WO2007140860A1 - An autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus, comprising a casing, an image acquisition device adapted for acquiring an image indicative of a performance, particularly a stroke, of a golf player, and a data evaluation unit adapted for evaluating the image to determine golf diagnosis related data, wherein the image acquisition device and the data evaluation unit are accommodated in the common casing.

Description

An autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of United States

Provisional Patent Application No. 60/804,118 filed June 7, 2006, and of European Patent Application No. 06 011 727.2 filed June 7, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The invention relates to an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus.

The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus.

Moreover, the invention relates to a method of using a golf diagnosis apparatus on a driving range.

A commercially available golf diagnosis apparatus is the so-called Vector Launch System offered by the company AccuSport, Inc. (see, for instance, http://www.accusport.com/products/vector/). The Vector Launch System works with an additional external computer running Windows XP and containing an IEEE 1394 interface. Correspondingly preconfigured laptops or desktop systems are available as "server"-like devices for external connection to the golf diagnosis apparatus as a "client"-iike device of some kind of client-server system. ^' However, conventional golf diagnosis systems suffer from the fact that they may be inconvenient in use when a user carries the golf diagnosis systems along a golf course.

It is an object of the invention to provide a convenient golf diagnosis system. In order to achieve the object defined above, an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus, a method of manufacturing an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus, and a method of using an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus on a driving range according to the independent claims are provided.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus is provided comprising a casing, an image acquisition device adapted for acquiring an image indicative of a performance, particularly a stroke, of a golf player, and a data evaluation unit adapted for evaluating the image to determine golf diagnosis related data, wherein the image acquisition device and the data evaluation unit are accommodated in the common (for instance closed, closable, single, sealed-off and/or self-contained) casing (for instance enclosing entirely at least the image acquisition device and the data evaluation unit).

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus is provided, the method comprising providing an image acquisition device adapted for acquiring an image indicative of a performance, particularly a stroke, of a golf player, providing a data evaluation unit adapted for evaluating the image to determine golf diagnosis related data, and accommodating the image acquisition device and the data evaluation unit in a common casing.

According to still another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of using an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus having the above-mentioned features on a driving range is provided.

Processing capabilities of the autarkic golf diagnosis scheme according to embodiments of the invention can be realized using computer programs, that is by software, or by using one or more special electronic optimization circuits, that is in hardware, or in hybrid form, that is by software components and hardware components. In the context of this application, the term "autarkic" may particularly denote that the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be operated without any additional control entity, not necessarily relying on further cooperating components. Thus, all functions necessary for an autonomous operation of the autarkic system may be integrated within a single and enclosed housing of the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus. Thus, an autarkic system may operate in a self-sufficient or closed way.

The term "performance" of a golf player may particularly denote any action a golf player takes before, during or after carrying out a stroke. This may particularly include the behavior before the stroke, for instance when the golf player walks to the tee. It may particularly include the behavior directly before the stroke, for instance when the golf player stands in front of the tee and concentrates before carrying out the stroke. It may particularly include the behavior during the stroke, for instance when the golf player swings the golf club and hits the golf ball. It may particularly include the behavior after the stroke, for instance when the golf ball has left the tee/golf club and flies in the direction of the goal.

In the context of this application, the term "stroke" may particularly denote the entire procedure or a part of the procedure including a swing with the golf club, a hit between golf club and golf ball, and the flight of the golf ball until the ball rests. A stroke may be at least a part of the performance.

The term "golf diagnosis apparatus" may particularly denote an apparatus which may monitor the performance of a golf player and may carry out calculations in correspondence with this performance. Also golf simulators may be covered by the term "golf diagnosis apparatus". For instance, such a golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise one or more cameras making one or more pictures (in a single picture mode or in a continuous video mode) of a golf ball and/or a golf club and/or a golf player in order to derive therefrom information allowing to perform a diagnosis of a golf stroke.

For instance, a flash or a stroboscope may define different points of time at which an image is taken, and the individual images may be evaluated using image recognition methods so as to analyze a stroke of a golf player. For instance, such a golf diagnosis apparatus may calculate parameters like velocity, angle, acceleration, spin, stroke distance, etc. in accordance with a stroke. Such a system may be implemented also in combination with a self-adaptive golf analysis feature, allowing to determine which body positions, or other stroke parameters statistically yield good results, and which not. Thus, such a golf diagnosis system may provide a golfer with suggestions as to how to improve the performance or provide information which parameters have been successful in the past. In the context of such a golf diagnosis apparatus, a golfer may position a golf ball on the tee, may select a golf club and may carry out a stroke. In the vicinity of the tee, the user may position the golf diagnosis apparatus which may comprise, integrated therein, a camera or another image acquisition device so that one or more images can be captured before, during and/or after hitting the ball. Such images may then be evaluated, with respect to ball, golf club, and/or body position of the golfer so as to derive parameters allowing to perform a diagnosis of a stroke so as to evaluate the quality of the stroke.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a self-sufficient golf diagnosis system is provided. Such an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be integrated essentially within a single casing or housing and may be operated completely independently of further devices. Therefore, in contrast to conventional systems in which golf diagnosis apparatuses are usually only operable in combination with an attachable PC or laptop, a golfer may take the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus as a black box and may operate the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus without the need to carry further periphery devices with her or him. This may allow for a low-weight and user-friendly golf diagnosis apparatus which does not suffer from all restrictions connected with the conventional necessity to couple the golf diagnosis apparatus with an additional component including data processing capabilities.

