WO2009023935A1

WO2009023935A1 - Golfing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2009023935A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/001234
Authority: WO
Inventors: Angelo Kotsis; Michael Squires; Nick Fondas; Angelo Doukas
Original assignee: Xbug Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-08-22
Filing date: 2008-08-22
Publication date: 2009-02-26

Abstract

A golfing apparatus for calculating the distance from a ball to a location of interest includes an input module for allowing input of a known distance from a first position to the location of interest. A relative position of the ball with respect to the first position is determined by a determining module of the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a 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; and a golfing trolley including a system for supporting a golf bag and at least one wheel which includes a body arranged to rotate about an axis. The body is generally elongate and includes end regions through which the axis of rotation passes. The diameter of the body between the end regions is smaller than the diameter of the body between the end regions.

Description

GOLFING APPARATUS

Technical Field

This invention relates generally to golfing apparatus .

Background of the Invention

Over the years various apparatus have been developed for the golfing world to provide competitive advantage and to make the game easier and more enjoyable for players.

One such apparatus is the distance marker which is placed at an advertised distance out from the pin for assisting golfers in club selection. Such 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.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect 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.

In an embodiment the determining module comprises a distance module for calculating the distance traversed by the apparatus/player between the first location and the ball .

In an embodiment the distance module comprises an accelerometer . In an embodiment the determining module further comprises a bearing module .

In an embodiment the bearing module comprises a magnetic compass.

In an embodiment the determining module determines the relative position by mapping movement vectors of the player/apparatus from the first position to the ball .

In an embodiment the apparatus further comprises a display for displaying the calculated distance.

In an embodiment the location of interest is a golfing green and the known distance is ascertained from a distance marker .

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided 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.

In an embodiment 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 .

In an embodiment the step of mapping the movement of the player comprises periodically measuring the player's bearing and distance travelled. In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided 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.

In an embodiment the known distance is ascertained from a distance marker.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present there is provided 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.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided 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.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

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; and

Figure 12 is a view of the trolley of Figure 11 travelling on sloping ground.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

With reference to Figures 1 through 5, there is shown an apparatus for calculating distance in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention. In accordance with the first aspect, 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, according to the illustrated embodiment, 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.) .

With reference to Figure 2, the distance marker is denoted as "M", the destination (in this case the golfing green) is denoted as "G" and the relative ball position denoted by "B" . For simplicity, M is shown to be at the origin (0,0) of the graph .

With reference to Figure Ia, 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. In a second step 103, the relative position of the golf ball with respect to the first — D ~

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.

With reference to Figure Ib, 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 .

The step of mapping the device's movement (i.e. which corresponds to the golfer's movement) between the first location and golf ball (i.e. the operation of the determining module) will now be described in more detail, with additional reference to Figure 2. In an embodiment 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. In this example embodiment, the device includes two sensors, namely:

• An accelerometer; and

• A magnetic compass

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:

where x is the distance travelled by the golfer after time t; x_o and v_o are the initial distance and velocity, respectively; and a is the acceleration provided by the accelerometer .

In other words, using 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.

In this manner, 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.

Three example embodiments for the first aspect will now be described.

Example Embodiment 1 : Stand Alone Device - Direct Path

Referring to Figure 3, 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 .

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 .

During this period 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. Note that 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:

Resultant distance = _Λ/4θV(187-12O)² = approx 78m

The resultant distance calculation may be displayed on a display module 54 provided on the device 50. In an embodiment, the display module 54 may additionally show the distance travelled by the golfer between the marker and ball .

It will readily be understood by persons skilled in the art that 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

In this example embodiment a bearing is not required for the calculations and consequently the device is not required to incorporate a magnetic compass. Referring to Figure 4, 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.

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.

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) .

In this embodiment, the device relies on the golfer walking a path towards the green that creates a right angled triangle with the ball . As was the case with the previous example embodiment, an approximate path will provide a sufficient distance reading for most golfers. Example Embodiment 3 : Requiring Golf Trolley

In this example embodiment the accelerometer and magnetic compass (i.e. which in this embodiment form the measurement module) 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. In an embodiment, the two modules communicate using well known radio frequency communications protocol. In an embodiment, 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.

In another embodiment, rather than utilising an accelerometer for determining distance, 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. In an embodiment, the measurement module may additionally incorporate an ultrasonic doppler ground- speed sensor to correct for any wheel slippage etc experienced by the trolley.

In some situations, it may not be convenient for the golfer to locate the trolley directly over the distance marker, ball, etc, when taking the required measurements. Accordingly, 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 .

In the embodiments described above, a known distance was entered into the device in order to determine the distance to the green. In an alternative embodiment, rather than being configured to calculate the distance to the green, 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. In such an embodiment, 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 .

Referring to figures 6 through 12 , there is shown a golf trolley 100 and wheel 10 according to a second aspect of the present invention. 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.

Referring to Figure 7, 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. In an embodiment, at the midpoint between the end regions, 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.

In Figure 8, the axis B is parallel to the ground 20 and wheel touches the ground at point C . Referring to Figure 9 , the ground now slopes at an angle of 13 degrees and wheel 10 now touches the ground at point D.

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 .

In order to turn the trolley, 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. During the rotation, 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.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, 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.

In figure 11, the ground is substantially flat and wheel 20 touches the ground at point E. In figure 12, 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.

Any reference to prior art contained herein is not to be taken as an admission that the information is common general knowledge, unless otherwise indicated.

Finally, it is to be appreciated that various alterations or additions may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the present invention.

Claims

The invention that may be claimed may include the following novel arrangements, either singularly or in any combination thereof :

1. 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.

2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the determining module comprises a distance module for calculating the distance traversed by the player/apparatus between the first location and the ball .

3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the distance module comprises an accelerometer.

4. An apparatus in accordance with claims 2 or 3, wherein the determining module further comprises a bearing module .

5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein the bearing module comprises a magnetic compass .

6. An apparatus in accordance with claims 4 or 5, wherein the determining module determines the relative position by mapping movement vectors of the player/apparatus from the first position to the ball.

7. An apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a display for displaying the calculated distance.

8. An apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the location of interest is a golfing green and wherein the known distance is ascertained from a distance marker.

9. 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 .

10. A method in accordance with claim 9, wherein 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.

11. A method in accordance with claim 10, wherein the step of mapping the movement of the player comprises periodically measuring the golfer's bearing and distance travelled.

12. 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.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the known distance is ascertained from a distance marker.

14. 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.

15. 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 ; the diameter of the body at the end regions is smaller than the diameter of the body between the end regions .

16. A golfing trolley according to claim 15, wherein the diameter of the body varies smoothly along the length of the body.

17. A golfing trolley according to either of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the diameter of the body is greatest at about the midpoint between the end regions .

18. A golfing trolley according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 17, wherein the at least one wheel is provided towards one end of the trolley.

19. A golfing trolley according to claim 18, wherein the trolley is front wheel drive and the at least one wheel is disposed at the rear of the trolley.

20. A golfing trolley according to claim 18, which further includes a handle provided at the opposite end of the trolley.