U.S. patent application number 11/826115 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-15 for golf ball selection assisting method and selection assisting apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Brandon Sowell, Shunsuke Tayama.
Application Number | 20090017945 11/826115 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40253626 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090017945 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tayama; Shunsuke ; et
al. |
January 15, 2009 |
Golf ball selection assisting method and selection assisting
apparatus
Abstract
This invention provides a golf ball selection assisting method
to be executed by a server which is connected to a client computer
to allow communications with each other. This invention includes a
step of sending display data for prompting a user of the client
computer to select one of first and second selection assisting
modes to the client computer, and a step of receiving the selection
result of the selection assisting mode from the client computer.
When the first selection assisting mode is selected, a recommended
golf ball is selected based on shot data of a golf ball by the
user. On the other hand, when the second selection assisting mode
is selected, a recommended golf ball is selected based on user's
answers to predetermined questions.
Inventors: |
Tayama; Shunsuke;
(Covington, GA) ; Sowell; Brandon; (Covington,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W., SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
Bridgestone Sports Co.,
Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
40253626 |
Appl. No.: |
11/826115 |
Filed: |
July 12, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 67/02 20130101;
A63B 2024/0031 20130101; A63B 47/008 20130101; A63B 24/0021
20130101; A63B 69/3614 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 47/00
20130101; A63B 69/3658 20130101; A63B 2220/30 20130101; A63B 69/36
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/409 |
International
Class: |
A63B 67/02 20060101
A63B067/02 |
Claims
1. A golf ball selection assisting method to be executed by a
server which is connected to a client computer to allow
communications with each other, comprising: a step of sending
display data for prompting a user of the client computer to select
one of first and second selection assisting modes to the client
computer; a step of receiving a selection result of the selection
assisting mode from the client computer; an acquisition step of
acquiring, when the selection result indicates the first selection
assisting mode, shot data of a golf ball by the user; a step of
selecting at least one model of golf ball from predetermined models
of golf balls based on the acquired shot data; a step of sending
information associated with the model of golf ball selected based
on the shot data to the client computer; a step of sending, when
the selection result indicates the second selection assisting mode,
display data of a plurality of questions to the user and options of
answers to the questions to the client computer; a step of
receiving a selection result of the options from the client
computer; a step of selecting at least one model of golf ball from
the predetermined models of golf balls based on the received
selection result of the options; and a step of sending information
associated with the model of golf ball selected based on the
selection result of the options to the client computer.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said acquisition step
comprises: a step of sending display data for prompting the user to
input the shot data to the client computer; and a step of receiving
the shot data input by the user to the client computer from the
client computer.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the shot data includes
a head speed of a driver of the user.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the questions include:
a gender of the user; an average score of the user; an average
driver distance of the user; and a performance of a golf ball that
the user is looking for.
5. A golf ball selection assisting apparatus connected to a client
computer to allow communications with each other, comprising: means
for sending display data for prompting a user of the client
computer to select one of first and second selection assisting
modes to the client computer; means for receiving a selection
result of the selection assisting mode from the client computer;
acquisition means for, when the selection result indicates the
first selection assisting mode, acquiring shot data of a golf ball
by the user; means for selecting at least one model of golf ball
from predetermined models of golf balls based on the acquired shot
data; means for sending information associated with the model of
golf ball selected based on the shot data to the client computer;
means for, when the selection result indicates the second selection
assisting mode, sending display data of a plurality of questions to
the user and options of answers to the questions to the client
computer; means for receiving a selection result of the options
from the client computer; means for selecting at least one model of
golf ball from the predetermined models of golf balls based on the
received selection result of the options; and means for sending
information associated with the model of golf ball selected based
on the selection result of the options to the client computer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus,
which provide information associated with a golf ball that fits
each individual golfer to him or her online.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In general, each golfer selects and purchases a golf ball
that fits himself or herself based on information described in a
brochure or the like. However, there are a plurality of models of
golf balls, which respectively have different distance
performances, spin performances, feels, and the like. Therefore, it
is not always easy for a golfer to select a golf ball that fits
himself or herself.
