Golfing Aid 3D Imaging for Topography-Aware Trajectory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golfing aids fail to accurately compute the trajectory of a golf ball on a green due to the lack of three-dimensional imaging, wind direction and velocity measurement, and the inability to account for the green's topography, grain, and rolling resistance, which are crucial for determining the ball's bounce, skip, or skid, leading to imprecise trajectory calculations.
Innovation Solution
An electronic golfing aid system incorporating a 3D imager, inclinometer, and digital processing device that captures and processes three-dimensional data to compute a golf ball's trajectory, accounting for factors like topography, wind, and green resistance, and provides feedback on the golfer's swing to match the computed trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-dimensional image processing is used to compute trajectory, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to capture three-dimensional geometry and topography
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image processing to three-dimensional imaging by incorporating depth-sensing capabilities. The system uses multiple cameras or time-of-flight sensors to capture spatial coordinates (x, y, z) of the green surface, ball position, and cup location, enabling accurate computation of trajectory including elevation changes and slope compensation.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive environmental sensors are added to measure wind, grain, and resistance, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensing functions into a unified system where a single processing unit handles data from various sensors including wind sensors, green speed sensors, and 3D imagers. The digital processor executes comprehensive algorithms that process all sensor inputs together to compute trajectory, reducing overall system complexity despite the addition of multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into an integrated system. The 3D imager simultaneously captures spatial information about the green topography, ball position, and cup location in a single operation. Environmental sensors are merged with the imaging system, sharing common processing resources and data pathways.
3Measurement precision
If three-dimensional imaging and multiple sensors are integrated, then trajectory computation accuracy improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures 3D images of the green, ball, and cup without requiring manual input from the golfer. The digital processor autonomously computes the trajectory, calculates initial velocity and direction, and determines the optimal aim point. The golfer simply needs to input desired ball speed, and the system handles all complex computations and displays the result on the portable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to the golfer by displaying the computed trajectory, aim point, and velocity requirements on a portable display device. The system compares the desired trajectory with actual putt outcomes and adjusts recommendations accordingly, helping the golfer learn and improve while simplifying operation through automated guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
A golfing apparatus includes an imager, an inclinometer, and a display coupled to a processing device comprising a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The memory coupled to the processor is configured to execute programmed instructions comprising and stored in the memory to: obtain image data from the imager comprising at least one of a playing surface, a ball, or a location spaced from the ball on the playing surface and inclination data of the imager from the inclinometer; determine at least one type of spatial data and at least one type of playing surface data relating to the playing surface, the ball and the location from the obtained image and inclination data; compute an overall trajectory, a starting direction, and an initial velocity of the ball to reach the location which accounts for at least one airborne segment based on the spatial data and the playing surface data relating to the playing surface; and display the computed overall trajectory, the starting direction, and the initial velocity.