SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECORDING AND ANALYZING A GOLF SWING Background of the Invention Field of the Invention The invention relates to a system for recording and analyzing an activity, such as a golf swing. The system comprises a video capture unit for recording and displaying recorded swings. Preferred swings are saved, and may be viewed at a separate viewing unit located remote from the capture unit. The remote viewing unit allows for replay and analysis of the saved swings. In addition, saved swings and data may be uploaded to the Internet for later viewing and analysis. Through any PC or other connection to the Internet, the user may input personal identification information associated with the saved images, and download the images for viewing.

Analysis tools may be downloaded for use with the saved images.

Description of the Related Art U. S. Patent No. 5,342,054 to Chang et al. teaches an apparatus for recording and providing instant playback of video images of a golfer's swing. The apparatus has an automatic, video-based ball detection system, which sends a signal to begin recording only if a ball is detected in the hitting area. In particular, means responsive to the placement of a ball on the hitting area initiate processing and storage of video images from a primary video camera means by said video image processing and

storage means. This requires a second camera means aimed at the hitting area, and image processing and storage means for analyzing images obtained by said second video camera means and determining therefrom if a golf ball has been positioned on said hitting area. This determination involves several steps, including locating a ball, checking if it is a ball, checking if the ball remains in place for a minimum period of time, and only then sending a signal to start recording. If a ball is detected by the second camera, then the means to initiate the storage of video images by the first camera is activated.

U. S. Patent No. 5,797,805 to Lubell et al. relates to a method and system for producing a personal golf lesson video. More specifically, a videotape cassette is provided having at least one pre-recorded segment (at either the beginning or end of the tape), with gaps comprising blank spaces of a set time period left on the tape. Once the swing of the consumer is recorded, a comparison tape segment (such a split-screen) is prepared using a pre-recorded preferred swing. The comparison segment is then recorded into the gap of the videotape cassette.

U. S. Patent No. 5,333,061 to Nakashima et al. relates to a system for overlaying images composed of lines, based on various preferred positions, with respect to still shots of a golfer's swing, in order to indicate whether the golfer positioning is within the preferred range. The method involves starting with a videotape of a golfer's swing, showing a side and/or front view. The points of the swing corresponding to the addressing of the ball, the top of the back swing, and/or contact with the

ball, are then isolated and saved as still images. The pre-set preferred image lines, such as a cylinder for overlaying on the frontal, backswing view, or triangle connecting the two elbows and handgrip point, are then scaled to match the size of the golfer's image. The scaled still images are then laid over the preferred image lines, and saved as a recording.

The correction lines as being saved in pre-set files, which are called up in relation to a certain swing position This requires the existence of pre-set forms', which are then overlaid with the appropriate still images U. S. Patent No. 5,486,001 to Baker relates to a computer-based golf swing analysis aid. The reference purports to describe a system whereby an image of a golfer's swing is captured and digitized, and then adjusted'to a preferred swing image. Although it states that this is done by adding or subtracting'values corresponding to image data, it provides no further detail as to how to achieve the adjustment of the images.

The reference sets forth an outline of a system whereby visual image signals are captured at a first location and transmitted to a second location. At the second location is stored preferred'image data. The original image is then compared to, and"regenerated"as a further image, which is"adjusted to emulate (or adjusted in accordance with) said stored preferred image". This may be done with biomechanical data, based on sensors attached to the golfer's body. This appears to involve the superimposing of a stick figure'containing the user's swing adjusted to the preferred swing, over the

actual swing image. This is supposed to indicate to the player the angles which he must emulate to improve his swing.

U. S. Patent No. 5,210,603 to Sabin relates to an automated video recording device for recording a golf swing, containing a weather-proof housing, a video camera mounted within the housing, a monitor, a money vending machine, and a message display device, for recording on a videocassette the player's swing. In practice, the device is intended as a relatively low-tech, portable machine, which is wheeled to a location, and operates on battery- power. There is no provision for digitally capturing images and transferring them electronically to a second location for storing or further analysis.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf recording and analysis system having ease and economy of operability.

It is a further object of the invention to provide instant and remote electronic access to saved video images.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a recording system based on a swing detection means which avoids the need for dedicated video cameras and complex ball searching routines.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide a system which optimizes electronic storage of images by providing means for selecting and saving preferred swings for later viewing and analysis.

It is another object of the invention to provide a system for optimizing electronic storage of video images by capturing images and temporarily saving in JPEG format, then converting to MPEG format for saving and uploading to the Internet.

