Golf Ball Fitting Analysis System Using Composite Fit Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf ball fitting methods rely on subjective questionnaires and measurements, requiring expertise to process and correlate data, and fail to effectively quantify subjective parameters, leading to inconveniences in data gathering and presentation of recommendations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a predetermined scale to profile golf balls, comparing subjective and objective criteria to formulate recommendations, including a composite ball fit value, and utilizing a database to correlate golfer inputs with ball profiles for easy visualization and instructional improvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a purely subjective question and answer process is used for golf ball fitting, then the process is simple and quick, but the accuracy and reliability of the recommendation deteriorates due to lack of measurable criteria
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting process is segmented into three distinct value calculations: subjective ball fit value (from questionnaire), objective ball fit value (from launch monitor data), and composite ball fit value (weighted combination). This segmentation allows each aspect to be processed independently with appropriate methods while contributing to a comprehensive recommendation.
Solution Approach 2:
A computer system acts as an intermediary that automatically processes and correlates the subjective questionnaire responses with objective launch monitor measurements. The computer calculates the three ball fit values and generates recommendations, eliminating the need for tester expertise while maintaining accuracy through systematic data integration.
2Measurement precision
If extensive measurements and survey questions are gathered to improve recommendation accuracy, then the quality of ball fitting improves, but the time required and golfer inconvenience increases
Solution Approach 1:
Golf ball profiles are pre-calculated and stored in a database based on comprehensive testing of multiple balls across various swing types and conditions. During the actual fitting session, the system simply retrieves and compares these pre-profiled balls against the golfer's specific measurements, dramatically reducing on-site time while maintaining high recommendation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms extensive multi-dimensional measurement data (club head speed, ball speed, launch angle, spin rates, etc.) into a simplified composite ball fit value through weighted calculation. This parameter transformation condenses complex data into a single comparable metric that enables quick recommendation without sacrificing fitting quality.
3Measurement precision
If a tester with deep knowledge and experience is used to process ball fitting, then the quality of recommendation improves through expert judgment, but the complexity and cost of the service increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service ball fitting where the computer automatically performs all analysis and recommendation generation without requiring tester expertise. The golfer provides basic information through a questionnaire and undergoes standard launch monitor testing, and the system independently processes all data and generates recommendations, making the service accessible to any location with minimal training required.
Solution Approach 2:
The human expert judgment system is replaced with an automated computer-based analysis system. The computer applies predetermined algorithms and weighted factors to calculate ball fit values and generate recommendations, substituting mechanical human cognitive processes with automated computational processes that eliminate the need for tester expertise while maintaining consistency and quality.
4Loss of information
If subjective parameters are kept qualitative to maintain golfer perception accuracy, then the authenticity of golfer input is preserved, but the ability to quantify and compare recommendations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Subjective parameters from the questionnaire are transformed into a quantitative subjective ball fit value through a standardized scoring system with weighted factors. This parameter transformation maintains the authenticity of golfer perceptions while enabling mathematical comparison and integration with objective measurements to produce a composite recommendation value.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides three golf ball recommendations correlating to ball fit values calculated using subject criteria, objective criteria and a composite fit value employing both subjective and objective criteria. The concept of the invention is to attempt to quantify even the subjective parameters of golfer's game and answers to survey questions in order to provide an avenue for quantitative analysis for golf ball fitting. The ball fit values are a construct based on a scale devised for this method to quantify how difficult or easy a golf ball is to play.