CORRELATING BALL SPEED WITH PUTTER SPEED
This invention relates to the field of Golf. The present invention provides new and improved solution to play golf in a more efficient manner. This invention is capable of measuring the green speed in most appropriate unit i.e. “inches per second”, which will give the golfer a better understanding to determine the “intensity of hit”. This device can be used for right and as well as left handed players. It can be used for both indoor as well as outdoor practices. This device enables a putting surface or “Green” to be mapped to assist golf courses and players to depict dynamic motion of the ball in terms of direction and velocity specific to variable distances.
This U.S. National Stage patent application claims the benefit of PCT International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/IN2014/000091, filed Feb. 12, 2014; entitled “The Falcon Eye,” which claims the benefit of Indian Patent Application No. 791/DEL/2013, filed Mar. 19, 2013, entitled “The Falcon Eye,” the entire disclosures of the applications being considered part of the disclosure of this application and hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONGolf is a very popular sport worldwide. It is a game played on a large outdoor course, the object being to propel a small hard ball into a series of ‘holes’ with as few strokes as possible, using a variety of wood or iron-tipped sticks or ‘golf clubs’. Green speed and individual player timing plays an important role for a golf player to play strokes more efficiently and accurately in terms of distance and direction. Green speed differs from course to course with respect to grass, moisture, slopes, wind, etc. making each variable a necessary factor in determining the dynamic friction posed by the green on the ball. Sometimes golf players find it very difficult to play strokes on different courses because they are not well aware of the green speed of that particular golf course or the conditions on a particular day.
There are several devices present to measure the green speed which will help the player to determine the green speed and play accordingly. Stimp meter is the basic instrument to measure the green speed. Though other instruments, softwares or machines have measured ball speed on a green, the unit of measurement was too large (example—5.6 kmph; 3.2 mph etc.), which was not much helpful for the players to determine the intensity of hit on a particular green. The present invention aims to overcome the abovementioned problems and provide accurate readings in unit of “inches per second” to 1 decimal point.
Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,527 by Hughes dated Jun. 15, 2004, titled “Portable golf greens speed meter”. This invention relates to a device which is a portable, collapsible greens speed measuring instrument to aid golfers in putting. This device of present invention can be purchased by the amateur golfer and used whenever he needs it. He can use it when the golf course attendants are not able to grade the greens or are unavailable to grade the green. This device folds into a small size, approximately 8 inches, in contrast to the stimp meter used currently, which is about 30 inches. This can be used by the amateur golfer or the professional. It requires no expertise to use and is very accurate. It can be easily placed in, or on the golfer's bag or into his pocket. It will give the golfer the information he needs on the putting surface of the green. The collapsible, portable greens meter presented here gives a very accurate reading of the green and in fact may be more accurate than the stimp meter which is the standard. The device also can be placed on the ground and is more stable than the stimp meter. The angle is about 30 degrees incline for the ball route while the stimpmeter is 20 degrees. It will be made of plastic, although it could be made of aluminum or wood. The golfer, even working with this device, will familiarize himself with the greens speeds and how to make a more accurate putt. The golfer will also know the evaluation is accurate and taken at his direction and at the time the putting is to be done.
Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 8,435,130 by Cheresko dated May 7, 2013, titled “Digital inertally responsive golf club head mounted device for instructing correct club face direction and swing speed”. This invention provides a device for establishing a correct speed and angular direction of a striking face associated with a golf club head relative to a golf ball. A body is secured to a surface of the club head and incorporates a powered processor in communication with a separate accelerometer. The body includes a visual output, such as LED, communicated by the processor and instructing at least one of a desired swing speed and correct direction of the ball striking face relative to the golf ball.
There are upper and lower assemble-able halves defining an interior volume for receiving, in sandwiching fashion, a like configured PC board supporting a processor in communication with a separate accelerometer, a control pushbutton switch (accessible through an upper surface of said body and for activating said processor) and individual pluralities of right/left and front/rear extending LED's. The LED's are communicated by the processor for instructing at least one of a desired swing speed and correct direction of the ball striking face relative to the golf ball. Additional features include a battery (such as rounded Lithium Ion type) secured within a lower half (or base) housing and in parallel communication with the processor and visual output LED's. First and second club head engaging and adjustable foot supports extend from the lower half along the front extending portion. The body, such as the lower half can be constructed of a magnetized material in order to facilitate engaging to the top supporting surface of a metallic club head. In such instance, the foot supports operate primarily to locate the position of the device relative to the club face. The foot supports may be repositioned both laterally and inwardly/outwardly relative to the body.
Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,526 by Hughes dated Jun. 15, 2004, titled “Golf greens speed and contour teaching device”. The golf green speed and contour teaching device of this invention is used to help the golfer learn and understand the green he is about to putt on. Golfers usually take years of practice to become proficient at learning the speed and route the ball will take when struck. He must putt over and over, and over again to familiarize himself with the terrain and the grass to be able to make the correct putt on the ball. The grass height, dampness and other factors are not easily understood by the novice, and can make him putt a poor shot. Also, ridges or valleys in the green make contour reading difficult. Many professionals have difficulty even after years of practice. This instrument will speed up the golfer's learning process and even the amateur can become proficient at putting. This instrument will give him wisdom. The putting portion of the game of golf accounts for half or more of the score. The winner of the golf game is the golfer with the lowest score. Since putting is so important and makes up such a large portion of the final score, the golfer must be a good at putting the ball in order to compete. No efforts have been made to give the putter methods to improve his ability to read the greens.
This invention provides a tubular device which has a spring loaded plunger or piston to propel the ball out of the opposite end of the tube in a straight line. The plunger or piston has different stops where the tension of the spring is changed to allow different speeds and distances the ball will travel. Between 5 and 10 stops have been suggested for different distances and the first 2-3 stops can be used as a stimpmeter which will help determine the speed of each green.
The distance the ball travels is in a straight line and is always the same distance which is usually more accurate than the golfer's putt. Since it will always travel in the same direction, and the same speed, it can be used to check where the ball should move to gauge the contour and the speed to the hole. This will help the golfer to decide where to shoot the ball. If wrong in his evaluation then he can rethink the shot and then try again. If this is not correct, again his knowledge will improve, and he can study the shot and learn by his mistakes. The device will help him learn both the speed the ball should travel and the route it should take with the contours of the green noted.
The device has a laser beam mounted on the front and top to help with the determination of the area to shoot the ball for the contour and speed. The device can store or carry one or more golf balls which will drop into place for shooting to the designated spot. The device is small enough to fit into the golf bag for carrying it easily to other courses and greens. The propelling plunger or pusher could also be motorized and a small motor used to actuate the plunger. The motor could be battery operated or electrically operated if desired. The trigger for the plunger could also be electrical (AC or DC) and the different positions for the plunger movement and placing the ball into the chamber for discharge can all be electrically connected. The simple method of using springs is felt to be a much easier and less complicated. The main action of a plunger propelling the ball out the end of the chamber like a bullet from the end of the gun is the basic idea for the invention.
