Golf Laser Range Finder with Gyroscopic Stabilization and Variable Magnification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available laser range finders for golf courses lack features such as continuous power activation, stability during use, variable magnification, positive feedback for target acquisition, ergonomic design, and the ability to capture and display the minimum distance to a flagstick, making them difficult to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A laser-based range finder with a housing that includes magnified optical viewing, infrared target acquisition, display capabilities, gyroscopic stabilization, an ergonomically shaped hand interface, and attachments for stability, such as a telescoping leg and bracket for golf carts or bags, allowing for variable magnification, vibration reduction, and alerting the user to target acquisition, along with an integrated digital camera and adjustable field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the range finder is hand-held for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but stability during use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces auxiliary support structures (tripod, golf bag adapter, golf cart adapter) as intermediary devices between the range finder and the environment. These adapters allow the range finder to be stably positioned without requiring constant hand-holding, thus maintaining portability while improving stability during measurement operations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power button must be continuously depressed during a sweep, then power consumption is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic power activation that occurs preliminarily when the range finder detects motion or when the measurement mode is engaged. This eliminates the need for continuous button depression, as the system automatically activates and remains active during the sweep operation, improving ease of operation while managing power consumption through automated state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The range finder incorporates motion sensors and automatic detection systems that allow the device to self-activate and self-manage power states during operation. The system monitors its own operational context and automatically adjusts power delivery, eliminating the need for continuous user input while maintaining efficient power usage through intelligent state management.
3Device complexity
If a single magnification is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable magnification capabilities that allow the optical system to dynamically adjust its magnification level based on the measurement requirements. The system can switch between different magnification levels (e.g., 3x, 6x, 9x) to adapt to various target distances and sizes, providing versatility without significantly increasing overall device complexity through modular optical design.
4Device complexity
If vibration and shaking are not minimized, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates gyroscopic stabilization technology that uses gyroscopes to detect and counteract vibrations and shaking movements of the range finder. The gyroscopic system generates compensating movements that oppose the detected vibrations, thereby stabilizing the optical axis and improving measurement precision without requiring overly complex active vibration cancellation systems.
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 improved range finder provides stable and accurate distance measurements with enhanced user comfort and functionality, allowing for efficient target acquisition and display of the closest target during a sweep operation, while minimizing vibration and offering adjustable viewing options and ergonomic design for improved usability.
Implementation Method 1
a laser for emitting a laser beam to a flagstick to be measured
Implementation Method 2
a detector for detecting a reflected light from the flagstick
Implementation Method 3
a measuring part for calculating a distance to the flagstick on the basis of the reflected light detected by the detector
Implementation Method 4
a gyroscopic based stabilization device for minimizing vibration of the range finder
Implementation Method 5
means for recognizing an infrared signature of a flagstick
Data Source
AI summary
An improved range finder for use on a golf course. The improved range finder includes means for identifying the closest target in a field of view during a sweep operation of the field of view and means for presenting the distance of the closest target at the conclusion of the sweep operation of the field of view. The improved range finder preferably uses infrared light to detect a flagstick.