Automated Distance Measuring Device Required

Many golf courses use GPS to track the golf cart relative to the flagstick. That is dependent of how close to the ball one parks the cart.

I know of no technology that could be implanted into a golf ball for such use. That would mean that you'd never lose a ball, unless it went into the ocean. Think of the devestating effect that would have on the golf ball industry.

And finally, as a golfer, I'd NEVER stoop to such cheating on the golf course anyway.

All meaurements are from the flag {automatically or remotely taken) to balls that are on the green only. Therefore no ball implant is required as it would be from distances of no more than 15 meters if such a technolgy exists.

There are companies in the US (probably the UK, too) that use a camera-automated system to measure a kitchen when new countertops are being ordered. It's useful when stone countertops have to be precisely cut to ensure a good fit. Reference positions are taken and fed into a computer which then does a 3D model.

I don't know how quick this system is, but something like this might be adaptable for your purposes. You might need to install permanent (low-profile) markers around the perimeter of the greens which, along with the flag position, would be the 3D reference positions for the ball location.

Here's a link to one such system:

http://www.etemplatesystem.com/

Thank you, that seems interesting, I will check some CAD manufacturers.

Sick makes a product called an LMS, Laser Measurement System, that could do it, but it is VERY expensive and one unit could not cover 360 degrees around the flag (270 deg. max.). How important is this? Would you be willing to plunk down $10,00US per hole? If so, shoot me a PM, I'd be happy to help! My company does integration of these devices, we help people use them on robots and mapping systems.

Link

Thank you for your response JRaef,

Yes it is important that we can meassure 360 degrees around the hole, but could 2 units be incorporated. What was the price per unit, your message says $10,00 US but I have a feeling you have left some zero's off the end.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks.