EP1810725A1 - Un autosuffisant appareil de diagnostique de golf et sa méthode de fabrication - Google Patents

Un autosuffisant appareil de diagnostique de golf et sa méthode de fabrication Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1810725A1
EP1810725A1 EP06011727A EP06011727A EP1810725A1 EP 1810725 A1 EP1810725 A1 EP 1810725A1 EP 06011727 A EP06011727 A EP 06011727A EP 06011727 A EP06011727 A EP 06011727A EP 1810725 A1 EP1810725 A1 EP 1810725A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
golf
diagnosis apparatus
autarkic
golf diagnosis
unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06011727A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Kristian Hohla
Ernst Hegels
Roland Toennies
Georg Korn
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Friends-for-Golfers GmbH
Original Assignee
Friends-for-Golfers GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Friends-for-Golfers GmbH filed Critical Friends-for-Golfers GmbH
Priority to PCT/EP2007/004329 priority Critical patent/WO2007140860A1/fr
Publication of EP1810725A1 publication Critical patent/EP1810725A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
    • A63B69/3658—Means associated with the ball for indicating or measuring, e.g. speed, direction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0003—Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
    • A63B2024/0028—Tracking the path of an object, e.g. a ball inside a soccer pitch
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
    • A63B2024/0028—Tracking the path of an object, e.g. a ball inside a soccer pitch
    • A63B2024/0031—Tracking the path of an object, e.g. a ball inside a soccer pitch at the starting point
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
    • A63B2024/0028—Tracking the path of an object, e.g. a ball inside a soccer pitch
    • A63B2024/0034—Tracking the path of an object, e.g. a ball inside a soccer pitch during flight
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/05—Image processing for measuring physical parameters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/30—Speed
    • A63B2220/34—Angular speed
    • A63B2220/35—Spin
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/40—Acceleration
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/805—Optical or opto-electronic sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/806—Video cameras
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/83—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor characterised by the position of the sensor
    • A63B2220/833—Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/50—Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/74—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with powered illuminating means, e.g. lights
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
    • A63B69/3614—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf using electro-magnetic, magnetic or ultrasonic radiation emitted, reflected or interrupted by the golf club

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus.
  • the invention further relates to a method of manufacturing an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus.
  • a commercially available golf diagnosis apparatus is the so-called Vector Launch System offered by the company AccuSport, Inc. (see, for instance, http://www.accusport.com/products/vector/).
  • the Vector Launch System works with an additional external computer running Windows XP and containing an IEEE 1394 interface.
  • Correspondingly preconfigured laptops or desktop systems are available as "server”-like devices for external connection to the golf diagnosis apparatus as a "client”-like device of some kind of client-server system.
  • an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus comprising a casing, an image acquisition device adapted for acquiring an image indicative of a performance, particularly a stroke, of a golf player, and a data evaluation unit adapted for evaluating the image to determine golf diagnosis related data, wherein the image acquisition device and the data evaluation unit are accommodated in the common (for instance closed, closable, single, sealed-off and/or self-contained) casing (for instance enclosing entirely at least the image acquisition device and the data evaluation unit).
  • a method of manufacturing an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus comprising providing an image acquisition device adapted for acquiring an image indicative of a performance, particularly a stroke, of a golf player, providing a data evaluation unit adapted for evaluating the image to determine golf diagnosis related data, and accommodating the image acquisition device and the data evaluation unit in a common casing.
  • Processing capabilities of the autarkic golf diagnosis scheme according to embodiments of the invention can be realized using computer programs, that is by software, or by using one or more special electronic optimization circuits, that is in hardware, or in hybrid form, that is by software components and hardware components.
  • autarkic may particularly denote that the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be operated without any additional control entity, not necessarily relying on further cooperating components. Thus, all functions necessary for an autonomous operation of the autarkic system may be integrated within a single and enclosed housing of the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus. Thus, an autarkic system may operate in a self-sufficient or closed way.
  • performance of a golf player may particularly denote any action a golf player takes before, during or after carrying out a stroke. This may particularly include the behavior before the stroke, for instance when the golf player walks to the tee. It may particularly include the behavior directly before the stroke, for instance when the golf player stands in front of the tee and concentrates before carrying out the stroke. It may particularly include the behavior during the stroke, for instance when the golf player swings the golf club and hits the golf ball. It may particularly include the behavior after the stroke, for instance when the golf ball has left the tee/golf club and flies in the direction of the goal.
