FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Generally the present invention relates to golf devices and systems. In particular, the present invention pertains to a golf ball identification system, golf accuracy device, golf ball feeding device and golf ball sorting device.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a popular sport. Today there are both professionals and amateurs that are practicing the sport. The sport has stayed quite the same for many years.

Typically, a golf course consists of 18 holes and a typical golf practicing facility comprises a driving range. A driving range is an area where golfers may swing/hit golf balls to an open field. The driving range may be several hundred meters long so that the golfers may practice even their longest shots.

The driving ranges today may comprise markings for different distances such as 100, 150 or 200 meters. In some occasions there may also be flags or other mark ings for the golfers to practice their aim on the driving range.

To increase the interest in golf, the sport needs some new approaches. For a begin ner it may be difficult to learn to aim the shot with existing methods. In golf it is important to learn to aim the shot in order to be able to enjoy the sport to the fullest.

Since the existing methods do not provide encouraging methods, many may decide to quit the sport after a short trial period. Even experienced golfers may need some new methods for practicing their skill. Golf may also need some new competition format to its traditional approach of touring an 18-hole course.

There exist some alternative approaches to traditional golfing. However, with the existing approaches there are some challenges with identifying golf balls, sorting golf balls and providing golf balls to a golfer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objective is to at least alleviate the problems described hereinabove not satis- factorily solved by the known arrangements, and to provide a feasible golf ball identification system that can be utilized, for example, in a golf accuracy device for training and/or competition purposes for monitoring results in real time. An other objective is to provide a golf accuracy device with a slide mechanism for enabling guiding tubes to always be in a position/angle that allows the golf balls to move from the target area and receiving part of the golf accuracy device to the golf ball identification means. A further objective is to provide a golf sorting de vice that may allow sorting different set of golf balls conveniently into separate dedicated baskets. A further objective is to provide a golf ball feeding device that may enable to provide a next golf ball to a golfer.

The aforesaid objectives are achieved by the embodiments of a system and devices in accordance with the present invention.

The aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 1.

The aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 11. The aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 13.

The aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 15.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention a golf ball identification system comprises

-at least one pipe for golf balls to move in the pipe,

-golf ball identification means arranged in connection with the at least one pipe for identifying a golf ball, -a mechanism for stopping and allowing the golf balls to move in the pipe, the mechanism being arranged between a first closed position and a second open po sition, and -control means for controlling said mechanism between the first closed position and the second open position.

In one embodiment the golf ball identification means comprises a RGB sensor for identifying the color of the golf ball.

In one embodiment the golf ball identification means comprises a camera for iden tifying the color, number, image or code on the surface of the golf ball.

In one embodiment the golf ball identification system wherein the mechanism for stopping and allowing the golf balls to move in the pipe comprises a rotating mech anism.

In one embodiment the golf ball identification system wherein the mechanism for stopping and allowing the golf balls to move in the pipe comprises at least two latch mechanisms, a first latch mechanism being arranged before the identification means, and a second latch mechanism being arranged after the identification means, the first latch mechanism being arranged to allow one golf ball at the time to an identification area comprising the identification means, the second latch mechanism being arranged to stop the golf ball from moving further from the iden- tification area before the golf ball has been identified, and the second latch mech anism allowing the golf ball to move further when the golf ball has been identified.

In one embodiment the first and second latch mechanisms comprises pins that move back and forth in the pipe between the first closed position and the second open position.

In one embodiment the mechanism for stopping and allowing the golf balls to move in the pipe comprises rotating claws for stopping and allowing the golf balls to move in the pipe.

In one embodiment the control means comprises at least one solenoid. In one embodiment the golf ball identification means comprises a camera, QR reader, UpCode reader and/or barcode reader for identifying golf balls with read able or identifiable markings. In one embodiment the golf ball identification system comprises an electronic de vice for at least monitoring result data derived from identified golf balls.

In one embodiment the golf ball identification system comprises a computing en tity for managing golf training and/or competition related data.

