U.S. patent application number 10/345651 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-12 for interactive method and apparatus for tracking and analyzing a golf swing in a limited space with swing position recognition and reinforcement.
Invention is credited to Funk, Conley Jack, Funk, John Marlin.
Application Number | 20030109322 10/345651 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32823679 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030109322 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Funk, Conley Jack ; et
al. |
June 12, 2003 |
Interactive method and apparatus for tracking and analyzing a golf
swing in a limited space with swing position recognition and
reinforcement
Abstract
The invention pertains to a method for interactively tracking,
analyzing and teaching a correct golf swing using an apparatus
consisting of a computer with an attached video camera and a
special club shaft attachment that is monitored to determine the
progress of a golf swing in real-time. A short simulated golf club
with a matching golf ball platform is provided for use in a limited
space. Club position is evaluated at all points along prescribed
swing plane orbits for accuracy with regard to club shaft angle,
club face rotation and swing plane location. Leading guides are
provided to aid in correct club movement. Trailing position
reinforcement guides permit the student golfer to use his own
initiative and timing while receiving real-time corrections
relating to club and body motion. Simulated ball flight is
determined and applied to golf practice range and golf course
activities.
Inventors: |
Funk, Conley Jack; (Naples,
FL) ; Funk, John Marlin; (Naples, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Conley Jack Funk
4581 Brynwood Dr.
Naples
FL
34119
US
|
Family ID: |
32823679 |
Appl. No.: |
10/345651 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10345651 |
Jan 17, 2003 |
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09878447 |
Jun 11, 2001 |
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6533675 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/222 ;
473/219 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/806 20130101;
A63B 24/0003 20130101; A63B 2024/0012 20130101; A63B 2220/807
20130101; A63B 69/3632 20130101; A63B 69/3623 20130101; A63B
69/3614 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/222 ;
473/219 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/36; A63B
057/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An interactive method of tracking and analyzing a golf swing in
combination with a computer including the steps of placing a golfer
in front of a video camera that is associated with said computer,
superimposing a pattern of an ideal golf swing on a display monitor
of said computer over the live background images of said golfer,
said display monitor being clearly visible to said golfer, inducing
said golfer to attempt to emulate said pattern of an ideal golf
swing as shown on said display monitor, said computer comparing
each of a plurality of sequential images captured by said video
camera of said golfer's swing to said pattern of an ideal golf
swing and responding to the correctness of said golfer's swing in
real time, including the step of placing an attachment on a club
shaft of said golfer, said attachment exhibiting a surface having a
color pattern thereon that is captured by said video camera and is
readily recognizable by said computer, said attachment being
instrumental for tracking and analyzing the correctness of said
attempt to emulate said pattern of an ideal golf swing, including
the step of selecting a golf club from a plurality of golf clubs
including real and simulated golf clubs.
2. The method of claim 1, including the step of controlling said
computer to provide audio and visual responses as to the
correctness of said golfer's swing in real time according to any
progress of said golfer's partial swing, said golfer solely
determining said progress.
3. The method of claim 1, including the step of controlling said
computer to update said pattern of an ideal golf swing on said
display monitor in real time according to the progress of said
golfer's partial swing said golfer solely determining said
progress.
4. The method of claim 1, including the step of including in said
pattern of an ideal golf swing, a display of an approximately
semicircular swing plane orbit for a back swing and an
approximately circular swing plane orbit for a forward swing.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said pattern of an ideal golf
swing includes a display of a plurality of swing plane orbits
corresponding to different club lengths.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein said pattern of an ideal golf
swing includes a display of the correct two dimensional club shaft
angles, the correct three dimensional swing plane angles, the
correct club shaft rotation angles and the golfer's correct body
positions corresponding to a plurality of locations within said
swing plane orbits.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said tracking and analyzing a
golf swing include the step of controlling said computer to
independently determine said golfer's club position at any time
during said golfer's swing from images captured by said video
camera.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said tracking and analyzing a
golf swing includes the step of controlling said computer to
independently determine said golfer's body position at any time
during said golfer's swing from images captured by said video
camera.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said pattern of an ideal golf
swing further includes a plurality of leading club guides
corresponding to a plurality of swing plane orbit locations.
10. The method of claim 1, including the step of placing a golfer
in front of one or more video cameras to monitor said golfer
swinging from a plurality of camera views, said camera views
including golfer's front, back, left and right sides.
11. The method of claim 1, including the step of using and
interpreting the brightness and gray properties of known color
patterns of said attachment as a light meter reporting the ambient
lighting characteristics of the setting.
12. The method of claim 1, including controlling of said computer
by moving said attachment over the location of selection buttons
displayed on said display monitor so that said golfer can remain at
his or her established swing location with respect to said video
camera.
13. The method of claim 12, including the step of changing said
display monitor's image of said golfer to a mirror image to
naturalize the process of viewing his or her club motion while
making choices.
14. The method of claim 12, including the step of displaying
picture-in-picture to display said golfer as he or she makes
selections using said club attachment when the background scene
does not otherwise include said golfer.
15. The method of claim 1, including the step of said computer
automatically calibrating said pattern of an ideal golf swing
individually for said golfer based upon said golfer's size and said
golfer's physical characteristics from images captured by said
video camera.
16. The method of claim 1 including the step of displaying a
handicap rating on said monitor level following said attempt to
emulate a pattern of an ideal swing, said handicap rating being
roughly equivalent the USGA handicap system representing said
golfer's skill level.
17. The method of claim 1 including the step of translating said
golf swing into a simulated golf lesson, including the steps of
selecting a type of golf club, watching his or her said golf swing
in a setting actually in view of said video camera in real-time,
watching said golf swing with leading guides and trailing
reinforcement guides, replaying said golf swing and analyzing said
golf swing step-by-step.
18. The method of claim 1, including the steps of said computer
predicting the ball flight for said golf swing as said golfer's
club passes through the impact position and then displaying said
predicted ball flight toward a target on said display monitor.
19. The method of claim 18 including the steps of translating said
predicted ball flight into a practice range simulation activity
including the steps of selecting a type of club, watching himself
or herself swing on said practice range simulation in real-time,
watching said predicted ball flight to a plurality of targets,
replaying said swing on said practice range simulation and
analyzing said swing step-by-step and displaying explanations as to
the cause of said predicted ball flight, said explanations include
calculations for overall quality and strength of said predicted
ball flight, direction of said predicted ball flight, trajectory of
said predicted ball flight and spin imparted to the ball during
said predicted ball flight with possible results of said spin being
straight, draw, fade, hook and slice.
