Golf Ball Tracking via Optical Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf tracking and scoring systems are expensive, technologically complex, and not suitable for backyard or non-commercial use, as they require costly installations and are difficult to use for real-time, remote gameplay with regular golf balls.
Innovation Solution
A ball tracking and scoring system using cameras and machine learning algorithms to identify and score golf balls based on color, allowing players to compete on the same virtual landscape regardless of their location, without the need for expensive hardware in the balls or complex installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive tracking systems with transmitters, radar, or GPS are used in golf balls, then ball tracking precision is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying and image processing techniques to track golf balls. Instead of embedding electronic transmitters in each ball, the system captures optical images of the balls and processes these images to extract tracking data. This approach replaces complex electronic tracking devices with simpler optical sensing and computational methods, resolving the contradiction between tracking precision and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical and electronic tracking systems (transmitters, radar, GPS) with an optical-based tracking system using cameras and image processing. This substitution eliminates the need for complex embedded electronics in the balls while maintaining tracking capability through visual detection and computational analysis of ball positions in video frames.
2Measurement precision
If RFID tags or microchips are embedded in golf balls for tracking, then ball identification accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and ball complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates optical copies and digital representations of golf balls through image capture. Each ball is identified and tracked through its visual appearance in camera frames rather than through embedded electronic identifiers. This approach maintains ball identification accuracy while keeping the balls themselves simple and unchanged from traditional golf ball construction.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors and triangulation towers are deployed for ball tracking, then tracking reliability is improved, but installation cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera system universal and multi-functional. A single camera or camera array serves multiple purposes: tracking ball position, identifying ball color, determining ball velocity, and providing gameplay visualization. This eliminates the need for separate specialized sensors and triangulation towers, achieving reliable tracking while reducing installation complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing camera infrastructure and automatically processes images to extract all necessary tracking information. The image processing algorithms self-service by automatically detecting ball positions, calculating trajectories, and generating scoring data without requiring additional manual intervention or complex coordinated sensor arrays.
4Adaptability or versatility
If real-time electronic scoring and remote multiplayer capabilities are implemented, then gameplay engagement and accessibility are improved, but system cost and technical requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera and image processing system as an intermediary between the physical golf game and the digital scoring/remote play infrastructure. The camera captures physical ball movements and converts them into digital data that can be transmitted and processed for remote multiplayer functionality. This intermediary approach enables remote play capabilities without requiring complex modifications to the physical game environment or expensive specialized hardware.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables affordable, fun, and efficient golf scoring and gameplay for everyday golfers, allowing self-competition, remote play, and community engagement through a smartphone app, with real-time scoring and leaderboard updates.
Implementation Method 1
The ball tracking is performed using a camera and machine learning (ML) algorithm using model inference
Data Source
AI summary
A ball tracking and scoring system and also enables a game implementation system using this system.