U.S. patent application number 13/869429 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-12 for systems, methods, and articles of manufacture to measure, analyze and share golf swing characteristics.
This patent application is currently assigned to KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Roger J. Cottam, Erik M. Henrikson, Paul D. Wood.
Application Number | 20130237336 13/869429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47142229 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130237336 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cottam; Roger J. ; et
al. |
September 12, 2013 |
SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE TO MEASURE, ANALYZE
AND SHARE GOLF SWING CHARACTERISTICS
Abstract
Embodiments of systems, methods, computer-readable media and
article of manufacture related to putting stroke characteristics
are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described
and claimed.
Inventors: |
Cottam; Roger J.; (Mesa,
AZ) ; Wood; Paul D.; (Phoenix, AZ) ;
Henrikson; Erik M.; (Mesa, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION |
PHOENIX |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING
CORPORATION
PHOENIX
AZ
|
Family ID: |
47142229 |
Appl. No.: |
13/869429 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13524257 |
Jun 15, 2012 |
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13869429 |
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13246663 |
Sep 27, 2011 |
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13524257 |
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29391647 |
May 11, 2011 |
D663947 |
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13246663 |
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29391657 |
May 11, 2011 |
D648119 |
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29391647 |
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61485549 |
May 12, 2011 |
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61497891 |
Jun 16, 2011 |
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61506583 |
Jul 11, 2011 |
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61522165 |
Aug 10, 2011 |
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61532503 |
Sep 8, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/221 ;
473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/14 20130101;
A63B 69/3632 20130101; A63B 69/3658 20130101; H04M 1/72522
20130101; A63B 69/3614 20130101; H04M 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/221 ;
473/409 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: collecting data with a first electronic
device, the data being related to at least one of position or
motion of a golf club at least one of before, during or after at
least one golf stroke performed with the golf club, the first
electronic device being portable and attached to the golf club;
determining with the first electronic device at least one of at
least one stroke characteristic or at least one golf club
characteristic based on the data, the at least one golf club
characteristic configured to improve performance at least one of
before, during or after a golf stroke; and providing information to
at least a second electronic device, the information comprising at
least one of at least a portion of the data, the at least one
stroke characteristic or the at least one golf club
characteristic.
2. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one stroke
characteristic comprises at least one of closing angle, impact
angle, tempo, lie angle or loft angle associated with the at least
one golf stroke.
3. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein determining the at least
one golf club characteristic is based on the at least one stroke
characteristic of the at least one golf stroke performed with the
golf club.
4. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising attaching a
portable electronic device holder to the golf club, and attaching
the first electronic device to the portable electronic device
holder.
5. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein providing information to
at least the second electronic device comprises transmitting the
information from the first electronic device directly to at least
the second electronic device.
6. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein providing information to
at least the second electronic device comprises transmitting the
information from the first electronic device to a server, and
providing the information by the server to at least the second
electronic device.
7. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein providing information to
at least the second electronic device comprises receiving a request
by the first electronic device from at least the second electronic
device for the information, and transmitting the information to at
least the second electronic device responsive to the request.
8. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein providing information to
at least the second electronic device comprises: transmitting the
information from the first electronic device to a server; receiving
a request for the information by the server from at least the
second electronic device; and transmitting the information from the
server to at least the second electronic device responsive to the
request.
9. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein providing information to
at least the second electronic device comprises providing
information related to at least one of physical characteristics of
an individual performing the at least one golf stroke with the golf
club, fitting the golf club for the individual, or the individual
training to play golf.
10. A method comprising: indicating with at least one portable
electronic device to each of a plurality of individuals to perform
a plurality of golf strokes; determining with the at least one
portable electronic device at least one stroke characteristic for
each golf stroke of each individual; and determining with the
portable electronic device a measure of performance of each
individual for the plurality of golf strokes performed by each of
the plurality of individuals based on the at least one stroke
characteristic of each of the plurality of golf strokes performed
by each individual.
11. A method as defined in claim 10, further comprising indicating
with the portable electronic device the measure of performance of
each of the plurality of individuals.
12. A method as defined in claim 10, wherein the measure of
performance of each individual is a consistency score of each
individual comprising a measure of consistency of the at least one
stroke characteristic for the plurality of golf strokes performed
by each individual.
13. A method as defined in claim 10, comprising indicating to each
individual of the plurality of individuals to perform a selected
number of golf strokes, and determining with the portable
electronic device the measure of performance of each individual for
the selected number of golf strokes before indicating to another
individual of the plurality of individuals to perform the selected
number of golf strokes.
14. A method as defined in claim 10, wherein the measure of
performance of each individual is a consistency score of each
individual comprising a measure of consistency of the at least one
stroke characteristic for the plurality of golf strokes performed
by each individual, and further comprising indicating the
consistency scores of the plurality of individuals.
15. A method as defined in claim 10, wherein the plurality of golf
strokes performed by each individual comprises a selected number of
golf strokes for a plurality of golf holes.
16. A method as defined in claim 10, further comprising determining
at least one of a selected number golf strokes to perform for each
individual or a selected number of golf holes to play for each
individual.
17. An article of manufacture including content, which when
accessed, causes a machine to: collect data related to at least one
of position or motion of a golf club at least one of before, during
or after at least one golf stroke performed with the golf club;
determine at least one of at least one stroke characteristic or at
least one golf club characteristic based on the data, the at least
one golf club characteristic configured to improve performance at
least one of before, during or after a golf stroke; and provide
information to at least one electronic device, the information
comprising at least one of at least a portion of the data, the at
least one stroke characteristic or the at least one golf club
characteristic.
18. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 17, which when
accessed, causes the machine to determine the at least one stroke
characteristic by determining at least one of closing angle, impact
angle, tempo, lie angle or loft angle associated with the at least
one golf stroke.
19. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 17, which when
accessed, causes the machine to determine the at least one golf
club characteristic based on the at least one stroke characteristic
of the at least one golf stroke performed with the golf club.
20. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 17, which when
accessed, causes the machine to provide information to the at least
one electronic device by transmitting the information directly to
the at least one electronic device.
21. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 17, which when
accessed, causes the machine to provide information to at the least
one electronic device by transmitting the information to a server,
and providing the information by the server to at the least one
electronic device.
22. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 17, which when
accessed, causes the machine to provide information to the at least
one electronic device by receiving a request from at least one
electronic device for the information, and transmitting the
information to the at least one electronic device responsive to the
request.
23. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 17, which when
accessed, causes the machine to provide information to the at least
one electronic device by: transmitting the information to a server;
receiving a request for the information by the server from the at
least one electronic device; and transmitting the information to
the at least one electronic device responsive to the request.
24. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 17, which when
accessed, causes the machine to provide information to at the least
one electronic device by providing information related to at least
one of physical characteristics of an individual performing the at
least one golf stroke with the golf club, fitting the golf club for
the individual, or the individual training to play golf.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/524,257, filed on Jun. 15, 2012, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/246,663
filed on Sep. 27, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/485,549 filed on May 12, 2011, and
is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/391,647 filed on May 11, 2011, and is a continuation in part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/391,657 filed on May 11, 2011.
This patent application is also a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/524,257, filed on Jun. 15, 2012, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/497,891 filed on Jun. 16, 2011; U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/506,583 filed on Jul. 11, 2011; U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/522,165, filed on Aug. 10, 2011; and,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/532,503 filed on Sep. 8,
2011. The disclosures of all of the above-referenced applications
are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to golf, and more
particularly, to measure, analyze and share golf swing
characteristics.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In golf, some training devices may be an integral part of a
golf club (i.e., built-in). That is, the golf club may not be
readily used for play in a round of golf. Alternatively, other
training devices may only function as a golf training device such
that the training device may not be used for other purposes.
Instead of the types of training device for golf mentioned above,
individuals may want use already-owned and/or everyday-used
portable electronic devices as a training device for golf.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of an example
portable electronic device holder according to an embodiment of the
methods and articles of manufacture described herein.
[0005] FIG. 2 depicts a back perspective view of an example
portable electronic device holder of FIG. 1.
[0006] FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the example portable
electronic device holder of FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 4 depicts a back view of the example portable
electronic device holder of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 5 depicts a first end view of the example portable
electronic device holder of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 6 depicts a second end view of the example portable
electronic device holder of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 7 depicts a first side view of the example portable
electronic device holder of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 8 depicts a second side view of the example portable
electronic device holder of FIG. 1 engaging a golf club shaft.
[0012] FIG. 9 depicts a bottom view of the example portable
electronic device holder of FIG. 1 engaging a golf club shaft.
[0013] FIG. 10 depicts a front view of the example portable
electronic device holder of FIG. 1 engaging a portable electronic
device.
[0014] FIG. 11 depicts a visual representation of the example
portable electronic device holder of FIG. 1 engaging a golf
club.
[0015] FIG. 12 depicts a visual representation of the example
portable electronic device holder of FIG. 1 engaging a golf
flagstick.
[0016] FIG. 13 depicts a schematic diagram of a typical portable
electronic device.
[0017] FIG. 14 depicts a schematic diagram of communication between
typical portable electronic devices.
[0018] FIG. 15 depicts a schematic diagram of a typical data
communication network.
[0019] FIG. 16 depicts a block diagram representation of a process
associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture
according to the disclosure.
[0020] FIGS. 17-27 depict visual diagram representations of example
stroke characteristics according to the disclosure.
[0021] FIGS. 28-31 show an example golf club head.
[0022] FIG. 32 depicts a visual diagram representation of an
example display according to the disclosure.
[0023] FIGS. 33-34 depict block diagram representations of
processes associated with the systems, methods, and articles of
manufacture according to the disclosure.
[0024] FIGS. 35-41 depict visual diagram representations of example
displays according to the disclosure.
[0025] FIGS. 42-43 depict block diagram representations of
processes associated with the systems, methods, and articles of
manufacture according to the disclosure.
[0026] FIGS. 44-50 depict visual diagram representations of example
displays according to the disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 51 depicts a block diagram representation of a process
associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture
according to the disclosure.
[0028] FIGS. 52-58 depict visual diagram representations of example
displays according to the disclosure.
[0029] FIGS. 59-60 depict block diagram representations of
processes associated with the systems, methods, and articles of
manufacture according to the disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 61 depicts a visual diagram representation of an
example display according to the disclosure.
[0031] FIGS. 62-65 depict diagrams of a golf cup including a sensor
assembly according to the disclosure.
[0032] FIGS. 66-67 depict schematic diagrams of an example sensor
assembly according to the disclosure.
[0033] FIGS. 68-70 depict block diagram representations of
processes associated with the systems, methods, and articles of
manufacture according to the disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 71 depicts a schematic diagram of a golf ball having a
sensor according to the disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 72 depicts a block diagram representation of a process
associated with the systems, methods and articles of manufacture
according to the disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 73 depicts a schematic diagram of a camera mounted on a
flagstick according to the disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 74 depicts a schematic diagram of a typical camera.
[0038] FIG. 75 depicts a side view of a portable electronic device
mounted to a golf club shaft with a device holder according to the
disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 76 depicts a side view of a portable electronic device
mounted to a flagstick with a device holder according to the
disclosure.
[0040] FIGS. 77-78 depict block diagram representations of
processes associated with the systems, methods, and articles of
manufacture according to the disclosure.
[0041] FIGS. 79-81 depict three example putters according to the
disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 82 depicts a block diagram representation of a process
associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture
according to the disclosure.
[0043] FIGS. 83-85 depict three example stroke type indicators
according to the disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 86 depicts a block diagram representation of a process
associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture
according to the disclosure.
[0045] FIGS. 87-95 depict visual diagram representations of example
displays according to the disclosure.
[0046] FIGS. 96-101 depict block diagram representations of
processes associated with the systems, methods, and articles of
manufacture according to the disclosure.
[0047] FIGS. 102-103 depict visual diagram representations of
example displays according to the disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 104 depicts a block diagram representation of a process
associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture
described herein.
[0049] FIGS. 105-112 depict visual diagram representations of
example displays according to the disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 113 depicts a block diagram representation of a process
associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture
according to the disclosure.
[0051] FIGS. 114-123 depict visual diagram representations of
example displays according to the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] In general, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture
associated with a portable electronic device holder are described
herein. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture
described herein are not limited in this regard.
[0053] In the example of FIGS. 1-12, a portable electronic device
holder 100 may include a body portion 200 (e.g., generally shown in
FIG. 2) and a clamp portion 300 (e.g., generally shown in FIG. 3).
As described in detail below, and generally shown in FIGS. 10 and
11, the portable electronic device holder 100 may be configured to
removably attach and secure a portable electronic device 1000 such
as a wireless communication device and/or a portable media player
to a golf club 798. In particular, the portable electronic device
holder 100 may be configured to removably attach and secure the
portable electronic device 1000 to a golf shaft 800 of the golf
club 798. As generally shown in FIG. 12, the portable electronic
device holder 100 may also be configured to removably attach and
secure the portable electronic device 1000 to a golf flagstick 810.
For example, the portable electronic device 1000 may be a media
player (e.g., an IPOD.RTM. mobile digital device from Apple Inc.,
Cupertino, Calif.), a wireless telephone (e.g., an IPHONE.RTM.
mobile digital device from Apple Inc., Cupertino, Calif.), a
handheld computer, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a game
console device, a digital camera and/or a video camera. As
described in detail below, the portable electronic device 1000 may
be configured to operate as a training device, a gaming device
and/or a social networking device (e.g., the portable electronic
device 1000 may include a processor to execute a software
application). In addition or alternatively, the portable electronic
device 1000 may be configured to operate as a telephone or a
speaker broadcasting music. The apparatus and articles of
manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
[0054] In particular, the body portion 200 of the portable
electronic device holder 100 may include a first body end 210, a
second body end 220, a first side portion 230, a second side
portion 240, and a back portion 250. One or more portions of the
body portion 200 may include one or more openings to accommodate
for buttons, switches, ports, etc. of the portable electronic
device 1000, generally shown as 212, 214, 222, and 232. In one
example, the first body end 210 may include an opening 212 to
accommodate a headphone jack and an opening 214 to accommodate a
power switch of the portable electronic device 1000. The second
body end 220 may include an opening 222 to receive the portable
electronic device 1000. The first side portion 230 may include an
opening 232 to accommodate one or more buttons to control volume.
The back portion 250 may include an opening to accommodate a camera
lens. The body portion 200 may be made of semi-rigid molded plastic
or other suitable type materials. For example, the body portion 200
may be made of polycarbonate material and/or polypropylene
material. The apparatus and articles of manufacture described
herein are not limited in these regards.
[0055] In general, the portable electronic device 1000 may be able
to slide in and out the body portion 200 via the opening 222 of the
second body end 220. The first body end 210, the second body end
220, the first side portion 230, the second side portion 240, and
the back portion 250 may be configured to secure the portable
electronic device 900 so that the portable electronic device 1000
does not slide out from the body portion 200 without being pulled
away from the portable electronic device holder 100. For example,
the first body end 210, the first side portion 230, and/or the
second side portion 240 may be curved or contoured in a manner to
accommodate the outer shape of the portable electronic device 1000.
The back portion 250 may include a material, which helps to retain
the portable electronic device 1000 in the body portion 200 via
friction. While the above examples may describe various openings at
or proximate to particular portions, the apparatus, the methods,
and the articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in
this regard.
[0056] The clamp portion 300 may include a first clamp end 310, a
second clamp end 320, a first arm portion 330, and a second arm
portion 340. Each of the first and second arm portions 330 and 340
may have a W-shaped configuration. In particular, the first arm
portion 330 may include a first support portion 332, a first
arcuate portion 334, and a first guide portion 336. The first
support portion 332 of the first arm portion 330 may extend from
the back portion 240 of the body portion 200. The first support
portion 332 may be coupled to the first arcuate portion 334, which
in turn, may be coupled the first guide portion 336.
[0057] In a similar manner, the second arm portion 340 may include
a second support portion 342, a second arcuate portion 344, and a
second guide portion 346. The second support portion 342 of the
second arm portion 340 may extend from the back portion 250 of the
body portion 200. The second support portion 342 may be coupled to
the second arcuate portion 344, which in turn, may be coupled the
second guide portion 346.
[0058] The clamp portion 300 may be made of a semi-rigid material
such as plastic and/or other suitable type of materials. For
example, the clamp portion 300 may be made of polycarbonate
material and/or polypropylene material. The first and second guide
portions 336 and 346 may be configured to assist the golf club
shaft 800 to engage the first and second arcuate portions 334 and
344. The first and second support portions 332 and 342 may be
configured to provide flexibility so that the clamp portion 300 may
engage the golf club shaft 800 or the flagstick 810.
[0059] In one example as shown in FIG. 9, the first and second
arcuate portions 334 and 344 may be configured to engage the golf
club shaft 800 or the flagstick 810 (i.e., a cross-sectional view
of the golf club shaft 800 is shown). The first and second arcuate
portions 334 and 344 may be configured to engage golf club shafts
or flagsticks with various diameter sizes. For example, the first
and second arcuate portions 334 and 344 may be configured to engage
golf club shafts having a diameter of at least 0.3 inches. With
some golf club shafts taper from one end to another (e.g., 0.335
inches at the tip end and 0.6 inches at the butt end), the first
and second arcuate portions 334 and 344 may be configured to engage
golf club shafts having a diameter ranging from 0.4 inches to 0.6
inches. The first and second arcuate portions 334 and 344 may be
configured to engage flagsticks having a diameter of 0.5-1.0 inch.
The apparatus, the methods, and the articles of manufacture
described herein are not limited in this regard.
[0060] The clamp portion 300 may also include a bumper portion 350.
In particular, a portion of the golf club shaft 800 or the
flagstick 810 may rest against the bumper portion 350. The bumper
portion 350 may prevent or reduce damage to the graphics of the
golf club shaft 800, the golf club shaft 800 itself, and/or the
flagstick 810.
[0061] In the example of FIGS. 8-11, the golf club shaft 800 may
include a butt end 810 and a tip end 820. A grip 815 may be located
at or proximate to the butt end 810 whereas a golf club head 825
may be located at or proximate to the tip end 820. The portable
electronic device holder 100 may engage the golf club shaft 800 of
a golf club at or proximate to the butt end 810. To engage the golf
club shaft 800, the portable electronic device holder 100 may be
rotated 180 degrees from the orientation of the portable electronic
device holder 100 shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8, for example,
the first end portion 210 of the portable electronic device holder
100 may point towards the tip end 820 of the golf club shaft 800
whereas the second end portion 220 of the portable electronic
device holder 100 may point towards the butt end 810 of the golf
club shaft 800. The apparatus, the methods, and the articles of
manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
[0062] In the example of FIG. 10, a portable electronic device 1000
may include a top portion 1010, a bottom portion 1020, and a
display portion 1030. The body portion 200 of the portable
electronic device holder 100 may receive the portable electronic
device 1000. In particular, the top portion 1010 of the portable
electronic device 1000 may slide through the opening 222 of the
second body end 220. The first body end 210 of the body portion 200
may be configured to abut the top portion 1010 of the portable
electronic device 1000. The portable electronic device holder 100
may include an opening so that the display portion 1030 of the
portable electronic device 1000 may be visible. In one example, the
portable electronic device 1000 may operate as a training device
for golf. Accordingly, any visual representation may be generated
on the display portion 1030, which can be seen by an individual
while the portable electronic device 1000 is secured to the
portable electronic device holder 100. The apparatus, and the
articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this
regard.
