Golf Club Fitting System Using Camera-Based Swing Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf club fitting processes, particularly for metalwoods, are challenging to conduct indoors and require assistance, limiting the ability to effectively match golfers with appropriate club features such as shaft weight, length, and loft.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a camera and computing device to capture and analyze ball shot data for putters and golf clubs, simulating ball flight, and generating fitting recommendations based on performance benefit values calculated from the data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a typical golfer requires assistance to make club selection, then the fitting process can be conducted outdoors with professional help, but the process becomes complex and requires assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables golfers to perform their own club fitting by capturing their swing data automatically and generating personalized club recommendations without requiring professional assistance. The golfer simply swings the clubs while the camera system records and analyzes the data independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of professional club fitting with an automated optical measurement system. Instead of relying on human experts to observe and assess swings, the system uses cameras and computer vision algorithms to automatically capture swing metrics and generate fitting recommendations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If metalwood fitting is conducted outdoors, then sufficient space is available for swinging, but the process cannot be conducted indoors in a golf equipment store
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions the fitting process from an outdoor three-dimensional space to an indoor environment by using virtual reality technology. The VR system creates a simulated golf course environment that provides the necessary spatial context for accurate swing analysis within an indoor setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual reality environment as an intermediary between the golfer and the physical club fitting process. This virtual intermediary allows indoor fittings by simulating outdoor conditions, enabling the camera system to capture swing data in a controlled indoor environment while maintaining the accuracy needed for proper club selection.
3Measurement precision
If multiple clubs are tested for fitting, then accurate recommendations can be generated, but the time required for the fitting process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis by automatically capturing and processing swing data for multiple clubs in sequence during a single fitting session. The camera system and computer algorithms prepare and compare the data from each club swing, enabling rapid generation of recommendations without requiring separate analysis sessions for each club.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous data capture and analysis throughout the fitting process. As the golfer swings through multiple clubs, the system continuously records swing metrics and immediately processes the data, eliminating idle time between swings and enabling efficient comparison across multiple clubs to generate accurate recommendations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating a putter fitting recommendation includes a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including: receiving ball shot data for each of at least one putt, the ball shot data including path angle data and at least one of ball speed data or path length data, generating, based on the ball shot data, at least one simulated ball shot data, the simulated ball shot data including simulated path angle data and at least one of simulated ball speed data or simulated path length data; plotting at least one simulated putt onto a virtual hole respectively based on the at least one simulated ball shot data; determining, for each of the at least one simulated putt, simulated shot-made data; and generating, based on the simulated putt and simulated shot-made data, a putter fitting recommendation.