WO2019106360A1

WO2019106360A1 - Fishing reel

Info

Publication number: WO2019106360A1
Application number: PCT/GB2018/053441
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin Nash
Original assignee: Ispot Ip Limited
Priority date: 2017-11-29
Filing date: 2018-11-28
Publication date: 2019-06-06
Also published as: GB2568905A; GB2568905B; GB201719883D0

Abstract

The present invention provides a spool (10) for a fixed spool fishing reel comprising a monitoring system to monitor and indicate the length of fishing line unwound from the reel. The preferred embodiment of the fishing reel further comprises direction monitoring means to monitor and indicate the direction in which the fishing line extends from a fishing rod. Furthermore, the present invention comprises a recording system through which data can be recorded and viewed. For example, this may provide a user with the ability to view historical data showing the location of earlier fishing points which may also indicate the success of such points together with other historical information. One important element of the present invention is the ability to store the data on a device such as a mobile phone through an App. The fishing line is arranged to be wound and unwound from a spool (10) and the fishing reel comprises an optical sensing device to quantify the length of fishing line unwound from the spool (10) during a cast. The optical sensing device also quantifies the length of fishing line wound on to the spool (10) as the fishing line is reeled in onto the spool (10). The optical sensing device comprises a calibration system to calibrate light sensor/receiver pairs in order to reliably detect interruptions in light paths as the fishing line passes through a detection area.

Description

Fishing Reel

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fixed spool fishing reel, a spool for a fixed spool fishing reel and a method of a method of quantifying the length of fishing line unwound from a fixed spool fishing reel.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There are currently many ways that an angler may select a fishing location. Primarily, an angler may rely on direct previous experience of a particular fishing location. Alternatively, an angler may be provided with information regarding a particular fishing location. Such information may consist of the geographical location, the type/size of fish previously caught, the weather conditions for the previous attempts and the bait/lure used together with the fishing rig setup. This information thereby enables an angler to have the required equipment/apparatus and recommended baits.

Furthermore, specific information may be recorded or written down and this may include the approximate location on the water of the previous successful fishing spots and depth information etc. This may be provided by instructions such as a long cast towards a specific tree/bush or other landmark. This thereby provides an indication of the approximate location for the previous successful fishing spots. However, it can be difficult to provide exact information for a location on a body of water although such an approximate position may be sufficient for some casual anglers. Within a fishing session, an angler may try to replicate the exact position within the water and such replication may rely on the judgement of the angler rather than on quantifiable information.

In addition, a good fishing spot may move with the conditions and/or may depend upon the specific angling tactics employed. Also, landmarks and other indications (e.g. dark areas within the water) may move or become obscured with time and this makes the fishing of the desired spot difficult to replicate.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a fixed spool fishing reel for a fishing line wherein the fishing line is arranged to be wound and unwound from a spool, the fishing reel comprising:

an optical sensing device to quantify the length of fishing line unwound from the spool during a cast, the optical sensing device also quantifying the length of fishing line wound on to the spool as the fishing line is reeled in onto the spool, the optical sensing device comprising a first light emitting device providing a first light path to a first light sensor and a second light emitting device providing a second light path to a second light sensor,

wherein the first light path is parallel to the second light path and each light path extends from a first end of the spool to a second end of the spool; and

wherein the optical sensing device comprises a self calibrating system and in which the self-calibrating system activates the first light emitting device and the second light emitting device and, based on the level sensed by the respective light sensor, the light emitting devices are adjusted.

Preferably the self-calibrating system is (automatically) initiated each time the optical sensing device is turned on. The self calibrating system may be activated by a user and may be activated though a button mounted on the reel and/or by a hand held unit and/or by a smartphone.

Preferably the self calibrating system adjusts the intensity level of the first and/or second light emitting devices to provide a sensed intensity level within a set range. Preferably the self calibrating system increases and/or decreases the intensity level of the first and/or second light emitting devices to provide a sensed intensity level within a set range.

The optical sensing device may comprise alert means to alert a condition to a user. The alert means may comprise an audible alert and/or a visual alert. The condition may include a lower (or higher) (e.g. outside a set range) than expected measurement recorded by the first and/or the second light detector (e.g. by at least one light detector).

Preferably the optical sensing device comprises a power supply. Preferably the power supply supplies power to the first and second light emitting devices and to the first and second light sensors. The power supply may comprise wires which locate adjacent to an internal surface of a hub of the spool such that the power supply extends from the first end to the second end of the spool.

Preferably the optical sensing device comprises a power feedback system wherein the power supply is distributed through a voltage regulator.

Preferably the first light emitting device comprises a laser diode. Preferably the second light emitting device comprises a laser diode.

Preferably the first light sensor comprises a photo transistor. Preferably the second light sensor comprises a photo transistor.

Preferably the self calibrating system comprises a photo transistor feedback loop in relation to the first laser diode/photo transistor and the second laser diode/photo transistor.

Preferably the first light sensor comprises a photodiode. Preferably the second light sensor comprises a photodiode.

Preferably the spool comprises a hub with an outer surface around which the fishing line is arranged to be wound/unwound. Preferably the hub comprises a frustoconical surface. Preferably the frusto conical surface is angled inwardly (tapered) from a first end to a second end.

Preferably the spool comprises a central longitudinal axis which extends centrally through the spool from the first end to the second end. Preferably the spool is arranged to be mounted on a shaft which extends centrally along the central longitudinal axis.

Preferably the first light emitting device is circumferentially spaced from the second light emitting device.

Preferably a radial distance between the first light emitting device and the central longitudinal axis is the same as a radial distance between the second light emitting device and the central longitudinal axis.

Preferably the first light emitting device is spaced from an outer surface of the hub by the same distance as the second light emitting device is spaced from an outer surface of the hub.

Preferably the first light sensor is circumferentially spaced from the second light sensor.

Preferably the first light path is parallel to the outer surface of the hub. Preferably the second light path is parallel to the outer surface of the hub.

