U.S. patent application number 10/026367 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-19 for data processing method and system for processing and managing repetitive motion data between diverse geographic locations.
This patent application is currently assigned to Develop Your Game, Inc.. Invention is credited to Evensen, Mark, Leicht, Phillip.
Application Number | 20030113694 10/026367 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21831401 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030113694 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Evensen, Mark ; et
al. |
June 19, 2003 |
Data processing method and system for processing and managing
repetitive motion data between diverse geographic locations
Abstract
Data is managed by monitoring and generating data describing at
least one first repetitive motion, such as a golf swing, executed
by at least one individual at at least one first repetitive motion
station located at at least one first location, and for monitoring
and generating data describing at least one second repetitive
motion executed by the at least one individual at at least one
second repetitive motion station located at at least one second
location geographically separated from the at least one first
location. The data is transmitted from the first and second
stations via a network to a network server computer having a data
storage device, onto which the data is stored.
Inventors: |
Evensen, Mark; (McKinney,
TX) ; Leicht, Phillip; (River Vale, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHEEF & STONE, L.L.P.
5956 SHERRY LANE
SUITE 1400
DALLAS
TX
75225
US
|
Assignee: |
Develop Your Game, Inc.
McKinney
TX
|
Family ID: |
21831401 |
Appl. No.: |
10/026367 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
434/252 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/3614 20130101;
A63B 69/3605 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/252 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/36 |
Claims
1. A method for managing data describing each of a plurality of
repetitive motions executed by a plurality of individuals at a
plurality of repetitive motion stations located at a plurality of
locations, the method comprising the steps of: receiving the data
via a network from each of the plurality of stations; recording the
data in a data storage device; receiving via the network from a
requester at a remote terminal a request for a selected portion of
the data; and transmitting via the network to the requester at the
remote terminal the selected portion of the data.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the requester is at least one of
the individuals who executed the repetitive motions, at least one
instructor responsible for instructing the individual who executed
the repetitive motions, and another individual who has permission
to access the data.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the network comprises at least one
of the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide
area network (WAN), a T1 line, and satellite communication.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein requester is the individual who
executed the repetitive motions, the network comprises at least one
of the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide
area network (WAN), a T1 line, and satellite communication, and the
individual is requesting the data from a computer terminal located
at the individual's residential home.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the repetitive motions include at
least one of a previous motion executed by the individual, a motion
template executed by the individual, and a motion generated by an
expert.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: designating for a
selected individual a model motion to be a motion template for the
selected individual; recording the template in the data storage
device; and comparing repetitive motions of the selected individual
against the motion template to determine at least one delta between
the motion template and the executed repetitive motion.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of stations include
at least two stations geographically separated from each other.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising: designating for a
selected individual a model motion executed by the individual at a
first station at a first location to be a motion template for the
selected individual; recording the motion template in the data
storage device; executing a repetitive motion by the selected
individual at a second station at a second location separated from
the first station at the first location; and comparing executed
repetitive motions of the selected individual at the second station
at the second location against the motion template to determine at
least one delta between the motion template and the executed
repetitive motion.
9. The method of claim 1 further comprising: designating for a
selected individual a model motion to be a motion template for the
selected individual; recording the motion template in the data
storage device; comparing a executed repetitive motion of the
selected individual against the motion template to determine at
least one delta between the motion template and the executed
repetitive motion; and providing feedback describing the at least
one delta to the selected individual.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising: designating for a
selected individual a model motion to be a motion template for the
selected individual; recording the motion template in the data
storage device; comparing an executed repetitive motion of the
selected individual against the motion template to determine at
least one delta between the motion template and the executed
repetitive motion; developing an individual feedback profile; and
providing feedback in accordance with the individual feedback
profile describing the at least one delta to the selected
individual.
11. The method of claim 1 further comprising: designating for a
selected individual a model motion to be a motion template for the
selected individual; recording the motion template in the data
storage device; comparing an executed repetitive motion of the
selected individual against the motion template to determine at
least one delta between the motion template and the executed
repetitive motion; developing an individual feedback profile
indicating individual preference for the presence or absence of at
least one of positive feedback, negative feedback, visual feedback,
audible feedback, verbal feedback, one or more selected aspects of
executed repetitive motion, and time of the executed repetitive
motion; and providing feedback in accordance with the individual
feedback profile describing the at least one delta to the selected
individual.
12. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining a monetary
amount to pay to an instructor each time an individual instructed
by the instructor practices the motion without the instructor.
13. The method of claim 1 further comprising compiling data from
the plurality of individuals to generate statistical data usable to
manufacturers of equipment and apparel used when executing the
motions in a selected sport.
14. The method of claim 1 further comprising compiling data from
the plurality of individuals to generate statistical data usable by
manufacturers of at least one of golf balls, golf shoes, golf
clubs, golfing apparel, golf grips, golf gloves, and golf teaching
apparatuses used for executing the motions, and wherein the
statistical data is accountable for individual handicaps, including
slices.
15. The method of claim 1 further comprising: compiling data from
the plurality of individuals to generate statistical data usable by
manufacturers of equipment and apparel used when executing the
motions in a selected sport, and wherein the statistical data is
accountable for individual handicaps; compiling data for a
particular individual to generate statistical data usable by the
particular individual, and wherein the statistical data is
accountable for handicaps of the particular individual; and
generating a recommendation of what equipment and apparel the
particular individual should purchase based on statistical data
generated for the particular individual and for the statistical
data generated for the plurality of individuals.
16. The method of claim 1 further comprising: compiling data from
the plurality of individuals to generate statistical data usable by
manufacturers of at least one of golf balls, golf shoes, golf
clubs, golfing apparel, golf grips, golf gloves, and golf teaching
apparatuses used for executing the motions, and wherein the
statistical data is accountable for individual handicaps; compiling
data for a particular individual to generate statistical data
usable by the particular individual, and wherein the statistical
data is accountable for handicaps of the particular individual; and
generating a recommendation of what golf balls, golf shoes, golf
clubs, golfing apparel, golf grips, golf gloves, and golf teaching
apparatuses the particular individual should purchase based on
statistical data generated for the particular individual and for
the statistical data generated for the plurality of
individuals.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein the repetitive motion is at least
one of a golf swing, a basketball shot, a baseball bat swing, a
tennis swing, a bowling ball swing, a baseball pitch, a gymnastic
exercise, and figure skating.
18. The method of claim 1 for conducting a virtual tournament
between individuals of a selected portion of the plurality of
individuals, the method further comprising: selecting for each
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals
data describing at least one motion, the data including performance
results of the at least one motion; comparing for each individual
of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals the data
including performance results of the at least one motion to
determine which individual has the best performance results from
the at least one respective motion; and identifying the individual
of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals having the
best performance results of the at least one respective motion as
the winner of the virtual tournament between individuals of a
selected portion of the plurality of individuals.
19. The method of claim 1 for conducting a virtual tournament
between individuals of a selected portion of the plurality of
individuals, the method further comprising: selecting for each
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals
data describing at least one motion, the data including performance
results of the at least one motion; comparing for each individual
of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals the data
including performance results of the at least one motion to
determine which individual has the best performance results from
the at least one respective motion; identifying the individual of
the selected portion of the plurality of individuals having the
best performance results of the at least one respective motion as
the winner of the virtual tournament between individuals of a
selected portion of the plurality of individuals; and simulating an
actual environment where the repetitive motion is executed.
20. The method of claim 1 for managing a competition to determine
which individual of a selected portion of the plurality of
individuals has improved the most, the method further comprising:
designating for each individual of the selected portion of the
plurality of individuals a respective model motion to be a
respective motion template; comparing at a first point in time for
each individual of the selected portion of the plurality of
individuals at least one respective first executed repetitive
motion against a respective motion template to determine at least
one first respective delta between the respective motion template
and the respective first executed repetitive motion; comparing at a
second point in time for each individual of the selected portion of
the plurality of individuals at least one respective second
executed repetitive motion against a respective motion template to
determine at least one second respective delta between the
respective motion template and the respective executed repetitive
motion; determining for each individual of the selected portion of
the plurality of individuals the respective decrease from the
respective first delta to the respective second delta; and
identifying the individual of the selected portion of the plurality
of individuals having the maximum decrease as the winner of the
competition to determine which individual of the selected portion
of the plurality of individuals has improved the most.
21. The method of claim 1 for managing a competition to determine
which individual of a selected portion of the plurality of
individuals has been most consistent in practicing repetitive
motions, the method further comprising: designating for each
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals
a respective model motion to be a respective motion template;
comparing at each of a plurality of points in time for each
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals
at least one respective executed repetitive motion against a
respective motion template to determine at least one respective
delta between the respective motion template and the respective
executed repetitive motion, thereby establishing a sequence of
deltas for each individual of the selected portion of the plurality
of individuals; determining for each individual of the selected
portion of the plurality of individuals a respective variance of
respective deltas; and identifying the individual of the selected
portion of the plurality of individuals having the least variance
as the winner of the competition to determine which individual of a
selected portion of the plurality of individuals has been most
consistent in practicing repetitive motions.
22. The method of claim 1 for managing a competition to determine
which individual of a selected portion of the plurality of
individuals is practicing closest to a respective motion template,
the method further comprising: designating for each individual of
the selected portion of the plurality of individuals a respective
model motion to be a respective motion template; comparing for each
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals
at least one respective executed repetitive motion against a
respective motion template to determine at least one respective
delta between the respective motion template and the respective
executed repetitive motion; and identifying the individual of the
selected portion of the plurality of individuals having the least
delta as the winner of the competition to determine which
individual is practicing closest to a respective motion
template.
23. A programmed digital computer for managing data describing each
of a plurality of repetitive motions executed by a plurality of
individuals at a plurality of repetitive motion stations located at
a plurality of locations, the programmed digital switch including a
computer program comprising: computer program code for receiving
the data describing each repetitive motion of each of the plurality
of individuals at each of the plurality of repetitive motion
station at each of the plurality of locations; computer program
code for recording the data in a data storage device connected to
each of the plurality of repetitive motion stations located at each
of the plurality of locations; computer program code for receiving
through a network from a requester a request for at least one
portion of the data; and computer program code for transmitting
through the network to the requester the at least one portion of
the data.