In one embodiment the golf ball identification system is arranged in a golf accu racy device, a golf ball feeding device or a golf ball sorting device.

In another aspect of the present invention, a golf accuracy device comprises

-a golf ball identification system,

-a target area and receiving part for receiving golf balls, -a number of guiding tubes for guiding golf balls from the receiving part to the golf ball identification system,

-a slide mechanism for moving the golf ball identification system back and forth depending on the tilt angle of the target area and receiving part such that the guid- ing tubes are in a position that allows the golf balls to move from the receiving part to the identification system.

In one embodiment the slide mechanism comprises a rail and rollers that enable the movement of the slide mechanism.

In a third aspect of the present invention, a golf ball feeding device comprises -a container for golf balls, -at least one pipe for golf balls to move in the pipe, -a mechanism for stopping and allowing the golf balls to move in the pipe, said mechanism being arranged between a first closed position and a second open po sition, and -control means for controlling said mechanism between the first closed position and the second open position.

In one embodiment the control means is a pedal. In a fourth aspect of the present invention a golf ball sorting device comprises

-a container for golf balls,

-a golf ball identification system,

-a rotating pipe for arranging the golf balls from the container and via the identifi cation system in dedicated receptacles,

-an electric motor for rotating the rotating pipe, and

-at least two receptacles in which the golf balls are sorted.

The utility of the present invention follows from a plurality of factors depending on each particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the present invention may allow to identify golf balls and monitor results in real time. In some embodiments, the golf balls received in a golf accuracy device may be identified with the golf ball identification system so that results of the golf accuracy device may be moni tored. In some embodiments, the slide mechanism may enable the guiding tubes to always be in a position/angle that allows the golf balls to move from the target area and receiving part of a golf accuracy device to the golf ball identification means. In some embodiments, the golf ball sorting device may allow to sort different set of golf balls conveniently into separate dedicated baskets or such containers. In some embodiments, the golf ball feeding device may enable a solution to provide conveniently a next golf ball, preferably on golf ball at the time, to a golfer.

The expression“a number of’ refers herein to any positive integer starting from one (1), e.g. to one, two, or three. The expression“a plurality of’ refers herein to any positive integer starting from two (2), e.g. to two, three, or four.

The expressions“latch mechanism” and“the mechanism for stopping and allow- ing the golf balls to move in the pipe” refer herein to a mechanical mechanism, which may be actuated between a number of open and close positions to control the traveling of objects, namely golf balls, in a pipe or such conducting means.

Different embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED DRAWINGS Next the invention is described in more detail with reference to the appended draw ings in which

Fig. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a golf ball identification system in accord ance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of the first embodiment of the golf ball identification system.

Fig. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a golf ball identification system.

Figs. 4-5 illustrate top views of the second embodiment of the golf ball identifica tion system in a first open and a second closed position.

Figs. 6-8 illustrate an embodiment of a sliding mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

Figs. 9-11 illustrate an embodiment of a golf ball feeding device in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a golf ball sorting device in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 13 illustrates a block diagram of the internal parts of an embodiment of a golf ball identification system in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 14 illustrates a third embodiment of a golf ball identification system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to figures 1-2, the golf ball identification system 100 comprises golf ball identification means 102 and a first and a second latch mechanism 104, 106. The golf ball identification means 102 are arranged to identify golf balls 108. The golf ball identification means may be arranged on top of the pipes 110 to recognize the golf balls in the pipes. Preferably, the identification means comprise an RGB sensor for identifying the golf balls. In such an embodiment, different color golf balls may be used. In some embodiments, the different color golf balls must be calibrated with the identification means. In some embodiments the pipe surface is coated with a dark color (e.g. black) so that the pipe material (e.g. stainless steel) does not reflect and interfere with the identification of the golf balls. A hole may be arranged on top of the pipes 110 for the identification means 102.