Preferably the first light path and the second light path extend axially along the spool (from a first end to a second end).

Preferably the first light emitting device and the second light emitting device are mounted at (or towards) the first end of the spool. Preferably the first light sensor and the second light sensor are mounted at (or towards) the second end of the spool.

Preferably the spool comprises a flange at the first end. Preferably the spool comprises a flange at the second end.

The fishing reel may comprise a compass to detect and record directional data and in particular regarding the direction of extension of the unwound fishing line.

The fishing reel may comprise control means to enable a user to input a desired length of unwound fishing line. The input may comprise a button mounted on the fishing reel which a user may actuate in order to record a current length of unwound fishing line. This input may then set the desired length of unwound fishing line which can then be replicated in subsequent casts of the fishing line.

The fishing reel may comprise indicator means to indicate whether a current length of unwound fishing line is greater than (or less than) (not equal to) a desired length of unwound fishing line. The indicator means may comprise audible means. Preferably the indicator means comprises a repetitive beep (or similar noise) whereby the spacing between the beeps varies as the current length of unwound fishing line approaches the desired length of unwound fishing line. For example, the audible indicator may be continuous (or non-existent) when the current length of unwound fishing line is the same as the desired length of unwound fishing line and the time between repetitive beeps may decrease (or increase) as the current length approaches the desired length.

The fishing reel may comprise recording means to record data relating to an event. The fishing reel may comprise a hand held unit (and/or a smart phone) to record data relating to an event. Preferably the event comprises a fishing session. The data may comprise the length of unwound fishing line. The data may comprise the direction of extension of the unwound fishing line. The data may comprise location data for the fishing reel and preferably comprises GPS coordinates of the fishing reel.

The fishing reel may comprise communication means to communicate data to a remote unit. The remote unit may comprise a memory system to record and store historical data regarding fishing sessions. The historical data may be retrieved and displayed in order for a user to plan a fishing session.

The communication means may comprise a wireless system and may comprise Bluetooth or a radio communication. The fishing reel may comprise a Bluetooth transmitter and/or an RF transmitter.

The remote unit may comprise a smart phone.

The remote unit may comprise a GPS module.

The remote unit may comprise further data recording means to record further data regarding a fishing session. The smart phone may enable a user to input data regarding a fishing session.

The data may comprise weather data.

The data may comprise a record of fish caught during the fishing session. The data may comprise a record of fish species and/or size caught during the fishing session.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a spool for a fixed spool fishing reel for a fishing line wherein the fishing line is arranged to be wound and unwound from the spool, the spool comprising:

wherein the optical sensing device comprises a self-calibrating system and in which the self-calibrating system activates the first light emitting device and the second light emitting device and, based on the level sensed by the respective light sensor the light emitting devices are adjusted.

Preferably the self-calibrating system is initiated each time the optical sensing device is turned on.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of quantifying the length of fishing line unwound from a fixed spool fishing reel during a cast wherein the fishing line is arranged to be wound and unwound from a spool, the fishing reel comprising:

wherein the method comprises the optical sensing device performing a self- calibrating routine in which the self-calibrating system activates the first light emitting device and the second light emitting device and, based on the level sensed by the respective light sensor, the light emitting devices are adjusted.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an angling assembly comprising a handheld unit and a fixed spool fishing reel for a fishing line wherein the fishing line is arranged to be wound and unwound from a spool, the fishing reel comprising:

The hand held unit may comprise a smartphone. The hand held unit may comprise a (remote) handset.

The assembly may comprise the handheld unit (handset) and also a smartphone.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a fixed spool fishing reel for a fishing line wherein the fishing line is arranged to be wound and unwound from a spool, the fishing reel comprising:

wherein the first light path is parallel to the second light path and each light path extends from an end of the spool to another end of the spool; and

Preferably the first light path is parallel to the second light path and each light path and extend across an outer surface of a hub of the spool from an end of the spool to another end of the spool.

Preferably the first light path extends from a first end of the spool to a second end of the spool. Preferably the second light path extends from a first end of the spool to a second end of the spool. Preferably each light path extends from the same first end of the spool to the same second end of the spool. Alternatively, each light path extends from a different (first) end of the spool to a different (second) end of the spool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which:

Figures 1 A to 1 F are first side, second side, front, rear, top and bottom views of a preferred embodiment of a spool of a fixed spool fishing reel;

Figure 2A and 2B are top and bottom perspective front views of a preferred embodiment of a spool of a fixed spool fishing reel;

Figure 3A and 3B are top and bottom perspective front views of a part of a preferred embodiment of a spool of a fixed spool fishing reel;

Figure 4 is a top perspective side view of a part of a preferred embodiment of a spool of a fixed spool fishing reel; Figure 5 is a cross section through two emitters of a preferred embodiment of a spool of a fixed spool fishing reel; and

Figure 6 is a cross section through two receivers of a preferred embodiment of a spool of a fixed spool fishing reel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in Figure 1A to Figure 1 F, the present invention provides a spool 10 for a fixed spool fishing reel comprising a monitoring system to monitor and indicate the length of fishing line unwound from the reel. The preferred embodiment of the fishing reel further comprises direction monitoring means to monitor and indicate the direction in which the fishing line extends from a fishing rod. Furthermore, the present invention comprises a recording system through which data can be recorded and viewed. For example, this may provide a user with the ability to view historical data showing the location of earlier fishing points which may also indicate the success of such points together with other historical information. One important element of the present invention is the ability to store the data on a device such as a mobile phone through an App.

The present invention provides a fixed spool fishing reel for a fishing line wherein the fishing line is arranged to be wound and unwound from a spool 10, the fishing reel comprising an optical sensing device to quantify the length of fishing line unwound from the spool 10 during a cast. The optical sensing device also quantifies the length of fishing line wound on to the spool 10 as the fishing line is reeled in onto the spool 10. The optical sensing device comprises a calibration system to calibrate light sensor/receiver pairs in order to reliably detect interruptions in light paths as the fishing line passes through a detection area.