20. The method of claim 18 including the step of translating said
predicted ball flight into a golf play simulation activity
including the steps of selecting a golf course, watching said swing
on said golf course in real-time, watching said predicted ball
flight moving to a plurality of targets, replaying said swing on
said golf course and analyzing said swing, said analyzing
displaying the step-by-step explanations for said predicted ball
flight, said explanations include calculations for overall quality
and strength of said predicted ball flight, direction of said ball
flight, trajectory of said predicted ball flight and spin imparted
to the ball during said predicted ball flight with possible results
of said spin being straight, draw, fade, hook and slice.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein said step of golf play
simulation includes the participation of one or more players, said
players are participating in a manner that is generally consistent
in procedure and scoring with the USGA rules of golf.
22. A method of teaching a golf swing including the steps of
inducing a golfer to initiate movements of a real or simulated golf
club according to his or her own timing through a plurality of golf
swing positions, subjecting said golf swing positions to swing
position recognition by a computer, said computer recognizing the
current club position and displaying the correct body and club
position interactively that is closest to said current club
position, thereby providing position reinforcement.
23. The method of claim 22 including the step of displaying said
correct body and club positions by superimposing a transparent
humanoid form of said correct body and club position over said
golfer's image in real-time as said golfer swings.
24. A method of swing image relocation of real-time images of a
golfer swinging in a setting that is different from the actual
setting, including the steps of placing a golfer in a real location
such as his home or office in front of a computer, inducing said
golfer to initiate swing movements of a real or simulated golf club
according to his or her own timing through a plurality of golf
swing positions, subjecting said golf swing positions to swing
position recognition by a computer, said computer recognizing the
current club position and displaying a limited view of said
golfer's image, said limited view being said golfer's image
outlined by the current correct body and club position that
corresponds to said current club position, and superimposing said
limited view of said golfer's real-time swing images over an
arbitrary background image such as a golf course setting.
25. The method of claim 24 including the step of displaying said
golfer's image in real-time on said golf course setting, said
golfer's image being overlaid by said correct body and club
position that corresponds to said current club position, said
correct body and club position depicted as a humanoid cutout
removed from said golf course scene.
26. The method of claim 24, including the step of viewing the
completeness of said golfer's image being displayed on said
arbitrary background to provide a visual measure of the correctness
of said golf swing with regard to correct body and club
positions.
27. The method of claim 24, including the step whereby said
different setting is made to be partially transparent thereby
showing said golfer's entire body and club to some extent during
said golf swing while retaining the allusion of said different
setting, such as said golf course setting.
28. An apparatus for interactively tracking and analyzing a golf
swing comprising a computer having a display monitor therewith and
one or more video cameras for receiving images that are then
relayed to said computer, first means for displaying a pattern of
an ideal golf swing on said monitor, second means for displaying,
by superimposing on said monitor, a golfer's swing attempt to
emulate said pattern of an ideal golf swing over said pattern of an
ideal swing, means for comparing said first display pattern
including means attached to a golf club selected from a plurality
of golf clubs including real and simulated clubs, of said golfer
for displaying a color pattern recognizable by said computer
including a plurality of humanoid depictions that provide position
reinforcement corresponding to a plurality of swing plane orbit
locations.
29. The apparatus of claim 28 including means for combining a
plurality of said humanoid depictions with alternative background
scenery that serve to relocate the real-time display images of said
golfer's swing onto a different setting, such as a golf course or
practice range.
30. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said attachments on said club
shaft are comprised of one or more spherical objects that include
red, green and blue color patterns for efficient computer
processing according to the RGB color spectrum.
31. The apparatus of claim 28 including means for said attachments
on said club shaft to utilize an energy source combined with a
light signal emission device, such as a watch battery and laser
bulb to enhance swing position recognition.
32. The apparatus of claim 28 including means for automatically
calibrating said pattern of an ideal golf swing individually for
said golfer based upon said golfer's size and said golfer's
physical characteristics from images captured by said one or more
video cameras.
33. The apparatus of claim 28 including leading guides that consist
of swing plane orbits and club position guides that show the
correct two dimensional club shaft angle, the correct club shaft
rotation with respect to the club face and the correct three
dimensional swing plane angle with respect to a plurality of swing
plane orbit locations.
34. The apparatus of claim 28 including trailing guides that are
comprised of a transparent humanoid depiction displayed on said
monitor providing means for displaying the correct body position
and club position guides with respect to a plurality of swing plane
orbit locations to thereby provide position reinforcement.
35. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said means attached to a club
is located just below the club grip to keep the swing arc of said
means attached to a club as small as possible for close-up
monitoring.
36. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said club is a short club
that causes the outside reach of the swing arc to be smaller than
that of a full-length club thereby making it more suitable for use
in an area with limited space.
37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said club is equipped with a
club head that is soft for the sake of safety but durable enough
for striking a simulated golf ball.
38. The apparatus of claim 36 including a platform having means for
holding one or more simulated golf balls thereon, said platform
being complementary in size to said short club for achieving one of
a plurality of correct swing plane orbits corresponding to
different club lengths in a limited space.
39. The apparatus of claim 38, including means for attaching said
platform to a mat that allows said golfer's body weight to hold
said platform in place during and after swing impact of said club
with said simulated golf balls.
40. The apparatus of claim 38, including springs attached to said
platform to hold said simulated golf balls for striking by said
short club, means for protecting said springs by surrounding said
springs by a rubber structure.
41. The apparatus of claim 38, including means for swinging
according to one of a plurality of correct swing plane angles as a
result of said golfer choosing to strike one of a plurality of
simulated balls while said golfer's position on the mat remains
unchanged thereby changing the swing plane angle.
42. The apparatus of claim 38, including means for swinging
according to one of a plurality of correct swing plane angles by
choosing to change said golfer's foot placement on the mat thereby
changing the swing plane angle while striking a single simulated
golf ball.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
the prior application Ser. No. 09/878,447 filed on Jun. 11,
2001.
STATEMENT REGARDING FED SPONSORED R & D
[0002] (none)
REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] (none)
BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for
tracking, analyzing and teaching correct golf club movements that
can instantaneously react to video images of golf swings for the
purposes of guiding the club, analyzing the swing and predicting
the ball flight in a limited space. A short, safe club and a
limited area platform with one or more simulated golf balls are
used to teach the correct swing plane for a club of any length.
Swing position recognition is accomplished by an attachment of one
or more colored spheres just below the grip on the club shaft.
Swing position reinforcement based upon the recognized step-by-step
progress of the golf swing verifies correct body and club position
during a computer-provided lesson. Swing position recognition also
allows the golfer to watch his or her cutout images swinging at
various locations on a background golf course during a simulated
golf game.
BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
[0005] A golf swing requires the synchronized actions of more than
80 different muscles in a way that is not particularly intuitive or
consistent with the human framework. Focusing on the totality of
these various muscle movements surpasses the ability of the
conscious mind. This requirement for complex and unnatural muscle
movements is the principle reason why golf is considered to be a
difficult game to master. Even if one is successful in correctly
emulating the precise body movements of a given professional, it is
unclear that the club movements that are actually produced are
correct for a particular person given his or her physical
differences.
[0006] Correct movement of the golf club is the main objective of a
golf swing. If the club moves correctly then learning the
associated body movements becomes a far easier goal. There are as
many swing styles as there are body sizes and shapes, even among
professionals, but the objective of each is to move the club in a
very similar way.
[0007] Training tools exist that focus on body movements during the
golf swing, but none describes or teaches correct club movement in
terms of geometric position of the golf club, club head rotation
and three dimensional shaft direction at every point of the golf
swing. And none performs computer image recognition of the golf
club and body position to guide the club movements, analyze the
swing and predict the ball flight.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,016 compares video recordings of the
body motions of a student to that of an instructor or professional.
But these recordings lack interactivity because it is only after
the student has completed the exercise that he or she can view
comparisons. The computers involved receive and display images but
do not recognize or analyze club or body movements. That task is
left to the student and/or his or her instructor.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,449 allows a student to swing a club
within a body template image of a chosen professional instructor.
The computer receives and displays images but does not recognize
the student's actual club or body movements, leaving the entire
burden of swing analysis to the student and his or her instructor.
Because the golf swing analyzer has no awareness of what the
student is actually doing once the template is set in motion, there
can be no responsive interaction between the student and the
device. No effort is made by the above cited patent to
systematically describe correct body position as a function of
correct golf club movement. Since the motion template of U.S. Pat.
No. 6,126,449 progresses through the swing unconditionally in a
constant predetermined motion without the benefit of position
recognition, the student has no opportunity to initiate motion with
position reinforcement being provided by an intelligent process.
This invention can neither analyze a golfer's swing nor predict his
or her ball flight, nor display a cutout of the golfer's image as
he swings on a golf course background.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,449 also requires the student to
synchronize his or her activities to the timing provided by the
pre-recorded template. The student cannot test or exercise his or
her club movements swinging freely back and forth using variable
timing as he or she can with swing position recognition and
reinforcement.
[0011] In the above noted patent there is an uncertain task in
deciding which professional's templates to use. Then attempting to
emulate the complex body movements executed by that professional
can be very difficult and perhaps of no particular advantage in
achieving the club and body movements that are correct for the
student, given the physical differences between the student and the
professional such as differences in anatomy, physiology,
flexibility, and strength.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,668 teaches the effects of club movement
by allowing the student to observe a light that shines in both
directions along the club shaft generated by a device attached to
the golf club shaft. This method does not help the student to know
if the geometric location of the club is correct at any point. This
method fails to detect very common problems, such as that of the
golfer bending his forward arm during the back swing producing a
swing whose arc is too narrow yet able to satisfy criteria
indicating that the swing is correct.
[0013] With nothing other than a light beam to communicate to the
student, the above cited patent lacks the effectiveness and
accuracy of image analysis and video presentation. It suffers from
not being able to review the analysis of a given swing many times
at different speeds. This invention becomes the least effective
during the forward swing before impact while the club is making its
most rapid movement. During this time the student must interpret
the light signals and switch his or her view from the light
pointing toward the grip end of the club to that pointing toward
the head of the club. This invention is unusable outdoors under
bright sunlight and physical adjustments are necessary to the
platform that reflects the beam of light when using clubs of
different lengths.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,449 discloses a method for simulating a
golfer's swing by a two step process that first collects data about
a golfer's club and body movements and then feeds the data to a
commercially available mechanical simulation package. In the second
step, an android computer model attempts to reproduce the golfer's
swing for the primary purpose of determining what kinds of clubs
are best suited to that golfer. This method is not interactive with
the golfer and does not teach or include a pattern of an ideal golf
swing as is explained below.
[0015] Prior inventions have used video recordings of the golf
swings of various professional golfers for comparison to a student
as though they were magic formulas. In fact, many professionals owe
their success more to extensive practice than to excellent
techniques. Since golf tournaments can be seen on national
television every weekend, most of the techniques that amateur
golfers would like to learn have become common knowledge and are
practiced by most professionals. What is needed is a systematic and
effective way to learn and practice these well-known club and body
movements. These techniques can be interactively taught by a
software program that is capable of running on most personal
computers equipped with an inexpensive video camera such as a USB
web cam.
[0016] Thus a need exists for an easy to use and inexpensive
training system that allows a student to focus precisely on club
position and club movement with real-time interactive assistance.
When the computer has recognized and analyzed the nature of a
particular golf swing problem and its solution, then the
presentation to the student is more effective using computer
generated graphics and audio methods. Since the computer's
recognition software can correlate the club position with the
position of the student's body parts, a more focused and systematic
approach can be taken by the student to learn to swing correctly.
Receiving a quantitative rating based upon the quality of the swing
movements and viewing the predicted ball flight makes learning and
practicing more enjoyable. When the tracking process is applied to
a simulated golf game, the golfer can watch his or her own image
swinging on the simulated golf course and then observe the ball in
flight and as it lands. He or she can then view a replay or an in
depth step-by-step analysis of the previous swing before
proceeding.
[0017] A further need exists for analysis while practicing back and
forth swings with no predetermined timing. The student should be
able to spontaneously perform a sequence of swings without prior
planning or setup. For a proficient and experienced golfer, this
capability provides effective audio and video feedback during
warm-up exercises.
[0018] A still further need exists to effectively analyze the
correctness of a golf swing at all points of a golf swing because
any incorrect variations can have undesirable consequences. Since
normal swing motions occur at a high rate of speed, a student or
instructor finds it very difficult to analyze a golf swing in
real-time. Previous inventions do not have the benefit of the
computer instantaneously recognizing, analyzing, understanding and
responding to the motion of the student's golf club and reinforcing
the club and body positions. When evaluating the geometric
coordinates and angles of a golf club in motion, an experienced
professional instructor cannot compete with a computer program that
has efficient recognition software.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention provides a golf swing training method
and apparatus that measure a student's swing against a
semi-circular back swing plane orbit that is followed by a circular
forward swing plane orbit. The locations within these orbits serve
as reference points for the computer to recognize the correct club
movements and body positions that comprise the ideal golf swing.
These swing plane orbits can be further differentiated to describe
swing planes with correct three dimensional angles that correspond
to the effective club lengths of a short, medium or long club.
[0020] The derivation of these swing plane orbits is based upon
analysis of a multiple of swings of many professional golfers. The
above noted multiple of swings were superimposed over each other in
a synchronized slow motion process that revealed a pattern of an
ideal swing that is common to substantially all professional
golfers. The pattern showed a semi-circular swing plane orbit for
the golfer's hands during the back swing and a separate circular
swing plane orbit for the golfer's hands during the forward swing.
These swing plane orbits were easily extendable to an area of the
club shaft near the golfer's hands. The choice of the location of
the club shaft near the golfer's hands as a reference point was
also valuable to keep the swing plane orbits as small as possible
so the video camera's recognition capabilities are optimized by
having the golfer as close to the camera as possible.
[0021] The swing plane orbits are automatically determined while
the golfer assumes his or her normal stance by considering the
height and other physical characteristics of the golfer. They are
further verified by several calibrating movements described below.
The swing plane orbital locations form a basis for evaluating club
shaft direction, clubface rotation and overall body position during
a golf swing. They form the basis for swing position recognition
and reinforcement that displays a humanoid pattern that represents
the ideal club and body positions.
[0022] A spherical attachment is placed on the shaft below the golf
club grip. The attachment is tracked in real time by a software
program that receives video camera images. The software program
continuously monitors the position of the spherical attachment to
determine if the club is in a correct swing plane orbital
location.
[0023] Patterns on the attachment are analyzed by the computer
recognition software to determine the rotation of the club shaft
that corresponds to the position of the clubface at a given swing
plane orbit location and the direction of the club shaft.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, four distinct spheres are used to
achieve quality recognition when slow camera speed causes the
swinging club image to streak. The solid-color balls determine the
club shaft's two-dimensional angle. The ball that is divided in the
same direction as the club shaft is viewed to determine club's face
rotation. The ball divided perpendicularly to the club shaft, the
measured club length and attachment location determine the club
shaft's three-dimensional angle for adherence to the ideal swing
plane as the camera sees the golfer from his or her frontal
view.
[0025] A conventional personal computer control interface such as a
mouse or keyboard can be used to select the analysis activities,
options and displays. The golfer can also control the sequence of
activities and choices during his computer lesson or golf game by
moving the club attachment onto a selection button. This feature
permits the golfer to make various choices while remaining in his
or her normal swing location relative to the limited area platform
that is normally about five feet from the camera. The student can
use a separate monitor for each display or use multiple windows of
a monitor capable of displaying combinations of views
simultaneously that may show different views based upon the
concurrent use of multiple video cameras.
[0026] An initial calibration requirement helps the golfer to
adjust the camera position and to move the limited area platform
for consistent ongoing positioning. During and after the
calibration, a light meter feature tells the user whether the light
level is dark, dim, normal or bright. The light meter reading is
accomplished by examining the brightness and gray levels of known
colors of the attachment following recognition.
[0027] One display shows the student's image and swing plane orbits
plus the correct club shaft direction and clubface rotation at
various intervals along the swing plane orbital path.
[0028] Another display shows a blow-up of the region of the
spherical attachment to precisely view the student's actual club
position at that moment and the relation to the display of the
correct club position with respect to the swing plane orbital
location, club shaft direction and club head rotation.
[0029] Body movement errors are identified at each swing plane
orbital location and illustrated suggestions for corrections are
offered. Tempo of the swing is evaluated. A USGA handicap rating is
assigned to the swing, the scale for which was determined
statistically by a correlation of many golfer's actual handicaps
versus their level of correctness of swing. Instant replay of the
swing can be done at regular speed or in slow motion.
[0030] Another object and advantage is to display a computer
generated humanoid image of the correct body position of the
student relative to the current swing plane orbital location of the
club attachment. This provides swing position reinforcement to help
the golfer achieve correct club and body movement. This is an ideal
learning situation since the student golfer takes the initiative
rather than being led through each step and receives real-time
reinforcement for his motion decisions.
[0031] Another analysis activity places the golfer on a golf course
or practice range where the ball flight and distance are predicted
based upon the real-time analysis of the swing leading to and
following the ball impact position. During these activities, the
golfer can see his ball in flight as it travels toward a simulated
green. A replay or detailed analysis can be viewed subsequently for
any swing. An embodiment of the golf course and practice range
activities places a cutout camera image of the golfer onto a
simulated golf course or practice range backgrounds. This cutout
camera image corresponds to the current position of the club
attachment with respect to the ideal swing pattern. As the current
position proceeds near the correct positions of the ideal swing
pattern, the golfer can see himself or herself swing on the golf
course or practice range. In this way, the golfer can combine
simulated play and swing analysis.
[0032] An object and advantage is to provide a golf swing analysis
and training method that recognizes the club position through the
images generated by one or more video cameras to measure and guide
club movement at all points of the golf swing. Since a computer
program is doing all of the analysis, a professional instructor is
not required to be part of the process.
[0033] Another object and advantage is to provide a swing analysis
and training method that is simple for the student to execute
allowing him or her to focus upon guided movements of the club
instead of concentrating on coordinating many unnatural body muscle
movements simultaneously.
[0034] Another object and advantage is to provide a swing analysis
and training method that quantifies correct club position by
geometric location and uses this location as a basis to determine
correct club shaft direction, clubface rotation and body
position.
[0035] Another object and advantage is to automatically calculate
the correct swing orbits for the student based upon his or her
physical characteristics and a few calibration movements.
[0036] Another object and advantage is to allow the student to
customize his or her swing orbits if the standard swing plane
orbits do not work such as if he or she has physical
limitations.
[0037] Another object and advantage is to display and measure the
precision and correctness of the golf club movements while the
student swings freely through swing plane orbits superimposed over
the live video image of the student using his or her own
timing.
[0038] Another object and advantage is to display and measure the
precision of the golf club position and movement during a golf
swing using a zoomed blown-up view of the current swing plane
orbital focal point showing the swing plane orbit outline, the
actual club position and the correct club position.
[0039] Another object and advantage is to evaluate the timing of a
complete golf swing.
[0040] Another object and advantage is to quantify a complete golf
swing with a USGA handicap rating based upon correctness of the
club movement to show progress to the student and to make training
more enjoyable.
[0041] Another object and advantage is to predict ball flight in
terms of quality, strength, initial direction, trajectory and spin
based on club head angle, rotation and speed before and after
impact with the golf ball.
[0042] Another object and advantage is to be able to use the golf
swing analyzer indoors or outdoors.
[0043] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent
from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] FIG. 1 shows a computer monitor displaying a pattern of an
ideal golf swing including the golfer standing in front of the
monitor;
[0045] FIG. 1A shows a computer monitor outline displaying a
pattern of an ideal golf swing using a limited area club and golf
ball platform including a plurality of swing plane oribts;
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates part of the golf club shaft having a
signal-emitting sphere attached thereon including club rotation
indicia;
[0047] FIG. 2A illustrates part of a real or simulated golf club
shaft having signal emitting spheres attached thereon including
club shaft 2-dimensional angle indicia, 3-dimensional swing plane
indicia, and club shaft rotation indicia;
[0048] FIG. 2B illustrates a simulated golf ball platform and mat
that use a single ball to achieve various swing planes
corresponding to different club lengths while the golfer moves
forward or backward.
