Golf swing analysis apparatus and method
First Claim
1. An apparatus for analyzing a golf swing comprising:
- a test station including at least two videotaping means placed at different angles for capturing a test subject performing a swing in a testing area;
a hardware station including at least one video recorder for storing said images of a test subject performing a swing in a testing area, a video processing means for manipulating said images, a reference frame means for providing relative position data of selected elements in said images, and a computer with memory for storing and running analysis software means, a graphical plotting means for generating visual output in response to input from said computer;
wherein said analysis software means includes;
(I) software means for creating a digitized global reference frame with an X, Y, and Z-axis, and with an XY and XZ-plane;
(ii) software means for digitizing said videotaped golf swing activity and producing frames of video data;
(iii) software means for digitally isolating each said frame of video data so that chosen body segments can be three-dimensionally determined and compiled in relation to a global reference frame;
(iv) software means for calculating segment vectors and midpoints for said chosen segments;
(v) software means for calculating the three dimensional velocity of the clubhead;
(vi) software means for calculating displacement data for said chosen segments;
(vii) software means for calculating velocity data from said displacement data;
(viii) software means for outputting said displacement and velocity data into files for data plotting on said plotting means, said chosen segments simultaneously plotted on a common graphical axis to facilitate application of an analysis means for determining the kinetic link between said chosen segments.
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Abstract
A golf analysis apparatus and method which uses videotaping equipment to capture golf swing motions from at least two different angles, and video processing equipment to isolate video frames for global, three-dimensional orientation of chosen points on the test subject. The points are compiled and used to calculate such parameters as clubhead lag and resultant clubhead velocity, body segment rotations, joint range of motion, spine angle, and center of mass versus center of pressure. Velocity data is used to calculate acceleration data. Such velocity and parameter data is then plotted simultaneously as part of an analysis method to determine and optimize the kinetic link between various body parts. For example, by locating the peaks of simultaneously plotted hip, shoulder, arm, and club release speed data, it can be determined if such peaks occur in the proper sequence for translating maximum power through the swing. Inefficiencies in each body segment motion can be addressed and corrected until an optimum kinetic link is achieved.
83 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An apparatus for analyzing a golf swing comprising:
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a test station including at least two videotaping means placed at different angles for capturing a test subject performing a swing in a testing area; a hardware station including at least one video recorder for storing said images of a test subject performing a swing in a testing area, a video processing means for manipulating said images, a reference frame means for providing relative position data of selected elements in said images, and a computer with memory for storing and running analysis software means, a graphical plotting means for generating visual output in response to input from said computer; wherein said analysis software means includes; (I) software means for creating a digitized global reference frame with an X, Y, and Z-axis, and with an XY and XZ-plane; (ii) software means for digitizing said videotaped golf swing activity and producing frames of video data; (iii) software means for digitally isolating each said frame of video data so that chosen body segments can be three-dimensionally determined and compiled in relation to a global reference frame; (iv) software means for calculating segment vectors and midpoints for said chosen segments; (v) software means for calculating the three dimensional velocity of the clubhead; (vi) software means for calculating displacement data for said chosen segments; (vii) software means for calculating velocity data from said displacement data; (viii) software means for outputting said displacement and velocity data into files for data plotting on said plotting means, said chosen segments simultaneously plotted on a common graphical axis to facilitate application of an analysis means for determining the kinetic link between said chosen segments. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification