Interactive method and apparatus for tracking and analyzing a golf swing in a limited space with swing position recognition and reinforcement
First Claim
1. An interactive method of tracking and analyzing a golf swing in combination with a computer including the steps of placing a golfer in front of a video camera that is associated with said computer, superimposing a pattern of an ideal golf swing on a display monitor of said computer over the live background images of said golfer, said display monitor being clearly visible to said golfer, inducing said golfer to attempt to emulate said pattern of an ideal golf swing as shown on said display monitor, said computer comparing each of a plurality of sequential images captured by said video camera of said golfer'"'"'s swing to said pattern of an ideal golf swing and responding to the correctness of said golfer'"'"'s swing in real time, including the step of placing an attachment on a club shaft of said golfer, said attachment exhibiting a surface having a color pattern thereon that is captured by said video camera and is readily recognizable by said computer, said attachment being instrumental for tracking and analyzing the correctness of said attempt to emulate said pattern of an ideal golf swing, including the step of selecting a golf club from a plurality of golf clubs including real and simulated golf clubs.
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Abstract
The invention pertains to a method for interactively tracking, analyzing and teaching a correct golf swing using an apparatus consisting of a computer with an attached video camera and a special club shaft attachment that is monitored to determine the progress of a golf swing in real-time. A short simulated golf club with a matching golf ball platform is provided for use in a limited space. Club position is evaluated at all points along prescribed swing plane orbits for accuracy with regard to club shaft angle, club face rotation and swing plane location. Leading guides are provided to aid in correct club movement. Trailing position reinforcement guides permit the student golfer to use his own initiative and timing while receiving real-time corrections relating to club and body motion. Simulated ball flight is determined and applied to golf practice range and golf course activities.
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Citations
42 Claims
- 1. An interactive method of tracking and analyzing a golf swing in combination with a computer including the steps of placing a golfer in front of a video camera that is associated with said computer, superimposing a pattern of an ideal golf swing on a display monitor of said computer over the live background images of said golfer, said display monitor being clearly visible to said golfer, inducing said golfer to attempt to emulate said pattern of an ideal golf swing as shown on said display monitor, said computer comparing each of a plurality of sequential images captured by said video camera of said golfer'"'"'s swing to said pattern of an ideal golf swing and responding to the correctness of said golfer'"'"'s swing in real time, including the step of placing an attachment on a club shaft of said golfer, said attachment exhibiting a surface having a color pattern thereon that is captured by said video camera and is readily recognizable by said computer, said attachment being instrumental for tracking and analyzing the correctness of said attempt to emulate said pattern of an ideal golf swing, including the step of selecting a golf club from a plurality of golf clubs including real and simulated golf clubs.
- 22. A method of teaching a golf swing including the steps of inducing a golfer to initiate movements of a real or simulated golf club according to his or her own timing through a plurality of golf swing positions, subjecting said golf swing positions to swing position recognition by a computer, said computer recognizing the current club position and displaying the correct body and club position interactively that is closest to said current club position, thereby providing position reinforcement.
- 24. A method of swing image relocation of real-time images of a golfer swinging in a setting that is different from the actual setting, including the steps of placing a golfer in a real location such as his home or office in front of a computer, inducing said golfer to initiate swing movements of a real or simulated golf club according to his or her own timing through a plurality of golf swing positions, subjecting said golf swing positions to swing position recognition by a computer, said computer recognizing the current club position and displaying a limited view of said golfer'"'"'s image, said limited view being said golfer'"'"'s image outlined by the current correct body and club position that corresponds to said current club position, and superimposing said limited view of said golfer'"'"'s real-time swing images over an arbitrary background image such as a golf course setting.
- 28. An apparatus for interactively tracking and analyzing a golf swing comprising a computer having a display monitor therewith and one or more video cameras for receiving images that are then relayed to said computer, first means for displaying a pattern of an ideal golf swing on said monitor, second means for displaying, by superimposing on said monitor, a golfer'"'"'s swing attempt to emulate said pattern of an ideal golf swing over said pattern of an ideal swing, means for comparing said first display pattern including means attached to a golf club selected from a plurality of golf clubs including real and simulated clubs, of said golfer for displaying a color pattern recognizable by said computer including a plurality of humanoid depictions that provide position reinforcement corresponding to a plurality of swing plane orbit locations.
Specification