U.S. patent application number 13/462774 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-22 for machine and method for comprehensive golftrainingand instruction.
Invention is credited to Julius Young.
Application Number | 20120295739 13/462774 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40676550 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120295739 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Young; Julius |
November 22, 2012 |
Machine and Method for Comprehensive GolfTrainingand
Instruction
Abstract
The present invention relates to a machine and method used to
capture, analyze, score, archive, track and communicate real-time
relevant golf data specific to individual golfers: 1) during
practice/lessons; or 2) for every shot on every hole of an entire
recreational golf round; and 3) acts as the "glue" to tie together
the various critical skills a golfer learns from the numerous
machines and processes independently available to the golfer
similar to the way the better golf schools or training academy's
provide comprehensive across the board golf instruction.
Inventors: |
Young; Julius; (US) |
Family ID: |
40676550 |
Appl. No.: |
13/462774 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11949765 |
Dec 3, 2007 |
8202148 |
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13462774 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2060/464 20151001;
A63B 69/36 20130101; A63B 2220/35 20130101; A63B 2220/20 20130101;
A63B 69/3617 20130101; A63B 71/0669 20130101; A63B 69/3632
20130101; A63B 43/00 20130101; A63B 69/3608 20130101; A63B 69/3667
20130101; A63B 69/362 20200801; A63B 2069/367 20130101; A63B
2220/14 20130101; A63B 2220/56 20130101; A63B 24/0003 20130101;
A63B 2071/0691 20130101; A63B 2220/801 20130101; A63B 2220/13
20130101; A63B 2220/52 20130101; A63B 2102/32 20151001; A63B
2220/12 20130101; A63B 2220/30 20130101; A63B 2220/53 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/409 |
International
Class: |
A63B 57/00 20060101
A63B057/00 |
Claims
1. A method for caddying and training golfers, the method
comprising: a. providing an apparatus for caddying and training
golfers comprising a plurality of enhanced components that work in
concert as an automated system, the apparatus further comprising:
i. a Global Positioning System (GPS); ii. a plurality of GPS mapped
golf courses and mapped golf ranges; iii. a plurality of enhanced
golfing equipment including a golf club(s), a pair of golf shoes, a
golf glove, a glove ball(s); the enhanced golfing equipment further
comprising a plurality of computing circuits, a plurality of
sensors; iv. a wearable computing device (PDA) further comprising a
plurality of golf data, a plurality of application software
including a virtual caddy, a component ID application; b.
initializing the virtual caddy at least once; whereby indicating
that this is a training session, comprising: i. downloading the GPS
mapped golf range from the internet; and ii. identifying the golfer
information to the component ID application and in turn the virtual
caddy by tying each uniquely identified piece of the enhanced
golfing equipment to its golfer owner; c. interacting with the
virtual caddy during the golf training session, comprising: i.
adjusting the virtual caddy to reflect actual conditions of the
training facility; ii. consulting the virtual caddy for the
characteristics of the golf range including hazards, distances to
"mark" greens and other strategic points on the range; iii.
consulting the virtual caddy for suggestions for a plan(s) of
approach for practicing, given the historical information of recent
rounds and tournaments; iv. deciding on the plan of approach for a
plurality of shot(s) with selected clubs, based on the historical
information reviewed with the Virtual Caddy; v. deciding on a shot;
d. taking the shot; e. assessing the results of the shot with the
virtual caddy; whereby focusing on any shots that had yellow or red
light shots that had to be aborted; f. repeating the steps above
for the club until the satisfied with results; g. repeating the
steps above for each club until the training session is
completed.
2. A method as recited in claim 1, for training golfers wherein for
a non-putting shot(s), the taking the shot step further comprises:
a. selecting the golf club for the shot; wherein triggering
collection of the golf data; b. gripping the golf club; wherein
triggering the sensors in the enhanced golf equipment relative to
the virtual caddy's grip standards; c. capturing a pre-shot setup
routine wherein triggering the sensors and intra-component
computing circuits in the enhanced golf equipment; and d. capturing
the golf shot and the golf data wherein triggering the sensors and
intra-club computing circuits in the enhanced golf club and golf
ball.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a divisional application of a co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/949,765, filed Dec. 3, 2007, and
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a machine and method used
to capture, analyze, score (i.e. using USGA rules), save, archive,
track and communicate (e.g. verbal, visual, sound, tactile)
real-time relevant golf data specific to individual golfers: 1)
during practice/training sessions; or 2) for every shot on every
hole of an entire recreational golf round; and archive all such
practice/training sessions or rounds during which the invention is
in use. Additionally it could be used to support a foursome or an
entire tournament for those participants using the invention. The
class-subclass of the aforementioned parent application is
700-091000 and the present application would likely have the same
or similar classification. The 700 class is defined as "data
processing" while the subclass 091 is defined as "contest or
contestant analysis, management, or monitoring". Essentially the
present invention is a golf data processing machine and method used
to automate providing real-time relevant golf information to
golfers and other interested parties during practice, training,
recreational or tournament play to increase enjoyment of the sport
and to assist the golfer in enhancing their skill
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] The present invention was born out of the applicant's
frustration with learning to play golf. In particular the complete
lack of readily available reliable information on how to: a) given
one's skills and imperfections, "make the best shot possible, with
good results" for every shot during a golf round with the goal of
improving one's golf scores over time; b) "train and practice" as
well as track one's improvement, without a massive amount of time,
expense or manual effort. Being an engineer, the applicant imagine
"what if during a golf round or during golf instruction and
practice" one could automate the entire process of gathering,
processing and communicating the applicable golfing information and
support via a Virtual Caddy (Trainer) to the recreational golfer in
the same way a PGA Tour Golfer communicates with and is supported
by his Caddy and Trainer; using a plurality of components that work
together as a system through built-in distributed computing
technology integrated into each component. The components of the
system comprising: 1) an apparatus including an enhanced computing
device (which may be wearable or portable), an enhanced Global
Positioning System (GPS) and a plurality of "computing enabled"
enhanced golfing components (both traditional such as clubs, balls,
gloves, shoes and non-traditional such as body sensors, smart
glasses, smart lenses and smart golf clothing including hats,
undergarments, pants, shirts, accessories, and so on); all enhanced
components containing: 1) intra-computing capability and
inter-communications capability with each other, including GPS
positioning communications capability; and 2) a common architecture
that facilitates all enhanced components to work cooperatively
under a comprehensive process for the average golfer to use the
above described apparatus to practice, train and/or play the best
rounds of golf possible given his (or her) ordinary natural talent,
skills and imperfections.
[0006] One skilled in the art of playing golf whether self-taught
or from taking golf lessons would recognize key milestones of the
learning process such as: golf grip, setting up, full swing
(including backswing, down swing through ball impact and follow
through), putting, chipping, pitching, bunker play, shot control,
course management, scoring, USGA rules of play and so on. The
present invention enhances the Golfer's ability to play each
critical milestone of the game of golf better. The techniques of
using the present invention while practicing the full swing will be
discussed in detail but the techniques are equally applicable to
all the critical milestones outlined above.
[0007] The prior art contains numerous examples of literature,
machines and processes whose objectives (with varying degrees of
success) are to assist golfers to master each narrowly defined
milestone described above during the process of learning and
developing the necessary golf skills; and as such may be prior art
that provides literature, machines and processes and relevant
developments in some of the same technological areas as those
necessary to fully implement the present invention. The applicant
will list a number of these literature, machines and patents in a
separate disclosure.
[0008] It should be noted that the selective use of such
literature, machines and processes by the average golfer to improve
his game could be highly effective especially when used by an
accomplished golfer or for the average golfer when done under the
supervision of a professional golf school or at least a certified
golf instructor over an extended period of time. The right
professional instruction acts as the "glue" to tie the disparate
literature, machines and processes together to ensure that the
golfer learns how each narrowly defined skill fits together with
and is affected by the rest of what he is learning. However such
instruction is very expensive as well as time consuming and
therefore frequently out of reach of the average golfer.
[0009] In general said literature, machines and processes described
in the patents and patent applications as well as numerous
publications is not as effective at improving the golfer's game as
it could be because the training or learning of the various skills
outlined above (on his own) are not seamlessly integrated together;
thus the new golfer or one attempting to improve their golf game
cannot easily tie all of the literature, machines or processes
together to provide lasting improvement of their game.
[0010] In light of the resource requirements, complexity of the
game of golf, the level of difficulty learning all the critical
skills required, and the deficiencies of the use of disparate
literature, machines and processes, that is available to the
average golfer to improve his golf game, there is a need for an
integrated, fully automated more cost effective machine and method
that ties all of the disparate literature, machines and processes
together. The present invention can fill this void by providing
real-time relevant golf data capture, scoring and shot analysis
while it also saves, archives, tracks and communicates golf data
specific to the golfer regarding their progress towards improving
any particularly segment of their game as well as tying it all
together to monitor the impact if any on other segments of their
game. This is important to the average golfer when practicing or
taking lessons to become a better golfer or to increase the
enjoyment of playing a recreational round of golf.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention is an apparatus or machine as
previously described, comprising components which collectively work
together to capture, analyze, score, archive, track and communicate
real-time relevant golf data specific to individual golfers during
training and practice. It could also be used as the "glue" to tie
together the various critical skills a golfer learns from the
numerous machines and processes independently available to the
golfer similar to the way the better golf schools or training
academy's provide comprehensive across the board golf
instruction.
