Golf Shot Sensor System for Skill Level Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Golfers lack motivation and feedback during practice sessions at driving ranges due to the absence of a scoring system and long-term record-keeping, making sessions forgettable and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A skill level determination and management system that uses sensors to track golf shot data, compares the end location to a target location, and updates the golfer's skill level based on the shot's accuracy, allowing for real-time feedback and competitive elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional driving range practice session is conducted without a scoring system, then the setup is simple and requires no additional equipment, but the golfer lacks motivation and engagement, making the session forgettable and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of practice sessionVSAvoideffectiveness of practice session

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements immediate feedback by automatically sensing golf shot data, comparing end location to target location, grading each shot, and updating skill level in real-time. This continuous feedback loop provides golfers with quantitative performance metrics and motivation, transforming routine practice into an engaging scoring system that tracks improvement over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a scoring system as an intermediary between the golfer and the practice activity. This intermediary component quantifies performance through automated sensing and comparison, providing a structured framework that enhances engagement without fundamentally changing the core practice activity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a scoring system with automated sensing is implemented, then golfer engagement and motivation are enhanced through real-time feedback, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of practice sessionVSAvoidcomplexity of practice session system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically sensing shot data, determining start and end locations, comparing performance against targets, grading shots, and updating skill levels without requiring manual intervention. This automation reduces operational complexity despite the enhanced functionality, as the system manages its own data collection and analysis processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual scoring and tracking mechanisms with automated sensing technology. Instead of requiring golfers to manually record shots or use complex physical scoring systems, electronic sensors and processors automatically capture and analyze performance data, simplifying the user interface while enhancing functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If no long-term record of practise sessions is kept, then the system requires minimal data storage and processing, but golfers cannot track their improvement or quantitively determine how well they performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage requirementsVSAvoidloss of practise session records

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously sensing and storing shot data during each practice session. It proactively captures start location, end location, and shot grading information in real-time, building a comprehensive historical record that enables future performance analysis and skill level tracking without requiring post-session data entry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If manual scoring of golf shots is used, then the system is simple to implement, but it is time-consuming and reduces productivity during practice sessions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescoring system complexityVSAvoidtime spent on scoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous operation by automatically sensing and grading shots in real-time without interruption to the practice flow. The sensing component continuously tracks ball flight, the comparing component immediately evaluates performance against targets, and the skill level updates occur seamlessly, eliminating the time loss associated with manual scoring interruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12048863B2Skill level determination and management system and method

Publication Date: 2024.07.30 ALPHAWAVE GOLF PTY LTD

AI summary

There is provided a skill level determination and management system and method. The system includes a sensor for automatically sensing shot data of a golf shot hit by a golfer on a range area towards a target on the range area. A comparing component is provided for comparing an end location of the golf shot to a target location and grading the shot, taking into consideration at least a difference between the end location of the golf shot and the target location, and a skill level associated with the golfer. A skill level management component is provided for updating the skill level associated with the golfer based on the grade.