Golf Ball Alignment Measurement Using Camera Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golfers face challenges in accurately aligning golf balls with alignment aids to ensure proper direction towards a target, leading to deviations that can affect the success of their shots, especially in putting.
Innovation Solution
A measuring tool comprising a computing device, camera, and support structure that captures images of the golf ball and its alignment aid, determining the target and aimed directions, and calculates an offset angle to provide feedback on alignment accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a golfer uses visual indicia (alignment aids) on the golf ball to help align the ball to the target, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of the alignment is deteriorated because there is no device to assess whether the alignment aid is actually aimed as intended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by using a camera to capture images of the alignment aid on the golf ball and a computing device to determine the aimed direction and compare it with the target direction. This provides quantitative feedback to the golfer about whether the alignment aid is actually pointing at the target, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective visual assessment with an automated optical measurement system. Instead of relying on the golfer's subjective judgment of alignment, the system uses a camera to capture images and a computing device to calculate the offset angle between the aimed direction and target direction, providing objective and precise measurement.
2Measurement precision
If a measuring device is placed close to the golf ball to capture detailed images for alignment assessment, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened because the device interferes with the golfer's ability to place the ball without obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by changing the dimensional relationship between the measuring device and the golf ball. Instead of placing the camera directly over or next to the ball (which would interfere with placement), the camera is positioned at a distance in a different spatial dimension, using optical fields to capture images without physical interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the camera and the golf ball. The camera captures images of the alignment aid through light reflection, allowing measurement without direct physical contact or proximity that would interfere with the golfer's ball placement.
3Reliability
If the support structure is positioned close to the field of view to stabilize the camera, then the reliability of measurement is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened because it encroaches on the area where the golfer needs to place the ball
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to extend in a dimension that does not conflict with the ball placement area. The camera is mounted on a support structure that positions it at an elevated or offset location, allowing the camera to maintain a stable viewing angle while the ball placement area remains unobstructed on the putting surface.
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment measuring tool has a computing device having at least one processor and at least one memory, a camera configured to capture images of a surface within a field of view, and a support structure configured to support the computing device and the camera in a stationary position. The support structure has a plurality of support walls forming a perimeter of an open bottom side of the support structure, wherein the plurality of support walls are configured to rest on the surface to enclose the field of view of the camera to an area of the surface. The support structure also has a calibration feature configured to provide feedback on a position of the camera relative to an area outside of the field of view of the camera.