Method, device, and computer program for determining range to a target

Abstract

A method, device, and computer program for determining range to a target is disclosed. Specifically, the invention provides a method, device and computer program for determining a second range to a target based on a first range to the target and an angle to the target such that the parabolic trajectory of a projectile is accounted for in determining the second range. The device generally includes a range sensor for determining a first range to a target, a tilt sensor for determining an angle to the target, and a computing element for determining a second range to the target based on the first range and the determined angle.

1 . A computer program comprising a combination of code segments stored in a computer-readable memory and executable by a computing element, the computer program comprising: 
 a code segment operable to determine a first range to a target based on a first input;    a code segment operable to determine an angle to the target relative to the device based on a second input; and    a code segment operable to determine a second range to the target by adjusting the first range by a factor corresponding to the determined angle, the second range being a representation of a distance over flat ground the projectile must travel such that the projectile's trajectory intersects the target.    
     
     
         2 . The computer program as set forth in  claim 1 , further including a look-up table having a plurality of angles and corresponding factors.  
     
     
         3 . The computer program as set forth in  claim 2 , further including a code segment operable to determine the factor by looking up the determined angle in the look-up table.  
     
     
         4 . The computer program as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the first input is provided by a laser range sensor.  
     
     
         5 . The computer program as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the second input is provided by a tilt sensor.  
     
     
         6 . The computer program as set forth in  claim 1 , further including a code segment operable to calculate a desired change of a golf club length which corresponds to the difference between the second range and the first range.  
     
     
         7 . The computer program as set forth in  claim 1 , further including a code segment operable to provide inputs to a display for indicating the first range, the second range, and the determined angle.  
     
     
         8 . The computer program as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the factor adjusts the first range to account for an estimated trajectory of a golf ball.  
     
     
         9 . (canceled)  
     
     
         10 . The computer program as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein determining the second range includes multiplying the first range by the factor.