IDENTIFYING GOLF BALLS

Abstract: In a golf driving range (10, Fig. 1 not shown) golf balls (21) incorporating uniquely-coded passive transponders are collected by means of a device having a receiving channel (22) which directs the balls past a reader (25) employing RFID technology which reads the codes and supplies this information via a link (32) to a central computer for subsequent display. The reader (25) also actuates a gate (28) to direct the balls to a "reject" receptacle (29) or an "accept" receptacle (30). Similar devices are used for dispensing golf balls (50, Fig. 4 not shown) or supplying balls to an automatic tee device (70, Fig. 5 not shown). Alternatively balls can be identified on or near a tee (84, Figs. 6 and 7 not shown) on a mat (70).

Description: Identifying Golf Balls The present invention relates to the identification of articles, especially golf balls, which are marked, distributed from a base and subsequently collected. Golf driving ranges are becoming increasingly popular, especially those involving scoring and other competitions. In such cases the ability to identify a collected ball is important. Even in conventional driving ranges, the ability to identify golf balls can facilitate charging players and/or detecting theft. U.S. 5.439,224 discloses a golf range with targets provided with optical scanners to identify balls and to pass the information to a programmed computer. U.S. 5.370.389 discloses a golfing range game in which a ball rolling into a hole is sensed by a scanner which detects the colour of the ball or a bar code printed thereon: the information is passed back to a display near the golfer. U.S. 5.653.642 discloses a driving range with targets with optical readers for detecting unique identification ball codes, the optical readers being connected to a computer device. Systems employing optical codes have a number of disadvantages. In particular, dirt on the ball can prevent correct identification. Also, the optical codes are subject to wear and abrasion. Furthermore, the orientation of the ball relative to the optical reader is important in order for the code to be correctly read. In addition the coding markings can be visually intrusive. The present invention seeks to overcome or reduce the above disadvantages. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a golf driving range comprising means for supplying golf balls to a player incorporating first ball-identifying means, and means for collecting driven balls incorporating second ball-identifying mean, with means for processing the outputs thereof, wherein each golf ball incorporates a coded RF-transponder and the first and second ball-identifying means employ RFID technology. The outputs of said first and second ball-identifying means are preferably supplied to a computer, which processes the received information and provides a display of the result. The supplying and collecting means preferably comprise channels for directing golf balls, and the first and second ball-identifying means are preferably RFID readers with reading heads located directly adjacent the respective channels. The supplying and collecting means and their RFID readers may be substantially identical. They may each include a gate, controllable by the respective reader, to pass a detected golf ball to an "accept" or a "reject" receptacle. Each golf ball transponder preferably has a unique identification code. The balls collected by the collecting means may be arranged to be supplied to the supplying means for recycling. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of identifying golf balls by incorporating a coded RF transponder therein, constraining them to move in a predetermined path and using a reader to identify them which is located directly adjacent said path and employs RFID technology. Preferably a unique code is assigned to each golf ball. A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig.1 is a schematic plan view of a golf driving range; Fig.2 is a schematic side view of a golf ball collection and identification device associated with a hole or target of the range of Fi J ; Fig.3 is a schematic view of a golf ball dispenser; Fig.4 is a schematic side view of a golf ball collection and identification device associated with the golf ball dispenser of Fig.3: Fig.5 is a schematic side view of an automatic tee device for use as an alternative to the device of Fig.4; and Figs, 6 and 7 are top and side views respectively of a mat-based identification system for use in ranges according to the present invention. Referring to the drawings, FigJ shows a golf driving range 10 comprising golf ball bitting bays 11 , a water hazard 12, golf targets 14, bunkers 15 and a golf green 17 having a hole 18. For use on the range 10, there are provided uniquely-coded golf balls. In contrast to the above-mentioned known devices, the balls each carry a passive transponder tag employing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. The tag or chip may be placed in the ball during manufacture. Alternatively a small hole is drilled in the ball, a tag is inserted, and the hole filled up with a flexible sealant. In practice, RFID tags have been found to be robust enough to withstand the impacts experienced by a golf ball, and the presence of the tag has not affected the driving characteristics of the ball. Figure 2 shows a collection and identification device 20 which is associated with hole 18. A golf ball 21 falling into die hole passes down a channel 22 past an RFID ball reader 25. Because the path of ball 21 is carefully controlled it can pass very close to the reading head 26 ensuring accurate interrogation of the code of the tag inside the ball. If a valid code is not detected, reader 25 operates a control gate 28 to direct the ball to a receptacle 29 for rejected balls. If a valid code is detected, gate 28 allows the ball to pass to an appropriate receptacle 30, from which they