WO2000042769A1

WO2000042769A1 - Golf cart recording system

Info

Publication number: WO2000042769A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/000577
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert David Kauffman; James Michael Dolan; Daniel Joseph Krones
Original assignee: Golfcam, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-01-12
Filing date: 2000-01-10
Publication date: 2000-07-20
Also published as: WO2000042769A9; AU3345000A

Abstract

A golf cart mounted video (Fig. 3) recording system (10) enables a user to record in real time, performance sequences on a golf course. A video camera (18a, 18b) can be carried on either a steering column or a roof of the cart (12). Orienting the cart points the camera at an appropriate region to be recorded. Upon initiation of the record cycle, a user can then carry out the desired activity within view of the video camera. Subsequently, when the cart is moved, or after a predetermined time interval, the record cycle terminates. Recorded information, stored on either tape or disks can then be immediately or later replayed for self study and self analysis.

Description

GOLF CART RECORDING SYSTEM

Field Of The Invention The invention pertains to a system and a method for self-improvement of an individual's golf game. More particularly, the invention pertains to a golf cart which carries a controllable video camera enabling the user to record images of his or her performance for subsequent replay, evaluation and analysis.

Background Of the Invention The game of golf is one that attracts a large number of players of various skill levels. Proficiency as a golfer, except for a relatively few gifted individuals, takes substantial work and effort given that the game is complex and more difficult than might appear on the surface.

Numerous self-improvement aids are available for the golfer. For example, lessons can be taken, equipment can be acquired to address a particular problem or weakness experienced by the golfer. Additionally, numerous books and video tapes are available for individual study, analysis and self-improvement.

However, none of the known aids conveniently enables a golfer to sense and store in real time his or her performance on the course. There is a continuing need for systems and methods which will make it possible for a golfer to conveniently record his or her performance anywhere on the course in real-time and then replay that performance for self study and analysis.

Preferably such systems and methods will utilize existing equipment, such as motorized golf carts so that the golfer will not have to be burdened with carrying additional equipment. Preferably, such systems can be cost effectively implemented in order that both the occasional golfer as well as the serious student of the game can take advantage of such functionality.

Summary Of The Invention

A controllable video recording system is mounted on a golf cart to enable a user to record performance on the course in real-time for immediate or later playback and review conveniently with little active participation required in the recording process. In accordance herewith, a user needs only orient the cart in the general direction of the individual whose performance is to be recorded and then, by depressing one switch, activate a recording sequence.

A video camera, in one embodiment, can be mounted on a steering column of a golf cart. Alternately, the camera can be mounted above the occupants of the cart, in the vicinity of the roof.

A cart-mounted control panel provides an easy to use interface with the video camera and recording system. Once a user has oriented the cart appropriately, only a single switch need be depressed to initiate a record cycle. Recording can be initiated and can take place until either movement of the cart is initiated or the user depresses a termination switch. Alternately, recording can be enabled for a predetermined period of time. This predetermined period of time can be shortened in response to movement of the cart.

A programmed processor, coupled to the control panel, executes pre-stored instructions for purposes of controlling the camera and the recording device. The recording device could be a video tape recorder, a video disc recorder, or a laser disk recorder.

In yet another embodiment, a display can be provided at the control panel. A user can immediately replay a previously recorded sequence for immediate feedback and analysis.

A method of practicing the invention includes orienting the golf cart so as to direct the camera generally to the vicinity of where the individual will be standing during a recording sequence. A recording sequence is then initiated. The individual carries out the activity. The recorded images can be stored in either tape or disc form. Additionally, the orientation of the camera can be adjusted to more precisely define the recording region.

Subsequently, the user initiates a review cycle to review and study the pre- stored images. The review cycle can be initiated immediately after the record cycle. Alternately, the review cycle can be initiated hours or days after the fact. Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a golf cart in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a control panel in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an image recording system in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 3 A is a flow diagram illustrating system operation and aspects of a method in accordance herewith;

Fig. 4 illustrates aspects of a method in accordance with the present invention; and

Figs. 5, 6 and 7 illustrate various replay and study modes taking advantage of images recorded using the system of Fig. 1.