It is possible that the device offers the service to provide data to and/or receive data from an external entity via an interface. An autarkic device may further archive data which have been evaluated in the past, for instance data which have been evaluated in the last year. An autarkic device may have a power supply and/or a display device integrated internally or connected externally.

Therefore, particularly all golf diagnosis related processing resources may be integrated within the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus. A powerful CPU (central processing unit) and/or a corresponding storage resource may be provided to carry out all calculations and storage tasks which are necessary to derive golf diagnosis results from one or more images captured of the stroke, for instance of the golf ball and/or of the golf player and/or of the golf club.

Also a display unit may be integrated within the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus so that the connection of a separate display unit may be dispensable. However, additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to provide an interface which allows to connect (in a wireless or wired manner) an external display unit for displaying the golf diagnosis result data which have already been prepared by the golf diagnosis apparatus in a manner so that no further processing is needed in the display device, and the data are completely ready to be displayed without further post-processing or re-formatting. Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment, an integrated launch monitor may be provided. All the necessary electronic components may be integrated in a golf launch monitor, in order to carry out the measurement as well as the evaluation of the ball flight parameters in a compact functional unit.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the launch monitor measures the motion of the golf ball hit by a golfer and/or the motion of the golf club before and/or during and/or after the hit between the golf ball and the golf club, for example using captured images. These images may be subsequently processed. In this context, image processing algorithms may be carried out to derive meaningful information from the images. For instance, positions of markers and/or structures and/or objects (golf ball, golf head, head shaft, etc.) may be estimated. For this purpose, computing resources may be used. In order to realize a compact, easy to handle and easy to operate device, the necessary electronic components of the computer may be all integrated in a housing of the launch monitor.

Therefore, in contrast to conventional launch monitors which require, for evaluating the image data, a separate computer (for instance a laptop) to provide necessary processing capabilities, the integrated launch monitor according to an exemplary embodiment may be operated without any further components.

In conventional systems, a golf diagnosis apparatus is connectable as a periphery device (similarly like a keypad, a mouse, etc.) to a laptop. Components like camera, illumination (flash), processing power (a microcontroller), a microphone for acoustic detection of a stroke, etc. are implemented in the golf diagnosis device. Via an USB or FireWire interface, raw image data may then be transferred to an externally connected laptop which must have processing capabilities and display capabilities. In such conventional systems, the actual data evaluation of the raw image data is carried out within the PC, so that the golf diagnosis apparatus does not do more than just providing the captured image data at an interface to be connected with the laptop. Such a golf diagnosis apparatus is not working in an isolated operation without a connected laptop.

In contrast to this, embodiments of the invention are in fact operable without a connected periphery device. Therefore, the entire acquisition, data processing and evaluation procedure, optionally also the display of results, may be performed with a central intelligence provided in the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus itself, and not in an externally connectable periphery device. According to one embodiment, even the display capabilities may be provided by the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus itself. According to another exemplary embodiment, the completely evaluated golf diagnosis data (for instance the necessary data for a display to display a three- dimensional stroke simulating the actually carried out stroke) may be provided at an interface, so that a connectable laptop or display simply takes this data without the necessity for re-formatting or postprocessing for displaying the result. Therefore, embodiments of the invention allow to accommodate all necessary components within the (casing of the) autarkic system, and within a common single housing. Providing the golf diagnosis apparatus in a single housing may also allow to improve the resistance of the golf diagnosis apparatus with respect to external influences like rain, humidity, heat, dirt, etc. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be a simple box which may be taken as a single element by a golf player (for instance manually or carried with golf equipment like a golf caddy or a golf cart). The entire device may be controlled by a common control unit, for instance a microprocessor. Not only preprocessing capabilities, but also the entire evaluation and execution of software routines for deriving abstract information from the captured golf image, may be performed by such a central processing resource located within the housing. In other words, according to an exemplary embodiment, all the functions of a conventional golf diagnosis apparatus and a conventional laptop may be integrated within a single housing, so that a waterproof system without any external wirings may be provided. This may significantly improve the convenience in use for a golf player carrying the golf diagnosis apparatus along a golf course. A water-resistant housing and thus a weatherproof golf diagnosis system may be provided, since external wirings may be dispensible.

Such a golf diagnosis apparatus may be simple, convenient in use, economical, and much cheaper manufacturable than a conventional golf diagnosis apparatus in combination with a separate laptop.

The central control instance of such an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may carry out image processing algorithms and image storage capabilities. In other words, images captured from a camera may be evaluated to derive more abstract parameters like coordinates indicative of a golf ball, a golf club, and/or a golf player. These abstract information may be further abstracted by image processing algorithms, for instance by calculating a velocity or a stroke distance of the golf stroke based on the previously determined coordinates at known instances of time. Starting from these further abstracted parameters, it is possible that a further processing sequence may be carried out to interpret this data in more detail, for instance for categorizing the stroke to be successful or non-successful, for ranking the stroke, for deriving proposals for improving the performance of the golf player, or optically visualizing the golf stroke. All such further processing procedures may be performed by the central control instance embedded within the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus.

Next, further exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained. In the following, further exemplary embodiments of the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus will be explained. However, these embodiments also apply for the method of manufacturing an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus and for the method of using the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus on a driving range. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a power supply unit for supplying at least a part of the golf diagnosis apparatus with electrical energy and being accommodated in the common casing. Such a power supply unit may be a (for example rechargeable) battery, or may also include a solar cell. The power supply unit may be rechargeable with an electrical connection, so that the power supply unit may be recharged using a mains supply or an energy supply of a golf cart. It is also possible that a power supply unit is provided externally, that is to say outside the autarkic device.

The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise an optical display unit for displaying the golf diagnosis related data and being accommodated in the common casing. The optical display unit may be a monitor, like an LCD monitor, a TFT monitor, an OLED (organic LED) based display, a plasma monitor or a cathode ray tube.

The image acquisition device may be a camera, for instance a CCD camera. It is also possible to provide a plurality of cameras, for instance for capturing images of a golf stroke from different positions or different angles.

The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a display interface for electronically connecting an optical display unit for displaying golf diagnosis related data, being accommodated outside the common casing, and being electrically connectable to the casing. Therefore, an (for instance the only) external device to the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be an appropriate display. Such a display may be connected via a (wired or wireless interface) to the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus.

The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a user interface for allowing a user to communicate with at least a part of the golf diagnosis apparatus and being accommodated in the common casing. Such a user interface may comprise input elements like a keypad, a joystick, a track ball, or may even comprise a voice recognition system. Separate operation knobs or operation buttons may be provided as well. The user interface unit may also include a touch screen. Furthermore, the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a sensor unit for sensing at least one golf diagnosis related sensor parameter and being accommodated in the common casing. Such a sensor unit may be any kind of sensor, like a sensor of acoustic waves (for instance for detecting a point of time at which a golf club hits the golf ball), an optical sensor, a position sensor, etc.

The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a microphone unit for acoustically detecting a stroke of a golf player and being accommodated in the common casing. When a golf club has hit the golf ball, this can be detected acoustically by the microphone. This detection may be used by a central control unit for triggering the detection of one or more images by the image acquisition device. This may ensure that the captured image or images is or are really meaningful, since they are not taken before the ball is hit. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise an optical detection unit for optically detecting a stroke of a golf player and being accommodated in the common casing. Such an optical trigger may include a light barrier. It is possible to use a flashlight (for instance generated using a plasma discharge device), and/or may implement one or more LEDs.

The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise an ultrasound emission unit for emitting ultrasonic waves towards a golf ball and comprising an ultrasound detection unit for detecting ultrasonic waves reflected from the golf ball for detecting a stroke of a golf player, wherein the ultrasound emission unit and the ultrasound detection unit are accommodated in the common casing. Thus, by irradiating the ball with ultrasonic sound and by measuring the response, the stroke may be detected, since the reflection properties may be altered when the ball is hit and moves away from the tee.

Therefore, an ultrasound trigger may be provided.

The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a flash unit for generating pulses of electromagnetic radiation. One or more flashlight units, for instance strobes, may be provided so as to define different points of time at which a golf ball shall be visible at an image of the camera. By taking a plurality of images of the golf ball and/or of the golf club and/or of the golf player, it is possible to derive motion parameters from the captured images.

The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may further comprise a memory unit accessible by the data evaluation unit and being adapted for storing at least one of the group consisting of a golf diagnosis routine, an operating system (like Windows™ or Linux™), a history database indicative of previously determined golf diagnosis related data, or other information. The data evaluation unit may be a CPU (central processing unit) or a microcontroller and may be functionally coupled with a storage device. Such a data evaluation unit may carry out calculations in accordance with prestored algorithms so as to derive golf analysis related parameters from the captured information. The memory may be any electronic storage medium like a volatile or non-volatile memory, a flash memory cell, an EPROM, an EEPROM, etc. The software stored in such a memory may be the actual golf evaluation software. Furthermore, a database including data indicative of previous strokes or of strokes performed by golf professionals may be stored in the storage device. Accessing these information, the control unit may perform the corresponding capabilities.

The data evaluation unit may be adapted as a central control unit for controlling the entire functionality of the golf diagnosis apparatus. It can work without any further processing or computational resources so as to carry out all calculations necessary to derive meaningful information as a golf diagnosis result from the captured data.

The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a user port adapted as an adapter for connecting at least one additional component. Such additional components may be, for instance, additional image acquisition devices, an additional sensor unit, an additional flashlight unit, and an additional stroboscope unit. Thus, a modular system may be provided which can be extended, or even retrofitted, so that the performance and the functionality of the system may be extended step by step. Thus, a very flexible system may be provided which may be easily updated.

Such an adapter or user port may particularly be an electronic adapter like a connection plug board. Such an adapter may include support structures, clips, stand arms, etc., at which auxiliary equipment may be fastened. For example, it may be possible to use a connection to a battery of a golf cart or a golf caddy, connected to an intermediate piece like a tee-piece and use a specifically designed/shaped tee-piece as a connector for one or a plurality of additional equipment items.

The golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a plurality of image acquisition devices positioned to capture images of a golf player carrying out the stroke from different viewing directions. Thus, the amount of information provided and usable for accessing a stroke and the quality thereof may be increased and refined. Particularly, complementary information from different viewing directions may be obtained.

