U.S. patent application number 10/188669 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-09 for automated method and system for golf club selection based on swing type.
Invention is credited to Anderson, David, Stowe, Loren, Vincent, Benoit, White, Jay, Wright, Ian C..
Application Number | 20030008731 10/188669 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23169159 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030008731 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson, David ; et
al. |
January 9, 2003 |
Automated method and system for golf club selection based on swing
type
Abstract
A method of selecting a performance golf club based on a
golfer's swing type is accomplished in an automated fashion,
comprising a system that is readily and easily utilized in a retail
setting, for example. The golfer performs several swings of a golf
club before a digital camera that transmits the golfer's swing
information to a computational device for processing. Several
parameters relating to the golfer's swing characteristics are
identified and a performance golf club is selected and displayed
for the golfer within less than one hour, and preferably within
about five to ten minutes. Markers may be positioned on the golf
club and/or golfer for easier tracking and data collection by the
present system.
Inventors: |
Anderson, David; (San Diego,
CA) ; Vincent, Benoit; (Leucadia, CA) ; Stowe,
Loren; (Oceanside, CA) ; Wright, Ian C.;
(Carlsbad, CA) ; White, Jay; (San Diego,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHEPPARD, MULLIN, RICHTER & HAMPTON LLP
333 SOUTH HOPE STREET
48TH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90071-1448
US
|
Family ID: |
23169159 |
Appl. No.: |
10/188669 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60302777 |
Jul 2, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/407 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/807 20130101;
A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 24/0003 20130101; A63B 2220/05
20130101; A63B 2220/806 20130101; A63B 69/3658 20130101; A63B 60/42
20151001; A63B 69/3632 20130101; A63B 69/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/407 |
International
Class: |
A63B 057/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of selecting a performance golf club from a plurality
of golf clubs based on a golfer's swing characteristics,
comprising: providing a swing data collection system, said swing
data collection system comprising a golf club and at least one
digital camera, said golf club comprising a shaft with a grip end
and a tip end having a club head attached thereto, said shaft
having at least two markers thereon; having the golfer swing said
golf club at least one time; collecting data about the golfer's
swing using said camera, said data representing a plurality of
positions of said markers occurring during said at least one swing;
providing an automated data analyzer to analyze said data, said
data analyzer (A) processing said data to determine specific values
for a set of swing characteristics for the golfer, said data
analyzer saving said specific values for the golfer in a memory;
and (B) selecting a performance golf club from a plurality of golf
clubs based on said specific values for the golfer; and displaying
said selected performance golf club.
2. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising locating
at least one marker adjacent the grip end of said golf club and at
least one marker adjacent the club head at the tip end of said golf
club.
3. The method as set forth in set claim 2, further comprising
providing an illumination source located near said camera, wherein
said markers comprise reflective tape.
4. The method as set forth in claim 2, wherein said markers
comprise light sources.
5. The method as set forth in claim 2, wherein said markers
comprise bands of one or more colors.
6. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said camera is
capable of capturing data at a rate of at least 60 Hz.
7. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the data analysis
performed by said data analyzer comprises transforming
two-dimensional data to data representing three dimensions, said
three-dimensional data correlated into said set of swing
characteristics.
8. The method as set in claim 1, wherein the data analysis
performed by said data analyzer comprises correlating
two-dimensional data into said set of swing characteristics.
9. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said swing data
collection system comprises at least two digital cameras, the data
analysis performed by said data analyzer comprising correlating
three-dimensional data captured by said at least two cameras to
said set of swing characteristics.
10. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the data
collection, analysis and display occur within a specific time frame
of less than about one hour.
11. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the data
collection, analysis and display occur within a specific time frame
of less than about 10 minutes.
12. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said data analyzer
comprises a laptop computer and said method further comprises
transmitting said data via a cable link from said camera to the
laptop computer, said displaying of said selected performance golf
club is on a monitor for the laptop computer.
13. The method as set forth in claim 12, further comprising:
transmitting said data via a cable link or wireless connection to a
kiosk, said kiosk comprising a computational device and viewing
screen; and displaying of the selected performance golf club on
said screen.
14. The method as set forth in claim 13, wherein said data analyzer
comprises a digital signal processor located within said kiosk.
15. The method as set forth in claim 13 wherein the data analysis
further comprises: saving said data of the golfer's swing in a
memory located within said kiosk, and transmitting the content of
said memory via the internet to a web site for later remote
access.
16. The method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the data analysis
further comprises encoding said data prior to saving it in said
memory.
17. A method of selecting a performance golf club from a plurality
of golf clubs based on swing characteristics for a golfer,
comprising: providing a swing data collection system, said swing
data collection system comprising at least one golf club and at
least one digital camera 112, said golf club comprising a shaft
with a grip end and a tip end having a club head attached thereto,
and said shaft having at least two markers thereon; having the
golfer swing said golf club at least one time; collecting data
about the golfer's swing using said camera; transmitting said data
to an automated data analyzer; correlating said data to specific
values for a predetermined set of swing characteristics, said set
of swing characteristics categorized into a plurality of swing
types, said plurality of swing types associated with the plurality
of golf clubs from which a performance golf club is chosen; and
displaying said performance golf club chosen according to said
specific values.
18. The method as set forth in claim 17, further comprising
displaying at least one of said specific values of said swing
characteristics for the golfer.
19. The method as set forth above in claim 17, further comprising
displaying each of said plurality of golf clubs and each of said
plurality of swing types associated therewith.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising displaying a set of
values for each of said predetermined set of swing characteristics
for each of said plurality of swing types.
21. A kiosk and video fitting system for selecting a performance
golf club for a golfer from a plurality of golf clubs based on the
golfer's swing characteristics, said fitting system located in a
retail location, said fitting system comprising: at least one
digital camera; at least one golf club, a golfer swinging said golf
club in front of said camera to provide data for analysis and club
selection; an digital signal processor, said digital signal
processor processing said data and determining specific values for
a predetermined set of swing characteristics for the golfer, said
kiosk then saving at least said data and said specific values in a
memory, said kiosk providing as an output a selected performance
golf club; and said kiosk comprising a housing containing at least
said digital signal processor and a keypad for entry of commands to
control at least said camera and said data analyzer, said kiosk
further included a display adapted to display said output of the
golf club selection.
22. The fitting system as set forth in claim 21, wherein said
fitting system is operated by the golfer.
23. The fitting system as set forth in claim 21, wherein said kiosk
further displays said saved data of the golfer's swing.
24. The fitting system as set forth in claim 23, wherein said kiosk
provides a printout of at least one of said specific values and
said output of the golf club selection.
25. The fitting system as set forth in claim 21, wherein said kiosk
is adapted to communicate the content of said memory over the
internet for later remote access.
26. The fitting system as set forth in claim 21, wherein said golf
club further comprises at least one sensor selected from the group
including a strain gauge, an angular rate sensor, an orientation
sensor and an acceleration sensor, said at least one sensor
providing additional data for analysis and selection of the
performance golf club for the golfer.
27. The fitting system a set forth in claim 21, wherein said golf
club has a first marker located toward a grip end and a second
marker located toward a tip end having a club head.
28. The fitting system as set forth in claim 27, wherein said
markers comprise reflective tape and said fitting system further
comprises an illumination source located near said camera.
29. The fitting system as set forth in claim 21, wherein said
camera captures images representing a launch trajectory of a golf
ball upon impact with said golf club by the golfer.
30. A method of selecting a performance golf club from a plurality
of golf clubs based on a golfer's swing characteristics,
comprising: providing a swing data collection system, said swing
data collection system comprising at least one golf club and at
least one digital camera, each of said at least one golf club
comprising a shaft with a grip end and a tip end having a club head
attached thereto; having the golfer swing each of said at least one
golf club at least one time; collecting data about the golfer's
swing using said camera, said data including images representing a
plurality of positions of said at least one golf club occurring
during said at least one swing; providing a digital signal
processor, said digital signal processorata analyzer (a) processing
said data to determine specific values for a predetermined set of
swing characteristics for the golfer, said swing data collection
system then saving said specific values for the golfer in a memory;
(b) categorizing the golfer as a specific swing type from a
plurality of swing types; and (c) selecting a performance golf club
from a plurality of golf clubs based on said specific swing type of
the golfer; and displaying said selected performance golf club.
31. The method as set forth in claim 30, further comprising the
additional step of attaching a first marker to at least one
location on the golfer prior to having the golfer swing said at
least one golf club at least one time.