Additionally or alternatively, the identification means 102 may comprise a camera for identifying the golf balls. In such an embodiment, the golf balls may be marked with specified numbers, figures and/or other patterns to identify single golf balls or a set of golf balls.

Additionally or alternatively, the identification means may comprise a QR code™, UpCode™ and/or barcode reader for identifying golf balls with a QR code™, Up- Code™ or barcode marking accordingly.

The first latch mechanism 104 is arranged before the identification means 102 and the second latch mechanism 106 is arranged after the identification means 102. A first solenoid 112 controls the first latch mechanism 104 and a second solenoid 114 controls the second latch mechanism 106.

The first and second latch mechanisms 104, 106 comprise pins 116, 118 that move back and forth in the pipes 110. In a first, closed position, the pins 116, 118 prevent the golf balls 108 to move in the pipe. In a second, open position, the pins allow the golf balls to move in the pipe. The pins may, for example, have an 8- 10mm diameter and the pipe may thus have a same size hole accordingly for the pins to move in the pipe.

The pins 116 of the first latch mechanism 104 are connected to the first solenoid 112 with first connecting bars 118-122. The pins 118 of the second latch mecha- nism are connected to the second solenoid 114 with second connecting bars 124- 128 accordingly. In some embodiments, another type of actuator may be used to control the first and/or second latch mechanisms. First, the first latch mechanism 104 is in a first, closed position, stopping the golf balls 108. Next, the first latch mechanism is arranged in the second, open position, so that one golf ball enters the identification area 130 comprising the identification means 102. The first latch mechanism 104 moves back to the first position stopping further golf balls enter the identification area 130. The second latch mechanism 106 stays in a first closed position preventing the first golf ball 108a to move fur ther from the identification area 130. The first golf ball 108a is then identified with the identification means 102. When the first golf ball 108a has been identified, the second latch mechanism 106 opens so that the first golf ball 108a is allowed to move further in the pipe 110. The first latch mechanism 104 may now open so that a next golf ball 108b may enter the identification area 130. The second latch mech anism 106 moves back into the closed position to prevent the second golf ball 108b from moving further from the identification area 130. Referring now to figures 3-5, the second embodiment of a golf ball identification system 200 comprises golf ball identification means 202 and a latch mechanism 204. The golf ball identification means 202 may be arranged similarly as in the first embodiment of the golf ball identification system 100. The latch mechanism 204 comprises first and second rotatable claws 232, 234 for allowing and preventing the golf balls 208 to move in the pipes 210.

The rotatable claws 232, 234 may be arranged in a first position (fig. 4) allowing a first golf ball to enter the identification area and preventing the golf ball moving forward. When the golf ball has been identified, the rotatable claws 232, 234 may move in a second position (fig. 5) allowing the first golf ball to move forward in the pipe. The claws may then move back to the first position allowing a second golf ball to enter the identification area. The first and second rotatable claws 232, 234 are connected to a solenoid 212 or other actuator for enabling the control of the claws.

First and second slots are arranged in the side of the pipes for enabling the first and second rotatable claws 232, 234 to move in the pipes 210.

Referring to figures 6-8, the golf ball identification system 300 is arranged to a slide mechanism 340. The slide mechanism 340 comprises a rail 342 and rollers 344. Guiding tubes 346 connect the golf ball identification system 300 to a target area and receiving part 348 of a golf accuracy device 350. The slide mechanism 340 allows the golf ball identification system to move/slide when the tilt angle of the target area and receiving part is changed. This may enable the guiding tubes 346 to always be in a position/angle that allows the golf balls to move from the receiving part 348 to the golf ball identification system 300. A tilting mechanism 352 comprising a belt, a gear wheel and an electric motor may be arranged to con trol the tilt angle of the target area and receiving part 348 of the golf accuracy device 350. The golf identification system 300 may be connected to the target area and receiv ing part of the golf accuracy device 350 so that golf balls from a certain result circle/ring rolls to dedicated golf ball identification means. A result circle may correspond to certain points such as 5, 10, 20, 50 or 100 points. Thus, the real time result can be derived from the identified golf balls for the ongoing competi- tion/training. For example, a first player may use red balls, a second player may use green balls, a third player may use blue balls and so on. The specific golf balls associated with each player may be identified with the golf ball identification sys tem so that the result may be monitored. After the golf balls have been identified, the golf balls may roll into a collection basket or such container arranged next to the golf identification system 300 or al ternatively the golf balls may roll to the ground.

