JP2014210182A - Improved fitting system for golf club - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method relating to an improved swing characteristic capturing that can be used for a golf club shaft fitting system.SOLUTION: The present invention utilizes specific data gathered from a golfer 100's golf swing itself to determine the best performing golf club shaft for this particular golf swing. The present invention relates to the utilization of cameras 108 to record location data of a plurality of markers 106 located on a golf club 102 throughout a swing. The inventive fitting methodology is preferred to the archaic fitting method of using data gathered from result-orientated ball flight data together with a tedious process of having to try numerous different shafts.

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

  This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 710,307, filed December 10, 2012, which is filed with U.S. Patent Application No. 13/710, filed Nov. 15, 2012. No. 677,837 and US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 682,598 filed Nov. 20, 2012, which are related to U.S. Pat. Application No. 13 / 682,598 filed May 27, 2011. No. 117,308, which is a continuation-in-part application, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

  The present invention relates generally to an improved fitting system for golf clubs. More specifically, the present invention relates to recording a plurality of position data of a golf club shaft when a golfer performs a golf swing using an infrared motion picture camera. The multiple position data can then be used to calculate one or more dynamic behavior characteristics of the golf club shaft throughout the golf swing, and the golf club that works best for the golfer using this information. To fit the golfer. More specifically, the improved golf club shaft fitting system according to the present invention uses a new creative approach to process information gathered from the dynamic behavior characteristics of the golf club throughout the golf swing, This is compared with one or more of the one or more static shaft features to determine the shaft that ensures optimal performance for a specific golf swing.

  Golf clubs come with many different dimensions, shapes, and colors. However, despite the many variations found in various types of golf clubs, almost all of them comprise three basic parts: a head, a grip, and a shaft that couples the head and grip. A golf club head may generally refer to an object used to strike a golf ball, which is located at the end of the golf club. The grip is generally located at the proximal end of the golf club and may refer to an object that provides an interface for the golfer to grip the golf club. Finally, the shaft may be a hollow cylindrical rod that is placed between the grip and club head to provide a connection between the two parts.

  In order to improve the overall performance of a golf club, golf club designers have generally focused on improving all the performance of individual components individually. In one example, the club head is increased in size to increase the moment of inertia, while at the same time the coefficient of restitution between the club head and the golf ball is increased so that the golf ball can be launched farther and straight. I was doing. In another example, the golf club grip was changed from a leather wrapping to a rubber compound to improve durability and better fit the golfer's hand. Finally, in another example, the golf club shaft is changed from a wooden shaft to a steel or carbon fiber shaft to increase stability, while still allowing the shaft's flex profile to be adjusted to allow the overall performance of the golf club. Further improve.

  While each component helps the golfer improve overall performance, accurately optimizing each individual golfer's device must be a complex skill. Because each individual performs a different golf swing in a potentially significantly different manner than the other individuals, determining a golf club that optimizes the performance of that particular golfer is not feasible with a universal size approach. In fact, the most mysterious aspect of golfing sports is determining the appropriate golf club shaft so that individual golfers can optimize the overall golf club performance criteria.

  Currently in this field, the determination of what is the best golf club for an individual golfer generally involves many guesswork and is hardly reproducible. Typically, a golfer first tests as many different types of shafts as possible to infer the ultimate choice based on the feeling of the club and / or the launch characteristics of the golf ball. This process is improved if the golfer seeks professional fitter advice that can make inferences based on experience-based knowledge, but the overall process remains many. The trial and error will stop. This old-fashioned process of fitting a golfer against a golf club is not only inadequate, but also inaccurate, inconsistent, unreliable and not easily reproducible.

  To refer to the fitting problem discussed above, US Pat. No. 5,351,952 (Hackman) measured the swing time for a golfer's swing, and the inverse of four times its natural frequency is swing. A method of selecting a club that is approximately equal to time is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, an accelerometer is mounted in the club head, coupled to electronic data processing, a club head acceleration-time graph is plotted, and swing speed is measured.

  US Pat. No. 6,083,123 (Wood) uses combinatorial logic in both global and local levels of computer-implemented methods to reverse the mystery associated with properly fitting a golf club to a golfer And provide other ways. The input parameters of this method use speed, tempo, first angle, dynamic loft, trajectory, dynamic lie, rotation, and height along with other attributes to predict the ideal golf club for the golfer.

  Both of the previously mentioned shaft fitting methods are available attempts to improve the past anticipation fitting methods by providing some format or guidance, but do not extract shaft imaginary information. There are drawbacks. Although all the data related to various other results will help to fit the golfer properly to the specific shaft, it will ultimately affect how the golf club head contacts the golf ball. Since it is the bending of the shaft, the most important information that can be collected should be derived from the shaft itself.

  Thus, it is clear that there remains a need for a golf club shaft fitting system that utilizes the player's inherent swing-dominated shaft behavior to determine the optimal fitting of individual golf swings. More specifically, in this field, fitting that obtains golf club shaft behavior information throughout the golf swing itself and uses this behavior information newly to determine the optimum golf club shaft based on the behavior information. There is a demand for the system.

US Pat. No. 5,351,952 US Pat. No. 6,083,123

  One aspect of the present invention is a method of fitting a golfer to a recommended shaft, which selectively positions a plurality of markers on a golf club and a plurality of cameras adapted to respond to the plurality of markers. Selectively positioning the golfer around the golfer. Once the camera and marker are set, the current method uses a plurality of cameras to obtain a plurality of position data for the plurality of markers when the golfer performs a golf swing. Based on the plurality of marker position data, current methods calculate one or more dynamic behavior features to determine one or more preferred static shaft features, so that A recommended shaft having one or more static shaft characteristics that are similar is selected.

  Another aspect of the invention is a method of fitting a golfer to a recommended shaft, which selectively positions a plurality of markers on a golf club and includes a plurality of adapted adapted to respond to the plurality of markers. Selectively positioning the camera around the golfer. Once the camera and marker are set, the current method uses a plurality of cameras to obtain a plurality of position data for the plurality of markers when the golfer performs a golf swing. A computer processor is used to form a digital swing model of a golfer's swing utilizing multiple position data, while multiple digital shaft models are also derived from one or more static shaft features of multiple different shafts. It is formed. Once a digital swing model and multiple digital shaft models are formed, the digital swing model is combined with multiple shaft models to form multiple modified digital swings that determine multiple performance results Used for. After multiple performance results are simulated for each of multiple modified digital swings, the recommended shaft is based on which of the multiple performance results is best for a particular golfer's golf swing. Can be selected.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for fitting a golfer to a recommended shaft, which includes a plurality of reflective markers positioned on a golf club when the golfer swings, and a plurality of position data of the plurality of reflective markers. A plurality of IR cameras positioned around the golfer for acquisition and a computer processor coupled to the plurality of IR cameras, the computer processor receiving the plurality of position data and receiving one or more dynamic cameras Behavioral features are calculated and preferred static shaft features are determined based on these dynamic behavioral features so that a recommended shaft can be selected.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of fitting a golfer to a recommended shaft, which selectively positions a plurality of sensors on a golf club to cause a computer processor to perform when the golfer performs a golf swing. Using a plurality of position data from the sensor to calculate one or more dynamic behavior characteristics of the golf club based on the plurality of position data of the sensor throughout the golf swing and to calculate one or more preferred static shafts Determining the characteristics and thus selecting a recommended shaft having one or more static shaft characteristics that are most similar to the preferred static shaft characteristics.

  These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following drawings, detailed description, and claims.

  The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings constitute a part of the specification and are to be understood in connection with the specification, wherein like reference numerals in the various drawings indicate like parts.

1 is an overall view of a golfer on a platform used for fitting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a golfer on a platform used for fitting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golfer positioned in relation to a coordinate system field origin according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera mounting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club including a plurality of retro-reflective sensors according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the shaft of the golf club in FIG. 5, and is a view visually clearly showing the arrangement of a plurality of retroreflective sensors. 4 is a flowchart of a fitting method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a flow chart of different fitting methods according to an exemplary alternative embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a flow chart of different fitting methods according to an exemplary alternative embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club including a plurality of retro-reflective sensors near its grip end according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a directional force diagram illustrating an input swing force profile of a golfer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a directional force diagram including a golfer's input swing force profile and output shaft response force in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plot of a golf club lead / lag behavior when swinged by player # 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plot of golf club lead / lag behavior when swinged by player # 1, player # 2, player # 3, and player # 4, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a plot of the droop drift behavior of a golf club when swung by player # 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plot of a droop drift behavior of a golf club when swinged by player # 1, player # 2, player # 3, and player # 4 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plot of the torque behavior of a golf club when swung by player # 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plot of the torque behavior of a golf club when swung by player # 1, player # 2, player # 3, and player # 4 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club including a plurality of sensors according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a static shaft test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view of a static shaft test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view of a static shaft test apparatus tilted at an angle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a static shaft test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a CG duplication hook according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a static shaft test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view of a static shaft test apparatus tilted at an angle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a golf club with a sensor box according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sensor box according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of a sensor box according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club containing a sensor box according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club containing a sensor box according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 shows a golf club head with a camera and sensor coupled to itself according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the golf club head containing the 1 or several marker seen from the on-board camera. FIG. 6 is another view showing a golf club head including one or more markers as viewed from an on-board camera. FIG. 6 is another view showing a golf club head including one or more markers as viewed from an on-board camera.

