15/60—Velocity or trajectory determination systems; Sense-of-movement determination systems wherein the transmitter and receiver are mounted on the moving object, e.g. for determining ground speed, drift angle, ground track

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to golfing apparatus .
  • One such apparatus is the distance marker which is placed at an advertised distance out from the pin for assisting golfers in club selection.
  • markers are often placed on sprinkler heads or posts located on the edge of the fairway. While such markers provide a rough guide for determining distance, they are not capable of indicating the exact distance to the pin unless the golfer is actually standing directly over the marker.
  • the present invention provides a golfing apparatus for calculating the distance from a ball to a location of interest, the device including: input module for allowing input of a known distance from a first position to the location of interest; determining module for determining the relative position of the ball with respect to the first position; and calculating module for calculating the distance from the ball to the location of interest based on the known distance and the relative position of the ball.
  • the determining module comprises a distance module for calculating the distance traversed by the apparatus/player between the first location and the ball .
  • the distance module comprises an accelerometer .
  • the determining module further comprises a bearing module .
  • the bearing module comprises a magnetic compass.
  • the determining module determines the relative position by mapping movement vectors of the player/apparatus from the first position to the ball .
  • the apparatus further comprises a display for displaying the calculated distance.
  • the location of interest is a golfing green and the known distance is ascertained from a distance marker .
  • a method for calculating the distance from a ball to a location of interest including the steps of: ascertaining a known distance from a first position to the location of interest; determining the relative position of the ball with respect to the first position; and calculating the distance from the ball to the location of interest based on the known distance and the relative position of the ball.
  • the relative position of the ball with respect to the first position is determined by mapping the movement of a player between the first position and the ball .
  • the step of mapping the movement of the player comprises periodically measuring the player's bearing and distance travelled.
  • a method for calculating the distance from a location to a destination including the steps of: ascertaining a known distance from a first position to the destination; determining the relative position of the location with respect to the first position; and calculating the distance from the location to the destination based on the known distance and the relative position of the location.
  • the known distance is ascertained from a distance marker.
  • a system for calculating the distance from a location to a destination including: input module for ascertaining a known distance from a first position to the destination; determining module for determining the relative position of the location with respect to the first position; and calculating module for calculating the distance from the location to the destination based on the known distance and the relative position of the location.
  • a golfing trolley including a system for supporting a golf bag; and at least one wheel, the wheel including: a body which is arranged to rotate about an axis, the body is generally elongate and includes end regions through which the axis of rotation passes; and the diameter of the body at the end regions is smaller than the diameter of the body between the end regions .
  • the diameter of the body may vary smoothly along the length of the body.
  • the diameter of the body may be greatest at about the midpoint between the end regions .
  • the at least one wheel may be provided towards one end of the trolley.
  • the trolley may be front wheel drive and the at least one wheel is disposed at the rear of the trolley.
  • the trolley may further include a handle provided at the opposite end of the trolley.
  • Figure Ia is a flow diagram showing method steps for carrying out an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure Ib is a schematic of an apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 depicts the relative positions of a known distance marker (M) and a golf ball (B) in a Cartesian coordinate system
  • Figure 3 illustrates movement of the golfer between the distance marker (M) and golf ball (B) ;
  • Figure 4 illustrates calculation of the distance to a destination (G) , according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 5 illustrates calculation of the distance to a destination (G) according to a second embodiment of the invention,-
  • Figure 6 is side view of a golfing trolley according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a plan view of the golfing trolley of Figure 6;
  • Figure 8 is a schematic view of the wheel 10 of the trolley of Figure 6;
  • Figure 9 is a view of the wheel of Figure 8 on sloping ground;
  • Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of the wheel of Figure 8 ,- Figure 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the Figure 6 embodiment.
  • Figure 12 is a view of the trolley of Figure 11 travelling on sloping ground.
  • the apparatus is operable to provide a golfer with an accurate indication of the distance between the current location of the apparatus and a location of interest/destination (such as a golfing green) .
  • the apparatus is in the form of a device 50 coupled to a golfer's golfing trolley (although it could equally be attached to/held by the golfer, etc.) .
  • the distance marker is denoted as "M”
  • the destination in this case the golfing green
  • G the relative ball position
  • B the relative ball position
  • M is shown to be at the origin (0,0) of the graph .
  • the method involves a first step (step 101) of ascertaining a known distance to the golfing green from a first position. This may involve reading a distance measurement from the distance marker on the golf course. Such distance markers may, for example, take the form of signs that are affixed to sprinkler heads throughout the course which indicate the distance of the sprinkler head to the golfing green. Alternatively, the distance marker may be provided at the tee off location.