  • stroke may particularly denote the entire procedure or a part of the procedure including a swing with the golf club, a hit between golf club and golf ball, and the flight of the golf ball until the ball rests.
  • a stroke may be at least a part of the performance.
  • golf diagnosis apparatus may particularly denote an apparatus which may monitor the performance of a golf player and may carry out calculations in correspondence with this performance.
  • golf simulators may be covered by the term “golf diagnosis apparatus”.
  • a golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise one or more cameras making one or more pictures (in a single picture mode or in a continuous video mode) of a golf ball and/or a golf club and/or a golf player in order to derive therefrom information allowing to perform a diagnosis of a golf stroke.
  • a flash or a stroboscope may define different points of time at which an image is taken, and the individual images may be evaluated using image recognition methods so as to analyze a stroke of a golf player.
  • a golf diagnosis apparatus may calculate parameters like velocity, angle, acceleration, spin, stroke distance, etc. in accordance with a stroke.
  • Such a system may be implemented also in combination with a self-adaptive golf analysis feature, allowing to determine which body positions, or other stroke parameters statistically yield good results, and which not.
  • a golf diagnosis system may provide a golfer with suggestions as to how to improve the performance or provide information which parameters have been successful in the past.
  • a golfer may position a golf ball on the tee, may select a golf club and may carry out a stroke.
  • the user may position the golf diagnosis apparatus which may comprise, integrated therein, a camera or another image acquisition device so that one or more images can be captured before, during and/or after hitting the ball.
  • Such images may then be evaluated, with respect to ball, golf club, and/or body position of the golfer so as to derive parameters allowing to perform a diagnosis of a stroke so as to evaluate the quality of the stroke.
  • a self-sufficient golf diagnosis system is provided.
  • Such an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be integrated essentially within a single casing or housing and may be operated completely independently of further devices. Therefore, in contrast to conventional systems in which golf diagnosis apparatuses are usually only operable in combination with an attachable PC or laptop, a golfer may take the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus as a black box and may operate the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus without the need to carry further periphery devices with her or him. This may allow for a low-weight and user-friendly golf diagnosis apparatus which does not suffer from all restrictions connected with the conventional necessity to couple the golf diagnosis apparatus with an additional component including data processing capabilities. It is possible that the device offers the service to provide data to and/or receive data from an external entity via an interface.
  • An autarkic device may further archive data which have been evaluated in the past, for instance data which have been evaluated in the last year.
  • An autarkic device may have a power supply and/or a display device integrated internally or connected externally. Therefore, particularly all golf diagnosis related processing resources may be integrated within the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus.
  • a powerful CPU (central processing unit) and/or a corresponding storage resource may be provided to carry out all calculations and storage tasks which are necessary to derive golf diagnosis results from one or more images captured of the stroke, for instance of the golf ball and/or of the golf player and/or of the golf club.
  • a display unit may be integrated within the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus so that the connection of a separate display unit may be dispensable.
  • an integrated launch monitor may be provided. All the necessary electronic components may be integrated in a golf launch monitor, in order to carry out the measurement as well as the evaluation of the ball flight parameters in a compact functional unit.
  • the launch monitor measures the motion of the golf ball hit by a golfer and/or the motion of the golf club before and/or during and/or after the hit between the golf ball and the golf club, for example using captured images. These images may be subsequently processed.
  • image processing algorithms may be carried out to derive meaningful information from the images. For instance, positions of markers and/or structures and/or objects (golf ball, golf head, head shaft, etc.) may be estimated.
  • computing resources may be used.
  • the necessary electronic components of the computer may be all integrated in a housing of the launch monitor.
  • a golf diagnosis apparatus is connectable as a periphery device (similarly like a keypad, a mouse, etc.) to a laptop.
  • Components like camera, illumination (flash), processing power (a microcontroller), a microphone for acoustic detection of a stroke, etc. are implemented in the golf diagnosis device.
  • raw image data may then be transferred to an externally connected laptop which must have processing capabilities and display capabilities.
  • the actual data evaluation of the raw image data is carried out within the PC, so that the golf diagnosis apparatus does not do more than just providing the captured image data at an interface to be connected with the laptop.
