Electronic Compartment Assembly for a Golf Flagstick

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/559,423, filed Dec. 22, 2021, entitled “ELECTRONIC GOLF FLAGSTICK,” which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/139,712, filed Jan. 20, 2021, entitled “ELECTRONIC GOLF FLAGSTICK” which is incorporated by reference herein, in the entirety and for all purposes.

Implementations relate generally to golf flagsticks, and more particularly, to structures and systems that facilitate sensing objects proximate to the golf flagstick.

A golf flagstick, also referred to as a golf pin, may be used to mark a golf cup or hole on a green of a golf course. Golfers attempt to advance their golf ball towards the flagstick and into a cup of a golf hole during play. In conventional systems, the location of the golf ball relative to the cup is tracked visually by the golfers, traditionally without any assistance from sensors or other electronic-based tracking systems. Accordingly, where multiple golf balls are in play, it may be impossible or impractical to determine which ball is closest to the golf cup. And sensors, such as a camera, placed adjacent the golf green and away from the golf cup fail to capture visual data of the golf ball, and approach of the golf ball to the golf cup, from the perspective of the flagstick. As such, the need continues for systems and techniques to enhance object sensing proximate to the golf flagstick.

Implementations provide electronic golf flagsticks. The electronic golf flagstick is configured for sensing objects proximate thereto. The electronic golf flagstick includes an elongated pole with a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be removably secured to a surface. The second end is adapted to receive one or more accessories. A compartment assembly arranged between the first end and the second end includes at least one sensor, a processor coupled to memory, and a self-contained power source configured to provide power to the sensor, processor, radio, and memory. The at least one sensor is configured to sense an object proximate the golf flagstick, including an object on a ground surface approaching the golf flagstick. In some cases, this may include sensing the object as being received in a golf cup. The processor coupled to memory is configured to store the sensed information from the sensor.

In another example, the at least one sensor may be configured to sense a net 360 degree view of the ground surface or ground surface and sky. Each of the at least one sensor may include a lens arranged at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the ground surface. The processor may be configured to analyze the sensed object proximate the electronic golf flagstick and determine the sensed object as being received by a golf cup in a single stroke. In this regard, the processor may be further configured to classify the sensed object as a hole-in-one. The processor may be further configured to analyze the sensed object approaching the electronic golf flagstick and calculate a distance of the object from the electronic golf flagstick. In some cases, the processor may be configured to calculate the distance of the object from the electronic golf flagstick for a plurality of object such that the processor calculates a relative distance of each object to the electronic golf flagstick. Further, the processor may be configured to sense GPS coordinates of at least one of the electronic golf flagstick or of the sensed object.

In another example, the at least one sensor includes a video camera configured to record a video of the object. The video camera records a 180 degree video of an area proximate the object. The processor may be configured to transmit the recorded video over a computer network. In some cases, at least two video cameras record the video of the object. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one sensor may include a LIDAR sensor.

In another example, the compartment includes one or more seals. An external portion of the housing may include a protrusion arranged above each of the at least one sensor. The processor may be communicatively coupled to a computer network. The power source may be rechargeable. The compartment may include a tubular housing with an enlarged diameter relative to a diameter of the elongated pole.

In another example, the one or more accessories comprises a flag. The surface may be configured as a tubular wall. The first end of the elongated pole may include a base with a shape complementary to the tubular wall such that the base of the elongated pole may be removably inserted into an opening defined by the tubular wall. In this regard, the surface may be formed by a golf cup of a golf hole.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description.

Implementations provide systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein.

depicts a systemincluding an electronic golf flagstickarranged in a golfing environmentsuch as a golf course. The golfing environmentmay be a golf course or other area where golf or a related activity is played. The golfing environmentshown inincludes a golf greenand a golf cup. The electronic golf flagstickis arranged at the golf cup. It will be appreciated that the golf flagstickmay also be selectively positionable in other environments, including a tee box, adjacent to a green, within a bunker, in a tree, on a building, fence, pole, bleachers, and so on. In the illustration of, the electronic golf flagstickmay be configured to sense an object proximate the golf cup. For example, a golf ballis shown in. The golf ballmay follow a flight path Pas the golf ballis advanced toward the golf cup. In some cases, the golf ballmay subsequently follow a green path Ptoward the golf cupfor receipt of the golf ballin the golf cup.