The adapter may be adapted for connecting the at least one additional component in one of the group consisting of a wired manner (for instance a USB interface) and a wireless manner (for instance a

Bluetooth or a WLAN interface). Thus, the communication may be carried out using cables or using a wireless communication path. Particularly, it is possible to use Bluetooth for such a communication. It is also possible to use infrared communication, radio frequency communication, a (mobile) telecommunication network, wireless LAN

(WLAN), etc.

The data evaluation unit may comprise a first evaluation module and a second evaluation module.

The first evaluation module (for instance a microcontroller) may be adapted for activating the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus upon receipt of a stroke indicated by a signal from a microphone unit for acoustically detecting a stroke of a golf player. When the microphone has detected acoustically that the stroke has occurred, the first evaluation module may generate a corresponding activation signal so that the image acquisition device may start carrying out one or a plurality of pictures. Furthermore, the first evaluation unit may generate a trigger signal for triggering the image acquisition device for acquiring the image and supplying the trigger signal to the image acquisition device. Such a trigger signal may be generated in response of the detection of the stroke, for instance using a microphone. Furthermore, the first evaluation module may generate a trigger signal for triggering a flash unit for generating pulses of electromagnetic radiation supplying the trigger signal to the flash unit. Again, when the stroke has been detected (for instance by the microphone), also the flash unit may be triggered so as to illuminate the environment to define points of time at which the camera takes the pictures. Beyond this, the first evaluation module may control the power supply unit for supplying at least a part of the golf diagnosis apparatus with electrical energy. Thus, the energy management and energy distribution of the power supply unit may be controlled by the first evaluation module. Beyond this, the first evaluation module may cooperate with at least one additional component connected to a user port. For instance, the first evaluation module may detect when such an additional component is connected to the user port. The first evaluation module may then install the connected components so that the connected components may be used in connection with the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus.

The second evaluation module (for instance a central processing unit, CPU) may be adapted for controlling the first evaluation module. Thus, the second evaluation module may be the central control instance and may also control the function of the first evaluation module. The second evaluation module may further receive and evaluate the image(s) to determine the golf diagnosis related data. Thus, the image processing tasks may be fulfilled by the second evaluation module. The second evaluation module may supply the golf diagnosis related data to an optical display unit in a format ready for displaying the golf diagnosis related data. For this purpose, the second evaluation module may detect which optical display unit is connected (permanently or detachably), and may select the format accordingly. Beyond this, the second evaluation unit may access a memory unit for cooperating with at least one of the group consisting of a golf diagnosis software, an operating system, and a history database indicative of previously determined golf diagnosis related data. Therefore, the second evaluation module may control functionality of this memory. Moreover, the second evaluation module may cooperate with at least one additional component connected to a user port. Therefore, any of the first and second evaluation modules may interact with the externally connected elements.

The CPU and the microcontroller may be provided as two separate entities or as a single common element.

The casing of the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be configured so that the entire autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be weatherproof and or shock-resistant. For this purpose, sealings may be provided so that the casing is water-resistant. The material of the casing (for instance any plastic or metallic material) may be selected so that the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be used even under harsh conditions, for instance in the presence of dirt. To make the autarkic device shock-resistant, shock-absorbing (for instance mechanically damping) elements may be foreseen integrated in the casing and/or externally attached to the casing. The term "shock- resistant" may denote that the device should be able to withstand to impact equal to being dropped to a floor from a height in accordance with a typical operation of the device, for instance 1 m.

The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be essentially shaped like a cuboid, particularly essentially like a cube. Therefore, an easy to handle box may be provided, for instance with dimensions in the order of magnitude of 20 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm.

Particularly, the casing may comprise an essentially cuboid shaped base unit and a beveled top portion. Such a slanted roof may be used in combination with the support or base unit for different purposes. For instance, the beveled top portion may be tiltable with respect to the base unit. Particularly in a scenario in which an optical display unit is integrated within the beveled top portion, it may be brought into a geometrical position so that the user may easily gather information displayed on the display.

However, it is also possible, that the beveled top portion is located fixedly with respect to the base unit. Particularly in this configuration, a recess between the beveled top portion and the base unit may be used as a grip or handle which may allow an easy transportation of the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus.

It is also possible that the beveled top portion is completely detachable from the base unit. In this case, the entire beveled top portion may be removed from the base unit, wherein a communication with the base unit may be performed in a wired or in a wireless manner.

The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise a payment unit adapted for receiving a means of payment (such as at least one coin, at least one bank note, a credit card, a ticket, a cash card, etc.) from a user and may be adapted for enabling the user to operate (or use) the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus only upon receipt of the means of payment. In other words, the golf diagnosis apparatus may be provided with a reception for receiving money, chip cards, etc., via which a user wishing to have his/her stroke captured and evaluated by the diagnosis device can activate the machine. Only after insertion of the means of payment in the reception unit (such as a slot or a card reader), the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus will be operable/usable by the golf player. Optionally, the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may check the validity of the payment before allowing the user to use the device.

The payment unit may be adapted for enabling the user to operate the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus upon receipt of the means of payment for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of strokes. Thus, depending on the amount of the payment made or initiated, the user will be enabled to use the diagnosis device for a certain time (for instance 10 minutes), for a number of strokes (for instance 10 strokes), or for a number of holes (for instance 3 holes).

