Device for measuring the movement behaviour index (MBI) of a ball

Abstract

Device (1, 1') for measuring the Motion Behavior Index (MBI) of a ball comprising a tunnel structure (2, 2') that includes at least one speed sensor for measuring the speed of a ball passing through said tunnel (2, 2'), a processing unit, and output means (3). Said device (1, 1') includes at least one additional sensor for measuring the environmental conditions in which the device is located, and the processing unit is configured to: - receive the measurement values obtained from said sensors; - combine said values using a calculation algorithm to derive the MBI; - use the output means to communicate the MBI to a user.

Description

Device for measuring the Movement Behaviour Index (MBI) of a ball

[0001] This invention relates to a device for measuring the Motion Behavior Index (MBI) of a ball, according to claim 1. This invention also relates to a method for measuring the Motion Behavior Index of a ball. This index does not directly represent the actual speed of the ball, but is correlated with it.

[0002] It is essential, especially for golf players, to know the behavior of the ball on the green surface, which can vary depending on its maintenance, preparation by greenkeepers, and external conditions.

[0003] Green speed measurement devices allow greenkeepers to maintain uniform and high-quality playing conditions, ensuring that greens comply with the specific standards required for competitions. Furthermore, providing players with precise information on green speed allows them to adapt their playing strategy, thus improving their overall performance.

[0004] The state-of-the-art of devices used to measure green speed on a golf course has evolved significantly over the years, integrating technological and methodological advances to ensure accuracy and reliability. Among the most notable devices is the Stimpmeter. This instrument, made in aluminium, features a central groove that facilitates positioning and release of the golf ball. Green speed is measured with the Stimpmeter by releasing the ball from the top of the shaft onto a flat surface of the green, with the distance traveled by the ball as the key parameter. Distance, measured in feet or meters, is directly proportional to green speed: greater distances indicate faster greens. To obtain an accurate value, the test is performed in opposite directions, thus compensating for any slopes of the green, and the average of the measured distances provides the final speed.

[0005] Another device for measuring green speed on a golf course is described in U.S. Patent No. 7306524. This patent document describes a device comprising a housing in which a passage for a golf ball is defined. The housing comprises a plurality of sensing units along it that allow the measurement of the speed of a ball pushed through it. A processing unit then calculates the ball's deceleration and returns a value derived from the deceleration, indicating the speed of the green.

[0006] The aforementioned devices, however, do not allow for consistent speed values across multiple measurements in on-course play, nor do they provide the user with a parameter that is truly useful in all conditions. The final output's reliance on speed or distance measurements alone exposes the result to imprecision due to the inevitable, even microscopic, differences in the turf. The output can vary significantly even when keeping the device in the same position on the green, due to other, unaccounted-for environmental variations.

[0007] Furthermore, the output value is not always truly meaningful to the user, precisely because it does not include many important parameters to consider during play.

[0008] Furthermore, conventional devices are not very portable as they are often large.

[0009] They also require precise positioning, which requires some preparation.

[0010] The most important document of the State of the Art is KR 2011 0016530 A which describes (references apply to the aforementioned document): a device for measuring the Motion Behavior Index of a ball comprising a tunnel structure (200) that includes at least one speed sensor (251 - which recognizes the speed and direction of the ball using the detected values of the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220) for measuring the speed of a ball passing through said tunnel, a processing unit and output means (255), the device of which includes at least one additional sensor (252) in which the processing unit is configured to:

[0011] - receive (253) the values of the measurements obtained from said sensors (251, 252);

[0012] - combine these values using a calculation algorithm to obtain the MBI;

[0013] - use the output media to communicate the MBI to a user.

[0014] Other State of the Art documents to be considered are:

[0015] - US 4 872 687 A (DOOLEY DANIEL J [US]);

[0016] - KR 2022 0115725 A (PARK HYUNG JOON [KR]);

[0017] - US 2020 / 013312 A1 (PREGIZER CHRISTOPH [DE] ET AL);

[0018] - US 9 597 576 B2 (PETERSON JACK W [USA]; FERGUSON SCOTT B [US]);

[0019] - US 2006 / 166724 A1 (TOROUSSIAN VARTAN [CA]).