[0049] FIG. 2C illustrates a simulated golf ball platform and mat
that use a specific ball for each of three swing planes
corresponding to different club lengths.
[0050] FIGS. 3A-3K illustrate successive locations of a golf club
during a swing;
[0051] FIG. 4 shows the location of the golf club in an actual
location and in a projected location;
[0052] FIG. 5 shows a method of calibrating the pattern of an ideal
golf swing corresponding to the physical characteristics of a
golfer;
[0053] FIG. 6 shows the predicted flight of a golf ball toward the
target after impact.
[0054] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate the method by which the golfer's
swing image is displayed in real-time on a simulated golf course as
a result of swing position recognition.
[0055] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate the principle of swing position
recognition followed by swing position reinforcement of the correct
body and club positions.
[0056] FIGS. 9-9A illustrate the method by which selections are
made by the golfer using the club attachment while retaining his
swinging location a short distance from the computer. If the golfer
is not shown in the course image, then he has a picture-in-picture
display to guide the selection process.
[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates the light meter values determined from
grayness and brightness levels of known colors of the club
attachment.
[0058] FIG. 11 illustrates a golfer watching his predicted golf
ball flight during a simulated golf game.
[0059] FIG. 12 illustrates a golfer watching his predicted golf
ball flight during a simulated practice range session.
[0060] FIG. 13 illustrates a golfer watching his predicted golf
ball flight during a simulated golf lesson.
[0061] FIG. 14 illustrates a golfer being monitored from multiple
views using multiple video cameras.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0062] FIG. 1 shows a live display of a student golfer who is
standing in front of a desktop computer monitor display 2. The
student's image as captured by an attached video camera 3 is
displayed with his or her ideal swing patterns superimposed as a
back swing plane orbit 4 and a forward swing plane orbit 5. The
golfer is just beginning his or her back swing as indicated by the
position of the spherical attachment 6 to his golf club shaft 7
that has been installed just below the grip 8.
[0063] FIG. 1A shows a live display of a student golfer who is
standing in front of a computer monitor display outline 2
corresponding to a close-up, limited space method. The student's
image is displayed with ideal swing patterns superimposed as a back
swing plane orbit for short irons 23, a back swing plane orbit for
medium irons 24, a back swing plane orbit for long irons or woods
25, and a forward swing plane orbit 5. The golfer is just beginning
his or her back swing as indicated by the position of the
multi-spherical attachment 19 to his or her golf club shaft that
has been installed just below the grip 8. A club guide 20
illustrates the correct club position ahead as he or she proceeds.
The short club is equipped with a soft but durable club head 21
with a clearly visible face 22. The golfer is standing on a rubber
mat 29 that covers and stabilizes a soft but durable limited area
platform 28 that supports a soft but durable simulated golf ball 26
on a spring with a protective cover 27.
[0064] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the spherical attachment 6
that has been installed over the golf club shaft 7. The spherical
attachment 6 is constructed from lightweight and flexible rubber
material that can be slid over the grip 8 but that remains in place
on the shaft 7. The surface of the sphere 6 is hard and smooth for
maximum reflectivity. The size of the sphere 6 is large enough that
shapes and patterns allow the computer to uniquely determine the
geometric location of the golf club, the direction of the club
shaft and the rotation of the shaft with respect to the clubface
yet small enough that it does not degrade or complicate the swing
experience.
[0065] The sphere 6 is divided into four equal sized quadraspheres
and the spherical attachment of FIG. 3 is installed so that the
vertical alignment mark normally placed on a golf shaft 7 by the
manufacturer corresponds to the dividing line between the eastern
and western hemispheres. When viewing the frontal stance position
as in FIG. 1, this dividing line 6a is entirely visible and parts
of each of the quadraspheres are visible to the video camera 3.
There is also a dividing line 6b between the northern and southern
hemispheres. These quadraspheres are colored alternating black and
white for maximum contrast and best recognition in varying lighting
conditions. Bordering the top of the sphere is the grip end polar
direction indicator 10a that is colored white. The club head-end
polar direction indicator 9, colored white and black, has a barber
pole effect that further verifies the rotation of the club shaft 7.
All of these alternating black and white placements on the sphere
6, below the sphere 6 at 9 or above the sphere 6 at 10a are
designed to emit a location signal to be picked up by the video
camera 3 for further processing in the computer.
[0066] The computer can efficiently recognize the video camera's 3
image of the spherical attachment in FIG. 2 for instantaneous
analysis as to correct orbit location. The color patterns that the
video camera 3 produces for the sphere 6 and the polar direction
indicators 9 and 10a are unique for any angle of club shaft
rotation and for any three-dimensional club shaft direction.
[0067] FIG. 2A shows an enlarged view of a multi-spherical
attachment 30, 31, 32, 33 that has been installed over a real or
simulated golf club shaft 7. The multi-spherical attachment is more
recognizable when streaking occurs when a camera has a slow frame
rate. The multi-spherical attachment is constructed from material
that has a porous surface for optimal light signal emission. Pure
red, green and blue colors are used for efficient recognition using
the RGB color spectrum. The size of the multi-spherical attachment
is large enough that shapes and patterns allow the computer to
uniquely determine the geometric locations of the golf club, yet
small enough that it does not degrade or complicate the swing
experience. The attachment is located near the grip so that the
golfer can be close to the camera while the multi-spherical
attachment remains in camera view at all points of the swing. The
2-dimensional angle of the club shaft is determined by recognition
of the locations of the solid-color pattern spheres 30, 32. The
rotation of the club face with respect to the club shaft 7 is
determined by recognition of the rotation of the pattern of the
sphere 33 with a dividing line 34 that is parallel to the club
shaft 7. The 3-dimensional angle of the swing plane is determined
by recognition of the rotation of the pattern of the sphere 31 with
a dividing line 35 that is perpendicular to the club shaft 7.
[0068] A preferred embodiment of the club attachment can use an
energy source along with a signal-emitting device to produce an
energy enhanced signal 66 that can be tracked more effectively
under questionable lighting conditions.
[0069] FIG. 2B shows a golf ball platform that is complementary to
the club in FIG. 2A. The correct swing plane is achieved according
to the footprints 36 shown on the mat 29. To simulate long club
use, such as a driver, the golfer uses footprints 37 farthest away
from the ball to achieve the flattest swing plane. Footprints 38
produce a swing plane of medium steepness for mid-irons. Use of
footprints 39 result in a steep swing plane to simulate use of a
wedge.
[0070] The platform is comprised of a block base 40 attached to
thin but strong sheet of poly-carbon plastic 41. A peg 42 that is
covered by soft but durable foam material inserts into the block
40. The peg has a spring 43 that protrudes from the peg 42 that is
attached to a simulated golf ball 26 that is comprised of soft but
durable foam material. The spring 43 is covered by protective
rubber 27. A mat 29 lays over a sheet of poly-carbon plastic 41 by
means of square hole cut in the mat that allows the rubber mat 29
to fit snugly around the block base 40.
