Golf Swing Balance Analyzer

The appendix hereto consists of the program listing for the microprocessor as used in this invention. The Appendix is identified as "Control Program for S&B Electronics' Golf Weight Shifter Prototype" Version 4.0 lb.

This invention relates in general to devices for improving golf swings and, more particularly, to a device for measuring and analyzing balance shifts and weight shifts during a golf swing.

A wide variety of teaching and training aids have been designed over the years to aid individuals in developing a golf swing of optimum power and accuracy. These devices have purposes such as improving stance, backswing, hand or head position, follow through and the like. In an optimum golf swing for most right-handed persons, weight which is initially evenly divided between the feet when the ball is addressed, shifts to the right foot during the backswing, then during the downswing is returned to the left foot at impact and continues to shift to the left foot during follow through. For most golfers, the ideal combination of power and accuracy has been found to occur when weight is shifting to the left foot at the instant of impact.

It is, of course, difficult if not impossible, for either the golfer or an observer, such as a golf teaching professional, to determine whether correct weight shift has occurred during a swing. Also, undesirable shifts of weight between the golfer's heels and toes may occur during the swing which, again, is difficult for a golfer or observer to recognize.

Attempts have been made to provide devices which indicate weight shift in a visible manner. For example, Kretsinger in U.S. Pat. No. 3,169,022 describes a system in which the golfer stands on two pads and swings a club at a simulated golf ball. Each pad contains a weight responsive variable capacitor which sends a signal to a display in the form of a row of indicator lamps. Lamps will light from the center to each side in accordance with the weight on each pad. A sound responsive pick-up device freezes the light display at the moment of club impact with the ball. The display only shows the degree of weight imbalance between the feet at moment of impact and does not show weight shift at backswing or follow through. The indication cannot be saved for convenient comparison to the results with other swings. Since results are affected by the user's weight, it must be readjusted for different users and will probably be inconsistent from one use to the next by the same person. The device is incapable of analyzing an entire swing and of measuring toe to heel weight shifts. Further the device does not provide digital information and does not supply "quantifiable" data.

Another golf swing practice device is described by O'Donnell in U.S. Pat. No. 3,994,501. Two opposed blades are hinged at a midpoint and extend in opposite directions, with the distal ends elevated by compression springs. A golfer stands with one heel on each raised end. A switch turns on a light when the blade is depressed by the golfer's weight. When a right-handed golfer swings, if the swing is correct and left heel is raised during the backswing and weight has returned to the left heel at impact a light will turn on. While possibly of some use, this crude indication does not indicate correctness of the follow through and does not analyze the entire swing. No indication of swing quality is saved for comparison with later swings or ideal swings.

Thus, there is a continuing need for systems for fully analyzing golf swing from the backswing, through impact, to the follow through. For effective teaching, there is a need for a way to compare the results of each swing with earlier and later swings.

An object of this invention, therefore, is to provide a device for analyzing a golf swing which overcomes the above-noted problems. Another object is to provide a device which measures and displays weight shift between the feet and/or between the heel and toe of each foot during a golf swing. A further object of this invention is to provide a device which allows analysis of weight balance during a golf swing at the top of the backswing, at impact with a golf ball and at the top of the foreswing or follow-through. Still another object is to provide a device in which a displayed sequence of weight shift during a golf swing may be replayed for analysis.

The above objects, and others, are accomplished in accordance with this invention by a device which basically includes a pair of foot pads sized to support a golfer with one foot on each pad, each pad including weight measuring means for measuring total weight on each pad and the distribution of weight between the front (toe) end and the rear (heel) end and a display unit including a variety of system control switches, most of which are operable by a golfer using the head of a golf club, and a display which selectively displays, in numerical and/or graphical form, weight shift information generated during a swing.

Details of the invention, and preferred embodiments thereof, will be further understood upon reference to the drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the overall swing analyzer system of this invention;

FIG. 1a is a showing of right and left foot pads of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the display and control box;

FIG. 3a is a plan view of the display screen at the start of setup;

FIG. 3b is a plan view of the display screen at the "set contrast" point;

FIG. 3c is a plan view of the display screen at the "set restart delay" point;

FIG. 3d is a plan view of the display screen at the "set weight" point;

FIG. 3e is a plan view of the display screen at the "ready" point;

FIG. 3f is a plan view of the display screen at the peak of the backswing;

FIG. 3g is a plan view of the display screen at the point of impact;

FIG. 3h is a plan view of the display screen at the foreswing peak;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the electronic components contained within the display and control box;

