Patent Publication Number: US-2022226707-A1

Title: Electronic golf flagstick

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/139,712, filed Jan. 20, 2021, entitled “ELECTRONIC GOLF FLAGSTICK” which is incorporated by reference herein, in the entirety and for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Implementations relate generally to golf flagsticks, and more particularly, to structures and systems that facilitate sensing objects proximate to the golf flagstick. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A golf flagstick, also referred to as a golf pin, may be used to mark a golf cup or hole on a green of a golf course. Golfers attempt to advance their golf ball towards the flagstick and into a cup of a golf hole during play. In conventional systems, the location of the golf ball relative to the cup is tracked visually by the golfers, traditionally without any assistance from sensors or other electronic-based tracking systems. Accordingly, where multiple golf balls are in play, it may be impossible or impractical to determine which ball is closest to the golf cup. And sensors, such as a camera, placed adjacent the golf green and away from the golf cup fail to capture visual data of the golf ball, and approach of the golf ball to the golf cup, from the perspective of the flagstick. As such, the need continues for systems and techniques to enhance object sensing proximate to the golf flagstick. 
     SUMMARY 
     Implementations provide electronic golf flagsticks. The electronic golf flagstick is configured for sensing objects proximate thereto. The electronic golf flagstick includes an elongated pole with a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be removably secured to a surface. The second end is adapted to receive one or more accessories. A compartment assembly arranged between the first end and the second end includes at least one sensor, a processor coupled to memory, and a self-contained power source configured to provide power to the sensor, processor, radio, and memory. The at least one sensor is configured to sense an object proximate the golf flagstick, including an object on a ground surface approaching the golf flagstick. In some cases, this may include sensing the object as being received in a golf cup. The processor coupled to memory is configured to store the sensed information from the sensor. 
     In another example, the at least one sensor may be configured to sense a net 360 degree view of the ground surface or ground surface and sky. Each of the at least one sensor may include a lens arranged at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the ground surface. The processor may be configured to analyze the sensed object proximate the electronic golf flagstick and determine the sensed object as being received by a golf cup in a single stroke. In this regard, the processor may be further configured to classify the sensed object as a hole-in-one. The processor may be further configured to analyze the sensed object approaching the electronic golf flagstick and calculate a distance of the object from the electronic golf flagstick. In some cases, the processor may be configured to calculate the distance of the object from the electronic golf flagstick for a plurality of object such that the processor calculates a relative distance of each object to the electronic golf flagstick. Further, the processor may be configured to sense GPS coordinates of at least one of the electronic golf flagstick or of the sensed object. 
     In another example, the at least one sensor includes a video camera configured to record a video of the object. The video camera records a 180 degree video of an area proximate the object. The processor may be configured to transmit the recorded video over a computer network. In some cases, at least two video cameras record the video of the object. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one sensor may include a LIDAR sensor. 
     In another example, the compartment includes one or more seals. An external portion of the housing may include a protrusion arranged above each of the at least one sensor. The processor may be communicatively coupled to a computer network. The power source may be rechargeable. The compartment may include a tubular housing with an enlarged diameter relative to a diameter of the elongated pole. 
     In another example, the one or more accessories comprises a flag. The surface may be configured as a tubular wall. The first end of the elongated pole may include a base with a shape complementary to the tubular wall such that the base of the elongated pole may be removably inserted into an opening defined by the tubular wall. In this regard, the surface may be formed by a golf cup of a golf hole. 
     In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts an electronic golf flagstick arranged with a golf cup of a golf hole, according to implementations of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a partial exploded view of the electronic golf flagstick and the golf cup. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a cross-sectional view of the electronic golf flagstick of  FIG. 2 , taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  depicts an exploded view of a compartment assembly of the electronic golf flagstick of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts a computing assembly of the electronic golf flagstick of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  depicts an exploded view of a camera assembly of the electronic golf flagstick of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  depicts a sensor array arranged with a mating structure of the compartment assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8  depicts detail  8 - 8  of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 9  depicts detail  9 - 9  of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 10  depicts a schematic diagram of a composite field of view of the sensor array of the electronic golf flagstick of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Implementations provide systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a system  100  including an electronic golf flagstick  120  arranged in a golfing environment  102  such as a golf course. The golfing environment  102  may be a golf course or other area where golf or a related activity is played. The golfing environment  102  shown in  FIG. 1  includes a golf green  104  and a golf cup  106 . The electronic golf flagstick  120  is arranged at the golf cup  106 . It will be appreciated that the golf flagstick  120  may also be selectively positionable in other environments, including a tee box, adjacent to a green, within a bunker, in a tree, on a building, fence, pole, bleachers, and so on. In the illustration of  FIG. 1 , the electronic golf flagstick  120  may be configured to sense an object proximate the golf cup  106 . For example, a golf ball  101  is shown in  FIG. 1 . The golf ball  101  may follow a flight path P f  as the golf ball  101  is advanced toward the golf cup  106 . In some cases, the golf ball  101  may subsequently follow a green path P g  toward the golf cup  106  for receipt of the golf ball  101  in the golf cup  106 . 