32. The method as set forth in claim 31, wherein said marker is
attached to a location on the upper torso of said golfer.
33. The method as set forth in claim 31, further comprising the
additional step of attaching a second marker to at least one
location on each of said at least one golf club prior to having the
golfer swing each of said at least one golf clubs.
34. The method as set forth in claim 31, wherein said first marker
comprises reflective tape and said swing data collection system
further comprises an illumination source located near said
camera.
35. The method as set forth in claim 33, wherein said second marker
comprises reflective tape and said swing data collection system
further comprises an illumination source located near said
camera.
36. A method of selecting a performance golf club from a plurality
of golf clubs based on a golfer's swing characteristics,
comprising: providing a swing data collection system, said swing
data collection system comprising at least one golf club and at
least one digital camera, each of said at least one golf club
comprising a shaft with a grip end and a tip end having a club head
attached thereto; having the golfer swing each of said at least one
golf club at least one time; collecting data about the golfer's
swing using said camera, said data including images representing a
plurality of positions of said at least one golf club occurring
during said at least one swing; providing an automated data
analyzer, said data analyzer (a) processing said data to determine
specific values for a predetermined set of swing characteristics
for the golfer, said data analyzer saving said specific values for
the golfer in a memory; (b) categorizing the golfer as a specific
swing type from a plurality of swing types; and (c) selecting a
performance golf club from a plurality of golf clubs based on said
specific swing type of the golfer; and displaying a first sequence
of images showing the golfer during said at least one swing;
displaying a second sequence of images showing said specific swing
type of the golfer; and displaying said selected performance golf
club.
37. The method as set forth in claim 36, further comprising
displaying a plurality of image sequences corresponding to each of
the plurality of swing types.
38. The method as set forth in claim 37, wherein said displaying of
said first and second sequences is an overlay of the images.
39. The method as set forth in claim 37, wherein said displaying of
said first sequence comprises overlaying said first sequence with
each of said plurality of image sequences, such that the swing of
the golfer is compared with each of the swing types.
40. A video fitting system for selecting a performance golf club
for a golfer from a plurality of golf clubs based on the golfer's
swing characteristics, said fitting system located in a retail
location, said fitting system comprising: at least one digital
camera; at least one golf club, a golfer swinging said golf club in
front of said camera to provide data for analysis and club
selection; an automated data analyzer for processing said data and
determining specific values for a predetermined set of swing
characteristics for the golfer, said data analyzer saving at least
said data and said specific values in a memory, said data analyzer
providing as an output a selected performance golf club; and a
kiosk for housing said data analyzer, said kiosk including a keypad
for entry of commands to control at least said camera and said data
analyzer, said kiosk further including a display adapted to display
said output of the golf club selection.
41. The fitting system as set forth in claim 40, wherein said data
analyzer further provides as a second output at least one swing
characteristic from said set of swing characteristics.
42. The fitting system as set forth in claim 40, wherein said golf
club comprises at least one sensor for measuring strain,
acceleration, orientation or rate information for said golf club,
said at least one sensor providing additional data for analysis and
selection of the performance golf club for the golfer.
43. A method of selecting a performance golf club from a plurality
of golf clubs based on a golfer's swing characteristics,
comprising: providing a swing data collection system, said swing
data collection system comprising at least one golf club and at
least one digital camera, each of said at least one golf club
comprising a shaft with a grip end and a tip end having a club head
attached thereto; having the golfer swing each of said at least one
golf club at least one time; collecting data about the golfer's
swing using said camera, said data representing a plurality of
positions of said at least one golf club occurring during said at
least one swing; providing an automated data analyzer, said data
analyzer (a) processing said data to determine specific values for
a predetermined set of swing characteristics for the golfer, said
data analyzer saving said specific values for the golfer in a
memory; (b) categorizing the golfer as a specific swing type from a
plurality of swing types; and (c) selecting a performance golf club
from a plurality of golf clubs based on said specific swing type of
the golfer; and displaying at least one specific value from said
set of swing characteristics for the golfer and said selected
performance golf club.
44. The fitting system as set forth in claim 43, further comprising
measuring at least one of strain, acceleration, orientation or rate
information for said golf club, said measurements providing
additional data for analysis and selection of the performance golf
club for the golfer.