[0012] The invention comprises an apparatus or machine with a
plurality of components and includes the use of an enhanced Global
Positioning System (GPS) and enhanced computing device (e.g. PDA,
smartphone, smart glasses, smart lenses, PC, IPAD; said components
can be referred to interchangeably with regard to their computing
capability) for communicating with the plurality of components and
a plurality of "computing enabled" enhanced golfing components
(both traditional such as a full set of enhanced golf clubs and
associated golf balls, golf shoes and golf gloves and
non-traditional such as body sensors, smart glasses and smart
clothing including hats, pants, shirts, undergarments, accessories
and so on). All such components may have at least one microchip,
impact sensor, motion sensor, accelerometer, unique identifiers
and/or pressure sensor integrated into each one; or their
equivalent capability in newer technology such as nanotechnology
integrated into reengineered versions of these components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of some key components of
the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a golfer starting to
initiate a shot by "Setting-up at Address" using the present
invention to assist in: a) identifying a target and in so doing
setting the target line; b) aiming the club face so that it is
perpendicular to the target line; during a training session,
practice round or tournament.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a golfer about to
initiate the Backswing: Setup at Address position.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a golfer at Start of
"Backswing" phase which is the next strategic position where the
hands go straight back until the golf club shaft is horizontal to
the ground.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a golfer continuing the
Backswing phase showing slight break in wrists, left arm is
parallel to ground and club is perpendicular to the left arm.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a golfer approaching the
"Top of Backswing" by completing the turn and allowing the golfer's
back to face the target and then the club will be aimed at the
target.
[0019] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a golfer executing each
of the critical positions or phases from "Downswing to Ball
Impact"; i.e. 1.sup.st 4 images.
[0020] FIG. 7 fifth image shows the "Follow-through to Up on the
Right Toe or Ball of Right Foot" position.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a drawing of the smart glasses. The
"Follow-through to Up on the Right Toe or Ball of Right Foot"
positions
[0022] FIG. 9 is a drawing of the enhanced golf shoes with the
rotatable cleat attached to the ball of the right shoe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Referring to the drawing figure (FIG. 1) listed above, the
first embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus or
machine comprising components which collectively work together to
capture, analyze, score, save, archive, track and communicate
real-time relevant golf data specific to individual golfers for
every shot on every hole of an entire recreational golf round. The
first embodiment of the apparatus or machine of the present
invention will be described initially and then the method of using
the apparatus will be described.
[0024] The golfer 10 is assumed to be using the apparatus or
machine of the present invention with a plurality of components
(including enhanced golfing equipment such as a set of Golf Clubs
50, at least one golf ball 60, golf glove 70 and golfing shoes 80)
shown in the perspective illustration of FIG. 1 and is comprised of
the use of: [0025] PDA inter-component communications means to
include enhanced golfing equipment (with integrated sensors and
computing capability), an enhanced Global Positioning System (GPS)
20, and a handheld computing device (PDA) 40 for communicating
between the PDA 40 and GPS 20 as well as between PDA 40 and the
enhanced golfing equipment; [0026] PDA mapped golf course access
means to include handheld PDA 40, operating system and software for
accessing, selecting and downloading chosen mapped golf course(s)
30 from a wide listing of mapped golf courses 30, as well as
uploading maps of new golf courses; [0027] PDA data processing
means to include handheld PDA 40, operating system and software to
capture, analyze, score, archive, track and communicate real-time
relevant golf data specific to individual golfers.
