JP2014519396A - Systems, methods, and products for measuring, analyzing and sharing golf swing characteristics - Google Patents

Abstract

  Examples of systems, computer readable media, and products related to putting stroke characteristics are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE This patent application claims U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 485,549, filed May 12, 2011, and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 246,663, filed Sep. 27, 2011. US Patent Application No. 29 / 391,647, filed on May 11, 2011, and US Patent Application filed on May 11, 2011 This is a continuation-in-part application of No. 29 / 391,657. This patent application includes US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 497,891 filed on June 16, 2011, US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 506,583 filed on July 11, 2011, and August 2011. It further claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 522,165 filed on May 10, and US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 532,503 filed on September 8, 2011. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

  The present disclosure relates generally to golf, and more particularly to measuring, analyzing, and sharing golf swing characteristics.

  In golf, several training devices may be an integral part of a golf club (ie, equipped). That is, the golf club may not be used immediately when trying to play in a golf round. Alternatively, other training devices may only function as golf training devices and may not be able to use the training device for other purposes. Individuals may wish to use a portable electronic device that they already own and / or used daily instead of a golf training device of the type described above as a golf training device.

1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary portable electronic device holder according to one embodiment of the methods and products described herein. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary portable electronic device holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the exemplary portable electronic device holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the exemplary portable electronic device holder of FIG.

FIG. 2 is a first end view of the exemplary portable electronic device holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a second end view of the exemplary portable electronic device holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a first side view of the exemplary portable electronic device holder of FIG. 1.

2 is a second side view of the exemplary portable electronic device holder of FIG. 1 engaging a golf club shaft. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the example portable electronic device holder of FIG. 1 engaging a golf club shaft.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the exemplary portable electronic device holder of FIG. 1 engaging a portable electronic device.

FIG. 2 is a visual view of the example portable electronic device holder of FIG. 1 engaging a golf club.

2 is a visual view of the exemplary portable electronic device holder of FIG. 1 engaging a golf flagpole. FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a typical portable electronic device.

1 is a schematic diagram of communication between exemplary portable electronic devices. FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary data communication network.

2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a visual diagram of an exemplary stroke characteristic according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual diagram of an exemplary stroke characteristic according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual diagram of an exemplary stroke characteristic according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual diagram of an exemplary stroke characteristic according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual diagram of an exemplary stroke characteristic according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual diagram of an exemplary stroke characteristic according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual diagram of an exemplary stroke characteristic according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual diagram of an exemplary stroke characteristic according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual diagram of an exemplary stroke characteristic according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual diagram of an exemplary stroke characteristic according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual diagram of an exemplary stroke characteristic according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary golf club head. FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary golf club head. FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary golf club head. FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary golf club head.

FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure.

2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure.

2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to the present disclosure. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure.

2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure.

2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure.

1 is a view of a golf cup comprising a sensor assembly according to the present disclosure. 1 is a view of a golf cup comprising a sensor assembly according to the present disclosure. 1 is a view of a golf cup comprising a sensor assembly according to the present disclosure. 1 is a view of a golf cup comprising a sensor assembly according to the present disclosure.

1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary sensor assembly according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary sensor assembly according to the present disclosure. FIG.

2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG.

1 is a view of a golf ball having a sensor according to the present disclosure. FIG.

2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a camera mounted on a flag pole according to the present disclosure.

1 is a schematic diagram of a typical camera.

1 is a side view of a portable electronic device mounted on a golf club shaft with a device holder according to the present disclosure. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a portable electronic device mounted on a flagpole with a device holder according to the present disclosure.

2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary putter according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary putter according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary putter according to the present disclosure.

2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary stroke type indicator in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary stroke type indicator in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary stroke type indicator in accordance with the present disclosure.

2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure.

2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with the systems, methods, and products described herein.

FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure.

2 is a block diagram representing processes associated with systems, methods, and products according to this disclosure. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a visual illustration of an exemplary display according to this disclosure.

  In general, apparatus, methods, and products associated with portable electronic device holders are described herein. The methods, apparatus, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

  In the example of FIGS. 1-12, the portable electronic device holder 100 includes a body portion 200 (eg, generally shown in FIG. 2) and a clamp portion 300 (eg, generally shown in FIG. 3). Can be provided. As described in detail below and generally shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, portable electronic device holder 100 golfes portable electronic device 1000 such as a wireless communication device and / or portable media player. It may be configured to removably attach and secure to club 798. In particular, portable electronic device holder 100 can be configured to removably attach and secure portable electronic device 1000 to golf shaft 800 of golf club 798. In general, as shown in FIG. 12, the portable electronic device holder 100 may also be configured to removably attach and secure the portable electronic device 1000 to a golf flagpole 810. For example, portable electronic device 1000 may be a media player (eg, IPOD® mobile digital device from Apple Inc., Cupertino, Calif.), A wireless telephone (eg, IPHONE (Apple Inc., Inc., Cupertino, California). Mobile digital devices), handheld computers, global positioning system (GPS) devices, game consoles, digital cameras, and / or video cameras. As described in detail below, portable electronic device 1000 may be configured to operate as a training device, game console device, and / or social networking device (eg, portable electronic device 1000 executes a software application). May include a processor to do this). In addition or alternatively, portable electronic device 1000 may be configured to operate as a telephone or a speaker that plays music. The devices and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

  In particular, the body portion 200 of the portable electronic device holder 100 includes a first body end 210, a second body end 220, a first side portion 230, a second side portion 240, and a back side. Portion 250. One or more portions of the body portion 200 are typically one or more that are compatible with buttons, switches, ports, etc. of the portable electronic device 1000, illustrated as 212, 214, 222, and 232. An opening can be provided. In one example, the first body end 210 can include an opening 212 that fits into a headphone jack and an opening 214 that fits into a power switch of the portable electronic device 1000. The second body end 220 can include an opening 222 that receives the portable electronic device 1000. The first side portion 230 can include an opening 232 that fits one or more buttons for controlling volume. The back portion 250 can include an opening that fits the camera lens. The body portion 200 can be made from semi-rigid molded plastic or other suitable type of material. For example, the body portion 200 can be made from a polycarbonate material and / or a polypropylene material. The devices and products described herein are not limited in these respects.

  In general, portable electronic device 1000 may be capable of sliding in and out of body portion 200 through opening 222 in second body end 220. First body end 210, second body end 220, first side portion 230, second side portion 240, and back portion 250 are pulled away from portable electronic device 1000 from portable electronic device holder 100. In addition, the portable electronic device 900 can be fixed so as not to slide out of the main body portion 200. For example, the first body end 210, the first side portion 230, and / or the second side portion 240 can have a curvature or undulation to match the outline of the portable electronic device 1000. . The back portion 250 can be made of a material that helps to hold the portable electronic device 1000 within the body portion 200 using friction. While the above examples may describe various openings at or near a particular portion, the devices, methods, and products described herein are not It is not limited to a point.

  The clamp portion 300 can include a first clamp end 310, a second clamp end 320, a first arm portion 330, and a second arm portion 340. Each of the first arm portion 330 and the second arm portion 340 may be configured in a W shape. In particular, the first arm portion 330 can include a first support portion 332, a first arcuate portion 334, and a first guide portion 336. The first support portion 332 of the first arm portion 330 may extend from the back portion 240 of the body portion 200. The first support portion 332 may be coupled to the first arcuate portion 334, and the first arcuate portion 334 may be coupled to the first guide portion 336.

  Similarly, the second arm portion 340 can include a second support portion 342, a second arcuate portion 344, and a second guide portion 346. The second support portion 342 of the second arm portion 340 can extend from the back portion 250 of the body portion 200. Second support portion 342 may be coupled to second arcuate portion 344, and second arcuate portion 344 may be coupled to second guide portion 346.

  The clamp portion 300 may be made from a semi-rigid material such as plastic and / or other suitable types of materials. For example, the clamp portion 300 can be made from a polycarbonate material and / or a polypropylene material. The first guide portion 336 and the second guide portion 346 may be configured to assist the golf club shaft 800 to engage the first arcuate portion 334 and the second arcuate portion 344. The first support portion 332 and the second support portion 342 may be configured to be flexible such that the clamp portion 300 engages the golf club shaft 800 or flagpole 810.

  In one example, as shown in FIG. 9, first arcuate portion 334 and second arcuate portion 344 may be configured to engage golf club shaft 800 or flagpole 810 (ie, a golf club shaft). 800 cross-sectional view is shown). First arcuate portion 334 and second arcuate portion 344 may be configured to engage golf club shafts or flagpoles of various diameter sizes. For example, the first arcuate portion 334 and the second arcuate portion 344 can be configured to engage a golf club shaft having a diameter of at least 0.3 inches. Some golf club shafts are tapered from one end to the other (eg, 0.335 inches at the tip end and 0.6 inches at the butt end), and the first arcuate portion 334 and Second arcuate portion 344 may be configured to engage a golf club shaft having a diameter ranging from 0.4 inches to 0.6 inches. The first arcuate portion 334 and the second arcuate portion 344 can be configured to engage a flagpole having a diameter of 0.5 to 1.0 inches. The devices, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

  The clamp portion 300 can also include a bumper portion 350. In particular, a portion of the golf club shaft 800 or flagpole 810 may lean against the bumper portion 350. The bumper portion 350 can prevent or reduce damage to the display of the golf club shaft 800, the golf club shaft 800 itself, and / or the flagpole 810.

  In the example of FIGS. 8-11, the golf club shaft 800 can include a butt end 810 and a tip end 820. The grip 815 may be disposed at or near the butt end 810 and the golf club head 825 may be disposed at or near the tip end 820. The portable electronic device holder 100 can engage with a golf club shaft 800 of a golf club at or near the butt end 810. To engage golf club shaft 800, portable electronic device holder 100 may be rotated 180 degrees from the orientation of portable electronic device holder 100 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, the first end portion 210 of the portable electronic device holder 100 faces the tip end 820 of the golf club shaft 800 and the second end portion of the portable electronic device holder 100. 220 may face the butt end 810 of the golf club shaft 800. The devices, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

  In the example of FIG. 10, portable electronic device 1000 can include a top portion 1010, a bottom portion 1020, and a display portion 1030. The body portion 200 of the portable electronic device holder 100 can receive the portable electronic device 1000. In particular, the top portion 1010 of the portable electronic device 1000 can slide through the opening 222 of the second body end 220. The first body end 210 of the body portion 200 can be configured to abut the top portion 1010 of the portable electronic device 1000. The portable electronic device holder 100 can include an opening for making the display portion 1030 of the portable electronic device 1000 visible. In one example, the portable electronic device 1000 can operate as a training device for golf. Accordingly, a visual representation may be generated on the display portion 1030 so that an individual can view while the portable electronic device 1000 is secured to the portable electronic device holder 100. The devices and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

  Portable electronic device 1000 may communicate with a server, directly with another portable electronic device, with another portable electronic device through the server, and / or with a network as described in detail below. Referring to FIG. 13, the portable electronic device 1000 can include a processing device 1110, a plurality of sensors 1112, a graphical user interface (GUI) 1114, and a data storage device 1116. Portable electronic device 1000 may also include input and output ports (I / O ports, not shown) and / or one or more transceivers (not shown). Further, the portable electronic device 1000 may include one or more global positioning sensors (GPS, not shown) for positioning. Processing device 1110 may execute instructions stored in storage device 1116 to perform any of the processes according to the present disclosure. The plurality of sensors 1112 may comprise an accelerometer for measuring the acceleration of the portable electronic device 1000 and / or a gyroscope for determining the orientation of the portable electronic device 1000, as will be described in detail below. Can be used to determine a person's stroke characteristics. The GUI 1114 may generate one or more visual displays associated with the process according to the present disclosure. The data storage device 1116, which can be any type of data memory device, can store data associated with any of the processes according to the present disclosure. The systems, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

  Portable electronic device 1000 includes one or more user input devices (not shown), such as a touch screen graphical user interface, alphanumeric keyboard, push buttons, rotary dial, joystick, trackball, and / or touchpad. Can be provided. Accordingly, when an individual operates portable electronic device 1000 and the indicated input device is provided on portable electronic device 1000, one or more of such input devices may be in portable electronic device 1000. Input can be supplied. According to the disclosed example, the GUI 1114 of the portable electronic device 1000 is a touch screen display that allows an individual to select one or more displayed items, and to Functions can be performed, the portable electronic device operated, and / or input provided to the portable electronic device. For example, a virtual keyboard can be provided on the GUI 1114 so that an individual can enter alphanumeric characters by touching the area of the GUI 1114 corresponding to the display of each character. In another example, the GUI 1114 has one or more virtual windows having one or more selectable menu items that can be selected by an individual by touching the area of the GUI 1114 corresponding to the display of the menu items. May be displayed. Each menu item, when selected, may cause portable electronic device 1000 to perform any of the disclosed processes or functions. In yet another embodiment, the GUI 1114 may display a graphical icon, and by selecting the icon by the individual, any of the disclosed processes of the function corresponding to the graphical icon or The function can be performed by a portable electronic device. The displayed icon can be selected by the individual touching the area of the GUI 1114 where the graphical icon is displayed. The portable electronic device is described herein as having a touch screen GUI 1114. However, portable electronic devices can be used to perform the disclosed processes or functions, as disclosed. Thus, the systems, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

  Two or more portable electronic devices can communicate directly with each other. Referring to FIG. 14, three exemplary portable electronic devices are illustrated generally as 1120, 1122, and 1124. Portable electronic devices 1120, 1122, and 1124 may be configured to perform processes and operate as described herein in accordance with the present disclosure. Portable electronic devices 1120, 1122, and 1124 may communicate with each other directly via a wireless communication link (eg, a short range wireless communication link). For example, portable electronic devices 1120, 1122, and 1124 can operate to communicate and / or exchange data with each other according to Bluetooth. In addition, or alternatively, portable electronic devices 1120, 1122, and 1124 were formulated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802. xx standard family and / or variants and evolutions of these standards (eg, 802.11x, 802.15, 802.16x, etc.), ultra-wideband (UWB), near field communication (NFC), and / or wireless IC It may operate according to a tag (RFID), communicate with each other and / or exchange data as described herein. In another example, portable electronic devices 1120, 1122, and 1124 can be at a certain distance (eg, from each other) so that they can automatically detect each other's presence to communicate and / or exchange data. , Up to 100 meters or 328 feet). Systems, methods, and products are not limited in this respect.

  Referring to FIG. 15, each portable electronic device can communicate with a network 1150 that includes a server 1152. Server 1152 can receive data from the portable electronic device and store the data. Portable electronic device 1000 receives data from server 1152, receives updated instructions from server 1152, performs any of the processes according to the present disclosure, and / or receives new instructions from server 1152. Any of the processes according to the present disclosure can be performed. Two portable electronic devices are generally illustrated as 1154 and 1156. In particular, the plurality of portable electronic devices 1154 and 1156 can communicate directly and / or indirectly with the server 1152 via one or more wired or wireless communication links. It may follow a wireless communication protocol or any wireless communication protocol described herein. Data stored on server 1152 can be shared and accessed by portable electronic devices 1154 and 1156. Such as a desktop computer (eg, shown as 1158), a laptop computer (eg, shown as 1160), and / or a tablet device (eg, shown as 1162), etc. Other portable electronic devices can also send data to server 1152, receive data from server 1152, and access data stored on server 1152 via the Internet 1164.

  Referring back to FIG. 14, the first portable electronic device 1120 can be directly (eg, one or more wired communication links and / or the third portable electronic device 1122 and / or the third portable electronic device 1124. (Or via a wireless communication link), data can be shared in real time. In addition or alternatively, the first portable electronic device 1120 can transmit data directly to a display or monitor (via one or more wired and / or wireless communication links). May be shared.

  Referring to FIG. 15, portable electronic device 1154 may be connected to another portable electronic device via server 1152 or a system remotely located from a server (not shown) via Internet 1164 (ie, another server). Or network). Accordingly, portable electronic device 1156 and / or other devices (eg, desktop computer 1158, laptop computer 1160, and / or tablet device 1162) can access data stored on server 1152. Systems, methods, and products are not limited in this respect.

  Although the examples provided herein may describe a specific wireless communication protocol, the systems, methods, and products described herein may include frequency division multiple access (FDMA), etc. May operate with other wireless communication protocols such as frequency division multiple access, time division multiple access (TDMA), and / or code division multiple access (CDMA). For example, as a wireless communication protocol, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), General Packet radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Universal Communications (EDV), ED UMTS), High Speed Downlink Access (HSDPA), Long Term Evolution (LTR), variants and evolutions of these standards, and / or other wireless communication standards suitable for performing communication and / or data exchange. The systems, methods, and products described herein may be used by other subcommittees and / or standard development organizations (e.g., Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Alliance, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) Forum, It is readily applicable to many specifications and / or standards developed by the Association (IrDA), Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP, etc.).

  The processes described herein may be embodied in mobile applications (eg, apps) and / or online applications for various wired and / or wireless communication devices such as handheld computers, smartphones, portable media players, tablet computers, and the like. Can be implemented as machine accessible instructions utilizing any of a number of different programming codes stored on any combination of machine accessible media. In addition or alternatively, machine-accessible instructions may be embodied in volatile or non-volatile memory or other mass storage devices (eg, floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs). For example, machine-accessible instructions include: programmable gate array, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, magnetic It may be embodied in machine accessible media such as media, optical media, and / or other suitable types of media. The systems, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

  Although there are other components, among others, an exemplary system that includes software or firmware running on hardware is disclosed herein, such a system is merely exemplary and limited. Note that it should not be regarded as. In particular, some or all of the disclosed hardware, software, and / or firmware components are exclusively hardware, or exclusively software, or exclusively firmware, or hardware, software, and / or It is also contemplated that it may be implemented with some combination of firmware.