24. The computer of claim 23 wherein the requester is one of the
individual who executed the repetitive motions, an instructor
responsible for instructing the individual who executed the
repetitive motions, and another individual who has permission to
access the data.
25. The computer of claim 23 wherein the network comprises at least
one of the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a
wide area network (WAN), a T1 line, and satellite
communication.
26. The computer of claim 23 wherein requester is the individual
who executed the repetitive motions, the network comprises at least
one of the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a
wide area network (WAN), a T1 line, and satellite communication,
and the request is generated by the individual from a computer
terminal located at the individual's residential home.
27. The computer of claim 23 wherein the repetitive motions include
at least one of a previous motion executed by the individual, a
motion template executed by the individual, and a motion generated
by an expert.
28. The computer of claim 23 further comprising: computer program
code for designating for a selected individual a model motion to be
a motion template for the selected individual; computer program
code for recording the template in the data storage device; and
computer program code for comparing executed repetitive motion of
the selected individual against the motion template to determine at
least one delta between the motion template and the executed
repetitive motion.
29. The computer of claim 23 wherein the plurality of stations
include at least two stations geographically separated from each
other.
30. The computer of claim 23 further comprising: computer program
code for designating for a selected individual a model motion
executed by the individual at a first station at a first location
to be a motion template for the selected individual; computer
program code for recording the motion template in the data storage
device; computer program code for executing a repetitive motion by
the first individual at a second station at a second location
separated from the first station at the first location; and
computer program code for comparing executed repetitive motion of
the selected individual at the second station at the second
location against the motion template to determine at least one
delta between the motion template and the executed repetitive
motion.
31. The computer of claim 23 further comprising: computer program
code for designating for a selected individual a model motion to be
a motion template for the selected individual; computer program
code for recording the motion template in the data storage device;
computer program code for comparing an executed repetitive motion
of the selected individual against the motion template to determine
at least one delta between the motion template and the executed
repetitive motion; and computer program code for providing feedback
describing the at least one delta to the selected individual.
32. The computer of claim 23 further comprising: computer program
code for designating for a selected individual a model motion to be
a motion template for the selected individual; computer program
code for recording the motion template in the data storage device;
computer program code for comparing an executed repetitive motion
of the selected individual against the motion template to determine
at least one delta between the motion template and the executed
repetitive motion; computer program code for developing an
individual feedback profile; and computer program code for
providing feedback in accordance with the individual feedback
profile describing the at least one delta to the selected
individual.
33. The computer of claim 23 further comprising: computer program
code for designating for a selected individual a model motion to be
a motion template for the selected individual; computer program
code for recording the motion template in the data storage device;
computer program code for comparing an executed repetitive motion
of the selected individual against the motion template to determine
at least one delta between the motion template and the executed
repetitive motion; computer program code for developing an
individual feedback profile indicating individual preference for
the presence or absence of at least one of positive feedback,
negative feedback, visual feedback, audible feedback, verbal
feedback, one or more selected aspects of the executed repetitive
motion, and time of the executed repetitive motion; and computer
program code for providing feedback in accordance with the
individual feedback profile describing the at least one delta to
the selected individual.
34. The computer of claim 23 further comprising computer program
code for determining a monetary amount to pay to an instructor each
time an individual instructed by the instructor practices the
motion without the instructor.
35. The computer of claim 23 further comprising computer program
code for compiling data from the plurality of individuals to
generate statistical data usable by manufacturers of equipment and
apparel used when executing the motions in a selected sport.
36. The computer of claim 23 further comprising computer program
code for compiling data from the plurality of individuals to
generate statistical data usable by manufacturers of at least one
of golf balls, golf shoes, golf clubs, golfing apparel, golf grips,
golf gloves, and golf teaching apparatuses used for executing the
motions, and wherein the statistical data is accountable for
individual handicaps, including slices.
37. The computer of claim 23 further comprising: computer program
code for compiling data from the plurality of individuals to
generate statistical data usable by manufacturers of equipment and
apparel used when executing the motions in a selected sport, and
wherein the statistical data is accountable for individual
handicaps; computer program code for compiling data for a
particular individual to generate statistical data usable by the
particular individual, and wherein the statistical data is
accountable for handicaps of the particular individual; and
computer program code for generating a recommendation of what
equipment and apparel the particular individual should purchase
based on statistical data generated for the particular individual
and for the statistical data generated for the plurality of
individuals.
38. The computer of claim 23 further comprising: computer program
code for compiling data from the plurality of individuals to
generate statistical data usable by manufacturers of at least one
of golf balls, golf shoes, golf clubs, golfing apparel, golf grips,
golf gloves, and golf teaching apparatuses used for executing the
motions, and wherein the statistical data is accountable for
individual handicaps; computer program code for compiling data for
a particular individual to generate statistical data usable by the
particular individual, and wherein the statistical data is
accountable for handicaps of the particular individual; and
computer program code for generating a recommendation of what golf
balls, golf shoes, golf clubs, golfing apparel, golf grips, golf
gloves, and golf teaching apparatuses the particular individual
should purchase based on statistical data generated for the
particular individual and for the statistical data generated for
the plurality of individuals.
39. The computer of claim 23 wherein the repetitive motion is at
least one of a golf swing, a basketball shot, a baseball bat swing,
a tennis swing, a bowling ball swing, a baseball pitch, a gymnastic
exercise, and figure skating.
40. The computer of claim 23 for conducting a virtual tournament
between individuals of a selected portion of the plurality of
individuals, the computer further comprising: computer program code
for selecting for each individual of the selected portion of the
plurality of individuals data describing at least one motion, the
data including performance results of the at least one motion;
computer program code for comparing for each individual of the
selected portion of the plurality of individuals the data including
performance results of the at least one motion to determine which
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals
has the best performance results of the at least one respective
motion; and computer program code for identifying the individual of
the selected portion of the plurality of individuals having the
best performance results of the at least one respective motion as
the winner of the virtual tournament between individuals of a
selected portion of the plurality of individuals.
41. The computer of claim 23 for managing a competition to
determine which individual of a selected portion of the plurality
of individuals has improved the most, the computer further
comprising: computer program code for designating for each
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals
a respective model motion to be a respective motion template;
computer program code for comparing at a first point in time for
each individual of the selected portion of the plurality of
individuals at least one respective first executed repetitive
motion against a respective motion template to determine at least
one first respective delta between the respective motion template
and the respective first executed repetitive motion; computer
program code for comparing at a second point in time for each
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals
at least one respective second executed repetitive motion against a
respective motion template to determine at least one second
respective delta between the respective motion template and the
respective executed repetitive motion; computer program code for
determining for each individual of the selected portion of the
plurality of individuals the respective decrease from the
respective first delta to the respective second delta; and computer
program code for identifying the individual of the selected portion
of the plurality of individuals having the maximum decrease as the
winner of the competition to determine which individual of the
selected portion of the plurality of individuals has improved the
most.
42. The computer of claim 23 for managing a competition to
determine which individual of a selected portion of the plurality
of individuals has been most consistent in practicing repetitive
motions, the computer further comprising: computer program code for
designating for each individual of the selected portion of the
plurality of individuals a respective model motion to be a
respective motion template; computer program code for comparing at
each of a plurality of points in time for each individual of the
selected portion of the plurality of individuals at least one
respective executed repetitive motion against a respective motion
template to determine at least one respective delta between the
respective motion template and the respective executed repetitive
motion, thereby establishing a sequence of deltas for each
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals;
computer program code for determining for each individual of the
selected portion of the plurality of individuals a respective
variance of respective deltas; and computer program code for
identifying the individual of the selected portion of the plurality
of individuals having the least variance as the winner of the
competition to determine which individual of a selected portion of
the plurality of individuals has been most consistent in practicing
repetitive motions.
43. The computer of claim 23 for managing a competition to
determine which individual of a selected portion of the plurality
of individuals is practicing closest to a respective motion
template, the computer further comprising: computer program code
for designating for each individual of the selected portion of the
plurality of individuals a respective model motion to be a
respective motion template; computer program code for comparing for
each individual of the selected portion of the plurality of
individuals at least one respective executed repetitive motion
against a respective motion template to determine at least one
respective delta between the respective motion template and the
respective executed repetitive motion to determine which individual
of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals has the
least delta; and computer program code for identifying the
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals
having the least delta as the winner of the competition to
determine which individual is practicing closest to a respective
motion template.
44. A computer program product for managing data describing each of
a plurality of repetitive motions executed by a plurality of
individuals at a plurality of repetitive motion stations located at
a plurality of locations, the computer program product having a
medium with a computer program embodied thereon, the computer
program comprising: computer program code for receiving the data
describing each repetitive motion of each of the plurality of
individuals at each of the plurality of repetitive motion station
at each of the plurality of locations; computer program code for
recording the data in a data storage device connected to each of
the plurality of repetitive motion stations located at each of the
plurality of locations; computer program code for receiving through
a network from a requester a request for at least one portion of
the data; and computer program code for transmitting through the
network to the requester the at least one portion of the data.
45. The computer program product of claim 44 wherein the requester
is one of the individual who executed the repetitive motions, an
instructor responsible for instructing the individual who executed
the repetitive motions, and another individual who has permission
to access the data.
46. The computer program product of claim 44 wherein the network
comprises at least one of the Internet, an intranet, a local area
network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a T1 line, and satellite
communication.
47. The computer program product of claim 44 wherein requester is
the individual who executed the repetitive motions, the network
comprises at least one of the Internet, an intranet, a local area
network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a T1 line, and satellite
communication, and the request is generated by the individual from
a computer terminal located at the individual's residential
home.
48. The computer program product of claim 44 wherein the repetitive
motions include at least one of a previous motion executed by the
individual, a motion template executed by the individual, and a
motion generated by an expert.
49. The computer program product of claim 44 further comprising:
computer program code for designating for a selected individual a
model motion to be a motion template for the selected individual;
computer program code for recording the template in the data
storage device; and computer program code for comparing executed
repetitive motions of the selected individual against the motion
template to determine at least one delta between the motion
template and the executed repetitive motion.
50. The computer program product of claim 44 wherein the plurality
of stations include at least two stations geographically separated
from each other.
