System and method for calculating a stroke-gained performance index from ball flight data, taking into account predetermined offline information.

Abstract

To address the need for a technique usable for analyzing golf shots along any terrain (not limited to golf courses) and for implementing a function of recommending selection of a club based on how a golfer consistently hits a particular golf club into a target hole and to a target distance along the terrain.SOLUTION: A system for computer-implemented golf shot analysis includes a tracking device 102 and a computing device 108. The computing device accesses ball flight data generated by the tracking device in view of a prescribed gradient map and associated functionality to derive a performance metric that penalizes shots deemed to be offline.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 940,534, filed on November 26, 2019, and further claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 782,247, filed on December 19, 2018. The entire disclosure of each of the above is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this specification.

[0002] This disclosure relates to computing and tracking technologies for golf shot analysis and optimal club selection implemented by a computer. More particularly, it relates to a computing and tracking system that utilizes ball flight data captured from a tracking device to derive a stroke gain performance metric that takes into account carry information corresponding to variable penalty parameters corresponding to a predetermined gradient map and predetermined offline information.

Background Art

[0003] The current Strokes Gained statistics and related methods, proposed by Mark Broadie, evaluate a golfer's overall performance during a round of golf or after a hole. The Strokes Gained index relates to a method that considers accumulated professional and amateur data to calculate the predicted number of strokes from various starting positions, corresponding distances from the golf hole, and conditions (tee, fairway, rough, sand, green, recovery, water, etc.) to "hole out." For example, in the case of a driver shot on a golf course, the ball moves from one state (tee) to another (fairway, rough, etc.). The Strokes Gained for that shot can be calculated by subtracting the predicted strokes from the end position to hole out, plus the stroke already hit, from the predicted strokes from the starting position to hole out. The current Strokes Gained method allows golfers to evaluate their performance during a round, determine where shots were lost (i.e., the ball went into water), and where strokes can be saved by improving various aspects of their game. The Strokes Gained method can be implemented by a computing device configured to perform the aforementioned functions.

[0004] However, the Strokes Gained Performance metric does not take into account the severity of mishits (missed shots), and in statistical analysis, it simply penalizes all shots that miss the target area equally (i.e., a shot that is 1 yard off the fairway is considered as bad as a shot that is 30 yards off the fairway). Furthermore, the Strokes Gained metric cannot be applied to all terrains (e.g., golf driving ranges or digital golf simulators) except for golf courses. Therefore, current Strokes Gained statistics can only be used when playing a round of golf and are technically lacking for the analysis required during practice or fitting sessions.

[0005] In the art, there is a technical need for a technology that can be used to analyze golf shots along any terrain (not limited to golf courses) and that can perform a function to recommend club selection based on how consistently a golfer hits a particular golf club to a target hole and target distance along the terrain. In particular, various aspects of this disclosure have been conceived and developed with these considerations in mind.

[0006] This application includes at least one color photograph. Copies of this patent application including the color photograph will be provided by the Japan Patent Office upon request and payment of the required fees. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of a system that generates ball flight data from multiple golf shots taken by a golfer and calculates one or more performance indicators from the ball flight data to evaluate the golfer's performance.

[0008] [Figure 2] This process flow diagram represents one process of implementing the system shown in Figure 1 to derive performance indicators for evaluating individual golfers based on predetermined characteristics of a penalty parameter function that defines a gradient map considering specific golf shots that are considered to be offline, taking into account the target position and starting position.

[0009] [Figure 3] A predefined gradient map or gradient mapping graphic image that can be applied to golf ball flight data associated with one or more golf clubs in order to derive a performance index that takes into account a variable penalty parameter between the starting position and the target position.

[0010] [Figure 4A]This figure shows a perspective view of a golfer making multiple golf shots against natural terrain using one or more golf clubs, while being monitored by a tracking device that generates golf ball flight data from the golf shots.

[0011] [Figure 4B] This figure shows a perspective view of a golfer making multiple golf shots against virtual or artificial terrain using one or more golf clubs, while being monitored by a tracking device that generates golf ball flight data from the golf shots.

[0012] [Figure 5] This graphic image shows a basic shot dispersion display based on ball flight data related to multiple golf shots hit with two different golf clubs.

[0013] [Figure 6A] This is a simplified block diagram of a computer-implemented method that includes an algorithm for generating a Strokes Gained Performance Index, taking into account ball flight data associated with multiple shots from a golf club.

[0014] [Figure 6B] This graph shows colored dots related to historical shot information for proposing a variable offline penalty or its function parameters.

[0015] [Figure 7A] This is a simplified block diagram of a computer-based method for generating two separate Strokes Gained Performance metrics and comparing those metrics to recommend one golf club over another.

[0016] [Figure 7B]A graph image of an improved shot dispersion display showing multiple golf shots of FIG. 5 highlighted in various colors to show the application of gradient maps and associated variable penalty parameters for each shot.

[0017] [Figure 7C] Shows two separately calculated stroke gain performance metrics for two separate clubs.

[0018] [Figure 8] A graph plotting shot data to show one scenario useful for applying the stroke gain performance metrics described herein.

[0019] [Figure 9] A graph plotting shot data to show one scenario useful for applying the stroke gain performance metrics described herein.

[0020] [Figure 10] A graph plotting shot data to show one scenario useful for applying the stroke gain performance metrics described in this specification.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding elements in the drawings. The headings used in the drawings do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0022] Aspects of this disclosure relate to a performance index related to the stroke-gained value of a golf shot, a computer-based system and associated method for calculating a performance index that takes into account predefined offline information. The calculation of the stroke-gained value may be used in many useful applications, including generating computer-based recommendations by comparing one golf club to another. In some embodiments, the performance index relates in part to a predetermined penalty function that defines a gradient map applied to flight data generated from multiple golf shots monitored using one or more tracking devices of a tracking device. A variable penalty parameter effectively penalizes golf shots that are deemed undesirable for any reason. More specifically, for example, a golf shot determined to be 10 yards offline with respect to the long axis between the starting position and the target position (e.g., the golf hole) may be defined with a penalty parameter value of 0.2, while a golf shot determined to be 20 yards offline with respect to the long axis between the starting position and the target position may be defined with a penalty parameter value of 0.50. Thus, the variable penalty parameter penalizes golf shots that are offline for any reason and affects the overall stroke-gained value for that shot. In some embodiments, the gradient map and associated penalty parameters may be custom-tuned or modified to suit any number of different applications. As a result, the performance indicators may take into account characteristics specific to a particular terrain or course, or any number of desired conditions. Thus, the computer-implemented system represents a technical improvement over conventional club selection / shot analysis systems that cannot penalize offline shots or take into account unique course characteristics.

