Apparatus to determine an ideal casting length for a fishing cord

Abstract

An apparatus 10 for determining an ideal casting length CLI for a fishing cord, so that an object connected to the end of the cord the object comes to rest at a desired landing point under the water. The apparatus evaluates the ideal casting length based on a distance value d for the distance between the position of a user and the water entry point, a water depth value h for the depth of water at the water entry point, and a weight value w for the weight of the object being cast. All three of these parameters are provides as an input to a controller 12. A graphic user interface is provided for user entry of at least the weight value. The apparatus includes database means comprising date relating to relationships between distance valves, water depth values, and weight values. An indicating means visually or audibly indicates the ideal casting length evaluated by the determining means.

Description

[001] The present invention relates to an apparatus to determine an ideal casting length for a fishing cord which will limit the distance which an object, connected to the end of the fishing cord, can be cast over an area of water so that the object falls and sinks into the water to come to rest at a desired landing point located under the water.

[002] An angler looking at the surface of an area of water such as a lake or river can recognise and select an optimum fishing zone of that water which they believe offers the best chances of catching fish. An inexperienced angler is more likely to seek advice on where the optimum fishing zone is located.

[003] The selection of the optimum fishing zone is typically influenced by the behaviour of the fish being caught. In this respect, fish behaviour depends significantly on a number of factors such as water flow, closeness to shade or an edge of the water area, the underwater profile of the water bed, the depth of the water, and the nature of the water bed (sandy, bare rock, weeds etc) . The area of the water bed within the optimum fishing zone, the fishing area, can often be relatively small, for example it can be a meter square.

[004] Following the selection of the optimum fishing zone, the angler will use a throwing operation so that their fishing rig, connected to the end of a fishing cord, passes across the water, hits the water at a water entry point, sinks through the water, and lands on the desired landing point within the fishing area.

[005] It will be appreciated that accuracy of the throwing operation to land the fishing rig on the desired landing point is vital because the fishing area is often located some distance away, up to at least 100 meters, and the dimension of the fishing zone in the throwing direction can be relatively small, in this case about 1 meter. Therefore, a 1% error in the distance of the throwing operation will cause the fishing rig to fall before or beyond the fishing area. It is therefore quite easy for the angler to miss the desired landing point.

[006] The level of accuracy is particularly important because the fishing rig will only tempt fish swimming within an orbit of perhaps 25-35 centimeters from the fishing rig. Consequently, if the fishing rig does not accurately land on a landing point within the fishing area, fishing will not be taking place in the optimum fishing zone at all and may be taking place at a part of the water bed where there are no fish.

[007] Furthermore, the angler will also typically distribute bait at the fishing area in an attempt to attract fish. If bait is distributed too far outside the fishing area, the attraction of the bait is diluted. It is therefore additionally important that the fishing rig accurately lands at a landing point within the fishing area where bait distribution has already taken place.

[008] The usual circumstances for an angler are that they are standing at their current position on the bank of the area of water, in the present case a river running close to their feet. They will then select an optimum fishing zone.

[009] For the throwing operation, the angler will attach the fishing rig (usually one or more hooks) to the end of a long length of fishing cord (also known as fishing line) which is wound around a reel provided on a fishing rod. A weighting system, such as a lead weight, is also provided on the fishing cord close to the fishing rig. The amount of lead weight used will vary widely as known in the art. The angler will then determine and measure out an ideal casting length CLi of fishing cord so that the fishing rig will land on the desired landing point. The determination of the ideal casting length CLi is very important as will be explained hereunder. The position marking the end of the ideal casting length is typically marked by a clip on the fishing cord which alerts the angler when it hits the reel during the casting operation and will stop further unreeling of the fishing cord so that only the ideal casting length has been unreeled.

[0010] The angler will then wind the fishing cord onto the reel of the fishing rod until the fishing rig is located close to the end of the fishing rod. The casting part of the casting operation then begins. The angler then moves the end of the fishing rod behind them and swings the end of the fishing rod forwards towards the location of the optimum fishing zone with the end of the fishing rod stopping at a finishing position slightly pointing towards the fishing zone. This is usually expressed using a clock reference system wherein a finishing position of the fishing rod slightly pointing (forwards) towards the fishing zone is expressed as 11 o'clock, having the fishing rod vertical is expressed as 12 o'clock, and slightly pointing away (rearwards) from the fishing zone is expressed as 1 o'clock. The basic finishing position of the fishing rod is considered to be at 12 o'clock, and the end of the fishing rod will then be a distance B above the water surface.

[0011] This casting part of the casting operation propels the lead weight and fishing rig, with the fishing cord unreeling, through the air in a forward direction over the water surface and towards the optimum fishing zone with sufficient momentum to carry the lead weight and fishing rig preferably to a point above the water surface close to the optimum fishing zone. This point is preferably reached when the fishing rig is about 30 centimeters above the water surface.

[0012] The ideal casting length CLi acts to limit the distance which the lead weight and fishing rig can travel over the water surface during the casting operation. The clip effectively prevents any further fishing cord being unreeled so that only the ideal casting length of fishing cord extends from the angler to the fishing rig at this point in time.

[0013] Once the limit of travel, defined by the ideal casting length, has been reached, the lead weight and fishing rig will halt, drop, hit and enter the water at an entry point on the water surface, and then sink down through the water to land accurately on the desired landing point within the fishing area of the river bed within the optimum fishing zone.

[0014] Anglers with experience and a consistent casting operation will use a trial and error technique to determine the length value for the ideal casting length. They will repeat trial casting operations a number of times until they feel the weighting system and associated fishing rig drop into the water and sink and accurately land at the landing point within the fishing area of the optimum fishing zone. At this time, the length value of the ideal casting length has been determined and fishing can commence .

[0015] Less experienced anglers are unable to do this quickly if at all. Furthermore, there is also a risk that a trial casting operation can be too far such that a hazard is encountered, for example the fishing cord extends into trees or bushes lining a river bank or island which can be problematic .

[0016] In principle, determining the length value of the ideal casting length should be a matter of simple maths based on working out a line of sight distance between the end of the fishing rod and the landing point within the fishing area on the river bed.

[0017] The distance, parallel to the water surface, between the entry point on the water surface and the angler on the river bank has a value d. Assuming the landing point within the fishing area is located directly below the water entry point, then if the depth of water here has a value h, the line of sight distance between the top of the rod (a distance B above the water surface) and the landing point within the fishing area is given by:- Square root of [d2+(B+h)2]      .......... 1)

[0018] It is a simple matter to add on the additional distance from the top of the rod to the reel in order to calculate the ideal casting length CLi.

[0019] Consequently, less experienced anglers can use a distance view finder, such as golfers use, to obtain the distance value between the angler and the water entry point above the fishing area, and can obtain a depth value for the water at the fishing area by a technique or device known to those skilled in the art. Assuming the angler knows the length of their fishing rod, they can calculate an ideal casting length by using the formula in equation 1. This is particularly useful to ensure the fishing rig does not travel too far into a potential hazard. The line of sight value for the ideal casting length is considered a basic value CLb of the ideal casting length.

[0020] Unfortunately, neither of the above techniques used by experienced and less experienced anglers leads to a quick and simple determination of the ideal casting length. In addition, it has been found that setting CLb = CLi does not in fact lead to particularly accurate landing of the fishing rig at the desired landing point in the fishing area. There is therefore a need for an apparatus which can quickly, simply, and accurately determine an ideal casting length CLi which results in the fishing rig accurately, reliably and consistently coming to rest at the desired landing point located under the water surface.

[0021] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus to more accurately determine the ideal casting length of fishing cord.

