U.S. patent application number 15/161243 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-22 for roll quality of putting green.
The applicant listed for this patent is David T. Pelz. Invention is credited to David T. Pelz.
Application Number | 20160367861 15/161243 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57587296 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160367861 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pelz; David T. |
December 22, 2016 |
Roll Quality of Putting Green
Abstract
In some embodiments, a system may include a golf ball having at
least one accelerometer configured to generate signals proportional
to acceleration along three axes and a microprocessor coupled to
the accelerometer. The microprocessor may be configured to
correlate the signals to produce a roll data file for each roll
event of a plurality of roll events. The golf ball may also include
a memory configured to store the roll data file for each roll event
and a transceiver configured to communicate roll data associated
with at least some of the plurality of roll events to a computing
device. The system may further include the computing device
configured to receive the roll data from the golf ball and, in a
first mode, to process the roll data file to determine at least one
of an overall roll quality associated with a surface and a firmness
parameter associated with a surface.
Inventors: |
Pelz; David T.; (Spicewood
Springs, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pelz; David T. |
Spicewood Springs |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57587296 |
Appl. No.: |
15/161243 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12981656 |
Dec 30, 2010 |
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15161243 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 37/0003 20130101;
A63B 2220/803 20130101; A63B 2220/833 20130101; A63B 57/00
20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 71/06 20130101; A63B 2220/40
20130101; A63B 2102/32 20151001; A63B 2220/00 20130101; A63B
2225/50 20130101; A63B 37/008 20130101; A63B 43/00 20130101; A63B
71/02 20130101; A63B 69/3688 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 37/00 20060101
A63B037/00; A63B 71/02 20060101 A63B071/02; A63B 71/06 20060101
A63B071/06 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a golf ball including: at least one
accelerometer configured to generate signals proportional to
acceleration along three axes; a microprocessor coupled to the at
least one accelerometer, the microprocessor configured to correlate
the signals to produce a roll data file for each roll event of a
plurality of roll events; a memory configured to store the roll
data file for each roll event; and a transceiver configured to
communicate roll data associated with at least some of the
plurality of roll events to a computing device; and the computing
device configured to receive the roll data from the golf ball and,
in a first mode, to process the roll data file to determine at
least one of an overall roll quality associated with a surface and
a firmness parameter associated with a surface.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: the computing device
including: a transceiver configured to receive the roll data file
from the golf ball; and a processor coupled to the transceiver and
configured to determine the overall roll quality and the firmness
of the surface based on at least some of the plurality of roll
events.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein: the computing device further
includes a display interface coupled to the processor; and the
processor is configured to provide a graphical user interface to
the display interface, the graphical user interface including data
corresponding to at least one of the firmness parameter and the
overall roll quality.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the golf ball further comprises a
microelectromechanical magnetometer configured to determine the
direction of a roll of the golf ball.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the roll data includes
accelerometer measurement data corresponding to a first frequency
range and corresponding to a second frequency range that is higher
than the first frequency range.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the accelerometer measurement
data corresponding to the first frequency range corresponds to
rolling motion of the golf ball.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the computing device is
configured to determine one or more slopes along a roll path based
on the accelerometer measurement data corresponding to the first
frequency range.
8. The system of claim 5, wherein the computing device is
configured to determine at least one of a putter impact, a skid,
and a bounce of the golf ball based on the accelerometer
measurement data corresponding to the second frequency range.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: the computing device
including: a transceiver configured to receive the roll data file
from the golf ball; a display interface; and a processor coupled to
the transceiver and the display interface, the processor configured
to process the roll data to determine an irregularity in a putting
stroke and to communicate an alert to the display interface in
response to determining the irregularity, in a second mode.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to:
determine the putting stroke includes a turned club face at impact
based on side spin detected in the roll data; and determine the
putting stroke includes an non-pendulum type swing based on an
initial skid determined from the roll data.
11. A method comprising: receiving roll data from a golf ball
including accelerometer data measured along three axes at an
interface of a computing device; processing, using a processor of
the computing device, the roll data to determine, in a first mode,
at least one of a smoothness metric, a plane deviation metric, and
a firmness metric associated with a surface; and providing data
related to at least one of the smoothness metric, the plane
deviation metric, and the firmness metric from the processor to a
display of the computing device.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein, in a second mode, the method
further comprising: processing, using the processor of the
computing device, the roll data to determine a characteristic of a
putting stroke; and providing data related to the putting stroke
from the processor to the display.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the roll data include direction
data corresponding to a roll of a golf ball.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein processing the roll data
includes determining accelerometer data in a first frequency range
and a second frequency range that is higher than the first
frequency range.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein processing the roll data
includes determining rolling motion of the golf ball based on the
accelerometer measurement data corresponding to the first frequency
range.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein determining the rolling motion
includes detecting one or more slopes along a roll path based on
the accelerometer measurement data corresponding to the first
frequency range.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein processing the roll data
includes determining at least one of a putter impact, a skid, and a
bounce of the golf ball based on the accelerometer measurement data
corresponding to the second frequency range.
18. A computer readable storage device embodying software
comprising instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to:
in a first mode, process roll data from a golf ball to determine a
roll quality metric for a surface of a putting green; and provide
data corresponding to the roll quality metric to a display
device.
19. The computer readable storage device of claim 18, further
comprising instructions that, when executed, cause the processor
to: in a second mode, process the roll data from the golf ball to
determine a characteristic of a putting stroke; and provide data
related to the characteristic of the putting stroke to a
display.
20. The computer readable storage device of claim 19, further
comprising instructions that, when executed, cause the processor
to: determine the roll quality metric based on imperfections
identified from relatively high frequency signal components in
accelerometer data of the roll data and based on slopes and green
speed determined from relatively low frequency components of the
accelerometer data; and determine the characteristic of the putting
stroke based on relatively high frequency components of the
accelerometer data within a first portion of the roll data.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims
priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/981,656 filed on
Dec. 30, 2010, and entitled "System for Measuring the Roll Quality
of a Putting Green," which is a non-provisional application of and
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/291,686,
entitled "SYSTEM FOR MEASURING THE ROLL QUALITY OF A PUTTING
GREEN", filed Dec. 31, 2009, both of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to systems,
devices, and methods configured to measure a roll quality of a
putting green.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the area of golf course putting greens, green speeds
(ball roll distance from a known starting energy level) are
commonly measured using a variety of devices. These devices are
exclusively focused on the length (distance) a golf ball travels
over any surface. However, the ball roll distance, or green speed,
is only one measure of the surface.
SUMMARY
[0004] In some embodiments, a system may include a golf ball having
at least one accelerometer configured to generate signals
proportional to acceleration along three axes and a microprocessor
coupled to the accelerometer. The microprocessor may be configured
to correlate the signals to produce a roll data file for each roll
event of a plurality of roll events. The golf ball may also include
a memory configured to store the roll data file for each roll event
and a transceiver configured to communicate roll data associated
with at least some of the plurality of roll events to a computing
device. The system may further include the computing device
configured to receive the roll data from the golf ball and, in a
first mode, to process the roll data file to determine at least one
of an overall roll quality associated with a surface and a firmness
parameter associated with a surface.
[0005] In other embodiments, a method may include receiving roll
data from a golf ball including accelerometer data measured along
three axes at an interface of a computing device. The method may
further include processing, using a processor of the computing
device, the roll data to determine, in a first mode, at least one
of a smoothness metric, a plane deviation metric, and a firmness
metric associated with a surface. Further, the method may include
providing data related to at least one of the smoothness metric,
the plane deviation metric, and the firmness metric from the
processor to a display of the computing device.
[0006] In still other embodiments, a computer readable storage
device may embody software including instructions that, when
executed, cause a processor to process roll data from a golf ball
to determine a roll quality metric for a surface of a putting
green, in a first mode. The instructions may also cause the
processor to provide data corresponding to the roll quality metric
to a display device. In a second mode, the instructions may cause
the processor to process the roll data from the golf ball to
determine a characteristic of a putting stroke and provide data
related to the characteristic of the putting stroke to a
display.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of a system configured to determine
roll quality of a putting green, in accordance with certain
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2 depicts a golf ball shown in partial cross-section
and including circuitry configured to determine a roll quality of a
putting green, in accordance with certain embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a side view of a golf ball rolling from left to
right or right to left, in accordance with certain embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 4A is a rear view schematic of a golf ball rolling
directly away from a viewer, that is, rolling into the sheet, in
accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 4B is a top view of a initial roll path and an actual
roll path of the golf ball of FIG. 4A, in accordance with certain
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of a system including a golf
ball configured to communicate with a computing device, in
accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 6A depicts a representative example of a graph of
acceleration over time for a golf ball that is rolling along a
surface, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 6B illustrates a representative example of a graph of
acceleration over time for a golf ball that is rolling along a
surface, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 7A depicts a graph of raw accelerometer data for a
tri-axial accelerometer as the golf ball is rolled across a pool
table, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 7B depicts a graph of raw accelerometer data for a
tri-axial accelerometer as a golf ball is rolled across a green, in
accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 7C illustrates a graph of raw accelerometer data for a
tri-axial accelerometer as a golf ball is rolled across a fringe of
a green, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 7D depicts a graph of raw accelerometer data for a
tri-axial accelerometer as a golf ball is rolled across the rough,
in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a graph of velocity over time for a golf
ball rolled on a three-foot putt, in accordance with certain
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of determining
a roll quality of a green, in accordance with certain embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 10 depicts a flow diagram of a method of determining
putt characteristics, in accordance with certain embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0022] In the following discussion, the same reference numbers are
used in the various embodiments to indicate the same or similar
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0023] In the following detailed description of embodiments,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part
hereof, and which are shown by way of illustrations. It is to be
understood that features of various described embodiments may be
combined, other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes
may be made without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. It is also to be understood that features of the
various embodiments and examples herein can be combined, exchanged,
or removed without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0024] In accordance with various embodiments, the methods and
functions described herein may be implemented as one or more
software programs running on a computer processor or controller. In
accordance with various embodiments, the methods and functions
described herein may be implemented as one or more software
programs running on a computing device, such as a tablet computer,
smart phone, personal computer, server, or any other computing
device. Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not
limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable
logic arrays, and other hardware devices can likewise be
constructed to implement the methods and functions described
herein. Further, the methods described herein may be implemented as
a device, such as a computer readable storage device or memory
device, including instructions that when executed cause a processor
to perform the methods.
[0025] Additionally, in some embodiments, data processing functions
performed by circuitry within a golf ball may be implemented using
a general purpose processor, such as an 8-bit, 32-bit, or 64-bit
processor (for example). Alternatively, such data processing
functions may be performed using application specific integrated
circuits, programmable logic arrays, and other hardware devices can
likewise be constructed to implement the methods and functions
described herein.
[0026] Embodiments of systems are described below that may include
a golf ball having circuitry configured to measure acceleration
along three axes as a golf ball is rolled across a surface of a
putting green. In a first mode, the measurement data may be
processed to determine characteristics of the surface of the
putting green, including green speed, firmness, and overall roll
quality of a putting green. High frequency signal elements within
accelerometer signals may reflect imperfections in the surface that
may cause the golf ball to jump or bounce. Lower frequency elements
within the accelerometer signals may reveal slopes in the surface
of the putting green both in the horizontal plane and in the
vertical plane. If the ground in the direction of the roll is
perfectly flat, perfectly uphill, or perfectly downhill, then
hitting the ball into the hole may require putting the ball along a
straight line that points directly to the hole. The acceleration
measurements may reflect an initial acceleration due to the putt
followed by one or more deceleration measurements reflected by
changes in the frequency and amplitude of the accelerometer signal
along at least one axis. In some examples, slopes and imperfections
in the green surface can impact the trajectory of the roll, causing
the ball to deviate from the straight line. The circuitry embedded
within the golf ball can measure such deviations and associated
accelerations, store the measurement data, and transmit the
measurement data to a computing device for further processing.
[0027] In some embodiments, circuitry within a golf ball may
include one or more accelerometers configured to measure
acceleration along three axes (X, Y, and Z). The acceleration
measurements in each dimension may reflect imperfections and slopes
that may be correlated to determine a roll quality of a putting
green. In one example, the circuitry may measure deviation of a
center of a golf ball from an initial horizontal plane that extends
parallel to the surface of the putting green while the golf ball is
stationary (prior to the putt or roll). Since the slope of the
putting green surface may vary from instant to instant as the ball
rolls, the deviation of the golf ball from the initial horizontal
plane may be measured by changes in the acceleration in all three
dimensions. Further, the circuitry configured may be configured to
measure horizontal deviation from a plane extending through the
center of the golf ball and aligned with an initial trajectory of
the rolled ball. As the slope varies, the accelerometer
measurements reflect the changing slope in X, Y, and Z dimensions.
Further, abrupt changes in acceleration may reflect imperfections
in the surface of the green, such as foot prints, bumps, pock
marks, or other imperfections that can impact the roll of the ball,
such as by causing the ball to bounce or jump (sometimes deviating
from the initial trajectory in the X-Y plane). Additionally, the
golf ball may be configured to determine a firmness characteristic
of the surface by measuring bounce from an initial impact dropped
from a known height above the surface. In some instances, the
bounce may also be determined by a distance of travel between the
putter strike and a point when the ball may begin to roll, which
distance may be determined by double integrating the accelerometer
data along the axis of motion.