[0028] The full set of enhanced Golf Clubs 50 (USGA rules
containing 14 golf clubs) and associated golf balls 60, golf shoes
80 and golf gloves 70 may have at least one microchip, impact
sensor, unique identifiers and/or pressure sensor integrated into
each one; or their equivalent capability in newer technology such
as nanotechnology integrated into reengineered versions of these
products. These enhanced golf balls 60, clubs 50, shoes 80 and
gloves 70 would work passively in concert with the GPS system 20
and PDA 40 to 1) accurately sense when the golf club 50 is picked
up; 2) capture the pattern of how the golf club 50 is being gripped
in comparison to one of the acceptable grip standards such as the
Verdon Overlap grip, the interlocking grip, the Ten Finger grip or
a golfer's 10 own predefined grip; 3) capture the golfer's 10
setup/swing such as body alignment, foot position, ball position,
balance and posture; 4) sense when a shot/swing is taken; and 5)
capture, analyze, score, archive, track and communicate real-time
relevant golf data as a caddy would, to the golfer 10. The enhanced
golf balls 60, clubs 50, shoes 80 and gloves 70 will be designed to
meet or exceed all performance criteria established by the USGA (at
least for recreational play and/or as a training aid).
[0029] The enhancements to the golf ball 60 will be made deep in
its core and will be miniaturized (or use nanotechnology, for
example using nanochips which could store trillions of bits of
information in a very small area) so as not to affect the dynamics
of the golf ball 60. The enhancements will be designed to withstand
the forces exerted on them during normal play of golf rounds and
would be expected to last as long as a typical recreational golf
ball 60. One of the purposes of the enhanced golf ball 60 will be
to work in concert with the PDA 40 and GPS 20 to capture and record
real-time golf ball 60 information when struck; including but not
limited to 1) golf ball 60 dynamics such as spin; 2) starting and
ending location, 3) distance and direction traveled; 4) distance to
the pin; and 5) distance to mapped hazards.
[0030] The enhancements to the Golf Shoes 80 will allow the system
to capture (among other things) the direction and amount of weight
shift of the golfer 10 from one foot to the other throughout the
golf swing. The Golf Shoes may also have a pivotal cleat (see FIG.
9) at the ball or toe of the right shoe (for right handed golfers)
to assist in improving the aggressive body turn on the spine axis
(particularly for Follow-Through at the end of the swing).
[0031] Body sensors (not shown) could also be integrated into the
apparatus for use during practice and training sessions.
[0032] The specially designed and programmed wearable PDA 40
(Wearable Computing which may be smart glasses or smart garments)
will make use of existing operating systems and software (where
available and with applicable modifications) to capture, analyze,
score, save, archive, track and communicate real-time relevant golf
data specific to individual golfers 10. The PDA 40 will also make
use of existing GPS 20 mapped golf courses 30 and mapped golf
ranges (not shown). With appropriate membership, the golfer 10 can
choose from thousands of available Golf Courses 30 and Golf ranges
on the internet to download chosen courses/ranges to their wearable
PDA 40. Similar to the ShotLink TM system described in the parent
patent, each downloaded course/range is mapped. Using GPS 20
devices, different layers and elevations were recorded to denote
the greens (front, center and back), fairways, bunkers, water,
rough, trees and other course elements. If one wishes to play
non-mapped courses/ranges the golfer 10 can record similar
information on such courses into their wearable PDA 40.
[0033] The Invention will further comprise the ability to link to a
PC or other computer equipment for uploading and downloading
information for analysis, review and study.
[0034] That completes the description of the major components of
the first embodiment of the invention. The method of using the
first embodiment of the present invention is fully described (with
a couple of exceptions which are described in the body of this
application) in the referenced parent patent now pending (i.e. U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/949,765, filed Dec. 3, 2007, and
incorporated by reference herein) and therefore will not be
repeated here.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SECOND EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0035] As has already been discussed in the first paragraph the use
of the present invention can be divided into two distinct modes of
operation: 1) during training/practice sessions as for example
during a training clinic with a professional trainer on a specific
segment of a golfer's game and/or during a golfer's practice
session at a range; or 2) during play as in a recreational golf
round or a tournament. It could also be used as the "glue" to tie
together the various critical skills a golfer learns from the
numerous machines and processes independently available to the
golfer similar to the way the better golf schools or training
academy's provide comprehensive across the board golf
instruction.
[0036] The invention comprises an apparatus or machine with a
plurality of components and includes the use of an enhanced Global
Positioning System (GPS) and enhanced computing device (e.g. PDA,
smartphone, smart glasses, smart lenses, PC, IPAD; said components
can be referred to interchangeably with regard to their computing
capability) for communicating with the plurality of components and
a plurality of "computing enabled" enhanced golfing components
(both traditional such as a full set of enhanced golf clubs and
associated golf balls, golf shoes and golf gloves and
non-traditional such as body sensors, smart glasses and smart
clothing including hats, pants, shirts, undergarments, accessories
and so on). All such components may have at least one microchip,
impact sensor, motion sensor, accelerometer, unique identifiers
and/or pressure sensor integrated into each one; or their
equivalent capability in newer technology such as nanotechnology
integrated into reengineered versions of these components.
