JP2004534583A - Automated method and system for golf club selection based on swing type - Google Patents

Abstract

The method of selecting high performance golf clubs based on the golfer's swing type (FIG. 3) is implemented in an automated method and system (FIGS. 1 and 2) readily available, for example, in retail stores. . The golfer swings the golf club (FIGS. 7 to 9) several times in front of the digital camera (112, 212), and the digital camera uses a computer (FIG. 7) for processing the golfer's swing information. (Not shown). Several parameters related to the golfer's swing characteristics are identified and a high performance golf club for the golfer is selected and displayed in less than one hour (FIG. 3), preferably in less than about 5-10 minutes. Markers (610, 710a-710b, 810a-810b) can be placed on golf clubs and / or golfers to more easily track and collect data with this system (FIGS. 1, 2).

Description

【Technical field】
[0001]
The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for matching golfer and golf club types based on their swing type characteristics, and in particular, based on swing type characteristics measured and processed at a retail location, The present invention relates to a compact and easy-to-handle system capable of quickly and automatically determining a golf club.
[Background Art]
[0002]
Since the birth of golf hundreds of years ago, people participating in competitions have tried to improve their movements by choosing equipment. Specifically, the annual ceremony for many golfers is that golfers "feel" better when swinging, or at least promise to improve their skills in size, weight, materials or otherwise. Purchase one or more of the latest improved golf clubs.
[0003]
One approach to optimizing a golfer's play is to identify the "type" of the golfer's swing so that a suitable golf club can be selected. Several prior art systems and methods used to provide swing type identification to golfers are discussed herein.
[0004]
U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,566 to Haas et al. Discloses multiple electro-optic sensors used to capture swing data from golf clubs and / or golfers with markers. It digitizes analog information and stores data relating to the position of the golf club and important body parts. The coordinate transformer allows the simulated golfer to be viewed in all aspects, as well as a tabular display of optional graphics and / or data. While this system is useful for capturing the golfer's swing characteristics, it requires specialists to analyze the data individually and the process is cumbersome and not automated.
[0005]
No. 5,111,410 to Nakayama et al. Teaches the use of a video-based system that automatically measures a golfer's swing and compares it to stored reference swing data. Based on the determination of the differences in the data, the closest reference data is determined and a diagnosis of the golfer's swing is made. For example, there is an automatic trigger mechanism that can be easily operated for use in a driving range. The system is designed primarily as an educational tool to improve the golfer's swing. The golfer's swing is simply analyzed based on the analysis of the motion.
[0006]
U.S. Patent No. 5,342,054 to Chang et al. Discloses a video-based system that includes a color video camera and an infrared camera, along with image processing software and data storage in a circular buffer. It also discloses data compression and decompression. Optionally, various data displays can be selected using the sensor array.
[0007]
U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,522 to Nesbit et al. Discloses the generation of a three-dimensional biomechanical model of a golfer in which the data of a particular golfer's swing is superimposed. Using multiple markers for the golfer, triad markers for the club, and multiple cameras, the golfer's swing data can be obtained and superimposed.
[0008]
Wood's U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,123 discloses the creation of a bespoke club set based on club chemistry determined by data obtained on a golfer's swing. First, a reference club is defined, and then the parameters of the club are estimated to create an entire custom set of clubs.
[0009]
PCT application WO 00/15311 A1 discloses an apparatus and method for analyzing the individual swing characteristics of a golfer and determining a golf club configuration suitable for the golfer. The device includes a video camera for obtaining a video image of a golfer's swing. This image is analyzed and combined with the golfer's individual swing characteristics to determine the size of the golf club that will improve the results. The golf club dimensions to be modified based on the analysis include, for example, loft and lie angle.
[0010]
PCT application WO 00/41776 A1 discloses a video capture unit for recording and displaying recorded activities such as golf. The recorded activity is archived and can be viewed separately at a remote location from the video capture unit. This activity can be uploaded to the Internet for later analysis. Via any PC or other Internet connection, a user can enter personal identification information associated with the stored image and download an analysis tool for use with the stored image. .
[0011]
PCT Application No. WO 00/71212 A1 discloses a method for matching golfers with golf clubs and golf balls by comparing measured values with recorded sets of data. The values to be measured are several sets of data for comparison, including club head speed, and golf club loft angle, shaft flexibility, golf ball weight, and ball spin.
[0012]
U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,487 to Morgan et al. Uses a web site to ask a user for information about his or her type of play, compare that information to stored information, -Discloses returning a predetermined selection regarding the ball.
[0013]
PCT application WO 01/28644 A1 discloses a method and system for teaching students techniques such as golf. The system includes a camera for generating a series of typical images of a student performing the technique. This image is stored in digital form by a computer system and is accessible from a telecommunications network, such as the Internet. The technical expert then accesses the images, reviews them, and creates a series of commented digital images of the student performing the technology. The commented digital image is stored for later access by the student via the telecommunications network.
[0014]
The techniques described above rely on (human) expert assistance, high cost or complexity of hardware, inconvenience due to limited availability of systems, and for selecting golf clubs. There are various disadvantages, including, but not limited to, difficulties in interpreting the data format.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0015]
Therefore, a golfer can quickly and easily measure the golfer's swing characteristics and determine the golfer's swing characteristics at a convenient place such as a local golf driving range or a golf course pro shop to determine and purchase the ideal club type. What is needed is a system and method for swing type identification.
【Example】
[0016]
A first preferred embodiment of the system and method of the present invention is shown in FIG. As shown, the system includes at least one digital camera 112 coupled to a kiosk and further includes a kiosk 110 that includes a display monitor 114. The kiosk may be located in a golf shop, which is located on or off the golf course. The system preferably also includes a light source 116 and a keypad or keyboard 118 for receiving input to the system. The kiosk has a full-function computer with a digital signal processor. The camera is used to capture the golfer's "swing" characteristics as the golfer swings the club. These "swing" characteristics are processed by a digital signal processor in the kiosk to select a preferred club for the golfer and display it on a monitor. In one preferred embodiment, the camera can capture data at at least 60 Hz.
[0017]
FIG. 2 shows a second preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, wherein at least one digital camera 212 is coupled to a laptop computer 220 with a display. The camera and laptop are both located outdoors. The laptop is then connected to the remotely located kiosk 110 over a network and / or wirelessly. The camera 212 and laptop 220 are used to capture the golfer's "swing" characteristics as the golfer swings the club. These "swing" characteristics are then transmitted to remotely located kiosks, which then process them with a digital signal processor. In one preferred embodiment, the camera can capture data at at least 60 Hz. The preferred club for the golfer is then selected and displayed on the laptop display.
[0018]
The method of the present invention for matching a golfer with a preferred club based on the collected swing characteristics in the physical installation of FIGS. 1 and 2 is illustrated in the flow chart of FIG. The method preferably comprises:
Providing a swing data collection system, the golf club including a golf club and at least one digital camera, wherein the golf club includes a tip having a grip end and a club head mounted on the tip. A shaft with at least two markers; and
The golfer swinging the golf club at least once;
Collecting data about a golfer's swing using the digital camera, wherein the data indicates a plurality of positions of the marker that occur during the at least one swing;
Providing an automatic data analyzer for analyzing the data, wherein the data analyzer comprises:
(A) processing the data to determine a characteristic value for a set of swing characteristics for the golfer, wherein the data analyzer stores the characteristic value for the golfer in a memory;
(B) selecting a high-performance golf club from a plurality of golf clubs based on the characteristic value of the golfer;
[0019]
The system then displays the data collected with the selected smart club that best matches the characteristic value for the set of swing characteristics. This data can be displayed in graphical or numerical form. The system can also be configured to play back images captured by a digital camera.