[0005] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-315860 discloses a method
of automatically selecting a golf ball that fits a given golfer
based on actually measured data of a head speed and the like, which
were obtained when that golfer actually hit golf balls with a golf
club in a golf shop or the like. With this method, since a golf
ball is selected based on the actually measured data, a golf ball
that fits the actual golfer's skills can be suggested more
objectively to a golfer. However, with this method, a golfer must
go to a service site such as a golf shop or the like having
measurement equipment that can obtain actually measured data.
Therefore, this method is not suitable for a golfer living in an
area remote from any service site having measurement equipment or a
golfer who wants to find a golf ball that fits himself or herself
more easily. Also, golf ball data must be updated for each service
site.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,978 discloses a method of automatically
selecting a golf ball that fits a given golfer based on answers of
that golfer to predetermined questions. With this method, since a
golf ball is selected based on the golfer's answers, the golfer can
relatively easily find a golf ball that fits himself or herself.
However, with this method, selection of a golf ball depends on the
golfer's answers to the questions, i.e., his or her subjectivity.
It is not easy for a golfer to accurately understand his or her
skills. Therefore, the golfer's answers do not always reflect his
or her actual skills.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to meet demands for
both a golfer who wants to find a golf ball that fits himself or
herself more objectively, and a golfer who wants to find a golf
ball that fits himself or herself more easily.
[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a golf
ball selection assisting method to be executed by a server which is
connected to a client computer to allow communications with each
other, comprising: a step of sending display data for prompting a
user of the client computer to select one of first and second
selection assisting modes to the client computer; a step of
receiving a selection result of the selection assisting mode from
the client computer; an acquisition step of acquiring, when the
selection result indicates the first selection assisting mode, shot
data of a golf ball by the user; a step of selecting at least one
model of golf ball from predetermined models of golf balls based on
the acquired shot data; a step of sending information associated
with the model of golf ball selected based on the shot data to the
client computer; a step of sending, when the selection result
indicates the second selection assisting mode, display data of a
plurality of questions to the user and options of answers to the
questions to the client computer; a step of receiving a selection
result of the options from the client computer; a step of selecting
at least one model of golf ball from the predetermined models of
golf balls based on the received selection result of the options;
and a step of sending information associated with the model of golf
ball selected based on the selection result of the options to the
client computer.
[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a golf
ball selection assisting apparatus connected to a client computer
to allow communications with each other, comprising: means for
sending display data for prompting a user of the client computer to
select one of first and second selection assisting modes to the
client computer; means for receiving a selection result of the
selection assisting mode from the client computer; acquisition
means for, when the selection result indicates the first selection
assisting mode, acquiring shot data of a golf ball by the user;
means for selecting at least one model of golf ball from
predetermined models of golf balls based on the acquired shot data;
means for sending information associated with the model of golf
ball selected based on the shot data to the client computer; means
for, when the selection result indicates the second selection
assisting mode, sending display data of a plurality of questions to
the user and options of answers to the questions to the client
computer; means for receiving a selection result of the options
from the client computer; means for selecting at least one model of
golf ball from the predetermined models of golf balls based on the
received selection result of the options; and means for sending
information associated with the model of golf ball selected based
on the selection result of the options to the client computer.
[0010] Further features of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments
with reference to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network system which can
implement a golf ball selection assisting method according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the processes of a server 100
and client computer 2;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processes of the server
100 and client computer 2 upon selection of an advanced
version;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processes of the server
100 and client computer 2 upon selection of a quick version;
[0015] FIG. 5 shows an example of a window displayed on the client
computer 2;
[0016] FIG. 6 shows an example of a window displayed on the client
computer 2;
[0017] FIG. 7 shows an example of a data sheet;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a measurement system
that measures shot data;
[0019] FIG. 9 shows an example of types of golf balls;
[0020] FIG. 10 shows an example of a golf ball selection algorithm
upon selection of the advanced version;
[0021] FIG. 11 shows an example of a window displayed on the client
computer 2;
[0022] FIG. 12 shows an example of a window displayed on the client
computer 2;
[0023] FIG. 13 shows a grouping algorithm of users upon selection
of the quick version;
[0024] FIG. 14 shows an example of a window displayed on the client
computer 2;
[0025] FIG. 15 shows an example of a window displayed on the client
computer 2;
[0026] FIG. 16 shows an example of a golf ball selection algorithm
upon selection of the quick version;
[0027] FIG. 17 shows an example of a golf ball selection algorithm
upon selection of the advanced version; and
[0028] FIG. 18 shows an example of a window displayed on the client
computer 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0029] <System Arrangement>
[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a network system which can
implement a golf ball selection assisting method according to one
embodiment of the present invention. A network 1 is typically the
Internet. Client computers 2 include a personal computer of a
golfer or a computer equipped in a golf shop. Each client computer
2 comprises a computer main body, display, and input devices such
as a keyboard, mouse, and the like, and has a communication
function capable of accessing the network 1. The client computer 2
comprises a browser that allows the user to browse Web pages
distributed on the network 1.
[0031] A server 100 provides a Web site associated with golfing
equipments on the network 1. In this embodiment, the server 100
serves as a golf ball selection assisting apparatus which is
connected to the client computers 2 via the network 1.
[0032] The server 100 is a general server computer, which comprises
a CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, and network
interface 105. The CPU 101 executes a program associated with a
golf ball selection assisting method to be described later. This
program is stored in the HDD 104.
[0033] The HDD 104 stores product information of golfing equipments
such as golf balls, golf clubs, and the like, information
associated with members of the Web site, display data of windows to
be displayed on the display of each client computer 2, golf shop
information, information of a site operating company, and the like.
Note that these data may be stored in storage means other than the
HDD 104 or may be stored in another server that the server 100 can
access. In any case, the server 100 can uniformly manage
information of golfing equipments, especially, golf balls, and can
provide latest information to users.
[0034] <Processing of Server 100>
[0035] The golf ball selection assisting processing executed by the
server 100 will be described below. The selection assisting
processing starts when the client computer 2 accesses a
predetermined Web page (selection assisting page) provided by the
server 100. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the processes of the
server 100 and client computer 2.
[0036] In step S101, the client computer 2 sends a send request of
the selection assisting page to the server 100 by user's operations
at the client computer 2. Upon reception of the send request, the
server 100 sends display data of a mode selection window in step
S201. The display data of the mode selection window makes the user
of the client computer 2 select one of first and second selection
assisting modes.
[0037] In step S102, the client computer 2 displays the mode
selection window based on the received display data. FIG. 5 shows a
display example of the mode selection window displayed on the
client computer 2. In the example of FIG. 5, two selection
assisting modes, i.e., an advanced version and quick version are
displayed as selection assisting mode options.
[0038] The advanced version is a selection assisting mode that
selects a golf ball that fits a golfer (as the user of the client
computer 2) based on shot data of a golf ball. The quick version is
a selection assisting mode that selects a golf ball that fits a
golfer based on answers he or she gives to predetermined
questions.
[0039] On the selection window shown in FIG. 5, the user who wants
to use the advanced version clicks a button b1. On the other hand,
the user who wants to use the quick version clicks a button b2.
Referring back to FIG. 2, if the user clicks one of the buttons b1
and b2, the client computer 2 sends the user's selection result of
the selection assisting mode to the server 100 in step S103. For
example, the client computer 2 sends a Web page send request to a
link destination associated with each of the buttons b1 and b2.
[0040] Upon reception of the selection result of the selection
assisting mode, the server 100 checks in step S202 if the user
selects the advanced version or quick version. If the user selects
the advanced version, the process advances to step S203 to execute
processing for the advanced version. On the other hand, if the user
selects the quick version, the process jumps to step S204 to
execute processing for the quick version.
[0041] As described above, according to this embodiment, the user
can select the advanced version or the quick version. The advanced
version is suited for a golfer who wants to find a golf ball that
fits himself or herself more objectively since a golf ball that
fits the user is selected based on shot data. Meanwhile, the quick
version is suited for a golfer who wants to find a golf ball that
fits himself or herself more easily since a golf ball that fits the
user is selected based on answers to questions. Therefore, this
embodiment can meet demands of both types of golfers.