  • Such a golf diagnosis apparatus is not working in an isolated operation without a connected laptop.
  • embodiments of the invention are in fact operable without a connected periphery device. Therefore, the entire acquisition, data processing and evaluation procedure, optionally also the display of results, may be performed with a central intelligence provided in the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus itself, and not in an externally connectable periphery device. According to one embodiment, even the display capabilities may be provided by the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus itself. According to another exemplary embodiment, the completely evaluated golf diagnosis data (for instance the necessary data for a display to display a three-dimensional stroke simulating the actually carried out stroke) may be provided at an interface, so that a connectable laptop or display simply takes this data without the necessity for re-formatting or post-processing for displaying the result.
  • the completely evaluated golf diagnosis data for instance the necessary data for a display to display a three-dimensional stroke simulating the actually carried out stroke
  • the completely evaluated golf diagnosis data may be provided at an interface, so that a connectable laptop or display simply takes this data without the necessity for re-formatting or post-processing for
  • embodiments of the invention allow to accommodate all necessary components within the (casing of the) autarkic system, and within a common single housing.
  • Providing the golf diagnosis apparatus in a single housing may also allow to improve the resistance of the golf diagnosis apparatus with respect to external influences like rain, humidity, heat, dirt, etc.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be a simple box which may be taken as a single element by a golf player (for instance manually or carried with golf equipment like a golf caddy or a golf cart).
  • the entire device may be controlled by a common control unit, for instance a microprocessor. Not only preprocessing capabilities, but also the entire evaluation and execution of software routines for deriving abstract information from the captured golf image, may be performed by such a central processing resource located within the housing.
  • all the functions of a conventional golf diagnosis apparatus and a conventional laptop may be integrated within a single housing, so that a waterproof system without any external wirings may be provided. This may significantly improve the convenience in use for a golf player carrying the golf diagnosis apparatus along a golf course.
  • a water-resistant housing and thus a weatherproof golf diagnosis system may be provided, since external wirings may be dispensible.
  • Such a golf diagnosis apparatus may be simple, convenient in use, economical, and much cheaper manufacturable than a conventional golf diagnosis apparatus in combination with a separate laptop.
  • the central control instance of such an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may carry out image processing algorithms and image storage capabilities.
  • images captured from a camera may be evaluated to derive more abstract parameters like coordinates indicative of a golf ball, a golf club, and/or a golf player.
  • These abstract information may be further abstracted by image processing algorithms, for instance by calculating a velocity or a stroke distance of the golf stroke based on the previously determined coordinates at known instances of time.
  • a further processing sequence may be carried out to interpret this data in more detail, for instance for categorizing the stroke to be successful or non-successful, for ranking the stroke, for deriving proposals for improving the performance of the golf player, or optically visualizing the golf stroke. All such further processing procedures may be performed by the central control instance embedded within the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a power supply unit for supplying at least a part of the golf diagnosis apparatus with electrical energy and being accommodated in the common casing.
  • a power supply unit may be a (for example rechargeable) battery, or may also include a solar cell.
  • the power supply unit may be rechargeable with an electrical connection, so that the power supply unit may be recharged using a mains supply or an energy supply of a golf cart. It is also possible that a power supply unit is provided externally, that is to say outside the autarkic device.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise an optical display unit for displaying the golf diagnosis related data and being accommodated in the common casing.
  • the optical display unit may be a monitor, like an LCD monitor, a TFT monitor, an OLED (organic LED) based display, a plasma monitor or a cathode ray tube.
  • the image acquisition device may be a camera, for instance a CCD camera. It is also possible to provide a plurality of cameras, for instance for capturing images of a golf stroke from different positions or different angles.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a display interface for electronically connecting an optical display unit for displaying golf diagnosis related data, being accommodated outside the common casing, and being electrically connectable to the casing. Therefore, an (for instance the only) external device to the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be an appropriate display. Such a display may be connected via a (wired or wireless interface) to the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a user interface for allowing a user to communicate with at least a part of the golf diagnosis apparatus and being accommodated in the common casing.
  • a user interface may comprise input elements like a keypad, a joystick, a track ball, or may even comprise a voice recognition system. Separate operation knobs or operation buttons may be provided as well.
  • the user interface unit may also include a touch screen.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a sensor unit for sensing at least one golf diagnosis related sensor parameter and being accommodated in the common casing.