     In the illustration of  FIG. 1 , the electronic golf flagstick  120  is shown with a compartment assembly  122  and a sensor array  124 . Compartment assembly  122  and the sensor array  124  may be integrated with an elongated pole  126  or other structure that extends substantially vertically from the golf cup  106  to visually mark a location of the golf hole. An accessory  128  such as a flag may be secured to an end of the elongated pole  126 . As explained herein, the compartment assembly  122  may be configured to house various electronic components of the electronic golf flagstick  120  to facilitate performing the functions described herein. The sensor array  124  may be configured to house at least one sensor for sensing the golf ball  101  or other objects proximate to the golf cup  106 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a sensor  130  is provided at the sensor array  124 . The sensor  130  may include a camera that is configured to detect one or more characteristics of the golf ball  101 , including a position, a trajectory, and/or a visual depiction of the golf ball  101  along one or both of the flight path P f  or the green path P g , including capturing images of golf ball  101  being received by the golf cup  106 . 
     The electronic golf flagstick  120  may be configured to transmit signals  105  over a communicatively coupled network  108 . For example, the electronic golf flagstick may include a communications component and an antenna integrated with the compartment assembly  122  and/or the elongated pole  126 . The network  108  may, for example, be a wireless or cellular network that facilitates the transmission of data among various components of the system  100 . The network  108  may include two or more communication methods (e.g., cellular, Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi) to communicatively couple the system  100  elements. The network  108  may include wireless and wired transmission methods, such as, but not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, radio transmissions, Ethernet, local area network, ZigBee, wide area networks, and so on. 
     The network  108  may be communicatively coupled to a variety of different components, devices, and systems to facilitate the analysis, processing, and communication of information associated with the data collected by the sensor(s) of the electronic golf flagstick  120 . For example, the system  100  may include one or more user devices  110  that interact with the system  100  via the network  108 . The system  100  may communicatively couple to multiple user devices  110 , allowing individual users to interact separately with the system  100  via separate user devices  110 . The user device  110  may be any type of computing device that may transmit and receive data from other computing devices. For example, the user device  110  may be a smartphone, tablet computer, wearable device, laptop, and so on. The user device  110  may include a display or screen that allows a user to receive information, including videos or other visual representations of the golf ball  101 . The user device  110  may be in electronic communication with one or more other devices of the system  100 , including the electronic golf flagstick  120 , either directly, or via the network  108 . 
     The system  100  may also include one or more optional offsite or remote sensors  112 . For example, the offsite sensor(s)  112  may be a temperature sensor or other device that is used for the detection of ambient conditions during a game of golf. The offsite sensor  112  may more generally be any other sensor that provides supplemental information to the network  108  associated with the golf ball  101 , golfers, golfing environment  102 , and so on. 
     The system may also include computing server  116 . The computing server  116  may be configured to receive information from the electronic golf flagstick  120 , the user device  110 , and/or the onsite sensor(s)  112 . In some embodiments, the computing server  116  may include one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, computers, etc.), that may be a single device or multiple devices operating in a distributed environment. The system  100  may also include one or more databases  114  that may store information related to or used by components of the system  100 . For example, the databases  114  may include databases that store information associated with the golfing environment  102 , the golf ball  101 , golfers, and so on, which may be used to produce information in conjunction with the data collected at the golf flagstick  120 . The type, structure, and data stored within the various databases  114  may be varied depending on the types of detected characteristics of the golf ball  101  or other object detected, and desired informational output. 
     The system  100  may optionally include one or more management devices  118 . The management device  118  may be any type of computing device that may transmit and receive data from other computing devices. For example, the management device  118  may be a server, smartphone, tablet computer, wearable device, laptop, and combinations thereof. The management device  118  may be in electronic communication with one or more other devices of the system  100 , either directly, or via a network  108 . The management device  118  may be used to manage the electronic golf flagstick  120  and/or user devices  110  that interact with the system  100 . In various implementations, the management device  118  may be configured to display data that may correspond, for example, to a distance of the golf ball  101  to the golf cup  106 . Additionally, the management device  118  may be used to determine and/or display information indicative of whether the golf ball  101  is the closest to the golf cup  106  from a group of golf balls in play, as well as whether the golf ball  101  has satisfied any other conditions (e.g., within a range from the golf cup  106 , received by the golf cup  106 , hole-in-one, and so on). 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , a partial exploded view of the electronic golf flagstick  120  and the golf cup  106  are shown. The electronic golf flagstick  120  may include an elongated pole first portion  126   a  that is configured to facilitate attachment of the flagstick  120  to the golf cup  106 . For example, the elongated pole first portion  126   a  may define a first end  127   a  of the flagstick  120  that is adapted to be removably secured to a surface. The surface may be a surface formed by the golf cup  106  of the golf hole. In the example of  FIG. 2 , the golf cup  106  includes a golf cup first surface  107   a  and a golf cup second surface  107   b . The golf cup second surface  107   b  may define a receiving portion of the golf cup  106  that is configured to receive the first end  127   a  of the flagstick  120 . The golf cup first surface  107   a  may be a surface that extends annularly about the golf cup second surface  107   b . The golf ball  101  may advance toward the golf cup  106  and be received by the golf cup first surface  107   a.    