[0042] <Advanced Version>
[0043] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of the server
100 and client computer 2 upon selection of the advanced version,
i.e., the processing to be executed by the server 100 in step S203
in FIG. 2.
[0044] In step S205, the server 100 sends display data of an input
window of shot data. Upon reception of the display data, the client
computer 2 displays an input window based on the received display
data in step S104. FIG. 6 shows an example of the input window of
shot data displayed on the client computer 2.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 6, an input field c1 is used to input a
model of golf ball that the user currently uses. An input field c2
is used to input the gender of the user. An input field c3 is used
to input the age of the user. An input field c4 is used to input an
average score of the user. An input field c5 is used to input the
number of rounds the user makes per year. Data input to these input
fields c1 to c5 are mainly used to tally various statistics of a
golfer.
[0046] An input field c6 is used to input a model of golf ball used
in a trial session. An input field c7 is used to input a swing
speed (head speed) in the trial session. An input field c8 is used
to input an initial speed of a hit ball in the trial session. An
input field c9 is used to input a launch angle of a hit ball in the
trial session. An input field c10 is used to input an amount of
back spin of a hit ball in the trial session. An input field c11 is
used to input the distance of a hit ball simulated based on the
trial result.
[0047] A button b3 is used to input an instruction to request the
server 100 to send display data of a data sheet that records shot
data. The user who does not have any data to be input to the input
fields c6 to c11 acquires a data sheet by clicking the button b3,
brings it into a service site such as a golf shop or the like
having a measurement system of shot data, and makes a trial
session. The user enters the data obtained as a result of the trial
session in the data sheet, and then accesses the advanced version
again. A button b4 is used to input an instruction to send the
input data to the server 100 upon completion of entries in the
input fields c1 to c11.
[0048] Referring back to FIG. 3, the client computer 2 checks in
step S105 if the user clicks the button b3. If YES in step S105,
the process advances to step S106; otherwise, the process jumps to
step S108. In step S106, the client computer 2 sends a send request
of display data of the data sheet to the server 100. Upon reception
of the send request, the server 100 sends the display data of the
data sheet in step S206. Upon reception of the display data, the
client computer 2 displays a window of the data sheet based on the
received display data. After that, when the user inputs a print
instruction to the client computer 2, a printer (not shown)
connected to the client computer 2 prints out the data sheet onto a
paper sheet.
[0049] FIG. 7 shows an example of the data sheet. The data sheet
includes a date of session field c12 used to enter a date of a
trial session, a location field c13 used to enter the location
(service) of the trial session, and a use ball field c14 used to
enter a model of golf ball that the user currently uses. The data
sheet also includes trial session fields c15.
[0050] The trial result fields c15 include an "H/S" field used to
enter a head speed, a "B/V" used to enter an initial speed of a hit
ball, an "E/R" field used to enter an efficiency of hitting, an
"L/A" field used to enter a launch angle of the shot, a "B/S" field
used to enter an amount of back spin of a hit ball, a "S/S" field
used to enter a amount of side spin of a hit ball, and a "Dist."
field used to enter the simulated distance of a hit ball. Note that
the efficiency of hitting=the initial speed of a hit ball/the head
speed. The simulated distance of a hit ball is calculated by
simulation based on the initial speed, launch angle, amount of back
spin, and amount of side spin of a hit ball as the trial
results.
[0051] FIG. 8 shows an example of the measurement system that
measures shot data. A golf club used to measure shot data is
basically a driver. The measurement system shown in FIG. 8
comprises a tee 11 that supports a golf ball 12 to be hit. A
plurality of marks 12a are printed on the surface of the golf ball
12.
[0052] A measurement unit 13 is arranged at a position which is
located slightly behind the tee 11 with respect to a target line
direction d1, and is separated away from the tee 11 in a direction
perpendicular to the target line direction d1. The measurement unit
13 comprises a pair of sensors 13a and 13b which are separated
apart in a direction parallel to the target line direction d1. The
sensors 13a and 13b are, for example, optical sensors each
including a light-emitting element and light-receiving element. The
sensors 13a and 13b respectively detect the passage of a golf
club.
