Patent ID: 12194359

The drawings are intended to illustrate certain exemplary embodiments and are not limiting. For clarity and ease of illustration, the drawings may not be made to scale, and in some instances, various aspects may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of particular embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, there is a need for devices that are designed specifically for use at a golf practice range that automatically and efficiently measure and display the plurality of distances from such a device to the multiple targets on the golf practice range. Generally speaking, golfers at practice ranges either guess at distances, pace off distances from a yardage plaque or board with hand adjusted numbers, or utilize a golf range finder, such as laser range finders, to “shoot” the distance to a target from their hitting position each time. These methods and systems generally don't work well for a variety of reasons including inaccuracy and a requirement for human interaction in order to make measurements each time. In addition, these methods are analog solutions that are not simple to use and rely on a person to either step off distances from a certain position (such as where a yardage plaque is placed) to where they are hitting from, and they require too much time for the average golfer to use effectively during golf practice sessions. Other hand held devices such as laser range finders offer the perception of point and shoot convenience however at a considerable monetary expense and usability is often considered awkward. The distance calculator embodiments discussed herein makes this distance measuring and displaying process extremely simple and accurate for players of all ages and ability by automatically displaying accurate distances from the hitting area to the target with no golfer activation required during the golf practice session. Typically, such hitting positions discussed above in the context of a golf practice range are locations from which a golfer will hit multiple practice shots as opposed to a hitting position on a regulation golf course where the object of the game incentivizes minimizing the number of hits from the same hitting position, with the normal practice being a single hit from each different hitting position on the golf course.

Distance calculator embodiments discussed herein which may be battery powered, may be configured to attach to golf bag stands or other similar surfaces near the golfer while the golfer is standing at a hitting position. In some cases, such distance calculator embodiments display the respective distances from the distance calculator to the various targets located on the golf practice range (typically flags) using GPS technology or the like. In some cases, such distance calculator embodiments may include distance displays having an electrophoretic display (EPD) screen on the top or outer surface to constantly and simultaneously show the plurality of accurate distances being measured. This allows the golfer to accurately gauge their distances to their multiple targets regardless of the hitting position from which they are hitting once the distance calculator has been set for that hitting position. The golfer need only read the display value corresponding to the target flag of interest which is a very simple method from the golfer's perspective to have accurate distance measurements.

In use, embodiments of the distance calculator may determine the location coordinates of the housing of the distance calculator itself using data acquired from the GPS receiver. That location data may then be compared to stored target position data which may be stored within the memory storage within the housing for targets of interest and the distance from the housing of the distance calculator to each target is displayed. In a typical application, the distance calculator may be located at each hitting position such as the tee at a golf practice range. When the location of a hitting position is moved as discussed above, the distance from the distance calculator to the targets is also generally changed. In these situations, the distance calculator may be updated to display the new display distances by using a golf tee or other elongated object capable of pressing a recessed update interface button that will cause a controller of the distance calculator to automatically determine a new position of the housing using the GPS receiver, recalculate the distances to each target, and update the display of each display distance corresponding to each flag. Typically the hitting positions are set up by groundskeepers in the morning at which time they will update all of the distance calculators with no further updates required for the day.

Embodiments of the distance calculators discussed herein, such as the distance calculator embodiment10shown inFIGS.1-7, may be directed to embodiments for simultaneously displaying distances to a plurality of targets12(seeFIG.12) at a golf practice range14. Such distance calculator embodiments may include a housing16, a controller18disposed on the housing16, and memory storage20such as, for example, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) which may be disposed within an interior volume of the housing16in operative communication with the controller18. For elements of distance calculator embodiments10discussed herein which are referred to as being in operative communication, operatively coupled or the like, such elements may be coupled by any suitable conduit or conduits such as conductive wires, fiber optic cables, wireless links or the like. The memory storage20may be configured to store a plurality of stored target positions as well as other data. The housing16of such distance calculator embodiments10may have an enclosed hollow configuration with a rectangular shape having a thickness as indicated by arrow22inFIG.4that is less than a height as indicated by arrow or width as indicated by arrow26as shown inFIG.2. For some embodiments, the housing16may have a height24of about 80 mm to about 120 mm, a width26of about 150 mm to about 300 mm and a thickness22of about 15 mm to about 40 mm.

The enclosed hollow configuration of the housing16, which may be weatherproof or sealed in some cases, may also include a vent hole27that provides communication between the interior volume of the housing16and the ambient atmosphere surrounding the housing16to enable equalization of air and/or water vapor pressure between the air inside the interior volume of the housing16and the outside ambient. Such pressure equalization may be useful in order to reduce stress on sealing materials of the housing16in some instances. In some cases, in order to maintain a waterproof or weatherproof configuration, the vent hole27may include a hydrophobic breathable cover material69(seeFIG.7) that is sealed to the structure of the housing16over the vent hole27on an interior wall of the case top plate of the housing16. Waterproof breathable materials such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gortex®) or the like may be used for the cover material69.