  A golf stroke may be defined as the complete movement of a golf club by an individual who hits the golf ball from set-up or address position to the end of the follow-through position (ie, continuous movement of the club after the ball is hit). Examples of golf strokes include a putting stroke, a chipping stroke, or a driving stroke. The disclosed systems, methods, and products are described with respect to the putting stroke. However, the disclosed systems, methods, and products are not limited in this regard, and golf club chipping strokes and driving by individuals who actually hit the golf ball or simulate the action of hitting the golf ball It is equally applicable to any type of golf stroke, such as a stroke or some swinging motion.

  The disclosed systems, methods, and products are described with respect to putter-type golf clubs. However, any type of golf club can be used with the disclosed systems, methods, and products. For example, golf clubs for use with the disclosed systems, methods and products include driver-type golf club heads, fairway wood-type golf club heads (eg, No. 2 Wood Golf Club, No. 3 Wood Golf Club, No. 4 wood golf club, No. 5 wood golf club, No. 6 wood golf club, No. 7 wood golf club, No. 8 wood golf club, or No. 9 wood golf club), a hybrid type golf club head, or a hollow main body or It may be a wood type golf club, such as one or more cavities, openings, recesses, or other suitable types of golf club heads with a grooved body. Although the disclosed example shows a putter-type golf club, the devices, products, and methods described herein may be applicable to other types of golf club heads. .

  FIG. 15 illustrates a process 1200 (eg, via portable electronic device 1000) that measures one or more stroke characteristics of an individual associated with one or more putting strokes (blocked). 1202) generating a consistency score for the individual based on the measured stroke characteristics (block 1204), and generating a putting handicap for the individual based on the one or more consistency scores (block). 1206). Process 1200 compares the individual's consistency score and / or putting handicap with other individuals (block 1208) and fits the golf club to the individual based on the measured stroke characteristics of the individual (block 1210). And / or may be further configured to allow the individual to compete (block 1212) with one or more locally or remotely located individuals. The operation of the electronic device 1000 when performing the process 1200 and the process 1200 will be described in detail below.

  The stroke characteristics may include a closing angle, an impact angle, a tempo, a shaft lie angle, and a shaft loft angle. The closed angle may be, for example, an amount by which the hitting surface of the golf club turns in the downswing of the putting stroke. The impact angle can be defined by the angle of the hitting surface at the time of impact, for example. The tempo can be defined, for example, by the ratio of the backswing time and the downswing time. The shaft lie angle may be defined, for example, by the angle between the golf club shaft and the vertical line at the moment of impact between the golf club face and the ball. The shaft loft angle may be defined, for example, by the angle between the shaft and a vertical line extending from the club surface at the moment of impact between the club surface and the ball.

  FIGS. 17-19 illustrate an exemplary club head 1212 having a club surface 1214 for hitting a ball. Based on the closed angle, process 1200 can identify a stroke type. In process 1200, any number of stroke types can be identified. In general, there are three types of strokes, a straight type stroke, a light arc (weak arc) type stroke, and a slotted arc (strong arc) type stroke. Referring to FIG. 17, the surface 1214 can have a relatively small surface rotation with a straight stroke, typically illustrated by a straight line 1216, while the surface 1214 is defined by the arc 1218 of FIG. It can have a larger face rotation with a light arc type stroke as illustrated. Referring to FIG. 19, a slotted arc type stroke may be defined by a surface 1214 having a greater rotation compared to a straight type stroke and a light arc type stroke as illustrated by arc 1220.

  Referring to FIGS. 20-22, the impact angle of the putting stroke may be the angle of the striking surface 1214 of the club head 1212 during impact with respect to the address position 1215 (shown in broken lines). FIG. 20 shows a striking surface 1214 having an impact angle generally similar to address location 1215. 21 and 22 show that the impact angle is open and the impact angle is closed, respectively. The open position for a right-handed player, generally shown in FIG. 21, may be defined by the striking surface 1214 of the club head 1212 oriented to the right of the address position 1215, but generally in FIG. As shown, the closed position may be defined by a striking surface 1214 oriented toward the left of the address position 1215. The open position for a left-handed player (not shown) can be defined by the striking surface 1214 of the club head 1212 oriented to the left of the address position 1215, while the closed position (not shown) is to the right of the address position. Can be defined by the striking surface 1214 of the club head 1212 oriented toward the.

  Referring to FIG. 23, the tempo of the putting stroke may be the ratio of the backswing time (generally indicated as 1224) and the downswing time (generally indicated as 1226). Good. For example, the ratio of backswing time 700 milliseconds (ms) to downswing time 350 ms is a 2: 1 tempo. If the tempo is relatively consistent, the distance can be controlled successfully.

  Referring to FIG. 24, the golf club shaft lie angle 1227 may be defined by the angle between the shaft 1229 and the vertical at the moment of impact between the club surface 1214 and the golf ball.

  Referring to FIGS. 25-27, the shaft loft angle 1232 may be defined as the angle between the club shaft 1229 and the vertical line 1234 at the moment of impact between the club surface 1214 and the golf ball. The club head can have a loft with respect to a shaft that is assembled to the golf club. Therefore, the club head may have a loft angle different from the shaft loft angle 1232 at the moment of impact. Accordingly, the non-zero shaft loft angle 1232 has the effect of addition or subtraction on the assembled loft angle of the club surface 1214 at the moment of impact. Vertical line 1234 may represent the address location of the shaft. However, when a particular individual is in the address position, the shaft can be oriented at an angle to the vertical. The shaft loft angle 1232 can also determine the offset distance 1236 so that the individual hand holding the shaft 1229 is offset with respect to the club surface 1214 at the moment of impact between the club surface 1214 and the golf ball. Is done. As shown in FIG. 25, the shaft loft angle 1232 allows the individual's hand holding the shaft 1229 to move to a position behind the club surface 1214 at the moment of impact between the club surface 1214 and the golf ball. This is referred to herein as the hands back position. In FIG. 26, shaft loft angle 1232 is illustrated as approximately zero. In FIG. 27, the shaft loft angle 1232 is located in front of the club surface 1214 at the moment of impact between the club surface 1214 and the golf ball with the individual hand holding the shaft 1229. In the specification, it is referred to as a hands forward position.

  To perform process 1200, portable electronic device 1000 can be attached to a golf club (eg, a putter type golf club) via portable electronic device holder 100, as shown in FIG. For example, in a putting session, process 1200 may measure one or more stroke characteristics associated with one or more putting strokes (block 1202). For example, in process 1200, five putting strokes can be used to measure one or more stroke characteristics.

  As described above, in order to measure one or more stroke characteristics, the portable electronic device 1000 can be used continuously or at specific time intervals before and after the club head surface strikes the ball. Linear and / or angular position and / or linear and / or angular motion (eg, acceleration) of the section of the club shaft to which the portable electronic device 1000 is attached along one, two, or three axes Can be measured. FIGS. 28-31 illustrate measurements that can be made with portable electronic device 1000 to determine one or more stroke characteristics and / or fit a golf club to an individual, as described in detail below. An example golf club 1240 is shown for illustration. Golf club 1240 may include a striking surface 1242, a hosel 1244, and a shaft (portion shown as 1246). The hosel 1244 can receive one end of the shaft 1246, but the opposite end of the shaft 1246 may include a grip (not shown). The axis may pass through the shaft 1246 (ie, the shaft axis 1248). The center of gravity (CG) 1250 of the golf club 1240 may be defined with respect to the shaft axis 1248 and / or with respect to a CG angle 1252 with respect to a horizontal plane 1254 passing through the shaft axis 1248.

  In one example, the portable electronic device 1000 may determine the surface rotation of the golf club 1240 relative to the shaft axis 1248 throughout the backswing and downswing sections of the golf stroke to determine a person's stroke type. The portable electronic device 1000 may measure linear and / or angular acceleration in one or more axes continuously or at discrete intervals throughout the golf swing starting from the address location. The impact of the club head and the ball may mean the end of the downswing. By measuring linear and / or angular acceleration from the address position to the club head impact position at continuous or discontinuous intervals, the club head angle is adjusted at each of the time intervals with respect to the club head or club face angle at the address position. Can be calculated. Thus, the rotation of the club surface in the entire backstroke and downswing sections of the golf stroke can be determined.

  In another example, portable electronic device 1000 may measure the angle of rotation of the surface of golf club 1240 with respect to the angle of the surface at address location 1215 shown in FIGS. The portable electronic device 1000 may measure the rotation angle of the surface of the golf club 1240 continuously or at several intervals throughout the golf swing with respect to the address location 1215 shown in FIGS. Accordingly, the angle of the surface of the golf club 1242 at the address position 1215 may be used as a reference angle and all rotation angles of the club face in the entire golf swing may be measured with respect to this angle.

  The portable electronic device 1000 uses the change between the first rotation angle 1258 and the second rotation angle 1262 or the change between any rotation angle and the angle at the address location 1215 to determine the stroke type for the individual. You may decide. By measuring the stroke characteristics based on a plurality of putting trials, the consistency of the putting stroke characteristics is identified, and thus the putting stroke characteristics can be accurately measured. In one example, a change in surface rotation of less than 3.5 degrees can be classified as a straight stroke type. Changes in surface rotation within the range of 3.5 to 7.5 degrees can be classified as a mid-arc stroke type. A change in surface rotation exceeding 7.5 degrees can be classified as a slotted arc stroke type. While the above examples address specific ranges of surface rotation variations for various stroke types, the systems, methods, and products described herein are suitable for classifying stroke types. Range can be used.

  As described in detail below, process 1200 may generate a putting handicap based on measuring an individual's measured stroke characteristics (block 1202) (block 1204). In particular, the process 1200 may calculate a consistency score associated with each putting session to define the repeatability of an individual's putting stroke. In one example, a relatively low number may indicate a relatively consistent putting stroke, while a relatively high number may indicate a relatively inconsistent putting stroke. Each putting session may include at least one putting stroke (eg, at least five putting strokes by an individual). The process 1200 can generate a putting handicap based on one or more consistency scores (eg, consistency scores from the last 10 putting sessions). The systems, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

  Process 1200 may display a person's stroke characteristics on a graphical user interface (GUI) 1114. For example, portable electronic device 1000 may determine an individual's stroke type, impact angle, tempo, shaft lie angle, and / or shaft loft angle, as described in detail below. The portable electronic device 1000 may then display the individual's stroke type, impact angle, tempo, shaft lie angle, and / or shaft loft angle with alphanumeric text, graphics, or a combination thereof.

  Referring again to FIGS. 13 and 15, the process 1200 may be performed on the portable electronic device 1000 by instructions executed by the processing device 1110. The instructions may include one or more program codes and related data that collectively define software stored in the data storage device 1116 and retrieved by the processing device 1110. The instructions executed by processing device 1110 to perform any of the disclosed processes, including process 1200, may be generally referred to herein as software.

  An individual can launch any disclosed process, including process 1200, by touching the graphic icon on GUI 1114 corresponding to that process. Alternatively, the individual can initiate the process by pressing one or more buttons on the portable electronic device 1000 and / or using voice commands. Performing any of the disclosed processes, including process 1200, causes processing device 1110 to at least one of instructions, such as data associated with program code and retrieved portions of program code from storage device 1116. Can be taken out, execute the program code, and operate the portable electronic device 1000 to execute the process.

  The GUI 1114 displays an icon representing software that includes instructions that can be executed by the process of the portable electronic device to perform any of the disclosed processes, including the process 1200, as described in detail above. Can be displayed. For example, the icons may be images of golf clubs and golf balls. To launch the software (ie, execute instructions by the processor), the individual can touch where the GUI 1114 icon is displayed or close to it. Thereafter, a main display 1300 is displayed on the GUI 1114, and this example is shown in FIG. The main display 1300 may include a main menu 1302 that allows an individual to select one or more of several functions of software executed by the portable electronic device 1000.

  The main menu 1302 may include a practice icon 1304, a measurement icon 1306, a comparison icon 1308, and a submenu icon 1310 for providing additional options to the individual, as described in detail below. Each of icons 1304, 1306, 1308, and 1310 may include graphics and / or alphanumeric symbols to communicate to the individual processes and / or functions performed after selection of the icon. For example, as shown in FIG. 32, the practice icon 1304 can display the word “Practice” along with a graphical representation of putting green with a flagpole (not shown). Measurement icon 1306 may display the word “Measure” along with a graphical representation of a measurement device, such as a ruler (not shown). The “Compare” icon 1308 can display the word “Compare” along with a graphic symbol that can convey a comparison function (not shown) to the individual. Sub-menu icon 1310 may display the word “More” indicating that there are more menu options. Each of the main menu icons can be selected by the individual touching the display of the icon on the GUI 1114. However, an individual can select each icon by scrolling the main menu 1302 with one or more buttons, scroll wheel, joystick, and / or similar user input device on the portable electronic device 1000. . Touching the display on the GUI 1114, ie selecting an icon, may change the color, contrast, and / or brightness of the icon to visually indicate to the individual that the icon has been selected. For example, touching an icon with a bitumen background color changes the background color to a light blue color, which can emulate a light switch or button that is turned on.

  The individual can perform a practice session in which one or more of the individual's stroke characteristics can be determined. Process 1200 may determine one or more stroke characteristics of the individual associated with one putting stroke (FIG. 15, block 1202). Thus, the individual can practice putting and choose to receive data regarding the individual's stroke characteristics for each putt, as shown by process 1270 of FIG. Process 1270 receives data related to golf club motion from the portable electronic device 1000 in the individual's putting stroke (block 1272), and determines at least one stroke characteristic of the individual's putting stroke based on the received data. Determining (block 1273). Referring to FIG. 34, the process 1270 informs the individual that the putting stroke is to be performed so that the sensor 1116 of the portable electronic device 1000 can provide data related to the motion of the individual golf club during the putting stroke (block). 1271) may further be included. Process 1270 may further include displaying at least one stroke characteristic on GUI 1114 of portable electronic device 1000 (block 1274). The operation of the electronic device 1000 when executing the process 1270 and the process 1270 will be described in detail below.

  To perform process 1270, the individual can select practice icon 1304 by touching practice icon 1304, thereby displaying practice display 1400 on GUI 1114 as shown in FIG. . The practice display 1400 includes a main menu 1302 and may further include a stroke characteristics menu 1412 that allows an individual to select which of his stroke characteristics to determine during a practice session. Can do. The stroke characteristics menu 1412 includes a stroke type icon 1414, an impact angle icon 1416, a tempo icon 1417, an impact lie icon 1418, and / or an impact loft icon. 1419. An individual can select one or more of the stroke characteristic icons by touching an icon on the GUI 1114. In order to communicate to the individual that the icon has been selected, the display of the icon may change as the icon's color, contrast, and / or brightness change as each icon is touched.

  The practice display 1400 may also show an individual identification area 1420, which may include an individual's name or other type of identification associated with the individual (eg, nickname, username for accessing the network, email address). Etc.) is displayed. In the example of FIG. 35, the identification area 1420 is displayed above the stroke characteristics menu 1412 and is shown having the general identification “User Name”. An individual can input his / her identification by touching the identification area 1420. After touching the identification area 1420, the individual is given an identification input display 1422 by the GUI 1114, an example of which is shown in FIG. The individual enters his name in the identification window 1430, puts his picture in the photo area 1432, specifies the putter for the practice session in the putter specification window 1434, and / or is used by the putter selection submenu 1436. You can specify the type of putter to be played. After providing the information through the identification input menu 1422, the individual ends the input of information such as the arrow “Done” and / or the word “Done” as shown in FIG. By pressing a return (DONE) icon 1438, which may indicate text that has been displayed, the practice display 1400 can be returned. The personal identification information may be stored on the portable electronic device 1000 when the information is entered by the individual or when the return icon 1438 is selected by the individual.

  Referring back to FIG. 35, after entering information in the identification input menu 1422, the individual's identification is displayed in the identification area 1420 instead of the general identification “User Name”. An individual selects a stroke type icon 1414, an impact angle icon 1416, a tempo icon 1417, an impact lie icon 1418, and / or an impact loft icon 1419 to activate any one or all of these functions. , Each may receive information regarding their stroke type, impact angle, tempo, impact lie angle, and / or impact loft angle. The practice display 1400 can include a play icon 1424 that an individual can touch to initiate a practice session.

  Before starting the practice session as described above, the individual can attach the portable electronic device 1000 to the putter shaft with the device holder 100. After starting a practice session, ie, after touching the play icon 1424, a practice result display 1426 may be displayed on the GUI 1114, as shown in FIG. 38 and 39 show the results displayed on the practice result display 1426 after the putting stroke. FIG. 39 shows a continuation of the practice result display 1426 that can be viewed by scrolling down the practice result display 1426 of FIG. The result display 1426 includes a stroke type window 1428, an impact angle window 1430, a tempo window 1432, an impact lie window 1434, and an impact loft window 1436. Prepare.

  The stroke type is shown as being a straight stroke type with an angle of 3.3 ° within the stroke type window 1428 (ie, the angle of rotation of the head from the start of the downswing to the impact, The impact angle is also displayed in the impact angle window 1430 as being a CLOSED impact angle of -1.2 °. The tempo is shown in the tempo window 1432 as being 569 ms / 279 ms or about 2.0, the impact lie is shown as being 21.1 °, and the impact loft is 1.1 °. This represents the HANDS BACK position (see FIG. 25).

