U.S. patent application number 14/504344 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-02 for device and system for tracking a golf ball with round indicators and club statistics.
The applicant listed for this patent is INVENIET,LLC. Invention is credited to Ronald Earl BOWDEN, William Louis TOTO, Jeffery Philip UNGER, SR..
Application Number | 20150094168 14/504344 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52740719 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150094168 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
UNGER, SR.; Jeffery Philip ;
et al. |
April 2, 2015 |
DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR TRACKING A GOLF BALL WITH ROUND INDICATORS
AND CLUB STATISTICS
Abstract
A system for tracking the flight, location and other information
of a golf ball or other mobile object. Also provided is a golf ball
including onboard circuitry and other components for wireless
communication with a remote receiver.
Inventors: |
UNGER, SR.; Jeffery Philip;
(Covington, GA) ; TOTO; William Louis; (Atlanta,
GA) ; BOWDEN; Ronald Earl; (Duluth, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INVENIET,LLC |
Covington |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52740719 |
Appl. No.: |
14/504344 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61885267 |
Oct 1, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/353 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/50 20130101;
A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 2220/12 20130101; A63B 2220/13
20130101; A63B 2220/35 20130101; A63B 43/06 20130101; A63B 57/40
20151001; A63B 57/357 20151001; A63B 37/0003 20130101; A63B 2220/40
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/353 |
International
Class: |
A63B 37/00 20060101
A63B037/00; A63B 71/06 20060101 A63B071/06 |
Claims
1. An object, such as a golf ball, comprising: a. a ball; b. at
least one GPS chip; c. at least one accelerator chip; d. at least
one gyroscope chip; e. means for wireless communication; f. at
least one wireless charging unit; g. at least one microprocessor
control; and, h. at least one embedded antenna.
2. A system for tracking characteristics of a movable object and
communicating such characteristics to a remote device, the system
comprising: a. a movable object comprising, i. at least one GPS
chip; ii. at least one accelerator chip; iii. at least one
gyroscope chip; iv. means for wireless communication; v. at least
one wireless charging unit; vi. at least one microprocessor
control; and, vii. at least one embedded antenna, b. a beginning
point indicator; c. an ending point indicator; and, d. a computing
device including software for processing communications and data
received from the movable object and further including at least one
display and at least one user interface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/885,267, filed Oct. 1, 2013, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of tracking
devices and methods. Exemplary embodiments relate to a system for
tracking the flight and location of a golf ball or other movable
object and software for providing statistics regarding the ball or
object.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Golfers who wish to determine various characteristics of
their golf ball, either in flight or when it lands typically must
use a spotter to locate the ball or other external detector or
measurement system. It would be desirable to have a golf ball with
onboard intelligence that can communicate various characteristics
of the ball and its location to a remote receiver, such as a mobile
computing device.
SUMMARY
[0004] Exemplary embodiments provide for the tracking and locating
of a golf ball via GPS on a golf course. Exemplary embodiments
provide a device comprising an electronic golf ball that has GPS,
cellular, wifi, and Bluetooth transmission technology, as well as a
gyroscope for the determination of strokes, speed and rate of spin
on the golf ball. This device connects to an external server and/or
smart phone application for reporting of its location and
associated information.
[0005] This system also may also include start and end of round
indicators and user club statics.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a ball according to a first
exemplary embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a ball showing the antenna as
flush with the surface of the ball.
[0008] FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic view of a ball and
components according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the components and circuit
flow according to one embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the communication flow
between various components according to one embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device according to one
embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a golf course hole and
device placed on a golf course hole flag pole.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a device according to one embodiment, attachable
to a golf club.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the communication flow
between various components according to one embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the communication flow
between various components according to a group or controlled
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the communication flow
between various components according to a direct single access
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the communication flow
between various components according to a group or controlled
access embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of golf ball according to one
exemplary embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a detail view of the embodiment of FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] In exemplary embodiments, a device is provided that has
looks and feel of a conventional golf ball and is able to report
its location via a wireless communication systems and maintain
power for an extended period of time.
[0021] In exemplary embodiments, a device may determine the stroke
number by the sudden acceleration of the device at a high
acceleration ("g") level or to go from stop to start at a low g
level. The device can be reset from one hole to the next by shaking
it a predetermined times to indicate the start of the next hole, or
via wireless communication with a start/end of round indicator. The
device may have its own internal battery and use wireless charging
so the device can be sealed so as to prevent short circuiting when
dumped in water. The device may optionally have solar paint as a
trickle feed power source to increase its duration during time on
the course. In one exemplary embodiment, the device is also
programmable and designed for low energy use and includes a unique
identification.