In the illustration of, the electronic golf flagstickis shown with a compartment assemblyand a sensor array. Compartment assemblyand the sensor arraymay be integrated with an elongated poleor other structure that extends substantially vertically from the golf cupto visually mark a location of the golf hole. An accessorysuch as a flag may be secured to an end of the elongated pole. As explained herein, the compartment assemblymay be configured to house various electronic components of the electronic golf flagstickto facilitate performing the functions described herein. The sensor arraymay be configured to house at least one sensor for sensing the golf ballor other objects proximate to the golf cup. As shown in, a sensoris provided at the sensor array. The sensormay include a camera that is configured to detect one or more characteristics of the golf ball, including a position, a trajectory, and/or a visual depiction of the golf ballalong one or both of the flight path Por the green path P, including capturing images of golf ballbeing received by the golf cup.

The electronic golf flagstickmay be configured to transmit signalsover a communicatively coupled network. For example, the electronic golf flagstick may include a communications component and an antenna integrated with the compartment assemblyand/or the elongated pole. The networkmay, for example, be a wireless or cellular network that facilitates the transmission of data among various components of the system. The networkmay include two or more communication methods (e.g., cellular, Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi) to communicatively couple the systemelements. The networkmay include wireless and wired transmission methods, such as, but not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, radio transmissions, Ethernet, local area network, ZigBee, wide area networks, and so on.

The networkmay be communicatively coupled to a variety of different components, devices, and systems to facilitate the analysis, processing, and communication of information associated with the data collected by the sensor(s) of the electronic golf flagstick. For example, the systemmay include one or more user devicesthat interact with the systemvia the network. The systemmay communicatively couple to multiple user devices, allowing individual users to interact separately with the systemvia separate user devices. The user devicemay be any type of computing device that may transmit and receive data from other computing devices. For example, the user devicemay be a smartphone, tablet computer, wearable device, laptop, and so on. The user devicemay include a display or screen that allows a user to receive information, including videos or other visual representations of the golf ball. The user devicemay be in electronic communication with one or more other devices of the system, including the electronic golf flagstick, either directly, or via the network.

The systemmay also include one or more optional offsite or remote sensors. For example, the offsite sensor(s)may be a temperature sensor or other device that is used for the detection of ambient conditions during a game of golf. The offsite sensormay more generally be any other sensor that provides supplemental information to the networkassociated with the golf ball, golfers, golfing environment, and so on.

The system may also include computing server. The computing servermay be configured to receive information from the electronic golf flagstick, the user device, and/or the onsite sensor(s). In some embodiments, the computing servermay include one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, computers, etc.), that may be a single device or multiple devices operating in a distributed environment. The systemmay also include one or more databasesthat may store information related to or used by components of the system. For example, the databasesmay include databases that store information associated with the golfing environment, the golf ball, golfers, and so on, which may be used to produce information in conjunction with the data collected at the golf flagstick. The type, structure, and data stored within the various databasesmay be varied depending on the types of detected characteristics of the golf ballor other object detected, and desired informational output.

The systemmay optionally include one or more management devices. The management devicemay be any type of computing device that may transmit and receive data from other computing devices. For example, the management devicemay be a server, smartphone, tablet computer, wearable device, laptop, and combinations thereof. The management devicemay be in electronic communication with one or more other devices of the system, either directly, or via a network. The management devicemay be used to manage the electronic golf flagstickand/or user devicesthat interact with the system. In various implementations, the management devicemay be configured to display data that may correspond, for example, to a distance of the golf ballto the golf cup. Additionally, the management devicemay be used to determine and/or display information indicative of whether the golf ballis the closest to the golf cupfrom a group of golf balls in play, as well as whether the golf ballhas satisfied any other conditions (e.g., within a range from the golf cup, received by the golf cup, hole-in-one, and so on).

