Mobile Camera Golf Ball Selection via Calibration and Head Speed Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the speed or trajectory of a moving ball using a mobile computer device with a camera do not provide users with actionable information beyond numerical values, failing to assist golfers in selecting appropriate golf balls based on their hitting skills and performance data.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer program product that uses a mobile device with a camera to input hitting skill information, calibrate distance and direction, shoot a moving image of a golf ball hit, determine head speed, and compute suitable golf ball performance recommendations based on a database correlating hitting skills, head speeds, and golf ball data, displaying relevant metrics like initial velocity, launch angle, and carry distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobile device camera is used to capture ball motion, then measurement portability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calibration process using known reference objects (golf ball, tee, distance markers) to bridge the gap between mobile camera measurements and actual physical dimensions. This calibration creates a transformation matrix that converts pixel measurements into real-world units, enabling accurate speed and trajectory calculations from portable camera footage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems (launch monitors, radar guns) with a mobile camera-based optical system. By using computer vision algorithms to track ball position across frames and calculate velocity vectors, the system achieves professional-grade measurements without requiring expensive mechanical equipment.
2Device complexity
If only numerical values (speed, trajectory) are provided, then data processing simplicity is improved, but information usefulness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by comparing the user's measured swing characteristics (head speed, launch angle, carry distance) against a database of professional player profiles and ball performance data. The system then recommends specific golf ball models that match the user's performance profile, transforming raw numbers into actionable purchasing guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms basic measurement parameters (speed, angle, distance) into derived performance metrics that directly inform ball selection. By analyzing combinations of parameters like head speed ranges, launch angle preferences, and carry distance targets, the system identifies optimal ball characteristics (compression, spin rate, dimple pattern) for each user.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided is a method and computer program product for selecting an appropriate golf ball for a subject by using a mobile computer device with a camera. The method includes: inputting information concerning hitting skill of the subject to the mobile computer device; performing a calibration of a distance and/or direction between two points in a screen of the mobile computer for shooting a moving image; shooting a moving image by the camera of the mobile computer device when the subject hits a golf ball by a golf club; determining a head speed of the golf club before an impact of the club and the ball from the shot moving image based on the calibration; computing a golf ball product having a suitable performance for the subject from the input information concerning hitting skill and the determined head speed, based on a database comprising data of information concerning hitting skills of players, data of head speeds before impact of club and ball, and data of performances of golf ball products which are correlated with each other; and displaying the computed recommended golf ball product on the mobile computer device.