[0071] FIG. 2C shows another embodiment of the golf ball platform
that is complementary to the club in FIG. 2A. The correct swing
plane for a plurality of club lengths is achieved by standing in a
single location on the mat 29 and swinging at the ball that
achieves the correct swing plane for the chosen simulated club. To
simulate long club use, such as a driver, the golfer uses simulated
golf ball 46 to achieve the flattest swing plane. Simulated golf
ball 45 produces a swing plane of medium steepness for mid-irons.
Use of simulated golf ball 44 results in a steep swing plane to
simulate use of a wedge.
[0072] The platform is comprised of a block base 40 attached to
thin but strong sheet of poly-carbon plastic 41. A peg 42 that is
covered by soft but durable foam material inserts into the block
base 40 at an angle of approximately 35 degrees that allows the
club head of a short fixed-length club to make contact with the
chosen ball to achieve the correct swing plane. The peg has a
spring 43 for each ball that protrudes from the peg 42 that are
attached to simulated golf balls 44, 45, 46. The spring 43 is
covered by protective rubber 47. A mat 29 lays over the sheet of
poly-carbon plastic 41 by means of square hole cut in the mat 29
that allows it to fit snugly around the block base 40.
[0073] FIGS. 3A to 3K illustrate representative frames, as
displayed on a monitor, of the spherical attachment 6 passing
through the semicircular back swing plane orbit 4 and the circular
forward swing orbit 5 during a correct swing. The direction of the
clubface, that is the club shaft rotation, is determined from the
video camera's 3 view of the patterns of the spherical attachment
in FIG. 2. The patterns of the sphere 6 and polar direction
indicators 9 and 10a determine the three dimensional direction of
the club shaft.
[0074] An imaginary line of infinite length in each direction
exists which passes through the ball and the target flag on a golf
green. This is referred to as the target line. The approximate
two-dimensional space that the club "slices through" during a
correct swing is referred to as the swing plane. The angle of the
swing plane is most affected by the golfer's normal stance and the
length of the golf club he or she is currently using. If the three
dimensional direction of the club's shaft 7 as determined by the
camera's 3 image of the spherical attachment in FIG. 2 is within
the swing plane, the swing is said to be on plane at that
moment.
[0075] FIG. 3A shows the initial movement of the spherical
attachment of the club in the back swing plane orbit 4. The video
camera's 3 view of the sphere 6 verifies to the computer that the
sphere 6 is in a correct swing plane orbit location. The image of
the spherical attachment further determines that the direction of
the club shaft 7 is vertical and on plane and correctly rotated so
that the clubface is pointed toward the golf ball and the target.
The computer verifies that the golfer's head H is positioned
correctly behind the golf ball as determined by the club shaft
direction.
[0076] FIG. 3B shows continuation of the sphere 6 in the back swing
plane orbit 4. The left shoulder 10 has begun to turn to the
golfer's right while the club shaft 7 direction is essentially that
of the straight left arm 11. The patterns of the sphere 6 indicate
that the club shaft 7 has correctly rotated so the clubface is
visible to the video camera 3. The computer verifies that the
golfer's head H has correctly moved to the right with the turn of
the left shoulder to a position vertically above the inside the
golfer's right foot.
[0077] FIG. 3C proceeds along the back swing plane orbit 4. The
left arm 11 is pointing in a direction that is 180 degrees away
from the target and parallel to the target line. The wrists 12 are
partially cocked so that the club shaft 7 forms an approximate 45
degree angle with the direction of the left arm 11. The patterns of
the sphere 6 show that the club shaft is still rotated so that the
clubface is pointing toward the camera 3. This pattern along with
the polar direction indicators show that the grip end of the club
is correctly pointing at the golf ball and that the swing is on
plane. The computer verifies that the golfer's head 9 has correctly
moved to the right with the continued turn of the left shoulder to
a position vertically above the outside edge of the golfer's right
foot FIG. 3D shows the near completion of the back swing, with the
left arm 11 reasonably straight and the club shaft 7 direction
approximately 90 degrees past the direction of the left arm 11. The
image of the sphere 6 verifies to the computer that the clubface is
correctly rotated toward the camera 3 and that the grip end of the
club still points along the target line verifying that the swing is
on plane. The computer verifies that the golfer's head H has
correctly moved to the right with the continued turn of the left
shoulder 10 to a position vertically above the outside edge of the
golfer's right foot. A very important observation can be made by
the computer's software from the video camera image while the
spherical attachment is in this swing plane orbital location. Since
the edge line of the golfer's left hip 13 is still in the same
left-justified location as in the normal stance this verifies that
the golfer has correctly rotated his or her upper torso and left
shoulder 10 to achieve the correct swing plane orbital position. If
the edge line of the left hip 13 had moved to the golfer's right,
the computer would recognize that the golfer had made a "reverse
pivot", one of the most common errors for amateur golfers.
[0078] FIG. 3E shows the full completion of the back swing and the
left shoulder turn. The sphere 6 has entered the forward swing
plane orbit 5. The image of the sphere 6 shows that the clubface is
correctly rotated toward the camera 3 and that the swing is on
plane. The computer verifies that the golfer's head H is correctly
pointed so that he or she can see the ball. Since the edge of the
chin line 14 is visible, the golfer's head H is correctly raised to
permit the proper left shoulder 10 turn.
[0079] FIG. 3F shows a continuation of the forward swing. The
initial phase of the forward swing is characterized by rapid and
powerful uncoiling of the left shoulder 10. At the same time the
left arm 11 has lowered while the wrists 12 remain cocked with the
club shaft 7 in a near vertical position. This movement of the left
shoulder 10 has changed the center of the swing circle and
consequently defined the circular forward swing plane orbit 5. The
image of the sphere 6 verifies to the computer that the clubface is
correctly rotated toward the camera 3; that the grip end of the
club still points along the target line; and that the swing is on
plane. The computer verifies that the edge lines of the golfer's
left side and left leg produce an angle 15 that is less than 180
degrees. This indicates that significant hip turn has correctly
occurred while the sphere is at this swing plane orbital
location.
[0080] FIG. 3G shows that the left shoulder 10 has returned to the
original stance position, but the lower body has accelerated its
turn while the wrists 12 remain cocked as the right shoulder 16
begins to turn toward the target. The club shaft has not rotated
very much during the forward swing as yet as indicated by the
patterns of the sphere 6 that indicates the clubface is still
facing the camera 3. The club shaft direction as determined by the
image of the spherical attachment in FIG. 2 is toward the target
and on plane.
