Improved fitting system for a golf club

Cross-reference of related applications

This application is a partial continuation of US Patent Application No. 13 / 710,307 filed December 10, 2012, which is US Patent Application No. 13 / 677,837 filed November 15, 2012. And a partial continuation of US Patent Application No. 13 / 682,598 filed on November 20, 2012, which is a partial continuation of US Patent Application No. 13 / 117,308 filed on May 27, 2011. It is an application and their contents are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention generally relates to an improved fitting system for golf clubs. More specifically, it relates to recording a plurality of position data of a golf club shaft when a golfer makes a golf swing by using an infrared motion picture camera. Multiple position data can then be used to calculate one or more dynamic behavioral features of the golf club shaft throughout the golf swing, and this information is used to best work for the golfer. To fit the golfer. More specifically, an improved fitting system for golf club shafts according to the present invention uses a new creative approach to processing information gathered from the dynamic behavioral characteristics of golf clubs throughout the golf swing. This is compared to multiple static shaft features to determine the shaft that guarantees optimal performance for a specific golf swing.

Golf clubs come in many different dimensions, shapes, and colors. However, despite the many variations found in various types of golf clubs, almost all of them are equipped with three basic components: the head, the grip, and the shaft that connects the head and grip. A golf club head may generally refer to an object located at the end of a golf club and used to hit a golf ball. The grip is generally located at the base end of the golf club and may point to an object that provides an interface for the golfer to grip the golf club. Finally, the shaft may be a hollow tubular rod that is placed between the grip and the club head to provide a bond between the two parts.

In order to improve the overall performance of a golf club, golf club designers have generally focused on improving the performance of all individual parts individually. In one example, the club head is increased in size to increase the moment of inertia, while at the same time increasing the coefficient of restitution between the club head and the golf ball so that the golf ball can be launched far and straight. I was doing it. In another example, the golf club grip was changed from leather wrapping to a rubber compound to improve durability and make the grip fit better in the golfer's hand. Finally, in another example, the golf club shaft changes from a wooden shaft to a steel or carbon fiber shaft to increase stability, while still allowing the shaft flex profile to be adjusted for the overall performance of the golf club. To further improve.

Although each component helps the golfer improve overall performance, accurately optimizing each of the individual golfer's equipment must be a complex skill. Since each individual makes a different golf swing in a manner that is potentially significantly different from the other individual, determining the golf club that optimizes the specific golfer's performance cannot be achieved with a universal size approach. In fact, the most mysterious aspect of the sport of golf is determining the appropriate golf club shaft so that individual golfers can optimize performance standards for the entire golf club.

At present in this field, determining what is the best golf club for an individual golfer generally involves a lot of guesswork and is almost non-reproducible. Typically, a golfer first tests as many different types of shafts as possible to infer the ultimate choice based on the feel of the club and / or the launch characteristics of the golf ball. This process would be improved if the golfer sought the advice of a professional fitter who could make inferences backed by empirical knowledge, but the overall process is still much. It is nothing more than trial and error. This old-fashioned process of fitting a golfer to a golf club is not only inadequate, but also inaccurate, inconsistent and unreliable.<u style="single">further</u>Nor is it easily reproducible.

To address the fitting issue discussed earlier, U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,952 (Hackman) measures the swing time for a golfer's swing, and the reciprocal of four times its natural frequency is approximately equal to the swing time. It discloses how to select a club. In a preferred embodiment, an accelerometer is mounted within the club head, coupled with electronic data processing, a graph of club head acceleration-time is plotted, and swing velocity is measured.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,123 (Wood) uses combinatorial logic in both global and local level computer implementations to overturn the mysteries associated with properly fitting golf clubs to golfers. Provide a method. The input parameters for this method are speed, tempo,<u style="single">Face</u>Angle, dynamic loft, trajectory, dynamic lie, rotation, and height are used along with other attributes to predict the ideal golf club for the golfer.

Although both of the shaft fitting methods mentioned above are attempts available to improve the old-fashioned guesswork fitting methods of the past by providing some format or guidance,<u style="single">behavior</u>It has the disadvantage of not extracting information. Although all the data related to various other results help to properly fit the golfer to the concrete shaft, it ultimately determines how the golf club head contacts the golf ball. Since it is the bending of the shaft, the most important information that can be collected should be derived from the shaft itself.

Therefore, it is clear that there is still a need for a golf club shaft fitting system that utilizes the behavior of the shaft dominated by the player's unique swing to determine the optimal fitting for an individual golf swing. More specifically, in this field, fitting that acquires the behavior information of the golf club shaft throughout the golf swing itself and newly uses this behavior information to determine the optimum golf club shaft based on the behavior information. There is a request for the system.

<p num="0011"><patcit num="1"><text>U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,952</text></patcit><patcit num="2"><text>U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,123</text></patcit></p>

One aspect of the invention is a method of fitting a golfer to a recommended shaft, which selectively positions a plurality of markers on a golf club and a plurality of cameras adapted to react to the plurality of markers. Has steps to selectively position the golfer around the golfer. Once the cameras and markers are set, the current method uses multiple cameras to acquire multiple position data for multiple markers when the golfer makes a golf swing. Based on the marker's multiple position data, the current method calculates one or more dynamic behavior features to determine one or more preferred static shaft features, and thus best to the preferred static shaft features. Select a recommended shaft with one or more static shaft features that are similar.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of fitting a golfer to a recommended shaft, which selectively positions a plurality of markers on a golf club and is adapted to respond to the plurality of markers. It has a step of selectively positioning the camera around the golfer. Once the cameras and markers are set, the current method uses multiple cameras to acquire multiple position data for multiple markers when the golfer makes a golf swing. Computer processors are used to form a digital swing model of a golfer's swing using multiple position data, while multiple digital shaft models are also derived from one or more static shaft features of multiple different shafts. It is formed. Once a digital swing model and multiple digital shaft models are formed, the digital swing model is combined with multiple shaft models to form multiple modified digital swings, which determine multiple performance results. Used for. Recommended shafts based on which of the multiple performance results is best for a particular golfer's golf swing after multiple performance results have been simulated for each of the multiple modified digital swings. Becomes selectable.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a device that fits the golfer to the recommended shaft, which provides a plurality of reflection markers that are positioned on the golf club when the golfer swings and multiple position data of the plurality of reflection markers. It has multiple IR cameras positioned around the golfer to acquire and a computer processor coupled to multiple IR cameras, the computer processor receiving multiple position data and one or more dynamics. The behavioral characteristics are calculated, the preferred static shaft characteristics are determined based on these dynamic behavioral characteristics, and the recommended shaft can be selected.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of fitting a golfer to a recommended shaft, which selectively positions multiple sensors on a golf club to provide a computer processor when the golfer performs a golf swing. Use to obtain multiple position data from the sensor and calculate one or more dynamic behavior features of the golf club based on the multiple position data of the sensor throughout the golf swing and one or more preferred static shafts. It involves determining the features and thus selecting the recommended shaft with one or more static shaft features that most closely resembles the preferred static shaft features.

These or other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are better understood with reference to the following drawings, detailed description, and claims.

Prior or other features and advantages of the invention are evident from the following description of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings form part of the specification and must be understood in the context of the specification, in which similar reference numbers in the various figures indicate similar parts.

<figref num="1">FIG. 6 is an overall view of a golfer on a platform used for fitting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 5 is a plan view of a golfer on a platform used for fitting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a golfer positioned in relation to a coordinate system field origin according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="4">It is a perspective view of the camera mounting apparatus according to the example embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a golf club including a plurality of back reflection sensors according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="6">It is an enlarged view of the shaft of the golf club of FIG. 5, and is the figure which visually clearly shows the arrangement of a plurality of back reflection sensors.</figref><figref num="7">It is a flowchart of the fitting method according to the case example of this invention.</figref><figref num="8a">FIG. 6 is a flow chart of different fitting methods according to an exemplary alternative embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="8b">FIG. 6 is a flow chart of different fitting methods according to an exemplary alternative embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="8c">FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a golf club comprising a plurality of back reflection sensors near its grip end, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="8d">FIG. 5 is a directional force diagram showing an input swing force profile of a golfer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="8e">FIG. 5 is a directional force diagram including an input swing force profile and an output shaft response force of a golfer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="9">It is a figure which shows the plot of the lead lag behavior of a golf club when swinging by player # 1 according to the case example of this invention.</figref><figref num="10">It is a figure which shows the plot of the lead lag behavior of a golf club when swinging by a player # 1, player # 2, player # 3, and player # 4, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="11">It is a figure which shows the plot of the droop drift behavior of a golf club when it is swung by the player # 1, according to the example example of this invention.</figref><figref num="12">It is a figure which shows the plot of the droop drift behavior of a golf club when swinging by a player # 1, player # 2, player # 3, and player # 4, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="13">It is a figure which shows the plot of the torque behavior of a golf club when swinging by player # 1 according to the case example of this invention.</figref><figref num="14">It is a figure which shows the plot of the torque behavior of a golf club when swinging by a player # 1, player # 2, player # 3, and player # 4, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="15">FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a golf club comprising a plurality of sensors according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="16a">FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a static shaft test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="16b">FIG. 5 is a front view of a static shaft test device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="16c">FIG. 5 is a front view of a static shaft test device tilted at an angle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="17a">FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a static shaft test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="17b">It is a perspective view of the CG duplication hook according to the example example of this invention.</figref><figref num="17c">FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a static shaft test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="17d">FIG. 5 is a front view of a static shaft test device tilted at an angle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="18">It is a partially cutaway perspective view of a golf club with a sensor box according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="19">It is a perspective view of the sensor box according to the alternative embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="20">FIG. 6 is a notched view of a sensor box according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="21">It is sectional drawing of the golf club containing the sensor box according to the alternative embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="22">It is sectional drawing of the golf club containing the sensor box according to the alternative embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="23">FIG. 5 shows a golf club head with a camera and sensor coupled to itself, according to another alternative embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="24">FIG. 5 shows a golf club head containing one or more markers as viewed from an onboard camera.</figref><figref num="25">Another view showing a golf club head containing one or more markers as viewed from an onboard camera.</figref><figref num="26">Another view showing a golf club head containing one or more markers as viewed from an onboard camera.</figref>

The following detailed description is considered to be the best mode for carrying out the invention at this time. Since the scope of the invention is best defined in the appended claims, this detailed description should not be grasped in a limited sense and should explain the general principles of the invention. It is just the purpose.

Although the features of the various inventions are described below, they can be used independently of each other or in combination with others. However, the characteristics of any single invention need not address any or all of the problems discussed above, and may address one of the problems discussed above. Moreover, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be adequately addressed by any of the features described below.

Although each or all of the single golfers are always working hard to make a picturesque exemplary golf swing, the reality is that many of us make an ideal golf swing look like this. It means that it deviates from that and has a different swing tendency. In fact, there is no dispute that no two golfers can perform the same golf swing, which makes each golfer unique. Therefore, for this it can be derived that the golfer's needs are significantly different from each other, which makes the selection of his or her golf club a separate process.

Such demands cannot be moved in the golf community. This is because more emphasis has been placed on the golfer's fitting to optimize the performance of the golfer's equipment for each golfer's unique swing. However, to date, the individual process for golfers in order to select the golfer's best performing golf club has been to mysteriously combine many trial and error attempts. Therefore, to address this issue, the present invention effectively and efficiently allows the golfer to determine a golf club setup that helps optimize the golfer's equipment for the golfer's individual golf swing. Well, we have implemented devices and methods that provide predictive assistance.

FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawing shows a schematic of a setup that can be used to fit a golfer 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawing shows a golfer 100 holding a golf club 102 with a plurality of markers 106 selectively positioned around the golf club 102. In addition to this, FIG. 1 also shows a plurality of cameras 108 positioned around the golfer 100 in a manner surrounding the golfer 100. The plurality of cameras 108 are generally designed to identify and respond to a plurality of markers 106, as discussed in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, thus the camera 108 is always present. The positions of a plurality of markers 106 can be grasped. The present invention uses a computer processor 111 based on the positions of the plurality of markers 106, which processes data acquired by the plurality of cameras 108 to provide optimal golf suitable for a specific golfer 100 golf swing. It is programmed to determine the club shaft.

A plurality of cameras 108 related to this embodiment of the present invention include an electronic sensor or chip that reacts to a light source and records them. This type of camera is typically found in digital cameras, and such types of cameras are particularly suitable for capturing multiple high quality images in a short period of time. The electronic sensor or chip can selectively activate or deactivate at desired intervals to obtain images at two or more time intervals. Of course, although it is preferred that the camera to be able to acquire an image of the light in the infrared (IR) in the spectrum, the camera of the light is not limited to obtaining Mino image, also acquires the photographic images Also good, this does not deviate from the scope and content of the invention. More detailed information regarding the operation of the high-speed camera 108 can be found in US Patent Application No. 11 / 364,343 (Rose) relating to the applicant's application, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In addition to the above, the plurality of high speed cameras 108 generally need to have a high acquisition rate. A higher acquisition rate is desirable in the current embodiment, which allows more images to be acquired during the golf swing of the Golfer 100, thus collecting more data points. This is because the accuracy of calculation can be increased. More specifically, the plurality of high-speed cameras 108 generally have an acquisition rate greater than about 250 frames / second, more preferably about 500 frames / second, and most preferably 750 frames / second. Here, it is important to note that the quality of the acquired image depends not only on the acquired frame rate but also on the shutter speed. The shutter speed of the high-speed camera 108 is important for the quality of the acquired image, because the shutter speed defines the exposure time, and in the current embodiment, the rapid shutter speed makes moving objects. This is because it increases the performance of the camera that accurately grasps the image. More specifically, the shutter speed used according to the current case examples of the present invention is generally about 1/3000 seconds, more preferably about 1/4000 seconds, most preferably 1/4500. It can be larger than a second.

Since the plurality of cameras 108 according to the current exemplary embodiments of the present invention are focused on wavelengths within the IR spectrum, it is important that the IR emission source accompanies the plurality of cameras 108. As discussed in current embodiments, the IR emitter may generally be arranged so that it can irradiate a predetermined camera 108 with it with a predetermined fulcrum. The field of view of the IR light emitter may generally match the field of view of the camera and is displaced so that sufficient light reaches a plurality of markers located on the golf club itself. The source of IR emission may most preferably start with the plurality of cameras 108 themselves, but as long as they can supply sufficient IR light to the plurality of markers 106, any other without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. It may start from the position of.

A plurality of cameras 108 according to the present invention means two or more cameras 108, as shown in FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings. Having multiple cameras 108 is important with respect to the invention's ability to obtain sufficient data points in sufficient detail for the golf club throughout the golf swing, especially throughout the golf swing. This is even more so considering that some viewpoints of the marker 106 are blocked by the golfer at various positions. Although the specific number of cameras required for the current invention to function properly is not fixed, in general this is to ensure sufficient coverage to form an easy-to-understand field of view. The invention may have more than about 3 cameras 108, more preferably more than about 9 cameras 108, and most preferably more than about 15 cameras 108.

Although the plurality of markers 106 according to the present invention are generally arranged on the golf club 102 itself, the golfer in addition to the golf club 102 to grasp a predetermined swing characteristic without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. Markers may be placed at 100 as well. In the current embodiment, the plurality of markers 106 are generally a predetermined number of markers in order to accurately grasp the dynamic behavior characteristics of the golf club 102 at the plurality of positions of the golf club 102 throughout the golf inn. However, if only data needs to be collected from a limited number of positions, a smaller number of markers can be used to achieve the same purpose without departing from the scope and content of the invention. You may. More specifically, the plurality of markers 106 may generally be about 3 or more markers, more preferably about 5 or more markers, and most preferably about 8 or more markers. .. Although the exact number of markers 106 is not definitive for the proper functioning of the invention, three are the minimum number of markers 106 required to determine the position of the golfer in three dimensions by triangulation. It is important to note here that the present invention requires at least three markers 106. Triangulation of the position of a golf club generally involves identifying the angle between each of a plurality of cameras 108 and markers. However, many other methods may be employed without departing from the scope and content of the invention. More details on the composition, behavior, and mode of use of Marker 106 can be found in US Patent Application No. 11 / 364,343 (Rose) of Applicant's application, which is referred to again here. Incorporate that content here.

Before moving on to Figure 2, it is important to note that Figure 1 also shows the coordinate system 101 that identifies the y-axis and z-axis. More specifically, the origin of the coordinate system 101 is located on the ground plane, in the middle of the golfer's stance, near the tip of its toe, the y-axis points to the golfer's heel direction, and the z-axis. Points to the golfer's head. It is important to establish the coordinate system 101 here, because this coordinate system 101 is used for reference in the future of the positions of the plurality of cameras 108.

FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawing shows a plan view of a setup used to fit a golfer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Although FIG. 2 does not add additional elements to those already found in FIG. 1, this different figure provides additional information that could not be shown in the overall view of FIG. More specifically, FIG. 2 in the accompanying drawing provides more information about coordinate system 201 by illustrating the x-axis and y-axis directions, which is a puzzle of the book when grasping coordinate system 201. Provide a piece of. In addition to providing the last piece of coordinate system 201, FIG. 2 also shows that multiple cameras 208 are placed in a number of positions with the golfer 200 out of the way. Although the exact number of cameras is not borderline for the proper functioning of the invention, FIG. 2 is employed to surround the golfer 200 to better capture the movement of the marker 206 throughout the golf swing. Illustrate the potential position of camera 208.