Conventional fishing line is thin and is generally transparent such that the optical detection of the movement of fishing line is very problematic. The fishing line may comprise a monofilament fishing line. In addition, during casting, the fishing line is unwound from the spool 10 of the reel at high speeds. Again, this can make the accurate and reliable detection of the unwinding of the fishing line very difficult.

The present invention provides a fixed spool fishing reel comprising an optical assembly for reliably detecting and quantifying the length of fishing line unwound from the spool 10 during a fishing cast. In addition, the optical assembly will reliably quantify the length of fishing line being wound on to the reel during reeling in. Accordingly, the present invention can reliably detect and monitor the length of fishing line extending from the reel.

In particular, the optical assembly comprises a first light path and a second light path which are both inevitably broken as the fishing line is unwound (and wound). The optical assembly is arranged to detect the direction of travel and to thereby automatically detect whether the fishing line is being unwound or reeled in. This enables a desired length of unwound line to be selected by a user. Based on this information and other recorded information, the reel enables the fishing location being fished to be recorded accurately such that the relevant data selected enables a user to return to the same fishing spot if desired. One fundamental element of the present invention is the ability to detect if the line is leaving, or returning to the spool 10 so the angler can still locate the required spot if the cast over shoots.

The fishing reel is in communication with a remote unit which may comprise a hand set (preferably a remote handset) and/or a smartphone. The data from the reel may be communicated to the remote unit for recordal and manipulation purposes. In particular, the remote unit may record the GPS coordinates of the location of the angler and the reel will then determine the relative direction of extension of the end of the fishing line (i.e. bait, hook, lure etc.). This combination of data will thereby enable the position of the end of the fishing line to be reliably and accurately recorded.

The remote unit includes a handset which connects to the reel using wireless radio frequency. The handset is used to configure the reel and comprises a relatively small handheld waterproof unit. The handset includes input means which may comprise buttons to enable a user to input information and to control the system. The handset includes a memory and data recordal which may be provided by a memory card, e.g. an SD card. The handset may include a screen to enable a user to view data/information and to scroll backwards and forwards and scroll through historical data.

The handset may include audible means which may be used to alert the angler to particular conditions/situations. The audible means may include a speaker (or other noise generator) mounted within the handset and/or a connector for an earpiece/earphones/headphones. The use of an earpiece/earphones/headphones enables the angle to remain silent which can be advantageous. The audible means may also create alerts such as for problems with the optical detection system/calibration system.

An audible signal may also be used to signal to the angler whether the line cast is beyond a set spot/location and whether the end of the line is approaching this spot. In particular, the interval between beeps may reduce as the line is reeled in and approaches the required spot. A continuous tone may then be emitted when the correct location has been reached. The buttons may be used to control the volume and/or turn off this signal. Initially, an angler may clear the system and then cast the fishing line to the desired location and press a button on the handset to record the amount of unwound fishing line at this location (and the compass direction as indicated when pointing the fishing rod towards the location). For future casts, the audible means (or other indicating signals) may then show the angler if the unwound fishing line is the same as this recorded amount and whether the compass direction is the same to enable the desired fishing location to be replicated.

The handset includes a GPS device in order to identify and record the location which is used to store the fishing session information for the given location and to enable an angler to return to the same position for future fishing sessions.

The handset is connectable to multiple reels and may be used to manage the reels at the same time/simultaneously. In particular, a single angler may have a single handset (and a single smartphone) but is still able to monitor and record data from several reels which may be in use at the same time.

The overall system may use a smartphone (or laptop/tablet etc.) to store, record, manipulate and/or enter data. The smartphone may connect to the handset and/or directly to the reel. The smartphone may use Bluetooth for this connection. For example, the reel may comprises Bluetooth capabilities which enables the reel to communicate directly with Bluetooth enabled telephones and other devices. The smartphone may utilise an app to store the data. This may enable historical data to be retrieved and for the data to be manipulated/entered etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the reel uses RF to communicate with a handset. The handset uses Bluetooth to communicate with a smart phone/laptop/tablet or another internet connected device. Accordingly, this arrangement utilises the available functionality of a smart phone (or other device) to enhance the functionality and capability of the overall system. In one embodiment, the reel may use Bluetooth (i.e. a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver) to communicate directly with a smart phone (or other device), i.e. without using the handset for communicating the data to the smart phone.

In particular, the overall system may use the GPS capability (GPS receiver) within a smartphone (or other device). In some embodiments, a GPS receiver may be provided within the handset to obtain/record geographical location data.

As shown in Figure 1A to Figure 1 F, the spool 10 for the fixed spool fishing reel comprises a central hub 24 around which the fishing line is wound. The spool 10 is mounted on a central shaft 12 or axis of the fishing reel but, in normal use, does not rotate about the shaft. As in conventional fishing reels, the spool 10 includes a drag adjustment knob 14 which controls and sets the frictional securement between the spool 10 and the shaft 12. This control enables the fishing line to be unwound from the spool 10 through a pulling force on the fishing line.

The fishing reel comprises a bail arm assembly for winding the fishing line back onto the spool 10. The bail arm assembly comprises a rotating annulus or ring which is rotatably mounted around the shaft 12 or axle. The bail arm assembly comprises two guide members mounted 180° offset from each other around the ring and which extend in opposition to at least a part of the outer surface of the spool 10/hub 24. A movable bail arm is connected between the upper ends of the guide members. The bail arm is movable between a casting position and a reeling in position. In the casting position, the bail arm is effectively moved out of the way such that the fishing line is unwound from the spool 10 unhindered. In the reeling in position, the bail arm provides a guiding element with a respective guide post such that rotation of the bail arm assembly causes the fishing line to wind around the spool 10 and is thereby reeled in.

