PUTTING PRACTICE TRACKING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM

Abstract

A putting system that utilizes a computing system to process signals from sensors that are built into the apparatus is described. The sensors track a golf ball rolling along a putting mat to determine both the speed and location of the putt. The system then communicates to the player's smartphone or other connected device to facilitate analysis of the putt attempt and to relay putt information to a central server for storage, game interactions, and comparative analysis against other players. Using applications that run on the player's mobile device, tablet, tv, or computer, real-time and historical analyses are presented to the player. Games against other players locally or connected through the internet expand the experience in novel and challenging ways. Overall, the putting system aims to provide a more useful and engaging putting experience through statistical tracking and analysis, meaningful feedback to the user, and the inclusion of multiplayer elements.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0001] N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Various embodiments relate generally to golf training aids systems, methods, devices and computer programs and, more specifically, relate to methods and systems for analyzing the motion of a putted golf ball and providing feedback about the putt quality to the golfer.

[0003] This section is intended to provide a background or context. The description may include concepts that may be pursued, but have not necessarily been previously conceived or pursued. Unless indicated otherwise, what is described in this section is not deemed prior art to the description and claims and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0004] Many devices exist for measuring attributes about player's golf swings and course activities (see U.S. Pat. No. 9,604,142). Full simulators for home and office can track full golf swings (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,139). However, these systems perform poorly when tracking golf putts. Existing putting trackers can show only stroke quality and not shot outcome or speed accuracy. Full simulators are notoriously poor at simulating putting and lack accuracy to track whether the golfer made or missed the putt or hit the putt with the appropriate speed.

[0005] Most systems require external sensors attached to the player's equipment. This causes aerodynamic and balance differences that may affect training accuracy and efficacy.

[0006] Further, existing putting training aids are simple mechanical systems designed to return the ball to the player after a putt. They lack the ability to track whether the player made or missed the putt and have no memory or interfaces for tracking putting success rates over time. While these systems often have a hole for the player to see the ball enter, the player is left to themselves to determine their success rate.

[0007] Furthermore, since the hole is a fixed width on existing systems (the regulation cup width), the player has no opportunity to refine their putting stroke by putting at a smaller target without modifications to the system. This limits the ability of these systems to provide sufficient difficulty and training refinement to make them compelling for more advanced golfers.

[0008] Due to the lack of feedback, games-based training methods, or competitive training against other players, the golfer has no external compelling reason to practice regularly and very little benefit is realized from existing systems. Many systems today give the golfer qualitative feedback about their putting stroke or golf stroke, but few provide the accuracy or results-oriented outcomes needed to compel the user to practice more often and motivate them to achieve a higher success rate.

[0009] Therefore, a need exists in the golf training aid landscape for putting training systems that can accurately track the speed and accuracy of the golf ball after the putt stroke including the result of the putt stroke and its overall quality. This technical capability needs to be paired with games-based training systems and real-time training competitions to create compelling environments for training and improvement. By utilizing the powerful and intuitive interfaces on smartphones, a very sophisticated experience can be provided by a relatively inexpensive putting platform.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The below summary is merely representative and non-limiting.

[0011] The above problems are overcome, and other advantages may be realized, by the use of the embodiments.

[0012] In a first aspect, an embodiment provides a golf putting practice system. The system includes a mat simulating a putting green and a base unit to receive a golf ball. At least one sensor is integrated into the base unit in order to detect a rolling golf ball and to assess a speed and position of the rolling golf ball. A computer is also disposed in the base unit and configured to receive signals from the sensors. The computer is configured to determine the speed and position of the rolling golf ball based on the signals from the sensors and the computer is configured to determine a quality measurement of a putting stroke related to the rolling golf ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Aspects of the described embodiments are more evident in the following description, when read in conjunction with the attached Figures.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a putting system diagram of a system that facilitates tracking a golf putt and delivering analysis to computing devices through internet-connected computing services.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows a putting system base with lasers and photoresistors.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows an alternate view of the putting system base with lasers and photoresistors of FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a putting system base with infrared lights and detectors.

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a putting system base with a camera system.

[0019] FIG. 6 demonstrates a putting system base with a carpet in a partial overhead view.

[0020] FIG. 7 demonstrates a putting system base with a carpet in an oblique view.