[0037] The enhanced golf clubs, balls, shoes, gloves, smart glasses
and smart garments would work in concert with the GPS system and
PDA to first suggest a target for the shot or have the golfer
select an alternative one, then: 1) accurately sense when the golf
club is picked up; 2) capture the pattern of how the golf club is
being gripped in comparison to one of the acceptable grip
standards; 3) capture the golfer's setup routine including balance
and whether the club head face is perpendicular to the target line
at address and returns to that position just prior to the impact on
the ball to ensure a good outcome of the shot; and if at any point
prior to ball strike, there is something amiss, so inform the
Golfer for corrective action; 4) sense when a shot/swing is taken;
5) capture, analyze, score, save, archive, track and communicate
real-time relevant golf data, advice and counsel as a caddy would,
to the golfer.
[0038] In additional, the golf shoes may have a rotatable cleat
(see FIG. 9) permanently attached or removeably attached (e.g. by
screwing into one of the standard cleat positions) at the ball or
toe of the right or left golf shoe (correspondingly for a right
handed or left handed golfer), to facilitate training the golfer
how to turn on their spine axis and follow-through on their golf
swing; essentially this "pivoting" cleat will allow the new golfer
to more easily turn towards the target at they unwind the upper
body and shift weight from the back foot to the forward foot (the
one closest to the target); eventually facing the target and
winding up either on the toe or the ball of the right foot (for
right handed golfers).
[0039] The enhanced golf clubs, balls, shoes and gloves will be
designed to meet or exceed all performance criteria established by
the USGA (at least for recreational play and/or as a training
aid).
[0040] The smart glasses (FIG. 8) is a computing system worn as
glasses which work in concert with the GPS system in addition to or
as the PDA and allows the golfer to "see" the golf course through
the eyes of the virtual caddy. Essentially the smart glasses allows
golf data and information, computer generated graphics (such as
mapped golf courses or "the greens" around a specific hole on a
golf course) and the real world to be seamlessly overlaid. One
example of its use may be after some topographical analysis of the
slope and slope direction of the area on the green around and
between a golfer's ball and the hole (see more detail in a
subsequent paragraph below, on how the enhanced golf shoes may help
enable this feature), the virtual caddy may offer a suggested putt
line by superimposing the putt line onto a close-up of that area of
the green, the entire scene can be seen through the smart glasses;
thus assisting the golfer in reading the greens just as a real
caddy assists his professional caddy. Of course the golfer still
has to: 1) make the decision as to whether he agrees with the
virtual caddy's suggested putt line or not; and 2) physically use
his skill as a golfer to "make the putt". This feature could be
used as a "teaching" aid or used during a round of recreational
golf.
[0041] The enhanced golf shoes (FIG. 9) also contain a feature
which assists a golfer to improve his ability to aggressively turn
towards the target (particularly during the follow-through phase)
when he is extending his arms and club towards the target will
pivoting on the ball of his right foot (for right handed Golfers)
then ending up on the toe of his right golf shoe. It is a rotatable
cleat (see FIG. 9) attached permanently by rivets, screws, or
equivalent means or removeably attached by means of the standard
cleat "screw in" systems. The rotating action is made possible by
what is essentially a very small "lazy Susan" with a standard cleat
screw on one side and a cleat on the other. The cleat itself can be
made of the same material as a standard cleat (similar size or
perhaps slightly larger. If the cleat is attached to a plate with a
slot that allow lateral and/or longitudinal movement of the base of
the rotatable cleat, then the cleat can also be adjusted to the
desired section of the foot depending on the preference of the
Golfer. In the case of an adjustable position pivot cleat the base
plate would likely use two or perhaps three normal cleat female
screw receptacles for attachment to the golf shoe rather than the
single receptacle needed for a stationary pivot cleat.
[0042] The smart glasses (FIG. 8), as the "eyes of the caddy" could
also be used in conjunction with the enhanced golf shoes, to
zoom-in and visually examine the topography of the greens, the
direction and cut of the grass, the type of grass, the presence or
absence of water in the vicinity as well as other visual parameters
that could provide insight (over and above what was learned from
the topography analysis of the golf shoes) about the path the putt
will take to the hole, to "teach" the golfer how to "read the
greens".