Referring to figures 9-11, a latch mechanism 404 is arranged to a golf ball feeding device 460.

The golf ball feeding device 460 comprises a container 462 for the golf balls 408. A pipe 464 connects to the container 462 through which the golf balls roll out. The golf ball feeding device 460 comprises a pedal 466 that is connected with a joint 468 to the support structure 470.

First, the latch mechanism 404 is in a first closed position, preventing the golf balls 408 coming out from the device. By pressing the pedal 462, the latch mechanism 404 moves to a second open position so that the first golf ball 408a comes out from the device. The latch mechanism 404 comprises a first and second rotatable claw 432, 434. The rotatable claws 432, 434 are connected to first and second springs 472, 474 for returning the rotatable claws back to the first position after pressing them down with the pedal 466. The pedal provides a mechanical solution for the golf ball feeding device. Alternatively, a solenoid may be used to actuate the latch mechanism.

The golf ball feeding device 460 may comprise an electronic device 476 such as a tablet, smartphone or other (touch) display for monitoring and/or controlling re sults, user information or other golf training/competition related data.

Referring to figure 12, a golf ball identification system 500 is arranged to a golf ball sorting device 580. The golf ball identification system 500 is arranged in the pipe section 582 below the top container 584. Golf balls 508 may be arranged in the top container 584 for sorting.

The golf ball sorting device 580 comprises an electric motor 586 for turning the sorting pipe 588. The sorting pipe 588 is rotated based on the received identifica- tion data of the identification system 500 so that a correct golf ball is placed in its dedicated basket 590 or such container. The golf ball sorting device 580 comprises 16 baskets 590. In other embodiments, the golf ball sorting device may comprise less or more baskets such as 4, 8 or 24 baskets. In this particular embodiment, the golf ball sorting device comprises 16 baskets for 16 different colored golf balls so that each color is sorted in its dedicated basket.

For example, if the golf ball identification system 500 in the pipe section 582 iden tifies a green colored golf ball, the sorting pipe 588 is turned to a first basket. If the golf ball identification system identifies a red colored golf ball, the sorting pipe is turned to a second basket and so on. A mechanism as presented in the first, second or third embodiment of the golf ball identification system 100, 200, 700 may be arranged to allow the golf balls 508 to roll in the dedicated baskets, and may be arranged to stop further balls to roll before they have been identified. Referring to figure 13, the golf ball identification system 600 comprises golf ball identification means 602. The golf ball identification means comprises a memory 691a and processor 692a. Additionally, the golf ball identification means 602 com prises a data interface 693a for receiving and/or transmitting data. The data inter face 693a may comprise wireless (e.g. WLAN, Bluetooth) and/or wired (e.g. Ethernet, USB) means that allow communication over a local and/or external net work (e.g. the Internet). Additionally, the golf ball identification means 602 com prises an identification interface 694 such as an RGB sensor, camera, QR code reader, UpCode reader and/or barcode reader for identifying golf balls. The golf ball identification means may communicate with the control means 611. The control means comprises a memory 691b and processor 692b. In some em bodiments the golf ball identification means and control means may have the same memory and processor. The control means 611 comprises a data interface 693b for receiving and/or transmitting data. The control means 611 comprises an actuator 612 such as a solenoid for controlling the latch mechanism 604 or such mechanism for stopping and allowing the golf balls to move in the pipe. The golf ball identification means 602 and/or control means 611 may communicate with a computing entity 695 and/or an electronic device 676. The computing entity may be a remote or local server for hosting/controlling data such as result data, user data or other data related to the golf training or competition. The computing entity 695 comprises a memory 691c and a processor 692c. The computing entity 695 comprises a data interface 693c for receiving and/or trans mitting data. Additionally, the computing entity may comprise a User Interface (UI) 696c for user inputs. The electronic device 676 comprises a memory 69 Id and a processor 692d. The electronic device 676 comprises a data interface 693d for receiving and/or trans mitting data. Additionally, the electronic device comprises a User Interface (UI) 696d for inputs and/or outputs. The User Interface 696d may be a touch display, for example. For example, the electronic device 676 may be a tablet, smartphone or laptop computer.