51. The computer program product of claim 44 further comprising:
computer program code for designating for a selected individual a
model motion executed by the individual at a first station at a
first location to be a motion template for the selected individual;
computer program code for recording the motion template in the data
storage device; computer program code for executing a repetitive
motion by the first individual at a second station at a second
location separated from the first station at the first location;
and computer program code for comparing executed repetitive motions
of the selected individual at the second station at the second
location against the motion template to determine at least one
delta between the motion template and the executed repetitive
motion.
52. The computer program product of claim 44 further comprising:
computer program code for designating for a selected individual a
model motion to be a motion template for the selected individual;
computer program code for recording the motion template in the data
storage device; computer program code for comparing an executed
repetitive motion of the selected individual against the motion
template to determine at least one delta between the motion
template and the executed repetitive motion; and computer program
code for providing feedback describing the at least one delta to
the selected individual.
53. The computer program product of claim 44 further comprising:
computer program code for designating for a selected individual a
model motion to be a motion template for the selected individual;
computer program code for recording the motion template in the data
storage device; computer program code for comparing an executed
repetitive motion of the selected individual against the motion
template to determine at least one delta between the motion
template and the executed repetitive motion; computer program code
for developing an individual feedback profile; and computer program
code for providing feedback in accordance with the individual
feedback profile describing the at least one delta to the selected
individual.
54. The computer program product of claim 44 further comprising:
computer program code for designating for a selected individual a
model motion to be a motion template for the selected individual;
computer program code for recording the motion template in the data
storage device; computer program code for comparing an executed
repetitive motion of the selected individual against the motion
template to determine at least one delta between the motion
template and the executed repetitive motion; computer program code
for developing an individual feedback profile indicating individual
preference for the presence or absence of at least one of positive
feedback, negative feedback, visual feedback, audible feedback,
verbal feedback, one or more selected aspects of the executed
repetitive motion, and time of the executed repetitive motion; and
computer program code for providing feedback in accordance with the
individual feedback profile describing the at least one delta to
the selected individual.
55. The computer program product of claim 44 further comprising
computer program code for determining a monetary amount to pay to
an instructor each time an individual instructed by the instructor
practices the motion without the instructor.
56. The computer program product of claim 44 further comprising
computer program code for compiling data from the plurality of
individuals to generate statistical data usable by manufacturers of
equipment and apparel used when executing the motions in a selected
sport.
57. The computer program product of claim 44 further comprising
computer program code for compiling data from the plurality of
individuals to generate statistical data usable by manufacturers of
at least one of golf balls, golf shoes, golf clubs, golfing
apparel, golf grips, golf gloves, and golf teaching apparatuses
used for executing the motions, and wherein the statistical data is
accountable for individual handicaps, including slices.
58. The computer program product of claim 44 further comprising:
computer program code for compiling data from the plurality of
individuals to generate statistical data usable by manufacturers of
equipment and apparel used when executing the motions in a selected
sport, and wherein the statistical data is accountable for
individual handicaps; computer program code for compiling data for
a particular individual to generate statistical data usable by the
particular individual, and wherein the statistical data is
accountable for handicaps of the particular individual; and
computer program code for generating a recommendation of what
equipment and apparel the particular individual should purchase
based on statistical data generated for the particular individual
and for the statistical data generated for the plurality of
individuals.
59. The computer program product of claim 44 further comprising:
computer program code for compiling data from the plurality of
individuals to generate statistical data usable by manufacturers of
at least one of golf balls, golf shoes, golf clubs, golfing
apparel, golf grips, golf gloves, and golf teaching apparatuses
used for executing the motions, and wherein the statistical data is
accountable for individual handicaps; computer program code for
compiling data for a particular individual to generate statistical
data usable by the particular individual, and wherein the
statistical data is accountable for handicaps of the particular
individual; and computer program code for generating a
recommendation of what golf balls, golf shoes, and golf clubs
golfing apparel, golf grips, golf gloves, and golf teaching
apparatuses the particular individual should purchase based on
statistical data generated for the particular individual and for
the statistical data generated for the plurality of
individuals.
60. The computer program product of claim 44 wherein the repetitive
motion is at least one of a golf swing, a basketball shot, a
baseball bat swing, a tennis swing, a bowling ball swing, a
baseball pitch, a gymnastic exercise, and figure skating.
61. The computer program product of claim 44 for conducting a
virtual tournament between individuals of a selected portion of the
plurality of individuals, the computer program product further
comprising: computer program code for selecting for each individual
of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals data
describing at least one motion, the data including performance
results of the at least one motion; computer program code for
comparing for each individual of the selected portion of the
plurality of individuals the data including performance results of
the at least one motion to determine which individual of the
selected portion of the plurality of individuals has the best
performance results of the at least one respective motion; and
computer program code for identifying the individual of the
selected portion of the plurality of individuals having the best
performance results of the at least one respective motion as the
winner of the virtual tournament between individuals of a selected
portion of the plurality of individuals.
62. The computer program product of claim 44 for managing a
competition to determine which individual of a selected portion of
the plurality of individuals has improved the most, the computer
program product further comprising: computer program code for
designating for each individual of the selected portion of the
plurality of individuals a respective model motion to be a
respective motion template; computer program code for comparing at
a first point in time for each individual of the selected portion
of the plurality of individuals at least one respective first
executed repetitive motion against a respective motion template to
determine at least one first respective delta between the
respective motion template and the respective first executed
repetitive motion; computer program code for comparing at a second
point in time for each individual of the selected portion of the
plurality of individuals at least one respective second executed
repetitive motion against a respective motion template to determine
at least one second respective delta between the respective motion
template and the respective executed repetitive motion; computer
program code for determining for each individual of the selected
portion of the plurality of individuals the respective decrease
from the respective first delta to the respective second delta; and
computer program code for identifying the individual of the
selected portion of the plurality of individuals having the maximum
decrease as the winner of the competition to determine which
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals
has improved the most.
63. The computer program product of claim 44 for managing a
competition to determine which individual of a selected portion of
the plurality of individuals has been most consistent in practicing
repetitive motions, the computer program product further
comprising: computer program code for designating for each
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals
a respective model motion to be a respective motion template;
computer program code for comparing at each of a plurality of
points in time for each individual of the selected portion of the
plurality of individuals at least one respective executed
repetitive motion against a respective motion template to determine
at least one respective delta between the respective motion
template and the respective executed repetitive motion, thereby
establishing a sequence of deltas for each individual of the
selected portion of the plurality of individuals; computer program
code for determining for each individual of the selected portion of
the plurality of individuals a respective variance of respective
deltas; and computer program code for identifying the individual of
the selected portion of the plurality of individuals having the
least variance as the winner of the competition to determine which
individual of a selected portion of the plurality of individuals
has been most consistent in practicing repetitive motions.
64. The computer program product of claim 44 for managing a
competition to determine which individual of a selected portion of
the plurality of individuals is practicing closest to a respective
motion template, the computer program product further comprising:
computer program code for designating for each individual of the
selected portion of the plurality of individuals a respective model
motion to be a respective motion template; computer program code
for comparing for each individual of the selected portion of the
plurality of individuals at least one respective executed
repetitive motion against a respective motion template to determine
at least one respective delta between the respective motion
template and the respective executed repetitive motion to determine
which individual of the selected portion of the plurality of
individuals has the least delta; and computer program code for
identifying the individual of the selected portion of the plurality
of individuals having the least delta as the winner of the
competition to determine which individual is practicing closest to
a respective motion template.
65. A system for managing repetitive motion data describing each of
a plurality of repetitive motions executed by a plurality of
individuals at a plurality of repetitive motion stations located at
a plurality of locations, the system comprising: a communications
network; a data processing system connected to the network; a data
storage device connected to the data processing system, the data
storage device being configured for storing data received from, and
retrieving data requested by, the data processing system; at least
one repetitive motion station connected to the network and
configured for generating and transmitting repetitive motion data
via the network to the data processing system configured for
processing the data and storing the data in the storage device; and
at least one remote terminal connected to the network and
configured for sending messages via the network to the data
processing system for the retrieval of repetitive motion data from
the data storage device.
66. The system of claim 65 wherein the requester is one of the
individual who executed the repetitive motions, an instructor
responsible for instructing the individual who executed the
repetitive motions, and another individual who has permission to
access the data.
67. The system of claim 65 wherein the network comprises at least
one of the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a
wide area network (WAN), a T1 line, and satellite
communication.
68. The system of claim 65 wherein the at least one remote terminal
is a computer terminal located at a residential home.
69. The system of claim 65 wherein the repetitive motions include
at least one of a previous motion executed by the individual, a
motion template executed by the individual, and a motion generated
by an expert.
70. The system of claim 65, wherein the data processing system
further comprises memory comprising: computer program code for
designating for a selected individual a model motion to be a motion
template for the selected individual; computer program code for
recording the template in the data storage device; and computer
program code for comparing executed repetitive motions of the
selected individual against the motion template to determine at
least one delta between the motion template and the executed
repetitive motion.
71. The system of claim 65 wherein the plurality of stations
include at least two stations geographically separated from each
other.
72. The system of claim 65, wherein the data processing system
further comprises memory comprising: computer program code for
designating for a selected individual a model motion executed by
the individual at a first station at a first location to be a
motion template for the selected individual; computer program code
for recording the motion template in the data storage device;
computer program code for executing a repetitive motion by the
first individual at a second station at a second location separated
from the first station at the first location; and computer program
code for comparing executed repetitive motions of the selected
individual at the second station at the second location against the
motion template to determine at least one delta between the motion
template and the executed repetitive motion.
73. The system of claim 65, wherein the data processing system
further comprises memory comprising: computer program code for
designating for a selected individual a model motion to be a motion
template for the selected individual; computer program code for
recording the motion template in the data storage device; computer
program code for comparing an executed repetitive motion of the
selected individual against the motion template to determine at
least one delta between the motion template and the executed
repetitive motion; and computer program code for providing feedback
describing the at least one delta to the selected individual.
74. The system of claim 65, wherein the data processing system
further comprises memory comprising: computer program code for
designating for a selected individual a model motion to be a motion
template for the selected individual; computer program code for
recording the motion template in the data storage device; computer
program code for comparing an executed repetitive motion of the
selected individual against the motion template to determine at
least one delta between the motion template and the executed
repetitive motion; computer program code for developing an
individual feedback profile; and computer program code for
providing feedback in accordance with the individual feedback
profile describing the at least one delta to the selected
individual.
75. The system of claim 65, wherein the data processing system
further comprises memory comprising: computer program code for
designating for a selected individual a model motion to be a motion
template for the selected individual; computer program code for
recording the motion template in the data storage device; computer
program code for comparing an executed repetitive motion of the
selected individual against the motion template to determine at
least one delta between the motion template and the executed
repetitive motion; computer program code for developing an
individual feedback profile indicating individual preference for
the presence or absence of at least one of positive feedback,
negative feedback, visual feedback, audible feedback, verbal
feedback, one or more selected aspects of the executed repetitive
motion, and time of the executed repetitive motion; and computer
program code for providing feedback in accordance with the
individual feedback profile describing the at least one delta to
the selected individual.
76. The system of claim 65, wherein the data processing system
further comprises memory comprising computer program code for
determining a monetary amount to pay to an instructor each time an
individual instructed by the instructor practices the motion
without the instructor.
77. The system of claim 65, wherein the data processing system
further comprises memory comprising computer program code for
compiling data from the plurality of individuals to generate
statistical data usable by manufacturers of equipment and apparel
used when executing the motions in a selected sport.
78. The system of claim 65, wherein the data processing system
further comprises memory comprising computer program code for
compiling data from the plurality of individuals to generate
statistical data usable by manufacturers of at least one of golf
balls, golf shoes, golf clubs, golfing apparel, golf grips, golf
gloves, golf teaching apparatuses used for executing the motions,
and wherein the statistical data is accountable for individual
handicaps, including slices.
79. The system of claim 65, wherein the data processing system
further comprises memory comprising: computer program code for
compiling data from the plurality of individuals to generate
statistical data usable by manufacturers of equipment and apparel
used when executing the motions in a selected sport, and wherein
the statistical data is accountable for individual handicaps;
computer program code for compiling data for a particular
individual to generate statistical data usable by the particular
individual, and wherein the statistical data is accountable for
handicaps of the particular individual; and computer program code
for generating a recommendation of what equipment the particular
individual should purchase based on statistical data generated for
the particular individual and for the statistical data generated
for the plurality of individuals.
80. The system of claim 65, wherein the data processing system
further comprises memory comprising: computer program code for
compiling data from the plurality of individuals to generate
statistical data usable by manufacturers of at least one of golf
balls, golf shoes, golf clubs, golfing apparel, golf grips, golf
gloves, and golf teaching apparatuses used for executing the
motions, and wherein the statistical data is accountable for
individual handicaps; computer program code for compiling data for
a particular individual to generate statistical data usable by the
particular individual, and wherein the statistical data is
accountable for handicaps of the particular individual; and
computer program code for generating a recommendation of what golf
balls, golf shoes, golf clubs, golfing apparel, golf grips, golf
gloves, and golf teaching apparatuses the particular individual
should purchase based on statistical data generated for the
particular individual and for the statistical data generated for
the plurality of individuals.
81. The system of claim 65 wherein the repetitive motion is at
least one of a golf swing, a basketball shot, a baseball bat swing,
a tennis swing, a bowling ball swing, a baseball pitch, a gymnastic
exercise, and figure skating.
82. The system of claim 65, wherein the data processing system
further comprises memory comprising: computer program code for
selecting for each individual of the selected portion of the
plurality of individuals data describing at least one motion, the
data including performance results of the at least one motion;
computer program code for comparing for each individual of the
selected portion of the plurality of individuals the data including
performance results of the at least one motion to determine which
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals
has the best performance results of the at least one respective
motion; and computer program code for identifying the individual of
the selected portion of the plurality of individuals having the
best performance results of the at least one respective motion as
the winner of the virtual tournament between individuals of a
selected portion of the plurality of individuals.
83. The system of claim 65, wherein the data processing system
further comprises memory comprising: computer program code for
designating for each individual of the selected portion of the
plurality of individuals a respective model motion to be a
respective motion template; computer program code for comparing at
a first point in time for each individual of the selected portion
of the plurality of individuals at least one respective first
executed repetitive motion against a respective motion template to
determine at least one first respective delta between the
respective motion template and the respective first executed
repetitive motion; computer program code for comparing at a second
point in time for each individual of the selected portion of the
plurality of individuals at least one respective second executed
repetitive motion against a respective motion template to determine
at least one second respective delta between the respective motion
template and the respective executed repetitive motion; computer
program code for determining for each individual of the selected
portion of the plurality of individuals the respective decrease
from the respective first delta to the respective second delta; and
computer program code for identifying the individual of the
selected portion of the plurality of individuals having the maximum
decrease as the winner of the competition to determine which
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals
has improved the most.
84. The system of claim 65, wherein the data processing system
further comprises memory comprising: computer program code for
designating for each individual of the selected portion of the
plurality of individuals a respective model motion to be a
respective motion template; computer program code for comparing at
each of a plurality of points in time for each individual of the
selected portion of the plurality of individuals at least one
respective executed repetitive motion against a respective motion
template to determine at least one respective delta between the
respective motion template and the respective executed repetitive
motion, thereby establishing a sequence of deltas for each
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals;
computer program code for determining for each individual of the
selected portion of the plurality of individuals a respective
variance of respective deltas; and computer program code for
identifying the individual of the selected portion of the plurality
of individuals having the least variance as the winner of the
competition to determine which individual of a selected portion of
the plurality of individuals has been most consistent in practicing
repetitive motions.
85. The system of claim 65, wherein the data processing system
further comprises memory comprising: computer program code for
designating for each individual of the selected portion of the
plurality of individuals a respective model motion to be a
respective motion template; computer program code for comparing for
each individual of the selected portion of the plurality of
individuals at least one respective executed repetitive motion
against a respective motion template to determine at least one
respective delta between the respective motion template and the
respective executed repetitive motion to determine which individual
of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals has the
least delta; and computer program code for identifying the
individual of the selected portion of the plurality of individuals
having the least delta as the winner of the competition to
determine which individual is practicing closest to a respective
motion template.
86. A method for managing data, the method comprising the steps of:
monitoring and generating data describing at least one first
repetitive motion executed by at least one first individual at at
least one first repetitive motion station located at at least one
first location; monitoring and generating data describing at least
one second repetitive motion executed by at least one second
individual at at least one second repetitive motion station located
at at least one second location geographically separated from the
at least one first location; transmitting the data describing the
at least one first and second repetitive motions from the first and
second practice bays via a network to a network server computer
having a data storage device; and recording the data to the data
storage device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/957,223, entitled "REPETITIVE
MOTION FEEDBACK SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PRACTICING A REPETITIVE
MOTION", filed on Sep. 20, 2001, on behalf of Evensen et al.
(Attorney Docket No. DYGI-30021), hereinafter referred to as the
'223 application.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Numerous and varied methods and systems have been developed
for practicing repetitive motions executed by an individual (i.e.,
a person or user), particularly those motions used for sports,
recreational or athletic activities, such as golf or tennis. Such
methods and systems typically focus on one particular aspect of the
repetitive motion, such as the grip, position, or orientation of
the individual's head or body, or the position or orientation of
the device or instrument being held or moved by the individual
during the repetitive motion. In many cases, a practice device is
employed that secures to the individual or the object moved by the
individual to restrict or limit the ability to make undesirable
movements. Many of these devices are used only during practice and
would not otherwise be used during normal play or performance of
the repetitive motion. Additionally, such devices are often
cumbersome and difficult to use, making them undesirable.
[0003] Despite the many devices and methods that have been
developed, one of the best methods of practicing repetitive
movements merely involves the use of a coach or professional
instructor who actually observes the individual or student during
practice of the repetitive motion. After observation of the
individual, the instructor can provide feedback to the individual
regarding their performance and communicate ways to improve upon
the individual's performance.
[0004] The use of an instructor has obvious limitations, however.
The time and attention an instructor can give may be limited,
particularly if there is more than one student that must be
observed during a particular practice session. And even if private
or one-on-one instruction is used, seldom will an instructor be
available to supervise all of the individual's practice sessions or
be able to fully observe each and every repetitive motion performed
by the individual during the practice session. Furthermore, an
instructor may not be able to monitor each and every aspect of the
individual's performance, particularly those aspects that are not
easily monitored by merely observing the individual perform the
repetitive motion. Another limitation is that for many,
particularly for private or one-on-one-type instruction, hiring a
professional instructor can be expensive or even cost
prohibitive.
[0005] Visual recording or videotaping of the repetitive motion
sequence for post-analysis by the individual or an instructor has
also been used as a practicing aid. Although, this may be
beneficial, it does not provide immediate feedback to allow the
individual to adjust his or her performance accordingly during the
practice session. Further, unless the individual is quite
knowledgeable of the mechanics of a properly executed motion
sequence, little benefit may be derived from such method without
involvement of a coach or instructor who can point out the proper
or improper aspects of the recorded motion sequence.
[0006] What is therefore needed is a method and a system for
practicing repetitive motions that overcome many of the
shortcomings of the aforementioned prior art methods.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention, accordingly, provides a data
processing method and a system for managing data describing each of
a plurality of repetitive motions executed by a plurality of
individuals at a plurality of bay stations located at a plurality
of locations. The data is received by a data processing system via
a communications network from each bay station, and is recorded in
a data storage device. A request is received by the data processing
system via the network from a requester at a terminal for a
selected portion of the data, and the selected portion of the data
is retrieved and transmitted via the network to the requester at
the terminal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a high-level conceptual block diagram illustrating
a communications network interconnecting components embodying
features of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram which exemplifies a network
computer which may be used to implement the network of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a membership card which may
be used by a member participating in the system of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a high-level state diagram which depicts the
operation of the system of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIGS. 5A-5D are a flow chart which depicts control logic
utilized by a software program in the computer of FIG. 2 to
implement the state diagram of FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating control logic effective
for enabling the network computer to acquire data describing a
repetitive motion of a member;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating control logic effective
for enabling a member to access from the network computer data
describing a repetitive motion of a member;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating control logic effective
for enabling a model repetitive motion to be designated as a
repetitive motion template of a member;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating control logic effective
for enabling a member to remotely instruct the network computer to
retrieve data describing a member's template repetitive motion;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating control logic effective
for enabling preferences to be entered for controlling the type of
feedback a member receives when he practices repetitive
motions;
[0019] FIG. 11 flow charts illustrating control logic for
generating and using statistical data from the data generated by
members at bay stations to recommend equipment for members to
use;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating control logic for
enabling members to compete with each other to determine which
member practices closest to his/her repetitive motion template;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating control logic for
enabling members to compete with each other to determine which
member improves the most;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating control logic for
enabling members to compete with each other to determine which
member is most consistent in a repetitive motion;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating control logic for
enabling members to conduct a virtual competition with each
other;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating control logic for
enabling instructors to review repetitive motions practiced by
members;
[0025] FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating control logic for
instructors to determine their compensation; and
[0026] FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating control logic for
generating statistical data from the data generated by members at
bay stations, for use by manufacturers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] In the following discussion, numerous specific details are
set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art
that the present invention may be practiced without such specific
details. In other instances, well-known elements have been
illustrated in schematic or block diagram form in order not to
obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. Additionally,
for the most part, details concerning computers, networks, and the
like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not considered
necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present
invention, and are considered to be within the skills of persons of
ordinary skill in the relevant art.
