Abstract:
A golf swing measurement device is placed in front of a golfer when the golfer swings a golf club to hit a golf ball. The golf swing measurement device includes a sidewall portion extending substantially in parallel to a swing path of the club head; a first sensor coil and a second sensor coil disposed along the sidewall portion for detecting a club head with a permanent magnet on a distal thereof passing therethrough; a calculation unit for calculating a swing time from a start moment of a backswing to a moment of an impact, a head speed upon the impact, and a total flying distance; a display unit for displaying the swing time, the head speed, and the total flying distance; a memory unit for storing measurement data including the swing time, head speed, and the total flying distance; and a transmission unit for sending the measurement data.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART STATEMENT 
     The present invention relates to a golf swing measurement device and a golf swing measurement system for measuring and calculating measurement data such as a swing time from a start moment of a backswing of a golf club to a moment of an impact on a golf ball, a head speed of the golf club upon the impact, and a total flying distance, so that the measurement data can be displayed. According to the present invention, the golf swing measurement device is capable of storing the measurement data and forwarding the measurement data thus stored to a personal computer and the likes. Accordingly, it is possible to use the measurement data for analyzing a golf swing at an arbitrary location, thereby assisting a golfer to improve skills. 
     Patent Reference discloses a conventional golf swing measurement device. The conventional golf swing measurement device measures a swing time from a start moment of backswing of a golf club to a moment of an impact on a golf ball (referred to as a swing time), and a head speed upon the impact (referred to as a head speed). 
     In the conventional golf swing measurement device, a first sensor coil and a second sensor coil are arranged to be substantially parallel to a swing path of a golf club head. Further, a permanent magnet is attached to a distal end portion of a golf club head. Accordingly, when the golf club is swung, the first sensor coil and the second sensor coil detect the club head passing therethrough, and a detection signal is sent. With the configuration described above, it is possible to calculate the swing time and the head speed according to the detection signal of the first sensor coil and the second sensor coil.
     Patent Reference: Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-290496   

     With the conventional golf swing measurement device disclosed in Patent Reference, a golfer measures the swing time and the head speed at a place such as a driving range where the golfer swings a golf club. Accordingly, it is possible to utilize measurement data on the spot of practice. However, it is difficult to analyze the golf swing using the measurement data at such a place as a home other than a driving range. Further, with the conventional golf swing measurement device, it is difficult to measure an index value associated with the golf swing other than the swing time and the head speed. 
     In view of the problems described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a golf swing measurement device capable of analyzing a golf swing using measurement data at such a place as a home other than a driving range, as well as measuring the swing time and the head speed at such a place as a driving range where a golfer swings a golf club. 
     Further, with the golf swing measurement device of the present invention, it is possible to calculate and display an index value associated with the golf swing in addition to the swing time and the head speed. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the golf swing measurement device capable of utilizing the measurement data of the golf swing more effectively, thereby improving skills in the golf swing. 
     Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to attain the objects described above, according to the present invention, a golf swing measurement device has a box shape, and is placed in front of a golfer when the golfer swings a golf club to hit a golf ball. The golf swing measurement device includes: 
     a sidewall portion extending substantially in parallel to a swing path of the club head; 
     a first sensor coil disposed along the sidewall portion and a second sensor coil disposed along the sidewall portion at a front position of a swing path with respect to the first sensor coil by a specific distance for detecting a club head with a permanent magnet on a distal thereof passing therethrough; 
     a calculation unit for calculating a swing time from a start moment of a backswing to a moment of an impact, a head speed upon the impact, and a total flying distance according to a detection signal of the first sensor coil and the second sensor coil; 
     a display unit for displaying the swing time, the head speed, and the total flying distance; 
     a memory unit for storing measurement data including the swing time, head speed, and the total flying distance for a plurality of swings; and 
     a transmission unit for sending the measurement data stored in the memory unit to a personal computer when a specific operation is executed in the golf swing measurement device or an instruction is sent from the personal computer. 
     According to the present invention, the golf swing measurement device has the memory unit for storing the measurement data and the transmission unit for sending the measurement data stored in the memory unit to the personal computer. Accordingly, it is possible to analyze the golf swing using the measurement data at such a place as a home other than a driving range with software of the personal computer through sending the measurement data from the golf swing measurement device to the personal computer. 
     Further, with the golf swing measurement device of the present invention, it is possible to calculate the total flying distance (an estimated value of the total flying distance). Accordingly, it is possible to measure an index value relating to the golf swing other than the swing time and the head speed. 
     In the golf swing measurement device of the present invention, it is preferred that the display unit displays each of the head speed, the total flying distance, and the swing time for a specific period of time in this sequence. Then, the display unit displays the head speed and stops changing the display. Accordingly, it is possible for the golfer to confirm whether the swing is measured. 
     The measurement data such as the head speed often can be the same in a plurality of golf swings. That is, when a numerical value such as the head speed is independently displayed, it is difficult to tell whether the numerical value is the same even though the measurement is properly conducted or the measurement is not conducted. 
     In the golf swing measurement device of the present invention, it is preferred that the first sensor coil and the second sensor coil area arranged away from each other by a distance between 50 and 100 mm. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately measure the head speed immediately before the impact. 
     More specifically, when the distance is less than 50 mm, it is necessary to measure the head speed in a shorter period of time, thereby increasing a measurement error. On the other hand, when the distance is longer than 100 mm, the head speed is further accelerated toward the impact. Accordingly, a slower head speed is measured instead of an actual head speed immediately before the impact. 
     In the golf swing measurement device of the present invention, it is preferred that the memory unit stores the measurement data such as the swing time, the head speed, and the total flying distance for 10 to 200 swings, more preferably 70 to 130 swings. Accordingly, it is easy for the golfer to handle the measurement data stored in the memory unit. 
     In general, a golfer shoots an average of 100 to 150 balls for practice at a driving range or the like. It is presumed that the golfer shoots an average of 70 to 120 balls for practice after warm-up. Accordingly, when data of less than 70 swings are stored, an analysis of the data may be restricted due to the limited amount. On the other hand, when the data of more than 130 swings are stored, the data may become too large for the golfer to recall the swings thereof. 
     In the golf swing measurement device of the present invention, it is preferred that the calculation unit calculates the swing path according to the detection signal of the first sensor coil and the second sensor coil, so that the swing path can be classified into an outside-in, a straight-through, or an inside-out. Then, the display unit displays the classification of the swing path. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the golfer with a suggestion on a habit or fault of the swing thereof. 
     In this case, due to a limited space of the display unit, it is preferred that the display unit displays each of the head speed, the total flying distance, and the swing time for a specific period of time in this sequence. Then, the display unit displays the head speed and stops changing the display. It is preferred that the display unit displays the swing path with an icon in another space thereof after the measurement. 
     In the golf swing measurement device of the present invention, it is possible to analyze the golf swing using the measurement data at such a place as a home other than a driving range, as well as to measure the swing time, the head speed, and the total flying distance at such a place as a driving range where the golfer swings the golf club. Accordingly, it is possible to utilize the measurement data of the golf swing more effectively, thereby improving skills in the golf swing. In the golf swing measurement device according to the present invention, it is possible to measure, calculate, and display the total flying distance, i.e., an index value related to the golf swing, in addition to the swing time and the head speed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view showing a golf swing measuring system using a golf swing measurement device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the golf swing measurement device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the golf swing measurement device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a graph showing wave patterns of induced electromotive forces generated in a first sensor coil and a second sensor coil according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view No.  1  showing a display of a computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view No.  2  showing the display of the computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view No.  3  showing the display of the computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view No.  4  showing the display of the computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic view No.  5  showing the display of the computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram showing a golf swing measurement device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram showing a golf swing measurement device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereunder, embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. 
     First Embodiment 
     A first embodiment of the present invention will be explained. A configuration of the swing measurement device will be explained first.  FIG. 1  is a schematic view showing a golf swing measuring system using a golf swing measurement device  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the golf swing measurement device  10  according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the golf swing measurement device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the golf swing measurement device  10  has a box shape. The golf swing measurement device  10  is placed in front of a golfer when the golfer swings a golf club  12  to hit a golf ball  14 . 
     In the embodiment, the golf swing measurement device  10  has a housing  16  made of a plastic having a rectangular shape. The housing  16  accommodates a first sensor coil  26  and a second sensor coil  28  therein. The first sensor coil  26  and the second sensor coil  28  are arranged along a sidewall portion  22  extending substantially in parallel to a swing path  20  of a club head  18 . 
     In the embodiment, the club head  18  has a permanent magnet  24  on a distal thereof. When the golf club  18  passes through nearby the first sensor coil  26 , the first sensor coil  26  detects the club head  18 . The second sensor coil  28  is disposed on a front side of a swing path at a specific distance from the first sensor coil  26 , and detects the club head  18  in a similar manner to that of the first sensor coil  26 . The first sensor coil  26  and the second sensor coil  28  are arranged along the sidewall portion  22  of the housing  16  at positions separated from each other by a distance L. 
     In the embodiment, the sidewall portion  22  of the golf swing measurement device  10  is positioned substantially in parallel to the swing path  20 . The swing path  20  is a path of the club head  18  of the golf club  12  when the golf club  12  is swung to hit the ball  14 , as described above. The first sensor coil  26  and the second sensor coil  28  are arranged, so that center axes of the first sensor coil  26  and the second sensor coil  28  face a direction substantially perpendicular to the swing path  20 . 
     In the embodiment, the distance L of the sensor coils  26  and  28  is set to be 70 mm, preferably in a range of 50 to 100 mm. Further, the second sensor coil  28  is placed on a right side of a tee  38  at a distance of 90 mm, preferably in a range of 70 to 120 mm, in a swing path direction. 
     In the embodiment, the golf swing measurement device  10  further includes a display unit  30  on a top wall portion  32  of the housing  16 . The display unit  30  displays each of a head speed, a total flying distance, and a swing time in a numerical value for a specific period of time in this sequence. Then, the display unit  30  displays the head speed and stops changing the display. Further, the display unit  30  displays the swing path  20  with an icon in a different space thereof after measurement. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , in addition to the first sensor coil  26 , the second sensor coil  28 , and the display unit  30 , the golf swing measurement device  10  includes an amplifier unit  60 ; a calculation unit  62 ; a memory unit  64 ; a transmission unit  66 ; and a connection terminal  68 . 
     In the embodiment, the amplifier unit  60  is disposed inside the housing  16  for amplifying a small signal detected with the first sensor coil  26  and the second sensor coil  28 . Then, the amplifier unit  60  generates a signal based on the small signal, so that the calculation unit  62  calculates the signal thus generated. 
     In the embodiment, the calculation unit  62  is disposed inside the housing  16  for electrically connecting with the first sensor coil  26  and the second sensor coil  28  through the amplifier unit  60 . The calculation unit  62  calculates the swing time, the head speed, and the total flying distance (an estimated value) based on the detection signal detected with the first sensor coil  26  and the second sensor coil  28 . Further, the calculation unit  62  determines the swing path and classifies the swing path into an outside-in, a straight-through, or an inside-out. The swing time, the head speed, the total flying distance, and the swing path are determined with an appropriate calculation method. 
     In the embodiment, the memory unit  64  is disposed inside the housing  16 , and is electrically connected with the calculation unit  62 . The memory unit  64  stores measurement data for a plurality of swings (10 to 200 swings, more preferably 70 to 130 swings). The measurement data include the swing time, the head speed, the total flying distance, and the swing path. 
     In the embodiment, the transmission unit  66  is disposed inside the housing  16  for sending the measurement data stored in the memory unit to a personal computer  34  when a specific operation is executed in the golf swing measurement device  10  or an instruction is transmitted from the personal computer  34 . 
     In the embodiment, the connection terminal  68  is provided for externally retrieving the measurement data sent from the transmission unit  66 . When the measurement data is retrieved externally, a transmission signal cable is connected to the connection terminal  68 . A reception signal cable may be connected to the connection terminal  68  for receiving a signal from outside, thereby enabling communication. Depending on a type of communication, a specific conversion device may be connected to the connection terminal  68  (described later). 
     In the embodiment, the golf swing measurement device  10  may further include a variety of operation buttons, a crystal element for measuring a period of time, and the likes (not shown). 
     In the embodiment, when all of the measurement data is displayed on the display unit  30 , it is difficult to visually recognize all of the measurement data due to a limited display area of the display unit  30 . To this end, the golf swing measurement device  10  is configured to display only essential information on the display unit  30 , and to send the measurement data externally for displaying more detailed information and further analysis at an external device such as the personal computer  34 . 
     In the embodiment, the transmission unit  66  sends the measurement data in a simple format, for example, a serial signal, in which a voltage changes with time. A specific communication cable is adopted as an interface to connect the golf swing measurement device  10  to a corresponding external device. Accordingly, it is possible to connect the golf swing measurement device  10  to various types of devices through changing a configuration of the communication cable. 