[0020]
Preferably, at least one marker is located adjacent a grip end of the golf club and at least one additional marker is located adjacent a club head at a tip of the golf club. The marker may include a reflective tape, a light source, or one or more colored bands. In a preferred embodiment, a single video camera captures the two-dimensional data and converts the two-dimensional data into data indicative of a golfer's three-dimensional "swing" characteristics, wherein the three-dimensional data is To be related to the swing characteristics. Mathematical analysis of pixel data from a digital camera is performed using any method known to those skilled in the art to perform a two-dimensional to three-dimensional or vice versa transformation.
[0021]
In another method of the invention, "unmarked" tracking of the natural characteristics of golf clubs, golfers and / or golf balls can be used. That is, no artificial features such as reflective tape are used, and instead pattern recognition techniques can be used, for example, for marking golf balls. Gloves, club heads, grips, etc. can be identified without markers by distinguishing natural features from other background images.
[0022]
In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a means for triggering the start of the acquisition of the swing characteristics and a means for informing the golfer of the status of such data collection. In one preferred embodiment, the system includes a keypad with a start key. This start key starts a red, yellow, green light timer, or an LED included in the system indicates the status of the system. Preferably, the yellow light indicates that the system is preparing to capture or collect a swing characteristic. When the system is in this mode, the golfer preferably begins preparing to swing the club and has his swing characteristics measured. When the light turns green, video capture is initiated and the golfer makes his swing and obtains data collected by the system that indicates his swing characteristics. If the LED indicator is red, the system is not running or data is being processed and cannot be used for further video collection.
[0023]
In another embodiment, a data collection system used to collect a golfer's "swing" characteristics comprises two digital cameras configured to capture three-dimensional data. In this embodiment, the analysis of the data correlates the actual three-dimensional data captured by the at least two cameras to a set of swing characteristics and determines a preferred club type based on these known swing characteristics.
[0024]
In one preferred embodiment, data collection, analysis, and display occur within a specific time frame of less than about one hour. Alternatively, data collection, analysis, and display can occur within a specific time frame of less than about 10 minutes. One advantage of the present invention is that data collection, analysis, and display of club selection results can be provided to golfers / consumers quickly and in near-real time. Thus, with a faster calculation speed depending on the equipment used, the real time frame is easily reduced, for example within a short time going to a professional shop.
[0025]
In a preferred embodiment, the system and method of the present invention comprises a memory and the ability to store the data of a golfer's swing in the memory, the method further comprising: Transmitting the contents of the memory to a web site. Preferably, this data can be compressed and encoded before being stored in the memory.
[0026]
The data or "swing" characteristics collected and processed by the present invention can be utilized in additional aspects of the present invention, as shown in the flow diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the data can be stored and later retrieved at any time when the golfer is ready to purchase a new club from a retail store. Alternatively, the data can be transmitted to the manufacturer and the custom golf club can be designed to match the golfer's measured swing characteristics.
[0027]
In a preferred embodiment, a minimum of two types of data must be collected in determining the golfer's swing characteristics, for example, club head speed and shaft flexibility. In other embodiments, additional sensors may be used to collect additional information, such as flying ball data, including the launch angle, or the orientation of the club head when impacting the surface of the ball. Sensors that can be used with golf clubs include, for example, rate gyros, accelerometers, heading sensors, strain gauges, and magnetic components. How to apply such a sensor to a club and its preferred locations are well known to those skilled in the art. In particular, downsizing the components is advantageous for installation and use of sensors that have minimal impact on the golfer's swing.
[0028]
In another embodiment, sensors external to the golf club can be used to measure the movement and angle of the club. FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of using a mat with fixedly located sensors to obtain club head speed and position information as the club is swung over the mat. The sensor comprises an array of light emitters and receivers, and light is reflected from the club head as it passes over the mat. Club head information that can be collected in this embodiment includes statistical information such as the face angle of the club and the speed of the club just before impacting the golf ball.