  • a sensor unit may be any kind of sensor, like a sensor of acoustic waves (for instance for detecting a point of time at which a golf club hits the golf ball), an optical sensor, a position sensor, etc.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a microphone unit for acoustically detecting a stroke of a golf player and being accommodated in the common casing. When a golf club has hit the golf ball, this can be detected acoustically by the microphone. This detection may be used by a central control unit for triggering the detection of one or more images by the image acquisition device. This may ensure that the captured image or images is or are really meaningful, since they are not taken before the ball is hit.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise an optical detection unit for optically detecting a stroke of a golf player and being accommodated in the common casing.
  • Such an optical trigger may include a light barrier. It is possible to use a flashlight (for instance generated using a plasma discharge device), and/or may implement one or more LEDs.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise an ultrasound emission unit for emitting ultrasonic waves towards a golf ball and comprising an ultrasound detection unit for detecting ultrasonic waves reflected from the golf ball for detecting a stroke of a golf player, wherein the ultrasound emission unit and the ultrasound detection unit are accommodated in the common casing.
  • an ultrasound trigger may be provided.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a flash unit for generating pulses of electromagnetic radiation.
  • One or more flashlight units for instance strobes, may be provided so as to define different points of time at which a golf ball shall be visible at an image of the camera.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may further comprise a memory unit accessible by the data evaluation unit and being adapted for storing at least one of the group consisting of a golf diagnosis routine, an operating system (like Windows TM or Linux TM ), a history database indicative of previously determined golf diagnosis related data, or other information.
  • a memory unit accessible by the data evaluation unit and being adapted for storing at least one of the group consisting of a golf diagnosis routine, an operating system (like Windows TM or Linux TM ), a history database indicative of previously determined golf diagnosis related data, or other information.
  • the data evaluation unit may be a CPU (central processing unit) or a microcontroller and may be functionally coupled with a storage device. Such a data evaluation unit may carry out calculations in accordance with prestored algorithms so as to derive golf analysis related parameters from the captured information.
  • the memory may be any electronic storage medium like a volatile or non-volatile memory, a flash memory cell, an EPROM, an EEPROM, etc.
  • the software stored in such a memory may be the actual golf evaluation software.
  • a database including data indicative of previous strokes or of strokes performed by golf professionals may be stored in the storage device. Accessing these information, the control unit may perform the corresponding capabilities.
  • the data evaluation unit may be adapted as a central control unit for controlling the entire functionality of the golf diagnosis apparatus. It can work without any further processing or computational resources so as to carry out all calculations necessary to derive meaningful information as a golf diagnosis result from the captured data.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a user port adapted as an adapter for connecting at least one additional component.
  • additional components may be, for instance, additional image acquisition devices, an additional sensor unit, an additional flashlight unit, and an additional stroboscope unit.
  • Such an adapter or user port may particularly be an electronic adapter like a connection plug board.
  • Such an adapter may include support structures, clips, stand arms, etc., at which auxiliary equipment may be fastened.
  • auxiliary equipment may be fastened.
  • the golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a plurality of image acquisition devices positioned to capture images of a golf player carrying out the stroke from different viewing directions.
  • the adapter may be adapted for connecting the at least one additional component in one of the group consisting of a wired manner (for instance a USB interface) and a wireless manner (for instance a Bluetooth or a WLAN interface).
  • a wired manner for instance a USB interface
  • a wireless manner for instance a Bluetooth or a WLAN interface
  • the data evaluation unit may comprise a first evaluation module and a second evaluation module.
  • the first evaluation module (for instance a microcontroller) may be adapted for activating the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus upon receipt of a stroke indicated by a signal from a microphone unit for acoustically detecting a stroke of a golf player.
  • the first evaluation module may generate a corresponding activation signal so that the image acquisition device may start carrying out one or a plurality of pictures.
  • the first evaluation unit may generate a trigger signal for triggering the image acquisition device for acquiring the image and supplying the trigger signal to the image acquisition device.
  • a trigger signal may be generated in response of the detection of the stroke, for instance using a microphone.
  • the first evaluation module may generate a trigger signal for triggering a flash unit for generating pulses of electromagnetic radiation supplying the trigger signal to the flash unit.
  • the flash unit may be triggered so as to illuminate the environment to define points of time at which the camera takes the pictures.
