Patent Description:
The game of golf has a long history, and in addition to traditional golf played on golf courses, driving ranges have been used by players to improve their game. Further, golf facilities have been developed in which golf balls with RFID tags are hit into targets that include RFID readers, allowing the creation of interactive golf games, where the successful hitting of a target with a golf ball is automatically identified in a computer system and reported back to the golfer to create a more exciting golf experience. This has encouraged new players to learn golf, resulting in a substantial increase in the interest in golf generally. Moreover, such golf facilities have experienced wide and growing popularity, which results in many millions of golf balls with RFID tags being hit each year. <CIT> describes systems and apparatus for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) golf ball testing that include, in at least one aspect, an apparatus including: one or more RFID readers having associated read zones; a star wheel unit defining cavities to receive golf balls; golf ball sensors including at least one sensor for each respective path through the read zones; kickers including at least one kicker positioned after each respective path through the read zones and arranged to change a golf ball's direction of travel when the at least one kicker is activated; and a controller coupled with the kickers, the golf ball sensors, and the one or more RFID readers, wherein the controller is configured to activate any of the kickers responsive to the one or more RFID readers inadequately reading an RFID tag in a golf ball detected by the at least one sensor for that kicker's associated path through a read zone.

This specification describes technologies relating to RFID golf ball receiving and identifying apparatus and systems.

Systems and apparatus for receiving golf balls include an apparatus including: a body having an ingress and an egress for golf balls passing through the body, wherein each of the golf balls includes a radio frequency identification tag; at least one antenna of a radio frequency identification reader, the at least one antenna arranged with respect to the body to receive information from the golf balls for identification of the golf balls; and multiple protrusions located within the body, the multiple protrusions being positioned with respect to each other in a Galton configuration that both (i) impedes the golf balls from passing through the body without being read by the radio frequency identification reader, and (ii) allows the golf balls to pass through the body without jamming therein. The apparatus can be one of multiple ball receiving apparatuses included in at least one target of two or more targets for the golf balls in a system, e.g., at a golf range facility. The system can include one or more radio frequency identification readers associated with the least one target.

The apparatus can include a support surface located within the body, wherein the multiple protrusions include protuberances on the support surface. The support surface can be a first support surface, the apparatus can include a second support surface, the protuberances can be arranged in a Galton configuration on each of the first and second support surfaces, and each of the first and second support surfaces can be placed at an incline of between ten degrees and twenty degrees.

The incline of each support surface can be adjustable between ten degrees and twenty degrees. The apparatus can include horizontally oriented bars located within the body, the horizontally oriented bars being arranged in two columns extending between the first support surface and the second support surface, wherein a gap between the bars of the two columns is less than a diameter of a golf ball, and a distance between each pair of rods in each respective column is less than the diameter of a golf ball. Moreover, opposite sides of the body can be open to the environment.

The multiple protrusions can include horizontally oriented bars located within the body. Each of the bars can be attached with the body through a pivot. The bars can be removably attached with the body.

The bars can be positioned in a series of rows that alternate between an even number of bars and an odd number of bars in each row, and the body can include inward-directed flaps positioned adjacent to a proper subset of the rows having a fewer number of bars. The bars can be positioned in a series of rows having a same number of bars in each of the rows, and the body can include inward-directed flaps positioned on alternating sides of the bars in each row.

The apparatus can include holders, wherein each of the holders is configured to removably receive a respective proper subset of the bars. Each of the holders can be separate and distinct from the body, and the body can include respective surfaces that are each shaped to removably receive any one of the holders.

The apparatus can include an access door forming a majority of an area of at least one side of the body. The egress can include two egresses, a bottom support surface within the body can have a first portion sloped downward toward a first of the two egresses and a second portion sloped downward toward a second of the two egresses. The multiple protrusions can be located within a read zone of the body, and the at least one antenna can be placed on a side of the read zone, above the read zone, and/or below the read zone.

Various embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. The described structural configuration can prevent golf balls from passing too quickly through the receiving apparatus, thus reducing (or eliminating) the risk that a golf ball will not be read by an RFID reader, while also allowing the balls to be read quickly. The internal design of the ball receiving apparatus, including the dimensions and spacing of protrusions located therein, can reduce (or eliminate) the risk that golf balls will get locked up with each other (or impeded by debris) inside the receiving apparatus, thereby preventing ball jams in the receiving apparatus that would require maintenance during use. An access door of the design can facilitate removal of any debris (e.g., leaves, windblown trash, snow or ice) that gets into the apparatus. A modular design allows individual swapping out of parts in case of failure or upgraded and/or expanded design. This can also increase the longevity of the apparatus and minimize maintenance requirements.