The floor plan of the current case-by-case setup also shows a crucial relationship between the placement of all cameras 208. More specifically, it is important to recognize that the placement of the camera 208 favors the front of the golfer 200 and puts more emphasis on the front of the golfer 200 when the golfer makes a golf swing. In other words, for right-handed golfers, the number of cameras 208 placed in the negative y-axis direction on the front of the golfer is the number of cameras 208 placed in the positive y-axis direction on the back of the golfer. At least one greater than the number. Needless to say, the orientation and placement of the camera 208 described above would be reversed for left-handed golfers. Also, since it is beneficial for the camera 208 to get as many golf swings as possible, the appearance of the golf club 202 is blocked by the golfer 200 itself in place during the swing, and the camera 208 makes the golf club the same as the golf swing. It is important to position more cameras near the front of the golfer, as it is beneficial to get as much as possible.

Finally, FIG. 2 also shows the computer processor 211 used to acquire the information collected by the plurality of cameras 208. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the plurality of cameras 208 may generally be physically or wirelessly connected to the computer processor 211, whereby the position data acquired by the cameras is the computer processor 211. It is processed by and can be analyzed.

FIG. 3 of the accompanying drawing is an enlarged perspective view of the golfer 300 according to the present invention, showing the exact position of the coordinate system 301 in three-dimensional space. In this figure, it can be seen that the x-axis points to the left side of the golfer, the y-axis points to the golfer's publication, and the z-axis points to the top of the golfer.

Returning to the importance of the position of the coordinate system 301 shown in FIG. 3, in FIG. 4 of the attached drawing, the coordinate system 401 is important because the positions of the plurality of cameras 408 are defined with respect to the coordinate system 401. Indicates that there is. Before the specific position of each of the individual cameras 408 is defined, it should be noted that the number of cameras 408 and their specific positions are not decisive for the proper functioning of the present invention. In fact, any number of cameras 308 can be used, more or less than the number described, and the following discussion only describes the position of each of the cameras 408 according to one specific embodiment of the invention. Is.

Keep in mind that all distances are relative to the origin of coordinate system 401. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the camera 404-1 is located at the coordinates (8.18, -6.78, 9.40), the camera 408-2 is located at the coordinates (8.55, -10.40, 6.36), and the camera 408- 3 is located at (3.85, -12.53, 6.39), camera 408-4 is located at (3.12, -12.6, 9.89), and camera 408-5 is located at (-5.75, -13.10, 5.36). Placed in coordinates, camera 408-6 is placed in coordinates (-7.95, -12.69, 9.95), camera 408-7 is placed in coordinates (-9.55, -6.74, 4.00), camera 408-8 is placed. The camera is located at (-9.55, -5.71, 6.21), the camera 408-9 is located at (-9.64, -6.58, 9.98), and the camera 408-10 is located at (-9.57, 6.24, 9.67). Camera 408-11 is located at (-10.01,8.95,6.38) coordinates, camera 408-12 is located at (-7.71,12.67,10.0) coordinates, and camera 408-13 is located at (3.51, Placed at coordinates 12.42,9.97), camera 408-14 placed at coordinates (7.45,11.24,6.10), camera 408-15 placed at coordinates (8.56,6.53,9.75), camera 408-15 Is located at the coordinates (7.53, 0.73, 13.21), where each unit of distance is feet.

Similar to the simplified illustration in Figure 2, according to each specific coordinate system of the individual cameras 408, there are more cameras placed in front of the golfer than cameras placed behind the golfer. Can be confirmed. In this embodiment of the invention, the y-coordinate system can be focused as an indicator of the position of individual cameras 408. It can be seen here that, based on the previous number, cameras 404-1 to 408-9 all have negative values along the y-axis, which indicates that they are located in front of the golfer. Needless to say, if the golfer is left-handed, more cameras will have a positive value in the y-axis of the coordinate system position.

In addition to showing the position of each of the multiple cameras 408, FIG. 4 in the accompanying drawing allows the fitting operation to be easily changed without reproducing the exact position of each of the individual cameras 408. It also shows that the camera is mounted in the movable camera bay 410. As shown in current exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the movable camera bay 410 may be located on a plurality of casters 412 to allow the overall structure of the camera 408 to be moved more easily, which is the present invention. It does not deviate from the scope and contents of. Although it is a preferred embodiment that the movable camera bay 410 is placed on multiple casters 412, the multiple cameras 408 are permanently mounted on any fixture, wall, tripod, or other device. Similar objects may be achieved without departing from the scope and content of the present invention.

FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawing is a perspective view of the golf club 502 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the shaft 504 and the plurality of markers 506 more clearly. First, according to FIG. 5, the distance between the plurality of markers 506 and each of the others is the golf club.<u style="single">502</u>However, it can be seen that the closer to the end including the club head 515, the smaller the size. By collecting the markers 506 near the club head 515, the data resolution near the club head 505 portion of the golf club 502 can be improved because the golf club shaft 504 is as active as the tip. is there.

In addition to the previous description, FIG. 5 in the accompanying drawing also shows that multiple markers 506 are organized into three populations. The specific grouping of multiple markers 506 in the three populations is important, because, but not limited to, x-axis movement, y-axis movement of various marker 506s with respect to other markers. This makes it possible to properly determine all the variables that need to be obtained, including movement in the z-axis direction, rotational movement. Despite the above requirement that multiple markers 506 must be provided in three groups, from Figure 5 some markers meet the information required to obtain the more shared and required data of different groups. You can see that.

Figure 6 shows the shaft shown in Figure 5.<u style="single">504</u>This is an enlarged view of part A of, which further illustrates the grouping of markers 505 according to the previous description. The plurality of markers 606 are individually identified for easy reference to the grouping. Here, one group may consist of markers 606-1, 606-2, and 606-3 to complete the required group of three markers. Other groups that can be formed may have 606-2, 606-3, and 606-4, which indicate the other group of three markers. Marker 606-4 may be used to complete another group of three markers with 606-4, 606-5, and 606-6, which is an isolated marker such as 606-1. And 606-4 means that they can be used multiple times to complete different groups of the three required markers 606.

Now that the elements required to perform the fitting have been described, FIG. 7 of the accompanying drawings shows a flowchart illustrating the steps performed in the fitting system according to the present invention. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the invention begins at step 722, where a plurality of markers are selectively positioned on the golf club. Following this, in step 724, the plurality of cameras are selectively positioned around the golfer, where the plurality of cameras respond to the plurality of markers. Once the markers and cameras are installed, in step 726, when the golfer makes a golf swing, the plurality of cameras are made to acquire a plurality of position data of the plurality of markers. In the current exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of position data acquired in step 726 may generally be represented in Cartesian coordinates relative to the origin 101 (see FIG. 1), but the present invention. Note that many other coordinate systems may be used without departing from the scope and content of.

Once the plurality of position data is acquired, step 728 of the present invention calculates one or more dynamic behavior features of the golf club based on the plurality of position data. The plurality of behavioral features may generally refer to a given behavior of the golf club that affects the overall performance of the golf club. More specifically, some behavioral features include takeaway maximum lead, takeaway maximum lag, takeaway lead time, takeaway lag time, takeaway lead / lag recovery point, downswing maximum lead. , Downswing maximum lag, downswing lead time, downswing lag time, downswing lead / lag recovery point, takeaway maximum droop, takeaway maximum drift, takeaway loop time, takeaway drift time, takeaway loop / drift recovery Point, downswing maximum droop, downswing maximum drift, downswing droop time, downswing drift time, downswing droop / drift recovery point, kick speed, kick acceleration, takeaway maximum positive torque, takeaway maximum negative torque, downswing Includes features such as maximum positive torque and maximum downswing negative torque. However, the present invention should not be limited to the behavioral features described above and employs any other number of behavioral features that can be extracted from multiple position data without departing from the scope and content of the invention. You may.

Once the plurality of behavioral features have been calculated in step 728, step 730 uses these plurality of behavioral features to determine one or more preferred static shaft features. As referred to in this exemplary embodiment of the invention, preferred static shaft features are generally such as shaft length, shaft weight, shaft frequency, shaft torque, shaft flex, and shaft EI profile. It has characteristics. However, the present invention should not be constrained by the static shaft features described above, and any other number of static shaft features may be employed without departing from the scope and content of the invention.

The preferred static shaft features determined above can be used in step 732 to select the recommended shaft for the golfer, where the recommended shaft is one or more that most closely resembles one or more static shaft features. Has the characteristics of a static shaft. The selection of recommended shafts in step 732 may generally involve the complex process of making a selection from the myriad of shafts available in the industry. However, since the preferred static shaft features have already been determined in step 730, the current selection of shafts focuses on any of the preferred shaft features and is a shaft that matches these already determined features. It can be a simple procedural process of finding.

Although the previous process looks complicated, most of the complex steps like steps 728, 730, and 732 can all be completed by the computer processor. The fitting method of the present invention is a simplification compared to the current old-fashioned fitting method in which the golfer has to swing multiple shafts in a try-and-error system to determine the shaft for optimum performance. is there.

