Trackable Golf Ball With RFID/NFC Tag for Close-Range Finding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf balls are easily lost due to their small size and complex, costly, and operationally challenging tracking technologies, such as Taiwan Patent No. 1543800, hinder their practicality.
Innovation Solution
A trackable golf ball equipped with an electronic tag containing an identification chip and a transceiver antenna, connectable to a smartphone or smartwatch, allowing for quick detection and tracking using common mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex circuitry with battery, control unit, accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer is fixed inside the golf ball cavity, then the ball's movement and angular velocity can be sensed and tracked, but the structure becomes complex and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking function from a complex integrated system and isolates it into a simple electronic tag component. Instead of embedding multiple sensors and processing units within the ball cavity, the invention uses a standalone electronic tag that can be attached to the ball surface, separating the identification function from the ball structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex tracking systems with a cost-effective electronic tag solution. The electronic tag uses standard RFID or NFC technology that is significantly cheaper than integrated sensor systems, making the tracking function accessible and practical for ordinary golf balls.
2Measurement precision
If complex circuitry with multiple sensors and processing units is used, then comprehensive ball tracking is achieved, but the operation becomes difficult and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic tag automatically responds to detection signals from mobile devices without requiring any manual operation or configuration. The tag passively or actively transmits its identification information when approached by a mobile device with a reader application, eliminating the need for user intervention in the tracking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the tracking system universal by leveraging existing mobile devices and their built-in RFID/NFC capabilities. Instead of requiring specialized tracking equipment or complex operations, any mobile device with a reader application can interact with the electronic tag, making the system accessible to all users.
3Device complexity
If RFID or NFC electronic tag is used instead of complex circuitry, then the structure is simplified and cost is reduced, but the tracking range is limited to close range interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the range limitation by transitioning from passive detection to active communication. The electronic tag can be configured to actively transmit its location information, and the mobile device can use its own sensors (camera, GPS) to determine the ball's position, effectively extending the tracking capability beyond the immediate close-range interaction.
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 efficient and convenient location of lost golf balls through simple and cost-effective interaction with mobile devices, leveraging RFID or NFC technology.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic tag includes an identification chip and a transceiver antenna
Implementation Method 2
the interaction between the electronic tag reader of the mobile device and the electronic tag can occur at close range
Data Source
AI summary
The trackable ball includes a ball member, and an electronic tag configured on the ball member. The electronic tag includes an identification chip and a transceiver antenna. The electronic tag is a wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or a near-field communication (NFC) tag, signally connected to a mobile device. The mobile device is a smartphone or a smartwatch. The mobile device is equipped with an electronic tag reader, and an indicator. A user can detect and track the ball member using the mobile device. Because mobile devices such as smartphones or smartwatches are very common and easy to carry, the interaction between the electronic tag reader of the mobile device and the electronic tag can occur at close range, achieving the purpose of quickly searching for the ball member, making it convenient and efficient.