[0022] In one exemplary embodiment, the components of the device
include a battery, an energy harvesting coil and associated
hardware, a means for programming or selecting a device
identification number, a low power microprocessor with static ram
and wireless hardware, GPS hardware, cellular hardware, Bluetooth
hardware, gyroscope hardware, antenna system and a power regulator
for battery charging. This can be surrounded by a natural or
synthetic rubber or other cover substance enclosed in a hard
shell.
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the device includes a hard shell,
the natural or synthetic rubber half, the PCB board with the
hardware components, the battery, and the special designed
antennas. One antenna is for receiving the GPS signal with the
second antenna for the sending and receiving of cellular and
wireless data.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates how one exemplary embodiment of a device
will look enclosed in a golf ball shell with the antennas ends
sticking out flush with the external body of the golf ball. It also
shows the only two LED's that indicate power of the device and
communication activity.
Components
[0025] In one exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3, the
components of the device include a battery, an energy harvesting
coil and associated hardware, a means for programming or selecting
device identification number, a low power microprocessor with
static ram and wireless hardware, GPS hardware, cellular hardware,
Bluetooth hardware, gyroscope hardware, antenna system and a power
regulator for an external charging source. This will be surrounded
by a natural or synthetic rubber substance enclosed in a hard shell
with two visual indicator LEDs for power and communications.
Golf Ball Components
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of the
components of a golf ball. While the device can use an 8-bit,
16-bit, or 32-bit or higher bit processor, it is important that the
processor run at low power to reduce battery drain. The design of
the device contemplates low power usage, while maintain the ability
to detect its current state and send update messages in near
real-time.
[0027] The unit could even be programmed to go to sleep after a
certain time and then wake up when there is no movement. The
microprocessor also could have an integrated network wired or
wireless interface as part of the chip, so accessing the network is
part of the chip itself. One exemplary battery for the device is a
lithium-ion battery, since it can easily be made to fit the device
dimensions, as well as provide long life power source for the
device. The device has an operating system running in connection
therewith which controls the task of sending messages for the
updating of the devices location. The device has an array of
communications options including Bluetooth, wireless, cellular and
the like. This allows the device to be configured using Bluetooth
or wireless and use the cellular or wireless option to send updates
about its location. The gyroscope hardware assists with determining
acceleration, spin, rate of acceleration, and de-acceleration to
stop. This also assists with determining shakes for the start of a
new round of golf.
Operation Logic
[0028] In the initial design of the operating task for the device,
the device may perform one of several tasks: wait on a connection
for configuration, wait to determine if it is at the start of a
hole of golf; wait to see if there is a certain sequence of shakes
for the end of a hole, or a message from a start/end of round
indicator; sudden acceleration to indicate a stroke, slowing of
acceleration to stop to indicate the end of a stroke, or slowing of
acceleration with a drop to indicate that the ball dropped into the
hole.
[0029] The device uses a real-time operating system (OS) that
controls task, events and interrupts. This OS is stored in the
device's permanent memory and can be updated as needed.
How the Golf Ball GPS Tracking Works
[0030] The initial design of the unit takes advantage of and
measures, as applicable, movement of the device and sudden
acceleration as a mean to decide when it is in play and when it is
not. When the device detects sudden acceleration of a high gravity
nature after the end of a hole or after configuration, it decides
that this is start of a round of golf, and then starts to broadcast
it position. Ideally, it broadcast its position on the first sudden
drop in acceleration and then once it has stop completely.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the device has an identification
number and sends message to a smart phone or other computing device
application or a server.
Golf Ball GPS Round Indicators
[0032] The initial design of the golf ball round indicators are
Bluetooth devices that indicate the number of the hole and
communicate with the player's golf ball to tell it that there is a
new round of golf or indicate that they have reached the end of the
round. It also indicates the number of stokes and the information
about the hole such as yards to the cup. It also communicates the
golfer's information with the system.
Start Round Indicator
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the device can be placed on the
large balls that are present at each hole and would communicate via
Bluetooth to the ball information about the hole number of golf.
The GPS golf ball would then communicate the user of the golf ball
for that round. This will automate tracking of users on the golf
course and score keeping. These devices have a unique
identification that can be associated with each golf course.