[0043] The "smart clothing" (not shown) is a wearable computing
system, which work in concert with the GPS system in addition to or
as the PDA and allows the golfer to "feel" each golf move through
the electronic sensors and associated computing circuits and
software of the virtual caddy.
[0044] The smart clothing (not shown) will be designed to ensure
that they breath, are comfortable, and that they do not hinder
movement of the golfer in anyway; therefore said garments will not
adversely affect the performance of the golfer during training or
tournament play. Undergarments and accessories like socks, hats,
wrist bands, head bands, ankle bands and so on will be designed to
fit snugly so that any integrated sensors and computing circuits
could be reliably located in designated strategic locations.
[0045] One way to categorize d smart clothing (not shown) is to
divide said garments into two distinct areas as follows; 1)
integrate the computing system capability into the very fabric of
the garments (e.g. using nanotechnology); or 2) place sensors and
computing circuitry in strategic locations through-out the garment.
For the 1.sup.st situation, wearable computing capability is
anywhere you need it on the golfer because it is integrated
through-out the garments worn; while in the 2.sup.nd situation,
wearable computing capability would logically be placed in garments
at various joints that can move independently such as foot, ankle,
knee, pelvis, hips, waist, elbow, wrist, head and so on during the
golf swing. The strategically placed computing system capability
can assist in determining what is happening with the feet, legs,
spine angle, arms, hands, head, and so on during the golf swing;
i.e. such as back swing, down swing, through ball impact and
follow-through.
[0046] The following paragraphs outline the Method for using the
present invention during golf training and practice.
[0047] One skilled in the art of playing golf, in particular golf
instructors and those professionals running golf teaching
facilities would generally agree that there are 5 to 8 key
positions that a club passes through during a typical golfer's
swing; where particular positions mentioned would depend on where
the instructor wished to place the emphasis. The present invention
could be designed with all of these critical positions, only a few
or even more position, including continuous monitoring of the
entire backswing, downswing and follow-through; but for simplicity
the following 8 key positions are listed and discussed below for a
straight shot as follows: [0048] 1. Setup at address where a target
is either selected by the Golfer or a recommendation from the
Virtual Caddy is accepted; thus establishing a target line
(utilizing the features of the present invention); then the golf
cub face is set up to be perpendicular to the target line; the
golfer's balance is established; and the swing plane is
established. [0049] 2. Start of backswing, begin the take-away
where the hands go straight back until the golf club shaft is
horizontal to ground and the nose of the club faces straight up;
[0050] 3. Continue backswing, slight break in wrists, left arm is
parallel to ground and club is perpendicular to the left arm; line
through club shaft intersects ball and perpendicular to target line
or is just above it; [0051] 4. Top of Backswing by completing the
turn and allowing your back to face the target and the club will be
aimed at the target signaling a smooth transition to the downswing;
[0052] 5. The Downswing begins with the unwinding of the hips,
followed by the waist, shoulders, arms, hands and club; this
unwinding of the upper body's torque is what generates tremendous
club head speed and corresponding distance if the club is returned
square to the ball and target line and the body is in balance; the
downswing is also characterized by the transfer of weight from the
back foot to the front foot; during this transfer of weight the
arms are pulled downward; [0053] 6. Ball Impact occurs as the arms
and club moves forward (as if passing through the ball) towards the
target and away from the golfer; this all occurs as the body
continues to unwind (turn on the axis of the spine; [0054] 7.
Follow-through after ball impact; the golfer continues his wide
swing with unwinding of hips and the body, the club face continues
towards the target fueled by the weight transfer and the unwinding
of the body like the release of a coiled spring; [0055] 8. Up on
the Right toe or Ball of Right Foot with the club wrapped around
the left shoulder (for a full swing); the rotation and the weight
has been completed.
[0056] In general, most (those skilled in the art of playing golf)
will agree that "Setup at Address" and "Backswing" play a major
role in setting the stage and building up the body energy which is
later unleashed in the downswing to achieve the desired
outcome--resulting in a good shot, so it is only fitting that one
"examine and mark" these positions during the Backswing and
"monitor" them though-out the Downswing through the Ball Impact and
Follow-through. The present invention does a complete job of
examining, marking and monitoring the entire process and is the
"glue" that brings the entire process together so that the golfer
gains the necessary insight into his golf swing. This allows the
golfer to automatically compare each subsequent swing to any of his
previous swings as well as compare his swing (or any position
making up his swing) to other swings including swings of
professional golfers caught on video or captured by other means.
