U.S. patent application number 12/722963 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-15 for golf ball with piezoelectric material.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKE, INC.. Invention is credited to Arthur Molinari.
Application Number | 20110224007 12/722963 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44201915 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110224007 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Molinari; Arthur |
September 15, 2011 |
Golf Ball With Piezoelectric Material
Abstract
A golf ball with a piezoelectric material portion allows golf
ball data to be obtained when a golfer hits the golf ball with a
golf club. An output from the piezoelectric material generated in
response to the impact force of the golf club hitting the golf ball
is measured. Based on the measured output, golf ball data can be
obtained. The obtained golf ball data may be used by golf club
fitting systems, golf ball fitting systems, and golfer profile
databases.
Inventors: |
Molinari; Arthur;
(Beaverton, OR) |
Assignee: |
NIKE, INC.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
44201915 |
Appl. No.: |
12/722963 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/199 ;
473/200; 473/351; 473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 37/0003 20130101;
A63B 37/0076 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 37/0039
20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 2220/833 20130101; A63B
37/0055 20130101; A63B 2220/58 20130101; A63B 37/0075 20130101;
A63B 2220/53 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/199 ;
473/351; 473/200; 473/409 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36; A63B 43/00 20060101 A63B043/00 |
Claims
1. A golf ball comprising: a cover; a core; and a piezoelectric
material layer.
2. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric
material layer comprises polyvinylidene fluoride material.
3. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric
material layer is disposed proximate an underside of the cover.
4. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the golf ball
further comprises an internal sensor for detecting an output
generated by the piezoelectric material layer.
5. The golf ball according to claim 4, wherein the internal sensor
includes a transmitter and an antenna.
6. The golf ball according to claim 5, wherein the internal sensor
further includes a data storage device.
7. The golf ball according to claim 4, wherein the internal sensor
is disposed inside the core, the piezoelectric material layer is
disposed between the core and the cover, and a lead connects the
internal sensor to the piezoelectric material layer.
8. A system for obtaining hit golf ball data, comprising: a golf
ball with a piezoelectric material portion; a sensor for measuring
an output associated with the piezoelectric material portion; and a
detector in communication with the sensor for receiving the output
measured by the sensor, wherein the detector uses the output to
obtain hit golf ball data.
9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the sensor is an
internal sensor disposed within the golf ball.
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the internal sensor
further includes a transmitter and an antenna.
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the detector is a
receiver including an antenna that receives a signal transmitted by
the transmitter within the golf ball.
12. The system according to claim 8, wherein the golf ball
comprises: a cover; a core; and wherein the piezoelectric material
portion comprises a layer disposed between the core and the
cover.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the piezoelectric
material layer comprises polyvinylidene fluoride material.
14. The system according to claim 8, wherein the detector sends the
hit golf ball data to at least a golf ball fitting system, a golf
club fitting system, or a golfer profile database.
15. A method of obtaining hit golf ball data, comprising: providing
a golf ball with a piezoelectric material portion; measuring an
output associated with the piezoelectric material portion when the
golf ball is hit by a golf club; correlating the measured output
associated with the piezoelectric material portion to known golf
ball data to obtain hit golf ball data; and recording the hit golf
ball data.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein measuring the output
associated with the piezoelectric material portion when the golf
ball is hit by a golf club comprises: sensing the output associated
with the piezoelectric material portion from within the golf ball;
and transmitting the sensed output from a transmitter within the
golf ball to a receiver outside the golf ball.
17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the piezoelectric
material portion comprises a layer disposed between a cover and a
core of the golf ball.
18. The method according to claim 15, wherein providing the golf
ball with the piezoelectric material portion comprises injecting a
layer of piezoelectric material into the golf ball.
19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the piezoelectric
material portion comprises polyvinylidene fluoride material.
20. The method according to claim 15, further comprising outputting
the recorded hit golf ball data to at least a golf ball fitting
system, a golf club fitting system, or a golfer profile database.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to a golf ball containing
piezoelectric material, and in particular to a system and method of
obtaining golf ball data associated with hitting a golf ball
containing piezoelectric material.