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a foot pad with the upper cover removed; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic section view taken on line 6--6 in FIG. 5.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is seen a plan view of the overall arrangement of the golf swing analyzer of this invention. Two foot pads, a right foot pad 10 and left pad 12 are sized to support the feet of a golfer in his normal stance. Typically, each pad may be about 8 inches by 14 inches, with a thickness of about 0.75 inch. The pads may be designed to fold or may include clips to secure the two pads together for convenience in transporting and storing them. Pad bases 14 may be formed from any suitable plastic or rigidized rubber. Inside each base is transducer in the form of a conventional flexible printed circuit (not shown, but seen in FIGS. 5 and 6) including weight-to-electric signal transducers which transmits signals corresponding to weight imposed in selected areas. Typical such flex circuits are available from Tekscan, Inc. The upper surface preferably has a layer of synthetic grass or carpet-like material 16 to provide a non-slip, turf-like surface, with sufficient thickness to cushion golf shoe spikes from penetrating to the flex circuit below. Between the base and material 16 is preferably located an additional protective sheet which may typically be an aluminum plate.

If desired, small loops 20 may be secured to each pad 10 and 12 along the edges, so that pins such as conventional golf tees 22 may be inserted into the loops and into the ground to prevent the pads from slipping during use. Alternatively, the lower surface of pads 10 and 12 may be rough or include molded downwardly extending pins or nubs to reduce pad slippage.

A conventional electrical cable 24 connects pads 10 and 12 to a control and display box 26, as described in detail below. Cable 14 has sufficient length to be out of the way (and permit box 26 to be placed at an easily viewed location) when a golfer stands on pads 10 and 12 and swings at conventional golf ball 28. If desired, a reference target may be provided to aid the golfer in lining up his swing. Target 30 is a small plastic sheet 32, with suitable indicia such as an arrow 34, which clips on cable 24 and is slidable therealong. Further, clips 36 may be provided along cable 24 with openings adapted to receive pins such as conventional golf tees 38 to hold cable 24 in the selected position between the pads and display box 26.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view in detail of control and display box 26. A "setup" button 40 is provided to turn the unit on and to initiate a setup sequence during which the golfer sets certain system parameters, as discussed in detail in conjunction with the description of FIG. 3. A "right-left" switch 42 is set to correspond with the direction of the swing, right-to-left or left-to-right. Three large switches are provided along the top of the unit which can be operated by hand or by a golf club head when the golfer has taken his stance. Display switch 44 steps the display through the sequence of deferent displays available, e.g., numerical and graphical displays. Reset button 46 is used to manually reset the system for another swing, after the golfer has had time to evaluate the results of a prior swing, compare the results of the last swing to some prior swing, etc. Reciprocal switch 48 toggles the display between showing weight shift to the left foot (as shown on the FIG. 2 display) to showing weight shift from the right foot. These weight percentage numbers are always reciprocals, e.g. a left foot reading of 95 will equate to a right foot reading of 5, always summing to 100. Which foot weight is displayed is selected by the golfer in accordance with his personal preference. A restart selection switch 50 permits the golfer to select between an automatic, timed, restart or a manual restart selected by switch 46. As described below, the automatic restart delay period can be selected during system setup.

A display panel 52, typically a conventional liquid crystal display, shows the results of a swing in several different modes, including numerical and graphical displays. The display shown is a summary display at the completion of a swing. An indication of the point in the operating sequence is shown at 54. An indication of the next screen which would be displayed upon pressing display switch 44 is provided in the upper right corner; here, "swing movie" indicating that pressing switch 4 will cause the display to go through the swing sequence, showing in a movie-like manner the weight shift sequence of the golfer's last swing. As discussed below, other information will be displayed across the top of the display at particular points in the operating sequence.

The lower portion of display 52 shows the percentage of the golfer's weight on his left foot (as indicated at 58) at three points in the swing, at the peak of the backswing 60, at impact 62 and at peak foreswing or follow-through 64. A golf tee symbol 66 is provided to indicate the moment of impact and an arrow symbol 68 shows that the swing is to the left, i.e., a right-handed golfer.

A display showing heel and toe weight distribution at the corresponding points in the swing is shown in graphical form across the upper portion of display 52. The backswing display 70 shows a pair of shoes with the toes uppermost. As indicated here, substantially 100% of the golfer's weight is on his right toe at the backswing peak. Then, at impact as indicated at 72, most weight is on the left foot, fairly balanced between heel and toe, with a small amount of weight remaining on the right toe. Finally, at the completion of the foreswing, weight has entirely shifted to his left foot, with just over 50% on his heel. This display is easily understood and conveys a great deal of information in this simple graphical form. If desired, other displays could be used, such as bar graphs or the like. However, that shown is strongly preferred.

The sequence of displays presented on display screen 52 is illustrated in FIGS. 3a-h, in conjunction with the control switches shown in FIG. 2. When the system is turned on by pressing setup switch 40 (FIG. 2), an introductory screen (not shown) is usually displayed, welcoming the user, providing a copyright notice, etc. After a few seconds this automatically sequences to the initial setup screen shown in FIG. 3a. The three switches 44, 46 and 48 act as setup selection buttons in this mode. As shown on the screen of FIG. 3a, the golfer selects. generally by pressing the appropriate adjacent switch with his club head, one of the "restart delay", "contrast" or "takeaway weight" (which is the weight distribution as the golfer addresses the ball, prior to starting his swing). If the golfer was the last to use the system, his prior choices were saved, so he can retain those by indicating "done" by pressing the setup button 40 (FIG. 2).

Setting of display contrast is illustrated in FIG. 3b. While the display numerals and representations are of a size easily read from up to about 6 feet away, depending on the brightness of the location, it may be desirable to set the contrast of screen 52. After the golfer has pressed switch 46 (FIG. 2) in the mode of FIG. 3a, the screen of FIG. 3b appears. One set of graphical shoe indicators 76, a golf ball on a tee symbol 78 and typical numerals 80 are provided so that the golfer can evaluate display readability. Contrast is incrementally changed towards lighter or darker by pressing switches 48 or 44, respectively. When optimum contrast is set for the conditions, switch 40 is pressed, returning the display to that shown in FIG. 3a.

To set the automatic restart delay period, the golfer presses switch 44 in the FIG. 3a mode, changing the display to that shown in FIG. 3c. The delay period last set is shown at 82. If he wishes to change the reset delay, he taps switch 44 or 48 for longer or shorter delay periods, respective. Each tap will change the number at 82 by one second. When the desired delay is set, he presses switch 40 to return the display to the screen shown in FIG. 3a. If the golfer plans to use manual, rather than automatic, reset as discussed above, he can skip this step.

To set the takeaway weight, generally by balancing the weight between the feet and between heels and toes at address, the golfer presses switch 48 in the mode of FIG. 3a, which changes the screen to that shown in FIG. 3d. Initial weight distribution between the left and right feet is indicated by numerals 86 and 88 and the left and right shoe illustrations 84, respectively. The golfer moves his feet on the pads to get an even distribution of weight between heels and toes as shown in the illustration at 84. If the right and left foot weight distribution is not to the golfer's liking, he taps switch 44 or 48 to increase the percentage assigned to the right or left foot, respectively. An arrow 90 is provided to indicate whether a right-to-left swing (as indicated here) or a left-to-right swing is intended. If the arrow direction is incorrect for this golfer, switch 42 is reversed, as discussed above. When the weight distribution indication is set to the golfer's satisfaction, he presses button 40 to return to the screen of FIG. 3a. If all parameters have been set or approved, button 40 is pressed to indicate "done" and the screen changes to the screen shown in FIG. 3e.

Screen 3e shows the initial weight on the left foot, here an indicated 50% shown at 94. If the golfer prefers that the right foot weight be displayed, he can press switch 48 which, in this mode, will move the weight distribution numerals 94 to the right side of the screen and show right foot weight percentage throughout the sequence. As graphically indicated at 96, weight is even between heels and toes. Arrow 92 indicates a right-to-left swing is planned. The golfer then begins his swing.

When the golfer reaches the peak of his backswing, the display will show the screen shown in FIG. 3f. The weight sensing system determines the peak backswing point by measuring the maximum weight shift to the right foot, at which point the downswing begins. The display indicates that only 5% of the golfer's weight remains on the left foot at peak backswing and that essentially all right foot weight is on the toe, as indicated at 98. An arrow 100 and line 102 graphically illustrate the point in time currently being displayed by the feet and time from 1 second before impact to 1 second after impact, respectively. The display at peak backswing is saved for later display, as discussed below.

As the swing progresses, the moment of impact is reached, as illustrated in the screen of FIG. 3g. Impact is indicated by a ball and tee symbol 104. A microphone 140 included in control and display box 26 detects the sound of club impact on golf ball 28 (FIG. 1) and freezes the weight shift display at that point. Here, 85% of the weight is on the left foot at impact and most of the weight is evenly balanced between heel and toe of the left foot has shown at 106. Line 102 and arrow 100 indicate time and weight shift to the left foot. For later analysis, this screen is saved.