Summary of the Invention Accordingly, a system is provided for recording, viewing and analyzing golf swings or the like. The system starts out with a video capture unit, preferably in the nature of a golf driving range stall, having at least one digital camera for recording swings. Upon activation, the digital recording means continuously records in a loop. A swing sensor, based on an audio impact trigger, directs the recording means to save a bracketed portion of the video, and to save it temporarily. The video is then played back on a video screen portion of the unit, for the user to see. The user then given the option of saving the swing for later viewing and analysis, and is preferably able to label the swing by subjective quality, such as best or typical. The saved swing is then sent electronically to a remote site for further processing and storage. The remote site comprises a viewing and processing unit, which the user can utilize after the practice session is complete. The viewing unit also has a video screen, along with viewing and analysis tools. In addition, the viewing unit preferably has means for converting the video images, which may be saved by the capture unit in JPEG format, into MPEG format. The MPEG files are then automatically, or at the direction of the user, uploaded to the Internet via the viewing unit. The uploaded MPEG image files are then saved off-site. The

user can then access the saved images at a remote PC or other web-enabled device, by inputting confirming personal identification information (such as corresonding credit card or PIN number). The image files are then viewable through a known media viewing application software.

Analysis tools, similar to those provided at the viewing unit, may be made available for downloading to the user, possibly on a paid basis, and possibly for a limited amount of time or number of uses. The saved swings may also be held by the web site operator for indefinite retrieval by the user, or may require payment from the user for longer storage/availability times. Saved swings may be sent via the Internet to a linked instructional site, whereby the swings may be electronically analyzed and returned electronically to the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of an embodiment of the video capture unit; Fig. 2 provides a side schematic view of video capture unit from behind the ball (down-the-line view) with the dimensions of an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 provides a top down schematic view of the video capture unit with the dimensions of an embodiment of the invention; and Figs. 4a and 4b are flow charts illustrating an embodiment of the user interaction of the video capture unit;

Detailed Description of the Invention With reference to Figs. 1-3, the initial video capture unit of the system is the Instant Replay (IR) unit 2, designed to capture a golfer's swing at a practice location (e. g. a driving range stall). It provides golfers with instant, slow motion replays of their swings with viewing choices that include stand alone, side-by- side comparison, and split screen-dual angle displays. It serves as the primary swing acquisition system.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, a preferred embodiment of the video capture unit includes two (CCD) wide angle lens cameras 4 and 6, placed respectively for face-on and rear,"down-the-line"views (exemplary hardware includes two JVC 1380U % inch; Rainbow 2.6mm and 6mm lenses; Videonics MX-1). Additional cameras may be provided as desired, included rear, front down-the-line, view from above, angled or perspective views, etc. A display monitor (e. g. high-bright LCD flat panel) 8 is provided in the video capture unit, and allows for the user to view himself while swinging, and to provide instant playback of a recorded swing.

The video capture unit also contains an audio swing sensor 10 (e. g. Optimus Unidirectional Microphone, coupled with a Radio Design Labs ST-MMX3 Mic Level Mixing Amplifier) that senses the sound of the impact of a swing (preferably located near the base of the housing 12 so that it may accurately detect the sound of the club impacting on the ball) 14. The audio swing sensor is based on the concept of sound activation, or an"audio impact trigger". Once the video session starts (e. g.

immediately from credit card insertion), the video capture unit is actively recording until a pre-set time, preferably 2 seconds after impact. When the uni- directional microphone, pointed at the tee, detects impact, the video recording continues until a pre-set time, preferably a further 2 seconds. In this manner, the entire swing, including backswing and follow-through, is captured. The digital recording is then"rewound"4 seconds and replays the entire 4-second video loop on the screen. While an audio impact sensor is preferable, it is possible that other sensors, such as video-based or laser- based sensors, may be used to detect the completion of the activity.

The playback mode may provide for adjustable speed and freeze-frame viewing, as well as side-by-side comparison with prior swings of the user or with pre-saved professional'swings. However, a preferred system makes these devices also available at the Viewing unit or via the Internet, as described below (this allows the user to maximize his or her swing time'at the video capture unit, while review and analysis may be done later in leisurely manner off-site).

For the user interface, it may be possible to save all swings for future analysis. However, for practical reasons, including data storage, a preferred manner is to provide the user interface with an option to select a limited number of swings under different categories, such as best', typical', worst', while automatically deleting the other swings via record-over when the loop reactivates.

