Indoor Golf Club Fitting Using Camera-Based Ball Flight Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf club fitting technologies are limited to outdoor settings and lack a way to conduct metalwood fitting in an indoor setting such as a golf equipment store.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating a fitting recommendation for a golf club using a camera and a computing device to capture ball shot data and generate a fitting recommendation for a golf club.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If golf club fitting is conducted outdoors using traditional methods, then fitting can be performed in natural playing conditions, but it cannot be conducted in indoor settings such as golf equipment stores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the outdoor golf playing environment through computer simulation. The system captures real ball flight data using cameras and sensors, then replicates these conditions in a virtual environment that can be displayed on screens. This allows indoor fitting centers to reproduce outdoor playing conditions without physically being outdoors, thereby achieving location flexibility while maintaining realistic fitting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional outdoor mechanical fitting processes with an indoor system that uses optical sensors, cameras, and computer simulations. Instead of requiring physical outdoor ranges and manual observation, the system uses electronic data capture and processing to analyze ball flights and provide fitting recommendations, substituting mechanical outdoor operations with electronic indoor operations.
2Measurement precision
If traditional outdoor fitting processes are used, then simple equipment can be utilized, but accurate performance measurement and simulation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where ball flight data is captured by cameras and sensors, processed through simulation algorithms, and used to generate real-time fitting recommendations. The system measures actual ball flights, compares them against simulated scenarios with different club specifications, and provides feedback to both the fitter and golfer about optimal equipment choices. This multi-stage feedback process ensures high measurement precision through iterative data validation and simulation comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal fitting system that can measure and analyze multiple types of golf shots and club types using the same core technology platform. The system is designed to handle drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, and irons with a single integrated measurement and simulation system, achieving high measurement precision across diverse golf equipment categories without requiring separate specialized systems for each club type.
Data Source
AI summary
A launch monitor and method for monitoring putting properties using cameras oriented at different locations and a reference target line; the launch monitor having a computing device for determining various properties of the putting event.