     The electronic golf flagstick  120  may include a mating feature  125  at the first end  127   a  to facilitate the removable attachment of the flagstick  120  and the golf cup  106 . The mating feature  125  may include a flange portion  125   a  and an engagement portion  125   b . The engagement portion  125   b  may be defined a substantially cylindrical shape that is configured to match a shape of the golf cup  106  defined by the golf cup first surface  107   a . The flange portion  125   a  may define a rim about the engagement portion  125   b  to limit advancement of the first end  127   a  into the golf cup  106 . 
     The electronic golf flagstick  120  defines a second end  127   b  that is adapted to receive one or more accessories. For example, an elongated pole second portion  126   b  may be positioned opposite the elongated pole first portion  126   a  and define the second end  127   b . In some cases, one or more antennas may be arranged at or adjacent to the second end  127   b . The second end  127   b  may be constructed in a manner to house an array of antennas, including at least two antennas that are diametrically opposed to one another. For example and as shown in  FIG. 9 , a first antenna  187   a  and a second antenna  187   b  may be arranged diametrically opposed to one another substantially within an end volume  123  at the second end  127   b . In this regard, the antennas  187   a ,  187   b  may be arranged at an elevationally higher position within the electronic golf flagstick  120  than other components of the flagstick  120  that could otherwise impact electromagnetic radiation of an antenna, such as a metal housing and/or other electronic components. Additionally, the accessory  128  may be secured to the electronic golf flagstick at the second end  127   b.    
     In the example of  FIGS. 2 and 9 , an elongated pole third portion  126   c  is also shown. The elongated pole third portion  126   c  may be coupled to the elongated pole second portion  126   b . The elongated pole second and third portions  126   b ,  126   c  may cooperate to define a passage or other housing for cables. For example, the elongated pole second portion  126   b  may define a second portion volume  129   b  and the elongated pole third portion  126   c  may define a third portion volume  129   c . Interior cables extend through the second and third portion volumes  129   b ,  129   c  to connect communications components within the compartment assembly  122  to the antennas  187   a ,  187   b  at or adjacent the second end  127   b . As further shown in  FIG. 2 , the elongated pole third portion  126   c  optionally has a diameter that is greater than the elongated pole first and second portions  126   a ,  126   b . In some cases, the elongated pole first, second, third portions  126   a ,  126   b ,  126   c  may be separate structures that are attached to one, such as being attached via a connection with the compartment assembly  122  and/or sensor array  124 . In other cases, the elongated pole first, second, third portions  126   a ,  126   b ,  126   c  may be portions of a continuous or one-piece structure, and the compartment assembly  122  and/or the sensor array  124  can fit over and/or attach to the one-piece structure. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the electronic golf flagstick  120  is shown as including the compartment assembly  122 . The compartment assembly  122  may define a collection of structural components that house the various electrical components and/or sensors described herein. For example, the compartment assembly  122  may include a tube  160 . The tube  160  may be a substantially cylindrical structure having tube walls  162  that define a tube volume  161 . The tube walls  162  may define a tube first opening  163   a  and tube second opening  163   b . The tube first and second openings  163   a ,  163   b  may extend into the tube volume  161 . The compartment assembly  122  may further include a cap  164 . The cap  164  may be a closure or other feature of the compartment assembly  122  adapted to seal an end of the tube  160  about the elongated pole  126 . The cap  164  is shown with an elongated pole opening  165  extending into a body of the cap  164 . The elongated pole opening  165  may be configured to receive a portion of the elongated pole  126  or other structure that visually indicates a location of the golf cup  106 . A fitting portion  166  is defined by an end of the cap  164  opposite the elongated pole opening  165 . The tube first opening  163   a  may be adapted to receive the fitting portion  166  of the cap  164  and establish a friction fit therebetween. Fasteners or other attachment mechanisms may be used to secure to the cap  164  and the tube  160  to one another. 
     The compartment assembly  122  is further shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  as including a sensor array housing  168 . The sensor array housing  168  may generally be configured to support the at least one sensor  130  of the electronic golf flagstick  120 , including supporting the sensor  130  at a desired angle or orientation relative to a ground surface. The sensor array housing  168  may also be configured to shield the sensor  130  from debris or force impact of the golfing environment  102 . 
     In the illustrated example, the sensor array housing  168  includes a sensor array housing first portion  168   a  and a sensor array housing second portion  168   b . The sensor array housing first portion  168   a  and the second array housing second portion  168   b  may cooperate to define a sensor array housing volume  169 . The at least one sensor  130  may be arranged in the sensor housing volume  169  and may be generally held in place by the second array housing first and second portions  168   a ,  168   b . For example, the sensor housing first portion  168   a  defines a sensor top support feature  171   a  that is configured to engage a top surface or contour of the sensor  130 . Further, the sensor housing second portion  168   b  defines a sensor bottom support feature  171   b  that is configured to engage a bottom surface or contour of the sensor  130 . In some cases, the sensor housing top and bottom support features  171   a ,  171   b  may cooperate to engage a substantial entirety of a perimeter of the sensor  130 . 