[0023] In other words, the performance metric assigns a stroke-gained value to each of a series of golf shots. A higher stroke-gained value typically corresponds to a higher probability of success for the golfer. When implemented, the performance metric provides data points to assist golfers in assessing the potential success of using a particular golf club before playing golf, for example, in a practice setting. The performance metric can be used on any terrain where shot distances and offline distances defined by gradient mapping are trackable (i.e., golf driving ranges, golf simulators, golf courses). Furthermore, because the gained performance metric can inherently assess the probability of success with a particular golf club, it can assist computing devices in selecting / recommending the optimal club. In addition, the gained performance metric can improve golfer decision-making when deciding which club to hit from the tee box (for example, a higher stroke-gained value corresponding to a fairway wood rather than a driver may be used to suggest that the golfer choose a fairway wood over a driver).

[0024] Referring to Figure 1, a computer-implemented system (hereinafter, the "System") 100 is shown, which may be implemented to generate flight data from a series of golf shots associated with a golfer 101 and to perform performance metrics that can be used to further generate recommendations between one golf club and another. Generally, System 100 includes a tracking device 102 that generates ball flight data 104 from a series of golf shots hit by the golfer 101, a display device 106 that displays the ball flight data 104 and other aspects described herein, and a computing device 108 that accesses the ball flight data and communicates operably with the display device 106. The computing device 108 is configured to take the ball flight data 104 as input and perform, or otherwise generate, a stroke-gained performance metric (e.g., 607 in Figure 6A) that can be used to improve recommendations between golf clubs. The performance metric is derived from improvements to the stroke-gained statistics and utilizes a variable penalty parameter that defines a gradient map, as further described herein.

[0025] In some embodiments, the computing device 108 includes a processor 110, memory 112 of the computing device 108 (or separately implemented), a network interface (or a set of network interfaces) 114, and a bus 116 (or wireless medium) for interconnecting the aforementioned elements. The network interface 114 includes mechanical, electrical, and signaling circuits for communicating data over a link (e.g., a wired or wireless link) associated with a network 120 (e.g., the Internet, a Bluetooth connection, a local area network (LAN), etc.). As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the network interface 114 may be configured to transmit and / or receive data using a variety of different communication protocols.

[0026] As illustrated, the computing device 108 accesses ball flight data 104 from the tracking device 102 via the network interface 114 or by other means. Generally, once accessed and / or once stored in the database 122, the processor 110 performs a number of services 130 to calculate various data points useful for evaluating the performance of an individual golfer based on any number of predetermined conditions (e.g., evaluating a golfer's performance with a particular club and / or evaluating a golfer's performance with a particular terrain). For example, a stroke gained value calculation service 130B may be performed to determine an initial stroke gained value from one or more golf ball shots, and a performance indicator calculation service 130C may be further performed to determine a performance indicator by modifying and / or transforming its stroke gained value based on a variable penalty parameter, as further described herein. The number of services 130 may include any number of elements or modules, which are performed by the processor 110 or otherwise. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more of the services 130 may be executable by the processor 110 and implemented as code and / or machine-executable instructions that can represent one or more of the following: processes, functions, subprograms, programs, routines, subroutines, modules, objects, software packages, classes, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. In other words, one or more of the services 130 described herein may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof.When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, program code or code segments (e.g., a computer program product) for performing the required tasks may be stored in a computer-readable or machine-readable medium (e.g., memory 112), and the processor 110 performs the tasks defined by that code.

[0027] System 100 is not limiting, and additional elements will be understood by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, for example, a computing device 108 operably communicates with a portable device 132 that may correspond to an individual golfer or fitter. The portable device 132 may include a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or other portable device that can be used to run the user interface 134 and to access data related to the performance metrics described herein, and may receive club recommendations and other feedback information after the golfer has been evaluated in System 100. Furthermore, although not shown, System 100 may utilize data from external devices, such as professional golfer shot information, course information, club information, and other forms of information, which can be used to adjust variable penalty parameters and gradient maps or to modify the functions described herein.

[0028] Next, referring to the process flow diagram 200 in Figure 2, one way of implementing System 100 will be described. Referring to block 202, a gradient map, such as the gradient map 300 in Figure 3, may be defined, generated, or accessed based on a variable penalty parameter. Generally, the gradient map 300 is a visual representation that can be used to evaluate a golf shot along terrain 302. Defined by the variable penalty parameter function (shown in Figure 6A), the gradient map 300 specifies a particular value for the variable penalty parameter 304 based on where the golf shot would fall along the gradient map 300. Generally, the gradient map 300 is configured to take into account the severity of a miss, so that it provides a more accurate indicator of the likelihood of success in getting a longer and / or more accurate golf shot following a particular tee shot along terrain 302.

[0029] In Figure 3, the gradient map 300 is shown using an XY graph having a y-axis corresponding to the carry distance along the terrain 302 and an X-axis corresponding to the offline distance. In some embodiments, as shown, the gradient map 300 includes or considers a starting position 306, such as a tee position, and a target position 308, such as a golf hole. In the illustrated configuration of the gradient map 300, golf shots with a longer carry distance (landing closer to the target position 308) and a more linear trajectory (landing along terrain 302 that is more linearly aligned with the target position 308) have less or no penalty. Therefore, for shots that are not considered offline between the starting position 306 and the target position 308, the variable penalty parameter 304 defined by the gradient map 300 is reduced.