[0028] The golf ball may include a golf ball outer surface (formed,
for example, from a thermoplastic or ionomer resin) and a solid
rubber core, which may be partially removed to form an interior
cavity. An electronic system can be positioned within the interior
cavity. The electronic system may include one or more
accelerometers, a microprocessor, a communications system, and a
rechargeable battery. In response to movement of the ball, e.g., a
roll or putt of the golf ball on any surface, the circuitry may be
configured to measure the acceleration (or deceleration) of the
ball using the one or more accelerometers. The circuitry may store
the data in a memory and may process the data, to produce a roll
data file. The roll data file may be further processed to determine
a roll quality of the surface.
[0029] In certain embodiments, the golf ball circuitry may include
a communications system (such as a transceiver) configured to
communicate the roll data file to a computing device, such as a
portable computer, a smart phone, a tablet computer, another data
processing device, or any combination thereof. The communications
system may transfer the roll data file from the golf ball to the
computing device, which may be configured to analyze the roll data
file. In a first mode, the computing device may be configured to
determine a "speed" parameter (i.e., green speed), a firmness
parameter, and an overall roll quality parameter for the surface.
The computing device may be configured to display the speed, the
firmness, and the roll quality or to provide the data to another
device for display.
[0030] In a second mode, the computing device may process the roll
quality data to evaluate a particular putting stroke. By analyzing
accelerometer data for a given stroke, putting stroke flaws may be
detected. In an example, a golfer who turns the club face at impact
may impart a side spin to the putt, which may be reflected by
acceleration measurements along two axis reflecting acceleration in
two directions, one of which dominates the other when the ball
begins to roll. In another example, a golfer who snaps his or her
wrists during the putting stroke may cause the ball to skid, skip,
or bounce more than a desired putting stroke would before the ball
begins to roll. Such skids, skips, or bounces may be reflected in
the accelerometer data by acceleration without rotation (i.e.,
straight line acceleration as compared to sinusoidal acceleration
reflecting rotation) or by high frequency noise superimposed on the
sinusoidal signal reflecting bouncing after the initial impact of
the putter. Further analysis of the roll data file may reveal
additional swing imperfections.
[0031] Embodiments of a system are described below that may be
configured to determine surface parameters of a putting green in a
first mode and to determine imperfections in a putting stroke in a
second mode. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed
embodiments are illustrative only, and other embodiments and
combinations of embodiments can be determined in light of the
present disclosure. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for teaching
one skilled in the art how to make and use the systems, devices, or
methods.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a system 10 for measuring
the roll quality of a putting green 12 is disclosed, in accordance
with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 10
may include a golf ball 14 including circuitry configured to
measure acceleration of the golf ball in three dimensions
(represented by the X, Y, and Z axis 17) and to communicate the
measurement data to a computing device 16, such as a tablet
computer, a smart phone, another computing device, or any
combination thereof. In the illustrated example, the computing
device 16 is depicted as a special purpose data processing device.
The computing device 16 may be configured to execute a custom
computer software interface. Further, the computing device 16 may
be configured to determine both a green speed and a roll quality
for the putting green 12 based on the measured acceleration data.
The computing device 16 may communicate information corresponding
to the green speed and the roll quality to a display, to an audio
output, to another computing device, or any combination
thereof.
[0033] In some embodiments, the computing device 16 may be
configured to determine how smoothly a golf ball 14 travels over a
surface, such as the putting green, toward a cup 15, for example.
The acceleration data may indicate a plurality of changes in
acceleration in three dimensions (X, Y, and Z) as the golf ball 14
rolls, indicating changes in the slope as well as imperfections in
the surface of the putting green. The combination of the slopes and
the imperfections can be processed by a processor within the golf
ball 14 or by a processor within the computing device 16 to
determine a "roll quality" measurement of the surface of the
putting green 12.
[0034] Further, the system 10 can also determine a green speed
measurement for the putting green 12. In some embodiments, the golf
ball 14 can communicate the roll data file to the computing device
16 to determine the green speed measurement as well as the slope
and imperfection measurement data. The computing device 16 may be
configured to present the data to golf course officials, who
regularly seek this information. In certain embodiments, the system
10 can also provide feedback to a golfer, such as how solidly (with
regard to side spin and energy transfer) he or she has struck a
putt. The golfer can use the feedback as a learning aid when
practicing putting.
[0035] In a particular example, the impact of a putter with the
surface of the golf ball 14 may be detected as an abrupt change in
acceleration. In some embodiments, the accelerometers may generate
an electrical signal resembling a spike or impulse in response to
the golf ball 14 being struck by a putter. In some instances, the
golf ball 14 may roll beginning at the initial impact of the
putter, and the accelerometers may be configured to detect a
"rolling" profile, which may be characterized by variations in the
accelerometer measurements in the X, Y, and Z dimensions consistent
with rolling across a variable surface. In some instances, when the
golf ball 14 is struck by the putter, the golf ball 14 may skid for
a short distance before rolling, which may indicate poor putting
mechanics. The skid may be detected as acceleration in a particular
direction without the variations common to rolling (e.g., the
accelerometer signal variations caused by the changing rotational
orientation of the accelerometer within the golf ball 14).
[0036] Further, in some instances, a golfer may misalign the club
face or may turn his or her club face at impact such that the club
face is turned slightly relative to the putting stroke, which may
cause the golf ball 14 to spin briefly in a plane that is different
from a direction of the putt. The brief spin may cause the golf
ball 14 to roll off-line (i.e., away from intended direction of the
putt), almost like a curve ball or slider in baseball. In either
instance, the accelerometers within the golf ball 14 may measure
the "skid" and the "spin" independent from the desired roll. In a
particular example, the initially imparted spin may be quickly
subsumed by the roll of the golf ball 14, but the abrupt change in
the accelerometer signals may be detected and the swing error may
be inferred from the detected spin. In certain embodiments, the
computing device 16 may provide feedback in terms of analysis of
the putting stroke based on detecting the skid or the spin.
[0037] In certain embodiments, the golf ball 14 can be a solid core
two piece USGA (United States Golf Association) approved golf ball
of standard size and weight specifications, with at least one
cavity 20 milled to hold the components of the electronic system
22, including the one or more accelerometers 24, the microprocessor
26, the communications system 28, the memory 29, and the battery
30. The golf ball 14 may include a conventional golf ball outer
surface 18 (formed, for example, from a thermoplastic or ionomer
resin) and a solid rubber core, which may be partially removed to
form an interior cavity 20. The electronic system 22 can be
inserted and potted into the interior cavity 20, and the golf ball
14 can be reassembled, removing any seams caused through the
formation of the cavity 20. In an example, a golf ball 14 may be
cut in half, and a portion of the rubber core may be removed to
create the cavity. After insertion and potting of the electronic
system 22, the outer surfaces 18 of the two halves of the golf ball
14 may be reassembled and glued or welded (e.g., sonic weld) to
reform the golf ball 14. The resulting golf ball system 14 may have
the standard size and weight of a USGA approved golf ball. In some
embodiments, special materials could be used within the golf ball
14 to duplicate the weight and balance characteristics of a
standard golf ball, and the outer surface of the golf ball 14 could
be covered with various sized and shaped dimples to duplicate the
various geometries of existing or future dimple configurations, or
could be dimple free.
[0038] As briefly discussed above, the electronic system 22 may be
positioned within the interior cavity 20. The electronic system 22
may include one or more accelerometers 24, a microprocessor 26, a
communications system 28, and battery 30. Further, the electronic
system 22 may include a memory 29 configured to store instructions
executable by the microprocessor 26 and to store data (such as roll
file data). The one or more accelerometers 24 may be configured to
measure acceleration in X, Y, and Z dimensions. The one or more
accelerometers 24 may be coupled to the microprocessor 26, which
may be coupled to the communications system 28 and the battery 30.
The battery 30 may be rechargeable, such as via an inductive
recharge unit. In a particular example, the battery 30 may include
a rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiHM) battery.
[0039] In some embodiments, the one or more accelerometers 24 may
generate electrical signals that are proportional to the
acceleration in X, Y, and Z dimensions and may communicate the
electrical signals to the microprocessor 26. In some embodiments,
the one or more accelerometers 24 may include an analog-to-digital
converter (ADC) or may communicate with the microprocessor 26
through the ADC. The microprocessor 26 may be configured to process
the signals received from the one or more accelerometers 24. In an
example, the microprocessor 26 may correlate data from each of the
accelerometers 24 and may store the correlated data into a roll
data file. The microprocessor 26 may subsequently provide the roll
data file to the communications system 28, which may send the roll
data file to the computing system 16.
[0040] In certain embodiments, the accelerometers 24, the
microprocessor 26, the communications system 28, and the computing
device 16 may cooperate to gather and process information to
determine not only the green speed, but also the roll quality of a
putting green. The electronic system 22 may be configured to record
data relating to the roll quality (thereby creating a "roll data
file") in response to a roll or a putt of the golf ball 14. In
certain embodiments, the one or more accelerometers 24 may generate
raw data and may provide the raw data to the microprocessor 26 for
processing. In an example, the microprocessor 26 may process the
data from the one or more accelerometers 24 to correlate the data
in the three dimensions (X, Y, and Z).
[0041] The processed data may constitute a "roll data file". The
communications system 28 can transmit (via a radio frequency
signal, such as a Bluetooth signal, a WiFi signal, or other
wireless communications signal) the "roll data file" from the golf
ball 14 to the custom computer software interface 16 or to a
portable computing device, such as a smart phone, configured to
analyzes the data and report on the surface green speed and overall
"roll quality" of the putting green (or surface) 12. Further, the
microprocessor 26 may store the roll data file in the memory
29.
[0042] In some embodiments, the portable computing device 16 may
further process the roll data file to determine not only the green
speed, but also firmness and roll quality of the putting green 12.
By dropping the golf ball 14 from a known height above the surface,
such as one foot (12 inches), the golf ball 14 may accelerate
toward the surface, impact the surface, and bounce, and the
interaction between the golf ball 14 and the putting green 12 may
be captured in the accelerometer data, which data may be analyzed
to determine a firmness of the putting green 12. Further, rolling
the golf ball 14 across the putting green in different directions
and at different speeds may allow the electronic system 22 to
capture accelerometer data corresponding to the roll of the golf
ball 14. Such accelerometer data may be analyzed by the computing
device 16 to determine parameters of the putting surface, including
the green speed and the roll quality. The roll quality may be
determined based on bumps, slopes, and other perturbations in the
surface of the putting green (or surface) 12, which may cause
deflections from an initial horizontal plane as the golf ball 14
rolls and which may be reflected in high frequency accelerometer
signal components and low frequency signal components that can
impact the roll of the golf ball (either distance or
direction).
[0043] In an example, the initial horizontal plane may extend
through a center of the golf ball 14 and in parallel to the putting
green (or surface) 12 when the ball is at rest before the ball is
rolled. In some instances, the golf ball 14 may roll along the
surface 12 and such bumps, slopes, and other perturbations may
cause the golf ball 14 to deviate from the initial horizontal plane
as it follows the variations of the surface 12. In some instances,
the bumps or perturbations may cause the golf ball 14 to bounce or
otherwise experience intermittent contact with the putting green
(or surface) 12, which intermittent contact can influence the
distance the ball rolls since the air will likely provide less
resistance to movement than the putting green (or surface) 12.
[0044] Further, the roll quality may indicate bumps, slopes, and
other perturbations in the putting green (or surface) 12 that may
cause deflections from an initial roll path of the golf ball 14,
which may be defined by a vertical plane extending through the
center of the golf ball 14 and on an initial roll path of the golf
ball 14. In particular, as the golf ball 14 rolls, the putting
green (or surface) 12 may cause the golf ball 14 to deviate from
the initial path (vertical plane) of the golf ball 14, turning or
jumping off of the initial path. Abrupt changes may indicate
imperfections in the surface (such as pock marks, divots, or other
imperfections) that can influence the roll path of the golf ball
14, such as by abruptly redirecting the golf ball 14. In contrast,
a substantially constant change may indicate a slope, which can
cause the golf ball 14 to curve away from the initial path
(vertical plane). The substantially constant change may be
reflected in an increased amplitude of an accelerometer measurement
along at least one axis that is different from an axis associated
with the roll path (assuming that one of the measurement axes of
the accelerometer 24 is aligned to the roll path). The abrupt
changes may be reflected in the accelerometer signals as high
frequency noise superimposed on the sinusoidal signal. In some
instances, bounces may be reflected as discontinuities in the
sinusoidal waveform. Other embodiments are also possible.
[0045] In an example, the accelerometer 24 may include acceleration
measurements corresponding to three axes (X, Y, and Z). In some
embodiments, the X-Y plane of the axes may extend through the
center of the golf ball 14 at its initial position (prior to
rolling) and parallel to the surface of the putting green (or
surface) 12. Further, the Z-axis may reflect vertical displacement
(as depicted in FIG. 6 and discussed below). Abrupt changes in the
accelerometer data (e.g., acceleration signal variations in the
plus and minus Z direction) may reflect slopes, bumps, divots, or
other perturbations that may cause the ball to bounce rather than
roll and, in some instances, to change direction.
[0046] In general, as the golf ball 14 rolls, the one or more
accelerometers 24 may measure acceleration relative to the axes.
Gravitational forces and centripetal forces may act on the
accelerometers 24, which produce sinusoidal signals proportional to
gravity and with an offset due to centripetal forces. The frequency
and duration of the sine wave can be used to determine the speed
and distance the golf ball 14 travels. The accelerometers 24 may
measure acceleration relative to gravity to produce sine waves as
the golf ball 14 rotates. When a selected axis is parallel to the
ground, the accelerometer 24 may measure zero (0) g (gravity). When
the axis is oriented down, the accelerometer 24 may measure one (1)
g, and when the axis is oriented up, the accelerometer 24 may
measure minus one (-1) g. When the axis is at an angle other than
ninety degrees or zero degrees, the accelerometer 24 may measure a
value that is related to the cosine of the angle (e.g.,
1g*cos(.theta.), where .theta. represents the angle relative to
gravity). The distance traveled may be determined by the number of
rotations times the circumference of the golf ball 14. However,
deviations from the initial roll path (such as curvature due to
slope) may alter the roll distance calculation with respect to a
single axis, and the distance may be calculated based on a
circumferential distance determined along each of the three axes.
Subsequently, the green speed may be determined based on the
distance divided by the time (duration of the roll).
[0047] In some embodiments, the accelerometers 24 may measure
bounces as having a higher frequency component (e.g., 30-100 Hz) as
compared to rolling (e.g., less than 15-20 Hz for putts). Thus, the
microprocessor 26 or a processor of the computing device 16 may
detect bounces based on such high frequency components, and the
bounces may be recorded within the roll data file, together with
data representing a smooth rolling motion. The roll data file may
be communicated by the communications system 28 to the computing
device 16.
[0048] In some embodiments, the golf ball 14 may be rolled on a
putting green (or surface) 12 multiple times. For example, the golf
ball 14 may be rolled multiple times from a first position and
along a first path at different speeds. Further, the golf ball 14
may be rolled multiple times from each of a plurality of positions,
at different speeds, and along multiple paths. The resulting
plurality of roll data files may be processed by the computing
system to fully characterize the putting green (or surface) 12. In
some embodiments, such data may be used by golfers to enhance their
putting approach based the position of the particular golf ball on
the putting green 12 relative to the cup. In some embodiments, such
characterization data may be used by a greens keeper, a designer,
landscape personnel, or other golf professionals to assess the
quality of a particular green and sometimes to determine when
maintenance (beyond routine maintenance) may be needed.
[0049] In accordance with some embodiments, the "roll quality" of a
surface may be determined based on a smoothness metric and a plane
deviation metric. The smoothness metric may represent the
relatively high frequency measurements captured by the
accelerometers 24, which may indicate bumps, divots, or other
imperfections in the surface that may impact the roll of the golf
ball 14. The plane deviation metric may determine slopes, which may
cause the golf ball 14 to curve relative to an initial roll
path.
[0050] In certain embodiments, the "roll data file" may be
generated by the microprocessor 26 as it processes and correlates
measurement data from the one or more accelerometers 24. The roll
data file may be stored in memory 29 within the golf ball 14 for a
time period while the golf ball 14 is rolling and until it stops
rolling. The communications system 28 may then transmit the "roll
data file" to the computing device 16. In certain embodiments, the
memory 29 may store roll data files corresponding to a plurality of
independent rolls of the golf ball 14. In an example, the memory 29
may be configured to store roll data files for over 100 independent
rolls and may continue to maintain the roll data files until the
golf ball 14 uploads the data to the computing device 16 for
storage and analysis. In an alternative embodiment, the golf ball
14 may communicate the measurement data continuously (in real time
or near real-time) during the roll.
[0051] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the golf ball 14
can be a traditional size (e.g., the ball may have an outer
diameter of 1.68 inches in accordance with USGA rules) and may
include a uniform interior shell material 32 shaped and dimensioned
to house the electronic system 22, which may be configured for the
monitoring and collection of data relating to the surface under
study. In certain embodiments, the accelerometer may be a tri-axial
accelerometer 24. The communications system 28 can include a radio
frequency (RF) transmitter 28 (such as, an 802.11x RF transmitter,
a 2.4 GHz RF Transmitter, a Bluetooth.RTM. transceiver, a 900 MHz
RF transmitter, another type of transmitter, or any combination
thereof).
[0052] In some embodiments, the cavity 20 of the golf ball 14 may
include charging contacts 34 extending between the interior cavity
20 and the exterior surface of the golf ball 14 to receive
electrical current to recharge the battery 30. Alternatively, the
circuitry 22 may include charging circuitry for receiving an
inductive charging current from an external charging unit (in which
case the charging contacts 34 may be omitted). In accordance
certain embodiments, the various components of the electronic
system 22 can be press fit within the cavity 20, and the electronic
system 22 can be potted in place. The potting material may include
a solid compound configured to insulate the electronic system 22
from shock, vibration, moisture, and corrosive agents.
[0053] During operation, in a first mode, the computing device 16
may receive roll data from the golf ball 14 and may process the
roll data to determine parameters of the putting green 12. Such
parameters may include the green speed, the firmness parameters,
and an overall roll quality. The computing device 16 may provide
data related to one or more of the parameters to a display device,
such as a touchscreen. In a second mode, the computing device 16
may receive roll data from the golf ball 14 and may process the
roll data to determine characteristics of a putting stroke. The
computing device 16 may present feedback to the display device
based on the determined characteristics. Other embodiments are also
possible.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, the smoothness metric considers the
deviation of the center 40 of the golf ball 14 from a plane 42,
which is parallel to the putting green, or other surface 12, upon
which the golf ball 14 is rolling. Typically, a putting green may
have a surface that includes multiple different slopes, which may
vary in X, Y, and Z dimensions. In the illustrated example, the
ball 14 may roll in the X-direction as indicated by arrow 300. As
the golf ball 14 rolls, the elevation of the center 40 of the golf
ball 14 may change, as depicted by the golf ball 14' and its center
40' (shown in phantom). The changing elevation of the ball in the
Z-direction may be reflected in a changing acceleration in the
Z-direction (.DELTA..alpha..sub.z) as measured by the
accelerometers 24. The frequency of the variation may be processed
to determine whether the variation is due to changing elevation of
an otherwise smooth surface or an imperfection that caused the golf
ball 14 to bounce. Further, the center 40' may deviate from the
initial plane 42, resulting in a relative deviation along the
Z-axis (.DELTA.Z). As the golf ball 14 moves across the surface of
the putting green 12, the elevation of the golf ball 14 along the
Z-axis and the acceleration of the golf ball 14 in the Z-direction
may vary. Further, the slope may vary in the X and Y axes as well,
causing both the roll pattern and the trajectory of the golf ball
14 to vary along the roll path.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 4A, the plane deviation metric considers
the deviation of the center 40 of the golf ball 14 from an initial
plane 44 extending through the center of the golf ball 14 at an
angle that is perpendicular to the putting green 12 upon which the
golf ball 14 is rolling and extending in a direction of an initial
trajectory of the golf ball 14. Since the putting green 12 may
include various slopes, the plane 44 may therefore change relative
to gravity to maintain its perpendicular relationship with the
surface of the putting green 12.
[0056] In the illustrated example of FIG. 4B, the golf ball 14 is
rolling in a direction extending into the drawing (along the
X-axis). The accelerometers 24 may be at a tilt angle (.theta.)
relative to gravity. Further, the golf ball 14 may be advanced
along a slope that may tilt to the right (for example), and which
may cause the golf ball 14 to deviate from its initial path 402 and
to travel along the path 404. The slope may be determined based on
the measured acceleration in the X and Y dimensions. In general,
slopes may be determined from the lower frequency (i.e., roll
frequency) changes in the measured acceleration, while bumps and
imperfections may be detected as high frequency anomalies.
[0057] In accordance with certain embodiments, the smoothness
metric can be derived based, at least in part, upon the changes in
acceleration (i.e., the distance and frequency with which the golf
ball 14 moves in each of the axes) along each axis (X, Y, and Z).
High frequency changes may indicate bumps and other irregularities.
Further, the smoothness metric can also determined based upon the
deceleration of the golf ball at different time intervals and for
different interval lengths as the golf ball 14 rolls along the
surface of the putting green 12. In some embodiments, the golf ball
14 may be rolled across the surface of the putting green 12 at
various initial roll speeds (e.g., 6, 5, and 4 feet per second) and
in different directions to develop a plurality of measurements
characterizing the smoothness surface.
[0058] In certain embodiments, the plane deviation metric may be
determined based upon a sum of rotation plane deviations, that is,
the number of times the golf ball moves laterally right or left
such that a center 42 of the golf ball 14 deviates laterally from
the initial vertical plane 44. In an embodiment, the plane
deviation metric can be derived based upon a plurality of samples,
for example, 100 samples, captured at different initial speeds
(e.g., 6, 5, and 4 feet per second) and in different directions to
develop a plurality of measurements characterizing the plane
deviations of the surface of the putting green 12.
[0059] In certain embodiments, the plurality of measurements of the
smoothness of the surface and the plurality of measurements of the
plane deviations of the surface may be processed to characterize
the surface of the putting green 12. In an example, the smoothness
and the plane deviations of the surface may be interpolated to
produce a roll quality value, which may be a numeric value within a
range from zero to 100, where zero represents a uniformly rough
surface that may cause the golf ball 14 to bounce until its initial
energy is dissipated, while a score of 100 may represent a
uniformly smooth and flat surface on which the golf ball 14 rolls
and maintains an initial trajectory until its initial energy is
dissipated. In an example, the roll quality value may be an integer
value. In another example, the roll quality value may be a floating
point number. In another example, the roll quality value may be a
letter grade, such as A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, etc. Other embodiments
are also possible. In a particular embodiment, the USGA may define
a roll quality evaluation scale, which may standardize the roll
quality valuation so that the roll quality of the putting green 12
may be compared to that of another putting green.
[0060] FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of a system 500 including a
golf ball 14 configured to communicate with a computing device 502,
in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
The computing device 502 may be an embodiment of the computing
device 16 of FIG. 1. In some examples, the computing device 502 may
include a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer,
another data processing device, or any combination thereof.
[0061] The golf ball 14 may include the circuitry 22, which may
include a microprocessor 26 coupled to a memory 29, communications
system 28, a timer 40, the battery 30, and the tri-axial
accelerometer 24. In some embodiments, the microprocessor 26 may
also be coupled to a microelectromechanical (MEMs) magnetometer 42,
which may be configured to operate as a compass to determine a
direction of magnetic north, which direction data may be correlated
to roll data from the tri-axial accelerometer 24 to provide roll
data corresponding to a roll vector. In certain embodiments, the
memory 29 may store processing instructions 36 that, when executed
may cause the microprocessor 26 to correlate data received from the
accelerometer 24 with direction data from the MEMs magnetometer 42
and with time data from the timer 40 to produce a roll data file
and to store the roll data file (roll data 38) in memory 29.
Subsequently or concurrently, the microprocessor 26 may communicate
the roll data file to the communications system 28 for transmission
to the computing device 502 directly or through a network 506 or to
another computing device 504 via the network 506.
[0062] The computing device 502 may include a transceiver 514
configured to communicate wirelessly with the communications system
28 of the golf ball 14. The transceiver 514 may be coupled to a
processor 510, which may be coupled to a network transceiver 508,
an input/output (I/O) interface 512, and a memory 516. The network
transceiver 508 may be configured to send and receive data to other
devices through the network 506. The I/O interface 512 may include
a display interface to provide display data to a display device
(such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, a light-emitting
diode (LED) display device, another display device, or any
combination thereof), an input interface to receive data from an
input device (such as a pointer, mouse, keyboard, and the like), or
a touchscreen interface.
[0063] The memory 516 may store data and instructions that, when
executed, may cause the processor 510 to determine a green speed
and a roll quality for a particular surface. The memory 516 may
include a graphical user interface (GUI) generator 518 that, when
executed, may cause the processor 510 to produce a GUI including
data corresponding to a particular roll of the golf ball 14, a
plurality of rolls, a green speed, a roll quality, or any
combination thereof. The memory 516 may include a roll data
extractor 520 that, when executed, may cause the processor 510 to
extract data from the roll data file and to store the data in one
or more temporary tables or storage files. The memory 516 may also
include a perturbation analysis module 522 that, when executed, may
cause the processor 510 to detect bounce events within the roll
data, such as based on high frequency variations in the
accelerometer data extracted by the roll data extractor 520.
[0064] The memory 516 can also include a slope threshold module 524
that, when executed, may cause the processor 510 to determine
changes in slope based on the accelerometer data and to
differentiate between acceleration measurements due to slope as
compared to such measurements caused by imperfections in the
surface. The memory 516 may also include an impact threshold 526
that may be compared to the accelerometer data to identify impact
events, such as a club striking the golf ball 14, a golf ball 14
bouncing and impacting the surface, the golf ball 14 landing in the
cup 15, and so on. The memory 516 may also include a firmness
calculator 529 that, when executed, may cause the processor 510 to
determine a firmness parameter for a surface based on the bounce of
a golf ball 14, either when it is dropped from a known height or
based on a skid distance from an initial strike to when the golf
ball 14 begins rolling.
[0065] The memory 516 can also include a plane deviation module 530
that, when executed, may cause the processor 510 to determine
initial horizontal and vertical planes (as discussed above with
respect to FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B. The memory 516 may further include
a green speed calculator 532 that, when executed, may cause the
processor 510 to determine a green speed based on a roll distance
and time determined from the extracted roll data. The memory 516
may also include a roll quality module 534 that, when executed, may
cause the processor 510 to evaluate the perturbations determined by
the perturbation analysis module 522, slopes determined using the
slope threshold 524, impacts determined using the impact threshold
526, smoothness calculations from the smoothness calculator 528 and
slopes in the horizontal plane determined by the plane deviation
module 530. The roll quality module 534 may cause the processor 510
to determine a value for the overall roll quality of the surface
based on the determined impacts, smoothness, slopes, perturbations,
and planar deviations. The roll quality module 534 may also take
into account the firmness of the surface (as determined by the
firmness calculator 529) in determining an overall roll quality of
a surface. The firmness calculator 529 may be configured to
evaluate a particular roll data file (e.g., a dropped ball file),
which may be selected or designated by the operator to determine
bounce characteristics of a dropped golf ball 14, which bounce
characteristics may be reflected in the accelerometer signals as
the kinetic energy from the drop event dissipates and which may be
used to determine the firmness of the surface.
