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

0017] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for determining the effect of different golf grips on eye, head, and club movement during a golf stroke, including a putting stroke.

0018] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for analyzing and practicing a golf stroke, particularly a golf putting stroke. A putting platform is provided, wherein a golfer can putt in an environment simulating a golf green. Information regarding the golfer's eye, head, and club movements during the putting stroke are acquired using a plurality of sensing devices. A club movement sensor in the putting surface measures club movements during the stroke, without requiring attachment to the club. Eye movement sensors measure left and right eye movements of the golfer during putting. A head movement sensor tracks rotational movement of the golfer's head during the putting strokes. The acquired motion data are gathered simultaneously by a processor, and time traces of club, head, and eye movement may be generated. The time traces can be compared to time traces of golfers of various experience levels to determine the accuracy and efficiency of the golfer's putting stroke. Additionally, the effect of various golfing grips on eye, head, and club movement can be measured and analyzed. As such, a golfer can practice and improve his or her golf stroke, and compare measurements thereof to measurements of others, such as professionals.

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.

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