     With reference to shielding the sensor  130  from a force impact, the sensor housing first portion  168   a  may define a sensor top shield feature  172   a . The sensor top shield feature  172   a  may define a protrusion or other feature that extends from the sensor housing first portion  168   a  beyond an outermost surface of the sensor  130 . Further, the sensor housing second portion  168   b  may define a sensor bottom shield feature  172   b . The sensor bottom shield feature  172   b  may define a protrusion or other feature that extends from the sensor housing second portion  168   b  beyond the outermost surface of the sensor  130 . Accordingly, in the event that the electronic golf flagstick  120  is placed on a ground surface, the protrusions may contact the ground surface and thus cooperate to define an offset between the outermost surface of the sensor  130  and the ground, as shown and described below with respect to  FIG. 8 . In addition, the protrusions may deflect a golf ball  101  before the golf ball  101  can impact the sensor  130  thereby avoiding damage to the sensor. 
     The sensor housing first portion  168   a  is shown as having a fitting portion  170   a . The fitting portion  170   a  may be an opening extending in to a body of the sensor housing first portion  168   a . In an assembled configuration, the tube  160  may be received by the fitting portion  170   a . The tube second opening  163   b  may extend at least partially into the sensor housing first portion  168   a  in order to connect the tube volume  161  and the sensor housing volume  169  to one another. The sensor housing second portion  168   b  is shown as having a fitting portion  170   b . The fitting portion  170   b  may be an opening extending in to a body of the sensor housing second portion  168   b . In an assembled configuration, the elongated pole  126  may be received by the fitting  170   b.    
     The compartment assembly  122  may be configured to house a computing assembly  140  of the electronic golf flagstick  120 . The computing assembly  140  may include various electrical and associated components that cooperate to facilitate one or more of the functions of the electronic golf flagstick  120  described herein. While many variations are possible and described herein, the computing assembly is shown with reference to  FIG. 5  as including a computing assembly mounting structure  141 . The computing assembly mounting structure  141  may be a structural portion of the computing assembly  140  upon which one or more electronic components of the computing assembly  140  are secured. The computing assembly mounting structure  141  may also be configured for removable engagement with the compartment assembly  122 , for example, including having a size and shape to match the tube volume  161  or otherwise fit inside the tube  160 . The computing assembly mounting structure  141  may define a circuit board portion  141   a  that defines a mounting surface for a circuit board. The computing assembly mounting structure  141  may further define a power source portion  141   b  that defines a receiving area for a power source. While many constructions are possible, the computing assembly mounting structure  141  of  FIG. 5  may be formed from a plastic material. The plastic material can be slid into the aluminum construction of the tube  160  for assembly. 
     The computing assembly  140  is shown in  FIG. 5  as including a circuit board  142 . Generally, the circuit board  142  may be a printed circuit board or (PCB) that includes one or more processing elements, computer processors or microcontrollers that are configured to perform operations in response to computer-readable instructions. For example and as shown in  FIG. 5 , the circuit board  142  may include a processor and memory component  144 . The processor and memory component  144  may include or be a central processing unit of the electronic golf flagstick  120 . Additionally or alternatively, other processing elements may be incorporated within the electronic golf flagstick  120 , including application specific integrated chips (ASIC) and other microcontroller devices. In some cases, the circuit board  142  may also include a memory component  146 , including a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including, for example, read access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), or flash memory. The computing assembly  140  may therefore be configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other software elements. The processing elements or other like components of the circuit board  142  may be operable to read computer-readable instructions stored on the memory and/or computer-readable media. The computer-readable instructions may adapt the processing elements to perform the operations or functions described above. The computer-readable instructions may be provided as a computer program product, software application, or the like. 
     The circuit board  142  is further shown as having a communications component  148 . Broadly, the communications component  148  may include or be a component that facilitates the transmission of signals to and from the electronic golf flagstick  120 . As one example, the communications component  148  may be a component of an antenna that is used to send and receive signals via a cellular network, Wi-Fi, radio transmissions, Ethernet, local area network, ZigBee, wide area networks, among other possibilities. The communications component  148  may be connected to an antenna that is positioned elevationally higher in the electronic golf flagstick  120  than the computing assembly  140  which may enhance performance of the communications component  148 , such as the antennas  187   a ,  187   b  shown in  FIG. 9 . For instance, wires  188  may extend substantially from the communications component  148  and into the elongated pole third portion  126   c  to couple the communications component  148  to the antennas  187   a ,  187   b . The wires  188  may terminate at this portion or may extend further into and along the elongated pole second portion  126   b , such as extending to the second end  127   b , based on a location of the antennas  187   a ,  187   b  in the electronic golf flagstick  120 . In some cases, one or more peripheral attachment components  150  is also provided with the circuit board  142 . The peripheral attachment component  150  may include a USB port or other feature that is configured to commutatively couple a peripheral device, e.g., a computing device, memory card, and so on, directly to the circuit board  142 . 
     The computing assembly  140  is also shown as including a power source  152 . The power source  152  is a self-contained onboard power source of the electronic golf flagstick  120 . The power source  152  may allow the flagstick  120  to operate without the need for a hardwired connection to an external power source, often for an extended period of time. The power source  152  shown in  FIG. 5  includes a collection of batteries. The batteries may be rechargeable batteries. In some cases, the power source  152  may be rechargeable using one or more components of the flagstick  120 , including an optional function of solar charging or other techniques. 
