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

This patent describes a system to identify golf balls using radio techniques to minimize impact on the game. The system uses direct or dedicated radio links between components and changes markings on the golf ball to enhance its identification. Surface characteristics, such as dimples and impact marks, can also be used to establish a unique identity for the golf ball. The system uses cameras and computer-implemented character recognition techniques to isolate and count the dimples on the golf ball surface. Sensors can also detect other surface characteristics, such as discolouration and wear and tear, to create a unique image of the golf ball surface and use it as a control parameter. This system can improve the accuracy of identifying golf balls during play.

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. No. 4,880,232, US20010021673, US20050250590, US20060084529 and US20110034223.

(4) Blind verification—prior art in this category relies on switches and sensors which perform object detection but which do not necessarily provide a conclusive means of distinguishing between a foreign object and a golf ball in play. The prior art in this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 3,104,879, U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,222 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,052.

(5) Visual verification—prior art in this category complements the use of switches and sensors with photographic evidence. However the applicant is unaware of any prior art in this category which discloses a technique of uniquely identifying a standard golf ball—an aspect which is considered to be essential in addressing a situation in which a foreign golf ball could be introduced into a target area either intentionally or inadvertently. The prior art in this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,705, U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,140, U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,345, U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,913, US20030195052, US20040166948, US20050192124 and US20090305803.

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