  • the first evaluation module may control the power supply unit for supplying at least a part of the golf diagnosis apparatus with electrical energy.
  • the energy management and energy distribution of the power supply unit may be controlled by the first evaluation module.
  • the first evaluation module may cooperate with at least one additional component connected to a user port. For instance, the first evaluation module may detect when such an additional component is connected to the user port. The first evaluation module may then install the connected components so that the connected components may be used in connection with the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus.
  • the second evaluation module (for instance a central processing unit, CPU) may be adapted for controlling the first evaluation module.
  • the second evaluation module may be the central control instance and may also control the function of the first evaluation module.
  • the second evaluation module may further receive and evaluate the image(s) to determine the golf diagnosis related data.
  • the image processing tasks may be fulfilled by the second evaluation module.
  • the second evaluation module may supply the golf diagnosis related data to an optical display unit in a format ready for displaying the golf diagnosis related data.
  • the second evaluation module may detect which optical display unit is connected (permanently or detachably), and may select the format accordingly.
  • the second evaluation unit may access a memory unit for cooperating with at least one of the group consisting of a golf diagnosis software, an operating system, and a history database indicative of previously determined golf diagnosis related data. Therefore, the second evaluation module may control functionality of this memory.
  • the second evaluation module may cooperate with at least one additional component connected to a user port. Therefore, any of the first and second evaluation modules may interact with the externally connected elements.
  • the CPU and the microcontroller may be provided as two separate entities or as a single common element.
  • the casing of the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be configured so that the entire autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be weatherproof and or shock-resistant.
  • sealings may be provided so that the casing is water-resistant.
  • the material of the casing (for instance any plastic or metallic material) may be selected so that the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be used even under harsh conditions, for instance in the presence of dirt.
  • shock-absorbing (for instance mechanically damping) elements may be foreseen integrated in the casing and/or externally attached to the casing.
  • the term "shock-resistant” may denote that the device should be able to withstand to impact equal to being dropped to a floor from a height in accordance with a typical operation of the device, for instance 1 m.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be essentially shaped like a cuboid, particularly essentially like a cube. Therefore, an easy to handle box may be provided, for instance with dimensions in the order of magnitude of 20 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm.
  • the casing may comprise an essentially cuboid shaped base unit and a beveled top portion. Such a slanted roof may be used in combination with the support or base unit for different purposes. For instance, the beveled top portion may be tiltable with respect to the base unit.
  • an optical display unit is integrated within the beveled top portion, it may be brought into a geometrical position so that the user may easily gather information displayed on the display.
  • the beveled top portion is located fixedly with respect to the base unit.
  • a recess between the beveled top portion and the base unit may be used as a grip or handle which may allow an easy transportation of the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus.
  • the beveled top portion is completely detachable from the base unit. In this case, the entire beveled top portion may be removed from the base unit, wherein a communication with the base unit may be performed in a wired or in a wireless manner.
  • FIG. 1 an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described.
  • a golf player 101 is in a position to carry a golf club 102 including a shaft 103 and a club head 104.
  • a golf ball 105 is positioned on a tee (not shown).
  • Fig. 1 shows an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 110 which may be simply placed on a ground or which also may be placed on an apparatus like a golf caddy (not shown) or a golf cart (not shown).
  • the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 comprises a central processing unit (CPU) 113 which includes processing resources and storage resources.
  • the CPU 113 is the central control system over the entire golf diagnosis apparatus 110.
  • the CPU 113 is electrically coupled (in a bi-directional manner or in a uni-directional manner) with a first CCD (charge coupled device) camera 114 and with a second CCD camera 115.
  • a first CCD charge coupled device
  • a second CCD camera 115 instead of providing two CCD cameras 114, 115, it is also possible that only a single camera is provided, or a number of cameras which is larger than two.
  • CMOS camera may be used as an alternative to a CCD camera. It may be particularly advantageous to provide only a single camera, since this may allow to manufacture the device 110 with low costs and in a small size.
  • the provision of two cameras 114, 115 in Fig. 1 is thus not to be understood as a limiting feature for the invention. Particularly, the second camera 115 is merely optional, and a performance with only the first camera 114 is sufficient.
