GB2528838A

GB2528838A - A golf training system

Info

Publication number: GB2528838A
Application number: GB1412920.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher John Clegg
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-07-21
Filing date: 2014-07-21
Publication date: 2016-02-10
Also published as: GB201412920D0

Abstract

A golf training system comprises: a sensing device 12 for detecting when a golf ball is struck by a golf club 16 and a transmitter 18 which is capable of sending a signal to a local device 10 fitted with a global positioning system (GPS) for recording the location of the sensor 12 when it detects a ball has been struck; the sensor 12 is preferably a piezoelectric sensor 12 and the sensor 12is preferably positioned on a golf club. A golf training system including a motion sensor that detects the path of movement of a player stroke is also disclosed.

Description

A GOLF TRAINING SYSTEM

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to improvements in golf training systems.

Background

When playing golf a high degree of skill is required in order to hit a golf ball to a desired location. Typically the distance a ball must travel for each shot varies and can be affected by ambient conditions such as wind speed and direction. Therefore a player must consider multiple factors when playing a shot and prior to hitting the ball.

A variety of other factors can also affect the trajectory of a golf ball. These include not only the wind speed and direction, but also the altitude of the golf course, the humidity of the air and the temperature of the air.

Thus, for example, a golf ball which is struck at a golf course located at a high altitude, in low humidity conditions, will tend to travel further than a golf ball which is struck at a golf course located at sea level and where the air is colder and denser.

The factors which affect trajectory are therefore the density of the air (which tends to be greater at lower altitudes and at cooler ambient temperatures) as well as the relative humidity of the air.

These factors together with wind speed and direction, relative to the direction of play of the ball, together make a significant difference to the maximum distance to which a golf ball may be struck.

In order to improve a player's game it may be necessary to analyse their game in order to identify negative features of play that may be detrimental, as mentioned for example in the Applicant's granted UK Patent GB-B-2458100.

Traditionally a player may be observed by an instructor in order for negative styles or deficiencies in their game to be identified so that new/improved methods, techniques and styles can then be taught and practiced. However this level of supervision and guidance may not also be available or practical as such one-to-one coaching tends to be expensive.

Prior Art

As disclosed in UK Patent GB-B-2 458 100, a golf training aid may be used to improve a player's performance by monitoring over an extended period, particular patterns of play or habitual problems.

The golf training system in the aforementioned UK Patent operates by inputting into a mobile device, the location of a tee and the location of where the golf ball lands after each shot. Information is compared against a so-called pro-point (an ideal location for each shot) by the device, so as to obtain data indicative of the distance and accuracy of each shot. The device stores the data, indicative of the distance and accuracy of each shot and analyses a player's performance, so as to provide an indication of consistency of play over a period of time.

Although successful, particularly in monitoring and spotting patterns of missed shots or style, the aforementioned system suffers from a number of drawbacks. One such drawback was the constant requirement to remove the device from a jacket pocket, club carrier or golf cart and locate the position of the ball using the device after each shot or stroke. During poor weather conditions this was inconvenient and generally the continuing requirement of having to find the device and locate the ball has led to a disruption in the flow of play.

The inventor has therefore improved the system so as to overcome the aforementioned problem in order to provide an improved golf training system that utilises the aforementioned golf training aid and in order to provide a system that is not only capable of post match analysis but also live active coaching throughout a game.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a golf training system that including: a sensing device for detecting when a golf ball is struck by a golf club and a transmitter which is capable of sending a signal to a local device fitted with a global positioning system (GPS) for recording the location of the sensor when it is triggered.

In this way at the instant the golf ball is hit the precise location of where the ball is hit is determined from the sensor, as the location of the sensor is able to be determined relative to the device with the global positioning system (GPS). Therefore the location of where the golf ball landed, from a previous shot is known. It being understood that the initial location from where golf ball is hit corresponds to the tee and this is optionally input by a user at the commencement of playing each hole or automatically by an administrator of the golf course that provides the location of all the initial locations (tees) and all of the final locations (holes).

Ideally the sensor includes an inertia transducer that detects impact of the golf club with the golf ball and a means for triggering the transmitter to send the signal to the device with a global positioning system (GPS).

Other variables may be sensed. These include: the height of the ball above a datum (such as sea level), the swing speed of a club head, the amount of twisting of the club head and ambient weather conditions.

Preferably the sensing device includes one or more piezoelectric devices for sensing inertia. Typically the at least one piezoelectric device is flexed on impact so as to generate an electric charge. The electric charge enables transmission of the signal from the transmitter to the device and its magnitude may be used to provide an indication of the force with which the ball is struck. Other features or characteristics of an electric impulse produced by the piezoelectric charge may be used to provide an indication of the nature with which a ball has been struck -that is cleanly or whether the ball has been sliced'. These other features may be obtained from a mathematical transform of the characteristic of the impulse, for example a fast Fourier transforms (FFT) so as to show the nature of how the ball was struck.