  • step 101 the relative position of the golf ball with respect to the first — D ⁇
  • the position is determined. In an embodiment this may be calculated by mapping the golfer's movements (i.e. which correspond to the movements of the apparatus) from the first position to the golf ball, to determine the relative position of the golf ball. Lastly, at step 105, the distance to the green is calculated based on the known distance and relative position of the golf ball.
  • the device 50 includes an input module 52 which allows the golfer to input the known distance into the device.
  • the input module 52 may, for example, be in the form of a keypad.
  • the device further includes determining module in the form of one or more determination sensors to map the golfer's movements between the first location (e.g. sprinkler head) and golf ball.
  • a calculation module in the form of a microprocessor is provided which runs appropriate software to perform the mapping and distance calculations .
  • a “wireless sensor correlation tracking” (WSCT) technique is used.
  • the WSCT technique involves mapping the movement of the golfer relative to a fixed point (e.g. sprinkler head) on a two dimensional graph (having standard x-y co-ordinates) , by use of one or more determination sensors worn by the golfer.
  • the device includes two sensors, namely:
  • the accelerometer provides the acceleration of the golfer at a particular point in time. If readings are sampled at, for example, 20 times per second, this will provide one acceleration reading every .05 seconds. If the acceleration is averaged at the start and end of a .05 second interval, the distance moved by the golfer in that interval can be derived, for example, using the mathematical formula (1) shown below:
  • x is the distance travelled by the golfer after time t
  • x o and v o are the initial distance and velocity, respectively
  • a is the acceleration provided by the accelerometer .
  • the device 50 can conveniently calculate the distance travelled by the golfer in a certain period of time (in this case .05 second) .
  • the magnet provides the bearing of the golfer at the same point in time. Again, the bearing is averaged at the beginning and end of the interval for more accuracy.
  • a motion vector can be derived for the golfer. That is, we know that in a particular period of .05 second, the golfer moved a particular distance in a particular direction. By plotting the resultant vectors on a graph, the position of B can be derived. This is best shown in Figure 3.
  • Example Embodiment 1 Stand Alone Device - Direct Path
  • the distance to the centre of the green is calculated as follows.
  • the golfer stands at the distance marker (M) facing the green, and enters the marked distance to the green into the device. Assuming the golfer is at the origin, this provides the xy co-ordinates for the centre of the green (G) . For example, if the distance to the green is 187m, the co-ordinates would be (0,187) .
  • the golfer then presses a button on the device 50 to lock in this position and to start mapping the golfer's movements. The golfer then walks towards the ball .
  • the golfer When the golfer reaches the ball (B) , the golfer presses a second button on the device 50 to lock in the position of the ball and to stop mapping his movements. A more accurate reading may be provided if the golfer/device ⁇ is facing the green when locking in the position of the ball .
  • the device has mapped the golfer's movements, as shown by the vector line (see Figures 3 & 4) , and calculated the position of B on an x-y plane.
  • the path traversed by the golfer is not necessarily linear. Since the co-ordinates of (B) and (G) are known, the distance between the two points can be derived (i.e. the distance from the golfer's current location to the green) using mathematical formulae, such as, for example, Pythagoras' theorem. For example, if the xy coordinates of B are (40, 120) , the resultant distance would be:
  • the resultant distance calculation may be displayed on a display module 54 provided on the device 50.
  • the display module 54 may additionally show the distance travelled by the golfer between the marker and ball .
  • the device need not be attached to the golfing trolley (or other golfing apparatus) , but instead could be help or attached to the golfer.
  • Example Embodiment 2 Stand Alone Device - Right Angled Path
  • the distance to the centre of the green is calculated as follows .
  • the golfer stands at the distance marker (M) , facing the green, and enters the marked distance to the green into the device. Assuming the golfer is at the origin, this provides the xy coordinates for the centre of the green (G) . For example, if the distance is 187m, the co-ordinates would be (0,187).
  • the golfer then presses a first button on the device to lock in this position and thereby begin mapping the golfer's movements. The golfer then walks directly towards the green.
  • the device is programmed to know that, upon the first button being pressed, the travel of the golfer is only in the "Y" plane.
  • the golfer When the golfer reaches a point (R) that creates a right angled triangle with the ball, the golfer presses a second button to lock in the current position and then walks directly toward the ball (B) .
  • the device is programmed to know that, upon the second button being pressed, the travel of the golfer is only in the X plane.
  • the golfer When the golfer reaches ball (B) , the golfer presses a third button to lock in the position of the ball and to stop mapping the golfer's movements.
  • the golfer's movements (i.e. from point M to R to B) are calculated by the device and mapped in vector terms, as shown in Figure 4. Again, since the co-ordinates of (B) and (G) are known, Pythagoras' theorem can be utilised to derive the distance between them (i.e. the distance to the green) .
  • the device relies on the golfer walking a path towards the green that creates a right angled triangle with the ball .
  • an approximate path will provide a sufficient distance reading for most golfers.
  • the accelerometer and magnetic compass are provided on the golf trolley.
  • the input module used for entering the numerical distance value is provided by way of an auxiliary module worn by the golfer (although again, this could equally provided on the golf trolley as previously described) .