The device takes out the possibility of hitting the ball wrongly and just tells player if his read was accurate and correct. He can then determine where he made the mistake and correct it, learning from the mistake. This will help him in the game when faced with the same or similar shot. Using the device on several greens and at different positions will give the golfer a very good knowledge of where and how hard to strike the ball. This should greatly improve his game score.
The device is made of light-weight metal or plastic, whereas a spring located in the device activates a plunger that strikes a golf ball located in a cylindrical chamber, thereby causing the ball to discharge through the chamber and onto the surface. The speed of which the ball travels is governed by the tension made on the spring in the device; that said device has spring tension increment positions located on the device to allow variable spring strength releases onto the aforementioned plunger striking the said chamber loaded ball; and located on the device a laser which directs a beam whose end spot acts as a target for the direction of the ball to travel thereby allowing the operator to study the route the ball follows when directed to that point with the influences it receives from the contours and obstructions of the surface it travels upon.
Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,441,745 by Gates dated Aug. 27, 2002, titled “Golf club swing path, speed and grip pressure monitor”. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/112,551 filing date Mar. 22, 1999. The invention provides an acceleration monitor assembly for measuring acceleration forces on a first golf club head during the swing of a first golf club. A golf club has a head and a shaft. A three axis linear accelerometer is mounted on the shaft adjacent to the head. The axis of one accelerometer is in parallel alignment with an axis of the shaft. A circuit board is attached to the shaft and the accelerometer. The circuit board includes a calibrator for calibrating at least the accelerometer with an axis parallel to the axis of the shaft. The circuit board also has a wireless transmitter. Data from the accelerometer is transferred to a processor by the transmitter. The measured velocity of the club head is displayed by a display device carried by the golfer.
The invention comprises a circuit board having at least one power supply battery mounted on said circuit board; a linear accelerometer for measuring centripetal force, having a first accelerometer axis, mounted on said circuit board, with the first accelerometer axis parallel to a circuit board axis, and connected to the at least one power supply battery; an accelerometer calibrator, for accommodating changes in the radius of a path of movement of the linear accelerometer, mounted on said circuit board and connected to the linear accelerometer and the at least one power supply battery; said circuit board releasably mounted on a shaft of the first golf club between a center of the shaft and the first golf club head with the first accelerometer axis and the circuit board axis parallel to a club shaft axis, and releasable from the shaft of the first golf club for transfer to a second golf club; a wireless transmitter mounted on said circuit board with the linear accelerometer and connected to the linear accelerometer to receive signals generated by the first linear accelerometer and transmit the signals through an antenna connected to the wireless transmitter; and a wireless receiver spaced from said circuit board and the shaft upon which said circuit board is mounted and wherein the wireless receiver receives the signals from the wireless transmitter.
The golf club swing monitor includes a linear accelerometer mounted on a golf club shaft adjacent to a head of the golf club. An accelerometer axis of the linear accelerometer is parallel to the club shaft axis. A wireless transmitter mounted on the club transmits a signal from the accelerometer to a display which displays the maximum velocity attained by the head.
A three axis accelerometer can be used if desired. One axis is aligned with the club shaft. Data gathered by the three accelerometers is transmitted to a remote computer for storage and further processing.
Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,817 by Boswell dated Aug. 15, 2000, titled “Measuring device to speed golf play”. The present invention is a measuring device outside player influence comprising a main body of at least two parts with a centralized flagstick means of attachment, one part of which has a slot into which an arm is affixed and can protrude outwardly or perpendicularly from the flagstick and from which a plumb bob device would drop toward the ground via gravity through apertures at a predetermined distance from the center of the hold and, when not pinpointing outward distances, said arm can be rotated forty-five degrees upwardly where it can be fixed to the said flagstick by means of a clip or gripping device.
The device comprises a body having a front portion and a back portion, said front portion having a first surface, said back portion having a second surface, said front portion having a first bore, said back portion having a second bore, said first bore and said second bore being correspondingly positioned on said front portion and said back portion and being operable to receive the flagstick and at least one connecting fastener. The connecting fastener releasably connects the said front portion to said back portion. An adjusting fastener is positioned on one of said front portion and said back portion and being operable to releasably retain said body around the flagstick. An arm is positioned on one of said front portion and said back portion. The arm is having at least one aperture, which is positioned a predetermined distance away from said end of said arm. There is a plumb bob device, which is extending vertically downward through said aperture. The first surface of said front portion is operable to mate with said second surface of said back portion when said front portion and said back portion are releasably positioned around the flagstick extending through said first bore and said second bore.
In case of a competitive dispute the plumb bob points to a spot determining the distance from the hole the ball must be touching or within in order that the next stroke be conceded and said ball can be picked up ending that player's play on the hole while using an adoptable rules measure not requiring outside input. The device helps to speed golf play by accurately and quickly measuring distances a golf ball lies from a turnable flagstick containing two similar bodies wrapped centrally around said flagstick with a 90 degree rotational measuring arm held in a slot by a pin with a plumb bob at one end pointing downward from a numbered position to pinpoint the exact distance toward said turnable flagstick within which measure a putted golf ball must lie for the next putt to be counted and conceded so that the ball may be picked up without putting. When not in use, a gripping device at the outer end of arm will hold said arm to flagstick when rotated 45 degrees upward.
Reference may also be made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,855 by King dated Jun. 3, 1997, titled “Portable golf club swing speed indicator with downward angled collimated light sensors”. This invention provides a meter which detects, determines and displays the highest speed obtained in a golf club swing, being coin-operated, highly portable and battery powered. The meter includes a stabilizing base platform supporting a vertical post holding an electronic control box having a LCD, indicator lights and coin receiver. The base sits on a ground surface unattached, and supports a rubber golf tee secured relative to a pair of light sensors and light emitters. The sensors are mounted on the pedestal, and register an interruption in light directed into the sensors from the lights. The lights are mounted on the base and secured in the proper alignment with the sensors so that the entire unit can be easily moved such as for mowing around without misalignment occurring. The light sensors and the lights are on oppositely disposed sides of the tee so that a swinging golf club will interrupt the lights and cause the sensors to signal counters to begin or stop counting. Two sensors are used in spaced relationship to one another, one sensor straight across from each of the two fixed lights. The sensors are contained within collimator tubes which are aimed downward at an angle toward the lower positioned lights, thus assisting in eliminating false readings and the user from having to make electronic adjustments to compensate for ambient light conditions.