45. The fitting system as set forth in claim 44, further comprising
capturing launch data of a golf ball upon impact with said golf
club by the golfer.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) from an earlier filed U.S. Provisional
application, serial No. 60/302,777 entitled "AUTOMATED METHOD AND
SYSTEM FOR GOLD CLUB SELECTION BASED ON SWING TYPE" and filed on
Jul. 2, 2001. The text and figures of said provisional are
specifically incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a system and
method for matching a golfer to a golf club type based upon his or
her swing type characteristics, and, specifically, to a compact,
user-friendly system whereby a golfer may quickly and automatically
determine an appropriate golf club type based upon swing type
characteristics measured and processed within a retail
location.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Since the origins of golf several hundred years ago, those
who participate in the game have sought to improve their
performance through their choice of equipment. In particular, an
annual ritual for many golfers is the purchase of one or more
newer, improved golf clubs that "feel" better when swung by the
golfer or that at least promise some advancement in technology,
whether size, weighting, materials or something else.
[0004] One approach to optimizing a golfer's game is to identify a
"type" of swing of the golfer so that an appropriate golf club may
be selected. Some of the prior art systems and methods used to
provide a swing type of identification for the golfer are discussed
herein.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,566 to Haas et al. discloses a plurality
of electro-optical sensors used to capture swing data from a marked
golf club and/or golfer. The analog information is digitized and
data on the positions of the golf club and significant human body
parts are stored. A coordinate transformer allows viewing of a
simulated golfer at any aspect, as well as optional graphic and/or
tabular displays of the data. While this system is useful for
capturing the swing characteristics of the golfer, the data must be
separately analyzed by an expert and the process is cumbersome and
not automated.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,410 to Nakayama et al. teaches the use
of a video-based system which automatically measures and compares a
golfer's swing to stored, reference swing data. Based upon the
determined differences in the data, the closest reference data is
determined and a diagnosis of the golfer's swing is made. There is
also an automatic trigger mechanism which allows simple operation
for use at a golf driving range, for example. This system is
designed primarily as a teaching aid to improve the golfer's swing.
The golfer's swing is analyzed based solely upon motion
analysis.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,054 to Chang et al. discloses a
video-based system that includes color video cameras and an
infrared camera in conjunction with image processing software and
data storage in a circular buffer. In addition, compression and
decompression of data is disclosed. Optionally, a sensor array is
utilized and various data displays may be chosen.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,522 to Nesbit et al. discloses the
creation of a three-dimensional biomechanical model of a golfer
which is superimposed with data of a specific golfer's swing. A
plurality of markers may be used on the golfer in addition to triad
markers on the club and a plurality of cameras to obtain the
golfer's swing data for superposition.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,123 to Wood discloses the generation of
a custom set of clubs based on a club chemistry that is determined
according to data obtained on the golfer's swing. A reference club
is first defined and then inferences are made with respect to club
parameters to create an entire custom club set.
[0010] Published PCT Application WO 00/15311 A1 discloses an
apparatus and method for analyzing a golfer's individual swing
attributes and determining a suitable golf club configuration for
that golfer. The apparatus includes video cameras for obtaining
video images of a golfer's swing. The images are analyzed to
determine the golf club dimensions that will provide improved
results in combination with the golfer's individual swing
characteristics. The golf club dimensions for modification based on
the analysis include loft and lie angles, for example.
[0011] Published PCT Application WO 00/41776 A1 discloses a video
capture unit for recording and displaying recorded activities such
as golf. The recorded activities are saved and may be separately
viewed remote from the video capture unit; the activities may also
be uploaded to the Internet for later viewing and analysis. Through
any PC or other Internet connection, the user may input personal
identification information associated with the saved images, and
analysis tools may be downloaded for use with the saved images.
[0012] Published PCT Application WO 00/71212 A1 discloses a method
of matching a golfer to a golf club and golf ball by comparing
measured values to recorded sets of data. The value to be measured
is clubhead speed, and the sets of data for comparison include golf
club loft angle, shaft flex, golf ball weight and ball spin.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,487 to Morgan et al. discloses the use
of web sites to query a user for information on his or her style of
play that is compared to stored information to return a
predetermined selection for a golf ball.
