Portable Audio System with Wireless Beacon for Hands-Free Golf Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional audio playback systems for sports enthusiasts, such as golfers, are cumbersome and lack immediate control access when used during activities, as they require returning to the device to pause or adjust settings, and existing range-finding devices are inaccurate in obstructed environments.
Innovation Solution
A portable audio system with a wireless beacon that triggers requests for shot information, allowing users to receive location and environmental data as audio signals, enabling hands-free control and accurate distance measurements through a paired mobile device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional portable speakers are used during sports activities, then audio playback is provided, but the user cannot access controls immediately when stepping away from the device
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the audio control functionality into two separate components: a portable speaker unit for audio playback and a remote controller for operation. This segmentation allows the user to carry the lightweight controller separately while leaving the speaker in the bag or cart, enabling immediate access to controls without returning to the main device.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication intermediary (Bluetooth or similar wireless protocol) connects the controller to the speaker, enabling remote operation. This intermediary allows control signals to be transmitted wirelessly from the controller to the speaker, providing immediate access to playback controls from a distance.
2Measurement precision
If traditional range finding devices are used, then distance measurement is provided, but accuracy deteriorates in obstructed field-of-view conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical/optical laser ranging system with an electronic GPS-based location system. Instead of using laser beams that require clear line-of-sight, the system uses satellite-based positioning to determine location and calculate distances, eliminating the harmful effect of obstructed field-of-view.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary calculation method: rather than directly measuring distance between objects, it calculates distance based on GPS coordinates of the user and target location. This intermediary approach using geographic coordinate systems allows accurate distance determination even when direct visual or laser path is blocked.
3Measurement precision
If laser-based range finders are used, then distance measurement is provided, but the device becomes cumbersome and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the heavy mechanical laser ranging apparatus with lightweight electronic components (GPS receiver and processor). This substitution dramatically reduces device weight while maintaining or improving measurement precision, as GPS-based location determination is inherently more accurate than consumer-grade laser rangefinders in many conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a multi-functional approach where the GPS receiver serves both as a location determination device and as a basis for distance measurement. This eliminates the need for separate specialized ranging equipment, reducing overall system weight while providing both location and distance information.
Data Source
AI summary
Audio systems and methods for obtaining location information are disclosed. A portable, wireless speaker that may include a beacon that a user may activate to remotely trigger a request for shot information, which may include location information of the user or speaker. The beacon may be wirelessly coupled to the speaker. The speaker may receive location information from a remote device, such as a GPS-enabled mobile phone. The shot information may be converted into an audio format for playback by the speaker. The speaker may pause the playback of the speaker to play out the shot information.