  40 and 41, with each subsequent putting stroke, the practice result display 1426 is updated to show the result of the most recent putting stroke (STROKE TYPE, impact angle (IMPACT ANGLE). ) And only the tempo (TEMPO) is shown in FIGS. 40 and 41). FIG. 40 shows the results of another putting stroke, where the straw type is shown as being a SLIGHT ARC stroke type with an angle of 5.2 °, and the impact angle is 1 It is shown as being an open impact angle of 2 ° and the tempo is shown as being 539 ms / 299 ms or approximately 1.8. FIG. 41 shows the results of yet another putting stroke, where the stroke type is shown as being a STRONG ARC with an angle of 18.8 ° and the impact angle is − Shown as being a CLOSED impact angle of 4.5 °, and the tempo is shown as being 739 ms / 419 ms or approximately 1.8. The individual can continue to put and check the corresponding result on the practice result display 1426. The individual can end the putting practice session and return to the practice display by touching the return icon 1438.

  Referring back to FIG. 14, some or all of the data and / or results from an individual practice session may be transmitted to other portable electronic devices. Referring back to FIG. 15, some or all of the individual putting practice data may be uploaded to the server 1152 by the portable electronic device 1000 and stored on the server 1152. Accordingly, an individual can access data stored on server 1152 remotely at any time and directly or indirectly with portable electronic device 1000 or laptop 1160, tablet computer 1162, desktop computer 1158, and / or server 1152. May be further displayed and / or analyzed by other remote access devices, such as other computer devices that can communicate with the user. In addition, individuals may allow sharing of all or specific portions of their practice session data with other individuals for comparison purposes as described in detail below.

  An individual can perform a measurement session, in which a consistency score for the individual can be calculated, and a putting handicap (PHcp) can be determined from at least one consistency score . A consistency score for an individual can be calculated by measuring the consistency of the individual's stroke characteristics for multiple putting strokes. FIG. 42 shows a process 1500 for determining a consistency score for an individual. Process 1500 includes receiving data from portable electronic device 1000 in a putting stroke by an individual from portable electronic device 1000 (block 1506). At least two putting strokes are required to determine the consistency of the individual stroke characteristics by comparing the stroke characteristics of the two putting strokes. However, the greater the number of pads, the higher the accuracy of the consistency score for an individual. Thus, the consistency score may be determined from a specific number of pads, such as 3, 5, 7, or 10 pads. Process 1500 determines whether a particular number of putting strokes have been made (block 1508). The specific number of putting strokes can be predetermined and / or specified by the individual. If a certain number of putting strokes have not been made, the individual can try another putting stroke. The portable electronic device 1000 may then receive data related to the golf club motion in an additional putting stroke (block 1506). However, if a particular number of putting strokes have been made, process 1500 determines at least one stroke characteristic for each of the individual's putting strokes based on the received data for each putting stroke (block 1510). The process 1500 then determines a consistency score based on the individual's putting stroke characteristics (block 1512). The consistency score may then be used to determine a putting handicap (PHcp) for the individual.

  Referring to FIG. 43, process 1500 can further include an individual initiating a putting stroke measurement session, after which portable electronic device 1000 can instruct the individual to perform the putting stroke. (Block 1504). When performing each putting stroke, the plurality of sensors 1112 of the portable electronic device 1000 may record and provide data related to the movement of the individual golf club during the individual putting stroke (block 1506). . As described above, if a certain number of putting strokes have not been made (block 1508), the portable electronic device can instruct the individual to perform another putting stroke (block). 1504). However, if a certain number of putting strokes have been made (block 1508), the process 1500 determines at least one stroke characteristic for each of the putting strokes (block 1510). A consistency score may then be determined based on at least one stroke characteristic of the putting stroke (block 1512). This consistency score may be used to determine a putting handicap (block 1514). A putting handicap for an individual may also include a putting handicap score from a previous measurement session (block 1514). The portable electronic device may then display on the GUI 1114 at least one stroke characteristic for each putting stroke, an overall stroke characteristic based on the putting stroke, a consistency score, and / or a putting handicap (block 1516). . The process 1500 and the operation of the electronic device 1000 when performing the process 1500 are described in detail below.

  In order to determine the consistency of the individual's stroke characteristics, i.e. to calculate the consistency score and thereby determine the putting handicap for the individual, the individual touches or presses the measurement icon 1306 in the main menu 1302 A measurement session can be started. Referring to FIG. 44, when the measurement icon 1306 is touched or pressed, a measurement display 1600 is displayed on the GUI 1114. Measurement display 1600 may include a graphical representation of the number of putting strokes 1608 for main menu 1302, session number indicator 1602, putting distance indicator 1604, session selection icon 1606, and / or consistency score calculation. The measurement display 1600 can also include a user identification area 1420 on which the user's identification is displayed as described in detail above with respect to FIG.

  To initiate a measurement session, an individual can attach the portable electronic device 1000 to his or her putter with the device holder 100. The individual can then touch the play icon 1624 on the GUI 1114 to launch or initiate a measurement session. After the play icon 1624 is selected, the GUI 1114 displays a counter display 1650, as shown in the examples of FIGS. The counter display 1650 may indicate the number of completed pads and the number of remaining pads in numerical and / or graphic form. In the example of FIGS. 45 and 46, a segmented annulus 1652 is shown. Each segment of the annulus 1652 can represent one pad. After each putt, the corresponding segment is highlighted (ie, shown with a different color, contrast, brightness, etc.) to indicate that the putt is complete. Furthermore, the number of pads can be indicated numerically inside the annulus 1652. The counter display 1650 may also display other information regarding the putting session. After the number of putts shown in the counter display 1650 is completed, the individual can touch the GUI 1114 to check the measurement result display 1660 shown in FIG. 47 or the measurement result display 1660 can be automatically displayed. Can be shown.

  47 and 48, a measurement result display 1660 includes a main menu 1302, a stroke type (STROKE TYPE) display 1662, an impact angle (IMPACT ANGLE) display 1664, a tempo (TEMPO) display 1666, and an impact lie (IMPACT LIE) display. 1667, and a loft display (LOFT) 1668. FIG. 48 shows a continuation of the measurement result display 1660 that can be seen by scrolling down the measurement result display 1660 of FIG.

  Stroke type display 1662 includes a stroke type scale 1670 that defines a straight stroke type at one end and a slotted arc stroke type at the other end. The stroke type display 1662 may also include a closed angle display 1672, which shows the average closed angle against the number of pads attempted in each measurement session, but in the example of FIG. 47 is 5 pads. . Each of the putts in a measurement session is visually represented on a stroke type scale 1670 with a symbol 1673, such as a circle 1647 as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 47, since 5 pads have been tried in each measurement session, the stroke type scale 1670 shows five circles 1694 representing 5 pads. The position of each symbol 1674 on the stroke type scale 1670 represents the value of the closing angle of the corresponding pad. The stroke type scale 1670 can also include opposing range brackets 1676 that indicate a closed angle or stroke type range for an individual based on 5 pads. The straw type scale 1670 can also include an average stroke type line 1678 that represents the average closed angle for 5 pads. The numerical value of the arrangement of the stroke type line 1678 on the stroke type scale 1670 may be the same as the closed angle shown in the closed display 1672.

  The impact angle display 1664 includes a number of club face angle displays 1680 corresponding to the number of pads in the measurement session. Each face angle display 1680 may display a numerical value of the face angle after the impact between the club face and the ball. Each face angle display 1680 may also include a graphic representation of the face angle of the golf club. Each face angle display 1680 may also include a description identifying the impact angle (eg, “CLOSED” as shown in FIG. 47). The average angle based on the pat trial is calculated and displayed on the average impact angle display 1682, which may indicate a numerical value of the average impact angle and a graphic representation of the average impact angle. In the example of FIG. 47, the average impact angle is shown as 1.9 °, which is the average of the impact angles shown in the face angle display 1680.

  Tempo display 1666 may include a tempo scale 1690 having a backward swing section 1692 representing the backswing segment of the putting stroke and a downswing section 1694 representing the downswing segment of the putting stroke. The tempo scale 1690 may be a time scale. In the backward swing section 1692, the tempo display 1666 displays a symbol 1695 such as a circle 1695 as shown in FIG. 47 to represent the backswing time for each putt. The tempo scale 1690 may also display a backswing bracket 1696 that defines a backswing time range for 5 pads. The average backswing time may be represented by an average backswing timeline 1698 disposed between backswing brackets 1696. In the downswing section 1694, a tempo display 1666 displays a symbol 1700 such as a circle 1700 as shown in FIG. 47 to represent the downswing time for each putt. The tempo scale 1690 can also display a downswing bracket 1702 that defines a range of downswing times for 5 pads. The average downswing time can be represented by an average downswing timeline 1704 disposed between the downswing brackets 1702. The tempo display 1666 may further include a tempo value display 1706 that displays a numerical value that generally defines the ratio of the average backswing time to the average downswing time. In the example of FIG. 47, the tempo is shown as being 1.8.

  Referring to FIG. 48, an impact lie display 1667 shows an impact lie scale 1720 that defines a flat (FLAT) impact lie angle at one end and an upright (UPLIGHT) impact lie angle at the other end. Including. The flat impact lie angle and the upright impact lie angle may be relative terms that define the degree of flatness or upright of the club head relative to the reference angle. For example, the reference angle may be such that an impact lie angle decreasing from 20 ° may be regarded as a flatter impact lie angle, and an impact lie angle increasing from 20 ° may be regarded as a more upright loft angle. It may be 20 °. The impact lie display 1667 may also include an impact lie angle display 1722, which shows the average of the impact lie angle relative to the number of pats tried in each measurement session, except in the example of FIG. It is. Each of the putts in the measurement session is visually represented on an impact live scale 1720 with a symbol 1724, such as a circle 1724 as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 48, since 5 pads have been tried in each measurement session, the impact lie display shows five circles 1724 representing 5 pads. The position of each symbol 1724 on the impact live scale 1720 represents the value of the closing angle of the corresponding pad. The impact lie scale 1720 may also include opposing range brackets 1726 that indicate the range of impact lie angles for an individual based on 5 pads. The impact lie scale 1720 may also include an average impact lie line 1728 representing the average of the impact lie angles for 5 pads. The numerical value of the arrangement of the impact lie line 1728 along the impact lie scale 1720 may be the same as the average (AVERAGE) impact lie angle shown in the impact lie angle display 1722.

  Loft display 1668 may include a setup loft angle scale 1730 and an impact loft angle scale 1740. The setup loft angle scale 1730 represents the range of the loft angle of the club shaft at the address or setup position. The impact loft angle scale 1740 represents the range of the loft angle of the club shaft at the impact position, that is, when the club surface collides with the golf ball.

  The setup loft angle scale 1730 includes a relative setup loft angle line 1731 that defines whether the setup loft angle represents a hands-forward position or a hands-back position. The setup loft angle scale 1730 can also include a setup loft angle display 1732, which shows the average of the setup loft angle relative to the number of pads tried in each measurement session, except in the example of FIG. It is. Each of the putts in the measurement session is visually represented on a setup loft angle scale 1730 with a symbol 1734, such as a circle 1734 as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 48, since 5 pads are tried in each measurement session, the setup loft angle scale 1730 shows five circles 1734 representing 5 pads. The position of each symbol 1734 on the setup loft angle scale 1730 represents the setup loft angle value of the corresponding pad. The setup loft angle scale 1730 may also include opposing range brackets 1736 that indicate the range of setup loft angles for an individual based on 5 pads. The setup loft angle scale 1730 may also include an average setup loft angle line 1738 that represents the average of the setup loft angles for 5 pads. The numerical value of the arrangement of the setup loft angle line 1738 along the setup loft angle scale 1730 may be the same as the average setup loft angle shown in FIG.

  The impact loft angle scale 1740 includes a relative impact loft angle line 1741 that defines whether the impact loft angle represents a hands forward position or a handsback position. The impact loft angle scale 1740 can also include an impact loft angle display 1742, which shows the average of the impact loft angle relative to the number of pads tried in each measurement session, except in the example of FIG. It is. Each of the putts in the measurement session is visually represented on an impact loft angle scale 1740 with a symbol 1744, such as a circle 1744 as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 48, since 5 pads are tried in each measurement session, the impact angle scale 1740 shows five circles 1744 representing 5 pads. The position of each symbol 1744 on the impact loft angle scale 1740 represents the value of the impact loft angle of the corresponding pad. The impact loft angle scale 1740 may also include opposing range brackets 1746 that indicate the range of impact loft angles for an individual based on 5 pads. The impact loft angle scale 1740 may also include an average impact loft angle line 1748 representing the average of the impact loft angles for 5 pads. The numerical value of the placement of the impact loft angle line 1748 along the impact loft angle scale 1740 may be the same as the average impact loft angle shown in FIG. 48 below the impact loft angle scale 1740.

  The measurement result display 1660 can display the numerical value of the consistency score in the consistency (CONSISTENCY) score display area 1710. The consistency score may represent individual consistency based on the number of putts performed in the measurement session. A consistency score for each stroke characteristic may be calculated after an individual has performed multiple putting strokes. For each of the closed angle, impact angle, tempo, impact lie angle, and loft angle, the consistency score S may be calculated by the following equation.

  Where x is the value of the corresponding stroke characteristic (for example, a closed angle of 3.3 °), and f (x) is a function that determines the variation of the corresponding stroke characteristic for a plurality of swings or putts. Good. For example, f (x) may be based on a standard deviation of measured values of stroke characteristics after multiple swing or put trials. The total consistency score for a plurality of swings or putts may be an average of the closed angle, impact angle, tempo, impact lie angle, and loft angle consistency scores. The total consistency score may be displayed in the consistency score display area 1710 after the individual performs a measurement session. In the example of FIG. 41, the consistency score is shown as being 17.8.

  The handicap score (PHcp) can be calculated by calculating the average of a plurality of total consistency scores. However, the calculation of PHcp may depend on the number of past consistency scores for the individual. In one example, if no more than 3 consistency scores are available for an individual, PHcp is calculated by taking the average of the available consistency scores. In another example, if 4 or more and 10 or less consistency scores are available for an individual, the highest consistency score and the lowest consistency score may be discarded. The PHcp is then calculated by averaging the remaining 8 consistency scores. In yet another example, if more than 10 consistency scores are available, the last 10 consistency scores may be considered. The highest consistency score and the lowest consistency score can then be discarded. The PHcp is then calculated by averaging the remaining 8 consistency scores. As the consistency score improves in multiple measurement sessions (ie, multiple sessions with multiple pats in each session), the individual's PHcp decreases, and when the consistency score decreases in multiple measurement sessions, the individual's PHcp becomes Go up. The measurement result display 1660 can also include a handicap display area 1712 for displaying PHcp to an individual. In the example of FIG. 41, the PHcp for person 1 is shown as being 9.6.

  The above consistency score and PHcp calculation represent an example of determining the calculation of consistency score and PHcp. Thus, the systems, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect. Thus, a type of calculation that determines the consistency in an individual stroke characteristic by comparing the individual stroke characteristic for one putting stroke with the same stroke characteristic for another putting stroke is used to determine the consistency score and PHcp. Can be done.

  In addition to the graphic and alphanumeric information shown on the measurement result display 1660 described above, use one or more color, contrast, and / or brightness schemes, which may be referred to herein as display schemes. Thus, information regarding the individual performance may be transmitted to the individual in a graphic form. At least one of stroke type display 1662, impact angle display 1664, tempo display 1666, impact lie display 1667, and loft display 1668 may reflect an individual's consistency performance. For example, if the individual stroke type measurement is not consistent, red may be used at least in part as the color scheme of the stroke type display 1662. In another example, green may be used at least in part as a color scheme for stroke type display 1662 if the individual's stroke type measurement is consistent. In yet another example, yellow may be used at least partially in the color scheme of the stroke type display 1362 if the individual stroke type measurement is neither inconsistent nor inconsistent. The display scheme of the impact angle display 1364 and the tempo display 1366 can be similarly affected based on the individual consistency of the impact angle and tempo, respectively, in the putting measurement session. A display scheme as disclosed may refer to background color, foreground color, icon or outline color of the displayed object, text color, line color, symbol color, and / or color of the displayed object. For example, if the individual stroke type measurement is not consistent, the circle 1673 displayed on the stroke type scale 1670 may be displayed in red. In another example, if an individual's stroke type measurement is inconsistent, the outline or border of all objects displayed in the stroke type display 1662, such as the outline or border of the stroke type scale 1670, is displayed in red. Can be done.

  Referring again to FIG. 14, portable electronic device 1000 may send some or all of the data collected for an individual in a measurement session to other portable electronic devices. Referring back to FIG. 15, some or all of the data for an individual can be uploaded to the server 1152 by the portable electronic device 1000 and stored on the server 1152. Thus, an individual can access data stored on server 1152 remotely at any time and directly or with portable electronic device 1000 or laptop 1160, tablet computer 1162, desktop computer 1158, and / or server 1152. It can be further displayed and / or analyzed by other remote access devices, such as other devices that can communicate indirectly. In addition, individuals can be allowed to share all or specific portions of their data with other individuals for comparison and / or competition purposes, as described in detail below. Also good.

  Individual stroke characteristics may be displayed on the portable electronic device GUI 1114 as disclosed. However, the portable electronic device 1000 can display all data relating to the individual's golf swing in a tabular format, either in a partially processed or unprocessed form. For example, the GUI 1114 clearly indicates from the backswing time, downswing time, backswing angle, putter speed at impact, club face angle at impact, lie angle, swing plane information, and / or data in a list or table. Other information that may be provided either implicitly or implicitly may be displayed.

