Flying Disc Aural Beacon

Abstract

A locator beacon device for use with flying sport discs includes an over-molded housing that encloses a substrate, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) on which is mounted a computer-based processor, e.g., a microcontroller that is configured to control a sound generating device. The device is configured with a height that is less than the depth of an annular rim that extends from the circumferential edge of the disc.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 61/644,041, filed May 8, 2012, and which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is in the technical field of sporting apparatus. Particularly, the present disclosure is in the technical field of beacon devices for use with sporting apparatuses. More particularly, the present disclosure is in the technical field of beacon devices used to locate flying sporting discs used in the game of Disc Golf.

An example of prior art in the field of locating devices for sporting apparatuses includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,055 which details a sound-emitting location device embedded inside a golf ball. The basic embodiment includes a power source, impact-sensitive trigger mechanism, and sound emission device. This design is built into the golf ball during the manufacturing process.

Another example of prior art in the field of locating devices for sporting apparatuses includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,818 which details a location device for use with snow skis, snowboards, and snowshoes. This device emits sound, light, or radio frequency for tracking purposes. The basic embodiment includes a power source, trigger switch, delay timer, and sound, light, or radio emission devices.

An example of prior art in the field of locating devices for sporting apparatuses includes U.S. Pat. No. 8,002,645, which details a location device that uses binary phase shift keying radio frequency modulation (BPSK) to locate a golf ball with radio transceiver inside. Detection of the radio golf ball it done using a hand-held device that indicates the signal strength received from the radio golf ball. This signal strength corresponds to the distance that the user with the hand-held device is from the radio golf ball.

An example of prior art in the field of locating devices for disc used in the game of Disc Golf, which is of interest, is U.S. Pub. App. No. US 2011/0053716 A 1, which outlines a device for locating a lost disc used in the game of Disc Golf. The basic embodiment includes a power source, switch, delay timer, and sound generation and/or light-emitting device. In one embodiment the device is an aftermarket device attached to a disc used in the game of Disc Golf using hook and loop fasteners, double-sided tape, or adhesive. In another embodiment the device is attached to the disc as a step during the manufacturing process. Construction of the devices includes a round wafer-shaped housing which protects a printed circuit board inside. The printed circuit board contains a battery, switch, delay timer, and sound generation and/or light-emitting device. Using this device requires the user to have an adequate battery and to activate the device using a switch. A delay timer is activated and after a set amount of delay time expires, the sound generation and/or light-emitting devices activate allowing the user to locate the disc.

An example of discs used in the game of Disc Golf, includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,568,297, which details a one-piece flying disc. Discs used in the game of Disc Golf are similar to other flying discs such as Frisbees (U.S. Pat. No. 3,359,678), however disc used in the game of Disc Golf encompass a large suite of flying discs in which each one is tailored for a specific flight characteristic. Some discs are designed as long-distance drivers with various curved flight patterns; others are designed for mid-range distances with typically fairly straight flight patterns; and still others are designed for short-range putting with a typically thick airfoil edge to allow a more controlled slow-speed flight pattern. Each design is also typically manufactured in several different weights similar to how bowling balls are manufactured in a wide variety of weights while maintaining the same overall diameter. The size of the disc is not altered; instead, different compositions of plastic are used or the thicknesses of different parts of the discs are altered while maintaining a standard overall diameter of the disc. Like bowling balls, discs with different weight are chosen for comfort and technique. A heaver disc will have more momentum than a lighter disc if supplied with the proper launching force. It is not uncommon for a Disc Golf player to carry a dozen or more discs during a game of Disc Golf.

Where prior art in the field of locating devices for disc used in the game of Disc Golf falls short is offering a locating device that is physically small enough and light enough in weight to attach to any disc used in the game of Disc Golf regardless of the disc's weight. Prior art also falls short to offer a rechargeable power source, forcing users to frequently purchase and install new batteries. Prior art also does not address submersion in water, which can be a common occurrence during play on courses with water hazards. Prior art addresses the need to build the locating device into the disc as a step during the manufacturing process because of the declared unreliability of mounting techniques such as Velcro hook and loop fasteners and double-sided foam adhesive tapes. Building the locating device into the disc may seem like a good option; however, due to the vast assortment of different designs and weights in which discs are manufactured, this proves to be a difficult task to provide a locating device on every style and weight disc manufactured. A more practical solution is to provide a reliable means for attaching the locating device to any disc used in the game of Disc Golf. In this manner the locating device can be an aftermarket product that the user can attach to the disc of their choice. Prior art also requires the user to press a button each time the user wishes to use the locating device and once again after recovering the disc in order to silence it. A wide variety of distinct audible sounds are a necessity when multiple players each use locating devices on their discs in order to distinguish their discs from another player's. Prior art falls short in addressing a method for transferring customized audible sound files from a personal computer or smart phone to the locating device. Prior art also falls short to provide a silent, radio frequency alternative for locating a disc used in the game of Disc Golf. In this patent we will address each of these needs.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a location device designed for use with the flying discs used in the game of Disc Golf. Disc Golf is similar to the traditional game of golf but instead of playing with clubs and balls, flying discs similar to Frisbee discs are used. The “holes” are raised baskets with hanging chains to help stop the flying discs. Disc Golf courses are typically built in parks where there are at least a few extra acres of land. It is not necessary for the land to be cleared for a Disc Golf course; in fact, trees, ponds, and other obstacles add challenges which are appealing to Disc Golf players. Because of the nature of the land used for most disc golf courses, tall grass and thick vegetation are common making it very easy to loose a disc. Utilizing a locating device on the disc avoids long periods of time spent searching for lost discs.

The basic embodiment of the disc location device includes a rechargeable power source, microcontroller, switch, and a sound generation device. This basic embodiment is designed as an aftermarket device that attaches to any disc used in the game of Disc Golf using a fastener such as VHB (very high bonding) tape, mushroom cap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, epoxy, or any similar method for bonding one surface to another. In this embodiment, the user engages the switch before throwing the disc and the sound generation device begins to generate audible sound. After the disc is thrown, the user listens for the audible sound produced by the device, and since the device is attached to the disc, the user can use this sound to locate the disc. Once the disc is located the user disengages the switch and the sound generation stops. A delay of time may be programmed in the microcontroller such that after engaging the switch, the audible sound generation begins after the set amount of time expires. This allows the user to throw the disc without disturbance from the generated sound. The microcontroller may also be programmed with several different audible sounds so that each time the switch is engaged a different audible sound is generated, allowing the user to choose a desired sound. The microcontroller may also be programmed with provisioning for users to upload custom sound files from a personal computer using an interface such as USB (universal serial bus), Bluetooth, or the like. Additional devices such as MEMS (miniature electro-mechanical sensors) accelerometers, magnetometers, compass modules, gyros, or strain gauges, may be incorporated as part of the disc location device. These additional devices may be used to automate the process of starting and stopping sound generation. In another embodiment, a radio frequency generation device may be utilized in addition to the sound generation device to allow an alternate means for finding the disc locator device. In this embodiment, the disc location device is only half of a complete system. The second half of the system includes a radio frequency receiver. In one embodiment of the radio frequency receiver, the receiver is a portable self-contained device. In another embodiment of the radio frequency receiver, the receiver is an accessory for a smart-phone such as an Apple iPhone. In this embodiment the radio frequency receiver communicates with custom software installed on the smart-phone to display signal strength information about the radio frequency and it may also include the relative direction of the radio frequency being received. In another embodiment, the disc location device is molded into the disc during the injection molding process used in the manufacturing of the disc used in the game of Disc Golf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary basic embodiment of the disc location device omitting the over-mold;

FIG. 2 is the same perspective view as FIG. 1 although showing the over-mold;

FIG. 3 is an example of a perspective view of the basic embodiment of the disc location device attached with adhesive tape to a flying disc used in the game of Disc Golf;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the basic embodiment of the disc location device attached with adhesive tape to a flying disc used in the game of Disc Golf shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an example of a perspective view of the basic embodiment of the disc location device over-molded inside a flying disc used in the game of Disc Golf;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the basic embodiment of the disc location device over-molded inside a flying disc used in the game of Disc Golf shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an example of a functional block diagram for an embodiment of the disc location device;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the radio frequency receiver attached to a smart phone used in conjunction with the disc location device;