[0029]
In a further preferred embodiment, the golfer's own actual movement can be measured to determine his or her swing type. This additional embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. As shown, the golfer may place a marker at a defined location on his upper torso to provide additional information for analyzing the swing characteristics depending on the desired set of swing characteristics to be used in the analysis. In the example of this figure, one or both shoulders and / or one or both buttocks may be provided with reflective tape. Alternatively, clips or the like may be used to attach additional or other types of marking devices for swing data collection. In this embodiment, a second digital camera is used to focus on the golfer and capture information about the golfer's movement. This information is also processed to more accurately determine the golfer's swing type and match himself with the preferred club.
[0030]
7-9 show various embodiments of a golf club instrumented for swing data collection. Passive means such as reflective tape can be used and placed at various locations on the golf clubs 710a, 710b, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, more active means that require a power source can be used. FIG. 8 shows a club having strain gauges 810a, 810b provided on the surface of a golf shaft and other sensors 811a-811d provided on a detection member 812 received within the grip end of the golf club. . The battery can be included in the component as a power source, the data can be stored in the memory element of the component, or transmitted to a remote location, such as via radio frequency transmission, to deliver the data for recording and analysis can do. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, the end of the golf club grip may receive an interface 910 that directly links to a data storage and / or computing device. The cable link may be removable or attached when a golfer swings the club.
[0031]
One type of camera that can be used for data collection is available from, for example, Cognex of Needham, Massachusetts, or Vision Components of Ettlingen, Germany. The digital camera has a self-contained CPU unit co-located within its housing that performs all or part of the data analysis in addition to capturing data. The camera can then be linked directly to the display unit to display golfer swing information and / or club selection results. Alternatively or additionally, the camera may be linked to another computing device for storing and / or transferring data, for example via the Internet.
[0032]
Transmission of the data collected from the sensors can be performed using fiber optic, cable or USB links, infrared methods, or radio frequency techniques. Computing devices available for processing include, for example, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, desktop computers, and point-of-sale (POP) kiosk units. The configuration of the data transmission connection and the computing device is varied and can be designed with space and / or power constraints and cost considerations of the site.
[0033]
Example of System for Swing Analysis / Type Identification Analysis of the golfer's swing characteristics is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,792,863, 3,945,646, and 4,615,526. This can be performed by using the information of the swing information collected. These methods include various golf club configurations to obtain information such as swing speed, club head acceleration, and face angle at approach, as well as shaft flexibility and torque. Further, golf swing characteristics and ball launch of an individual can be achieved using methods such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,887, which use a video system to capture swing and ball launch data from golfers. Data related to the condition can be obtained. All of these previous swing data collection methods have been designated for use as teaching materials and provide feedback to improve golfers' swings. However, the present invention can use such a method with at least one digital camera as part of the club selection process.
[0034]
Data collection of golfer's swing information can be done by displaying the golfer's image directly in video, but alternatively, a virtual display of the golfer can be substituted. This image is the result of including the golfer's physical characteristics in a program with certain physical characteristics already shown in the data analysis. Thus, the color of the hair, facial features, clothing and other such details remain the same, but the actual movement of the golfer's swing is customized.
[0035]
Exemplary methods of determining a suitable golf club shaft for a golfer are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,821,417 and 6,213,888. In the former patent, the choice of shaft was determined from the values obtained for shaft strain, as well as shaft strain and swing speed, club acceleration and impact speed, swing top and impact club speed, and swing time and impact. Based on a combination of data including speed at the time. In the latter patent, three strain gauges are placed on the golf club to determine the appropriate shaft torque and / or kick point for the golfer and select from four types of golf club shafts.
[0036]
Alternatively, the determination of the optimal golf club type in response to the golfer's swing characteristics is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/116, filed Apr. 3, 2002, assigned to the same assignee as the co-pending application. , 688, "Method of Matching Swing Type to Golf Club Style". This application is incorporated herein by reference. In general, a set of operating parameters and associated value ranges is determined to correlate the golfer's characteristic values with the club type that best suits him. Additional parameters are used to determine the club in more detail, such as loft and lie. In accordance with the present invention, golfers have their swing data processed in an automated manner to quickly determine the appropriate golf club that specifically matches their swing type and is ready for purchase. Can be.
