Wearable Slope Detection System for Golf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the slope of a putting green in golf are inconvenient, inaccurate, and can cause discomfort, especially for golfers with limited mobility, lacking a portable and accurate slope detection system.
Innovation Solution
A wearable slope detection system equipped with a sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and short-range communication module, attached via a clip to the user's midsection, which calculates slope using X, Y, and Z positioning data and displays it in degrees or percentage, with user-adjustable sensitivity and direction indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional slope estimation methods (squatting, using putter shaft, walking the path) are used, then golfers can attempt to determine slope, but the methods are inaccurate and cause discomfort especially for players with limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical slope estimation methods (squatting, visual alignment with putter shaft, physical walking) with an electronic sensor-based system. Accelerometers and gyroscopes detect gravitational force vectors and calculate slope angles digitally, eliminating the need for physical body positioning or visual estimation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system automatically detects and calculates slope information without requiring user action beyond wearing the device. The system self-calibrates and continuously provides slope data, eliminating the need for users to perform manual estimation tasks or adjust their posture for measurement.
2Productivity
If traditional slope estimation methods are used, then golfers can attempt to determine slope, but these methods are inconvenient and slow the pace of the game
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system provides continuous real-time slope measurement as the golfer moves, eliminating the need to stop and perform manual estimation routines between shots. The device continuously tracks slope changes, allowing golfers to maintain game flow and rhythm without interruption for slope assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual estimation procedures with instant digital calculation. The sensor system processes gravitational data and computes slope angles automatically, providing immediate results without the time required for squatting, visual alignment, or path walking methods.
3Measurement precision
If a wearable sensor system is implemented, then accurate and portable slope detection is achieved, but device complexity increases compared to manual methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensor functions (acceleration detection, gravitational measurement, slope calculation, and data transmission) into a single wearable device. The same sensor platform that detects motion and position also measures gravitational vector changes for slope determination, eliminating the need for separate dedicated slope measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a portable computing device (smartphone or tablet) as an intermediary between the sensor and the golfer. The sensor communicates slope data wirelessly to the computing device, which handles the complex calculation algorithms and presents the information in an easy-to-understand format, simplifying the user interface while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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
Provides an accurate, portable, and user-friendly method for detecting slope, enhancing the golfing experience by reducing discomfort and improving accuracy, allowing golfers to focus on their game without the need for cumbersome estimation techniques.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer structured to detect X, Y and Z sensor positioning data
Implementation Method 2
a gyroscope structured to detect X, Y and Z sensor positioning data
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are related to a slope detection system including a sensor with a user midsection clip, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a short-range communication module, and a portable computing device with display and processor. The processor may include a calibration engine, a slope detection engine, a sensitivity gauge, a conversion engine, and a slope direction calculator.The calibration engine may be structured to initialize sensor data based on sensor midsection positioning relative to level ground and user movement. The slope detection engine may be structured to calculate slope relative to sensor calibration. The sensitivity gauge may be structured as a user adjustable offset of slope calculation. The conversion engine may be a user adjustable control made to calculate displayed slope in degrees or percentage. Lastly, the slope direction calculator may be structured to determine a left or right slope for display.