  • the CCD cameras 114, 115 are adapted to monitor the golf player 101 from different viewing directions/viewing angles so as to derive complementary information for evaluating a stroke of the golfer 101. Furthermore, a first flash 116 and a second flash 117 are provided.
  • the flashes 116, 117 can be positioned at any desired position of the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 and are integrally formed with a casing 120 of the golf diagnosis apparatus 110.
  • the flashes 116, 117 may emit light flashes so as to define points of time at which images of the golf club 102, of the golf ball 105 and of the golf player 101 are captured by the cameras 114, 115.
  • strobes may be provided. It is possible to implement such light flash sources using LEDs, particularly OLEDs. Instead of using two flashes, it is possible to use only one flash or at least three flashes.
  • each of the two flashes 116, 117 can emit a single flash, or a single flash may emit two flashes.
  • the number of light pulses may vary, and can be larger or smaller than two.
  • the CPU 113 is coupled to an LCD, to a TFT, or to an OLED display 118 as an optical display unit for displaying results of the golf diagnosis apparatus.
  • the CPU 113 is coupled to an input/output device 119 like a keypad, a joystick, a touch screen or the like so as to provide the CPU 113 with control information.
  • the golfer 101 may input, via the input/output device 119, information indicating a type of a club 102 which shall be used for the strike, so as to provide the system 110 with the required information needed to evaluate the stroke.
  • Each of the components 114 to 119 are fixedly connected or integrated within the casing 120 of the golf diagnosis apparatus 110.
  • a small dimensioned apparatus may be provided which is relatively light weight, easy to handle, and thus convenient in use.
  • a battery 130 is housed within the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 so as to supply the various components of the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 with electrical energy.
  • Fig. 1 As further shown in Fig.
  • a microphone 124 is provided for detecting acoustic waves resulting from a hit between the golf club head 104 and the ball 105.
  • a Bluetooth communication interface 125 is foreseen at the golf diagnosis apparatus 110, and is coupled to the CPU 113. Via the Bluetooth communication interface 125, wireless communication with sensors 128, 129 located in both shoes 126, 127 of the golfer 101 is possible. Furthermore, wireless communication with a sensor 130 provided in the golf club head 104 and with a sensor 131 provided in the golf ball 105 is possible. However, the configuration with the communication between the communication interface 125 and the sensors 128 to 130 is optional. In the following, the functionality of the system 100 will be explained in more detail.
  • acoustic waves are generated. These are detected - with a corresponding delay - by the microphone 124. Consequently, the flashes 116, 117 are triggered to emit light pulses. Furthermore, points of time are defined by these flashes 116, 117 at which the cameras 114, 115 detect images of the hit ball 105, the moving club 102 and the moving golf player 101 (essentially) during or after the hit.
  • sensor information from the sensors 128 to 131 are transmitted to the Bluetooth communication interface 125. All these items of information may be used by the CPU 113 to derive golf diagnosis information, like angle information, velocity information, distance information, etc.
  • the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 is adapted for evaluating a stroke of the player 101 captured by the cameras 114, 115.
  • the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 is embedded entirely in the housing 120.
  • the cameras 114, 115, the battery 130, the display 118, the input/output interface 119, the flashlight units 116, 117 and the data evaluation unit 113 are installed on and/or in the housing 120.
  • Slots or plug-in connections may be provided at various positions of the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 so as to allow to flexibly extend the functionality of the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 to meet the preferences of a user.
  • the different cameras 114, 115 allow to capture images of the golfer 101 from different positions.
  • the pressure sensors 128, 129 allow to sense weight distributions of the golfer 101 body during the hit, which may be used for evaluating a quality of a stroke.
  • Position sensors 130, 131 may allow to derive position information with regard to the club 102 and the ball 105 around the stroke.
  • Fig. 1 shows a solar cell 131 which may be used to recharge the battery 130. Alternatively, it is possible to recharge the battery using a connection to a mains supply (not shown).
  • a microcontroller 201 may receive a hit signal 202 captured by a microphone 203 which detects the point of time of a hit between a golf club and a golf ball acoustically. Upon receipt of this hit signal 202, the microcontroller 201 generates trigger signals 204 activating a CCD camera 205 and a flash unit 206.
  • the flash unit 206 emits flashes at defined points of time, at which the CCD camera 205 detects images of the golfer/golf ball/golf club.