[0028] It is noted that, unless indicated otherwise, all functions
described herein are performed by a processor such as a computer or
electronic data processor in accordance with code such as computer
program code, software, integrated circuits, and/or the like that
are coded to perform such functions. Furthermore, it is considered
that the design, development, and implementation details of all
such code would be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in
the art based upon a review of the present description of the
invention.
[0029] It is further noted that the term "member" as used herein is
understood to refer to an individual person, or the like, that
engages or interacts with the present invention. Such member would
preferably be a member of a business entity, such as a franchise or
a club managed and operated by a franchise, which would establish,
operate, and maintain the method and system of the present
invention as described herein.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the reference numeral
100 generally designates a network system embodying features of the
present invention. The system 100 includes a wireline and/or
wireless communication network 102, such as the Internet, an
intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), T1
lines, satellites, or the like, or any combination thereof,
effective for providing data communication between computers. As
described in further detail below, connected to the network 102 is
a data processing system, also referred to herein as a network
server or network computer, 104, a number of bay stations 106. A
number of members 110, instructors 111, and authorized persons 130
are also connected to the network 102 by way of remote terminals or
computers 122, 123, and 131, respectively, operable by the members
110, instructors 111, and authorized persons 130 (collectively
referred to herein as "users 110, 111, and 130" or "user 110, 111,
or 130").
[0031] Each bay station 106 includes a computer 114, to which are
connected a card reader 116, at least one input device 118, and at
least one output device 120. Each computer 114 is preferably
connected to the network 102 for data communication with the
network computer 104. The card reader 116 may be any conventional
card reader, such as a magnetic code reader, bar code scanner, or
the like, effective for reading data imprinted on user cards 124,
125, and 132, described further below with respect to FIG. 3. The
computers 114 may be conventional computers, and are described in
further detail in the co-pending '223 patent application.
[0032] Each of the bay stations 106 are configured for
electronically monitoring a repetitive motion (wherein the term
"repetitive motion" is used herein to include practice motions and
sequences of repetitive motions), executed by a member 110, and for
generating data describing or representing the repetitive motion,
as described in further detail in the co-pending '223 patent
application. The generated data may include a video recording,
three dimensional (3D) motion, laser monitored motion, weight shift
patterns, and the like. The generated data is collected via the at
least one input device 118 and recorded in the computer 114. The
computer 114 is provided with software (not shown) configured for
processing the data, and for generating to the at least one output
device 120, substantially instantly upon completion of the motion,
feedback to the member 110 who generated the motion. The at least
one output device 120 may be any device effective for providing
visual, audible, and/or electronic feedback, such as, for example,
a monitor, speaker, printer, compact disc recorder, video recorder,
and/or the like. The computer 114 is connected for transmitting the
generated data (preferably unprocessed) via the network 102 to the
network computer 104 for storage in a data storage device
(described below).
[0033] A number, such as six or twelve, of the stations 106 are
preferably grouped together at a site where repetitive motions are
conventionally practiced, such as at a golf course. The computers
114 of the stations 106, which are grouped together at a site, may
optionally be electronically connected together via a LAN computer
(not shown), for backup recording of data, for the transmission of
data from the computers 114 to the network computer 104 via the
network 102, and the like. Furthermore, multiple sites, which are
preferably geographically separated, for example, in different
cities or countries, or by a distance of more than a mile, are
preferably each provided with one or more such groups of stations
106.
[0034] It is understood that the stations 106 may be used for many
purposes such as, for example, practicing and developing repetitive
motions or, as described further below with respect to FIGS. 12-15,
facilitating repetitive motion competitions between members 110 at
bay stations 106 located at a common site or different sites. The
structure and operation of the individual stations 106 are
described in further detail in the '223 co-pending patent
application, is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference,
and is, therefore, not described in further detail herein, except
to the extent necessary to understand the present invention.
[0035] Each of the aforementioned groups of stations 106 is
preferably owned and operated as a business entity, such as a
modified franchise, wherein a franchise lessee leases space from a
lessor, for a percentage of point-of-purchase revenues, space on
site where such repetitive motions are practiced. In exchange for a
fee and/or revenues from the lessor, the franchise provides
facilities and equipment necessary for monitoring a member's
repetitive motion in accordance with the present invention. As
discussed further below, the franchise may optionally also be
structured to receive and compile data from the plurality of
stations 106, and to make such data available to manufacturers in
exchange for compensation, such as monetary funds, so that improved
accessories, apparel, equipment, balls, and the like, used in
executing repetitive motions may be made available to members 110
as well as non-members. The franchise structure would also
facilitate virtual tournaments, competitions, and games between
members that may be geographically separated by relatively great
distances, such as would be the case with members in different
cities, states, or even different countries. Monetary proceeds from
virtual tournaments, competitions, and games between members would
preferably be apportioned equally between franchise lessors, or
alternatively, such monetary proceeds may be distributed unequally
based, for example, on the number of stations that a lessor
supports.
[0036] Each member 110 preferably possesses, or has access to, a
remote terminal, or computer, 122, such as a personal computer
(PC), laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), kiosk,
and/or the like, which is connected to the network 102 for data
communication with the network computer 104. The computer 122 is
preferably provided with a suitable graphical user interface (GUI)
standalone software program configured for enabling it to interface
with the network computer 104, and process and save data it
receives from the network computer 104. Alternatively, the computer
122 may interface with the network computer 104 through a
conventional web page supported by the network computer 104 using
conventional techniques. The computer 122 may include output
devices such as monitors, printers, CD recorders, and the like. The
remote terminals, or computers, 122 may be located anywhere there
is a connection to the network 102, such as, but not limited to, a
member's home residence. As used herein with respect to remote
terminals, the term "remote" means that the terminal or computer is
not located on the premises of a bay station 106 at which the
member is located.
[0037] Each instructor 111 or authorized person 130, also,
preferably possesses, or has access to, a computer 123 or 131, such
as a PC, laptop computer, PDA, kiosk, and/or the like, which is
connected to the network 102 for data communication with the
network computer 104. The computers 123 and 131 are preferably
provided with a suitable graphical user interface (GUI) standalone
software program configured for enabling it to interface with the
network computer 104, and process and save data it receives from
the network computer 104. The computers 123 and 131, however, may
be located either on or off the premises of a bay station 106. The
computers 123 and 131 may include output devices such as monitors,
printers, CD recorders, and the like.
[0038] Each user 110, 111, and 131 is preferably also provided with
a user account number, or personal identification number (PIN), for
accessing the network computer 104. Such PIN is preferably embedded
onto a card, such as a member card 124 of a respective member 110,
an instructor card 125 of a respective instructor, or an authorized
person card 132 of a respective authorized person, in both
human-readable and machine-readable format, as described in further
detail with respect to FIG. 3. Upon entry of the PIN through a
computer 114, 122, 123, or 131 and network 102 to the network
computer 104, a user 110, 111, or 130 acting as a "requester," may
request data from the computer 104, such requesters including, by
way of example, the member who executed the repetitive motions
represented by the data being requested, an instructor responsible
for instructing the member who executed the repetitive motions
represented by the data being requested, and/or an authorized
person who 130 has permission to access the data.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting aspects of the
network computer 104. As shown therein, the computer 104 includes
at least one conventional processor 200 (also referred to as a
central processing unit (CPU) or arithmetic logic unit (ALU)),
adapted for processing data received from the network 102, for
storing such data in records of a database, executing processes
comprising application programs effective for managing database
operations and other computers on the network 102, and the
like.
[0040] A memory, or data storage device, 202, is operably connected
to the processor 200. The data storage device may be a
semiconductor, magnetic, or optical memory device, and may include,
but is not limited to, such devices as random access memory (RAM),
floppy disks, fixed or hard disks, optical discs (e.g., CDs and
DVDs), magnetic tapes, and the like, effective for storing data in
a manner that is well known to those skilled in the art. Data may
be collected and stored continuously or, alternatively, only
selected data may be stored during a practice session or
performance of a repetitive motion sequence. The selected data may
be stored or saved at the direction of the individual or an
observer or instructor or upon the occurrence of an event, such as
a particular monitored event.
[0041] As discussed in further detail below, the memory 202 is
preferably apportioned between at least one executable program 204,
a database 206, a state register 208, and an event register 210.
While not shown, the database 206 may, optionally, be further
apportioned between a index database and a raw data database. Such
index database would store data relating to a particular repetitive
motion, such as the name of the member that executed the motion,
the bay the motion was executed in, the date and time the motion
was executed. The raw data database would store information
pertaining to data actually describing or representing the motion
indexed in the index database. The data in the raw data database
would be accessible by members, instructors, administrators, and
manufacturers and could be used when conducting repetitive motion
competitions.
[0042] A conventional interface 212 is connected to the processor
200 for providing an interface between the processor 200 and the
network 102. The computer 104 may constitute a network server
computer, and may be used to maintain a web page (not shown)
through the network 102 for members and/or instructors to access
selected data and information.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, a member card 124 is exemplified as
preferably containing a machine-readable code 302 representing a
PIN of the card holder member, the PIN being imprinted on the card
in a conventional format, such as bar code, magnetic code, or the
like, which is readable by a card reader 116. The member card 124
preferably also includes, imprinted in human-readable format at two
fields 304 and 306 on the card, the name and PIN, respectively, of
the member. Optionally, the card 124 may also include an expiration
date (not shown), beyond which date the member card 124 is invalid.