The swing meter is preferably coin-operated, and is intended to be placed at golf courses or elsewhere whereat players will deposit coins in order to be given a limited amount of play, such as determined by time or number of swings, with which the meter will measure and display the speed of their golf club swings. The present swing meter is preferably highly portable, being light in weight and preferably under about 75 pounds so it can be moved by a single person as a unit for turf maintenance and the like. The swing meter utilizes light emitters which are preferably LEDs, and aligned light receivers or sensors to detect the transition of a golf club-head and measure the speed of the club, and the lights are affixed in the manufacturing of the swing meter prior to shipping in proper alignment with the light receivers (sensors), and once properly aligned, need not be realigned after relocating the swing meter. The swing meter assembly is preferably readily in-part dismantlable for shipping, easy storage and to help prevent vandalism to certain parts, i.e., a meter box housing and electronics, and the light emitters and light receivers are arranged to be automatically realigned back to factory alignment upon reassembly of the swing meter.
The swing meter is preferably battery powered, so requiring no costly and potentially dangerous high voltage external wiring extended to the unit, thereby being self-contained and able to be placed and used just about anywhere desired. The present swing meter is structured so as to not require any adjusting by the user for ambient light conditions or changing ambient light conditions, and is not subject to false triggering and readings due to shadows, clouds, sunshine and momentary flashes of light, swaying tree limbs, clouds and the like. The present swing meter allows use of any golf club desired, without any special or additional equipment attached to the club.
In order to use the swing meter, the golfer needs only to drop a coin or coins into the coin acceptor, press a start or selection switch, place a golf ball on the rubber tee held on the base, stand in the proper location adjacent the base, and then swing and drive the ball. The LCD on the meter box will display in numbers the speed of movement of the clubhead just prior to it striking the ball. A printed record or audio message could be made and output in conjunction with the LCD or absent the use of the LCD. The golfer then places another ball on the tee, and swings again. The LCD will automatically again display the speed of that swing of the golf club, whether slower or faster than the previous swing. The electronics of the swing meter in effect automatically reset after each swing via the next swing or a back stroke when addressing the ball, eliminating the need for the golfer to intentionally reset the electronics of the swing meter after each swing. The base is substantially wide, and the pedestal or post is in the center of the base, and the base supports a rubber tee on two opposites sides of the pedestal so both a left and a right handed golfer can practice, either one at a time or simultaneously. The light sensors and light emitters, as well as the electronics are essentially duplicated for this dual player embodiment.
Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,163,941 by Linn, Jr. dated Aug. 7, 1979, titled “Video speed analyzer of golf club swing or the like”. This invention provides a video device and a method for analyzing golf club swings or the like including means for detecting the golf club swing and calculating the resultant velocity of the club head. The velocity is then displayed on a display device in either a digital or analog mode. The golf club swing can then be analyzed by comparing the relative velocities during different club swings. The invention provides an objective measure by which to analyze one of the principal criteria of a golf club swing, namely, the golf club head velocity. A pair of television cameras rendered responsive to a single color is focused at right angles to a golfer swinging a golf club with a single color head. Color responsive and scanning circuitry within each camera scan a field of view for single color images corresponding to the colored golf club head and corresponding pulses are generated. These corresponding pulses from both cameras are transmitted with synchronizing information generated by a sync generator to logic means. Logic means, being responsive to the displacement of pulses received during repeated scanning intervals, calculate the displacement of said pulses and the velocity of said pulses which corresponds to the velocity of the golf club head in each plane viewed by a camera. A numerical value or analog signal corresponding to the velocity is displayed on a display means.
In this manner the golfer can have an objective measurement of the progress of his lessons. If he improves his swing, the velocity of the club head as determined by the invention will increase until a maximum velocity is achieved. The present invention is not limited to analyzing golf club swings, but may be employed to analyze the racket or bat movement of such other sports as tennis, racquet ball or baseball, where the participant seeks to swing a bat or racket to impart a maximum velocity to a ball. The invention may also be used in various industrial applications to measure the displacement and velocity of a moving object.
This invention also provides a method for measuring the velocity of an object such as the head of a swinging golf club moving within a field of view which comprises:
A. coloring the object a single predetermined color;
B. providing a television camera with scanning and color responsive video circuitry responsive primarily to said predetermined color;
C. directing the camera to said field of view;
D. scanning the image of the object and converting the resulting signals of the image of said object into pulses;
E. synthesizing an array of scanned lines and transforming said pulses onto said lines in timed relation to the generation of said lines;
F. computing the pulse displacement when the pulse is displaced between repeated scanning lines on said array with due regard to the time interval between the generations of said scan lines;
G. deriving a computation of the velocity determined by the pulse displacement and;
H. providing readout signal corresponding to said velocity.
Reference may also be made to U.S. Pat. No. 7,744,480 by Gobush dated Jun. 29, 2010, titled “One camera club monitor”. The present invention comprises method and apparatus for measuring the speed, direction and orientation of a striking instrument such as golf club head before the point of impact of the instrument against the ball or other object to be struck and from such data computing conditions of instrument movement prior to impact. The monitoring system may be used to determine the swing characteristics of a golf club as it approaches and impacts with a golf ball. The accuracy of the single camera system may be comparable to the accuracy of more complex, multi-camera systems. The application also relates to methods for calibrating a single camera system. The system comprises a single camera unit having a light sensitive panel that is operable to be focused on a field of view through which the striking instrument passes prior to striking the object, wherein said single camera unit is operable to shutter or gate at least two times as the striking instrument and object pass through the field of view; three or more contrasting areas on the striking instrument and one or more contrasting areas on the object, said contrasting areas positioned so that light emitting therefrom reaches said light sensitive panels to form images thereon and create image signals when camera shutters are open; an image analyzer operable to discriminate between the striking instrument contrasting areas and the object contrasting areas and determining the conditions of a path and orientation of the striking instrument through the field; and a rotatable calibration fixture having a pivot point and a plurality of predetermined contrasting areas, wherein three dimensional positions of the plurality of predetermined contrasting areas are known relative to each other, and wherein the striking instrument has a striking face, and wherein the striking instrument is calibrated such that the single-camera system is operable to identify a position and orientation of the striking face from the striking instrument contrasting areas, wherein a first calibration image of a first perspective view of the calibration fixture and first plurality of contrasting areas and the striking instrument and second plurality of contrasting areas is captured and the calibration fixture is rotated to a second orientation by the pivot point to provide a second perspective view of the calibration fixture and first plurality of contrasting areas and the striking instrument and second plurality of contrasting areas; wherein the striking instrument is a golf club comprising a club head and a club face and the object is a golf ball, wherein the image analyzer is operable to determine a club head path and face orientation during a swing of the golf club, and wherein the image analyzer is operable to determine a location of impact of the golf ball on the club face with an accuracy of 0.10 inch. The present invention provides a golfer with data relating to the variables of his swing useful for improving his swing and for selecting equipment such as golf balls and golf clubs that may be better suited or tailored