  The following detailed description is considered to be the best mode for carrying out the invention at the present time. Since the scope of the present invention is best defined in the appended claims, this detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense, but rather illustrates the general principles of the invention. It is just for the purpose.

  Although various inventive features are described below, they can each be used independently of each other or in combination with others. However, any single inventive feature may not address any or all of the previously discussed problems and may address one of the previously discussed problems. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be adequately addressed by any of the features described below.

  In reality, many of us look like an ideal golf swing, though each or all of a single golfer is working hard to make a picturesque exemplary golf swing at any time This means that there is a different swing tendency that deviates from that. In fact, there is no objection that no two golfers can perform the same golf swing, which makes each golfer unique. Thus, for this, it can be derived that the golfer's needs are significantly different from each other, which makes his or her golf club selection a separate process.

  Such a desire cannot move in the golf community. This is because more emphasis has been placed on the golfer's fitting to optimize the performance of the golfer's tool for each golfer's unique swing. However, to date, in order to select the golfer's best performing golf club, the individual process for golfers has been a mysterious collection of many trial and error attempts. Accordingly, to address this problem, the present invention effectively and efficiently enables golfers to determine golf club setups that assist in optimizing the golfer's equipment for the golfer's individual golf swing. Well, we have realized an apparatus and method that supports based on prediction.

  FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings shows a schematic of a setup that can be used to fit a golfer 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings shows a golfer 100 holding a golf club 102 with a plurality of markers 106 selectively positioned around the golf club 102. In addition, FIG. 1 also shows a plurality of cameras 108 positioned around the golfer 100 in a manner that surrounds the golfer 100. The multiple cameras 108 are generally adapted to identify and respond to multiple markers 106, as will be discussed in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, so that the cameras 108 are always The positions of the plurality of markers 106 can be grasped. The present invention uses a computer processor 111 based on the position of the plurality of markers 106, which processes the data acquired by the plurality of cameras 108 and is suitable for a golf swing of a specific golfer 100. Programmed to determine club shaft.

  The plurality of cameras 108 associated with this embodiment of the invention include an electronic sensor or chip that reacts to and records the light source. This type of camera is typically found in digital cameras, which are particularly suitable for acquiring multiple high-quality images in a short time. The electronic sensor or chip can be selectively activated or deactivated at a desired interval to acquire images at two or more time intervals. Of course, it is preferable to allow the camera to acquire an image of light in the infrared (IR) spectrum, but the camera is not limited to acquiring a light-only image, and can also acquire a photographic image. Well, this does not depart from the scope and content of this invention. More detailed information regarding the operation of the high speed camera 108 can be found in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 364,343 (Rose), filed by Applicant, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

  In addition to the above, the plurality of high-speed cameras 108 generally need to have a high acquisition rate. A higher acquisition rate is desirable in the current embodiment, which allows more images to be acquired during the golfer's 100 golf swing, thus allowing more data points to be collected. This is because the accuracy of calculation can be increased. More specifically, the plurality of high-speed cameras 108 typically have an acquisition rate greater than about 250 frames / second, more preferably about 500 frames / second, and most preferably greater than 750 frames / second. Here, it is important to note that the quality of the acquired image depends not only on the acquisition frame rate but also on the shutter speed. The shutter speed of the high-speed camera 108 is important for the quality of the acquired image, because the shutter speed defines the exposure time, and in the current embodiment, the quick shutter speed This is because the performance of the camera that accurately grasps is increased. More specifically, the shutter speed used in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention is generally about 1/3000 seconds, more preferably about 1/4000 seconds, and most preferably 1/4500. Greater than seconds.

  Since the plurality of cameras 108 according to the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention are focused on wavelengths in the IR spectrum, it is important that an IR emission source be associated with the plurality of cameras 108. As discussed in the current embodiment, the IR emitter may generally be arranged so that it can illuminate a predetermined fulcrum for a given camera 108 with which it is associated. The field of view of the IR emitter may generally coincide with the field of view of the camera and is displaced so that sufficient light reaches a plurality of markers located on the golf club itself. Although the source of IR emission may most preferably begin with a plurality of cameras 108 themselves, any other, without departing from the scope and content of the present invention, as long as they can provide sufficient IR light to the plurality of markers 106 You may start from the position.

  A plurality of cameras 108 according to the present invention means two or more cameras 108, as shown in FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings. Having multiple cameras 108 is important with respect to the invention's ability to acquire sufficient data points in sufficient detail for a golf club throughout the golf swing, especially over the entire golf swing. Even more, considering that several viewpoints of the marker 106 are blocked by the golfer at various positions. Although the specific number of cameras required for the current invention to function properly is not fixed, in general this is to ensure sufficient coverage to form a viewable field of view. The invention may have more than about 3 cameras 108, more preferably more than about 9 cameras 108, and most preferably more than about 15 cameras 108.

  Although a plurality of markers 106 according to the present invention are generally located on the golf club 102 itself, a golf player in addition to the golf club 102 can grasp the predetermined swing characteristics without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. A marker may also be arranged at 100. In the current embodiment, the plurality of markers 106 is typically a predetermined number of a plurality of markers for accurately grasping the dynamic behavior characteristics of the golf club 102 at a plurality of locations on the golf club 102 throughout the golf spin. However, if it is only necessary to collect data from a limited number of positions, a smaller number of markers can be used to achieve the same purpose without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. You may do it. More specifically, the plurality of markers 106 may generally be more than about 3 markers, more preferably more than about 5 markers, and most preferably more than about 8 markers. . Although the exact number of markers 106 is not critical to the proper functioning of the invention, three are the minimum number of markers 106 necessary to triangulate the position of the golfer in three dimensions. It is important to note here that the present invention requires at least three markers 106. Golf club position triangulation generally involves identifying the angle between each of the plurality of cameras 108 and the markers. However, many other methods may be employed without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. More details on the composition, operation, and usage of the marker 106 can be found in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 364,343 (Rose), filed by the present applicant, which is referenced here again. The contents are incorporated here.

  Before moving to FIG. 2, it is important to note that FIG. 1 also shows a coordinate system 101 that identifies the y-axis and the z-axis. More specifically, the origin of the coordinate system 101 is located on the ground plane in the middle of the golfer's stance, near the tip of the toe, the y-axis indicates the golfer's heel direction, and the z-axis Indicates the golfer's head. Here, it is important to establish the coordinate system 101 because this coordinate system 101 is used to refer to the positions of the plurality of cameras 108 in the future.

  FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings shows a top view of the setup used to fit a golfer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Although FIG. 2 does not add additional elements in addition to those already found in FIG. 1, this different view provides additional information that could not be shown in the overall view of FIG. More specifically, FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings provides more information about the coordinate system 201 by illustrating the direction of the x-axis and the y-axis, and the puzzle of the book when this grasps the coordinate system 201 Provide the piece. In addition to providing the last piece of the coordinate system 201, FIG. 2 also shows that a plurality of cameras 208 are positioned at multiple positions away from the golfer 200. Although the exact number of cameras is not critical to the proper functioning of the present invention, FIG. 2 is employed to surround the golfer 200 to fully understand the movement of the marker 206 throughout the golf swing. Illustrate the potential position of the camera 208.

  The plan view of the current example setup also shows a critical relationship between all camera 208 placements. More specifically, it is important to recognize that the placement of the camera 208 favors the front of the golfer 200 and places more emphasis on the front of the golfer 200 when the golfer performs a golf swing. In other words, for a right-handed golfer, the number of cameras 208 placed in the negative y-axis direction on the front of the golfer is the number of cameras 208 placed in the positive y-axis direction on the back of the golfer. It is at least one greater than the number. Of course, the orientation and placement of the camera 208 described above will be reversed for a left-handed golfer. It is beneficial for the camera 208 to acquire as many golf swings as possible, and the appearance of the golf club 202 is blocked by the golfer 200 itself at a predetermined position during the swing, so that the camera 208 matches the golf club to the golf swing. Since it is beneficial to acquire as much as possible, it is important to locate more cameras near the front of the golfer.

  Finally, FIG. 2 also shows a computer processor 211 used to obtain information collected by multiple cameras 208. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of cameras 208 may be connected to the computer processor 211, typically physically or wirelessly, so that position data acquired by the cameras is stored in the computer processor 211. Can be processed and analyzed.

  FIG. 3 of the accompanying drawings is an enlarged perspective view of a golfer 300 according to the present invention, showing the exact position of the coordinate system 301 in three-dimensional space. In this figure, it can be seen that the x-axis refers to the left side of the golfer, the y-axis refers to the golfer's publication, and the z-axis refers to the top of the golfer.

  Returning to the importance of the position of the coordinate system 301 shown in FIG. 3, in FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings, the position of the plurality of cameras 408 is defined with reference to the coordinate system 401, so the coordinate system 401 is important. Indicates that there is. It should be noted that before the specific location of each individual camera 408 is defined, the number of cameras 408 and their specific location are not critical to the proper functioning of the present invention. In fact, any number of cameras 308 greater or less than the number described can be used, and the following discussion only describes the position of each of the cameras 408 according to one specific embodiment of the invention. It is.

  Keep in mind that all distances are relative to the origin of the coordinate system 401. In the example shown in FIG. 4, camera 408-1 is located at the coordinates (8.18, −6.78, 9.40) and camera 408-2 is (8.55, −10.40, 6). .36), the camera 408-3 is arranged at the coordinates (3.85, -12.53, 6.39), and the camera 408-4 is (3.12, -12.6,9). .89), the camera 408-5 is arranged at the coordinates (−5.75, −13.10, 5.36), and the camera 408-6 is (−7.95, −12.69). , 9.95), the camera 408-7 is arranged at the coordinates (−9.55, −6.74, 4.00), and the camera 408-8 is (−9.55, −5). .71, 6.21) and the camera 408-9 has coordinates of (-9.64, -6.58, 9.98). Placed, the camera 408-10 is placed at the coordinates of (−9.57, 6.24, 9.67), and the camera 408-11 is placed at the coordinates of (−10.01, 8.95, 6.38). And the camera 408-12 is arranged at the coordinates of (−7.71, 12.67, 10.0), and the camera 408-13 is arranged at the coordinates of (3.51, 12.42, 9.97). The camera 408-14 is located at the coordinates (7.45, 11.24, 6.10), the camera 408-15 is located at the coordinates (8.56, 6.53, 9.75), Cameras 408-15 are located at coordinates (7.53, 0.73, 13.21), where each unit of distance is feet.

  Similar to the simplified illustration in FIG. 2, according to the specific coordinate system of each of the individual cameras 408, there are more cameras placed in front of the golfer than cameras placed behind the golfer. Can be confirmed. In this embodiment of the invention, the y coordinate system can be focused as an indicator of the position of individual cameras 408. Here it can be seen that based on the previous number, cameras 408-1 to 408-9 all have negative values along the y-axis, which indicates that they are located in front of the golfer. Needless to say, if the golfer is left-handed, more cameras will have positive values in the y-axis of the coordinate system position.

  In addition to showing the position of each of the plurality of cameras 408, FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings allows the fitting operation to be easily changed without reproducing the exact position of each of the individual cameras 408. It also shows that a camera is mounted in the movable camera bay 410. As shown in the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the movable camera bay 410 may be located in a plurality of casters 412 to allow the overall structure of the camera 408 to move more easily, which is the invention. It does not depart from the scope and content of Although it is a preferred embodiment that the movable camera bay 410 is located on a plurality of casters 412, the plurality of cameras 408 can be permanently mounted on any fixed device, wall, tripod, or other device, Similar objectives may be realized without departing from the scope and content of the invention.

  FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings is a perspective view of a golf club 502 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the shaft 504 and the plurality of markers 506 more clearly. First, according to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the distance between the plurality of markers 506 and each of the other becomes smaller as it approaches the end of the golf club 504 including the club head 515. By collecting the markers 506 near the club head 515, data resolution near the club head 505 portion of the golf club 502 can be improved because the golf club shaft 504 is as active as the tip. is there.

  In addition to the previous description, FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings also shows that a plurality of markers 506 are organized into three groups. The specific grouping of multiple markers 506 in the three populations is important because, but not limited to, x-axis movement, y-axis movement relative to other markers of various markers 506. This makes it possible to properly determine all the variables that need to be acquired, including z-axis motion and rotational motion. Despite the above requirement that multiple markers 506 must be provided in three groups, from FIG. 5, some markers meet the information required to obtain more shared and necessary data from different groups. I understand that.

  FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion A of shaft 502 shown in FIG. 5, which further illustrates the clustering of markers 505 according to the previous description. A plurality of markers 606 are individually identified for easy reference to the grouping. Here, one group may be composed of markers 606-1, 606-2, and 606-3 to complete an essential group of three markers. Other groups that can be formed may include 606-2, 606-3, and 606-4, which represent other groups of three markers. Marker 606-4 may be used to complete another group of three markers having 606-4, 606-5, and 606-6, which is an isolated marker, eg, 606-1. And 606-4 can be used multiple times to complete different groups of three required markers 606.

  Now that the elements required to perform the fitting have been described, FIG. 7 of the accompanying drawings shows a flowchart illustrating the steps performed in the fitting system according to the present invention. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the present invention begins at step 722, where a plurality of markers are selectively positioned on a golf club. Following this, in step 724, a plurality of cameras are selectively positioned around the golfer, wherein the plurality of cameras are responsive to a plurality of markers. Once the markers and cameras are installed, in step 726, when the golfer performs a golf swing, the plurality of cameras acquire a plurality of position data of the plurality of markers. In the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of position data acquired in step 726 may be represented in Cartesian coordinates, generally relative to the origin 101 (see FIG. 1), although the present invention It should be noted that many other coordinate systems may be used without departing from the scope and content of

  Once the plurality of position data is acquired, step 728 of the present invention calculates one or more dynamic behavior characteristics of the golf club based on the plurality of position data. The plurality of behavior characteristics may generally refer to a predetermined behavior of the golf club that affects the overall performance of the golf club. More specifically, several behavior characteristics may be listed, take away maximum lead, take away maximum lag, take away lead time, take away lag time, take away lead / lag recovery point, maximum downswing lead. Downswing maximum lag, downswing lead time, downswing lag time, downswing lead / lag recovery point, takeaway maximum droop, takeaway maximum drift, takeaway drift time, takeaway drift time, takeaway loop / drift recovery Point, downswing maximum droop, downswing maximum drift, downswing droop time, downswing drift time, downswing droop / drift recovery point, kick speed, kick acceleration Including takeaway maximum positive torque, takeaway maximum negative torque, downswing maximum positive torque, features such as the downswing maximum negative torque. However, the present invention should not be limited to the behavioral features described above, but employs any other number of behavioral features that can be extracted from a plurality of position data without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. You may do it.

  Once the behavior features are calculated in step 728, step 730 uses these behavior features to determine one or more preferred static shaft features. As referred to in this example embodiment of the invention, preferred static shaft features are generally such as shaft length, shaft weight, shaft frequency, shaft torque, shaft flex, and shaft EI profile. Has characteristics. However, the present invention should not be limited to the static shaft features described above, and any other number of static shaft features may be employed without departing from the scope and content of the present invention.

  The previously determined preferred static shaft characteristics can be used in step 732 to select a recommended shaft for the golfer, where the recommended shaft is one or more similar to the one or more static shaft characteristics. With static shaft characteristics. The selection of recommended shafts in step 732 may generally involve a complex process of selecting from the myriad shafts available in the industry. However, since the preferred static shaft characteristics have already been determined in step 730, the current selection of shafts will focus on any of the preferred shaft characteristics and the shaft will meet these already determined characteristics. It can be a simple procedural process of finding

  Although the previous process looks complex, most of the complex steps such as step 728, step 730, and step 732 can all be completed by the computer processor. The fitting method of the present invention is a simplification compared to the old-fashioned fitting method in which a golfer must determine the shaft that will perform optimally by shaking multiple shafts in a try-and-error system. is there.

  FIG. 8a of the accompanying drawings shows an alternative method according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The alternative method shown in FIG. 8a starts in a manner very similar to the method described in FIG. In fact, steps 822, 824, and 826 are identical to steps 722, 724, and 726. However, after multiple position data are acquired in step 826, this alternative embodiment of the present invention uses a computer processor in step 829 to form a digital swing model based on the multiple position data. In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the process of forming this digital swing model in step 829 may generally include generating a digital swing model using a finite element method. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the digital swing model may utilize a base golf swing model in combination with a plurality of position data collected in step 829, thereby providing the best golfer golf swing. Brings a similar swing model.

  In step 829, once a digital swing model is formed, step 831 forms a plurality of digital shaft models based on one or more static shaft features associated with a plurality of different shafts. During this step, the computer processor is again used to form a digital shaft model based on the known static mechanical shaft characteristics of the different shafts. As referred to in the current embodiment of the invention, known static mechanical shaft features generally include features such as shaft length, shaft weight, shaft frequency, shaft torque, shaft flex, and shaft EI profile. May have. However, the present invention should not be limited to the static shaft features described above, and any other number of static shaft features that can be used to determine shaft performance depart from the scope and content of the present invention. You may adopt without doing.