In some embodiments the sensing device may be integrated with the golf club so that for example the golf club head includes a sensor and the golf club grip includes a transmitting device. It may be envisaged that wiring, to connect the sensor to the transmitting device, may be located within or along the shaft of a golf club. In this arrangement as the club head hits the ball the sensor is triggered.

Preferably the sensor is located on the club head so as to come into contact with the ball. Optionally the motion of the sensor, if fitted to the club, may also be tracked. Alternatively a separate club tracking device or system may be provided so that a record of the motion of the club can be obtained and used in the analysis described below Data derived from the sensing device or combined sensor and transmitter may be transmitted on request or continuously.

In some embodiments the sensing device may be located on the shaft or grip so that the sensing device detects impact through vibration rather than direct contact.

In other embodiments the sensing device may be integrated with the golf club, for example being positioned within the club so as not to be visible is use.

Alternatively the sensor may be retro-fitted to the golf club. For example the sensor may be in the form of a pad which is stuck by adhesive to the club. In another embodiment the sensor is positioned on or within a golf ball. In this way no adaptation is required to any golf clubs.

Typically the sensor is triggered by a forceful connection of the golf ball with the golf club wherein this connection causes a signal to be transmitted from the device.

The sensor or sensing device may be mounted integrally on or in the golf club, may be retro-fitted thereto or may be worn by a player, for example on their wrist.

Ideally the sensor or sensing device is battery powered and the at least battery is a rechargeable battery.

Optionally a means is provided for retrofitting the sensor or sensing device onto existing golfing equipment may also be provided and an identifier is adapted to pair a particular sensor with a particular club or group of clubs.

The system is preferably adapted to take a number of other local factors into account, by obtaining information, for example via an automated update from a particular golf course or from a central database, such as a local metrological forecast and store these variables. One particularly useful item of data is the terrain of a golf course and the variations of height and terrain.

Such data is also ideally provided by supplying information as to relief, such as contour heights, so that this data may also be stored.

Optionally all the data relating to conditions, height and shots played may be stored and subsequently analysed by an algorithm so as to indicate to a player how their play could be improved. For example, feedback to a player may be whether the ball should have been struck harder or softer on a particular shot in order to achieve the same distance and trajectory.

It is also understood that the invention not only provides feedback as to the historical and statistical nature of play, but is also able to provide guidance, based on local conditions at the time of play, as to for example, the optimum choice of club which a player may wish to choose or shot that a player may wish to take and so becomes a useful tool in coaching and improving a player's ability.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a golf training aid including: a motion sensor that is worn by a player, the motion sensor has a transmitter for transmitting its location in space over a selected interval so that when a player strikes a ball a record of the path of movement of a player's stroke is provided and a memory means records the path of movement of the payers stroke.

The motion sensor optionally comprises one or more gyroscope devices.

The gyroscopes are ideally solid state gyroscopes.

Alternatively a standalone motion detector and/or analyser provides information about the golfer's club head speed, inclination, aspect, attitude, direction, swing path, so as to record data for training and coaching purposes. Such as standalone device might not be portable but may be used on a training net or driving range. However ideally a portable version is preferably provided so as to be worn by the golfer on the wrist/forearm during play and is in remote communication with the mobile data acquisition and storage device.

The motion sensor is ideally worn on the upper arm, forearm or wrist of a player and tracks the movement of that part of a players body as the stroke is taken. A suitable trigger or switch is provided so that the motion sensor may be activated prior to a stroke being played, so as to conserve energy. a

Optionally the transmitter transmits the location of impact of the golf ball to a remote device that includes a global positioning system (GPS).

It is appreciated that this aspect of the invention may be combined with the aforementioned first aspect of the invention so as to provide a system that not only provides an indication of the location of a golf ball (suitable for post match analysis) but also the precise characteristics of a stroke that is played, so permitting live coaching in real time as well as detailed post match analysis of a particular stroke that is played, the nature of the stroke and the particular club that was used.

Optionally a display is provided on a hand held device, so that a player may view a particular stroke immediately after playing it, using computer generated graphics in order to simulate actual motion of a player using the data stored about the stroke relating to the path of movement taken by the motion sensor. This can then be compared with where the ball landed and the desired destination of the ball (the pro-point).

Preferably the motion sensor is worn by the player on their arm or wrist and is housed in a holster so as to enable the system to record precisely the path of movement of their hand or forearm and therefore the precise nature of a stroke that has been played.

Advantageously the stored information is used to analyse an actual route of the golf ball over a course, for example on a golf course or range; a player's individual performance or it may be displayed for training or other purposes.