for the golfer's swing characteristics. The invention may be used for analyzing movement of other sports striking instruments. Several additional features may be provided to the embodiment described above. For instance, the striking instrument may be calibrated in several ways. In one embodiment, the striking instrument is calibrated such that the spatial locations of the contrasting areas are known relative to the geometric center of the striking face. In another embodiment, the striking instrument is calibrated such that the body coordinates of the striking instrument are known relative to the striking instrument contrasting areas. And in yet another embodiment, the striking instrument is calibrated with a priori knowledge of the spatial locations of the striking instrument contrasting areas. In addition, the monitor system of the present invention may have a calibration fixture having a plurality of contrasting areas, wherein the three-dimensional positions of the calibration fixture contrasting areas are known relative to each other. In another embodiment, the monitor system of the present invention may have a calibration attachment that can be disposed on the face of the striking instrument. The calibration attachment may have a plurality of contrasting areas disposed on its surface. Preferably, the three-dimensional positions of the calibration attachment contrasting areas are known relative to each other. The present invention is capable of accurately measuring the striking instrument and object. The accuracy of the system or of the image analyzer for determining the golf ball impact location is within 0.25 inch. In another embodiment, the accuracy of the system or of the image analyzer for determining the golf ball impact location is within 0.10 inch. In yet another embodiment, the accuracy of the system or of the image analyzer for determining the golf ball impact location is comparable to the accuracy of a 2-camera system. In yet another embodiment, the system or the image analyzer is capable of determining one or more of a droop angle, a loft angle, a face angle, a path angle, or an attack angle of the golf club. Some embodiments of the present invention relate to the accuracy of the system or image analyzer for determining these angles. For instance, in one embodiment the accuracy of the system or of the image analyzer for determining the golf club droop angle, loft angle, face angle, path angle, or attack angle is within 3 degrees. In another embodiment, the accuracy is within 1 degree, and in another embodiment it is comparable to the accuracy of a 2-camera system. In some embodiments, the system or image analyzer is capable of determining the club head velocity with accuracy within 20 feet per second. In another embodiment, the accuracy of the system or of the image analyzer for determining club head velocity is comparable to the accuracy of a 2-camera system. In one embodiment, camera unit is capable of shuttering or gating at least three times as the striking instrument and object pass through the field of view. A triggering unit may be used with the present invention. One advantage of providing a triggering unit is that it may be useful for determining when the single camera captures an image of the striking instrument and object. In one embodiment, the triggering unit comprises a light source, a reflector, and an optical sensor. In another embodiment, the triggering system comprises an ultrasonic emitter and receiver.
Reference may also be made to U.S. Pat. No. 7,283,647 by McNitt dated Oct. 16, 2007, titled “Method and system for physical motion analysis and training of a golf club swing motion using image analysis techniques”. This invention relates to an analysis tool and method for providing athletic training and instruction as it pertains to a golf club swing motion, specially a golf putting stroke motion. The analysis tool provides analysis information to a user from the analysis of at least one video image recording device. The motion of the golf club during the swing or stroke is determined by processing the video image frame data collected by the video image recording device(s). The resulting measurements are displayed by the computer processing environment and presented to the user numerically or pictorially for the purposes of instruction and improvement. The tool comprises one or more video image recording devices; a computer processing environment for processing and storing video image data recorded by said video image recording devices; means for a calibration process to determine an exact trajectory a golf ball must roll along to reach a predetermined target zone and to determine measurement correction factors necessary to compensate for measurement errors caused by optical distortion, misalignment, or positional variance of said individual image recording devices; a light reflective element attached to a surface of said golf putter whereby providing a visual target to record using said video recording devices, detect, and measure position and angle of said light reflective element representing said putter, relative to said exact trajectory with respect to time; a computer readable media containing computer algorithms operable in said computer processing environment for processing said video image data as recorded from each single said video recording device containing recorded image representations of said light reflective element whereby determining a plurality of said position and angular measurements of said light reflective element relative to said exact trajectory, representing said golf putter to which said light reflective element is attached; a display device providing means for presenting said position and angular measurements relative to said exact trajectory; means for processing and correcting said position and angular measurements using said calibration correction factors relative to said exact trajectory; whereby providing corrected, position and angular motion measurement information to aid in instruction and improvement of said putting stroke. In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems are solved by an analysis tool that uses video image recording devices and processing that facilitates the accurate measurement of a golf club during a swing motion, specifically a golf putter during a putting stroke. The analysis tool incorporates a computer processing environment and one or more video image recording devices. The computer processing environment includes a detection module that employs novel digital image processing algorithms to detect the putter head in each recorded video frame by searching for a light reflective element of certain size and shape placed on a surface of the putter. The computer processing environment also includes an analysis module that determines and calculates various attributes of the putter head motion by using digital image processing algorithms from information passed to it by the detection module. The computer processing environment includes a calibration module that takes into consideration distortion caused by the optical lens, physical misalignment, and other physical properties of the video image recording device. The information produced by the calibration module is used by the analysis module to accurately calculate the various attributes of the putter head motion. Resulting measurements and calculations describing the putter head motion are displayed by the computer processing environment. The displayed information is used for improving the student's putting stroke. Furthermore, the processing environment includes a multiple session display feature. This feature displays putter stroke data and statistics for multiple putting sessions. A session consists of data measured and calculated for one or more putting strokes. This is useful for a student that is testing golf putters of different designs or testing the effectiveness of different putting techniques. The student can define a session for each putter or technique being tested and objectively compare the statistical results for each. In an alternative embodiment, the analysis tool can be used for instruction and comparison using other types of golf clubs, a pitching wedge or sand wedge as examples. The processing environment includes an automatic trigger module to detect when the putter head has struck the golf ball. The trigger module processes video image data in real time to detect the ball motion then automatically launches the aforementioned digital image processing algorithms, specifically the detection module algorithms. Subsequently, the trigger module requires no external hardware to perform its function. The teaching system may include a calibration fixture to align the analysis tool to a physical, ideal ball trajectory across a putting surface to a target zone. Furthermore, the calibration fixture provides a visual calibration target used by the calibration module to measure and compensate for distortion caused by the camera lens, misalignment of the camera, and other physical properties of the system setup. The invention may be implemented as a computer process, a computing system or as an article of manufacture such as a computer program product or computer readable media. The computer program product may be a computer storage media readable by a computer system containing computer readable instructions for executing a computer process. The computer program product may also be a propagated signal readable by a computing system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process, transmitted on a carrier.
Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,341 by Port, et al. dated Jul. 26, 2005, titled “Putting training aid and calibration device”. This invention relates to a putting training aid and putter calibration device for use on a putting surface which includes a horizontal calibrated bar with a linear centered scale and a parallel calibration block having an orthogonal face and set on the practice putting surface below and offset from the horizontal calibrated bar. Also provided is a linear scale decal which is applied to a putter shaft. The device is designed to align the putter head to proper lie and neutral loft so that the face is square to the intended target line and to teach the golfer the proper grip, stance, alignment of the golfer, alignment of the club and proper putting stroke. Further this invention provides a method of objectively calibrating putter position for a golfer, said putter having an axial shaft and a shaft head having a sole and a face, the sole and shaft defining a lie angle and the face having a loft. This method comprises orienting the putter at a first position such that the sole is generally flat against a generally planar putting surface resulting in a generally neutral lie angle; orienting the putter at a second position such that the face has a generally neutral loft; and calibrating the oriented position of the putter by identifying alignment of first plural position-indicating indicia disposed along the shaft with second plural position-indicating indicia disposed along an axis generally parallel to, and spaced above, the putting surface. The putter may be consistently located at the oriented putter position following each putting stroke, facilitating repetition of putting strokes by the golfer. In order to consistently and accurately putt a golf ball on a putting surface, the putter's face should be square to the intended target and the putter's sole should be parallel to the putting surface. The present invention allows the golfer to establish a neutral position for the putter at contact with the ball with respect to both loft and lie. In this manner, the golfer can determine if a particular putter, with its loft and lie, comfortably suits the golfer's physique, putting stance and putting style. The training and the calibration aid embodying the present invention includes a frame supporting a horizontal calibration bar. The calibration bar has a calibration scale applied to the bar on a decal or similar application. The calibration scale has a zero point and may be marked with position notations suitable for the individual golfer. A calibration block, having an orthogonal face is positioned below and offset from the calibration bar on the putting surface. In calibration mode operation, the putter is balanced against the calibration bar, with the sole of the putter head aligned to the putting surface. The putter face may then be leaned against the orthogonal face of the calibration block to square the face on the intended target line. The resulting position of the putting handle may be then marked on the calibration decal on the horizontal calibration band on a similar calibration decal applied to the putter's shaft. These markings determine a repeatable setup position for the putter with close to zero lofts. In the practice mode, the calibration block is removed and the putter is placed so that the calibration marks are aligned for the optimum setup position. Such setup position is based on objective criterion and is repeatable for subsequent putter strokes. The golfer then grips the putter and practices a putting stroke guided by the horizontal calibration bar so that the golfer becomes comfortable with the repeatable setup position and then can develop a correct, repeatable putting stroke from that objectively-determined setup position.
Reference may be made to United States Patent Number 20060287119 by Penner; et al., dated Dec. 21, 2006, titled “Integrated putting training and green speed measuring apparatus and method of use thereof”. (Application has been abandoned due to not responding to official action). This invention relates to an integrated stimp-putt meter for use with a golf ball, putter and distance measure, for assessing golf ball speed along a given path is provided. The stimp-putt meter comprises: at least two transmitter/receiver pairs, for transmission and reception of an electromagnetic beam; a microcontroller in electronic communication with the transmitter/receiver pairs; a display in electronic communication with the microcontroller; and a housing. The transmitter/receiver pairs are located along a given path, and the transmitter and receiver of each pair are separated by a predetermined distance sufficient for a golf ball to pass through and positioned such that each beam is interrupted by the passage of a golf ball.
Reference may be made to United States Patent Number 20020173365, by Boscha, Bogie, dated Nov. 21, 2002, titled “System and method for controlling conditions in putting as a part of a golf game”. (Application has been abandoned due to not responding to official action.) This invention relates to system and method for measuring speed of a golf ball in putting as a part of a golf game, as well as other characteristics of the game. The system consists of a group of optical light emitting and receiving devices built into the putter head and exposed to the light reflected from the golf ball during rolling on the putter green. The putter head also contains force sensor for measuring a force applied from the club head to the golf ball and a gyro sensor which measures angular deviation of the actual direction of hit from a reference direction which has been preliminarily entered into the system. A microprocessor that receives and processed the information from the optical, force, and gyro components is built into the putter grip. The latter also contains a IR receiving/transmitting device which transmits the processed data to a remotely located microprocessor and display. The method and system of the invention are based on a principle of measuring the speed of rolling of the golf ball by measuring the number of revolutions of the ball during rolling. For this purpose the ball is provided with at least one equatorial mark detectable by the light receiving optical sensors. The ball is irradiated by the light emitted from the aforementioned light emitting devices, and each revolution of the ball is sensed as a light signal produced by the light reflected from the equatorial mark of the ball. The system produced a modulated light signal having a frequency of modulation corresponding to the frequency of rotation of the ball during rolling. The results of measurements of the angles and speed can be selectively shown to the golfer in a real time of the game.
Reference may also be made to Application Number PCT/KR2008/005255, filed on May 9, 2008, by Seong-Kyu LIM, Republic of Korea, titled “
Reference may also be made to Application Number U.S. Ser. No. 13/496,181, dated Jul. 5, 2012, by SUK JEY HO [KR]; SUK YONG HO [KR], titled “Method for measuring the physical quantity of an object using a single light source and a flat surface sensor unit, and virtual golf system using the method”. This invention relates to a virtual golf system using a method for measuring the physical quantity of an object comprises: a light source producing the shadows of an object which locates on the route of light; a plane sensor unit, which includes a plurality of sensors and detects the shadows of an object; a measuring device producing the height, traveling speed, and traveling direction of the object; and a display device indicating the result of numerical calculation or graphic treatment.
Reference may be made to Application Number JP2005278797 (A) by Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd, titled “System and Method for Calculating Projectile of Golf Ball”. This invention relates to a projectile calculation system which calculates the projectile of the golf ball until the ball is hit and land on the ground has an initial projectile measuring means which measures the initial speed of the golf ball immediately after the hitting thereof, the angle at the start of hitting and the degree of back spin, a yardage measuring means which measures the yardage of the golf ball from the hitting point to the landing point thereof, a flight time length measuring means which measures the flight time length until the golf ball land on the ground after the hitting thereof and a calculation means which calculates the projectile of the golf ball based on the initial speed immediately after the hitting thereof, the angle at hitting, the degree of back spin, the carry and the flight time length thus measured.
Reference may be made to Application Number JPH1163916 (A) by Pentel K K, titled “Fly distance measuring equipment of golf ball”. This invention relates to a system to measure and calculate the striking elevation angle and the striking speed of a ball, without needing calibration of photo detection elements. This equipment consists of a light source and a photo detection element row group wherein two photo detection element rows constituted by arranging photo detection elements 1, 2, 4, 5 on lines are arranged with different angles. The photo detection elements receive the light reflected from a struck ball irradiated with a light from the light source. Time difference is generated between times when adjacent photo detection elements receive the maximum amount of the reflected light while the struck ball passes. On the basis of the time difference, the striking elevation angle and the striking speed of the ball are calculated. From the angle and the speed, the fly distance of the struck ball is operated.
Reference may be made to Application Number U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,230 A, dated Oct. 28, 1997 by US Golf Association, titled “Test range for determining the aerodynamic characteristics of a ball in flight”. This invention relates to a calibration system for calibrating the exact position of a light curtain formed by a ballistic screen. The calibration system uses a model ball which can be moved through a light screen at high speed in order to simulate the actual passage of a driven golf ball through the light screen. Positioning of the model golf ball at a point at which the golf ball just contacts the light screen serves to determine the exact location of the light screen. A laser ranging device is used to locate the calibration system relative to a launch point. Thus, the precise distance of the curtain of light from the launch point can be readily determined. The calibration system may also be used to determine if a ballistic screen is mounted in a true vertical plane.
Reference may be made to Application Number KR100777598 (B1), by PARK SUNG SU, titled “A shaft-mounted type apparatus for measuring speed of a head”. This invention relates to a golf club head speed measuring apparatus of a shaft-mounted type is provided to enable a user to carry and use it conveniently, and to calculate an accurate speed in spite of using a low efficiency processor by measuring a swing speed using two acceleration sensors or a pair of acceleration sensor and gyro-sensor. A golf club head speed measuring apparatus of a shaft-mounted type includes: a case-shaped main body detachably attached to a shaft of a golf club in a head direction to be spaced from a head at a certain distance; and a measurement module comprising a head speed measuring sensor module installed in the main body, a processor connected to the head speed measuring sensor module and calculating a swing speed using a value measured by the head speed measuring sensor module, and a display embedded in or connected to the main body and outputting the swing speed calculated by the processor.
Reference may also be made to Application Number DE102005027593 (A1), by HAAG ELEKTRONISCHE MESGERAETE [DE], titled “Golf club head speed measuring device, has sensor device e.g. radar-transceiver, whose radar beam is directed horizontally in direction of golf ball, where club head is recorded as function of time by Doppler frequency measurement”. This invention relates to a device has a sensor device e.g. radar-transceiver, whose radar beam is directed horizontally in a direction of a golf ball. Another sensor device is provided whose radar beam is directed perpendicular to the radar beam of the former device. A data collecting unit, an evaluation unit and a memory unit are provided, and position of a golf club head is recorded as a function of time by Doppler frequency measurement. An independent claim is also included for a method for measuring variation in time of speed of head of a golf club.
However, none of the inventions discussed above provide any device or teach any method which is being taught by the specification below in present invention. The method and other features discussed in the device of this invention are completely different and are improved over the prior art and hence are novel and innovative.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates device and a method for measuring the speed of golf ball and speed of the putter to ascertain the ratio between the two, wherein said ball speed is being measured in terms of ball speed on a green, said device being capable of gauging ball speed in terms of inches per second within 1 foot of the ball from resting position, so as to differentiate one putt from another effectively, wherein said device comprising of two main components ‘A’ and ‘B’ as defined herein, wherein each of these two components comprises a battery, a housing and two sensors along with a computing device P.C.B. with individual programming, and also having means for display, switches, diffuse scan technology sensors (infrared, red light, laser etc.), individual display panels, battery, display lights, casing and charging adaptor, such that all of these components are inter-connected and are functioning together as one unit.
The main objective of the present invention is to provide a device to measure the ball speed on the greens of golf courses.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a method to differentiate the average ratio between ball speed and putter speed amongst different putters.
Another objective of the invention is to dynamically map a putting surface or green in order to make it easier to depict precise ball speed for different lengths of putts.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a device which displays the reading of ball speed in “inches per second”, which is most appropriate for the golfers.
Another objective of the invention is to measure speed of the club or putter that is used to strike or hit the ball.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a device which displays the readings of the club or putter used to hit the ball in “inches per second”.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a device which displays the ratio between the putter speed and ball speed to enable players to calibrate the club or putter ideally to any green.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a device which can be used for both left handed and right handed players.
Another objective of the invention is to enable the player to practice a specific speed of putt anywhere.
So accordingly, the present invention provides a novel method and device for measuring the speed of golf ball and putter speed differentiate the ratio between the two amongst different putters, for the purposes of calibration and mapping of a putting surface or green in terms of ball speed specific to variable lengths of distance, wherein said ball speed is being measured in terms of ball speed on a green, said device being capable of gauging speed in terms of inches per second within 1 foot of the ball from resting position, so as to differentiate one putt from another effectively, wherein the said device represents a 3 dimensional effect, wherein said device comprising of two main components ‘A’ and ‘B’ as defined herein, wherein each of these two components comprises a battery, a housing and two sensors along with a computing device P.C.B. with individual programming, and also having means for display, switches, diffuse scan technology sensors (infrared, red light, laser etc.), individual display panels, battery, display lights, casing and charging adaptor, such that all of these components are inter-connected and are functioning together as one unit.
The present invention provides a novel device and a method for measuring the green speed in unit “inches per second”. This invention consist of 2 piece machine (A&B) with 2 diffuse scan technology sensors (infrared, red light, laser etc.) further this invention provides real time speed detection of golf ball on a putting surface or green within the first 1 foot of movement from ball at rest. It also has the capability of dual direction for left and right handed players. This device has portability to enable actual golf course as well as indoor speed detection and practice. Further this invention is calibrated with the range of ball speed imparted by the stimp-meter within the first 1 foot of ball roll on the putting surface or green, and optional display of average speed for up to the last 5 putts through an average button. There is a facility of auto display reset after 10 seconds with option of manual reset button, and provides reading up to one decimal point. This device consist of adjustable sensor sensitivity for up to 2 feet but preset at 8 inches from ball (i.e.—intended path of ball roll may be up to 8 inches away but adjustable to 2 feet).
So the present invention provides a novel device for measuring the green speed in unit “inches per second”. This invention consist of 2 piece machine (A&B) with 2 diffuse scan technology sensors (infra red, red light, laser etc.) further this invention provides real time speed detection of golf ball on a putting surface or green within the first 1 foot of movement from ball at rest. It also has the capability of dual direction for left and right handed players. This device has portability to enable actual golf course as well as indoor speed detection and practice. Further this invention is calibrated with the range of ball speed imparted by the stimp-meter within the first 1 foot of ball roll on the putting surface or green, and optional display of average speed for up to last 5 putts through average button. There is facility of auto display reset after 10 seconds with option of manual reset button, and provides reading up to one decimal point. This device consist of adjustable sensor sensitivity for up to 2 feet but preset at 8 inches from ball (i.e.—intended path of ball roll may be up to 8 inches away).
This device measures the speed of golf ball and putter speed and the ratio between the two, wherein said ball speed is being measured in terms of ball speed on a green, said device being capable of gauging speed in terms of inches per second within 1 foot of the ball from resting position, so as to differentiate one putt from another effectively.
This device consists of two main components ‘A’ and ‘B’, these two components comprise of a battery, one housing and two sensors along with a computing device P.C.B. with individual programming.
This device has means for display, switches, diffuse scan technology sensors (infrared, red light, laser etc.), individual display panels, battery, display lights, casing and charging adaptor, such that all of these components are inter-connected and are functioning together as one unit.
This device is used to measure real time speed for golf ball on a putting surface or green within the first 1 foot of movement from ball at rest. The readings displayed in this device are in unit of “inches per second” with dual direction capability for left and right handed players.
The component ‘A’ of this device is calibrated with the range of ball speed imparted by the Stimp-meter within the first 1 foot of ball roll on the putting surface or green, the component ‘A’ also comprises the dual direction capability for right and left handed players. Component ‘A’ of this device has an option to display an average speed for up to 5 putts through average button. Further Component ‘A’ has a feature of auto display reset after 10 seconds with option of manual reset button. In addition to these the Component ‘A’ of the present device has an adjustable sensor sensitivity for up to 2 feet but pre-set at 8 inches from ball, which means that the intended path of ball roll may be up to 8 inches away or adjustable up to 2 feet. Further the reading provided by the Component ‘A’ of the present device is up to one decimal point.
The component ‘B’ of this device is capable of measuring real time speed detection of putter head within 2 inches prior to ball impact. The component ‘B’ of the present invention also provides the readings in unit of inches per second (inches/sec), with dual direction capability for left or right handed players.
Components ‘A’ and ‘B’ of the present device can also exchange positions as per the requirement of the player, however the purpose of the measurements will always remain same.
The present invention further provides a Novel way to measure speed in terms of inches per second of a putter in motion (Machine B) 2 inches prior impacting a ball on a green with the following applications:
Under the present method a relationship to the initial speed of the ball as a ratio represented by—ball speed: putter speed or putter speed: ball speed also hereby known as Hit Ratio, Contact ratio or Impact ratio.
The method under the present invention differentiates the average ratio between ball speed and putter speed amongst different putters with respect to putter design, material, size, texture, density, weight, shaft flex, grip pressure, grip size, hardness, vibration, length, lie angle and loft etc. with respect to the same ball.
The method further differentiates the average ratio between ball speed and putter speed amongst different brands and compression of balls with respect to the same putter.
The method further comprises of a method to alter a putter design, material, size, texture, density, weight, shaft flex, grip size, grip pressure, hardness, vibration, length, lie angle and loft etc. to change Hit Ratio favorably to suit a certain green or surface.
The present device can measure the Putter speed and Ball speed in inches per second. The present device is also able to measure Ratio between putter and ball which is defined herein as Hit Ratio. Further the present device is able to take measure of a specific putter when its specifications, including but not limited to weight, shaft, flex and loft, grip and face material; are altered, which is defined herein as Hit intensity. This device is capable of displaying the readings up to one decimal point, with ability to establish real time speed detection of putter head two inches prior to ball impact. This device can further establish the initial ball speed within the first one foot of the ball contacting the surface of green while rolling down from a stimp-meter.
This device can be even used to establish true speed of the green even on patches where other devices known till date do not always work due to slope, grain etc. This device can be used for indoor as well as outdoor practices.
So accordingly, the present invention provides A device and method for measuring the speed of golf ball and putter speed differentiate the ratio between the two amongst different putters, for the purposes of calibration and mapping of a putting surface or green in terms of ball speed specific to variable lengths of distance, wherein said ball speed is being measured in terms of ball speed on a green, said device being capable of gauging speed in terms of inches per second within 1 foot of the ball from resting position, so as to differentiate one putt from another effectively, wherein the said device represents 3-dimensional effect, wherein said device comprising of two main components ‘A’ and ‘B’ as defined herein, wherein each of these two components comprises a battery, a housing and two sensors along with a computing device P.C.B. with individual programming, and also having means for display, switches, diffuse scan technology sensors (infrared, red light, laser etc.), individual display panels, battery, display lights, casing and charging adaptor, such that all of these components are inter-connected and are functioning together as one to achieve the desired results.
In an embodiment, said component ‘A’ is used to measure real time speed for golf ball on a putting surface or green within the first 1 foot of movement from ball at rest with the intent to correlate friction offered by the surface, to conclude distance traveled.
In an embodiment, said component ‘A’ data collection is represented in 3 dimensional effect of variable slope and contours of the green on the behavior of a ball rolling, in terms of speed, deceleration and direction.
In an embodiment, said component ‘A’ represents the data collection in 3 dimensional effect of variable types of turf or grass, and relative textures and length of each on the behavior of a ball rolling, in terms of speed, deceleration and direction.
In another embodiment, said component ‘A’ has readings displayed in unit of inches per second (in/sec).
In another embodiment, said component ‘A’ comprises dual direction capability for left and right handed players.
In yet another embodiment, said component ‘A’ is calibrated with the range of ball speed imparted by the stimp-meter within the first 1 foot of ball roll on the putting surface or green.
In another embodiment, said component ‘A’ has an option to display an average speed for up to last 5 putts through average button, if required.
In another embodiment, said component ‘A’ has a feature of auto display reset after 10 seconds with option of manual reset button.
In yet another embodiment, said component ‘A’ an adjustable sensor sensitivity for up to 2 feet but pre-set at 8 inches from ball, which means the intended path of ball roll may be up to 8 inches away.
In another embodiment, said component ‘A’ is able to provide a reading up to one decimal point.
In another embodiment, said component ‘B’ is used to measure real time speed detection of putter head 2 inches prior to ball impact on a green.
In another embodiment, said component ‘B’ provides readings displayed in unit of inches per second (inches/sec).
In another embodiment, said component ‘B’ has dual direction capability for left or right handed players.
In another embodiment, said components ‘A’ and ‘B’ can exchange positions as per the requirement of the player, however, the purpose of measurements will always remain same.
In another embodiment, said device is able to measure Ball speed in inches per second.
In another embodiment, said device is able to measure Putter speed at impact in inches per second.
In another embodiment, said device is able to measure Ratio between putter and ball which is defined herein as Hit Ratio.
In another embodiment, said device is able to take measure of a specific putter when its specifications, including but not limited to weight, shaft, flex and loft, grip and face insert material; are altered, which is defined herein as Hit intensity.
In another embodiment, said device is able to establish readings up to one decimal point.
In another embodiment, said device is able to establish real time speed detection of putter head two inches prior to ball impact.
In another embodiment, said device is able to establish readings displayed in unit of inches per second (inches/sec).
In yet another embodiment, said device is capable of establishing the initial ball speed within the first one foot of the ball in motion from resting position.
In another embodiment, said device is also calibrated to the other such well-established and already known devices in the game of golf.
In another embodiment, said device is able to establish true speed of the green even on patches where other devices known till date do not always work due to slope, grain etc.
In another embodiment, said device is able to establish real time speed of golf ball on a putting surface or green within the first one foot of movement from ball at rest.
In another embodiment, said device is able to establish dual direction capability for left and right handed players.
In another embodiment, said device is portable so as to enable actual golf course as well as indoor speed detection and practice.
In another embodiment, said device is calibrated with the range of ball speed imparted by the other commonly used devices already in practice, within the first 1 foot of ball roll on the putting surface or green.
In another embodiment, said device is able to establish optional display of average speed for up to last five putts through average button.
In another embodiment, said device is able to establish auto display reset after ten seconds with an option of manual reset button.
In another embodiment, said device is battery operated.
In another embodiment, in said method, the relationship to the initial speed of the ball as a ratio represented by “ball speed: putter speed” or “putter speed: ball speed” is also known as Hit Ratio, Contact Ratio or Impact Ratio.