  • the microcontroller 201 is further coupled to an energy supply unit 207 controlling the energy supply of the entire system 200.
  • a first interface 208 is provided at which unprocessed, raw image data 209 captured by the CCD camera 205 are provided. These may be supplied, via a wiring 210, to a first interface 211 of an external laptop 212.
  • an optional serial interface 213 is provided at the golf diagnosis apparatus 200 which is connected to a second interface 214 of the laptop 212.
  • the raw image signals or raw stroke signals generated by the golf diagnosis apparatus 200 are supplied to a CPU 215 of the laptop 212.
  • golf diagnosis algorithms are executed which make use of the raw image data provided via the interfaces 211, 214 so as to derive meaningful golf diagnosis information from the raw data.
  • image processing routines or abstract parameter determination routines may be carried out by the CPU 215.
  • Results may then be displayed at a display 216 of the laptop 212.
  • the raw data provided via the interfaces 208, 213 are not in a proper format to be directly displayed by the display 216, and include no abstract golf diagnosis results.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 300 comprises a casing 120 housing a plurality of components.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 300 further comprises a CCD camera 114 as an image acquisition device for acquiring an image indicative of a performance, for instance a stroke, of a golf player 101.
  • a data evaluation unit is formed by microprocessor 301 and by a CPU 302, which alternatively can also be combined to a single unit.
  • an energy supply 130 is provided for supplying all components of the golf diagnosis apparatus 300 with electrical energy.
  • a display interface 133 is provided for electronically connecting an optical display unit 306 (the only externally connected component) for displaying golf diagnosis related data, wherein the display unit 306 is accommodated outside the common casing 120 and is electrically connectable to the casing 120 via the (wireless or wired) connection 306 for data communication.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 300 comprises the user interface 119 for allowing a user 101 to communicate with the golf diagnosis apparatus 300.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 300 further comprises a microphone unit 124 for acoustically detecting a stroke performed by a golf player 1.
  • a flash unit 116 is provided for generating pulses of electromagnetic radiation, so as to illuminate a ball 105 after being hit.
  • a memory unit 303 (a cache memory) is provided which is accessible by the CPU 302 and which stores golf diagnosis software, an operating system (like Windows TM , Linux TM , or the like), a history database indicative of previously determined golf diagnosis related data, and other information.
  • the data evaluation unit 301, 302 serves as a central control unit controlling the entire functionality of the golf diagnosis apparatus 300.
  • the components 301, 302 (and also component 303) may be implemented as a motherboard of a conventional computer.
  • user ports 304 are provided as adapters for connecting additional components, like periphery devices which may or may not be used for operating the device 300.
  • Such additional components may be additional CCD cameras 114, additional sensor units (for instance like the sensors 128 to 131 shown in Fig. 1), or an additional flash unit 116.
  • the interfaces 304 may be interfaces for wired or wireless communication, for instance for Bluetooth communication.
  • the microphone 124 may detect acoustically the event of a hit between a golf ball 105 and a golf club 103. This event is detected acoustically by the microphone 124 which may provide a microphone detection signal 307 to the microprocessor 301.
  • the microprocessor 301 may supply the CCD 114 and the flash 116 with corresponding trigger signals 308 triggering the activation of the camera 114 and the emission of flashes at predetermined instances of time.
  • the microcontroller 301 controls the energy supply of the components of the unit 300 using the power supply unit 130.
  • control signals 310 may be supplied from the microcontroller 301 to the power supply unit 130.
  • the power supply of the CPU 302 may be controlled by the microcontroller 301 via a control signal 311. Furthermore, the CPU 302 being the central control instance may send a control signal 312 to the microcontroller 301.
  • the CPU 302 may access a memory 303 so as to use the software stored therein and/or data of a database stored therein. The CPU 302 performs all necessary calculations so as to derive a result of the golf diagnosis, so that directly displayable data 313 is supplied to the interface 133 of Fig. 3. In contrast to Fig.
  • the data supplied at the interface 133 is already formatted so as to be directly displayable by a corresponding display device 306 without further processing or post-processing in the display 306, so that no processing resource has to be provided in the display 306. Therefore, all necessary calculations may be carried out by the data evaluation unit 301, 302.
  • the adapter interfaces 304 may communicate with the microprocessor 301 (however, also a coupling to the CPU 302 is possible, although not shown in Fig. 3).