[0021] FIG. 8 shows a putting target decal.

[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a GUI showing a missed putt.

[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a GUI showing a made putt.

[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates a GUI showing results and analysis information.

[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates a GUI showing a putting duel (game) in progress.

[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates a GUI showing a made putt during a game.

[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates a GUI showing a duel round result.

[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates a GUI showing round summary information.

[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates a GUI showing game winner modal.

[0030] FIG. 17 illustrates a GUI showing an animated graphic.

[0031] FIG. 18 illustrates the GUI showing the animated graphic later in time.

[0032] FIG. 19 illustrates a putting system base for use with a smartphone having a camera.

[0033] FIG. 20 shows a flow diagram for connecting users for game purposes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] This patent application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/882,148, filed Aug. 2, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0035] Multiple needs for the field are satisfied by the invention. The invention consists of a putting training system for home, office, and other indoor or outdoor training environments with automatic analysis and wireless data transmission. The system utilizes a sensor-containing apparatus to collect golf ball motion data and relay it to a computer, mobile device, or networked server system for analysis and data mining. Additionally, golfers may use the golf ball or putter they desire without the need for external attachments or modifications.

[0036] Associated applications on computer, mobile device, or other network-connected interface will present the user with analysis, suggestions, and historical data. Network-based games will allow players to test their skill in real time against players anywhere in the world via networked data analysis and game management systems. Users will gain putting insight never before available in consumer-oriented indoor training aids.

[0037] The first embodiment of the invention is a putting apparatus consisting of a plastic, wood, or metal base with embedded sensors for tracking the position, speed, and direction of a putted golf ball. The base also contains computing systems sufficient to transmit the collected data via ethernet, Bluetooth, WIFI, or other wireless signal to connected devices or directly to servers on the internet.

[0038] A further embodiment of the invention is the putting mat which is a grass simulant that acts as the putting surface for the ball to roll on after the putting stroke. This mat may contain markings to assist the golfer with identifying putting positions and accuracy. The mat may also include sensors to detect the distance the player is putting from.

[0039] The third embodiment of the system is a user interface for displaying putt results (speed, direction, final position, and analysis or scoring) to the user. This user interface may be present on a handheld device such as a smartphone or tablet and may be presented as a mobile application or web application accessible via internet-connected computing devices such as desktops, laptops, or televisions.

[0040] The fourth embodiment of the system is an internet-based website to allow users to review their progress, game scores, and putting results.

[0041] An additional embodiment of the system is a cloud or internet-based server system to facilitate interactions between players, long term storage of putt results, analysis and data-mining of putting statistics, and storage of raw data collected from sensors on the base.

[0042] This server system may include single or multiple servers or virtual servers for handling tasks including data file storage, relational database operation, SQL or no-SQL data systems, backup, processing, software updates, and multiple simultaneous actions at the request of client devices and software.

[0043] It is an object of this invention to be a more useful and enjoyable indoor putting mat. With this system the user no longer has to manually keep track of any part of their putting practice session, so they can focus more on the actual putting. The system makes putting more enjoyable and rewarding than previous putting training aids that offer no feedback or analysis. The invention also includes different difficulty levels that will be described in more depth further on as well as support for multiple players.

[0044] A system for golfers to practice putting with accurate tracking of putt outcomes is presented. Numerous details and embodiments of features of the system will be discussed in this document. However, a reader should note that the specificity shown in these examples may not be the only methods through which the core functionality can be accomplished. In some portions of the document, less specificity is given as the reader will understand these concepts without delving into system minutiae. Readers should register that regardless of the implementation, the claims and any equivalents are what define the invention.

[0045] The system features gamification of training, analysis by computing platforms, and a user interface delivered through mobile, television, or desktop computing devices. In FIG. 1 a Putting System Diagram shows a system that facilitates tracking a golf putt and delivering analysis to computing devices through internet-connected computing services. The Putting System Base 106 contains a number of sensor configurations as outlined in FIG. 2 a Putting System Base with Lasers and Photoresistors, FIG. 3 a Putting System Base with Lasers and Photoresistors (alternate view), FIG. 4 a Putting System Base with Infrared Lights and Detectors, and FIG. 5 a Putting System Base with Camera System. These sensors will combine to provide sufficient accuracy to track the movement of the golf ball along the base and through the duration of the putt roll. The sensors collect the data using a microprocessor and storage system and prepare it for transmission to connected computing devices. Additionally, the putting system base embodiments may contain wired or wireless communication systems facilitating communication with connected computing systems. The bases may utilize Universal Serial Bus, Ethernet, Bluetooth.RTM., Wi-Fi.RTM., ZigBee.RTM., or other similar wired or wireless technologies for communication.

