US20160271445A1

US20160271445A1 - Method for analyzing golf swing performance relative to a target line

Info

Publication number: US20160271445A1
Application number: US14/659,552
Authority: US
Inventors: Adam Kolloff
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-12-27
Filing date: 2015-03-16
Publication date: 2016-09-22

Abstract

An object of one or more embodiments of the method presented is to provide an analysis of swing features relative to a target line. To accomplish this, a golfer selects a target line, which is an imaginary line connecting the position of a strike object, such as a golf ball, with an intended target. The target line is stored on a mobile device. A sensing unit attached to a golf club captures orientation and acceleration data during a swing, which is analyzed relative to the intended target, against a baseline swing model. The method also provides feedback on golf club position when the golfer is addressing the ball, prior to the backswing. The golfer receives feedback on swing performance swing performance relative to the target line for each club and various swings types, such as chips or bunker shots.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 14/140,717, filed Dec. 26, 2013, which claims benefit of priority to the filing date of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 61/746,159, filed Dec. 27, 2012 the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a method for measurement and analysis of a human golf swing relative to a target line. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a method for using a magnetometer or GPS in a mobile device to select a target line, using sensors on a golf club to measure swing characteristics and comparing those swing characteristics to a baseline swing relative to a target line.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a new wave of technology that uses sensing units to analyze the accuracy of a human motion swing.
These sensing units are most often attached to a swing instrument, such as a golf club, or to the body of the person swinging or throwing.
Current swing analysis methods use sensing units that include micro gyroscopes, accelerometers and magnetometers that can measure and/or compute swing characteristics such as acceleration and orientation at multiple points along a swing path in a three-dimensional space.
However, a proper swing also requires that a player correctly align their body and club with the target line, an imaginary line that connects the position of a strike object, such as a golf ball, with the intended target.
Analysis of a swing without considering the target line may result in skewed or incorrect swing performance feedback to the player.
As an illustrative example, assume a golfer's target line is at a compass heading of 360° but the player's stance and clubface alignment for a golf swing is mistakenly oriented at a compass direction of 25° . A perfect swing would push the golf ball along the 25° trajectory, away from the intended target, yet the swing analysis device would provide positive feedback.
In those swing analysis systems that do recommend using a target line, the method is cumbersome and inaccurate.
The current invention uses the camera in a mobile device to visually line up the ball with the intended target on the mobile device screen. The direction is captured using the mobile device's integrated magnetometer to provide a compass direction for the target line.
Alternatively, the golfer can use a Global Positioning Satellite receiver (GPS). By inputting the GPS coordinates of the strike object and the intended target, a bearing can be calculated, which is used as the target line. In a preferred embodiment, the coordinates are choses using a map of the golf course displayed on the mobile device screen.
To receive swing data, a sensing unit containing a magnetometer, gyroscope and accelerometer is attached to the club. The sensing device wirelessly transmits the captured data to a mobile application for analysis. Embodiments of the present invention contemplate both radio and short-range non-radio wireless systems to transfer swing data from the sensing unit to the mobile device application.
In current swing analysis methods, a golfer's swing characteristic generated from the swing data are analyzed only relative to previous swings made by the golfer. Given the variability of swing styles and performance levels, a more accurate method of swing performance analyzes the predicted trajectory of the ball flight, relative to the target line.
To determine a ball's trajectory relative to a target line after impact, information from the sensor is used to measure, at least, the speed of the club head, the horizontal movement of the club head, and the horizontal orientation of the club head, at a multiple of points along the swing path; all relative to the target line.
In addition, factors such as the loft at impact, the angle of attack at impact, the club head mass, and the coefficient of restitution of the club head can also be used to improve the accuracy of the projected ball trajectory.
Additional factors that can be used to further adjust the baseline include, but are not limited to, the player's club head speed, skill level, specific drills, and desired shot shape.
The deviation of the swing characteristics and ball trajectory from the baseline determines the swing performance, with larger deviations for beginners and smaller acceptable deviations for advanced golfers.
The present method for swing performance analysis allows for a multiple of comparative baselines for various swing types that produce desired trajectories such as fades, draws, slices, or hooks, or even analyzing a swing design to effectively hit a ball around obstacles or other hazards; a technique not found in other swing performance methods.
As well, the use of short range non-radio wireless technologies, such as Near Field Communications (NFC), as an alternative to radio wireless communications, such as BlueTooth, doesn't require that the mobile device and sensing device be paired prior to initiating a wireless connection that may limit use of the sensing device across multiple devices.
Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the instant invention to analyze a golf swing relative to the target line, by using an easy and accurate method for determining the target line prior to a swing. The target line can either be determined visually, using a camera and magnetometer on a mobile device or by choosing GPS coordinates on a map displayed on a mobile device.
It is a further objective of the instant invention to analyze a golf swing relative to a baseline swing based on a projected ball trajectory for multiple swing types.
It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a golfer with real-time feedback of club position at the initial swing point, prior to the backswing, using auditory or visual cues to help the golfer's aim.
It is a still further objective of the invention to use non-radio wireless communications as a means to transfer data from the sensing unit on the club to the mobile application that uses the data to analyze the swing and provides feedback to the golfer.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Current swing analysis methods, including those found in prior art patent and patent publications, do not include a target line.
The method outlined in US Patent Publication Number 20120295726A1, Golf Swing Analyzer and Analysis Methods only measures the estimated carrying distance of a ball strike based on a chosen club but the direction of a ball's trajectory is not disclosed.
US Patent Publication Number 20130065711A1 Swing Analysis Method uses a sensing unit that includes an accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer, to measure multiple swing characteristics but the swing performance feedback is based on a performance index without any feedback on swing characteristics relative to a target line.
Some prior art adds multiple sensing units and/or changing the placement of the devices as a means of improving swing accuracy without considering the target line.
US Patent US008523696B2 Golf Swing Analysis Method Using Attachable Acceleration Sensing units attaches a plurality of acceleration measuring devices to a player's body, and US Patent Publication Number US 20020077189A1 Proprioceptive Golf Club With Analysis, Correction And Control Capabilities, attaches a plurality of sensing units to a sports instrument and a players body; yet without measuring the swing characteristics relative to the target line, both systems will at times, provide incorrect or skewed data.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,696,482 Three Dimensional Golf Swing Analyzer contemplates calculating a target line, but uses a more difficult method using the magnetometer within the sensing unit to calculate a target line rather than using a camera on a mobile device to accurately pinpoint an intended target. Furthermore, the '482 patent fails to contemplate the use of GPS technology. This patent also required radio frequency communications, which uses more power and are prone to interference. The current invention differs in the use of non-radio frequency technology such as Near Field Communications (NFC). As well, the '482 patent only considers swing analysis in relation to a golfer's prior swing, rather than in relation to perfect swing data as determined by a standard baseline.
Therefore, the presently disclosed invention satisfies an unmet need in the art by providing a method for analyzing swing characteristics in conjunction with the target line measurement, and displays feedback on swing performance relative to the target line.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problem of inaccurate or skewed swing performance feedback that arises from neglecting to consider a target line or baseline projected trajectory in swing analysis is solved by the method summarized below.
The present method analyzes swing performance by capturing swing characteristics during a swing, as well as static characteristics such as particular club type or skill level, and comparing it against a projected ball trajectory derived from swing data compiled during a swing, relative to a target line.
The target line can be determined using either a magnetometer or Global Positioning Satellite receiver (GPS) in a mobile device, such as a mobile smart phone that has a built in camera and display.
The golfer sets up a profile within a mobile application, which includes information, such as age, gender, and skill level. Other important factors include any deviation from standard length, lie, and loft on each club in the player's bag. The profile information is used to more accurately analyze the swing performance.
Before a golfer takes a shot, he or she must determine a target line.
In one embodiment, a magnetometer within a mobile device is used to find a compass heading from the ball or strike object to the intended target.
A preferred method captures the target line using the integrated camera on a mobile device. A golfer places the mobile device behind the ball. A mobile application displays the field of view coming through the camera lens, in real-time, on the mobile application's display. The golfer points the camera lens in the direction of the intended target, where the ball and the intended target are both displayed on the mobile device screen. The golfer lines up the ball and the intended target along the center axis of the mobile device display.
In one embodiment, the golfer taps the screen to confirm that the direction from the ball to the intended target viewed on the display is correct. Other selection methods include, but not limited to, moving the intended target into crosshairs on the display, or pressing a button on the side of the device, although any method for confirming the proper alignment of the ball and intended target is contemplated.
The chosen target line is translated into a compass heading using the mobile device's magnetometer, although any measurement unit derived from the magnetometer can be used.
The target line is stored in the mobile device memory for use by a mobile device application as part of the swing analysis calculations.
The swing performance analysis also requires golf swing data, which is captured by a sensing unit attached to the golf club and wirelessly transmitted to the mobile device where it is analyzed relative to a baseline and the target line.
In another embodiment, the target line is determined using a GPS receiver in the mobile device to calculate a bearing to the intended target. A bearing to any given object requires two GPS coordinates; the starting point, and the ending point.
In the present invention, the starting point is the location of the golf ball and the end point is the intended target, although the point can be reversed.
To find the GPS coordinates of the golf ball, one method requires the mobile device to be placed above the ball, using the GPS receiver to capture the coordinate, which is then stored in the mobile application. In a preferred embodiment, the intended target is selected by choosing its position on a map, preferably a map of the golf course, although any method of inputting the intended target coordinates, such as manually entering the longitude and latitude, is contemplated.
The line between the ball and the intended target indicates the bearing, which is used as the target line for the swing analysis calculations.
To measure swing characteristics, a sensing unit is attached to a golf club. The sensing unit comprises sensors, including a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a magnetometer, as well as a processor, RAM and storage memory and a method for transferring the data off the unit, such as wireless communications or a data port such as USB or Thunderbolt.
The sensing unit is configured to measure swing characteristics including the angular orientation and acceleration in three axes of a three-dimensional space as well as the magnetic orientation in the axis of the magnetometer; all measurements taken at a plurality of points during the various swing phases, such as the player's initial aim, the backswing, the downswing, or through the impact phase with the strike object.
The sensor data is computed into swing features, such as the horizontal orientation of the swing instruments strike region (face angle) and the horizontal movement (swing path) and the horizontal orientation of the swing instruments body (shaft angle), after the sensor data is transferred to the computing device application through a wireless connection.
In one embodiment, measurements from the sensing device at several points during the swing arc are measured to predict the ball's trajectory including: the initial point before initiating the backswing, when the club shaft is level with the ground on the backswing, when the club shaft is perpendicular to the ground on the backswing, the end of the backswing, when the shaft is level with the ground on the downswing, when the shaft is perpendicular with the ground on the downswing, impact with the club head; all relative to the target line
To determine a ball's trajectory relative to a target line after impact, information from the sensor will be used to calculate, at least, the speed of the club head, the horizontal movement of the club head relative to the target line at impact, the horizontal orientation of the club head relative to the target line at impact. Additionally, the loft at impact, the angle of attack at impact, the club head mass, and the coefficient of restitution of the club head improve accuracy.
After the swing, the mobile device receives the data wirelessly where the mobile device application analyzes the data providing feedback to the golfer.
The sensing unit has a wireless radio transmitter, such as Bluetooth technology, that transmits the data to the wireless receiver on the mobile device, which is then transferred into memory for use by the mobile application in the swing analysis.
The swing data can also be stored within the sensing unit and retrieved later using wired transfer methods such as plugging the sensing unit directly into the mobile devices USB or other data receive port.
In an additional embodiment, the mobile device and sensing unit each have a non-radio transmitter and/or non-radio receiver, such as NFC. Data transfer is achieved by placing the mobile device and sensing unit near each other (preferably within a 10 cm radius). The stored swing data is transferred to the mobile device to be used in the analysis. In a preferred embodiment, the data transfer is automatic. The advantage of using NFC technology is that pairing or wireless security passwords are not required. Low power consumption and little effect from sources that can cause interference in wireless connectivity are also benefits. As well, since no pairing is required, the transfer can happen automatically, as soon as the mobile device and sensing unit are within communications range.
The sensing device measurements are integrated with the golfer's setup data, and analyzed against the baseline projected ball trajectory determined from the said mathematical algorithm for the desired swing relative to the target line.
In the present embodiment, the device application analyzes a golfer's swing against a baseline, which is determined by a mathematical algorithm developed and discussed in the seminal paper in the field, P. W. Bearman and J. K. Harvey, “Golf Ball Aerodynamics,” The Aeronautical Quarterly, Vol. 27, 1976, pp. 112-122. Variations on this algorithm are discussed in Seongmin Baek and Myunggyu Kim. International Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology, Vol. 4, No. 3, June 2013. 346. DOI: 10.7763/IJIMT. 2013 and Jorgensen, T. P. (2007). The Physics of Golf; 2^ndEdition. New York, N.Y.: Springer.