[0066] In some embodiments, the memory 516 may include putt
analytics 536 that, when executed, may cause the processor 510 to
analyze the extracted roll data to identify characteristics of a
particular putt. In an example, an initial side spin included
within the accelerometer data may indicate club head turn at
impact. In another example, excessive skidding of the golf ball 14
before rolling may indicate a poor putt stroke. The putt analytics
536 may be configured to provide instruction to a golfer to suggest
swing adjustments to correct for such potential putt swing
characteristics. Other embodiments are also possible.
[0067] In an example, in a first mode, the computing device 502 may
receive roll data from the golf ball 14 and may process the roll
data to determine parameters or characteristics of a putting green
12. The parameters or characteristics may include at least one of a
firmness parameter and a roll quality parameter. The roll quality
parameter may be determined for each independent roll and an
overall roll quality parameter may be determined based on a
plurality of roll events. In some embodiments, the parameters or
characteristics may also include a green speed parameter. The
computing device 502 may present data corresponding to the
determined parameters to the I/O interface 512.
[0068] In a second mode, the computing device 502 may receive roll
data from the golf ball 14 and may process the roll data to
determine characteristics of a putting stroke that initiated to
roll event. Side spin, skid, bounce, and other characteristics of
the movement of the golf ball 14 may reflect improper putting
mechanics. The computing device 502 may present data corresponding
to the characteristics of the putting stroke to the I/O interface
512 to provide feedback to the golfer. Other embodiments are also
possible.
[0069] FIG. 6A depicts a representative example of a graph 600 of
acceleration over time for a golf ball that is rolling along a
surface, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure. In the illustrated example, the graph 600 may include a
sinusoidal signal indicating a rolling motion as seen from the
perspective of the accelerometer 24 relative to the Z-axis. At 604,
the fourth oscillation has decreased in amplitude and frequency
relative to the initial impulse (generally indicated at 602). The
sinusoidal signal appears as a dampened sinusoid. However, the
damping effect along the Z-axis may be influenced by slope,
perturbations, friction, surface firmness, and so on. Such
influences may vary as the ball rolls. Further, such accelerations
may have a greater or lesser effect on the roll of the golf ball 14
depending on the speed of motion.
[0070] In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, the golf ball 14 may
be rolling across a relatively level surface having little, if any,
slope relative to elevation along the roll path. However,
imperfections that may cause bounces can be visible as high
frequency noise associated with the sinusoidal waveform. One
possible example showing such high frequency noise is described
below with respect to FIG. 6B.
[0071] FIG. 6B illustrates a representative example of a graph 620
of acceleration over time for a golf ball that is rolling along a
surface, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure. The graph 620 depicts a sinusoidal waveform beginning
with an initial impulse generally indicated at 622. Between a first
time (T.sub.1) 624 and a second time (T.sub.2) 626, the golf ball
14 experienced an imperfection causing a bounce, which is generally
indicated in the accelerometer data at 628 as high frequency noise
(high frequency relative to the frequency of the sinusoid). The
amplitude and extent of the noise may indicate the extent of the
imperfection.
[0072] The graph 620 further depicts noise generally indicated at
634, between a third time (T.sub.3) 630 and a fourth time (T.sub.4)
632. The noise 634 may indicate an imperfection that may impact the
roll direction, cause the ball to bounce, or both.
[0073] It should be appreciated that the graphs 600 and 620 in
FIGS. 6A and 6B are illustrative only. The actual signal response
from the accelerometer 624 may be provided as digital data, as
opposed to an analog waveform. Further, the noise may be more or
less significant, and the processor 510 may be configured to
process the data to extract and separately process the noise to
detect imperfections. Other embodiments are also possible.
[0074] FIG. 7A depicts a graph 700 of raw accelerometer data for a
tri-axial accelerometer as the golf ball is rolled across a pool
table, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure. The raw accelerometer data includes accelerometer
measurement data from first, second and third accelerometers
(Accelerometer A, Accelerometer B, and Accelerometer C) as a golf
ball 14 is rolled across a surface of a pool table.
[0075] FIG. 7B depicts a graph 710 of raw accelerometer data for a
tri-axial accelerometer as a golf ball 14 is rolled across a green
12, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0076] FIG. 7C illustrates a graph 720 of raw accelerometer data
for a tri-axial accelerometer as a golf ball 14 is rolled across a
fringe of a green 12, in accordance with certain embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0077] FIG. 7D depicts a graph 740 of raw accelerometer data for a
tri-axial accelerometer as a golf ball 14 is rolled across the
rough, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0078] FIG. 8 illustrates a graph 800 of velocity over time for a
golf ball rolled on a three-foot putt, in accordance with certain
embodiments of the present disclosure. The graph 800 depicts a
rapid increase corresponding to the initial acceleration from a
putt or roll followed by deceleration due to slope, friction, or
other roll characteristics.
[0079] In the graphs of FIGS. 7B-8, the accelerometers may register
high frequency components of the accelerometer signal, which high
frequency components may represents bounces, jumps, or other
deviations, some of which may cause the ball to deviate from the
normal roll path of the golf ball.
[0080] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 900 of
determining a roll quality of a green, in accordance with certain
embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, the method
1000 may be implemented as a particular operating mode of the
computing device 16 of FIG. 1 or 502 of FIG. 5. The method 900 may
include receiving accelerometer data corresponding to a roll of a
golf ball, at 902. The accelerometer data may be received from a
memory, from a communications system 28 of a golf ball 14, from
another source, or any combination thereof. At 904, the method 900
may include determining a change in the accelerometer data in one
of a first plane and a second plane. In some embodiments, the
change may be determined based on the three axes. The change may be
determined based on the noise signal associated with the
accelerometer data.
[0081] At 906, if the change is greater than a first threshold, the
method 900 may include determining a bounce event. In an example,
the change may include a high frequency signal component that
deviates from the damped sinusoidal signal. At 910, the method 900
may include characterizing the data corresponding to the bounce
event. In some embodiments, the processor 510 may apply a label or
otherwise mark the data associated with a bounce event and may
correlate the bounce data to a particular roll, directional data,
and other data. The method 900 may further include storing the
accelerometer data and associated label information in a memory
912.