[0081] FIG. 3H shows the forward swing after impact as the wrists
12 are un-cocked while the entire body is turning toward the
target. As the wrists 12 un-cock, they are also rotating the club
shaft 7 so that the clubface is facing the target at impact as
determined by the video camera's 3 image of the spherical
attachment. The clubface direction shortly after impact is very
important in predicting whether the swing achieved a "natural
draw", "duck hook" or "slice". The sphere's 6 correct forward swing
plane orbit 5 location and the golfer's head H positioned behind
the golf ball indicate power was generated by the swing at impact.
The computer's recognition by use of the patterns of the spherical
attachment that the club shaft points to the golfer's right ear is
very important at this orbital location.
[0082] FIG. 31 completes the right shoulder turn toward the target
as the wrists 12 cock once again to accept the momentum of the
swing. Club shaft rotation 7 as determined by the image of the
spherical attachment verifies to the computer that the clubface is
correctly pointing away from the video camera 3. The sphere 6
continues to show that the swing is on plane. The computer
recognizes that the golfer's head position while turned toward the
target is essentially in the same location as it is in the golfer's
normal stance position verifying that he or she was correctly
behind the ball at impact. This position represents a correct
"follow through".
[0083] FIG. 3J completes the forward swing as the club speed
decelerates and the entire body turns toward the target. . The
sphere 6 continues to show that the swing is on plane. The golfer's
head position has moved forward significantly showing that he or
she is on balance.
[0084] FIG. 3K shows the "world class finish" position. The
golfer's weight has been transferred forward onto his or her left
leg and the sphere 6 has dropped from its forward swing orbit 5 to
rest on his or her left shoulder.
[0085] The above sequence of moves through FIGS. 3A to 3K
represents an ideal swing for all golfers to attain. A student
simply stands in front of the camera 3 and tries to emulate the
displayed ideal swing. Any deviation from an ideal swing is
recognized by the computer that immediately responds with visual
and audible feedback or by written instructions displayed on the
monitor. Illustrations are also used to notify or prompt the
student of correct club and body positions. These immediate
responses by the computer in response to images received from the
video camera of the golfer's actual club and body movements are
indicative of the "interactive" nature of the golf swing
analyzer.
[0086] FIG. 4 illustrates interactivity of the golfer with the
computer and its display on the monitor. As the golfer moves his
club, the computer is able to stay a number of frames ahead and to
provide the correct club shaft 7' direction and club face rotation
for the near future step of his or her swing even though the pace
of the swing is determined solely by the golfer. Since the computer
instantaneously recognizes the current progress of the golfer's
swing by the image of the sphere 6, all prompts are interactive and
enlightened. Thus in FIG. 4, the present location of the sphere 6
attached to the golf club is shown at about seven o'clock in the
semicircular back swing orbit 4 and the displayed future position
of the sphere 6' attached to the club is shown at the ten o'clock
position of that orbit. An illustration similar to FIG. 3C can also
be displayed as a prompt for the correct future body position that
corresponds to the displayed correct future club position as
recognized by the sphere 7'.
[0087] FIG. 5 shows the first body adjustment that the student is
asked to make to calibrate his or her orbits. The calibration
process begins as the computer monitor continues to display
messages until the images of the student confirm that he or she has
assumed a proper stance at approximately the correct distance from
the camera. Once the stance position is correct, a silhouette is
drawn on the monitor of the student's stance position along with a
highlighted outline of the spherical attachment. The student is
asked to make several short calibration movements. He or she is
first asked to hold the golf club parallel to the ground while
pointing the grip end of the club at the target, shown in FIG. 5.
His or her left knuckles should be directly above the right toes
with the left arm fully extended and no bend of the left elbow. An
animated figure at the bottom of the screen illustrates the correct
positions. Once this position is achieved, he or she must hold the
club still for two seconds. A message then appears to assume a
similar position in the opposite direction, right knuckles over
left foot, grip end pointing away from the target. The orbits are
then calculated and displayed along with the stance position of the
student. The above process allows the software to tailor the orbits
to the golfer's height and arm reach based upon images that are
interactively achieved and processed in real-time.
[0088] The initial orbits are determined by computing the distance
of a line that connects the bottom of the spherical attachment of
the club to the top of the golfer's head while in his normal
stance. This line can be viewed as the base of two equal right
triangles that have 12-degree angles emanating from the bottom of
the sphere 6 as their hypotenuse. Each hypotenuse equally divides a
circle and is equal to its diameter. The circle to the golfer's
right forms the outer edge of the back swing orbit 4 for a
right-handed golfer. The other circle forms the outer edge of the
forward swing orbit 5. The calibration movements cause the
dimensions of the orbits to be adjusted if the spherical attachment
does not correctly align with the back swing orbit 4 He or she may
choose to display the orbits with or without club shaft and club
head position references. The student can swing the club freely
back and forth at his or her own speed. As the student attempts to
keep the sphere 6 within the orbits, he or she may observe the club
shaft direction and clubface rotation guides at orbit locations
that properly lead the golfer as shown in FIG. 5. Additionally, the
software can freeze the frame on the computer monitor at any
orbital location if a club movement error is made and the option is
enabled. Various orbital checkpoint locations can be selected
corresponding roughly to FIGS. 3B-3J.
[0089] The first evaluation made by the computer software concerns
the location of the sphere 6 within the orbits 4 and 5 for each
orbital checkpoint. The club shaft direction and the clubface
rotation are also checked. Failure of any of the club positions to
match the requirements at that checkpoint generates a series of
messages and suggestions. The recognition software finds body edges
relative to orbit locations using Sobel approximation to determine
maximum gradient to check major body part position for each
checkpoint and reports irregularities with corrective graphic
displays. Timing of the swing is evaluated before and after impact
to predict ball flight distance. Club shaft rotation angles and
body position as determined by the edge detector are used to
predict and display simulated ball flight.
[0090] Instant replay of the swing last analyzed can be done at
regular speed or in slow motion. It can also be performed
step-by-step through the orbital checkpoints and with or without
detailed analysis.
[0091] FIG. 6 illustrates the predicted flight of the ball B toward
the target T after the club has passed the impact position I during
a swing. The monitor displays the direction, curvature and distance
of the predicted flight of the ball B. This prediction is based
upon the patterns and timing of the images of the sphere 6 before
and after the club passes the impact position and the images of the
golfer's body position during impact. This display further
reassures the golfer of his or her progress toward achieving the
ideal swing.
[0092] FIG. 7A illustrates swing position recognition and
reinforcement according to the ideal swing pattern to allow the
golfer 1 to watch his or her swing in real-time as it is projected
onto a golf course setting 48. When the club attachment 19 is
recognized by the computer to be in the initial stance position, a
humanoid depiction of the correct club and body positions 49
outlines the camera view of the golfer. A golf course setting 48 is
displayed outside the humanoid depiction of the correct club and
body positions. The golf course setting 48 is a scene that has a
plurality of representations. Each representation shows the single
golf course scene with a humanoid depiction cut out for one of a
plurality of the correct club and body positions. The course scene
with the correct humanoid cutout is placed over the background
frame of the golfer 1 as he or she swings and thereby changes the
location of the club attachment with respect to the swing plane
orbits of the ideal swing pattern.