One or more interior support surfaces of the receiving apparatus can be sloped so as to ensure the read golf balls leave the apparatus quickly enough to prevent a jam or a backup of balls inside the apparatus. These interior support surface(s) can include the protrusions and so can also facilitate slowing the balls down to provide enough time to read the RFID tags, without also causing a jam or ball backup. The design can include horizontally oriented bars that the balls hit and bounce off of, thus causing the balls to rotate/reorient more while passing through the apparatus, thereby maximizing the chances of an accurate read of the RFID tag while the ball moves through the apparatus. The bars can be the protrusions arranged in a Galton pattern or be separate from the protrusions, in which case, the use of crossbars for the balls to bounce off of, in combination with protuberances arranged in a Galton pattern on one or more interior surfaces, which support the balls as they roll through the apparatus under the influence of gravity, can maximize the number reorientations of the balls as they pass through the apparatus and ensure the balls do not pass too quickly through the apparatus (thus effectively eliminating the risk that a golf ball will not be read) while also preventing any ball jams or backups within the apparatus (even at very high ball throughput, and potentially when debris is present inside the apparatus).

<FIG> shows an example of a golf facility <NUM> including targets <NUM> for RFID equipped golf balls. The golf facility <NUM> includes a golf range <NUM> and a building <NUM>. The golf range <NUM> can be of various shapes and sizes, but will typically be <NUM>-<NUM> feet wide and <NUM>-<NUM> feet (wherein <NUM> foot corresponds to <NUM>,<NUM>) long. The golf range <NUM> can be flat or include small hills or one or more inclines, and can also include hazards, such as water and sand traps. Note that such hazards need not include actual water and sand, but can simply be colored to look like water or sand. Moreover, the golf range <NUM> can be composed of real grass or artificial turf.

Included in the golf range <NUM> are targets <NUM> having different sizes and being different distances from the building <NUM>, where people stand to hit golf balls toward the targets. The targets can be grouped into distance categories that generally represent their distance from the building <NUM>, and the targets can have various shapes, such as the circular shapes of the main targets and the rectangular shape of the trench target at the end of the range <NUM>. Other shapes for the targets <NUM>, as well as different numbers of targets <NUM> than shown, are also possible.

Each target <NUM> includes one or more systems <NUM> for receiving and identifying the golf balls that enter the target <NUM>. For example, each target can include netting that funnels the golf balls into a nearest receiver box which is part of a system <NUM>, where RFID tags inside the balls are read as each ball passes through the receiver box. Each receiver box can be equipped with an RFID antenna that is connected with an RFID reader, which in turn is connected with a computer system for the golf facility <NUM> that manages the golf games. Moreover, one or more of the targets <NUM> can include discrete sections of nets such that information regarding which portion of the target a particular golf ball lands in can be determined, and different points or game features can be applied accordingly. Each such net section can have its own receiver box and RFID antenna, and multiple such antennas inside a target <NUM> can have their signals be multiplexed into a single RFID reader to reduce the total number of RFID readers needed for the golf facility <NUM>.

Once the golf balls are read and collected within each target <NUM>, they can be manually or automatically returned to the building <NUM> for another hit. For example, each target can include a collection point that includes a helical screw to capture and direct the golf balls to a vacuum intake point where the golf balls can be individually sucked through pneumatic tubes back to the building <NUM>. Moreover, the golf balls can be individually washed and read again by an additional RFID equipped receiver at the building <NUM> before being placed back into play.

<FIG> shows an example of a system <NUM> for receiving and identifying RFID equipped golf balls, as can be used in the golf facility <NUM>. Each golf ball <NUM> includes an RFID tag <NUM>. As will be appreciated, various RFID structures and designs can be used, but the RFID tag <NUM> will generally not be visible as it is embedded in the golf ball <NUM>; the tag <NUM> is shown in <FIG> for purposes of clarity in this disclosure. Moreover, each of the golf balls discussed below is an RFID equipped golf ball. As the golf ball <NUM> lands in the netting of a target <NUM>, the netting (a target net <NUM> or target net section <NUM>) funnels the golf ball into a golf ball receiving apparatus <NUM>. Further, in some implementations, the balls <NUM> that pass through the apparatus <NUM> are then routed through one or more tubes <NUM> back to the building <NUM>.

Inside the receiving apparatus <NUM>, the ball <NUM> rolls and/or bounces past an RFID antenna <NUM> that is connected to an RFID reader <NUM>. The RFID antenna <NUM> obtains wireless signals responsive to the tag <NUM> in the ball <NUM>, and the RFID reader <NUM> processes these signals to determine the identification data of the ball <NUM> and forwards that data to the facility's back-end software, to determine which target <NUM> (or which zone of the target <NUM>) the specific ball entered, from which data a score and/or game occurrence can be determined. Further data (beyond the RFID tag's unique number) can also be sent to the facility's back-end software, including signal strength (RSSI), timestamp, RFID channel (radio frequency), and antenna number. Note that the receiving apparatus <NUM> includes an antenna <NUM>, but need not include control circuitry. Rather, the antenna <NUM> can be connected to the RFID reader <NUM> using a wire <NUM>, and all control circuitry that implements the RFID functionality can be remote from the receiving apparatus <NUM>.

