Caddy

• US 6,908,404 B1
• Filed: 12/22/2003
• Issued: 06/21/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Adam Gard
• Original Assignee: Adam Gard
• Inventors: Gard, Adam
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, KIM T
• Application Number:
  US10/743,182
• Time in Patent Office: 547 Days
• Field of Search: 473/152, 473/351, 473/353, 473/407, 473570-571
• US Class Current: 473/407
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0053 for locating an object, e.g. a lost ball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0636 3D visualisation
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0691 Maps, e.g. yardage maps or electronic maps
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/32 Golf
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/12 Absolute positions, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/20 Distances or displacements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/54 Transponders, e.g. RFID
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0021 Tracking a path or terminating locations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/00 Balls with special arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/06 Indicating or scoring devices for games or players , or for other sports activities

Abstract

The present invention discloses a positioning system for determining the position of a golf ball. The golf ball positioning system includes a golf ball having a first transmitter positioned therein for transmitting a position signal. The system further includes a detection until having a first processor, a first receiver and a display. The first receiver and display are both connected to the first processor. The position signal is transmitted by the transmitter and is received by the first receiver and processed by the first processor. Upon processing the position signal, directional instructions are generated for display on the display and provide aid to the user in locating the position of the golf ball.

Claims

1. A positioning system for determining a position of a golf ball comprising:

a) said golf ball having a first transmitter positioned therein for transmitting a position signal at a frequency unique to said golf ball, a second transmitter using GPS to determine said position, a receiver, a processor and a ROM for storing said frequency;

b) a detection unit having a first processor, a first receiver and a display unit, said first receiver and display both connected to said first processor, wherein said position signal is received by said first receiver and processed by said first processor for generating directional instructions for display on said display unit providing aid to a user in locating the position of said golf ball; and

c) said detection unit having a first transmitter for sending a signal to said golf ball assigning said frequency to said golf ball, the receiver in said golf ball receiving said frequency assigning signal and the processor in said golf ball storing said frequency in said ROM, and a second transmitter using GPS to determine and to display a position of said detection unit.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said display unit includes a plurality of display fields, each display field being capable of showing at least one of a current time, a current temperature, a current date, a map of a golf course, distance from said golf ball, and a golf score.

3. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein said first receiver is able to receive signals having different frequencies thereby allowing receipt of position signals from different golf balls.

4. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein said detection unit further comprises a numerical keypad connected to said first processor for tuning said first receiver to receive said position signal transmitted at said unique frequency and for inputting said frequency to be assigned to said golf ball.

5. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein said detection unit further comprises an expansion card reader for receiving data from a storage medium, said data being indicative of a map on a golf course being played.

6. The system as recited in claim 5, wherein said detection unit further includes means for notifying the user when the golf ball is within a predetermined distance from said detection unit.

7. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein said notifying means generates a vibration signal or a audible signal.