This swing information is stored, archived and analyzed in
real-time; and becomes part of the historical reservoir from which
the Virtual Caddy draws to advise and counsel the golfer regarding
play; e.g. suggested club to use for a specific shot to reach a
given target just as a real caddy would do for his golfer.
[0057] At strategic positions during the Backswing discussed above
the system can monitor the progress of the swing by checking
certain common characteristics to see if the golfer is properly
executing the required skills and movements during the backswing;
e.g. there is general agreement among those skilled in the art of
playing golf, that most golfers enhance their chances of making a
good shot if (assuming a right handed golfer): [0058] 1. "At
Address" (FIG. 3) the line through the center of the spinal column
intersects the line through the center of the golf shaft at about
45 degrees; i.e. the golfer rotates around the spinal column during
the backswing and that spinal column angle is maintained throughout
the entire backswing; this can be monitored by the present
invention because the sensors and computing circuitry in the smart
garments and enhanced golf clubs can check those lines and
applicable angles; Note that the spine angle is not exact but
varies slightly from golfer to golfer [0059] 2. "At Address" (FIG.
3) the golfer is properly balanced on the balls of the feet
(meaning not so much weight on the heels which causes an imbalance
condition during the swing) and the weight is distributed
approximately evenly or for example 60/40 between the front and
back foot respectively; then shifts the weight for example to 40/60
between the front and the back foot during the Backswing; the
enhanced golf shoes with the balance, level sensors and computing
circuits will monitor this; note that the weight distribution is
not exact but varies from golfer to golfer; [0060] 3. "At Address"
(FIG. 3) the walls of the rectangle formed around the contour of
the golfer's pants (i.e. smart garment) remains somewhat constant;
i.e. movement of the golfer leaning forward (towards the ball) or
backward (away from the ball) during the backswing should be kept
to a minimum; [0061] 4. "At Address" (FIG. 3) the golfer using the
"single plane method" (which most who are skilled in the art of
playing golf agree is simpler) the plane of the shoulders and the
plane of the golf club shaft should be the same; and remain that
way during the backswing; while for the golfer using the "two plane
method" they start out with the same single plane but the take-away
is usually steeper; and the golfer must re-rout the downswing to
the lower flatter pane by ball impact.
[0062] What is important regarding these numbers is that each
golfer must determine what gives him the best balance and the best
chance of returning the club head perpendicular to the target line
at ball impact so that he drives the ball the distance required to
reach the target; the present invention will allow him to easily
determine that by correlating the spine-angle, weight distribution
and all other parameters monitored during the swing with all shots
by which were good and which were not; the Virtual Caddy will then
inform the golfer what the appropriate parameters are; and in
training mode suggest that the golfer for example should shift more
weight or should bend more at the hips during address and maintain
it.
[0063] Start of "Backswing" (FIG. 4) phase is the next strategic
position where the hands go straight back until the golf club shaft
is horizontal to the ground and the nose of the club faces straight
up; as in the earlier situation, the present invention will
determine if and when the golfer properly executes this position
because the sensors and computing circuits in the club will detect
it; and if he misses it, by how much; as already mentioned the
golfer must continue to turn on the same spine-angle and store
energy to be released later (during the down swing) in the turning
of the hips, torso and shoulders away from the target while
shifting the golfer's weight to the back foot;
[0064] "Continue Backswing" phase (FIG. 5), slight break in wrists,
left arm is parallel to ground and club is perpendicular to the
left arm; line through club shaft intersects ball and perpendicular
to target line or is just above it; and as before the system has
already established the target line, so it knows where it is and it
can establish the line down the center of the golf club shaft so it
can detect if and when the golfer properly executes this position;
and if not how much did he miss it by;
[0065] "Top of Backswing" (FIG. 6), by completing the turn and
allowing the golfer's back to face the target and the club will be
aimed at the target signaling a smooth transition to the downswing;
again the present system will monitor the success or failure of the
golfer to achieve this position;
[0066] "Downswing to Ball Impact" critical position or phase (FIG.
7) allows the stored energy from the Backswing (i.e. takeaway) to
be expressed and transferred through the club and to the ball;
strength, more so than flexibility, is most important in this
phase; the motion should be fluid, and generally should be in the
opposite order of the take away phase; the hips should begin to
turn, followed by the pelvis, trunk, shoulders, arms and finally
the club; the abdominal muscles allow for extra power to be
generated by twisting the trunk as weight shifts back to center;
this phase ends as soon as the clubface strikes either the ball or
the ground;
[0067] The "Follow-through" to "Up on the Right Toe or Ball of
Right Foot" positions (FIG. 7) or phase is characterized by
control; the power and speed generated in the previous two phases
must be controlled; the muscles of the body act to counter these
forces; the follow-through should be a fluid motion, resulting in
the arms and club elevated to the right with the shoulders and head
facing toward the direction of the shot; in this position, the
weight is shifted to the left leg, and increased stress is placed
on the inside part of the left knee; the swing ends with the golfer
"Up on the Right Toe or Ball of Right Foot" facing the target; and
similar to the previous positions discussed, the present
application will monitor, save and analyze and archive the position
information and make it available to the Virtual Caddy for
discussion with the Golfer.