End of Round Indicator
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the device can be placed on the
flag poll and it would broadcast to the golf ball that it has
reached the green and information about the green, such as distance
to the whole. In the hole itself, there is a metal plate or
indicator that knows when the golf ball entered the hole. This will
communicate with the GPS golf ball that that golf round is over and
all the strokes of the user can be recorded to the system.
Golf Club Statics Device
[0035] In exemplary embodiments, an initial design of the golf club
statics device includes a tiny Bluetooth device with a battery and
gyro chip so as to measure the stroke information on a play. This
can record speed and angle of the stroke which can then be sent
back to the server as part of a user's information. The device each
has a unique device identification that can be associated with a
user.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the tiny device can be attached to
the golf club for automated measurements of their stroke.
Tracking Software Application
[0037] In exemplary embodiments, a smart phone or other mobile
device software application provide a user interface for accessing,
configuring and updating information to the device. In this
embodiment, the first option is the direct contact option, in which
the smart phone application acts as the server to the GPS golf ball
and it does the configuration and listens for messages from the
device.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the device has a smart phone
application that does the configuration and acts as the server for
updates from the device.
[0039] In this embodiment, the second option is the indirect
contact option, with this the smart phone software application
acting as the server to an external web server to which is recorded
all the messages from the device and updates to a user record.
[0040] FIG. 10 shows one exemplary embodiment in which a smart
phone application and server does the configuration and receives
message from the device via the wireless interface or the cellular
interface. Note that with the golf start and end indicators and the
golf user statics device one may have a completely automated system
for golf.
Tracking Method
[0041] In one exemplary embodiment two methods are provided for
accessing the GPS golf ball: (1) a direct access method for single
play access or (2) a method for group or controlled access. In a
direct access method, there is no server needed for the use of the
device, the device is directly configured by the smart phone
application, and then all messages about the device are directly
sent to the smart phone application.
[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the GPS golf ball is configured
by using Bluetooth or wireless, then once the first round of golf
starts, the message about location, speed, and stroke are sent
directly to the smart phone application.
[0043] In the controlled group access, the device is configured
using the wireless access and the user has a record on the web
server where he/she has registered. The GPS golf ball is paired
with the user and so is the user's cell phone.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the device sends its messages to
a server via either the wireless access or cellular access and the
messages are recorded on a server for the user. The web server then
updates the application that an event has occurred and it then
displays the new information.
[0045] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a GPS golf ball may
indicate: [0046] 1. A user's location; [0047] 2. Spin; [0048] 3.
Swing hardness; and, [0049] 4. Roll after touch down.
[0050] In at least one exemplary embodiment, GPS golf ball
technology may include: [0051] 1. at least one GPS chip; [0052] 2.
at least one accelerator chip; [0053] 3. at least one gyroscope
chip; [0054] 4. cellular, WiFi and/or Bluetooth communications;
[0055] 5. at least one wireless charging unit; [0056] 6. at least
one microprocessor control; and [0057] 7. at least one embedded
antenna.
[0058] This hardware may determine, spin, hardness of swing with
roll and communicate it to an external device.
[0059] An exemplary embodiment of such a system may include an
electronic start of round indicators and an electronic end of round
indicators.
[0060] FIG. 13 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a golf ball
containing a chip. FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the chip assembly
of FIG. 13.
[0061] The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are
contemplated and non-limiting:
[0062] Clause 1: The present disclosure provides an object, such as
a golf ball, comprising a ball; at least one GPS chip; at least one
accelerator chip; at least one gyroscope chip; means for wireless
communication; at least one wireless charging unit; at least one
microprocessor control; and, at least one embedded antenna.
[0063] Clause 2: The present disclosure provides a system for
tracking characteristics of a movable object and communicating such
characteristics to a remote device, the system comprising, a
movable object comprising at least one GPS chip; at least one
accelerator chip; at least one gyroscope chip; means for wireless
communication; at least one wireless charging unit; at least one
microprocessor control; and, at least one embedded antenna, a
beginning point indicator; an ending point indicator; and, a
computing device including software for processing communications
and data received from the movable object and further including at
least one display and at least one user interface.
[0064] While the present invention has been illustrated by a
description of one or more embodiments thereof and while these
embodiments have been described in considerable detail, they are
not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and
modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The
invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the
specific details, representative apparatus and method, and
illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures
may be made from such details without departing from the scope of
the general inventive concept.
* * * * *