[0046] Computing devices such as Internet-connected Televisions 101, Desktop Computers 102, Notebook Computers 103, Smartphones 104, Tablet Computers 105, and any devices which may provide equivalent functionality will maintain a connection to the Putting System Base 106 and receive putt data for analysis and interpretation. Software consisting of compiled or interpreted computer code will analyze the putt result to determine the outcome and score of the golfer's putt. In some cases, score calculation and analysis may be offloaded through the device Internet Communication Link 108 to the Cloud Computing Platform 109 for alternate or more computationally intensive analysis. The connected computing devices will also present the user with a graphical user interface, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 9-18.

[0047] The Cloud Computing Platform 109 may contain Web Servers 110, relational or no-sql Databases 111, storage systems, and additional processing units or servers among other components not mentioned here that commonly constitute cloud computing environments.

[0048] Together the putting system base, computing devices, and cloud computing platform create a system for analysis of an actual golf putt giving the golfer feedback currently unknown in the golf training art. While the implementation of such a system may vary, the fundamental concept of a putting system that gives a golfer the ability to take a real putting stroke, hitting a golf ball of the golfer's choice, and see the result in the form of the actual roll of the golf ball and the statistics gathered by the sensor apparatus is presented as the novel concept of the invention. Various concepts for the sensor apparatus will now be presented as shown in FIGS. 2-5.

[0049] FIGS. 2-3 show two views of an embodiment of a Putting System Base with Lasers and Photoresistors. This putting system base contains a set of low-wattage Laser Emitters (diodes) 303 and a corresponding set of Photoresistors 201. In this embodiment, the Photoresistors 201 are angled toward matching Laser Emitters 303 on the opposite side of the apparatus. When the ball crosses a laser beam, the current flow is interrupted due to the photoresistor no longer being conductive to electricity. This causes a capacitor internal to the circuitry that regularly discharges and recharges to recharge at a much slower rate than when laser light is falling on the photoresistor. The internal circuitry of the system detects this change and reports the timing of the event and the magnitude of the change to the on-board processing system for communication to the connected computing devices.

[0050] The configuration contains two lasers that are oriented at right angles to the potential path of the ball and four lasers at angles that cross over the surface area of the device. The right-angled lasers are the primary system for determining the speed of the putted ball as the distance between them divided by the time to cross approximates the average speed of the ball through the space between the lasers. The angled lasers allow the system to calculate the angle of the ball as it traverses the putting apparatus. Using the calculated speed and the timing of the ball crossing angled sensors, the trajectory of the golf ball through the system can be calculated and the result of the putt recorded for analysis. This embodiment also has Ball Holders 203/301, a Cup Target 202/302 and Putting System Base 204/304 to complete the overall system.

[0051] Another embodiment of the putting system base is shown in FIG. 4 which illustrates a Putting System Base with Infrared Lights and Detectors. This embodiment uses embedded infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs) coupled with a phototransistor to detect reflected infrared light when a ball rolls past. Each channel shown in Infrared Lights and Detectors 403, contains multiple pairs of LED and phototransistors arranged horizontally across the width of the device. This allows the system to detect horizontal position of the ball as well as timing of the ball rolling past the sensor array. The raw data is then sent to connected devices or to the cloud computing platform for analysis. By differencing the timing of detection between the first and second sensor channel and correcting for the angle of the pass (detected by determining which LED/phototransistor pairs showed the highest signal), the speed and direction of the golf ball can be determined. This embodiment also has Ball Holders 401, a Cup Target 402 and Putting System Base 404 to complete the overall system.