[0053] Cameras 14 and 15 are arranged at a position which is
located slightly in front of the tee 11 with respect to the target
line direction d1, and is separated away from the tee 11 in a
direction perpendicular to the target line direction d1. The
cameras 14 and 15 are set to be separated apart in a direction
parallel to the target line direction d1. The cameras 14 and 15
respectively capture an image of a hit ball (golf ball 12).
[0054] The detection result of the measurement unit 13 and the
captured image data of the cameras 14 and 15 are input to a
computer 16. The computer 16 measures a time period from when the
sensor 13a of the measurement unit 13 detects the passage of the
golf club head until the sensor 13b detects the passage of the golf
club head. The computer 16 then calculates the head speed of the
user's driver based on the measured time period and the distance
between the sensors 13a and 13b.
[0055] Also, the computer 16 calculates a time period required for
the hit ball to pass the cameras 14 and 15 based on the captured
images of the cameras 14 and 15. The computer 16 calculates the
initial speed of the hit ball based on the calculated time period
and the distance between the cameras 14 and 15. Furthermore, the
computer 16 calculates the launch angle, amount of back spin, and
amount of side spin of a hit ball based on changes in position and
direction of images of the marks 12a included in the captured
images of the cameras 14 and 15.
[0056] In this way, the computer 16 measures the head speed, and
the initial speed, launch angle, amount of back spin, and amount of
side spin of the hit ball. The computer 16 calculates the
efficiency and distance of the hit ball based on these measurement
results.
[0057] A printer 17 prints out the calculated data onto a paper
sheet. The user enters the model of the golf ball used in the trial
session, and data of the trial results in the data sheet shown in
FIG. 7, and then accesses the advanced version.
[0058] Referring back to FIG. 13, the processing of the advanced
version will be further explained. The client computer 2 checks in
step S108 if the user clicks the button b4 on the window shown in
FIG. 6. If YES in step S108, the process advances to step S109;
otherwise, the process returns to step S105. In step S109, the
client computer 2 sends the data input to the input fields c1 to
c11 on the window shown in FIG. 6 to the server 100.
[0059] In step S207, the server 100 receives the data sent from the
client computer 2, and saves them in the HDD 104. Of the data input
to the input fields c1 to c11, those input to the input fields c1
to c5 are used to tally various statistics of a golfer, as
described above. The data input to the input fields c6 to c11 are
used to automatically select a golf ball that fits the user.
Especially, this embodiment selects a golf ball that fits the user
based on the swing speed (head speed) input to the input field c7
and the amount of back spin input to the input field c10.
[0060] In this embodiment, the server 100 acquires the shot data in
this way. However, another method of acquiring the shot data by the
server 100 is also available. For example, when the client computer
2 is a member of the Web site provided by the server 100, the
server 100 allows the client computer 2 to register and save the
shot data in the HDD 104 in association with that user. Then, the
server 100 can acquire the shot data of that member by reading out
the stored data from the HDD 104. In this case, the user need only
input the shot data once. For example, upon renewal of models of
golf balls, if the user wants to select a golf ball using the
advanced version, he or she need not input the shot data again.
[0061] In step S208, the server 100 executes processing for
selecting a golf ball that fits the user. This embodiment selects
one golf ball optimal to the user. However, a plurality of golf
balls that fit the user may be selected, and the user may select an
optimal golf ball.
[0062] FIG. 9 shows an example of models of golf balls. In the
example of FIG. 9, five models of golf balls are listed, and have
different hardness levels of golf balls as a whole, hardness levels
of cover materials of golf balls, or their combinations. When a
golf ball is hard as a whole, a golfer of a low head speed cannot
make that golf ball sufficiently deform at impact, and can hardly
obtain a maximum distance. Conversely, when a golf ball is soft as
a whole, a golfer of a low head speed can easily obtain a maximum
distance. However, a golfer with a high head speed makes that golf
ball deform too much, and cannot often obtain a maximum distance.
