Golf Hazard Warning System
PLioSense Limited is an electronic design consultancy providing services in hardware and software development for specialised applications using wireless networks. The company has identified a market opportunity in tracking the movement of people and assets in outdoor environments such as parks or golf courses. When PLioSense contacted WiSAR they had developed an RFID system to interface with an ISM band outdoor wireless network to monitor golfers throughout a golf course. This system was in place to ensure the safety of golfers within the vicinity of a blind hole or hazard.
Problem To Be Solved
PLioSense developed an RFID type system, which detects human presence within the vicinity of a blind hole on Enniscrone golf course in Co. Sligo. As with any blind hole the golfer teeing off had no means of knowing if anyone is within the hazard area, thus there is a danger of hitting someone with a golf ball. PLioSense’s system provides the golfer teeing off with a traffic light indication alerting if someone is located within the blind zone or not. To do this, a series of PIR sensors, high visibility LEDs and wireless transceivers were used. All sensor information is sent back in real-time to the Clubhouse wirelessly for management to view if they wish. In addition, the system uses solar energy harvesting to prolong battery life of the sensors. It was felt by PLioSense that the system consumed more energy than necessary requiring frequent labour intensive off-course recharges.
WiSAR Solution
provided PLioSense with a review of the golf course wireless system. This review included a full breakdown of the energy consumption of the individual components and energy potential of the energy harvesting hardware. As part of this review a replicate of the system was setup in house and real energy measurements obtained using test equipment. The review highlighted several areas where energy could be saved to enable a self-sustainable setup. In addition, a study of alternative wireless technologies was carried out highlighting the trade-offs between the node coverage area and power consumption.
Impact & Benefits
By using WiSAR, PLioSense were able to gain a better understanding of the limitations of their current wireless system and were provided with suggestions to enhance the system to make it energy self-sufficient. WiSAR test equipment used meant that the actual real life energy measurements could be taken and compared against component specifications.