[0030] In some embodiments, the gradient map 300 defines geometric regions 310 with respect to the long axis 312 between the starting position 306 and the target position 308, indicating whether and to what extent a golf shot is "offline". For example, in the gradient map 300, geometric region 310A extending along the long axis 312 provides a null value as a variable penalty parameter 304 for golf shots that fall within the defined region, geometric region 310B provides a penalty parameter value of 0.25 for golf shots that fall within the defined region, and geometric region 310C provides a penalty parameter value of 0.50 for golf shots that fall within the defined region. As shown, geometric region 310A has a substantially linear shape, while geometric region 310B extends around geometric region 310B and widens or increases in width as it approaches the target position 308. Thus, shots hit over long distances incur a small penalty, even if they are considered to be somewhat offline, that is, shots that are not expected to land within the geometric area 310A, which is considered the ideal landing position for a golf shot on the slope map 300.

[0031] In the example of the gradient map 300, a shot hit within the geometric area 310A, or less than 10 yards offline (less than 10 yards from the long axis 312B), may be considered to land in the fairway portion of the terrain 302, or may be considered "online" considering the positions of the starting position 306 and the target position 308. However, a shot that lands along the geometric area 310 further away from the long axis 312B, particularly such a geometric area 310 closer to the starting position 306, may be considered to land in the rough portion of the terrain 302, or otherwise require recovery (e.g., dropping in play for a penalty, or playing backward or sideways into more forgiving terrain). One of the goals of the gradient map 300 is to reflect that a 50-yard offline shot is worse than a 30-yard offline shot, as a 50-yard offline shot is generally more likely to land in a water hazard, sand, tall grass (deep rough), wooded area, or recovery position on the course, or out of bounds. From Figure 3, it can be determined that a 37-yard offline carry of 300 yards is approximately equivalent to a 25-yard offline carry of 250 yards. Furthermore, it can be determined that a 15-yard offline carry of 290 yards is approximately equivalent to a 0-yard offline carry of 260 yards.

[0032] Referring to block 204, once the variable penalty parameter 304 and the associated gradient map 300 are defined or configured as desired, ball flight data 104 from multiple golf shots of golfer 101 may be generated by the tracking device 102 and made accessible to or transmitted to the computing device 108, and as a result the ball flight data 104 may be applied to the gradient map 300 to evaluate golfer 101, as further described herein. Figures 4A-4B show implementations of the tracking device 102 for generating ball flight data 104 in different environments / settings. For example, Figure 4A shows the generation of ball flight data 104 when a golf ball shot is struck on natural or physical terrain (terrain 354A), and Figure 4B shows the generation of ball flight data 104 when a golf ball shot is struck against virtual terrain (e.g., terrain 354B). In either case, golfer 101 may perform any number of swings to generate ball flight data 104.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the golfer 101 is positioned along a shot position 350 associated with the tracking device 102 and prepares to hit a golf ball 352 in the direction of a target position 353 located along the terrain 354. The shot position 350 may be a tee box in the form of a mat (e.g., synthetic turf) or a natural grass area of ​​a golf driving range, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. Generally, the tracking device 102 generates ball flight data 104 by capturing various features as the golfer 101 hits the golf ball 352 toward the terrain 354. More specifically, the tracking device 102 includes a plurality of tracking devices 356 or ball monitoring equipment, designated tracking device 352A and tracking device 352B, which can record various features of the golfer's swing (390 in Figure 4B), such as the swing path, club orientation, and / or ball flight, and can track or predict the flight of the golf ball from the shot position 350 to a landing position (not shown) along the terrain 354. Furthermore, the ball flight data 104 generated by the tracking device 356 may identify or predict the landing position, the total distance the golf ball 352 has traveled from the shot position 350 to the landing position, and the remaining distance to a target position such as the target position 308. The tracking device 356 may include one or any number of cameras, sensors, a videographics device, and any other such devices that can be used to track the flight of the golf ball 352 along the terrain 354 and to identify the final landing position, which may be in the form of physical coordinates of latitude and longitude along the terrain 354. In some embodiments, the tracking device 356 may include a radar-based system, such as a TrackMan system, or any other such commercial system that measures the complete trajectory of a golf shot, indicating the landing position to a predetermined precision value and mapping the three-dimensional (3D) trajectory of the shot in real time, along with impact and launch information.The tracking device 356 may further include an optical system, such as a GCQuad system or other such commercial system equipped with a high-speed four-point camera that identifies the precise launch conditions of the golf ball 352 shot (such as ball speed, launch angle, and spin speed), which may be combined with a ball flight algorithm to identify or predict the final landing position of the golf ball 352 shot. Furthermore, sensors may be provided inside the golf ball 352 or inside the club 358 used by the golfer 101 to assist in the generation of ball flight data 104.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4A, information regarding the flight of the golf ball 352 is transmitted to the computing device 108 using a wired or wireless connection and any desired transmission protocol, and the computing device 108 may optionally output the manner of the golf ball's impact to the output device 360. In one specific example, the output device 360 ​​may be a monitor and / or computer speaker operably connected to the computing device 108 and providing audio and / or a digital display. The output device 360 ​​may be located at or near the starting position 350, as shown. If desired, the output device 360 ​​may display launch monitor data, shot dispersion displays, or other information regarding the individual swings and impacts of the golfer 101 while ball flight data 104 is being collected to derive a stroke-gained performance index, as further described herein. As another example, the output device 360 ​​may be the golfer 101's or fitter's smartphone or other portable electronic device (such as a golf GPS device), and communication with it may optionally be wireless via a mobile phone network, the internet, or other communication network.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the tracking device 356 may be positioned anywhere around the golfer 101, for example, so that the golfer hits the ball at the location of the tracking device 356, or such a device may be positioned behind the golfer's back, along the heel side of the golfer 101. In addition, additional tracking devices or measuring devices may be positioned overhead or virtually anywhere, and these devices may record data such as video images of the golfer's movements, or may track and record data or characteristics related to the movement of parts of the golf club or the ball, such as speed, direction, orientation, and other characteristics.