Detailed Description Of The Invention

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawing and will be described herein in detail specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

A system in accordance with the present invention combines a recording device, such as a video camera, with a self-propelled cart, such as a golf cart, which enables a user to conveniently, quickly and in real-time record operative segments of a sports activity, such as segments of a game of golf, for later review and study.

This system is particularly advantageous in that it requires little active participation to effectively operate.

System 10 includes a movable cart, such as a self-propelled golf cart 12 which carries a video camera 14a mounted on steering column 12a or, alternately, video camera 14b mounted on a roof 12b of the cart. Various roof mounted configurations can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. When mounted on column 12a, camera 14a will protrude from housing or enclosure 16 which is attached to steering column 12a. A wireless microphone receiver, indicated generally at 18a can be carried by enclosure 16. An image recording device 20a, such as a video disk recorder, can also be carried within enclosure 16.

In the roof mounted alternative, the camera 14b can be centered and attached under the front lip of the roof of the cart 12. In this embodiment camera 14b would be tilted forward 10 to 15 degrees for improved viewing of the recording region. A wireless microphone receiver 18b, in this embodiment, can be carried either by the housing for the camera 14b or associated recording device 20b. The device 20b can be selected from known image or video recording systems such as magnetic tape oriented VCR's, video disks such as DVD or laser disks.

The housing or enclosure 16 also carries, at an upper end 16a, a control panel 26. The control panel preferably will be mounted slightly to the right of the steering column for easy passage or access. Enclosure 16, it will be understood, is waterproof and sealed against inclement weather including rain, snow and the like. With respect to Fig. 2, control panel 26 includes a two-dimensional display 30 which could be implemented using a variety of known technology such as light emitting diodes, liquid crystals and the like without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The display 30 can be covered with an acrylic screen for environmental protection and for glare reduction. As discussed subsequently, display 30 can be used for viewing and real-time the images being sensed by camera 14a or 14b independent of any recording sequence.

The various manually operable elements 32, 34 of control panel 26 provide a variety of control functions for the user. For example, panel 26 includes controls for continuous record or alternate modes of recording. Other controls alter camera position from its default position. Additionally, controls are provided for enabling a user to review a programmable number of "last shots".

Display elements on panel 26 indicate the number of review of "last" shot remaining. Other indicators are provided for displaying operational status of the camera, the recording device and other elements of the system. The control panel 26, Fig. 2, includes control elements as defined below. All controls are debounced and soft-touch.

The "Continuous Record" button 32a sends a signal to the recording device to start recording. Recording will continue non-slop, only interrupted by the cart moving (i.e. pressing of the accelerator), or until the operator hits the "Stop" button 32b.

The "4 Minute Record" button 32c sends a signal to the recording device 20a to start recording and to continue to record, up to four minutes, until the accelerator is pressed. Recording device will then remain in an idle state until one of the 4-Minute Record or Continuous Record Control is pressed again.

The "Stop" button sends a signal to the recording device to stop recording. Tilt button 34a provides the command to tilt the camera 14a up. This movement is controlled by a pan/tilt mechanism 34' which receives commands generated by the pan/tilt controller 34 or by commands generated in software from the control head.

Tilt button 34b provides the command to tilt the camera 14a down. This movement is controlled by the pan/tilt mechanism 34' which receives commands generated by the pan/tilt controller 34 or by commands generated in software from the control head. Pan button 34c provides the command to tilt the camera 14a left. This movement is controlled by the pan/tilt mechanism 34' which receives commands generated by the pan/tilt controller or by commands generated in software from the control head.