are returned periodically or continuously, and manually or automatically to a golf ball dispensing arrangement, see Figs 3 and 4. At the same time as controlling gate 28, the valid code is supplied via a connection link 32 to a computer incorporating a memory which stores data regarding the golfer who was issued with the ball. This information may be exploited in various ways as disclosed below. Each hole 18 on the driving range and each relevant area of a target 14 is provided with a respective reader 25. Where die area is substantial, it may slope towards a collecting funnel or chamber to direct balls towards the reader. Thus die data supplied to the computer also includes information as to which of the readers 25 detected and identified the ball. Fig.3 shows a control and display panel 41 of a golf ball dispenser 40 which is arranged to be located adjacent the driving bays 11. The dispenser may be operated by the golfers themselves or by an operator and comprises a keyboard 42 and a smart card reader 44, one or both of which may be used to enter information enabling a particular golfer to be identified. The dispenser also comprises a V.D.U. screen 46 to display information to the golfer such as the current content of a golfer's smart card (e.g. the amount of money remaining) and/or the number of balls issued. During actual driving, a separate screen located in a bay, or in a group of bays, displays information regarding the successful outcome, or otherwise, of a golf drive into the range 10. The result of satisfactory operation (including any necessary payment) of dispenser 40 causes the issue of a basket 48. Fig 4. or other container, of golf balls 21 to a golfer. Fig.4 shows a golf ball identification and issuing device 50 for die supply of balls to die container 48. Fresh balls, or balls recovered from preview use via receptacle 30, are collected in a storage area 51. They are fed via a channel 52 past an RFID ball reader 55 widi a reading head 56. Just as with reader 25 of device 20, reader 55 has an associated gate 58 for supplying received golf balls to a reject bin 59 or to basket 48. Reader 55 is connected via link 62 to die computer, and die memory stores data regarding which golfer was issued wid which balls. The system as described so far. generally enables golf balls used on a driving range to be allocated and tracked to provide feedback to players. In particular, it makes it possible to: -Set-up a premium driving range whereby top quality balls can be hired to golfers with significandy reduced likelihood of dieft. Named members only would be able to play and each ball allocated to diem would be recorded by die computer. If me ball went missing, suspicion would fall on the person last allocated the ball. In addition, there could be detected where customers leave die range, as in some clothing stores. -Install custom designed targets that provide instantaneous (or delayed) feedback to players. This enables games, competitions and leagues as well as helping golfers practice and improve. -Award prizes for holes-in-one, longest drive, highest score etc. -Develop a game specifically targeted at golfers wishing to gamble (A "casino" range). Each individually and uniquely tagged ball effectively becomes a chip of known value. This values can vary according to die stakes the player wishes to gamble. The winnings will depend on die success of die shots and tiiis will depend on a combination of skill and luck. As above, custom-designed targets diat provide instantaneous (or delayed) feedback to players may be installed. -Develop a chipping and/or putting game. This could be designed for indoors along lines diat are a cross between a driving range and a 10-pin bowling alley, i.e. each player would play from die same post by hitting towards different greens (say 10 of diem). Scoring would be automatic and depend on exactiy where die ball ended up. This game could, of course, also be developed for outdoors where die climate allows. Automatically dispensing and allocating a desired number of known balls to known players can be carried out using existing technology but combined wid d e RFID readers 25,55 and appropriate computer programs. In a modification, balls are issued one-by-one to a golfer by means of die automatic tee device 70 of Fig.5, instead of d e dispenser of Fig.4. Balls 21 enter via a channel 72 to a position where it sits on the top of a push rod 74. Here it is read by an RFID reader 75 which is similar to readers 25.55 and which supplies die unique code of die ball by means of a link 82 to d e computer. The computer men matches the ball to die player at diat tee. Push rod 74 is dien moved upwardly to make the ball available for driving. Thus die computer system knows die particular ball which die player is driving. In anodier modification, die dispenser of Fig. 4, or a similar dispenser, is followed by a "smart mat" arrangement as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. As a golfer places one of his or her golf balls on or adjacent die tee 84 on a mat 80, the ball's identification code is detected by an antenna 90 embedded in or underneadi the mat, and a decoder 91 connected to die computer. In one example, using an artificial grass sample a relevant sized antenna is constructed to be fitted underneadi. The antenna is constructed from 25mm water pipe with conduit connections to allow cable access. Thus type of construction is durable, weatiierproof. relatively low cost, simple to maintain and install, and die antenna size can be varied for larger or smaller tee areas. The antenna can also be used for permanent installation on grass tees requiring only one cable connection to operate. Due to its portability, provided diat die necessary power connections are available, die mat 80 can be moved to various teeing points as required. A battery powered mat system could be an option giving total flexibility in location. The