[0037]
Although the present invention has been disclosed in detail with reference to preferred embodiments only, it will be appreciated that additional automatic golf club adaptation systems and methods of performing the same may be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention. The merchant will understand. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[0038]
FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention installed in a retail store, such as a golf course professional shop.
FIG. 2 illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention installed outdoors, such as a golf course or a driving range.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a possible sequence of steps used in the method of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a possible sequence of steps used in another method of the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows an alternative device for data collection in the system of the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates a golfer having a marker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a golf club used in performing the club selection process of the present invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates another golf club used in performing the club selection process of the present invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates yet another golf club used in performing the club selection process of the present invention.

Claims (45)

A method of selecting a high performance golf club from a plurality of golf clubs based on a golfer's swing characteristics,
A golf club and at least one digital camera (112), the golf club including a shaft having a grip end and a tip having a club head mounted on the tip, wherein the shaft is at least Providing a swing data collection system having one two markers (710a, 710b);
A golfer swinging the golf club at least once;
Collecting data about the golfer's swing using the camera, wherein the data indicates a plurality of positions of the marker that occur during the at least one swing;
Providing an automatic data analyzer (110) for analyzing the data, wherein the data analyzer comprises:
(A) processing the data to determine a characteristic value for a set of swing characteristics for the golfer, wherein the data analyzer stores the characteristic value for the golfer in a memory;
(B) selecting a high-performance golf club from a plurality of golf clubs based on the characteristic value of the golfer and displaying the selected high-performance golf club; Disposing at least one marker (710a) adjacent the grip end of the golf club and at least one marker (710b) adjacent the club head at the tip of the golf club; The method of claim 1, further comprising: The method of claim 2, further comprising providing an illumination source (116) located near the camera, wherein the marker comprises a reflective tape. The method of claim 2, wherein the marker comprises a light source. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the marker comprises one or more colored bands. The method of claim 1, wherein the camera (112) is capable of capturing data at least at 60 Hz. The method of claim 1, wherein the data analysis performed by the data analyzer includes converting two-dimensional data to three-dimensional display data, wherein the three-dimensional data is correlated to the set of swing characteristics. The method of claim 1, wherein the data analysis performed by the data analyzer includes correlating two-dimensional data to the set of swing characteristics. The swing data collection system includes at least two digital cameras (112a, 112b), and the data analysis performed by the data analyzer (110) converts three-dimensional data captured by the at least two cameras to the three-dimensional data. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising correlating with a set of swing characteristics. The method of claim 1, wherein the data collection, analysis, and display occur within a specific time frame of less than about one hour. The method of claim 1, wherein the data collection, analysis, and display occur within a specific time frame of less than about 10 minutes. The data analyzer comprises a laptop computer (220), the method further comprising transmitting the data from the camera (212) to the laptop computer via a cable link, wherein the selecting is performed. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication of the completed high performance golf club is on a monitor for the laptop computer. Transmitting the data to a kiosk via a cable link or wireless connection, the kiosk comprising a computing device and a viewing screen;
Displaying the selected high performance golf club on the screen. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the data analyzer comprises a digital signal processor located in the kiosk. Said data analysis,
Storing the data of the golfer's swing in a memory located in the kiosk;
Transmitting the contents of the memory to a web site via the Internet for later remote access. The method of claim 15, wherein the data analysis further comprises encoding the data before storing the data in the memory. A method of selecting a high performance golf club from a plurality of golf clubs based on a golfer's swing characteristics,