[0002] Increased awareness and proliferation of golf equipment
designed for particular levels of play has led to advances in
matching a golfer with an appropriate golf club. Similarly, with
advances in golf ball design, there has been increased interest in
matching a golfer with an appropriate golf ball.
[0003] Golf club fitting has become well known and a routine
service of golf pro shops. Typically, a combination of information
about a golfer's physical characteristics, such as height, arm
length, gender, and age, and a golfer's swing characteristics, such
as club head speed and angle of attack, are used to determine an
appropriate club for a golfer.
[0004] Golf ball fitting is a newer process and generally uses a
combination of subjective data gathered from a golfer questionnaire
and objective swing characteristics, such as measurements of club
head speed, ball speed, launch angle, angle of attack, backspin,
side spin, and total distance.
[0005] In addition, golfers have an interest in tracking data
associated with their golf swing and general golf play to
accumulate historical data or to develop a golfer profile.
[0006] Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a method and
system for obtaining golf ball data associated with hitting a golf
ball. Specifically, a method and system that will allow a golfer to
conveniently and easily obtain golf ball data associated with a
golfer's swing that is useful for golf club fitting systems, golf
ball fitting systems, and golfer profile databases.
SUMMARY
[0007] In one aspect, the invention provides a golf ball
comprising: a cover, a core, and a piezoelectric material portion,
wherein the piezoelectric material portion is disposed between the
cover and the core.
[0008] In another aspect, the invention provides a system for
obtaining golf ball data, comprising: a golf ball with a
piezoelectric material portion, a sensor for measuring an output
associated with the piezoelectric material portion, and a detector
in communication with the sensor for receiving the output measured
by the sensor, wherein the detector uses the output to obtain golf
ball data.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of
obtaining hit golf ball data, comprising: providing a golf ball
with a piezoelectric material portion, measuring an output
associated with the piezoelectric material portion when the golf
ball is hit by a golf club, correlating the measured output
associated with the piezoelectric material portion to known golf
ball data to obtain hit golf ball data associated with the golf
ball being hit by the golf club; and recording the hit golf ball
data.
[0010] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and
detailed description. It is intended that all such additional
systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this
description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention,
and be protected by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the
figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a golfer at a test stand with
a golf ball and golf club;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a close up of a golf ball at
a test stand in proximity to a detector/receiver;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of different exemplary
embodiments of golf balls with piezoelectric material;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a
golf ball with a piezoelectric material layer provided with an
internal transmitter and memory storage;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a golf ball with
piezoelectric material about to be hit by a golf club;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a golf ball with
piezoelectric material hit by a golf club;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a golf ball with
piezoelectric material under deformation;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a golf ball with
piezoelectric material after deformation;
[0020] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a golf ball with
piezoelectric material transmitting a signal from an internal
transmitter;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment
of signal transmission from a golf ball with piezoelectric material
to a receiver;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment
of signal detection from a golf ball with piezoelectric material by
a detector;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment
of signal transmission from a golf ball with piezoelectric material
to a receiver;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment
of signal transmission from a golf ball with piezoelectric material
to a receiver;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of
generating an output in a piezoelectric material portion of a golf
ball;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a
method of obtaining data from an internal sensor in a golf
ball;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a
method of obtaining data by sensing an output from the
piezoelectric material in a golf ball; and
[0028] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of different embodiments for
using golf ball data.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] An exemplary embodiment of a system for obtaining golf ball
data associated with hitting a golf ball containing piezoelectric
material is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 1, a test stand 100
including a receiver 106 can be provided for a golfer 102 to hit a
golf ball 104 with a golf club 108. Test stand 100 can obtain golf
ball data associated with the golf ball 104 when hit by the golfer
102 using receiver 106.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 2, test stand 100 is shown including golf
ball 104 and golf club 108 disposed in proximity to receiver 106.