FIG. 8a of the accompanying drawing shows an alternative method according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The alternative method shown in FIG. 8a begins in a manner very similar to the method described in FIG. In fact, steps 822, 824, and 826 are identical to steps 722, 724, and 726. However, after the plurality of position data have been acquired in step 826, this alternative embodiment of the present invention uses a computer processor in step 829 to form a digital swing model based on the plurality of position data. Following this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the process of forming the digital swing model in step 829 may generally include generating the digital swing model using the finite element method. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the digital swing model may utilize the basic golf swing model in combination with the plurality of position data collected in step 829, thereby the golfer's golf swing and most. Brings a similar swing model.

In step 829, once the digital swing model is formed, step 831 forms a plurality of digital shaft models based on one or more static shaft features associated with the plurality of different shafts. During this step, the computer processor is used again to form a digital shaft model based on the known static mechanical shaft characteristics of the different shafts. As referred to in current embodiments of the present invention, known static mechanical shaft features generally feature features such as shaft length, shaft weight, shaft frequency, shaft torque, shaft flex, and shaft EI profile. You may have. However, the invention should not be constrained by the static shaft features described above and deviates from the scope and content of the invention any other number of static shaft features that can be used to determine shaft performance. You may adopt it without doing it.

Once the digital swing model and the plurality of digital shaft models are formed in steps 829 and 831 respectively, step 839 combines these two digital models to form a plurality of modified digital golf swings. Multiple modified digital golf swings incorporate a concrete golfer's digital swing model with multiple digital shaft backs, which allows the computer processor to have different static shaft characteristics with different shafts for the concrete golfer. It is possible to simulate a scenario of hitting a golf ball. The multiple scenarios formed in step 833 can then be used in step 835 to determine the performance outcome of each of these scenarios. More specifically, step 835 of the current case study of the present invention determines a plurality of performance results for each of the plurality of modified digital golf swings.

Determining these performance results, as described in step 835 of the present invention, may generally focus on the performance of the golf club and golf ball in the event of a collision using multiple cameras. However, a number of other methods, including traditional launch monitors, may be used without departing from the scope and content of the invention, as long as they can obtain performance results. Performance results generally include one or more of the following specific measurements, as described in this current embodiment of the invention, which include club head speed, ball speed, launch angle, and so on. Fall angle, spin rate, attack angle, club path, carry distance, total distance, and variation. This list of performance results is not a complete list, and many other measurements can be collected to provide performance results without departing from the scope and content of the invention.

In the final step 827 of the current exemplary embodiment of the invention, the recommended shaft for the particular golfer can be selected from a plurality of shafts. The selection of recommended shafts may generally be based on multiple performance results collected in step 835, where the computer processor can easily compare and contrast the performance results to determine the recommended shaft. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, final step 827 can present more than one recommended shaft without departing from the scope and content of the invention.

FIG. 8b shows an alternative method according to other alternative embodiments of the invention. More specifically, this alternative embodiment of the present invention utilizes one or more sensors located on the golf club head.<u style="single">do it</u>Form a swing force profile. This is in addition to using one sensor to collect performance data. More specifically, this alternative method uses the force profile generated by the golfer along with the shaft profile measured by performing similar force simulations to predict performance results. This alternative embodiment performs a static shaft test in step 830 that mimics the force that a golfer applies to a shaft, thus when the model applies a specific golfer's force to each individual shaft. It differs from the previous embodiment in that it allows the golf club head to be predicted to be released against the ball.

In step 825, some of one or more sensors may be placed on the golf club head to collect the data needed to generate a swing force profile. FIG. 8c of the accompanying drawing shows a perspective view of a golf club containing one or more sensors 890, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, these sensors 890 may be placed on the shaft near the grip end of the golf club, on the shaft near the tip of the golf club, or even on the club head 815 itself. , These do not deviate from the scope and content of the invention. In fact, the invention may include one or more sensors in any of the three positions described above, which may be alone or in combination, which does not deviate from the countervalues and content of the invention.

Returning to FIG. 8b, in step 828, the golfer's swing force profile is determined based on the linear or rotational speed data obtained by step 827. Step 828 differs from step 829 in that the current embodiment collects the force applied by the golfer in step 826 instead of attempting to form a digital swing model of the golfer's swing through a computer processor. The point is that the calculation is based on the obtained position data. The force applied by the golfer to the grip end of the golf club forms a swing force profile, which includes a combination of centrifugal force and deviation applied by the golfer. Figure 8d is provided to illustrate the force profile of centrifugal and eccentric forces applied by the golfer.

Figure 8d of the accompanying drawing shows a graphical representation of the force applied by the golfer from the downswing to the follow-through to the center of gravity 801 of the golf club head 815, where each single data point 803 is the direction of the force and Indicates the size. More specifically, FIG. 8d shows the direction and magnitude of the force with respect to the central axis. The golfer's downswing begins at data point 804, where the golfer applies a force of 9 pounds in the direction, which is about 30 degrees in one direction and about -5.0 degrees in the other direction. The impact point is identified by data point 805, where the golfer applies a force of 79 pounds in the direction, which is about -8 degrees in one direction and about 4 degrees in the other direction. Finally, at the end of the swing indicated by data point 806, the golfer applies a force of 40 pounds in the direction, which is about 1 degree in one direction and about 8 degrees in the other direction.

In step 828, once the golfer's input force has been calculated and determined, individual additional shaft profiles related to one or more shafts are determined through static shaft tests that form a continuous shaft response model. Step 830 is required. To illustrate the static shaft test utilized in step 830, FIGS. 16a-16c and 17a-17d are provided in the accompanying drawings, which show more features of the static shaft test apparatus.

FIG. 16a shows a perspective view of the static shaft test apparatus 1650 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the shaft test device 1650 includes a base 1652, a cantilever beam 1654, and an angle adjuster 1656, which is coupled to the cantilever beam 1654 and tilts the cantilever beam 1654 around a hinge 1658. Let me. The angle adjuster 1656 may generally be an actuator, as referred to in the current exemplary embodiment of the present invention, but various such as electric motors, hydraulic pumps, hydraulic pumps, or piezo electric motors. The device may be utilized without departing from the scope and content of the present invention as long as the angle of the cantilever beam 1654 can be adjusted. The cantilever beam 1654 includes a clamp 1659, which has a mass 1663 at the tip of the shaft 1604 to simulate one feasible example of the profile of the force a golfer applies to a golf club shaft 1604 during a golf swing. When receiving, grip around the grip end of the shaft 1604 to secure the entire golf club shaft 1604. In this exemplary embodiment, the mass 1663 is attached to shaft 1604 through a balanced weight hook 1662 and simulates the axial component of the force that the shaft receives during a golf swing. The balanced weight hook 1662 may generally have multiple extensions, which allows the sensor 1606 to be attached to the tip of the shaft 1604. With these sensors, the reaction of the shaft 1604 can be recorded by the motion acquisition camera when the shaft 1604 receives various forces.

FIG. 16b provides a front view of the static shaft tester 1650 in an upright position with a right angle of about 90 degrees. In this specific setting, the shaft tester 1650 can be used to simulate the force applied to a type of shaft that appears in the axial direction. The amount of weight 1663 added to the equilibrium weight hook 1662 generally mimics a golfer's golf swing. In this example example, five different pairs of weights ranging from 20 lbs to 40 lbs, 60 lbs, 80 lbs, and 100 lbs are attached to the equilibrium weight hooks 1662 and are generated by the golfer. Reproduce the force. FIG. 16c provides a front view of a static shaft test device with a tilt angle Θ that is gradually increased to simulate the various forces that the shaft receives at different angles. More specifically, different amounts of weights 1663, ranging from 20 lbs to 40 lbs, 60 lbs, 80 lbs, and 100 lbs, vary from 87 °, 84 °, 81 °, 78 °, and 75 °. Tested at the tilt angle Θ of, simulates the overall incremental range of force the shaft receives during a golf swing. Between each one of these static tests, the placement and position of the marker 1606 at the end of the equilibrium weight hook 1662 is recorded and the relationship between the input force and the response of the shaft 1604 is established.

FIG. 17a shows a perspective view of the static shaft test apparatus 1750 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This static shaft tester 1750 uses parts similar to the static tester 1650 shown in FIG. 16a, but incorporates a CG duplication hook 1761 instead of the equilibrium weight hook 1662. The CG duplication hook 1761 mimics the CG position of the golf club head, which allows weights to be added to the shaft at the exact position of the CG of the golf club head. The CG duplication hook 1761 allows the static shaft tester 1750 to replicate the force the shaft receives during a golf swing relative to the CG position of the golf club head.

To illustrate the CG replication hook 1761 in more detail, FIG. 17b is provided, which is a perspective view of the CG replication hook 1761 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The CG duplication hook 1761 may generally be constructed from a lightweight metallic material and comprises a connector 1764 that connects to the tip of the shaft 1704. At the opposite end of the connector 1764, an extended leg 1765 is provided, which allows the hanging loop 1766 to be in a position that matches the actual CG position of the specific model of the golf club head. All potential golf club heads have slightly different CG positions, so multiple CGs to provide an accurate database of how different shafts react in combination with different club heads. Note that the duplication hook 1761 may be formed.