balls can be decoded in any position on die mat and on die raised tee position. The associated computer software displays information showing when a ball is present on d e mat 80, the ball count and player name. The mat system recognises when a ball is present and increments the ball count. It only allows each ball to be counted once even if die player removes the ball from die mat and replaces it. 8 To overcome me problem of possible null positions, more dian one antenna may be employed in different orientations at die tee station, or die tag in die ball could be developed to incorporate more than one antenna. It will thus be seen diat widi d e embodiment of Figs. 6 and 7, die computer system knows die particular ball which die player is driving. The system of Figs. 6 and 7 can be used as a back-up to d e identification system of Fig. 5. Tracking where the balls land and providing feedback depends upon a number of variables. These variables will depend on die type of golfer (expert or beginner), purpose of golfer (serious practice, fun or gambling), country climate (desert vs freezing conditions) etc. The above-described arrangements have numerous advantages: -The balls can be read even if tiiey are dirty -There are no codes which are subject to wear and abrasion -The orientation of d e ball in relation to d e reader is not critical as widi optical arrangements -The reading of die tag inside die ball is much faster and more reliable -The surface of the ball is not disfigured by codes -The reader is much more compact and so is suitable to use in conjunction widi automatic teeing systems (a system whereby die golf ball is automatically teed up for the golfer) -The reader is more robust and more suitable for installing in die holes and targets on die driving range (where diey are subject to die weather, introduction of dirt etc). -The readers 25,55 are fixed and so can be designed to be very sensitive widiout having to withstand movement during use. -Since die precise position of die ball is known at die moment of identification, die reading heads 26,56 can be arranged in dieir respective channels to be very close to die ball. -The devices 20 (wid reader 25) and 50 (widi reader 55) can be arranged to be identical, dius facilitating manufacture, maintenance and repair. The devices of Figs 2.4 and 5 may each be operated as an independendy operating device so diat tiiey separately constitute further aspects of the present invention. The expression "golf driving range" , as used herein, is intended to include all types of chipping and putting games or ranges, whetiier indoors or outdoors.

Claims: 10 CLAIMS 1. An arrangement in which uniquely-coded golf balls arrive individually at a tee of a golf driving range, die arrangement having an identification system whereby die identity of die particular ball at die tee is known. 2. A golf driving range comprising means for supplying golf balls to a player incorporating first ball-identifying means, and means for collecting driven balls incorporating second ball-identifying means, wid means for processing die output thereof, wherein each golf ball incorporates a coded RF-transponder and d e first and second ball-identify ing means employ RFTD technology. 3. A range according to claim 2 in which die first ball-identifying means uniquely identifies die particular ball to be driven by d e players. 4. A range according to claim 2 or 3. wherein die supplying and collecting means comprise channels for directing golf balls past RFID readers widi reading heads located direcdy adjacent d e respective channels. 5. A range according to claim 4. wherein the supplying and collecting means each comprise a gate, controllable by the respective reader, to pass a detected golf ball into an "accept" padi or a "rejected" padi. 6. A range according to any preceding claim wherein the outputs of the first and second ball-identifying means are supplied to a computer, which processes the received information and displays die result. 11 7. A range according to any preceding claim wherein die supplying means comprises an automatic tee system. 8. A golf driving range comprising means for supplying golf balls one-by-one to a player and incorporating first ball-identifying means, and means for collecting balls driven by the player incorporating second-ball identifying means, widi means for processing die output diereof, each golf ball incorporating a RF-transponder having a unique code, and die first and second ball-identifying means employing RFID technology, wherein die golf balls to be supplied to die player are fed one-by-one form a holder of a plurality of golf balls past die first ball-identifying means and are dien supplied in die same order to die player. 9. Apparatus for supplying golf balls one-by-one to a player and incorporating ball- identifying means and means for processing die output diereof. each golf ball incoφorating a RF-transponder having a unique code and die ball-identifying means employing RFTD technology wherein die golf balls to be supplied to die player are fed one-by-one from a holder of a plurality of golf balls past the ball-identifying means and are dien supplied in die same order to die player. 10. A metiiod of identifying golf balls by incoφorating a coded RF transponder dierein, constraining diem to move in a predetermined padi and using a reader to identify diem which is located direcdy adjacent said padi and employs RFID technology, wherein a unique code is assigned to each golf ball.

Inventors: EMMERSON GEOFFREY, JOLLIFFE DAVID VICTOR, JOLLIFFE STEVEN PAUL, EMMERSON, GEOFFREY, JOLLIFFE, DAVID, VICTOR, JOLLIFFE, STEVEN, PAUL
Applicants: EMMERSON GEOFFREY, JOLLIFFE DAVID VICTOR, JOLLIFFE STEVEN PAUL, WORLD GOLF SYSTEMS LTD, EMMERSON, GEOFFREY, JOLLIFFE, DAVID, VICTOR, JOLLIFFE, STEVEN, PAUL, WORLD GOLF SYSTEMS LTD.
Application year: 1999
Main classification: G06K19
IPC codes: A63B69, G06F17, G06K7, G06K17, G06K19