     In some implementations, the power source  152  may be powered on and off in response to receiving a signal from an actuation switch  180  of the electronic golf flagstick  120 . In addition or alternatively, the computing assembly  140  may cause the power source  152  to transition to a power-saving or sleep mode where one or more components of the electronic golf flagstick  120  are inactive. For instance, after determining the sensor  130  has been inactive after a predefined period of time, the computing assembly  140  (e.g., processor) may cause the power source  152  to conserve power and cease sensing or other power-intensive operations. In this state, the electronic golf flagstick  120  may continue to receive signals from external devices over the network  108 , and may transition to an active mode, for instance, where the sensor  130  senses the environment surrounding the electronic golf flagstick  120 . More particularly, a user device  110  at or proximate the golf environment  102  may communicatively couple to the electronic golf flagstick  120  via the network  108  and the computing assembly  140  may cause the sensor  130  to actively sense the golf environment  102  to identify a golf ball  101  as well as other objects proximate the electronic golf flagstick  120 . 
     The computing assembly  140  may be coupled to the sensor  130  within the flagstick  120 . For purposes of illustration,  FIG. 6  illustrates the sensor  130  as a camera sensor. The camera sensor is configured to capture images (still and video) and transmit information associated with the captured images to the circuit board  142  for processing. The sensor  130  is shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 6  as including a sensor board  131  and a sensor housing  132 . The sensor housing  132  may define a structural component of the sensor  130  that facilitates the attachment of sensing components of the sensor  130  to the sensor array housing  168 . For example, the sensor housing  132  may include sensor housing clips  136  that extend outwardly from a body of the sensor  130  in order to maintain an alignment of the sensor housing  132  at a predetermined orientation in the sensor array housing  168  ( FIG. 7 ). The sensor housing  132  may further include a sensor housing attachment feature  137 . The sensor housing attachment feature  137  may be a loop, hook, or protrusion-type feature that is adapted to receive a fastener to secure the sensor housing  132  in the predetermined position, as aligned via the sensor housing clips  136 . 
     In some implementations, the electronic golf flagstick  120  may be arranged at the cup  106  of a green on a golf course or other location of a golfing environment  102 . As the golf ball  101  advances towards the cup of a green, for instance advances from the tee box of a golf hole to the cup of the golf hole, sensor  130  of the electronic golf flagstick  120  track the golf ball  101 . A computing device  140  including a processor and memory  144  coupled to the sensor  130  may detect a position of the golf ball and/or track a path of the golf ball  101  from the vantage point of the electronic golf flagstick  120 . In some implementations, the processor and memory  144  process the sensor data to determine the golf ball  101  as being received by the golf cup  106  in a single stroke. For example, the sensor  130  may detect the receipt of the golf ball  101  in the golf cup  106  along with the flight of the golf ball from a tee box of the golf hole associated with the golf cup  106 . The processor and memory  144  may associate the receipt of the golf ball  101  in the golf cup  106  with data indicative of a number of strokes used by a golfer to advance the golf ball  101 , such as the number of strokes from a tee box or other reference point in the golfing environment  102 . Upon the association of a single stroke being used to advance the received golf ball  101  into the golf cup  106 , the golf ball  101  may be classified as a hole-in-one by the processor. In some implementations, the processor and memory  144  processes the sensor data to determine a distance between the golf ball  101  and the golf cup  106  using the detected position. Where multiple golf balls  101  are in play, the determined distance may be compared by the processor and memory  144  among a set of determined distances to determine the closest golf ball  101  to the cup  106 . Additionally, image data may be captured by the sensor  130  at the electronic golf flagstick  120  and the processor and memory  144  may store a visual representation of the golf ball  101  as the ball approaches the golf cup  106 , including in some cases a composite 360° video. The image data may be transmitted by the computing device  140  over the network  108  where further data analysis may be remotely performed on the image data. In some implementations, the network devices, e.g., management device  118  and/or computing server  116 , may substantially simultaneously process the image data captured by the sensor  130 . In addition or alternatively, the network devices may be configured to validate the image data captured by the sensor  130  to confirm the accuracy of the computing device  140  operations. 
     The processor and memory  144  and the communications component  148  may be configured to determine GPS coordinates of one or both of the golf ball  101  and the electronic golf flagstick  120 . Images or video captured by the sensor  130  may be associated with the determined GPS coordinates and the information transmitted by the communications component  148  over the network  108  for subsequent processing or use. 
     In some implementations, the network  108  may be configured to power on and off the remotely located electronic golf flagstick  120 , and the network  108  may transmit software updates to the processor and memory  144 . For instance, the computer server  116  may be configured as a centralized hub for the network  108  and may be used to remotely monitor the status of the electronic golf flagstick  120  and receive and transmit data and instructions to each of the electronic golf flagstick  120  coupled to the network  108 . 
     The processor and memory  144  may also be used to support the creation of the composite video upon receipt of signals from the sensor  130 . This may include preparing and/or routing the video files for transmission across a distributed computer network  108  for analysis and a remote computer server  116 , and the communications component  148  may be configured as an antenna that is coupled with the processor and memory  144  to wirelessly transmit the data of the at least one sensor  130  over a network  108 . The power source  152  may provide a localized, onboard power supply for the electronic components of the electronic golf flagstick  120  and may therefore operate as a self-contained unit that does not require a hardwired connection to peripheral devices or power sources during operation. In some implementations, the electronic golf flagstick  120  may include a recharging port such as a USB port for recharging the power source  152 , and when the port may be further configured to couple to a computer for receipt of updates at the processor and memory  144 , for example. 