Referring toFIGS.7and8, a GPS receiver28which is in operative communication with the controller18, may be used determine a position of the distance calculator10, or housing16thereof, by receiving GPS satellite signal data from GPS satellites with an antenna30of the GPS receiver28, which may be an integrated antenna30. In some instances, the GPS receiver28may receive GPS satellite signal data from one or more GPS satellites. In some cases, the GPS receiver may receive GPS satellite signal data from at least three GPS satellites in order to generate reliable position data. An example of such a GPS receiver28may include a model EM506manufactured by Globalsat WorldCom Corporation located in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Although the distance calculator embodiments10discussed herein include the use of a GPS receiver28in order to acquire position data from an external signal received by such devices, other location systems and methods such as radiofrequency triangulation including Bluetooth/WiFi® triangulation, cell phone tower signal triangulation, or acoustic or optical signal time of flight method and the like are also contemplated and may be used as substitutes for the GPS receiver embodiments28discussed herein.

The distance calculator10may also include a plurality of distance displays32which are each in operative communication with the controller18, which are each in secured relation to the housing16, which each display a display distance value33corresponding to a stored target position of a respective target12and which each are readily visible to a user from a position outside of the housing16. For some embodiments, the distance displays32may be part of a zone or subset of a larger display screen34as shown inFIG.7. A target indicator36may be disposed on the housing16adjacent each of the plurality of distance displays32and may provide a visual reference to a user that facilitates correlation of a given distance display32with a corresponding target12.

An update interface38which is operatively coupled to the controller18may be used to prompt the controller18to initiate calculation or recalculation of the position of the distance calculator10by the GPS receiver28. The update interface38may also be used to prompt the controller to initiate calculation or recalculation of distances between each of the stored target positions to the position of the distance calculator10, or housing16thereof. Such calculations may be carried out by the microprocessor82of the controller18in some cases. The update interface38may also be used to prompt the controller18to update the display distance values33(seeFIG.1) on each of the distance displays32based on the recalculated distances between the distance calculator10and targets12for which target position values are stored in the memory storage20or any other suitable location within the distance calculator10. For such distance calculator embodiments10, the update interface38may include an update switch39disposed on the housing16as shown inFIGS.7and8. In some cases, the update switch39of the update interface38disposed on the housing16may be a recessed switch39which is positioned within the housing16so as to permit actuation of the recessed switch39with a point of a golf tee or similar instrument as shown inFIG.7.

In some instances, the update interface38may include a remote control (not shown) which utilizes a wireless link, such as the wireless communication link40shown inFIG.8which may be in operative communication with the controller18and in wireless communication with the remote control. Some distance calculator embodiments10may further include an auxiliary user interface42which may also be operatively coupled to the controller18. For the distance calculator embodiment10shown inFIG.8, the auxiliary user interface includes a membrane switch42as shown inFIG.6disposed on the rear or bottom plate44of the housing16. The membrane switch42may include several different buttons that may be used for toggling through various menu selections and selecting menu choice options. For the membrane switch embodiment42illustrated inFIG.6, an “up” button46, “down” button48and “enter” button50may be included on the membrane switch42. The up button46and down button48may be used to advance through menu options and the enter button50may be used to select displayed menu choices in some cases.

As discussed above, in some instances, each distance display32may have an associated target indicator36disposed adjacent thereto. The target indicators36may be used as a quick reference label by an end user of the distance calculator10for each distance display32so that the user of the distance calculator10can determine at a glance which target12distance is being displayed by each respective distance display32. In some cases, each target indicator36may include a color coded emblem such as a sticker, painted block or the like. For such embodiments36, each color coded emblem may correspond to a color coding of an actual physical flag of a target12on the golf practice range14corresponding to a stored target position for which the distance has been displayed. In other cases, each target indicator36may include a pattern such as stripes or a checkerboard that represents a matching pattern of a corresponding flag of a target12. In other cases, each target indicator36may include a written character that represents a matching written character of a corresponding target or flag12. For example, such written characters may include numbers, letters, symbols or the like as shown, for example, inFIG.12, where each target flag12is labeled with a number and the range calculator10includes a distance display32for each target12with a target indicator36having a number corresponding the respective target flag12. In addition, symbols representing natural or man made features on the golf practice range14may be used such as symbols representing trees, out buildings, water features or the like. In this way, certain target locations and corresponding distance displays32may be identified by the feature they are close to rather than an identifier disposed directly on the target12. Such features may be extended to creating a scaled down spatial representation of the entire golf practice range14or portions thereof on the face plate54of the distance calculator10. For such distance calculator embodiments10, a scaled down map or visual representation of the golf practice range14may be printed onto the face plate54with the relative positions of the distance displays32on the face plate54correlating to the relative positions of the targets12on the golf practice range14at which the distance calculator10will be used. This scaled down representation of the golf practice range14could also be electronically displayed on a single display screen34for some embodiments.

