Golf Club Motion Tracking via Integrated Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an effective system to measure the motion of a golf club's shaft during a golfer's swing, impacting the accuracy of ball flight prediction.
Innovation Solution
A GPS-enabled device with a microprocessor, multi-axis accelerometer, and radiofrequency component is attached to golf clubs, capturing and transmitting data on club head movement and impact, allowing for precise tracking of shots and ball flight analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a GPS-enabled device with microprocessor, accelerometer, and radiofrequency component is attached to golf clubs, then measurement precision of club motion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (GPS receiver, microprocessor, multi-axis accelerometer, radiofrequency transmitter, and battery) into a single integrated tracking device that attaches to the golf club. This merging approach enables comprehensive motion measurement while consolidating complexity into one unified unit rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks position via GPS, measures acceleration and swing dynamics via accelerometer, processes data via microprocessor, and transmits information via radiofrequency. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving comprehensive measurement precision through a single versatile device rather than multiple specialized instruments.
2Measurement precision
If the device operates continuously to capture all swing data, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic sampling of swing data rather than continuous monitoring. The multi-axis accelerometer captures motion data at specific intervals during the swing arc, and the radiofrequency transmitter sends buffered data packets periodically. This periodic operation maintains measurement precision for critical swing parameters while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device buffers measurement data in memory during the swing and only transmits when triggered by specific events (e.g., club impact detected by accelerometer thresholds). This preliminary data collection followed by selective transmission ensures no swing data is lost while minimizing energy-intensive transmission operations to only when necessary.
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 accurate tracking of golf shots, recording locations, club impacts, and calculating distances, providing detailed insights into a golfer's swing and ball flight without relying on visible light, with power-efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The device further comprises a multi-axis accelerometer for determining movement, monitoring movement and communication movement
Implementation Method 2
The radiofrequency component is in electrical communication with the microprocessor and operates at 2.4 giga-Hertz. The radiofrequency component is operable during a transmission mode, transmitting a signal from the radiofrequency component during the transmission mode wherein the signal comprises data related to the movement monitored by the multi-axis accelerometer
Implementation Method 3
determining a first location of a GPS device for a golfer on a golf course
Data Source
AI summary
A method for tracking a golfer's round of golf, wherein the method comprises determining a first location of a GPS device, receiving a signal from a first golf club, recording the first location, determining a second location of the GPS, receiving a signal from a second golf club, determining the distance from the first location and the second location and recording the distance as a distance for a first shot of the golfer.