     Where multiple electronic golf flagsticks  120  are arranged at a golf hole, such as one electronic golf flagstick  120  at the hole of a golf green, and another electronic golf flagstick  120  at the tee of the golf hole, the electronic golf flagsticks  120  may be communicatively coupled and the sensed information from the respective sensors  130  may be used to verify the sensed information collected by the sensor  130  of the other of the electronic golf flagsticks  120  associated with this same golf hole. This verification data may be transmitted over the network  108 , for instance, to confirm the accuracy of the collected information related to the tracking of the golf ball  101  or other tracked information, such as movement of the electronic golf flagsticks  120  from an assigned or predetermined position. Where multiple electronic golf flagsticks  120  are housed at the same golf course, such as at four or more golf holes of a particular golf course, the multiple electronic golf flagsticks  120  may be communicatively coupled to each other, and/or may be communicatively coupled to a user device  110  that may be associated with the golf course. In this way, an administrative user of the device  110  may track the use and position of the multiple electronic golf flagsticks  120  at the golf course. 
     The electronic golf flagstick  120  may be configured to deliver substantially real-time information to a golfer or other user. For instance, after a golf ball  101  is tracked by the sensor  130 , the electronic golf flagstick  130  may transmit images of the golf ball  101  as a picture or as a video to a user&#39;s device  110  such as a mobile phone so that the user can view a golf shot from the perspective of the electronic golf flagstick  120 . In some implementations, the processor and memory  144  may be configured to receive sensor information from multiple sensors  130   a - d  and generate a composite, stitched together video from the individual videos captured by these various sensors  130   a - d . For instance, the processor and memory  144  may filter the videos and provide frame relevant information, allowing the video to include or emphasize frames including the golf ball and exclude non-relevant frames, such as those not including the golf ball. Frames including the golf ball and adjacent or target images may be stitched together by the processor and memory  144  to create up to a net 360° view of the golf ball as it approaches and/or enters the golf cup. The composite video may be saved by the golfer for reference and distribution subsequent to the golf game. The system  100  and its components may also facilitate communicating other messages to the golfer or third parties via the user device  110 , including the determined distance of the golf ball to the golf cup. 
     The sensor board  131  may be a backing or other circuit board that defines a mounting for sensing components of the sensor  130 . The sensor board  131  may be secured to the sensor housing  132  via fasteners  139 . The sensing components of the sensor  130  may include various components of a video or image sensor. For purposes of illustration,  FIG. 6  shows the sensor  130  including a lens piece  134 , a first lens tube portion  133   a , a second lens tube portion  133   b , and a lens-mating piece  135 . The lens piece  134  may include a portion of an optical lens. In this regard, the lens piece  134  may define an outermost portion of the sensor  130  that is adapted to receive light. The received light may be indicative of an image of the golf ball  101  or other aspect of the golfing environment  102 . The lens piece  134  may be associated with a first lens tube portion  133   a  and the second lens tube portion  133   b . The first and second lens tube portions  133   a ,  133   b  may cooperate to collimate or otherwise manipulate the received light for processing at the sensor board  131 . The lens mating piece  135  may be a ring or other sealing-type element that fits over one or both of the first and second lens tube portions  133   a ,  133   b . In some cases, the lens-mating piece  135  may be arranged at an interface between the first and second lens tube portions  133   a ,  133   b . Further, the first and second tube portions  133   a ,  133   b  may be configured to extend through the sensor housing  132  and the mating piece  135  may define an engagement or seal between the first or second tube portions  133   a ,  133   b  and the sensor housing  132 , thereby facilitating alignment of the sensing component of the sensor  130  with respect the sensor housing  132 . 
     In the assembled configuration, the sensor  130  and the computing assembly  140  may be coupled with one another and arranged within the compartment assembly  122 . For example and with reference to  FIG. 3 , the computing assembly  140  may be held within the tube  160 . The computing assembly mounting structure  141 , for example, may have a shape matching the cylindrical walls  162  of the tube  160 . Accordingly, the computing assembly mounting structure  141  and associated electric components may be slid into the tube volume  161 . In some cases, the computing assembly mounting structure  141  may define a friction fit with an interior surface of the cylindrical walls  162  inside of the tube volume  161 . 
     The sensor  130  may be arranged with the compartment assembly  122  at the sensor array housing  168 . Broadly, the sensor array housing  168  may be configured to secure the sensor  130  at a predetermined position and alignment within the electronic golf flagstick  120 . In one implementation, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the sensor array housing  168  may be configured to secure multiple sensors at predetermined positions and alignments within the electronic golf flagstick  120 . For example,  FIG. 7  shows the sensor array  124  as including a first sensor  130   a , a second sensor  130   b , a third sensor  130   c , and a fourth sensor  130   d . The sensor  130  described herein may be representative of any one or more of, or all of, the first sensor  130   a , the second sensor  130   b , the third sensor  130   c , and the fourth sensor  130   d.    