[0063] The portable electronic device 1000 may communicate with a
server, directly with another portable electronic device, with
another portable electronic device through a server, and/or with a
network as described in detail below. Referring to FIG. 13, the
portable electronic device 1000 may include a processing device
1110, a plurality of sensors 1112, a graphical user interface (GUI)
1114, and a data storage device 1116. The portable electronic
device 1000 may also include an input and output port (I/O port,
not shown) and/or one or more transceivers (not shown).
Furthermore, the portable electronic device 1000 may include one or
more Global Positioning Sensors (GPS, not shown) for determining
location. The processing device 1110 may execute instructions that
are stored in the storage device 1116 to perform any of the
processes according to the disclosure. The plurality of sensors
1112 may include accelerometers to measure accelerations and/or
gyroscopes to determine an orientation of the portable electronic
device 1000, which may be used to determine stroke characteristics
of an individual as described in detail below. The GUI 1114 may
generate one or more visual displays associated with the processes
according to the disclosure. The data storage device 1116, which
may be any type of data memory device, may store data associated
with any of the processes according to the disclosure. The systems,
methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not
limited in this regard.
[0064] The portable electronic device 1000 may include one or more
user input devices (not shown), such as a touch screen graphical
user interface, an alphanumeric keyboard, push-type buttons,
rotating dials, a joystick, a trackball, and/or a touchpad.
Accordingly, an individual may operate the portable electronic
device 1000 and provide input to the portable electronic device
1000 with one or more of the noted input devices if any such input
devices are provided on the portable electronic device 1000.
According to the disclosed examples, the GUI 1114 of portable
electronic device 1000 is a touch-screen display by which an
individual can select one or more displayed items, perform certain
functions with the portable electronic device, operate the portable
electronic device, and/or provide input to the portable electronic
device. For example, a virtual keyboard may be provided on the GUI
1114, by which an individual can input alphanumeric characters by
touching an area of the GUI 1114 corresponding to the display of
each character. In another example, the GUI 1114 may display one or
more virtual windows having therein one or more selectable menu
items that can be selected by an individual by touching an area of
the GUI 1114 corresponding to the display of the menu item. Each
menu item when selected may cause the portable electronic device
1000 to perform a certain process or function such as any of the
disclosed processes or functions. In yet another example, the GUI
1114 may display a graphical icon, selection of which by an
individual may cause the portable electronic device to perform a
certain process or function, such as any of the disclosed processes
of functions, corresponding to the graphical icon. The displayed
icon can be selected by an individual by touching an area of the
GUI 1114 where the graphical icon is displayed. The portable
electronic device is described herein as having a touch screen GUI
1114. However, any portable electronic device may be used to
perform the disclosed processes or function as disclosed. Thus, the
systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are
not limited in this regard.
[0065] Two or more portable electronic devices may directly
communicate with each other. Referring to FIG. 14, three exemplary
portable electronic devices are shown generally as 1120, 1122, and
1124. The portable electronic devices 1120, 1122, and 1124 may be
configured to perform the processes according to the disclosure
and/or operate as described herein. The portable electronic devices
1120, 1122, and 1124 may communicate with each other directly via a
wireless communication link (e.g., short-range wireless
communication link). For example, the portable electronic devices
1120, 1122, and 1124 may operate in accordance with Bluetooth.RTM.
technology to communicate and/or exchange data with each other. In
addition or alternatively, the portable electronic devices 1120,
1122, and 1124 may operate in accordance with the 802.xx family of
standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers (IEEE) and/or variations and evolutions of these
standards (e.g., 802.11x, 802.15, 802.16x, etc.), Ultra Wideband
(UWB), Near Field Communication (NFC), and/or radio frequency
identification (RFID) to communicate and/or exchange data with each
other as described herein. In another example, the portable
electronic devices 1120, 1122, and 1124 may be within a particular
distance (e.g., up to 100 meters or 328 feet) of each other so that
these devices may automatically detect the presence of each other
to communicate and/or exchange data. The systems, methods, and
articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 15, each portable electronic device may
communicate with a network 1150 including a server 1152. The server
1152 may receive data from the portable electronic device and store
the data. The portable electronic device 1000 may receive data from
the server 1152, receive updated instructions from the server 1152
to perform any of the processes according to the disclosure, and/or
to receive new instructions from the server 1152 to perform any of
the processes according to the disclosure. Two portable electronic
devices are generally shown as 1154 and 1156. In particular, the
plurality of portable electronic devices 1154 and 1156 may
communicate with the server 1152 directly and/or indirectly via one
or more wired or wireless communication links, which may be in
accordance to a proprietary wireless communication protocol or any
of the wireless communication protocols described herein. Data
stored on the server 1152 may be shared and accessed by the
portable electronic devices 1154 and 1156. Other portable
electronic devices such as a desktop computer (e.g., one shown as
1158), a laptop computer (e.g., one shown as 1160), and/or a tablet
device (e.g., one shown as 1162) may also send data to and receive
data from the server 1152, and access the data stored on the server
1152 via the Internet 1164.
[0067] Referring back to FIG. 14, the first portable electronic
device 1120 may share data in real time with the second portable
electronic device 1122 and/or the third portable electronic device
1124 directly (e.g., via one or more wired and/or wireless
communication links). In addition or alternatively, the first
portable electronic device 1120 may share data by transmitting to a
display or a monitor directly (e.g., via one or more wired and/or
wireless communication links).
[0068] Referring to FIG. 15, the portable electronic device 1154
may share data with other portable electronic devices via the
server 1152 or with systems (i.e., other servers or networks)
remotely located from the server (not shown) via the internet 1164.
Accordingly, the portable electronic device 1156 and/or other
devices (e.g., the desktop computer 1158, the laptop computer 1160,
and/or the tablet device 1162) may access data stored on the server
1152. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are not
limited in this regard.
[0069] While the examples provided herein may describe particular
wireless communication protocols, the systems, methods, and
articles of manufacture described herein may operate in accordance
with other wireless communication protocols such as frequency
division multiple access techniques such as frequency division
multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA),
and/or code division multiple access (CDMA). For example, the
wireless communication protocols may include Global System for
Mobile communications (GSM), Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), General Packet
radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE),
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High-Speed
Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), Long Term Evolution (LTR),
variations and evolutions of these standards, and/or other suitable
wireless communication standards to communicate and/or exchange
data. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described
herein are readily applicable to many specifications and/or
standards developed by other special interest groups and/or
standard development organizations (e.g., Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)
Alliance, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)
Forum, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Third Generation
Partnership Project (3GPP), etc.).
[0070] The processes described herein may be implemented as
machine-accessible instructions utilizing any of many different
programming codes stored on any combination of machine-accessible
media embodied in a mobile application (e.g., an app) and/or an
online application for various wired and/or wireless communication
devices such as handheld computers, smartphones, portable media
players, tablet computers, etc. In addition or alternatively, the
machine-accessible instructions may be embodied in a volatile or
non-volatile memory or other mass storage device (e.g., a floppy
disk, a CD, and a DVD). For example, the machine-accessible
instructions may be embodied in a machine-accessible medium such as
a programmable gate array, an application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM),
a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a flash
memory, a magnetic media, an optical media, and/or any other
suitable type of medium. The systems, methods, and articles of
manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
[0071] While example systems including, among other components,
software or firmware executed on hardware are disclosed herein, it
should be noted that such systems are merely illustrative and
should not be considered as limiting. In particular, it is
contemplated that any or all of the disclosed hardware, software,
and/or firmware components could be embodied exclusively in
hardware, exclusively in software, exclusively in firmware or in
some combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware.
[0072] A golf stroke may be defined as the complete movement of a
golf club by an individual to strike a golf ball from a setup or
address position to the conclusion of a follow through position
(i.e. continuous motion of the club after the ball is hit).
Examples of golf strokes may be a putting stroke, a chipping stroke
or a driving stroke. The disclosed systems, methods, and articles
of manufacture are described with respect to putting strokes.
However, the disclosed systems, methods, and articles of
manufacture are not limited in this regard and are equally
applicable to any type of golf stroke such as chipping strokes,
driving strokes or any swinging action of a golf club by an
individual for actually striking a golf ball or to simulate
striking a golf ball.
[0073] The disclosed systems, methods, and articles of manufacture
are described with respect to a putter type of golf club. However,
any type of golf club may be used with the disclosed systems,
methods, and articles of manufacture. For example, a golf club for
use with the disclosed systems, methods, and articles of
manufacture may be a wood-type golf club, such as a driver-type
golf club head, a fairway wood-type golf club head (e.g., 2-wood
golf club, 3-wood golf club, 4-wood golf club, 5-wood golf club,
6-wood golf club, 7-wood golf club, 8-wood golf club, or a 9-wood
golf club), a hybrid-type golf club head or any other suitable type
of golf club head with a hollow body or a body with one or more
cavities, apertures, recesses or channels. Although the disclosed
examples depict putter type golf clubs, the apparatus, articles of
manufacture, and methods described herein may be applicable to
other types of golf club heads.
[0074] FIG. 15 shows a process 1200 (e.g., via the portable
electronic device 1000) configured to measure one or more stroke
characteristics of an individual associated with one or a plurality
of putting strokes (block 1202), generate a consistency score for
the individual (block 1204) based on the measure stroke
characteristics, and generate a putting handicap for the individual
(block 1206) based on one or more consistency scores. The process
1200 may be further configured to compare a consistency score
and/or a putting handicap of an individual with other individuals
(block 1208), to fit an individual with golf clubs based on the
individual's measured stroke characteristics (block 1210), and/or
to allow an individual to compete against one or more local or
remotely located individuals (block 1212). The process 1200 and
operation of the electronic device 1000 when performing the process
1200 is described in detail below.
[0075] Stroke characteristics may include closing angle, impact
angle, tempo, shaft lie angle and shaft loft angle. Closing angle,
for example, may be the amount a striking face of a golf club turns
during a downswing of a putting stroke. Impact angle, for example,
may be defined by an angle of the striking face at impact. Tempo,
for example, may be defined by a ratio of a backswing time to a
downswing time. Shaft lie angle, for example, may be defined by the
angle between the shaft of a golf club and a vertical line at the
moment of impact between the face of the golf club and a ball.
Shaft loft angle, for example, may be the defined by the angle
between the shaft and a vertical line extending from the club face
at the moment of impact between the club face and a ball.
[0076] FIGS. 17-19 show an exemplary club head 1212 having a club
face 1214 for striking a ball. Based on the closing angle, the
process 1200 may identify a stroke type. Any number of stroke types
may be identified by the process 1200. Three common stroke types
may be a straight-type stroke, a slight arc-type stroke, or a
strong arc-type stroke. Referring to FIG. 17, the face 1214 may
have relatively less face rotation in a straight-type stroke as
illustrated by the generally straight line 1216 whereas the face
1214 may have a greater face rotation in a slight arc-type stroke
as illustrated by the arc 1218 of FIG. 18. Referring to FIG. 19, a
strong arc-type stroke may be defined by the face 1214 having a
larger rotation than in the straight-type stroke and
slight-arc-type stroke as illustrated by the arc 1220.
[0077] Referring to FIGS. 20-22, the impact angle of a putting
stroke may be an angle of the striking face 1214 of the club head
1212 at impact relative to an address position 1215 (shown with
dashed lines). FIG. 20 shows the striking face 1214 having an
impact angle that is generally similar to the address position
1215. FIGS. 21 and 22 show the impact angle to be open and closed,
respectively. An open position for a right handed player, which is
generally shown in FIG. 21, may be defined by the striking face
1214 of the club head 1212 oriented toward the right of the address
position 1215 whereas a closed position, which is generally shown
in FIG. 22, may be defined by the striking face 1214 oriented
toward the left of the address position 1215. An open position for
a left handed player (not shown), may be defined by the striking
face 1214 of the club head 1212 oriented toward the left of the
address position 1215 whereas a closed position (not shown) may be
defined by the striking face 1214 of the club head 1212 oriented
toward the right of the address position.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 23, the tempo of a putting stroke may be a
ratio of backswing time (generally shown as 1224) to downswing time
(generally shown as 1226). For example, a back swing time of 700
milliseconds (ms) to a downswing time of 350 ms is a 2-to-1 tempo.
A relatively consistent tempo may provide better control of
distance.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 24, a shaft lie angle 1227 of a golf club
may be defined by the angle between the shaft 1229 and the vertical
at the moment of impact between the club face 1214 and a golf
ball.
[0080] Referring to FIGS. 25-27, shaft loft angle 1232 may be
defined as the angle between the club shaft 1229 and a vertical
line 1234 at the moment of impact between the club face 1214 and
the golf ball. The club head may have a loft relative to the shaft
that is built into the golf club. Accordingly, the club head may
have a different loft angle than the shaft loft angle 1232 at the
moment of impact. Therefore, a non-zero shaft loft angle 1232 has
the effect of adding or subtracting to the built-in loft angle of
the club face 1214 at the moment of impact. The vertical line 1234
may represent an address position of the shaft. However, certain
individuals may orient the shaft at an angle relative to vertical
when in the address position. The shaft loft angle 1232 may also
determine an offset distance 1236 by which an individual's hands
gripping the shaft 1229 are offset relative to the club face 1214
at the moment of impact between the club face 1214 and the golf
ball. As shown in FIG. 25, the shaft loft angle 1232 may position
the individual's hands gripping the shaft 1229 to a position behind
the club face 1214 at the moment of impact between the club face
1214 and the golf ball, which may be referred to herein as the
hands back position. In FIG. 26, the shaft loft angle 1232 is shown
to be approximately zero. In FIG. 27, the shaft loft angle 1232 may
position the individual's hands gripping the shaft 1229 to a
position forward of the club face 1214 at the moment of impact
between the club face 1214 and the golf ball, which may be referred
to herein as the hands forward position.
[0081] To perform the process 1200, the portable electronic device
1000 may be attached to a golf club (e.g., a putter-type golf club)
via the portable electronic device holder 100 as shown in FIG. 11.
In a putting session, for example, the process 1200 may measure one
or more stroke characteristics (block 1202) associated with one or
several putting strokes. For example, five putting strokes may be
used by the process 1200 to measure one or more stroke
characteristics.
[0082] To measure one or more stroke characteristics as described
above, the portable electronic device 1000 may measure linear
and/or angular positions and/or linear and/or angular motions (e.g.
accelerations) of a section of the club shaft to which the portable
electronic device 1000 is attached along one, two or three axes
continuously or at certain time intervals prior to and after a face
of the club head strike a ball. FIGS. 28-31 show an exemplary golf
club 1240 for illustrating measurements that may be made by the
portable electronic device 1000 to determine one or more stroke
characteristics and/or fitting an individual with golf clubs as
described in detail below. The golf club 1240 may include a strike
face 1242, a hosel 1244, and a shaft (a portion shown as 1246). The
hosel 1244 may receive one end of the shaft 1246 whereas the
opposite end of the shaft 1246 may include a grip (not shown). An
axis may extend through the shaft 1246 (i.e., a shaft axis 1248). A
center of gravity (CG) 1250 of the golf club 1240 may be defined
relative to the shaft axis 1248 and/or a CG angle 1252 relative to
a horizontal plane 1254 passing through the shaft axis 1248.
[0083] In one example, the portable electronic device 1000 may
determine face rotation of the golf club 1240 relative to the shaft
axis 1248 during the entire backswing and downswing sections of a
golf stroke to determine stroke type of an individual. The portable
electronic device 1000 may measure linear and/or angular
accelerations in one or more axes continuously or at discrete
intervals during the entire golf swing starting from the address
position. Impact of the club head with the ball may signal the end
of the downswing. By measuring linear and/or angular accelerations
from the address position to the impact position of the club head
at continuous or discrete intervals, an angle of the club head may
be calculated at each of the time intervals relative to the angle
of the club head or the club face at the address position.
Therefore, rotation of the club face during the entire backswing
and downswing sections of a golf stroke may be determined.
[0084] In another example, the portable electronic device 1000 may
measure an angle of rotation of the face of the golf club 1240
relative to an angle of the face at the address position 1215 shown
in FIGS. 20-22. The portable electronic device 1000 may measure the
angle of rotation of the face of the golf club 1240 continuously or
at certain intervals during the entire golf swing relative to the
address position 1215 shown in FIGS. 20-22. Therefore, the angle of
the face of the golf club 1242 at the address position 1215 may be
used as a reference angle relative to which all rotation angles of
the club face during the entire golf swing are measured.
[0085] The change between the first rotation angle 1258 and the
second rotation angle 1262 or between any rotation angle and the
angle at the address position 1215 may be used by the portable
electronic device 1000 to determine the stroke type for an
individual. By measuring stroke characteristics based on multiple
putt attempts, consistency in the putting stroke characteristics
can be identified in order to provide an accurate measurement of
putting stroke characteristics. In one example, a change in face
rotation of less than 3.5 degrees may be classified as a straight
stroke type. A change in face rotation in a range from 3.5 to 7.5
degrees may be classified as a mid-arc stroke type. A change in
face rotation of greater than 7.5 degrees may be classified as a
strong-arc stroke type. While the above examples may provide
particular ranges of change in face rotation for various stroke
types, the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described
herein may use other suitable ranges to classify stroke type.
[0086] As described in detail below, the process 1200 may generate
a putting handicap (block 1204) based on measuring an individual's
stroke characteristics (block 1202). In particular, the process
1200 may calculate a consistency score associated with each putting
session to define the repeatability of an individual's putting
stroke. In one example, a relative low number may indicate a
relatively consistent putting stroke whereas a relatively high
number may indicate a relatively inconsistent putting stroke. Each
putting session may include at least one putting stroke (e.g., at
least five putting strokes by an individual). The process 1200 may
generate the putting handicap based on one or a plurality of
consistency scores (e.g., consistency scores from last ten putting
sessions). The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture
described herein are not limited in this regard.
[0087] The process 1200 may display the individual's stroke
characteristics on the graphical user interface (GUI) 1114. For
example, the portable electronic device 1000 may determine the
individual's stroke type, impact angle, tempo, shaft lie angle
and/or shaft loft angle as discussed in detail below. The portable
electronic device 1000 may then display in alphanumeric text,
graphics or a combination thereof the individual's stroke type,
impact angle, tempo, shaft lie angle and/or shaft loft angle.
[0088] Referring back to FIGS. 13 and 15, the process 1200 may be
performed with the portable electronic device 1000 by instructions
being executed with the processing device 1110. The instructions
may include one or a plurality of program codes and related data
collectively defining software stored in the data storage device
1116 and retrieved by the processing device 1110. Any instructions
being executed with the processing device 1110 to perform any of
the disclosed processes including the process 1200 may be generally
referred to herein as the software.