The fishing reel is provided with a handle in order for a user to manually rotate the bail arm assembly around the hub 24 and reel in the fishing line. The optical sensing means is positioned such that the length of fishing line being wound back onto the spool 10 is quantified. Accordingly, in use, an angler can cast the fishing line into the water. Assuming that the cast is in the approximate required direction and is indicated to be at a greater distance than the desired location then a user can then reel the fishing line back in until the desired location is achieved.

The optical sensing device comprises two independent parallel light paths which enable the direction of travel of the fishing line to be distinguished. A single light beam is unable to detect the direction even if this single light beam is reflected back across the detection area to provide two light paths. Such a single light source may register two breaks or interruptions (i.e. the first light path and then the second light path) but the sensor would not be able to distinguish which light path was broken first in order to determine the direction of travel. The present invention provides two independent light sources with two respective independent light sensors. This arrangement shows which light path was broken first and thereby demonstrates whether the fishing line is being reeled in or if the fishing line is being cast outwardly.

The present invention provides two direct light paths which extend directly from the emitter to the respective receiver. The light paths are not reflected and this simple and direct light path increases the precision and reliability of the detection of interruptions.

The optical sensing device has two laser diodes 30, 32 (lasers) which are located adjacent to each other around the flange 23 at the lower end of the spool 10. Similarly, the optical sensing device has two light (optical) sensors in the form of photo transistors 31 , 33 which are located adjacent to each other around the flange 21 at the upper end 20 of the spool 10. In an alternative embodiment photodiodes may be used. Such photodiodes may be used with external amplifiers. The light paths extend from the same first end of the spool to the same second end of the spool. In one embodiment, the two light paths may extend from opposite ends of the spool such that one end of the spool has the first laser diode 30 and the second phototransistor 33 and another end of the spool has the second laser diode 32 and the first phototransistor 31.

The emitters may comprise focussed LEDs.

In one preferred embodiment the laser diodes comprise OPV302 vertical cavity surface emitting laser packaged in a dome lens (TO-46) supplied by OPTEK Technology Inc. Similarly, in one preferred embodiment the optical sensors comprise VEMT2000X01 or VEMT2020X01 silicon NPN phototransistors supplied by Vishay Semiconductors.

The laser diodes 30, 32 are positioned to emit two parallel light paths across a detection area through which the fishing line will inevitably pass as it is being cast out and reeled in. The light paths are arranged to be angled inwardly towards the axis of the spool 10 from the lower end 22 of the spool 10 to the upper end 20 of the spool 10. This corresponds to the tapered outer surface of the hub 24 of the spool 10 which is frustoconical and tapers inwardly from the lower end 22 to the upper end 20. In particular, the two light paths are parallel to each other.

A potential fundamental feature of the reel is that the light paths are parallel. The beams need to be parallel to ensure consistent measurements when the line is laid on the entire body of the reel (i.e. from front to back).

The two light paths are thereby parallel to the outer surface of the hub surface. This ensures that the readings are reliable and do not vary as the depth of wound fishing line varies on the hub 24 and the distance between the line and the light paths varies and whether the line leaving/entering the hub near the top or bottom. This enables the spool 10 to accommodate a full reel of fishing line. If the beams were not parallel with the hub 24 then the maximum amount of line the spool 10 could hold would be governed by the gap at the smallest point

In addition, if the light paths were not angled, the separation distance between the light paths and the hub 24 (and unwound line on the hub 24) would increase towards the smaller end of the hub 24. This would introduce a variation in the detection times which would depend upon the longitudinal position of the line being unwound from the hub 24. This longitudinal position is not monitored or tracked and would be difficult to monitor. Accordingly, the use of parallel and angled light paths overcomes the problem of introducing a variation (which may be small) due to the frustoconical hub 24. However, the removal of this small significant variance increases the reliability of the detection of the fishing line at the high casting speeds.

The laser diodes 30, 32 are mounted within the spool 10 and are located below a spool body. As shown in Figure 2A, the spool body includes two apertures 34, 36 aligned with the two laser diodes 30, 32 through which the light will pass. Each aperture 34, 36 includes a lens which protects the laser diode 30, 32 and enables dirt/debris/dust etc. to be removed from blocking/obscuring the light path. As mentioned above, the optical sensing system provides a self calibrating system which enables the system to function even if obstructions in the light path reduce the intensity of light received by the respective photo transistor 31 , 33. However, the manual cleaning of the lens can also help to optimise the system. The self- calibrating system may provide a signal when it is suspected that there is dirt. This may be detected through the detection of a lower than expected intensity in one (or both) light paths.

The photo transistors 31 , 33 are mounted within the spool 10 and within the spool body. Again, the spool body provides two apertures 35, 37 aligned with the photo transistors 31 , 33, as shown in Figure 2B. In addition, two recessed passageways or conduits 61 , 63 or bores are provided such that the photo transistors 31 , 33 are located spaced from the outer surface of the spool 10. The positioning of the photo transistors 31 , 33 aims to shroud (and act as baffles for) the photo transistors 31 , 33 from ambient light, sunlight and other light contamination sources. The conduits 61 , 63 bores are aligned with the apertures 34, 36 for the laser diodes 30, 32 such that the bores prevent or inhibit other light being detected by the photo transistors 31 , 33. These conduits or bores or tubes effectively result in the detectors being pocketed.

Furthermore, the bores each have an outer lens which can be manually cleaned. In addition, each photo transistor 31 , 33 has an associated filter which filters and prevents/inhibits the penetration of daylight.

The laser diodes 30, 32 and photo transistors 31 , 33 are matched and the laser diodes 30, 32 are arranged to produce infra red light. The photo transistors 31 , 33 are paired with the laser diodes 30, 32 to detect the light within the specific wavelength. The aim is to reduce or eliminate false readings caused by alternative light sources. The fishing reel comprises a self calibrating system which is activated automatically each time the reel is powered on. This self calibrating system aims to ensure that the photo transistors 31 , 33 are receiving a sufficient intensity (preferably an optimum intensity) of light from the respective laser diodes 30, 32. For example, dust and debris may inevitably accumulate between the photo transistor 31 , 33 and the laser diode 30, 32 such that a proportion of light emitted may not reach the intended photo transistor 31 , 33. In such situations, the intensity level from the laser diode 30, 32 may be increased to accommodate this. In addition, the intensity received by the photo transistor 31 , 33 may vary due to the conditions and therefore the automatic use of this self calibrating system provides reliable detection of the fishing line in a variety of conditions and over prolonged use without having to replace relatively expensive equipment or having to remember to frequently clean the apparatus.

The self-calibrating system calibrates the emitted intensity from the laser diodes 30, 32 based on the levels being detected by the photo transistors 31 , 33. This can result in the intensity decreasing since the photo transistors 31 , 33 may be saturated (i.e. dazzled) above a particular level which will deteriorate the sensitivity of the system. In addition, the photo transistors 31 , 33 will be impacted by a persistence effect whereby there is an inevitable finite time dwell for the sensor to return to a base level after having being exposed to a high intensity beam. Accordingly, the beam intensity may need increasing (for example when the light beam is detected to be relatively dull or when fine clear fishing line is being detected) but the level should not be increased to a level which will effectively blind the sensors. Accordingly, at the power up of the system, the self-calibrating system may turn the intensity of the light beams up but then subsequently turn them down to avoid saturation. The level may be calibrated to be just on the edge of saturation. The system may also comprise a manual mechanism (i.e. button) to enable a user to instigate the self-calibrating system/program to run. Such a activator/button/input may be provided on the reel, the handset or the smartphone (or other device). The intensity of the light paths may need to be greater depending upon the time of day, e.g. greater at night but less in the day (or vice versa).

The self-calibrating system also provides a feedback system to alert a user to potential problems. For example, the system is aware of the approximate level of intensity that should be recorded by the photo transistors 31 , 33. If too much light (intensity greater than expected) is detected, then this will trigger an alert signal which may comprise a warning signal for the user to act on. In addition, at rest, the system is aware that both photo transistors 31 , 33 should be receiving an approximate equal intensity level and if it is detected that these two reading are significantly different then a signal may be indicated. For example, this may indicate that there is a potential obstruction in one of the light paths.

In addition, the optical sensor system comprises a voltage regulator to regulate the output voltage from the batteries of the power supply. The aim is to provide a constant voltage (e.g. 1.8 V) which doesn’t change as the batteries become depleted. The output voltage will inevitably decrease over time and the voltage regulator aims to provide a constant voltage level to the laser diodes 30, 32 and photo transistors 31 , 33. It should be appreciated that the present invention must provide a very sensitive detector in order to be able to reliably detect frequent and rapid interruptions caused by a fast moving transparent fishing line and the present invention achieves this through the stability of the light emission and light detection. Any instability in the light emitters/detectors would introduce variables which would reduce the sensitivity and reliability of this system.

The first light path and the second light path are circumferentially spaced apart around the central axis of the spool 10. The radial distance from the central axis to the first light path is the same as the radial distance from the central axis to the second light path. This radial distance (from the central axis) may decrease from the first end 22 of the spool 10 to the second end 20 of the spool 10 (as the radius of the frustoconical hub 24 reduces) but the two radial separation distances (between the hub/unwound line and the light paths) are maintained the same. If these two light paths were offset in distance (for example as created by tangentially offset light paths) then this introduces another variable which may interfere with the reliability of the detection system.

The first laser diode 30 is located adjacent to, but circumferentially offset (spaced apart), from the second laser diode 32. The circumferential spacing may be in the order of 5 degrees to 30 degrees and is defined around a circumference extending around (centred on) the central longitudinal axis (axle 12) of the spool 10. As will be explained, if the two laser diodes 30, 32 were offset by approximately 180 degrees then the system would not be able to distinguish between the fishing line being unwound or reeled in.

Similarly, the first photo transistor 31 is located adjacent to, but circumferentially offset (spaced apart), from the second photo transistor 33. The circumferential spacing may be in the order of 5 degrees to 30 degrees and is defined around a circumference extending around (centred on) the central longitudinal axis (axle 12) of the spool 10. As will be explained, if the two photo transistors 31 , 33 (and the light paths) were offset by approximately 180 degrees then the system would not be able to distinguish between the fishing line being unwound or reeled in.

The laser diodes 30, 32 are positioned on a minor chord of the spool 10 and preferably as close to each other as possible. Similarly, the photo transistors 31 , 33 are positioned on a minor chord of the spool 10 and preferably as close to each other as possible.

As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6, the laser diodes 30, 32 are located on a first minor chord of the spool 10 (on the lower flange 23) and the photo transistors 31 , 33 are located on a second minor chord of the spool 10 (on the upper flange 21 ). The linear length of the first minor chord is less than the linear length of the second minor chord. The second minor chord is located closer towards the central longitudinal axis (or the axle 12) of the spool 10. Figure 5 is a cross section through the plane of the first minor chord and Figure 6 is a cross section through the plane of the second minor chord. These two figures demonstrate that the photo transistors 31 , 33 are located closer to the central axis (axle 12) than the laser diodes 30, 32. This thereby creates two light paths which are angled slightly towards the central axis (axle 12) and which are angled from the lower end 22 towards the upper end 20.

As shown in Figure 5, the laser diodes 30, 32 are mounted in the lower flange 23 and relatively short passageways 60, 62 (conduits/tunnels) extend from respective domed lenses. The laser diodes 30, 32 are focussed to provide light paths which communicate directly with the respective photo transistors 31 , 33.

The light emitters may further comprise a lens which may be mounted in the lower flange 23. This lens may protect the laser diode 30, 32 and may enable a user to wipe dirt away from obstructing the light path. Accordingly, these lenses are external and provide and easily accessible outer surfaces which can be easily cleaned and prevent dirt/debris entering and/or collecting in the short light passageways 60, 62.