Turning to, a partial exploded view of the electronic golf flagstickand the golf cupare shown. The electronic golf flagstickmay include an elongated pole first portionthat is configured to facilitate attachment of the flagstickto the golf cup. For example, the elongated pole first portionmay define a first endof the flagstickthat is adapted to be removably secured to a surface. The surface may be a surface formed by the golf cupof the golf hole. In the example of, the golf cupincludes a golf cup first surfaceand a golf cup second surface. The golf cup second surfacemay define a receiving portion of the golf cupthat is configured to receive the first endof the flagstick. The golf cup first surfacemay be a surface that extends annularly about the golf cup second surface. The golf ballmay advance toward the golf cupand be received by the golf cup first surface

The electronic golf flagstickmay include a mating featureat the first endto facilitate the removable attachment of the flagstickand the golf cup. The mating featuremay include a flange portionand an engagement portion. The engagement portionmay be defined a substantially cylindrical shape that is configured to match a shape of the golf cupdefined by the golf cup first surface. The flange portionmay define a rim about the engagement portionto limit advancement of the first endinto the golf cup.

The electronic golf flagstickdefines a second endthat is adapted to receive one or more accessories. For example, an elongated pole second portionmay be positioned opposite the elongated pole first portionand define the second end. In some cases, one or more antennas may be arranged at or adjacent to the second end. The second endmay be constructed in a manner to house an array of antennas, including at least two antennas that are diametrically opposed to one another. For example and as shown in, a first antennaand a second antennamay be arranged diametrically opposed to one another substantially within an end volumeat the second end. In this regard, the antennas,may be arranged at an elevationally higher position within the electronic golf flagstickthan other components of the flagstickthat could otherwise impact electromagnetic radiation of an antenna, such as a metal housing and/or other electronic components. Additionally, the accessorymay be secured to the electronic golf flagstick at the second end

In the example of, an elongated pole third portionis also shown. The elongated pole third portionmay be coupled to the elongated pole second portion. The elongated pole second and third portions,may cooperate to define a passage or other housing for cables. For example, the elongated pole second portionmay define a second portion volumeand the elongated pole third portionmay define a third portion volume. Interior cables extend through the second and third portion volumes,to connect communications components within the compartment assemblyto the antennas,at or adjacent the second end. As further shown in, the elongated pole third portionoptionally has a diameter that is greater than the elongated pole first and second portions,. In some cases, the elongated pole first, second, third portions,,may be separate structures that are attached to one, such as being attached via a connection with the compartment assemblyand/or sensor array. In other cases, the elongated pole first, second, third portions,,may be portions of a continuous or one-piece structure, and the compartment assemblyand/or the sensor arraycan fit over and/or attach to the one-piece structure.

With reference to, the electronic golf flagstickis shown as including the compartment assembly. The compartment assemblymay define a collection of structural components that house the various electrical components and/or sensors described herein. For example, the compartment assemblymay include a tube. The tubemay be a substantially cylindrical structure having tube wallsthat define a tube volume. The tube wallsmay define a tube first openingand tube second opening. The tube first and second openings,may extend into the tube volume. The compartment assemblymay further include a cap. The capmay be a closure or other feature of the compartment assemblyadapted to seal an end of the tubeabout the elongated pole. The capis shown with an elongated pole openingextending into a body of the cap. The elongated pole openingmay be configured to receive a portion of the elongated poleor other structure that visually indicates a location of the golf cup. A fitting portionis defined by an end of the capopposite the elongated pole opening. The tube first openingmay be adapted to receive the fitting portionof the capand establish a friction fit therebetween. Fasteners or other attachment mechanisms may be used to secure to the capand the tubeto one another.

The compartment assemblyis further shown inas including a sensor array housing. The sensor array housingmay generally be configured to support the at least one sensorof the electronic golf flagstick, including supporting the sensorat a desired angle or orientation relative to a ground surface. The sensor array housingmay also be configured to shield the sensorfrom debris or force impact of the golfing environment.