In certain circumstances, power management for the distance calculator embodiments may be very useful in order to extend the life of a stored power source such as a battery52including rechargeable batteries that may be used to power the electronic or electrical components of the distance calculator10. Extending battery life may be useful to reduce maintenance time and cost for a commercial end user that may be using a large number of the distance calculators10for a particular golf facility. As such, for some embodiments10, each of the distance displays32may include a screen that continues to display a display distance yardage value33even after power to the distance display32has been shut off or eliminated. Examples of such distance display embodiments32may include a microencapsulated electrophoretic displays or the like. A specific example of such an electrophoretic display may include a model E2287CS091 manufactured by Pervasive Displays Company located at Tainan City, Taiwan. Such electrophoretic type distance displays32may also be amenable to outdoor use because they may be visible to a user wearing polarized eyewear which is common to golfers and other outdoor sports enthusiasts. For some distance calculator embodiments10, the plurality of distance displays32may be disposed on a single display screen34. That is, a single display screen34may include a plurality of display fields, with a separate display distance value being displayed in each of these fields.

For the distance calculator embodiment10shown inFIG.7, there are two separate display screens34, each of which includes four distance displays32. In order to further conserve power during operation, the controller18may be configured to update the display distance values33for each of the distance displays32of a first display screen34while a second display screen34is powered down and then shut off the power to the first display screen34. Power may then be supplied to the second display screen34while the first display screen34is powered down, the display distance values33of the distance displays32of the second display screen34updated and then power shut off to the second display screen34. A similar sequence may also be used for instances wherein each distance display32is disposed on a separate display screen34.

In order to include an associated target indicator36for such an arrangement, an outer face plate54as shown inFIG.7with a plurality of display windows56having positions corresponding to a position that is disposed over each of the respective distance displays32of the display screen or screens34may be disposed over such a display screen or screens34. In addition, a plurality of display screens34may be used such that the plurality of distance displays32are disposed on a plurality of display screens34as shown inFIG.7. In some cases, the plurality of distance displays32may be each disposed on a separate display screen34. For the distance calculator embodiment10shown inFIG.5, there are a total of two display screens34with each of the two display screens34including four associated distance displays32for a total of eight distance displays32and eight associated target indicators36printed onto the face plate54adjacent the associated transparent display windows. In some cases, the distance calculator10may include about 2 distance displays32to about 20 distance displays32, more specifically, about 5 distance displays32to about 10 distance displays32. In addition, a corresponding number of target indicators36may be associated with such numbers of distance displays32.

In many cases, the distance calculator embodiments10discussed herein may be repeatedly mounted to and removed from a surface in order to make the distance calculator10available for use during hours of operation of the golf practice range14but then brought back inside the clubhouse during hours of non-operation in order to minimize exposure to the elements even though the housing16of the distance calculator embodiments10discussed herein may be configured to be weatherproof, waterproof etc. In some cases, the distance calculator embodiments10may be removably mounted to a surface of an object such as a golf bag stand11or the like that is disposed directly adjacent a hitting position60of the golf practice range14as shown inFIGS.13-16, and then later removed from such a surface and brought back indoors during hours of non-operation. In some cases, the distance calculator embodiments10may be robustly mounted to a surface to discourage theft. As such, some distance calculator embodiments10may include a mount62such as a mounting screw, mating hook and loop surfaces or materials, a magnetic mount, a spring latch and mating slotted boss mount or the like. An example of a magnetic mount embodiment62that may be removably secured to a mating surface such as a magnetic plate63, such as a steel magnetic plate63, or any other suitable surface. Such a magnetic plate63may be secured to a surface of the golf bag stand11with an angled mounting bracket61that provides a predetermined tilt for the distance calculator10that facilitates reading of the display distance values33and may further prevent pooling of rain or irrigation water on the distance calculator embodiments10.

As discussed above, some embodiments of the distance calculator10may include a communication link40that is operatively coupled to the controller18. Such a communication link40may be configured to transmit stored target position data stored within the memory storage20to a communication link40of another distance calculator10. The other distance calculator10or any of the distance calculator embodiments10discussed herein may be configured to receive such stored target position data with such a communication link40. For some embodiments, the communication link40may include a wireless link such as a Bluetooth® wireless link or the like, for example or an optical wireless link using LEDs and photodetectors such as irDA for example.