As shown in Figure 6, the photo transistors 31 , 33 are mounted in the upper flange 21 of the spool 10. Each photo transistor 31 , 33 is located at the end of a narrow light passageway (tunnel) which is orientated directly towards the respective laser diode 30, 32. The light passageways are provide by conduits 61 , 63 defined in the upper flange 21. The passageways thereby prevent the photo transistors 31 , 33 from receiving light emitted from different sources other than the respective laser diode 30, 32. This feature thereby enables short/quick/fast interruptions in the light path to be reliably and accurately detected. If the light received by the photo transistor 31 , 33 was contaminated with light from other sources then the light received may fluctuate for unknown reasons which could result in false interruptions being recorded. Alternatively, the sensitivity of the photo transistors 31 , 33 may need to be reduced which could result in actual interruptions not being recorded. The light receivers may further comprise a lens which may be mounted in the upper flange 21. This lens may protect the photo transistor 31 , 33 and may enable a user to wipe dirt away from obstructing the light path. Accordingly, these lenses are external and provide and easily accessible outer surfaces which can be easily cleaned and prevent dirt/debris entering and/or collecting in the light conduits 61 , 63. The light conduits 61 , 63 may also include a filter to prevent/inhibit light contamination from external sources.

Accordingly, the spool 10 provides two direct, parallel light paths across the top of (and spaced from) the wound fishing line through which the fishing line must inevitably pass when being wound or unwound. The direct light paths are parallel to each other. The light paths extend along longitudinal axes which extend through conduits 61 , 63 prior to being received by the detectors. The conduits 61 , 63 effectively shroud the receivers and prevent/inhibit contaminated light being directly (and/or indirectly).

As the fishing line is cast, the fishing line inevitably passes through the detection area for each light path and causes an interruption of the light being received by the photo transistor 31 , 33. For each single coil of fishing line each light path will record a single interruption. Numerous coils are unwound in a typical cast and therefore, the interruptions will be alternately recorded, i.e. first light path, second light path, first light path, second light path etc. The relative time separation between these will indicate the direction of travel of the fishing line.

During a cast, the fishing line will initially break the first light path and then the second light path quickly thereafter prior to a relatively long period of time before the second coil breaks the first light path and the second light path again. Conversely, during reeling in, the time periods will be reversed such that the detected interruptions recorded will correspond to the second light path and then the first light path quickly thereafter prior to a relatively long period of time before the second light path is interrupted followed quickly by the second light path again. The time discrimination between the intervals of adjacent interruptions thereby enables the system to automatically determine if the fishing line is being cast outwardly or reeled inwardly. Alternative embodiments may comprises a sensor (e.g. encoder) on the bail arm which may reaffirm the operation of the reel (i.e. reeling in or casting out).

If the two time intervals were relatively similar, then this identification would be more problematic and error prone. Accordingly, the light paths are quite closely circumferentially located to maximise the differences between the two intervals whilst still enabling the two interruptions to be clearly detected. In order to aid the detection of the two interruptions, the light beams are very narrow and are arranged to broken sequentially and not broken at the same time. The light used comprises infrared light with a wavelength in the range of 700-950 nm.

The spool 10 includes a battery compartment in order for batteries to be easily removed and replaced. This may be provided through the upper end of the spool 10.

The upper end of the spool 10 may also provide user operated push buttons 40, 42 to enable the user to control the functionality of the electronic reel.

The fishing reel is the same size and has all the same functionality as a conventional fixed spool fishing reel. The optical sensing device could be fitted into an existing design of reel.

As shown in Figure 3A, Figure 3B and Figure 4, the electrical components are all contained within the body of the spool 10. The batteries 52 are mounted in an accessible compartment at the top of the spool 10. An axial ribbon 54 (or cable) is arranged to supply power to the lower end of the spool 10 and specifically for the laser diodes 30, 32. The route of this ribbon is designed so that it does not interfere with the mechanism of the reel. In particular, this ribbon runs in an axial direction adjacent to an internal wall of the spool body/hub 24. A further description of the electro-mechanical functionality of the electronic reel will now be provided.

The design uses two beams, relatively close to each other with respect to reel circumference. When the line is leaving the reel during a cast, both beams (A, B) are broken on every revolution about the reel, but the time difference between beams A and B is different from the time difference between B and A. Beams A and B are not equally spaced apart around the reel circumference. Therefore, as the line breaks the beams it will break beam A and shortly afterwards it will break beam B. The line will continue to rotate about the reel and then break A again but after a longer period of time. It will then break beam B but after a short period of time. When reeling in, the time differences will be the opposite way around. The time lines will graphically and schematically appear approximately as follows:

Casting (clockwise)

. A....B . A....B . A....B. ..

Reeling in: (anticlockwise)

. B....A . B....A . B....A. ..

These times are collected for each revolution and are compared to determine the direction and hence whether the line is leaving or returning to the reel. These times are counted using hardware timer/counters built into a central processing unit. Each time a beam is broken, the CPU takes a snapshot of the timer then restarts it ready for the next beam break. This is then added to, or subtracted from, a 32-bit signed pulse timer register, dependent on the direction.

To determine the direction, as least two beam breaks must occur as a result of a whole revolution about the reel. Once this has happened, the main firmware is alerted and will increment or decrement the revolution counter accordingly based on the polarity of the pulse timer register. The measurement of the line may be based on revolution counts and not actual line lengths. Each revolution length of line will vary depending on the amount of line on the reel at any given moment. However, the app may be able to calculate the approximate length based on the line gauge and quantity of line on the spool 10 prior to casting.

The hardware timer/counter may comprise a 16 bit (0-65535) and is clocked from 13 MHz (76 ns) so it can only time about 5 ms (198.36 Hz). However, when the timer/counter rolls over, the CPU is alerted & the pulse timer register is added or subtracted by 65536 counts, in accordance with the currently determined direction of the revolutions. This allows extremely fast revolutions to be timed but, along with the 32-bit overflow register, can accommodate very slow revolutions when the line is being reeled back in.