Golf ball 104 contains a piezoelectric material, described more
fully below, that upon impact with club face 200 of golf club 108,
compresses to produce a measurable output. Receiver 106 can include
an antenna 202 for receiving a signal associated with the
measurable output. Based on the signal associated with the
measureable output, the system can obtain golf ball data associated
with hitting the golf ball.
[0031] Piezoelectric materials are a group of materials that
generate an electric potential difference upon application of a
mechanical force. In response to an applied force, a voltage is
generated in the piezoelectric material that is proportional to the
applied force. Similarly, the reverse effect is possible, where an
applied voltage will generate a compressive force on the
piezoelectric material. One very well known piezoelectric material
is quartz, which is typically used in watches. Many other natural
and synthetic materials are piezoelectric, including various
crystals, ceramics, and polymers.
[0032] In one embodiment, the piezoelectric material is a
piezoelectric polymer. In some cases, the piezoelectric polymer may
include, but is not limited to: polyvinyl fluoride (PVF),
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polytetra-fluorodethylene-polyvinylidene fluoride (PTFE-PVF2) and
other polymers, copolymers, and ceramic polymer mixtures.
[0033] Generally, golf balls can be made in various configurations
and can be composed of a variety of materials. Golf balls
configurations may include, but are not limited to two piece, three
piece, or four piece configurations. Each configuration includes a
cover. In some cases, the cover material may include, but is not
limited to urethane, balata, synthetic balata, Surlyn.RTM.,
elastomer, and other materials. The inner composition of a golf
ball may include a core, a mantle, and additional core or mantle
layers, depending on whether the golf ball is a two piece, three
piece, or four piece configuration. The inner composition of a golf
ball may include a variety of materials including, but not limited
to: natural rubber, balata, synthetic rubber, plastics,
thermoplastics, polymers, elastomers, resins, and other materials
and combinations of materials.
[0034] In one exemplary embodiment, the piezoelectric material
portion may be injected into the golf ball. In some embodiments,
the piezoelectric material portion may be a layer of the golf ball.
In other embodiments, the piezoelectric material portion may be a
film. In still other embodiments, the piezoelectric material
portion may be solid material incorporated into the golf ball.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates different exemplary embodiments of a
piezoelectric material portion disposed within a golf ball. In a
first exemplary embodiment, a golf ball 300 may comprise a cover
302, a piezoelectric material portion 304, and a core 306. As shown
in FIG. 3, piezoelectric material portion 304 may be disposed
between cover 302 and core 306. In this embodiment, piezoelectric
material portion 304 is disposed on the underside of cover 302. In
some cases, piezoelectric material portion 304 may be disposed
between or among any combination of the core, mantle, and
additional core or mantle layers. In other cases, piezoelectric
material portion 304 may comprise a layer of golf ball 300,
including one or more of the core, mantle, and additional core or
mantle layers. In other embodiments, piezoelectric material portion
304 may be disposed on the outside of cover 302. In still other
embodiments, cover 302 of golf ball 300 may be composed of the
piezoelectric material.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, in a second exemplary embodiment, a
golf ball 320 may comprise a cover 322, a piezoelectric material
portion 324, a core 326, an internal sensor 328, and a connecting
lead 330. In this embodiment, internal sensor 328 may detect and
measure the output from piezoelectric material portion 324 via
connecting lead 330. In other embodiments, internal sensor 328 may
not include a connecting lead to measure the output from
piezoelectric material portion 324. In some cases, one or more of
the core, mantle, and additional core or mantle layers of the golf
ball may include conductive materials. In other cases, cover 322 of
golf ball 320 may include conductive material.