[0036] The tracking device 102 may include any of the various auxiliary configurations and features. For example, as shown in Figure 4B, the tracking device 102 includes a net 380 into which a ball can be hit when a golfer 101 performs a swing to generate ball flight data 104 by the tracking device 356. The net 380 may enable shot tracking in more confined spaces, such as indoors, in a pro shop, or at a golf driving range where available land is limited. Although not specifically shown, the virtual terrain 354B may house or protect or include further measuring devices, including a velocity sensor or force sensor, a videographic device, and other devices that may be used to track the flight of the ball from the shot position 350 to a virtual landing position (not shown).

[0037] Referring back to block 204 in Figure 2, the tracking device 102 may generate ball flight data 104 for any number of shots that the golfer 101 hits along a given terrain toward a target or target position. A basic representation of the shot dispersion display 500 for multiple golf shots is shown in Figure 5 (which may be rendered along the display device 106 in Figure 1). In the illustrated example, the shot dispersion display 500 plots multiple golf shots along a given terrain 502 toward a starting position 506 and a target position 508, and these shots correspond to club types 504. In the specific example shown, multiple shots 510 are plotted along the shot dispersion display 500 corresponding to clubs of type "Club A", and multiple shots 512 are plotted along the shot dispersion display 500 corresponding to clubs of type "Club B". Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the shot dispersion display 500 may include a boundary 520 defining a first stat region associated with a plurality of shots 510, and a boundary 522 defining a second stat region associated with a plurality of shots 512. Each of the boundaries 520 and 522 may represent a plurality of shots (e.g., a visual measure of dispersion) struck with the corresponding golf club. Each of the boundaries 520 and 522 may further include a specific predetermined percentage of shots within a predetermined region (e.g., 90%), while some shots may fall outside that particular boundary (e.g., 10%). Figure 5 shows boundaries 520 and 522 having an elliptical shape, but the disclosure is not limited in this respect, and embodiments described herein may include boundaries having other suitable shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, etc.).

[0038] In the example in Figure 5, the shot dispersion indicator 500 may be used to identify the basic stroke value to hole out. However, the individual shots shown do not take offline information into account. In particular, the shot dispersion indicator 500 does not penalize offline shots and does not distinguish shots from one another in a useful way. In other words, the shot dispersion indicator 500 and related information are technically lacking.

[0039] Referring to blocks 206, 208, and 210 in Figure 2, a stroke-gained performance index in numerical form is calculated for multiple shots 510 and / or multiple shots 512 according to the logic and functionality of Figure 6A, which can be performed by the computing device 108. As shown, in blocks 602 and 604 of Figure 6A, the ball flight data 104 generated by the tracking device 102 may be accessed by the computing device 108 as described above.

[0040] Next, as shown in blocks 604 and 606, the computing device 108 applies the carry and offline information for each shot to algorithm 601 to calculate the improved stroke-gained value corresponding to each shot. In particular, as the first step, algorithm 601 processes the carry and offline information provided by the tracking device 102 for each shot and converts this information into an initial stroke-gained value, which is represented as “Distance Performance Parameter” in Figure 6A. For this initial calculation, algorithm 601 assumes a hole of 425 yards in length, which almost all golfers would choose to hit with a driver. The average strokes from various distances and starting conditions (tee, fairway, rough, sand, green) to hole-out for PGA Tour golfers are used as baseline information and are described in Table 1.

[0041] [Table 1]

[0042] The average strokes to hole out from 425 yards is 4.04. The stroke baseline to hole out on the fairway can then be used to assign a stroke-gained value to shots that reach the fairway. For example, a shot that travels 305 yards to the fairway leaves 120 yards to the hole and is predicted to take 2.85 strokes to hole out. An average shot should travel from 4.04 to 3.04 strokes to hole out. In this example, the driver shot took 2.85 strokes to hole out, not 3.04, which was 0.19 strokes better than average. The formal equation for stroke gain on a single shot is shown below. Strokes Gained = Strokes from start to finish - Strokes from end to finish - 1

[0043] The specific function of algorithm 601 for determining the distance performance parameter value (fairway_sg) may be defined as follows: Formula 1: Input: Carry, Offline Output: SG (Stroke Gained) starting_sth=4.04 end_dist=425-carry fairway_sth=-3.36089E-15*end_dist 6 +7.05134E-12*end_dist 5 -5.30361E-09*end_dist 4 +1.80822E-06*end_dist 3 -2.83067E-04*end_dist 2 +2.21293E-02*end_dist+2.05282E+00 fairway_sg=starting_sth-fairway_sth-1

[0044] As further shown in Figure 6A, the algorithm 601 is configured to penalize offline shots by applying an offline penalty division function 603 that ultimately assigns variable penalty parameter values ​​based on the offline information of the shot. Generally, the offline penalty division function 603 defines a gradient map 300 as shown in Figure 3. In other words, the structure of the offline penalty division function 603 determines how the system 100 applies the variable penalty parameters represented by the gradient map 300. Since each course has its own unique areas of fairway, penalty, and hole / green arrangement, these gradient maps 300 vary depending on the course being played. As previously stated, the gradient maps 300 defined by the offline penalty division function 603 are favorable to distances and shots close to the vertical axis 312, as indicated by the geometric regions 310 and their corresponding penalty parameter values. However, in other embodiments, the offline penalty division function 603 may be modified to reconstruct the gradient map 300 as desired, and penalize specific areas along the terrain 302 as desired. In other words, the general slope of the variable penalty parameter and the final stroke-gained value may be adjusted for each different embodiment by applying changes to the offline penalty participle function 603 as desired.

[0045] In some embodiments, the offline penalty classification function 603 may be defined as follows: Formula 2: If the offline value is less than 10 yards, the offline penalty is 0. For an offline value exceeding 10 yards but less than 20 yards, the offline penalty is calculated as follows: Offline Penalty = (Offline - 10) * (-1.3 / 50) For offline values ​​exceeding 20 yards, the offline penalty is calculated as follows: Offline Penalty = -0.26 + (Offline - 20) * (-0.59 / 40)

[0046] The Offline Penalty Classification Function 603 takes into account that the longer the offline distance of a shot, the higher the probability that the shot will land in the rough, sand, water, or go out of bounds (OB). The historical ball flight data shown in Figure 6B may be used to construct the Offline Penalty Classification Function 603 to output a more accurate predicted penalty for offline tee shots or other shots. In Figure 6B, the colored dots are the proposed offline penalties, and the black line is the average observed historical data. The curve suggests that an offline driver shot of less than 10 yards almost always lands on the fairway, and therefore such a driver shot does not incur a Strokes Gained (SG) penalty for reaching the fairway. On the other hand, an offline driver shot of 35 yards incurs a penalty of approximately 0.5 strokes for reaching the fairway. For example, assuming a 305-yard downline driver shot is 35 yards offline, its Strokes Gained value would be the same 0.19 strokes plus a -0.5 stroke offline penalty. Thus, the Strokes Gained value is -0.31 strokes (calculated by Equation 2). This same formula can be applied to determine the stroke-gained value for any combination of carry and offline.

[0047] As further shown in block 606 of Figure 6A, the computing device 108 further executes algorithm 601 to derive an improved stroke-gained value 605 for each shot by utilizing the logic and values ​​from equations 1 and 2 as follows: Formula 3: (Improved Stroke Gained Value (SG)): SG = fairway_sg + offline_penalty

[0048] Equations 1-3 are illustrative only, and it should be understood that any deviation from the logic described for ultimately calculating the improved stroke gained value 605 is construed by the disclosure of this invention.

[0049] Referring to block 608, the improved stroke gained value 605 may be calculated by the computing device 108 for each shot or part of a shot in a given state area based on ball flight data 104, and the improved stroke gained value 605 takes into account the offline penalty (variable penalty parameter) defined by the offline penalty compartmentalization function 603. Furthermore, the sum of the improved stroke gained values ​​605 may be averaged to define the stroke gained performance index 607.

[0050] The Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 may be used in a variety of different scenarios to improve the technical evaluation of club selection. For example, the Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 may be applied to practice sessions, club fitting (where a certified equipment fitter provides a golfer with clubs specifically tailored to that golfer's swing), comparing accuracy clubs with distance clubs, specific center of gravity (CG) positions to produce desired shots (i.e., draws, fades, highs, lows), or specific golf courses (i.e., golf courses with more penalties on the right or left side of the course). The following is a set of examples in which the Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 may be applied, modified, or utilized for specific purposes. [Examples]

[0051] Example 1: Club A vs. Club B

[0052] Referring to blocks 702A-702B and 704A-704B of Figure 7A, and applying the general logic described in Figure 6A, a first example of the Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 may be calculated for club "A" and a second example of the Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 may be calculated for club "B" by utilizing the first and second parts of the ball flight data 104, or the first and second datasets. In some embodiments, the referenced clubs "A" and "B" may include drivers, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Generally, the club associated with the higher of the two Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 may be recommended as the club that allows the golfer to reach the target position (hole) more efficiently. This concept is further illustrated in Figures 7B and 7C. Figure 7B shows an improved shot distribution display 720, which improves upon the shot distribution display 500 in Figure 5 by providing an improved stroke-gained value ("sg_driver") (using the functionality of Figure 6A) for each of the multiple shots 510 and multiple shots 512, which are grouped together in Figure 7B as multiple shots 722. Similar to Figure 5, the shot distribution display 720 plots multiple shots 722 along the same terrain 502 with respect to the starting position 506 and the target position 508. As indicated by the variety of colors applied to the multiple shots 722, the shot distribution display 720 takes into account a variable penalty parameter for offline shots, as described in Figures 3 and 6A, and shots plotted at different positions with respect to the vertical axis 730 between the starting position 506 and the target position 508 are used to calculate different (improved) stroke-gained values ​​740. As shown in the illustration, a stroke-gained value of 0.25 is calculated for some of the multiple shots 722 that are highlighted in red and plotted close to the vertical axis 730 and the target position 508. Since these shots are considered ideal and not typically offline, the stroke-gained values ​​calculated for multiple shots within this region are usually larger than those for shots plotted farther from the vertical axis 730 and target position 508.

[0053] Figure 7C shows that ball flight data 104 associated with multiple shots 510 and multiple shots 512 can be applied to the algorithm 601 of Figure 6A and the functions of Figure 7A in order to derive two separate stroke-gained performance indices. Specifically, referring to Figures 6A and 7A, a first performance index 750 may be calculated by the computing device 108 for the ball flight information 104 associated with multiple shots 510, and a second performance index 752 may be calculated by the computing device 108 for the ball flight information 104 associated with multiple shots 512. As described herein, since the first performance index 750 is determined to be a greater value than the second performance index 752, the club type 504 used to hit multiple shots 510 may be preferred over the club type 504 used to hit multiple shots 512.

[0054] In this specific scenario comparing Club A and Club B, the underlying function for deriving the Driver Strokes Gained Metric is designed to equally penalize shots to the right and left of a designated target line or vertical axis 730. The first performance metric 750 and the second performance metric 752 provide numerical values ​​to accurately measure the golfer's likelihood of success with either club. This gives the golfer a competitive advantage. The golfer can have the driver with the highest probability of success while evaluating their own performance in terms of raw data (i.e., launch, ball speed, carry, spin, etc.) as well as their likelihood of success on the course.

[0055] Example 2: Accuracy vs. Distance

[0056] Referring to Figure 8, and in light of the functions described in Figures 6A and 7A, the Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 may be used during club fitting to compare the performance of a high-precision golf club (i.e., a 44-inch driver that averages 275 yards downline and 5 yards offline) with the performance of a distance golf club (i.e., a 46-inch driver that averages 300 yards and 12 yards offline). The Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 balances the probability of success as the golfer hits the golf shot offline and downline. In at least some embodiments, the longer the downline distance of the golf shot, the higher the probability of success. Furthermore, the more accurately the golf shot is hit online, the higher the probability of success. However, it can be difficult to evaluate whether it is better to have a shorter downline distance but be more online, or a longer downline distance but be more offline.