[0068] During each of the above critical positions or phases the
present invention will access through its sensors, computing
circuits, and data analysis whether the critical position or phase
was properly executed and if so that will be communicated by the
Virtual Caddy to the Golfer by one of several methods; of which by
way of example the use of the smart glasses will be discussed
below.
[0069] If the "Setup at Address" position is correctly executed by
the golfer, then the present invention would turn on a green
indicator for the 1.sup.st of 8 indicators which can be seen in a
small section of the smart glasses (FIG. 8) worn by the Golfer; if
said position was just slightly off which would likely result in a
less than perfect shot; but one that could be recovered from (based
on historical information with this Golfer) then the 1.sup.st
position indicator would show yellow; however if said position was
improperly executed and would likely result in a disaster for the
Golfer (based on historical information with this Golfer) then the
1.sup.st indicator would show red; with a recommendation to step
out of the setup and start again.
[0070] At the start of the Backswing through the Top of the
Backswing the same process would apply with the following
combinations of indicator of the golfer's real-time performance:
[0071] 1. the possibility of 3 additional green indicators turned
on by the Virtual Caddy if all 3 critical positions in this phase
are executed properly; everything is a "GO"; or . . . [0072] 2.
from 1 to 3 yellow lights could be triggered; which as discussed
above indicates that one or more of the critical positions was
slightly off which would likely result in a less than perfect shot;
but one that could be recovered from (based on historical
information with this Golfer); perhaps because one or more of the
positions compensated for an error in the others; a frequent
occurrence with some golfers. [0073] 3. At least one red light out
of 3 in this phase indicating that the corresponding critical
position or phase was improperly executed and would likely result
in a disaster for the Golfer (based on historical information with
this Golfer); thus the recommendation would be to abort to abort
the swing (if possible) and start the "Setup at Address" again.
[0074] Of course there are many combinations of green, yellow and
red indicators that could occur during the backswing and the
present invention will track them all and during a recreational
round or tournament the Virtual Caddy will give recommendations to
the golfer as to how to proceed based on historical information
that has been captured, saved, analyzed and achieved; such advice
will only get better as the apparatus is used; also during training
or practice, more comprehensive explanations would be imparted by
the Virtual Caddy as well as suggestions on drills and other
procedures to try.
[0075] For the "Downswing" to "Ball Impact" a similar approach
would be taken; however the further the golfer is into the
downswing the less likely the golfer will be able to abort the
swing; so the likely recourse is collect the data, record and
analyze for use during the next swing.
[0076] Similarly for the "Follow-Through" to "Up on the Right toe
or Ball of Right Foot" phases.
[0077] This procedure could be used for every shot during a
training session or a recreational round of golf or even in a
tournament (if permitted).
[0078] Note the box the golfer is standing in (called the Golfer's
Tolerance Box) during the Down swing FIGS. 3-6. The box represent a
unique feature of the present invention to capture swing data,
save, analyze and monitor how well the golfer executes each of the
critical positions the Golfer has chosen to track. This information
can be mapped and statistical analysis can be done on it to show
the amount of movement during each critical position that a Golfer
can tolerate before adversely affecting the outcome for that
distance with a particular club. This is done by correlating the
results of each shot with the individual execution of each phase
through gathering input of motion, balance, weight distribution,
body rotation and so on from the enhanced golf components including
smart garments (containing sensor and computing circuits). It is
generally recognized and agreed by golf professionals that Golfers
who keep the lower part of the body in the box with a) little or no
lateral movement but shifts weight as they turn on their spinal
axis; b) little or no forward movement (meaning towards the ball)
or backwards movement during the swing; result in better scores and
overall greater enjoyment of the game. Of course how much movement
can be tolerated varies from golfer to golfer. That is why the
present invention tracts the movement and correlates it to the
outcome of each shot. So that over time the Golfer's Tolerance Box
can be measured to anticipate the impact of various movements on
his scores for each of the Golfer's clubs.
* * * * *