Pan button 34d provides the command to tilt the camera 14a right. This movement is controlled by the pan/tilt mechanism 34' which receives commands generated by the pan/tilt controller 34 or by commands generated in software from the control head.

The "Home" button 32d provides the command to move the camera to point straight ahead. Zoom in/out is also reset to normal viewing. This movement is controlled by the pan/tilt mechanism which receives commands generated by the pan/tilt controller or by commands generated in software from the control head. The directions for the remaining preset camera position buttons, generally indicated at 32e, are oriented to cover the viewing area to the front and sides. These movements are controlled by the pan/tilt mechanism which receives commands generated by the pan/tilt controller or by commands generated in software from the control head.

Power on/reset 32f will energize and reset system 10. This functionality could also be implemented in the separate switches.

View Last Shot button 32g replays the last 15 seconds that was recorded. This function is carried out by software and an integrated microprocessor, such as processor 26-1. The flashing Record LED 32a is the Record-in-Progress indicator.

A continuous on amber LED 33d indicating functioning audio. A continuous on green LED 33b indicating system functioning properly. LED 33c indicating number of 15 second "last shots" remaining for viewing. The LCD panel 30 is coupled to the line-out of the recording device. The input is NTSC. Before usage has begun, the system can be remotely programmed for operation. Personnel can program the system 10 to configure the number of "View Last Shot" that can be viewed during the round of golf. An Infrared Remote or directly connected terminal interface device will step personnel through the configuration of the recording device. This is performed by entering several selections into the recording device. The number of viewable last shots will remain at the default selection until the unit is reprogrammed.

Once programmed, the unit is ready for operation. Any system malfunctions can be addressed by pressing the Reset/Power switch 32f. Pressing this switch resets the recording device and the control panel. Fig. 3, a block diagram, illustrates information flow and additional details of components of the system 10. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the system 10 is energized off of the 12- volt system of the cart 12. An optional differential global positioning system transmit/receive unit 40 is illustrated coupled to interface and control panel Interface and control panel 26 can incorporate one or more programmed processors 26-1, 26-2. Associated executable instructions, in combination therewith implement at least in part, the subsequently described functional features.

Fig. 3A is a flow diagram illustrating processing steps carried out by the system 10. In a step 102, if the continuous record switch 32a has been depressed, recording is commenced and the record indicator 32a is energized in a step 104.

In a step 106, the cart's battery voltage is checked to determine if the cart is in motion. If so, in a step 108, recording ceases and the record indicator 32a is de- energized. In a step 110, cart motion is sensed. Once the cart ceases moving, the continuous record process commences in a step 104.

Alternately, in a step 114, a four minute record cycle can be selected. If so, recording commences and the record indicator 33a is energized in a step 116. Recording commences unless either the four minute timer expires in a step 118, or, cart movement is sensed in a step 120. If so, recording ceases and record light 33a is de-energized in a step 122.

In yet another step 130, where the View Last Shot switch 32g is activated, in a step 132 the recording device plays the last 15 seconds of the recording sequence. At the same time, the number of views remaining is decremented in display 33c.

The system 10 can incorporate one or two wireless microphone packs and a two-channel receiver mounted to the recording device. One or two golfers can carry respective transmitters 19a, 19b to provide audio input for the respective displayed sequences.

If system is mounted from the roof, necessary cabling from the control panel to the camera or recording device will be run down the roof support in the front and then up the drive shaft. Cabling for power will run down the drive shaft and under the foot mat to the battery. Alternately, the control panel could be roof mounted.

Fig. 4 illustrates steps of a method in accordance herewith. Operation will take place as follows:

While driving the cart 12 to the ball, the driver approaches the ball using a slightly arcing path so that the cart 12 is oriented perpendicular to an imaginary line drawn from the golfer's ball to the planned final destination of the golfer's next shot. They should park approximately 15 feet away from their ball as illustrated in

Fig. 4.