[0022] According to the present invention there is provided apparatus to determine an ideal casting length for a fishing cord which will limit the travel distance which an object, connected to the end of the fishing cord, can be cast over an area of water so that the object falls and sinks into the water to come to rest at a desired landing point located under the water, the apparatus comprising:-a controller; means for providing, as an input to the controller, a distance value for the distance between the current position of the user and a water entry point for the object on the water surface; means for providing, as an input to the controller, a water depth value for the depth of the water in the region of the water entry point; a graphical user interface operable for user entry of a weight value of the weight of the object being cast and providing the weight value as an input to the controller; database means comprising data relating to relationships between distance values, water depth values, and weight values; a determining means which receives the input value of the distance value, the input value of the water depth value, and the input value of the weight value; wherein the determining means retrieves data from the database means according to these input values and uses the retrieved data to evaluate an ideal casting length of the fishing cord according to a predetermined algorithm; and an indicating means for visually or audibly indicating the ideal casting length evaluated by the determining means .

[0023] In one case, the database means comprises a first database containing momentum data relating to relationships between distance values and water depth values for respective weight values, and a second database containing data relating to relationships between said momentum data and water depth values for respective weight values.

[0024] In another embodiment, the graphical user interface is operable for user entry of an elasticity value of the fishing cord and providing the elasticity value as an input to the controller; wherein the database means comprises data relating to relationships between distance values, water depth values, weight values, and elasticity values; and wherein the determining means receives the input value of the distance value, the input value of the water depth value, the input value of the weight value, and the input value of the elasticity value; wherein the determining means retrieves data from the database means according to these input values and uses the retrieved data to evaluate an ideal casting length of the fishing cord according to a predetermined algorithm.

[0025] In one case, the database means comprises a third database containing data relating to relationships between elasticity compensation data and weight values for respective elasticity values.

[0026] In another embodiment, the graphical user interface is operable for user entry of parameter values for at least one of rod length, test curve of fishing rod, wind, and water flow; wherein the database means comprises further databases containing data relating to these parameter values; wherein the determining means further receives the parameter values; and wherein the determining means further retrieves data from the database means according to these parameter values and uses the retrieved data to evaluate an ideal casting length of the fishing cord according to a predetermined algorithm.

[0027] In one case, the retrieved data from the database means comprises correction coefficient data, and the determining means applies the correction coefficient data to modify a baseline casting length to evaluate the ideal casting length.

[0028] Preferably, the determining means comprises a neural network for determining the ideal casting length from the data in the database means using independent component analysis based on training data obtained from database data received during a plurality of training casting operations made in a controlled environment.

[0029] Conveniently, the indicating means converts the ideal casting length into a wrap dimension.

[0030] In one case, the means for providing, as an input to the controller, a distance value comprises a distance measure device.

[0031] In another case, the means for providing, as an input to the controller, a distance value comprises the graphical user interface.

[0032] In one embodiment, the means for providing, as an input to the controller, a water depth value comprises the graphical user interface.

[0033] An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 illustrate a first embodiment of an apparatus to determine an ideal casting length; Figure 2 illustrates a flow diagram of the operation of the apparatus shown in figures 1; Figure 3 illustrate a second embodiment of an apparatus to determine an ideal casting length.

[0034] The present Applicants have realized that there is a technical issue that occurs as the end of the casting length is reached which can mean the basic casting length CLb is not in fact an accurate representation of the ideal casting length.

[0035] The basic casting length CLb using the simple line of sight value assumes that as the end of the casting length is reached where further travel of the weighting system and fishing rig in the forward direction is stopped (the travel limit). The fishing rig will then drop, hit and enter the water at the water entry point on the water surface, and then sink down through the water to land on the desired landing point in the fishing area.

[0036] However, during the casting operation, there are technical issues regarding a momentum effect that have not hitherto been adequately considered. In this respect, during the casting operation the weighting system (hereinafter the weight) at the end of the fishing cord must be given sufficient forward momentum to travel to and reach the point of the water surface above the fishing area. To ensure that the weight does not drop short, an excess momentum is provided to the weight. During travel, the fishing cord is being pulled from the reel and friction will gradually reduce the velocity of travel of the weight.

[0037] When the end of the casting length is reached, the fishing cord is further tensioned by the remaining forward momentum of the weight. The dissipation of this tension results in a corresponding rearward momentum to the weight and fishing rig, hereinafter the momentum effect.

[0038] The reverse momentum leads to an element of rearward travel of the weight and fishing rig back towards the angler. This reverse momentum continues, in a diminished way, as the weight and fishing rig hits and enters the water, and sinks down through the water. The basic casting length CLb does not take this rearward travel into account with the result that the fishing rig is likely to land short of the fishing area.

[0039] Thus, determining the length of the ideal casting length to be the same as the length of the basic casting length will not lead to the fishing rig landing on the desired landing point.

[0040] The present Applicants have analysed the momentum effect and realized that there are a number of technical issues involved. In particular, the amount of reverse momentum is influenced by a number of variable parameters such that evaluating the momentum compensation coefficient CCm is quite complex and not at all straightforward.

[0041] A first embodiment of the apparatus embodying the invention, shown in figure 1, appreciates the momentum effect and uses particular data to calculate a momentum compensation coefficient CCm which can be applied to the length of the basic casting length CLb as a compensation for this effect to thereby determine what is effectively the ideal casting length CLi. The apparatus can therefore quickly and simply determine an accurate length value for the ideal casting length CLi which is more likely to result in the fishing rig accurately landing on the desired landing point.

[0042] Referring to figure 1, the apparatus 10 has a distance measuring device 11 enabling an angler to focus on a water entry point, directly above the underwater fishing area where it is desired to land a fishing rig. With the distance measuring device, the angler can measure a distance value d for the distance between the angler and that water entry point. It will be appreciated that such a water entry point can be marked by a marker buoy or other techniques known to those skilled in the art. A controller 12 is connected to the distance measuring device and receives, as an input, the measured distance value d.

[0043] The apparatus 10 also includes a graphical user interface 13 which is connected to the controller 12. The construction of the interface can take many different forms, the details of which are readily available to those known in the art. The graphical user interface 13 enables an angler to manually enter different data at prompting by the controller 12. Initially, the controller prompts the angler to enter, into the graphical user interface 13, a depth value h of the depth of water at the water entry point directly above the underwater fishing area. The value h of the depth can be measured by various techniques known to those skilled in the art. Thus, the controller 12 receives, as an input, the depth value h.

[0044] The Applicants have ascertained that the amount of reverse momentum is influenced by certain variable parameters associated of the angling equipment that have an effect during the casting operation.

[0045] In particular, the total amount of rearward travel resulting from the reverse momentum has a relationship to the weight value w of the weight attached to the end of the fishing cord during casting. The relationship is not linear because it has been found that there is also a correlation to the distance value d over which that weight is being cast to reach the water entry point, and also a correlation to the depth of water.

[0046] Indeed, as the relationship between weight, distance, and water depth and their effect on the amount of rearward travel is a complex one, there has been a problem with evaluating a momentum compensation coefficient CCm which can be applied to the length of the basic casting length CLb in order to come up with the actual ideal casting length CLi.

[0047] The apparatus 10 solves this problem by arranging for the controller to prompt the angler to enter, into the graphical user interface 13, a weight value w for the weight used at the end of the fishing cord. Thus, the controller 12 receives, as an input, the weight value w.

[0048] The apparatus 10 further solves this problem by including a momentum database 14 which contains a series of tables with each table being set according to a different individual value of weight w. Within each table, for the individual value of weight w, there are values of a momentum factors M(d,w) as it varies over distance d.

[0049] The apparatus further includes a depth adjustment database 15 containing a series of tables with each table being set for a different individual value of depth h. Each table, for the individual value of depth h, contains values of depth adjustment factors D(M,h) is it varies with momentum factor M(d,w).

[0050] The operation of the apparatus of figure 1 will now be described with reference to figure 2.

[0051] Initially, in step SI the controller 12 uses the manually input values of h and d along with a standard value for fishing rod length and determines the basic ideal casting length CLb.

[0052] Then in step S2, the controller 12 accesses the momentum database 14 and uses the manually entered values of d and w to retrieve, from the relevant table corresponding to that entered value of the weight w, the value of the momentum factor M(d,w) for the input distance d.

