IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,728,319
Granted Patent B1
US 12,728,319 · App. 18/793,664 · Granted Sep 8, 2026

Method and system utilizing imaging analysis for golf balls

Inventors: Julie Caterina (Carlsbad, CA); Megan Ilnicky (Chicopee, MA)
Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
A63B47/008A63B37/005G01N23/04H04N5/33G01N2223/1016G01N2223/405
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,728,319
App. No.
18/793,664
Granted
Sep 8, 2026
Kind
B1
Abstract

A method and system for determining concentricity of a multiple layer golf ball are disclosed herein. One or more images of a golf ball are generated using an X-ray source, a camera or a digital detector, and an image intensifier. An edge detection algorithm is preferably utilized. The method also includes calculating Y,Z center coordinates of the a best fit diameter or ellipse of the inner edge layer and outer edge layer of the multiple layer golf ball.

Claims (12)

1 . A system for analyzing a multiple layer golf ball, the system comprising:

a X-ray scanning apparatus comprising an X-ray source and a detector;

wherein the X-ray scanning apparatus is configured to obtain a plurality of X-ray images of the golf ball;

wherein the X-ray scanning apparatus is configured to generate a plurality of radial rays emanating outward from a center of the golf ball;

wherein the X-ray scanning apparatus is configured to plot a pixel value of each of the plurality of radial rays;

wherein the X-ray scanning apparatus is configured to analyze a plotted pixel value of each of the plurality of radial rays.

2 . The system according to claim 1 wherein the X-ray scanning apparatus is configured to determine changes in the plotted pixel values of each of the plurality of radial rays to detect an edge of a layer of the golf ball.

3 . The system according to claim 1 wherein the X-ray scanning apparatus is configured to determine if a core layer thickness is uneven based on a magnitude of a sinusoidal pattern.

4 . The system according to claim 1 wherein the X-ray scanning apparatus is configured to calculate a circle outside of a cover layer of the golf ball;

wherein the X-ray scanning apparatus is configured to decrease diameters of subsequent circles; and

wherein the X-ray scanning apparatus is configured to determine an outer edge of the cover layer of the golf ball.

5 . The system according to claim 1 wherein the X-ray scanning apparatus is configured to utilize moving averages plotted pixel value of each of the plurality of radial rays to determine outer edges and inner edges of layers of the golf ball.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 9, 2026
From: CATERINA, JULIE; ILNICKY, MEGAN
To: CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY
Reel/Frame 074010/0339 →
Continuity (5)
Continuation 17371476 · Jul 9, 2021
Continuation In Part 17178159 · Feb 17, 2021
Provisional Application 62978686 · Feb 19, 2020
Provisional Application 63104408 · Oct 22, 2020
Provisional Application 63084388 · Sep 28, 2020
References Cited (3)
US 11752396B1 · Caterina · 2023 [cited by examiner]
US 12053675B1 · Caterina · 2024 [cited by examiner]
US 12589282B1 · Caterina · 2026 [cited by examiner]