[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of a golf
ball 340 including a cover 342, a piezoelectric material portion
344, a mantle 346, an internal sensor 348, a connecting lead 350,
and a core 352. In this embodiment, internal sensor 348 may detect
and measure the output from piezoelectric material portion 324 via
connecting lead 350 passing through core 352 and mantle 346.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, in a fourth exemplary embodiment, a
golf ball 360 may include a cover 362, a piezoelectric material
portion 364, a core 366, an internal sensor 368, and a connecting
lead 370. In this embodiment, internal sensor 368 is disposed in
close proximity to piezoelectric material portion 364 along one
section of golf ball 360. In other embodiments, internal sensor 368
may be disposed in golf ball 360 in a different relation to the
piezoelectric material portion 364. In some cases, piezoelectric
material portion 364 may be included in one section of golf ball
360. In some cases, indicia (not shown) on cover 362 of golf ball
360 may indicate the location of the section of golf ball 360
containing piezoelectric material portion 364.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a fifth exemplary embodiment of a golf
ball 380 including a cover 382, a piezoelectric material portion
384, a mantle 386, an internal sensor 388, and a core 390. In this
embodiment, internal sensor 388 is in contact with piezoelectric
material portion 384. In some embodiments, indicia (not shown) on
cover 382 of golf ball 380 may indicate the location of internal
sensor 388 within golf ball 380.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an internal
sensor within golf ball 320. As shown in FIG. 4, golf ball 320 may
include an internal sensor 328. In this embodiment, internal sensor
328 includes an antenna 400, a transmitter 402, and a data storage
device 404. Internal sensor 328 may receive an output from
piezoelectric material portion 324 via connecting lead 330 when
golf ball 320 is hit by a golf club. In some cases, the output from
piezoelectric material portion 324 may be a voltage. In other
cases, the output from piezoelectric material portion 324 may be a
current. In some embodiments, internal sensor 328 may include a
processor or circuitry for measuring the output from piezoelectric
material portion 324. A processor or circuitry for measuring
voltage or current may be of any kind known in the art.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 4, in this embodiment, transmitter 402 may
transmit the measured output from the piezoelectric material
portion 324 to a receiver (not shown) via antenna 400. In one
embodiment, data storage device 404 may record the measured output
from piezoelectric material portion 324. In some embodiments, data
storage device 404 may contain correlation information to correlate
a measured output from piezoelectric material portion 324 to hit
golf ball data. In other embodiments, data storage device 404 may
permit internal sensor 328 to record multiple outputs from
piezoelectric material portion 324 associated with more than one
instance of golf ball 320 being hit.
[0042] FIGS. 5-9 illustrate a series of views of an exemplary
embodiment of a golf ball with a piezoelectric material portion
being hit by a golf club 108. Referring to FIG. 5, golf ball 320
with piezoelectric material portion 324 and internal sensor 328 is
shown in proximity to a receiver 106. A golfer (not shown) swings
golf club 108 towards golf ball 320. In FIG. 6, a club face 200 of
golf club 108 makes contact with golf ball 320. As club face 200
makes contact with golf ball 320, kinetic energy is transferred
from club face 200 to golf ball 320. Referring to FIG. 7, the
kinetic energy transferred to golf ball 320 causes golf ball 320 to
undergo a deformation. The deformation compresses piezoelectric
material portion 324.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 8, the deformation of golf ball 320 and
the compression of piezoelectric material portion 324 generates an
electric charge in piezoelectric material portion 324. The output
of piezoelectric material portion 324 may be sensed by internal
sensor 328 contained inside golf ball 320. In some cases, the
electric charge from piezoelectric material portion 324 sensed by
internal sensor 328 may provide power to energize internal sensor
328. Referring to FIG. 8, in this embodiment, internal sensor 328
can measure the electric charge and correlate the measured charge
to hit golf ball data. Hit golf ball data can include, but is not
limited to: amount of deformation, angle of deformation, ball
speed, backspin, sidespin, total spin, and other parameters
associated with a golf ball.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 9, once internal sensor 328 has sensed the
electric charge from piezoelectric material portion 324, internal
sensor 328 can transmit the hit golf ball data to receiver 106. In
one embodiment, a transmission 900 can be a radio frequency signal
received by an antenna 202 of receiver 106. In other embodiments,
the transmission may include optical, acoustic and other forms of
communication with the receiver.