  Based on the data collected by the portable electronic device 1000 during the individual's golf swing, the software uses the collected data to visually show a simulation of the individual's golf swing to the individual so that the portable electronic device's Contains instructions to be executed by the processor. Thus, an individual can see a simulation of his golf swing and use the simulation to improve his golf swing.

  47 and 48 show measurement session results for a particular individual identified as individual 1. FIG. 49 and 50 show the measurement session results for the other two individuals, identified as individual 2 and individual 3, respectively. As described above, measurement session data for each individual may be sent to server 1152 and stored on server 1152. FIG. 51 shows a process 1750 for comparing the stroke characteristics of two or more individuals. At least two individuals can be selected so that the stroke characteristic results can be compared (block 1752). Thereafter, the selected individual's stroke characteristics results may be displayed on the portable electronic device 1000 (block 1754).

  FIG. 52 illustrates an exemplary comparison display 1800 that is displayed on the GUI 1114 when an individual touches or presses the comparison icon 1308 in the main menu 1302. The comparison display 1800 includes a primary individual selection menu 1802 and a measurement session selection menu 1804 associated with the individual selected from the primary individual selection menu 1802. An individual can also select his or her measurement session from the measurement session selection menu 1804 to select his / her ID from the primary individual selection menu 1802 and to compare with another individual. If the individual selects one of his measurement sessions from the measurement session selection menu 1804, his consistency score and / or PHcp from the selected measurement session may be displayed in the comparison display 1800. For example, FIG. 52 shows that the consistency score for session 1 of person 3 is 6.3.

  The comparison display 1800 may also include one or more secondary individual selection menus 1806 and corresponding measurement session selection menus 1808. FIG. 52 shows only one secondary individual selection menu 1806 and corresponding measurement session selection menu 1808. The comparison display 1800 may include an add individual icon 1810, which allows more individuals to be added. From the secondary individual selection menu 1806, the individual can select another individual for the measurement session comparison. The individual selected for comparison stores his / her results on another individual (eg, friend or family member), celebrity, professional athlete, or professional golfer who is close to the selected individual, or on a network server accessed by the individual. Other individuals that can be kept. After selecting an individual, the consistency score and / or PHcp of the selected individual may be displayed on the comparison display 1800. For example, FIG. 52 shows that the consistency score for session 2 of person 2 is 9.1. To compare measurement session results, an individual selects a comparison area 1812 on the GUI 1114, eg, touches or presses, to compare his putting session results with one or more other selected individuals. can do.

  53-56, the stroke characteristics of selected individuals can be compared. In the examples of FIGS. 53-56, a comparison of closed angle / stroke type, impact angle, and tempo between selected individuals is illustrated. However, portable electronic device 1000 may display a comparison of impact lie angle and loft angle between individuals selected according to impact lie angle display 1667 and loft angle display 1668 as described above. The systems, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

  Referring to FIG. 53, after the individual selects the comparison area 1812, the GUI 1114 can display a comparison result between the stroke types of the primary person and the secondary person in the stroke type comparison display 1820. Comparing stroke types of primary and secondary individuals can involve displaying stroke type results from selected sessions for primary individuals adjacent to stroke type results from selected sessions for secondary individuals. . As shown in the example of FIG. 53, a stroke type display 1662 with respect to FIG. 47, as described in detail above, may be displayed for each individual.

  Referring to FIG. 54, the GUI 1114 can also display the comparison result of the stroke impact angle of the primary person and the secondary person on the impact angle comparison display 1822. Comparing stroke impact angles of primary and secondary individuals involves displaying impact angle results from selected sessions for primary individuals adjacent to stroke type results from selected sessions for secondary individuals. sell. As shown in the example of FIG. 46, an impact angle display 1664 with respect to FIG. 47, as described in detail above, may be displayed for each individual. An individual swipes the surface of GUI 1114, touches one or more areas on GUI 1114, and / or presses one or more buttons on portable electronic device 1000 between the displays of FIGS. You can scroll by.

  Referring to FIG. 55, the GUI 1114 can also display the comparison result of the tempo of the primary person and the secondary person on the tempo comparison display 1824. Comparing the tempo of the primary and secondary individuals may involve displaying the tempo from the selected session for the primary individual adjacent to the tempo results from the selected session for the secondary individual. As shown in the example of FIG. 55, a tempo display 1666 with respect to FIG. 41, as described in detail above, may be displayed for each individual. An individual swipes the surface of GUI 1114, touches one or more areas on GUI 1114, and / or presses one or more buttons on portable electronic device 1000 between the displays of FIGS. You can scroll by.

  With reference to FIG. 56, the GUI 1114 may also display a consistency comparison of the primary and secondary individuals on the consistency display 1826. Comparing the consistency of the primary and secondary individuals is a session consistency display for the primary person that is adjacent to the consistency score from the selected session for the secondary person in the session consistency display 1828 for the secondary person. It may involve displaying a consistency score from the selected session for the primary individual in 1828. An individual swipes the surface of the GUI 1114, touches one or more areas on the GUI 1114, and / or presses one or more buttons on the portable electronic device 1000 between the displays of FIGS. You can scroll by.

  Although not shown, the GUI may display a primary individual's putting handicap PHcp and compare it to the putting handicap of a secondary individual (eg, a friend, professional golfer, etc.). For example, the software may include a putting handicap comparison display that allows two or more individual putting handicaps to be shown side by side. The systems, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

  The individual touches identification area 1420 where his profile, photograph, stroke characteristics, PHcp, and / or consistency score are displayed on practice display 1400, measurement display 1600, measurement result display 1660, and comparison display 1800. Or it may be confirmed by pressing. Thereafter, a user profile display 1850 is displayed on the GUI 1114 as shown in FIG. User profile display 1850 may include an individual's consistency score 1852 plotted against the corresponding measurement session completed by the individual. The plotted consistency score 1852 can be connected to a consistency trend line 1854. As shown in FIG. 57, the consistency trend line 1854 visually communicates to the individual his / her consistency tendency, ie improvement and / or setback.

  As explained in detail above, PHcp can be calculated for an individual based on the individual's consistency score for each measurement session. Accordingly, PHcp may be affected based on the respective consistency score, i.e., increase or decrease. As shown in FIG. 57, the user profile display 1850 may include an individual's PHcp plotted as a PHcp trend line 1856 against the corresponding measurement session that the individual completes. The PHcp trend line 1856 visually conveys the individual's PHcp trend to the individual. User profile display 1850 may also include a current PHcp 1858 for the individual. In the example of FIG. 57, the current PHcp 1858 for person 1 is shown as being 1.3. Thus, an individual can obtain a snapshot view of his current and past putting performance using the user profile display 1850.

  FIG. 58 shows how the measurement display 1600 and submenu icon 1310 display a submenu 1900 activated by an individual. Submenu 1900 may include selectable options such as Home option 1902, Help option 1904, Skins Game option 1906, Club Fit option 1908, Users option 1910, and / or Pros option 1912. When the Home option 1902 is selected, the display on the GUI 1114 can be returned to the main display 1300. Selecting Help option 1904 may provide a person with help information regarding using the different menus, options, and / or procedures described herein. The Skins Game option 1906 can operate the portable electronic device 1000 through the process described in detail below so that an individual can compete with one or more locally or remotely located individuals. it can. The Club Fit option 1908, described in detail below, provides an individual with guidance on selecting a golf club suitable for the individual based on his / her stroke characteristics. The Users option 1910 returns the display on the GUI 1114 to the user profile display 1850, described in detail above. The Pros option 1912 displays the golf pro profile and its corresponding consistency score and / or PHcp stored on the server 1512 by the golf pro and made available to the user of the software for comparison purposes.

  According to the foregoing, an individual's stroke characteristics can be measured and displayed to the individual by using the portable electronic device 1000 attached to the golf club with the device holder 100. As described in detail below, the present disclosure can also provide individuals with result-oriented information, such as the speed of the golf ball from the moment it is struck with the golf club until the ball stops at its final position and / or It may refer to the trajectory and whether the putt was successful (ie, the ball fell into the golf cup).

  FIGS. 59 and 60 illustrate an exemplary process 2000 that allows an individual to determine the results of multiple putts and identify various result-oriented information, such as the individual's tendency to miss. An individual can activate process 2000 by touching an icon (not shown) on GUI 1114 corresponding to process 2000. Alternatively, the individual may activate process 2000 by pressing one or more buttons (not shown) on the portable electronic device and / or using a voice command. An icon for starting the process 2000 can be prepared in the main menu 1302. Alternatively, process 2000 may be activated by using a corresponding option in submenu 1900. Invoking process 2000 may cause processing device 1110 to retrieve at least a portion of the program code and data associated with the portion from which the program code is retrieved from storage device 1116 and program as described in detail below. It may involve executing code to operate portable electronic device 1000 and perform process 2000.

  Referring to FIG. 60, process 2000 includes receiving data corresponding to the final position of the golf ball after the put (block 2004) and displaying the position of the golf club graphically (block 2008). Referring to FIG. 60, process 2000 may further include instructing the individual to put the golf ball (block 2002). The portable electronic device then receives data corresponding to the final position of the golf ball after the pad (block 2004). The individual may wish to continue putting (block 2006). Accordingly, the individual is again signaled or directed to put another golf ball or the same golf ball (block 2002). However, an individual may want to stop putting and see the result of his putting (block 2006), ie the final position of the ball. The position of the golf ball after the pad is then displayed graphically (block 2008). The operation of electronic device 1000 when executing process 2000 will be described below.

  As described above, an individual can select an icon (not shown) on GUI 1114 to launch process 2000. For example, the main menu 1302 or the submenu 1900 may each include an icon or option (not shown), which allows the individual to launch the process 2000. The icon or submenu option can include text or graphics. Alternatively, process 2000 may be performed concurrently with process 1270 of FIGS. 33 and 34 and / or process 1500 of FIGS. Accordingly, process 2000 can be performed in a practice session and / or a measurement session. Accordingly, the process 2000 may be activated by selecting the practice icon 1304 or the measurement icon 1306.

  An individual can attach the portable electronic device 1000 to his / her putter with the device holder 100. The individual can then put one or more golf balls in a putting area at a specific distance from the golf cup. This distance may generally be a consistent distance so that an individual can determine his or her tendency to miss from a particular distance. For example, the individual may choose to practice putting from 10 feet from the hole. However, the putting distance can vary. Referring to FIG. 61, the GUI 1114 may present an individual with a schematic display of the putting area 2020 that includes the target golf cup 2022. The schematic representation of the putting area 2020 is shown to be divided into several sections 2024 so that the individual can more accurately specify the position of the ball as described herein. it can. In the example of FIG. 61, these sections 2024 are quadrants defined by a normal 2026.

  An individual can manually record the putting result on a schematic display of the putting area 2020 by touching the area on the GUI 1114 that generally corresponds to the actual position of the ball in the putting area with respect to the golf cup. . The portable electronic device 1000 may include a zoom function on the GUI 1114 that allows an individual to zoom in on a particular portion of the schematic display of the putting area 2020 for more accurate placement of the ball representation. After specifying the position of the ball, the ball can be displayed on the GUI 1114 with the symbol 2028. In FIG. 61, the direction of putting is indicated by an arrow 2027.

  The shape, size, and / or color of the symbol 2028 depends on the golf club used by the individual to put the ball, the distance from the golf cup at which the put is attempted, the individual's stroke characteristics, the individual's setup to try the put Certain information regarding the position of the ball within the putting area may be conveyed, such as the position and / or other information to distinguish one pad from another. For example, the color of the symbol 2028 may indicate whether the ball corresponding to the symbol has significantly deviated from the golf cup 2022. A ball that is far off the golf cup 2022 is indicated by a red symbol, while a ball that has not reached the cup 2022 can be indicated by a green symbol 2022. In another example, the shape, size, and / or color of the symbol representing the ball may depend on the quadrant 2024 where the ball rests after the putt. In another example, the shape, size, and / or color of the symbol representing the ball may depend on the individual's stroke type, impact angle, and tempo when putting the ball. In yet another example, the shape, size, and / or color of the symbol that represents the ball may depend on the type of golf club used by the individual. In the example of FIG. 61, a ball that does not reach the golf cup 2022 is indicated by a hollow circle, a ball that is largely off the golf cup 2022 is indicated by a solid circle, and a ball that has been successfully put is half-clogged. Shown as a circle.

  The individual can then try additional putts and record the results of each putt as well. At any time or when the individual no longer wants to continue, the individual can check the schematic display of the putting area 2020 to determine his or her putting tendency. The schematic representation of the putting area 2020 is similar to a scatter plot, which can show a pattern or trend when there are enough data points. For example, after a few pads, such as 4 or 6 pads, the number of symbols 2028 on the schematic display in the putting area 2020 may not be sufficient to convey the pattern or trend to the individual. However, as shown in FIG. 53, after a sufficient number of putts, there appears a pattern in which certain symbols can appear in clusters or in groups, thereby representing a particular pattern or trend Can do. As shown in FIG. 61, a cluster or group of symbols may be shown on the schematic representation of the putting area 2020, as in the trend cluster area 2029 that defines the cluster or group. For example, in FIG. 61, some specific clusters or groups of symbols are shown surrounded by a dashed circle. In another example, the symbols in each cluster may be shown to be the same shape, size, color, and / or have similar visual characteristics.

  Referring again to FIGS. 59 and 60, the process 2000 may be performed without attaching the portable electronic device 1000 to the device holder 100 and without attaching it to the golf club. Thus, after each putt attempt, the individual removes portable electronic device 1000 from his pocket, belt clip, or other storage device that can be attached to the individual or placed in the individual's golf bag As described, the approximate position of the ball relative to the golf cup 2022 can be recorded. However, when the portable electronic device 1000 is placed in the device holder 100 and attached to the putter shaft, in addition to the person recording the approximate position of the ball graphically and generating the scatter plot described above, the portable electronic device 1000 1000 can also determine an individual's stroke characteristics as described in detail above. From the individual's tendency to miss by the scatter diagram and the individual's stroke characteristics, correction of the individual's putting stroke that can exhibit better putting performance may be proposed to the individual. For example, the shape, size, and / or color of the scatter plot symbol 2028 may correspond to a person's stroke type, impact angle, and / or tempo for each pat. In another example, a correlation between a pattern or cluster of symbols 2028 that can be visually displayed to an individual and an individual's consistency score or PHcp and / or an improvement in the consistency score or PHcp can be determined. Thus, the correlation of an individual's stroke characteristics as determined by processes 1270 and 1500, and the results of process 2000, can be determined to assist individuals who improve their putting stroke and performance.

  Based on a trend cluster area 2029 that visually highlights one or more clusters or groups of symbols and / or patterns or trends, an individual determines his putting tendency and, in some cases, improves his putting performance. You can take action. For example, the trend cluster area 2031 may represent a pattern performed by an individual using a first pattern, and the trend cluster area 2033 uses a second pattern that differs from the first pattern in one or more respects. May represent a putt performed by an individual. The putter performed with the first putter does not reach the golf cup 2022 and is shown to be on the right side of the golf cup 2022, but the putt performed with the second putter deviates significantly from the golf cup 2022. Further, it is shown to be on the right side of the golf cup 2022. Based on the patterns shown by trend cluster regions 2031 and 2033 and the corresponding putters used, an individual can select different styles of putters for better results. In another example, region 2031 can represent a putt made from a particular putting distance and region 2033 can represent a putt made from another putting distance. Therefore, the individual can determine his / her putting tendency based on the putting distance.

  In the schematic representation of the putter area 2020, an individual determines his or her putting tendency based on one or more putting-related parameters such as putting stance, stroke characteristics, golf club characteristics, and / or fitting to an individual and / or putting style. can do. Thus, an individual can use his scatter plot as described in detail above to improve his performance for each of the noted putting relationship parameters or other putting relationship parameters.

  In another example, the portable electronic device 1000 may query the person graphically for information regarding the putting attempt instead of, or in conjunction with, touching the schematic display of the putting area 2020. For example, instead of touching the screen and placing the symbol 2028 on the schematic display of the putting area 2020 corresponding to the actual position of the ball, the individual can approximate the distance from the cup to the ball, the lateral position from the cup to the ball. (Ie, left or right) and / or whether the ball has left the cup may be entered.

  According to process 2000, the individual manually provides data regarding the position of the golf ball after the pad to portable electronic device 1000. However, as described below, the process of determining the velocity, trajectory, and / or placement of a golf ball, either continuously or at discrete time intervals, eliminates the need for personal input. It can be at least partially or fully automated.

  With reference to FIGS. 62-65, an exemplary golf cup 2100 is generally illustrated. The golf cup 2100 may generally include a cylindrical wall 2102 and a bottom 2104, which may have a central bore 2106 for receiving a flagpole (not shown). As the golf ball enters the golf cup 2100, it falls to the bottom 2104 and remains there until the individual removes it.

  According to an example, the golf cup 2100 can include at least one sensor assembly 2110 for detecting and indicating the presence of a golf ball in the golf cup and / or that the golf ball has entered the golf cup. . The sensor assembly 2110 is shown in FIG. 64 on the lip of the golf cup 2100 as shown in FIG. 63, somewhere near the outside of the golf cup 2100 as shown in FIG. On the cylindrical wall 2102 and / or on the bottom 2104 as shown in FIG. The sensor assembly 2110 of FIGS. 62-64 may partially enclose a hole as shown or completely enclose a hole (not shown).