When a golf ball is hard as a whole, the amount of back spin of a
hit ball is relatively high; otherwise, it is low. When a golf ball
has a hard cover, the amount of back spin of a hit ball is
relatively low; otherwise, it is relatively high.
[0063] FIG. 10 shows an example of a golf ball selection algorithm
upon selection of the advance version. In the example of FIG. 10, a
case will be exemplified wherein a golf ball optimal to the user is
selected in terms of the distance performance based on the shot
data of the head speed and amount of back spin. A line L1 indicates
an ideal amount of back spin with respect to the head speed. A
calculation method of an ideal amount of back spin is as
follows.
Ideal amount of back spin=head speed k1+k2
where k1 is a predetermined numerical value ranging from, e.g., -50
to -30, and k2 is a predetermined numerical value ranging from,
e.g., 3700 to 5100.
[0064] The selection algorithm shown in FIG. 10 is designed to
select golf balls which are relatively hard as a whole for a golfer
of a high head speed, and golf balls which are relatively soft as a
whole for a golfer of a low head speed. Also, the algorithm selects
golf balls which are relatively soft as a whole or golf balls with
relatively hard covers for a golfer whose amount of back spin of
the shot data is higher than the ideal amount of back spin.
Furthermore, the algorithm selects golf balls which are relatively
hard as a whole or golf balls with relatively soft covers for a
golfer whose amount of back spin of the shot data is lower than the
ideal amount of back spin.
[0065] For example, in case of a user whose head speed and amount
of back spin of the shot data are indicated by a point P1, the head
speed is relatively high, and the amount of back spin is relatively
high. Therefore, golf balls which are relatively hard as a whole
are suitable for such user in term of the head speed. Also, golf
balls which are relatively soft as a whole or golf balls with
relatively hard covers are suitable for that user in terms of the
amount of back spin. Hence, "BS37-S" which has middle hardness as a
whole and cover hardness is optimal to that user. The data of the
selection algorithm shown in FIG. 10 is stored in, e.g., the HDD
104.
[0066] In this embodiment, a golf ball optimal to the user is
selected based on the head speed and amount of back spin. Also, in
consideration of the amount of side spin and the launch angle of a
hit ball, a more optimal golf ball can be selected.
[0067] Referring back to FIG. 3, the server 100 executes a
trajectory simulation of the shot in step S209. The trajectory
simulation is executed for a case based on the shot data, and that
based on ideal data using the golf ball selected in step S208. The
trajectory simulation based on the shot data is executes based on
the data input to the input fields c7 to c10, and a coefficient of
lift CL, coefficient of drag CD, weight Mg, and the like of the
golf ball which is input to the input field c6 in the window shown
in FIG. 6 and is used in the trial session. Note that numerical
values of these data are stored in the HDD 104 in advance.
[0068] The trajectory simulation based on the ideal data calculates
an ideal initial speed, launch angle, and amount of back spin of a
hit ball based on the head speed of the shot data input to the
input field c7. The example of the calculation method of an ideal
amount of back spin is as described above. The ideal initial speed
and launch angle of a hit ball are calculated, for example, by:
Ideal initial speed of a hit ball=head speed k3
where k3 is an ideal efficiency of hitting (E/R), and is a
numerical value ranging from, e.g., 1.3 to 1.5.
Ideal launch angle of a hit ball=head speed k4+k5
where k4 is a predetermined numerical value ranging from, e.g.,
-0.4 to -0.2, and k5 is a predetermined numerical value ranging
from, e.g., 25 to 31.
[0069] Subsequently, three-dimensional velocity vectors that change
momentarily are calculated based on these ideal data, and the
coefficient of lift CL, coefficient of drag CD, weight, and the
like of the golf ball selected in step S208, thereby calculating
the distance and trajectory of the shot (refer to, e.g., Japanese
Patent Laid-Open No. 10-230024 for the coefficients of lift and
drag). Note that the numerical values of the coefficient of lift CL
and the like of the golf ball are stored in advance in the HDD
104.
[0070] In step S210, the server 100 sends display data required to
display the selection result of the golf ball in step S208 and the
trajectory simulation result in step S209 on the client computer 2
to the client computer 2.