[0089] An individual may start any of the disclosed processes
including the process 1200 by touching a graphic icon on the GUI
1114 corresponding to the process. Alternatively, the individual
may start a process by pressing one or more buttons on the portable
electronic device 1000 and/or with voice commands. Performing any
of the disclosed processes, including the process 1200 may entail
the processing device 1110 retrieving at least a part of
instructions such as a program code and any data associated with
the retrieved part of the program code from the storage device 1116
and executing the program code to operate the portable electronic
device 1000 to perform the process.
[0090] The GUI 1114 may display an icon representing the software,
which as described in detail above, includes instructions that are
executable by the processor of the portable electronic device to
perform any of the disclosed processes including process 1200. For
example, the icon may be an image of a golf club and a golf ball.
To start the software (i.e., execute instructions by the
processor), an individual can touch the GUI 1114 at or near the
location where the icon is displayed. Subsequently, a main display
1300 is shown on the GUI 1114, an example of which is shown in FIG.
32. The main display 1300 may include a main menu 1302 by which the
individual can select one or more of several functions of the
software to be performed by the portable electronic device
1000.
[0091] The main menu 1302 may include a practice icon 1304, a
measure icon 1306, a compare icon 1308 and a sub-menu icon 1310 for
providing additional options to an individual as described in
detail below. Each of the icons 1304, 1306, 1308 and 1310 may
include graphics and/or alphanumeric symbols to convey to an
individual the process and/or function that is performed upon
selection of the icon. For example, as shown in FIG. 32, the
practice icon 1304 may display the word "Practice" along with a
graphic representation of a putting green with a flagstick (not
shown). The measure icon 1306 may display the word "Measure" along
with a graphic representation of a measurement device, such as
ruler (not shown). The "Compare" icon 1308 may display the word
"Compare" along with a graphic symbol that may convey to an
individual a compare function (not shown). The sub-menu icon 1310,
for example, may display the word "More" indicating more menu
options. Each of the main menu icons may be selected by an
individual touching the display of the icon on the GUI 1114.
However, an individual may select each icon by scrolling through
the main menu 1302 with one or buttons, scroll wheels, joysticks
and/or like user input devices on the portable electronic device
1000. Touching the display of an icon on the GUI 1114, i.e.,
selecting the icon, may change the color, contrast and/or
brightness of the icon so as to visually show the individual that
the icon has been selected. For example, touching an icon having a
dark blue background color may change the color of the background
to light blue so as to emulate a lighted switch or button that has
been turned on.
[0092] An individual may perform a practice session during which
one or more of the individual's stroke characteristics may be
determined. The process 1200 may determine one or more stroke
characteristics of an individual associated with one putting stroke
(FIG. 15, block 1202). Accordingly, an individual may choose to
practice putting and receive data regarding his or her stroke
characteristics for each putt as shown by the process 1270 of FIG.
33. The process 1270 includes receiving data from the portable
electronic device 1000 related to the motion of a golf club during
a putting stroke by an individual (block 1272), and determining at
least one stroke characteristic of the putting stroke of the
individual based on the received data (block 1273). Referring to
FIG. 34, the process 1270 may further include indicating to an
individual to perform a putting stroke (block 1271) so that sensors
1116 of the portable electronic device 1000 can provide data
related to the motion of the individual's golf club during the
putting stroke. The process 1270 may further include displaying on
the GUI 1114 of the portable electronic device 1000 the at least
one stroke characteristic (block 1274). The process 1270 and
operation of the electronic device 1000 when performing the process
1270 is described in detail below.
[0093] To perform the process 1270, an individual may select the
practice icon 1304 by touching the practice icon 1304, which causes
the GUI 1114 to display a practice display 1400 as shown in FIG.
35. The practice display 1400 includes the main menu 1302 and may
further include a stroke characteristics menu 1412, by which an
individual may select which of his or her stroke characteristics to
be determined in a practice session. The stroke characteristic menu
1412 may be represented by a stroke type icon 1414, an impact angle
icon 1416, a tempo icon 1417, an impact lie icon 1418 and/or an
impact loft icon 1419. An individual can select one or more of the
stroke characteristics icons by touching the icons on the GUI 1114.
Touching each icon may change the display of the icon, such as
changing the color, contrast and/or brightness of the icon to
convey to the individual that the icon has been selected.
[0094] The practice display 1400 may also show an individual
identification area 1420 in which the identification of an
individual, such as his or her name or any other type of
identification associated with an individual (e.g., nickname, user
name for accessing a network, email address, etc.) is displayed. In
the example of FIG. 35, the identification area 1420 appears above
the stroke characteristics menu 1412 and is shown to have the
generic identification "User Name." An individual can input his or
her identification by touching the identification area 1420. Upon
touching the identification area 1420, the individual is presented
by the GUI 1114 with an identification input display 1422, an
example of which his shown in FIG. 36. The individual may input his
or her name in an identification window 1430, provide his or her
photograph in a photograph area 1432, designate a putter for the
practice session in a putter designation window 1434, and/or
specify the type of putter being used by the putter selection
sub-menus 1436. Upon providing information according to the
identification input menu 1422, the individual can return to the
practice display 1400 by pressing a return icon 1438, which may
display an arrow indicating a reverse direction, i.e., going back,
and/or text indicating that an individual is finished inputting
information such as the word "Done" as shown in FIG. 36. An
individual's identification information may be stored on the
portable electronic device 1000 as the information is entered by
the individual or when the return icon 1438 is selected by the
individual.
[0095] Referring back to FIG. 35, upon providing information in the
identification input menu 1422, the individual's identification
appears in the identification area 1420 instead of the generic
identification "User Name." An individual may select the stroke
type icon 1414, the impact angle icon 1416, the tempo icon 1417,
the impact lie icon 1418 and/or the impact loft icon 1419 to
activate any one or all of these functions so as to receive
information about his or her stroke type, impact angle, tempo,
impact lie angle and/or impact loft angle, respectively. The
practice display 1400 may include a play icon 1424, which an
individual can touch to start a practice session.
[0096] Before starting the practice session as described above, the
individual can attach the portable electronic device 1000 to the
shaft of the putter with the device holder 100. Upon starting a
practice session, i.e., touching the play icon 1424, a practice
result display 1426 may be displayed on the GUI 1114 as shown in
FIG. 37. FIGS. 38 and 39 show results displayed on the practice
results display 1426 after a putting stroke. FIG. 39 shows a
continuation of the practice result display 1426, which may be
viewed by scrolling down the practice result display 1426 of FIG.
38. The results display 1426 includes a stroke type window 1428,
and impact angle window 1430, a tempo window 1432, an impact lie
window 1434 and an impact loft window 1436.
[0097] The stroke type is shown in the stroke type window 1428 to
be a straight stroke type with an angle of 3.3.degree. (i.e., the
angle of rotation of the head from the beginning of the downswing
to impact, which is also referred to herein as the closing angle),
the impact angle is shown in the impact angle window 1430 to be a
closed impact angle of -1.2.degree., the tempo is shown in the
tempo window 1432 to be 569 ms/279 ms or approximately 2.0, the
impact lie is shown to be 21.1.degree., and the impact loft is
shown to be 1.1.degree., representing a hands back position (see
FIG. 25).
[0098] Referring to FIGS. 40 and 41, with each subsequent putting
stroke, the practice results display 1426 is refreshed to show the
results of the latest putting stroke (only stroke type, impact
angle and tempo are shown in FIGS. 40 and 41). FIG. 40 shows the
result of another putting stroke, where the stroke type is shown to
be a slight arc stroke type with an angle of 5.2.degree., the
impact angle is shown to be an open impact angle of 1.2.degree.,
and the tempo is shown to be 539 ms/299 ms or approximately 1.8.
FIG. 41 shows the result of yet another putting stroke, where the
stroke type is shown to be a strong arc with an angle of
18.8.degree., the impact angle is shown to be a closed impact angle
of -4.5.degree., and the tempo is shown to be 739 ms/419 ms or
approximately 1.8. An individual can continue putting and view the
corresponding results on the practice results display 1426. The
individual can end the putting practice session and return to the
practice display by touching a return icon 1438.
[0099] Referring back to FIG. 14, some or all of the data and/or
results from an individual's practice session may be transmitted to
other portable electronic devices. Referring back to FIG. 15, some
or all of an individual's putting practice data may be uploaded by
the portable electronic device 1000 to a server 1152 and stored on
the server 1152. Accordingly, an individual may be able to remotely
access the data stored on the server 1152 at any time for further
viewing and/or analysis with the portable electronic device 1000 or
any other remote access device, such as a laptop 1160, a tablet
computer 1162, a desktop computer 1158, and/or other computer
devices that are capable of directly or indirectly communicating
with the server 1152. Additionally, an individual may authorize the
sharing of all or certain portions of his or her practice session
data with other individuals for comparison purposes as described in
detail below.
[0100] An individual may perform a measure session, during which a
consistency score may be calculated for the individual and a
putting handicap (PHcp) may be determined from at least one
consistency score. A Consistency score for an individual may be
calculated by measuring a consistency in the individual's stroke
characteristics for a plurality of putting strokes. FIG. 42 shows a
process 1500 for determining a consistency score for an individual.
The process 1500 includes receiving data from the portable
electronic device 1000 related to the motion of a golf club during
a putting stroke by an individual (block 1506). At least two
putting strokes are required to determine consistency in an
individual's stroke characteristics by comparing the stroke
characteristics of the two putting strokes. However, a larger
number of putts may provide a more accurate consistency score for
an individual. Accordingly, a consistency score may be determined
from a certain number of putts, such as 3, 5, 7 or 10 putts. The
process 1500 determines if a certain number of putting strokes have
been made (block 1508). The certain number of putting strokes may
be predetermined and/or specified by the individual. If the certain
number of putting strokes has not been made, the individual can
attempt another putting stroke. The portable electronic device 1000
can then receive data related to the motion of the golf club during
the additional putting stroke (block 1506). If, however, the
certain number of putting strokes has been made, the process 1500
determines at least one stroke characteristic of each of the
putting strokes of the individual based on the received data for
each putting stroke (block 1510). The process 1500 then determines
a consistency score based on the putting stroke characteristics of
the individual (block 1512). The consistency score may then be used
to determine a putting handicap (PHcp) for the individual
[0101] Referring to FIG. 43, the process 1500 may further include
an individual starting a putting stroke measure session, after
which the portable electronic device 1000 may indicate to the
individual to perform a putting stroke (block 1504). When
performing each putting stroke, the plurality of sensors 1112 of
the portable electronic device 1000 may record and provide data
related to the motion of the individual's golf club during his or
her putting stroke (block (1506). As described above, if a certain
number of putting strokes has not been made (block 1508), the
portable electronic device may indicate to the individual to
perform another putting stroke (block 1504). If, however, the
certain number of putting strokes has been made (block (1508), the
process 1500 determines at least one stroke characteristic for each
of the putting strokes (block 1510). A consistency score may then
be determined based on the at least one stroke characteristic of
the putting strokes (block 1512). The consistency score may be used
to determine a putting handicap (block 1514). The putting handicap
for the individual may also include any putting handicap scores
from previous measurement sessions (block 1514). The portable
electronic device may then display the at least one stroke
characteristic for each putting stroke, an overall stroke
characteristic based on the putting strokes, the consistency score
and/or the putting handicap on the GUI 1114 (block 1516). The
process 1500 and operation of the electronic device 1000 when
performing the process 1500 is described in detail below.
[0102] To determine consistency of an individual's stroke
characteristics, i.e., calculate a consistency score, by which a
putting handicap for the individual may be determined, the
individual can touch or press the measure icon 1306 of the main
menu 1302 to start a measure session. Referring to FIG. 44, when
the measure icon 1306 is touched or pressed, a measure display 1600
is displayed on the GUI 1114. The measure display 1600 may include
the main menu 1302, a session number indicator 1602, a putting
distance indicator 1604, a session selection icon 1606, and/or a
graphical representation of the number of putting strokes 1608 for
consistency score calculation. The measure display 1600 may also
include the user identification area 1420, in which a user's
identification is displayed as described in detail above with
respect to FIG. 36.
[0103] To start a measure session, an individual can attach the
portable electronic device 1000 to his or her putter with the
device holder 100. The individual may then touch a play icon 1624
on the GUI 1114 to activate or start the measure session. After the
play icon 1624 is selected, the GUI 1114 displays the counter
display 1650 as shown in the example of FIGS. 45 and 46. The
counter display 1650 may show the number of putts completed and the
number of putts remaining in numeric and/or graphical manner. In
the example of FIGS. 45 and 46, a segmented annulus 1652 is shown.
Each segment of the annulus 1652 may represent a putt. After each
putt, a corresponding segment is highlighted (i.e., shown with
different color, contrast, brightness, etc.) to show that the putt
is completed. Furthermore, the number of the putts may be
numerically shown inside the annulus 1652. The counter display 1650
may also display other information regarding the putting session.
After the number of putts shown on the counter display 1650 have
been completed, either the individual can touch the GUI 1114 to
view a measure results display 1660 shown in FIG. 47 or the measure
results display 1660 may be automatically shown.
[0104] Referring to FIGS. 47 and 48, the measure results display
1660 may include the main menu 1302, a stroke type display 1662, an
impact angle display 1664, a tempo display 1666, an impact lie
display 1667 and a loft display 1668. FIG. 48 shows a continuation
of the measure results display 1660, which may be viewed by
scrolling down the measure results display 1660 of FIG. 47.
[0105] The stroke type display 1662 includes a stroke type scale
1670 that defines a straight stroke type at one end and a strong
arc stroke type at the opposite end. The stroke type display 1662
may also include a closing angle display 1672, which shows an
average of the closing angles for the number of putts attempted in
each measure session, which in the example of FIG. 47 is five
putts. Each of the putts in the measure session is visually
represented on the stroke type scale 1670 with a symbol 1674, such
as a circle 1674 as shown in FIG. 47. Because five putts are
attempted in each measure session in the example of FIG. 47, the
stroke type scale 1670 shows five circles 1674 representing the
five putts. The position of each symbol 1674 on the stroke type
scale 1670 represents the value of the closing angle of the
corresponding putt. The stroke type scale 1670 may also include
opposing range brackets 1676, which show the range of closing
angles or stroke types for an individual based on the five putts.
The stroke type scale 1670 may also include an average stroke type
line 1678 that represents an average of the closing angles for the
five putts. The numerical value of the location of the stroke type
line 1678 on the stroke type scale 1670 may be the same as the
closing angle shown in the closing display 1672.
[0106] The impact angle display 1664 includes a number of club face
angle displays 1680 corresponding to the number of putts in the
measure session. Each face angle display 1680 may display a
numerical value of the face angle upon impact between the club face
and a ball. Each face angle display 1680 may also include a graphic
depiction of the face angle of a golf club. Each face angle display
1680 may also include a description identifying the impact angle
(e.g., "closed" as shown in FIG. 47). An average angle based on the
putt attempts may be computed and displayed in an average impact
angle display 1682, which may show the numerical value of the
average impact angle and a graphical representation of the average
impact angle. In the example of FIG. 47, the average impact angle
is show to be 1.9.degree., which is the average of the impact
angles shown in the face angle displays 1680.
[0107] The tempo display 1666 may include a tempo scale 1690 having
a backward swing section 1692 representing a backswing segment of a
putting stroke and a downswing section 1694 representing the
downswing segment of a putting stroke. The tempo scale 1690 may be
a time scale. In the backward swing section 1692, the tempo display
1666 displays a symbol 1695, such as circle 1695 as shown in FIG.
47, to represent the backswing time for each putt. The tempo scale
1690 may also display backswing brackets 1696, which define a range
of backswing times for the five putts. An average backswing time
may be represented by an average backswing timeline 1698 located
between the backswing brackets 1696. In the downswing section 1694,
the tempo display 1666 displays a symbol 1700, such as circle 1700
as shown in FIG. 47, to represent the downswing time for each putt.
The tempo scale 1690 may also display downswing brackets 1702,
which define a range of downswing times for the five putts. An
average downswing time may be represented by an average downswing
timeline 1704 located between the downswing brackets 1702. The
tempo display 1666 may further include a tempo value display 1706,
which displays a numerical value generally defining a ratio of the
average backswing time to the average downswing time. In the
example of FIG. 47, the tempo is shown to be 1.8.
[0108] Referring to FIG. 48, the impact lie display 1667 includes
an impact lie scale 1720 that defines a flat impact lie angle at
one end and an upright impact lie angle at the opposite end. A flat
impact lie angle and an upright impact lie angle may be relative
terms that define the degree of flatness or uprightness of a club
head relative to a reference angle. For example, the reference
angle may be 20.degree. so that impact lie angles decreasing from
20.degree. may be considered flatter impact lie angles and impact
lie angles increasing from 20.degree. may be considered more
upright loft angles. The impact lie display 1667 may also include
an impact lie angle display 1722, which shows an average of the
impact lie angles for the number of putts attempted in each measure
session, which in the example of FIG. 48 is five putts. Each of the
putts in the measure session is visually represented on the impact
lie scale 1720 with a symbol 1724, such as a circle 1724 as shown
in FIG. 48. Because five putts are attempted in each measure
session in the example of FIG. 48, the impact lie display shows
five circles 1724 representing the five putts. The position of each
symbol 1724 on the impact lie scale 1720 represents the value of
the closing angle of the corresponding putt. The impact lie scale
1720 may also include opposing range brackets 1726, which show the
range of impact lie angles for an individual based on the five
putts. The impact lie scale 1720 may also include an average impact
lie line 1728 that represents an average of the impact lie angles
for the five putts. The numerical value of the location of the
impact lie line 1728 along the impact lie scale 1720 may be the
same as the average impact lie angle shown in the impact lie angle
display 1722.
[0109] The loft display 1668 may include a setup loft angle scale
1730 and an impact loft angle scale 1740. The setup loft angle
scale 1730 represents a range of loft angles of a club shaft at an
address or a setup position. The impact loft angle scale 1740
represents a range of loft angles of the club shaft at the impact
position, i.e., when the club face impacts a golf ball.
[0110] The setup loft angle scale 1730 includes a relative setup
loft angle line 1731, which defines if a setup loft angle
represents a hands forward position or a hands back position. The
setup loft angle scale 1730 may also include a setup loft angle
display 1732, which shows an average of the setup loft angles for
the number of putts attempted in each measure session, which in the
example of FIG. 48 is five putts. Each of the putts in the measure
session is visually represented on the setup loft angle scale 1730
with a symbol 1734, such as a circle 1734 as shown in FIG. 48.
Because five putts are attempted in each measure session in the
example of FIG. 48, the setup loft angle scale 1730 shows five
circles 1734 representing the five putts. The position of each
symbol 1734 on the setup loft angle scale 1730 represents the value
of the setup loft angle of the corresponding putt. The setup loft
angle scale 1730 may also include opposing range brackets 1736,
which show the range of setup loft angles for an individual based
on the five putts. The setup loft angle scale 1730 may also include
an average setup loft angle line 1738 that represents an average of
the setup loft angles for the five putts. The numerical value of
the location of the setup loft angle line 1738 along the setup loft
angle scale 1730 may be the same as the average setup loft angle
shown in FIG. 48 below the setup loft angle scale 1730.
[0111] The impact loft angle scale 1740 includes a relative impact
loft angle line 1741, which defines if an impact loft angle
represents a hands forward position or a hands back position. The
impact loft angle scale 1740 may also include an impact loft angle
display 1742, which shows an average of the impact loft angles for
the number of putts attempted in each measure session, which in the
example of FIG. 48 is five putts. Each of the putts in the measure
session is visually represented on the impact loft angle scale 1740
with a symbol 1744, such as a circle 1744 as shown in FIG. 48.
Because five putts are attempted in each measure session in the
example of FIG. 48, the impact loft angle scale 1740 shows five
circles 1744 representing the five putts. The position of each
symbol 1744 on the impact loft angle scale 1740 represents the
value of the impact loft angle of the corresponding putt. The
impact loft angle scale 1740 may also include opposing range
brackets 1746, which show the range of impact loft angles for an
individual based on the five putts. The impact loft angle scale
1740 may also include an average impact loft angle line 1748 that
represents an average of the impact loft angles for the five putts.
The numerical value of the location of the impact loft angle line
1748 along the impact loft angle scale 1740 may be the same as the
average impact loft angle shown in FIG. 48 below the impact loft
angle scale 1740.
[0112] The measure results display 1660 may display a numerical
consistency score in a consistency score display area 1710. The
consistency score may represent an individual's consistency based
on the number of putts performed in a measure session. A
consistency score for each stroke characteristic may be computed
after an individual performs a plurality of putting strokes. For
each one of closing angle, impact angle, tempo, impact lie angle
and loft angle, a consistency score S may be computed by the
following equation:
S=f(x) (1)
[0113] Where x may be the value of a corresponding stroke
characteristic (e.g., a closing angle of 3.3.degree.), and f(x) may
be a function that defines variation in the corresponding stroke
characteristic for a plurality of swings or putts. For example,
f(x) may be based on the standard deviation of the measured values
of a stroke characteristic after a plurality of swings or putt
attempts. An overall consistency score for a plurality of swings or
putts may be an average of the closing angle, impact angle, tempo,
impact lie angle and loft angle consistency scores. An overall
consistency score may be displayed in the consistency score display
area 1710 after an individual performs a measure session. In the
example of FIG. 41, the consistency score is shown to be 17.8.
[0114] A handicap score (PHcp) may be computed by computing an
average of a plurality of overall consistency scores. However, the
computation of PHcp may depend on the number of past consistency
scores for an individual. In one example, if only three or fewer
consistency scores are available for an individual, PHcp is
computed by taking an average of the available consistency scores.
In another example, if four or greater and ten or less consistency
scores are available for an individual, the highest consistency
score and the lowest consistency score may be discarded. PHcp is
then computed by taking an average of the remaining eight
consistency scores. In yet another example, if greater than ten
consistency scores are available, the most recent ten consistency
scores may be considered. Then, the highest and lowest consistency
scores may be discarded. PHcp is then computed by taking an average
of the remaining eight consistency scores. Achieving better
consistency scores in multiple measure sessions (i.e., multiple
sessions with each session having several putts) reduces an
individual's PHcp while poor consistency scores in multiple measure
sessions increase an individual's PHcp. The measure results display
1660 may also include a handicap display area 1712 for displaying
the PHcp for an individual. In the example of FIG. 41, PHcp for
Individual 1 is shown to be 9.6.
[0115] The above consistency score and PHcp calculations represent
an example of determining consistency score and PHcp calculations.
Therefore, the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture
described herein are not limited in this regard. Accordingly, any
type of computation by which an individual's stroke characteristics
for one putting stroke are compared to the same stroke
characteristics for another putting stroke to determine a
consistency in the individual stroke characteristics may be used
for determining a consistency score and a PHcp.
[0116] In addition to the graphical and alphanumeric information
provided on the measure results display 1660 as discussed above,
one or more color, contrast and/or brightness schemes, which may be
referred to herein as display schemes, may be used to graphically
convey to an individual information about his or her performance.
At least one of the stroke type display 1662, the impact angle
display 1664, the tempo display 1666, the impact lie display 1667
and the loft display 1668 may reflect the consistency performance
of the individual. For example, when an individual's stroke type
measurements are highly inconsistent, the color red may at least
partly be used as a color scheme of the stroke type display 1662.
In another example, when an individual's stroke type measurements
are highly consistent, the color green may at least partly be used
as a color scheme of the stroke type display 1662. In yet another
example, when an individual's stroke type measurements are neither
highly inconsistent nor highly inconsistent, the color yellow may
at least partly be used in the color scheme of the stroke type
display 1362. The display schemes of the impact angle display 1364
and the tempo display 1366 may be similarly affected based on an
individual's consistency in impact angle and tempo during the
putting measure session, respectively. A display scheme as
disclosed may refer to a background color, a foreground color, an
outline color of an icon or a displayed object, a text color, a
line colors, a symbol color, and/or a color of any displayed
object. For example, if an individual's stroke type measurements
are highly inconsistent, the circles 1674 displayed in the stroke
type scale 1670 may be displayed with the color red. In another
example, if an individual's stroke type measurements are highly
inconsistent, the outlines or borders of all objects displayed in
the stroke type display 1662, such as the outline or border of the
stroke type scale 1670 may be displayed with the color red.
[0117] Referring back to FIG. 14, some or all of the data collected
for an individual during a measure session by the portable
electronic device 1000 may be transmitted to other portable
electronic devices. Referring back to FIG. 15, some or all of the
data for an individual may be uploaded by the portable electronic
device 1000 to a server 1152 and stored on the server 1152.
Accordingly, an individual can remotely access the data stored on
the server 1152 at any time for further viewing and/or analysis
with the portable electronic device 1000 or any other remote access
device, such as a laptop 1160, a tablet computer 1162, a desktop
computer 1158, and/or other devices that are capable of directly or
indirectly communicating with the server 1152. Additionally, an
individual may be able to authorize the sharing of all or certain
portions of his or her data with other individuals for comparison
and/or competition purposes as described in detail below.
[0118] The stroke characteristics of an individual may be displayed
on the GUI 1114 of the portable electronic device as disclosed.
However, a portable electronic device 1000 may display all data
regarding an individual's golf swing in a tabular format either in
partially processed or raw form. For example, the GUI 1114 may
display in a list or a table the following: backswing time,
downswing time, backswing angle, putter speed at impact, clubface
angle at impact, lie angle, swing plane information, and/or any
other information that may be explicitly or impliedly provided from
the data.
[0119] Based on the data collected by the portable electronic
device 1000 during an individual's golf swing, the software may
include instructions executed by the processor of the portable
electronic device to visually show an individual a simulation of
his or her golf swing based on the collected data. Accordingly, an
individual can view the simulation of his or her golf swing and use
the simulation to improve his or her golf swing.
[0120] FIGS. 47 and 48 show measure session results for a certain
individual, which is identified as Individual 1. FIGS. 49 and 50
show measure session results for two other individuals, which are
identified as Individual 2 and Individual 3, respectively. As
described above, measure session data for each individual may be
transmitted to and stored on a server 1152. FIG. 51 shows a process
1750 for comparing stroke characteristics of two or more
individuals. At least two individuals may be selected so that their
stroke characteristics results can be compared (block 1752).
Subsequently, the selected individuals' stroke characteristics
results may be displayed on the portable electronic device 1000
(block 1754).
[0121] FIG. 52 shows an exemplary compare display 1800, which is
displayed on the GUI 1114 when an individual touches or presses the
compare icon 1308 of the main menu 1302. The compare display 1800
includes a primary individual selection menu 1802 and a measure
session selection menu 1804 associated with the individual selected
from the primary individual selection menu 1802. An individual can
select his or her identity from the primary individual selection
menu 1802 and also select one of his or her measure sessions from
the measure session selection menu 1804 to compare to another
individual. When an individual selects one of his or her measure
sessions from the measure session selection menu 1804, his or her
consistency score and/or PHcp from the selected measure session may
be displayed on the compare display 1800. For example, FIG. 52
shows a consistency score of 6.3 for Session 1 of Individual 3.
[0122] The compare display 1800 may also include one or more
secondary individual selection menu 1806 and corresponding measure
session selection menu 1808. In FIG. 52, only one secondary
individual selection menu 1806 and the corresponding measure
session selection menu 1808 are shown. The compare display 1800 may
include an individual addition icon 1810, by which more individuals
can be added. From the secondary individual selection menu 1806, an
individual can select another individual for a measure session
comparison. The individual to be selected for comparison may be
another individual with whom the selecting individual is familiar
(e.g., friend or family), a celebrity, a professional athlete, or a
professional golfer, or any other individual who may have his or
her results stored on a network server to which the individual has
access. Upon selecting an individual, the selected individual's
consistency score and/or PHcp may be displayed on the compare
display 1800. For example, FIG. 52 shows a consistency score of 9.1
for Session 2 of Individual 2. To compare measure session results,
an individual can select, e.g., touch or press the compare area
1812 on the GUI 1114 to compare his or her putting session results
with the one or more other selected individuals.
[0123] Referring to FIGS. 53-56, the selected individuals' stroke
characteristics may be compared. In the examples of FIGS. 53-56,
only closing angle/stroke type, impact angle and tempo comparisons
between the selected individuals are shown. However, the portable
electronic device 1000 may also display the impact lie angle and
loft angle comparisons between the selected individuals according
to the impact lie angle display 1667 and loft angle display 1668 as
described above. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture
described herein are not limited in this regard.
[0124] Referring to FIG. 53, after the individual selects the
compare area 1812, the GUI 1114 may display a comparison between
the stroke type of the primary individual and the secondary
individual in a stroke type compare display 1820. Comparing the
stroke types of the primary individual and the secondary individual
may entail displaying the stroke type result from a selected
session for the primary individual adjacent to the stroke type
result from a selected session for the secondary individual. As
shown in the example of FIG. 53, a stroke type display 1662 as
described in detail above and with respect to FIG. 47 may be
displayed for each individual.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 54, the GUI 1114 may also display a
comparison between the stroke impact angles of the primary
individual and the secondary individual in an impact angle compare
display 1822. Comparing the stroke impact angles of the primary
individual and the secondary individual may entail displaying the
impact angle results from the selected session for the primary
individual adjacent to the stroke type result from the selected
session for the secondary individual. As shown in the example of
FIG. 46, an impact angle display 1664 as described in detail above
and with respect to FIG. 47 may be displayed for each individual.
An individual can scroll between the displays of FIGS. 53 and 54 by
swiping the surface of the GUI 1114, touching one or more areas on
the GUI 1114, and/or pressing one or more buttons on the portable
electronic device 1000.
[0126] Referring to FIG. 55, the GUI 1114 may also display a
comparison between the tempo of the primary individual and the
secondary individual in a tempo compare display 1824. Comparing the
tempo of the primary individual and the secondary individual may
entail displaying the tempo from the selected session for the
primary individual adjacent to the tempo result from the selected
session for the secondary individual. As shown in the example of
FIG. 55, a tempo display 1666 as described in detail above and with
respect to FIG. 41 may be displayed for each individual. An
individual can scroll between the displays of FIGS. 53-55 by
swiping the surface of the GUI 1114, touching one or more areas on
the GUI 1114, and/or pressing one or more buttons on the portable
electronic device 1000.
[0127] Referring to FIG. 56, the GUI 1114 may also display a
comparison between the consistency of the primary individual and
the secondary individual in consistency display 1826. Comparing the
consistency of the primary individual and the secondary individual
may entail displaying consistency score from the selected session
for the primary individual in a session consistency display 1828
for the primary individual adjacent to the consistency score from
the selected session for the secondary individual in a session
consistency display 1828 for the secondary individual. An
individual can scroll between the displays of FIGS. 53-56 by
swiping the surface of the GUI 1114, touching one or more areas on
the GUI 1114, and/or pressing one or more buttons on the portable
electronic device 1000.
[0128] Although not shown, the GUI may also display and compare the
putting handicap PHcp of the primary individual with the putting
handicap of the secondary individual (e.g., friends, professional
golfers, etc.). For example, the software may include a putting
handicap compare display that may show the putting handicaps of two
or more individuals in a side-by-side manner. The systems, methods,
and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in
this regard.
[0129] An individual may be able to view his or her profile, photo,
stroke characteristics, PHcp and/or consistency scores by touching
or pressing the identification area 1420, which may be displayed in
the practice display 1400, measure display 1600, measure results
display 1660 and the compare display 1800. Subsequently, a user
profile display 1850 is displayed on the GUI 1114 as shown in FIG.
57. The user profile display 1850 may include consistency scores
1852 of the individual plotted against corresponding measure
sessions that are completed by the individual. The plotted
consistency scores 1852 may be connected with a consistency trend
line 1854. As shown in FIG. 57, the consistency trend line 1854
visually conveys to the individual his or her consistency trend,
i.e., improvement and/or setback.
[0130] As described in detail above, a PHcp may be calculated for
an individual based on his or her consistency score for each
measure session. Accordingly, the PHcp value may be affected, i.e.,
increases or decreases, based on each consistency score. As shown
in FIG. 57, the user profile display 1850 may also include the PHcp
of an individual plotted as a PHcp trend line 1856 against
corresponding measure sessions that are completed by the
individual. The PHcp trend line 1856 visually conveys to the
individual his or her PHcp trend. The user profile display 1850 may
also include a current PHcp 1858 for the individual. In the example
of FIG. 57, the current PHcp 1858 for Individual 1 is shown to be
13.3. Thus, an individual may get a snapshot view of his or her
current and historical putting performance with the user profile
display 1850.
[0131] FIG. 58 shows the measure display 1600 and the sub-menu icon
1310 having been activated by an individual to display a sub-menu
1900. The sub-menu 1900 may include selectable options such as a
Home option 1902, a Help option 1904, a Skins Game option 1906, a
Club Fit option 1908, a Users option 1910 and/or a Pros option
1912. Selecting the home options 1902 may return the display on the
GUI 1114 to the main display 1300. Selecting the Help option 1904
may provide an individual with help information regarding using the
different menus, options, and/or procedures discussed herein. The
Skins Game option 1906 may operate the portable electronic device
1000 according to the process described in detail below by which an
individual can compete with one or more locally or remotely located
individuals. The Club Fit option 1908, which is described in detail
below, provides an individual with guidance regarding selecting a
proper golf club for the individual base upon his or her stroke
characteristics. The Users option 1910 returns the display on the
GUI 1114 to the user profile display 1850, which is described in
detail above. The Pros option 1912 displays profiles of golf
professionals and their corresponding consistency scores and/or
PHcp that may have been stored on the server 1512 by the golf
professionals and made available to users of the software for
comparison purposes.
[0132] According to the foregoing, stroke characteristics of an
individual may be measured and displayed to the individual by using
a portable electronic device 1000 attached to a golf club with a
device holder 100. As described in detail below, the disclosure may
also provide an individual result-oriented information, which may
refer to speed and/or trajectory of a golf ball from the moment of
being struck by a golf club until the ball comes to a stop at a
final location, and whether or not a putt was successfully made
(i.e., ball falling in a golf cup).
[0133] FIGS. 59 and 60 show an exemplary process 2000, by which an
individual may determine the results of multiple putts to ascertain
various result-oriented information, such as the individual's miss
tendencies. An individual may start the process 2000 by touching an
icon (not shown) on the GUI 1114 corresponding to the process 2000.
Alternatively, the individual may start the process 2000 by
pressing one or more buttons (not shown) on the portable electronic
device and/or with voice commands. The icon for starting the
process 2000 may be provided in the main menu 1302. Alternatively,
the process 2000 may be started by using a corresponding option in
the sub-menu 1900. Starting the process 2000 may entail the
processing device 1110 retrieving at least a part of a program code
and any data associated with the retrieved part of the program code
from the storage device 1116 and executing the program code to
operate the portable electronic device 1000 to perform the process
2000 as described in detail below.
[0134] Referring to FIG. 60, the process 2000 includes receiving
data corresponding to a final location of a golf ball after a putt
(block 2004), and graphically displaying the location of the golf
club (block 2008). Referring to FIG. 60, the process 2000 may
further include indicating to an individual to putt a golf ball
(block 2002). The portable electronic device then receives data
corresponding to a final location of the golf ball after the putt
(block 2004). The individual may wish to continue putting (block
2006). Accordingly, the individual is again signaled or indicated
to putt another golf ball or the same golf ball (block 2002).
However, the individual may wish to stop putting and view the
results of his or her putts (block 2006), i.e., final locations of
the balls. The locations of the golf balls after the putts are then
graphically displayed (block 2008). The operation of the electronic
device 1000 when performing the process 2000 is described
below.
[0135] As described above, an individual may select an icon (not
shown) on the GUI 1114 to start the process 2000. For example, the
main menu 1302 or the sub-menu 1900 may include an icon or option,
respectively (not shown), by which an individual can start the
process 2000. The icon or sub-menu option may include text or
graphics. Alternatively, the process 2000 may be performed
contemporaneously with the processes 1270 of FIGS. 33 and 34 and/or
the process 1500 of FIGS. 42 and 43. Accordingly, the process 2000
may be performed during a practice session and/or a measure
session. Thus, selecting the practice icon 1304 or the measure icon
1306 may also start the process 2000.
[0136] The individual may attach the portable electronic device
1000 to his or her putter with the device holder 100. The
individual can then putt one or more golf balls in a putting area
at a certain distance from a golf cup. The distance may be
generally a consistent distance so as to allow an individual to
determine his or her miss tendencies from a particular distance.
For example, the individual may choose to practice putting from 10
feet from the hole. However, the putting distance may be varied.
Referring to FIG. 61, the GUI 1114 may present the individual with
a schematic display of the putting area 2020 including the target
golf cup 2022. The schematic display of the putting area 2020 may
be shown to be divided into sections 2024 to allow an individual to
more accurately specify a location of a ball as described herein.
In the example of FIG. 61, the sections 2024 are quadrants defined
by perpendicular lines 2026.
[0137] An individual may manually record the result of a putt on
the schematic display of the putting area 2020 by touching an area
on the GUI 1114 that generally corresponds with the actual position
of the ball in the putting area relative to the golf cup. The
portable electronic device 1000 may include a zoom function on the
GUI 1114 that allows the individual to zoom in on a certain part of
the schematic display of the putting area 2020 for a more accurate
placement of a representation of the ball. Upon specifying the
location of a ball, the ball may be displayed on the GUI 1114 with
a symbol 2028. In FIG. 61, the direction of putting is shown with
the arrow 2027.
[0138] The shape, size and/or color of a symbol 2028 may convey
certain information about the position of the ball in the putting
area such as the golf club used by an individual to putt the ball,
the distance from the golf cup from which the putt is attempted, an
individual's stroke characteristics, an individual's setup position
for attempting the putt, and/or any other information by which one
putt may be distinguished from another putt. For example, the color
of the symbol 2028 may indicate whether or not the ball
corresponding to the symbol overshot the golf cup 2022. A ball that
overshot the golf cup 2022 may be shown with a red symbol, while a
ball that did not reach the cup 2022 may be shown with a green
symbol 2022. In another example, the shape, size and/or color of
the symbol representing the ball may depend on the quadrant 2024 in
which the ball comes to rest after a putt. In another example, the
shape, size and/or color of the symbol representing the ball may
depend on the stroke type, impact angle and the tempo of the
individual when putting the ball. In yet another example, the
shape, size and/or color of the symbol representing the ball may
depend on the type of golf club used by an individual. In the
example of FIG. 61, the balls that fell short of the golf cup 2022
are shown with hollow circles, the balls that overshot the golf cup
2022 are shown with filled circles, and the successfully putted
balls are shown to be half-filled circles.
[0139] The individual may then attempt additional putts and
similarly record the result of each putt. At any time or when the
individual no longer wishes to continue, the individual may view
the schematic display of the putting area 2020 to determine his or
her putting tendencies. The schematic display of the putting area
2020 may resemble a scatter plot, which may show patterns or
tendencies when a sufficient number of data points are present. For
example, after a few putts, such as four or six putts, the number
of symbols 2028 on the schematic display of the putting area 2020
may not be sufficient to convey to an individual any pattern or
tendency. However, as shown in FIG. 53, after a sufficient number
of putts, a pattern may emerge where certain symbols may appear in
clusters or groups, thereby representing a certain pattern or
tendency. As shown in FIG. 61, clusters or groups of symbols may be
shown on the schematic display of the putting area 2020 to be
within a tendency cluster area 2029 defining the cluster or group.
For example, certain clusters or groups of symbols are shown in
FIG. 61 to be enclosed by dashed circles. In another example,
symbols in each cluster may be shown to be the same shape, size,
color and/or have similar visual characteristics.
[0140] Referring back to FIGS. 59 and 60, the process 2000 may be
performed without having the portable electronic device 1000 in the
device holder 100 and attached to a golf club. Accordingly, after
each putt attempt, an individual may retrieve the portable
electronic device 1000 from his or her pocket, belt clip, or other
storage devices that may be on the individual or in his or her golf
bag and record the approximate position of the ball relative to the
golf cup 2022 as described above. However, when the portable
electronic device 1000 is placed in the device holder 100 and
attached to a putter shaft, in addition to an individual
graphically recording the approximate position of a ball to
generate the above-described scatter plot, the portable electronic
device 1000 may also determine an individual's stroke
characteristics as discussed in detail above. The miss tendencies
of the individual according to the scatter plot and the
individual's stroke characteristics may suggest to the individual
the corrections in his or her putting stroke that may yield better
putting performance. For example, the shapes, sizes and/or colors
of the symbols 2028 of the scatter plot may correspond to stroke
type, impact angle and/or tempo of the individual for each putt. In
another example, any pattern or cluster of symbols 2028 that may
visually appear to an individual may be correlated with the
individual's consistency scores or PHcp and/or any improvements in
consistency scores or PHcp. Thus, the stroke characteristics of the
individual as determined by the processes 1270 and 1500, and
results of the process 2000 may be correlated to assist the
individual in improving his or her putting stroke and
performance.
[0141] Based on one or more clusters or groups of symbols and/or
the tendency cluster areas 2029 visually highlighting patterns or
tendencies, an individual may determine his or her putting
tendencies and possibly take action to improve his or her putting
performance. For example, the tendency cluster area 2031 may
represent putts made by an individual with a first putter and the
tendency cluster area 2033 may represent putts made by the
individual with a second putter that is different in one or more
respects from the first putter. The putts made by the first putter
are shown to be short of the golf cup 2022 and on the right side of
the golf cup 2022, while the putts made with the second putter are
shown to have overshot the golf cup 2022 and also on the right side
of the golf cup 2022. Based on the patterns shown by the tendency
cluster areas 2031 and 2033 and the corresponding putters used, the
individual may select a different style putter so as to have better
results. In another example, the area 2031 may represent putts made
from a certain putting distance and the area 2033 may represent
putts made from another putting distance. Accordingly, an
individual may determine his or her putting tendencies based on the
putting distance.
[0142] The schematic display of the putter area 2020 allows an
individual to determine his or her putting tendencies based on one
or more putting related parameters such as putting stance, stroke
characteristics, golf club characteristics and/or fitting for the
individual and/or putting style. Accordingly, an individual can use
a scatter plot as described in detail above to improve his or her
performance for each of the noted putting related parameters or
other putting related parameters.
[0143] In another example, instead of or in conjunction with the
touching of the schematic display of the putting area 2020, the
portable electronic device 1000 may graphically query the
individual for information about the putt attempt. For example,
instead of touching the screen to place a symbol 2028 on the
schematic display of the putting area 2020 corresponding to an
actual position of the ball, the individual may enter an
approximate distance of the ball from the cup, the lateral position
of the ball from the cup (i.e., left or right), and/or whether or
not the ball overshot the cup.
[0144] According to the process 2000, an individual manually
provides data regarding location of a golf ball after a putt to the
portable electronic device 1000. As discussed below, however, the
process of determining speed, trajectory and/or location of the
golf ball continuously or at discrete time intervals may be at
least partly or fully automated so that an individual's input may
not be required.
[0145] Referring to FIGS. 62-65, an exemplary golf cup 2100 is
generally shown. The golf cup 2100 may generally include a
cylindrical wall 2102, a bottom 2104, which may have a center bore
2106 for receiving a flagstick (not shown). When a golf ball enters
the golf cup 2100, it falls to the bottom 2104 and remains there
until retrieved by an individual.
[0146] According to one example, a golf cup 2100 may include at
least one sensor assembly 2110 for detecting and indicating the
presence of a golf ball in the golf cup and/or entry of a golf ball
into the golf cup. The sensor assembly 2110 may be located anywhere
outside and near the golf cup 2100 as show in FIG. 62, at the lip
of the golf cup 2100 as shown in FIG. 63, on the cylindrical walls
2102 as shown in FIG. 64, and/or at the bottom 2104 as shown in
FIG. 65. The sensor assembly 2110 of FIGS. 62-64 may partially
surround the hole as shown or completely surround the hole (not
shown).
[0147] Referring to FIG. 66, the sensor assembly 2110 may include
at least one sensor 2112, which may be any type of sensor that can
detect movement, weight, impact, light, and/or any other physical
parameter or characteristic by which the presence of the golf ball
near the golf cup 2100 and/or inside the golf cup 2100 can be
detected. The sensor assembly 2110 of FIG. 66 is shown to be
configured for placement on the bottom 2104 of the golf cup 2100 as
shown in FIG. 65. Additionally, the sensor 2110 may be a type of
sensor that can communicate with a radio frequency identification
(RFID) sensor on or inside a golf ball and/or a transceiver on or
inside a golf ball. For example, a sensor that detects weight may
be placed at the bottom of the golf cup 2100 so as to detect the
weight of a golf ball. In another example, a sensor that detects
impact may be a piezoelectric sensor or an accelerometer located at
the bottom of the golf cup 2100 to detect impact of the ball with
the bottom of the golf cup 2100. In yet another example, a light
sensor located at the bottom of the golf cup 2100 may detect the
presence of a golf ball at the bottom of the golf cup 2100 as a
result of the ball at least partially blocking light from reaching
the sensor.
[0148] Referring to FIG. 67, an exemplary sensor assembly 2110 may
include one or more sensors 2112, a processor 2114, a memory 2116,
and at least a transmitter 2118. The sensor assembly 2110 may also
include a power source 2120. However, the sensor assembly 2110 may
operate without a power source, where a piezoelectric module that
generates a short burst of current upon being impacted with a golf
ball. Such a current burst may be sufficient for the sensor
assembly 2110 to operate as intended, i.e., transmit a signal
indicating presence of a ball in the golf cup 2100. A powered
sensor assembly 2110 may include a continuous power source 2120
such as a battery and/or one or more photovoltaic cells to power
the circuitry of the sensor assembly 2110.
[0149] The sensor assembly 2110 may transmit or broadcast a signal
with the transmitter 2118 upon detecting a ball entering the golf
cup 2100. Accordingly, the sensor assembly 2110 may only be capable
of one-way communication, i.e., only transmitting information.
However, the sensor assembly 2110 may also include a receiver 2122
to enable two-way communication. Accordingly, the sensor assembly
2110 may establish and maintain communication with an external
device. The transmitter 2118 and/or the receiver 2122 may operate
in accordance with a proprietary communication protocol, any of the
wireless communication protocols described herein, Bluetooth.RTM.
technology, the 802.xx family of standards developed by the
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and/or
variations and evolutions of these standards (e.g., 802.11x,
802.15, 802.16x, etc.), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Near Field
Communication (NFC), and/or radio frequency identification (RFID)
to communicate and/or exchange data with another device.
[0150] The sensor assembly 2110 may be a movable and portable unit
that can be used by an individual in combination with the portable
electronic device 1000. The sensor assembly 2110 may have a compact
form. The sensor assembly 2110 may be in the shape of a relatively
thin pad that can be placed by an individual inside the golf cup
2100 at the bottom 2104 of the golf cup 2100 (shown for example
generally in FIGS. 64 and 65). Thus, an individual may place the
sensor assembly 2110 in any golf cup 2100 to practice putting and
have the ability to move the sensor assembly 2110 to another golf
cup. The portable electronic device 1000 may communicate with the
sensor assembly 2110 to receive data from the sensor assembly 2110
regarding presence and/or entry of a golf ball into the golf cup
2100.
[0151] Referring to FIG. 68, a process 2200 for generally
determining detecting a ball relative to a cup by using the sensor
assembly 2110 is shown. The process 2200 includes detecting a ball
relative to golf cup (block 2204) and transmitting data indicative
of detecting the ball relative to the golf cup (block 2206). The
process of FIG. 68 can be performed with a sensor assembly 2110
that is capable of two-way communication, i.e., transmission and
reception, and a sensor assembly 2110 that is only capable of data
transmission. If the sensor assembly 2110 is a portable sensor
assembly as described above, an individual can place the sensor
assembly 2110 at the bottom of a golf cup 2100. The sensor assembly
2110 may be placed in the golf cup 2100 prior to any putting
session.
[0152] Referring to FIG. 69, the process 2200 may further include
establishing communication between the sensor assembly 2110 and a
portable electronic device such as the disclosed portable
electronic device 1000 (block 2202). The establishment of
communication between the sensor assembly 2110 and the portable
electronic device 1000 may be performed automatically or by an
individual actively performing certain connection procedures to
establish communication. For example, when the sensor assembly 2110
and the portable electronic device 1000 are sufficiently close
and/or within a certain range of communication, the portable
electronic device 1000 may automatically identify the sensor
assembly 2110 and establish communication with the sensor assembly
2110. Alternatively, for example, the portable electronic device
1000 may automatically identify the sensor assembly 2110, but
communication between the portable electronic device 1000 and the
sensor assembly 2110 may only be established if an individual
requests such communication. Establishment of communication between
the sensor assembly 2110 and the portable electronic device 1000
may have to be performed only once if the identification of the
sensor assembly 2110 is stored in the portable electronic device
1000 for future communication. With the latter alternative, an
individual has the option of establishing communication between the
portable electronic device 1000 and one or more particular sensor
assemblies 2110, rather than with all of the sensor assemblies 2110
within a certain range of communication.
[0153] The sensor assembly 2110 may detect a ball relative to a
golf cup. For example, the sensor assembly 2110 may include one or
more proximity sensors that detect nearby objects. The sensor
assembly 2110 may be configured to detect nearby objects that
resemble in configuration to a golf ball. The sensor assembly 2110
may also detect a ball inside a golf cup. The sensor assembly 2110
is described in detail below as detecting a golf ball in a golf
cup. However, the disclosed sensor assembly 2110 may be configured
to detect a golf ball relative to a golf cup, i.e., near and/or
inside a golf cup.
[0154] When an individual strikes a golf ball in a putt attempt and
the golf ball enters a golf cup 2100, the sensor assembly 2110
detects the entry of the ball into the golf cup 2100 (block 2004).
The sensor assembly 2110 may then transmit data regarding entry of
the ball into the golf cup 2100 to the portable electronic device
1000 (block 2006). If the sensor assembly 2110 does not include a
receiver, the transmission of data regarding the entry of the ball
into the golf cup 2100 may be a continuous broadcast transmission
or transmissions at discreet time intervals for a certain period of
time. For example, the sensor assembly 2110 may continuously
broadcast a signal for a period of 5-10 seconds so that any
portable electronic device that is sufficiently close to the sensor
assembly 2110 may receive the signal. Alternatively, the sensor
assembly 2110 may transmit a signal every 0.5 seconds for a period
of 5-10 seconds so that any portable electronic device that is
sufficiently close to the sensor assembly 2110 may receive the
signal. Accordingly, a portable electronic device, such as the
disclosed portable electronic device 1000, can receive one of the
transmitted messages successfully and ignore any repeated
transmissions. If the sensor assembly 2110 includes both a
transmitter and a receiver, the sensor assembly 2110 may inform the
portable electronic device through two-way communication that the
ball has entered the golf cup 2100. For example, the sensor
assembly 2110 may transmit a signal to the portable electronic
device 1000 regarding the status of the golf ball and the portable
electronic device 1000 may acknowledge receipt by transmitting an
acknowledgement to the sensor assembly 2110.
[0155] As discussed above, the sensor assembly 2110 may transmit
data regarding a successful putt. However, when a golf ball does
not enter a golf cup 2100 after a putt attempt, a lack of any
signal being transmitted from the sensor assembly 2110 after a
certain period of time may be interpreted by the portable
electronic device 1000 as an unsuccessful putt. Referring to FIG.
70, a process 2250 for detecting a golf ball in a golf cup is shown
from the view point of a portable electronic device, such as the
disclosed portable electronic device 1000. The process 2250
includes establishing communication (not shown) with a sensor
assembly, such as the sensor assembly 2110, which may be located
inside or near a golf cup. When an individual strikes a golf ball
toward the golf cup with his or her putter, the portable electronic
device may record the time at which the golf ball is struck by the
putter (block 2252). If the portable electronic device 1000 does
not receive any data from the sensor assembly 2110 indicative of
the ball entering the golf cup after a certain wait period (block
2254), the portable electronic device 1000 considers the putt to be
a miss (block 2256). However, if the portable electronic device
receives data from the sensor assembly 2110 indicative of the ball
entering the golf cup after the certain wait period (block 2254),
the portable electronic device 1000 considers the putt to be
successful (block 2258). The wait period can be set to a greater
value than the amount of time generally required in making a putt
from the consistent distance (e.g., 10 ft.). Alternatively, the
wait period can be set to a certain wait period that is long enough
to encompass the time generally required to make a very long putt.
In another alternative, when the golf ball is struck by a golf club
during a putt attempt, the portable electronic device 1000 may
transmit the time of the ball strike to the sensor assembly 2110.
If the sensor assembly 2110 does not detect entry of the golf ball
in the golf cup 2110 for a wait period after the time the ball was
struck by the golf club, the sensor assembly 2110 may transmit a
signal to the portable electronic device 1000 indicating a
miss.
[0156] As described in detail above, the portable electronic device
1000 may also analyze each putt and determine stroke
characteristics, the putting consistency and putting handicap for
an individual. Accordingly, an individual's stroke characteristics
and the individual's putting results for each putt attempt can be
correlated to determine certain of the individuals putting
tendencies that either resulted in successful putts or unsuccessful
putts. Correlating stroke characteristics analysis with the result
oriented information as described in detail above may enable an
individual to improve his or her putting performance by modifying
his or her stroke to make more successful putts. Further, an
individual may not be required to record successful putt attempts
on the scatter plot of FIG. 61 because the portable electronic
device 1000 may receive data from the sensor assembly 1708
indicating each successful putt attempt. Accordingly, the portable
electronic device 1000 may record the final position of a golf ball
on the scatter plot after receiving information regarding the
relative position of the golf ball to the golf cup.
[0157] Referring to FIG. 71, a golf ball 2300 may include at least
one sensor 2302, which may be any type of sensor by which the golf
ball 2300 can be at least identified by using a portable electronic
device, such as the disclosed portable electronic device 1000
and/or a sensor assembly, such as the disclosed sensor assembly
2110. For example, the sensor 2302 may be an RFID sensor that is
embedded inside the ball 2300. Accordingly, the sensor assembly
2110 and/or the portable electronic device 1000 may include an RFID
reader to identify the ball 2300. Alternatively, the sensor 2302
may be a type of sensor that can provide at least an identification
of the ball 2300 to an external device such as the portable
electronic device 1000 and/or the sensor assembly 2110
[0158] The portable electronic device 1000 may also receive
sufficient information from the sensor 2302 to determine the speed,
spin characteristics, and/or a location of the ball 2300 at certain
time intervals. From the speed and location information obtained
from the sensor 2302 and based on general frictional
characteristics between the ball 2300 and the ground (e.g., green
speed), the portable electronic device 1000 may determine an
estimated trajectory for the ball 2300 and/or an approximate
location where the ball 2300 may come to rest after a putt. For
example, the portable electronic device 1000 may include a GPS
sensor such that the location of the ball 2300 at the moment of
striking the ball 2300 is known. As the distance between the ball
2300 and the portable electronic device 1000 increases, the
portable electronic device 1000 may track the movement of the ball
2300 by communicating with the ball at certain time intervals. The
signals received from the ball 2300 at the certain time intervals
may be used to determine the speed and rotational characteristics
of the ball 2300 by methods such as Doppler shift. The portable
electronic device 1000 may then determine the distance of the ball
from the portable electronic device 1000 based on the speed
information. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture
described herein are not limited in this regard. Accordingly, any
type of sensor may be used in a ball 2300 to provide communication
with any type of electronic system and/or device in order to
provide information regarding the motion and location
characteristics of the ball 2300 to the electronic system and/or
device.
[0159] Referring to FIG. 72, a process 2350 of using the ball 2300
is shown. The portable electronic device 1000 may automatically
identify one or more balls 2300 that are to be used by an
individual (block 2352). Alternatively or in conjunction with the
portable electronic device 1000, the sensor assembly 2110 may also
automatically identify the one or more balls 2300 (block 2352). The
individual may have several balls 2300 in his or her proximity,
such as in the putting area and/or in his or her golf bag. The
sensor 2302 of each ball 2300 may have a unique identifier that may
be received by the portable electronic device 1000 and/or the
sensor assembly 2110. Accordingly, the portable electronic device
1000 and/or the sensor assembly 2110 may recognize and track all of
the balls 2300 that are in the proximity of the portable electronic
device 1000 and/or the sensor assembly 2110.
[0160] An individual may make at least one putt with a ball 2300.
As described above, the portable electronic device 1000 and/or the
sensor assembly 2110 may detect, track and/or determine a location
of the ball 2300 after a putt (block 2356). Additionally, the
portable electronic device 1000 and/or the sensor assembly 2110 may
detect motion characteristics of the ball 2300 while moving from
the golf club toward the golf cup to determine speed, trajectory
and/or location of the golf ball continuously or at certain time
intervals. The sensor assembly 2110 and the portable electronic
device 1000 may communicate with each other data regarding the
position of the ball 2300 so that the portable electronic device
can determine more accurate motion characteristics and location
information for the ball 2300.
[0161] As described in detail above, the portable electronic device
1000 may also analyze each putt and determine stroke
characteristics, the putting consistency and putting handicap for
an individual. Accordingly, an individual's stroke characteristics
and information about location, speed, and/or trajectory of a ball
for each putt attempt can be correlated to determine certain of the
individuals putting tendencies that either resulted in successful
putts or unsuccessful putts. Correlating stroke characteristics
analysis with the result oriented information as described in
detail above may enable an individual to improve his or her putting
performance by modifying his or her stroke to make more successful
putts.
[0162] Referring to FIG. 61, the final location of each ball 2300
after a putt may be known relative to the golf cup 2022 and/or
relative to the portable electronic device 1000. Accordingly, based
on the location of each ball 2300 as determined by the portable
electronic device 1000 as described above, the scatter plot of FIG.
61 may be automatically generated without any input or less input
from an individual. Thus, by having one or more sensors 2302 in the
ball 2300, an individual may not have to manually input a position
of the ball on the electronic device 1000.
[0163] Referring to FIG. 73, one or more cameras 2400 may be
located at or near a golf cup, such as the golf cup 2100, to
capture images of a ball, such as a ball 2300, for tracking
locations of the ball near the camera or after a putt. For example,
the camera 2400 may be mounted on a flagstick 2402 as shown in FIG.
73. The camera 2400 may be a digital camera having one or more
charge-coupled devices (CCDs) and/or active pixel sensors (CMOS) to
digitally capture images. Referring to FIG. 74, the camera 2400 may
include an image capturing device 2410 (CCD or CMOS), a processor
2412, memory 2414, and a transceiver 2416. A portable electronic
device, such as the disclosed portable electronic device 1000, may
establish communication with the transceiver 2416 to receive
captured images and associated data from the camera 2400. The
transceiver 2416 and the portable electronic device 1000 may
communicate by using any wireless communication method, such as a
proprietary communication method or the standard wireless
communication standards described herein. The camera 2400 may also
include a power supply 2418, which may be a battery or a solar
energy device, e.g., photovoltaic cells.
[0164] The camera 2400 may capture one or more images of one or
more golf balls around the hole and may determine the locations
and/or movement patterns of each golf ball. The camera may capture
still images or capture video (i.e., a sequence of images captured
at a certain frame rate such as a frame rate of between 20 and 60
frames/second). Because golf balls have generally consistent
dimensions, a golf ball may be distinguished in an image captured
by the camera. For example, a white circle appearing on an image
with a shade of green as the background may be identified as a golf
ball located on a putting green. The camera 2400 may capture one or
more images with the image capture device 2410, store the one or
more images in the memory 2414, and/or process the images with the
processor 2412 to determine motion characteristics of the golf ball
and/or the position of the golf ball relative to the camera 2400
and/or or the golf cup 2100. To determine the speed of the golf
ball and/or the trajectory of the golf ball, more than one image
may be required. However, one image may be sufficient to determine
a location of the golf ball. Thus, the camera 2400 may capture
multiple images and determine the speed and/or trajectory of a golf
ball with the processor 2412. Alternatively or in conjunction with
self processing of captured images, the camera 2400 may transmit
image data to the portable electronic device 1000 for processing.
Accordingly, the portable electronic device 1000 may process the
captured images and determine motion characteristics of the golf
ball and/or the distance of the golf ball from the portable
electronic device 1000 and/or the golf cup 2100. Although one
camera 2400 is described, a plurality of cameras may be provided at
or near the golf cup 2100 to perform the disclosed methods. By
providing more than one camera at or near the golf cup 2100, the
speed, trajectory, and/or location of the ball may be more
accurately determined. Additionally, a triangulation method may be
applied to captured images from multiple cameras to more accurately
determine the motion characteristics and/or the location of a golf
ball.
[0165] The portable electronic device 1000 may include a digital
camera that is capable of performing the disclosed image capture
functions. Accordingly, an individual may attach a first portable
electronic device 1001 to a putter shaft 800 with a first device
holder 101 as shown in FIG. 76, which is similar to FIG. 11 and a
second portable electronic device 1002 to the flag stick 2402 with
a second device holder 102 as shown in FIG. 75. The second portable
electronic device 1002 may function as a digital camera as
described above, while the first portable electronic device 1001
may function to determine stroke characteristics and operate the
software as also described above. The two portable electronic
devices 1001 and 1002 may communicate with each other as described
below.
[0166] Referring to FIG. 77, a process 2420 for using the camera
2400, which may be a part of the second portable electronic device
1002 is shown. The camera 2400 may be attached to the flagstick
2402 as shown in FIG. 76. Alternatively, if a portable electronic
device 1002 is used as a camera, the portable electronic device
1002 may be attached to the flagstick 2402 with the second device
holder 102. The camera 2400 may capture at least one image of the
ball when an individual putts the ball (block 2422). The image may
be captured at approximately the moment when the ball comes to rest
or after a certain sufficient wait period so that a ball comes to
rest. The at least one captured image is then processed to
determine the final location of the golf ball (block 2424). If more
than one image is captured while the ball is moving, motion
characteristics of the ball may also be determined (not shown).
Accordingly, speed, trajectory and/or locations of the ball may be
determined continuously or at certain time intervals (not
shown).
[0167] Referring to FIG. 78, a process 2450 for using two portable
electronic devices 1001 and 1002 is shown. The second portable
electronic device 1002 may be attached to a flagstick 2402 with the
second device holder 102. Additionally the camera lens of the
second portable device 1002 may be generally pointed in the
direction from which an individual may be putting one or more golf
balls. The first portable electronic device 1001 may be attached to
the individual's putter as described in detail above with the first
device holder 101.
[0168] The process 2450 includes establishing communication between
the first portable electronic device 1001 and the second portable
electronic device 1002 (block 2452). After communication is
established, an individual may putt a golf ball toward the golf
club, i.e., toward the flag 2402. Accordingly, as described in
detail above, the first portable electronic device 1001 may
determine the stroke characteristics of the individual (block
2454). The second portable electronic device 1002 may capture one
or multiple images or a video of the putting area (block 2456).
Either the first portable electronic device 1001 or the second
portable electronic device 1002 may process the captured images to
determine motion characteristics and/or locations of the golf ball
(block 2458). If the first portable electronic device 1001 is to
process the captured images, the second portable electronic device
1002 may transmit the captured images to the first portable
electronic device 1002. The process 2450 can then determine the
individual's putting performance based on the stroke
characteristics of the individual and the motion characteristics
and/or locations of the golf ball (block 2460).
[0169] The first and second device holders 101 and 102 may be
identical or similar in many respects. For example, if the first
and second device holders 101 and 102 are identical, the clamp
portions (such as the clamp portion 300 of the device holder 100)
of both devices may be configured to provide attachment to a putter
shaft and a flagstick. Accordingly, because a flagstick may have a
larger diameter than a diameter of a typical putter shaft, the
clamp portion may be configured to receive poles, rods or shafts of
large varying diameters. In another example, the first and second
device holders 101 and 102 may be similar in many respects except
for their respective clamp portions. The clamp portion of the first
device holder 101 may be configured for attachment to a putter
shaft, while the clamp portion of the second device holder 101 may
be configured for attachment to a flagstick.
[0170] According to the process 2420 and 2450, the individual may
make several putts from a consistent distance. For each putt, the
camera 2400 or the camera of the second portable electronic device
1002 may capture images of the ball. The camera may capture images
continuously in a video capture mode or in discrete intervals. In
one example, to reduce the space required in memory of the first
portable electronic device 1001 and/or the second portable
electronic device 1002 for storing images, the camera may be
activated when the individual swings his golf club and/or strikes
the ball. Accordingly, the first portable electronic device 1001
may transmit a signal to the second portable electronic device 1002
when the individual swings the golf club and/or the golf club
strikes the ball so that the second portable electronic device 1002
can capture images of the ball from the moment a putt is initiated
or just prior to the golf club striking the ball. The camera of the
second portable electronic device 1002 may stop capturing images
upon detecting that the ball is no longer in motion. Alternatively,
the camera of the second portable electronic device 1002 may stop
capturing images after a certain period, such as a time period that
is typically required to make a generally long putt.
[0171] When the camera 2400 or the camera of the second portable
electronic device 1002 captures a plurality of images or video
during the same putt attempt, the speed, location and/or trajectory
of the ball at every instant in time when the image was captured
may be determined. In one example, the second portable electronic
device 1002 may determine ball movement characteristics based on
the captured images and transmit the ball movement characteristic
data to the first portable electronic device 1001. Alternatively,
the second portable electronic device 1002 may transmit the
captured images to the first portable electronic device 1001 so
that the first portable electronic device 1001 can determine the
movement characteristics of the ball.
[0172] As described in detail above, one of the portable electronic
devices 1001 or 1002 that is attached to the putter shaft with the
device holder 101 or 102, respectively, may also analyze each putt
and determine stroke characteristics, the putting consistency and
putting handicap for an individual. Accordingly, an individual's
stroke characteristics and information about location, speed and/or
trajectory of a ball for each putt attempt as determined by the
captured images of the ball him can be correlated to determine
certain of the individuals putting tendencies that either resulted
in successful putts or unsuccessful putts. Correlating stroke
characteristics analysis with the result oriented information as
described in detail above may enable an individual to improve his
or her putting performance by modifying his or her stroke to make
more successful putts.
[0173] Referring to FIG. 61, the final location of each ball 2300
after a putt may be known relative to the golf cup 2022 and/or
relative to the portable electronic device 1000. Accordingly, based
on the location of each ball 2300 as determined by the captured
images as described above, the scatter plot of FIG. 61 may be
automatically generated without any input or less input from an
individual. Thus, by capturing images of a ball during each putt,
an individual may not have to manually input a position of the ball
on the electronic device 1000.
[0174] Referring to FIG. 82, a process 2500 is shown for
classifying golf clubs in one or more golf club categories based on
at least one golf club characteristic associated with the golf
club. The process 2500 includes classifying a golf club in at least
one golf club category based on at least one club characteristic
(block 2502), associating at least one stroke type with the at
least one golf club category (block 2504), and indicating a stroke
type on a golf club based on the at least one golf club category of
the golf club (block 2506). Accordingly, an individual may select
an appropriate type of golf club for optimum or near optimum
performance considering the individual's stroke characteristics and
skill level.
[0175] Referring back to FIGS. 28-31, golf clubs may be classified
in categories based on the center of gravity (CG) position 1250
and/or the CG angle 1252. The process 2000 may classify a golf club
1240 in at least one of the club categories. In one example, the
golf club 1240 may be a putter-type golf club. Accordingly, the
process 2000 may classify the golf club 1240 in a face-balance
putter category, a mid-hang putter category, or a toe-down putter
category.
[0176] In one example, a putter-type golf club classified in the
face-balance putter category may have a relatively-lower CG angle
(e.g., less than six degrees) with varying CG position from the
shaft axis 1248 (e.g., from zero to two inches). FIG. 79 shows an
example of a face-balanced putter. When the shaft of a
face-balanced putter is held in a horizontal position and allowed
to freely rotate about the shaft axis (extending through the page
in FIG. 79), the head 1241 remains in a horizontal position as
shown in FIG. 79. Thus, the position and angle of the CG is such
that the portion of the head 1241 from the shaft 1248 to the toe
1243 and the portion of the head 1241 from the shaft 1248 to the
heel 1245 balance each other about the shaft axis 1248.
[0177] A putter-type golf club classified in the mid-hang putter
category may have a relatively-moderate CG angle (e.g., less than
45 degrees) and a relatively-moderate CG position from the shaft
axis 1248 (e.g., less than one inch). Further, a putter-type golf
club classified in the mid-hang putter category may have a
relatively lower CG angle (e.g., less than 20 degrees) but a
relatively-farther CG position (e.g., more than one inch) from the
shaft axis 1248. FIG. 80 shows an example of a mid-hang putter.
When the shaft of a mid-hang putter is held in a horizontal
position and allowed to freely rotate about the shaft axis 1248
(extending through the page in FIG. 80), the head 1241 rotates
about the shaft axis 1248 until it finds a balanced position
generally midway between a horizontal position and a vertical
position. Thus, the position and angle of the CG is such that the
portion of the head 1241 from the shaft 1248 to the toe 1243 is
slightly off balance relative to the portion of the head 1241 from
the shaft 1248 to the heel 1245.
[0178] A putter-type golf club classified in the toe-down putter
category may have a relatively-higher CG angle (e.g., greater than
45 degrees) and a relatively-shorter CG position from the shaft
axis 1248 (e.g., less than one inch) may be classified in the
toe-down putter category. In addition, a putter-type golf club
classified in the toe-down putter category may have a
relatively-lower CG angle (e.g., less than 30 degrees) but a
relatively-farther CG position (e.g., more than one inch) from the
shaft axis 1248. FIG. 81 shows an example of a toe-down putter.
When the shaft of a tow-down putter is held in a horizontal
position and allowed to freely rotate about the shaft axis 1248
(extending through the page in FIG. 81), the head 1241 rotates
about the shaft axis 1248 until it finds a balanced position
generally near a vertical position. Thus, the position and angle of
the CG is such that the portion of the head 1241 from the shaft
1248 to the toe 1243 is highly off balance relative to the portion
of the head 1241 from the shaft 1248 to the heel 1245.
[0179] While the above examples may define the plurality of putter
categories in a particular manner, the systems, methods, and
articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this
regard. That is, various combinations of CG angles and CG position
from the shaft axis 1248 may define the plurality of putter
categories.
[0180] According to the above, a golf club may be classified in a
club category based on at least one club characteristic associated
with the golf club, such as CG location and CG angle. A golf club
classified in a certain category may then be associated with a
stroke type for which that golf club is suitable. In one example, a
face-balanced putter may be more suitable for a straight-type
stroke, a mid-hang putter may be more suitable for a slight
arc-type stroke, and a toe-down putter may be more suitable for a
strong arc-type stroke.
[0181] Referring to FIGS. 83-85, a putter-type golf club classified
in a face-balance putter category may include a stroke type
indicator 2510 associated with a straight stroke type. The stroke
type indicator 2510 may include a description, a letter, a number,
a logo, a symbol, a color, a combination thereof, etc. In on
example, a text field 2512, in which a stroke type is described.
For example, the text field 2512 may include the description
"Straight," "Slight Arc" or "Strong Arc." The stroke type indicator
2510 may also include a graphical stroke type field 2514, in which
a stroke type is graphically conveyed to an individual. In the
example of FIGS. 83-85, each of the straight, slight arc and strong
arc stroke types is graphically represented by a partial circle
2516 and a line 2518, where the curvature of the line 2518 may
define the stroke type. The partial circle 2516 may represent a
golf cup or hole. A tab 2520 framing any graphical representation
of the stroke type in the graphical stroke type field 2514 may
identify the stroke type on the stroke type indicator 2510. The
partial circle 2516 of the indicated stroke type may also include a
small filled circle 2522 representing a golf ball inside a golf cup
or a hole. Although not shown, certain colors used on the stroke
type indicator 2510 may indicate a stroke type. For example, the
graphical stroke type field 2514 may have a blue, green or red
background color associated with straight, slight arc or strong arc
stroke types, respectively.
[0182] FIG. 83 is an example of a stroke type indicator 2510
associated with a straight type stroke that may be provided on a
face-balanced putter. The stroke type indicator 2510 includes the
word "Straight" in the text field 2512 to indicate that a golf club
having such a visual stroke indicator may be better suited for an
individual having a straight type of stroke. The tab 2520 of the
graphical stroke type field 2514 is shown to frame the partial
circle 2516 and line 2518 that visually convey a straight type
stroke to an individual. The line 2518 is shown to be a straight
line and the framed partial circle 2516 is shown to have a small
filled circle 2522 representing a golf ball in the golf cup. The
graphical stroke type field 2514 and/or the word "Straight" in the
text field 2512 may also have a certain color associated with a
straight type stroke, such as the color blue.
[0183] FIG. 84 is an example of a stroke type indicator 2510
associated with a slight arc type stroke that may be provided on a
mid-hang putter. The stroke type indicator 2510 includes the word
"Slight Arc" in the text field 2512 to indicate that a golf club
with such a stroke type indicator may be better suited for an
individual having a slight arc type of stroke. The tab 2520 of the
graphical stroke type field 2514 is shown to frame the partial
circle 2516 and line 2518 that visually convey a straight type
stroke to an individual. The line 2518 is shown to be slightly
arced and the framed partial circle 2516 is shown to have a small
filled circle 2522 representing a golf ball in the golf cup. The
graphical stroke type field 2514 and/or the words "Slight Arc" may
also have a certain color associated with a straight type stroke,
such as the color green.
[0184] FIG. 85 is an example of a stroke type indicator 2510
associated with a slight arc type stroke that may be provided on a
toe-down putter. The stroke type indicator 2510 includes the word
"Strong Arc" in the text field 2512 to indicate that a golf club
with such a stroke type indicator may be better suited for an
individual having a strong arc type of stroke. The tab 2520 of the
graphical stroke type field 2514 is shown to frame the partial
circle 2516 and line 2518 that visually convey a straight type
stroke to an individual. The line 2518 is shown to have the
greatest arc as compared to the lines 2518 of the straight and
slight arc stroke type indicators 2510. The framed partial circle
2516 is shown to have a small filled circle 2522 representing a
golf ball in the golf cup. The graphical stroke type field 2514
and/or the words "Strong Arc" may also have a certain color
associated with a straight type stroke, such as the color red.
[0185] Characterizing an individual's golf swing or putting stroke
and/or an analysis of the individual's performance may be
considered to identify an appropriate type of golf club for the
individual to play his or her best. Referring to FIG. 86, a process
2600 may recommend a golf club for an individual based on an
individual's stroke characteristics and/or an analysis of the
individual's putting performance. The process 2600 may generally
include determining at least one stroke characteristic of an
individual (block 2602), and recommending at least one golf club
based on the at least one stroke characteristic of the individual
and/or recommending an adjustment to at least one golf club based
on the at least one stroke characteristic of the individual (block
2604).
[0186] An individual may perform the process 2600 by selecting
(e.g., touching the GUI 1114) club fitting option 1908 of the
sub-menu 1310. Upon selecting the club fitting option 1908, the GUI
1114 of the portable electronic device 1000 displays a counter
display 2610 as shown in FIG. 87. The counter display 2610 is
similar in many respects to the counter display 1650. Accordingly,
a description of similar features and functions of the counter
displays 2610 is not repeated herein for brevity. The counter
display 2610 may further display instructions for an individual
regarding the number of putts to attempt and the distance for the
attempted number of putts. For example, the counter display 2610
may instruct the individual to "TAKE 5 IDENTICAL 10 ft PUTTS" as
shown in FIG. 87. The individual may take the specified number of
putts (e.g. 5 putts) from the specified distance (e.g. 10 feet)
until the counter display 2610 shows that all five putt attempts
have been completed.
[0187] Upon completing the specified number of putts from the
specified distance, the stroke type of the individual may be
displayed on a stroke identification display 2620 as shown in FIG.
88. The stroke identification display 2620 may include a stroke
type display 2622, which is similar to the stroke type display 1662
of FIG. 47. Accordingly, a detailed description of the stroke type
display 2622 is not provided herein for brevity. The stroke
identification display 2620 may also include a stroke type
indicator 2624. According to the process 2500 as described above, a
stroke type indicator 2510 may be provided on a golf club to
associate the golf club with a certain stroke type. The stroke type
indicator 2624 displayed on the stroke identification display 2620
may be similar or identical to the stroke type indicator 2510
associated with the same stroke type. Therefore, a detailed
description of the stroke type indicator 2624 is not provided
herein for brevity. As described below, an individual may readily
match up the displayed stroke type indicator 2624 with a similar
stroke type indicator 2510 on a golf club when selecting an
appropriate golf club based on the stroke characteristics of the
individual.
[0188] According to one example, the stroke type indicator 2510 may
be a sticker that is affixed to a corresponding golf club.
According to another example, the stroke type indicator 2510 may be
painted on a corresponding golf club during manufacturing thereof.
According yet another example, the stroke type indicator 2510 may
be etched, embossed or be made as an integral piece of the golf
club. Thus, the stroke type indicator 2510 may be placed at any
location on the golf club with any method.
[0189] The stroke identification display 2620 may also include a
"Recommend Putter" icon 2626 that when selected by an individual
identifies a putter that may be best suitable for the individual
based on his or her stroke type on a recommended putter display
2630 as shown in FIG. 89. The recommended putter display 2630 may
show at least one recommended putter 2632. The recommended putter
2632 may be identified by manufacturer and model. The recommended
putter display 2630 may also display the stroke type associated
with the recommended putter in the form of the stroke type
indicator 2624 and/or 2510. An individual may have the option of
viewing other recommended putters on the recommended putter display
2630 by scrolling between several recommended putters. The
individual may also have the option of viewing technical
specifications of the recommended putter 2632. Referring to FIG.
90, the recommended putter display 2630 may include a smaller
sub-display 2634, which may be displayed over the recommended
putter display 2630 and include technical specifications of the
recommended putter 2632, such as the material from which the
recommended putter 2632 is constructed, the weight of the
recommended putter 2632 and/or the lie angle of the recommended
putter 2632. The sub-display 2634 may be activated by an individual
touching a certain icon (e.g., an arrow or the like) on a certain
part of the recommended putter display 2630.
[0190] Referring to FIG. 91, the recommended putter display 2630
may include a miss tendency sub-menu 2636, by which an individual
can select miss tendency options such as Left, None or Right. For
example, a right-handed individual who has the tendency to miss to
the left of a golf hole with his or her current golf club may
benefit from a golf club that is more toe-down (i.e., more in the
toe-down direction) than his or her current golf club. Accordingly,
such an individual may selected the Left miss tendency option from
the sub-menu 2636. In another example, an individual who has the
tendency to miss to the right of a golf hole with his or her
currently golf club may benefit from a golf club that is more
face-balanced (i.e., more in the face-balance direction) than his
or her current golf club. Accordingly, such an individual may
select the Right miss tendency option from the sub-menu 2636.
Referring to FIG. 92, the recommended putter display 2630 may also
include an alignment aid sub-menu 2638, by which an individual can
select the style and/or type of alignment aid that he or she
prefers on a putter. For example, the options that may be
selectable from the alignment aid sub-menu 2638 may be No
Preference, Minimal, Standard, or Many/Heavy.
[0191] The recommended putter display 2630 recommends a putter for
an individual based on his or her stroke type. However, the
individual may require advanced fitting so that the recommended
putter is sized for the individual. Accordingly, the recommended
putter display 2630 may include an advanced fitting option 2640,
selection of which by an individual displays an advanced fitting
display 2642 shown in FIG. 93. An individual may enter his or her
measurements in a measurement input area 2644 by activating a
measurement display 2646 as shown in FIG. 94. The measurement
display 2646 may include an overall height input area 2648 for an
individual to input his or her height, a wrist to floor height
input area 2650 for the individual to input the distance from his
or wrist to the floor, gender identification input area 2652 for
selection of the individual's gender, and stance type input area
2654 for selection of the individual's putting stance, such as
upright, standard, or crouch. Upon returning to the advanced
fitting display 2642, the individual may have the option of
selecting the green speed such as fast, medium or slow from a green
speed menu 2656 as shown in FIG. 95. The advanced fitting display
2642 may display a recommended putter configuration sub-display
2658 for the recommended putter 2632. The recommended putter
configuration sub-display 2658 may include a recommended length,
loft and lie angle as shown in FIGS. 93 and 95. The speed of a
putting green of a golf hole may be considered when adjusting the
recommended loft angle. For example, the loft angle may decrease by
one degree for a fast putting green whereas the loft angle may
increase by one degree for a slow putting green. The loft angle may
not be adjusted for a medium speed putting green. The advanced
fitting display 2642 may also provide the individual to capture or
practice putts with the recommend putter 2632 by selecting a putt
capture or practice area 2660 on the GUI 1114. The systems,
methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not
limited in this regard.
[0192] The process 2600 may also recommend one or more adjustments
to a golf club based on the at least one stroke characteristic of
the individual (block 2604). For example, a golf club that may
already be in use by an individual may be modified to adjust the
length, loft and/or lie of the golf club to better fit the
individual.
[0193] FIG. 96 illustrates a process 2670 for fitting one or more
golf clubs for an individual based on one or more photos of the
individual. The process 2670 includes capturing at least one image
of an individual (block 2672), and recommending at least one golf
club based on the at least one captured photo of the individual
and/or recommending an adjustment to at least one golf club based
on the at captured photo of the individual (block 2674).
[0194] According to one example, the process 2670 utilizes a camera
of a portable electronic device, such as the portable electronic
device 1000, to capture one or more images of an individual. The
one or more captured images may be analyzed by the portable
electronic device 1000 to determine the individual's stroke
characteristics as described in detail herein, physical attributes
(height and other bodily measurements) as shown in FIG. 94, and/or
putting stance, such as upright, standard, or crouch as shown in
FIG. 94. For example, the information shown in FIG. 94 may be
determined by the portable electronic device 1000 according to one
or more captured images of an individual. In another example, one
or more captured images of an individual may be correlated with
stroke characteristics and/or putting results of an individual as
described in detail herein to recommend an appropriate golf club
for the individual considering the individual's skill level.
Further details of fitting one or more golf clubs to an individual
based on capturing one or more images of the individual are
provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/465,304, filed on
May 7, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference.
[0195] Referring to FIG. 97, a process 2700 for an individual to
share his or her putting results, such as stroke characteristics,
consistency scores, and/or putting handicap is shown. An
individual, which may be referred to herein as a first individual,
may receive a request from a second individual to share putting
results (block 2702). The first individual may accept the request
and transmit his or her putting results to the second individual
(block 2704). The putting results may be transmitted directly from
the portable electronic device of the first individual to the
portable electronic device of the second individual by wired
transmission, wireless transmission according to the disclosed
wireless transmission standards, and/or any type of removable
memory module. For example, two individuals who are playing golf
may share their putting results with each other through their
portable electronic devices via communication with Bluetooth.RTM.
technology. Although an individual may request and/or receive
putting results from another individual, the request for putting
result may be from an entity. For example, an entity may be any
individual, a group of individuals, or an organization. The entity
may also be an electronic device, which may request putting results
without any guidance or intervention from an individual. For
example, an electronic device may be configured to request putting
results from certain individuals at certain time intervals.
[0196] FIG. 98 shows a process 2710, which is a more detailed
example of the process 2700. At least two individuals, who may be
referred to herein as the first individual and the second
individual, may wish to share putting results. The sharing of the
putting results may be in real time or based on prior putting
results. However, the process 2710 shows an example of real time
sharing. The first individual may activate the software on a first
portable electronic device. Similarly, the second individual may
activate the software on a second portable electronic device. The
process 2710 may include establishing communication between the
first portable electronic device and the second portable electronic
device (block 2712). To establish communication, each individual
may select a communication/link feature (not shown) of the software
of his or her portable electronic device to seek, select and
establish communication with the other individual's portable
electronic device. For example, upon selecting a communication/link
feature (not shown) of the software, the first portable electronic
device may display any Bluetooth.RTM. enabled device that is within
sufficient proximity of the first portable electronic device for
Bluetooth.RTM. communication. The first individual may then select
the second portable electronic device to establish communication
with the second portable electronic device.
[0197] Each of the first individual or the second individual may
attach his or her portable electronic device to his or her golf
club with a device holder. Each of the first individual or the
second individual may perform at least one putting stroke. The at
least one putting stroke may be performed according to a practice
session and/or a measure session as described in detail above.
Alternatively, the first individual may perform at least one
putting stroke while the second individual only participates as an
observer. If the second individual only participates as an
observer, he or she may not have to attach his or her portable
electronic device to his or her golf club. According to process
2710, the first individual performs at least one putting strokes.
The first portable electronic device may then collect data related
to the at least one putting stroke (block 2714) and transmit data
related to the at least one putting stroke to the second portable
electronic device (block 2716). The transmitted data may be raw
data collected by the portable electronic device during the
performance of the at least one putting strokes. Alternatively, the
raw data collected by the first portable electronic device may be
analyzed and the resulting stroke characteristics of the putting
stroke may be transmitted to the second portable electronic device.
The second portable electronic device may store the received data
and/or display the received data on the GUI of the second portable
electronic device. The received data may also be used by the second
electronic device for comparison purposes as disclosed.
[0198] FIG. 99 shows a process 2730 for an individual to share his
or her putting results with others via electronic mail, a posting
on a social media network such as FACEBOOK.RTM. social networking
service of Facebook, Inc., Palo Alto, Calif. or TWITTER.RTM. social
networking service of Twitter, Inc., San Francisco, Calif., and/or
any communication network to which one or more other individuals
may have access. According to the process 2730, an individual may
transmit his or her putting results to a network (block 2732).
Referring back to FIG. 15, an example of a network 1150 is shown
that may provide communication and data sharing between different
network devices via the Internet 1164. After the individual
transmits his or her putting results to the network 1150 via the
Internet 1164, the putting results 1150 may be stored on the server
1152. The transmission of the putting results by the individual may
be performed by the individual emailing the results to another
individual or entity (e.g., a group of individuals, social group,
organization or the like). The email message including the results
may be received and stored on the server 1152 (e.g., an email
server) and then transmitted from the server 1152 to one or more
other entities. The transmission of the putting results by the
individual may be performed by the individual uploading the results
and/or any associated messages, comments, descriptions or the like
to the server 1152, which may be a social media server, a game
server, or the like to which other individuals or entities have
access for sharing data. The transmission of putting results from
any individual via his or her portable electronic device may be
performed without the individual's control either in real time or
at certain time intervals.
[0199] According to the process 2730, another individual, a
plurality of individuals and/or one or more entities may access the
individual's putting results from the network 1150 by communicating
with the server 1152 via the Internet 1164 (block 2734). Accessing
the results may be defined as viewing and/or downloading the
results. Further, the individual who transmitted his or her results
to the server 1152 may also access the results from the network
1150 if the individual no longer has the putting results stored on
his or her portable electronic device.
[0200] Referring back to FIG. 52, comparing results of a
measurement session of a first individual, which shown in FIG. 52
as Individual 1, with the results of a measurement session of
another individual, which is shown in FIG. 52 as Individual 2, may
require that Individual 1 have access to measurement session
results for one or more certain putting sessions of Individual 2.
According to processes 2700 and 2710, measurement session results
for one or more putting sessions of individual 2 may be transmitted
from the portable electronic device of Individual 2 to the portable
electronic device of individual 1 upon Individual 1 requesting such
results. According to process 2730, one or more measurement session
results of Individual 2 may be downloaded by the portable
electronic device of Individual 1 from a server, such as the server
1152, which may be an email server, a social networking server, a
game server or any type of server that provides data to various
electronic devices. Upon receiving certain measurement session
results of Individual 2, the received measurement session results
may be stored in the memory of the portable electronic device of
Individual 1 for future use. The systems, methods, and articles of
manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
[0201] Two or more individuals may share their putting and/or golf
game results with each other in real time according to any of the
processes 2700, 2710 and 2730. The sharing of results in real time
may enable social gaming as described in detail below. Referring to
FIG. 14, two or more individuals may share information in real time
by the individuals' portable electronic devices directly
communicating with each other. As shown in FIG. 98, the portable
electronic device of two or more individuals may establish
communication with each other as described in detail above (block
2712). The portable electronic devices of the two or more
individuals can then transmit to each other in real time (block
2716) the information collected by the portable electronic device
related to each individual's putting stroke and game play (block
2714).
[0202] Two or more individuals may share information with each
other in real time via the Internet by using a network server 1152,
which may be a social media server, a game server, an email server,
or any type of data server to which other individuals or entities
may have access for sharing data. FIG. 100 shows in detail a
process 2750 of sharing information in real time via the Internet.
The process 2750 shows sharing of information between two portable
electronic devices, namely a first portable electronic device and a
second portable electronic device. However, the process 2750 is
applicable to a large number of portable electronic devices (e.g.,
cell phones, smart phones, laptop computers, tablet computers,
digital music players, etc.).
[0203] Each of the first portable electronic device and the second
portable electronic device may execute the software (block 2752).
If the first and second portable electronic devices are not
connected to the Internet, then the first and second portable
electronic devices may be connected to the Internet. For example,
the first electronic device or the second electronic device may
have a continuous connection to the Internet for email, messaging,
voice, or other IP (Internet Protocol) applications. Each of the
first and second portable electronic devices may establish
connection with a server, through which data is shared (block
2756). Establishing a connection with a server may entail logging
into an account provided on the server for a certain individual,
organization, social group, gaming group, professional group or the
like to provide an individual access to all or certain data stored
on the server and associated with the account. Each of the first
portable electronic device and/or the second portable electronic
device may be attached to a putter with the device holder as
disclosed. At least one of the portable electronic devices may then
be used to perform one or more putting strokes (block 2758), which
may be in a practice session or a measure session as described in
detail above. Data related to the one or more putting strokes may
be transmitted to the server and stored on the server in a data
storage space associated with the individual operating the first
portable electronic device. The data may be transmitted after each
putting stroke or after a putting session (i.e., a plurality of
putting strokes). For example, after each putting stroke, the data
may be automatically transmitted to the server via the Internet.
The data may be raw measurement data or data including results of
one or more putting strokes as determined by the portable
electronic devices, such as stroke characteristics, consistency
scores, and/or putting handicap. The server may then transmit the
data to the second portable electronic device (block 2760). The
second portable electronic device may then receive (block 2762),
store, analyze, compare and/or display the received data as
disclosed herein.
[0204] Any information provided to an individual on the GUI 1114 of
the portable electronic device 1000 may be shared by the individual
with the general public or select individuals. For example, stroke
characteristics of an individual and/or the club fitting results
for an individual may be shared. An individual may directly share
with another electronic device or upload information about his or
her practice session, measure session, compare session, result
based practice session (i.e., by which miss tendencies may be
determined), club fitting session, and/or competition with others
session to a server, which may be a social media server, a game
server, an email server, or any type of data server to which other
individuals or entities may have access for sharing data. The
sharing of information, which may be direct sharing with another
electronic device or sharing with others via a server, may be
performed by an individual selecting a share icon 63 during a
practice session, a measure session, a compare session, a result
based practice session, a club fitting session, and/or a
competition with others session. The share icon 63 may be shown on
the GUI 1114 so as to be selectable by an individual. For example,
the share icon 63 is shown is FIGS. 44 and 47. By activating the
share icon 63, the results of the corresponding session may be
shared with others either directly or via a server as described in
detail herein.
[0205] Two or more local and/or remotely located users may engage
in competition by sharing stroke characteristics, consistency
scores, putting handicap, and/or result oriented performance data
as described in detail above. According to one example, a
competition between two or more individuals may be in the form of a
skins game, which is a type of scoring for golf, where players
compete for prize money on each individual hole. Each hole is
assigned certain point value or prize money. To get the points or
prize money for a hole, the player with the best score wins the
hole. If two or more players tie (e.g., halving) on a hole, the
points may be carried over to the next hole. The player who
accumulates the most points or prize money is the winner of the
skins game.
[0206] Referring to FIG. 101, a process 2800 for local and/or
remotely located individuals to engage in a skins game is shown.
The process 2800 may determine a winner based on the consistency
scores of the individuals participating in the game for each hole.
The skins game may be played for one or more holes. The process
2800 includes indicating to one individual among several
participating individuals to attempt a certain number of putts for
an indicated hole (blocks 2802 and 2804). The individual's
consistency score is then determined by a portable electronic
device as described in detail above (block 2806). If all of the
individuals who are participating in the skins game haven not
played the indicated hole (block 2808), then the process of playing
the first hole is repeated for all participating individuals.
Accordingly, the next participating individual plays the first hole
(block 2810 and block 2802). The process 2800 then checks whether
or not all of the participating individuals have played all of the
holes (block 2812). For example, if the first hole has been played
by all of the participating individuals, then the participating
individuals should play the next hole or the second hole.
Accordingly, the next hole is played by all of the participating
individuals. Thus, if all of the participating individuals have not
played all of the holes, the process of playing each hole is
repeated as described above (block 2814 and block 2802). However,
if all of the participating individuals have played all of the
holes, a winner of the skins game is determined based on the
consistency scores of all of the participating individuals for all
of the holes (block 2816). Further detail of the process 2800 and
the operation of a portable electronic device 1000 when performing
the process 2800 is described below.
[0207] Referring back to FIG. 58, an individual may select the
Skins Game option 1906 to start a skins game. Upon selecting the
Skins Game option 1906, the GUI 1114 of the portable electronic
device 1000 displays the game selection menu 2900 shown in FIGS.
102 and 103. The game selection menu 2900 shown in FIG. 103 is a
continuation of the game selection menu 2900 of FIG. 102 and can be
viewed by scrolling down the game selection menu 2900 of FIG. 102.
The game selection menu 2900 includes a Pass-And-Play option 2902,
a Turn Based option 2904 and a Hosted option 2906, all of which
relate to different procedures by which local or remotely located
individuals may participate in a skins game. The Pass-And-Play
option 2902 allows several local individuals to play a skins game
with a single portable electronic device. Accordingly, a single
portable electronic device is passed from one individual to another
during game play based on each individual's turn at playing the
game. The Turn-Based option 2904 allows several local or remotely
located individuals to play one or more skins games by
communicating through a network. The Hosted option 2906 allows
several local or remotely located individuals to play one or more
skins game and display the results in a leader board on a large
display device such as a television or a large display monitor. The
process 2800 and the operation of a portable electronic device 1000
when each of options in the game selection menu 2900 is selected
are described in detail below.
[0208] An individual can select the Pass-And-Play option 2902.
According to process 2906 shown in FIG. 104, after the individuals
who may be participating in the skins game are determined (block
2907), the number of holes to play may be determined (block 2908).
The participating individuals may then play a skins game according
to the process 2800 and as described in detail below.
[0209] Referring to FIG. 105, after selecting the Pass-And-Play
option 2902, the portable electronic device 1000 displays the
player menu 2910 from which the individuals who may be
participating in the skins game may be determined (block 2906). The
player menu 2910 includes player entry windows 2912, an add player
icon 2914, a remove player icon 2916, and a play icon 2918. A first
individual, who may be referred to herein as Individual 1, can
enter his or her name in the "Player 1" player entry window 2912.
The first individual may also have the option of providing his
photograph by using the photo entry icon 2920. A second individual,
who may be referred to herein as Individual 2, can enter his or her
name in the "Player 2" player entry window 2912. The second
individual may also have the option of providing his photograph by
using the photo entry icon 2920. To add more players, the add
player icon 2914 can be selected, by which additional player entry
windows 2912 may be provided on the player menu 2910 so that
additional individuals can enter their names and/or photographs. To
remove a player, the remove player icon 2916 may be used. After
entry of players' names is finished, one of the individuals can
select the play icon 2918, which in FIG. 93 is shown to display
"Play Now!"
[0210] The number of holes to play may be selectable by one or more
individuals playing a skins game. Referring to FIG. 106, the
portable electronic device 1000 may display an option for selecting
the number of holes to play after an individual selects the play
icon 2918 (block 2908). According to the exemplary hole selection
display 2930, the GUI 1114 of the portable electronic device may
provide several hole selection icons 2932, where each icon
corresponds to a certain number of holes. In the example of FIG.
106, the hole selection display 2930 shows three hole selection
icons 2932 corresponding to 4 holes, 6 holes and 9 holes.
Alternatively, the portable electronic device 1000 may provide an
entry window so that an individual can manually enter the number of
holes to play.
[0211] After selecting the number of holes to play, the portable
electronic device 1000 may display a game start display 2940 as
shown in FIG. 107. The game start display 2940 may represent the
start of the process 2800 (block 2802). The game start display 2940
may include an individual identification display 2942, an
instruction window 2944 and a skins point value window 2946 by
which information about the skins game is provided. As shown in
FIG. 107, the individual identification display 2942 may identify
the individual who should play next or whose turn as arrived. The
individual identification display 2942 may display the name of the
first individual to play, which is shown for example to be
Individual 1. The instruction window 2944 may provide general
instructions to an individual about the game. In the example of
FIG. 107, an individual is instructed to take 5 putts so that the
individual's consistency score can be determined as discussed in
detail above. Accordingly, each individual may be instructed to
perform a measure session as described in detail herein. The
instruction window 2944 may also display a start icon 2948,
selection of which starts the skins game. The skins value window
2946 may specify information about the values of the holes in the
skins game. For example, FIG. 107 shows the skin value of the first
hole to be 25000 or 1 skin.
[0212] FIG. 108 shows a play display 2950 that is displayed after
the start icon 2948 is selected. The play display 2950 may include
a hole indicator 2952 and a counter display 2954. The hole
indicator 2952 indicates the hole that is being currently played.
The hole indicator 2952 may visually resemble a hole with a
flagstick inserted therein as shown in the example of FIG. 108. The
counter display 2954 is similar to the count display 1650 of FIGS.
45 and 46, hence a detailed description thereof is not provided
herein. The counter display 2954 may show the number of putts
completed and the number of putts remaining in numeric and/or
graphical manner. The play display 2950 may also include the
individual identification display 2942 and the skins value window
2946. An individual may be allowed to skip his or her turn in the
skins game. Accordingly, the play display 2950 may also include a
skip turn icon 2956, by which an individual can skip his or her
turn in the game.
[0213] Referring to FIGS. 109 and 110, an individual results
display 2960 is displayed on the GUI 1114 of the portable
electronic device 1000 after an individual performs a measure
session, e.g., attempting 5 putts. FIG. 109 shows an example of the
individual results display 2960 for Individual 1. After the first
individual, e.g., individual 1, performs a measure session, he or
she passes the portable electronic device 1000 to the second
individual, e.g., individual 2, to perform a measure session as
described in detail above. Individual 1 and individual 2 may choose
to play with the same golf club. Accordingly, individual 1 can pass
his golf club including the portable electronic device 1000
attached thereto to individual 2 to perform his or her measure
session. FIG. 110 shows an example of the individual results
display 2960 for Individual 2. The individual results display 2960
may include an individual identification display 2942, a score
display 2962 and a results table display 2964. The score display
2962 displays the consistency score of an individual after a
measure session. The results table display 2964 shows the current
results for all individuals in tabular format. The individual
results display 2960 further includes a next player icon 2966.
After an individual views his or her results on the individual
results display 2960, the next individual can select the next
player icon 2966 to play his or her turn. The individual results
display 2960 may also include an overall results icon 2968,
selection of which displays the current overall results of the
skins game in tabular form (see for example FIG. 100).
[0214] Referring to FIG. 111, a match results display 2970 may be
displayed after all of the players have performed measure sessions
for all of the holes. The match results display 2970 may show the
points and skins achieved by each participating individual and the
placement of each participating individual (i.e., 1st place, 2nd
place, etc.). The match results display 2970 may also include the
overall results icon 2968, selection of which displays the overall
results of the match in tabular form as shown by the score card
display 2980 of FIG. 112. The scorecard display 2980 includes a
results table 2982 having each row represent one of the holes
played in the skins game and each column corresponding to one of
the players who participated in the skins game. The last row in the
results table 2982 may display the overall points and skins
achieved by each participating player.
[0215] Selecting the Turn Based option 2904 allows several local or
remotely located individuals to play one or more skins games
through a network. FIG. 113 shows an exemplary process 3000 by
which several individuals can play a skins game through a network.
The process 3000 includes an individual establishing communication
with a network (block 3002). To establish communication with a
network, an individual may for example be required to login to a
network server via the Internet. The network server may be a social
media server, a game server, or the like to which other individuals
or entities have access for sharing data. For example, the network
server may be Apple's Game Center network from Apple Inc.,
Cupertino, Calif. After establishing communication with the
network, the individual may choose to join a skins game that is
hosted (i.e., has already been started) by another individual who
has access to the network (blocks 3004 and 3006). Accordingly, the
individual can play the skins game that is hosted by another
individual (block 2800).
[0216] The individual may choose, however, to host a new skins game
(block 3004). The individual may invite certain other individuals
to join in the new hosted skins game (block 3008). The certain
other individuals may be friends, family members, or others with
whom the individual is familiar. As discussed in detail below, the
individual can send invitations to others through the network to
play the new hosted game (block 3008). The individual can then
start the new hosted game (block 3010). Because the individual is
the host of the game, he or she may be required to select the
number of holes to play (block 3012) or specify other parameters of
the game. The individual can then play the new hosted skins game as
described in detail above with respect to process 2800 (block
2800).
[0217] Instead of inviting certain other individuals to play a new
hosted skins game, the individual may choose to have other
individuals who have access to the network and wish to play a skins
game to join in the game. In other words, the individual hosting
the new game may be automatically matched up with other individuals
who wish to play the new hosted game. As discussed in detail below,
an indication may be provided on the network that a new hosted game
is available so that other individuals may be notified of the
indication and choose to join the new hosted game (block 3014). The
individual can then start the new hosted game (block 3016). Because
the individual is the host of the game, he or she may be required
to select the number of holes to play (block 3018) or specify other
parameters of the game. The individual can then play the new hosted
skins game as described in detail above with respect to process
2800 (block 2800).
[0218] The processes 3000 (including the process 2800) and the
operation of a portable electronic device 1000 when the Turn-Based
option 2904 is selected are described in detail below. Referring to
FIG. 114, when the Turn-Based option 2904 is selected, a new game
icon 3030 is displayed, by which the individual may host a new
game. Additionally, an existing game icon 3032 is displayed, by
which the individual may join a new game that is hosted by another
individual. The existing game icon 3032 is shown in FIG. 114 to
display "Take Your Turn", which is indicating to an individual to
take his or her turn in a new game that is hosted by another
individual.
[0219] When an individual selects the new game icon 3030, a new
game display 3050 is displayed on the portable electronic device
1000 as shown in FIG. 115. The new game display 3050 includes a
player identification window 3052, which shows the identification
of the individual using the portable electronic device 1000 and who
is hosting the new game. The identification may refer to the
individual by name, email address, nickname, network username or
user identification, or any text, numbers and/or symbols. In the
example of FIG. 115, the individual is identified as "Me".
Additionally the player identification window 3052 may show each
player's ranking among all other local and/or remotely located
participants based on previously played matches. In the example of
FIG. 115, the player identified as "Me" is shown to have a ranking
of "#5,560 (Bottom 50%)." The individual may wish to add one or
more players with an add player icon 3054 or remove one or more
players with a remove player icon 3056.
[0220] As shown in the player identification window 3052, the
individual who hosts a new game may either choose to be
automatically matched up with other local or remotely located
players through the network or invite friends to play by selecting
the Invite Friend icon 3058. Referring to FIG. 116, after the
individual selects the Invite Friend icon 3058, a list of the
individual's friends who have access to the network may be
displayed in one or more friend windows 3060. The individual can
select one or more friends from the list to invite to play the
skins game by selecting the corresponding friend windows 3060. As
shown in the example of FIG. 116, selecting each friend may be
accomplished by touching the display of the corresponding friend
window 3060, which may cause a check mark confirming the selection
to appear in each friend window 3060. Alternatively, the friend
window may be highlighted, changed to show different colors,
displayed with different text, or changed as compared to unselected
friend windows 3060 to visually convey to the individual which
friends have been selected. Upon selecting one or more friends, the
individual may send an invitation to each selected friend to join
the new hosted game as shown by the message window 3062 shown by
example in FIG. 117. Upon sending a message such as "want to play a
skins game?" by selecting a send icon 3064, the individual is
returned to the new game display 3050 as shown in FIG. 118.
However, the new game display 3050 of FIG. 118 may now display the
name of the one or more friends who have been invited to play the
new hosted game. The individual may have the option of uninviting
one or more of his or her invited friends by selecting the
un-invite icon 3066. The individual may also wish to add players by
using the add player icon 3054 or remove players by using the
remove player icon 3056. For example, the individual can select the
add player icon 3054 so as to invite another friend to play the
game.
[0221] After inviting one or more friends to play the new hosted
game, the individual can start the game by selecting the play now
icon 3068. The individual may be presented with a hole selection
display 2930 as shown in FIG. 106. After selecting the number of
holes to play, the individual may attempt a certain number of putts
for the first hole as disclosed according to the process 2800 and
with respect to FIGS. 107-109. After the individual plays the first
hole, his or her results, e.g., a consistency score, may be
displayed on the portable electronic device 1000 as shown in FIG.
109 and also transmitted to the network by the portable electronic
device 1000. The individual may then have to wait for the one or
more invited friends to play their turn. Accordingly, as shown in
FIG. 119, the portable electronic device 1000 of the first
individual displays a game display 3070, which may show that one of
the invited friends should take his or her turn. The portable
electronic device 1000 may send a notification through the network
to one or more individuals whose turns have arrived to take their
turns in playing the game. The notification may be in the form of
visual and/or audible messages. For example, when an individual's
turn has arrived, the individual may be notified by email, text,
SMS (short message service), and/or any type of audio and/or visual
notification. Each individual playing the game may then take his or
her turn according to the process 2800 until all of the holes have
been played by all of the individuals so that a winner of the game
may be determined. After a winner is determined according to the
process 2800, a match results display 2970 as shown in FIG. 111 may
be displayed. The match results display 2970 may show the points
and skin values achieved by each participating individual and the
placement of each participating individual (i.e., 1st place, 2nd
place, etc.). Furthermore, a scorecard display 2980 as shown in
FIG. 112 and disclosed herein may be displayed to all of the
participating individuals.
[0222] Instead of inviting one or more friends to play, the
individual can allow other individuals on the network to join the
new hosted game. Referring back to FIG. 115, to play with other
individuals who have access to the network, the individual (i.e.,
Me) can select the play now icon 3068 to start a new game without
selecting any friends to play. Accordingly, the individual is
Auto-Matched with remotely located individuals. The individual may
be matched with any other individual regardless of the players'
skill level. Alternatively, the individual may be matched with
another individual based on his or her skills, such as consistency
scores and/or PHcp. The individual may be presented with a hole
selection display 2930 as shown in FIG. 94. After selecting the
number of holes to play, the individual may perform a measure
session as disclosed according to the process 2800 and FIGS.
107-109. After the individual plays the first hole, his or her
results, e.g., a consistency score, may be displayed on the
portable electronic device 1000 as shown in FIG. 109 and also
transmitted to the network by the portable electronic device 1000.
The individual may then have to wait for one or more individuals
who have access to the network to join the game. Another individual
may join the game and compete with the first individual as
described in detail below.
[0223] As described above, an individual can host a new game, i.e.,
start a new game and play with friends or others who may join the
game through the network. However, an individual may choose to join
a game that is hosted by another individual. Referring back to FIG.
114, an individual may choose the take your turn icon 3032 to join
a game that is hosted by another individual. After selecting the
take your turn icon 3032, a game display 3072 may be displayed on
the portable electronic device 1000 as shown in FIG. 120. The games
display 3072 may show games that have been started by another
individual, who has performed a measure session for the first hole,
is waiting for others to join so as to also perform a measure
session for the first hole, and to play the game according to the
process 2800 and FIGS. 107-109. As shown in the example of FIG.
120, the game display 3072 may show several game windows 3074 that
represent several hosted games that may be available for an
individual to join. In the example of FIG. 120, the games that may
be joined are identified by the identifications of the individuals
who have hosted the games. For example, FIG. 120 shows the
individuals hosting new games to be Player 1, Player 2 and Player
3. Each corresponding game window 3074 may include the time when
the individual who started the game played the first hole and the
consistency score of the individual for the first hole. An
individual may join a game by selecting one of the game windows
3074 and then selecting play now icon 3068, after which he or she
may perform a measure session for the current hole as disclosed.
The game may continue according to the process 2800 and FIGS.
107-109 until all of the players have performed measure sessions
for all of the holes. A winner is then determined according to
process 2800. After a winner is determined, a match results display
2970 as shown in FIG. 111 may be displayed. The match results
display 2970 may show the points and skins achieved by each
participating individual and the placement of each participating
individual (i.e., 1st place, 2nd place, etc.). Furthermore, a
scorecard display 2980 as shown in FIG. 112 and disclosed herein
may be displayed to all of the participating individuals.
[0224] Referring back to FIG. 103, the Hosted option 2906 as shown
on the game selection display 2900 allows several local or remotely
located individuals to play one or more skins game and display the
results in a leader board on a large display device such as a
television or a large display monitor. When an individual selects
the Hosted option 2906, a new game icon 3080 is displayed, by which
the individual may start or host a new game as shown in FIG. 121.
Additionally, an existing game icon 3082 is displayed, by which the
individual may join a new game that is hosted or started by another
individual. Starting a new game or joining a new game that is
hosted by another individual under the Hosted option 2906 are
similar to starting a new game and take your turn options of the
Turn-Based option 2904. Accordingly, two or more local or remotely
located individuals may play a skins game under the Hosted option
2906 according to the processes 3008 and FIGS. 107-109.
[0225] Referring to FIG. 122, real time results of the game may be
displayed on a large display device such as a television screen, a
computer monitor, a projection screen or the like for viewing for
one or more observers. The real time results may be transmitted to
an external monitor or television directly and/or via a digital
media receiver (e.g., an APPLE TV.RTM. digital media extender via
the AIRPLAY.RTM. software feature from Apple Inc., Cupertino,
Calif.).
[0226] The real time results may be displayed as a leader board
display 3084, which may show the identifications of all
participating players in a players area 3090 including an
indication of which player is currently playing, an indication of
the hole being currently played and the skins value/points for the
hole in a current hole display area 3092, and a current score card
3094. The players area 3090 may show the identification of each
play in a listing or bracket format. An indication of the player
who is currently playing may be provided by visually distinguishing
that player's identification. For example, a player's
identification may be highlighted, shown with different colors,
shown with different style of text, shown with a flashing display,
or displayed in any manner so that an observer can instantly
determine that the particular player identified on the players area
3090 is taking his or her turn. The existing game icon 3032 is
shown in FIG. 122 to display "Take Your Turn", which is indicating
to an individual to take his or her turn in a new game started by
another individual. Thus, one, a few or a large number of observers
and view real time information about a skins game with the leader
board display 3084.
[0227] Displaying a leader board display 3084 is not limited to the
Hosted option 2906 and may be provided with the Pass-And-Play
option 2902 and the Turn Based option 2904. For example, with the
Pass-And-Play option 2902, the portable electronic device 1000 that
is used by all of the players may transmit display data
corresponding to the leader board display 3084 to a remote display
such as a television screen by any of the disclosed wireless
transmission processes described herein. With the Turn Based option
2904, for example, all of the players may choose to transmit
display data corresponding to the leader board display 3084 to at
least one remote display device, such as a television or a monitor.
Thus, the leader board display 3084 may be provided as a display
option for the Pass-And-Play option 2902, the Turn Based option
2904 and the Hosted option 2906.
[0228] Referring back to FIG. 13, the sensors of the portable
electronic device 1000 may require a calibration so that correct
linear and/or angular orientation, acceleration, positions and
other motion related parameters are measured by the portable
electronic device 1000 during operation and/or performance of any
of the disclosed processes. According to one example, any of the
disclosed operational displays may include a calibration icon 2611,
selection of which causes the portable electronic device 1000 to
perform a calibration process. Referring for example to FIG. 87,
the calibration icon 2611 is shown. Upon selecting of the
calibration icon 2611, a calibration screen 3500 is displayed as
shown in FIG. 123. The calibration screen 3500 may instruct an
individual to move the portable electronic device to a certain
position for calibration. In the example of FIG. 123, the
calibration screen 3500 is shown to instruct an individual to move
the portable electronic device to a vertical position, which may be
accurately performed by placing the portable electronic device
against two perpendicular walls as shown. Upon correct placement as
shown, the individual can press the "calibrate now" icon 3502 so
that the portable electronic device records the position as a
generally accurate vertical position. All measurements of the
sensors 1112 may then be referenced according to the calibrated
position. The individual may decide to skip the calibration step by
selecting the skip icon 3504. The individual may also decide to
reset the calibration by selecting the reset icon 3506.
[0229] Although a particular order of actions is described above
with respect to each of the processes, these actions may be
performed in other temporal sequences. For example, two or more
actions described above may be performed sequentially,
concurrently, or simultaneously. Alternatively, two or more actions
may be performed in reversed order. Further, one or more actions
described above may not be performed at all. The apparatus,
methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not
limited in this regard.
[0230] As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new
regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or
modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies),
golf equipment related to the methods and articles of manufacture
described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules
of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related
to the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described
herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as
conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The systems, methods,
and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in
this regard.
[0231] While the above examples may be described in connection with
a putter-type golf club, the systems, methods, and articles of
manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of
golf club such as a driver-type golf club, a fairway wood-type golf
club, a hybrid-type golf club, an iron-type golf club, or a
wedge-type golf club. Alternatively, the systems, methods, and
articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable other
type of sports equipment such as a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a
fishing pole, a ski pole, etc.
[0232] Although certain example systems, methods, and articles of
manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of
this disclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this
disclosure covers all systems, methods, and articles of manufacture
fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either
literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
* * * * *