Smartphone Laser Rangefinding for Accurate Golf Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf distance measuring devices suffer from inaccuracies due to reliance on GPS, mechanical methods, and separate modules, which are cumbersome, difficult to use, and costly, leading to incorrect club selection and delayed play.
Innovation Solution
A golf distance measuring system integrated with a smartphone, utilizing a laser beam transceiver and high-performance MCU to accurately measure distance by combining image analysis with laser-based distance calculation, providing real-time feedback and recommendations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If GPS method is used to measure distance, then the measurement can be performed automatically, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to large error ranges (30-100m for standard positioning service)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS positioning with visual recognition technology. The system uses GPS to obtain initial position information and then employs image recognition to identify the flagstick in captured images. By merging these two methods, the system achieves both automatic operation and high measurement precision, as the visual recognition component corrects the inherent GPS errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual recognition system that acts as a mediator between GPS positioning and final distance calculation. The image recognition module captures the flagstick's position and uses this visual information to refine and correct the GPS-derived distance, thereby achieving precise measurements while maintaining automatic operation.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical distance measuring device is used, then the device can provide distance measurement, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in precise alignment and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system with an automated image recognition system. Instead of requiring manual alignment of the flagstick with measurement screens through mechanical lens adjustment, the system uses computer vision to automatically detect and identify the flagstick in images, eliminating the need for manual mechanical alignment while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment through automated image recognition. The camera automatically captures images, the recognition algorithm automatically identifies the flagstick position, and the system automatically calculates distance without requiring user intervention for alignment, thereby greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If separate module distance measuring device is used, then the measurement function is provided, but the productivity deteriorates due to time delays and the device complexity increases requiring separate mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the distance measurement function with the smartphone that golfers already carry. By integrating the measurement capabilities into an existing device rather than requiring a separate module, the system eliminates the time needed for separate device handling and mounting, thereby improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the smartphone serve multiple functions: it acts as both a communication device and a distance measuring instrument. The smartphone's camera, processor, and display are utilized for distance measurement, eliminating the need for dedicated separate measurement equipment and reducing time delays during play.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If expensive MCU is mounted in separate module, then the image analysis capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the smartphone's existing high-performance processor to perform image analysis. Instead of mounting an expensive specialized MCU in a separate module, the system utilizes the smartphone's universal processing capabilities, which are already powerful enough for image recognition tasks. This approach maintains image analysis capability while significantly reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the smartphone's existing camera and processor as copies of the specialized image analysis hardware that would otherwise be needed in a separate module. The smartphone's components perform the same image recognition function, eliminating the need for additional expensive specialized hardware and reducing overall manufacturing cost.
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
Enables precise and convenient golf distance measurement, reducing errors and enhancing gameplay by integrating with a smartphone for ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam transceiver formed in the main body, performing transmission/reception with the user terminal
Implementation Method 2
calculating a distance to the target based on the laser transmission/reception information
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment provides a golf distance measuring device comprising a main body formed outside a user terminal, a laser beam transceiver formed in the main body, performing transmission/reception with the user terminal, and receiving a direction of a target from the user terminal to transmit/receive a laser beam to/from the target, and a controller formed in the main body, receiving laser transmission/reception information from the laser beam transceiver, and calculating a distance to the target based on the laser transmission/reception information. Therefore, since the golf distance measuring device is attached to the smartphone and functions as a golf distance measuring system in conjunction with the smartphone, ease to carry and a slim size may be achieved.