Furthermore the information relating to the location of the golf ball, at the commencement of each shot, can be used for play analysis, so that a player may compare location of their shots against optimal pro-lines' and/or pro-points'. For example, a golf course may have a plurality of pro-lines' generated on a card which define the optimal direction of each shot to be taken from a tee to a hole in order to achieve a par'.

The degree of variation from the players route and the pro-line' can be determined in order to assess performance of the player and enable the player to improve their play.

In preferred embodiments the sensor detects impact of the ball against the golf club and the signal is transmitted by way of a Bluetooth TM or a Zigbee TM or similar short range transmitter to the device.

Most preferably the device with a global positioning system (GPS) is pocket-sized and may be a mobile communication device such as mobile telephone, a smartphone', tablet or a portable personal computer (PC). For example the smartphone may be carried in a holster worn by the player or attached to their belt.

In preferred embodiments receipt of a signal indicative of a ball being struck, by the device automatically causes the location of the ball to be recorded. In this way the location at which the impact occurred is recorded so that its exact latitude and longitude are obtained.

Ideally the locations recorded by the device and system are stored in a memory means so as to create a catalogue of locations and events each being able to be associated with particular ambient conditions as well as, if desired, the type of club that was used and the nature of the stroke. The locations are stored sequentially so that a record of the golf ball over the course of a match or game can be later determined as well as all other specified data.

User selectable data may also be input. For example a player may input a desired location of a shot -that is the point to which they are aiming -so as to enable this data to be stored and used in subsequent comparisons.

Typically degrees of variation between a player's line of shot and the pro-line' are analysed with reference to the swing or stroke played. In this way level of variation can be graded so that improvement and deterioration in a player's performance can readily be determined.

Furthermore grades may be compared over time for example over a time period such as a season, or the grade achieved at a particular course may be compared to establish improvement or deterioration. For example grade achieved may be plotted against time so as to provide a graphical representation of performance.

The device is capable of statistical analysis in order to provide various statistics and graphical representations of the location data in order to reveal trends in player performance.

On review of the results obtained, training can then be adapted to improve a player's game based upon the comparison results. Preferably the device is installed with a computer programme or application that enables analysis of data obtained from the motion sensor indicative of a player's actual stroke played, thereby enabling the aforementioned device to operate under control of a set of user specified instructions. These instructions may be provided orally using for example a voice recognition programme and user selected key words. Therefore a player does not have to repeatedly activate the device in order to record necessary data but merely speaks and instructs and then hits the ball.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, and with reference to the drawings, in which:

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows an overall view of a system including the invention; Figure 2 shows a functional diagram of the system; Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show views of a player's stroke and how the system obtains and records data relating to the height of where a ball lands; and Figure 4 illustrates diagrammatically the system, in use, and how a player's motion is tracked and how this is depicted on a display.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a golf training system including a portable device 10 that operates in accordance with a set of computer implemented instructions to assist a player improve their golf technique and game. The device 10 communicates with a locator 12 which has a sensor 14 for detecting when a golf ball 14 is struck by a golf club 16. A wrist worn motion sensor 100 also communicates with the device 10.

A transmitter 18, in the locator 12, sends a signal either to the portable device 10 or a dedicated location device 20 fitted with a global positioning system (GPS) for recording the exact location of the sensor 14 when the ball is struck and the sensor 14 is triggered.

A battery 22 powers the location device 20; a microprocessor 12 in the device 10 operates in conjunction with software and a random access memory (RAM) which stores location specific data as well as user specified data. Impact on the sensor 14 causes an electrical charge to be released from a piezoelectric device (not shown) which sends a signal from the sensor 14 to the microprocessor 12.

The microprocessor 12 communicate with a global positioning system (GPS) device 13 so that location can be recorded at the instant the sensor 14 is triggered. In this way the exact location from where the golf ball 16 is hit is recorded by the microprocessor 12 in RAM (not shown).

Figure 2 shows a functional diagram of the process and system which obtains and records golf ball 16 location and shows how data is obtained and subsequently analysed to aid with player performance.

The ball and golf club connect as the ball is hit by the club. This impact causes the sensor 10 to be activated.

1. Sensor 10 transmits a signal by a transmitter (not shown) to the device 50.

2. Receiver device 50, in device 10, registers receipt of the signal at impact from transmitter 18 and tracks the motion of the player using a signal from transmitter 102.

3. The GPS locator is activated on receipt of the signal from transmitter 18 so as to cause the location of the ball to be recorded.

4. The GPS location is stored on a memory means (not show) in the device 10.

5. The location information is compared by the microprocessor against a database of stored pro-points/pro-lines, viz point D' and line A-D'.

6. The degree of variation between data collected from the player and data from the database is graded to indicate player performance and assist in coaching and post match analysis when using data obtained from motion sensor 100.