  Referring to FIG. 66, the sensor assembly 2110 may include at least one sensor 2112 that can detect movement, weight, impact, light, and / or other physical parameters or characteristics. Any type of sensor may be used to detect the presence of a golf ball near and / or inside the golf cup 2100. The sensor assembly 2110 of FIG. 66 is shown configured to rest on the bottom 2104 of the golf cup 2100 as shown in FIG. In addition, the sensor 2110 is of a type that can communicate with a wireless IC tag (RFID) sensor on or inside the golf ball and / or a transceiver on or inside the golf ball. It may be a sensor. For example, a sensor that detects weight may be disposed at the bottom of the golf cup 2100 to detect the weight of the golf ball. In another example, the sensor that detects the impact may be a piezoelectric sensor or an accelerometer disposed at the bottom of the golf cup 2100 and can detect the impact of the bottom of the golf cup 2100 and the ball. In yet another example, an optical sensor located at the bottom of the golf cup 2100 detects the presence of a golf ball at the bottom of the golf cup 2100 as a result of the ball at least partially blocking light reaching the sensor. Can do.

  With reference to FIG. 67, an exemplary sensor assembly 2110 may include one or more sensors 2112, a processor 2114, a memory 2116, and at least one transmitter 2118. Sensor assembly 2110 may also include a power source 2120. However, the sensor assembly 2110 can operate without a power source, in which case the piezoelectric module generates a short burst of current after impact with the golf ball. Such a current burst may be sufficient to operate the sensor assembly 2110 as intended, i.e., to transmit a signal indicating the presence of a ball in the golf cup 2100. The powered sensor assembly 2110 may comprise a continuous power source 2120, such as a battery and / or one or more solar cells, to power the circuitry of the sensor assembly 2110.

  When the sensor assembly 2110 detects that the ball has entered the golf cup 2100, it can transmit or broadcast a signal at the transmitter 2118. Thus, the sensor assembly 2110 can only perform one-way communication, i.e., only transmit information. However, the sensor assembly 2110 may also include a receiver 2122 that allows bi-directional communication. Accordingly, the sensor assembly 2110 can establish and maintain communication with external devices. The transmitter 2118 and / or the receiver 2122 are formulated by a dedicated communication protocol, any of the wireless communication protocols described herein, Bluetooth® technology, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). 802. xx standard family and / or variants and evolutions of these standards (eg, 802.11x, 802.15, 802.16x, etc.), ultra-wideband (UWB), near field communication (NFC), and / or wireless IC It may operate according to a tag (RFID), communicate with another device, and / or exchange data.

  The sensor assembly 2110 may be a portable portable unit that can be used by an individual in combination with the portable electronic device 1000. The sensor assembly 2110 may have a compact form. The sensor assembly 2110 can take the form of a relatively thin pad that can be placed by an individual inside the golf cup 2100 at the bottom 2104 of the golf cup 2100 (eg, as generally shown in FIGS. 64 and 65). ) Thus, an individual can put the sensor assembly 2110 into the golf cup 2110 to practice putting and move the sensor assembly 2110 to another golf cup. The portable electronic device 1000 can communicate with the sensor assembly 2110 to receive data from the sensor assembly 2110 regarding the presence of the golf ball and / or the golf ball entering the golf cup 2100.

  Referring to FIG. 68, a process 2200 for determining generally to detect a ball with respect to a cup by using a sensor assembly 2110 is illustrated. Process 2200 includes detecting a ball with respect to the golf cup (block 2204) and transmitting data indicating that the ball has been detected with respect to the golf cup (block 2206). The process of FIG. 68 may be performed by sensor assembly 2110 capable of two-way communication, i.e., transmission and reception, and by sensor assembly 2110 capable of only data transmission. If the sensor assembly 2110 is a portable sensor assembly as described above, an individual can place the sensor assembly 2110 on the bottom of the golf cup 2100. The sensor assembly 2110 may be placed in the golf cup 2100 prior to the putting session.

  Referring to FIG. 69, the process 2200 can further include establishing communication between the sensor assembly 2110 and a portable electronic device, such as the disclosed portable electronic device 1000 (block 2202). The establishment of communication between the sensor assembly 2110 and the portable electronic device 1000 can be performed automatically or by an individual who actively performs certain connection procedures to establish communication. For example, if the sensor assembly 2110 and the portable electronic device 1000 are sufficiently close to and / or within a specific communication range, the portable electronic device 1000 automatically identifies the sensor assembly 2110 and the sensor assembly Communication with 2110 may be established. Alternatively, for example, the portable electronic device 1000 automatically identifies the sensor assembly 2110, but communication between the portable electronic device 1000 and the sensor assembly 2110 is established only when an individual requests such communication. sell. The establishment of communication between sensor assembly 2110 and portable electronic device 1000 must be performed only once when the identification of sensor assembly 2110 is stored in portable electronic device 1000 for future communication. Also good. In the latter alternative, the individual has the option of establishing communication between the portable electronic device 1000 and one or more specific sensor assemblies 2110 rather than all of the sensor assemblies 2110 that are within a specific communication range. Have

  Sensor assembly 2110 can detect the ball with respect to the golf cup. For example, the sensor assembly 2110 may include one or more proximity sensors that detect nearby objects. The sensor assembly 2110 can be configured to detect nearby objects that are similar in configuration to a golf ball. The sensor assembly 2110 can also detect a ball inside the golf cup. Sensor assembly 2110 is described in detail below as detecting a golf ball in a golf cup. However, the disclosed sensor assembly 2110 can be configured to detect a golf ball with respect to the golf cup, ie, near and / or inside the golf cup.

  When the individual hits the golf ball in a put attempt and the golf ball enters the golf cup 2100, the sensor assembly 2110 detects that the ball has entered the golf cup 2100 (block 2004). The sensor assembly 2110 then transmits data regarding the ball entering the golf cup 2100 to the portable electronic device 1000 (block 2006). If the sensor assembly 2110 is not equipped with a receiver, transmission of data regarding the ball entering the golf cup 2100 continues with one or more broadcast transmissions at discrete time intervals during a period of time. May be. For example, the sensor assembly 2110 may continuously broadcast the signal for 5-10 seconds so that a portable electronic device sufficiently close to the sensor assembly 2110 can receive the signal. Alternatively, the sensor assembly 2110 may send a signal every 0.5 seconds for 5-10 seconds so that a portable electronic device sufficiently close to the sensor assembly 2110 can receive the signal. Thus, a portable electronic device, such as the disclosed portable electronic device 1000, can successfully receive one of the transmitted messages and ignore repeated transmissions. If the sensor assembly 2110 includes both a transmitter and a receiver, the sensor assembly 2110 may notify the portable electronic device that the ball has entered the golf cup 2100 through two-way communication. For example, the sensor assembly 2110 may send a signal regarding the status of the golf ball to the portable electronic device 1000, and the portable electronic device 1000 may confirm receipt by sending an acknowledgment to the sensor assembly 2110. .

  As described above, the sensor assembly 2110 can transmit data regarding successful putts. However, if a golf ball does not enter the golf cup 2100 after a putt attempt, the absence of a signal transmitted from the sensor assembly 2110 after a certain period of time has caused the putt to be unsuccessful by the portable electronic device 1000. It can be interpreted as something. With reference to FIG. 70, a process 2250 for detecting a golf ball in a golf cup is shown from the perspective of a portable electronic device, such as the disclosed portable electronic device 1000. Process 2250 includes establishing communication (not shown) with a sensor assembly, such as sensor assembly 2110, which may be located inside or near the golf cup. When an individual hits a golf ball with his putter toward the golf cup, the portable electronic device can record the time the golf ball was hit with the putter (block 2252). If the portable electronic device 1000 does not receive data from the sensor assembly 2110 indicating that the ball has entered the golf cup after a certain waiting period has elapsed (block 2254), the portable electronic device 1000 may have missed a putt. (Block 2256). However, if the portable electronic device receives data from the sensor assembly 2110 (block 2254) indicating that the ball has entered the golf cup after a specified waiting period has elapsed (block 2254), the portable electronic device 1000 has successfully put. (Block 2258). The waiting period can be set to a value that is generally greater than the length of time required when putting from a consistent distance (eg, 10 ft.). Alternatively, the waiting period can be set to a specific waiting period long enough to contain the time generally required to perform a very long putt. In another alternative, if a golf ball is struck with a golf club in a put attempt, portable electronic device 1000 may transmit the time that the ball was struck to sensor assembly 2110. If the sensor assembly 2110 does not detect that the golf ball has entered the golf cup 2110 during a waiting period after the time the ball was hit by the golf club, the sensor assembly 2110 may send a signal indicating a miss to the portable electronic device 1000. May be sent to.

  As described in detail above, portable electronic device 1000 may analyze each putt to determine stroke characteristics, putting consistency, and putting handicap for the individual. Thus, a correlation between an individual's stroke characteristics and an individual's putting result for each putting attempt can be determined to determine some of the individual's putting tendency that resulted in putting success or putting failure. . As explained in detail above, by finding the correlation between the stroke characteristics analysis results and the result-oriented information, by modifying your stroke so that the individual performs a more successful putt, It becomes possible to improve one's putting performance. In addition, an individual may not need to record a successful put attempt in the scatter plot of FIG. 61, which indicates that the portable electronic device 1000 receives data from the sensor assembly 1708 indicating each successful put attempt. Because it can be done. Accordingly, the portable electronic device 1000 can record the final position of the golf ball in the scatter diagram after receiving information regarding the relative position of the golf ball to the golf cup.

  Referring to FIG. 71, a golf ball 2300 can include at least one sensor 2302, which can be a portable electronic device such as the disclosed portable electronic device 1000 and / or a disclosed sensor assembly 2110 or the like. It may be any type of sensor that can at least identify the golf ball 2300 by using the sensor assembly. For example, the sensor 2302 may be an RFID sensor embedded inside the ball 2300. Accordingly, sensor assembly 2110 and / or portable electronic device 1000 can include an RFID reader for identifying ball 2300. Alternatively, sensor 2302 can be a type of sensor that can send at least the identification of ball 2300 to an external device, such as portable electronic device 1000 and / or sensor assembly 2110.

  Portable electronic device 1000 may also receive sufficient information from sensor 2302 to determine the speed, spin characteristics, and / or placement of ball 2300 at certain time intervals. Based on the speed and placement information obtained from sensor 2302 and based on general friction characteristics (eg, green speed) between ball 2300 and the ground, portable electronic device 1000 may determine the estimated trajectory of ball 2300, and / or An approximate position where the ball 2300 can rest after putting may be determined. For example, the portable electronic device 1000 may include a GPS sensor so that the position of the ball 2300 at the moment of hitting the ball 2300 is known. As the distance between the ball 2300 and the portable electronic device 1000 increases, the portable electronic device 1000 may track the movement of the ball 2300 by communicating with the ball at specific time intervals. The signals received from the ball 2300 at certain time intervals can be used to determine the speed and rotational characteristics of the ball 2300 by methods such as Doppler shift. The portable electronic device 1000 can then determine the distance of the ball from the portable electronic device 1000 based on the speed information. The systems, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect. Thus, any type of sensor in the ball 2300 is used to communicate with any type of electronic system and / or device and to provide information regarding the motion and placement characteristics of the ball 2300 to the electronic system and / or device. May be.

  Referring to FIG. 72, a process 2350 using the ball 2300 is shown. The portable electronic device 1000 automatically identifies one or more balls 2300 used by the individual (block 2352). Alternatively, or in conjunction with portable electronic device 1000, sensor assembly 2110 may automatically identify one or more balls 2300 (block 2352). An individual may place a number of balls 2300 in the putting area and / or close to him, such as his golf bag. The sensor 2302 of each ball 2300 may have a unique identifier that may be received by the portable electronic device 1000 and / or sensor assembly 2110. Accordingly, the portable electronic device 1000 and / or sensor assembly 2110 can recognize and track all of the balls 2300 that are near the portable electronic device 1000 and / or sensor assembly 2110.

  An individual may perform at least one putt with the ball 2300. As described above, portable electronic device 1000 and / or sensor assembly 2110 may detect, track, and / or determine the position of ball 2300 after the pad (block 2356). In addition, the portable electronic device 1000 and / or sensor assembly 2110 may move the motion characteristics of the ball 2300 from the golf club toward the golf cup, either continuously or at certain time intervals. Detection may determine the speed, trajectory, and / or placement of the golf ball. Sensor assembly 2110 and portable electronic device 1000 may communicate with each other data regarding the position of ball 2300 so that the portable electronic device can determine more accurate motion characteristics and placement information for ball 2300.

  As described in detail above, portable electronic device 1000 may analyze each putt to determine stroke characteristics, putting consistency, and putting handicap for the individual. Therefore, the correlation between an individual's stroke characteristics and information about the ball's placement, speed, and / or trajectory for each putt trial is determined to account for the individual's putting tendency that resulted in a putt success or unsuccessful putt. Some of them can be determined. As explained in detail above, by finding the correlation between the stroke characteristics analysis results and the result-oriented information, by modifying your stroke so that the individual performs a more successful putt, It becomes possible to improve one's putting performance.

  Referring to FIG. 61, the final position of each ball 2300 after the pad may be known with respect to the golf cup 2022 and / or with respect to the portable electronic device 1000. Thus, based on the placement of each ball 2300 as determined by the portable electronic device 1000, as described above, the scatter plot of FIG. Can be generated automatically. Thus, by placing one or more sensors 2302 within the ball 2300, the individual does not have to manually enter the position of the ball into the electronic device 1000.

  Referring to FIG. 73, one or more cameras 2400 are placed at or near a golf cup, such as golf cup 2100, thereby tracking the placement of the ball near the camera or after the pad. In addition, an image of a ball such as the ball 2300 may be captured. For example, the camera 2400 can be mounted on a flagpole 2402, as shown in FIG. The camera 2400 may be a digital camera having one or more charge coupled devices (CCD) and / or active pixel sensors (CMOS) and capturing images digitally. Referring to FIG. 74, the camera 2400 may include an image capture device 2410 (CCD or CMOS), a processor 2412, a memory 2414, and a transceiver 2416. A portable electronic device, such as the disclosed portable electronic device 1000, can establish communication with the transceiver 2416 and receive captured images and associated data from the camera 2400. The transceiver 2416 and the portable electronic device 1000 can communicate by using a wireless communication method, such as a dedicated communication method or the standard wireless communication standard described herein. The camera 2400 can also include a power source 2418, which can be a battery or a solar energy device, such as a solar battery.

  The camera 2400 can capture one or more images of one or more golf balls around the hole and determine the placement and / or movement pattern of each golf ball. The camera can capture still images or video (ie, a series of images captured at a specific frame rate, such as between 20 and 60 frames / second). Because golf balls generally have consistent dimensions, golf balls can be distinguished by images captured by a camera. For example, a white circle appearing in an image with a green background can be identified as a golf ball placed on the putting green. The camera 2400 captures one or more images with the image capture device 2410, stores the one or more images in the memory 2414, and / or processes the images with the processor 2412 to provide motion characteristics of the golf ball. And / or the position of the golf ball can be determined with respect to the camera 2400 and / or the golf cup 2100. Multiple images may be required to determine the speed of the golf ball and / or the trajectory of the golf ball. However, one image is sufficient to determine the placement of the golf ball. Accordingly, the camera 2400 can capture multiple images and determine the speed and / or trajectory of the golf ball with the processor 2412. Alternatively, or in conjunction with captured image self-processing, the camera 2400 may send image data to the portable electronic device 1000 for processing. Thus, the portable electronic device 1000 can process the captured image to determine the golf ball's motion characteristics and / or the distance of the golf ball from the portable electronic device 1000 and / or the golf cup 2100. Although a single camera 2400 is described, a plurality of cameras may be provided near the golf cup 2100 at the golf cup 2100 to perform the disclosed method. By providing multiple cameras at or near the golf cup 2100, the speed, trajectory, and / or placement of the ball can be more accurately determined. In addition, triangulation methods can be applied to images captured from multiple cameras to more accurately determine golf ball motion characteristics and / or placement.

  The portable electronic device 1000 can include a digital camera that can perform the disclosed image capture functions. Thus, the individual attaches the first portable electronic device 1001 to the putter shaft 800 with a first device holder 101, similar to FIG. 11, as shown in FIG. Device 1002 may be attached to flagpole 2402 with a second device holder 102 as shown in FIG. The second portable electronic device 1002 functions as a digital camera, as described above, but the first portable electronic device 1001 determines the stroke characteristics, as also described above. Can function to operate software. The two portable electronic devices 1001 and 1002 can communicate with each other as described below.

  Referring to FIG. 77, a process 2420 using a camera 2400 that may be part of a second portable electronic device 1002 is shown. The camera 2400 can be mounted on a flag pole 2402 as shown in FIG. Alternatively, if the portable electronic device 1002 is used as a camera, the portable electronic device 1002 can be attached to the flagpole 2402 with the second device holder 102. Camera 2400 may capture at least one image of the ball when the individual puts the ball (block 2422). The image can be captured almost instantaneously when the ball is stationary or after a certain sufficient waiting period when the ball is stationary. The at least one captured image is then processed to determine the final position of the golf ball (block 2424). If multiple images are captured while the ball is moving, the motion characteristics of the ball can also be determined (not shown). Thus, the speed, trajectory, and / or placement of the ball can be determined continuously or at specific time intervals (not shown).

  Referring to FIG. 78, a process 2450 for using two portable electronic devices 1001 and 1002 is shown. The second portable electronic device 1002 can be attached to the flagpole 2402 with the second device holder 102. In addition, the camera lens of the second portable device 1002 may generally refer to a direction in which an individual may be putting one or more golf balls. The first portable electronic device 1001 is a first device holder 101 that can be attached to a personal putter as described in detail above.