Each instructor 111 and authorized person 130 is provided with a
card 125 and 132, respectively, which is substantially similar to
the member card 124.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows a representative high-level state diagram 400
which depicts states through which an individual person may pass
during and subsequent to becoming a registered person, such as a
member 110, instructor 111, or authorized person 130, of the
aforementioned organization implementing the present invention, in
accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention.
While described herein with respect to an individual member 110,
the states depicted in FIG. 4 may be experienced by each of any
number of users 110, 111, or 130.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 4 and described in further detail below, an
individual who is not a member may pass through a
MEMBERSHIP-REGISTRATION state 402, wherein the individual acquires
membership in the organization, an ACTIVITY state 404 in which a
member 110 may engage in a number of different transactional
activities, and a MEMBERSHIP-TERMINATION state 406 in which the
member's membership is terminated. As will be described in greater
detail below, during the ACTIVITIES state 404, each of at least
twelve activities may be performed any number of times, in any
sequence, and are tabulated as follows, in no particular
sequence:
1 Ref. FIG. State 408 6 DATA-ACQUISITION 410 7 DATA-ACCESS 412 8
TEMPLATE-DESIGNATION 414 9 REMOTE-DELTA-COMPARE 416 10
FEEDBACK-PROFILE 418 11 MEMBER-EQMT-RECOMMENDATION 420 12
LEAST-DELTA-COMPETITION 422 13 IMPROVEMENT-COMPETITION 424 14
CONSISTENCY-COMPETITION 426 15 VIRTUAL-COMPETITION 428 16-17
INSTRUCTOR-DATA-SALES 430 18 EQMT-MFR-DATA
[0046] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate a representative high-level flowchart
500 of control logic utilized by the executable program 204 (FIG.
2) for implementing the state diagram 400 shown in FIG. 4, with
respect to one user 110, 111, or 130 in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The control logic is initiated
by interrupt requests (IRQs) and conventional Internet web page
technology, well-known in the art and, therefore, not discussed in
further detail herein. It is noted that, as used in FIGS. 4-5D, the
term "state" includes events which may occur during a state, and/or
trigger the beginning and/or end of a state, for which events the
event register 210 would be utilized in a manner well-known in the
art.
[0047] In FIG. 5A, execution of the program 204 is initiated in
step 501 and proceeds to step 502 wherein a determination is made
whether the state register 208 or event register 210 is set to the
REGISTRATION-INITIATION state or to an event therein. If it is
determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the
REGISTRATION-INITIATION state or event, then execution enters the
REGISTRATION-INITIATION state 402, wherein conventional events (not
shown), such as completing membership, instructor, or authorized
person application forms and paying membership fees, are executed.
Upon completion of events constituting the REGISTRATION-INITIATION
state 402, execution proceeds to step 508. If, in step 502, it is
determined that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the
REGISTRATION-INITIATION state or event, then execution proceeds
directly to step 508.
[0048] In step 508, a determination is made whether the state
register 208 or event register 210 is set to the
DATA-ACQUISITION-TX state or to an event therein. If it is
determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the
DATA-ACQUISITION-TX state or to an event therein, then execution
enters the DATA-ACQUISITION-TX state 408, described in further
detail below with respect to FIG. 6. Upon completion of events
constituting the DATA-ACQUISITION-TX state 408, execution proceeds
to step 510. If, in step 508, it is determined that the register
208 or 210 is not set to the DATA-ACQUISITION-TX state or to an
event therein, then execution proceeds directly to step 510.
[0049] In step 510, a determination is made whether the state
register 208 or event register 210 is set to the DATA-ACCESS state
or to an event therein. If it is determined that the register 208
or 210 is set to the DATA-ACCESS state or to an event therein, then
execution enters the DATA-ACCESS state 410, described in further
detail below with respect to FIG. 7. Upon completion of events
constituting the DATA-ACCESS state 410, execution proceeds to step
512. If, in step 510, it is determined that the register 208 or 210
is not set to the DATA-ACCESS state or to an event therein, then
execution proceeds directly to step 512.
[0050] In step 512, a determination is made whether the state
register 208 or event register 210 is set to the
TEMPLATE-DESIGNATION state or to an event therein. If it is
determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the
TEMPLATE-DESIGNATION state or to an event therein, then execution
enters the TEMPLATE-DESIGNATION state 412, described in further
detail below with respect to FIG. 8. Upon completion of events
constituting the TEMPLATE-DESIGNATION state 412, execution proceeds
to step 514. If, in step 512, it is determined that the register
208 or 210 is not set to the TEMPLATE-DESIGNATION state or to an
event therein, then execution proceeds directly to step 514.
[0051] With reference to FIG. 5B, in step 514, a determination is
made whether the state register 208 or event register 210 is set to
the REMOTE-DELTA-COMPARE state or to an event therein. If it is
determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the
REMOTE-DELTA-COMPARE state or to an event therein, then execution
enters the REMOTE-DELTA-COMPARE state 414, described in further
detail below with respect to FIG. 9. Upon completion of events
constituting the REMOTE-DELTA-COMPARE state 414, execution proceeds
to step 516. If, in step 514, it is determined that the register
208 or 210 is not set to the REMOTE-DELTA-COMPARE state or to an
event therein, then execution proceeds directly to step 516.
[0052] In step 516, a determination is made whether the state
register 208 or event register 210 is set to the FEEDBACK-PROFILE
state or to an event therein. If it is determined that the register
208 or 210 is set to the FEEDBACK-PROFILE state or to an event
therein, then execution enters the FEEDBACK-PROFILE state 416,
described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 10. Upon
completion of events constituting the FEEDBACK-PROFILE state 416,
execution proceeds to step 518. If, in step 516, it is determined
that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the FEEDBACK-PROFILE
state or to an event therein, then execution proceeds directly to
step 518.
[0053] In step 518, a determination is made whether the state
register 208 or event register 210 is set to the
MEMBER-EQMT-RECOMMENDATION state or to an event therein. If it is
determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the
MEMBER-EQMT-RECOMMENDATION state or to an event therein, then
execution enters the MEMBER-EQMT-RECOMMENDATION state 418,
described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 11. Upon
completion of events constituting the MEMBER-EQMT-RECOMMENDATION
state 418, execution proceeds to step 520. If, in step 518, it is
determined that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the
MEMBER-EQMT-RECOMMENDATION state or to an event therein, then
execution proceeds directly to step 520.
[0054] In step 520, a determination is made whether the state
register 208 or event register 210 is set to the
LEAST-DELTA-COMPETITION state or to an event therein. If it is
determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the
LEAST-DELTA-COMPETITION state or to an event therein, then
execution enters the LEAST-DELTA-COMPETITION state 420, described
in further detail below with respect to FIG. 12. Upon completion of
events constituting the LEAST-DELTA-COMPETITION state 420,
execution proceeds to step 522. If, in step 520, it is determined
that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the
LEAST-DELTA-COMPETITION state or to an event therein, then
execution proceeds directly to step 522.
[0055] In step 522, a determination is made whether the state
register 208 or event register 210 is set to the
IMPROVEMENT-COMPETITION state or to an event therein. If it is
determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the
IMPROVEMENT-COMPETITION state or to an event therein, then
execution enters the IMPROVEMENT-COMPETITION state 422, described
in further detail below with respect to FIG. 13. Upon completion of
events constituting the IMPROVEMENT-COMPETITION state 422,
execution proceeds to step 524. If, in step 522, it is determined
that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the
IMPROVEMENT-COMPETITION state or to an event therein, then
execution proceeds directly to step 524.
[0056] With reference to FIG. 5C, in step 524, a determination is
made whether the state register 208 or event register 210 is set to
the CONSISTENCY-COMPETITION state or to an event therein. If it is
determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the
CONSISTENCY-COMPETITION state or to an event therein, then
execution enters the CONSISTENCY-COMPETITION state 424, described
in further detail below with respect to FIG. 14. Upon completion of
events constituting the CONSISTENCY-COMPETITION state 424,
execution proceeds to step 526. If, in step 524, it is determined
that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the
CONSISTENCY-COMPETITION state or to an event therein, then
execution proceeds directly to step 526.
[0057] In step 526, a determination is made whether the state
register 208 or event register 210 is set to the
VIRTUAL-COMPETITION state or to an event therein. If it is
determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the
VIRTUAL-COMPETITION state or to an event therein, then execution
enters the VIRTUAL-COMPETITION state 426, described in further
detail below with respect to FIG. 15. Upon completion of events
constituting the VIRTUAL-COMPETITION state 426, execution proceeds
to step 527. If, in step 526, it is determined that the register
208 or 210 is not set to the VIRTUAL-COMPETITION state or to an
event therein, then execution proceeds directly to step 527.
[0058] In step 527, a determination is made whether the state
register 208 or event register 210 is set to the INSTRUCTOR-DATA
state or to an event therein. If it is determined that the register
208 or 210 is set to the INSTRUCTOR-DATA state or to an event
therein, then execution proceeds to step 528 wherein a
determination is made whether the user or person requesting the
instructor data is authorized to access such data. If a
determination is made that such user or person is authorized to
access such data, then execution enters the INSTRUCTOR-DATA state
428, described in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 16-17.
Upon completion of events constituting the INSTRUCTOR-DATA state
428, execution proceeds to step 530. If, in steps 527 or 528, it is
determined that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the
INSTRUCTOR-DATA state or to an event therein or that access is not
authorized, then execution proceeds directly to step 529.
[0059] With reference to FIG. 5D, in step 529, a determination is
made whether the state register 208 or event register 210 is set to
the EQMT-MFR-DATA state or to an event therein. If it is determined
that the register 208 or 210 is set to the EQMT-MFR-DATA state or
to an event therein, then execution proceeds to step 530 wherein a
determination is made whether the user or person requesting the
equipment-manufacturer data is authorized to access such data. If a
determination is made that such user or person is authorized to
access such data, then execution enters the EQMT-MFR-DATA state
430, described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 18.
Upon completion of events constituting the EQMT-MFR-DATA state 430,
execution proceeds to step 532. If, in steps 529 or 530, it is
determined that the register 208 or 210 is not set to the
EQMT-MFR-DATA state or to an event therein or that access is not
authorized, then execution proceeds directly to step 532.