  Once the digital swing model and the plurality of digital shaft models are formed in steps 829 and 831 respectively, step 839 combines these two digital models to form a plurality of modified digital golf swings. Multiple modified digital golf swings incorporate a specific golfer's digital swing model with multiple digital shaft backs, which allows the computer processor to have different static shaft characteristics with different shafts on a specific golfer. A scenario of hitting a golf ball can be simulated. The plurality of scenarios formed in step 833 can then be used in step 835 to determine the performance results for each of these scenarios. More specifically, step 835 of the current example embodiment of the present invention determines a plurality of performance results for each of a plurality of modified digital golf swings.

  The determination of these performance results as described in step 835 of the present invention may generally focus on the performance of the golf club and golf ball at the time of collision using multiple cameras. However, many other methods, including traditional launch monitors, may be used without departing from the scope and content of the present invention so long as it can obtain performance results. The performance results generally include one or more of the following specific measurements, as described in this current embodiment of the invention, which include club head speed, ball speed, launch angle, Drop angle, spin rate, attack angle, club path, carry distance, total distance, and variation. This list of performance results is not an exhaustive list, and many other measures can be collected to provide performance results without departing from the scope and content of the present invention.

  In the final step 827 of the current example embodiment of the present invention, the recommended shaft for the particular golfer can be selected from a plurality of shafts. The selection of a recommended shaft may generally be based on a plurality of performance results collected at step 835, where the computer processor can easily compare and contrast the performance results to determine the recommended shaft. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the final step 827 can present more than one recommended shaft without departing from the scope and content of the present invention.

  FIG. 8b shows an alternative method according to another alternative embodiment of the invention. More specifically, this alternative embodiment of the present invention utilizes one or more sensors positioned on the golf club head to form a swing force profile. This adds to using one sensor to collect performance data. More specifically, this alternative method uses a force profile generated by a golfer with a shaft profile measured with similar force simulations to predict performance results. This alternative embodiment performs a static shaft test in step 830 that mimics the force that the golfer applies to the shaft, so that the model is applied when a specific golfer's force is applied to each individual shaft. In contrast to the previous embodiment, it is possible to predict how the golf club head is released to the ball.

  In step 825, the data required to place some of the one or more sensors on the golf club head to generate the swing force profile may be collected. FIG. 8c of the accompanying drawings shows a perspective view of a golf club including one or more sensors 890 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, these sensors 890 may be located on the shaft near the grip end of the golf club, may be located on the shaft near the tip of the golf club, and may further be located on the club head 815 itself. These do not depart from the scope and content of the invention. Indeed, the present invention may include one or more sensors in any of the three positions described above, which may be single or combined, and this does not depart from the inverse value and content of the invention.

  Returning now to FIG. 8 b, in step 828, the golfer's swing force profile is determined based on the linear or rotational speed data obtained by step 827. Step 828 differs from step 829 in that the current embodiment collects the force applied by the golfer at step 826 instead of attempting to form a digital swing model of the golfer's swing through a computer processor. The calculation is based on the position data. The force applied by the golfer to the grip end of the golf club forms a swing force profile, which includes a combination of centrifugal force and deflection applied by the golfer. In order to illustrate the force profile of centrifugal and deflection forces applied by a golfer, FIG. 8d is provided.

  FIG. 8d of the accompanying drawings shows a graphical representation of the force profile applied by the golfer from the downswing to the follow-through to the center of gravity 801 of the golf club head 815, with each single data point 803 representing the force direction and Indicates the size. More specifically, FIG. 8d shows the direction and magnitude of the force with respect to the central axis. The golfer's downswing begins at data point 804, where the golfer applies a force of 9 pounds in a direction that is about 30 degrees in one direction and about -5.0 degrees in the other direction. The impact point is identified by a data point 805, where the golfer applies a force of 79 pounds in a direction that is about -8 degrees in one direction and about 4 degrees in the other direction. Finally, at the end of the swing indicated by data point 806, the golfer applies a force of 40 pounds in a direction that is about 1 degree in one direction and about 8 degrees in the other direction.

  In step 828, once the golfer's input force is calculated and determined, separate additional profiles are determined to determine a plurality of shaft profiles associated with one or more shafts through a static shaft test that forms a continuous shaft response model. Step 830 is required. To illustrate the static shaft test utilized in step 830, FIGS. 16a-16c and 17a-17d are provided in the accompanying drawings, which show more features of the static shaft test apparatus.

  FIG. 16a shows a perspective view of a static shaft test apparatus 1650 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, shaft test device 1650 includes a base 1652, a cantilever beam 1654, and an angle adjustment device 1656 that is coupled to cantilever beam 1654 and tilts cantilever beam 1654 about hinge 1658. Let The angle adjustment device 1656 may be an actuator, as generally referred to in the current example embodiment of the present invention, but may be various, such as an electric motor, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic pump, or a piezoelectric motor. As long as the angle of the cantilever beam 1654 can be adjusted without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. Cantilever beam 1654 includes a clamp 1659 that clamps mass 1663 at the tip of shaft 1604 to simulate one feasible example of a force profile that a golfer applies to golf club shaft 1604 during a golf swing. When receiving, it grips around the grip end of the shaft 1604 to secure the entire golf club shaft 1604. In this exemplary embodiment, mass 1663 is attached to shaft 1604 through a balanced weight hook 1662 and simulates the axial component of the force experienced by the shaft during a golf swing. The balance weight hook 1662 may generally have a plurality of extensions so that the sensor 1606 can be attached to the tip of the shaft 1604. With these sensors, the response of the shaft 1604 can be recorded by the motion acquisition camera when the shaft 1604 receives various forces.

  FIG. 16b provides a front view of the static shaft test device 1650 in an upright position with Θ of about 90 degrees. In this specific setting, the shaft test device 1650 can be used to simulate the force applied to the type of shaft that appears in the axial direction. The amount of weight 1663 added to the balance weight hook 1662 generally mimics a golfer's golf swing. In the exemplary embodiment, five different sets of weights 1663 ranging from 20 pounds to 40 pounds, 60 pounds, 80 pounds, and 100 pounds are attached to the balance weight hooks 1662 and are generated by the golfer. Reproduce the power. FIG. 16c provides a front view of a static shaft testing device with a tilt angle Θ that is gradually increased to simulate different forces experienced by the shaft at different angles. More specifically, various amounts of weight 1663 ranging from 20 pounds to 40 pounds, 60 pounds, 80 pounds, and 100 pounds may be varied at 87 °, 84 °, 81 °, 78 °, and 75 °. Tested at an inclination angle of Θ to simulate the overall incremental range of force experienced by the shaft during a golf swing. Between each one of these static tests, the placement and position of the marker 1606 at the end of the balance weight hook 1662 is recorded, and the relationship between the input force and the response of the shaft 1604 is established.

  FIG. 17a shows a perspective view of a static shaft test apparatus 1750 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This static shaft test device 1750 uses similar components as the static test device 1650 shown in FIG. 16a, but incorporates a CG replica hook 1761 in place of the balanced weight hook 1662. The CG duplication hook 1761 mimics the CG position of the golf club head so that a weight can be applied to the shaft at that exact position of the golf club head CG. The CG duplication hook 1761 allows the static shaft test device 1750 to duplicate the force experienced by the shaft relative to the CG position of the golf club head during a golf swing.

  To illustrate CG replication hook 1761 in more detail, FIG. 17b is provided, which is a perspective view of CG replication hook 1761 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The CG replica hook 1761 may be generally constructed from a lightweight metal material and includes a connector 1764 that connects to the tip of the shaft 1704. An extension leg 1765 is provided at the opposite end of the connector 1764 so that the suspension loop 1766 is in a position that matches the actual CG position of a specific model of the golf club head. All potential golf club heads have slightly different CG positions, so multiple CGs to achieve an accurate database of how different shafts react in combination with different club heads. Note that a replication hook 1761 may be formed.

  FIGS. 17c and 17d are perspective views of the tests performed in FIGS. 16b and 16b, where a CG duplication hook 1761 is used instead. More specifically, various amounts of weights 1763 ranging from 20 pounds to 40 pounds, 60 pounds, 80 pounds, and 100 pounds may be varied at 87 °, 84 °, 81 °, 78 °, and 75 °. Tested at an inclination angle of Θ to simulate the overall incremental range of force experienced by the shaft during a golf swing. However, in this specific test, the CG duplication hook 1761 simulates the torque component and CG offset component of the force that the shaft receives during the golf swing, in addition to the axial component previously measured by the balanced weight hook 1662. Please note that.