[0053] Then in step S3, the controller 12 accesses the depth adjustment database 15 and uses the manually entered value of h and the value of the momentum factor M(d,w) retrieved in step S2 to retrieve, from the relevant table corresponding to that entered value of the depth h, the value of the depth adjustment factor D(M,h) for the momentum factor M(d,w).

[0054] The controller 12 in step S4 then applies the value of the depth adjustment factor D(M,h) to the value of the momentum factor M(d,w) to calculate the momentum compensation coefficient CCm.

[0055] Then, in step S5, the controller 12 applies the calculated momentum compensation coefficient CCm to the basic casting length CLb to determine the ideal casting length CLi.

[0056] Finally, in step S6, the value of the ideal casting length CLi is output to the user interface and this will be the ideal casting length for the angler to use.

[0057] It will be appreciated by anglers that the value of the ideal casting length CLi can easily be converted into what is known as wraps, which in turn are based on the distance between poles which will define a particular dimension of wraps.

[0058] In this way, the apparatus can provide an angler with a quick, simple and accurate ideal casting length which is ideal considering the circumstances of the particular fishing situation.

[0059] Another technical issue influencing the momentum effect and the amount of rearward momentum is the elasticity value e of the elasticity of the fishing cord because this can affect the tension involved as the limit of the casting length is reached. If the elasticity value e of the fishing cord allows it to stretch easily, the force to return the fishing cord to its original form and the impact on the momentum factor is relatively low and the contribution to any rearward momentum is relatively less.

[0060] On the other hand if the elasticity value e of elasticity allows the fishing cord to stretch less easily, the force to return the fishing cord to its original form and the impact on the momentum factor is relatively greater and the contribution to any rearward momentum is relatively greater .

[0061] If the elasticity value e of elasticity is neutral, there will be no stretch and no impact on the momentum factor .

[0062] Fishing cord is made in different ways, with different materials, and with different diameters. The parameters of material and diameter will influence elasticity. For example, fishing cord comes as monofilament, fluorocarbon and braid amongst others. In addition, the diameter is typically in the range between 0.11 mm and 0.60 mm.

[0063] The amount of reverse momentum that occurs with elasticity when the travel limit determined by the casting length is reached, and its contribution to reverse momentum, will also be dependent on the weight value w.

[0064] As the relationship between weight and elasticity and their effect on the amount of rearward travel is a complex one and is not a simple linear relationship, there has been a problem with evaluating an elasticity compensation coefficient CCe(o,w) which can be applied to the length of the basic casting length CLb in order to come up with an improved actual ideal casting length CLi.

[0065] An embodiment of an apparatus 10A solving this problem is shown in figure 3. Components which are common between figures 1 and 3 bear the same reference numbers. In the apparatus 10A the controller 12 prompt the angler to enter, into the graphical user interface 13, the elasticity and diameter of the fishing cord. Thus, the controller 12 receives, as an input, these values.

[0066] The embodiment of the apparatus 10A includes an elasticity database 16 which contains a series of tables with each table being set according to a different individual value of elasticity e. Within each table, for the individual value of elasticity, there are values of elasticity compensation coefficient CCe(o,w) as it varies with weight. The values of elasticity e of the fishing cord in the database cover the most common construction materials of fishing cords with their most common diameters .

[0067] The user enters into the user interface the elasticity and diameter of the fishing cord being used.

[0068] The controller then calculates the elasticity value e and accesses the elasticity database 16 to retrieve the value of the elasticity compensation coefficient CCe(o,w) in the database corresponding to the weight w and the elasticity value e.

[0069] Step S5 shown in figure 2 can then be modified so that the controller 12 also applies the elasticity compensation coefficient CCe(o,w) as well as the calculated momentum compensation coefficient CCm to the basic casting length CLb to determine the ideal casting length CLi.

[0070] It will be appreciated that further similar databases can be used to calculate correction coefficients in relation to other equipment factors which have variable parameters which can effect the amount of reverse momentum. For example, there are a wide range of fishing rods having a number of different variables such as different lengths, materials of construction, different strengths, test curves of the rods. In a similar manner, the apparatus can also include correction coefficients for wind and river flow.

