Golf Shot Tracker Power Management via Motion-Triggered RFID
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shot tracking devices face challenges in conserving battery power during continuous operation while transmitting RFID signals, especially in devices like golf club trackers that require sophisticated power management to function effectively.
Innovation Solution
A power-saving circuit with a microprocessor, multi-axis accelerometer, and radiofrequency component is integrated into a golf club device, allowing for intelligent power conservation by activating and deactivating components based on motion detection and transmitting data efficiently at 2.4 GHz, with a method to deactivate the device after a threshold number of signals are sent without receipt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device transmits RFID signals continuously to track shots, then the tracking reliability is improved, but the battery power is depleted rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic action by transmitting RFID signals only at specific intervals when shots are detected, rather than continuously. The microprocessor controls the RFID component to transmit data periodically after detecting shot events through the accelerometer, thereby maintaining tracking reliability while significantly reducing battery power consumption during operation.
2Measurement precision
If the device activates motion sensing and data transmission frequently, then the shot tracking accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring motion data in a low-power state and only activating full data transmission when shot-like motion patterns are detected. The accelerometer runs continuously in a low-power mode to detect motion, and the microprocessor analyzes the motion data to determine if a shot occurred, activating the RFID transmission only when necessary, thus maintaining detection accuracy while minimizing power consumption.
3Speed
If the device remains active to monitor shots continuously, then the responsiveness to shot events is improved, but the battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements dynamics by transitioning between different operational states based on detected events. The microprocessor dynamically adjusts the operational mode of the RFID component and accelerometer, switching between sleep mode, active monitoring mode, and data transmission mode. This dynamic state management allows the device to remain responsive to shot events while extending battery life by minimizing power consumption during non-event periods.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the device includes sophisticated power management circuitry, then the power conservation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor serves multiple functions within the device, acting as both the motion data analyzer and the power management controller. By utilizing the microprocessor's existing capabilities for both shot detection analysis and power management control, the device achieves sophisticated power conservation without adding separate dedicated power management circuitry, thus maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture.
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 solution significantly reduces power consumption, enabling the device to operate for extended periods (up to five years) and effectively track golf shots by optimizing power usage during sleep, sampling, analysis, monitoring, and transmission modes, while ensuring accurate data transmission and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-axis accelerometer for determining movement, monitoring movement and communicating the movement to the microprocessor
Implementation Method 2
a radiofrequency component positioned within the housing, wherein the radiofrequency component is in electrical communication with the microprocessor. The radiofrequency component operates at 2.4 giga-Hertz. The radiofrequency component transmits a signal from the radiofrequency component
Data Source
AI summary
A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing composed of a polymer material, the housing having a main body and a projection body extending from the main body, the projection body having a length ranging from 1 mm to 5 mm and a diameter ranging from 20 mm to 25 mm, a battery, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.