[0060] In step 532, a determination is made whether the state
register 208 or event register 210 is set to the
REGISTRATION-TERMINATION state or to an event therein. If it is
determined that the register 208 or 210 is set to the
REGISTRATION-TERMINATION state, then execution enters the
REGISTRATION-TERMINATION state 406, wherein conventional events,
such as providing written notice by the user to the organization
operating the bay stations, or by the organization to the user, are
submitted to effect termination. Upon completion of events
constituting the REGISTRATION-TERMINATION state 406, execution of
the flow chart 500 for a respective user 111, or 130 terminates.
If, in step 532, it is determined that the register 208 is not set
to the REGISTRATION-TERMINATION state, then execution returns to
step 502.
[0061] FIGS. 6-18 are flow charts of preferred control logic
implemented by the network computer 102, bay stations 106, and
members 110, instructors 111, and authorized persons 130 for
executing messaging and event (e.g., step) sequences between the
computers, stations, members, instructors, and authorized persons
according to principles of the present invention. It should be
noted, however, that in alternative embodiments, the sequencing of
events or steps may differ. It should be further noted that
references in FIGS. 6-18 to the station 106, members 110,
instructors 111, and authorized persons 130 include the respective
computers 114, 122, 123, and 131, and that events which transpire
between such computers occur through the network 102.
[0062] It is understood that, while not described for each state,
each state includes, as a preliminary step, the establishment of a
data communication connection between the network computer 104 and
a computer 114, 122, 123, and/or 131. Such data communication
connection is preferably established via the network 102 using a
suitable graphical user interface (GUI) standalone software program
resident on the computer 114, 122, 123, and/or 131. Alternatively,
such data communication connection may be established via the
network 102 using any other suitable means, such as a prompt-driven
web page interface. Authorization for access to data on the network
computer 104 may also be obtained upon submission of member's
identification account number 306.
[0063] FIG. 6 is a flow chart which depicts events which transpire
during the DATA-ACQUISITION state 408. In step 602, after a member
makes an appointment to use a bay station 106, the bay station
generates a message to retrieve a member's model template data
(discussed below). In step 604, the message is transmitted to the
network computer 104, preferably at least 24 hours prior to the
member's appointment. In step 606, the message is received by the
network computer 104 and, in step 608, the requested template data
is retrieved from the database 206. In step 610, the data is
transmitted to the bay station 106 and, in step 612, the data is
received by the computer 114 of the bay station 106 and stored for
use by the member at the appointed time.
[0064] In step 614, at the time of the member's appointment, the
member 110 swipes his/her card with the PIN through the card reader
116 or, alternatively, manually enters his/her PIN into the
computer 114, and the computer 114 verifies that the member is the
member having the appointment. In step 616, the member executes a
repetitive motion, and the input device 118 monitors the motion and
generates data describing the motion, in accordance with the
co-pending '223 patent application. The input device 118 then
transmits the generated data to the computer 114 which then records
the data in the computer 114. In step 618, the generated data is
processed as desired. For example, the data may be compared against
the member's template to generate differences, or deltas, between
the member's executed motion and the member's template. In step
620, the processed data are presented to the member, such as via
display on a video screen. In step 622, a determination is made
whether the member will execute an additional repetitive motion. If
it is determined that the member will execute an additional motion,
then execution returns to step 616; otherwise, execution proceeds
to step 624. In step 624, upon completion of the member's appointed
time, the (preferably unprocessed) data recorded in step 616 is
transmitted from bay station 106 via the network 102 to the network
computer 104. In step 626, the data is received by the network
computer 104 and, in step 628, the network computer 104 records the
received data in the database 206.
[0065] FIG. 7 is a flow chart which depicts events which transpire
during the DATA-ACCESS state 410. In step 702, a user 110, 111, or
130 desirous of accessing (and authorized to access) data
describing repetitive motions, utilizes his/her respective computer
122, 123, or 131 in a conventional manner to generate a request
message to retrieve such data. The message may also include a
request for the member's template data. In step 704, the member's
PIN (e.g., account number) 306 is preferably automatically appended
to the request message, though the PIN may be manually appended
thereto. In step 706, the request message is transmitted via the
network 102 to the network computer 104, and in step 708, the
network computer receives the message. In step 710, the network
computer 104 retrieves the requested data from the database 206. In
step 712, the requested data is transmitted from the network
computer 104 via the network 102 to the computer 122, 123, or 131
and in step 714, the member computer 122 receives the message. In
step 716, the computer 122, 123, or 131 processes the data (e.g.,
determines deltas between the member's template and requested
motion data) and presents (e.g., displays on a monitor) the data to
the user 110, 111, or 130.
[0066] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of control logic implemented by the
network computer 104 during the TEMPLATE-DESIGNATION state 412
(FIG. 4) for identifying a model motion in a station 106, and
designating such model motion as a motion template in accordance
with principles of the present invention. Accordingly, execution is
initiated in step 802, at a station 106, a member's computer 122,
an instructor's computer 123, o ran authorized person's computer
131 wherein preferably an instructor 111 of a member 110 having a
particular member number 306, or alternatively the member
him/herself, identifies a repetitive motion executed by the member
110 as a model repetitive motion for the member. In step 804, the
identified model motion is designated through the computer 114,
122, 123, or 131 as a model motion template. In step 806, the
computer 114, 122, 123, or 131 is directed by the member 110 or
instructor 111 to generate a message associating the model motion
template with the member 110 having the particular member number
306. In step 808, the message is transmitted via the network 102 to
the network computer 104, and in step 810, the message is received
by the network computer 104. In step 812, the data associating the
model motion template with the member 110 having the particular
member number 306 is recorded in the database 206.
[0067] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of control logic implemented by the
network computer 104 during the REMOTE-DELTA-COMPARE state 414
(FIG. 4) for comparing differences, or deltas, between a member's
executed repetitive motion and a member's model motion template,
while not at a bay station 106, in accordance with the present
invention. Accordingly, in step 902, a user 110, 111, or 130 having
a particular PIN 306 and located at a remote terminal, or computer,
122, 123, or 131 accesses the network computer 104 in a
conventional manner to generate a message requesting that the
network computer 104 retrieve from the database 206 data describing
a repetitive motion that the member 110 executed, and data
describing the member's model motion template. The repetitive
motion may or may not have been executed at the same station 106
that the template was generated from. In step 904, the request
message is transmitted via the network 102 to the network computer
104, and in step 906, the message is received by the network
computer 104. In step 908, the network computer 104 retrieves from
the database 206 data necessary to execute request. In step 910,
the network computer 104 generates a response message responding to
the request message received in step 906 comprising the requested
data. In step 912, the response message is transmitted from the
network computer via the network 102 to the computer 122 or 123,
and in step 914, the response message is received by the computer
122 or 123. In step 916, the computer 122 or 123 processes the data
to compare the executed repetitive motion requested by the member
110 against the member's motion template to determine at least one
delta between the motion template and the executed repetitive
motion motion of the member 110.
[0068] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of control logic implemented by the
network computer 104 during the FEEDBACK-PROFILE state 416 (FIG. 4)
for entering feedback profiles effective for indicating to the
network computer 104 the type of feedback a member should receive
after executing a repetitive motion, in accordance with the present
invention. Accordingly, in step 1002, a member 110 or an instructor
111 enters into a computer 114, 122, or 123, data indicating the
type of feedback a member should receive after executing a
repetitive motion. The computer 114, 122, or 123 processes the data
to generate a feedback profile for the member, which profile
includes the member identification number of the member. By way of
example, the feedback profile may indicate whether the member
wishes to receive audible feedback, visual feedback, positive
feedback, negative feedback, feedback only when doing something
incorrectly, feedback only with respect to selected aspects of a
repetitive motion, and/or the like. In step 1004, the computer 114,
122, 123, or 131 generates a message comprising the feedback
profile of the member. In step 1006, the feedback profile message
is transmitted via the network 102 to the network computer 104, and
in step 1008, the feedback profile message is received by the
network computer 104. In step 1010, the network computer 104
records the feedback profile for providing subsequent feedback to
the member identified by the member's identification number.
[0069] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of control logic implemented by the
network computer 104 during the MEMBER-EQMT-RECOMMENDATION state
428 (FIG. 4) for generating recommendations of equipment that a
member 110 should use to improve his/her game, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, execution of
the program 204 is initiated in step 1102 and, in step 1104, data
is compiled from a plurality of members to generate statistical
data regarding equipment, including accessories, apparel, and/or
balls, used in the execution of the repetitive motions. The
statistical data is recorded in the computer memory 202. Such
statistical data may include, but is not limited to, the effect of
certain brands and models of various equipment for enhancing
performance for certain types of members in certain types of
circumstances. In step 1106, data from repetitive motions executed
by a particular member 110 is compiled and, from the compiled data,
statistical data is generated, using conventional methods, in a
manner effective for determining what type of equipment would most
enhance performance of the particular member 110. In step 1108, the
statistical data generated in step 1106 for the particular member
110 is compared against the statistical data generated in step 1104
for the plurality of members using conventional techniques to
generate a recommendation of what brand and model of equipment,
including accessories, apparel, and balls, would most enhance the
repetitive motion performance of the particular member 110. The
program 204 is terminated with respect to the
MEMBER-EQMT-RECOMMENDATION state 418 in step 1110.
[0070] FIGS. 12-15 depict competitions that may be held between
members 110 who may be diversely located at the same or different
bay stations 106. For example, one member at one bay station 106
may compete with other members at the same or other bay stations
located in a same or different city, state, or country.