Nonetheless, in some implementations, some or all of the control circuitry is integrated into the receiving apparatus <NUM>. The antenna <NUM> can be separate from the control circuitry or integrated into the control circuitry. In some implementations, the antenna <NUM> is outside the receiving apparatus <NUM> rather than inside. In some implementations, the antenna and control circuitry are built into a single integrated circuit module that is embedded in the receiving apparatus <NUM>. Thus, as used herein, an RFID antenna can refer to an RFID chip or other compact electronics package. Moreover, the antenna <NUM> can be placed in various positions, as described in detail below, and in some implementations, more than one antenna <NUM> can be used. For example, a first RFID antenna <NUM> can have a first orientation, and a second RFID antenna <NUM> can have a second orientation that is <NUM> degrees away from the first orientation, which improves the chances of reading the golf ball's embedded RFID tag.

The antenna <NUM> can be near-fielded and have a polarization type, e.g., linear or circular type polarization. In addition, the antenna <NUM> can be accompanied by a wall or walls made of RF shielding or absorbing material(s) to reduce RF interference. Moreover, various RFID technologies can be used in various implementations, including passive or active RFID, read-only, field-programmable or read/write RFID tags, and different frequency bands can be used to achieve different ranges and data speeds (e.g., Low Frequency (LF) from <NUM>-<NUM>, High Frequency (HF) around <NUM>, and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) about <NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM>). In general, more durable but also less expensive RFID tags <NUM> should be used given the regular, large impacts that are experienced by the golf balls <NUM> in which they are embedded.

The RFID reader <NUM> can cause the antenna <NUM> to transmit a radio signal (e.g., an encoded radio signal) to interrogate the RFID tag <NUM>. The RFID tag <NUM> receives the signal and then responds with identification and potentially other information. While shown as a single box attached to the golf ball receiving apparatus <NUM>, it will be appreciated that the RFID reader <NUM> can be distributed among two or more locations. For example, each target net section <NUM> can have its own receiving apparatus <NUM> that includes one or more antennas that are electrically connected with one or more RFID reader circuits located elsewhere. Thus, the RFID reader <NUM> can be connected with multiple antennas and can operate all of the connected antennas. Various other combinations of RFID antennas and reader circuitry/processors can be used with each target, depending on the size of the target and the number of golf balls <NUM> to be read in a given period of time (e.g., based on average or peak ball volume).

Each receiving apparatus <NUM> includes a structural configuration that both impedes the golf balls <NUM> from passing through without being read by the RFID reader and allows the golf balls <NUM> to pass through without locking up with each other and forming a jam or otherwise getting backed up inside the apparatus <NUM>. This structural configuration can be generally understood as multiple protrusions located within the apparatus <NUM> that are arranged in a pattern that corresponds to the configuration of pegs on a Galton board. These protrusions are positioned with respect to each other so as to ensure that the balls hit the protrusions and are thus slowed down as they pass through the apparatus <NUM>. However, the protrusions are also sized and spaced from each other in a manner that allows the golf balls <NUM> to pass through the apparatus <NUM> without jamming or backup therein.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an example of a golf ball receiving apparatus 165A. The apparatus 165A includes a body <NUM> that receives the balls <NUM> through an ingress <NUM> and removes the balls <NUM> through an egress <NUM>. In some implementations, the body <NUM> has a rectangular shape. In some implementations, the body <NUM> has a cylindrical shape. In some implementations, the body <NUM> has another geometrically suitable shape. The body <NUM> can be built using metal, plastic, or other materials, or a combination thereof, but note that the use of metallic materials helps to contain the RF (radio frequency) fields so as to prevent the reader from reading balls outside the body <NUM>.

In some implementations, the body <NUM> includes an access door <NUM> forming a part of an area of at least one side of the body <NUM>. The access door <NUM> can be a solid metal sheet or a perforated metal sheet, or be built from other material(s) as with the body <NUM>. In some implementations, the body <NUM> includes an access door <NUM> forming a majority of an area of at least one side of the body <NUM>, which facilitates access to the interior of the body <NUM> for service, including cleaning out any debris. In some implementations, the access door <NUM> is attached with the body <NUM> using a pivot <NUM> at one or more locations. In some implementations, the access door <NUM> is entirely removable from the body <NUM>.

In the example apparatus 165A, the protrusions arranged in a Galton configuration are multiple bars <NUM>. These bars (or crossbars) <NUM> are thus positioned with respect to each other in a configuration that both impedes the golf balls <NUM> from passing through the body <NUM> without being read by the RFID reader <NUM>, and allows the golf balls <NUM> to pass through the body <NUM> without locking up with each other and forming a jam or otherwise getting backed up inside the apparatus 165A. Further, as each ball <NUM> bounces off a bar <NUM>, it will typically be reoriented in space, thus facilitating reading of the RFID tags <NUM> inside the balls <NUM>. In some implementations, each bar from the multiple bars <NUM> has a cylindrical shape, as shown, but other shapes are possible. In some implementations, each bar from the multiple bars <NUM> has a cross-section shaped like a rhombus or a hexagon. In some implementations, each bar from the multiple bars <NUM> is a chevron-shaped crossbar. In some implementations, each bar from the multiple bars <NUM> has a U shape or a C shape (with opening facing down) as these shapes can function like cylinders but be more readily fabricated from sheet material. Moreover, each bar from the multiple bars <NUM> can be attached to the body using a pivot.

<FIG> shows an example <NUM> of bars <NUM>, as can be used in a golf ball receiving apparatus <NUM>. As illustrated, the pivot attachment can include an axle <NUM> attached to a bearing <NUM> on one or both sides of the axle <NUM>. This configuration allows the bar <NUM> to freely spin when installed in a receiving apparatus <NUM>, which can result in a better distribution of wear on the bars (on all sides) over time and therefore increased durability and lifespan. Further, regardless of how the bars <NUM>, <NUM> are attached within the body of the apparatus <NUM>, each bar can be identical in shape and dimensions as each other bar. Thus each bar can be interchangeable with any other bar, thus facilitating maintenance and repairs.

<FIG> is a perspective, cutaway view showing internal structures of the golf ball receiving apparatus of <FIG>. <FIG> is a side, cutaway view of the golf ball receiving apparatus of <FIG>. In these figures, the Galton configuration of the bars <NUM> is readily visible. The bars <NUM> can be made of metal, plastic, or other materials, or a combination thereof, but note that avoiding the use of metallic materials helps prevent the bars <NUM> from blocking some of the RF fields, which can impede RFID reads in the upper part of the body <NUM>. In some implementations, each of the bars <NUM> has a diameter between five and one hundred millimeters (mm) (inclusive). In general, the bars <NUM> should have dimensions that are sufficiently large, given the material they are made from, to maintain their strength and durability during use over long periods of being impacted by many golf balls.

Once the dimensions of the bars <NUM> are determined, then they are positioned in the Galton pattern with small enough distances between their outer surfaces to effectively ensure that each golf ball <NUM> passing through the apparatus 165A will hit at least one bar <NUM> (or slide flap <NUM> discussed below) regardless of the angle of the ball's incoming trajectory. Thus, each ball <NUM> is essentially guaranteed to be redirected (impeded) and likely reoriented at least a couple times as it travels through the body <NUM> of the apparatus 165A, thereby facilitating reading of the RFID tag therein. However, if the bars <NUM> are positioned too close to each other, then the balls <NUM> can form jams inside the apparatus 165A under high ball throughput conditions or when debris is present inside the apparatus 165A, and so the positioning of the bars <NUM> should provide distance(s) between their outer surfaces that are wide enough (but not too wide) to effectively ensure that no ball jams can be formed inside the apparatus 165A.

The spacing between the bars <NUM> can be determined based on a diagonal pathway of a golf ball <NUM> passing through the bars <NUM> and the size of the ball <NUM>. In general, the spacing between the exterior surfaces of the neighboring bars <NUM> should be at least slightly larger than the diameter of a golf ball (<NUM>), but as the distance between the bars <NUM> gets closer to the diameter of a golf ball, the risk of balls jams and/or backups in the apparatus <NUM> rises. In some implementations, the distance between the exterior surface of each pair of bars <NUM> (e.g., with every group of three bars forms an equilateral triangle) is between <NUM> and <NUM> (inclusive). In some implementations, the distance between the exterior surface of each pair of bars <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM> (inclusive).

However, the optimal spacing can depend on the size and shape of the bars <NUM>, as well as whether or not the bars <NUM> are uniformly distributed in the Galton pattern, and so the optimal spacing for a particular implementation can be determined using ball jam/backup and RFID read data from experimental testing for a given apparatus <NUM>. Also note that the importance of the spacing value applies to the bars <NUM> that are horizontally positioned from each other (i.e., are in the same horizontal row <NUM>) and to the bars <NUM> that are on different but adjacent rows (i.e., in rows <NUM>, <NUM>) as well. In other words, each bar must have at least a <NUM> clearance in all directions for the golf ball <NUM> to successfully move through the apparatus 165A.