[0052] Another embodiment of the putting system base includes a camera looking at the putting mat as shown in FIG. 5 which illustrates a Putting System Base with a built-in Camera System. This embodiment utilizes a Camera 501 to detect the ball rolling up the mat. The camera has defined zones where if the ball breaks the computer knows whether or not the putt is a make or miss. The speed is calculated using the framerate of the camera and tracking the ball a known distance up the mat. The camera uses zones denoted by the Cup Target 503 to tell the overall quality of the shot. This embodiment uses the known frame rate of video capture and image processing capabilities of an on-board computing system, a connected device, or the cloud computing platform to analyze the movement of the ball and determine the position and speed of the ball. By defining zones in software and associated logic to detect if a ball has crossed into a specific zone, the result of the putt attempt can be gauged. The speed of the ball through the putting zone can be calculated from the difference in ball position over two or more subsequent frames. This embodiment also has Ball Holders 502, a Cup Target 503 and Putting System Base 504 to complete the overall system.

[0053] For each example embodiment, the main goal is to create a sensor-laden apparatus that can provide data usable for calculating a putt score. Compared with the binary result of "made putt" or "missed putt", getting quantitative feedback about each putt is critical to measuring consistency and improvement.

[0054] In an example scoring calculation, the score of the putt would be rated on a zero to one hundred (0-100) scale by tracking the ball across the putting surface and determining its accuracy relative to the desired target and whether the speed resulted in the putt stopping its forward motion at the appropriate location. One possible method would be to calculate the average speed of the putt between two of the detectors, determining the slope of the line passing through those points, and then calculating the roll out of the ball as it continues on that trajectory up the putting ramp. This would allow calculation of the position where the ball would cease forward movement. For example, the distance between the two detectors would be represented by d and the time difference between the two detection events would be t. In this case, the speed would be given by:

V.sub.0=d/t

[0055] Additionally, applying a Cartesian coordinate system to the putting system base with the first set of detectors lying at points along the line y=0 starting from point [0,0] through [12,0] and the second set of detectors along the line y=3 from point [0,3] through [12,3], a simple calculation can be made to determine the equation of the line passing between the two points. Using the equation:

y=mx+b

[0056] where

m = y 2 - y 1 x 2 - x 1 ##EQU00001##

the line formed by the detectors that received signal due to the ball rolling by can be calculated. Once the line is found, the roll out of the ball along the line can be approximated by factoring in gravity and friction and computing the distance the ball would travel along the line according to:

D = V 0 2 g sin .theta. ##EQU00002##

where g is the force of gravity and .theta. is the incline of the plane of the putting system. In this system, the force of gravity would be applied in multiple directions whenever the roll of the putt is not directly up the face of the putting system. Three-dimensional vector equations can be used to more accurately predict the influence of gravity and friction on the roll of the ball. Combined with the equation of the line formed by the detection of the rolling ball as outlined above, the approximate location of the all can be determined. This location date and the speed data comprises the input data for calculating the score of the putt.

[0057] The overall scoring method may vary with difficulty settings for the player based on the player age, in-game rating, or the player's preferences. However, most scoring scenarios will start with a value of 100 for perfect speed and accuracy, and then the score would be adjusted for differences from perfection. For example, a putt that missed the center of the target while still being the correct speed would have its total score reduced by corresponding to the angle of the putt from the center of the cup. As shown in the equation below, to get the putt score (S.sub.p) the base score (S.sub.b) is adjusted by two equal weight factors corresponding to the variation in the speed of the putt (.nu..sub.p) from the ideal speed (.nu..sub.c) and by the angle of the putt (.theta..sub.p) from the center of the base to a maximum "miss" value of thirty degrees:

S.sub.p=S.sub.b-0.5*ABS(.nu..sub.p-.nu..sub.c)/.nu..sub.c*S.sub.b-0.5*AB- S(.theta..sub.p/30.degree.)*S.sub.b

[0058] The base speed, ideal putt speed, putt angle, and the weight of each component in the score calculation are example values and may be modified to meet the needs of different equipment configurations, game play goals, or difficulty levels.

[0059] This two-factor system is just one example of a scoring system and many variations are possible. Another variation would be to predict the end location of the ball and score the putt based on its radius from the center of the cup. With weighting factors based on distance from the center of the cup, the speed and accuracy would be automatically included in the calculation of the putt score. The key concepts of the scoring system regardless of implementation are that the quality of the putt should be reflected in the overall score or rating of the putt. As speed and accuracy are the two primary components of putting success, most scoring systems will make use of both qualities to determine a meaningful assessment for the golfer.

[0060] In various embodiments, the target may have a depression to catch the ball. The depression may have a radius of regulation hole size. Additionally, the system may be configured to determine whether the putt attempt would have been successful for a hole of a smaller (or greater) size radius. Alternatively, the target may be `virtual` with no depression or hole to catch the ball. FIG. 6 demonstrates a Putting System Base with a Carpet in a Partial Overhead View and shows an example configuration of a putting system base. The base contains two Ball Holders 605 for storing golf balls, guard rails to keep the ball on the putting surface as seen on the Putting System Base 604, a Cup Target 601, a Company Logo 602, and an example of synthetic grass for the Putting Surface 603.

[0061] An example configuration of the full putting training system is shown in FIG. 7 of a Putting System Base with Carpet Oblique View. FIG. 7 shows the Target Cup 701 which defines various target widths for the golfer to putt towards. The Putting Surface 702 references the carpet material which is a grass simulant that can be tailored to match different putting green speeds. Along with this carpet material, multiple graphic designs provide guidance for the golfer to align their putting attempts as marked by Putting Guide Graphic 703. Numerical Distance Indicator 704 and Graphical Distance Indicator 705 help the player keep track of the distance they are putting from using multiple visual cues. Details shown here are representative of possible designs and should not be considered the only example of art that would meet this requirement or the only manifestations that could be found on the compatible product.

[0062] FIG. 8 shows a Putting Target Decal as an example of a multi-zone target that would be affixed to the carpet material for golfers to putt towards. Combined with sensors, such as from FIG. 2, FIG. 4, or FIG. 5, this innovation allows golfers to putt at multiple target widths as shown by Outer Ring 801, Middle Ring 802, and Center Cup 803. No other putting apparatuses utilize this feature to provide multiple levels of difficulty in combination with the detection of putting results. This feature could utilize more than three zones or less than three zones to allow for even more refined difficulty or easier practice methods. In all cases, this innovation provides a unique opportunity to make compelling practice environments for improving golf putting skill. Since the system can determine the final stopping point of the putt, a player can aim at different difficulty levels and the system can still track their success rate automatically.

[0063] FIG. 9 illustrates a GUI showing a Missed Putt and presents an example interface shown via a Mobile device, personal computer, or attached Computer enabled media device. This interface displays a Putt Result Indicator 901 graphic symbolizing the result of the putt attempt. The computed score of the putt is shown by Putt Score (Miss) 902 which is also color-coded to further indicate the result of the putt. The direction of the miss or make is shown by Putt Result (Long Left) 903. A graphical representation of the speed of the putt is shown by Putt Speed Indicator 904. The actual speed of the putt in feet per second or meters per second depending on the user's locality is shown by the Putt Speed 905 section.

[0064] Another view of the graphical user interface is shown in FIG. 10. Here, a Putt Result Indicator (Make) 1001 shows an example graphic for indicating that the user has made the putt. Putt Score (Make) 1002 shows the score determined by the system that indicates the putt was made but is not sufficiently accurate to receive a score of 100. Putt Result (Make) 1003 indicates that the putt was a "make".

[0065] When practicing putting the system can track many statistics over time and generate analysis of the golfer's putting prowess and improvement as shown in FIG. 11. This interface example shows some of the possible items that could be tracked by the system but should not be considered exhaustive. Putting Zone Toggle 1101 indicates a graphical input that allows the user to switch between a smaller and more difficult putting zone and the normal, full-width putting zone. Streak Indicator 1102 gives a graphical indication of the users make/miss ratio and the duration of their current streak of putts that were successful. Last Putt Indicator 1103 shows a graphical representation of the users last putt. This representation shows the calculated score of the putt, the speed of the putt, and a ring graph of the speed of the putt as a function of a perfect putting speed. Overall Putting Stats 1104 shows a summary of the user's putting statistics across all putts taken regardless of distance. Putting Stats at Distance 1105 shows the number of putts, the percentage made, and the average score at the currently selected distance. A bar graph summary of the putts taken at the current distance is shown in Putt History Graph 1106. The colors of the bars may indicate whether the golfer has made or missed the putt, or the speed or other data about the putt as chosen by settings selected by the user. The Distance Summary Block 1107 shows information representing a different distance that the user has practiced at during the session. In this example, the distance is four feet, and the associated stats are shown in the form of a ring graph displaying the make/miss percentage with an additional view of stats in numerical format below. Another distance block is shown below Distance Summary Block 1107 and displays the data for putts the player has attempted from six feet. Using the interface, a golfer may click or tap on a distance block to change the game mode so that the system begins tracking statistics at a different distance.