In the illustrated example, the sensor array housingincludes a sensor array housing first portionand a sensor array housing second portion. The sensor array housing first portionand the second array housing second portionmay cooperate to define a sensor array housing volume. The at least one sensormay be arranged in the sensor housing volumeand may be generally held in place by the second array housing first and second portions,. For example, the sensor housing first portiondefines a sensor top support featurethat is configured to engage a top surface or contour of the sensor. Further, the sensor housing second portiondefines a sensor bottom support featurethat is configured to engage a bottom surface or contour of the sensor. In some cases, the sensor housing top and bottom support features,may cooperate to engage a substantial entirety of a perimeter of the sensor.

With reference to shielding the sensorfrom a force impact, the sensor housing first portionmay define a sensor top shield feature. The sensor top shield featuremay define a protrusion or other feature that extends from the sensor housing first portionbeyond an outermost surface of the sensor. Further, the sensor housing second portionmay define a sensor bottom shield feature. The sensor bottom shield featuremay define a protrusion or other feature that extends from the sensor housing second portionbeyond the outermost surface of the sensor. Accordingly, in the event that the electronic golf flagstickis placed on a ground surface, the protrusions may contact the ground surface and thus cooperate to define an offset between the outermost surface of the sensorand the ground, as shown and described below with respect to. In addition, the protrusions may deflect a golf ballbefore the golf ballcan impact the sensorthereby avoiding damage to the sensor.

The sensor housing first portionis shown as having a fitting portion. The fitting portionmay be an opening extending into a body of the sensor housing first portion. In an assembled configuration, the tubemay be received by the fitting portion. The tube second openingmay extend at least partially into the sensor housing first portionin order to connect the tube volumeand the sensor housing volumeto one another. The sensor housing second portionis shown as having a fitting portion. The fitting portionmay be an opening extending into a body of the sensor housing second portion. In an assembled configuration, the elongated polemay be received by the fitting

The compartment assemblymay be configured to house a computing assemblyof the electronic golf flagstick. The computing assemblymay include various electrical and associated components that cooperate to facilitate one or more of the functions of the electronic golf flagstickdescribed herein. While many variations are possible and described herein, the computing assembly is shown with reference toas including a computing assembly mounting structure. The computing assembly mounting structuremay be a structural portion of the computing assemblyupon which one or more electronic components of the computing assemblyare secured. The computing assembly mounting structuremay also be configured for removable engagement with the compartment assembly, for example, including having a size and shape to match the tube volumeor otherwise fit inside the tube. The computing assembly mounting structuremay define a circuit board portionthat defines a mounting surface for a circuit board. The computing assembly mounting structuremay further define a power source portionthat defines a receiving area for a power source. While many constructions are possible, the computing assembly mounting structureofmay be formed from a plastic material. The plastic material can be slid into the aluminum construction of the tubefor assembly.

The computing assemblyis shown inas including a circuit board. Generally, the circuit boardmay be a printed circuit board or (PCB) that includes one or more processing elements, computer processors or microcontrollers that are configured to perform operations in response to computer-readable instructions. For example and as shown in, the circuit boardmay include a processor and memory component. The processor and memory componentmay include or be a central processing unit of the electronic golf flagstick. Additionally or alternatively, other processing elements may be incorporated within the electronic golf flagstick, including application specific integrated chips (ASIC) and other microcontroller devices. In some cases, the circuit boardmay also include a memory component, including a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including, for example, read access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), or flash memory. The computing assemblymay therefore be configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other software elements. The processing elements or other like components of the circuit boardmay be operable to read computer-readable instructions stored on the memory and/or computer-readable media. The computer-readable instructions may adapt the processing elements to perform the operations or functions described above. The computer-readable instructions may be provided as a computer program product, software application, or the like.