Referring again toFIGS.7,8and17, and as discussed above, distance calculator embodiments10discussed herein may include the GPS receiver28, one or more microencapsulated electrophoretic display screens34, and a processor such as a microprocessor82which may be operatively coupled to a main printed circuit board (PCB)64of the controller18. Two battery holders66with two pairs of AA batteries52may also be connected to the PCB64to provide power for operation of the electrical and electronic components of the distance calculator10. Additional connections to the PCB64may include the externally mounted membrane switch42and a mechanical update switch39that may be secured to the PCB64in some cases or in other cases secured directly to the case top68, case bottom44or any other suitable location. Components such as the GPS receiver28and battery holders66may be mounted inside of the housing16or on the external surface of the housing16. The housing16may be waterproof, weatherproof or water resistant generally and may include the case bottom44, a case top68, a case assembly 0-ring70, outer face plate54, vent hole27, hydrophobic breathable cover69and six case assembly screws72. The faceplate54with transparent display windows56and artwork74may be affixed to the outer surface76of the case top68. The assembled unit may be mounted to an external surface using the mount62such as the magnetic mount shown, a unit mounting screw threaded into the bottom case or any other suitable detachable securement method. In some cases, functions of the membrane switch42and the update switch38may be merged thereby eliminating one of them, but usability may be altered. Potential modifications could include adding or changing the type of battery52, such as including rechargeable batteries52, and/or size and/or adding a solar cell (not shown) to charge the batteries52, and/or adding a connector interface to charge batteries using an external charger.

The distance calculator10may also have additional functionality which may be accessible using the membrane switch42disposed on the housing16and a menu structure visible on the screens of the distance displays32as shown in the menu function flow chart embodiment80shown inFIG.9. The additional functionality may enable the distance calculator10to acquire and store the location coordinates of each remote fixed target position (flag)12and to initiate wireless transfer of these stored target position coordinates to other distance calculator units10for initialization. The additional functionality may also enable altering the configuration of the distance calculator10by changing internal algorithm parameters and/or changing user interface settings such as display font type.

As discussed above, some distance calculator embodiments10may be powered by two pairs of AA batteries52and the electronic components may be specifically chosen and configured for low power consumption with the objective of very long product operation between battery changes. The microencapsulated electrophoretic display embodiments34are typically well suited for this application due to the extremely low energy required to update and maintain the display distance values33. To further prevent unnecessary power consumption, additional circuitry may be provided in controller18to electrically shut off and decouple functional circuit elements when not in use.

In some cases, much of the functionality of the distance calculator10may be accomplished via electrical components disposed on the PCB64as shown inFIG.17. For example, the PCB64may be populated with the processor such as a microprocessor82of the controller18, external memory20, power conditioning and regulation circuitry104(shown inFIGS.24and25), display driver components86(shown inFIG.17), and the wireless communication transceiver module40to enable wireless data transfer from one distance calculator10to another distance calculator10. The housing16of the distance calculator10may be configured with water and weather resistance for continuous use in an outside environment. The microencapsulated electrophoretic display screens34are typically well suited for outside use due to the high contrast quality of the display when viewing in direct sunlight. In use at a golf practice range, such as a driving range, an embodiment of the distance calculator10may generally be mounted at or close to each hitting position60as shown inFIG.12. Each distance calculator10may thus display the display range values from that distance calculator10to each fixed target flag12of the golf driving range14.

In general, power management and extended battery life may be desirable features of some distance calculator embodiments10discussed herein. As such, for some distance calculator embodiments10, the controller18may include a circuit configured to effectively disconnect the batteries from all electronics of the distance calculator10when the distance calculator10is in an inactive state where display distance yardages33are being displayed but no calculations or data acquisition is occurring within the device10. When the update interface38is actuated by being momentarily pressed by a user, the update switch39completes a circuit between the batteries52and the PCB64thereby providing initial power to the microprocessor82. During such an initialization process, the microprocessor82may set up a general purpose input/output (GPIO) output on a latch circuit in order to maintain power from the batteries52to the microprocessor82as well as other components of the distance calculator10. At this point, an audible beep sound is emitted from a beeper83when power has been latched indicating to the user that the distance calculator10has been activated and the update switch39no longer needs to be pressed. In some cases, a user will interpret the audible beep as occurring immediately after pressing the update switch39.

In normal operation, the GPS receiver28will be powered up and the microprocessor82will monitor incoming serial data from the GPS receiver28until a location fix is achieved and the incoming serial data indicated to be valid. A data collection algorithm includes a specific multi-step sequence that includes optional delays and multiple GPS receiver electrical connect/disconnect cycles to ensure that the location values for a current position of the distance calculator10are stable. When the current position acquisition stage is complete using the GPS receiver28, the distances from the current position to each stored target position are calculated in the microprocessor82and the distance results displayed on the respective distance displays32. After the distance displays32have all been updated with updated display distance values33, the microprocessor82clears the GPIO output to release the battery power latch switch and the batteries52are then effectively disconnected from all electronics of the various circuits of the distance calculator10to preserve batter life.

In addition to the function of the update interface38discussed above, additional functionality may be accessed using the menu buttons46,48and50, to enable storing and changing the stored location data of targets12, selecting pre-stored target locations, establishing wireless links with another distance calculator10, changing the fonts of display distance values33, as well as other utility features. Display fonts, target position data, and diagnostic data may be stored in the memory storage20. The wireless link port40may enable wireless communication with other distance calculators10as well as other external devices for target position data transfer, file updates, firmware updates etc. without opening up the housing16of the distance calculator10. The wired communication port41may be used to transfer initial factory data during a production process as well as other diagnostic functions.

Referring toFIG.9, exemplary menu option sequences are shown for some of the functions discussed above. In particular, some embodiments of the distance calculator10may be operated in one of three different modes at any time. The three modes include a “default mode” which is schematically indicated by the dashed box94, a “set target positions mode” which is schematically indicated by dashed box96, and “menu options mode” which is indicated by dashed box98, as shown inFIG.9. As discussed above, when the update switch39is actuated, the microprocessor82will execute a routine to determine the location of the distance calculator10, update the distances to all the stored target positions, and display the updated results on the distance displays32. The microprocessor82will then disconnect the batteries52to the electronics of the distance calculator10. In some cases, this sequence is performed automatically so the user of the distance calculator10can simply press the update switch39and walk away from the device. That is, this arrangement provides a set it and forget it type configuration for such embodiments.

In order to acquire and store target position data using the “set target positions mode”96, a user takes the distance calculator10to the physical location of a target12and presses the update switch39to power up the microprocessor82and enter the “default mode”94. Thereafter, the “down” button48of the membrane switch42is depressed to exit the “default mode”94and to enter the “set target positions mode”96. The user then waits till an hourglass icon on one of the distance displays32changes from the hourglass icon to a fix icon. This change in icon status indicates that the GPS receiver has achieved a valid position data condition. The “down” button48is then depressed again until an indicator arrow is shown on the correct distance display32. The correct distance display32would generally be the distance display32that is adjacent the flag indicator36that corresponds to the target12at which the distance calculator10is located during this process. The “up” button46may also be used at this stage to properly position the indicator arrow under the appropriate target indicator36. The “enter” button50may then be depressed in order to store the current position data acquired by the GPS receiver into the memory storage20at an address that corresponds to the selected distance display32.

The distance calculator may then be moved to the position of the next target12to be programmed into the distance calculator10and the process above repeated until the target positions of all desired targets12are properly stored in the memory storage20of the distance calculator10. After acquiring and storing the final target position into the memory storage20, a menu exit protocol may then be executed such as by pressing the “enter” button50and update switch39at the same time or any other designated button sequence to power down the entire distance calculator10. Thereafter, at any desired time, the user may then take the distance calculator10to any desired hitting position60and execute the “default mode” sequence by simply pressing the update switch39. The microprocessor82will then capture the current position of the distance calculator10, calculate the distances from that current position to each of the stored target positions and then update the display distances33displayed on each of the programmed distance displays32. The stored target position data acquired and stored by the preceding steps may also be transferred to other non-programmed distance calculators10by wireless link40or any other suitable method.

The “menu options mode” enables a user to execute certain other functions for utility purposes and the like. For some embodiments, the “menu options mode” include a “RxPins”, “TxPins”, “Reset”, and “Recover” options. The “menu options mode” may be activated by pressing the update switch39followed by pressing the “up” button46of the auxiliary interface42in order to exit the “default mode” and enter the “menu options mode”. Access to the different functions within the “menu options mode” may be achieved by using the “up” button46and “down” button48as shown inFIG.9.

Selection of the “TxPins” option enables transmission of stored target position data to other distance calculators10. Pressing the “enter” button50in this menu option causes the distance calculator10to “listen” for wireless requests from other distance calculator units10. If a wireless request command is received, the microprocessor82will then transmit the stored target position data to the distance calculator10that made the request and then wait for the other unit to echo back the transmitted dataset. The returned dataset will be compared to the sent dataset and if there is a match, a confirmation acknowledgement string will be sent. If there is not a match, the microprocessor82will repeat the transmit/verify cycle until no errors are detected or until a maximum number of retries have been executed. To exit the “TxPins” mode, any key may be pressed. The microprocessor will update the distance displays32then power down as discussed above.

The “RxPins” mode enables the distance calculator10to receive stored target position data from another distance calculator10. To receive stored target position data from another distance calculator10in “TxPins” mode, the “enter” button50may be pressed while in the “RxPins” mode. The wireless transfer process discussed above may then be executed. The “Reset” menu option will clear all stored target position data from the memory storage of the distance calculator10. Pressing the “enter” button50while in the “Reset” menu option will clear all stored target position data, updates the distance displays32and powers down the distance calculator10. Actuation of the “Recover” menu option will undo the “Reset” function, update the display then power down the distance calculator10.

For some distance calculator embodiments10, an order of assembly of the distance calculator10may be as follows. Initially, firmware may be downloaded to the microprocessor82on the PCB64and data downloaded into the external memory storage20on PCB64. The two microencapsulated electrophoretic display screens34are then attached and operatively coupled to the PCB64and the two battery holders66coupled to the case bottom44. The membrane switch42may be attached to the case bottom44. The PCB64is secured to the case bottom44. The faceplate54is attached to the case top68and four AA batteries52installed into the battery holders66. The GPS receiver28is secured to the non-metallic backside surface of the faceplate54centered inside the opening in the top case68. Connectors from the two battery holders66, the membrane switch42, the update switch39, and the GPS receiver28are operatively coupled to mating connectors on the PCB64. The case sealing 0-ring70is secured to the case bottom44and the case top68(shown inFIG.7) attached to the case bottom44using a plurality of case assembly screws72. Finally, the mount magnets62may be secured to the case bottom44with screws or any other suitable fastener.

Since the purpose of some distance calculator embodiments10may typically include displaying distances from the distance calculator10to a distant target12(such as a flag on a golf practice range), a golfer78that is a client or customer of a golf practice facility may use the distance calculator10by simply reading the display distance yardage values33displayed on the distance displays32of the distance calculator10for the target12of interest with the distance calculator10disposed at or near the hitting position60of the golfer78. The golfer78may then select the appropriate golf club and swing intensity to hit a golf ball to the target12of interest based on the displayed distance yardage value of the target12. A “service oriented” user, such as a greenskeeper of a golf practice range, may use embodiments of the distance calculators10discussed herein to reduce the amount of time and energy required to supply their customers with accurate distance measurements to the multiple targets12of the golf practice ranges14that they operate.

Referring toFIG.10, it can be seen that at a typical golf practice range14, designated hitting stations92may be arranged in a substantially equidistant side by side linear formatting along a hitting line which keeps the golfers78aligned with the targets12of the golf practice range14and avoids golfers78from hitting towards each other. However, this linear arrangement results in each hitting station92being disposed at distances from the targets12that are different than the distances from the targets12of other hitting stations92. As such, each hitting station has a unique set of distance yardage values relative to each of the targets12of the golf practice range14. As such, it is desirable for the distance yardage values used by a golfer78at a given hitting station92to be calculated specifically for that particular hitting station92.

In addition, as discussed above, the hitting position60of a golfer78in the context of a golf practice range will be a position from which a golfer78will typically take multiple practice shots such as by hitting a bucket of range balls often with a variety of clubs from that same hitting position60. In some cases, a golfer78may take 10 or more shots from such a single hitting position60of a golf practice range14. Sometimes, at least 20, 50 or 100 shots or more may be taken by a golfer78at a single hitting position60at a golf practice range14depending on a particular golfer's stamina, goals, perseverance etc. This is generally in contrast to play carried out on a regulation golf course where it is anticipated (and desirable) for the golfer78to take no more than one shot from a given hitting position60on the regulation golf course during play.

As such, when multiple hits such as 10 or more hits are deliberately taken from a single hitting position60on a golf practice course14, it may be desirable to rotate and reposition the hitting position60at regular intervals, particularly where the hitting position60is disposed on a natural living grass surface90, as shown inFIG.11. This rotation of the hitting position60may be performed in order to let the natural grass surface90of a hitting station92recover and rejuvenate at the position of the most recent hitting position60. It should be noted that the location of the hitting positions60of a golf practice range14may also be relocated or otherwise moved for any other reason such as a course redesign and the like.

FIG.11shows a grass practice area that includes multiple hitting stations92. Each hitting station for the practice area shown includes four exemplary hitting zones which are labeled a, b, c and d within which the hitting position60and distance calculator10may be disposed. As such, if on day one the hitting positions at the hitting stations92or any subset thereof are all disposed within respective hitting zones “a”, the following day, or interval of multiple days, those same hitting positions60and associated distance calculators10may be relocated to respective hitting zones “b” and so on until the grass quality in the “a” hitting zones has recovered and the hitting positions60and associated distance calculators10may be rotated back to the “a” hitting zones and the process then started over. In some cases, the hitting positions60may just be moved front to back (“a” to “d”, then “d” to “a” for example) or side to side (“a” to “b” then “b” to “a” for example), but they may also be rotated around the entire hitting station92such as in an “a” to “b”, “b” to “c”, “c” to “d” and back to “a” pattern.

Referring toFIG.12, upon such relocation, each of the distance calculators10disposed at each of the respective relocated hitting positions60on the golf practice range14may then be updated by simply actuating the update interface38. Upon such actuation of the update interface38, the GPS receiver28will acquire the position of the distance calculator10at the new hitting position60and then recalculate and update the displayed distance yardage values33on the respective distance displays32. It should be noted that this step of updating the displayed yardage distances33for the new relocated location of the hitting position60and corresponding distance calculator10is made more efficient and convenient with regard to time and power consumption by virtue of the microprocessor reusing the previously acquired position/coordinate data for each of the plurality of stored target positions of some or all of the targets12of the golf practice range14. As such, upon actuation of the update interface38, the GPS receiver28temporarily uses stored energy from the batteries52to reacquire the new position of the distance calculator10, and the microprocessor82uses stored energy from the batteries52to recalculate the updated display distance yardage values33, however, no stored energy is required in order to reacquire the position data for each of the targets12for which display distance yardage values33are being displayed. In addition, once the updated display distance yardage values33have been displayed on the respective distance displays32of the distance calculator10, power to the entire electrical and electronic system may be shut off automatically to eliminate any further power consumption once updated.

Another efficiency associated with the system of the use of multiple distance calculator embodiments10discussed herein, is that they may be essentially interchangeable for the golf practice range management or any other user or owner of multiple distance calculators10. For example, at the end of operating hours of a golf practice range facility that utilizes about 5 distance calculators to about 30 distance calculators or more, the greenskeeper or other person in charge of maintaining the golf practice range may physically gather the multiple distance calculator embodiments10from the respective multiple hitting positions60and return the devices to the clubhouse in a suitable container. The following day, prior to opening, the greenskeeper may take the container of multiple distance calculators10out to the hitting stations92, and re-secure any of the distance calculators in the container to the golf bag stand11of any of the respective hitting positions60on the range and then updating each of the re-secured distance calculators10by actuation of the update interface38of each. The distance calculators10are completely interchangeable because they each have the same stored target position data/coordinates stored in the memory storage20. As such, there is no need for the greenskeeper to keep track of which distance calculator10is associated with a particular hitting station92.

Another feature that may produce similar convenience and efficiency for a commercial user of multiple distance calculator embodiments10is the ability to store target position data for targets12that are stored in an inactive state and for which no yardage distance calculations are made by the microprocessor82upon actuation of the update interface38. This allows the golf practice course management to store target position data for the targets12of multiple practice range configurations and then having the option of whether or not to calculate and display distances based on this stored data depending on whether or not the stored data is set to an active state or inactive state. This feature may be useful for golf facilities that put on special events on occasion that require an alternative configuration to the golf practice range14. Youth events, certain weather changes or patterns or the like may be exemplary scenarios requiring an alternative configuration or layout of various targets12.

Also as discussed above and referring toFIG.33, some embodiments of a method of calculating and simultaneously displaying a plurality of yardage distances measured from a plurality of targets12on a golf practice range14to a distance calculator10, may include positioning the distance calculator10at a first target12of a golf practice range14, as indicated by box120inFIG.33, and initiating GPS calculation by the GPS receiver28of the distance calculator10of a first target position, as indicated by box122, by receiving GPS satellite signal data from at least three GPS satellites with the antenna30of a GPS receiver of the distance calculator10and determining the coordinates of the first target position while the distance calculator10is positioned at the first target12. Thereafter, the first target position may be stored into the memory storage20of the distance calculator10in a storage location or address associated with a first distance display of the distance calculator10as indicated by box124.

After storing the first target position, the distance calculator10may be positioned at a second target12of a golf practice range14as indicated by box126ofFIG.33. After so positioning the distance calculator10, GPS calculation may be initiated by the GPS receiver28of the distance calculator10, as indicated by box128, to determine a second target position by again receiving GPS satellite signal data from at least three GPS satellites with the antenna30of the GPS receiver28of the distance calculator10and thereafter determining the coordinates of the second target position while the distance calculator10is positioned at the second target12. Once the second target position has been determined, the second target position may be stored into the memory storage20of the distance calculator10in a storage location or address associated with a second distance display32of the distance calculator10as indicated by box130. In some cases, about 2 target positions to about 20 target positions may be determined by the GPS receiver28and stored in the memory storage20, however, any suitable or desirable plural number of target positions may be acquired and so stored. For example, in some cases, about 3 target positions to about12target positions may be determined and stored in the memory storage20.

After storing the second target position, the distance calculator10may then be positioned at a hitting position60on the golf practice range14, as indicated by box132ofFIG.33, and an update command of the distance calculator10initiated by actuation of the update interface switch39. The determination of the hitting position60is made by initiating GPS calculation, as indicated by box134, of the hitting position60and again receiving GPS satellite signal data from at least three GPS satellites with the antenna30of the GPS receiver28of the distance calculator10and determining the hitting position60with the distance calculator10disposed at the hitting position60as indicated by box136. Once the hitting position60has been determined by the GPS receiver28, a first display distance value33measured between the first target position12and the hitting position60may be calculated with the microprocessor82of the distance calculator10as indicated by box138. A second display distance value33measured between the second target position12and the hitting position60may also be calculated with the microprocessor82of the distance calculator10as indicated by box140. Thereafter, the first display distance value33may be displayed on the first distance display32of the distance calculator10and the second display distance value33may be displayed on the second distance display32of the distance calculator10as indicated by box142. In some cases, in order to conserve stored power and increase battery life, power to the first distance display32and the second distance display32may be discontinued, as indicated by box144, after displaying the first display distance value33on the first distance display32and displaying the second display distance value33on the second distance display32.

In some instances, for distance calculator embodiments that include a communication link40, the stored target positions may be transmitted through the communication link40of the distance calculator10to a communication link40of a second distance calculator10as indicated by box146ofFIG.33. For embodiments wherein the respective communication links40include wireless communication links, the stored target positions may be transmitted wirelessly. It should be noted that such transmission of stored target positions may be transmitted through respective communication links40from any distance calculator10to any number of other distance calculators10that are suitably equipped with a communication links40which are configured to transmit and receive from the host distance calculator10. It should also be noted that the transmission of stored target positions and/or other internal data may be carried out between one or more distance calculators and an external data aggregator, data processor, or network communication link.

As discussed above and illustrated inFIG.9, embodiments of an update procedure for updating display distances of a distance calculator may include the following steps. After the distance calculator embodiment is moved to a different hitting position, an update sequence may be initiated by depressing the recessed switch using a golf tee or by any other suitable method. The controller of the distance calculator may then automatically re-calculate the new distances and update the display distances. Embodiments of an initial setup of a single distance calculator may include the following steps. To determine the positions of the targets (such as flags on the golf driving range), a single distance calculator may be physically taken to a target. The position coordinates of the target are then captured by the GPS receiver using menu commands on the display accessed by pressing the buttons on the membrane switch. This procedure may be repeated to capture the remote position coordinates for each fixed flag target. This single distance calculator may then be returned and mounted back to its reference location (such as on the golf bag stand11) near the hitting position of the golfer78. The update procedure described above may then performed and the distance calculator will display the display distances to the plurality of target flags.

Embodiments of methods for initial setup of multiple distance calculators may include the following procedure. When multiple distance calculators are utilized (as would be the typical case of providing at least one distance calculator at each of a plurality of hitting positions at a golf practice range), the location coordinates of each desired target may be stored into the memory storage of multiple distance calculators. This may be accomplished by first initializing a single distance calculator as discussed above. The stored target positions stored in the single initialized distance calculator may then be wirelessly transferred to each additional distance calculator using menu commands accessed by pressing the appropriate buttons on the membrane switch.

FIGS.18-32are circuit diagrams of various exemplary circuits of the distance calculator embodiment10.FIG.18illustrates an embodiment of a microprocessor programming port102which may be used as an interface to load firmware into the microprocessor82.FIG.19illustrates an embodiment of the microprocessor82which may be a key component of the controller18and which may be used to control all operation and user interface circuits to detect interaction with interface buttons39,46,48, and50.FIG.20illustrates an embodiment of a GPS receiver interface circuit100which operatively couples the GPS receiver28to the microprocessor82.FIG.21shows an embodiment of a wired port connector circuit that enables factory level communication with the microprocessor82as well as other components for initial configuring and diagnostics.FIG.22shows an embodiment of an EEPROM memory storage20.FIG.23illustrates an embodiment of a beeper83and associated circuitry.FIG.24shows an embodiment of a soft power circuit104for a left side display screen34andFIG.25shows an embodiment of a soft power circuit104for a right side display screen34, each or which may be used to condition voltage rise during power up of each respective display screen34.

FIG.26shows an embodiment of a 3.3 volt boost voltage regulator circuit106that provides regulated power to components of the distance calculator that require 3.3 volts.FIG.27illustrates an embodiment of a 5 volt voltage regulator circuit108that provides regulated 5 volt power to the GPS receiver28.FIG.28illustrates an embodiment of a battery input connector circuit110that connects battery52to PCB64.FIG.29shows an embodiment of a driver circuit86of the left side display screen34.FIG.24shows an embodiment of a driver circuit86that may be used to drive the right side display screen34.FIG.31illustrates an embodiment of the wireless link40which may be used to provide wireless communication from the distance calculator10to other devices without a direct wired connection.FIG.32shows an embodiment of a wireless communication access connector circuit112that may be used as a diagnostic port for the wireless link40.

Embodiments illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element(s) not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, in each instance herein any of the terms “comprising,” “consisting essentially of,” and “consisting of” may be replaced with either of the other two terms. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation and use of such terms and expressions do not exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, and various modifications are possible. The term “a” or “an” can refer to one of or a plurality of the elements it modifies (e.g., “a reagent” can mean one or more reagents) unless it is contextually clear either one of the elements or more than one of the elements is described. Thus, it should be understood that although embodiments have been specifically disclosed by representative embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and such modifications and variations are considered within the scope of this disclosure.

With regard to the above detailed description, like reference numerals used therein refer to like elements that may have the same or similar dimensions, materials and configurations. While particular forms of embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited by the forgoing detailed description.