[0045] FIGS. 10-13 illustrate different exemplary embodiments of
golf balls with piezoelectric material portions communicating with
a receiver or detector. FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment
of golf ball 1000 including piezoelectric material portion 1004 and
internal sensor 1008. Internal sensor 1008 may transmit a signal
1010 associated with a sensed output from piezoelectric material
portion 1004 via a transmitter (not shown) using an outer surface
1006 of a golf ball cover material 1002 as an antenna. In some
cases, outer surface 1006 may include conductive paint. In one
embodiment, outer surface 1006 may include metallic paint. In other
cases, golf ball cover material 1002 may contain conductive
materials. Receiver 106 can include an antenna 202 for receiving
signal 1010 from golf ball 1000.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 11, an exemplary embodiment of golf ball
1100 includes a piezoelectric material portion 1104. Compression of
piezoelectric material portion 1104 when golf ball 1100 is hit by a
golf club generates an electric charge 1106 in piezoelectric
material portion 1104. Electric charge 1106 may be sensed by a
detector 1112 disposed in proximity to golf ball 1100. In this
embodiment, detector 1112 includes a magnetic field sensor 1110 for
sensing a magnetic field 1108 associated with electric charge 1106
from golf ball 1100 as it moves after being hit. In other
embodiments, detector 1112 may use other sensors for detecting an
output from piezoelectric material portion 1104.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 12, another exemplary embodiment of a golf
ball 1200 can include a piezoelectric material portion 1204 and an
internal sensor 1206. In this embodiment, internal sensor 1206 may
detect the output from piezoelectric material portion 1024 and
transmit a signal 1210 associated with the detected output via a
transmitter (not shown) using an internal antenna 1208. As shown in
FIG. 12, receiver 106 includes an antenna 202 for receiving signal
1210 from golf ball 1200.
[0048] In another exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, golf
ball 1300 includes a piezoelectric material portion 1304 and an
internal sensor 1306. In this embodiment, internal sensor 1306
includes an internal antenna 1308 and a data storage device 1310.
Data storage device 1310 may store data from internal sensor 1306
generated when golf ball 1300 is hit by a golf club. In one
embodiment, data storage device 1310 may be used to record data
associated with a golfer hitting golf ball 1300 multiple times. In
other embodiments, data storage device 1310 may be used to record
data associated with a golfer hitting a golf ball, such as golf
ball 1300, during play.
[0049] Golf ball 1300 can be placed in proximity to a golf ball
data recording unit 1314 to induce transmission of a signal 1316
from golf ball 1300 containing hit golf ball data stored in data
storage device 1310. In one embodiment, golf ball data recording
unit 1314 may generate a magnetic field to induce piezoelectric
material portion 1304 in golf ball 1300 to compress. The
compression generates an electric charge in piezoelectric material
portion 1304, which may be used to energize internal sensor 1306.
In this embodiment, internal sensor 1306 may transmit a signal 1316
containing the hit golf ball data stored in memory storage 1310 via
a transmitter (not shown) using internal antenna 1308. Golf ball
data recording unit 1314 can receive signal 1316 via antenna 1312.
In some embodiments, golf ball data recording unit 1314 may use
RFID technology to communicate with golf ball 1300. In other
embodiments, golf ball data recording unit 1314 may receive hit
golf ball data from golf ball 1300 using any electromagnetic,
optical, acoustic or other form of communication.
[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, golf ball data recording unit
1314 may include a processor. In various embodiments, golf ball
data recording unit 1314 may be provided in various hardware and
software configurations, including, but not limited to: a computer,
a smart phone or other portable device including a processor, a
terminal connected to a server over a network, and other hardware
or software configurations for processing data.
[0051] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method 1400
of generating an output in a piezoelectric material portion of a
golf ball when hit by a golf club by a golfer. The order of the
steps illustrated in FIG. 14 is exemplary and not required. In a
first step 1402, a golfer hits a golf ball containing a
piezoelectric material portion with a golf club. In a second step
1404, the golf ball deforms from the force of the impact with the
golf club. In a third step 1406, the deformation caused by the
force of the impact compresses the piezoelectric material portion
in the golf ball. In step 1408, the compression of the
piezoelectric material portion generates an electric charge that
energizes the piezoelectric material portion of the golf ball. In
step 1410, an output from the energized piezoelectric material
portion is measured. In some embodiments, the output may be a
voltage. In other embodiments, the output may be a current.