  • the auxiliary module is arranged to wirelessly communicate with the measurement module.
  • the two modules communicate using well known radio frequency communications protocol.
  • the auxiliary module is also arranged to receive the calculated distance (i.e. distance to the green) from the measurement module for display on an LCD panel. Alternatively, the calculated distance may be displayed on an LCD panel provided on the golfing trolley.
  • the measurement module may determine distance travelled using a wheel rotation sensor.
  • the wheel rotation sensor may be in the form of an optical scanning sensor and appropriately coded disk which is attached to the trolley wheel . Based on the circumference of the wheel and number of wheel rotations detected, an accurate measurement of the distance traveled by the golf trolley can be determined.
  • the measurement module may additionally incorporate an ultrasonic doppler ground- speed sensor to correct for any wheel slippage etc experienced by the trolley.
  • the golfer may stand over the desired location (as in example embodiments 1 and 2) and the measurement device may be configured to allow for the offset between the golfer and trolley. In an embodiment, this may involve the trolley determining the location of the golfer (whilst taking the measurement) relative to the trolley, utilising, for example, ultrasonic sensing equipment . The resultant location information can then be used by the measurement module to offset the distance measurements .
  • the device may simply provide the golfer with an approximate measurement as to how far they have travelled from a first location (e.g. marker, tee, etc) and/or to notify the golfer of the relative position of the ball with respect to the first location.
  • the golfer may press a button on the device when standing at the first location to set the co-ordinates to (0,0) and then press a second button when standing over the ball to cause the device to stop mapping and display the resulting measurement .
  • the illustrated golf trolley 100 includes a system for supporting a golf bag 104 in the form of lower support 106 and upper support 108. Golf bag holds golf clubs 102 held in a golf bag 104. Wheel 10 is provided at and end of the trolley 100 and two other wheels 24, 26 are provided which, in use, are driven by electric motors 25, 27. Handle 22 is provided at the opposite end of the trolley to wheel 10 and includes control buttons to operate the trolley.
  • the wheel 10 includes a body 12 which is generally elongate. As shown in Figure 8, the wheel 10 rotates about axis B by way of bushes 14 which are provided at end regions of wheel 10 and which are slidingly fit over spindle 16.
  • the wheel presents an outer ground engaging surface 18 which is generally cambered along the length of the body.
  • the diameter of the body is 120mm. This diameter decreases gradually in a camber towards either end of the wheel where the diameter is about 73mm.
  • the wheel is 300mm long and the camber is equivalent to an arc of a circle of radius 500mm.
  • the axis B is parallel to the ground 20 and wheel touches the ground at point C .
  • the ground now slopes at an angle of 13 degrees and wheel 10 now touches the ground at point D.
  • the trolley In one mode of operation, the trolley is configured to follow a golf player and in this mode moves in the direction of arrow A. In this mode, the front wheels of the trolley are wheels 24, 26 and the trolley can be said to be front wheel drive. In another manual mode of operation, the trolley is positioned in front of the player with the handle facing the player. In this mode the trolley moves in the direction of arrow B and can be said to be rear wheel drive .
  • motors 27, 25 operate simultaneously in opposite directions, or at different speeds in the same direction, to effect rotation of wheels 24 and 26 in opposite directions. This causes rotation of trolley.
  • wheel 10 slides across the ground surface. This sliding movement is assisted by way of the cambered profile of the wheel . It has been found that wheel 10 provides good manoeuvrability when fitted to a trolley and particularly when the trolley is on a grass surface.
  • the wheel may be formed from polythene or other durable plastic.
  • trolley 200 an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in the form of a modified trolley 200. Only the wheel portion of the trolley 200 is shown as the remainder of the trolley is as described above. In place of the single wheel 10, trolley 200 has a central tapered wheel 20 with two smaller wheels 30, 32 mounted on either side. Smaller wheels 30, 32 acts as stabilisers when the trolley is travelling on sloping ground.
  • the ground is substantially flat and wheel 20 touches the ground at point E.
  • the trolley is shown on sloping ground. Wheel 32 acts to stabilise the trolley and touches the ground at point G. Wheel 20 touches the ground at point F.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Control Of Position, Course, Altitude, Or Attitude Of Moving Bodies (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un appareil de golf pour calculer la distance d'une balle à un emplacement d'intérêt, lequel appareil comprend un module d'entrée pour permettre l'entrée d'une distance connue d'une première position à l'emplacement d'intérêt. Une position relative de la balle par rapport à la première position est déterminée par un module de détermination de l'appareil. L'appareil comprend de plus un module de calcul pour calculer la distance de la balle à l'emplacement d'intérêt en fonction de la distance connue et de la position relative de la balle ; et un caddy de golf comprenant un système pour supporter un sac de golf et au moins une roue qui comprend un corps agencé pour tourner autour d'un axe. Le corps est globalement allongé et comprend des régions d'extrémité à travers lesquelles passe l'axe de rotation. Le diamètre du corps au niveau des régions d'extrémité est inférieur au diamètre du corps entre les régions d'extrémité.
PCT/AU2008/001234 2007-08-22 2008-08-22 Appareil de golf WO2009023935A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2007904527 2007-08-22
AU2007904527A AU2007904527A0 (en) 2007-08-22 A golfing trolley
AU2007905293 2007-09-27
AU2007905293A AU2007905293A0 (en) 2007-09-27 A method and system for calculating the distance to a destination