  Process 2450 includes establishing communication between first portable electronic device 1001 and second portable electronic device 1002 (block 2452). After communication is established, the individual can put the golf ball toward the golf club, ie, the flag 2402. Accordingly, as described in detail above, the first portable electronic device 1001 can determine an individual's stroke characteristics (block 2454). The second portable electronic device 1002 can capture one or more images or video of the putting area (block 2456). Either the first portable electronic device 1001 or the second portable electronic device 1002 can process the captured image to determine the motion characteristics and / or placement of the golf ball (block 2458). When the first portable electronic device 1001 processes the captured image, the second portable electronic device 1002 can transmit the captured image to the first portable electronic device 1002. Process 2450 may then determine the individual's putting performance based on the individual's stroke characteristics and golf ball motion characteristics and / or placement (block 2460).

  The first device holder 101 and the second device holder 102 may be the same or similar in many respects. For example, if the first device holder 101 and the second device holder 102 are the same, the clamp portions of both devices (such as the clamp portion 300 of the device holder 100) are configured to be attached to the putter shaft and flagpole. Can be done. Thus, because the flagpole may have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of a typical putter shaft, the clamp portion may be configured to accept a variable large diameter pole, rod, or shaft. In another example, the first device holder 101 and the second device holder 102 may be similar in many respects except for each clamp portion. The clamp portion of the first device holder 101 can be configured to be attached to the putter shaft, while the clamp portion of the second device holder 101 can be configured to be attached to the flagpole.

  Processes 2420 and 2450 allow an individual to make several putts from a consistent distance. For each pad, the camera 2400 or the camera of the second portable electronic device 1002 can capture an image of the ball. The camera can capture images continuously in video capture mode or at discrete intervals. In one example, an individual swings his golf club to reduce the area required in the memory of the first portable electronic device 1001 and / or the second portable electronic device 1002 to store images, and The camera may be activated when hitting the ball. Accordingly, the first portable electronic device 1001 transmits a signal to the second portable electronic device 1002 when the individual swings the golf club and / or the golf club hits the ball, Device 1002 may capture an image of the ball from the moment the putt begins or just before the golf club hits the ball. The camera of the second portable electronic device 1002 may stop capturing the image after detecting that the ball is no longer moving. Alternatively, the camera of the second portable electronic device 1002 may stop capturing images after a certain period, such as the period typically required to perform a long putt in general.

  If the camera 2400 or the camera of the second portable electronic device 1002 captures multiple images or videos in the same putt trial, the ball speed, placement, and / or trajectory is determined each time an image is captured Can be done. In one example, the second portable electronic device 1002 can determine ball movement characteristics based on the captured image and send ball movement characteristic data to the first portable electronic device 1001. Alternatively, the second portable electronic device 1002 may send the captured image to the first portable electronic device 1001 so that the first portable electronic device 1001 can determine the movement characteristics of the ball.

  As described in detail above, one of the portable electronic devices 1001 or 1002 attached to the putter shaft at the device holder 101 or 102, respectively, analyzes the respective putts and determines the stroke characteristics for the individual, Putting consistency and putting handicap can also be determined. Thus, the correlation between the individual's stroke characteristics, as determined by the captured image of the ball, and information about the ball's placement, speed, and / or trajectory for each putt attempt is determined to determine the success of the putt or the putt. Some of the individual's putting tendencies that resulted in unsuccess can be determined. By determining the correlation between stroke characteristics analysis results and result-oriented information as detailed above, individuals can modify their strokes to make a more successful putt, and It is possible to improve the putting performance.

  With reference to FIG. 61, the final position of each ball 2300 after the pad may be known with respect to the golf cup 2022 and / or with respect to the portable electronic device 1000. Thus, based on the placement of each ball 2300 as determined by the captured image as described above, the scatter diagram of FIG. 61 is automatically generated with no input from the individual or with little input from the individual. Can be generated automatically. Accordingly, by capturing an image of the ball at each pad, the individual does not have to manually input the position of the ball into the electronic device 1000.

  Referring to FIG. 82, a process 2500 for classifying a golf club into one or more golf club categories based on at least one golf club characteristic associated with the golf club is illustrated. The process 2500 classifies the golf clubs into at least one golf club category based on at least one club characteristic (block 2502) and associates at least one stroke type with the at least one golf club category (block 2504). And indicating a stroke type on the golf club based on at least one golf club category of the golf club (block 2506). Accordingly, an individual can select an appropriate type of golf club so as to obtain an optimal or almost optimal performance in consideration of the individual stroke characteristics and skill level.

  Referring again to FIGS. 28-31, golf clubs may be classified into categories based on the center of gravity (CG) position 1250 and / or CG angle 1252. Process 2000 may classify golf club 1240 into at least one of the club categories. In one example, the golf club 1240 may be a putter type golf club. Accordingly, the process 2000 can classify the golf club 1240 into a face balance putter category, a mid-hang putter category, or a toe down putter category.

  In one example, putter type golf clubs that fall into the face balance putter category have a relatively low CG angle (eg, less than 6 degrees), and the CG position is from the shaft axis 1248 (eg, from 0 to 2 inches). It can change. FIG. 79 shows an example of a face balance putter. If the face balance putter shaft is held in a horizontal position and can freely rotate about the shaft axis (in a direction through the page of FIG. 79), the head 1241 is in the horizontal position as shown in FIG. stay. Thus, the position and angle of the CG is such that the portion of the head 1241 from the shaft 1248 to the toe 1243 and the portion of the head 1241 from the shaft 1248 to the heel 1245 balance each other around the shaft axis 1248. .

  Putter-type golf clubs that fall into the mid-hang putter category have relatively medium CG angles (eg, less than 45 degrees) and relatively medium CG positions (eg, less than 1 inch) from the shaft axis 1248. You may have. Further, putter-type golf clubs that fall into the mid-hang putter category have relatively low CG angles (eg, less than 20 degrees) and CG positions that are relatively far from the shaft axis 1248 (eg, greater than 1 inch). As good as FIG. 80 shows an example of a midhang putter. When the shaft of the midhang putter is held in a horizontal position and can freely rotate about the shaft axis 1248 (in a direction through the page of FIG. 80), the head 1241 is perpendicular to the horizontal position around the shaft axis 1248. Rotate until a balanced position is found, generally midway between the positions. Accordingly, the position and angle of the CG is such that the portion of the head 1241 from the shaft 1248 to the toe 1243 is slightly out of balance with respect to the portion of the head 1241 from the shaft 1248 to the heel 1245.

  Putter-type golf clubs that fall into the toe-down putter category can have a relatively high CG angle (eg, greater than 45 degrees) and a relatively short CG position (eg, less than 1 inch) from the shaft axis 1248 Can be classified into putter categories. In addition, putter-type golf clubs that fall into the toe-down putter category have a relatively low CG angle (eg, less than 30 degrees) and a relatively distant CG position from the shaft axis 1248 (eg, greater than 1 inch). Good thing. FIG. 81 shows an example of a toe down pattern. When the shaft of the toe down putter is held in a horizontal position and can freely rotate about the shaft axis 1248 (in a direction through the page of FIG. 81), the head 1241 is generally in a vertical position around the shaft axis 1248. Rotate until a balance position close to is found. Therefore, the position and angle of the CG are such that the portion of the head 1241 from the shaft 1248 to the toe 1243 is greatly out of balance with respect to the portion of the head 1241 from the shaft 1248 to the flange 1245.

  In the above example, multiple putter categories may be defined in a particular way, but the systems, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect. That is, a plurality of putter categories can be defined by various combinations of the CG angle from the shaft axis 1248 and the CG position.

  According to the above, golf clubs can be classified into club categories based on at least one club characteristic associated with the golf club, such as CG placement and CG angle. A golf club classified into a particular category can then be associated with a stroke type for which the golf club is suitable. In one example, the face balance putter may be more suitable for straight type strokes, the mid-hang putter may be more suitable for a light arc type stroke, and the toe down putter may be more suitable for a slotted arc type stroke.

  Referring to FIGS. 83-85, a putter type golf club classified in the face balance putter category may include a stroke type indicator 2510 associated with a straight stroke type. The stroke type indicator 2510 may include a description, a letter, a number, a logo, a symbol, a color, a combination thereof, and the like. In one example, a text field 2512 is provided that describes the stroke type. For example, the text field 2512 may contain the description “Stright”, “Slight Arc”, or “Strong Arc”. The stroke type indicator 2510 can also include a graphical stroke type field 2514, which communicates the stroke type graphically to the individual. In the example of FIGS. 83 to 85, each of the straight stroke type, the slite arc stroke type, and the strong arc stroke type is represented by a partial circle 2516 and a line 2518, and the stroke type can be defined by the curvature of the line 2518. The partial circle 2516 can represent a golf cup or a hole. Tabs 2520 composing a frame of stroke type graphic representation in graphical stroke type field 2514 can identify the stroke type on stroke type indicator 2510. The indicated stroke type partial circle 2516 may also include a small solid circle 2522 representing a golf ball inside a golf cup or hole. Although not shown, some colors used on the stroke type indicator 2510 may indicate the stroke type. For example, the graphical stroke type field 2514 can have a blue, green, or red background color associated with a straight stroke type, a light arc stroke type, or a strong arc stroke type, respectively.

  FIG. 83 is an example of a stroke type indicator 2510 related to a straight type stroke that can be given by the face balance putter. The stroke type indicator 2510 contains the word “Stright” in the text field 2512 to indicate that a golf club having such a visual stroke indicator may be more suitable for an individual having a straight type stroke. The tab 2520 of the graphical stroke type field 2514 is shown to constitute a partial circle 2516 and a line 2518 that visually convey the straight type stroke to the individual as a frame. Line 2518 is shown as a straight line, and the partial circle 2516 that makes up the frame is shown as having a small solid circle 2522 that represents the golf ball in the golf cup. The word “Stright” in graphical stroke type field 2514 and / or text field 2512 may also have a specific color associated with a straight type stroke, such as blue.

  FIG. 84 is an example of a stroke type indicator 2510 associated with a light arc type stroke that may be provided with a midhang putter. The stroke type indicator 2510 contains the word “Slight Arc” in the text field 2512 to indicate that a golf club having such a stroke type indicator is likely to be more suitable for an individual having a light arc type stroke. The tab 2520 of the graphical stroke type field 2514 is shown to configure a partial circle 2516 and a line 2518 as a frame that visually conveys the straight type stroke to the individual. Line 2518 is shown as slightly arcing, and the partial circle 2516 that makes up the frame is shown as having a small solid circle 2522 that represents the golf ball in the golf cup. The graphical stroke type field 2514 and / or the word “Slight Arc” may also have a specific color associated with a straight type stroke, such as green.

  FIG. 85 is an example of a stroke type indicator 2510 associated with a light arc type stroke that may be provided with a toe down putter. The stroke type indicator 2510 contains the word “Strong Arc” in the text field 2512 to indicate that a golf club having such a stroke type indicator is likely to be more suitable for an individual having a strong arc type stroke. The tab 2520 of the graphical stroke type field 2514 is shown to configure a partial circle 2516 and a line 2518 as a frame that visually conveys the straight type stroke to the individual. Line 2518 is shown to have the largest arc as compared to line 2518 of straight and slint arc stroke type indicator 2510. The partial circle 2516 constituting the frame is shown as having a small solid circle 2522 representing the golf ball in the golf cup. The graphical stroke type field 2514 and / or the word “Strong Arc” may also have a specific color associated with a straight type stroke, such as red.

  Individual golf swing or putting stroke characterization and / or personal performance analysis can be considered to identify an appropriate type of golf club for an individual to play his best. Referring to FIG. 86, a process 2600 can recommend a golf club to an individual based on an analysis of the individual's stroke characteristics and / or personal putting performance. Process 2600 generally determines at least one stroke characteristic of the individual (block 2602), recommends at least one golf club based on the at least one stroke characteristic of the individual, and / or at least of the individual Recommending adjustment to at least one golf club based on one stroke characteristic (block 2604) may be included.

  An individual can perform process 2600 by selecting a club fitting option 1908 in submenu 1310 (eg, touching GUI 1114). After selecting the club fitting option 1908, the GUI 1114 of the portable electronic device 1000 displays a counter display 2610 as shown in FIG. Counter display 2610 is similar to counter display 1650 in many respects. Accordingly, description of similar features and functions of counter display 2610 will not be repeated here for the sake of simplicity. Counter display 2610 may further display to the individual instructions regarding the number of putts to be tried and the distance to the number of putts being tried. For example, the counter display 2610 can instruct the individual “TAKE 5 IDENTICAL 10 ft PUTTS” as shown in FIG. An individual can make a specified number of putts (eg, 5 putts) from a specified distance (eg, 10 feet) until the counter display 2610 indicates that all 5 putt attempts have been completed. .

  After completing the specified number of putts from the specified distance, the individual stroke type can be displayed on the stroke identification display 2620 as shown in FIG. The stroke identification display 2620 may include a stroke type display 2622 similar to the stroke type display 1662 of FIG. Therefore, detailed description of the stroke type display 2622 is not given here for simplicity. The stroke identification indicator 2620 can also include a stroke type indicator 2624. A process 2500 as described above can provide a stroke type indicator 2510 on the golf club to associate the golf club with a particular stroke type. The stroke type indicator 2624 displayed on the stroke identification indicator 2620 may be similar or identical to the stroke type indicator 2510 associated with the same stroke type. Therefore, detailed description of the stroke type indicator 2624 is not given here for simplicity. As described below, an individual can easily replace the displayed stroke type indicator 2624 with a similar stroke type indicator 2510 on a golf club when selecting an appropriate golf club based on the individual's stroke characteristics. Can be matched up.

  According to an example, the stroke type indicator 2510 may be a sticker attached to a corresponding golf club. According to another example, the stroke type indicator 2510 can be painted on a corresponding golf club during manufacture. According to yet another example, the stroke type indicator 2510 can be etched, embossed, or fabricated as an integral part of a golf club. Accordingly, the stroke type indicator 2510 can be placed at any position on the golf club in any manner.

  The stroke identification display 2620 also includes a “Recommend Putter” icon 2626, which is most suitable for an individual based on the personal stroke type on the recommended putter display 2630 as shown in FIG. 89 when selected by the individual. Identify putters that appear to be. The recommended putter display 2630 can indicate at least one recommended putter 2632. Recommended putter 2632 may be identified by manufacturer or model. The recommended putter display 2630 may also display the stroke type associated with the recommended putter in the form of a stroke type indicator 2624 / or 2510. An individual may have the option to see other recommended putters on the recommended putter display 2630 by scrolling between several recommended putters. The individual may also have the option of confirming the technical specifications of the recommended putter 2632. Referring to FIG. 90, the recommended putter display 2630 can include a smaller secondary display 2634 that is displayed over the recommended putter display 2630 and the material making the recommended putter 2632, the recommended putter. Includes technical specifications for recommended putter 2632, such as the weight of 2632 and / or the lie angle of recommended putter 2632. Secondary display 2634 may be activated by an individual touching a specific icon (eg, an arrow or the like) on a specific portion of recommended pattern display 2630.

  Referring to FIG. 91, the recommended putter display 2630 can include a miss trend submenu 2636 that allows an individual to select a miss trend option such as Left, None, or Right. For example, a right-handed individual who has a tendency to miss to the left of a golf hole using his current golf club is more toe down (ie, closer to the toe down direction) than his current golf club. It is better to use a golf club. Thus, such individuals can select the Left Miss Trend option from submenu 2636. In another example, individuals who have a tendency to miss to the right of a golf hole using their current golf club are more face balanced (ie, in a face balance direction) than their current golf club. ) It is better to use a golf club. Accordingly, such individuals can select the Right Miss Trend option from submenu 2636. Referring to FIG. 92, the recommended putter display 2630 can also include an alignment assistance sub-menu 2638 that allows the individual to select the alignment assistance style and / or type that he / she prefers regarding the putter. For example, the options selectable from the alignment assistance submenu 2638 may be No Preference, Minimal, Standard, or Many / Heavy.

  The recommended putter display 2630 recommends a putter to the individual based on the stroke type of the individual. However, the individual may require advanced fitting so that the recommended putter size fits the individual. Accordingly, the recommended putter display 2630 can include an altitude fitting option 2640, which upon selection causes the individual to display the altitude fitting display 2642 shown in FIG. Individuals can enter their measurements in the measurement input area 2644 by activating the measurement display 2646, as shown in FIG. The measurement display 2646 is for selecting the total height input area 2648 for the individual to input his / her height, the wrist-floor height input area 2650 for the individual to input the distance from his / her wrist to the floor, and the gender of the individual. Gender identification input area 2652 and a stance type input area 2654 for selection of a person's putting stance, such as UPLIGHT, STANDARD, and crouched posture (CROUCH). After returning to the altitude fitting display 2642, the individual selects a green speed, such as FAST, MEDIUM, or SLOW, from the green speed menu 2656, as shown in FIG. You can have options. The altitude fitting display 2642 can display a recommended putter configuration sub-display 2658 for the recommended putter 2632. The recommended putter configuration sub-indication 2658 can include a recommended length, loft, and lie angle as shown in FIGS. The speed of the golf hole putting green can be taken into account when adjusting the recommended loft angle. For example, the loft angle may decrease by 1 degree for the fast putting green, but the loft angle may increase by 1 degree for the low speed putting green. The loft angle does not have to be adjusted for medium speed putting green. The altitude fitting display 2642 can also be provided to individuals who capture or practice a putt with the recommended putter 2632 by selecting a putt capture or practice area 2660 on the GUI 1114. The systems, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

  The process 2600 may also recommend one or more adjustments to the golf club based on at least one stroke characteristic of the individual (block 2604). For example, a golf club that may already be in use by an individual can be modified to adjust the length, loft, and / or lie of the golf club to better fit the individual.

