A FLAGPOLE

The present invention relates to a flagpole having a camera. More particularly, the present invention relates to a golf flagstick having a camera. It is known to provide a camera in a goal post, for example a rugby or football goal post. Equally, it is known to provide a camera in a cricket stump. The camera films the sporting action and transmits a signal to a receiver. The signal from the camera may then be broadcast, for example as part of a television broadcast and/or a stream over the internet or other network. Viewed from a first aspect, the present invention relates to a golf flagstick having at least one camera.

The at least one camera is preferably directed outwardly. The at least one camera may, for example, be directed radially outwardly.

The at least one camera may be fixedly mounted. Preferably, however, the at least one camera is movable. The at least one camera may be rotatable about a horizontal axis or a vertical axis of the flagstick standing in the golf hole cup. Preferably, the at least one camera is rotatable about both horizontal and vertical axis. The at least one camera may, for example, be mounted in a gimbal or the like. The at least one camera may pan from side to side; and/or up and down. With reference to the flagstick, the at least one camera may rotate about a longitudinal axis of the flagstick and/or a transverse axis of the flagstick. It will be appreciated that the flagstick may comprise at least one fixed camera and/or at least one movable camera.

The at least one camera is preferably panable. The at least one camera is preferably rotatable about a vertical axis, or about a longitudinal axis of the flagstick, by greater than or equal to 30°; 60°; or 90°. The at least one camera may be rotatable about a vertical axis, or about a longitudinal axis of the flagstick, through less than or equal to 360°; 270°; 180° or 90°. The at least one camera is preferably rotatable about a horizontal axis, or about a transverse axis of the flagstick, by greater than or equal to 15°; 30° or 45°. The at least one camera may be rotatable about a horizontal axis, or about a transverse axis of the flagstick, through less than or equal to 135°; 90°; 45°.

At least in a preferred embodiment, the at least one camera may, in use, be directed downwardly (i.e. directed towards the bottom of the flagstick), or may be movable to a downwardly directed position, to follow a golf ball towards or into the hole in which the flagstick is positioned. The flagstick may have one or more cameras aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flagstick. The camera(s) may be fixed in position or may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the flagstick. Preferably, the camera(s) may be repositioned at any time, to point towards or focus on, any direction or area that the operator may want. This may be carried out manually or remotely to the at least one camera.

The at least one camera may be fixed and a movable mirror, lens or prism provided to enable the camera's view to be varied. The orientation of the mirror, lens or prism may be controllable remotely.

The orientation of the at least one camera is preferably controllable remotely. Thus, an operator may vary the orientation of the at least one camera, for example to follow a golf shot or a golf ball or people watching the golf.

One or more motors may be provided for controlling the orientation and/or position of said at least one camera. The motor(s) may be operable remotely.

The focus and/or zoom of the at least one camera is/are preferably adjustable. The focus and/or zoom is/are preferably adjustable remotely.

A cleaning mechanism is preferably provided. The cleaning mechanism may keep the at least one camera lens clean. Alternatively, a movable screen may be provided in front of the at least one camera lens to move water droplets, debris and the like away from the at least one camera lens. The screen may be a transparent sheet of plastics material. Alternatively, or in addition, an access point may be provided to the at least one camera to facilitate cleaning.

The flagstick preferably comprises a body portion. A flag or other display member is preferably provided at an upper end of the body portion of the flagstick. A lower end of the flagstick is preferably adapted for location in a golf hole. A ferrule may be provided at the base of the flagstick. The at least one camera is preferably provided in the body portion of the flagstick.

The at least one camera may be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the flagstick. Thus, irrespective of the orientation of the flagstick, the camera may be

rotated to face in the desired direction. However, the flagstick may be adapted to adopt a predetermined orientation about its longitudinal axis when located in the hole on a green. This may help to locate the flagstick such that said least one camera faces in a preferred direction when the flagstick is positioned in the hole. Preferably alignment means are provided on the flagstick. The alignment means may be cooperable with a cup located in the hole for supporting the flagstick. For example, an alignment mechanism or device may be provided on the ferrule and/or the cup. Alternatively, an alignment marker may be provided on the flagstick. The at least one camera may be provided in a housing. The housing may have substantially the same diameter as the body portion of the flagstick or the diameter of the housing may be larger. The housing preferably has a diameter less than or equal to 10cm, 8cm, 6cm, 5cm or 4cm. The housing may be cylindrical. Preferably, the housing has a circular cross-section. The housing may be adapted to receive advertising material. For example, a display member may be provided on the housing. The display member may be provided inside a transparent cover. Alternatively, the display member may be provided on the outside of the cover. The display member may have a protective layer or film applied to it to protect it; e.g. against damage or water. The display member may carry printed matter. An aperture or recess may be provided in the display member in the region of said at least one camera. In embodiments comprising a rotatably mounted camera, the display member and/or a cover may be rotatable with said camera. An aperture sized to match the camera lens may be provided in the display member. The housing may be provided at the top of the flagstick. This position is desirable since it may enable the range of movement of the at least one camera to be increased. The camera and/or the housing may be provided above the flag on the flagstick. The housing may be substantially cylindrical or spherical.

At least a portion of the housing is preferably transparent. The housing may be made of a transparent plastics material. Alternatively, a window or aperture may be provided in the housing.

The at least one camera may be located between 50cm and 100cm from the bottom of the flagstick. In use, when the flagstick is located in the hole, the

- A - at least one camera is preferably displaced at least 10cm; 20cm; 30cm; 40cm; 50cm; 60cm or 70cm from ground level. In use, the at least one camera is preferably displaced less than or equal to 100cm, 90cm, 80cm or 70 cm from ground level. It has been recognised that providing the at least one camera towards the base of the flagstick may help to reduce movement of the camera in use, for example due to wind loading on the flagstick. However, the at least one camera may be provided towards the top of the flagstick.

The camera is preferably connected to a transmitter. The transmitter may be provided in the flagstick or external of the flagstick. The camera may be connected to the transmitter by a cable or by a wireless connection.

A battery for the camera and/or the transmitter is preferably provided in the flagstick.

A solar panel and/or wind turbine may be provided in the flagstick for charging the battery. Alternatively, a connector may be provided for charging the connector when the flagstick is located in the golf hole. A battery pack may be provided in a cup located in the green for mounting the flagstick or a power supply may be connected to the cup.

A gyro may be provided for steadying the camera. Alternatively, or in addition, mechanical balancing means may be provided for steadying the camera.

The at least one camera may be a stills camera, a motion-picture picture or a film/video camera.

The flagstick may be a full size flagstick for use on a standard course. The flagstick may, for example, have a height of greater than or equal to 180cm. Alternatively, the flagstick may be a smaller or miniature flagstick for use elsewhere, for example on a putting green.

The flagstick may have two or more cameras. The cameras are preferably angularly offset from each other to provide coverage over a wider area. For example, three cameras may be provided, each camera covering 120°.

The flagstick preferably comprises a plurality of cameras. The flagstick may be provided with at least one fixed camera and/or at least one movable camera. At least one camera is preferably directed downwardly towards the

base of the flagstick and at least one camera is preferably directed outwardly. Although said at least one outwardly directed camera may be fixed, said at least one outwardly directed camera is preferably rotatable or translatable. In use, the at least one outwardly directed camera may film an approaching golf ball and the at least one downwardly directed camera may film the golf ball going into the hole or passing close to the hole, and/or coming back towards the hole if gone past at the back or on one of the sides.

The at least one camera may be capable of undergoing translation. For example, the at least one camera may be movable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flagstick.

A microphone may also be provided in the flagstick. The at least one camera is preferably pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis.

The flagstick may comprise a mirror, lens or prism for altering the camera view. For example, the mirror, lens or prism may undergo translation and/or rotation to alter the field of vision of the camera. In preferred embodiments, this arrangement may enable the camera to be fixed in position. Moreover, it may enable the camera to be housed entirely within the flagstick.

A camera may be provided at the base of the flagstick for location within the cup. This camera may be directed substantially horizontally or upwardly to film the rim of the cup or hole when the flagstick is installed.

Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention relates to a system comprising a flagstick, at least one camera, and a transmitter; wherein said at least one camera is provided in the flagstick. The transmitter may be provided in the flagstick or remotely from the flagstick. The camera may be connected to the transmitter via a cable or by a wireless connection.

Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention relates to a flagpole having at least one camera. The flagpole is preferably suitable for use in a sporting event, such as soccer or rugby, to mark a touch line or the like. The flagpole may be provided with an outer layer of padded material. The arrangements described herein with reference to a golf flagstick are equally applicable to the broader concept of sports flagpoles.

A flag is preferably provided on the flagstick/f lag pole according to the present invention.

References herein to a vertical axis are to an axis which is substantially vertical when the flagstick is located in a golf hole. The referenced vertical axis therefore corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the flagstick. Equally, references to a horizontal axis are to an axis which is substantially horizontal when the flagstick is positioned in a golf hole. The referenced horizontal axis therefore corresponds to a transverse axis of the flagstick (i.e. an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flagstick). The terms "flagstick" and "golf flagstick" used herein in a golfing context mean a flag staff for marking a hole in a green. It will be appreciated that the term flagstick could, for example, be replaced with the term pin.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which: . Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the golf flagstick according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows the first camera module of the golf flagstick according to the first embodiment;

Figure 3 shows the second camera module of the golf flagstick according to the first embodiment;

Figure 4 shows the battery pack and data receiver of the golf flagstick according to the first embodiment;

Figure 5 shows the transmitter module and antenna of the golf flagstick according to the first embodiment; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the first camera module;

Figure 7 shows a side view of the second camera module; and

Figure 8 shows a side view of the battery pack and data receiver.

Figure 9 shows schematically a third embodiment of the golf flagstick according to the present invention; Figure 10 shows the golf flagstick according to the third embodiment of the present invention with the camera inclined.

A golf flagstick 1 having a plurality of internal cameras in accordance with the present invention is shown in part-assembled form in Figure 1. The flagstick

1 is locatable in a golf hole to mark the position of the hole on a green. The flagstick 1 has a longitudinal axis X, which is arranged substantially vertically when the flagstick 1 is located in the hole.

The flagstick 1 comprises a base member 3; a camera assembly 5; and a support member (not shown) for a flag. The camera assembly 5 is provided between the base member 3 and the flag support member.

The base member 3 has a ferrule (not shown) for locating the flagstick 1 in a cup provided in the green. A first marker is provided on the ferrule for alignment with a second marker provided on the cup. Aligning the first and second markers ensures that the flagstick 1 is in a preferred angular orientation, about the longitudinal axis X of the flagstick 1 , relative to the green. The desired orientation of the camera assembly 5 may thereby be achieved.

The camera assembly 5 comprises a first camera module 7, a second camera module 9, a battery pack 11 , a data receiver 13, a transmitter module 15 and an antenna 17. A transparent cover 19 is provided over the camera assembly 5. The component parts of the camera assembly 5 will now be described in more detail.

As shown in Figure 2, the first camera module 7 comprises first and second cameras 21 , 23 for filming the hole in which the flagstick 1 is located. The hole cameras 21 , 23 are fixedly mounted in a first housing 25 formed from aluminium. The first housing 25 has a collar 27 for receiving a portion of the base member 3 to mount the camera assembly 5.

The hole cameras 21 , 23 are diametrically opposed from each other and are both aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the flagstick 1. The hole cameras 21 , 23 are directed downwardly towards the bottom of the flagstick 1 so that, when the flagstick 1 is positioned in a golf hole, they can film the golf hole and some of the surrounding green. In use, the hole cameras 21 , 23 may film up to 180cm or 240cm of the green from the base of the flagstick.

In the present embodiment, the first housing 25 is fixed and the hole cameras 21 , 23 provide coverage of the front and back of the flagstick 1 respectively. The first camera module 7 could be modified to provide a first housing 25 which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis X of the flagstick 1. This would allow the position of the hole cameras 21 , 23 to be adjusted to ensure

that the desired camera shot may be filmed. It will be appreciated that only one hole camera may be provided, particularly if the first housing 25 is rotatable.

The second camera module 9 is provided directly above the first camera module 7 and comprises first and second side cameras 29, 31 , as shown in Figure 3. The side cameras 29, 31 are fixed in position and directed radially outwardly.

The side cameras 29, 31 are provided in second and third housings 33, 35 each formed in two parts to facilitate installation of the side cameras 29, 31. The first and second housings 33, 35 are rotatable manually about the longitudinal axis X of the flagstick 1 to allow the orientation of the first side camera 29 to be adjusted. The housings 33, 35 in the present embodiment may be rotated through less than or equal to 90°. A motor could be provided for rotating the first housing 31 and/or the second housing 33.

0-ring seals 37 are provided at the top and bottom of the second camera module 9 to help prevent or to reduce the ingress of moisture.

A longitudinal frame 39 is fixedly mounted on the top of the second camera module 9 and carries a battery pack 39, as shown in Figure 4. In the present embodiment, the battery pack 9 comprises four Sony® NPF570 InfoLithium batteries 41 sufficient for six hours operation. The battery pack 9 provides a 12 volt power supply. The battery pack 9 is preferably replaceable.

A data receiver 43 for receiving control signals from a remote control unit (not shown) is mounted on the frame 39. The receiver 43 allows an operator to control the cameras 21 , 23, 29, 31 in the first and second camera modules 7, 9 remotely. The operator may, for example, pan the side cameras 29, 31 and/or zoom in and out and/or adjust the focus. The data receiver 43 may also allow an operator to specify the camera from which picture data is transmitted.