FIG. 9 is an example of a functional block diagram for the radio frequency receiver used in conjunction with the disc location device; and

FIG. 10 is a functional diagram of an exemplary computer-based processor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. Throughout the drawings, like numerals are used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

Furthermore, reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “various embodiments,” or any variant thereof means that a particular feature or aspect of the invention described in conjunction with the particular embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in another embodiment,” or variations thereof in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to its respective embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, this figure illustrates an exemplary basic embodiment of the disc location device. In this figure the plastic over-mold is omitted to allow a view of the internal components. A printed circuit board 101 provides a backplane upon which a rechargeable power source 102, switch 103, microcontroller 104, sound generation device 105, and power input connector 106 for charging the device are mounted. These components operate in a low-power mode, conserving power until the switch 103 is engaged. Once the switch 103 is engaged, the microcontroller 104 turns on and begins generating a pre-programmed audio signal that is reproduced by the sound generation device (speaker) 105. Disengaging the switch 103 commands the microcontroller 104 to go back into a low-power mode and the sound generation stops. In this configuration, the user engages the switch 103 before throwing the disc used in the game of Disc Golf that the location device is attached to. After the switch 103 is engaged, the sound generated by the sound generation device 105 starts and the user throws the disc. The user then listens for the audible sound produced by the sound generation device 105 and uses the sound to locate the disc. Once the disc with the attached location device is located the user disengages the switch 103 and the sound stops. A delay of time may be programmed in the microcontroller 104 so that after engaging the switch 103, the sound emitted by the sound generation device 105 does not start until after the set amount of time expires. This allows the user to throw the disc without disturbance. The microcontroller 104 may also be programmed with a timer to duty-cycle the sound generation so that it is discontinuous in order to prolong the life of the rechargeable power source 102. The microcontroller 104 may also be programmed with several different audible sounds so that each time the switch 103 is engaged, a different audible sound is generated by the sound generation device 105, allowing the user to choose a desired sound. MEMS (miniature electro-mechanical sensors) 107 accelerometers, magnetometers, compass modules, gyros, or strain gauges, may be incorporated to automate starting and stopping the sound generation. In this embodiment, the user engages the switch 103 before playing the game. After the switch 103 is engaged, sensor 107 is monitored to detect the movement and impact of the disc against another object. Once the disc is thrown and the sensor 107 detects movement, the microcontroller 104 continues to monitor the sensor 107 analyzing for an impact. Once an impact is detected the microcontroller 104 assumes the disc has stopped and the sound generation device 105 starts generating sound to allowing the user to locate the disc. The microcontroller 104 continues to monitor the sensor 107 analyzing for movement. Once movement is detected the microcontroller 104 assumes the user has picked up the disc and the sound generation stops.

Referring to FIG. 2, this figure illustrates the same basic embodiment shown in FIG. 1 although in this figure the plastic over-mold is shown. The plastic over-mold is a one-part injection mold that encapsulates all of the internal components shown in FIG. 1. The over-molding seals and protects all of the internal components from water, dust, and impact. Over-molding also allows a reduction in the total overall area and mass of the device since exterior walls are not necessary as compared to prior art that utilizes a separate plastic housing. In this figure the over-molding exhibits a top circular-shaped surface 201, cylindrically extruded side 202, and bottom circular-shaped surface 203. The switch 204, power input connector 205, and exit hole for the sound generation device 206 are visible from this perspective.

Referring to FIG. 3, this figure is a perspective view that illustrates how one embodiment of the disc location device 301 mounts to any flying disc used in the game of disc golf with a surface-to-surface bonding technique. In this figure the view is of the bottom of the disc used in the game of Disc Golf, which consists of an annular rim 302 and a recessed surface 303. Because the annular rim 302 serves as the airfoil for flight, the disc location device 301 is designed such that no surface of the disc location device 301 extends beyond the plane of the annular rim's 302 depth. This prevents disturbance to the flow of air around the airfoil annular rim 302 of the disc, which would affect the flight characteristics of the disc. This also helps to prevent unnecessary abuse caused by direct impact of the disc location device 301 against the ground or upon other objects at the time of the disc's landing. The disc location device 301 is mounted to the bottom of the disc on the recessed surface 303. The disc location device 301 is mounted in the center of the disc so that as the disc rotates during flight, the additional weight of the disc location device 301 is evenly distributed around the center point of rotation such that it does not disrupt the angular momentum of the rotating disc. A disruption to the angular momentum of the rotating disc would cause undesirable instability in flight. To assist users in centering the disc location device 301 when mounting to the disc, the disc location device 301 may be designed such that its diameter is the same size as a typical disc used in the game of Disc Golf's injection mold ring that is extruded in the center of the bottom recessed surface 303 of all known disc used in the game of Disc Golf. With the disc location device's 301 diameter the same as a typical injection mold ring on a disc used in the game of Disc Golf, aligning the disc location device 301 to the center of the disc can be achieved by aligning the disc location device 301 with the injection mold ring on the disc.

Referring to FIG. 4, this figure is a side view of the device mounted to the recessed surface. This figure illustrates how one embodiment of the disc location device 401 mounts to a flying disc 405 used in the game of disc golf with a surface-to-surface bonding fastener 404. The exit hole for the sound generation device 402 and the power input connector 403 are visible from this perspective. In this embodiment, the disc location device 401 is mounted in the center of the bottom surface of the disc 405 (as is depicted in FIG. 3.) The surface-to-surface bonding fastener 404 may be a sheet of foam constructed from such material as conformable acrylic, polyethylene, neoprene, latex, or similar with an adhesive coating on both the top and bottom surfaces. An example includes the 3M® brand VHB (very high bonding) tapes. The surface-to-surface bonding fastener 404 may also consist of an epoxy, glue, or adhesive that is applied between the disc location device 401 and the disc 405. Alternatively the epoxy, glue, or adhesive may be applied to the bottom surface of the disc location device 401 during the manufacturing process and covered with a protective film such as polypropylene, polyethylene, waxed paper, foil, or similar to allow bonding of the disc location device 401 to the disc 405 at a later date. The surface-to-surface bonding fastener 404 may also consist of a detachable material such as mushroom cap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, geometrical surface interlocking fastener technology (such as the Lynx brand fasteners), or similar with an adhesive coating on one surface such that a sheet of said detachable material is bonded with its adhesive surface against the disc 405 and the mating detachable material is bonded with its adhesive surface against the disc locator device 401. In this embodiment, the disc locator device 401 can be detached from the disc 405 by grasping the disc locator and pulling it away from the disc. The surface-to-surface bonding fastener 404 may also consist of a two-part, detachable quarter-turn, snap, or push-to-release mechanism with the first part of the two-part system built into the disc location device assembly 401 and the second part of the two-part system consisting of the receiving quarter-turn, snap, or push-to-release mechanism with a flat surface coated with adhesive such that it may be bonded to the surface of the disc 405. In this embodiment multiple receiving mechanisms may be provided to allow the disc location device 401 to be attached to more than one disc 405. Due to the torsion, shear, and tensile stresses that are exerted upon the disc location device 401 during the flight of the disc 405, a surface bonding primer may be used to promote adhesion. The surface bonding primer also allows the disc location device 401 to adhere to the dynamic variety of plastics that are using in the construction of disc used in the game of Disc Golf. This variety of plastics exhibits a wide spectrum of surface energies, which makes it difficult to prescribe one adhesive solution ideal for all disc materials. The surface-energy describes the disruption of intermolecular bonds that occur during the creation of a material surface which signify the effective bonding surface area. Materials with high surface-energy easily bond well with adhesives, which typically have a low surface-energy. However, materials with low surface-energy have less of an effective bonding surface area, which results in a poor bond with adhesives. Materials with both high surface-energy and low surface-energy are used in the manufacturing of disc used in the game of Disc Golf. A surface bonding primer modifies the molecular structure of the surface it is applied to in order to provide a high surface-energy surface with which the adhesive can effectively bond. An effective bonding solution was not discovered in prior art and a solution to the problem was not explored. Providing a reliable method for bonding a disc location device 401 to a disc used in the game of Disc Golf 405 may require the use of a surface bonding primer and adequate elasticity in the surface-to-surface bonding fastener to endure the torsion, shear, and tensile stresses experienced during the flight of the disc 405. The disc location device 401 may also be manufactured from a high surface-energy material such as ABS or polycarbonate to promote strong bond with the adhesive. An example of a surface bonding primer that may be used is 3M brand's Tape Primer 94.

Referring to FIG. 5, this figure is a perspective view that illustrates how one embodiment of the disc location device 501 is over-molded into a disc used in the game of Disc Golf 503 during the manufacturing process of the disc. In this figure the view is of the bottom of the disc, which consists of an outer ring 502 and a recessed surface 503. The disc location device 501 is over-molded into the center of the disc so that as the disc rotates during flight, the additional weight of the disc location device 501 is evenly distributed around the center point of rotation such that it does not disrupt the angular momentum of the rotating disc. A disruption to the angular momentum of the rotating disc would cause undesirable instability in flight.

Referring to FIG. 6, this figure is a perspective view that illustrates how one embodiment of the disc location device 601 is over-molded into the disc used in the game of Disc Golf 604 during the manufacturing process of the disc 604. The exit hole for the sound generation device 602 and the power input connector 603 are visible from this perspective. In this embodiment, the disc location device 601 is positioned in the center of the bottom surface of the disc 604 (as is depicted in FIG. 5.) The process for over-molding the disc location device 601 into the disc 604 involves merging the over-mold used to manufacture the disc location device 601 with an injection mold used to manufacture a disc used in the game of Disc Golf 604. This technique extends the boundaries of the standard over-mold of the disc location device (as illustrated in FIG. 2) to take on the form of a disc used in the game of Disc Golf. In this embodiment, the disc location device 601 and the disc 604 are an inseparable unit.

Referring to FIG. 7, this figure is an example of a functional block diagram for an embodiment of the disc location device. A rechargeable power source 701 provides power for a microcontroller 702 and all devices interfaced with the microcontroller 702 to function. The rechargeable power source 701 may be a Lithium-Ion, Lithium-Manganese, Lithium-Polymer, Nickel-Metal-Hydride, or similar rechargeable battery technology. A switch 703 interfaces with the microcontroller 702 to allow the user to turn the device on and off, select a desired sound, or other options that might be available in the software programmed into the microcontroller 702. The switch 703 may be a tactile push-button switch, capacitive-touch metal surface, or similar finger-activated switch technology. A sound generation device 704 may interface with the microcontroller 702 to convert the weak electrical audio signal generated by the microcontroller 702 into mechanical oscillations which produce corresponding pressure variations in the surrounding medium (such as air or water.) The sound generation device may be an electromagnetic transducer (standard speaker) or piezoelectric transducer. The sound generation device 704 may also incorporate supporting amplification components to properly bias and amplify the electrical signal generated by the microcontroller 702 to the appropriate specifications deemed necessary by the manufacturer of the sound generation device. A charging circuit 705 interfaces with the rechargeable power source 701 and receives power from a power input connector 706. The charging circuit 705 regulates the electrical voltage and electrical current from the power input connector 706 (when power is present) and provides the correct voltages and currents as specified by the rechargeable power source's manufacturer. The charging circuit 705 also provides protection from over charging the rechargeable power source 701. The charging circuit may be a CC/CV (constant-current/constant-voltage) battery charging IC (integrated circuit). The power input connector may be a standard micro-USB (universal serial bus) or mini-USB connector allowing charging from any computer or USB charger. MEMS accelerometers 707, gyros 708, strain gauges 709, and other similar sensors may be interfaced with the microcontroller 702 to automate starting and stopping the sound generation as described previously in this patent. A computer interface 710 may be provided to allow users to upload custom sound files from a personal computer or smart phone. The computer interface 710 may be a standard USB, RS-232 serial, or other standard computer interface protocol. The disc locator device may report itself to the host computer or smart phone as a storage device allowing the user to copy wave, mp3, or similar sound files to the locator device to be used as sounds to be generated by the microcontroller 702 for the sound generation device 704. A low-power radio 711 may be provided to allow wireless communication with a computer or smart phone. Wireless communication may follow the Bluetooth, Zigbee, or other similar standard protocol for wireless communication with a computer or smart phone. This wireless communication may be used for transferring custom sound files to the locating device, selecting a desired sound, turning the device on or off, or other features made available in the programming of the microcontroller 702. The low-power radio 711 may also be provided as a radio frequency generation device to allow an alternative method for tracking the disc location device using electromagnetic radio waves instead of sound pressure waves. In this embodiment, the disc location device is only half of the complete system. The second half of the system includes a radio frequency receiver with at least one antenna to provide signal strength readings, which may be converted into a distance reading to inform a user possessing the radio frequency receiver how far away the disc is from their current location. The radio frequency receiver may include more than one antenna to allow the added functionality of which direction the disc is in relation to the radio frequency receiver. In a basic embodiment of the radio frequency receiver, the radio frequency receiver is a stand-alone device with a signal strength meter to indicate how strong the radio frequency signal is, which relates to how close in distance the radio frequency receiver is to the disc with the attached disc location device. When utilizing multiple antennae, the radio frequency receiver may also calculate the time-of-flight difference between the two receiving antennae in order to indicate the relative direction of the disc. In another embodiment of the radio frequency receiver, the radio frequency receiver interfaces with a smart phone to display relative distance and direction information for the disc location device.

Referring to FIG. 8, this figure is a perspective view that illustrates an embodiment of the radio frequency receiver 801 designed to interface with a smart phone 802. This radio frequency receiver 801 allows the user to locate a disc used in the game of Disc Golf with an attached disc location device (as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7) if it incorporates a low-power radio. The radio frequency receiver 801 consists of at least one receiving antenna 803 tuned to receive the radio frequency emitted by the disc locator's low-power radio. Multiple receiving antennas 803 may be provided to offer relative direction information about which direction the disc locator device is located in respect to the position of the radio frequency receiver's antennae 803. In this embodiment, the radio frequency receiver 801 interfaces to the smart phone 802 using a standard 3.5 mm TRRS (tip ring right sleeve) headset/earpiece audio connection 804 which allows the radio frequency receiver 801 to interface to the many different brands and models of smart phones that utilize this standard interface such as the Apple iPhone, HTC One, or Samsung Galaxy. Custom software is installed on the smart phone 802 to interpret the information sent from the radio frequency receiver 801 through the standard 3.5 mm TRRS headset/earpiece audio connection 804 and display relative distance and direction information for the disc location device.

Referring to FIG. 9, this figure is an example of a functional block diagram for an embodiment of the radio frequency receiver designed to interface with a smart phone (as illustrated in FIG. 8). A rechargeable power source 901 provides power for a microcontroller 902 and all devices interfaced with the microcontroller 902 to function. The rechargeable power source 901 may be a Lithium-Ion, Lithium-Manganese, Lithium-Polymer, Nickel-Metal-Hydride, or similar rechargeable battery technology. A low-power radio 903 interfaces with the microcontroller 902 and is tuned to the same frequency as the low-power radio on the disc location device as detailed in FIG. 7. The low power radio 903 is connected to one or more antennae 904 which are also tuned to the same frequency as the low-power radio on the disc location device. In the embodiment where only one of the antennae 904 are present, the microcontroller 902 uses the signal strength information from the low-power radio 903, which receives the radio frequency emitted by the low-power radio on the disc location device. The signal strength information is sent to the smart phone through the smart phone interface 907. The smart phone interface may be an audio input and output connection where specially encoded audio signals are used as a standard method for transferring data into and out of the smart phone. Custom software installed on the smart phone interprets the signal strength information and displays a signal strength reading as a percentage, bar graph, color associated with signal strength, analog needle meter, or decibel reading to indicate to the user how strong the signal strength is, which relates to how far away the disc with the disc locating device is relative to their current location. The inverse-square law may also be applied to the signal strength to predict the actual distance that the receiver is from the disc location device since the transmitting power would be known. In the embodiment where two or more antennae 904 are present, the microcontroller 902 uses the signal strength information from the low-power radio 903 for each of the antennae 904, which receive the radio frequency emitted by the low-power radio on the disc location device. The signal strength information for each antenna 904 is sent to the smart phone through the smart phone interface 907. The microcontroller 902 also precisely time-stamps the time that the signal is received on each antenna 904 in order to calculate the difference in time-of-flight of the radio frequency signal received from the low-power radio on the disc locator device to each of the antennae 904. Since electromagnetic radio waves travel at a known speed of nearly the speed of light (299,792,458 m/s), this constant may be used to calculate the propagation delay from the time that the first antenna 904 receives the radio frequency signal until the last antenna 904 receives the radio frequency signal. The times that each of the antennae 904 receives the signal are sent to the smart phone through the smart phone interface 907. Custom software installed on the smart phone interprets this signal strength information and time-stamp information and displays a signal strength reading as a percentage, bar-graph, color associated with signal-strength, analog needle meter, or decibel reading to indicate to the user how strong the signal strength is, which corresponds to how far away the disc with the disc locating device is relative to the user's current location. The custom software also uses the time-stamps from each of the antennae 904 to display an arrow pointing in the direction of where the disc with the disc locator device is located relative to where the user with the radio frequency receiver is currently positioned. A pairing method may be implemented so that the radio frequency receiver only uses the radio signal from the desired disc locator device. Using this pairing method will help to avoid confusion among multiple players using the same disc locating device. This method may include engaging and holding the switch on the disc locator device while putting the radio frequency receiver into a pairing mode using the custom software installed on the smart phone. A charging circuit 905 interfaces with the rechargeable power source 901 and receives power from a power input connector 906. The charging circuit 905 regulates the power from the power input connector 906 (when power is present) and provides the correct voltages and currents as specified by the rechargeable power source's manufacturer. The charging circuit 905 also provides protection from over charging the rechargeable power source 901. The charging circuit may be a CC/CV (constant-current/constant-voltage) battery charging IC (integrated circuit). The power input connector may be a standard micro-USB or mini-USB connector allowing charging from any computer or USB charger.

The microcontroller 104, 702, 902, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the arts, may be one or more computer-based processors. Such a processor may be implemented by a field programmable gated array (FPGA), application specific integrated chip (ASIC), programmable circuit board (PCB), or other suitable integrated chip (IC) device. FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary computer system 1000 which includes a processor 1002 and a main memory 1004 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc. Computer system 1000 may also include a static memory 1006 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), and a secondary memory 1018 (e.g., a data storage device), which communicate with each other via a communication bus 1007.

Processor 1002 represents one or more general-purpose processing devices such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like. More particularly, the processor 1002 may be a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, processor implementing other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. Processor 1002 may also be one or more special-purpose processing devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), network processor, or the like. Processor 1002 is configured to execute the control logic 1022 for performing the operations and steps discussed herein.

The secondary memory 1018 may include a machine-readable storage medium (or more specifically a computer-readable storage medium) 1031 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., control logic 1022) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The control logic 1022 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 1004 and/or within the processing device 1002 during execution thereof by the computer system 1000, the main memory 1004 and the processing device 1002 also constituting machine-readable storage media. The control logic 1022 may further be installed on the processor via a communications interface 1008 that is configured to provide access to the processor from external input, e.g., an external computer-based device.

The machine-readable storage medium 1031 may also be used to store the control logic 1022, databases, and/or a software library containing methods that call the control logic 1022 and databases, etc. While the machine-readable storage medium 1031 is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the system and method. The term “machine-readable storage medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, and optical and magnetic media.

Control logic 1022 (also called computer programs or software) is stored in the main memory and/or secondary memory. Control logic 1022 can also be received via the communications interface. Such control logic, when executed, enables the computer system to perform certain features of the system and method as discussed herein. In particular, the control logic, when executed, enables a control processor to perform and/or cause the performance of features of the system and method. Accordingly, such control logic 1022 represents controllers of the computer system.