The circuit boardis further shown as having a communications component. Broadly, the communications componentmay include or be a component that facilitates the transmission of signals to and from the electronic golf flagstick. As one example, the communications componentmay be a component of an antenna that is used to send and receive signals via a cellular network, Wi-Fi, radio transmissions, Ethernet, local area network, ZigBee, wide area networks, among other possibilities. The communications componentmay be connected to an antenna that is positioned elevationally higher in the electronic golf flagstickthan the computing assemblywhich may enhance performance of the communications component, such as the antennas,shown in. For instance, wiresmay extend substantially from the communications componentand into the elongated pole third portionto couple the communications componentto the antennas,. The wiresmay terminate at this portion or may extend further into and along the elongated pole second portion, such as extending to the second end, based on a location of the antennas,in the electronic golf flagstick. In some cases, one or more peripheral attachment componentsis also provided with the circuit board. The peripheral attachment componentmay include a USB port or other feature that is configured to commutatively couple a peripheral device, e.g., a computing device, memory card, and so on, directly to the circuit board.

The computing assemblyis also shown as including a power source. The power sourceis a self-contained onboard power source of the electronic golf flagstick. The power sourcemay allow the flagstickto operate without the need for a hardwired connection to an external power source, often for an extended period of time. The power sourceshown inincludes a collection of batteries. The batteries may be rechargeable batteries. In some cases, the power sourcemay be rechargeable using one or more components of the flagstick, including an optional function of solar charging or other techniques.

In some implementations, the power sourcemay be powered on and off in response to receiving a signal from an actuation switchof the electronic golf flagstick. In addition or alternatively, the computing assemblymay cause the power sourceto transition to a power-saving or sleep mode where one or more components of the electronic golf flagstickare inactive. For instance, after determining the sensorhas been inactive after a predefined period of time, the computing assembly(e.g., processor) may cause the power sourceto conserve power and cease sensing or other power-intensive operations. In this state, the electronic golf flagstickmay continue to receive signals from external devices over the network, and may transition to an active mode, for instance, where the sensorsenses the environment surrounding the electronic golf flagstick. More particularly, a user deviceat or proximate the golf environmentmay communicatively couple to the electronic golf flagstickvia the networkand the computing assemblymay cause the sensorto actively sense the golf environmentto identify a golf ballas well as other objects proximate the electronic golf flagstick.

The computing assemblymay be coupled to the sensorwithin the flagstick. For purposes of illustration,illustrates the sensoras a camera sensor. The camera sensor is configured to capture images (still and video) and transmit information associated with the captured images to the circuit boardfor processing. The sensoris shown in the exploded view ofas including a sensor boardand a sensor housing. The sensor housingmay define a structural component of the sensorthat facilitates the attachment of sensing components of the sensorto the sensor array housing. For example, the sensor housingmay include sensor housing clipsthat extend outwardly from a body of the sensorin order to maintain an alignment of the sensor housingat a predetermined orientation in the sensor array housing(). The sensor housingmay further include a sensor housing attachment feature. The sensor housing attachment featuremay be a loop, hook, or protrusion-type feature that is adapted to receive a fastener to secure the sensor housingin the predetermined position, as aligned via the sensor housing clips.

In some implementations, the electronic golf flagstickmay be arranged at the cupof a green on a golf course or other location of a golfing environment. As the golf balladvances towards the cup of a green, for instance advances from the tee box of a golf hole to the cup of the golf hole, sensorof the electronic golf flagsticktrack the golf ball. A computing deviceincluding a processor and memorycoupled to the sensormay detect a position of the golf ball and/or track a path of the golf ballfrom the vantage point of the electronic golf flagstick. In some implementations, the processor and memoryprocess the sensor data to determine the golf ballas being received by the golf cupin a single stroke. For example, the sensormay detect the receipt of the golf ballin the golf cupalong with the flight of the golf ball from a tee box of the golf hole associated with the golf cup. The processor and memorymay associate the receipt of the golf ballin the golf cupwith data indicative of a number of strokes used by a golfer to advance the golf ball, such as the number of strokes from a tee box or other reference point in the golfing environment. Upon the association of a single stroke being used to advance the received golf ballinto the golf cup, the golf ballmay be classified as a hole-in-one by the processor. In some implementations, the processor and memoryprocesses the sensor data to determine a distance between the golf balland the golf cupusing the detected position. Where multiple golf ballsare in play, the determined distance may be compared by the processor and memoryamong a set of determined distances to determine the closest golf ballto the cup. Additionally, image data may be captured by the sensorat the electronic golf flagstickand the processor and memorymay store a visual representation of the golf ballas the ball approaches the golf cup, including in some cases a composite 360° video. The image data may be transmitted by the computing deviceover the networkwhere further data analysis may be remotely performed on the image data. In some implementations, the network devices, e.g., management deviceand/or computing server, may substantially simultaneously process the image data captured by the sensor. In addition or alternatively, the network devices may be configured to validate the image data captured by the sensorto confirm the accuracy of the computing deviceoperations.