[0057] Some golfers play with drivers with longer shafts (i.e., 46-inch drivers) to gain distance, while others play with drivers with shorter shafts (i.e., 44-inch drivers) to improve accuracy (the average driver shaft length is about 45 inches). The Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 may be used to accurately assess whether a golfer benefits more from an accuracy driver (Driver A) or a distance driver (Driver B). For example, a golfer may hit an "X" shot with Driver A to calculate the Strokes Gained Performance Index. Then, the golfer may hit an "X" shot with Driver B to calculate the Strokes Gained Performance Index. Following this test, the Strokes Gained Performance Index for both golf clubs may be compared, and the club associated with the higher index may be selected. In this specific scenario, the Driver Strokes Gained Index (slope) is designed to equally penalize shots to the right and left of a specified target line. The golfer can then have a numerical value to accurately measure their likelihood of success, whether with an accuracy driver or a distance driver. This gives golfers a competitive advantage. Golfers can evaluate their performance in terms of raw data (i.e., launch angle, ball speed, carry, spin, etc.) and their likelihood of success on the course, and then choose the driver that has the highest probability of success.

[0058] Example 3: Specific CG location

[0059] Referring to Figure 9, in view of the functions described in Figures 6A and 7A, the Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 may be used during club fitting to compare the performance of a golf club with a specific CG position (i.e., a driver with a draw-oriented heel-side CG position) with the performance of a second golf club with a second CG position (i.e., a driver with a fade-oriented toe-side CG position). The Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 balances the probability of success as the golfer hits the golf shot offline and downline. In some embodiments, golf shots with longer downline distances correspond to a higher probability of success. Furthermore, the more accurately the golf shot is hit online, the higher the probability of success. However, in most cases, draw shots go further but are more difficult to keep online, while fade shots are easier to control online but are more difficult to hit far. Golfers often don't use clubs with the correct center of gravity (CG) position for their swing (i.e., some golfers hit bad slices with a neutral CG, or bad hooks with a neutral CG). If a golfer who hits a bad slice (i.e., 25 yards offline) uses a driver with a heel-side CG position, the weighting of that club will counteract the slice and promote a draw, thus improving the accuracy of the driver (i.e., the original 25 yards offline becomes 12 yards offline).

[0060] Some golfers use clubheads with the center of gravity (CG) positioned closer to the heel to counteract the effects of a slice swing (and to produce a straight online shot) (i.e., to hit a topspin draw shot), while others use clubheads with the CG positioned closer to the toe to counteract the effects of a hook swing (and to produce a straight online shot) (i.e., to hit an underspin fade shot). The Strokes Gained Performance Index (StrOKE) 607 may be used to accurately assess whether a golfer benefits more from a center-CG driver (Driver A) or a heel-CG driver (Driver B). For example, a golfer may hit an "X" shot with Driver A, and the Strokes Gained Performance Index (StrOKE) 607 may be calculated. Then, the golfer may hit an "X" shot with Driver B, and the Strokes Gained Performance Index (StrOKE) 607 may be calculated. Following this test, the driver Strokes Gained Performance Indexes of both golf clubs may be compared, and the club with the higher index may be selected. In this specific scenario, the Driver Strokes Gained (Slope) metric is designed to equally penalize shots to the right and left of a designated target line. A golfer prone to slicing is likely to have a higher Driver Strokes Gained metric if they use a driver head with heel-side CG that counteracts the slice tendency and produces straighter shots. Whether it's a center-CG driver or a heel-side driver, a golfer can have a numerical value that accurately measures their likelihood of success. This gives golfers a competitive advantage. A golfer can have the driver with the highest probability of success while evaluating their performance in terms of raw data (i.e., launch, ball speed, carry, spin, etc.) as well as their likelihood of success on the course.

[0061] Furthermore, the Strokes Gained Performance Index (SPR) 607 may be used to accurately assess whether a golfer will benefit more from a center-CG driver (Driver A) or a toe-CG driver (Driver B). For example, a golfer may hit an "X" shot with Driver A to calculate the Strokes Gained Performance Index 607. Then, the golfer may hit an "X" shot with Driver B to calculate the Strokes Gained Performance Index 607. Following this test, the Strokes Gained Performance Index of both golf clubs may be compared, and the club with the higher index may be selected. In this specific scenario, the Driver Strokes Gained Index (slope) is designed to equally penalize shots to the right and left of a specified target line. A golfer prone to hook swings is likely to have a higher Driver Strokes Gained Index if they use a driver head with a toe-CG that counteracts the hook swing tendency and produces straighter shots. A golfer can have a numerical value to accurately measure their likelihood of success, whether it's a center-CG driver or a toe-CG driver. This gives the golfer a competitive advantage. Golfers can evaluate their performance in terms of raw data (i.e., launch angle, ball speed, carry distance, spin, etc.) as well as their likelihood of success on the course, and then choose the driver that offers the highest probability of success.

[0062] Furthermore, during club fitting, the Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 may be used to compare the performance of a golf club with a specific launch angle (i.e., a driver with a forward CG positioning that results in a low launch angle) with the performance of a second golf club with a specific launch angle (i.e., a driver with a deep CG positioning that results in a high launch angle). The Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 balances the likelihood of a golfer succeeding as they hit their golf shots offline and downline. In at least some embodiments, the longer the downline distance of a golf shot, the higher the likelihood of success. Furthermore, the more accurately the golf shot is hit online, the higher the likelihood of success. However, in some cases, under wet conditions, a high shot with a longer carry distance is preferred, while under dry, windy conditions, a low shot that rolls further is preferred.

[0063] Some golfers use clubheads with the center of gravity (CG) positioned closer to the striking surface (i.e., low launch, low spin shots) to gain distance through rolling (often in dry or windy conditions), while others use clubheads with the CG closer to the rear of the club (i.e., high launch shots) to gain distance through rolling (often in wet conditions where the ball barely rolls). The Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 may be used to accurately assess whether a golfer benefits more from low launch shots (Driver A) or high launch shots (Driver B). For example, a golfer may hit an "X" shot with Driver A to calculate the Strokes Gained Performance Index for Driver A. Then, the golfer may hit an "X" shot with Driver B to calculate the Strokes Gained Performance Index for Driver B. Following this test, the driver Strokes Gained Performance Indexes for both golf clubs may be compared, and the club with the higher index may be selected. In this specific scenario, the Driver Strokes Gained Metric (slope) is designed to equally penalize shots to the right and left of a designated target line. This allows golfers to have a numerical value that accurately measures their likelihood of success, regardless of whether they are using a low or high launch angle driver. This gives golfers a competitive advantage. They can then choose the driver with the highest probability of success, evaluating their performance in terms of raw data (i.e., launch angle, ball speed, carry, spin, etc.) and their likelihood of success on the course.