[0020] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for measuring the Motion Behavior Index of a golf ball that communicates to the user a precise and consistent value over the course of multiple measurements in relation to the properties of a golf course green.

[0021] A further purpose of this invention is to provide a device for measuring the Motion Behavior Index (MBI) that provides meaningful output for the user.

[0022] A further purpose of this invention is to provide a device for measuring the Motion Behavior Index (MBI) of a golf ball with excellent portability.

[0023] A further purpose of this invention is to provide an optimal method for calculating the MBI.

[0024] In this description, the term "MBI" (MBI) is used to define a dimensionless measurement that represents the behavior of a golf ball on a given sliding surface in relation to environmental conditions. It is designed to help golfers understand how environmental conditions influence the force required to hit the ball to achieve the desired distance. This index allows golfers to adapt, for example, to variations in humidity, terrain inclination, temperature, and atmospheric pressure, ensuring more consistent and predictable shots. During practice, players can fine-tune their shots to achieve a specific MBI value, thus improving their accuracy and adaptability on the course.

[0025] The Motion Behavior Index (MBI) allows golfers to standardize their game, allowing them to adapt their shot force to environmental variables to consistently achieve the desired distance. Using the MBI, players can improve their accuracy and predictability, leading to an overall better performance.

[0026] There is no single way to calculate this index; it encompasses all the algorithms that combine multiple measured parameters to provide the user with an indicative value of how a ball should be struck to achieve a desired shot.

[0027] In general, the properties of green turf are strongly influenced by a number of environmental factors, including, for example, atmospheric pressure, humidity, slope, and ambient temperature. These elements play a crucial role in determining the speed and behavior of the ball on the green.

[0028] Atmospheric pressure can affect air density and, consequently, the resistance the ball encounters as it rolls. High atmospheric pressure generally results in denser air, which can slow the ball down, while low pressure has the opposite effect.

[0029] Humidity is another key parameter, as it affects the friction between the ball and the green's surface. High humidity tends to make the grass wetter and therefore stickier, slowing the ball down. Conversely, low humidity can make the green drier and faster.

[0030] The slope of the green is crucial for measuring green speed. A green with a significant slope can accelerate or slow the ball down depending on the direction of the shot. Therefore, it is essential to account for changes in slope when measuring to obtain accurate results.

[0031] Ambient temperature affects the behavior of grass and soil. High temperatures can make the grass softer and more pliable, affecting the ball's roll, while low temperatures can make the grass stiffer and the ground harder, altering the ball's roll speed.

[0032] To obtain an accurate and consistent measurement of the ball's actual behavior on the green, it is essential to also consider these parameters. By integrating information relating to atmospheric pressure, humidity, slope of the ground, and ambient temperature, variations can be compensated for and a more accurate assessment of the green's conditions. The more parameters are considered, the more precise the ICM will be.

[0033] The outputs provided by known devices, as previously mentioned, refer only to the measured speed or distance traveled by the ball and therefore do not provide the user with all the information necessary to improve their game. The combination of multiple parameters allows for a better and more meaningful MBI calculation.

[0034] Further advantages and features of the invention will become more evident from the description of possible embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example only, illustrated with the aid of the attached drawings, where:

[0035] -represents an embodiment of a device according to the invention;

[0036] -represents an alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0037] shows a device 1 for measuring the Motion Behavior Index (MBI) of a ball according to the invention, comprising a tunnel structure 2 that includes at least one speed sensor for measuring the speed of a ball passing through said tunnel, a processing unit, and output means, in this case in the form of a display 3. The output means may be of any type; for example, a display may not be provided, but rather a unit for wirelessly transmitting the MBI or data obtained from the device, for example, to a remote server or a remote display. The wireless transmission units may be, for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0038] The device also includes at least one additional sensor for measuring the environmental conditions surrounding the device. Environmental conditions are defined as all conditions of the environment surrounding the device, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, ground inclination, etc. This list is intended for illustrative purposes only and is not exhaustive. The drawings do not indicate references for the sensors, as they can be present anywhere on device 1, provided they are positioned appropriately for their purpose. It is clear, for example, that it is appropriate for the speed sensors to be placed inside the tunnel through which the ball will pass.

[0039] Therefore, when the ball passes through the tunnel structure of device 1, its speed is measured, and the processing unit is configured to:

[0040] - receive the measurement values obtained from said sensors;

[0041] - combine said values using a calculation algorithm to derive the MBI;

[0042] - use the output media to communicate the MBI to a user.

[0043] Sensors that can be included, in addition to speed, include temperature, humidity, inclination, and pressure sensors.

[0044] An optimal method for calculating the MBI requires the processing unit to include a memory containing coefficients and reference values. These are combined with the various values obtained from the measurements using the calculation algorithm to calculate the MBI.

[0045] Preferably, the processing unit is configured to combine these coefficients and reference values with the measured values, except for the measured speed, to obtain correction factors. These are then combined with the measured speed value to obtain the MBI. An MBI calculated in this way is particularly suitable for golf.

[0046] This description refers to the case in which the device is used for golf, but it is understood that it can be used for any situation in which it is necessary to evaluate the characteristics of the motion of a ball / object moving on a surface, such as in billiards.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, the device 1 of the invention may include a sensor for measuring distance, such as a laser beam that reflects off a reflective surface that can be positioned as desired by the user. This allows the device 1 to be positioned at a desired distance from the target to be reached with the ball.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in, the device 1' features a tunnel structure 2' in which the side walls 4 can be folded by hinges 5 to increase the portability of the device.

[0049] Advantageously, a device 1, 1' of the invention may also include one or more lighting elements, such as an LED light to illuminate the tunnel through which the ball passes and / or to indicate the area where the ball enters the device. This facilitates the player's aiming.

[0050] Advantageously, the device may also include at least one sensor to determine the ball's trajectory so as to verify its directionality. This sensor may, for example, consist of an array of optical proximity sensors positioned laterally or above the tunnel. Alternatively, a video camera could be used to analyze the frames and extract the ball's trajectory.

[0051] While the inventive concept has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Therefore, it should be noted and it is understood that the above embodiments are not limiting, but illustrative. The invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims

Device (1, 1') for measuring the Motion Behavior Index (MBI) of a ball comprising a tunnel structure (2, 2') that includes at least one speed sensor for measuring the speed of a ball passing through said tunnel (2, 2'), a processing unit and output means (3) characterized by the fact that it includes at least one additional sensor for measuring the environmental conditions in which the device is located and by the fact that the processing unit is configured to:- receive the values of the measurements obtained from said sensors;- combine said values by means of a calculation algorithm to obtain the MBI;- use the output means to communicate the MBI to a user.Device (1, 1') for measuring the Movement Behaviour Index (MBI) of a ball according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one temperature sensor.Device (1, 1') for measuring the Movement Behaviour Index (MBI) of a ball according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one humidity sensor.Device (1, 1') for measuring the Movement Behaviour Index (MBI) of a ball according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one tilt sensor.Device (1, 1') for measuring the Movement Behaviour Index (MBI) of a ball according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one pressure sensor and / or at least one lighting element and / or at least one sensor for the determination of the ball trajectory.Device (1, 1') for measuring the Movement Behaviour Index (MBI) of a ball according to any of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that the processing unit comprises a memory in which coefficients and reference values are stored, which by means of the calculation algorithm are combined with the different values obtained from the measurements for the calculation of the MBI.Device (1, 1') for measuring the Movement Behaviour Index (MBI) of a ball according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the processing unit is configured to combine said coefficients and reference values with measured values except for the measured speed, to obtain correction factors which are then combined with the measured speed value to obtain the MBI.Device (1') for measuring the Index of Movement Behaviour (MBI) of a ball according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the tunnel structure (2') has side walls (4) which can be folded by means of hinges (5).Method for the calculation of the Movement Behaviour Index (MBI) of a ball comprising the stages of:- run a ball through a tunnel that includes at least one speed sensor and at least one other sensor for measuring the environmental conditions of the environment in which the ball is running;- combine these measured values using a processing unit that executes a calculation algorithm to calculate the MBI;- communicating the MBI value to the user via output means.Method for the calculation of the Movement Behaviour Index (MBI) of a ball according to claim 9, wherein said coefficients and pre-defined reference values are combined with measured values except for the measured speed to obtain correction factors which are then combined with the value of the measured speed to obtain the MBI.

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