In another embodiment, said method differentiates the average ratio between ball speed and putter speed amongst different putters with respect to putter design, material, size, texture, density, weight, shaft flex, grip pressure, grip size, hardness, vibration, length, lie angle and loft etc. with respect to the same ball.
In another embodiment, said method differentiates the average ratio between ball speed and putter speed amongst different brands and compression of balls with respect to the same putter.
In another embodiment, said method alters a putter design, material, size, texture, density, weight, shaft flex, grip size, grip pressure, hardness, vibration, length, lie angle and loft etc. to change Hit Ratio favorably to suit a certain green or surface.
The aspects disclosed herein allow for the working on patches where the stimp meter would fail to (due to slope, grain etc.)
The aspects disclosed herein enable golf courses to dynamically map their putting surfaces or greens in order to make it easier to depict precise ball speeds for different lengths of putts.
The aspects disclosed herein enable the player to have a comprehensive knowledge of the green and will not rely on guess work. Especially when playing different courses.
With the aspects disclosed herein, a golfer will now be able to maintain the same stroke for a certain length of putt and merely change a putter or its settings (grip size, weight, loft etc.) to offset the ‘intensity of hit’ and therefore maintain the same ‘feel’.
The aspects disclosed herein gives the viewer an absolute number for speed that is not otherwise possible on T.V. This will help break away from an abstract notion of a ‘fast’, ‘medium’ or ‘slow’ putt.
With the invention, a player will now have the ability to relate two consistent putting strokes in terms of ball speed rather than length of backswing and follow through.
The player will be able to practice different speeds rather than logically trying to adapt to the visual perception of a putt. For example a player may practice definitive speeds like 60, 85, 100, 120, 250, 340 inches per second etc. anywhere.
The player may calibrate or change equipment on any green to achieve favorable Hit Ratio representative of ratio between speed of ball and speed of putter.
The aspects disclosed herein enable the player to practice a specific putt anywhere.
Player may practice any length of putt in the comfort of his living room or hotel and prepare for his round.
Claims
1. A device and method for measuring the speed of golf ball and putter speed, and to differentiate the ratio between the two amongst different putters, for the purposes of calibration and mapping of a putting surface or green in terms of ball speed specific to variable lengths of distance, wherein said ball speed is being measured in terms of ball speed on a green, said device being capable of gauging speed in terms of inches per second within 1 foot of the ball from resting position, so as to differentiate one putt from another effectively, wherein the said device represents 3-dimensional effect, wherein said device comprising of two main components ‘A’ and ‘B’ as defined herein, wherein each of these two components comprises a battery, a housing and two sensors along with a computing device P.C.B. with individual programming, and also having means for display, switches, diffuse scan technology sensors (infrared, red light, laser etc.), individual display panels, battery, display lights, casing and charging adaptor, such that all of these components are inter-connected and are functioning together as one to achieve the desired results.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said component ‘A’ is used to measure real time speed for golf ball on a putting surface or green within the first 1 foot of movement from ball at rest with the intent to correlate friction offered by the surface, to conclude distance travelled.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Component ‘A’ data collection is represented in 3 dimensional effect of variable slope and contours of the green on the behavior of a ball rolling, in terms of speed, deceleration and direction.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said Component ‘A’ represents the data collection in 3 dimensional effect of variable types of turf or grass, and relative textures and length of each on the behavior of a ball rolling, in terms of speed, deceleration and direction.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said component ‘A’ has readings displayed in unit of inches per second (in/sec).
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said component ‘A’ comprises dual direction capability for left and right handed players.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said component ‘A’ is calibrated with the range of ball speed imparted by the stimp-meter within the first 1 foot of ball roll on the putting surface or green.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said component ‘A’ has an option to display an average speed for up to last 5 putts through average button, if required.
9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said component ‘A’ has a feature of auto display reset after 10 seconds with option of manual reset button.
10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said component ‘A’ an adjustable sensor sensitivity for up to 2 feet but pre-set at 8 inches from ball, which means the intended path of ball roll may be up to 8 inches away.
11. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said component ‘A’ is able to provide a reading up to one decimal point.
12. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said component ‘B’ is used to measure real time speed detection of putter head 2 inches prior to ball impact on a green.
13. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said component ‘B’ provides readings displayed in unit of inches per second (inches/sec).
14. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said component ‘B’ has dual direction capability for left or right handed players.
15. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said components ‘A’ and ‘B’ can exchange positions as per the requirement of the player, however, the purpose of measurements will always remain same.
16. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is able to measure Ball speed in inches per second.
17. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is able to measure Putter speed at impact in inches per second.
18. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is able to measure Ratio between putter and ball which is defined herein as Hit Ratio.
19. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is able to take measure of a specific putter when its specifications, including but not limited to weight, shaft, flex, loft, grip and face material; are altered, which is defined herein as Hit intensity.
20. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is able to establish readings up to one decimal point.
21. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is able to establish real time speed detection of putter head two inches prior to ball impact.
22. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is able to establish readings displayed in unit of inches per second (inches/sec).
23. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is capable of establishing the initial ball speed within the first one foot of the ball contacting the surface of green.
24. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is also calibrated to the other such well-established and already known devices in the game of golf.
25. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is able to establish true speed of the green even on patches due to slope, grain etc., where other devices known till date do not work always.
26. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is able to establish real time speed of golf ball on a putting surface or green within the first one foot of movement from ball at rest.
27. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is able to establish dual direction capability for left and right handed players.
28. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is portable so as to enable actual golf course as well as indoor speed detection and practice.
29. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is calibrated with the range of ball speed imparted by the other commonly used devices already in practice, within the first 1 foot of ball roll on the putting surface or green.
30. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is able to establish optional display of average speed for up to last five putts through average button.
31. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is able to establish auto display reset after ten seconds with an option of manual reset button.
32. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is battery operated.
33. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein under the said method, the relationship to the initial speed of the ball as a ratio represented by “ball speed: putter speed” or “putter speed: ball speed” is also known as Hit Ratio, Contact Ratio or Impact Ratio.
34. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said method differentiates the average ratio between ball speed and putter speed amongst different putters with respect to putter design, material, size, texture, density, weight, shaft flex, grip pressure, grip size, hardness, vibration, length, lie angle and loft etc. with respect to the same ball.
35. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said method differentiates the average ratio between ball speed and putter speed amongst different brands and compression of balls with respect to the same putter.
36. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said method alters a putter design, material, size, texture, density, weight, shaft flex, grip size, grip pressure, hardness, vibration, length, lie angle and loft etc. to change Hit Ratio favorably to suit a certain green or surface.
37. A device and method for measuring the speed of golf ball and putter speed, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings and specification.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 12, 2014
Publication Date: Sep 22, 2016
Inventor: Gurbaaz Pratap Singh MANN (Columbus, OH)
Application Number: 14/778,423