[0066] Another major innovation of this system is the ability to play networked interactive games between golfers on disparately located systems. The putting base, smartphone, and server system combine to handle requests from players to join games and play real-time competitive matches through the internet. An example flow for connecting users for game purposes is shown in FIG. 20.

[0067] In the diagram shown in FIG. 20, a player 2010 opens their app 2050 on their device 2020 and logs into 2052 the server system 2030 to receive an updated credential 2054. This credential 2054 tracks their current session and ensures the server 2030 can identify the individual participating in a game or practice session. If the user chooses a multiplayer game 2060, a notification 2062 from the device 2020 to the server 2030 is made to begin a search 2064 for a compatible user. Users may be matched via the matchmaking queue 2040 based on demographic information (age, gender, location), skill level as tracked by the application, to friends in their friend list, or based on any other useful criteria to meet the needs of the game type or player preference. If no appropriate player is found with the original criteria, the criteria are expanded 2066 to generate more results in a repetitive process until a player is found. In some cases, when no players are on line, "bots" may play against players. "Bots" simulate live opponents by generating randomized putting results within a competitive range for the player. Once a player or bot is found 2070, a game is created 2072 and both players are notified of the game start. Communication between the server 2030 and the player's devices continues until play is completed and a winner is declared.

[0068] FIG. 12, a GUI showing a Putting Duel (Game) in Progress, shows an example interface configured for a duel between two players named Nate and Sam. The screen contains elements for showing the overall score of the duel--Round Wins Indicator 1201. The Player Summary Block 1202 shows the individual statistics for Sam. The block includes Sam's overall Player Duel Statistics 1203 and his Round Score Summary 1204. Sam's Player Duel Statistics 1203 section displays how many putts he made during the round, the overall percentage made, and the average score calculated by the system for the round. The Round Score Summary 1204 summarizes the average putt score for each of the putting rounds that Sam has completed. Nate's Player Summary Block 1205 shows the same information set as Sam's Player Summary Block 1202 except that it displays the individual statistics for Nate. The left portion of the GUI shows the Distance Indicator 1206 for the current putt being attempted and the statistics for the current round that Nate is completing. In this game format, putters alternate taking shots in groups of three. The system determines the player who will putt first and alerts the player. Then the system commences scoring the players' putts and calculating who wins a given round based on their average score across each group of three putts. This game consists of a best of five rounds series with the winner being the first to win three putting rounds. The game ends when either player has won three rounds achieving a higher score in those rounds then the other player. In between each putt attempt, as shown in FIG. 13 of a GUI showing a Made Putt During a Game, the system displays the Scoring Screen 1301 with the scoring of the putt and associated statistics.

[0069] After a player has completed a round, the round summary screen as shown in FIG. 14 of a GUI showing a Duel Round Result indicates what round was completed for that player via the Round Result Indicator 1401, the player's average score on the putting round via the Round Score 1402 section, and, if both players have completed the round, the overall winner for the round as shown in the Round Winner Message 1403.

[0070] Upon completion of a round or when switching players, FIG. 15 shows a GUI showing Round Summary Information which includes the summary of what round is being played via the Round Start Indicator 1501, the player who will be putting next via the Player Indicator 1502, the distances that will be attempted during the round in the Round Distances 1503 section, and the overall scores for the match thus far in the Score Summary 1504.

[0071] A combination of these screens will appear repeatedly in various combinations until the match comes to completion. FIG. 16 shows a GUI showing Game Winner Modal that displays the Game Over Message 1601 and announces the winner of the match via the Winning Player Message 1602 as well as the Overall Score 1603. This confirmation screen also has inputs to allow the user to return to navigation screens where other games can be selected as shown via the Games Button 1605 or where further investigation of the results of the current game can be viewed via the View Results Button 1604.