  Returning to FIG. 8b, when a static shaft test is performed for each and all of the single tests required in step 832, a database of shaft profiles is formed, where these shaft profiles are for each shaft against input force. Indicates a response. Next, at step 834, the database can be combined with the golfer's swing force profile to form multiple shaft responses. As can be seen from step 834, the multiple shaft responses are responses to the force simulated through the static shaft test in step 832, so the force collected from the golfer's swing profile and each and every response of the single shaft It is a combination. The combination of the golfer's input force profile and the shaft response to this input can be seen in greater detail in FIG. 8e. FIG. 8e is significantly similar to FIG. 8d, but adds additional data representing the ultimate shaft response in terms of shaft tip force. More specifically, this shaft response is represented by data point 813 represented by the symbol “x”, the start of downswing is data point 814, the impact occurs at data point 815, and the swing is data point 816. End with. This shaft response generally has several elements, including but not limited to shaft end outer angle, shaft end lower angle, torque angle, and amount of deflection.

  Multiple performance results can be calculated in step 836, with forces from the shaft response and data points in FIG. 8e. Once multiple performance results are calculated at step 836, at step 838, one or more optimal shafts are selected from a plurality of different shafts. One or more optimal shafts can be determined based on performance results such as launch angle, drop angle, spin rate, attack angle, club path, carry distance, total distance, and dispersion distance.

  FIG. 9 of the accompanying drawings shows a graphical representation of the lead / lag as measured by the angular difference between the proximal portion of the golf club and the distal portion of the golf club. More specifically, FIG. 9 of the accompanying drawings is directed to one specific swing of a specific golfer, and as shown in the subsequent drawings, different golfers are accompanied by completely different golf swing prints, These lead to the need for different shafts for different golfers. The lead / lag plot 940 shown in FIG. 9 may include a number of elements, which may correspond to some of the dynamic behavior characteristics discussed above. In other words, it is also pointed out that the dynamic behavior features calculated based on multiple position data can often be extrapolated, at least in part, from the lead / lag plot 940 shown in FIG. Should. Before breaking down into the various elements of this lead / lag plot 940, it is important to explain as follows. That is, the x-axis in the current lead / lag plot 940 may generally indicate the golfer's swing time, which counts backward from the left-most collision 957 in the figure, while this current lead / lag The y-axis of the lug plot 940 may generally indicate the angle of change between the golf club tip sensors and the golf club proximal end in the lead / lag direction.

  Looking at the substantial contents of the lead / lag plot 940, it can be seen that this plot tracks lead and lag changes in the golf club throughout the golf swing of the golfer (player # 1). Any positive y-axis portion of the graph represents that the golf club tip is ahead of the base end of the golf club; alternatively, any negative y-axis portion of the graph represents a golf club. It expresses that the tip of is behind the base of the golf club. Initially, player # 1 begins swinging at a swing start point 941, which initiates a takeaway lead period 942, during which the golf club tip follows the golfer's hand to form a lead. Following the takeaway lead period 942 is typically a takeaway lag period 944, during which the shaft returns from the backswing momentum and transitions lead for a short period before entering the downswing lag period 948. Swing to period 946. At the end of the golf swing close to the golf swing collision 959 is the last phase 950 of the downswing lead period, during which the shaft snaps and kicks from the accumulated lag during the downswing to add The golf ball is given a certain speed at the time of collision.

  Several additional important dynamic behavior features are mixed for all of the time periods that provide more information about the specific golf swing. For example, the takeaway lead period 942 may include a takeaway maximum lead 943, starting at the start 941 of the swing and ending at the takeaway recovery point 945. As shown in FIG. 9, the takeaway recovery point 945 is typically a swing that allows player # 1 to begin slowing down the golf swing and allow the golf club selection to catch up with the base of the golf club. You may point to the position. Similarly, takeaway lag period 944 includes takeaway maximum lag 947 and ends at downswing recovery point 949. Although the transition lead period 946 is accompanied by a lead peak, it is relatively small and not particularly noticeable in this specific figure. Somewhere within the transition lead zone 946. The golfer begins a downswing, enters a downswing neutral point 951, and begins a downswing lag period 948, which includes a downswing maximum lab 953. Finally, proceeding to the final stage of the golf swing, via the downswing recovery point 955, the golf club moves to the downswing lead period 957 and ends at the downswing maximum lead 957. Here, the maximum amount of lead experienced by a golf club is at the collision point 957, which represents a golf club whip and snap, which gives the golfer additional club head speed upon collision.

  Needless to say, the swing map of the player # 1 shown in FIG. 9 shows only one specific swing of one specific golfer. Different golfers may produce different swing prints, which will be significantly different from that shown in FIG. However, despite all the unique features of individual golfer's swing prints, many of the above-mentioned criteria dynamic behavior features can all be found in the different swings shown in FIG. More specifically, FIG. 10 of the accompanying drawings is a graphical representation of these golfer's lead / lag plots 1040 to show different swing prints of a plurality of different golfers, all of which are prominently distinguishable as described above. With dynamic features. Lead / lag plot 1040 includes player # 1's swing print shown in FIG. 9 along with those of player # 2, player # 3, and player # 4. These are four different PGA tour level players, and the swing prints of these players differ dramatically, regardless of skill level, because the unique features of a golfer's swing print are that of each golfer's golf swing. It shows the need for a golf club that acts individually to maximize performance.

  FIG. 11 of the accompanying drawings shows a graphical representation of the droop / drift angle between the proximal portion of the golf club and the distal portion of the golf club. Similar to the lead / lag plot 940 shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 11 shows a significant amount of data corresponding to one or more dynamic behavior features used to determine the recommended shaft for the golfer. Including. The x-axis in the current droop / drift plot 1160 also refers to the timing of the golfer's swing, which counts backward from the leftmost impact 1173 in the figure, while the y-axis is in the droop / drift direction, The angle of change between a plurality of sensors at the tip of the golf club and the base end of the golf club. The positive y value in FIG. 11 indicates droop, where the club tip falls off the base of the club, the negative y value in FIG. 11 indicates drift, and the club tip is higher than the club base. It is up.

  The droop / drift plot 1160 shown in FIG. 11 of the accompanying drawings shows the droop and drift tendency of the exact same swing of player # 1 shown in FIG. The droop drift plot 1160 may have a take-away loop period 1162 during which the golf club tip droops with respect to the golf club proximal end. A takeaway drift period 1164 immediately follows the takeaway loop period 1162. A downswing drift period 1166 follows the takeaway drift period 1164 and this distinction occurs at the transition point of the swing. Finally, the swing ends in a downswing droop period 1168 during which the club ends at a collision point 1173. As before, additional include including takeaway maximum droop 1161, takeaway loop recovery 1163, takeaway maximum drift 1165, downswing maximum drift 1167, downswing drift recovery 1169, downswing maximum droop 1171, and collision 1173. Dynamic behavior characteristics.

  Similar to the lead / lag, FIG. 12 shows that different golfers have drastically different results with different swing prints in the droop / drift plot 1260. More specifically, FIG. 12 shows that these players droop / drift / drift swing print differences between player # 1, player # 2, player # 3, and player # 4 to illustrate the differences in the droop / drift of these players. Shows differences in drift characteristics.

  FIG. 13 of the accompanying drawings graphically displays the change in torque between the proximal end of the golf club and the distal end of the golf club. Similar to the lead lag plot 940 and the droop drift plot 1160 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the current torque plot can be used to determine the recommended shaft for the golfer 1 Or data corresponding to a plurality of dynamic behavior features. The x-axis of the current torque plot 1360 refers to the golfer's time sensation of the golf swing, which counts backward from the point of collision 1391 at the left end of the figure, while the y-axis is the number of golf club tips. And the angle of twist between the sensors at the base end of the golf club. The positive y value in FIG. 13 indicates a clockwise positive torque when looking down the shaft, which rotates the club head open relative to the proximal end, while the negative y value in FIG. Indicates negative torque in the counterclockwise direction when looking down the shaft, which causes the club head to rotate closed relative to the proximal end.

  First, it can be seen from the dramatic changes in the data that the torque data plot contains significantly more noise that distorts the presented data. This amount of noise can be attributed to a small distance that wraps around the shaft in a circle and is surrounded by multiple markers, which amplifies small vibrations. Regardless of the amount of noise, the torque plot 1380 shown in FIG. 13 can still be interpreted using a basic understanding and timing of the golf swing. The torque plot 1380 may include a takeaway negative torque period 1382, a takeaway positive torque period 1384, a downswing negative torque period 1386, and a downswing positive torque period 1388. Each of the specified periods includes a swing 1381, a takeaway maximum positive torque 1383, and a takeaway maximum negative torque 1385. Includes a downswing maximum positive torque 1389, a downswing maximum negative torque, and a collision 1391.

  FIG. 14 of the accompanying drawings shows a torque plot 1480 of different players, which includes the printout player characterized in FIG. More specifically, FIG. 14 duplicates the printout of player # 1 in the context of player # 2, player # 3, and player # 4, and how contrasting each individual golfer is. It shows having a swing, yet some dynamic behavior features can be identified.

