Method and apparatus for determining golf ball performance versus golf club configuration in accordance with a golfer's individual swing characteristics

• US 7,311,611 B2
• Filed: 11/10/2003
• Issued: 12/25/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/17/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Acushnet Company (FILA Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Acushnet Company (FILA Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Cameron, Don T., Slivnik, August L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pezzuto, Robert
• Assistant Examiner(s): Thomas, Eric M.
• Application Number:
  US10/703,541
• Publication Number:
  US 20040092326A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,506 Days
• Field of Search: 473/266, 473/252, 473/257, 473/221, 273/108, 273/108.2
• US Class Current: 473/221
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/806 Video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/807 Photo cameras
• 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 53/007 Putters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/42 Devices for measuring, verifying, correcting or customising the inherent characteristics of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like, e.g. measuring the maximum torque a batting shaft can withstand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/36 for golf
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3676 for putting A63B69/3608, A63B69/3661, A63B69/3667 and A63B69/3697 take precedence

Abstract

An apparatus and method is provided for analyzing a golfer'"'"'s individual swing attributes and determining, based on that analysis, a suitable golf club configuration for that golfer. The swing analysis apparatus include video cameras for obtaining video images of a golfer swinging a golf club, such as a putter, at a golf ball. Images obtained from the video cameras may then be analyzed to determine what golf club dimensions will provide improved results in combination with the golfer'"'"'s individual swing characteristics. The apparatus may additionally include a golf club having predetermined dimensions. When such a golf club is included, images from the video cameras may be analyzed to determine how the golf club of known dimensions must be adjusted to provide the golfer with desirable swing results. The apparatus may also include a method for confirming the dimensions that it is believed will provide a golfer with improve swing results.

Claims

1. An apparatus for analyzing a golfer'"'"'s swing, comprising:

a striking location for accommodating a golf ball to be struck with a golf club;

a computer;

a first video camera coupled to said computer, said first video camera being directed at said striking location and configured to capture side-view images of the golf ball and the golf club; and

a display coupled to said computer;

wherein said computer includes;

an image storage device for storing images captured by said first video camera,

analyzing logic for performing an analysis of images stored by said image storage device, and

confirming logic for confirming the analysis.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said confirming logic includes logic for confirming an angular measurement of the golf club at impact with the golf ball.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second video camera coupled to said computer, said second video camera being directed at the golf club and configured to capture side-view images of the golfer'"'"'s grip on the golf club.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said confirming logic includes logic for confirming a position of the golfer'"'"'s wrists at impact.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said confirming logic further includes logic for determining, from said side view video images of the golfer'"'"'s grip, the amount the golfer'"'"'s wrists are moving during a putting stoke.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second video camera coupled to said computer, said second video camera being a forward facing camera directed at the golfer.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said confirming logic includes logic for confirming a loft of the golf club that will provide improved golf ball performance results when using the golfer'"'"'s stroke.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said confirming logic includes logic for confirming a strike face angle of the golf club that will provide improved golf ball performance when using the golfer'"'"'s swing.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said confirming logic further includes logic for analyzing, from side view video images of the golf ball, the performance of a golf ball following impact with the golf club.