As an option for optimizing video capture and storage, the video images are recorded and temporarily saved by the video capture unit in JPEG format. Once the user designates a swing for saving (e. g. as best or typical), the video image data for that swing is sent electronically to the viewing unit. At the viewing unit, the JPEG file is then converted to MPEG format. This reduces the size of the file (and relevant storage requirements) by about 75%. While the files may be viewed at the viewing unit in JPEG format, the MPEG version is automatically uploaded by the viewing unit to the Internet, for later retrieval at a remote site via the world wide web. The MPEG files may then be saved on a more permanent basis via a dedicated server by the web site operator. It should be noted that other formats and methods for capturing, storing and displaying video images may also be used, such as so-called streaming video.

The video capture unit may be activated by a simple on-off switch. However, to obtain the full benefit of the complete system, and to account for practical considerations such as taking payment for use of the system, and providing a positive identification of the user for off-site retrieval of images, a connected or built-in data reader is part of the system. A credit or debit card reader 16 is preferred, as it can automatically process payment before starting the system, while automatically providing the system with unique user identification information, e. g. based on the credit card number. It is also possible to use a pre-paid (or free) card based system, where the card is provided with an identification number for later retrieval of the saved swing data. Furthermore, if payment is taken separate

from the unit, the unit may be provided with a means for receiving personal data, such as a keyboard. Or, in the most simple case, the system may be prompted to provide the user with an identification code for later off-site retrieval of images.

An exemplary embodiment of the components of the system is now provided. However, it should be clear that components may be substituted by those skilled in the art, in order to achieve the goals of the invention. A computer with a microprocessor (Pentium II, 233 MHz P. C.), with a graphics card (studio quality) (not shown), and the following: a network connection (Ethernet NIC); a speed and distance sensor (optional) (Doppler radar unit); a payment, validation, or start mechanism (e. g. credit card reader) and analysis software. These components are preferably enclosed in a rugged and weatherproof molded housing 4, preferably less than 12"deep that it can fit within a single stall and also act as a stall divider in a standard golf driving range. However, stand-alone units are also envisioned, and therefore this limitation is not required in all instances.

A Doppler radar unit (not shown) may be incorporated proximate or within the second camera at the down-the-line view location. This radar unit allows for sensing and recording shot parameters such as: distance; club head speed; ball speed; launch angle; and a shot efficiency percent. These"numerical analysis"statistics can be displayed on the monitor screen alongside an instant replay of the swing to enable the user to accurately gauge and measure performance.

The user may interface with the unit by a touch screen on display and/or by base-mounted shock resistant (Rubberized) buttons 18 that can be pushed by hand or with a golf club. Thus, users are able to save a recorded swing for later analysis and specify it into categories such as: Best swing or Typical swing. This save feature enables the user to examine the difference between them later at the Viewing unit. The saved information is communicated to the Viewing unit via a network connection (which may also provide connections to the Internet). In locations without a Viewing unit, the video capture unit may be connected directly to the Internet. Additional features may also be provided through the interface, such as selecting tips, instructions, demonstrations, instant swing analysis or comparison, to be displayed on the monitor at the unit. The user may also enable and disable various features using the interface. The payment, validation, or start mechanism may be a card swiper on the front for reading credit cards or membership cards, a currency acceptor, or simply a start button.

2) The Viewing Unit (MK) The viewing unit (also designated as Main Kiosk Unit or MK unit) is located remote from the video capture unit, preferably either inside the golf driving range (clubhouse) or at a strategic location with high customer visibility. It provides users with immediate detailed analysis of their swings after they have been saved at the video capture unit. At the viewing unit, a user can analyze club head speed, particular body angles and arches, hand and grip position, as well as a host of other options, including s split screen comparison to a professional or a previously saved swing. From the

viewing unit, a user can also link to a golf pro on-line (network) and receive professional analysis (see swingcam. com below). The analysis tools listed above can be of a known type, such as the V1 system made available through Interactive Frontiers, Inc.

The viewing unit preferably contains a computer, a monitor, links to the Internet, a recording device (e. g.

VCR, floppy disk writer or CD writer), a network connection (e. g. Ethernet NIC), and analysis software. It provides the user with an opportunity to compare and analyze his/her saved swings, e. g., best and typical swing. These can be compared to one another or to the swings of a professional golfer or an animated computer model with a body type, and ideal swing style, similar to that of the user. Easy to use software tools that provide insight into the golf swing, such as a swing plane highlighter or vertical line body sway indicator may be made available to the user. Each tool may have accompanying narration and/or video describing both its use and what observations should be made when it is applied to the user's swing. (e. g. With the swing plane tool, the user's club should remain within the swing plane during the backswing and downswing to assure that the club is coming through the ball on a straight path). Other tools for swing parameter analysis may also be added to the system.