The processor 1002, and the processor memory, may advantageously contain control logic 1022 or other substrate configuration representing data and instructions, which cause the processor to operate in a specific and predefined manner as, described hereinabove. The control logic 1022 may advantageously be implemented as one or more modules. The modules may advantageously be configured to reside on the processor memory and execute on the one or more processors. The modules include, but are not limited to, software or hardware components that perform certain tasks. Thus, a module may include, by way of example, components, such as, software components, processes, functions, subroutines, procedures, attributes, class components, task components, object-oriented software components, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, micro-code, circuitry, data, and the like. Control logic 1022 may be installed on the memory using a computer interface coupled to the communication bus which may be any suitable input/output device. The computer interface may also be configured to allow a user to vary the control logic, either according to pre-configured variations or customizably.

The control logic 1022 conventionally includes the manipulation of data bits by the processor and the maintenance of these bits within data structures resident in one or more of the memory storage devices. Such data structures impose a physical organization upon the collection of data bits stored within processor memory and represent specific electrical or magnetic elements. These symbolic representations are the means used by those skilled in the art to effectively convey teachings and discoveries to others skilled in the art.

The control logic 1022 is generally considered to be a sequence of processor-executed steps. These steps generally require manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, although not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. It is conventional for those skilled in the art to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, text, terms, numbers, records, files, or the like. It should be kept in mind, however, that these and some other terms should be associated with appropriate physical quantities for processor operations, and that these terms are merely conventional labels applied to physical quantities that exist within and during operation of the computer.

It should be understood that manipulations within the processor are often referred to in terms of adding, comparing, moving, searching, or the like, which are often associated with manual operations performed by a human operator. It is to be understood that no involvement of the human operator may be necessary, or even desirable. The operations described herein are machine operations performed in conjunction with the human operator or user that interacts with the processor or computers.

It should also be understood that the programs, modules, processes, methods, and the like, described herein are but an exemplary implementation and are not related, or limited, to any particular processor, apparatus, or processor language. Rather, various types of general purpose computing machines or devices may be used with programs constructed in accordance with the teachings described herein.

As described above and shown in the associated drawings, the present disclosure is directed to a flying disc locator beacon. While particular embodiments have been described, it will be understood, however, that any invention appertaining to the device(s) described is not limited thereto, since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. It is, therefore, contemplated by the appended claims to cover any such modifications that incorporate those features or those improvements that embody the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for use with a flying sport disc, the disc having a recessed surface and an annular rim having a depth and extending from the recessed surface, said device comprising:

a. an over-molded housing extending from the recessed surface and configured with a height less than the depth of the annular rim;

b. a substrate enclosed within said over-molded housing and on which is mounted: i. a computer-based processor; ii. a sound generating device responsive to said computer-based processor; iii. a rechargeable power source; and iv. a switch operable for causing said computer-based processor to energize said sound generating device.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one miniature electro-mechanical sensor mounted to said substrate, said at least one miniature electro-mechanical sensor being one of an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a compass, a gyro, and a strain gauge.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said at least one miniature electro-mechanical sensor generates an output signal representing motion of device and that is coupled to said computer-based processor.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said over-molded housing is attached to the recessed surface with one of an adhesive, a fastener, or a double-sided adhesive tape.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said over-molded housing is attached to the recessed surface using at least a surface bonding primer.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said over-molded housing comprises a high surface energy material.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said over-molded housing is integrally formed with the disc.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising at least one miniature electro-mechanical sensor mounted to said substrate, said at least one miniature electro-mechanical sensor being one of an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a compass, a gyro, and a strain gauge.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein said at least one miniature electro-mechanical sensor generates an output signal representing motion of device and that is coupled to said computer-based processor.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a computer interface coupled to said computer-based processor and configured to allow access to said computer-based processor from an external computer.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a radio frequency wireless communications module responsive to said computer-based processor.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising at least one miniature electro-mechanical sensor mounted to said substrate, said at least one miniature electro-mechanical sensor being one of an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a compass, a gyro, and a strain gauge.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein said at least one miniature electro-mechanical sensor generates an output signal representing motion of device and that is coupled to said computer-based processor.

14. The device of claim 13, further comprising a computer interface coupled to said computer-based processor and configured to allow access to said computer-based processor from an external computer.