Golf club identification system and related methods, process, apparatus and golf clubs
A system using unique color indicia on golf clubs, scanned by a visual scanner and processed with a computer vision model, addresses the limitations of barcode systems by enabling rapid and accurate golf club identification and performance tuning.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- AU · AU
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FINE TUNED COMPONENTS LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS This application derives priority from New Zealand patent application number 807389 filed on 15 January 2024 with WIPO DAS code 8168 incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD Described herein are systems, methods, a process, apparatus and golf clubs with a unique colour indicia configured to provide rapid identification of a golf club and golf club characteristics. BACKGROUND ART A barcode system allows goods to be identified or tracked along a supply chain and within a company's product inventory. It uses technology such as barcode scanners and barcode inventory software to improve the accuracy for identification of products and those tracked within a company's inventory management processes. Barcodes are unique numbers that associate several data points to a product, including information on who the supplier is, product dimensions, weight, and even variable data, such as the quantity of that product in stock. There are over 100 different types of barcode symbols, typically one or two-dimensional. A linear or one-dimensional barcode is the more commonly recognised type, characterised by parallel lines of varying widths and spacings. In contrast, two-dimensional barcodes use squares or rectangles and contain numerous small individual dots and geometric patterns similar to a QR code. A barcode inventory system uses this array of symbols to identify and or track a product with greater speed and accuracy. Products are labelled with barcodes, scanned with a handheld mobile device, and synchronised with product identification and / or inventory management software in real time. A barcode inventory system works by encoding data into a series of vertical bars and spaces of varying widths. The bars and spaces - called barcodes - represent a sequence of numbers or characters that can be read by a barcode scanner, and when scanned relates to a particular product. A barcode inventory system assigns one of these barcodes to every particular product. The scanner reads the barcode by shining a light on it and measuring the amount of light that is reflected. This information is then translated into data that can be used by the system. However, this type of technology although useful has not been applied to the golf industry to categorise specific golf club properties. Although this type of technology could be applied to a golf shaft which would be useful in itself, it would require a large area to be covered for the computer vision to be able to accurately measure and record the barcode value. It is also inherently more difficult to read a bar code on a golf club when used by a golfer since the scanner must scan the bar code from a distance or else be knocked or interfere with golfer movement. Scanning a bar code at a distance reduces accuracy hence an alternative identification method may be useful. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have an apparatus and process to identify golf clubs and output a set of characteristics or properties of that golf club, or at least provide the public with a choice. Further aspects and advantages of the systems, methods, apparatus and golf clubs with a unique colour indicia will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only. SUMMARY Described herein are systems, methods, apparatus and golf clubs with a unique colour indicia configured to provide rapid and accurate identification of a golf club and golf club characteristics even under difficult lighting. In a first aspect, there is provided a system configured for golf club identification comprising: a golf club with a unique colour indicia; a visual scanner configured to scan the unique colour indicia; a processor; a database of unique colour indicia and associated golf club characteristics; wherein, when a golfer selects the golf club, the visual scanner captures an image of the unique colour indicia on the golf club selected; and the processor receives the image and identifies the unique colour indicia in the image and compares the unique colour indicia to the database and provides as an output, characteristics of the golf club selected based on a best match between the unique colour indicia in the image and the golf club associated with the unique colour indicia. In a second aspect, there is provided a method of golf club identification comprising: selecting a golf club with a unique colour indicia; visually scanning the unique colour indicia on the golf club selected to capture an image; providing the image to a processor, the processor comparing the unique colour indicia measured in the image against a database of unique colour indicia and associated golf club characteristics; and the processor providing, as an output, characteristics of the golf club selected. In a third aspect, there is provided a process of categorising golf clubs utilising a computer vision or CV model to identify and characterise a set of predetermined physical properties of a particular golf club by: selecting a golf club with a shaft, the shaft comprising an identification marker thereon that is configured to be observed by the CV model; visually scanning a designated area of the shaft of the golf club selected comprising the identification marker thereon and creating an image of the identification marker on the shaft of the golf club; inputting the image of the identification marker into the CV model; the CV model analysing the image of the identification marker by Hue Saturation Value (HSV) and determining measured HSV values for the image of the identification marker; and determining at least one characteristic of the golf club by matching the HSV for the image of the identification marker against a database of known identification marker and golf club characteristics to identify the golf club selected and characteristics of the golf club selected. In a fourth aspect, there is provided a golf club comprising a unique colour indicia, the unique colour indicia specific to characteristics of the golf club selected. In a fifth aspect, there is provided a group of golf clubs, each golf club in the group of golf clubs comprising a unique colour indicia, each unique colour indicia on a golf club in the group of golf clubs being specific to characteristics of an individual golf club in the group of golf clubs. In a sixth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for golf club identification comprising the system substantially as described above, the apparatus configured to allow a golfer to: select a golf club; test handling of the golf club selected; and the apparatus providing, as an output, characteristics of the golf club selected. Advantages of the above systems, methods and golf clubs with a unique colour indicia may comprise a fast way to identify the characteristics of a golf club. Aside from speed, the systems and methods aid in identifying with high accuracy, visual and non-visual aspects of a golf club such as weight and flex. The systems, methods and golf clubs described also are favourable for golf club identification particularly when a golfer is using the golf club. In this scenario, the golfer does not want cameras or other items interfere with play using the golf club. The use of colour indicia means that the scanner can be placed well away from the golfer and golf club so as not to interfere with the golfer and yet still have a high degree of accuracy. Further, the output described may be used by other models to help tune a golfers performance. For example, a system that analyses dynamic movement of the golfer and / or ball once hit may be matched using the above described systems, methods and golf clubs to link golf club characteristics with dynamics and help choose golf clubs best suited to the golfer. The system and methods have been found by the inventor to be highly accurate even under trying low light conditions making the system and methods very versatile and overcome accuracy issues with traditional bar code or QR code systems in the same scenarios. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the systems, methods, apparatus and golf clubs with a unique colour indicia will become apparent from the following description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates golfer using a golf club and unique colour indicia in use under nominal lighting conditions; Figure 2 illustrates generated characteristics from golf clubs analysed via the image shown in Figure 1 and the different unique colour indicia on each golf club as determined by the system, method and process and the like impossible to detect from visualising down the line; Figure 3 illustrates a generated scan and code of club parameters using red, yellow and blue markings under nominal lighting conditions; Figure 4 illustrates a generated scan and code of club parameters using blue, and yellow markings under nominal lighting conditions; Figure 5 shows a series of three different wedge golf clubs, each with different unique colour indicia (coloured bands) adhered to a low point of a shaft of the golf club; Figure 6 illustrates generated characteristics from the golf clubs shown in Figure 5 and the different unique colour indicia on each golf club as determined by the system, method and process; Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of the method described herein; and Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of the process described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Described herein are systems, methods, apparatus and golf clubs with a unique colour indicia configured to provide rapid identification of a golf club and golf club characteristics. For the purposes of this specification, the term 'about' or 'approximately' or 'substantially' and grammatical variations thereof mean a quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 30, 25, 20,15,10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% to a reference quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length. The term 'comprise' and grammatical variations thereof shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. A system configured for golf club identification In a first aspect, there is provided a system configured for golf club identification comprising: a golf club with a unique colour indicia; a visual scanner configured to scan the unique colour indicia; a processor; a database of unique colour indicia and associated golf club characteristics; wherein, when a golfer selects the golf club, the visual scanner captures an image of the unique colour indicia on the golf club selected; and the processor receives the image and identifies the unique colour indicia in the image and compares the unique colour indicia to the database and provides as an output, characteristics of the golf club selected based on a best match between the unique colour indicia in the image and the golf club associated with the unique colour indicia. A method of golf club identification In a second aspect, there is provided a method of golf club identification comprising: selecting a golf club with a unique colour indicia; visually scanning the unique colour indicia on the golf club selected to capture an image; providing the image to a processor, the processor comparing the unique colour indicia measured in the image against a database of unique colour indicia and associated golf club characteristics; and the processor providing, as an output, characteristics of the golf club selected. A process of categorising golf clubs In a third aspect, there is provided a process of categorising golf clubs utilising a computer vision or CV model to identify and characterise a set of predetermined physical properties of a particular golf club by: selecting a golf club with a shaft, the shaft comprising an identification marker thereon that is configured to be observed by the CV model; visually scanning a designated area of the shaft of the golf club selected comprising the identification marker thereon and creating an image of the identification marker on the shaft of the golf club; inputting the image of the identification marker into the CV model; the CV model analysing the image of the identification marker by Hue Saturation Value (HSV) and determining measured HSV values for the image of the identification marker; and determining at least one characteristic of the golf club by matching the HSV for the image of the identification marker against a database of known identification marker and golf club characteristics to identify the golf club selected and characteristics of the golf club selected. Golf club The golf club in the above system may be a putter. Other types of golf club may be also be identified using the system described such as a wedge or driver and reference to a putter should not be seen as limiting. Unique colour indicia The unique colour indicia may be selected from: a band, one or more dots, one or more lines. There is no specific colour indicia required and the system may be used with a wide variety of colour indicia. The unique colour indicia may be located on the golf club at a point selected from a heel, a toe, a shaft, an end of a grip; of the golf club. The unique colour indicia may be located at one point on the golf club. The unique colour indicia may be located at multiple points on the golf club. The unique colour indicia may comprise at least one colour. Multiple colours may be used to provide for further golf club types. The unique colour indicia may be visible on multiple sides of the golf club. This may be useful to allow for placement of the visual scanner in a variety of positions relative to the golf club. The unique colour indicia may have a size relative to a size of the golf club of less than 10, or 5, or 1, or 0.5, or 0.1% of an overall length of the golf club. The colour indicia may be very small relative to the golf club and not be obtrusive to aesthetics or use of the golf club. One example unique colour indicia may comprise 2-4 coloured bands wrapped about a shaft of the golf club. These bands may be located: below a grip, along a shaft, or about a base of a shaft, of the golf club. Visual scanner The visual scanner may use optical, infrared or UV light to scan the unique colour indicia. The visual scanner may be configured to scan and capture an image from a distance of at least 0.5m from the golf club. The visual scanner may be configured to scan and capture an image from a distance of at least 0.5, or 1, or 1.5 or 2m from the golf club. This may be important if the golf club is being used by a golfer in which case, the golfer may not want any interference to their movement or action hence locating the visual scanner further from the golf club. As may be appreciated, visual scanning from a distance like this inherently rules out or at least makes it difficult to use prior art techniques like bar code or QR readers since, as the distance increases, the level of detail lowers and so does the quality of the image produced by the visual scanner. Simply scanning for colour indicia removes the need for high resolution that might be required from bar code or QR code scanners. The visual scanner may be configured to scan only the unique colour indicia of the golf club. The visual scanner may be configured to scan an area of less than 2 inches square. In practice, the scanned area may be very small i.e. less then 2, or 1.5, or 1. Or 0.5 inches squared. Scanning of such a small area reduces the need for expensive or bespoke visual scanners and reduces the time needed to capture the image required for use by the processor. The visual scanner may be located within line of sight of the unique colour indicia of the golf club. The visual scanner may be located at a position behind, forwards, to a side, above or below the golf club. An advantage of the system described is that the visual scanner can be positioned in a wide variety of positions and is not limited to placement in a specific location. Variation in visual scanner position may be useful to cater for a variety of locations in which the system is employed. The visual scanner may communicate the image of the unique colour indicia to the processor. Communication may be wireless or wired. The image captured by the visual scanner may be of one point on the golf club comprising the unique colour indicia. Alternatively, the visual scanner may take two or more images of points on the golf club comprising the unique colour indicia. By using different colours (Red, Blue, Yellow etc) the combinations create multiple potential variations with a compact area. Processor The processor may be a computer, a phone or, a tablet. The processor may comprise a computer vision or CV model configured to linearly scan the image and assign a value to each pixel associated with a hue and / or saturation and / or brightness of the pixel, (the hue saturation value or HSV), and the HSV is used to detect colour in the image. The processor may as noted comprise the database of known unique colour indicia and associated known golf club characteristics. The processor may as noted, compare the HSV against the database to find the best match of golf club to the identified colours. Golf club characteristics As noted, the system, method and process describe may output characteristics of the golf club selected. The type and range of characteristics may be lengthy. Examples of characteristics may comprise, but are not limited to one or more of golf club: shape, weight, flex, manufacturer, model, availability, handedness, head weight, loft, lie angle, centre of gravity location, shaft length, shaft flex, shaft weight, kick point of shaft, spin profile of shaft, and others. A golf club comprising a unigue colour indicia In a fourth aspect, there is provided a golf club comprising a unique colour indicia, the unique colour indicia specific to characteristics of the golf club selected. The above golf club may be configured for use in a system, method or process as described above. A group of golf clubs In a fifth aspect, there is provided a group of golf clubs, each golf club in the group of golf clubs comprising a unique colour indicia, each unique colour indicia on a golf club in the group of golf clubs being specific to characteristics of an individual golf club in the group of golf clubs. In this aspect, the unique colour indicia and golf club type may be substantially as described above An apparatus for golf club identification In a sixth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for golf club identification comprising the system substantially as described above, the apparatus configured to allow a golfer to: select a golf club; test handling of the golf club selected; and the apparatus providing, as an output, characteristics of the golf club selected. In one example, the apparatus may be a kiosk. Advantages of the above systems, methods, process and golf clubs with a unique colour indicia may comprise a fast way to identify the characteristics of a golf club. Aside from speed, the systems and methods aid in identifying with high accuracy, visual and non-visual aspects of a golf club such as weight and flex. The systems, methods and golf clubs described also are favourable for golf club identification particularly when a golfer is using the golf club. In this scenario, the golfer does not want cameras or other items interfere with play using the golf club. The use of colour indicia means that the scanner can be placed well away from the golfer and golf club so as not to interfere with the golfer and yet still have a high degree of accuracy. Further, the output described may be used by other models to help tune a golfers performance. For example, a system that analyses dynamic movement of the golfer and / or ball once hit may be matched using the above described systems, methods and golf clubs to link golf club characteristics with dynamics and help choose golf clubs best suited to the golfer. The system and methods have been found by the inventor to be highly accurate even under trying low light conditions making the system and methods very versatile and overcome accuracy issues with traditional bar code or QR code systems in the same scenarios. The embodiments described above may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features. Further, where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the embodiments relate, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. EXAMPLES The above described systems, methods, apparatus and golf clubs with a unique colour indicia are now described by reference to specific examples and the following item numbering: 10 Golf Club 100 Unique Colour Indicia 110 Pixel comprising HS value from the CV model EXAMPLE 1 The system and related aspects are now described with reference to Figures 1-4. As noted above, the system comprises a golf club 10 with a unique colour indicia 100. In Figure 1 the golf club 10, coloured indicia and a golfer are shown under good light conditions. The visual scanner (not shown) scans the unique colour indicia 100 on the golf club 100. This may be at the specific point shown on the golf club 10 shaft just below the grip. In this example, the unique colour indicia are coloured bands that wrap about the shaft of the golf club 10. The captured image is sent to a processor (not shown). The processor matches the measured colours in the image against a database of unique colour indicia and associated golf club characteristics and, provides as an output, characteristics of the golf club such as that shown in the table of Figure 2. Not shown is that the light conditions may be considerably worse than as shown in Figure 1 and the system is still able to detect colours and provide outputs on golf club characteristics. During the image analysis, the processor may as noted use a CV model to analyse and assign HS values to pixels in the captured image. Figure 3 shows an example of a pixelated image taken of the unique colour indicia of a golf club 10 with red and yellow bands as the colour indicia. The image captured is shown in Figure 3 along with assigned hue saturation values (HSV) 110 in each pixel, each value 110 assigned depending on detected hue and saturation. Referring to Figure 4, a similar style of value 110 allocation for an image captured of unique colour indicia 100 for a golf club 10 using blue and yellow bands. The coloured regions of the unique colour indicia 100 captured by the visual scanner stand out clearly in the CV model based on the inventors experience and provide an accurate means to determine golf club even under trying conditions such as low light and high distance from the golf club. As noted elsewhere, the unique colour indicia may be located at a variety of positions on the golf club. Figure 5 shows a series of three different wedge golf clubs, each with different unique colour indicia (coloured bands) adhered to a low point of a shaft of the golf club. The same set up, systems, methods and process may be used with this alternate position of the unique colour indicia. Figure 6 shows example measured golf club characteristics measured from the golf clubs shown in Figure 5. EXAMPLE 2 Figure 7 shows a flowchart of an example method for a method of golf club identification comprising: At step 210, selecting a golf club with a unique colour indicia; At step 220, visually scanning the unique colour indicia on the golf club selected to capture an image; At step 230, providing the image to a processor, At step 240, the processor comparing the unique colour indicia measured in the image against a database of unique colour indicia and associated golf club characteristics; and At step 250, the processor providing, as an output, characteristics of the golf club selected. Figure 8 shows a flowchart of an example process for categorising golf clubs utilising a computer vision or CV model to identify and characterise a set of predetermined physical properties of a particular golf club by: At step 310, selecting a golf club with a shaft, the shaft comprising an identification marker thereon that is configured to be observed by the CV model; At step 320, visually scanning a designated area of the shaft of the golf club selected comprising the identification marker thereon and creating an image of the identification marker on the shaft of 5 the golf club; At step 330, inputting the image of the identification marker into the CV model; At step 340, the CV model analysing the image of the identification marker by Hue Saturation Value (HSV) and determining measured HSV values for the image of the identification marker; and At step 350, determining at least one characteristic of the golf club by matching the HSV for the 10 image of the identification marker against a database of known identification marker and golf club characteristics to identify the golf club selected and characteristics of the golf club selected. Aspects of systems, methods, apparatus and golf clubs with a unique colour indicia have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made 15 thereto without departing from the scope of the claims herein.
Claims
1. A system comprising:a golf club with a unique colour indicia;a visual scanner configured to scan the unique colour indicia;a processor;a database of unique colour indicia and associated golf club characteristics;wherein, when a golfer selects the golf club, the visual scanner captures an image of the unique colour indicia on the golf club selected; andthe processor receives the image and identifies the unique colour indicia in the image and compares the unique colour indicia to the database and provides as an output, characteristics of the golf club selected based on a best match between the unique colour indicia in the image and the golf club associated with the unique colour indicia.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the unique colour indicia is selected from: a band, one or more dots, one or more lines.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the unique colour indicia are located on the golf club at a point selected from a heel, a toe, a shaft, an end of a grip; of the golf club.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the unique colour indicia comprises at least one colour.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the unique colour indicia are located at one point on the golf club.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the unique colour indicia are located at multiple points on the golf club.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the unique colour indicia are visible on multiple sides of the golf club.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the unique colour indicia have a size relative to a size of the golf club of less than 10% of an overall length of the golf club.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the visual scanner uses optical, infrared or UV light to scan the unique colour indicia.
10. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the visual scanner is configured to scan and capture an image from a distance of at least 0.5m from the golf club.
11. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the visual scanner is configured to scan only the unique colour indicia of the golf club.
12. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the visual scanner is configured to scan an area of less than 2 inches square.
13. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the visual scanner is located within line of sight of the unique colour indicia of the golf club at a position behind, forwards, to a side, above or below thegolf club.
14. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the visual scanner communicates the image of the unique colour indicia to the processor.
15. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the processor comprises a computer vision or CV model configured to linearly scan the image and assign a value to each pixel associated with a hue and / or saturation and / or brightness of the pixel, (the hue saturation value or HSV), and the HSV is used to detect colour in the image.
16. A method of golf club identification comprising:selecting a golf club with a unique colour indicia;visually scanning the unique colour indicia on the golf club selected to capture an image;providing the image to a processor, the processor comparing the unique colour indicia measured in the image against a database of unique colour indicia and associated golf club characteristics; andthe processor providing, as an output, characteristics of the golf club selected.
17. A process of categorising golf clubs utilising a computer vision or CV model to identify and characterise a set of predetermined physical properties of a particular golf club by:selecting a golf club with a shaft, the shaft comprising an identification marker thereon that is configured to be observed by the CV model;visually scanning a designated area of the shaft of the golf club selected comprising the identification marker thereon and creating an image of the identification marker on the shaft of the golf club;inputting the image of the identification marker into the CV model;the CV model analysing the image of the identification marker by Hue Saturation Value (HSV) and determining measured HSV values for the image of the identification marker; anddetermining at least one characteristic of the golf club by matching the HSV for the image of the identification marker against a database of known identification marker and golf club characteristics to identify the golf club selected and characteristics of the golf club selected.
18. A golf club comprising a unique colour indicia, the unique colour indicia specific to characteristics of the golf club selected.
19. A group of golf clubs, each golf club in the group of golf clubs comprising a unique colour indicia, each unique colour indicia on a golf club in the group of golf clubs being specific to characteristics of an individual golf club in the group of golf clubs.
20. An apparatus comprising the system as claimed in claim 1, the apparatus configured to allow a golfer to:select a golf club;test handling of the golf club selected; andthe apparatus providing, as an output, characteristics of the golf club selected.