[0093] FIG. 7B illustrates swing position recognition and
reinforcement according to the ideal swing pattern as the
recognized location of the club attachment 19 is changed by the
golfer 1. The humanoid depiction of the correct club and body
positions 49 follows the movement of the club attachment 19 closely
and effectively demonstrates to the golfer 1 how accurately he or
she is swinging according to the ideal swing pattern.
[0094] FIG. 7C illustrates swing position recognition and
reinforcement according to the ideal swing pattern as the golfer 1
is shown in the stance position in an indoor location 50 in front
of a video camera 3 but views himself or herself 1 actually in
stance position on a real golf course 48. The golfer is using a
short, safe club 51 with a simulated club head 21 made of soft but
durable material. The short club has a multi-spherical attachment
19 with a club head 21 that is aligned to a simulated golf ball 26
attached to a platform 28 made that is held in place by the mat 29
upon which he or she is standing.
[0095] FIG. 7D illustrates swing position recognition and
reinforcement according to the ideal swing pattern as the golfer 1
is shown swinging in an indoor location 50 in front of a video
camera 3 but views himself or herself 1 actually swinging on a real
golf course 48.
[0096] FIG. 8A illustrates swing position recognition and
reinforcement according to the ideal swing pattern. The golfer 1 is
shown in the stance position in front of a video camera. A
transparent humanoid 52 depiction of the correct club and body
position is superimposed over the golfer's image. The transparent
humanoid 52 depiction corresponds to the recognized location of the
club shaft attachment 19 in the stance position.
[0097] FIG. 8B illustrates swing position recognition and
reinforcement according to the ideal swing pattern as the golfer 1
is shown swinging in front of a video camera. A transparent
humanoid 52 depiction of the correct club and body position is
superimposed over the golfer's 1 image that corresponds to the
location of the club shaft attachment 19 recognized as being
nearest one of a plurality of swing plane orbit locations.
[0098] FIG. 9 illustrates the use of the club attachment 19 to make
selections that control the sequence of activities during swing
analysis and simulated golf game play so that the golfer can
maintain his original swing stance position. This facilitates a
continuum of activities during which he does not have to lay down
his golf club. The choice buttons 53, 54, 55, 56 are large so that
they can be viewed from a distance and are arranged so that the
attachment does not accidentally pass through one to reach another.
Since no clicking function is present, as with a computer mouse,
the position over the button must be held for a brief time before
the choice is registered. The flow only provides choices while no
swing is in progress. The golfer's image is changed to be a mirror
image during control selections where generally, a normal camera
view image is shown during swing tracking.
[0099] FIG. 9A illustrates the use of the club attachment 19 to
make a selection as indicated by the choice arrow 58 that controls
the sequence of activities during simulated golf game play. Because
the scene is a golf course setting 48 not including the golfer 1, a
picture-in-picture display 57 of the golfer 1 is used so that he
can view the motions of his club attachment 19.
[0100] FIG. 10 illustrates the display on the monitor 2 of a light
meter feature, where the light meter 59 reports the ambient
lighting properties of the setting based upon the brightness and
gray properties of known color patterns of the attachment 19. The
color intensity and grayness properties are determined subsequent
to initial calibration and after each swing.
[0101] FIG. 11 illustrates the predicted ball flight 60 of a swing
as it is translated to a simulation of golf play activity. The
golfer 1, having completed a swing that he was able to see
performed on the golf course 48 in real time, is watching the ball
61 in flight to the target while viewing the explanations 62 as to
the cause of said predicted ball flight 60 are displayed.
[0102] FIG. 12 illustrates the predicted ball flight 60 of a swing
as it is translated to a simulation of practice range activity. The
golfer 1, having completed a swing that he was able to see
performed on the practice range 63 in real time, is watching the
ball 61 in flight while viewing the explanations 62 as to the cause
of said predicted ball flight 60 are displayed.
[0103] FIG. 13 illustrates the handicap rating 64 of a swing that
occurs during a golf lesson activity. The golfer 1, having
completed a swing that he saw performed on the monitor 2 in real
time while swinging in his home 50, is watching the handicap rating
64 that appears immediately upon completion of the swing. He can
subsequently replay and analyze the swing to corroborate the
handicap rating. A handicap rating and explanation for the rating
are also provided. This rating is based upon a correctness total
that is computed at each checkpoint during the detailed analysis.
Scoring is based upon correct club position and body position
throughout the swing, but with emphasis at key points such as the
impact position. The software program estimates a USGA handicap
rating for a swing based upon the correctness totals that a golfer
with that handicap rating normally achieves.
[0104] FIG. 14 illustrates the golfer 1 being monitored by a video
camera 3 primarily from the right side view as indicated by the
right side swing plane orbit 65. This figure shows that it is
possible to monitor a golfer's swing from different video camera 3
views and also to use one or more cameras concurrently. One or more
displays 2 can also be used concurrently.
1 1 Golfer 33 Vertical split sphere 2 Computer monitor display 34
Vertical dividing line 3 Video camera 35 Horizontal dividing line 4
Back swing plane orbit 36 Footprints 5 Forward swing plane orbit 37
Long club footprints 6 Spherical attachment 38 Medium club
footprints 7 Golf club shaft 39 Short club footprints 8 Golf club
grip 40 Block base 9 Golf club polar indicator 41 Poly carbonate
sheet 10 Left shoulder 42 Peg 11 Straight left arm 43 Spring 12
Wrists 44 Short club ball 13 Left hip 45 Medium club ball 14 Edge
of chin line 46 Long club ball 15 Body angle 47 Protective rubber
cover 16 Right shoulder 48 Golf course setting 17 Left arm 49
Humanoid outline 18 Left elbow 50 Indoor location 19
Multi-spherical fixture 51 Short safe club 20 Club guide 52
Transparent humanoid 21 Club head 53 choice button 1 22 Club face
54 choice button 2 23 Short backswing 55 choice button 3 24 Medium
backswing 56 choice button 4 25 Long backswing 57 Picture in
picture display 26 Simulated golf ball 58 Choice arrow 27
Protective cover 59 Light meter 28 Limited area platform 60
Predicted ball flight 29 Mat 61 Ball 30 Solid sphere 62 Ball flight
explanation 31 Horizontal split sphere 63 Golf practice range 32
Solid sphere 64 Handicap rating B. Ball 65 Side view of swing orbit
F. Ball flight 66 Energy enhanced signal H. Golfer's head 6A.
Single sphere vertical I. Impact position dividing line T. Target
6B. Single sphere horizontal W. White section of sphere dividing
line 10A. Location signal
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