Thermal-assisted golf rangefinder systems and methods
First Claim
1. A method, comprising:
- capturing an infrared image of a portion of a golf course including a flagstick, wherein the flagstick comprises a thermal target;
detecting the thermal target of the flagstick based on the infrared image;
providing a light to the flagstick based on the detected thermal target;
detecting at least a portion of the light that is reflected from the flagstick;
determining a distance to the flagstick based on the detected light; and
providing the distance.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for determining a range on a golf course are disclosed. Methods may utilize infrared imaging to assist in determining a range. An infrared image (e.g., a thermal image) of a portion of a golf course that includes a flagstick is captured. The flagstick includes a thermal target. The thermal target of the flagstick is detected based on the infrared image. A light is emitted to the flagstick based on the detected thermal target. The light reflected from the flagstick is detected. A distance to the flagstick is calculated based on the detected light and the distance is provided. An apparatus for performing the methods may be a thermal-assisted rangefinder that includes an infrared imaging module, a light source, a light detector, a visible light optical device, and a processor. The visible light optical device may include a lens, a display, and/or a visible light camera.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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capturing an infrared image of a portion of a golf course including a flagstick, wherein the flagstick comprises a thermal target; detecting the thermal target of the flagstick based on the infrared image; providing a light to the flagstick based on the detected thermal target; detecting at least a portion of the light that is reflected from the flagstick; determining a distance to the flagstick based on the detected light; and providing the distance. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A flagstick comprising:
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a flag; a thermal target configured to emit a thermal radiation; and a stick comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the flag and the thermal target are located closer to the first end than the second end, and wherein the second end is adapted to be placed in a golf hole. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification