Method and apparatus for analyzing a golf stroke

Abstract

A method of analyzing and practicing golf strokes, such as putting strokes, is provided. A surface is provided, wherein a golfer can practice one or more strokes in an environment simulating components of a golf course, such as a green. A club movement detector embedded in the surface and comprising a plurality of photodetectors and associated circuitry determines the position and velocity of the club face A head movement sensor detects rotational movement of the golfer's head during the golf stroke. An eye movement sensor detects movement of the eyes of the golfer during the golf stroke. A processor connected to the club movement sensor, eye movement sensor, and head movements sensor gathers movement data during the golf stroke and produces measurements corresponding to the golf stroke, such as eye, head, and club movement of the golfer. The invention includes measuring head movement data and wirelessly transmitting same for remote analysis during a golf stroke. Club head movement is sensed by an infrared ranger placed along a line perpendicular to the face of the clubhead. Eye, head, and club movement data can be combined into one or more serialized data streams, and transmitted wirelessly over one or more RF channels for remote reception and processing. Finger, wrist, and elbow movements can also be measured and analyzed during a golf stroke or a free throw setting.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 107,910, filed Mar. 27, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. _______, issued ______, which is related to and claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 296,527 filed Jun. 7, 2001, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 317,944 filed Sep. 10, 2001. This application is also a continuation-in-part application of PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US02 / 18243 filed Jun. 7, 2002, which is related to and claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 107,910 filed Mar. 27, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, issued _______, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 371,699 filed Apr. 11, 2002. The entire disclosures of all of these related applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for golf stroke analysis, and more particularly, to a method and a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for allowing a golfer to practice and improve his or her golf stroke, while receiving feedback thereon and allowing for the comparison of measurements of the swing to measurements of a professional golfer's swing.

[0060] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for analyzing golf strokes, particularly a putting stroke. A variety of physical movements can be tracked and analyzed during the golf stroke, such as eye, head, and club movement, and time traces thereof can be produced in real time. The sampled data can be compared with pre-recorded time traces of golfers at different experience levels, to determine the accuracy and efficiency of the golfer's stroke. Further, the effects of various golf grips on eye, head, and club movement can be determined. A golfer can practice and improve his or her game, and compare measurements relating to his or her golf stroke to measurements of professionals.

[0061] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. The system of the present invention comprises a variety of components which, operating in conjunction, provide golf stroke analysis. A putting surface 80 is provided for a golfer 20 for taking practice putting strokes using any club 30 and golf ball 34 known in the art. Movement of club 30 along a path generally indicated by line 32 can be analyzed by club movement sensor 60, embedded in putting surface 80, as will be hereinafter further described. Importantly, club movement sensor 60 does not obstruct the path of golf ball 34, allowing golfer 20 to putt normally and (hopefully) sink golf ball 34 into hole 82. Further, putting movement sensor 60 allows for the analysis of movement of club 30, without requiring the attachment of any apparatus thereto.

[0070] FIG. 4a is a side view of the eye movement sensor 50 of the present invention. Eye movement sensor 50 can be any sensor known in the art that is capable of measuring eye movements, such as a Skalar-Iris Model 6500 helmet-mounted infrared reflection device. Other comparable detection devices can be used with the present invention without departing from the scope thereof In a preferred embodiment, eye motion sensor 50 contains one or more infrared detectors 52 that are pointed generally in the direction of the golfer's eyes and measure eye motion of the golfer (i.e., left-to-right and right-to-left eye motion). Output from the one or more infrared detectors 52 can be sent to a processor via cables 72, or wirelessly. Optionally, eye motion sensor 50 can be affixed to hat or helmet 41 via frame 54, or formed integrally therewith. Alternatively, the sensors can be incorporated on eyewear. Preferably, hat or helmet 41 and eye motion sensor 50 are manufactured to be lightweight, so that a golfer experiences minimal to no discomfort while wearing same during a golf stroke.

[0078] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be adapted to allow analysis and practice of all types of golf strokes, such as putting, driving strokes, iron stokes, chips, pitches, or other stokes. The apparatus of the present invention can be installed in commercial driving ranges, golf courses, or other practice locations, allowing golfers to quickly gauge the efficiency of their golf strokes and to receive feedback on practice strokes by returning real-time measurements of the strokes and comparing same to measurements of professional golfers. Further, the present invention can be adapted to allow practice and analysis of other sports involving stroke-like movements.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, such methodologies do not allow for real-time analysis of a golfers'stroke.

Reduced eye movement is particularly important to successful execution of the putting stroke, because eye fixation at locations other than the ball can cause improper strokes and missed puts.

If the golfer's head moves during the stroke, putting misalignment and missed putts can result.

Images