Such an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be installed (at a fixed position or at a variable position) on a driving range or at any other position of a golf course (for instance adjacent each tee). For instance, a separate autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may be installed at each hole of a golf course, or at a part of the holes. When a golfer wishes a golf diagnosis for a particular stroke, he/she can insert money in the slot of the diagnosis device and will therefore make the device ready for capturing and evaluating the next stroke(s) of the golfer.

The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may comprise an anchoring mechanism adapted for fixing the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus at a horizontal support member (such as a base plate or a ground) or at a vertical support member (such as a wall).

When an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus is fixedly installed at a golf course, the golf diagnosis apparatus may be fixed to the ground by an anchor mechanism anchoring the golf diagnosis apparatus at the ground (for instance by screwing the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus at the ground or by embedding the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus partially in the ground) or by installing the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus on a base. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may thus be protected against theft and removal. It may be provided with a 5 fixed housing which protects the apparatus against humidity and mud, thereby allowing to use the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus outdoor and even under harsh conditions. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus may thus be configured to be waterproof.

When an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus is fixedly installed at 0 a vertical wall, the golf diagnosis apparatus may be fixed to the wall by an anchor mechanism anchoring the golf diagnosis apparatus at the wall (for instance by screwing the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus at the wall). Such a wall may be an interior or exterior wall of a building or may be a wall of a golf play box. 5 It is also possible that such an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus is moved by a golfer - manually or assisted by a caddy or a golf car - along an entire golf course. The golfer can carry her/his own autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus along the golf course, or may rent an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus for a certain period (such as one day). (JThe aspects defined above and further aspects of the invention are apparent from the examples of embodiment to be described hereinafter and are explained with reference to these examples of embodiment.

5 The invention will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to examples of embodiment but to which the invention is not limited. Figure 1 shows a golf diagnosis system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a golf diagnosis system.

Figure 3 shows a golf diagnosis apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 shows a golf diagnosis apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 shows a golf diagnosis apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 shows a golf diagnosis system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The illustration in the drawing is schematically. In different drawings, similar or identical elements are provided with the same reference signs. In the following, referring to Fig. 1, an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described.

As shown in Fig. 1, a golf player 101 is in a position to carry a golf club 102 including a shaft 103 and a club head 104. A golf ball 105 is positioned on a tee (not shown).

Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 110 which may be simply placed on a ground or which also may be placed on an apparatus like a golf caddy (not shown) or a golf cart (not shown). Components of the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 are embedded therein, so that the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 is integrally formed or formed as a single piece.

A handle 123 is shown which allows the golfer 101 to carry the golf diagnosis apparatus 110. The golf diagnosis apparatus 110 comprises a central processing unit (CPU) 113 which includes processing resources and storage resources. The CPU 113 is the central control system over the entire golf diagnosis apparatus 110. The CPU 113 is electrically coupled (in a bi- directional manner or in a uni-directional manner) with a first CCD

(charge coupled device) camera 114 and with a second CCD camera 115. Instead of providing two CCD cameras 114, 115, it is also possible that only a single camera is provided, or a number of cameras which is larger than two. As an alternative to a CCD camera, a CMOS camera may be used. It may be particularly advantageous to provide only a single camera, since this may allow to manufacture the device 110 with low costs and in a small size. The provision of two cameras 114, 115 in Fig. 1 is thus not to be understood as a limiting feature for the invention. Particularly, the second camera 115 is merely optional, and a performance with only the first camera 114 is sufficient. The CCD cameras 114, 115 are adapted to monitor the golf player 101 from different viewing directions/viewing angles so as to derive complementary information for evaluating a stroke of the golfer 101.

Furthermore, a first flash 116 and a second flash 117 are provided. The flashes 116, 117 can be positioned at any desired position of the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 and are integrally formed with a casing 120 of the golf diagnosis apparatus 110. The flashes 116, 117 may emit light flashes so as to define points of time at which images of the golf club 102, of the golf ball 105 and of the golf player 101 are captured by the cameras 114, 115. As an alternative for the flashes 116, 117, strobes may be provided. It is possible to implement such light flash sources using LEDs, particularly OLEDs. Instead of using two flashes, it is possible to use only one flash or at least three flashes. For example, each of the two flashes 116, 117 can emit a single flash, or a single flash may emit two flashes. Also the number of light pulses may vary, and can be larger or smaller than two.

Furthermore, the CPU 113 is coupled to an LCD, to a TFT, or to an OLED display 118 as an optical display unit for displaying results of the golf diagnosis apparatus. Moreover, the CPU 113 is coupled to an input/output device 119 like a keypad, a joystick, a touch screen or the like so as to provide the CPU 113 with control information. For instance, the golfer 101 may input, via the input/output device 119, information indicating a type of a club 102 which shall be used for the strike, so as to provide the system 110 with the required information needed to evaluate the stroke.

Each of the components 114 to 119 are fixedly connected or integrated within the casing 120 of the golf diagnosis apparatus 110.

As can be taken from Fig. 1, by providing all the components of the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 embedded in one container 120, a small dimensioned apparatus may be provided which is relatively light weight, easy to handle, and thus convenient in use.

Furthermore, a battery 130 is housed within the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 so as to supply the various components of the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 with electrical energy.

As further shown in Fig. 1, a microphone 124 is provided for detecting acoustic waves resulting from a hit between the golf club head 104 and the ball 105.