[0082] At 906, if the change is less than the first threshold, the
method 900 may include determining if the change is greater than a
second threshold, at 914. If the change is greater than a second
threshold at 914, the method 900 may include determining a slope
916. In this example, the slope may exert a lower frequency force
on the roll of the golf ball 14. At 918, the method 900 may include
characterizing the data corresponding to the slope. In some
embodiments, the processor 510 may apply a label or otherwise mark
the data associated with a slope and may correlate the slope data
to a particular roll, directional data, and other data. In an
example, the second threshold may include an accelerometer force
that is sufficient to alter a roll path of the golf ball. The
method 900 may further include storing the accelerometer data and
associated label information in a memory 912.
[0083] Returning to 914, if the change is less than the second
threshold, the method 900 may include determining the data
corresponds to a flat and smooth surface, at 920. At 922, the
method 900 may further include labeling the data corresponding to
the flat and smooth surface. In some embodiments, the processor 510
may apply a label or otherwise mark the data associated with the
flat and smooth surface and may correlate the flat and smooth data
to a particular roll, directional data, and other data. The method
900 may further include storing the accelerometer data and
associated label information in a memory 912.
[0084] In some embodiments, the method 900 may include determining
imperfections or other external factors associated with the surface
that may impact the roll of the golf ball 14. In certain examples,
the imperfections may include any surface imperfection sufficient
to produce a detectable noise signal with respect to the output of
the accelerometer. In some embodiments, the imperfection may cause
a high frequency noise signal that may be superimposed on the
sinusoidal waveform attributable to the roll of the golf ball 14.
The "high frequency" noise signal may be high frequency as compared
to the frequency of the revolutions of the golf ball rolling. The
method 900 may further include determining imperfections
significant enough to alter the roll path of the golf ball 14 based
on an amplitude of the noise. Further, low frequency noise
consistent with the frequency of the rolling of the golf ball 14
and along an axis different form the initial roll path may indicate
a slope that may influence the roll path at a frequency associated
with the roll frequency. Other embodiments are also possible.
[0085] While the embodiment of FIG. 9 describes a method 900 of
determining a roll quality, in some instances, the method 900 may
also include determining a firmness parameter by dropping the golf
ball 14 onto the surface and analyzing the bounce characteristics.
Further, in some embodiments, the method 900 can also include
determining a green speed based on the accelerometer data. Other
embodiments are also possible.
[0086] FIG. 10 depicts a flow diagram of a method 1000 of
determining putt characteristics, in accordance with certain
embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, the method
1000 may be implemented as a particular operating mode of the
computing device 16 of FIG. 1 or 502 of FIG. 5. At 1002, the method
1000 may include receiving accelerometer data corresponding to a
roll of a golf ball. The accelerometer data may be received from a
memory, from a communications system 28 of a golf ball 14, from
another source, or any combination thereof.
[0087] At 1004, the method 1000 may include determining an initial
putt from the accelerometer data. The initial putt may include an
impulse accelerating the golf ball from a stationary state.
Characteristics of the initial putt may include a skid, bounce or
other characteristics that differ from the accelerometer data when
the ball is rolling.
[0088] At 1006, the method 1000 may include determining a roll
direction based on the sinusoidal waveforms. The roll direction may
be determined based on the relative amplitudes of the accelerometer
readings as the ball rotates. At 1008, the method 1000 may include
determining an anomalous accelerometer signal subsumed in the roll
direction waveforms. In particular, at the outset of the putt, the
golf ball may spin in a direction different from the rotation of
the roll. Such spin may be imparted by the face of the putter
striking the ball at an angle, and the spin may quickly disappear
into the rotation of the golf ball. However, such spin may change
the roll path of the golf ball at the outset, impacting the
efficacy of the putt.
[0089] At 1010, the method 1000 may include selectively determining
putt analytics based on the anomalous accelerometer signal. In
general, a good putt include striking the ball when the club face
is perpendicular to the swing path in order to strike the ball
along the swing path. The size of the angle of the putt face
relative to the desired perpendicular angle may impact the
amplitude of the anomalous accelerometer signal.
[0090] At 1012, the method 1000 may further include providing
information related to the putt analytics to an interface. The
information may include data corresponding to a putter face offset
angle or other information to assist a golfer in correcting his or
her putt mechanics.
[0091] While the example of FIG. 10 is related to turning of the
club face, excessive skidding of the golf ball at ball strike may
indicate a faulty putt stroke as well. In an example, a pendulum
type of swing may impart a brief skid followed by a roll of the
golf ball, while wrist snap or other improper mechanics may cause
the ball to bounce or skid for a larger period of time before
rolling. Such mechanics may be detected based on noise associated
with the initial acceleration along the three axes. Other
embodiments are also possible.
[0092] By accurately measuring the "roll quality" of balls on
various putting greens and surfaces (as their rolls are
misdirected, disturbed, bounced and/or deflected off-line by
imperfections on the measured greens and surfaces, as compared to
what their "perfect" roll trajectories would have been on a
"perfectly smooth surface"), the system 10 of FIG. 1 and the system
500 of FIG. 5 may be used to determine a roll quality metric to
describe and compare the roll quality of various putting greens and
surfaces. In the area of golf course putting greens, green speeds
(ball roll distance from a known starting energy level) are
commonly measured using a variety of devices. These devices are
exclusively focused on the length (distance) a golf ball travels
over any surface. However, the ball roll distance, or green speed,
is only one measure of the surface. In contrast, in addition to the
green speed, the system 10 and the system 500 may be configured to
measure the smoothness of roll across the putting green 14 as well
as the firmness of the putting green 14, making it possible to
fully characterize the roll quality of the putting green 14 as a
function of the green speed, firmness, smoothness, and plane
deviation of the surface.
[0093] When imported into the computing device 16 (or 502), the
roll path of the golf ball can be viewed and analyzed. The overall
smoothness and pureness of the golf ball's roll is determined by
comparing the ball's actual roll direction and motion (obtained by
evaluating the ball's actual three axis accelerometer data) at
several different time intervals and rolling speeds to the
theoretically pure motion it would have experienced if the surface
upon which it rolled would have been perfectly smooth and flat. The
green speed of any putting surface can be determined as a result of
knowing the rate of deceleration of the golf ball across the
surface. Further, the firmness can be determined based on the
elastic bounce response of the golf ball 14 relative to the surface
and the smoothness can be determined from noise in the
accelerometer signals.
[0094] In conjunction with the systems, methods, and devices
described above, a computing system may be configured to receive
roll data from a golf ball and to determine one or more parameters
associated with the surface or with a putting stroke in response to
receiving the roll data. In a first mode, the computing system may
process the roll data to determine an overall roll quality
associated with a surface of a putting green, and optionally to
determine a green speed, firmness, imperfections, and plane
deviations (slopes) associated with the surface. In a second mode,
the computing system may process the roll data to determine
irregularities in a putting stroke, such as snapping wrists and
turning the club face. In either case, the computing system may
provide data to a display interface.
[0095] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to particular embodiments, workers skilled in the art
will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the scope of the invention.
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