     The first, second, third, fourth sensors  130   a - 130   d  are shown in  FIG. 7  held in a predetermined position by the sensor array housing second portion  168   b . Each of the sensors  130   a - 130   d  are arranged to face a different direction. In the example of  FIG. 7 , each sensor  130   a - 130   d  faces a direction that is substantially orthogonal to an adjacent sensor. As explained in greater detail below, this arrangement may allow the sensors  130   a - 130   d  to collectively capture a net 360° view about the flagstick  120 . In other examples, more or fewer sensors may be used. 
     The sensor array housing second portion  168   b  may define a series of features to facilitate the alignment of the sensors  130   a - 130   d  within the sensor array housing  168 . For example, the sensor array housing second portion  168   b  may define clip seats  174  for each of the sensors  130   a - 130   d . The clip seats  174  may be grooves defined adjacent the sensor bottom support feature  171   b . The clip seats  174  may be configured to receive the sensor housing clip  136 . Upon receipt of the sensor housing clip  136  in the clip seats  174 , the sensor  130  may be restrained from axial movement within the sensor array housing second portion  168   b . The sensor array housing second portion  168   b  may further define a seal bottom seat  175   b  for each of the sensors  130   a - 130   d . The seal bottom seat  175   b  may be a groove that is configured to receive a sealing element, such as an O-ring or seal  176 . 
     In the assembled configuration, the sensor array housing first portion  168   a  may be attached to the sensor array housing second portion  168   b  (see e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). The sensor array housing first and second portions  168   a ,  168   b  may substantially enclose the sensors  130   a - 130   d  with the housing volume  169 . With reference to  FIG. 8 , detail  8 - 8  of  FIG. 3  is depicted which shows the sensor array housing first and second portions  168   a ,  168   b  in the assembled configuration. As shown in  FIG. 8 , a seal upper seat  175   a  may be defined by the sensor array housing first portion  168   a . The seal upper seat  175   a  may receive the seal  176 . The seal  176  may therefore be used to define a weather-resistant barrier between the external environment of the flagstick  120  and the sensor array housing volume  169 . 
     As demonstrated in  FIG. 8 , the sensor array housing first and second portions  168   a ,  168   b  may cooperate to arrange the sensor  130  at angle of less than 90° relative to a ground surface. For example, the sensor array housing first and second portions  168   a ,  168   b  may cooperate to arrange the lens  134  of the sensor  130  so that the lens faces a direction or otherwise defines an axis that is orientated at an angle α relative to a ground surface. The angle α may be less than 90°, such as being less than 89°, preferably as being less than 88°, or more preferably being less than 87°. More broadly, the angle α may be any appropriate angle that allows the lens  134  to capture images of the golf cup  106 . Accordingly, the lens  134  may be configured to capture images substantially adjacent to or at the golf cup  106 , allowing the electronic golf flagstick  120  to create a visual representation of the golf ball  101  as it is advanced toward and into the golf cup  106 . In some implementations, the sensor  130  is configured to sense or capture images of an area remote from the electronic golf flagstick  120  arranged in the golf cup  106 , and for example, may capture images of a tee box associated with the same golf hole where the golf cup  106  is situated. In this way, the sensor  130  may sense a flight of the golf ball  101  from a tee box to the golf cup  106  in cases where the golf ball travels directly from the tee box to the golf cup in one shot, or a hole-in-one. 
     To facilitate the foregoing, the sensor  130  is secured to the sensor housing second portion  168   b  in a manner that maintains the orientation of the lens  134  at the angle α. For example, a fastener  138 , such as a screw, may be used to positionally fix the sensor housing attachment feature  137  of the sensor  130  to the sensor array second portion  168   b . The sensor board  131  and sensor housing  132  may be arranged at a non-perpendicular angle from the sensor housing attachment feature  137 . For example, the sensor board  131  and the sensor housing  132  may extend at an angle from the sensor housing attachment feature  137  that allows the lens  134  to be positioned substantially at the angle α when the sensor housing attachment feature  137  is secured to the sensor array housing second portion  168   b  with the fastener  138 . And the sensor housing clip  136  being seated in the respective clip seats  174  may substantially prevent the lens  134  from deviating from the angle α during use. 
     The sensor array housing first and second portions  168   a ,  168   b  may cooperate to shield the sensor  130  from damage. For example, the sensor array housing first and second portions  168   a ,  168   b  may be configured to impede a ground surface from contacting the sensor  130  in the event that the electronic golf flagstick  120  is laid on a ground surface. To facilitate the foregoing, the sensor array housing first portion  168   a  may define a top ridge  173  and the sensor array housing second portion  168   b  may define a bottom ridge  178 . The top and bottom ridges  173 ,  178  may be protrusions or other features that extend from an outer surface of the sensor array housing  168 . The top and bottom ridges  173 ,  178  may form a recessed region  177  therebetween. The sensor  130  may be substantially arranged at the recessed region  177  and between the top and bottom ridges  173 ,  178 . For example and in the assembled configuration shown in  FIG. 8 , the top ridge  173  may be positioned on a first or top side of the sensor  130 . Further, the bottom ridge  178  may be positioned on a second or bottom side of the sensor  130 . The top and bottom ridges  173 ,  178  may extend outward from the sensor array housing  168  in a manner that allows the lens  134  to be offset from a ground surface upon the top and bottom ridges  173 ,  178  impacting the ground surface. To illustrate, a linear span  179  may be defined between the ridge  173 ,  178 . The linear span  179  may be indicative of a ground surface, with the ridge  173 ,  178  contacting the ground surface. As shown in  FIG. 8 , a lens end  134   a  is within the recessed region and offset from the linear span  179 . In this manner, the lens end  134   a  may not contact the ground surface represented by the linear span  179 , thereby mitigating damage to the sensor  130  and/or other components in the event the flagstick is laid on the ground. 