The next step in the operation will depend on whether continuous record or

4-minute record has been selected. If the golfers have chosen to use the "Continuous Record" mode during their round, the "Continuous Record" switch 32a would be depressed and the camera 14a, 14b will run continuously until the cart is moved.

The golfer then selects a club and prepares to hit the ball. The remaining rider in the cart can push the camera preset button 32d, 32e. This automatically positions the camera to point at the golfer and the golf ball about to hit. The camera's view is presented in real-time on display 30.

If additional camera movement is required to center the golfer on the display

30, the "tilt-pan" buttons 34 should be pressed accordingly. The system 10, which has been recording, see Fig. 5, will continue to record the golfer. When the golfer returns to the cart and the accelerator pedal is pushed, the resulting change in voltage from the battery posts will be detected and the recording device will automatically shut off until the cart stops moving, upon which recording will automatically begin again.

If the golfers have chosen to use the "4-Minute Record" mode during their round, when the cart reaches the ball, the recording device 20 will remain in the idle state. The golfer selects a club and prepares to hit the ball. The remaining rider in the cart can push the camera preset button 32d, 32e. This automatically positions the camera 14a, 14b to point at the golfer and the golf ball about to be hit. If additional camera movement is required to center the golfer in the display, the tilt/pan buttons 34 should be pressed accordingly. The "4-minute Record" button

32c should then be pushed.

The system 10 will then record the golfer for up to four minutes. When the golfer returns to the cart 12 and the accelerator pedal is pushed, the resulting change in voltage from the battery posts will be detected. The recording device 20 will automatically shut off. It will not resume recording until the "4-Minute Record" button 32c has been pressed again. At any time during the round, the golfer may elect to "View Last shot". Switch 32g instructs the recording device to "rewind" 15 seconds and then play that 15 seconds on the display 30 on the control panel. This functionality is useful to the golfer or the teaching pro to allow them to correct poor mechanics in their swing or to verify that system 10 has correctly recorded a particular scenic site. The number of remaining "View Last Shot" (which is programmable via IR remote, software and an integrated microprocessor) is displayed on the LED indicator 33c on the control panel 26.

Upon completion of their round, golfers will have the option of viewing their round of golf inside the clubhouse illustrated in Fig. 6 later or in the privacy of their own home illustrated in Fig. 7. Additional features include:

Color video camera for capturing activity capable of high quality suitable for replaying for training purposes.

Camera's field of view (range of operation) is on the order of 200 degrees. Microphone for recording when recording device is recording

Recording device is cabled to both the camera for recording and to the control panel for control purposes. It is capable of quality audio and video suitable for replaying for training purposes.

Camera is auto-focusing and auto-sensing with lens capable of capturing a 6 foot tall performer at distances varying from 4 meters to a distance of 100 meters.

The system power configuration is 12v with 24v or 6v transformer for sourced pan/tilt. System 10 has a 12v "cigarette" adapter plug as the power connection to the golf cart.

An alternate embodiment of the system 10 incorporates a local Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) unit 40 and stored graphics 30-1 for display on the control panel's display 30..

A differential global positioning satellite receiver (DGPS) in unit 40 can be used for monitoring the positions of systems, such as the system 10, on the golf course. The system 10 can also receive position and play information; and bi- directionally communicate with the clubhouse via antenna 42 and satellite 44, allowing for additional warnings to be transmitted from a clubhouse to a cart (and vice versa). Examples include,

• Warning of slow play,

• Warnings of cart movement too close to tee, green, etc. or into areas which prohibit carts.

• Severe weather conditions requiring special attention of the golfers (e.g lightning)

• An emergency signaling system to either signal an emergency or medical emergency requiring attention and communicating system acknowledgment. • Communicating advertisements or golf course offerings

The display will show the layout of the golf course including each of the holes (both in total and individually), its tee box, fairway, green, cup and hazards. Also, management in the pro shop can view all carts as they roam around the golf course, providing additional data that can used by golf course management to speed up play and direct rangers to slow play groups.