[0014] Published PCT Application WO 01/28644 A1 discloses a method
and system for teaching a skill such as golf to a student. The
system includes cameras to create a series of images representative
of the student performing the skill. The images are stored in
digital format by a computer system so that they are accessible
from a telecommunication network, such as the Internet. An expert
in the skill then accesses the images, examines them, and creates a
series of annotated digital images of the student performing the
skill. The annotated digital images are stored for later access by
the student via the telecommunication network.
[0015] The techniques described above suffer from various
disadvantages, including but not limited to a reliance on expert
(human) assistance, expensive or complex hardware, inconvenience
due to limited availability of the system, and data formats that
may be difficult to interpret for selecting a golf club. Thus,
there exists a need for a system and method for the quick and easy
measuring a golfer' swing characteristics and identifying the
golfer's swing type in a convenient location, such as a local
driving range or golf course pro shop, for the purpose of
determining an ideal club type for purchasing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the system of
the present invention as located within a retail setting such as a
pro shop at a golf course.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the
system of the present invention as located outdoors such as at a
golf course or driving range.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a possible sequence of steps
employed in a method of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a possible sequence of steps
employed in an alternative method of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 shows an alternative device for collection of data in
the system of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 shows a golfer having markers in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 shows a golf club used in carrying out the club
selection process of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 shows an alternative golf club used in carrying out
the club selection process of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 9 shows yet another alternative golf club used in
carrying out the club selection process of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] A first preferred embodiment of a system and method of the
present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown, the system
includes a kiosk 110 having at least one digital camera coupled
thereto 112 and further including a display monitor 114. The kiosk
is possibly set up inside a golf shop, the golf shop located either
on or off a golf course. The system will also preferably include a
light source 116 and a key pad or keyboard 118 for accepting input
into the system The kiosk includes a fully functional computer with
digital signal processor. The camera is used to capture "swing"
characteristics of a golfer as the golfer swings a club. These
"swing" characteristics are processed by the digital signal
processor within the kiosk and a preferred club for the golfer is
selected and displayed on the monitor. In a preferred embodiment,
the camera is capable of capturing data at a rate of at least 60
Hz.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a second preferred embodiment of a system of
the present invention wherein at least one digital camera 212 is
coupled to a laptop computer 220 which includes a display. The
camera and laptop are both stationed outdoors. The laptop is then
networked and/or wirelessly coupled to a remotely located kiosk
110. The camera 212 and laptop 220 are used to capture "swing"
characteristics of a golfer as the golfer swings a club. These
"swing" characteristics are then transmitted to the remotely
located kiosk, where they are then processed by the digital signal
processor. In a preferred embodiment, the camera is capable of
capturing data at a rate of at least 60 Hz. A preferred club for
the golfer is then selected and displayed on the laptop
display.
[0027] In either of the physical settings of FIG. 1 or 2, a method
of the present invention for matching a golfer with a preferred
club based upon collected swing characteristics is presented as a
flowchart of FIG. 3. Preferably, the method includes the steps
of:
[0028] providing a swing data collection system, said swing data
collection system comprising a golf club and at least one digital
camera, said golf club comprising a shaft with a grip end and a tip
end having a club head attached thereto, said shaft having at least
two markers thereon;
[0029] having the golfer swing said golf club at least one
time;
[0030] using the digital camera to collect data about the golfer's
swing, said data representing a plurality of positions of said
markers occurring during said at least one swing;
[0031] providing an automated data analyzer to analyze said data,
said data analyzer
[0032] (A) processing said data to determine specific values for a
set of swing characteristics for the golfer, said data analyzer
saving said specific values for the golfer in a memory; and
[0033] (B) selecting a performance golf club from a plurality of
golf clubs based on said specific values for the golfer
[0034] The system then displays the data collected along with the
selected performance club which best matches the specific values
for the set of swing characteristics. The data may be displayed in
either graphical or numerical form. The system may also be
configured to play back the images captured by the digital
camera.
[0035] Preferably, at least one marker is positioned adjacent the
grip end of said golf club and at least one additional marker is
positioned adjacent the club head at the tip end of said golf club.
The markers may include reflective tape, light sources, or bands of
one or more colors. In a preferred embodiment, a single video
camera captures two dimensional data and this two dimensional data
is transformed into data representing three dimensional "swing"
characteristics for the golfer, said three-dimensional data
correlated to said set of swing characteristics. The mathematical
analysis of the pixel data from a digital camera to accomplish the
2-D to 3-D transformation, or vice-versa, is performed using any
method known to those skilled in the art.