7. Data collected is saved in a memory for later comparison to indicate trends over time.

Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show views of a player's stroke and how the system obtains and records data relating to the swing of a player's stroke using a wrist worn motion sensor 100 on a wrist strap 101. The location and height of where the ball lands; and the location of the golf ball 16 is obtained by the sensor 14 at the next stroke. The motion sensor 100 supplies data about the swing of a players stroke.

Data from the two locations: the tee A and the end location where the ball lands C after being hit from the tee A. Point D is the pro-point. Locations A and C are plotted on a map 33 shown on the display of the handheld device and/or are obtained from the golf course or a supplier of geographical data such as an aerial map supplier, the map including data relating to the precise heights of a points on the golf course.

Use of data provided from the golf club course manager and/or image information from the aerial map and/or the GPS device enables very accurate 2-D and/or 3-D (height) location to be obtained and used in the training. This may be important for example where slopes have an affect on the ball 16 and this data is able to be communicated to/from the mobile device 20.

Referring to Figure 4, in use, the locations A and C are joined by a line to show the route travelled by the ball 16 and data from a motion sensor 100 that is worn by the player. The motion sensor 100 has a transmitter 102 for transmitting its location in space over a selected interval, for example from a Bluetooth TM or a Zigbee TM or similar short range transmitting device, so that when the player strikes the ball 16 an exact record of the path of movement of the player's stroke is provided and stored in memory means 56 so that the path of movement of the player's stroke is recorded. Motion sensor 100 has one or more gyroscope devices, such as solid state gyroscopes (not shown).

The motion sensor 100 is shown worn on the upper arm of the player so as to track its movement as the stroke is taken. A suitable trigger or switch is activated prior to a stroke being played. Suitable software uses the data relating to movement and speed of movement of the players arm so as to provide a graphical representation of a stroke on a display 59 (Figure 4).

Aspects of style, such as twisting and speed, are computed by the microprocessor 12 to provide a grade of performance. Therefore aspects of every golf shot played, including the golfer's swing; weather conditions; clubs used; strokes taken and lines played, from the start to end positions of the ball 16 relative to target, can be stored and analysed.

Referring again to Figure 2 there is shown a flow diagram showing key steps in an algorithm which computes the various guidance levels for a player in the conditions of altitude where a player may be making a shot from a lower to a higher position or from a higher to a lower position. It is appreciated that these steps in the calculation are used in conjunction with the first aspect of the invention in order to optimise a player's ability.

It is apparent that the invention enables a golf player to precisely locate the position of a golf ball prior to each/subsequent to the first/played "off the tee".

Thereafter all the player has to do is to actuate the locator prior to playing the shot or in the case of an automatic location sensor simply play the shot as the impact of the club with the ball determines that a shot has been played and therefore transmits the location either locally, to the handheld device, or remotely to a remote receiving station.

The invention is able to take these factors into account, by obtaining local information, for example via an automated update from a particular golf course or from a central database such as a local metrological forecast, and input these variables into an algorithm which indicates to a player whether the ball should be struck harder or softer in order to achieve the same distance and trajectory.

The golf training system enables a player's performance to be analysed over time without requirement for manual input of golf ball location.

It will be appreciated that the invention has been described by way of illustrative examples only and variation may be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A golf training system includes a golf training system that includes: a sensing device for detecting when a golf ball is struck by a golf club and a transmitter which is capable of sending a signal to a local device fitted with a global positioning system (GPS) for recording the location of the sensor when it is triggered.
2. A golf training system according to claim 1 wherein the sensor includes a piezoelectric sensor.
3. A golf training system according to either claim 1 or 2 wherein the sensor is adapted to be positioned on a golf club.
4. A golf training system according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the device is integrated with a golf club.
5. A golf training system according to any claim 1 or 2 wherein the sensor is adapted to be retrofitted to the golf club.
6. A golf training system includes a motion sensor that is worn by a player, the sensor has a transmitter for transmitting its location in space over a selected interval so that when a player strikes a ball a record of the path of movement of a player stroke is provided and a memory means records the path of movement.
7. A golf training system according to claim 5 or 6 includes a transmitter that transmits the location of impact of the golf ball to a remote device that includes a global positioning system (GPS).
8. A golf training system according to claim 5 or 6 includes a data storage means that stores data concerning the location of a ball after a shot and the path of movement of a players stroke.
9. A golf training system according to any preceding claim includes a display for displaying a computer generated image.
10. A golf training system according to any of claims 5 to 9 in which the motion sensor is adapted to be worn by the player on their arm or wrist and records the path of movement of the player's hand or forearm.
11. A golf training system according to any preceding claim wherein a transmitter includes a Bluetooth TM or a Zigbee TM or similar short range radio frequency (RE) transmitting device.
12. A golf training system according to any preceding claim includes a data feed that provides information relating to relief, such as contour heights, of at least a part of a golf course.
13. A golf training system substantially as herein described with reference to the Eigures.