     Further shown in  FIG. 8  is an actuation switch  180 . The actuation switch  180  may be electrically couple to the circuit board  142 . The actuation switch  180  may be configured to receive a user input. Upon receipt of the user input, the actuation switch may send a signal to the circuit board  142  to initiate one or more of the operations described herein. In some cases, the actuation switch  180  may include a mechanical switch and/or tactile features to provide an indication to the user that the input was received. 
     The compartment assembly  122  including the various electrical components described herein is attached to the elongated pole  126 . For example, the compartment assembly  122  may be configured to attach to the elongated pole first portion  126   a  at the sensor array housing second portion  168   b . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the fitting portion  170   b  of the sensor array housing second portion  168   b  may be a recess extending into the body of the sensor array housing second portion  168   b . The fitting portion  170   b  may be configured to receive the elongated portion first portion  126   a . Further, the compartment assembly  122  may be configured to attached to the elongated pole second and/or third portions  126   b ,  126   c  at the cap  164 . With reference to  FIG. 9 , the elongated pole third portion  126   c  is shown received by the elongated pole opening  165  of the cap  164 . The elongated pole portions  126   a - 126   c  may be attached to the compartment assembly  122  via friction fit with the respective the fitting portion  170   b  and opening  165 . Additionally or alternatively, adhesive, fasteners, or other attachment structures may be used. 
     The assembled configured of  FIG. 9  also shows the cap  164  attached to the tube  160 . For example, the fitting portion  166  of the cap  164  is shown received by the tube  160 . Seals  183   a ,  183   b  may be provided in order to establish a moisture-resistant connection between the cap  164  and the tube  160 . A fastener  184  may be provided to positionally secure the cap  164  relative to the tube  160 . The detail view of  FIG. 9  further shows a compartment  185 . Broadly, the compartment  185  may be a section of the cap  164  or other feature of the compartment assembly  122  that is configured to receive a communications component. For example, the compartment  185  may be configured to optionally receive an antenna or other component to facilitate the transmission of wireless signals to and from the electronic golf flagstick  120 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, the compartment  185  may be configured to receive a conduit  186  that connects the antennas  187   a ,  187   b  to a communications component or other component housed in the compartment assembly  122 . For example, the conduit  186  may be received through the compartment  185  and routed into the third portion volume  129   c  of the elongated pole third portion  126   c . The conduit  186  may continue into the second portion volume  129   b  of the elongated pole second portion  126   b  and/or end volume  123  at which the antennas  187   a ,  187   b  are housed. The conduit  186  may be a carrier or otherwise define a housing or cable for wires  188   a ,  188   b  that are coupled to respective ones of the antennas  187   a ,  187   b . The wires  188   a ,  188   b  may extend in any appropriate direction to communicatively couple with the antennas  187   a ,  187   b , which may be diametrically opposed from one another at the second end  127   b.    
     In some implementations, the sensor  130  generates a visual representation of the golf ball and the surrounding environment proximate the electronic golf flagstick  120 . In some cases, multiple sensors  130   a - d  (e.g., cameras, LIDAR-type sensors) may be configured to sense different portions of the same golf environment  102  and the computing device  140  may be configured to generate a composite view or video of a 360° view of the golf environment  102  surrounding the electronic golf flagstick  120 . Turning to  FIG. 10 , a schematic representation of the sensor array  124  of the electronic golf flagstick  120  is presented. In  FIG. 10 , each of the sensors  130   a - 130   d  are shown schematically positioned about the sensor array housing  168 . Each of the sensors  130   a - 130   d  may be configured to capture a 180° view of the area proximate to the sensor array housing  168 . For example, the first sensor  130   a  may have a first field of view Oa, the second sensor  130   b  may have a second field of view θ b , the third sensor may have a third field of view θ c , and the fourth sensor  130   d  may have a fourth field of view θ d . Each of the field of views θ a -θ d  may define an approximately 180° field of view for the respective one of the sensors  130   a - 130   d . The field of views may therefore overlap with one another, such as at an overlap portion  199 . In some cases, one or more or all of the field of views θ a -θ d  may be less than 180° while maintaining the overlap portion  199  between adjacent sensors  130 . With the overlap portion  190  maintained, the sensor  130   a - 130   d  may collectively capture a 360° view of the ground surface about the electronic golf flagstick  120 . Accordingly, the images captured by the sensors  130   a - 130   d  may be used to form a composite or stitched together video or other visual representation of the golf ball  101  regardless of the direction at which the golf ball  101  approaches the flagstick  120 . 
     Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific examples described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the examples to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.