17c and 17d are perspective views of the tests performed in FIGS. 16b and 16b, where the CG duplication hook 1761 is used instead. More specifically, different amounts of weights 1763 in the range of 20 lbs to 40 lbs, 60 lbs, 80 lbs, and 100 lbs, vary in 87 °, 84 °, 81 °, 78 °, and 75 °. Tested at a tilt angle of Θ, it simulates the overall incremental range of force the shaft receives during a golf swing. However, in this specific test, the CG duplication hook 1761 also simulates the torque component and CG offset component of the force the shaft receives during a golf swing, in addition to the shaft component previously measured by the balanced weight hook 1662. Please note that.

Returning to Figure 8b, when static shaft tests are performed for each and all of the single tests required in step 832, a database of shaft profiles is formed, where these shaft profiles are for each shaft against input force. Show the response. Next, in step 834, the database can be combined with the golfer's swing force profile to form multiple shaft responses. As can be seen from step 834, the multiple shaft responses are the responses to the forces simulated through the static shaft test in step 832, so the forces collected from the golfer's swing profile and each and all responses of a single shaft. It is a combination. The combination of the golfer's input force profile and the shaft's response to this input can be understood in more detail in Figure 8e. Figure 8e is significantly similar to Figure 8d, but adds additional data representing the ultimate shaft response with respect to the force at the tip of the shaft. More specifically, this shaft response is represented by data point 813, represented by the "x" symbol, where the start of the downswing is at data point 814, the impact occurs at data point 815, and the swing is at data point 816. It ends with. This shaft response generally has several components, including, but not limited to, the outer angle of the shaft end, the lower side angle of the shaft end, the torque angle, and the amount of deviation.

Multiple performance results can be calculated in step 836, with the shaft response in Figure 8e and the forces derived from the data points. When multiple performance results are calculated in step 836, in step 838 one or more optimal shafts are selected from a number of different shafts. The optimum shaft for one or more can be determined based on performance results such as launch angle, drop angle, spin rate, attack angle, club pass, carry distance, total distance, and dispersion distance.

FIG. 9 of the accompanying drawing shows a graphical representation of the lead / lug measured by the angular difference between the base end of the golf club and the tip of the golf club. More specifically, FIG. 9 in the attached drawing is directed to one specific swing of a specific golfer, and subsequent figures.<u style="single">But</u>As shown, different golfers have completely different golf swing prints, which leads to the need for different shafts for different golfers. The lead / lag plot 940 shown in FIG. 9 may contain a large number of elements, which may correspond to some of the dynamic behavior characteristics discussed above. In other words, it also points out that dynamic behavior features calculated based on multiple position data can often be extrapolated, at least in part, from the read / lag plot 940 shown in FIG. Should be. Before breaking down into the various elements of this lead / lag plot 940, it is important to explain: That is, the x-axis in the current lead / lag plot 940 may generally point to the golfer's swing time, which counts backwards from the leftmost collision 957 in the figure, while this current lead / lag. The y-axis of the lug plot 940 may generally indicate the angle of change between multiple sensors at the tip of the golf club and the base end of the golf club in the lead / lug direction.

Looking at the substantive contents of the lead / lag plot 940, it can be seen that this plot tracks changes in leads and lags in the golf club throughout the golf swing of the golfer (player # 1). Any of the positive y-axis parts of this graph represent that the tip of the golf club is ahead of the base end of the golf club, and instead, any of the negative y-axis parts of this graph is the golf club. Expresses that the tip of the golf club lags behind the base of the golf club. Initially, player # 1 begins the swing at the starting point of the swing 941, which initiates the takeaway lead period 942, during which the tip of the golf club follows the golfer's hand to form the lead. Following the takeaway lead period 942 is generally the takeaway lag period 944, during which the shaft returns from backswing momentum and transition leads only for a short period before entering the downswing lag period 948. Swing to period 946. At the end of the golf swing near the golf swing collision 959, there is the final phase 950 of the downswing lead period during which the shaft snaps and kicks from the lugs accumulated during the downswing. Gives the golf ball speed in the event of a collision.

It mixes some additional important dynamic behavior features that provide more information about a specific golf swing for all of the period of interest. For example, a takeaway lead period 942 may include a takeaway maximum lead 943, starting at the start of the swing 941 and ending at the takeaway recovery point 945. The takeaway recovery point 945, as shown in Figure 9, generally allows player # 1 to start slowing the golf swing and allow the golf club selection to catch up with the base edge of the golf club. You may point to the position. Similarly, the takeaway lag period 944 includes a maximum takeaway lag of 947 and ends at a downswing recovery point of 949. The transition lead period 946, although accompanied by a read peak, is relatively small and is not particularly noticeable in this concrete diagram. Somewhere in Transition Lead Zone 946. The golfer begins the downswing, enters the downswing neutral point 951, and begins the downswing lag period 948, which includes the downswing maximum love 953. Finally, proceeding to the final stage of the golf swing, through the downswing recovery point 955, the golf club moves into the downswing lead period 957 and ends with the downswing maximum lead 957. Here, the maximum amount of reed experienced by a golf club is at collision point 957, which represents a golf club whip and snap that gives the golfer additional club head velocity in the event of a collision.

Needless to say, the swing map of player # 1 shown in FIG. 9 only shows one specific swing of one specific golfer. Different golfers may result in different swing prints, which will be significantly different from those shown in Figure 9. However, despite all the unique features of an individual golfer's swing print, many of the dynamic behavior features of the criteria described above can also be found in all the different swings shown in FIG. More specifically, FIG. 10 of the accompanying drawing is a graphical representation of the lead / lag plots 1040 of these golfers to show different swing prints of multiple different golfers, all of which are prominently identifiable as described above. With dynamic features. The lead / lag plot 1040 includes the swing print of player # 1 shown in FIG. 9 along with that of player # 2, player # 3, and player # 4. These are four different PGA Tour level players, and the dramatic difference in swing prints of these players is a unique feature of golfers' swing prints, regardless of skill level, of each golfer's golf swing. It indicates the need for golf clubs that act individually to maximize performance.

FIG. 11 of the accompanying drawing shows a graphical representation of the droop / drift angle between the base end portion of the golf club and the tip end portion of the golf club. Similar to the lead / lag plot 940 shown in Figure 9, Figure 11 provides a significant amount of data corresponding to one or more dynamic behavior features used to determine the recommended shaft for the golfer. Including. The x-axis in the current droop / drift plot 1160 also points to the timing of the golfer's swing, which counts backwards from the leftmost collision 1173 in the figure, while the y-axis is in the droop / drift direction. Refers to the angle of change between multiple sensors at the tip of a golf club and the base end of the golf club. A positive y value in Figure 11 indicates a droop, where the tip of the club falls below the base of the club, a negative y value in Figure 11 indicates drift, and the tip of the club is higher than the base of the club. It's up.

The droop / drift plot 1160 shown in FIG. 11 of the accompanying drawing shows the droop and drift trends of exactly the same swing of player # 1 shown in FIG. The droop drift plot 1160 may have a takeaway droop period 1162, during which the tip of the golf club droops relative to the base end of the golf club. The takeaway drift period 1164 immediately follows the takeaway loop period 1162. This distinction occurs at the transition point of the swing, with the downswing drift period 1166 following the takeaway drift period 1164. Finally, the swing ends at the downswing droop period 1168, during which the club terminates at collision point 1173. As before, additional takeaway maximum droop 1161, takeaway maximum droop recovery 1163, takeaway maximum drift 1165, downswing maximum drift 1167, downswing drift recovery 1169, downswing maximum droop 1171, and collision 1173. There is a dynamic behavior feature.

Similar to lead / lag, FIG. 12 shows that different golfers produce dramatically different results with different swing prints in the droop / drift plot 1260. For more specific physicians, Figure 12 shows the differences in droop / drift swing prints between players # 1, player # 2, player # 3, and player # 4, which are different, to illustrate the differences in the droop / drift of these players. Shows the differences in drift characteristics.

FIG. 13 of the accompanying drawing graphically displays the change in torque between the base end of the golf club and the tip end of the golf club. Similar to the lead lag plot 940 and droop drift plot 1160 shown in Figures 9 and 10, current torque plots can be used to determine the recommended shaft for golfers1 Or it contains data corresponding to multiple dynamic behavior features. The x-axis of the current torque plot 1360 refers to the time sensation of the golfer's golf swing, which counts backwards from the point of collision 1391 on the far left of the figure, while the y-axis is the multiple tips of the golf club. Refers to the angle of twist between the sensor and the sensors at the base of the golf club. The positive y value in FIG. 13 indicates the positive torque in the clockwise direction when the shaft is viewed downward, which rotates the club head open with respect to the base end, while the negative y value in FIG. 13 Shows a negative counterclockwise torque when looking down at the shaft, which causes the club head to rotate closed relative to its base end.

First, dramatic changes in the data show that the torque data plot contains significantly more noise that distorts the presented data. This amount of noise is thought to be due to a small distance that wraps around the shaft in a circle and is surrounded by multiple markers, which amplifies the small vibrations. Regardless of the amount of noise, the torque plot 1380 shown in FIG. 13 is still interpretable, taking advantage of a basic understanding and timing of golf swings. The torque plot 1380 may have a takeaway negative torque period 1382, a takeaway positive torque period 1384, a downswing negative torque period 1386, and a downswing positive torque period 1388. Each of the identified periods is 1381 via swing, maximum takeaway torque 1383, maximum takeaway negative torque 1385. Includes downswing maximum positive torque 1389, downswing maximum negative torque, and collision 1391.

Figure 14 of the accompanying drawing shows a plot of torque of different players 1480, which includes the player in the printout characterized in Figure 13. More specifically, FIG. 14 copies a printout of player # 1 in the context of player # 2, player # 3, and player # 4, and how contrasting each individual golfer is to golf. It shows that it has a swing, yet some dynamic behavior features are identifiable.

FIG. 15 of the accompanying drawing shows a perspective view of the golf club 1502 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of sensors 1590 are used instead of the back reflection sensor. Acquire dynamic behavior characteristics. Figure<u style="single">5</u>Although it may be preferable to use multiple retroreflectors as shown in, the number of cameras required in a particular embodiment may make it difficult to effectively replicate the entire system. To make the fitting process more agile, this example uses multiple sensors 1590, each capable of acquiring position, velocity, acceleration, and orientation, which deviates from the scope and content of the invention. do not. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the plurality of sensors 1590 may generally be accelerometers, but many other types of sensors, as long as they can obtain the required information. It can be used without departing from the scope and content of the invention. More information on accelerometer functionality can be found in US Pat. No. 3,945,646 (Hammond), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Figure<u style="single">15</u>Indicates two sensors 1590 that are located at both ends of the golf club shaft 1504 and acquire the overall behavior of the golf club 1502, although the sensor 1590 acquires positioning data without departing from the scope and content of the present invention. Note that it may be placed in various different positions on the golf club shaft 1504 and even on the club head 1515.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, multiple sensors are selectively positioned on the golf club and a computer processor is used when the golfer makes a golf swing.<u style="single">The multiple</u>Of the sensor<u style="single">plural</u>By acquiring the position data, the shaft recommended for the golfer can be determined. When the golfer swings, the computer processor calculates one or more dynamic behavior features based on the acquired data and one or more preferred static shaft features based on the one or more dynamic behavior features. Determine and thus determine a recommended shaft with one or more static shaft features that most closely resembles the preferred static shaft features.

FIG. 18 shows a partially cutaway perspective view of a golf club with a sensor box 1890 in the internal cavity of the golf club head 1815, according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, in this alternative embodiment of the invention, the sensor box 1890 is located inside the rear bottom portion of the golf club head 1815 without departing from the scope and content of the invention. In FIG. 18, the golf club head 1815 is partially cut out to show the relative position of the sensor box 1890 in the golf club head 1815 more clearly. Note that in this current embodiment, the sensor in the sensor box 1890 generally requires an energy source, so the sensor box 1890 is mounted on the golf club head 1815 with a battery 1891.

In a preferred embodiment, the lightweight sensor box 1890 minimizes the extent to which it alters the mass characteristics of the golf club head 1815 itself, so it is preferred to minimize the weight of the sensor box 1890. Without departing from the scope and content of the invention, the weight of the sensor box 1890 is generally less than about 15 grams, more preferably about 13 as shown in the current case examples of the invention. It may be smaller than a gram, most preferably less than about 10 grams. The battery 1891 generally has a weight of less than about 5 grams, more preferably less than about 4.5 grams, and most preferably less than about 4.0 grams, without departing from the scope and content of the invention. You can do it.

FIG. 19 of the accompanying drawing shows a perspective view of the sensor in the sensor box 1990 according to the alternative embodiment of the present invention. The sensor box 1990, shown in more detail in FIG. 19, may generally be a combination of different individual sensors at any given time, with different electronic components being provided together on a plurality of circuit boards 1992. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sensor box 1990 further comprises one or more accelerometers 1993, one or more gyroscopes 1994, and one or more magnetometers 1995, which are the present invention. Does not deviate from the scope and content of. The present invention includes, in addition to sensors, one or more memory storage devices 1996 for temporarily storing collected data and one or more antennas 1997 for transmitting data to a computer (not shown). You may.

The one or more accelerometers 1993 used in the embodiment of the present invention may generally be a 3-axis accelerometer, which can measure the acceleration of the sensor box 1990 throughout the golf swing. However, multiple single-axis accelerometers may be employed in alternative embodiments without departing from the scope and content of the invention, provided that measurements are made across three different axes in three planes. Must be deployed forcefully across. The measurement range of a 3-axis accelerometer may generally be between a force of about + -6 g and a force of about + -10 g, more preferably between a force of + -7 g and a force of + -9 g. It may be a sample rate with a force of + -8 g, most preferably. This sensitivity provides better resolution for golfers with slower swing speeds, but may cause data saturation problems when encountering faster swing speeds.

The one or more gyroscopes 1994 used in this embodiment of the present invention is a low range 3-axis gyroscope used to measure the rotational angular momentum of the sensor box 1990 throughout the golf swing. good. The measurement range of this specific low range 3-axis gyroscope is generally less than about 2000 ° / sec, more preferably less than about 1800 ° / sec, and most preferably less than about 1500 ° / sec. good. Relatively low sensitivity of the gyroscope 1994 is preferable in certain situations where the golfer's angular momentum is not very high, which is why these low range 3-axis gyroscopes 1994 provide more accurate data due to the low noise. Because it can be provided. However, when the dynamic movement of the golf swing is large, the present invention, with or in place of a low range gyroscope, an additional term range to obtain additional data in a high data range. A gyroscope may be included, which does not deviate from the scope and content of the invention.

Finally, one or more magnetometers are used within the sensor box 1990 to measure the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field to determine the overall direction of the golf club head with respect to magnetic north over the entire actual golf swing. To assist in calibrating, and also to assist in determining the orientation of the sensor box 1990.

The one or more memory storage devices 1996 shown in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may generally be used to collect data acquired by accelerometer 1993, gyroscope 1994, and magnetometer 1995. .. This is beneficial in the present invention because the memory storage device 1993 eliminates the need for the sensor 1990 to routinely communicate with the computer via the antenna 1997. Given the amount of data collected from such sensors is astronomical, it would be nearly difficult to maintain constant communication with Antenna 1997 to transfer data. Although one or more memory storage devices 1996 may generally be flash memory type devices, any other type of temporary or permanent storage medium of the invention, as long as it can hold the acquired data. It may be used without departing from the scope and content.

Notches in sensor 1990 to more clearly show specific sensor relationships and to facilitate identification of the respective functions of the individual accelerometers 1993, gyroscope 1994, and magnetometer 1995. A figure is provided in FIG. 20, which shows the sensor box 2090, in which a specific gyroscope is placed in a strategic position within the sensor box 2090. More specifically, Figure 20 shows the sensor box 2090, which places three additional single-axis gyroscopes 2094-1, 2094-2, and 2094-3 along three different axes. It allows you to obtain different angular momentums of the sensor box 2090: roll, pitch, and yaw. The three single-axis gyroscopes 2094-1, 2094-2, and 2094-3 may be used in addition to the low-range 3-axis gyroscope, or independently of the low-range 3-axis gyroscope. Good, this does not deviate from the scope and content of this invention.

Here we compare the importance of a high-range single-axis gyroscope working in this concrete example with the conventional approach of collecting essential data using a high-rate accelerometer. It is useful to consider. As mentioned earlier, although gyroscopes can be offered in either single-axis or 3-axis formats, 3-axis gyroscopes may generally have a low measurement range of less than about 2000 ° / sec. Although the 2000 ° / sec measurement range may seem like a relatively large number, the dynamics of a golf swing include a fairly large amount of rotational momentum, and the angular momentum of a golf club can easily exceed 2000 ° / sec. There will be. The measurement range of the uniaxial gyroscopes 2094-1, 2094-2, and 2094-3 is generally greater than about 2000 ° / sec, more preferably greater than about 3000 ° / sec, and most preferably about 5000 ° / sec. It may be greater than a second, which does not deviate from the scope and content of the invention.

The reason for adding a high-range single-axis gyroscope to a low-range 3-axis gyroscope is that "saturation" occurs when the angular momentum exceeds the capacity of the low-range 3-axis gyroscope during a golf swing. This is to prevent. As we call it in this context of collecting data, "saturated" data occurs when the angular momentum exceeds the performance of a low-range gyroscope.