Furthermore, a Bluetooth communication interface 125 is foreseen at the golf diagnosis apparatus 110, and is coupled to the CPU 113. Via the Bluetooth communication interface 125, wireless communication with sensors 128, 129 located in both shoes 126, 127 of the golfer 101 is possible. Furthermore, wireless communication with a sensor 130 provided in the golf club head 104 and with a sensor 131 provided in the golf ball 105 is possible. However, the configuration with the communication between the communication interface 125 and the sensors 128 to 130 is optional.

In the following, the functionality of the system 100 will be explained in more detail.

When the golf player 101 has operated the golf club 102 so that the club head 104 hits the ball 105, acoustic waves are generated. These are detected - with a corresponding delay - by the microphone 124. Consequently, the flashes 116, 117 are triggered to emit light pulses. Furthermore, points of time are defined by these flashes 116, 117 at which the cameras 114, 115 detect images of the hit ball 105, the moving club 102 and the moving golf player 101 (essentially) during or after the hit.

Optionally, sensor information from the sensors 128 to 131 are transmitted to the Bluetooth communication interface 125. All these items of information may be used by the CPU 113 to derive golf diagnosis information, like angle information, velocity information, distance information, etc. A result of such an evaluation may be output via the display unit 118 is a visual or in an audiovisual manner. As an alternative to the microphone 124, a light barrier may be provided for detecting the point of time of hitting the ball 105.

Still referring to Fig. 1, the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 is adapted for evaluating a stroke of the player 101 captured by the cameras 114, 115. The golf diagnosis apparatus 110 is embedded entirely in the housing 120. Particularly, the cameras 114, 115, the battery 130, the display 118, the input/output interface 119, the flashlight units 116, 117 and the data evaluation unit 113 are installed on and/or in the housing 120. Slots or plug-in connections (not shown) may be provided at various positions of the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 so as to allow to flexibly extend the functionality of the golf diagnosis apparatus 110 to meet the preferences of a user. The different cameras 114, 115 allow to capture images of the golfer 101 from different positions. The pressure sensors 128, 129 allow to sense weight distributions of the golfer 101 body during the hit, which may be used for evaluating a quality of a stroke. Position sensors 130, 131 may allow to derive position information with regard to the club 102 and the ball 105 around the stroke.

Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows a solar cell 131 which may be used to recharge the battery 130. Alternatively, it is possible to recharge the battery using a connection to a mains supply (not shown).

Furthermore, the CPU 113 is coupled with a memory 132 in which various data may be stored which may be used for the evaluation of the stroke. Particularly, golf stroke evaluation algorithms, image processing algorithms, or the like may be stored in the memory 132.

In the following, a conventional golf diagnosis apparatus 200 will be explained schematically referring to Fig. 2. A microcontroller 201 may receive a hit signal 202 captured by a microphone 203 which detects the point of time of a hit between a golf club and a golf ball acoustically. Upon receipt of this hit signal 202, the microcontroller 201 generates trigger signals 204 activating a CCD camera 205 and a flash unit 206. Consequently, the flash unit 206 emits flashes at defined points of time, at which the CCD camera 205 detects images of the golfer/golf ball/golf club. The microcontroller 201 is further coupled to an energy supply unit 207 controlling the energy supply of the entire system 200. As can further be taken from Fig. 2, a first interface 208 is provided at which unprocessed, raw image data 209 captured by the CCD camera 205 are provided. These may be supplied, via a wiring 210, to a first interface 211 of an external laptop 212. Furthermore, an optional serial interface 213 is provided at the golf diagnosis apparatus 200 which is connected to a second interface 214 of the laptop 212. The raw image signals or raw stroke signals generated by the golf diagnosis apparatus 200 are supplied to a CPU 215 of the laptop 212. In the CPU 215, golf diagnosis algorithms are executed which make use of the raw image data provided via the interfaces 211, 214 so as to derive meaningful golf diagnosis information from the raw data. For instance, image processing routines or abstract parameter determination routines may be carried out by the CPU 215. Results may then be displayed at a display 216 of the laptop 212. The raw data provided via the interfaces 208, 213 are not in a proper format to be directly displayed by the display 216, and include no abstract golf diagnosis results.

However, the system of Fig. 2 may be inconvenient in use, since it may always be necessary to connect the golf diagnosis apparatus 200 with an externally connectable laptop 212, so that an autonomous operation of the golf diagnosis apparatus 200 is not possible.

In the following, referring to Fig. 3, an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 300 according to an exemplary embodiment will be explained.

The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 300 comprises a casing 120 housing a plurality of components. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 300 further comprises a CCD camera 114 as an image acquisition device for acquiring an image indicative of a performance, for instance a stroke, of a golf player 101. A data evaluation unit is formed by microprocessor 301 and by a CPU 302, which alternatively can also be combined to a single unit. Furthermore, an energy supply 130 is provided for supplying all components of the golf diagnosis apparatus 300 with electrical energy. Moreover, a display interface 133 is provided for electronically connecting an optical display unit 306 (the only externally connected component) for displaying golf diagnosis related data, wherein the display unit 306 is accommodated outside the common casing 120 and is electrically connectable to the casing 120 via the (wireless or wired) connection 306 for data communication.

Furthermore, the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 300 comprises the user interface 119 for allowing a user 101 to communicate with the golf diagnosis apparatus 300.

The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 300 further comprises a microphone unit 124 for acoustically detecting a stroke performed by a golf player 1. A flash unit 116 is provided for generating pulses of electromagnetic radiation, so as to illuminate a ball 105 after being hit.