The bars can be removably attached to the body <NUM>, so a bar <NUM> can be readily replaced when it is damaged, and thus one or more (or all) bars <NUM> can be removed to facilitate cleaning of the interior of the apparatus 165A. In some implementations, the golf ball receiving apparatus 165A includes holes formed on one or both sides of the body <NUM> to removably receive the bars <NUM>. But in some implementations, the golf ball receiving apparatus 165A includes an intermediate separate element, such as a holder <NUM>, that can be installed into a respective surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The body <NUM> can include multiple respective surfaces, such as the respective surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, installed on or formed from the body <NUM>, e.g., in a parallel configuration. In some implementations, each respective surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is a recess formed in the body <NUM>. In some implementations, each respective surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is shaped to removably receive one holder such as a holder <NUM>. Each holder <NUM> is a separate and distinct element from the body <NUM>. In some implementations, the holder <NUM> is a rectangular tray, which can be made of metal, plastic, or other materials, or a combination thereof. Each holder <NUM> can be a perforated sheet that includes one or more holes <NUM> configured to removably receive a respective proper subset of the multiple bars <NUM> to form the Galton pattern, as shown. The holders <NUM> allow a whole set of bars to be replaced at once instead of needing to replace the bars individually, which can lead to more down time for the golf ball reader apparatus during maintenance operations. Thus, using holders <NUM> for the bars <NUM> facilitate repair and cleaning of the apparatus 165A.

In the example shown, the rows alternate between having an odd number of bars <NUM> (e.g., in row <NUM>) and an even number of bars <NUM> (e.g., row <NUM>). As will be appreciated, this even-odd alternating pattern is a result of the particular width of the body <NUM> and this width being constant all the way through the read zone <NUM>. Thus, to prevent balls from being able to partially circumvent the Galton pattern of bars <NUM>, in some implementations, the body <NUM> includes multiple inward-directed flaps, such as flap <NUM>, positioned adjacent the rows that include fewer bars <NUM> (e.g., row <NUM>). In some implementations, the flaps <NUM> are integrally formed from the body <NUM>, e.g., the flaps <NUM> can be inward bent portions of the metal sheet forming the body <NUM>. In some implementations, the flaps <NUM> are removably attached to the body <NUM> and seated in a recess formed in the body <NUM>, as done for the holders <NUM>. In some implementations, the flaps <NUM> can be fastened to the inner surface of the body <NUM>. Moreover, in some implementations, the Galton pattern does not have rows of bars with alternating even and odd numbers of bars; for example, every row can have the same number of bars, and each row can have a flap <NUM> at only one end, where this end would alternate from each row to the next.

As described earlier, in reference to <FIG>, the golf balls <NUM> leave the apparatus <NUM> through the egress <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the egress <NUM> can include two egresses <NUM>. Thus, a bottom support surface within the apparatus 165A can have a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>, where the first portion <NUM> is sloped downward toward a first of the two egresses <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> is sloped downward toward a second of the two egresses <NUM>. In some implementations, the downward slopes of the first and second portions <NUM> and <NUM> are between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees (inclusive) or between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees (inclusive). This slope causes the balls <NUM> to leave the apparatus 165A under the force of gravity even in situations where debris is present or inclement weather tilts the apparatus or where the netting has heterogeneously stretched/aged and tilted the overall assembly. In some implementations, each support surface portion <NUM>, <NUM> is adjustable, such that the slope can be varied within the range (<NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> degrees) as needed. Note that setting the slope to be as close to the minimum angle needed to avoid jams and backups (and tolerate situations where the apparatus <NUM> is not level) can facilitate RFID reading of the balls since they will be over the antenna for a longer period of time.

In some implementations, the interior support surface <NUM>, <NUM> is made of a polymer-based material (e.g., a thermoformed polymer material or plastic sheet), polymer composite, or a combination thereof that protects an antenna <NUM> from damage. In some implementations, the interior support surface <NUM>, <NUM> includes protuberances arranged in a Galton pattern, as described in further detail below. The antenna <NUM> (an example of antenna <NUM>) is positioned with respect to the read zone <NUM> such that the balls <NUM> can be read as they are slowed down by the bars <NUM> within the body <NUM>, and optionally by the protuberances on the support surface <NUM>, <NUM>. In the example shown, the antenna <NUM> is placed below the read zone <NUM>. In some implementations, the apparatus <NUM>, 165A can include one or more antennas placed in different configurations.

<FIG> is a perspective view of another example of a golf ball receiving apparatus 165B. The apparatus 165B is similar to the apparatus 165A in that the protrusions arranged in a Galton configuration are horizontally oriented bars. However, the RFID antenna <NUM> (an example of antenna <NUM>) is positioned on the side of the read zone <NUM>, rather than below it.

<FIG> is a side, cutaway view of yet another example of a golf ball receiving apparatus 165C. In this example, the RFID antenna <NUM> (an example of antenna <NUM>) is positioned above the read zone <NUM>. In addition, the apparatus 165C includes a first support surface <NUM> (without protuberances) above the RFID antenna <NUM> and a second support surface <NUM> below the RFID antenna <NUM>. In addition, the protrusions arranged in a Galton configuration in the apparatus 165C are protuberances <NUM> arranged on the second support surface <NUM>. Note that this implementation includes no horizontal rods arranged in a Galton pattern. Further, in some implementations, the protuberances arranged in the Galton configuration can be placed on the first support surface <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective, cutaway view of an additional example of a golf ball receiving apparatus 165D. The apparatus 165D includes a body <NUM> that receives the balls <NUM> through an ingress <NUM> and removes the balls <NUM> through an egress <NUM>. In some implementations, the body <NUM> has a rectangular shape. In some implementations, the body <NUM> has a cylindrical shape. In some implementations, the body <NUM> has another geometrically suitable shape. The body <NUM> can be built using metal, plastic, or other materials, or a combination thereof, but note that the use of metallic materials helps to contain the RF fields so as to prevent the reader from reading balls outside the body <NUM>.

In general, the body <NUM> can include any of the features described above in for body <NUM> of the golf ball receiving apparatus 165A, such as the access door <NUM>, e.g., the access door for the apparatus 165D can be attached by the pivot(s) <NUM>, can be entirely removable from the body <NUM>, and/or can form a majority of an area of at least one side of the body <NUM>. Moreover, in some implementations, one or two sides of the apparatus 165D are left open (as shown) since the golf balls <NUM> are fully contained by the two columns of bars/rods <NUM> (as described further below). This provides the advantage of decreasing the total weight of the apparatus 165D, which may be hung from the underside of a net funnel, as well as making clearing out any debris (e.g., leaves, windblown trash, and/or snow/ice) that has found its way into the apparatus 165D very simple. In some cases, a person can quickly clear out any debris by simply directing a leaf blower at the apparatus 165D, without having to move or remove any parts of the apparatus 165D.

In the receiving apparatus 165D, the protrusions arranged in a Galton configuration are multiple protuberances <NUM> arranged on one or more support surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. These protuberances <NUM> are thus positioned with respect to each other in a configuration that both impedes the golf balls <NUM> from passing through the body <NUM> without being read by the RFID reader <NUM>, and allows the golf balls <NUM> to pass through the body <NUM> without locking up with each other and forming a jam or otherwise getting backed up inside the apparatus 165D. In some implementations, each protuberance from the multiple protuberances <NUM> has a cylindrical shape, as shown, but other shapes are possible. In some implementations, each protuberance from the multiple protuberances <NUM> has a cross-section shaped like a rhombus or a hexagon. In some implementations, each protuberance from the multiple protuberances <NUM> is chevron-shaped.

In some implementations, each support surface <NUM>, <NUM> also includes side protuberances <NUM>, which are similar to the side flaps <NUM> discussed above, which are positioned in the rows that include fewer protuberances <NUM>. These protuberances <NUM> (shaped as triangles in this example, but other shapes are possible) help to impede the balls <NUM> passing through the apparatus 165D. In addition, these protuberances <NUM> help ensure that the balls <NUM> leaving each support surface <NUM>, <NUM> are distributed evenly along the depth (Z) dimension of the apparatus 165D, which can facilitate high throughput. The protuberances <NUM> also solve the problem of balls getting caught between the inner walls of the sheet metal body and the protuberances <NUM>.

Each protuberance <NUM>, <NUM> can have a base that is wider than its top, and in some implementations each protuberance <NUM>, <NUM> has a lower portion <NUM>, <NUM> that is curved (a fillet at the bottom of each protuberance <NUM>, <NUM>) to generally correspond to the curve of the golf ball <NUM>. Note that the fillet between each protuberance <NUM>, <NUM> and the support surface can be considerably larger or considerably smaller than the radius of a golf ball and still function well. Some or all of the protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> can be integrally formed with their respective support surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, such as when each support surface <NUM>, <NUM> is made of a polymer-based material (e.g., a thermoformed polymer material or plastic sheet), polymer composite, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, some or all of the protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> can each be attached to its support surface <NUM>, <NUM> using a pivot, as can be implemented for the multiple bars <NUM> attached to the body <NUM>.

In some implementations, bars (or crossbars) <NUM> are also included in the apparatus 165D and are positioned in two columns that form a vertical channel for the balls <NUM> in a configuration that both impedes the golf balls <NUM> from passing through the body <NUM> without being read by the RFID reader <NUM>, allows the golf balls <NUM> to pass through the body <NUM> without locking up with each other and forming a jam or otherwise getting backed up, and also serves to reorient the balls <NUM> as they bounce off the bars <NUM>, thus facilitating reading of their RFID tags. An antenna <NUM> is protected from damage by the interior support surface <NUM>. The antenna <NUM> (an example of antenna <NUM>) is positioned with respect to the read zone <NUM> such that the balls <NUM> can be read as they are slowed down by the bars <NUM> and/or the protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> within the body <NUM>.

In some implementations, each bar from the multiple bars <NUM> has a cylindrical shape, as shown, but other shapes are possible. In some implementations, each bar from the multiple bars <NUM> has a cross-section shaped like a rhombus or a hexagon. In some implementations, each bar from the multiple bars <NUM> is a chevron-shaped crossbar. In some implementations, each bar from the multiple bars <NUM> has a U shape or a C shape (with opening facing down) as these shapes can function like cylinders but be more readily fabricated from sheet material. Moreover, each bar from the multiple bars <NUM> can be attached to the body <NUM> using a pivot.

In some implementations, the bars <NUM> are removably attached to the body <NUM>, e.g., seated in a recess formed in the body <NUM>. Further, in some implementations, holders can be used for the bars <NUM>, such as described above for the holders <NUM> of the bars <NUM>. The bars <NUM> can be made of metal, plastic, or other materials, or a combination thereof, but note that avoiding the use of metallic materials helps prevent the bars <NUM> from blocking some of the RF fields, which can impede RFID reads in the upper part of the body <NUM>. In some implementations, each of the bars <NUM> has a diameter between five and one hundred mm (inclusive). In general, the bars <NUM> should have dimensions that are sufficiently large, given the material they are made from, to maintain their strength and durability during use over long periods of being impacted by many golf balls.

Once the dimensions of the bars <NUM> are determined, the positioning between the bars <NUM> can be set to form the vertical channel noted above. <FIG> is a side, cutaway view of the golf ball receiving apparatus 165D of <FIG>. The horizontal distance <NUM> between the outer surfaces of the bars <NUM> in the two columns (i.e., the horizontal gap for the ball <NUM>) is kept small enough (less than the diameter of a golf ball <NUM>) to ensure that each golf ball <NUM> passing through the apparatus 165D will hit most of bars <NUM> because the ball <NUM> cannot travel straight down. In this example, the distance <NUM> is <NUM>. Additionally, the angled distance <NUM> between the outer surfaces of the bars <NUM> in the two columns (i.e., the angled gap for the ball <NUM>) is kept large enough (more than the diameter of a golf ball <NUM>) to ensure that each golf ball <NUM> can move along an angled path downward without getting jammed/backed up, and the vertical distance <NUM> between the bars <NUM> in each of the two columns is kept small enough (less than the diameter of a golf ball <NUM>) to ensure that each golf ball <NUM> passing through the apparatus 165D cannot escape from the vertical channel. In this example, the angled distance <NUM> is <NUM>, and the vertical distance is <NUM>.

Thus, the ball <NUM> has to bounce back and forth between the bars <NUM> as the ball <NUM> travels down the vertical channel formed by the two columns of bars <NUM>, and each ball <NUM> is guaranteed to be redirected (impeded) and likely reoriented multiple times as it travels through the body <NUM> of the apparatus 165D. This increases the chances of a successful read of the RFID tag in each golf ball <NUM> to a near certainty. However, if the bars <NUM> are positioned too close to each other, then the balls <NUM> can form jams or backups inside the apparatus 165D under high ball throughput conditions, and so the positioning of the bars <NUM> should provide large enough (but not too large) distances between their outer surfaces to effectively ensure that no ball jams or backups can be formed inside the apparatus 165D.

The optimal spacing between the bars <NUM> can depend on the size and shape of the bars <NUM>; in this example, each bar/rod <NUM> is <NUM> in diameter. The optimal spacing for a particular implementation can be determined using ball jam/backup and RFID read data from experimental testing for a given apparatus 165D. In general, the spacing can be determined using the following equations: <MAT> <MAT> <MAT> <MAT> where X is the vertical distance <NUM> between rods <NUM>, Y is the angled distance <NUM> between rods <NUM>, Z is the gap <NUM> for the ball <NUM>, and R is the radius of each rod <NUM>.

Similar calculations can be used to determine the distance between protrusions <NUM> and/or <NUM> based on chosen size(s) and shape(s) for the bars <NUM> and/or protuberances <NUM>, in various embodiments. However, the calculations will change a bit when protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> are shorter than the radius of a golf ball.

<FIG> is a top down view of a support surface <NUM>, <NUM> from the golf ball receiving apparatus of <FIG>. In this example, the each protuberance <NUM>, <NUM> has an upper portion that will interact with the golf ball <NUM>, plus a lower portion <NUM>, <NUM> that flares out as it approaches the surface on which each ball <NUM> rests as it rolls down the support <NUM>, <NUM>, where the upper portion impacts each golf ball <NUM> either at the ball's full radius point (i.e., the protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> are at least as tall as the radius of the golf ball <NUM>) or below this full radius point (i.e., the protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> are shorter than the radius of the golf ball <NUM>). In this case, the horizontal spacing, angled spacing, and vertical spacing determinations based on rod diameter are based on the distances between the outer surfaces of the upper portions of each protuberance <NUM>, <NUM>. In general, the overlap between golf balls <NUM> and protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> is designed to force direction change for each ball <NUM> rolling down the support <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this example, each protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> is less than half the diameter of the ball <NUM>, e.g., <NUM> tall, which means the protrusions/pegs <NUM>, <NUM> do not extend to the ball's mid-line (making overlap possible from a top view layout) and the Galton configuration is formed using protrusions/pegs <NUM> with a horizontal distance <NUM> between centers of protrusions/pegs <NUM> in a same row of <NUM>, a horizontal distance <NUM> between centers of protrusions/pegs <NUM> in alternating rows of <NUM>, and vertical distance <NUM> between centers of protrusions/pegs <NUM> in every other row of <NUM>. This spacing means the angled distance between the centers of protrusions/pegs <NUM> in alternating rows is <NUM>. This provides just enough angled distance between the protuberances/pegs <NUM> in the Galton pattern to allow one golf ball <NUM> to pass through each opening at a time, with very little clearance on either side; note that part of the ball <NUM> (at its midline) actually passes over each protrusion/peg that it impacts below the ball's midline. Moreover, as more balls come into a full apparatus 165D, those balls will first rest on top of the other balls <NUM> already on the support <NUM>, and then (under the effects of gravity) naturally drop into place at some point in the Galton pattern as the balls <NUM> fall into the vertical channel between bars/rods <NUM>. Thus, a large influx of balls can be handled, while no jams or backups of balls can be formed by the golf balls on the support <NUM>, <NUM>.

Nonetheless, if the ball throughput for the apparatus <NUM> and/or if tilting or debris conditions can occur (e.g., in an environment with snow/ice, wind, windblown trash, and/or leaves) adjustments can be made to the structure to address such issues. In the example of <FIG>, each support surface <NUM>, <NUM> is at an angle of eleven degrees. However, in some implementations the inclined angle of one or each of the support surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> is adjustable using adjustment mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> in a range between ten degrees and twenty degrees (inclusive) or in a range between ten degrees and fifteen degrees (inclusive). Examples of adjustment mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> include a set of slots or holes to receive a pin or similar structure (e.g., a bolt the fits into a selected slotted hole and is held in place with a nut) or height-adjustable feet (e.g., a bolt that is turned to increase or decrease the angle) used to support one end of each of the support surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. In general, the angle of the incline of each support <NUM>, <NUM> should be at least eight, nine, ten or eleven degrees in order to ensure that the balls <NUM> will roll out of the apparatus <NUM> in the event that there is debris inside the apparatus <NUM> and/or the apparatus <NUM> has been tilted.

While this specification contains many implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what is being or may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, unless explicitly stated otherwise, or unless the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art clearly indicates otherwise, any of the features of the embodiments described above can be combined with any of the other features of the embodiments described above.

Claim 1:
A apparatus (165A-D) comprising:
a body (<NUM>, <NUM>) having an ingress (<NUM>, <NUM>) and an egress (<NUM>, <NUM>) for golf balls (<NUM>) passing through the body (<NUM>), wherein each of the golf balls (<NUM>) includes a radio frequency identification tag (<NUM>);
at least one antenna (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of a radio frequency identification reader (<NUM>), the at least one antenna (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) arranged with respect to the body (<NUM>) to receive information from the golf balls (<NUM>) for identification of the golf balls (<NUM>); and
multiple protrusions (<NUM>, <NUM>) located within the body (<NUM>, <NUM>), the multiple protrusions (<NUM>, <NUM>) being positioned with respect to each other in a Galton configuration that both (i) impedes the golf balls (<NUM>) from passing through the body (<NUM>, <NUM>) without being read by the radio frequency identification reader (<NUM>), and (ii) allows the golf balls (<NUM>) to pass through the body(<NUM>, <NUM>) without jamming therein.