In yet another alternate, the images could be digitally stored in a read/write magnetic medium carried by cart 12. While the golfer is out golfing, the medium is storing the captured video. When the golf cart reaches the 17th hole, the first 16 holes of video can be transmitted back to the clubhouse. DVD recording machines are sitting in the clubhouse writing this video on DVD disks. When the golfer finishes the round and gets to the clubhouse, he or she is handed the DVD disk to take home.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

What Is Claimed:

1. A mobile vehicle comprising: an off-the-road, self-propelled platform; a control circuit carried on the platform; an electronic camera carried on the platform and orientable to a field of view at least by maneuvering the platform wherein the circuit is coupled to the camera; a manually operable control panel coupled to the control circuit wherein a platform user, having maneuvered the platform to a selected orientation, can then activate the camera to record an event in the field of view.

2. A vehicle as in claim 1 wherein the platform carries a vehicle steering member with the control circuit mounted thereon and with the control panel mounted adjacent thereto.

3. A vehicle as in claim 2 wherein the camera is also mounted on the steering member.

4. A vehicle as in claim 2 wherein the camera is mounted above the steering member when the platform is in a normal operating configuration..

5. A vehicle as in claim 2 which carries a recording device coupled to at least the camera.

6. A vehicle as in claim 5 wherein the control panel carries a tilt and pan control for adjustment of the camera.

7. A vehicle as in claim 6 wherein the control panel carries a camera activation switch for enabling a user to activate the camera and then enter the field of view.

8. A vehicle as in claim 7 wherein the panel deactivates the camera in response to a predetermined input.

9. A vehicle as in claim 8 wherein the predetermined input comprises a vehicle movement indicating signal.

10. A vehicle as in claim 8 wherein the predetermined input comprises a time out indicating signal.

11. A vehicle as in claim 8 wherein the circuit includes a display for viewing an image being recorded.

12. A vehicle as in claim 9 wherein the circuit includes an image replay control for playing back to a user a predetermined interval of recorded images.

13. A vehicle as in claim 3 wherein the platform comprises an electrically powered golf cart.

14. A vehicle as in claim 13 wherein the control circuit includes a programmed processor and a plurality of pre-stored, executable instructions.

15. A vehicle as in claim 13 which includes a positioning system circuit coupled to the control circuit.

16. A vehicle as in claim 15 which includes a display carried by the control panel.

17. A vehicle as in claim 16 wherein the control circuit includes a plurality of executable instructions to enable a user to replay the last group of recorded images.

18. A vehicle as in claim 17 which includes a removable image recording medium.

19. A vehicle as in claim 17 which includes circuitry for electronically transferring a plurality of pre-stored images to a remote receiver for replay.

20. A method of storing a sequence of images reflective of performance of a selected activity comprising: moving a self-propelled, off the road vehicle to a selected location and orienting the vehicle to place a selected region into a viewing area; triggering a recording device to initiate recording of an activity in the region; and recording an activity being carried out in the region.

21. A method as in claim 20 which includes: orienting a camera carried on the vehicle to more appropriately direct the camera to the selected region.

22. A method as in claim 21 which includes terminating recording in response to movement of the vehicle.

23. A method as in claim 21 which includes replaying the last recorded plurality of images.

24. A method as in claim 21 which includes storing the recorded images on a removable medium.

25. A method as in claim 21 which includes providing, from a remote source, position and play information.

26. A method as in claim 21 which includes monitoring, at a remote location, vehicle position.

27. A method as in claim 21 which includes receiving, from a remote source, information as to a condition selected from a class which includes a warning of a playing condition, and a warning of a weather condition.

28. A method as in claim 21 which includes coupling the vehicle to a positioning transceiver.

29. A method as in claim 20 wherein the vehicle comprises a golf cart and displaying a portion of the course being played along with an image of a user on that portion of the course.