[0071] In step S110, the client computer 2 displays a window based
on the received display data. FIG. 11 shows an example of the
window that shows the selection result of the golf ball displayed
on the client computer 2. Referring to FIG. 11, display fields c16
to c206 display the data (head speed, initial speed, launch angle,
amount of back spin, and distance of the hit ball) input to the
input fields c7 to c11 in FIG. 6. Display fields c21 to c24 display
the ideal initial speed, launch angle, amount of back spin, and
distance of a hit ball based on the head speed of the shot data,
which are calculated in step S209. A display field c25 displays the
trajectory simulation result calculated in step S209.
[0072] A display field c26 displays a comment about the need to be
improved for the user. A display field c27 displays the model of
golf ball recommended to obtain the ideal shot displayed in the
display fields c21 to c24 and c25. The example of FIG. 11 displays
an image of the package of the recommended golf ball. Note that
when the model of golf ball input to the input field c6 in FIG. 6
is the same as the recommended model of golf ball, a comment
indicating that the golf ball used in the trial session is optimal
may be displayed on the display field c26 together with the comment
of the need to be improved.
[0073] In this way, since the advanced version selects a golf ball
that fits the user based on the shot data, the user can find a golf
ball that fits himself or herself more objectively. Since the
advanced version provides various data and the trajectory
simulation result to the user, the user can obtain more detailed
information about his or her swing.
[0074] <Quick Version>
[0075] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the server
100 and client computer 2 upon selection of the quick version,
i.e., the processing to be executed by the server 100 in step S204
in FIG. 2.
[0076] In step S211, the server 100 sends display data of a window
including a plurality of questions to the user and options of
answers to the questions to the client computer 2. Upon reception
of the display data, the client computer 2 displays a window based
on the received display data in step S111. FIG. 12 shows an example
of the window displayed on the client computer 2.
[0077] The example of the window shown in FIG. 12 displays three
questions Q1 to Q3, and also options of answers to the respective
questions together with check boxes. The question Q1 asks about the
user's gender, the question Q2 asks about an average score of the
user, and the question Q3 asks about an average distance of a
driver of the user. The user checks a check box of one of options
to each question. In the example of the window shown in FIG. 12,
the user checks the option "male". In the example of the window
shown in FIG. 12, a button b5 is used to instruct to send the
selection results to the server 100 upon completion of selection of
the options of the answers to the respective questions.
[0078] Referring back to FIG. 4, upon clicking of the button b5,
the client computer 2 sends the user's answers (the selection
results of the options) to the server 100 in step S112. In step
S212, the server 100 saves the answers sent from the client
computer 2 in the HDD 104. The received answers are used to select
a golf ball that fits the user, and also to tally various
statistics of a golfer. In step S213, the server 100 determines
based on the received answers one of predetermined five groups to
which the user belongs.
[0079] FIG. 13 shows an example of the grouping algorithm of the
user. The example of FIG. 13 is the algorithm for determining which
of, e.g., groups I to V the user belongs. Groups I to III are male
groups. Groups I and II include skilled players; group I includes
golfers who can gain larger driver distances, and group II includes
those who cannot gain larger driver distances. Group III includes
average players and beginners. Groups IV and V are female groups.
Group IV includes golfers who can gain larger driver distances, and
group V includes those who cannot gain larger driver distances.
[0080] The server 100 determines based on the answer to the
question Q1 if the user is a male or female. If the user is a male,
the server 100 determines based on the answer to the question Q2 if
the average score is less than 80 or 80 or higher. If the average
score is 80 or higher, the server 100 determines group III as the
group of the user. If the average score is less than 80, and if the
server 100 determines based on the answer to the question Q3 that
the average driver distance is 240 yards or more, it determines
group I as that of that user; if the average driver distance is
less than 240 yards, it determines group II.
[0081] If the user is a female, and if the server 100 determines
based on the answer to the question Q3 that the average driver
distance is 240 yards or more, it determines group IV as that of
the user; if the average driver distance is less than 240 yards, it
determines group V.
