Digital verification of single stroke achievement

Abstract

A single golf stroke achievement is forensically validated with minimal observer influence by digitally or electronically identifying a golfer and a golf ball, producing video recordings of the golf stroke, a subsequent flight of the ball, and arrival of the ball (if this occurs) at a target area which contains a golf cup, and detecting and recording entry of the golf ball into the cup (if this occurs).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to a system for evaluating a golfer's claim of a single stroke achievement such as a hole-in-one, a nearest-to-the-pin, or other single stroke performance, and to a method of forensic identification giving effect to the system while minimising observer impact.[0002]The rules of golf allow a player to accept a prize for a hole-in-one without a limit in the value of the prize and, in the case of an amateur player, without affecting the player's amateur status. Since a prize for an achievement such as a hole-in-one may include a substantial cash amount, a car, a boat, a holiday and a house (by way of example) the importance of being able to verify a player's claim of this type of achievement is evident.[0003]Generally, in a golf game, only other players or witnesses to an event can substantiate or repudiate a player's claim of a particular achievement. Due to human factors a player's claim or a witness report of a particular event...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022]Although it falls within the scope of the invention for such communication links to be established by means of conductors (wires) it is preferred to make use of radio techniques to minimize impact of the system on the normal play of golf. In this respect it is preferred to make use of direct or dedicated radio links between the respective components in the system.

[0023]A primary application of the invention lies in providing a capability to evaluate a player's claim of achieving a hole-in-one. However the principles of the invention can be used with equal effect in making a determination of any similar event e.g. a nearest-to-pin ...

Problems solved by technology

Due to human factors a player's claim or a witness report of a particular event can vary or be in error.

(1) Driving range systems—prior art in this category teaches observation systems and methods that are not suitable for regular golf courses. The prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,389, U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,374, U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,642, U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,987 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,123.

(2) Practice systems—prior art in this category teaches observations in which the influence of observers is increased due to the use of non-standard equipment, or equipment which is only suitable for practising the game of golf. The prior art in this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,815, U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,670, US20030005004 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,398,500.

(3) Human verification—prior art in this category teaches human intervention processes such as manual measurements, manual entries into recording devices or post evaluations by third parties. Such techniques are subject to human error or confirmation bias. Examples of prior art in this category include U.S. Pat....

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