A memory unit 303 (a cache memory) is provided which is accessible by the CPU 302 and which stores golf diagnosis software, an operating system (like Windows™, Linux™, or the like), a history database indicative of previously determined golf diagnosis related data, and other information.

The data evaluation unit 301, 302 serves as a central control unit controlling the entire functionality of the golf diagnosis apparatus 300. For instance, the components 301, 302 (and also component 303) may be implemented as a motherboard of a conventional computer. Beyond this, user ports 304 are provided as adapters for connecting additional components, like periphery devices which may or may not be used for operating the device 300. Such additional components may be additional CCD cameras 114, additional sensor units (for instance like the sensors 128 to 131 shown in Fig. 1), or an additional flash unit 116. However, this is merely optional, since the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 300 can also work without such periphery devices connected to the interface 304. The interfaces 304 may be interfaces for wired or wireless communication, for instance for Bluetooth communication.

During operation, the microphone 124 may detect acoustically the event of a hit between a golf ball 105 and a golf club 103. This event is detected acoustically by the microphone 124 which may provide a microphone detection signal 307 to the microprocessor 301. In response to the receipt of such a hit signal 307, the microprocessor 301 may supply the CCD 114 and the flash 116 with corresponding trigger signals 308 triggering the activation of the camera 114 and the emission of flashes at predetermined instances of time. Thus, after the golf club 103 has hit the golf ball 105, one or a plurality of images are captured using the components 114, 116. The captured raw image data 309 may be fed from the CCD 114 to the CPU 302.

The microcontroller 301 controls the energy supply of the components of the unit 300 using the power supply unit 130. For this purpose, control signals 310 may be supplied from the microcontroller 301 to the power supply unit 130. Particularly, the power supply of the CPU 302 may be controlled by the microcontroller 301 via a control signal 311. Furthermore, the CPU 302 being the central control instance may send a control signal 312 to the microcontroller 301.

For evaluating the raw image data 309 supplied to the CPU 302 by the CCD camera 114, the CPU 302 may access a memory 303 so as to use the software stored therein and/or data of a database stored therein. The CPU 302 performs all necessary calculations so as to derive a result of the golf diagnosis, so that directly displayable data 313 is supplied to the interface 133 of Fig. 3. In contrast to Fig. 2, the data supplied at the interface 133 is already formatted so as to be directly displayable by a corresponding display device 306 without further processing or postprocessing in the display 306, so that no processing resource has to be provided in the display 306. Therefore, all necessary calculations may be carried out by the data evaluation unit 301, 302. As can further be taken from Fig. 3, the adapter interfaces 304 may communicate with the microprocessor 301 (however, also a coupling to the CPU 302 is possible, although not shown in Fig. 3).

The casing 120 can be manufactured from a rubber material, any plastics, any polymer material (for instance from polypropylene) so as to allow that the entire device 300 is waterproof or weatherproof. For instance, by providing sealings (like O-rings of rubber) at each portion of the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 300 which has to be opened to implement the components 114, 116, 301, 130, 124, 119, 302, 303 or others therein, may be sealed with regard to an exterior environment. In the following, referring to Fig. 4, an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention will be explained.

The golf diagnosis apparatus 400 differs from the golf diagnosis apparatus 300 essentially in that the display device 306 is also integrated within the housing 120 of the golf diagnosis apparatus 400. However, the display interface 133 may or may not be provided in the device 400 so as to allow for an external connection of another display device. However, the display interface 133 can also be omitted in Fig. 4.

In the following, referring to Fig. 5, a golf diagnosis apparatus 500 according to an exemplary embodiment will be explained.

The golf diagnosis apparatus 500 comprises a base member 501 (which may be shaped essentially like a cuboid, particularly like a cube) and a beveled top portion 502. The beveled top portion 502 is, as indicated by an arrow 503, is tiltable with respect to the base unit 501. Furthermore, the beveled top portion 502 is completely detachable from the base unit 501, for instance in a scenario in which a user desires to reversibly detach a display 504 embedded in the beveled top portion 502 from the device 500. Furthermore, a keypad 505 and buttons 506 are provided at the beveled top portion 502 for control of the device 500 by a user. Beyond this, adapters 304 are shown at a lateral portion of the base unit 501. A recess 507 between the beveled top portion 502 and the base unit 501 is adapted as a grip or a handle for conveniently transporting the device 500. In the following, referring to Fig. 6, a golf diagnosis apparatus 600 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention will be explained.

The golf diagnosis apparatus 600 differs from the golf diagnosis apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1 particularly in that the golf diagnosis apparatus 600 additionally comprises a payment unit 601 adapted for receiving coins or bills in a money reception slot 602 or a credit card in a credit card reception slot 603 as a means of payment from the user 101. The payment unit 601 then determines the amount of money paid by the user 101 for using the apparatus 110. The payment unit 601 will then send an enabling signal to the control unit 113 for enabling the user to operate the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus 110 upon successful payment. Such a message may include information how long and/or for how many strokes and/or for how many holes the user 101 has paid and is therefore allowed to use the device 110 on a driving range at which the device 110 is installed.

