Method and apparatus to determine object striking instrument movement conditions

• US 5,575,719 A
• Filed: 08/01/1995
• Issued: 11/19/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Acushnet Company (FILA Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Acushnet Company (FILA Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Gobush, William, Days, Charles, Pelletier, Diane
• Primary Examiner(s): Harrison, Jessica J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SAGER, MARK ALAN
• Application Number:
  US08/510,085
• Time in Patent Office: 476 Days
• Field of Search: 473/140-141, 473/219-226, 473/409, 364/410, 273/29 A, 273/26 R, 273/72 R, 273/73 R
• US Class Current: 473/223
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0028 Tracking the path of an object, e.g. a ball inside a soccer pitch
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0031 at the starting point
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/32 Golf
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/05 Image processing for measuring physical parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/16 Angular positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/806 Video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/807 Photo cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/02 Testing, calibrating or measuring of equipment
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0003 Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0021 Tracking a path or terminating locations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/008 with means for improving visibility, e.g. special markings or colours illuminating or reflecting means A63B43/06
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3614 using electro-magnetic, magnetic or ultrasonic radiation emitted, reflected or interrupted by the golf club
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/06 Indicating or scoring devices for games or players , or for other sports activities
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 11/12 using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/18 wherein range gates are used
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/50 Systems of measurement based on relative movement of target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/66 Tracking systems using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/89 for mapping or imaging

Abstract

A striking instrument and struck object monitoring system including at least two shutterable camera units which view a field of view each of which cameras receives light patterns from each and every one of a plurality of contrasting areas on the instrument and the object in rapid successive sequence. A computer receives the signals generated by the light patterns as received by each camera unit which computer discriminates between such signals to determine the instrument'"'"'s movement and orientation, and the conditions at impact with the object.

The striking instrument may be any selected golf club which club is initially scanned by the system to determine it'"'"'s proper striking location prior to the club being swung through the field of view.

Claims

1. A method of measuring speed, direction and orientation of an instrument as it strikes an object using a shuttered electro-video means and connected input means comprising steps of

a) focusing and calibrating said shuttered electro-video means on a field having an object therein;

b) affixing prior to calibrating said shuttered electro-video means to the instrument having illuminal areas thereon an attachment having additional such areas;

c) placing the instrument in the field with its attachment during calibration to determine the position of the instrument in the field;

d) removing the attachment from the instrument after calibration and causing the instrument to be swung through the field into contact with the object;

e) causing light at intervals to shine on the instrument areas as the instrument moves in the field prior to object contact;

f) receiving light reflected from such areas into the electro-video means; and

g) causing such computer means to compare such illuminal areas during calibration with areas during instrument swinging

whereby the speed, direction and orientation of the instrument at contact is measured.

2. The method of claim 1 in which the attachment is affixed to an instrument having at least three illuminal areas thereon.

3. The method of claim 1 in which the instrument is swung into contact with an object having at least three illuminal areas thereon.