[0064] Example 4: Course-specific gradient

[0065] Referring to Figure 10, and in light of the functions described in Figures 6A and 7A, in some embodiments, the Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 may be adjusted (and used) or reconfigured to compare the performance of two golf clubs on a particular golf course during a practice or fitting session, for example, to accurately display the average offline penalty for 18 holes on a given course. For example, in the exemplary reference golf course, the sea runs along the entire right side of 8 of the 18 holes. This configuration dramatically affects the penalty for going offline to the right. The other 10 of the 18 holes have varying fairway widths and various penalties for going offline to the left or right, but if the 8 holes average out to a strong penalty for going offline to the right, the Strokes Gained Performance Index 607 may be configured to give a greater penalty for going offline to the right than the standard Strokes Gained Performance Index. In other words, the Offline Penalty Classification Function 603 of Algorithm 601 may be configured to apply a variable penalty parameter that provides a stronger penalty (loss to stroke gain) for shots going offline to the right. This configuration may affect the corresponding gradient map, such as gradient map 300, to indicate a stronger penalty applied by the offline penalty partition function 603, which is configured specifically for this scenario. Furthermore, if the offline penalty partition function 603 of algorithm 601 is configured as described above, this configuration naturally adjusts the calculation of the stroke-gained performance index 607, which is ultimately calculated in this scenario.

[0066] The adjusted performance index 607 may then be used during a practice or fitting session to compare the performance of two golf clubs on this exemplary reference golf course before playing the course. As mentioned earlier, some golfers prefer a clubhead with the CG positioned closer to the heel to gain distance by rolling (i.e., to hit a topspin draw shot), while others prefer a clubhead with the CG positioned closer to the toe to gain accuracy because the ball drops and stops (i.e., to hit an underspin fade shot). However, if a golfer who hits with a clubhead that has the CG closer to the toe (to hit a fade) tends to miss significantly to the right, the Strokes Gained Performance Index may be used to accurately assess whether the golfer benefits more from a fade bias (Driver A) or a draw bias (Driver B) on the course. For example, a golfer may hit an "X" shot with Driver A to calculate the Strokes Gained Performance Index for Driver A. The golfer may then hit an "X" shot with driver B to calculate the Strokes Gained Performance Index (SPR) for driver B. Following this test, the driver SPRs for both golf clubs may be compared, and the club with the higher SPR on the given example golf course may be selected. In this specific scenario, the driver SPR (slope) is designed to penalize shots to the right more than shots to the left. The golfer can then have a numerical value to accurately measure their likelihood of success on the course, whether the driver is fade-biased or draw-biased. This provides the golfer with a competitive advantage before playing a particular golf course. The golfer can have the driver that is most likely to succeed on a particular course, while evaluating their performance in terms of raw data (i.e., launch, ball speed, carry, spin, etc.) and likelihood of success on the course.

[0067] Because the rules of golf are subject to change from time to time (for example, new rules may be adopted or old rules may be abolished or revised by golf standardization and / or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Advanced Golf Club of St. Louis (R&A)), the equipment, methods, and products of golf described herein may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any given time. Accordingly, the equipment, methods, and products of golf described herein may be advertised, sold, and / or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The equipment, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0068] The substitution of one or more claimed elements constitutes a reconfiguration, not a modification. Furthermore, effects, other advantages, and solutions have been described in relation to specific embodiments. However, those effects, advantages, solutions, and any elements or groups of elements that may result in or further enhance any effect, advantage, or solution should never be construed as important, necessary, or essential features or elements to any or all of the claims.

[0069] The above examples may be described or used in relation to any type of golf club. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and articles described herein may be applicable to other types of sporting goods, such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing rods, and baseball bats, where it is desired to analyze shot distance using alternative forms of these sporting goods. Furthermore, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein will not be made available to the public under the doctrine of dedication if (1) such embodiments and / or limitations are not expressly claimed in the claims and (2) are or may be equivalents of any express elements and / or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0070] As described above, specific embodiments have been illustrated and explained, but it should be understood that, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention and teachings as defined in the appended claims. The following items are as described in the claims of the patent application at the time of filing. (Item 1) A method for calculating a stroke-gained performance index that takes predetermined offline information into account from ball flight data, The processor accesses a first dataset related to a first set of shots from a first golf club, The processor extracts a first performance metric from the first dataset in the following steps, namely: (i) For each of the first multiple shots from the first golf club, the step of calculating a set of stroke-gained values ​​by taking into account at least the difference between a predetermined predicted hole-out value corresponding to the target distance and a predetermined predicted hole-out value corresponding to the actual carry distance, (ii) A step of performing a predetermined offline penalty function on each of the set of stroke-gained values ​​to derive each penalty parameter for each of the first plurality of shots from the first golf club, wherein each penalty parameter is determined by offline information including the landing position relative to the target position for each of the first plurality of shots, and (iii) The step of applying each of the penalty parameters to the corresponding stroke-gained value, (iv) A step of averaging the set of stroke-gained values ​​modified by each of the penalty parameters, To generate by, The processor generates a second performance metric derived by applying steps (i) to (iv) to a second dataset related to a second set of shots from a second golf club, By identifying the larger of the first performance indicator and the second performance indicator, a selection between the first and second golf clubs is recommended. A method that includes [a certain feature]. (Item 2) The predetermined offline penalty function defines a plurality of predetermined geographical regions consisting of physical coordinates between the target position and the starting shot position, The method according to item 1, wherein each of the plurality of predetermined geographical regions defines a predetermined input value for each of the penalty parameters. (Item 3) The plurality of predetermined geographical regions include a first region extending along a linear path between the target position and the start shot position, and at least one second region extending along a first side of the first region. The second region is at least partially offset from the target position and is outside the first region. The method according to item 2, wherein the second area defines predetermined input values ​​for each penalty parameter for some of the first multiple shots from the first golf club that land within the second area and are offline relative to the target position. (Item 4) A computing system configured to calculate a stroke-gained performance index that takes predetermined offline information into account from ball flight data, A tracking device that provides flight data for each of a plurality of golf shots struck by a golf club from a starting position, wherein the flight data includes the post-shot distance between the landing position and the target position, and the tracking device provides flight data for each of a plurality of golf shots struck by a golf club from a starting flight data includes the post-shot distance between the landing position and the target position. The system comprises a processor that communicates operably with the aforementioned tracking device, The processor is configured to calculate a stroke-gained value for each of the plurality of golf shots. The stroke-gained value is a predetermined predicted hole-out value from the landing position to the target position, and defines the predetermined predicted hole-out value taking into account the post-shot distance and the total distance between the target position and the starting position. The processor is configured to convert each of the plurality of golf shots into an improved stroke-gained value that takes offline information into account by applying a variable penalty parameter based on the landing position to a predetermined gradient map between the starting position and the target position. A computing system that defines the improved stroke-gained value as a unique predicted holeout value based on the drop position for the predetermined gradient map, taking the offline information into consideration. (Item 5) The computing system according to item 4, wherein the processor is further configured to recommend a selection of a golf club used to hit the multiple golf shots by identifying that the improved stroke gained value is greater than the alternative improved stroke gained value associated with the alternative golf club and the multiple other golf shots hit by the alternative club. (Item 6) The computing system according to item 4, further comprising a display unit that operably communicates with the processor, and the display unit for displaying the target position, the predetermined gradient map, and the landing positions of the plurality of golf shots, so as to visually indicate offline characteristics used to convert each of the stroke-gained values ​​using the variable penalty parameter in response to instructions from the processor. (Item 7) The processor is further configured to calculate the variable penalty parameter of a given landing position by applying information relating to a given landing position associated with a given shot among a plurality of golf shots to a predetermined piecewise function relating to the gradient map. The computing system according to item 4, wherein the piecewise function is configured to output a value for the variable penalty parameter based on where the drop position is located relative to the predetermined gradient map. (Item 8) The computing system according to item 7, wherein the processor is further configured to modify the gradient map and the piecewise function to correspond to the specific characteristics of a particular course or practice field. (Item 9) The first portion of the gradient map is considered to be offline and corresponds to a positive value of the variable penalty parameter, The computing system described in item 4, wherein the second portion of the gradient map is considered to be online with respect to the target position and corresponds to the null value of the variable penalty parameter. (Item 10) A non-primary, tangible, computer-readable medium having coded instructions, When the aforementioned instruction is executed by the processor, Accessing flight data related to multiple golf shots from a first golf club, wherein the flight data includes, for each of the multiple golf shots, the post-shot distance between the landing position and the target position. For each of the aforementioned golf shots, the stroke-gained value is calculated, Actions including the following, namely, A variable penalty parameter is generated for each of the plurality of golf shots based on the landing position relative to a predetermined gradient mapping between the starting position and the target position, For each of the aforementioned multiple golf shots, the variable penalty parameter is applied to the stroke-gained value, By performing the above, the performance indicator of the first golf club is calculated, A computer-readable medium that achieves this.

Claims

1. A method for calculating a stroke-gained performance index from predetermined offline information, The computing device accesses a first dataset of performance data related to a first set of shots from a first golf club having a first CG position, and a second dataset of performance data related to a second set of shots from a second golf club having a second CG position different from the first CG position. The computing device generates a first stroke-gained value and a second stroke-gained value for each of the first and second sets of shots by comparing a first predicted hole-out value based on the pre-shot distance with a second predicted hole-out value based on the post-shot distance. Identifying a first performance indicator and a second performance indicator by converting the first stroke-gained value and the second stroke-gained value based on a variable penalty parameter, wherein the variable penalty parameter is determined by offline information including the first and second datasets of performance data. By identifying the larger of the first performance indicator and the second performance indicator, a selection between the first and second golf clubs is recommended. A method that includes [a certain feature].

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of recommending which of the first golf club and the second golf club has a larger stroke-gained value.

3. The aforementioned variable penalty parameter defines a gradient map, The method according to claim 1, wherein the gradient map specifies a particular first value and a particular second value of the variable penalty parameter based on the locations where the first and second plurality of shots fall along the gradient map.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising a display unit that operably communicates with the computing device, the display unit for displaying a target position, the gradient map, and the drop positions of each of the first and second plurality of shots, so as to visually indicate offline characteristics used to convert the first stroke-gained value and the second stroke-gained value, respectively, using the variable penalty parameter in response to instructions from the computing device.

5. The gradient map defines multiple geographical regions along the long axis between the starting position and the target position, The method according to claim 4, wherein a first geographic region located away from the major axis corresponds to a higher variable penalty parameter than a second geographic region located closer to the major axis.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the plurality of geographical regions has a substantially linear shape.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the plurality of geographical regions widens as it approaches the target position.

8. The first geographical region of the plurality of geographical regions is offline and corresponds to a positive value of the variable penalty parameter, The method according to claim 5, wherein the second geographic region of the plurality of geographic regions is online with respect to the long axis and corresponds to the null value of the variable penalty parameter.

9. The method according to claim 3, wherein the stroke-gained performance index is determined to be larger based on a higher average occurrence rate of the first plurality of shots and the second plurality of shots being online and downline.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first performance indicator and the second performance indicator are determined by club fitting performance data.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first performance indicator and the second performance indicator are used to evaluate whether a golfer benefits more from a first CG position located near the center of the first golf club or a second CG position located near the heel of the second golf club.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first performance indicator and the second performance indicator are used to evaluate whether a golfer benefits more from a first CG position located near the center of the first golf club or a second CG position located near the toe of the second golf club.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first performance indicator and the second performance indicator are used to evaluate whether a golfer benefits more from a first CG position located near the face of the first golf club or from a second CG position located away from the face of the second golf club.

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