At least one golf club and at least one digital camera (112), wherein the golf club includes a shaft having a grip end and a tip having a club head attached to the tip; Providing a swing data collection system, wherein the shaft has at least two markers (710a, 710b);
A golfer swinging the golf club at least once;
Collecting data about the golfer's swing using the camera,
Transmitting the data to an automatic data analyzer;
Correlating the data with characteristic values for a predetermined set of swing characteristics, classifying the set of swing characteristics into a plurality of swing types, wherein the plurality of swing types are associated with a plurality of golf clubs, Selecting a high performance golf club from among;
Displaying the high performance golf club selected by the characteristic value. The method of claim 17, further comprising displaying at least one characteristic value of the swing characteristic for the golfer. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising displaying each of the plurality of golf clubs and each of the plurality of swing types associated therewith. The method of claim 17, further comprising displaying a set of values for each of the predetermined set of swing characteristics for each of the plurality of swing types. A kiosk (110) and a video adaptation system for selecting a high performance golf club for a golfer from a plurality of golf clubs based on a golfer's swing characteristics, wherein the adaptation system is located at a retail location. ,
At least one camera (112);
At least one golf club wherein a golfer swings the golf club in front of the camera to provide data for analysis and club selection;
The data is processed to determine a characteristic value of a predetermined set of swing characteristics for the golfer, and the kiosk then stores at least the data and the characteristic value in a memory and retrieves the selected high performance golf club. A digital signal processor to provide as an output,
The kiosk includes a housing for storing at least the digital signal processor and a keyboard (118) for inputting commands and controlling at least the camera (112) and the data analyzer. A kiosk (110) and a video adaptation system comprising a display (114) adapted to display the output. 22. The adaptation system of claim 21, wherein the adaptation system is operated by a golfer. 22. The adaptation system of claim 21, wherein the kiosk further displays the stored data of the golfer's swing. 24. The adaptation system of claim 23, wherein the kiosk prints out the output of at least one of the property value and the golf club selection. 22. The adaptation system of claim 21, wherein the kiosk is adapted to communicate the contents of the memory via the Internet for later remote access. The golf club further comprises at least one sensor (810) selected from the group comprising a strain gauge, an angular velocity sensor, an azimuth sensor, and an acceleration sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is for high performance golf to analysis and golfers. 22. The adaptation system of claim 21 which provides additional data for selecting a club. 22. The golf club has a first marker (710a) positioned toward a grip end and a second marker (710b) positioned toward a tip having a club head. Adaptation system as described in. 28. The adaptation system of claim 27, wherein the marker comprises reflective tape and the adaptation system further comprises an illumination source (116) located near the camera. 22. The adaptation system of claim 21, wherein the camera captures an image showing a launch trajectory of a golf ball when the golfer makes an impact with the golf club. A method of selecting a high performance golf club from a plurality of golf clubs based on a golfer's swing characteristics,
A shaft comprising at least one golf club and at least one digital camera (112), each said at least one golf club having a grip end and a tip having a club head mounted on the tip; Providing a swing data collection system, comprising:
A golfer swinging each said at least one golf club at least once;
Collecting data regarding the golfer's swing using the camera, the data including images indicating a plurality of locations of the at least one golf club occurring during the at least one swing. When,
Providing a digital signal processor for analyzing the data, wherein the digital signal processor analyzer comprises:
(A) processing the data to determine a characteristic value for a predetermined set of swing characteristics for the golfer, and then storing the characteristic value of the golfer in a memory in the data collection system;
(B) classifying the golfer as a particular swing type from a plurality of swing types;
(C) selecting a high performance golf club from a plurality of golf clubs based on the particular swing type of the golfer and displaying the selected high performance golf club; 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the additional step of attaching a first marker (610) to at least one location of the golfer before the golfer swings the at least one golf club at least once. . 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the marker is applied at a location on an upper body of the golfer. The method further comprises the additional step of attaching a second marker (710a) to at least one location on each of the at least one golf clubs before the golfer swings each of the at least one golf clubs. 31. The method according to 31. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the first marker comprises a reflective tape, and wherein the swing data collection system further comprises an illumination source (116) located near the camera (112). 35. The method of claim 33, wherein the second marker comprises a reflective tape and the swing data collection system further comprises an illumination source (116) located near the camera (112). A method of selecting a high performance golf club from a plurality of golf clubs based on a golfer's swing characteristics,