     More specifically, when the golf swing measurement device  10  is connected to the personal computer  34  or a personal digital assistant (PDA), a universal serial bus (USB) is used as the interface. In this case, a data conversion device  42  (described later) is adopted. 
       FIG. 4  is a graph showing wave patterns W 1  and W 2  of induced electromotive forces generated in the first sensor coil  26  and the second sensor coil  28  according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , in the golf swing measurement device  10 , when the golf club  12  moves along the swing path  20  and the permanent magnet  24  attached to the club head  18  passes in front of the first sensor coil  26  and the second sensor coil  28 , the first sensor coil  26  and the second sensor coil  28  generate the induced electromotive forces having the waveforms W 1  and W 2 , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , when the waveforms W 1  and W 2  of the first sensor coil  26  and the second sensor coil  28  change from positive to negative with a time t, respectively, the waveforms W 1  and W 2  of the first sensor coil  26  and the second sensor coil  28  pass points C 1  and C 2  where voltages of the waveforms W 1  and W 2  become zero (V0). At the points C 1  and C 2 , the permanent magnet  24  of the club head  18  passes in front of the first sensor coil  26  and the second sensor coil  28 . The first sensor coil  26  and the second sensor coil  28  always detect changes in the voltages except a measurement prohibition period. 
     As described above, in the embodiment, the calculation unit  62  of the golf swing measurement device  10  calculates the head speed, the total flying distance, the swing time, and the swing path. The display unit  30  displays the head speed, the total flying distance, the swing time, and the swing path in a plurality of modes such as a measurement mode, a call mode, and an average mode. 
     In the measurement mode, when the golfer swings the golf club, the calculation unit  62  calculates the head speed, the total flying distance, the swing time, and the swing path of the gold club. Then, the display unit  30  displays the head speed, the total flying distance, and the swing time for a specific period of time in this sequence. Then, the display unit  30  displays the head speed and stops changing the display. Further, the display unit  30  displays the swing path as an icon in a different space thereof after the measurement. 
     In the call mode, the display unit  30  displays the latest measurement data of a single swing or a plurality of swings. In the average mode, the display unit  30  displays an average value of the latest measurement data of a plurality of swings. 
     In the embodiment, the golf swing measurement device  10  can be arranged to measure a swing path of a putter in addition to those of a wooden club and an iron club. Further, the golf swing measurement device  10  can be arranged to switch back and forth between a measurement mode for a left-handed golfer and a measurement mode for a right-handed golfer through a specific operation. Further, the golf swing measurement device  10  can be arranged to switch a unit of the head speed between mph and m/s through a specific operation. 
     In the embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the golf swing measurement device  10  is connected to a personal computer  34  through a cable  40  and the data conversion device  42 , so that the golf swing measurement device  10  sends the measurement data to the personal computer  34 . The golf swing measurement device  10  is connected to the personal computer  34  at a place where the golfer swings the golf club such as a driving range. 
     Alternatively, the golf swing measurement device  10  is connected to the personal computer  34  at a place other than a driving range such as a home. In this case, after the golf swing measurement device  10  measures the golf swing at the driving range, the golf swing measurement device  10  is moved to a different place such as a home for analyzing the measurement data. 
     In the embodiment, the cable  40  has a USB mini-B terminal as a connection terminal on a side of the golf swing measurement device  10  and a USB terminal as a connection terminal on a side of the personal computer  34 . 
     In the embodiment, the cable  40  is provided with a data conversion device  42 . The data conversion device  42  is provided for converting a TTL signal to a CSV signal. The CSV signal can be sent through the USB terminal and is easy to process. Through the cable  40  described above, when a specific operation is executed in the golf swing measurement device  10 , or when an instruction is sent from the personal computer  34 , the measurement data stored in the memory unit  64  of the golf swing measurement device  10  are sent to the personal computer  34 . 
     An operation on the personal computer  34  after the golf swing measurement device  10  is connected to the personal computer  34  will be explained next. A special driver and software are installed in the personal computer  34 . 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic view No.  1  showing a display of the personal computer  34  according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  is a schematic view No.  2  showing the display of the personal computer  34  according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7  is a schematic view No.  3  showing the display of the personal computer  34  according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8  is a schematic view No.  4  showing the display of the personal computer  34  according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9  is a schematic view No.  5  showing the display of the personal computer  34  according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     First, the software installed in the personal computer  34  starts up, and a menu screen is displayed as shown in  FIG. 5 . When a “Retrieve Data” button is clicked, the measurement data stored in the memory unit  64  of the golf swing measurement device  10  are sent to a memory in the personal computer  34 . Alternatively, when the golf swing measurement device  10  is switched to a forwarding mode through a button operation, the measurement data are sent to the personal computer  34 . 