As shown in Figure 5, a transmitter module 15 is provided above the data receiver 13. The transmitter module 15 comprises a radio telemetry module 45 and a picture data transmitter 47. Suitable VHF or UHF radio telemetry modules 45 are supplied by Wood & Douglas Limited, Lattice House, Baughurst, Tadley, Hants, RG26 5LP, United Kingdom. The picture transmitter 47 transmits picture data from one or more of the cameras 21 , 23, 29, 31 to a remote base station having a standard BNC connector. The base station is typically provided

proximal the green so the transmitter 47 may have a range of less than 200m or even less than 100m. However, it will be appreciated that a range greater than

200m may be desirable.

An antenna 49 is provided at the top of the frame 39 for the picture transmitter 47. A separate antenna may be provided for the data receiver 43. The cameras 21 , 23, 29, 31 in the present embodiment are preferably single chip 4:3 480 lines phase-alternating line (PAL) output cameras. However,

National Television System(s) Committee (NTSC), PAL, High Definition cameras or other camera types may equally be used. A digital motion-picture or stills camera may be used.

To assemble the flagstick 1 , the battery pack 11 , data receiver 13, transmitter module 15 and antenna 17 are mounted on the frame 39 and the cover 19 positioned over them. The flag support member is then attached to the top of the frame 39. An assembled flagstick 1 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the first camera module 7 of the golf flagstick 1. The second camera module 9 is shown in Figure 7; and the data receiver 13, transmitter module 15 and antenna 17 are shown in Figure 8. Advertising material, such as a display member, is preferably provided on the flagstick 1. The advertising material may be provided inside or outside the cover 19. The advertising material is preferably rotatable.

In use, the side cameras 29, 31 may film a golfer's approach shot or'ball and the hole cameras 21 , 23 may then film the golf ball as it approaches the hole or as it overshoots or back/side spins. The operator may cut between the cameras to follow the golf ball throughout.

A second preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example. This embodiment comprises a flagstick having a camera. The camera is movably mounted and is capable of rotating about a vertical axis of the flagstick through ±180°. Thus, the camera can pan from side to side 360°. A first motor is provided in the flagstick to control rotation of the camera about the vertical axis of the flagstick.

The camera is also capable of rotating about a transverse axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, through ±45°. Thus, the camera can pan up and down through 90°. A second motor is provided in the flagstick to control rotation of the camera about said transverse axis. The orientation of the camera may be controlled via a remote control. A receiver is provided in the flagstick to receive control signals from a transmitter. The receiver provides the required signals to the first and second motors to control the camera orientation. The focus of the camera and/or the camera zoom preferably can also be controlled remotely. A first transmitter is provided in the flagstick to transmit the image signals from the camera. Typically, a second transmitter is provided remote from the flagstick to receive the signal from the first transmitter and transmit it to a base station.

A battery is provided in the flagstick to supply power to the camera and the first transmitter in the flagstick. The battery may be charged by a solar panel provided on the flagstick.

Rather than provide a single camera rotatable about a vertical axis through ±180°, two cameras may be provided, each rotatable about the vertical axis of the flagstick through ±90°. Equally, three cameras, each rotatable about the vertical axis of the flagstick through ±60° may be provided.

Alternatively, a plurality of fixed cameras may be provided to provide 360° images. The angular offset between the cameras is preferably uniform.

It will be appreciated that one or more cameras may be provided at different positions along the length of the flagstick. A golf flagstick 101 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 9 and 10.

The golf flagstick 101 comprises a base unit 103; a camera assembly 105; and a flag support member (not shown). The camera assembly 105 is provided above the base unit 103 and the flag support member is provided at the top of the flagstick 101.

The base unit 103 comprises a first cylindrical member 107 having a ferrule (not shown) at its lower end for locating the flagstick 101 in a cup on a green. A shaft 109 is fixedly mounted in a tubular insert 111 provided, at an

upper end of the cylindrical member 107. The shaft 109 is arranged coaxially with a longitudinal axis X of the flagstick 101 and projects from an upper end of the first cylindrical member 107.

The camera assembly 105 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 109 and comprises a drive unit 113 and a housing 117 containing a high definition camera 119. A bearing 115, such as a pancake bearing, is preferably provided to facilitate rotation of the camera assembly 105 relative to the base unit 103. A controller 121 for the drive unit 113 and the camera 119 is provided in the housing 117. Preferably, the controller 121 can be controlled remotely. The camera 119 is illustrated as facing to the left in Figures 9 and 10. The left side of the flagstick 101 is referred to herein as the front of the flagstick 101 ; and the right side as the back of the flagstick 101.

