Electronic Golf Flagstick With 360° Capture at the Hole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capturing crucial moments in golf games, such as those occurring at the hole on the green, is challenging due to the large playing spaces and the need to keep the area clear of personnel, limiting effective image and sound capture.
Innovation Solution
An electronic golf flagstick with a releasably couplable electric connector that establishes power and data connections when inserted into a cup, enabling sensors to capture 360° images and sounds, which can be processed and broadcast, allowing users to change the vantage point and create customized views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera personnel and equipment are placed in large playing spaces to capture crucial moments, then image and sound capture quality improves, but the playing area becomes crowded and game flow is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the camera and sensor functionality from traditional camera personnel and equipment, integrating it directly into the flagstick. This allows crucial moments to be captured without requiring external camera operators in the playing area, thus maintaining game flow while achieving high-quality capture of putts and crucial shots.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic flagstick serves as an intermediary device between the hole and the broadcasting system. It captures images and sounds at the critical location (the hole) and transmits them to remote broadcasting equipment, eliminating the need for camera personnel to physically occupy the playing space while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated into the flagstick to capture 360° images and sounds, then coverage and viewing options improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic flagstick is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs multiple functions: it serves as a traditional flag marker, houses sensors for image capture, contains microphones for sound capture, and provides wireless communication capabilities. This universal design enables comprehensive 360° coverage and multiple viewing options without requiring separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges traditionally separate functions (flag marking, image capture, sound capture, and communication) into a single integrated electronic flagstick unit. By combining these elements, the system achieves versatile viewing options while managing complexity through integration rather than multiplication of separate components.
3Reliability
If a releasably couplable electric connector is used to establish electrical connections when the flagstick is inserted into the cup, then power and data transmission reliability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The releasably couplable electric connector is designed to automatically establish electrical connections through the natural insertion motion of the flagstick into the cup. The connector's design allows it to self-align and self-connect without requiring external alignment tools or complex positioning mechanisms, thereby achieving reliable connections while minimizing manufacturing precision demands.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic golf flagstick for sensing objects proximate the golf flagstick includes an elongated pole with a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to be removably secured to a surface. A compartment assembly is arranged between the first end and the second end. The compartment assembly includes at least one sensor configured to sense an object proximate the golf flagstick. A ferrule is disposed at the first end and includes a portion a releasably couplable electric connector.