[0071] It will be further appreciated that the weight value (w) can include the weight of the fishing rig. In addition, the basic casting length can be calculated to include a rod length entered into the graphical user interface and can include a distance between the angler and the water surface to compensate for when the angler is elevated relative to the water level.

[0072] It will also be appreciated that the distance measuring device 11 can be a separate device with the angler manually entering the distance value d into the graphical user interface 13.

[0073] It will be understood that the embodiments illustrated above show applications only for the purposes of illustration. In practice, embodiments may be applied to many different configurations, the detailed embodiments being straightforward for those skilled in the art to implement.

[0074] The databases discussed above, and the relationships within them are based on manual empirical tests. However, an improvement of the present invention is to use a neural network which determines an ideal casting length based on training data obtained during a plurality of training sessions of accurate landing of the fishing rig using parameters such as the distance value d, the depth value h, the weight value (w), and the elasticity value (e).

Claims

1. Apparatus (10, 10A) to determine an ideal casting length CLi for a fishing cord which will limit the travel distance which an object, connected to the end of the fishing cord, can be cast over an area of water so that the object falls and sinks into the water to come to rest at a desired landing point located under the water, the apparatus comprising:-a controller (12);means for providing, as an input to the controller (12), a distance value (d) for the distance between the current position of the user and a water entry point for the object on the water surface;means for providing, as an input to the controller (12), a water depth value (h) for the depth of the water in the region of the water entry point;a graphical user interface (13) operable for user entry of a weight value (w) of the weight of the object being cast and providing the weight value (w) as an input to the controller (12) ;database means comprising data relating to relationships between distance values, water depth values, and weight values;a determining means which receives the input value of the distance value (d), the input value of the water depth value (h), and the input value of the weight value (w);wherein the determining means retrieves data from the database means according to these input values and uses the retrieved data to evaluate an ideal casting length CLi of the fishing cord according to a predetermined algorithm; and an indicating means for visually or audibly indicating the ideal casting length CLi evaluated by the determiningmeans .

2. Apparatus according to claim 1wherein the database means comprises a first database containing momentum data relating to relationships between distance values and water depth values for respective weight values, and a second database containing data relating to relationships between said momentum data and water depth values for respective weight values.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2wherein the graphical user interface (13) is operable for user entry of an elasticity value (e) of the fishing cord and providing the elasticity value (e) as an input to the controller (12) ;wherein the database means comprises data relating to relationships between distance values, water depth values, weight values, and elasticity values; andwherein the determining means receives the input value of the distance value (d), the input value of the water depth value (h) , the input value of the weight value (w), and the input value of the elasticity value (e);wherein the determining means retrieves data from the database means according to these input values and uses the retrieved data to evaluate an ideal casting length CLi of the fishing cord according to a predetermined algorithm.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3wherein the database means comprises a third database containing data relating to relationships between elasticity compensation data and weight values for respective elasticity values.

5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the graphical user interface (13) is operable for user entry of parameter values for at least one of rod length, test curve of fishing rod, wind, and water flow;wherein the database means comprises further databases containing data relating to these parameter values;wherein the determining means further receives the parameter values; andwherein the determining means further retrieves data from the database means according to these parameter values and uses the retrieved data to evaluate an ideal casting length CLi of the fishing cord according to a predetermined algorithm.

6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the retrieved data from the database means comprises correction coefficient data, and the determining means applies the correction coefficient data to modify a baseline casting length to evaluate the ideal casting length CLi.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the determining means comprises a neural network for determining the ideal casting length CLi from the data in the database means using independent component analysis based on training data obtained from database data received during a plurality of training casting operations made in a controlled environment.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the indicating means converts the ideal casting length CLi into a wrap dimension.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the means for providing, as an input to the controller (12), a distance value (d) comprises a distance measure device .

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the means for providing, as an input to the controller (12), a distance value (d) comprises the graphical user interface (13).

11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the means for providing, as an input to the controller (12), a water depth value (h) comprises the graphical user interface (13) .

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