  FIG. 96 illustrates a process 2670 for fitting one or more golf clubs to an individual based on one or more photographs of the individual. Process 2670 captures at least one image of the individual (block 2672), recommends at least one golf club based on at least one captured photo of the individual, and / or captures at least one of the individual. Recommending adjustments to at least one golf club based on the photographed (block 2674).

  According to one example, process 2670 utilizes a camera of a portable electronic device, such as portable electronic device 1000, to capture one or more images of the individual. One or more captured images are analyzed by the portable electronic device 1000, so that the individual stroke characteristics as detailed herein, the physique as shown in FIG. Height and other physical measurements), and / or a putting stance such as an upright, normal, or squatting posture as shown in FIG. 94 can be determined. For example, the information shown in FIG. 94 can be determined by the portable electronic device 1000 from one or more captured images of an individual. In another example, as described in detail herein, a person's skill is determined by correlating one or more captured images of the person with the person's stroke characteristics and / or putting results. A golf club suitable for an individual can be recommended in consideration of the level. Further details of fitting one or more golf clubs to an individual based on capturing one or more images of the individual were filed on May 7, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference. Presented in US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 465,304.

  Referring to FIG. 97, a process 2700 is shown for individuals to share their putting results, such as stroke characteristics, consistency scores, and / or putting handicap. Herein, an individual, who may be referred to as a first individual, may receive a request from a second individual for sharing the putting result (block 2702). The first individual can accept the request and send his putting result to the second individual (block 2704). The putting result is transmitted from the first personal portable electronic device to the second personal portable electronic device by wired transmission, wireless transmission according to the disclosed wireless transmission standard, and / or any type of removable memory module. Can be sent directly. For example, two individuals playing golf can share their putting results with each other through their portable electronic devices via communication via Bluetooth® technology. Although an individual can request a putting result from another individual and / or receive a putting result from another individual, the request for the putting result may be from an organization. For example, an organization may be an individual, a group of individuals, or an organization. An organization may be an electronic device that can request a putting result without guidance or intervention from an individual. For example, an electronic device may be configured to request a putting result from a particular individual at certain time intervals.

  FIG. 98 shows process 2710, which is a more detailed example of process 2700. At least two individuals that may be referred to herein as the first individual and the second individual may wish to share the putting results. Sharing of the putting result can be performed in real time or based on the previous putting result. However, process 2710 shows an example of real-time sharing. The first individual can launch the software on the first portable electronic device. Similarly, the second individual can launch the software on the second portable electronic device. Process 2710 may include establishing communication between the first portable electronic device and the second portable electronic device (block 2712). To establish communication, each individual selects their portable electronic device's software communication / link function (not shown) to locate and select communication with other personal portable electronic devices, Can be established. For example, after selecting the software communication / link function (not shown), the first portable electronic device is Bluetooth (registered) that is sufficiently close to the first portable electronic device for Bluetooth® communication. Trademark) compatible devices can be displayed. The first individual can then select the second portable electronic device to establish communication with the second portable electronic device.

  Each of the first individual or the second individual can attach their portable electronic device to their golf club with a device holder. Each of the first and second individuals can perform at least one putting stroke. The at least one putting stroke may be performed according to a practice session and / or a measurement session, as described in detail above. Alternatively, the first individual can perform at least one putting stroke, while the second individual participates only as an observer. If the second individual is participating only as an observer, the individual may not have his portable electronic device attached to his golf club. According to process 2710, the first individual performs at least one putting stroke. The first portable electronic device then collects data related to at least one putting stroke (block 2714) and transmits data related to the at least one putting stroke to the second portable electronic device (block 2716). be able to. The transmitted data may be raw data collected by the portable electronic device during execution of at least one putting stroke. Alternatively, raw data collected by the first portable electronic device can be analyzed and the stroke characteristics obtained as a result of the putting stroke can be transmitted to the second portable electronic device. The second portable electronic device can store the received data and / or display the received data on the GUI of the second portable electronic device. The received data may also be used by the second electronic device for comparison purposes as disclosed.

  FIG. 99 shows an individual's putting results with others, e-mail, Facebook, Inc., Palo Alto, California. FACEBOOK® social networking service or Twitter, Inc., San Francisco, California. A process 2730 for posting to social media networks, such as the company's TWITTER® social networking service, and / or sharing via a communication network that one or more other individuals may have access to Show. According to process 2730, the individual can send his putting results to the network (block 2732). Referring again to FIG. 15, an example of a network 1150 that can communicate and share data between different network devices via the Internet 1164 is shown. After an individual transmits his putting result to the network 1150 via the Internet 1164, the putting result 1150 can be stored on the server 1152. The sending of putting results by an individual can be performed by an individual sending the result by email to another individual or group (eg, a group of individuals, a social group, an organization, or the like). When an email message containing the results is received, it can be stored on server 1152 (eg, an email server) and then sent from server 1152 to one or more other organizations. The sending of putting results by an individual is a social media server, game server, or the like that allows an individual to access the results and / or related messages, comments, explanations, or the like for data sharing Can be performed by uploading to a server 1152, which can be a The sending of putting results from an individual via a personal portable electronic device can also be performed in real time or at specific time intervals without personal control.

  According to process 2730, another individual, multiple individuals, and / or one or more organizations can access a person's putting results from network 1150 by communicating with server 1152 over the Internet 1164. . Accessing the results may be defined as confirming and / or downloading the results. In addition, an individual who has transmitted his results to server 1152 can also access the results from network 1150 if the individual no longer has putting results stored on his portable electronic device.

  Referring again to FIG. 52, to compare the results of the first individual measurement session shown in FIG. 52 as individual 1 with the results of another individual measurement session shown in FIG. May require individual 1 to access measurement session results for one or more specific putting sessions of person 2. According to processes 2700 and 2710, measurement session results for one or more putting sessions of person 2 are transferred from person 2's portable electronic device to person 1's portable electronic device after person 1 requests such a result. Can be transmitted. According to process 2730, one or more measurement session results for person 2 may be an email server, social networking server, game server, or any type of server that provides data to various electronic devices. It can be downloaded from a server, such as server 1152, by a personal 1 portable electronic device. After receiving a specific measurement session result for person 2, the received measurement session result may be stored in the memory of the portable electronic device of person 1 for future use. The systems, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

  Two or more individuals can share their putting and / or golf game results in real time through any of processes 2700, 2710, and 2730. Sharing the results in real time enables social gaming as described in detail below. Referring to FIG. 14, two or more individuals can share information in real time via their portable electronic devices that communicate directly. As shown in FIG. 98, two or more personal portable electronic devices may establish communication with each other as described in detail above (block 2712). Two or more individual portable electronic devices can then transmit information collected by the portable electronic device relating to each individual's putting stroke and game play (block 2714) to each other in real time (block 2716). ).

  Two or more individuals use a network server 1152, which may be a social media server, game server, email server, or any type of data server that other individuals or organizations can access to share data By doing so, information can be shared with each other in real time via the Internet. FIG. 100 details a process 2750 for sharing information in real time over the Internet. Process 2750 illustrates the sharing of information between two portable electronic devices: a first portable electronic device and a second portable electronic device. However, process 2750 is applicable to many portable electronic devices (eg, mobile phones, smartphones, laptop computers, tablet computers, digital music players, etc.).

  Each of the first portable electronic device and the second portable electronic device may execute software (block 2752). If the first portable electronic device and the second portable electronic device are not connected to the Internet, the first portable electronic device and the second portable electronic device may be connected to the Internet. For example, a first electronic device or a second electronic device can be continuously connected to the Internet for email, messaging, voice, or other IP (Internet Protocol) applications. Each of the first portable electronic device and the second portable electronic device may establish a connection with a server that is used to share data (block 2756). Establishing a connection with the server logs in with an account prepared on the server for a specific individual, organization, social group, gaming group, professional group, or the like, and the individual is stored on the server And may involve accessing all or specific data associated with the account. Each of the first portable electronic device and / or the second portable electronic device can be attached to the putter with a device holder as disclosed. One or more putting strokes may then be performed using at least one of the portable electronic devices (block 2758), which is a practice or measurement session as described in detail above. May be in. Data related to one or more putting strokes may be transmitted to the server and stored in a data storage area on the server associated with the individual operating the first portable electronic device. Data may be sent after every putting stroke or after a putting session (ie, multiple putting strokes). For example, after each putting stroke, the data can be automatically transmitted to the server via the Internet. The data may be raw measurement data or data that includes the results of one or more putting strokes as determined by the portable electronic device, such as stroke characteristics, consistency score, and / or putting handicap. . The server may then send the data to the second portable electronic device (block 2760). The second portable electronic device can then receive (block 2762), store, analyze, compare, and / or display the received data as disclosed herein.

  Information provided to individuals on the GUI 1114 of the portable electronic device 1000 can be shared with the general public or selected individuals. For example, individual stroke characteristics and / or club fitting results for an individual can be shared. Individuals may have information about their practice sessions, measurement sessions, comparison sessions, results-based practice sessions (ie, this can determine the tendency to make mistakes), club fitting sessions, and / or competition with other sessions. It can be shared directly with another electronic device, or it can be a social media server, game server, email server, or any kind of data server that other individuals or organizations can access for data sharing Can be uploaded to the server. Information sharing may be direct sharing with another electronic device or sharing with others via a server, including practice sessions, measurement sessions, comparison sessions, results-based practice sessions, club fitting sessions, And / or can be performed by an individual selecting the share icon 63 in competition with another session. The share icon 63 can be shown on the GUI 1114 so that individuals can select it. For example, the share icon 63 is shown in FIGS. By activating the share icon 63, the corresponding session results can be shared directly with others or via a server as described in detail below.

  Two or more locally and / or remotely located users share stroke characteristics, consistency scores, putting handicap, and / or result-oriented performance data as described in detail above. Can participate in the competition. According to one example, competition between two or more individuals takes the form of a skin game, which is a type of scoring against golf, and players compete for winnings in each individual hole. . Each hole is assigned a specific point value or prize. The player with the best score wins the hole to earn points or prizes for the hole. If two or more players are tied in a hole (e.g., half), points can be carried over to the next hole. The player who has accumulated the most points or prize money is the winner of the skin game.

  Referring to FIG. 101, a process 2800 is shown in which individuals located locally and / or remotely participate in a skin game. Process 2800 may determine a winner for each hole based on the consistency score of the individual participating in the game. A skin game may be played against one or more holes. Process 2800 includes instructing one of a plurality of participating individuals to attempt a specific number of putts for the indicated hole (blocks 2802 and 2804). The individual consistency score is then determined by the portable electronic device, as described in detail above (block 2806). If all of the individuals participating in the skin game have not played the indicated hole (block 2808), the process of playing the first hole is repeated for all participating individuals. Thus, the next participating individual plays the first hole (block 2810 and block 2802). The process 2800 then checks whether all of the participating individuals have played all of the holes (block 2812). For example, if a first hole is played by all of the participating individuals, the participating individuals should play the next hole or the second hole. Thus, the next hole will be played by all participating individuals. Thus, if not all participating individuals are playing all of the holes, the process of playing each hole is repeated as described above (block 2814 and block 2802). However, if all of the participating individuals are playing all of the holes, the winner of the skin game is determined based on all of the participating individuals' consistency scores for all of the holes (block 2816). Further details of the operation of portable electronic device 1000 when performing process 2800 and process 2800 are described below.

  Referring again to FIG. 58, the individual can select the Skins Game option 1906 to start the skin game. After selecting the Skins Game option 1906, the GUI 1114 of the portable electronic device 1000 displays the game selection menu 2900 shown in FIGS. The game selection menu 2900 shown in FIG. 103 is a continuation of the game selection menu 2900 of FIG. 102, and can be viewed by scrolling down the game selection menu 2900 of FIG. The game selection menu 2900 includes a Pass-And-Play option 2902, a Turn Based option 2904, and a Hosted option 2906, all of which relate to different procedures for a locally or remotely located individual to participate in a skin game. To do. The Pass-And-Play option 2902 allows multiple local individuals to play a skin game using a single portable electronic device. Thus, based on playing a game on each individual's turn, a single portable electronic device is passed from one individual to another during game play. The Turn-Based option 2904 allows multiple locally or remotely located individuals to play one or more skin games by communicating over the network. Hosted option 2906 allows multiple locally or remotely located individuals to play one or more skin games and display the results on a leaderboard on a large display device such as a television or large display monitor Can do. The operation of portable electronic device 1000 when each of the options in process 2800 and game selection menu 2900 is selected is described in detail below.

  One individual can select the Pass-And-Play option 2902. According to the process 2906 shown in FIG. 104, after the individuals who are believed to be participating in the skin game are determined (block 2907), the number of holes to play can be determined (block 2908). The participating individual can then play the skin game according to process 2800 and as described in detail below.

  Referring to FIG. 105, after selecting the Pass-And-Play option 2902, the portable electronic device 1000 displays a player menu 2910 from which an individual who appears to be participating in the skin game may be determined. Yes (block 2906). The player menu 2910 includes a player entry window 2912, a player addition icon 2914, a player deletion icon 2916, and a play icon 2918. A first individual, who may be referred to herein as individual 1, can enter his name in the “Player 1” player entry window 2912. The first individual may also have the option of providing his / her photo by using the photo entry icon 2920. A second individual, referred to herein as individual 2, can enter his name in the “Player 2” player entry window 2912. The second individual may also have the option of providing their own photo by using the photo entry icon 2920. To add more players, an add player (ADD PLAYER) icon 2914 may be selected, which provides an additional player entry window 2912 on the player menu 2910, where additional individuals can add their names and / or photos. Can be entered. To delete a player, a player deletion (REMOVE PLAYER) icon 2916 can be used. After the input of the player's name is completed, one of the individuals can select the play icon 2918, and FIG. 93 shows that “Play Now!” Is displayed.

  The number of holes to play may be selectable by one or more individuals playing the skin game. Referring to FIG. 106, the portable electronic device 1000 can display an option for selecting the number of holes to play after the individual selects the play icon 2918 (block 2908). According to the exemplary hole selection display 2930, the portable electronic device GUI 1114 can include a plurality of hole selection icons 2932, each icon corresponding to a specific number of holes. In the example of FIG. 106, the hole selection display 2930 shows three hole selection icons 2932 corresponding to 4 holes, 6 holes, and 9 holes. Alternatively, portable electronic device 1000 can include an entry window so that an individual can manually enter the number of holes to play.

  After selecting the number of holes to play, the portable electronic device 1000 can display a game start display 2940 as shown in FIG. Game start indication 2940 may represent the start of process 2800 (block 2802). The game start display 2940 can comprise a personal identification display 2942, an instruction window 2944, and a skin point value window 2946 where information about the skin game is provided. As shown in FIG. 107, the personal identification display 2942 can identify an individual to be played next, or an incoming number. Personal identification display 2942 may display the name of the first individual to play, shown as being, for example, individual 1. The instruction window 2944 can present general instructions regarding the game to the individual. In the example of FIG. 107, the individual is instructed to hit 5 putts so that the individual's consistency score can be determined as described in detail above. Thus, each individual can be instructed to perform a measurement session, as described in detail herein. The instruction window 2944 can also display a start icon 2948 that, when selected, starts the skin game. In the skin value window 2946, information regarding the value of the hole in the skin game can be designated. For example, FIG. 107 shows that the skin value of the first hole is 25000 or 1 skin.

  FIG. 108 shows a play display 2950 that is displayed after the start icon 2948 is selected. The play display 2950 can include a hole indicator 2952 and a counter display 2954. The hole indicator 2952 indicates the hole currently being played. The hole indicator 2952 may be visually similar to the hole into which the flagpole is inserted, as shown in the example of FIG. The counter display 2954 is similar to the counter display 1650 of FIGS. 45 and 46, and therefore a detailed description thereof will not be described here. The counter display 2954 can indicate the number of completed pads and the number of remaining pads in numerical and / or graphic form. The play display 2950 can also include a personal identification display 2942 and a skin value window 2946. Individuals may be allowed to skip their turn in skin games. Accordingly, the play display 2950 can also include a skip icon 2956 that allows an individual to skip their turn of the game.

  Referring to FIGS. 109 and 110, a personal results display 2960 is displayed on the GUI 1114 of the portable electronic device 1000 after the individual has attempted a measurement session, eg, 5 pat. FIG. 109 shows an example of a personal result display 2960 for the individual 1. After the first individual, e.g., individual 1, has performed the measurement session, the individual passes the portable electronic device 1000 to the second individual, e.g., individual 2, as described in detail above. Execute. Individual 1 and individual 2 can choose to play at the same golf club. Thus, the individual 1 can hand over his golf club with the attached portable electronic device 1000 to the individual 2 to perform his measurement session. FIG. 110 shows an example of an individual result display 2960 for the individual 2. The personal result display 2960 can comprise a personal identification display 2942, a score display 2962, and a result table display 2964. The score display 2962 displays the individual's consistency score after the measurement session. The result table display 2964 shows the current results for all individuals in tabular form. The personal result display 2960 further includes a next player (NEXT PLAYER) icon 2966. After an individual confirms his result on the personal results display 2960, the next individual can select the next player icon 2966 to play his turn. The personal result display 2960 can also include an overall result icon 2968, and when selected, the current overall result of the skin game is displayed in a tabular format (see, for example, FIG. 100).