As foreswing or follow through continues to a peak as detected as maximum weight shift to the left foot, the display changes to the screen shown in FIG. 3h. As indicated, 95% of the weight is now on the left foot, with an even balance between the heel and toe of the left foot, as indicated at 108. Line 102 and arrow 100 indicate time and weight shift, respectively. This screen is saved for later use, as discussed below.

Upon completion of the swing, the golfer can press switch 44, acting to change the display in this mode, to bring up the analysis screen shown in FIG. 2. In comparing this screen to those of FIGS. 3f, 3g and 3h, one can see that data for the entire swing is combined in one screen in a way which permits easy analysis and evaluation of the entire swing. By pressing display switch 44, a movie-like display in which the sequence shown in FIGS. 3f, 3g and 3h is repeated can be brought up. Pressing switch 44 toggles back to the screen of FIG. 2. The display will be automatically reset to the "ready" screen of FIG. 3e when the golfer presses reset switch 46 or, in the automatic restart mode, when the restart delay period expires.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the components for receiving weight information from pads 10 and 12 and generating the displays discussed above.

The heart of this system is the central processing unit, microprocessor 110, typically a 68HC705C8 from Motorola. Microprocessor 110 is programmed in accordance with the program provided in the Appendix to this disclosure. The function switches described above, switches 40-50, control microprocessor 110 through lines schematically indicated at 112. The receipt of data from the sensors in pads 10 and 12 by microprocessor 110 is controlled by switches 114 and 116 under the control of the microprocessor.

Sensor 1 and sensor 2 are schematically represented as variable resistors 118 and 120 which might, for example, represent the heel and toe sensors in right pad 10. A similar pair of sensors, not shown for clarity, provide heel and toe signals for pad 12. The sensor signals are amplified in amplifiers 122 and 124, typically TL034 amplifiers from Texas Instruments. The amplified signals pass to a multiplexor 126 and analog to digital converter 128, typically combined in a 145041 from Motorola. Channel selection signals from microprocessor 110 are received by multiplexor 126 at 130. The digitized signal from the A/D converter 128 pass to microprocessor 110 through line 132.

An RS-232 level converter 134, typically a TSC232 from Teledyne Semiconductor is provided for test and calibration of the system in a conventional manner. A non-volatile memory array 136, typically three 93C46 units from SGS Thompson, is provided to maintain calibration data.

A microphone 140 is provided to pick up the sound of impact of club on golf ball, as discussed above. The signal from microphone 140 is passed through an amplifier/filter 142 and a comparator to microprocessor 110.

The output of microprocessor 110 is directed to liquid crystal display 52 as discussed above.

Details of the internal components of a foot pad 10 or 12 are provided in FIGS. 5 and 6. In FIG. 5 the cover layer 16 and the upper pressure plate are removed to show the internal components. Each pad includes a base 142 of plastic, hard rubber or the like which covers the bottom of the pad and extends up the sides. A plurality of short pins or nubs 144 are preferably provided across the bottom of the pad to grip the grass or other surface and prevent the pad from slipping in use. A base plate 146 is secured within base 142. Base plate 148 can be formed from any rigid, strong material such as a metal, a fiber reinforced plastic or the like. For the optimum combination of light weight and strength, tempered aluminum is preferred.

Flexible sensor sheet 150 is placed over base plate 148. A force to electric energy transducer is formed in each corner of the sensor sheet 150. A pressure plate 152 is placed above sensor sheet 150 with a disk-like spacer at each corner in direct contact with each transducer to transfer loads on pressure plate 152 to the transducers. A frame-like sheet 156 of resilient foam material is placed between base plate 148 and pressure plate 152 to act as a spring and reduce the pressure of spacers 154 when no one is standing on the pad. The central portion of foam sheets 156 is cut away to provide room for the electronic components shown in FIG. 4, which are secured to or part of sensor sheet 150.

A layer of synthetic turf or other carpet-like material 16 is secured over pressure plate 152. For ease of access to the internal components, layer 16 could be secured with conventional hook-and-loop material such as that sold under the Velcro trademark along the edges where layer 16 overlaps base 142.

Electrical junction connectors 160 are provided in cut-out areas in base 142 to connect sensor sheets 150 to electrical cables 14. The wires may exit the side of the pad as sen in FIG. 5 or may run to one end in a suitable groove (not shown) in base 142 to exit at an end as seen in FIG. 1.

While certain specific materials, components and arrangements were described in detail in conjunction with the above description of preferred embodiments, those may be varied, where suitable, with similar results. This device may be adapted for use in baseball, tennis, basketball and other action sports and also has utility in orthopedic analysis and medical therapy. Other variations, applications and ramifications of this invention will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the present disclosure. Those are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. ##SPC1##