A shaft comprising at least one golf club and at least one digital camera, each said at least one golf club having a grip end and a tip having a club head mounted on the tip. Providing a swing data collection system;
The golfer swinging each of the at least one golf club at least once;
Using the camera to collect data about the golfer's swing, the data including images showing a plurality of locations of the at least one golf club occurring during the at least one swing. Steps,
Providing an automatic data analyzer, wherein the data analyzer comprises:
(A) processing the data to determine a characteristic value for a predetermined set of swing characteristics for the golfer, wherein the data analyzer stores the characteristic value for the golfer in a memory;
(B) classifying the golfer as a particular swing type from a plurality of swing types;
(C) selecting a high performance golf club from a plurality of golf clubs based on the particular swing type of the golfer and displaying a first sequence of images showing the golfer during the at least one swing. And
Displaying a second sequence of images indicating the particular swing type of the golfer;
A method of displaying the selected high performance golf club. 37. The method of claim 36, further comprising displaying a sequence of a plurality of images corresponding to each of a plurality of swing types. The method of claim 37, wherein the displaying of the first and second sequences is an overlay of an image. The displaying of the first sequence includes an overlay of the first sequence and the sequence of each of the plurality of images, wherein the golfer's swing is compared to each swing type; 38. The method of claim 37. A video adaptation system for selecting a high performance golf club for a golfer from a plurality of golf clubs based on a golfer's swing characteristics, wherein the adaptation system is installed at a retail location;
At least one digital camera (112);
At least one golf club wherein a golfer swings the golf club in front of the camera to provide data for analysis and club selection;
Processing the data to determine characteristic values for a predetermined set of swing characteristics for the golfer, storing at least the data and the characteristic values in a memory, and providing a selected high performance golf club as an output; , An automatic data analyzer,
A kiosk containing the data analyzer, the kiosk including a keypad (118) for inputting commands and controlling at least the camera and the data analyzer, and further comprising a keypad for selecting the golf club. A video adaptation system comprising a display (114) adapted to display the output. 41. The video adaptation system of claim 40, wherein the data analyzer further provides at least one swing characteristic from the set of swing characteristics as a second output. The golf club includes at least one sensor (810) for measuring strain, acceleration, heading, or rate information about the golf club, wherein the at least one sensor is a high performance sensor for the golfer. 41. The adaptation system of claim 40, wherein the adaptation system provides additional data for golf club analysis and selection. A method of selecting a high performance golf club from a plurality of golf clubs based on a golfer's swing characteristics,
At least one golf club and at least one digital camera, each said at least one golf club having a shaft having a grip end and a tip having a club head mounted on the tip. Providing a swing data collection system;
The golfer swinging each of the at least one golf club at least once;
Collecting data about the golfer's swing using the camera, the data indicating a plurality of locations of the at least one golf club occurring during the at least one swing;
Providing an automatic data analyzer, wherein the data analyzer comprises:
(A) processing the data to determine a characteristic value for a predetermined set of swing characteristics for the golfer, wherein the analyzer stores the characteristic value for the golfer in a memory;
(B) classifying the golfer as a particular swing type from a plurality of swing types;
(C) selecting a high performance golf club from a plurality of golf clubs based on the particular swing type of the golfer for the golfer, and selecting at least one from the set of swing characteristics for the golfer. A method of displaying a property value and the selected high performance golf club. Measuring at least one of strain, acceleration, azimuth, or rate information for the golf club, wherein the measurements provide additional data for analysis and selection of a high performance golf club for the golfer. 44. The adaptation system of claim 43, wherein: 45. The adaptation system of claim 44, further comprising capturing launch data of a golf ball when the golfer impacts with the golf club.

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