The drive unit 113 comprises a first drive motor 123 drivingly connected to the shaft 109. The first motor 123 is fixedly mounted in a second cylindrical member 125 connected to the base of the housing 117. In use, the first motor 123 may rotate the camera assembly 105 relative to the base unit 103 about the longitudinal axis X of the flagstick 101. The flagstick 101 may comprise means for fixing the orientation of the base unit 103, for example one or projections or recesses cooperable with the cup in which the flagstick 101 is located. Preferably, the base unit 103 remains stationary when the first motor 123 is operated.

The first and second cylindrical members 107, 125 have substantially the same diameter. The housing 113 is preferably cylindrical and, in order to accommodate the camera 119, has a diameter larger than that of the first and second cylindrical members 107, 125. Advertising material may be displayed on an outer surface of the housing 117.

The camera 119 is mounted on a pivot pin 127 (or hinge) and, in use, is pivotable about a transverse axis Y substantially perpendicular to, but offset from, the longitudinal axis X of the flagstick 101. The pivot pin 127 is provided at the front of the camera 119 and the camera 119 may be pivoted from a substantially horizontal position (as illustrated in Figure 9) to an inclined position in which the camera 119 is directed downwardly towards the base of the flagstick 101 (as illustrated in Figure 10). In the present embodiment, the camera 119

may pivot through approximately 80°. The angle of view α (alpha) of the camera 119 is illustrated by clashed lines and it will be appreciated that the camera 119 may be inclined such that at least a portion of the cup in which the flagstick 101 is located may be filmed. A second motor 129 is provided to pivot the camera 119 about the transverse axis Y. The motor solenoid 129 operates a movable piston 131 drivingly coupled to a cam 133. The cam 133 is coupled to the camera 119 such that rotation of the cam 133 pivots the camera 119 about the transverse axis Y. Thus, the angle at which the camera 119 is inclined may be controlled by the second motor 129. The piston 131 may be connected to the cam 133 by a rack and pinion, for example. The second motor 129 is controlled by the controller 121.

As illustrated in Figure 9, in the present embodiment a portion of the camera 119 projects out of the back of the housing 117 when the camera 119 is substantially horizontal. Conversely, when the camera 119 is inclined, a portion may project out of the front of the housing 117, as illustrated in Figure 10. One or more apertures may be provided in the housing 117 to accommodate the camera 119 as it pivots. It is envisaged that the development of smaller high definition cameras may allow the camera 119 to remain inside the housing 117 without protruding from the housing 117. Equally, a camera which is not high definition may be accommodated entirely within the housing 117.

Image data created by the camera 119 is relayed to a transmitter (not shown) provided in the flagstick 101 for transmission to a base station. The transmitter is preferably wireless and, in use, the base station may be located proximal the flagstick.

Since the camera 119 can be rotated, it is not necessary to adapt the flagstick 101 such that it always faces in a particular direction when it is positioned in the cup. Thus, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a keyed mechanism to align the flagstick 101 in a predetermined orientation. In use, an operator may rotate the camera assembly 105 about the longitudinal axis X of the flagstick 101 using the first motor 123. Moreover, the angle at which the camera 119 is inclined may be changed by pivoting the camera 119 about the axis Y using the second motor 129. Thus, the operator

may rotate the camera 119 from side to side and up and down. Advantageously, the controller 121 may be operable by remote control. Preferably, the operator also has controls to enable the camera 119 to zoom in and out; and/or adjust the focus of the camera 119. The camera 119 may be oriented to film at least a portion of the hole in which the flagstick 101 is located. Equally, the camera 119 may be rotated to pan to film at least a portion of the green in which the flagstick 101 is positioned along with at least some of the surrounding area. By controlling the orientation of the camera 119 and optionally also using its zoom functionality, the camera 119 could, for example, film a golfer as they take an approach shot and then continue to track the golf ball as it approaches the flagstick 101. The camera 119 could even track the golf ball as it drops into the hole.

Various changes and modifications may be made to the apparatus described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. One or more of the cameras could be movably mounted to enable the camera to undergo translation, for example parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flagstick 1. Furthermore, the at least one camera may be provided in the base member 3 of the flag support member.

Furthermore, although the present invention has been described with particular reference to a golf flagstick, it will be appreciated that the invention may be used in other sporting events, such as soccer, rugby and the like.