     In the next step, the measurement data are stored in a hard disk of the personal computer  34  if necessary. When a “Read Data” button in the menu screen is clicked, the measurement data stored in the hard disk of the personal computer  34  can be read out. 
     After the measurement data are retrieved, stored, and read, a trajectory screen is displayed as shown in  FIG. 6 . In the trajectory screen, a trajectory  52  is displayed in a trajectory display area  50 . A number of shots (shot number), the head speed, the swing time, the total flying distance, and the swing path are displayed in a measurement data screen  54  below the trajectory display area  50 . 
     When an “Analysis” button is clicked in the trajectory screen, an analysis screen is displayed as shown in  FIG. 7 . In the analysis screen, a histogram showing a frequency distribution of the head speeds, for example, is displayed in an analysis display area  56  as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     In the analysis screen, when a “Graph” button is clicked, a single graph screen is displayed as shown in  FIG. 8 . In the single graph screen, a graph, for example, is displayed in a graph display area  58  as shown in  FIG. 8 . In the graph, a vertical axis represents the swing time, and a horizontal axis represents the head speed. 
     In the single graph screen, when a “Time Series” button is clicked, a time series graph screen is displayed as shown in  FIG. 9 . In the time series graph screen, a graph, for example, is displayed as shown in  FIG. 9 . In the graph, a vertical axis represents the head speed, the swing time, or the total flying distance, and a horizontal axis represents a date. 
     Note that the display method, the display sequence, and the likes of various measurement data and the graphs can be modified. 
     Second Embodiment 
     A second embodiment of the present invention will be explained next with reference to  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 10  is a block diagram showing the golf swing measurement device  10  according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     Components in the second embodiment similar to those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof are omitted. 
     In the second embodiment, the golf swing measurement device  10  is configured such that the golf swing measurement device  10  can be connected to the personal computer  34  or a personal digital assistant (PDA) through Bluetooth connection. 
     More specifically, when the golf swing measurement device  10  is connected to the personal computer  34  or a personal digital assistant (PDA) through Bluetooth connection, a conversion adapter  72  is connected to the connection terminal  68 . In this case, a device such as BT-301 (a product of SMC Networks) is disposed in the conversion adapter  72 . 
     As described above, in the embodiment, it is possible to connect the golf swing measurement device  10  to the personal computer  34  or a personal digital assistant (PDA) through wireless connection, i.e., Bluetooth connection. 
     Third Embodiment 
     A third embodiment of the present invention will be explained next with reference to  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 11  is a block diagram showing a golf swing measurement device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
     Components in the third embodiment similar to those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof are omitted. 
     In the third embodiment, the golf swing measurement device  10  is configured such that the golf swing measurement device  10  can be connected to an external display unit  84  through a specific conversion cable  82 . The external display unit  84  has a screen larger than that of the display unit  30 . 
     In the embodiment, when the golf swing measurement device  10  is connected to the external display unit  84 , a specific communication cable  82  is connected to the connection terminal  68 . In this case, a conversion device is disposed in the specific communication cable  82  for converting to an interface signal for long distance communication. Accordingly, it is possible to separate the external display unit  84  from the golf swing measurement device  10  by a long distance. 
     In the embodiment, the external display unit  84  is connected to an operational panel  86 , so that various operations can be performed through the operational panel  86 . More specifically, through the operational panel  86 , it is possible to turn on or off the golf swing measurement device  10 , switch the measurement mode of the golf swing measurement device  10 , and change the function of the golf swing measurement device  10 . 
     In the embodiment, the external display unit  84  is further connected to a power source  88  for supplying power to the external display unit  84 . Accordingly, it is possible to supply power to the golf swing measurement device  10  from the external display unit  84 . As a result, it is possible to eliminate a power source in the golf swing measurement device  10 . 
     The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-131417, filed on May 17, 2007, is incorporated in the application by reference. 
     While the invention has been explained with reference to the specific embodiments of the invention, the explanation is illustrative and the invention is limited only by the appended claims.