It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or features and the "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Also elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined. It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims shall not strued as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

C l a i m s

1. An autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus, comprising a casing; an image acquisition device adapted for acquiring an image indicative of a performance, particularly a stroke, of a golf player; a data evaluation unit adapted for evaluating the image to determine golf diagnosis related data; wherein the image acquisition device and the data evaluation unit are accommodated in the common casing.

2. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of claim 1, comprising a power supply unit for supplying at least a part of the golf diagnosis apparatus with electrical energy and being accommodated in the common casing.

3. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of claim 1 or 2, comprising an optical display unit for displaying the golf diagnosis related data and being accommodated in the common casing.

4. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a display interface for electronically connecting an external optical display unit for displaying golf diagnosis related data, the external optical display unit being accommodated outside the common casing and being electrically connectable to the casing.

5. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising an external optical display unit for displaying golf diagnosis related data, being accommodated outside the common casing, and being electrically connectable to the casing.

6. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a user interface unit for allowing a user to communicate with at least a part of the golf diagnosis apparatus and being accommodated in the common casing.

7. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a sensor unit for sensing at least one golf diagnosis related sensor parameter and being accommodated in the common casing.

8. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a microphone unit for acoustically detecting a stroke of a golf player and being accommodated in the common casing.

9. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of claims 1 to 8, comprising an optical detection unit for optically detecting a stroke of a golf player and being accommodated in the common casing.

10. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising an ultrasound emission unit for emitting ultrasonic waves towards a golf ball and comprising an ultrasound detection unit for detecting ultrasonic waves reflected from the golf ball for detecting a stroke of a golf player, wherein the ultrasound emission unit and the ultrasound detection unit are accommodated in the common casing.

11. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a flash unit for generating pulses of electromagnetic radiation and being accommodated in the common casing.

12. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a memory unit being accessible by the data evaluation unit and being adapted for storing at least one of the group consisting of a golf diagnosis software, an operating system, and a history database indicative of previously determined golf diagnosis related data.

13. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the data evaluation unit is adapted as a central control unit controlling the entire functionality of the golf diagnosis apparatus.

14. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a user port adapted as an adapter for connecting at least one additional component to the golf diagnosis apparatus.

15. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of claim 14, wherein the adapter is adapted for connecting, as the at least one additional component, at least one of the group consisting of an additional image acquisition device, an additional sensor unit, and an additional flash unit.

16. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of claim 14 or 15, wherein the adapter is adapted for connecting the at least one additional component in one of the group consisting of a wired manner and a wireless manner, particularly via Bluetooth.

17. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the data evaluation unit comprises a first evaluation module and a second evaluation module.

18. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first evaluation module is adapted for carrying out at least one of the functions consisting of activating the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus upon receipt of a stroke indicating signal from a microphone unit for acoustically detecting a stroke of a golf player, generating a trigger signal for triggering the image acquisition device for acquiring the image and supplying the trigger signal to the image acquisition device, generating a trigger signal for triggering a flash unit for generating pulses of electromagnetic radiation and supplying the trigger signal to the flash unit, controlling a power supply unit for supplying a part of or the entire the golf diagnosis apparatus with electrical energy, and cooperating with at least one additional component connected to a user port of the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus.

19. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of claim 17 or 18, wherein the second evaluation module is adapted for carrying out at least one of the functions consisting of controlling the first evaluation module, receiving and evaluating the image to determine the golf diagnosis related data, providing the golf diagnosis related data to an optical display unit in a format ready for displaying the golf diagnosis related data on the optical display unit, accessing a memory unit for cooperating with at least one of the group consisting of a golf diagnosis software, an operating system, and a history database indicative of previously determined golf diagnosis related data, and cooperating with at least one additional component connected to a user port of the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus.

20. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the casing is weatherproof and/or shock-resistant.

21. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 20, being shaped essentially like a cuboid, particularly essentially like a cube.

22. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the casing comprises a base unit and a beveled top portion.

23. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of claim 22, wherein the beveled top portion is tiltable with respect to the base unit.

24. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of claim 22 or 23, wherein the beveled top portion is detachable from the base unit.

25. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein an optical display unit for displaying the golf diagnosis related data is embedded in the beveled top portion.

26. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein a recess between the beveled top portion and the base unit is adapted as a grip.

27. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the base unit is shaped like a cuboid, particularly like a cube.

28. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 27, comprising a payment unit adapted for receiving a means of payment from a user and adapted for enabling the user to operate the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus only upon receipt of the means of payment.

29. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of claim 28, wherein the payment unit is adapted for receiving, as the means of payment, at least one of the group consisting of at least one coin, at least one bank note, a credit card, a ticket, and a cash card.

30. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of claim 28 or 29, wherein the payment unit is adapted for enabling the user to operate the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus upon receipt of the means of payment for at least one of the group consisting of a predetermined time, and a predetermined number of strokes.

31. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 30, comprising an anchoring mechanism adapted for fixing the autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus at a horizontal support member or at a vertical support member.

32. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 31, adapted to be waterproof.

33. The autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 32, adapted to be anti-theft protected.

34. A method of manufacturing an autarkic golf diagnosis apparatus, the method comprising providing an image acquisition device adapted for acquiring an image indicative of a performance, particularly a stroke, of a golf player; providing a data evaluation unit adapted for evaluating the image to determine golf diagnosis related data; accommodating the image acquisition device and the data evaluation unit in a common casing.

35. A method of using a golf diagnosis apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 33 on a driving range.