The present invention utilizes a high range gyroscope instead of the widespread practice of incorporating a high range accelerometer to solve the problem of having to collect data that exceeds the measurement performance of the accelerometer. It is important to understand that it is a thing. The drawback of the conventional technique of acquiring essential data using a high range accelerometer is the fact that the size of the accelerometer increases exponentially as the measurement range increases. Therefore, in order to form an accelerometer that achieves a sufficiently high measurement range for the data generated due to the centripetal force of the golf swing, the actual accelerometer dimensions significantly exceed the dimensions of the golf club head itself. hand<u style="single">Sisters</u>, It becomes impractical as a golf club part. Due to dimensional constraints, conventional attempts to obtain extreme range data generated by golf swings, using accelerometers that maintain the appropriate small dimensions, have resulted in data loss due to data saturation. Will require an additional mathematical algorithm to compensate. Data saturation prevents the collection of accurate data.

The present invention takes a creative approach to the problems that arise to address the supersaturation problem by adopting a high range gyroscope instead of a high range accelerometer. Since the gyroscope operates by determining the amount of rotation speed, it is not necessary to increase the size of the gyroscope itself even if the measurement range is increased. A high range gyroscope can be used to prevent data saturation while still maintaining compact dimensions sufficient to fit inside a golf club. However, since the only information provided by the gyroscope is rotational speed, calculations are required to revert to the linear acceleration, linear velocity, and linear displacement data commonly obtained by accelerometers.

A basic understanding of angular velocity is required to obtain velocity data. In the most basic form, the angular velocity is a function of the linear velocity (V), the angular velocity (w), and the radius of gyration (r), which can be grasped by the following equation (1). V = w × r equation (1) The angular velocity (w) is measured from a gyroscope, and the radius of gyration (r) can be evaluated as a fixed point under the hand. Alternatively, the radius of gyration (r) may be calculated by finding the instantaneous center of the arc as the outer product of the integrated low range accelerometer data. If the linear velocity is known, the linear acceleration can be determined by time differentiation, and the linear displacement can be determined by integrating the linear velocity with respect to time.

As mentioned earlier, the compactness of the sensor box 2090 is an important feature of the invention, replacing the high-range gyroscopes 2094-1, 2094-2, and 2094-3 with high-range accelerometers. By incorporating it, the sensor box 2090 can be made into the required compact dimensions. One of the objectives of forming a compact sensor box 2090 is to minimize the effect of the sensor box on the CG (center of gravity) and MOI (moment of inertia) characteristics of a golf club. Figures 21 and 22 are provided to illustrate the strategic placement of the sensor box 2090, which is the ideal position for the sensor box 2180 to minimize its impact on the CG and MOI characteristics of the golf club head. And realize the placement.

FIG. 21 of the accompanying drawing shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head 2115 along the anteroposterior direction according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing how the sensor box 2190 is arranged with respect to the club head 2115. I'm making it visible. It can be seen that the sensor box 2190 is located near the rear sole portion of the golf club head 2115, and such a position helps to minimize the adverse effects of adding the sensor box 2190. More specifically, the placement of the sensor box 2190 is generally at least about 55 mm larger than the face 2116 in the z-axis direction and smaller than about 110 mm, more preferably than the face 2116 in the z-axis direction. It may be at least about 60 mm larger and smaller than about 105 mm, most preferably at least about 65 mm larger than the face 2116 in the z-axis direction and smaller than about 100 mm. In other words, the distance d1 is generally greater than about 55 mm, more preferably greater than about 60 mm, most preferably greater than about 65 mm, while the distance d2 is generally less than about 110 mm. More preferably less than about 105 mm, most preferably less than about 100 mm, all of which are z-axis directions and do not deviate from the scope and content of the invention. The placement of the sensor box 2190 is generally greater than at least about 1.0 mm from the face center 2116 in the y-axis direction and less than about 25.0 mm, more preferably at least about 1.25 mm from the face center 2116 in the y-axis direction. Larger and less than about 22.5 mm, most preferably greater than at least about 1.5 mm and less than about 20.0 mm from the face center 2116 in the my-axis direction. In other words, the distance d3 is generally greater than about 1.0 mm, more preferably greater than about 1.25 mm, most preferably greater than about 1.50 mm, while the distance d4 is generally about 25 mm. Smaller, more preferably about 22.

FIG. 22 of the accompanying drawing shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head 2215 along the heel-to-toe direction according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, how the sensor box 2290 is arranged relative to the club head 2215. I am trying to see. Generally speaking, the sensor 2290 is preferably located near the center of the golf club head 2215 in the x-axis direction in order to minimize the adverse effects of adding the weight of the sensor 2290. Therefore, the placement of both ends of the sensor box is generally less than about 10 mm away from the face 2216 in the x-axis direction, more preferably less than about 9.5 mm away from the face 2216 in the x-axis direction, most preferably. It may be less than about 9.25 mm away from face 2216 in the x-axis direction. In other words, the distances d5 and d6 are generally less than about 10 mm, more preferably less than about 9.5 mm, and most preferably less than about 9.25 mm.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of sensors are selectively positioned on a golf club, and when a golfer makes a golf swing, a computer processor is used to display the sensors.<u style="single">plural</u>Recommended for golfers by acquiring position data<u style="single">shaft</u>Can be determined. When the golfer swings, the computer processor calculates one or more dynamic behavior features based on the acquired data and one or more preferred static shaft features based on the one or more dynamic behavior features. Determine and thus determine a recommended shaft with one or more static shaft features that most closely resembles the preferred static shaft features.

FIG. 23 of the accompanying drawing shows another alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the camera 2308 is the golf club 2302 from an external position.<u style="single">itself</u>On top of, just below the grip 2317, at a distance d7 from the end of golf club 2302<u style="single">Moved</u>Be placed. The distance d7 may generally be between about 6 and about 14 inches, more preferably between about 8 and about 12 inches, and most preferably about 10 inches from the end of the golf club 2302. This minimizes such cameras from adversely affecting the swing of the golf club during swing. Since the camera 2308 is generally premised on having a rigid body behind its field of view, it is generally preferred to place the camera 2308 close to the golfer's hand to minimize measurement errors. However, technically, as long as the camera 2302 can clearly project the club head 1315 as well as multiple markers placed on the crown, the camera 2302 can be technically placed at any position along the length of the shaft. It may be placed without departing from the scope and content. As shown in this alternative embodiment of the present invention, the camera 2308 is generally mounted on the shaft portion of the golf club 2302 and faces the club head 2315, as well as the golf club head 2315 and the golf club. It may be possible to image the marker 2306 on the head 2315. Finally, FIG. 23 shows the sensor 2390 mounted on the golf club 2302 near or directly above the camera 2308. The sensor 2390 may function for the purpose of allowing data to be collected about the golfer's swing itself, which is not shown from the perspective of the camera 2308.

Equipped with the camera 2308 on the golf club 2302 itself is dramatically different from any conventional attempt to obtain swing data using an external camera, which makes the camera an absolute global reference frame. This is because, instead of the globalized data acquired in, the localized data is acquired within the moving reference frame of the golf club 2302 itself. It is important to recognize the difference between the data taken from the camera in the global reference frame and the data taken from the camera in the local reference frame synchronized with the golf club 2302 itself. For beginners, retrieving data within a localized reference frame allows the camera to separate the performance of the shaft from other factors, which determines the effect of the shaft and the response of the shaft to the applied force. It is an important feature. Achieving this with a global reference frame would require complex data acquisition methods. The camera 2308 shown in the embodiment of the present invention need not be an infrared camera as discussed above, but may be a standard imaging camera, which does not deviate from the scope and content of the present invention. To ensure that the camera 2308 is capable of capturing the fast motion of a golf swing, the camera 2308 is generally greater than about 75 frames / sec, more preferably greater than about 100 frames / sec. Most preferably it has a frame rate greater than about 125 frames / sec, has a shutter speed greater than about 1/2500 sec, more preferably greater than about 1/4500 sec, and has a resolution greater than 0.3 gigapixels. .. The camera may generally include a monochrome filter and may be in color, which does not deviate from the scope and content of the present invention. Since the camera 2308 is located at a special distance from the golf club head 2315, the focal length of the camera 2308 is about 35 inches away from the lens and a field of view of about 4'x 4'. At that time, it may be about 6 mm in general. The camera 2308 may generally weigh less than about 120 grams, more preferably less than 110 grams, and most preferably less than about 100 grams. Finally, the camera 2308 may hold the data acquired by the camera or the sensor 2390 with flash storage capability, which eliminates the need to temporarily transfer the data to a computer (not shown).

Recognizing that in the current case study, a single camera 2308 was combined with a single sensor 2390 located in the golf club 2302, thus eliminating the need for multiple cameras in the traditional embodiment. It is important to do. This current embodiment is simple and small, which makes the data acquisition system as a whole mobile and makes the data acquisition process more flexible.