An option to upload a swing to the Internet for further analysis or for downloading by the user, may be provided as well. An option to record the analysis on a recordable medium (such as a video tape, floppy disk, recordable CD) or to print it may also be available.

3) The Web Site As stated above, a recorded swing may be uploaded to the Internet (the Web Site) to obtain additional analysis of that swing. Options include having links to Golf related web sites with integrated functions, e. g., this site may provide access to online (PGA) pros who will analyze a swing and store the analysis video and audio on the site for later downloading by the user, including marking-up the swing and/or emailing the analysis to the user.

The Web site may allow the user to download to his/her home or office PC (or any device connectable to the Internet, and which is capable of displaying video), the same analysis tools (or similar ones) that are contained in the viewing unit and/or the video capture unit to further view, compare, and analyze their recorded golf swing. In one embodiment, the user downloads an EXE. file containing analysis tools used in the viewing unit for offsite analysis. The download function may allow the user to download a subset of the viewing unit's analysis macros in a compressed format, uncompress them, then use them to analyze his/her downloaded swing. This may be for a fee, and the tools will be"rented", i. e. they will have an expiration date based on the date of downloading, after which they will cease to function. The tools may also be made available on a CDROM with a software key being downloaded from the Web site in order for them to be used.

The web site may also offer a"Swing Vault"that stores swings for a predetermined period that may be extendible. The"Swing Vault"thus allows a user to

download previously recorded swings for side-by-side comparison, and/or overlay. Other features of the web site may include: a golf range locator; a golf pro locator; tips from pros; a live chat area; longest drive contest; advertising and sponsorship; and cyberlinks to major sports web sites.

4) How the Systems Work Together (An Exemplary Embodiment) (Figs. 4a, 4b) a. The user and the video capture unit * Video capture unit replays various video commercials when not engaged * User comes up, swipes credit card in video capture * Welcome and 15 sec. tutorial appears, option to skip * Live camera, recording loop activated, swing sensor active * User swings.

* System senses swing and captures and saves bracketed recording of swing (including backswing and follow through) * System captures and plays back on video capture in slow motion System displays one or more key numerical analysis statistics relating to the activities, such as projected ball distance, club speed and ball speed (in the case of a golf swing) * System presents options when playback is done.

Select with button push.

1. Replay-Replays swing video each time it is pressed 2. Store swing as Best, Typical-Send swing to V1 for later analysis

3. New Recording-Returns to live video and polls sensor for impact User repeats until time limit expires b. The User and the Viewing Unit After using the video capture unit, user goes to indoor viewing unit for analysis User swipes card or enters name/password to access his/her stored swings Analysis macros appear that allow user to analyze and compare swings. These macros will be able to draw several reference objects at once and explain or show the importance of certain movements with respect to the reference object. These macros, such as swing plane and shoulder sway boundary lines, will be designed by PGA pros and instructional narration and/or video will accompany each.

User swings as well as model swings and lessons can be accessed, recorded, or uploaded to Web. A video printer option will allow user to print out any frame of the displayed video. Other items, such as surveys, sweepstakes, advertisements, or infomercials on demand may be made accessible from the viewing unit as well. c. The User and the Web Site * Users desiring to download online analysis tools to further access and analyze their video capture- recorded swing via the Internet can access the swingcam. com web site.

* Site provides a listing of uploaded swings by name, and is accessible via password by users. Users can link to a professional analysis site for a fee and download the results to their home or office PCs

* Users can then log on, download their analyzed swing, for a fee, to see what areas to improve * Users can also download their swing, a friend's swing (with permission), and analysis macros similar to those on the viewing unit. Tools to be developed include swing compare, swing plane overlay, shoulder line monitor, and others. These tools can then be used by the user to analyze the downloaded swings.

The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous other arrangements which embody the principles of the invention and are thus within its spirit and scope.

In addition, while the system is described for golf as the"activity", it should be clear that the use of the advantages of the system can be applied to a wide range of activities, including baseball swing and tennis swing, which are characterized by the need to master a particular impact-based, short duration motion, which takes place in a confined location.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that"electronic connection"refers not only to a hard- wired connection such as network cable and telephone lines, but also to the wireless transfer of data.