[0052] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method 1500
of obtaining data from an internal sensor in a golf ball containing
a piezoelectric material portion. The order of the steps
illustrated in FIG. 15 is exemplary and not required. At a first
step 1502, an internal sensor inside the golf ball detects an
output from a piezoelectric material portion of the golf ball. The
internal sensor may include circuitry to correlate the detected
output from the piezoelectric material portion to hit golf ball
data. In some cases, the circuitry could include a processor
accessing a database containing known correlations between a
measured output of a piezoelectric material and hit golf ball data.
In other cases, the circuitry may include a circuit that multiplies
the detected output from the piezoelectric material portion by a
specified amount to correlate the output to hit golf ball data.
Different circuitry may be provided that can correlate a detected
output from a piezoelectric material to hit golf ball data. Hit
golf ball data can include, but is not limited to: amount of
deformation, angle of deformation, ball speed, backspin, sidespin,
total spin, and other parameters associated with a golf ball.
[0053] In some embodiments, a correlation may be made between the
output from a piezoelectric material and hit golf ball data.
Because piezoelectric material generates an electric charge that is
in proportion to the amount of impact force applied to the
material, hit golf ball data can be correlated from knowledge of
the impact force and the golf ball properties. In some cases, this
correlation can be generated by using a golf swing robot to hit a
golf ball of a known construction multiple times and gather
measured data associated with the hit golf balls. Golf swing robots
are well-known in the art, and any type of robot capable of
consistently swinging a golf club according to a programmed set of
instructions may be used. In some embodiments, the result can
include a database containing known correlations between a measured
output of a piezoelectric material and hit golf ball data. In other
cases, a processor may be used to execute a program that can
correlate the measured output of a piezoelectric material to hit
golf ball data.
[0054] In one exemplary embodiment, the obtained hit golf ball data
includes a ball speed and a spin rate. Ball speed is the
measurement of the velocity of a golf ball after impact with a club
head of a golf club. Because the output of the piezoelectric
material is proportional to the force of the impact of the club
head with the golf ball, the ball speed can be determined based on
a measurement of the current detected in the piezoelectric
material. The spin of a golf ball is the rotation of a golf ball
while in flight. Spin includes rotation against the direction of
flight, i.e., backspin, and rotation sideways to the direction of
spin, i.e., side spin. Total spin is the vector addition of
backspin and side spin. The spin rate of a golf ball is the speed
that the golf ball rotates on its axis while in flight. Typically,
the spin rate is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). The spin
of a golf ball is related to an amount of deformation of the golf
ball. The amount of deformation of the golf ball can be determined
based on the magnitude of the output of the piezoelectric material
when compressed. Based on the amount of deformation, a spin rate
can be determined. Various hit golf ball data may be obtained,
including, but not limited to: amount of deformation, angle of
deformation, ball speed, spin rate, backspin, sidespin and other
parameters associated with a golf ball.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 15, at a second step 1504, the internal
sensor transmits the hit golf ball data via a transmitter according
to one or more embodiments discussed above. In some cases, the
internal sensor may be energized by the output from the
piezoelectric material portion. In other cases, the internal sensor
may include an energy storage device, such as a battery or
capacitor. At a third step 1506, the transmitted hit golf ball data
from the internal sensor may be received by a detector. Referring
to FIG. 15, once the hit golf ball data is received, the ball data
may be recorded by a golf ball recording unit. In some embodiments,
the recording unit may be included with the detector. In other
embodiments, the golf ball recording unit may be a separate unit in
communication with the detector. The detector may be any one or
more embodiments of a receiver or golf ball recording unit
described above. At step 1510, the recorded hit golf ball data may
be output to other systems, including those described below in
reference to FIG. 17 (discussed below). In some cases, the hit golf
ball data may be recorded for later output to other systems. In
other cases, the hit golf ball data may be immediately output to
other systems.
[0056] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method 1600
of obtaining data by sensing an output from the piezoelectric
material in a golf ball. The order of the steps illustrated in FIG.
