Camera-Based Golf Fitting System for Automated Dimension Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf fitting systems are inefficient and time-consuming, requiring trial and error to determine the best golf equipment for individuals, and struggle with precise measurement of characteristic features across multiple fitters.
Innovation Solution
A golf fitting system utilizing an electronic device with a camera and image analysis module to capture and process image data, recognizing reference features and calculating fitting dimensions, allowing for precise determination of equipment dimensions without manual measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used by multiple fitters, then flexibility in performing fittings is maintained, but measurement precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement systems with an automated image-based measurement system. A camera captures images of the golfer and golf club, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate fitting parameters such as lie angle and shaft orientation, eliminating the need for manual measurements by multiple fitters and ensuring consistent precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the physical golf club and golfer setup, then performs measurements on this digital representation. This allows multiple measurements to be taken from the same image data without physically moving or repositioning the actual club, ensuring measurement consistency while reducing the need for multiple fitters.
2Productivity
If traditional trial and error fitting methods are used, then equipment selection flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements and calculations by capturing an image of the golfer with the golf club in position. The system automatically calculates fitting parameters such as lie angle, shaft orientation, and other dimensional characteristics before any equipment selection decisions are made, eliminating the need for time-consuming trial and error fitting sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical trial-and-error fitting process with an automated image analysis system that quickly calculates optimal equipment specifications, dramatically reducing the time required for fittings while improving productivity.
3Reliability
If multiple fitters are involved in the fitting process, then operational flexibility is maintained, but measurement consistency and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human-dependent measurement process with an automated image analysis system that applies consistent algorithms to all measurements, eliminating variability between different fitters and ensuring reliable, repeatable results regardless of who operates the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a permanent digital record (image) of the measurement setup that can be analyzed multiple times with identical results, ensuring that measurement consistency is maintained across different users and sessions without requiring the physical presence of specific fitters.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a system for fitting golf equipment for an individual can be configured to be used with an electronic device comprising a fitting processor module and a camera. The system can comprise an image analysis module configured to receive image data of at least a portion of the individual and one or more physical indicia proximate to the individual, where the image data can be captured by the camera. The image analysis module can also be configured to recognize one or more reference features of the individual from the image data, and to calculate one or more fitting dimensions between the one or more reference features in the image data. Other examples, devices, and related methods are also disclosed herein.