  FIG. 15 of the accompanying drawings shows a perspective view of a golf club 1502 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, where a plurality of sensors 1590 are used to replace the golf club 1502 instead of using a retroreflective sensor. Get dynamic behavior characteristics. Although it may be preferable to use multiple retroreflectors as shown in FIG. 15, depending on the number of cameras required in a specific embodiment, it may be difficult to effectively replicate the entire system. In order to make the fitting process more agile, this example uses a plurality of sensors 1590 that can each acquire position, velocity, acceleration, and orientation, which depart from the scope and content of the present invention. do not do. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the plurality of sensors 1590 may generally be accelerometers, but many other types of sensors may be used as long as they can obtain the necessary information. It can be used without departing from the scope and content of the invention. More information regarding the functionality of accelerometers can be found in US Pat. No. 3,945,646 (Hammond), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Although FIG. 5 shows two sensors 1590 positioned at both ends of the golf club shaft 1504 to obtain the overall behavior of the golf club 1502, the sensor 1590 can provide location data without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. Note that the golf club shaft 1504 may be located at a variety of different locations for acquisition, and may even be located at the club head 1515.

  In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a golfer can position a plurality of sensors selectively on a golf club, and use a computer processor to obtain the position data of the sensor to lie down when the golfer performs a golf swing. The recommended shaft can be determined. When the golfer swings, the computer processor calculates one or more dynamic behavior features based on the acquired data and determines one or more preferred static shaft features based on the one or more dynamic behavior features. And thus determining a recommended shaft having one or more static shaft characteristics that are most similar to the preferred static shaft characteristics.

  FIG. 18 shows a partially cutaway perspective view of a golf club with a sensor box 1890 within the internal cavity of a golf club head 1815 in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, in this alternative embodiment of the present invention, sensor box 1890 is disposed within the rear bottom portion of golf club head 1815 without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. In FIG. 18, the relative position of the sensor box 1890 in the golf club head 1815 can be made clearer by showing the golf club head 1815 with a part cut away. Note that in this current embodiment, the sensor box 1890 is attached to the golf club head 1815 along with the battery 1891 because the sensors in the sensor box 1890 typically require an energy source.

  In the preferred embodiment, the weight of the sensor box 1890 is preferably minimized because the lightweight sensor box 1890 minimizes the degree to which the mass characteristics of the golf club head 1815 itself change. As shown in this current example embodiment of the present invention, the weight of the sensor box 1890 is generally less than about 15 grams, more preferably about 13 without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. It may be less than grams, most preferably less than about 10 grams. The battery 1891 generally has a weight of less than about 5 grams, more preferably less than about 4.5 grams, and most preferably less than about 4.0 grams without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. It may have a small weight.

  FIG. 19 of the accompanying drawings shows a perspective view of the sensors in the sensor box 1990 according to the alternative embodiment of the present invention. The sensor box 1990 shown in greater detail in FIG. 19 may generally be a combination of several different individual sensors, with different electronic components being provided together on a plurality of circuit boards 1992. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sensor box 1990 further includes one or more accelerometers 1993, one or more gyroscopes 1994, and one or more magnetometers 1995, which are the invention. Does not depart from the scope and content of In addition to the sensor, the present invention has one or more memory storage devices 1996 for temporarily storing collected data and one or more antennas 1997 for transmitting data to a computer (not shown). May be.

  The one or more accelerometers 1993 used in this embodiment of the invention may generally be triaxial accelerometers, which can measure the acceleration of the sensor box 1990 throughout the golf swing. However, multiple single-axis accelerometers may be employed in alternative embodiments without departing from the scope and content of the present invention, but in three planes so that measurements can be made across three different axes. It must be deployed strategically across. The measurement range of a triaxial accelerometer may generally be between about + -6 g force and about + -10 g force, more preferably between + -7 g force and + -9 g force. Most preferably, it may be a sample rate of + -8 g force. Although this sensitivity provides better resolution for slower swing speed golfers, it may cause data saturation problems when higher swing speeds are encountered.

  The one or more gyroscopes 1994 used in this embodiment of the present invention are low-range three-axis gyroscopes used to measure the rotational angular momentum of the sensor box 1990 throughout the golf swing. good. The measurement range of this specific low range triaxial gyroscope is typically less than about 2000 ° / second, more preferably less than about 1800 ° / second, and most preferably less than about 1500 ° / second. good. Reducing the sensitivity of the gyroscope 1994 is preferable in certain situations where the golfer's rotational angular momentum is not very high, as these low-range three-axis gyroscopes 1994 provide more accurate data due to low noise. It is because it can provide. However, if the dynamic movement of the golf swing is large, the present invention can be used with or without a low range gyroscope to provide additional term ranges to acquire additional data in a high data range. A gyroscope may be included, and this does not depart from the scope and content of the present invention.

  Finally, one or more magnetometers are used in the sensor box 1990 to measure the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field to determine the overall direction of the golf club head relative to magnetic north over the actual golf swing. To assist in calibrating and further to determine the orientation of the sensor box 1990.

  The one or more memory storage devices 1996 shown in this example embodiment of the invention may generally be used to collect data acquired by accelerometer 1993, gyroscope 1994, and magnetometer 1995. . The provision of the memory storage device 1993 eliminates the need for the sensor 1990 to constantly communicate with the computer via the antenna 1997, and this is useful in the present invention. Given the astronomical amount of data collected from such sensors, it would be almost difficult to transfer data while maintaining constant communication with the antenna 1997. Although the one or more memory storage devices 1996 may generally be flash memory type devices, any other type of temporary or permanent storage media may be used as long as it can hold acquired data. It may be used without departing from the scope and content.

  In order to more clearly illustrate the specific sensor relationships and to facilitate the identification of the function of each of the individual accelerometers 1993, gyroscope 1994, and magnetometer 1995, A diagram is provided in FIG. 20, which shows a sensor box 2090, in which specific gyroscopes are placed in strategic positions within the sensor box 2090. More specifically, FIG. 20 shows a sensor box 2090, which places three additional single axis gyroscopes 2094-1, 2094-2, and 2094-3 along three different axes, Different rotational angular momentums of the sensor box 2090, ie, roll, pitch, and yaw can be acquired. Three single-axis gyroscopes 2094-1, 2094-2, and 2094-3 may be used in addition to the low-range three-axis gyroscope, or may be used independently of the low-range three-axis gyroscope Good, this does not depart from the scope and content of this invention.

  Now compare how important a high-range single-axis gyroscope works in this specific example with the conventional approach of collecting essential data using a high-rate accelerometer It is beneficial to consider whether As previously mentioned, although a gyroscope can be provided in either a single axis format or a three axis format, a three axis gyroscope may generally have a low measurement range of less than about 2000 ° / second. Although the 2000 ° / second measurement range may appear to be a relatively large number, the dynamics of golf swing include a fairly large rotational angular momentum, and the rotational angular momentum of a golf club can easily exceed 2000 ° / second. I will. The measurement ranges of single axis gyroscopes 2094-1, 2094-2, and 2094-3 are generally greater than about 2000 ° / second, more preferably greater than about 3000 ° / second, and most preferably about 5000 ° / second. It may be greater than seconds, and this does not depart from the scope and content of the invention.

  The reason for adding a high-range single-axis gyroscope to a low-range 3-axis gyroscope is that “saturation” occurs when the rotational angular momentum exceeds the capabilities of the low-range 3-axis gyroscope during a golf swing. This is to prevent this. As so called in this context of data collection, “saturated” data occurs when the rotational angular momentum exceeds the performance of a low range gyroscope.

  The present invention utilizes a high range gyroscope instead of the common practice of incorporating a high range accelerometer to solve the problem of having to collect data that exceeds the measurement performance of the accelerometer. It is important to understand that. A disadvantage of the conventional technique of obtaining essential data using a high range accelerometer is the fact that the accelerometer size increases exponentially as the measurement range increases. Therefore, in order to form an accelerometer that achieves a sufficiently high measurement range for the data generated due to the centripetal force of the golf swing, the actual accelerometer dimensions greatly exceed those of the golf club head itself. Mr. Shima, it becomes impractical as a golf club part. Due to dimensional constraints, previous attempts to obtain extreme range data generated by golf swings using accelerometers that maintain appropriate small dimensions are data loss due to data saturation. Would require an additional mathematical algorithm to compensate. Data saturation prevents accurate data collection.

  The present invention takes a creative approach to the problems that arise to address the oversaturation problem by employing a high range gyroscope instead of a high range accelerometer. Since the gyroscope operates by determining the amount of rotation speed, it is not necessary to increase the size of the gyroscope itself even if the measurement range is increased. A high range gyroscope can be used to prevent data saturation and still maintain a compact dimension sufficient to fit inside a golf club. However, since the only information provided by the gyroscope is rotational speed, calculations are required to revert to linear acceleration, linear velocity, and linear displacement data typically obtained by accelerometers.

To obtain velocity data, a basic understanding of angular velocity is required. The angular velocity is a function of the linear velocity (V), the angular velocity (w), and the radius of rotation (r) in the most basic form, which is grasped by the following equation (1).
V = w × r Formula (1)
The angular velocity (w) is measured from the gyroscope, and the turning radius (r) can be evaluated as a fixed point under the hand. Alternatively, the turning radius (r) may be calculated by finding the instantaneous center of the arc as the outer product of the integrated low range accelerometer data. If the linear velocity is known, the linear acceleration can be determined by time differentiation and the linear displacement can be determined by integrating the linear velocity with time.

  As previously mentioned, the compactness of the sensor box 2090 is an important feature of the present invention, replacing the high range gyroscopes 2094-1, 2094-2, and 2094-3 with high range accelerometers. The sensor box 2090 can be made into an essential compact size. One purpose of forming the compact sensor box 2090 is to minimize the sensor box's impact on the golf club's CG (center of gravity) and MOI (moment of inertia) characteristics. 21 and 22 are provided to illustrate the strategic location of the sensor box 2090, which is the ideal position of the sensor box 2180 that minimizes the impact on the CG and MOI characteristics of the golf club head. And realize the arrangement.

  FIG. 21 of the accompanying drawings shows a cross-sectional view along the front-rear direction of a golf club head 2115 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and how the sensor box 2190 is positioned relative to the club head 2115. I make it visible. It can be seen that the sensor box 2190 is located near the rear sole portion of the golf club head 2115, and such a position helps to minimize the negative effects of adding the sensor box 2190. More specifically, the placement of sensor box 2190 is generally at least about 55 mm greater than face 2116 in the z-axis direction and less than about 110 mm, more preferably from face 2116 in the z-axis direction. It may be at least greater than about 60 mm and less than about 105 mm, and most preferably at least about 65 mm greater than the face 2116 in the z-axis direction and less than about 100 mm. In other words, the distance d1 is generally greater than about 55 mm, more preferably greater than about 60 mm, and most preferably greater than about 65 mm, while the distance d2 is generally less than about 110 mm, More preferably less than about 105 mm, most preferably less than about 100 mm, all in the z-axis direction and without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. The placement of the sensor box 2190 is generally at least about 1.0 mm and less than about 25.0 mm from the face center 2116 in the y-axis direction, more preferably at least about from the face center 2116 in the y-axis direction. It may be greater than 1.25 mm and less than about 22.5 mm, most preferably greater than at least about 1.5 mm and less than about 20.0 mm from the face center 2116 in the my-axis direction. In other words, the distance d3 is generally greater than about 1.0 mm, more preferably greater than about 1.25 mm, and most preferably greater than about 1.50 mm, while the distance d4 is generally greater than May be less than about 25 mm, more preferably less than about 22.5 mm, and most preferably less than about 20.0 mm, all in the y-axis direction without departing from the scope and content of the invention.

  FIG. 22 of the accompanying drawings shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head 2215 along the heel-to-toe direction, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and how the sensor box 2290 is positioned relative to the club head 2215. To make it visible. Generally speaking, the sensor 2290 is preferably located near the center of the golf club head 2215 in the x-axis direction in order to minimize the negative effects of adding the weight of the sensor 2290. Accordingly, the placement of the sensor box at both ends is generally less than about 10 mm from the face 2216 in the x-axis direction, more preferably less than about 9.5 mm from the face 2216 in the x-axis direction, most preferably. May be separated from the face 2216 by less than about 9.25 mm in the x-axis direction. In other words, the distances d5 and d6 are generally less than about 10 mm, more preferably less than about 9.5 mm, and most preferably less than about 9.25 mm.

  In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a golfer can position a plurality of sensors selectively on a golf club, and use a computer processor to obtain the position data of the sensor to lie down when the golfer performs a golf swing. A recommended shout can be determined. When the golfer swings, the computer processor calculates one or more dynamic behavior features based on the acquired data and determines one or more preferred static shaft features based on the one or more dynamic behavior features. And thus determining a recommended shaft having one or more static shaft characteristics that are most similar to the preferred static shaft characteristics.

  FIG. 23 of the accompanying drawings shows another alternative embodiment of the present invention, in which the camera 2308 is positioned from the outside position over the golf club 2302 situation, from the end of the golf club 2302 just below the grip 2317. It is struck at a position of distance d7. The distance d7 may generally be between about 6 inches and about 14 inches, more preferably between about 8 inches and about 12 inches, and most preferably about 10 inches from the end of the golf club 2302. This minimizes the impact of such a camera on the swing of the golf club. Since the camera 2308 generally assumes a rigid body behind its field of view, it is generally preferable to place the camera 2308 near the golfer's hand to minimize measurement errors. However, technically, the camera 2302 can be placed at any position along the length of the shaft as long as the camera 2302 can clearly display the club head 1315 and a plurality of markers placed on the crown. Arrangements may be made without departing from the scope and content. As shown in this alternative embodiment of the invention, the camera 2308 is generally attached to the shaft portion of the golf club 2302 and faces toward the club head 2315 so that the golf club head 2315 as well as the golf club. The marker 2306 on the head 2315 may be imaged. Finally, FIG. 23 shows a sensor 2390 attached to the golf club 2302 near or just above the camera 2308. The sensor 2390 may function for the purpose of enabling the collection of data about the golfer's swing itself that is not shown from the camera 2308 perspective.

  Mounting the camera 2308 on the golf club 2302 itself is dramatically different from any conventional attempt to acquire swing data using an external camera, which allows the camera to be an absolute global reference frame. This is because the data localized in the moving reference frame of the golf club 2302 itself is acquired instead of the globalized data acquired in the above. It is important to recognize the difference between data acquired from cameras in a global reference frame and data acquired from cameras in a local reference frame synchronized with the golf club 2302 itself. For beginners, acquiring data within a localized reference frame allows the camera to decouple shaft performance from other factors, which determines the shaft's influence and the shaft's response to input forces. It is an important feature. To achieve this with a global reference frame, a complex data acquisition method will be required. The camera 2308 shown in this embodiment of the invention need not be an infrared camera as discussed above, and may be a standard imaging camera, which does not depart from the scope and content of the invention. In order to ensure that the camera 2308 has sufficient ability to image the fast motion of the golf swing, the camera 2308 is generally greater than about 75 frames / second, more preferably greater than about 100 frames / second, Most preferably, it has a frame rate greater than about 125 frames / second, a shutter speed greater than about 1/2500 seconds, more preferably greater than about 1/4500 seconds, and a resolution greater than 0.3 Gigapixel. Have The camera may generally comprise a monochrome filter and may be color, which does not depart from the scope and content of the present invention. Since the camera 2308 is located at a special distance from the golf club head 2315, the focal length of the camera 2308 is generally about when the camera is about 35 inches away from the lens and the field of view is about 4 ′ × 4 ′. It may be about 6 mm. The weight of the camera 2308 may generally be less than about 120 grams, more preferably less than 110 grams, and most preferably less than about 100 grams. Finally, camera 2308 may hold data acquired by the camera or with sensor 2390 with flash storage capability, thereby eliminating the need to temporarily transfer the data to a computer (not shown).

  In the current example embodiment, a single camera 2308 is combined with a single sensor 2390 located on the golf club 2302, thus recognizing that the multiple cameras in the conventional embodiment are unnecessary. It is important to do. This current embodiment is simple and compact, thus making the overall data acquisition system movable and making the data acquisition process more flexible.

  The sensor 2390 must generally be of a predetermined high performance level in order to adapt to high speed golf swings. However, since the force at the grip end of the golf club 2302 is significantly less than the force of the club head 2315 of the golf club, it is not necessary to make the performance requirement very large. More specifically, sensor 2390 will generally need to be accompanied by an accelerometer that can measure loads up to 50G for force without saturating. Sensor 2390 may also include a gyroscope that can measure rotational speeds greater than about 2500 degrees / second. Finally, sensor 2390 may generally include a magnetometer to determine the orientation of the sensor relative to the reference frame, which does not depart from the scope and content of the present invention.

  Sensor 2390 and camera 2308 operate here in concert to simplify the data acquisition process. More specifically, sensor 2390 may be used to initialize and start data acquisition for camera 2308. Without requiring an external switch to activate the camera, the sensor 2390 triggers the camera 2308 when it senses a grip end movement of the golf club head 2302 that symbolizes the beginning of a golf swing. Good.

