Golf Distance Display System Using Locator Pucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for displaying distances from a golf hole cup to tee hitting positions on a golf course are time-consuming and inefficient, often relying on manual measurements with laser range finders, which can be inaccurate and disrupt gameplay.
Innovation Solution
A distance display system comprising a primary display and locator pucks with GPS technology, allowing for simultaneous display of distances from a cup to multiple tee hitting positions, with locator pucks capturing position data and transmitting it to the primary display for accurate distance calculations and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement with laser range finders is used to determine distances from tee hitting positions to cup, then distance measurement can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and disrupts gameplay
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-determines and stores distance measurements from multiple tee hitting positions to the cup position before play begins. The locator puck at the cup position captures its coordinates, and the system calculates all distances to multiple tee positions in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site measurements during gameplay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses GPS coordinates to create a digital representation of the physical golf hole layout. By capturing the cup position and calculating distances based on coordinate data rather than physical measurement, the system provides accurate distance information instantly without requiring laser range finders or manual measurement during play.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tee hitting positions are reconfigured with new cup positions, then course variety is improved, but the process of measuring and displaying all distances becomes increasingly time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to handle multiple tee hitting positions simultaneously. A single locator puck at the cup position works with multiple tee position locators, and the primary display can show distances to all tee positions at once. This multi-functional capability allows rapid reconfiguration for different course layouts without proportionally increasing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual measurement processes with automated electronic calculation. The processor automatically calculates distances based on GPS coordinates stored in the locator pucks, eliminating the need for manual laser ranging and measurement for each tee position. This substitution of mechanical measurement with electronic computation dramatically increases setup speed.
3Loss of information
If fixed placards with manual distance displays are used, then distance information is available to golfers, but the system cannot be easily updated when cup or tee positions change
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed placards to dynamic electronic displays. The primary display with electronic screen can be remotely updated by simply changing the coordinates stored in the locator pucks. When the greenskeeper repositions the cup or tee positions, they update the GPS coordinates in the locator pucks, and the system automatically recalculates and displays new distances without physical replacard installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locator pucks serve as intermediaries between the physical positions (cup and tee locations) and the electronic display system. They store the coordinate information and communicate with the primary display via wireless communication, allowing easy updates by simply modifying the data in the locator pucks rather than physically changing the display infrastructure.
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
The system simplifies and accelerates the process of displaying accurate distances, reducing manual intervention and gameplay disruptions, enabling golfers to make informed club selections quickly and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a GPS receiver configured to capture position data
Data Source
AI summary
Distance display systems and methods are included which may be used to display an accurate range from a cup of a golf hole to a plurality of tee hitting positions.