The figures are ± 13 MHz / 2^L31 bits = 6 mHz = 165 seconds at 76 ns resolution. Due to the high speed timer/count measurement, there is a 1.26-2.52 ms independent de-bounce on each beam detection signal. So only the first signal change is processed. If another change occurs on the same signal within the debounce period, it is ignored.

Once the pre-processed signals reach the detection /direction engine the direction in which they are travelling needs to be determined reliably. This is done in a state machine which keeps track of the currently determined direction, so if the direction changes, this can be trapped and not incur an erroneous revolution count.

Accordingly, this provides a stream of events in a given direction allowing revolutions to be counted.

By using a series of button presses the user can carry out the following procedures. To measure a cast, the user resets the revolution counter, casts to the desired location, then saves the count by pressing a button. The user reels the line back onto the spool 10. The user then reloads the saved count (by pressing a button) which is automatically converted to a negative count and then casts again. As the count reaches zero, a series of beeps with various tones and cadence are emitted to alert the user to stop the line at the appropriate time.

However, due to the fact that the reel works in both directions, if the user overshoots the desired destination, the line can be reeled back to the required spot and the reel will again beep to assist them.

The system and specifically the software requires reliable beam break detection in all weathers and for different line types. The beams need to be impervious to sunlight pollution, rain and differing line widths and colours.

The present invention achieves this through the use of high quality infrared laser diode emitters 30, 32 together with high speed photo transistor detectors 31 , 33 tuned to the same frequency.

The beams shine from the back of the reel through a very thin, flat, transparent window. This allows for easy cleaning. The photo transistors 31 , 33 are also behind a similar window, again for easy cleaning, but these are also recessed at the bottom of a small diameter, parallel sided tube.

The photo transistors 31 , 33 are also equipped with a daylight filter. These are both to protect the photo transistor from sunlight pollution.

As part of the mechanical design, only light projecting from the emitter 30, 32, that is on the same central axis of alignment as the respective detector 31 , 33, can pass through the small bore tube and be received by the detector 31 , 33. Light that is not on this central communicating axis will not be received by the detector 31 , 33. This enables the reel to work in high levels of direct sunlight at any angle

The present invention thereby limits the light received by the detectors 31 , 33 such that the light originates from the emitters 30, 32. Other contaminated light may cause fluctuations in the received light which would thereby confuse the system and provide unreliable readings. In particular, the system may believe that an “interruption” had occurred when in fact the“interruption” was simply a fluctuation from contaminated light.

The bottom part of the spool 10 that houses the emitters (laser diodes) shadows the top part of the spool 10 that houses the detectors so no light, other than that from the emitters (laser diodes), can reach the detectors themselves.

In order to detect any gauge of line, the photo transistors 31 , 33 are connected to the input of independent differential amplifiers (one on each detector). This allows any small change in signal from the beam to be detected.

Also to optimise the sensitivity of the photo transistor 31 , 33, the beam intensity is calibrated to ensure the correct amount of power is delivered to the photo transistor 31 , 33 to ensure it is biased to a stable level, but not saturated as saturation impairs the speed to which it may react to (and recover from) breaks in the beam.

To ensure best performance and repeatability, the beam is calibrated every time the reel is switched on prior to use. This is also ensured as the reel is equipped to auto shutdown whenever the detection circuit is idle for a period of time. This also ensures very good battery life.

When the beam is disturbed by the line the differential amplifier generates a near full rail to rail pulse. This is fed into an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), which synchronises the signal by sampling the signals every 62.5 ns (16 MFIz).

In some embodiments, this is then debounced to 1.6 ps and the leading edge of the de-bounced signal is then used to generate a fixed pulse width of 3 ps. These times ensures predefined limits under which the firmware is able to operate reliably. To ensure accurate operation throughout the life of the batteries the system must be impervious to variations in supply voltage. It must also be immune to dynamic changes in supply voltage while in use. This is achieved by using onboard voltage regulation with good input and output filtering and decoupling. This regulated voltage is then used as a common supply for the laser diodes 30, 32, photo transistors 31 , 33, differential amplifiers and FPGA.

The laser diodes outputs are both independently calibrated every time the system is powered up. This is done with programmable current sources so the output remains unchanged with varying and dynamic battery voltages.

One aim of the present invention is for the RF/Bluetooth to communicate with a smartphone for logging distance and direction (using an electronic compass). The smartphone will then use this information along with its own GPS and date/time stamp for logging. The reel and the handset may not have GPS capabilities.

The reel may have a MEMS (microelctromechanical system) device which may assist with casting. The MEMs device may be used for detecting when the user is about to cast.

As described above, the reel includes a compass (MEMS device) to record the direction of the unwound fishing line. This compass data/direction data enables the angler to record the fishing spot (together with the length of unwound fishing line and the geographical (GPS) location data). The compass comprises a MEMs device which may track magnetic north and may take a bearing from a desired fishing spot and then subsequently signal and provide an indication of this bearing to the angler.

The angler may have a pre-recorded desired fishing spot comprising direction, distance and GPS location. The GPS location can be replicated by physically moving to the desired position and the distance is controlled by the length of unwound fishing line and is achieved by casting and any subsequent adjustments (e.g. reeling in any excess line). The direction is replicated by indicating the initial casting direction (and some adjustment may subsequently be made, e.g. reeling in towards the desired final direction). In particular, in a pre-casting position the system may indicate the orientation for the rod. Prior to casting, the angler may have the rod directly pointing in an opposite direction to the casting direction. In addition, the reel may be in an inverted position. Accordingly, the system need to adjust the directional data to compensate for these changes.