[0036] In an alternative method of the present invention, a
"markerless" tracking of natural features of the golf club, golfer
and/or golf ball may be employed. That is, artificial features such
as reflective tape are not used, and instead a pattern recognition
technique may be used for the markings of a golf ball, for example.
The glove, club head, grip, etc. may be discerned without markers
by discriminating between the natural features and the other,
background images.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the system includes means for
triggering initiation of the capture of swing characteristics and
further means for notifying the golfer of the state of such data
collection. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a key
pad which includes a start key. The start key initiates a timer
red-yellow-and-green lights or LED's included with the system
indicate the status of the system. Preferably, a yellow light
indicates that the system is preparing to capture or collect swing
characteristics. When the system is in this mode, the golfer will
preferably begin to prepare to swing the club and have his swing
characteristics measured. When the light turns green, video capture
is initiated and the golfer will take his swing and have the data
which represent his swing characteristics collected by the system.
When the LED indicators are red the system is not operating or is
processing data and cannot be used to collect any more video.
[0038] In an alternative embodiment, the data collection system
used to collect the golfer "swing" characteristics includes two
digital cameras arranged to capture three dimensional data. In this
embodiment, the data analysis correlates actual three-dimensional
data captured by said at least two cameras into a set of swing
characteristics and determines a preferred club type based upon
these known swing characteristics.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the data collection, analysis and
display occur within a specific time frame of less than about one
hour. Alternatively, the data collection, analysis and display can
all occur within a specific time frame of less than about 10
minutes. An advantage of the present invention is the ability to
provide data collection, analysis and display of club selection
results quickly--nearly "real-time"--to a golfer/consumer. Thus,
with faster computation speeds according to the equipment used, the
actual time frame is easily within a quick trip to the pro shop,
for example.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the system and method of the
present invention includes a memory and the ability to save said
data of the golfer's swing in said memory, said method further
comprising an additional step of transmitting the content of said
memory via the internet to a web site for later remote access.
Preferably, the data maybe compressed and encoded prior to saving
it in said memory.
[0041] The data or "swing" characteristics collected and processed
in the present invention may be utilized in an additional aspect of
the present invention, as illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 4.
As shown in FIG. 4, the data may be stored and retrieved at any
later time when the golfer is ready to purchase a new club from the
retailer. Alternatively, the data may be transmitted to a
manufacturer such that a customize golf club may be designed to
match the golfer's measured swing characteristics.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, a minimum of two types of data
should be collected in determining a golfer's swing
characteristics, such as club head speed and shaft flex, for
example. In alternative embodiments, additional sensors may be used
such that additional information may also be collected such as ball
flight data including launch angle, or club head orientation at
time of impact with the ball surface. Sensors which may be used
with the golf club would include, for example, rate gyros,
accelerometers, orientation sensors, strain gauges and magnetic
components. The methods of applying these sensors to a club and
their preferred locations are known to those skilled in the art.
Miniaturization of components in particular provide the opportunity
to place and use the sensors with minimal effect on the golfer's
swing.
[0043] In an alternative embodiment, sensors external to the golf
club may be used to measure the club movement and angle. FIG. 5
shows an embodiment wherein a mat having sensors in a fixed
configuration is used to obtain club head speed and position
information as the club is swung over the mat. The sensors comprise
arrays of light emitters and receivers, where the light is
reflected from the club head as it passes over the mat. The club
head information which may be collected in the this embodiment
would include such statistical information as face angle of the
club and speed of the club just prior to impact with the golf
ball.
[0044] In a further preferred embodiment, actual movement of the
golfer himself may be measured to determine his or her swing type.
This additional embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 6. As shown, a golfer has specific parts of his or her upper
torso marked to provide additional information for analyzing the
swing characteristics, according to the desired set of swing
characteristics to be used in the analysis. In this illustration,
one or both shoulders and/or one or both hips may have reflective
tape attached. Alternatively, clips or the like may be used to
attach additional or other types of marking devices for swing data
collection. In this embodiment, a second digital camera is focused
on the golfer and is used to capture information about the movement
of the golfer. This information is also processed in order to more
accurately determine the golfer's swing type and match him or her
with a preferred club.