  • the casing 120 can be manufactured from a rubber material, any plastics, any polymer material (for instance from polypropylene) so as to allow that the entire device 300 is waterproof or weatherproof.
  • the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 400 differs from the golf diagnosis apparatus 300 essentially in that the display device 306 is also integrated within the housing 120 of the golf diagnosis apparatus 400.
  • the display interface 133 may or may not be provided in the device 400 so as to allow for an external connection of another display device.
  • the display interface 133 can also be omitted in Fig.
  • the golf diagnosis apparatus 500 comprises a base member 501 (which may be shaped essentially like a cuboid, particularly like a cube) and a beveled top portion 502.
  • the beveled top portion 502 is, as indicated by an arrow 503, is tiltable with respect to the base unit 501.
  • the beveled top portion 502 is completely detachable from the base unit 501, for instance in a scenario in which a user desires to reversibly detach a display 504 embedded in the beveled top portion 502 from the device 500.
  • a keypad 505 and buttons 506 are provided at the beveled top portion 502 for control of the device 500 by a user.
  • adapters 304 are shown at a lateral portion of the base unit 501.
  • a recess 507 between the beveled top portion 502 and the base unit 501 is adapted as a grip or a handle for conveniently transporting the device 500.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Investigating Materials By The Use Of Optical Means Adapted For Particular Applications (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)
EP06011727A 2006-01-19 2006-06-07 Un autosuffisant appareil de diagnostique de golf et sa méthode de fabrication Withdrawn EP1810725A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2007/004329 WO2007140860A1 (fr) 2006-06-07 2007-05-15 Dispositif autarcique de diagnostic de golf et son procédé de fabrication

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US76014806P 2006-01-19 2006-01-19
US78266506P 2006-03-15 2006-03-15
US78266006P 2006-03-15 2006-03-15

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EP06022734A Withdrawn EP1810722A1 (fr) 2006-01-19 2006-10-31 Un appareil d'imagerie et un appareil de diagnostique de golf

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5111410A (en) * 1989-06-23 1992-05-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Oh-Yoh Keisoku Kenkyusho Motion analyzing/advising system
US5210603A (en) * 1992-01-21 1993-05-11 Sabin Donald C Automated video recording device for recording a golf swing
WO2000041776A1 (fr) * 1999-01-15 2000-07-20 Jonathan Brust Systeme d'enregistrement, de memorisation, d'analyse et d'affichage d'un balance de golf
WO2000044450A1 (fr) * 1999-01-29 2000-08-03 Orthopedic Systems Inc. Systeme de surveillance du vol d'une balle de golf
US20050064948A1 (en) * 2003-09-23 2005-03-24 Bissonnette Laurent C. Golf club and ball performance monitor having an ultrasonic trigger
US20050215336A1 (en) * 2004-03-26 2005-09-29 Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. Golf swing-diagnosing system

Family Cites Families (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7291072B2 (en) * 1992-11-20 2007-11-06 Acushnet Company Performance measurement system with fluorescent markers for golf equipment
JP3749072B2 (ja) * 2000-03-24 2006-02-22 ブリヂストンスポーツ株式会社 ゴルフクラブ選択方法及び選択システム
US8512160B2 (en) * 2003-09-08 2013-08-20 Acushnet Company Multishutter club-ball analyzer
JP4466133B2 (ja) * 2004-03-09 2010-05-26 横浜ゴム株式会社 移動体計測装置

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5111410A (en) * 1989-06-23 1992-05-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Oh-Yoh Keisoku Kenkyusho Motion analyzing/advising system
US5210603A (en) * 1992-01-21 1993-05-11 Sabin Donald C Automated video recording device for recording a golf swing
WO2000041776A1 (fr) * 1999-01-15 2000-07-20 Jonathan Brust Systeme d'enregistrement, de memorisation, d'analyse et d'affichage d'un balance de golf
WO2000044450A1 (fr) * 1999-01-29 2000-08-03 Orthopedic Systems Inc. Systeme de surveillance du vol d'une balle de golf
US20050064948A1 (en) * 2003-09-23 2005-03-24 Bissonnette Laurent C. Golf club and ball performance monitor having an ultrasonic trigger
US20050215336A1 (en) * 2004-03-26 2005-09-29 Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. Golf swing-diagnosing system

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