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009023935A1 true WO2009023935A1 (fr) 2009-02-26

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2008/001234 WO2009023935A1 (fr) 2007-08-22 2008-08-22 Appareil de golf

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WO (1) WO2009023935A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2558539A (en) * 2016-11-21 2018-07-18 Motocaddy Ltd Golf trolley and notification system

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992008108A1 (fr) * 1990-11-01 1992-05-14 Peter Dennis Kenny Dispositif de mesure de la distance d'un trou de golf
US5469175A (en) * 1993-03-29 1995-11-21 Golf Scoring Systems Unlimited, Inc. System and method for measuring distance between two objects on a golf course
US5967543A (en) * 1997-05-05 1999-10-19 Taylor; John P. Combined golf bag and cart
US6456938B1 (en) * 1999-07-23 2002-09-24 Kent Deon Barnard Personal dGPS golf course cartographer, navigator and internet web site with map exchange and tutor
US20030103001A1 (en) * 1991-12-10 2003-06-05 Huston Charles D. Golf distance measuring system and method
WO2003055696A1 (fr) * 2002-01-04 2003-07-10 Marinus Teunis Van Leeuwen Dispositif d'elargissement de bande de roulement, destine particulierement a une roue de chariot de golf

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992008108A1 (fr) * 1990-11-01 1992-05-14 Peter Dennis Kenny Dispositif de mesure de la distance d'un trou de golf
US20030103001A1 (en) * 1991-12-10 2003-06-05 Huston Charles D. Golf distance measuring system and method
US5469175A (en) * 1993-03-29 1995-11-21 Golf Scoring Systems Unlimited, Inc. System and method for measuring distance between two objects on a golf course
US5967543A (en) * 1997-05-05 1999-10-19 Taylor; John P. Combined golf bag and cart
US6456938B1 (en) * 1999-07-23 2002-09-24 Kent Deon Barnard Personal dGPS golf course cartographer, navigator and internet web site with map exchange and tutor
WO2003055696A1 (fr) * 2002-01-04 2003-07-10 Marinus Teunis Van Leeuwen Dispositif d'elargissement de bande de roulement, destine particulierement a une roue de chariot de golf

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2558539A (en) * 2016-11-21 2018-07-18 Motocaddy Ltd Golf trolley and notification system

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