The sensor 2390 should generally be of a given high performance level in order to fit a high speed golf swing. However, the force of the grip end of the golf club 2302 is significantly smaller than the force of the club head 2315 of the golf club, so it is not necessary to make the performance requirement extremely high. More specifically, the sensor 2390 is generally accompanied by an accelerometer that can measure loads up to 50G against force without saturation.<u style="single">Is</u>Will need. Sensor 2390 may also include a gyroscope capable of measuring rotational speeds in excess of about 2500 degrees / sec. Finally, the sensor 2390 may generally include a magnetometer to orient the sensor with respect to a reference frame, which does not deviate from the scope and content of the present invention.

The sensor 2390 and camera 2308 work in harmony here to simplify the data acquisition process. More specifically, sensor 2390 may be used to initialize and initiate data acquisition for camera 2308. The sensor 2390 triggers the camera 2308 when it senses the movement of the grip end of the golf club head 2302, which symbolizes the beginning of the golf swing, without the need for an external switch to activate the camera. It's okay.

camera<u style="single">2308</u>To understand that it is important to add to the golf club itself, the onboard view of the golf club head 2315 is illustrated in FIGS. 24, 25 and 26, where the marker 2306 has such an arrangement. On-board camera mounted on the golf club<u style="single">2308</u>Observed by. More specifically, FIG. 24 shows the camera (shown in FIG. 23) at the top of the grip end of shaft 2404.<u style="single">near</u>Shows a view of the camera when looking down at the club head 2415, as well as multiple, two or more markers 2406. According to this figure, the position of the marker can be used to determine the attributes of the club head during a golf swing. The specific view shown in FIG. 24 shows a golf club in a static position when the shaft 2404 is not bent and the club head 2415 is a square. In this static aspect, the distance d8 of any two markers 2406 is determined from the screen capture as it is important to determine the magnitude and direction of flexion when the shaft 2404 responds to the applied force. You can do it.

Figure 25 of the attached drawing shows the camera when the golf club is deflected in one direction.<u style="single">2308</u>Shows the view of. As can be seen from FIG. 25, the plurality of markers 2506 all change the position, the coordination, and the relative distance d8 between each other, indicating that the attribute or orientation of the golf club head has changed. Changes in these attributes of the club head are important as they can be used to determine the shaft response of individual shafts. To understand this concept, a fairly simplified equation (Equation 2) is presented to help explain how the combination of forces during a golf swing works. Club head attribute = swing force profile + shaft response formula (2) Here, the swing force profile is a sensor positioned near the grip end of the golf club.<u style="single">2390</u>Club head attributes can be collected from camera 2308 (see Figure 23). Only the shaft response is left as is, which can be calculated from the other two known variables. More specifically, as discussed earlier, the swing force profile may generally consist of the linear and rotational speed of the golfer's swing, while the club head attributes are described in more detail below.

The club head attribute described above may generally be a function of the position, rotation, and relative distance d8 of the plurality of markers. The position of these markers can be compared to the static position to determine the lead and lug of the club head during a golf swing. The amount of twist, or torque, of the shaft can be determined by the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of multiple markers. Finally, the relative distance d8 of multiple markers can determine the club head droop and drift, where droop increases the distance d8, while drift decreases the distance d8.

Figure 26 of the attached drawing shows the camera when the golf club turns in another different direction.<u style="single">2308</u>Shows an alternative view of. As can be seen from FIG. 26, the golf club head 2615 and the plurality of markers 2606 deviate from the static positions originally shown in FIG. Similar to the above, changes in position, orientation, and relative distance d8 can be used to determine the attributes of the club head, which can then be used to determine the shaft response. Since the shaft response can be determined, fitting can be facilitated because the swing force profile can be used to determine club head attributes and optimize golf club performance. Alternatively, the invention can be used to assist in predicting the flight characteristics of a golf ball with different golf swings with different shaft responses, even when the current system is not used for fitting applications.

Other matters in the working example, or, unless otherwise stated, all numerical ranges, quantities, values, percentages, such as those regarding the quantity of material, and others in the specification, even if the value, quantity or Even if the term "about" is not displayed in relation to the range, it can be read as if "about" is placed before it. Therefore, unless indicated otherwise, the parameters of the numbers expressed in the specification and claims are approximate, depending on the desired properties intended to be obtained by the present invention. Change. At a minimum, of course, it does not constrain the application of the doctrine of equivalents, but the parameters of each number should be interpreted in the light of the number of significant figures recorded and the usual rounding process.

Although the numerical ranges and parameters that indicate the broad scope of the invention are approximate, the numbers shown in the embodiments were recorded as accurately as possible. Any number still contains an error due to the standard deviation found in each test measurement. Further, it should be understood that any combination of values, including the illustrated values, can be used when the numerical ranges of the various scopes are indicated.

It should be noted that the above description relates to an exemplary embodiment of the invention and the modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described in the claims below.<u style="single">The technical features described here are listed below.</u><u style="single">[Technical feature 1]</u><u style="single"> It s a golf club</u><u style="single"> With the grip at the base of the above golf club,</u><u style="single"> With the club head at the end of the above golf club,</u><u style="single"> A shaft that connects the grip and the club head and is arranged between the grip and the club head,</u><u style="single"> Having a camera located at a distance between about 6 inches and about 14 inches from the grip end of the golf club,</u><u style="single"> Aimed at the club head of the camera,</u><u style="single"> The club head further comprises two or more markers positioned on the club head.</u><u style="single">[Technical feature 2]</u><u style="single"> The golf club according to technical feature 1, wherein the camera is placed at a distance of about 8 inches and about 12 inches from the grip end of the golf club.</u><u style="single">[Technical feature 3]</u><u style="single"> The golf club according to technical feature 2 in which the camera is placed at a distance of about 10 inches from the grip end of the golf club.</u><u style="single">[Technical feature 4]</u><u style="single"> The golf club according to technical feature 1, further comprising a sensor located on or near the surface of the camera.</u><u style="single">[Technical feature 5]</u><u style="single"> The above sensor is a golf club according to technical feature 4 which further has an accelerometer and a gyroscope.</u><u style="single">[Technical feature 6]</u><u style="single"> The above camera is a golf club according to technical feature 4 having a frame rate larger than about 75 frames / second.</u><u style="single">[Technical feature 7]</u><u style="single"> The above camera is a golf club according to technical feature 6 having a frame rate larger than about 100 frames / second.</u><u style="single">[Technical feature 8]</u><u style="single"> The above camera is a golf club according to technical feature 7 having a frame rate larger than about 125 frames / second.</u><u style="single">[Technical features 9]</u><u style="single"> The measurement range of the accelerometer is about + -8g. The golf club described in Technical Feature 8.</u><u style="single">[Technical features 10]</u><u style="single"> The golf club according to the technical feature 1 in which the plurality of markers are arranged on the surface of the crown portion of the club head.</u><u style="single">[Technical features 11]</u><u style="single"> It is a fitting method that fits the golfer to the recommended shaft.</u><u style="single"> Steps to position two or more sensors on the club head of a golf club,</u><u style="single"> With the step of positioning the camera at a distance of about 12 inches and about 16 inches from the grip end of the golf club above,</u><u style="single"> A step of acquiring multiple linear and rotational speed data using at least one of the above plurality of sensors while the golfer is performing a golf swing.</u><u style="single"> Steps to determine the swing profile of the golfer's golf swing,</u><u style="single"> The method comprising a step of simulating a plurality of shaft responses based on the swing profile.</u><u style="single">[Technical features 12]</u><u style="single"> The method according to technical feature 11, wherein the swing force profile of the golfer has centrifugal force and displacement force.</u><u style="single">[Technical features 13]</u><u style="single"> The method according to technical feature 12, wherein the camera is directed at the club head.</u><u style="single">[Technical features 14]</u><u style="single"> The method according to technical feature 13, wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged on the crown portion of the club head.</u><u style="single">[Technical features 15]</u><u style="single"> The method according to technical feature 11, further comprising a step of placing one or more sensors on or near the surface of the camera.</u><u style="single">[Technical features 16]</u><u style="single"> The method according to technical feature 15, wherein the sensor further comprises an accelerometer and a gyroscope.</u><u style="single">[Technical features 17]</u><u style="single"> The method according to technical feature 16, wherein the gyroscope has a measurement range of less than about 2000 degrees / second.</u><u style="single">[Technical features 18]</u><u style="single"> The method according to technical feature 17, wherein the gyroscope has a measurement range of less than about 1800 degrees / sec.</u><u style="single">[Technical features 19]</u><u style="single"> The method according to technical feature 16, wherein the measurement range of the accelerometer is between about + -6 g and about + -10 g.</u><u style="single">[Technical features 20]</u><u style="single"> The method according to technical feature 19, wherein the measurement range of the accelerometer is between about + -7 g and about + -9 g.</u>

100 golfers 101 coordinate system 102 golf club 106 marker 108 camera 111 computer processor 2302 golf club 2306 marker 2308 camera 2315 Club head 2317 Grip 2390 sensor