[0082] Referring back to FIG. 4, in step S214 the server 100 sends
display data of a display window of the next question determined in
advance for each of groups I to V based on the group determination
result in step S213 to the client computer 2. In step S113, the
client computer 2 displays a window based on the received display
data.
[0083] FIG. 14 shows an example of the display window of a question
for the user who belongs to group I or II. Referring to FIG. 14, a
question Q4 asks about a ball performance that the user wants.
Options of answers to the question Q4 are roughly classified into
those for maximum distance performance oriented, and those for spin
performance oriented, and in either case, the answer is further
classified into two options. The user checks a check box of one of
these options. A button b6 is used to instruct to send the
selection result to the server 100 upon completion of selection of
the option of the answer to the question Q4.
[0084] FIG. 15 shows an example of the display window of a question
for the user who belongs to group III or IV. Referring to FIG. 15,
a question Q4 asks about a ball performance that the user wants.
Options of answers to the question Q4 are roughly classified into
those for maximum distance performance oriented, and those for spin
performance oriented. In case of the maximum distance performance
oriented, the answer is further classified into four options. Also,
in case of the spin performance oriented, the answer is further
classified into two options. A button b7 is used to instruct to
send the selection result to the server 100 upon completion of
selection of the option of the answer to the question Q4.
[0085] Referring back to FIG. 4, upon clicking of the button b6 or
b7, the client computer 2 sends the user's answer (the selection
result of the option) to the server 100 in step S114. In step S215,
the server 100 receives the answer sent from the client computer 2,
and saves it in the HDD 104. The received answer is used to select
a golf ball that fits the user, and also to tally various
statistics of a golfer.
[0086] In step S216, the server 100 executes processing for
selecting a golf ball that fits the user from those shown in FIG. 9
based on the received answer. This embodiment selects one golf ball
optimal to the user. However, a plurality of golf balls that fit
the user may be selected, and the user may select an optimal golf
ball.
[0087] FIG. 16 shows an example of a golf ball selection algorithm
associated with the user who belongs to group I or II. Since the
user of group I is a skilled player (male) who can gain a larger
driver distance, golf balls (BS37 and BS37-S) which are relatively
hard as a whole are recommended, and one recommended golf ball is
selected in accordance with the performances (feels, amount of
spin) that the user is looking for. The user of group II is a male
who is a skilled player but cannot gain a longer driver distance.
For this reason, a golf ball (X-6) that allows a powerless golfer
to maximize a distance is added to options in addition to the
recommended golf balls (BS37 and BS37-S) for the user of group I,
and one recommended golf ball is selected in accordance with the
performances (feels, amount of spin) that the user is looking
for.
[0088] FIG. 17 shows an example of a golf ball selection algorithm
for the user who belongs to one of groups III to V. The user of
group III is a male and is an average player or beginner. A user of
this group who is looking for a maximum driver distance often hits
unstable shots. Therefore, for the user who is looking for a
maximum driver distance, a golf ball (X-6) that minimizes a hook or
slice or a golf ball (X-5) that allows a high ball flight is
recommended. For the user who is looking for high spin performance,
golf balls (BS37 and BS37-S) that allow the user to acquire more
spin are recommended.
[0089] Users of groups IV and V are females, and options of
recommended golf balls include a golf ball (Lady YIII) for females.
Since a user of group IV can gain a longer driver distance, options
include BS37 for the user who is looking for the spin
performance.
[0090] Referring back to FIG. 4, in step S217 the server 100 sends
display data that makes the client computer 2 display the selection
result of the golf ball in step S216 to the client computer 2. In
step S115, the client computer 2 displays a window based on the
received display data. FIG. 18 shows an example of the window which
is displayed by the client computer 2 and shows the selection
result of the golf ball. A display field c28 displays a comment of
the recommended golf ball together with an image of the package of
the recommended golf ball.
[0091] In this way, with the quick version, the user can find a
golf ball that fits himself or herself by only answering questions,
and can easily find a golf ball that fits himself or herself and,
especially, a golf ball which has a performance that the user is
looking for.
* * * * *