Laser range finder for use on a golf course

• US 7,684,017 B2
• Filed: 10/26/2007
• Issued: 03/23/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
• Original Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
• Inventors: Vincent, Brandon T., Cackett, Matthew T., Hocknell, Alan, Stevens, Daniel M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tarcza; Thomas H
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ratcliffe; Luke D
• Application Number:
  US11/925,431
• Publication Number:
  US 20080198356A1
• Time in Patent Office: 879 Days
• Field of Search: 356 301- 285
• US Class Current: 356/5.01
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/32 Golf
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/10 with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/58 slideably retracted in a housing when not in use
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/13 Relative positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/20 Distances or displacements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/805 Optical or opto-electronic sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/74 with powered illuminating means, e.g. lights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0003 Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 55/408 Releasably mounted accessories fitted outside the bag, e.g. straps or holders A63B55/20 and A63B55/50 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/08 for measuring distance only indirect measurement G01S17/46; active triangulation systems G01S17/48
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/88 Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4802 using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section

Abstract

An improved range finder for use on a golf course. The improved range finder includes means for identifying the closest target in a field of view during a sweep operation of the field of view and means for presenting the distance of the closest target at the conclusion of the sweep operation of the field of view. The improved range finder preferably uses infrared light to detect a flagstick.

Claims

1. A range finder for use on a golf course, the range finder comprising:

a housing;

a laser for emitting a laser beam to a flagstick to be measured;

a detector for detecting a reflected light from the flagstick;

an integrated camera for magnified optical viewing disposed within the housing;

a measuring part for calculating a distance to the flagstick on the basis of the reflected light detected by the detector;

means for variable magnification to acquire the target flagstick;

a signal processing software routine for recognizing an infrared signature of a flagstick and means for alerting a user of the range finder to the acquisition of the infrared signature of the flagstick;

means for identifying the closest target in a field of view during a sweep operation of the field of view and means for presenting the distance of the closest target at the conclusion of the sweep operation of the field of view;

means for changing a circular view to a narrow horizontal slit view of the flagstick during a sweep operation of the field of view; and

a display capable of displaying the flagstick and the distance to the flagstick.

2. The range finder according to claim 1 further comprising a tripod or single leg extendable from a top portion of a golf bag which is removably connectable to the range finder for providing stability during operation of the range finder.