  Referring to FIG. 111, the match result display 2970 may be displayed after all of the players have performed a measurement session for all of the holes. The match result display 2970 can show the points and skins achieved by each participating individual and the ranking of each participating individual (ie, first, second, etc.). The match result display 2970 can also include an overall result icon 2968, which, when selected, displays the overall result of the match in tabular form as shown by the scorecard display 2980 of FIG. The scorecard display 2980 includes a result table 2982 in which each row represents one of the holes played in the skin game and each column corresponds to one of the players participating in the skin game. The last row in the results table 2982 can display the total points and skins achieved by each participating player.

  Selecting the Turn-Based option 2904 allows multiple locally or remotely located individuals to play one or more skin games over the network. FIG. 113 shows an exemplary process 3000 in which multiple individuals can play a skin game over a network. Process 3000 includes an individual establishing communication with a network (block 3002). In order to establish communication with a network, an individual may need to log in to a network server, for example via the Internet. The network server can be a social media server, a game server, or the like, which other individuals or organizations have access to for data sharing. For example, the network server is Apple Inc., located in Cupertino, California. The company's Apple's Game Center network. After establishing communication with the network, the individual can choose to participate in a skin game hosted (ie, already started) by another individual with access to the network (block 3004 and 3006). Thus, an individual can play a skin game hosted by another individual (block 2800).

  However, the individual can also choose to host a new skin game (block 3004). The individual may also invite other specific individuals to participate in the new hosted skin game (block 3008). Certain other individuals may be friends, family members, or others with whom the individual is close. As described in detail below, the individual may send an invitation to play the new hosted game to other individuals over the network (block 3008). The individual can then start a new hosted game (block 3010). Since the individual is the host of the game, the individual may need to select the number of holes to play the game (block 3012) or specify other parameters of the game. The individual can then play a new hosted skin game as described in detail above with respect to process 2800 (block 2800).

  Instead of inviting certain other individuals to play new hosted skin games, individuals can access the network and join the game with other individuals who want to play skin games You can choose to do. In other words, the individual hosting the new game can automatically match up with other individuals who want to play the new hosted game. As explained in detail below, issue instructions on the network to indicate that a new hosted game is available so that other individuals can be notified and join the new hosted game Can be selected (block 3014). The individual can then start a new hosted game (block 3016). Since the individual is the host of the game, the individual may need to select the number of holes to play the game (block 3018) or specify other parameters of the game. The individual can then play a new hosted skin game as described in detail above with respect to process 2800.

  The operation of portable electronic device 1000 when process 3000 (including process 2800) and Turn-Based option 2904 are selected is described in detail below. Referring to FIG. 114, when the Turn-Based option 2904 is selected, a new game icon 3030 is displayed, which allows an individual to host a new game. In addition, an existing game icon 3032 is displayed, which allows an individual to participate in a new game hosted by another individual. An existing game icon 3032 displaying “Take Your Turn” is shown in FIG. 114, which indicates to an individual that it is their turn in a new game hosted by another individual. I am instructing.

  When the individual selects a new game icon 3030, a new game display 3050 is displayed on the portable electronic device 1000 as shown in FIG. The new game display 3050 includes a player identification window 3052 that identifies the person using the portable electronic device 1000 and who hosts the new game. This identification can refer to an individual by name, email address, nickname, network user name, or user identification, or text, number, and / or symbol. In the example of FIG. 115, the individual is identified as “Me”. In addition, the player identification window 3052 can indicate the rank of each of the other local and / or remotely located participants based on the previous played match. In the example of FIG. 115, the player identified as “Me” is shown as having a rank of “# 5,560 (Bottom 50%)”. An individual may want to add one or more players with the add player icon 3054 or delete one or more players with the delete player icon 3056.

  As shown in the player identification window 3052, the individual hosting the new game is automatically matched up with other locally or remotely located players over the network, or a friend invitation (INVITE By selecting the (FRIEND) icon 3058, one can choose to invite friends to play. Referring to FIG. 116, after an individual selects the Invite Friend icon 3058, a list of personal friends who can access the network may be displayed in one or more friend windows 3060. An individual can select one or more friends from the list who are invited to play the skin game by selecting the corresponding friend window 3060. As shown in the example of FIG. 116, selecting each friend is performed by touching the display of the corresponding friend window 3060 so that a check mark confirming the selection is displayed for each friend window. It can appear within 3060. Alternatively, the friend window is highlighted or changes to show a different color, or is displayed with different text, or changes compared to an unselected friend window 3060, which friend selects Can be visually communicated to the individual. After selecting one or more friends, the individual is selected to join a new hosted game, as shown by the message window 3062 shown in the example of FIG. You can send an invitation to a friend. After sending a message such as “Want to play a skins game?” By selecting the send (SEND) icon 3064, the individual can see as shown in FIG. Return to the new game display 3050. However, the new game display 3050 of FIG. 118 can then display the names of one or more friends invited to play the new hosted game. An individual may have the option to cancel one or more of his invited friends by selecting the cancel invitation icon 3066. An individual may want to add a player by using the add player icon 3054 or delete a player by using the delete player icon 3056. For example, an individual can select the add player icon 3054 to invite another friend to play the game.

  After inviting one or more friends to play a new hosted game, the individual can start the game by selecting the PLAY NOW icon 3068. The individual may be presented with a hole selection display 2930 as shown in FIG. After selecting the number of holes to play, the individual may try a put on the first hole a specific number of times, as disclosed with respect to FIGS. After the individual plays the first hole, his result, for example, the consistency score, is displayed on the portable electronic device 1000 as shown in FIG. 109 and transmitted to the network with the portable electronic device 1000. be able to. The individual must then wait for one or more invited friends to play the friend's turn. Thus, as shown in FIG. 119, the first personal portable electronic device 1000 displays a game display 3070, which may indicate that it is the turn of one of the invited friends. . The portable electronic device 1000 can send a notification over the network to one or more individuals whose turn is coming indicating that it is time to play the game. This notification may take the form of a visual message and / or an audible message. For example, when an individual's turn comes, the individual can be notified by email, text, SMS (Short Message Service), and / or any type of audible and / or visual notification. Each individual playing the game can then take his turn through process 2800 until all of the individuals have finished playing all of the holes, so that the winner of the game is determined. After the winner is determined according to process 2800, a match result display 2970 as shown in FIG. 111 may be displayed. The match result display 2970 can show the points and skin values achieved by each participating individual, as well as the ranking of each participating individual (ie, first, second, etc.). Additionally, a scorecard display 2980 as shown in FIG. 112 and disclosed herein may be displayed for all participating individuals.

  Instead of inviting one or more friends to play, an individual may allow other individuals on the network to participate in the new hosted game. Referring again to FIG. 115, in order to play with other individuals who have access to the network, the individual (ie, Me) selects the icon 3068 to play now and plays a new game without selecting a friend to play. Can start. Thus, the individual is Auto-Matched with the remotely located individual. Individuals can match other individuals regardless of the skill level of the player. Alternatively, an individual can match another individual based on their skills such as consistency score and / or PHcp. The individual may be presented with a hole selection display 2930 as shown in FIG. After selecting the number of holes to play, the individual can perform a measurement session as disclosed in accordance with process 2800 and FIGS. After an individual plays the first hole, his result, eg, consistency score, is displayed on portable electronic device 1000 and transmitted to the network with portable electronic device 1000 as shown in FIG. can do. The individual must then wait for one or more individuals with access to the network to join the game. Another individual can participate in the game and compete with the first individual as described in detail below.

  As described above, an individual can host a new game, i.e., start a new game and play with friends or others who can join the game through the network. However, an individual can choose to participate in a game hosted by another individual. Referring again to FIG. 114, an individual can select a TAKE YOUR TURN icon 3032 to participate in a game hosted by another individual. After selecting his turn icon 3032, a game display 3072 may be displayed on the portable electronic device 1000 as shown in FIG. The game display 3072 performs a measurement session for the first hole, performs a measurement session for the other person with participation, and waits for the game to be played according to process 2800 and FIGS. 107-109. Can show a game started by another individual. As shown in the example of FIG. 120, game display 3072 may show a plurality of game windows 3074 representing a plurality of hosted games that may be available for individual participation. In the example of FIG. 120, games that can be participated are identified by the identity of the individual who hosted the game. For example, FIG. 120 shows that the individuals hosting the new game are player 1, player 2, and player 3. Each corresponding game window 3074 may include the time when the individual who started the game played the first hole, and the individual's consistency score for the first hole. The individual can join the game by selecting one of the game windows 3074 and then selecting the icon 3068 to play now, after which the individual will play against the current hole as disclosed. A measurement session can be performed. The game can continue according to process 2800 and FIGS. 107-109 until all of the players have completed a measurement session for all of the holes. The process 2800 then determines the winner. After the winner is determined, a match result display 2970 as shown in FIG. 111 may be displayed. The match result display 2970 can show the points and skins achieved by each participating individual and the ranking of each participating individual (ie, first, second, etc.). Additionally, a scorecard display 2980 as shown in FIG. 112 and disclosed herein may be displayed for all participating individuals.

  Referring again to FIG. 103, a Hosted option 2906, such as that shown on the game selection display 2900, allows multiple locally or remotely located individuals to play one or more skin games, The results can be displayed on a leader board on a large display device such as a large display monitor. When the individual selects the Hosted option 2906, a new game icon 3080 is displayed, which allows the individual to start or host a new game, as shown in FIG. In addition, an existing game icon 3082 is displayed, which allows the individual to join a new game that is hosted or started by another individual. Starting a new game or joining a new game hosted by another individual under Hosted option 2906 is similar to starting a new game in Turn-Based option 2904 and your turn option. ing. Thus, two or more locally or remotely located individuals can play a skin game under the Hosted option 2906 according to process 3008 and FIGS.

  Referring to FIG. 122, real-time results of the game may be displayed on a large display device, such as a television screen, computer monitor, projection screen, or the like, for viewing by one or more observers. Real-time results can be obtained directly and / or with a digital media receiver (eg, an APPLE TV® digital media extender that utilizes the AIRPLAY® software function of Apple Inc., Cupertino, Calif.). Via an external monitor or television.

  Real-time results include all participations, including instructions for players currently playing, instructions for skin values / points for holes currently playing and holes in the current hole display area 3092, and current scorecard 3094 The player's identification can be displayed as a leaderboard display 3084 that can be shown in the player area 3090. The player area 3090 can show the identification of each play in a listing or square bracket format. The instruction of the player who is currently playing can be given by visually distinguishing the player. For example, the player's identification may be highlighted, shown in a different color, or shown in a different text style, or the observer is the number of a particular player identified on the player area 3090. It can be displayed in such a way that it can be determined instantaneously. An existing game icon 3032 displaying “Take Your Turn” is shown in FIG. 122, which indicates to an individual that it is their turn in a new game started by another individual. ing. Thus, one, a few, or a large number of observers see and confirm real-time information about the skin game on the leaderboard display 3084.

  Displaying the leaderboard display 3084 is not limited to the Hosted option 2906, and may include a Pass-And-Play option 2902 and a Turn Based option 2904. For example, in the Pass-And-Play option 2902, the portable electronic device 1000 used by all of the players can display the display data corresponding to the leaderboard display 3084 as disclosed in the wireless transmission process described herein. Can be sent to a remote display such as a television screen. In the Turn Based option 2904, for example, all of the players can choose to send display data corresponding to the leaderboard display 3084 to at least one remote display device, such as a television or monitor. Accordingly, the leader board display 3084 can be prepared as a display option for the Pass-And-Play option 2902, the Turn Based option 2904, and the Hosted option 2906.

  Referring back to FIG. 13, the sensor of the portable electronic device 1000 is configured by the portable electronic device 1000 to operate with the correct linear and / or angular orientation, acceleration, position, and Calibration may be required so that other motion related parameters are measured. According to an example, the disclosed operational display can comprise a calibration icon 2611, which, when selected, causes the portable electronic device 1000 to perform a calibration process. For example, referring to FIG. 87, a calibration icon 2611 is shown. After selecting the calibration icon 2611, a calibration screen 3500 is displayed as shown in FIG. The calibration screen 3500 can instruct an individual to move the portable electronic device to a specific location for calibration. In the example of FIG. 123, the calibration screen 3500 is shown to instruct an individual to move the portable electronic device to a vertical position, which is the portable electronic device on the two vertical walls as shown. Can be performed accurately by applying After being placed correctly as shown, the individual can press the “calibrate now” icon 3502 so that the portable electronic device records its position as being generally an accurate vertical position. All measurements of sensor 1112 can then be made relative to this calibration position. The individual can decide to skip the calibration step by selecting a SKIP icon 3504. The individual may also decide to reset the calibration by selecting a reset icon 3506.

  Although a specific order of actions has been described above for each of the processes, these actions can also be performed in other temporal orders. For example, two or more actions described above can be performed sequentially, in parallel, or simultaneously. Alternatively, two or more actions can be performed in the reverse order. It is also possible that one or more of the actions described above are not performed at all. The devices, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

  As golf rules change from time to time (eg, golf standards organizations and / or management agencies may adopt new rules, eliminate old rules, or modify them), they are described herein. The golf equipment associated with the method and product may or may not conform to the rules of golf at a particular point in time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the systems, methods and products described herein may be published as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment, or may be offered for sale or sold. The systems, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

  Although the above examples may be described in the context of a putter type golf club, the systems, methods, and products described herein include driver type golf clubs, fairway wood type golf clubs, hybrid type golf clubs, It may be applicable to other types of golf clubs such as iron type golf clubs or wedge type golf clubs. Alternatively, the systems, methods, and products described herein may be applicable to other types of sports equipment such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing rods, ski stocks, and the like.

Although some exemplary systems, methods, and products are described herein, the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited. On the contrary, the present disclosure is directed to all systems, methods, and products that fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims (30)

Data relating to at least one of the position and movement of the golf club is obtained at least one period of at least before, during and after at least one golf stroke performed on the golf club. Collecting using a portable electronic device attached to the golf club;
Determining at least one stroke characteristic at the portable electronic device based on the data. Collecting the data with the portable electronic device includes collecting data related to a plurality of putting strokes performed on the golf club using the portable electronic device;
The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of putting strokes define a putting session.   The method of claim 2, further comprising determining a consistency score associated with the putting session.   4. The method of claim 3, further comprising generating a putting handicap associated with at least one putting session.   The method of claim 1, wherein determining at least one stroke characteristic at the portable electronic device based on the data comprises determining a plurality of stroke characteristics at the portable electronic device based on the data.   The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one stroke characteristic includes at least one of a closed angle, an impact angle, a tempo, an impact lie angle, and a loft angle associated with the at least one golf stroke.   The attaching of the portable electronic device to the golf club includes attaching a portable electronic device holder to the golf club, and attaching the portable electronic device to the portable electronic device holder. the method of.   The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying a stroke type at the portable electronic device based on the at least one stroke characteristic.   The method of claim 1, further comprising generating a visual display associated with at least one stroke characteristic on the display of the portable electronic device. Measuring at least one stroke characteristic associated with a plurality of putting strokes of a golf club;
Generating a putting handicap based on the at least one stroke characteristic.   The method of claim 10, wherein measuring the at least one stroke characteristic comprises measuring the at least one stroke characteristic associated with a plurality of putting strokes.   The method of claim 10, wherein measuring the at least one stroke characteristic comprises measuring at least one of a closed angle, an impact angle, a tempo, an impact lie angle, and a loft angle.   The method of claim 10, wherein measuring the at least one stroke characteristic comprises measuring the at least one stroke characteristic with a portable electronic device attached to a golf club with a portable electronic device holder.   The method of claim 10, wherein generating the putting handicap includes calculating a consistency score associated with the putting session, wherein the putting session includes a plurality of putting strokes.   The method of claim 10, further comprising identifying a stroke type based on the at least one stroke characteristic.   The method of claim 10, further comprising generating a visual display associated with the at least one stroke characteristic. When executed by the computer,
Measuring at least one stroke characteristic associated with a plurality of putting strokes of a golf club;
Generating a putting handicap based on the at least one stroke characteristic; and storing instructions for causing the computer to perform a method.   The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein measuring the at least one stroke characteristic comprises measuring the at least one stroke characteristic associated with a plurality of putting strokes.   The computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein measuring the at least one stroke characteristic comprises measuring at least one of a closed angle, an impact angle, a tempo, an impact lie angle, and a loft angle.   18. The measuring at least one stroke characteristic comprises measuring the at least one stroke characteristic with a portable electronic device attached to a golf club with a portable electronic device holder. Computer readable medium. Generating the putting handicap includes calculating a consistency score associated with the putting session;
The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the putting session includes a plurality of putting strokes.   The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the instructions when executed by a computer cause the computer to identify a stroke type based on the at least one stroke characteristic.   The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the instructions when executed by a computer cause the computer to generate a visual display associated with the at least one stroke characteristic. When accessed, the device
Measuring at least one stroke characteristic associated with a plurality of putting strokes of the golf club;
A product comprising content for generating a putting handicap based on the at least one stroke characteristic.   25. The product of claim 24, wherein measuring the at least one stroke characteristic comprises measuring the at least one stroke characteristic associated with a plurality of putting strokes.   25. The product of claim 24, wherein measuring the at least one stroke characteristic includes measuring at least one of a closed angle, an impact angle, a tempo, an impact lie angle, and a loft angle.   25. The method of claim 24, wherein measuring the at least one stroke characteristic comprises measuring the at least one stroke characteristic using a portable electronic device attached to a golf club with a portable electronic device holder. Product. Generating the putting handicap includes calculating a consistency score associated with the putting session;
25. The product of claim 24, wherein the putting session includes a plurality of putting strokes.   25. The product of claim 24, wherein when the content is accessed, the device causes a stroke type to be identified based on the at least one stroke characteristic. 25. The product of claim 24, causing the machine to generate a visual display associated with the at least one stroke characteristic when the content is accessed.

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