16 is exemplary and not required. In a first step 1602, a detector
senses the output from the piezoelectric material portion of a golf
ball when hit by a golf club. As described above in reference to
FIG. 11, the detector may include a magnetic field sensor for
sensing a magnetic field associated with output from the
piezoelectric material portion of the golf ball as it moves after
being hit. At step 1604, the detector correlates the sensed output
from the piezoelectric material portion to hit golf ball data. The
detector may include circuitry as described above for performing
the correlation.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 16, once the hit golf ball data has been
correlated based on the sensed output from the piezoelectric
material portion, the hit golf ball data may be recorded by a golf
ball recording unit at step 1606. In some embodiments, the
recording unit may be included with the detector. In other
embodiments, the golf ball recording unit may be a separate unit in
communication with the detector. The detector may be any one or
more embodiments of a receiver or golf ball recording unit
described above. At step 1608, the recorded hit golf ball data may
be output to other systems, including those described below in
reference to FIG. 17. In some cases, the hit golf ball data may be
recorded for later output to other systems. In other cases, the hit
golf ball data may be immediately output to other systems.
[0058] FIG. 17 is a schematic view 1700 of different embodiments
for using hit golf ball data. Hit golf ball data 1702 may be
obtained using one or more of the embodiments described above. Hit
golf ball data 1702 may be sent to a computer 1704. In some
embodiments, computer 1704 may include, but is not limited to: a
desktop computer, a portable computer, a server, a smart phone or
other portable device including a processor, a terminal connected
to a server over a network, and other hardware or software
configurations for processing data.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 17, computer 1704 may allow the obtained
hit golf ball data to be used by different systems. In one
embodiment, hit golf ball data 1702 may be used in connection with
a golf ball fitting system 1708. Hit golf ball data obtained from a
golf ball with piezoelectric material according to the present
method and system may be used as a component in the system
disclosed in copending and commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. ______,
currently U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/498,364, entitled
"Method and System for Golf Ball Fitting Analysis", and filed on
Jul. 7, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 17, in one embodiment, hit golf ball data
1702 may be used in connection with a golf club fitting system
1710. Hit golf ball data obtained from a golf ball with
piezoelectric material according to the present method and system
may be used as a component in any golf club fitting system that
uses inputted data associated with a golf ball to determine a club
selection.
[0061] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, hit golf ball
data 1702 may be used in connection with a golfer profile database
1712. In some cases, golfer profile database 1712 may include
historical data associated with a golfer. In other cases, golfer
profile database 1712 may include hit golf ball data associated
with a golfer's swing. In some embodiments, golfer profile database
1712 may store a golfer's inputs and information. This would enable
a golfer to reevaluate after some time has lapsed to determine how
their game has changed over time. This would also enable a golfer
to prepare to play in a different location with different altitude
and climate by changing only those inputs to their stored data.
This would also enable portability of their information in case of
travel or relocation.
[0062] Hit golf ball data obtained from a golf ball with
piezoelectric material according to the present method and system
may be part of a broader athlete data storage, analysis, and
retrieval system in which vital statistics and game statistics are
stored for review or analysis by various programs, and to recommend
new equipment suited to an athlete's game. Such programs or data
could be run on computer 1704, including hand held devices
including a processor, such as smart phones or other personal
computing devices, with the possibility of sharing the data by
users who have given each other authorization to view the data. In
some cases, Internet 1706 may be used to transmit the hit golf ball
data 1702 to other computers or servers where the data may be
stored, analyzed, and shared.
[0063] In addition to the embodiments described above, a golf ball
with piezoelectric material may be used in other systems that make
use of the properties of the piezoelectric material. For example, a
system and method could apply a voltage to a golf ball with a
piezoelectric material to generate a compressive force on the golf
ball. In such a system and method, the compressive force could be
used to generate an additional push or bounce of the golf ball
against a club face of a golf club or could be used to harden the
cover of the golf ball before impact for spin reduction.
[0064] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than
limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible
that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached
claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and
changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.
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