The mobile device application compares the swing data to the baseline model relative to the target line, which provides accurate feedback not only related to the swing, but the direction that the ball was intended to take.
In a preferred embodiment, each swing characteristic used to derive ball trajectory measurements is given a level of importance, or weighting. Deviations from the baseline relative to the target line, are aggregated and weighted to create a rank to indicate swing performance. For example, shaft angle at impact may have more weight than height of the backswing.
Weighting can be change based on a golfer's skill level and shot type. For example, swing characteristic weighting for shaft angle may be different for a bunker shot vs. a fairway shot or for the same shot for a beginner and an advanced golfer.
Feedback to the golfer can be aggregated or viewed individually for a more refined analysis.
In one embodiment, a golfer's skill level determines the acceptable deviation from the baseline relative to the target line required for a swing to be considered a good swing for that skill level. Advanced golfers would have a smaller deviation than intermediate golfers.
While this disclosure is directed at swing features that can be analyzed relative to the target line, other embodiments may include non-target related swing features such as club head speed, attack angle, loft at impact, shaft lean at impact, shaft angle during the backswing, shaft angle during the downswing, lag, backswing length, and tempo (the ratio of backswing time to downswing time), rate of clubface closure throughout the downswing, hand path curvature and plane throughout the swing, club head plane throughout the swing, and shaft plane throughout the swing, which are then combined with the target line measurement to provide additional feedback to a player.
As well, the baseline calculations for the algorithm can be adjusted for training purposes, to learn how to hit different shots that have markedly different ball trajectories, such as a bunker shot, high shot, low shot, slice or hook.
For example, a bunker shot uses a club face slightly open to the target line at address, a steeper shaft angle on the downswing, a club face slightly open to the target at impact (impact with the sand), less shaft lean at impact, and more loft at impact.
The algorithm can be further adjusted to include combinations swings such as, but not limited to, a pull hook, high hook, low hook, and push hook.
By comparing the swing to a baseline, target line, and obstacle position, the application can provide the golfer with more accurate feedback than other golf swing analysis systems currently available
A mobile device is not necessary for the analysis. Data can be transferred to any computing device, either by wired or wireless data-transfer methods, or even to cloud based systems for analysis.
In an additional embodiment, a mobile application will provide swing performance feedback when the golfer is addressing the ball, which is the time just before the backswing as a means of helping the golfer position the club in preparation for the swing. For example, a golfer can receive feedback if a golf club head angle deviates to far from baseline relative to a target line at the address position.
At the initial swing point, data on club and club head position is wirelessly transmitted in real time to the mobile device.
The golfer chooses parameter variables such as club type and desired trajectory, which are combined with the profile parameters such as skill level.
The mobile application receives the data, in real time, from the sensing unit.
The mobile application continuously compares the club position to the baseline, providing feedback to help the golfer correct a misaligned club, until the backswing is initiated at which time the feedback stops.
Feedback can be auditory or visual, using the speaker and/or display on the mobile device. For example, a virtual 3D animation of the club head can be seen in real time with indication for moving the club within the 3-dimensional space. Alternatively, use of a third device, such as set top box, such as an Apple TV, computer or laptop monitor or large mobile device such as an iPad, can be used for enhanced resolution. This can be particularly useful for home training or golf school training, where third party devices are more readily available.
Simple auditory cues can be used. For example, the higher the pitch of a tone, the more deviation there is from the accepted baseline variance differential, whereas the lower tone means closer to baseline, and no tone means the golfer is within the zone of the variance differential. Staccato notes can also be used in which a continuous tone means the club is within the variance differential and the more staccato a tone, the further the club is from baseline. Any digital or non-digital sounds, which can be generated through a computer application is contemplated.
In another embodiment, a tactile response mechanism within a mobile device, such as the vibration function for a silent ring on a mobile phone, can be used to provide tactile feedback.
In another embodiment, a wireless tactile response device can be attached to the club or golfer's hand to alert the golfer to improper club position.
This invention also anticipates third party customization of baseline models, such as creating specific swing models of individual professional players enabling an added feature to the swing analysis, which may be desired by aspiring golfers attempting to swing in a similar fashion as other tour professionals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1_shows an example of an intended target in golf;

FIG. 1A shows a mobile device capturing a target line;

FIG. 2A shows placement of a sensing unit on a golf club;

FIG. 2B shows components inside of a sensing unit;

FIG. 3 shows a golfer lining up a swing with a target line;

FIG. 4 shows the flow of sensor data from the sensing unit components;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. For purposes of illustration, the drawings contemplate use of the disclosure in golf; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can be changed and modified in various ways.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, the term “including” used herein should be interpreted as “including but not limited to;” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” and the term “such as” should be interpreted as “an example of, but not limited to” and so on.
Hereinafter, a Method For Analyzing Swing Performance of a Golf Club Relative to a Target Line in accordance with a first embodiment will be described and where additional embodiments or preferred embodiments are discussed, they will be noted.
In order to analyze and display swing performance relative to a target line, a target line must be determined. A target line is an imaginary line that connects the position of an object that the swing is intended to strike (“strike object”), such as a golf ball or practice ball, with the intended target, such as a location on the golf green.
Any mobile device that can measure a direction is contemplated.
A preferred method for capturing a target line is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 1A. A player 8 holds a mobile device 10. A mobile device refers to a hand-held or tablet device having a microprocessor, Random Access memory, a data storage drive, display, battery, and a mobile operating system capable of running applications, an integrated camera, and an integrated component for measuring direction, such as a GPS, compass or magnetometer.
The mobile device 10 is placed behind the strike object 14.
The strike object 14 is lined up with the intended target 22 to ascertain a target line measurement. This measurement can be, but is not limited to, a compass direction or bearing.
A mobile application 12 on the mobile device 10 uses the camera 18 to display an intended target 22 on the display.
To capture the target line, a player lines up the strike object 14 and the intended target 22 with the target indicator 20. The intended target 22 is positioned inside of the crosshairs 20. The integrated magnetometer measures the target line 24.
In this embodiment, the player records the target line by tapping the touch screen, but this invention contemplates any method in which the target line measurement can be stored in the computing device, such as voice commands or hardware buttons.
In another embodiment, a GPS is used to find a bearing, rather than a heading derived from a magnetometer, from the strike object 14 to the intended target 22; the bearing being target line.
To find the GPS coordinates of the golf ball, the mobile device 10 is placed near the strike object 14. The user 8 activates the GPS and captures the GPS coordinates of the strike object 14. In a preferred embodiment, the intended target 22 is selected by choosing its position on a map, preferably a map of the golf course, in the mobile application 12, which captures the GPS coordinate of the intended target.
Any method of activating the GPS is contemplated, such as pressing a button on the mobile device 10, touching a point on the display or holographic interface.
The direction from the strike object location to the intended target location indicates the bearing, which is used as the target line for the swing analysis calculations.
FIG. 2A shows the sensing unit, and its components, which are attached to a golf club and measures data on a plurality of swing characteristics.
FIG. 2B shows a possible placement of a sensing unit 32 on a golf club 26. It is preferred that the sensing unit is removable so that it can be easily transferred to another swing implement or player, although the unit can be built into the golf club and non-removable.
FIG. 2A shows sensing unit components. The sensing unit 32 includes three sensor types; an accelerometer 34, a magnetometer 36, and a gyroscope assembly 38, built into motherboard 41.
The accelerometer 34 and gyroscope 38 are capable of measuring a plurality of points along three axes in a three-dimensional space.
The sensing unit also contains a computer processor 40, a Random Access Memory (RAM) 37, and a wireless transmitter 42. Wireless protocols include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC.
Power for the sensing unit is provided by a battery 43, which in the current embodiment is non-removable, and rechargeable, although any battery configuration is contemplated.
One embodiment of the wireless transmitter 42 uses Near Field Communications (NFC), which is a non-radio wireless communication protocol.
The sensors acquire swing data at a plurality of points along the swing path, which is the entire path the golf club 26 makes in the course of a swing, within a three-dimensional space and time.
Swing data includes, but is not limited to, angular orientation with respect to the magnetic field at the starting point, angular orientation throughout the swing with respect to the starting point, and inertial forces on the sensing unit (gravity and acceleration).
An example of a sensing unit that may be used in conjunction with this invention is the LPMS-B 9-Axis IMU/AHRS/Motion Sensing unit with Bluetooth Connectivity made by Life Performance Research. An example of an NFC motion sensor is the GoSense Acceler-Stat ID™ NFC 3-Axis Motion Sensor which is ideal for measuring tilt, acceleration, motion or vibration in X, Y and Z directions simultaneously.
However, the present invention is not limited to these devices or motion sensing unit technology currently available.
FIG. 3 illustrates a golfer preparing to make a swing, with his body 30, club 26, and club head 28 oriented toward the intended target 22 along target line.
Sensing unit 32 is attached to the swing implement. The sensing unit 32 can be placed anywhere on a swing implement but should not interfere with the swing.
The placement of the sensing unit 32 on the golf club 26 must be input into the mobile application 12 for accurate results.
In an embodiment, sensor placement on a golf club 26 is predetermined.
FIG. 4 shows information flow between the sensing unit components and the computing device.
The sensors (an accelerometer 34, magnetometer 36, gyroscope 38) measure the swing characteristics at a plurality of points along the swing path in three-dimensional space, which are then collected by the processor 40 which distributes the sensor data into a memory buffer, and wirelessly transmits the data to the mobile device for analysis. Data storage is not required, but sent in real-time to the mobile device 10. The mobile device 10 includes a wireless receiver that can accept the wireless protocol from the sensing unit's wireless transmitter.
For radio-based wireless communications such as Bluetooth, the mobile device 10 receives a signal from the sensing unit 32, and a process of two-way discovery and connection 46 occurs, pairing the sensing unit 32 with the mobile device 10.
Once paired, the sensing unit will transmit the raw swing data to the mobile device.
In an embodiment, the sensor data can be continuously transferred from the sensing unit 32 to the mobile device 10 wirelessly in real-time until disconnected.
In another embodiment, the sensing unit includes a local storage medium allowing the user to transfer sensing unit data at a later time.
For non-radio communications such as NFC, the effective data transfer distance is up to 10 cm. While attaching the mobile device to a club, or on the golfer's body, a preferred method is to store data in the local storage medium, such as flash memory. Bringing the mobile application within a distance in which the sensing unit and the mobile device 10 can connect, the data transfer can be initiated.
It is preferred that data received by mobile device 10 from the sensing unit 32 is saved in local storage, although other storage methods are contemplated.
The mobile application 12 will synthesize the target line data acquired during the process described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 1A, with the stored data on the mobile device.
In one embodiment, the mobile application uses a mathematical algorithm to analyze at least one of the horizontal orientation (“face angle”), the horizontal movement (“swing path”), and the horizontal orientation of the swing implement's body (“shaft angle”) of the club compared to the baseline model and relative to the target line.
In a preferred embodiment, the mobile application analyzes the golfer's swing against a baseline, relative to the target line using a mathematical algorithm developed and discussed in the seminal paper in the field, P. W. Bearman and J. K. Harvey, “Golf Ball Aerodynamics,” The Aeronautical Quarterly, Vol. 27, B976, pp. B12-122. Variations on this algorithm are discussed in Seongmin Baek and Myunggyu Kim. International Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology, Vol. 4, No. 3, June 2013. 346. DOI: 10.7763/IJIMT. 2013 and Jorgensen, T. P. (2007). The Physics of Golf; 2^ndEdition. New York, N.Y.: Springer.
While real-time data transfer to a mobile device using wireless communications is preferred, it is not required. Non-mobile computing devices and wired data transfers are within the bounds of this invention, as is physical data recording such as flash-drives.
In one embodiment, the display provides information on at least the swing path and face angle during the swing relative to the target line. Swing performance is measured by the variance deviation from a baseline.
While this disclosure is directed at swing features that can be analyzed relative to the target line, other embodiments may include non-target related swing features such as club head speed, attack angle, loft at impact, shaft lean at impact, shaft angle during the backswing, shaft angle during the downswing, lag, backswing length, tempo (the ratio of backswing time to downswing time), rate of clubface closure throughout the downswing, hand path curvature and plane throughout the swing, club head plane throughout the swing, and shaft plane throughout the swing, which are then combined with the target line measurement to provide additional feedback to a player.
The method can also be used to ensure a proper club alignment when the player is addressing the ball, relative to the target line and within the deviation variance for the golfer's skill level.
Feedback is provided in real time to the golfer using any combination of auditory, visual or tactile feedback.
In an embodiment, the mobile device application displays color-coded feedback. The mobile application will display color ranges that correlate with deviations from baseline measurements. For example, red signifies values far outside of the acceptable range; yellow communicates caution, and indicates golf club position just outside of the acceptable range; while green communicates values within the acceptable range.
A virtual three dimensional colored map can be displayed showing colors across the spectrum from good to poor, i.e. red-yellow-green for a multiple of points along the 3 dimensional axis. Deviation from baseline at any point along the axis can be shown using a linear gradient. For example, a club head rotated in a negative direction across the X axis would show red in the direction the club head is turned. As the golfer turns the club head in the positive direction on the x-axis, the red color will change along the color gradient to yellow and then green to indicate the club is properly aligned on that axis. This would concomitantly occur on the Y and Z axis.
In another embodiment, a virtual 3D animation of the golf club 26 can be seen in real time with indicators such as arrow length, alerting the golfer which way the club head should move for an optimal alignment.
Auditory feedback using the speaker on the mobile device 10 can be used to alert the golfer of deviations from baseline.
For example, the higher the pitch of a tone, the more deviation there is from the accepted baseline variance differential, whereas the lower tone means closer to baseline, and no tone means the golfer is within the best zone of the variance differential.
Staccato notes can also be used in which a continuous tone means the golf club 26 is within the variance differential and the more staccato a tone, the further the club is from baseline.
In another embodiment, a tactile feedback mechanism within the mobile device can be used to alert the golfer if the club 26 is not in an optimal position.
In another embodiment, a wireless tactile response device can be attached to the club or golfer's hand to alert the golfer to improper club position, in which vibrations are used to indicate deviation from baseline.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with various examples and preferred embodiments, many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, any examples as set forth above are intended to be illustrative but not limiting. Changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention, which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for analyzing golf swing performance relative to a target line comprising:

providing a mobile computing device containing a first microprocessor, computer memory, a mobile application, baseline data, a video camera, a display, a wireless receiver, and a magnetometer;

selecting a target line delineated by a strike object and an intended target;

storing a compass heading defined by said target line in said computer memory;

selecting a baseline model swing from a plurality of model swings stored in said mobile application;

executing a golf club swing with a golf club having a sensing unit attached thereto; wherein said sensing unit contains a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a second microprocessor, a memory buffer module and a wireless transmitter for collecting sensing unit data;

wirelessly transmitting said sensing unit data from said wireless transmitter to a wireless receiver;

transferring said sensing unit data from said wireless receiver to said mobile application on said mobile device;

comparing said sensing unit data to said baseline model swing, relative to said target line to generate a comparative analysis; and

displaying said comparative analysis in said mobile application on said mobile computing device.

2. A method according to claim 1 where Near Field Communications (NFC) is used to wirelessly transmit said sensing unit data to said wireless receiver.

3. A method for analyzing golf swing performance relative to a target line comprising:

providing a mobile computing device containing a first microprocessor, computer memory, a mobile application, baseline data, a video camera, a display, a wireless receiver, and a GPS;

selecting a target line delineated by a strike object and an intended target;

storing a bearing defined by said target line in said computer memory;

selecting a baseline model swing from a plurality of swings determined by a projected trajectory in said mobile application;

4. A method according to claim 3 where Near Field Communications (NFC) is used to wirelessly transmit said sensing unit data to said wireless receiver.

5. A method according to claim 3 or 4 wherein selection of said target line occurs by selecting a strike object coordinate and selecting an intended target coordinate using a map displayed on a mobile device.

6. A method for analyzing golf club position at an initial swing point comprising:

selecting a target line delineated by a strike object and an intended target;

storing a compass heading defined by said target line in said computer memory;

positioning a golf club adjacent to a strike object, said golf club having a sensing unit attached thereto; wherein said sensing unit contains a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a second microprocessor, a memory buffer module and a wireless transmitter for collecting sensing unit data;

7. A method according to claim 6 wherein generating a comparative analysis is displayed visually on said mobile device, continuously, in real time.

8. A method according to claim 7 wherein said comparative analysis uses a three-dimensional representation of said golf club.

9. A method according to claim 6 wherein said comparative analysis uses tactile feedback.

10. A method according to claim 6 wherein said comparative analysis uses audible feedback.

11. A method for analyzing golf club position and swing features comprising:

comparing said sensing unit data to said baseline model swing, to generate a comparative analysis; and

12. A method according to claim 11 where Near Field Communications (NFC) is used to wirelessly transmit said sensing unit data to said wireless receiver.