Referring to figure 14, the golf ball identification system 700 comprises golf ball identification means 702 with a mechanism for stopping and allowing the golf balls to move in the pipe that is a rotating mechanism 704.

The rotating mechanism 704 comprises a disc-like shape with a number of recesses in which golf balls 708 may insert. The rotating mechanism 704 is arranged to rotate between at least three positions wherein the first position let’s a golf ball 708a into a recess inside the rotating mechanism 704 and a second position wherein identification means are used for identifying said golf ball 708a in the recess and a third position wherein a golf ball 708 is let out of the recess of the rotating mechanism 704. The rotating mechanism 704 has at least one open posi tion whenever a recess in the rotating mechanism 704 is lined up with the pipe 710 from which the golf balls enter the one or more recesses in the rotating mechanism 704 and a closed position whenever a recess in the rotating mechanism 704 isn’t lined up with the pipe 710 from which the golf balls 708 are inserted to the one or more recesses. The rotating mechanism 708 may have four recesses as depicted and the rotating mechanism 704 may be operated such that a first golf ball 708a may enter a recess in the rotating mechanism 704, while a second golf ball 708a is being identified by the identification means 702, while a third golf ball 708a is let out of the rotating mechanism 704 since these different positions may be arranged to align in a one open position of the rotating mechanism 704. Other golf balls 708b may be kept from the entering the rotating mechanism 704 by either having the one or more recesses being of such size that only one golf ball 708 fits there at a time and/or second latch mechanism (not illustrated) based e.g. on pins or claws and situated before the rotating mechanism may be used to control golf balls 708 entering into the rotating mechanism 704.

Actuation means 712 such as an electric motor may be used by the control means to rotate the rotating mechanism 704 along a circular path between the at least three positions defined by a golf ball 708 entering the rotating mechanism 704, golf ball 708 being identified by the identification means 702, and golf ball 708 exiting the rotating mechanism 704. The rotating mechanism 704 may be set at such position that gravitational force may be used to let golf balls 708 fall into and out of the rotating mechanism 704.

The golf ball identification means 702 are arranged to identify golf balls 708. The golf ball identification means 702 are herein arranged to recognize the golf balls 708a in the rotating mechanism 704 when said rotating mechanism is rotated to a certain position. Preferably, the identification means 702 comprises imaging means such as a camera, a microscopic camera or machine vision means. In such an embodiment, different color golf balls 708 may be used and the camera may be used to recognize the color of the golf balls 708. Additionally or optionally, num ber, image or code, such as UpCode, QR code or barcode, on the surface of the golf balls 708 may be recognized with the imaging means optionally using ma chine vision. In some embodiments, the different color golf balls may be calibrated with the identification means 702. In some embodiments the inside surface of the recesses of the rotating mechanism 704 are coated with a dark color (e.g. black) so that the rotating mechanism 704 material (e.g. stainless steel) does not reflect and interfere with the identification of the golf balls 708. The identification means 702 may be set in one position in respect to the rotating mechanism 704 such that the golf balls 708 may be aligned with the identification means 702 without the golf balls 708 exiting the recesses of the rotating mechanism 704 e.g. by having the identification means through an aperture from which the golf balls 708 do not fit through.

Consequently, a skilled person may on the basis of this disclosure and general knowledge apply the provided teachings in order to implement the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims in each particular use case with necessary modifications, deletions, and additions.