The processor and memoryand the communications componentmay be configured to determine GPS coordinates of one or both of the golf balland the electronic golf flagstick. Images or video captured by the sensormay be associated with the determined GPS coordinates and the information transmitted by the communications componentover the networkfor subsequent processing or use.

In some implementations, the networkmay be configured to power on and off the remotely located electronic golf flagstick, and the networkmay transmit software updates to the processor and memory. For instance, the computer servermay be configured as a centralized hub for the networkand may be used to remotely monitor the status of the electronic golf flagstickand receive and transmit data and instructions to each of the electronic golf flagstickcoupled to the network.

The processor and memorymay also be used to support the creation of the composite video upon receipt of signals from the sensor. This may include preparing and/or routing the video files for transmission across a distributed computer networkfor analysis and a remote computer server, and the communications componentmay be configured as an antenna that is coupled with the processor and memoryto wirelessly transmit the data of the at least one sensorover a network. The power sourcemay provide a localized, onboard power supply for the electronic components of the electronic golf flagstickand may therefore operate as a self-contained unit that does not require a hardwired connection to peripheral devices or power sources during operation. In some implementations, the electronic golf flagstickmay include a recharging port such as a USB port for recharging the power source, and when the port may be further configured to couple to a computer for receipt of updates at the processor and memory, for example.

Where multiple electronic golf flagsticksare arranged at a golf hole, such as one electronic golf flagstickat the hole of a golf green, and another electronic golf flagstickat the tee of the golf hole, the electronic golf flagsticksmay be communicatively coupled and the sensed information from the respective sensorsmay be used to verify the sensed information collected by the sensorof the other of the electronic golf flagsticksassociated with this same golf hole. This verification data may be transmitted over the network, for instance, to confirm the accuracy of the collected information related to the tracking of the golf ballor other tracked information, such as movement of the electronic golf flagsticksfrom an assigned or predetermined position. Where multiple electronic golf flagsticksare housed at the same golf course, such as at four or more golf holes of a particular golf course, the multiple electronic golf flagsticksmay be communicatively coupled to each other, and/or may be communicatively coupled to a user devicethat may be associated with the golf course. In this way, an administrative user of the devicemay track the use and position of the multiple electronic golf flagsticksat the golf course.

The electronic golf flagstickmay be configured to deliver substantially real-time information to a golfer or other user. For instance, after a golf ballis tracked by the sensor, the electronic golf flagstickmay transmit images of the golf ballas a picture or as a video to a user's devicesuch as a mobile phone so that the user can view a golf shot from the perspective of the electronic golf flagstick. In some implementations, the processor and memorymay be configured to receive sensor information from multiple sensors-and generate a composite, stitched together video from the individual videos captured by these various sensors-. For instance, the processor and memorymay filter the videos and provide frame relevant information, allowing the video to include or emphasize frames including the golf ball and exclude non-relevant frames, such as those not including the golf ball. Frames including the golf ball and adjacent or target images may be stitched together by the processor and memoryto create up to a net 360° view of the golf ball as it approaches and/or enters the golf cup. The composite video may be saved by the golfer for reference and distribution subsequent to the golf game. The systemand its components may also facilitate communicating other messages to the golfer or third parties via the user device, including the determined distance of the golf ball to the golf cup.

The sensor boardmay be a backing or other circuit board that defines a mounting for sensing components of the sensor. The sensor boardmay be secured to the sensor housingvia fasteners. The sensing components of the sensormay include various components of a video or image sensor. For purposes of illustration,shows the sensorincluding a lens piece, a first lens tube portion, a second lens tube portion, and a lens-mating piece. The lens piecemay include a portion of an optical lens. In this regard, the lens piecemay define an outermost portion of the sensorthat is adapted to receive light. The received light may be indicative of an image of the golf ballor other aspect of the golfing environment. The lens piecemay be associated with a first lens tube portionand the second lens tube portion. The first and second lens tube portions,may cooperate to collimate or otherwise manipulate the received light for processing at the sensor board. The lens mating piecemay be a ring or other sealing-type element that fits over one or both of the first and second lens tube portions,. In some cases, the lens-mating piecemay be arranged at an interface between the first and second lens tube portions,. Further, the first and second tube portions,may be configured to extend through the sensor housingand the mating piecemay define an engagement or seal between the first or second tube portions,and the sensor housing, thereby facilitating alignment of the sensing component of the sensorwith respect the sensor housing.

In the assembled configuration, the sensorand the computing assemblymay be coupled with one another and arranged within the compartment assembly. For example and with reference to, the computing assemblymay be held within the tube. The computing assembly mounting structure, for example, may have a shape matching the cylindrical wallsof the tube. Accordingly, the computing assembly mounting structureand associated electric components may be slid into the tube volume. In some cases, the computing assembly mounting structuremay define a friction fit with an interior surface of the cylindrical wallsinside of the tube volume.

The sensormay be arranged with the compartment assemblyat the sensor array housing. Broadly, the sensor array housingmay be configured to secure the sensorat a predetermined position and alignment within the electronic golf flagstick. In one implementation, as shown in, the sensor array housingmay be configured to secure multiple sensors at predetermined positions and alignments within the electronic golf flagstick. For example,shows the sensor arrayas including a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, and a fourth sensor. The sensordescribed herein may be representative of any one or more of, or all of, the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor

The first, second, third, fourth sensors-are shown inheld in a predetermined position by the sensor array housing second portion. Each of the sensors-are arranged to face a different direction. In the example of, each sensor-faces a direction that is substantially orthogonal to an adjacent sensor. As explained in greater detail below, this arrangement may allow the sensors-to collectively capture a net 360° view about the flagstick. In other examples, more or fewer sensors may be used.

The sensor array housing second portionmay define a series of features to facilitate the alignment of the sensors-within the sensor array housing. For example, the sensor array housing second portionmay define clip seatsfor each of the sensors-. The clip seatsmay be grooves defined adjacent the sensor bottom support feature. The clip seatsmay be configured to receive the sensor housing clip. Upon receipt of the sensor housing clipin the clip seats, the sensormay be restrained from axial movement within the sensor array housing second portion. The sensor array housing second portionmay further define a seal bottom seatfor each of the sensors-. The seal bottom seatmay be a groove that is configured to receive a sealing element, such as an O-ring or seal.

In the assembled configuration, the sensor array housing first portionmay be attached to the sensor array housing second portion(see e.g.,). The sensor array housing first and second portions,may substantially enclose the sensors-with the housing volume. With reference to, detail-ofis depicted which shows the sensor array housing first and second portions,in the assembled configuration. As shown in, a seal upper seatmay be defined by the sensor array housing first portion. The seal upper seatmay receive the seal. The sealmay therefore be used to define a weather-resistant barrier between the external environment of the flagstickand the sensor array housing volume.

As demonstrated in, the sensor array housing first and second portions,may cooperate to arrange the sensorat angle of less than 90° relative to a ground surface. For example, the sensor array housing first and second portions,may cooperate to arrange the lensof the sensorso that the lens faces a direction or otherwise defines an axis that is orientated at an angle α relative to a ground surface. The angle α may be less than 90°, such as being less than 89°, preferably as being less than 88°, or more preferably being less than 87°. More broadly, the angle α may be any appropriate angle that allows the lensto capture images of the golf cup. Accordingly, the lensmay be configured to capture images substantially adjacent to or at the golf cup, allowing the electronic golf flagstickto create a visual representation of the golf ballas it is advanced toward and into the golf cup. In some implementations, the sensoris configured to sense or capture images of an area remote from the electronic golf flagstickarranged in the golf cup, and for example, may capture images of a tee box associated with the same golf hole where the golf cupis situated. In this way, the sensormay sense a flight of the golf ballfrom a tec box to the golf cupin cases where the golf ball travels directly from the tee box to the golf cup in one shot, or a hole-in-one.

To facilitate the foregoing, the sensoris secured to the sensor housing second portionin a manner that maintains the orientation of the lensat the angle α. For example, a fastener, such as a screw, may be used to positionally fix the sensor housing attachment featureof the sensorto the sensor array second portion. The sensor boardand sensor housingmay be arranged at a non-perpendicular angle from the sensor housing attachment feature. For example, the sensor boardand the sensor housingmay extend at an angle from the sensor housing attachment featurethat allows the lensto be positioned substantially at the angle α when the sensor housing attachment featureis secured to the sensor array housing second portionwith the fastener. And the sensor housing clipbeing seated in the respective clip seatsmay substantially prevent the lensfrom deviating from the angle α during use.

The sensor array housing first and second portions,may cooperate to shield the sensorfrom damage. For example, the sensor array housing first and second portions,may be configured to impede a ground surface from contacting the sensorin the event that the electronic golf flagstickis laid on a ground surface. To facilitate the foregoing, the sensor array housing first portionmay define a top ridgeand the sensor array housing second portionmay define a bottom ridge. The top and bottom ridges,may be protrusions or other features that extend from an outer surface of the sensor array housing. The top and bottom ridges,may form a recessed regiontherebetween. The sensormay be substantially arranged at the recessed regionand between the top and bottom ridges,. For example and in the assembled configuration shown in, the top ridgemay be positioned on a first or top side of the sensor. Further, the bottom ridgemay be positioned on a second or bottom side of the sensor. The top and bottom ridges,may extend outward from the sensor array housingin a manner that allows the lensto be offset from a ground surface upon the top and bottom ridges,impacting the ground surface. To illustrate, a linear spanmay be defined between the ridge,. The linear spanmay be indicative of a ground surface, with the ridge,contacting the ground surface. As shown in, a lens endis within the recessed region and offset from the linear span. In this manner, the lens endmay not contact the ground surface represented by the linear span, thereby mitigating damage to the sensorand/or other components in the event the flagstick is laid on the ground.

Further shown inis an actuation switch. The actuation switchmay be electrically couple to the circuit board. The actuation switchmay be configured to receive a user input. Upon receipt of the user input, the actuation switch may send a signal to the circuit boardto initiate one or more of the operations described herein. In some cases, the actuation switchmay include a mechanical switch and/or tactile features to provide an indication to the user that the input was received.

The compartment assemblyincluding the various electrical components described herein is attached to the elongated pole. For example, the compartment assemblymay be configured to attach to the elongated pole first portionat the sensor array housing second portion. As shown in, the fitting portionof the sensor array housing second portionmay be a recess extending into the body of the sensor array housing second portion. The fitting portionmay be configured to receive the elongated portion first portion. Further, the compartment assemblymay be configured to attached to the elongated pole second and/or third portions,at the cap. With reference to, the elongated pole third portionis shown received by the elongated pole openingof the cap. The elongated pole portions-may be attached to the compartment assemblyvia friction fit with the respective the fitting portionand opening. Additionally or alternatively, adhesive, fasteners, or other attachment structures may be used.

The assembled configured ofalso shows the capattached to the tube. For example, the fitting portionof the capis shown received by the tube. Seals,may be provided in order to establish a moisture-resistant connection between the capand the tube. A fastenermay be provided to positionally secure the caprelative to the tube. The detail view offurther shows a compartment. Broadly, the compartmentmay be a section of the capor other feature of the compartment assemblythat is configured to receive a communications component. For example, the compartmentmay be configured to optionally receive an antenna or other component to facilitate the transmission of wireless signals to and from the electronic golf flagstick.