[0071] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of control logic implemented by the
network computer 104 during the LEAST-DELTA-COMPETITION state 420
(FIG. 4) for conducting a competition between selected members 110,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Accordingly, the competition is initiated in step 1202 and, in step
1204, a group of members 110 are identified who are interested in
competing to determine which member practices a repetitive motion
closest to a member's respective model motion template, and their
respective member identification numbers are entered into the
network computer 104. In step 1206, the network computer 104
retrieves from the database 206, data representing each member's
most recently executed repetitive motion, and compares the executed
repetitive motion against the member's respective model motion
template to determine at least one delta between the executed
repetitive motion and the template. While the executed repetitive
motion may be selected based on which practice is the most recent,
other suitable criteria may used, such as a member's best of a
predetermined number (e.g., ten) of the most recently executed
repetitive motions, or a member's average executed repetitive
motion of a predetermined number (e.g., ten) of the most recently
executed repetitive motions, or the like. Alternatively, the deltas
may be determined for each of the executed repetitive motions, and
the statistical average, mean, or the like, may be determined for
the competition. In another alternative, rather than retrieve data
representing past executed repetitive motions, each competing
member may be required to execute a repetitive motion for
competition at a designated point in time. Upon completion of the
comparison and delta determination in step 1206, execution proceeds
to step 1208 in which the deltas for each member are compared, and
in which the member having the least delta is identified as the
winner of the competition to practice closest to the member's
respective motion template. In step 1210, a prize, such as
recognition, a monetary prize, and/or the like, may optionally be
awarded to the winner. In step 1212, the competition is
terminated.
[0072] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of control logic implemented by the
network computer 104 during the IMPROVEMENT-COMPETITION state 422
(FIG. 4) for conducting a competition between selected members 110
to determine which member has improved the most, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, the
competition is initiated in step 1302 and, in step 1304, a group of
members 110 are identified who are interested in competing to
determine which member has most improved his/her repetitive motion,
and their respective member PINs are entered into the network
computer 104. In step 1306, the network computer 104 retrieves from
the database 206 for each member 110 in the group, data
representing a first delta (i.e., from template) of a member's
executed repetitive motion at a first point in time. In step 1308,
the network computer 104 retrieves from the database 206 for each
member 110 in the group, data representing a second delta of a
member's repetitive motion executed at a second, subsequent, point
in time. In step 1310, the decrease from the first delta to the
second delta is calculated for each member 110. While the
repetitive motions may be selected at two points in time,
repetitive motions may be selected from a predetermined number
(e.g., ten) points in time, and the improvement, or decrease in
deltas, of each member 110 calculated using conventional
statistical methods. In step 1312, the deltas of the competing
members 110 are compared to identify the member having the greatest
decrease as the winner of the competition to determine which member
110 has improved the most. In step 1314, a prize, such as
recognition, a monetary prize, and/or the like, may optionally be
awarded to the winner. In step 1316, the improvement competition is
terminated.
[0073] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of control logic implemented by the
network computer 104 during the CONSISTENCY-COMPETITION state 424
(FIG. 4) for conducting a competition between selected members 110
to determine which member is the most consistent with his/her
repetitive motions, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. Accordingly, the competition is initiated in
step 1402 and, in step 1404, a group of members 110 are identified
who are interested in competing to determine which member practices
their repetitive motion most consistently, and their respective
member PINs are entered into the network computer 104. In step
1406, the network computer 104 retrieves from the database 206,
data from each of a selected plurality of points in time for each
member of the group, and compares at least one respective
repetitive motion against a respective motion template to determine
at least one respective delta between the respective motion
template and the respective executed repetitive motion, thereby
establishing a sequence of deltas for each member of the group. In
step 1408, the network computer 104 determines for each member of
the group a respective variance of respective sequence of deltas,
using conventional statistical methods. In step 1410, the member
having the least variance is identified as the most consistent
practicing member of the plurality of members. In step 1412, a
prize, such as recognition, a monetary prize, and/or the like, may
optionally be awarded to the winner. In step 1414, the improvement
competition is terminated.
[0074] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of control logic implemented by the
network computer 104 during the VIRTUAL-COMPETITION state 426 (FIG.
4) for conducting a virtual competition between selected members
110, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Accordingly, the competition is initiated in step 1502 and, in step
1504, a group of members 110 are identified who are interested in
competing to determine which member practices a repetitive motion
with the best performance results (e.g., which member hits a golf
ball the furthest and/or most accurately), and their respective
member PINs are entered into the network computer 104. In step
1506, the network computer 104 retrieves from the database 206 for
each member 110, data representing a member's most recently
executed repetitive motion and the performance results of the
repetitive motion. While the repetitive motion may be selected
based on which practice is the most recent, other suitable criteria
may used, such as a member's best of a predetermined number (e.g.,
ten) of the most recently executed repetitive motions, or a
member's average repetitive motion performance of a predetermined
number (e.g., ten) of the most recently executed repetitive
motions, or the like. Alternatively, rather than retrieve data
representing past executed repetitive motions, each competing
member may be required to execute a repetitive motion for
competition sequentially or in real time, e.g., during a
predetermined period of time, such as within a specified 24 hour
period. The execution of the repetitive motions may be made against
an electronically simulated overlay of a real environment in which
such motion would typically be made. For example, in the case of
repetitive motions such as golf swings, the execution of the
repetitive motions may be made against an overlay of an actual or
simulated golf course. Upon obtaining the performance results in
step 1506, execution proceeds to step 1508 in which the performance
results for each member are compared, one against the other. In
step 1510, the member having the best performance results is
identified as the winner of the virtual competition. In determining
the best performance results, handicaps may also be considered and
accounted for. In step 1512, a prize, such as recognition, a
monetary prize, and/or the like, may optionally be awarded to the
winner. In step 1514, the virtual competition is terminated.
[0075] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of control logic implemented by the
network computer 104 during a first of two INSTRUCTOR-DATA states
428 (FIG. 4) for enabling an instructor 111 of one or more members
to review past repetitive motions executed by the one or more
members, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. Accordingly, the control logic is initiated at step
1602, which may result from the instructor 111 accessing the
network computer 104 via the computer 123 or 114. In step 1604,
data, including 3D models and/or video data, generated over a
period of time (e.g., since a respective member's last training
lesson with the instructor), preferably selected by the instructor,
is retrieved from the database 206. In step 1606, the data is
processed to generate statistical data, using conventional methods,
in a form that is effective for an instructor 111 of the one or
more members 110 to analyze how well each member is developing
his/her repetitive motion. In step 1608, the statistical data,
along with 3D models and/or video data, is presented to the
instructor 111 to assist the instructor 111 in analyzing the
member's progress since a last training lesson, and to aid the
instructor 111 in knowing what to emphasize in a next training
lesson. In step 1610, the first of two instructor states is
terminated.
[0076] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of control logic implemented by the
network computer 104 during a second of two INSTRUCTOR-DATA states
428 (FIG. 4) for determining how to compensate an instructor 111,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Accordingly, the control logic is initiated at step 1702, which may
result from the instructor 111 accessing the network computer 104
via the computer 123 or 114. In step 1704, a determination is made
of the number of times all members 110 instructed by an instructor
111 have practiced their repetitive motions since a selected time.
By way of example, such selected time may be designated as the last
time each respective member 110 received a lesson from the
instructor 111, or the last time the instructor was compensated, or
the like. In step 1706, a compensation amount is determined for the
instructor based on the number of practices calculated in step
1704. Such calculation may be based on a fixed amount of
compensation per practice, a varying amount per practice depending
on how many practices were executed, or the like. The compensation
may be in the form of monetary funds, credits that may be applied
toward purchases, or the like. The program 204 is terminated with
respect to the INSTRUCTOR-DATA state 428 in step 1708.
[0077] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of control logic implemented by the
network computer 104 during the EQMT-MFR-DATA state 430 (FIG. 4)
for generating data useful to manufacturers for enhancing the
effectiveness of repetitive motion equipment, apparatuses, and/or
clothes they manufacture, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. Accordingly, the control logic is initiated at
step 1802, which may result from an authorized person, which may
optionally include the manufacturer, accessing the network computer
104 via the network 102. In step 1804, data is compiled from a
plurality of members to generate statistical data regarding
equipment, including accessories, apparel, and/or balls, used in
the execution of the repetitive motions. In step 1806, the
statistical data is recorded in the computer memory 202. Such
statistical data may include, but is not limited to, the effect of
certain brands and models of various equipment for enhancing
performance for certain types of members in certain types of
circumstances.
[0078] In step 1808, a determination is made whether a particular
manufacturer has compensated (e.g., in monetary funds) the
organization operating the network computer 104 for statistical
data. If it is determined that a particular manufacturer has
compensated the organization for statistical data, then execution
proceeds to step 1810, wherein the statistical data is provided to
the particular manufacturer; otherwise, execution proceeds to step
1812.
[0079] In step 1812, a determination is made whether a particular
manufacturer has compensated (e.g., in monetary funds) the
organization operating the network computer 104 for including the
particular manufacturer as a brand to recommend in step 1108 or
FIG. 11. If it is determined that a particular manufacturer has so
compensated the organization, then execution proceeds to step 1814,
wherein the particular manufacturer's brand is registered as a
brand to recommend; otherwise, execution proceeds to step 1816,
wherein execution is terminated. Upon completion of step 1814,
execution proceeds to step 1816.
[0080] Any compensation received from manufacturers may optionally
be distributed to the bay stations 106. Such optional distribution
may be based upon any agreed-upon type of distribution, such as an
equal portion of monetary funds to each station 106, or a portion
of the monetary funds may be distributed to each station based on
the number of members that use each station, or the number of
repetitive motions executed at each station 106.
[0081] By the use of the present invention, individuals may develop
and improve repetitive motion sequences much more efficiently than
is possible using conventional techniques. The method of the
present invention also permits individuals to review their progress
at any location where they are able to connect to the network,
(such as the Internet), and to compete with other individuals in
remote locations without traveling. The structure of the present
invention also enables stations to benefit financially, and for
equipment manufacturers to improve their products, in ways not
possible using conventional techniques.
[0082] It is understood that the present invention may take many
forms and embodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made
in the foregoing without departing from the spirit or the scope of
the invention. For example, with respect to a game of golf, a video
screen may be provided in a bay station 106 which would display a
virtual golf course simulating a real golf course selected from
anywhere in the world. Using the data generated at the bay station
106, the computer 114 could simulate the path a golf ball over the
topography of the course, and overlay the path of the ball over the
golf course on the screen. Such virtual overlay could be used in
competition also. In an example relating to competitions, a web
page may be provided comprising a leader board identifying the
standing of each member 110 participating in a competition
conducted in accordance with the present invention, such as
depicted in FIGS. 12-15).
[0083] Having thus described the present invention by reference to
certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the
embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in
nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes,
and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and,
in some instances, some features of the present invention may be
employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many
such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and
desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the
foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is
appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a
manner consistent with the scope of the invention.
* * * * *