Spherical Sensor Measurement of Golf Green Firmness and Trueness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring golf course properties like firmness, smoothness, trueness, and green speed require large numbers of people and equipment, making it difficult to maintain consistent conditions for golfers.
Innovation Solution
A spherical sensor with an accelerometer and gyroscope, housed in a cylindrical body and cap, measures these properties wirelessly by dropping and rolling on the surface, transmitting data to a computing device for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods are used, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but large numbers of people and equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, barometer, temperature sensor, humidity sensor) into a single spherical sensor unit. This consolidation allows the device to measure multiple golf course properties simultaneously, achieving comprehensive measurement accuracy while reducing the number of separate equipment pieces needed from multiple specialized devices to one integrated unit
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical sensor is designed as a universal measurement device that can assess multiple golf course properties including firmness, smoothness, trueness, and green speed through a single apparatus. The device performs diverse measurement functions using different sensors within the same unit, eliminating the need for multiple specialized measurement tools and reducing both equipment quantity and personnel requirements
2Productivity
If conventional measurement methods are used, then comprehensive property measurement is possible, but extensive personnel and equipment are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical sensor is designed to be self-contained with onboard processing capabilities, wireless communication modules, and autonomous operation. The device can independently collect data, process measurements, and transmit results without requiring extensive operator intervention or complex supporting equipment, thereby improving measurement efficiency while reducing personnel requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems with electronic and wireless technologies. The spherical sensor uses electronic sensors, microprocessors, and wireless communication to substitute for manual mechanical measurement methods, eliminating the need for extensive personnel and complex mechanical equipment while improving measurement speed and efficiency
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, efficient measurement of golf course properties with a portable apparatus, reducing the need for extensive personnel and equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a spherical sensor comprising an accelerometer for measuring motion data relating to motion of the spherical sensor
Implementation Method 2
The measurement apparatus further includes a gyroscope for determining an orientation of the spherical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring physical properties, e.g., firmness, smoothness, trueness, green speed, of a playing surface on a golf course, includes performing measurements via a measurement apparatus. The measurement apparatus includes a spherical sensor, which in turn includes an accelerometer for measuring motion data relating to motion of the spherical sensor, a memory for storing the motion data, and a communication module for wirelessly transmitting the motion data to a computing device.