Configurable Rangefinder Dongle for USGA Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golfers face the challenge of needing separate rangefinders for tournament play, which only measure distance, and recreational or training purposes, which provide additional information, due to USGA rules prohibiting devices that measure conditions affecting play.
Innovation Solution
A portable handheld rangefinder that can be selectively configured to operate in multiple modes, allowing it to display either line-of-sight distance only or additional information such as true distance, inclination, and suggested club and swing speed, using a dongle to comply with USGA rules during tournaments and provide additional functionality during recreational play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rangefinder provides additional information such as true distance, inclination, and suggested club selection, then the device offers greater versatility and usefulness for recreational play, but it violates USGA rules during tournament play
Solution Approach 1:
The rangefinder implements dynamic configurability through a compliance module that can be selectively activated. When activated, the module restricts the device to display only line-of-sight distance, ensuring USGA rule compliance during tournaments. When deactivated, the full functionality including true distance, inclination, and club selection recommendations is available for recreational play. This dynamic switching mechanism allows a single device to adapt its functional state based on the playing context.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliance module acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the rangefinder's full functionality and USGA rule requirements. This separate module can be selectively engaged to enforce rule compliance without permanently limiting the device's capabilities. The intermediary approach allows the core rangefinder functionality to remain intact while providing a controlled interface to tournament regulations.
2Reliability
If golfers carry two separate rangefinders (one for tournaments, one for recreation), then rule compliance is maintained during tournaments, but device complexity and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate rangefinders into a single integrated device. The compliance module is integrated with the core rangefinder components (laser distance meter, inclination sensor, club selection algorithm), allowing both tournament-compliant and recreational modes to coexist in one device. This consolidation eliminates the need for golfers to carry multiple devices while maintaining rule compliance through the selectively activatable compliance module.
Solution Approach 2:
The rangefinder is designed as a universal device that can serve both tournament and recreational purposes. By incorporating the compliance module that can be selectively activated, the device achieves multi-functionality, adapting its behavior to match different playing contexts. This universal design allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require two specialized devices.
3Reliability
If a rangefinder displays only line-of-sight distance, then USGA rule compliance is maintained, but the device loses useful functionality for recreational and training purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic functionality where the compliance module can be selectively activated or deactivated. When activated for tournament play, the device displays only line-of-sight distance to maintain USGA compliance. When deactivated for recreational play, the full suite of features including true distance calculation, inclination measurement, and club selection recommendations becomes available. This dynamic switching preserves rule compliance while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliance module changes the operational parameters of the rangefinder based on activation state. In the activated state, it modifies the display parameters to show only line-of-sight distance. In the deactivated state, it allows full parameter utilization including true distance, inclination angle, and club selection data. This parameter-based control enables the device to adapt its functionality without hardware changes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a single device to meet both tournament and recreational needs by selectively enabling or disabling features based on compliance modules, providing accurate distance measurements and golfing assistance while adhering to USGA regulations.
Implementation Method 1
Laser-based rangefinders for measuring a distance to a target
Implementation Method 2
a laser-based rangefinder emits laser pulses to the target and detects reflections of those pulses
Implementation Method 3
such rangefinders may also incorporate sensors, such as tilt sensors, for providing the user with additional information
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided to selectively measure one or more conditions, such as temperature, wind speed, and angle of inclination, that may assist a golfer in making a play. If it is not permissible to present to the golfer additional information (e.g., an adjusted distance, temperature, wind speed, or a suggested club) that may assist a golfer in making a play, only a line-of-sight distance to a target on a golf course may be displayed. Modular rangefinders are also provided in which a dongle is coupled to a rangefinder to provide unique functionality. For example, a TGR™ dongle may provide golf specific functionality, such as calculating an adjusted distance that the golfer may use to play an inclined shot and a TBR® dongle may provide hunting specific functionality, such as calculating an equivalent horizontal distance that a hunter may use for precise shooting on an incline.