The actual direction which would be recorded may be compensated by 180 degrees (i.e. mirrored) to allow for the fact that the rod may be pointing in the opposite direction prior to casting. However, in addition, the system needs to compensate and allow for the fact that the sensor (MEMS device or other compass device) is in an inverted configuration. These two compensations then enable the system to signal when the rod is positioned in a correct pre-casting direction whilst being held over the shoulder/head of the angler. A series of audible alerts (e.g. beep frequency) may be used to signal to the angler to re- direct the rod until the correct pre-casting direction is achieved. It is appreciated that the system may signal to the angler which direction the cast should be made and, once indicated, the angler may use a different casting technique and does not necessarily need to cast at 180 degrees to the final destination, e.g. once know the angler may want extra rotation etc. prior to casting in the desired direction.

The reel may also include a sensor (accelerometer) to automatically detect when the rod is in this pre-casting position. For example, the sensor may detect when the reel is in an inverted position. This may provide an“auto raise” signal which then initiates the directional signal to be provided. The auto raise detection may then follow the different orientations/actions prior to being reactivated, i.e. the auto raise feature would detect the line being wound out and/or the spool stopping, the rod being rested on a bank stick, the fishing line being wound in etc. The system may also have a button or other input system to initiate the directional signal.

Claims

1. A fixed spool fishing reel for a fishing line wherein the fishing line is arranged to be wound and unwound from a spool, the fishing reel comprising: an optical sensing device to quantify the length of fishing line unwound from the spool during a cast, the optical sensing device also quantifying the length of fishing line wound on to the spool as the fishing line is reeled in onto the spool, the optical sensing device comprising a first light emitting device providing a first light path to a first light sensor and a second light emitting device providing a second light path to a second light sensor,

2. A fixed spool fishing reel according to Claim 1 in which the self-calibrating system is automatically initiated each time the optical sensing device is turned on.

3. A fixed spool fishing reel according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the self calibrating system is activated by a user.

4. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the self calibrating system adjusts the intensity level of the first and the second light emitting devices to provide a sensed intensity level within a set range.

5. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the self calibrating system increases and/or decreases the intensity level of the first and second light emitting devices to provide a sensed intensity level within a set range.

6. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the optical sensing device may comprise alert means to alert a condition to a user and wherein the condition includes a lower or higher than expected measurement recorded by the first or second light detector.

7. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the optical sensing device comprises a power supply which supplies power to the first and second light emitting devices and to the first and second light sensors and wherein the optical sensing device comprises a power feedback system wherein the power supply is distributed through a voltage regulator.

8. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the first light emitting device comprises a laser diode and the second light emitting device comprises a laser diode.

9. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the first light sensor comprises a photo transistor and the second light sensor comprises a photo transistor.

10. A fixed spool fishing reel according to Claim 9 when dependent upon Claim 8 in which the self calibrating system comprises a photo transistor feedback loop in relation to the first laser diode/photo transistor and the second laser diode/photo transistor.

11. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the spool comprises a hub with an outer surface around which the fishing line is arranged to be wound and the hub comprises a frustoconical surface which is angled inwardly from a first end to a second end.

12. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the spool comprises a central longitudinal axis which extends centrally through the spool from the first end to the second end and the spool is arranged to be mounted on a shaft which extends centrally along the central longitudinal axis.

13. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the first light emitting device is circumferentially spaced from the second light emitting device.

14. A fixed spool fishing reel according to Claim 13 when dependent upon Claim 12 in which a radial distance between the first light emitting device and the central longitudinal axis is the same as a radial distance between the second light emitting device and the central longitudinal axis.

15. A fixed spool fishing reel according to Claim 11 or any one of Claim 12 to 14 when dependent upon Claim 11 claim in which the first light emitting device is spaced from an outer surface of the hub by the same distance as the second light emitting device is spaced from an outer surface of the hub.

16. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the first light sensor is circumferentially spaced from the second light sensor.

17. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the first light path is parallel to the outer surface of the hub and the second light path is parallel to the outer surface of the hub.

18. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the first light path and the second light path extend axially along the spool from a first end to a second end.

19. A fixed spool fishing reel according to Claim 18 in which the first light emitting device and the second light emitting device are mounted at the first end of the spool and the first light sensor and the second light sensor are mounted at the second end of the spool.

20. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the fishing reel comprises a compass to detect and record directional data regarding the direction of extension of the unwound fishing line.

21. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the fishing reel comprises control means to enable a user to input a desired length of unwound fishing line.

22. A fixed spool fishing reel according Claim 21 in which the input may comprise a button mounted on the fishing reel which a user may actuate in order to record a current length of unwound fishing line.

23. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the fishing reel comprises indicator means to indicate whether a current length of unwound fishing line is greater than or less than a desired length of unwound fishing line.

24. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the fishing reel comprises recording means to record data relating to a fishing session and in which the data comprises the length of unwound fishing line and the direction of extension of the unwound fishing line.

25. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the data comprises GPS coordinates of the fishing reel.

26. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any preceding claim in which the fishing reel comprises communication means to communicate data to a remote unit and wherein the remote unit comprises a memory system to record and store historical data regarding fishing sessions and the historical data is retrievable to be displayed in order for a user to plan a fishing session.

27. A fixed spool fishing reel according to Claim 26 in which the communication means comprise a wireless system comprising Bluetooth.

28. A fixed spool fishing reel according to Claim 26 or Claim 27 in which the communication means comprise a wireless system comprising radio communication.

29. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any one of Claim 26 to Claim 28 in which the remote unit may comprise a smart phone.

30. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any one of Claim 26 to Claim 29 in which the remote unit comprises further data recording means to record further data regarding a fishing session.

31. A fixed spool fishing reel according to any one of Claim 30 in which the data comprises a combination of the following data:

weather data,

a record of fish caught during a fishing session,

a record of fish species, and

size of fish caught during the fishing session.

32. A spool for a fixed spool fishing reel for a fishing line wherein the fishing line is arranged to be wound and unwound from the spool, the spool comprising:

33. A method of quantifying the length of fishing line unwound from a fixed spool fishing reel during a cast wherein the fishing line is arranged to be wound and unwound from a spool, the fishing reel comprising: