Method and system for determining the effective yardage to a golf pin
A sensor and wireless communication technologies are implemented to make it possible to assemble a golf ball like device, which can be lofted into the air in order to monitor atmospheric conditions, such as wind strength, wind speed, temperature, elevation (height), altitude, barometric pressure and the like. These atmospheric parameters are displayed on the hand held device in graphic and tabular form. In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance to an object is provided in view of one or more parameters of atmospheric conditions.
The present invention claims priority to provisional Patent Application No. 60/654,000 filed Feb. 18, 2005, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method, a system and a computer program product for determining atmospheric conditions and yardage for golfing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method, a device and a computer program product for determining atmospheric conditions that exist on a golf course at the time a golfer is approaching a hole to measure true distance to a pin.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Golfers require an understanding of a variety of conditions in playing the game of golf. In particular, a golfer often estimates the effect of wind strength and direction, the effect of temperature, altitude, barometric pressure, the distance to the green and the topology of the green, e.g., its height above the fairway. These estimates, particularly for wind strength and direction, often are inaccurate and lead to poor drives that result in lost golf balls and as a consequence penalty strokes. The inability to correctly estimate the playing conditions thus reduces a golfer's enjoyment of the game as a game of skill and overall handicap.
Techniques have been developed to accurately estimate playing conditions and course topology. One technique implements a device for determining distance to a green using ultrasound. This technique also measures wind conditions and provides wind corrected distance and direction for golf drives. Furthermore, the technique recommends the appropriate golf club for the wind conditions. Another technique implements a portable, low-cost range finder adaptable to measuring distances on a golf course or for measuring distances to objects in military applications. In general, these technologies do not offer a means to monitor the variation in wind velocity with height above ground. Similarly temperature may change with height or altitude and barometric pressure. There is a need for a means to monitor the actual atmospheric conditions while playing the game of golf.
Accordingly, there is a need for a method of determining the atmospheric conditions of a golf course. There is a need for the method to determine atmospheric conditions while playing the game of golf or practicing at a range. There is a need for the method to be implemented using a hand-held device. There is a need for the method to determine conditions on a golf course including, but not limited to, wind direction and velocity, temperature, barometric pressure, ground distance, ground elevation and altitude. There is a need for the method to display the parameters of a condition in graphic and tabular form. There is a need for the method to implement sensor technologies in wireless communication that enable a golf ball like device to be lofted into the air in order to monitor various atmospheric conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to embodiments of the present invention, a method, a device and a computer program product for determining atmospheric conditions and yardage for golfing. The method implements sensor and wireless communication technologies that make it possible to assemble a golf ball like device, which can be lofted into the air in order to monitor atmospheric conditions, such as wind strength, wind speed, temperature, elevation (height), altitude, barometric pressure and the like. These atmospheric parameters are displayed on the hand held device in graphic and tabular form. In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance to an object is provided in view of one or more parameters of atmospheric conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe above described features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated with reference to the detailed description and appended figures in which:
The present invention is now described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings that show embodiments of the present invention. The present invention, however, may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to embodiments set forth herein. Appropriately, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention.
According to embodiments of the present invention, a method, a device and a computer program product for determining atmospheric conditions and yardage for golfing. The method implements sensor and wireless communication technologies that make it possible to assemble a golf ball like device, which can be lofted into the air in order to monitor atmospheric conditions, such as wind strength, wind speed, temperature, elevation (height), altitude, barometric pressure and the like. These atmospheric parameters are displayed on the hand held device in graphic and tabular form. In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance to an object is provided in view of one or more parameters of atmospheric conditions.
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While specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that changes can be made to those embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the present invention concentrates on a single, it is understood that information from a series of images, a moving object or a specific object might advantageously be used as well. Also, while our application to golf balls has us discussing UV and visible light, the method is not dependent on this choice.
Claims
1. A method of determining golf swing characteristics comprising
- launching a sensor to determine at least one parameter relating to atmospheric conditions;
- obtaining the at least one parameter;
- determine a distance in the x plane in view of the obtained at least one parameter;
- where in the distance in the x plane employed to determine at least one characteristic of the swing.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the imaging circuitry is configured as a golf ball. position in the shaft of the golf club.
3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining a distance based on a length between a point A and a point B.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one characteristic is any one of: type of golf club, swing motion and degree of swing.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the atmospheric conditions include any one of: altitude, barometric pressure, temperature, wind speed and wind velocity.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 21, 2006
Publication Date: Feb 8, 2007
Inventors: Peter Zanzucchi (Princeton Junction, NJ), Jonathan Bernstein (New York, NY), John Steinhardt (New York, NY)
Application Number: 11/357,219
International Classification: A63B 69/36 (20060101);