  To understand that it is important to add the camera 2390 to the golf club itself, FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 illustrate an onboard view of the golf club head 2315, where the marker 2306 is Observed by an on-board camera 2390 mounted in a simple configuration. More specifically, FIG. 24 shows that the camera (shown in FIG. 23) is high on the top of the grip end of the shaft 2404, looking down on the club head 2415 and a plurality of two or more markers 2406. Figure of the camera at the time. According to this figure, the attribute of the club head during the golf swing can be determined using the position of the marker. The specific view shown in FIG. 24 shows the golf club in a static position when the shaft 2404 is not bent and the club head 2415 is square. In this static aspect, the distance d8 between any two markers 2406 is important for determining the magnitude and direction of bending when the shaft 2404 responds to the input force, so it is determined from the screen capture. You can do it.

FIG. 25 of the accompanying drawings shows the view of the camera 2390 when the golf club is deflected in one orientation. As can be seen from FIG. 25, the plurality of markers 2506 all change the position, coordination, and relative distance d8 between each other, indicating that the attribute or orientation of the golf club head has changed. Changes in these attributes of the club head are important because they can be used to determine the shaft response of individual shafts. To understand this concept, a fairly simplified equation (Equation 2) is presented, which helps explain how the force combinations during a golf swing work.
Club head attribute = swing force profile + shaft response formula (2)
Here, the swing force profile can be collected from a sensor 2309 positioned near the grip end of the golf club, while the club head attributes can be collected from the camera 2308 (see FIG. 23). Only the shaft response is left as is, which can be calculated from the other two known variables. More specifically, as discussed above, the swing force profile may generally consist of the golfer's swing linear and rotational speed, while the club head attributes are described in more detail below.

  The club head attributes described above may generally be a function of the position, rotation, and relative distance d8 of the plurality of markers. The position of these markers can be compared to the static position to determine the club head lead and lug during the golf swing. The twist of the shaft, i.e. the amount of torque, can be determined by clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the markers. Finally, club head droop and drift can be determined by the relative distance d8 of the plurality of markers, where droop increases distance d8, while drift decreases distance d8.

  FIG. 26 of the accompanying drawings shows an alternative view of the camera 2390 when the golf club is bent in other different orientations. As can be seen from FIG. 26, the golf club head 2615 and the plurality of markers 2606 deviate from the static position originally shown in FIG. As above, changes in position, orientation, and relative distance d8 can be used to determine club head attributes, which can then be used to determine shaft response. Since the shaft response can be determined, the fitting can be facilitated because the swing force profile can be used to determine the club head attributes and optimize the performance of the golf club. Alternatively, even if the current system is not used for fitting applications, the present invention can be used to help predict the flight characteristics of golf balls with different golf swings with different shaft responses.

  Other things in the working examples, or all numerical ranges, quantities, values, percentages, such as those for the quantity of material, and others in the specification, even if not explicitly stated, even if the value, quantity or Even if the term “about” is not displayed in relation to a range, it can be read as if “about” is placed in front of it. Accordingly, unless indicated otherwise, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and claims are approximate, depending on the desired characteristics that are contemplated by the present invention. Change. At a minimum, of course, it does not limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents, but each number of parameters should be interpreted in the light of the number of significant digits recorded and the normal rounding process.

  Although the numerical ranges and parameters representing the broad scope of the invention are approximate, the numerical values shown in the examples were recorded as accurately as possible. Any numerical value still contains errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in each test measurement. Further, it should be understood that any combination of values, including the exemplified values, can be used where numerical ranges of various scopes are indicated.

  It should be noted that the foregoing description relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention, and that modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

100 golfer 101 coordinate system 102 golf club 106 marker 108 camera 111 computer processor 2302 golf club 2306 marker 2308 camera 2315 club head 2317 grip 2390 sensor

It should be noted that the foregoing description relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention, and that modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.
The technical features described here are listed below.
[Technical features 1]
A golf club,
A grip at the base end of the golf club;
A club head at the end of the golf club;
Connecting the grip and the club head, and a shaft disposed between the grip and the club head;
A camera positioned at a distance of between about 6 inches and about 14 inches from the grip end of the golf club;
Directed to the club head that is the camera,
The club head further includes two or more markers positioned on the club head.
[Technical feature 2]
2. A golf club according to Technical Feature 1, wherein the camera is located a distance between about 8 inches and about 12 inches from the grip end of the golf club.
[Technical feature 3]
3. A golf club according to Technical Feature 2, wherein the camera is disposed at a distance of about 10 inches from the grip end of the golf club.
[Technical feature 4]
The golf club according to the technical feature 1, further comprising a sensor disposed on or near the surface of the camera.
[Technical feature 5]
5. The golf club according to technical feature 4, wherein the sensor further includes an accelerometer and a gyroscope.
[Technical feature 6]
5. A golf club according to technical feature 4, wherein the camera has a frame rate greater than about 75 frames / second.
[Technical feature 7]
The golf club according to Technical Feature 6, wherein the camera has a frame rate greater than about 100 frames / second.
[Technical feature 8]
The golf club of claim 7, wherein the camera has a frame rate greater than about 125 frames / second.
[Technical feature 9]
9. The golf club according to technical feature 8, wherein the measurement range of the accelerometer is about + -8 g.
[Technical feature 10]
The golf club according to the technical feature 1, wherein the plurality of markers are arranged on a surface of a crown portion of the club head.
[Technical feature 11]
A fitting method for fitting a golfer to the recommended shaft,
Positioning two or more sensors in the club head portion of the golf club;
Positioning the camera at a distance between about 12 inches and about 16 inches from the grip end of the golf club;
Acquiring a plurality of linear and rotational speed data using at least one of the plurality of sensors when the golfer is performing a golf swing;
Determining a swing profile of the golfer's golf swing;
Simulating a plurality of shaft responses based on the swing profile.
[Technical feature 12]
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the golfer swing force profile comprises a centrifugal force and a displacement force.
[Technical feature 13]
The method of claim 12, wherein the camera is directed to the club head.
[Technical feature 14]
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plurality of sensors are disposed in a crown portion of the club head.
[Technical feature 15]
The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of positioning one or more sensors at or near the surface of the camera.
[Technical feature 16]
16. The method of technical feature 15, wherein the sensor further comprises an accelerometer and a gyroscope.
[Technical feature 17]
The method of claim 16, wherein the gyroscope has a measurement range of less than about 2000 degrees / second.
[Technical feature 18]
18. The method of technical feature 17, wherein the gyroscope has a measurement range of less than about 1800 degrees / second.
[Technical feature 19]
17. The method of Technical Feature 16, wherein the accelerometer measurement range is between about + -6 g and about + -10 g.
[Technical feature 20]
20. The method of Technical Feature 19, wherein the measurement range of the accelerometer is between about + -7 g and about + -9 g.

Claims (20)

A golf club,
A grip at the base end of the golf club;
A club head at the end of the golf club;
Connecting the grip and the club head, and a shaft disposed between the grip and the club head;
A camera positioned at a distance of between about 6 inches and about 14 inches from the grip end of the golf club;
Directed to the club head that is the camera,
The club head further includes two or more markers positioned on the club head.   The golf club of claim 1, wherein the camera is located a distance between about 8 inches and about 12 inches from the grip end of the golf club.   The golf club of claim 2, wherein the camera is located a distance of about 10 inches from the grip end of the golf club.   The golf club according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor disposed on or near the surface of the camera.   The golf club according to claim 4, wherein the sensor further includes an accelerometer and a gyroscope.   The golf club of claim 4, wherein the camera has a frame rate greater than about 75 frames / second.   The golf club of claim 6, wherein the camera has a frame rate greater than about 100 frames / second.   The golf club of claim 7, wherein the camera has a frame rate greater than about 125 frames / second.   The golf club according to claim 8, wherein a measurement range of the accelerometer is about + −8 g.   The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of markers are arranged on a surface of a crown portion of the club head. A fitting method for fitting a golfer to the recommended shaft,
Positioning two or more sensors in the club head portion of the golf club;
Positioning the camera at a distance between about 12 inches and about 16 inches from the grip end of the golf club;
Acquiring a plurality of linear and rotational speed data using at least one of the plurality of sensors when the golfer is performing a golf swing;
Determining a swing profile of the golfer's golf swing;
Simulating a plurality of shaft responses based on the swing profile.   12. The method of claim 11, wherein the swing force profile of the golfer has a centrifugal force and a displacement force.   13. The method of claim 12, wherein the camera is directed at the club head.   14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plurality of sensors are disposed in a crown portion of the club head.   The method of claim 11, further comprising positioning one or more sensors at or near the surface of the camera.   The method of claim 15, wherein the sensor further comprises an accelerometer and a gyroscope.   17. The method of claim 16, wherein the gyroscope has a measurement range of less than about 2000 degrees / second.   The method of claim 17, wherein the gyroscope has a measurement range of less than about 1800 degrees / second.   17. The method of claim 16, wherein the accelerometer measurement range is between about + -6 g and about + -10 g.   20. The method of claim 19, wherein the accelerometer measurement range is between about + -7 g and about + -9 g.

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