[0072] These graphical user interfaces may contain one or more animated elements to increase user experience. FIG. 17 displays a GUI showing an Animated Graphic which shows Animated Images 1701 of the user interface logo that appear and transit across the screen upon declaration of a winner of a putting match. As shown in FIG. 18, a GUI showing the Animated Graphic Later in Time, the Animation Continues 1801 until the user selects to view a different screen via inputs. The motion of the animation is determined according to functions defined in the program to create an enjoyable user experience.

[0073] In another embodiment of the putting system, the base includes a holder for a smartphone 1910 which has a camera. FIG. 19 illustrates a phone holder 1920 which is attached to the Putting System Base for securing the smartphone 1910. This embodiment utilizes the camera of the smartphone 1910 to detect the ball rolling up the mat and to process the information such as shown in FIG. 5. In further embodiments, the phone holder 1920 may also include a charging connection or wireless charging.

[0074] From the descriptions, methods, figures, and examples in this document and the accompanying drawings document, a novel concept in the art of golf training aids is defined. However, due to the nature of implementing the concept, the final product may have differences not outlined in this document. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense with regard to the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0075] Various operations described are purely exemplary and imply no particular order. Further, the operations can be used in any sequence when appropriate and can be partially used. With the above embodiments in mind, it should be understood that additional embodiments can employ various computer-implemented operations involving data transferred or stored in computer systems. These operations are those requiring physical manipulation of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated.

[0076] Any of the operations described that form part of the presently disclosed embodiments may be useful machine operations. Various embodiments also relate to a device or an apparatus for performing these operations. The apparatus can be specially constructed for the required purpose, or the apparatus can be a general-purpose computer selectively activated or configured by a computer program stored in the computer. In particular, various general-purpose machines employing one or more processors coupled to one or more computer readable medium, described below, can be used with computer programs written in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may be more convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the required operations.

[0077] The procedures, processes, and/or modules described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, embodied as a computer-readable medium having program instructions, firmware, or a combination thereof. For example, the functions described herein may be performed by a processor executing program instructions out of a memory or other storage device.

[0078] The foregoing description has been directed to particular embodiments. However, other variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments, with the attainment of some or all of their advantages. Modifications to the above-described systems and methods may be made without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, the invention should not be viewed as limited by the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, various features of the described embodiments may be used without the corresponding use of other features. Thus, this description should be read as merely illustrative of various principles, and not in limitation of the invention.

Claims

1. A golf putting practice system comprising: a mat configured to simulate a putting green; a base unit configured to receive a golf ball; at least one sensor integrated into the base unit, the at least one sensor configured to detect a rolling golf ball and to assess a speed and position of the rolling golf ball; a computer configured to receive signals from the sensors, wherein the computer is configured to determine the speed and position of the rolling golf ball based on the signals from the sensors, wherein the computer is configured to determine a quality measurement of a putting stroke related to the rolling golf ball.

2. The golf putting practice system of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to communicate with an online server.

3. The golf putting practice system of claim 2, wherein the computer is configured to communicate wirelessly with the online server.

4. The golf putting practice system of claim 1, wherein the computer is integrated into the base unit.

5. The golf putting practice system of claim 1, wherein the computer is smartphone placed into a holder in the base unit.

6. The golf putting practice system of claim 1, wherein the sensors are configured to track the rolling golf ball moving up the base unit.

7. The golf putting practice system of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to display the quality measurement.

8. The golf putting practice system of claim 7, wherein the computer is configured to display the quality measurement as part of a game played locally.

9. The golf putting practice system of claim 7, wherein the computer is configured to display the quality measurement as part of a game played over the internet.

10. The golf putting practice system of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to determine whether the putt attempt was successful.

11. The golf putting practice system of claim 10, wherein the computer is configured to display the speed of the rolling golf ball and whether the putt attempt was successful.

12. The golf putting practice system of claim 11, wherein the computer is configured to display the speed of the rolling golf ball and whether the putt attempt was successful via a smartphone screen.

13. The golf putting practice system of claim 10, wherein the base unit describes a putting hole having a first radius, and wherein the computer is configured to determine whether the putt attempt would have been successful for a virtual hole having a second radius.

14. The golf putting practice system of claim 13, wherein the second radius is smaller than the first radius.

15. The golf putting practice system of claim 10, wherein the computer is configured to determine whether the putt attempt would have been successful for a virtual hole.