[0045] FIGS. 7-9 illustrate various embodiments for an instrumented
golf club for swing data collection. Passive means, such as
reflective tape, may be used and positioned at different points on
the golf club 710a-b, as shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, a more
active means requiring a power source may be used. FIG. 8 shows a
club having strain gauges 810a-b provided on the surface of the
golf shaft and other sensors 811a-d provided on a sensing member
812 that is received within the grip end of the golf club. A
battery may be included with the member as a power source, and the
data may be stored in a memory element of the member or may be
transmitted to a remote location via radio frequency transmission
or the like to deliver the data for storage and analysis.
Alternatively, the end of the golf club grip may be adapted to
receive an interface 910 which links directly to a data storage
and/or computing device, as shown in FIG. 9. This cable link may be
removable or remain attached as the golfer swings the club.
[0046] One type of camera that may be used for data collection is
available from Cognex in Needham, Mass. or Vision Components in
Ettlingen, Germany, for example. This digital camera not only
captures data but has an internal CPU unit co-located in its
housing to perform all or part of the data analysis. The camera may
then be directly linked to a display unit to present the golfer's
swing information and/or club selection results. Alternatively or
additionally, the camera may be linked to a separate computing
device for data storage and/or transfer, for example, over the
internet.
[0047] The transmission of the data collected from the sensors may
be performed using a fiber optic, cable or USB link, infrared
methods or radio frequency techniques. The computing devices
available for processing include, for example, personal digital
assistants (PDA's), laptop computers, desktop computers and
point-of-purchase (POP) kiosk units. The arrangement of the data
transmission connection and computing device is variable and may be
designed in consideration of local space and/or power constraints
as well as cost.
EXAMPLES OF SYSTEMS FOR SWING ANALYSIS/TYPE IDENTIFICATION
[0048] The analysis of the golfer's swing characteristics may be
performed utilizing swing information gathered as disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 3,792,863, 3,945,646 and 4,615,526, for example. These
methods include various golf club configurations to capture
information such as swing speed, club head acceleration and face
angle at approach as well as shaft flex and torque. In addition,
data relating to an individual's characteristic golf swing and ball
launch conditions may be obtained in the manner disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,375,887, e.g., using a video system to capture swing and
ball launch data from the golfer. These prior swing data collection
methods all are specified for use as training aids, to provide
feedback to improve the golfer's swing. In the present invention,
on the other hand, such methods may be employed in conjunction with
at least one digital camera, as part of a club collection
process.
[0049] Although data collection of a golfer's swing information may
be done with direct video display of the golfer's image,
alternatively a virtual representation of the golfer may be
substituted. This image would be the result of having included the
golfer's physical characteristics into a program already having
fixed physical features accounted for in the data analysis. Thus,
hair color, facial features, clothing and other such details could
remain constant from golfer to golfer, but the actual motion of the
golfer's swing would be customized.
[0050] Exemplary methods to determine an appropriate golf club
shaft type for the golfer are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,821,417
and 6,213,888. In the former patent, shaft selection is based upon
values obtained for shaft strain as well as combinations of data
including shaft strain and swing speed, club acceleration and speed
at impact, club speed at the top of the swing and at impact, and
swing time and speed at impact. In the latter patent, three strain
gauges are located on the golf club to determine appropriate shaft
torque and/or kick point for the golfer leading to a choice from
four types of golf club shafts.
[0051] Alternatively, determination of an optimum golf club type
according to a golfer's swing characteristics may be accomplished
according to a method disclosed in a co-pending and commonly
assigned patent application entitled "Method of Matching Swing Type
to Golf Club Style," filed on Apr. 3, 2002, Ser. No. 10/116,688
That application is incorporated by reference herein. Generally, a
set of performance parameters and associated value ranges are
determined such that the golfer's specific values may be correlated
to an optimum club type for him or her. Additional parameters are
used to further refine the club, such as loft and lie. The present
invention allows the golfer to have his or her swing data processed
in an automated manner such that he or she may quickly determine an
appropriate golf club specifically matched to his or her swing type
and immediately available for purchase.
[0052] Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with
reference only to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that additional automated golf club fitting
systems and methods of accomplishing same can be made without
departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
invention is only intended to be limited by the claims included
herewith.
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