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`US 20080085778Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Dugan
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2008/0085778 Al
`Apr. 10, 2008
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
`MEASURING AND/OR ANALYZING SWING
`INFORMATION
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Brian M. Dugan, Sleepy Hollow,
`NY (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`DUGAN & DUGAN, P.C.
`245 Saw Mill River Road, Suite 309
`Hawthorne, NY 10532
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`111869,695
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Oct. 9, 2007
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/828,635, filed on Oct.
`7, 2006.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A63B 69136
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................... 473/223; 33/508; 473/409
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`In a first aspect, a system for monitoring a swing is provided
`that includes (1) a swing measurement device adapted to
`couple to a swinging object and to output a signal indicative
`of a characteristic of the swinging object; (2) a wireless
`transmitter coupled to the swing measurement device and
`adapted to wirelessly transmit the signal output by the swing
`measurement device; and (3) a wireless device adapted to
`receive the wirelessly transmitted signal and to provide
`information regarding the swinging object based on the
`received signal. The wireless device is a cellular telephone
`or personal digital assistant (PDA). Numerous other aspects
`are provided.
`
`100
`~
`
`102
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`v10s
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`110
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`!
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`112
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`114
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 10, 2008 Sheet 1 of 3
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`US 2008/0085778 A1
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`112
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`104
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`106
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 10, 2008 Sheet 2 of 3
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`US 2008/0085778 A1
`
`MEASURE SWINS
`
`INFEIRMATIEIN
`
`TRANSMIT SWINE
`
`INFEIRMATIEIN TEI
`
`WIRELESS DEVICE
`
`ANALYZE SWI N E
`
`IN FEI RMATIEIN
`
`FIG. 2
`
`
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 10, 2008 Sheet 3 of 3
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`US 2008/0085778 A1
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`US 2008/0085778 Al
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`Apr. 10, 2008
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`1
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`SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
`MEASURING AND/OR ANALYZING SWING
`INFORMATION
`
`[0001] The present application claims pnonty to U.S.
`Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/828,635, filed
`Oct. 7, 2006 and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS
`FOR MEASURING AND/OR ANALYZING SWING
`INFORMATION", (Attorney Docket No. BMDOOl-POl),
`which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
`entirety.
`[0002] The present application is also related to U.S. Pat.
`No. 6,045,364, issued Apr. 4, 2000, which is hereby incor(cid:173)
`porated by reference herein in its entirety.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] The present invention relates to the use of wireless
`devices for improving a swing such as a golf swing, a tennis
`swing, etc., and more particularly to systems and methods
`for measuring and/or analyzing swing information.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0004] A difficult challenge in swing intensive sporting
`activities (e.g., golf or tennis) is to perfect a swing and repeat
`it consistently. The pace of a swing, also known as swing
`tempo, is an important factor in most swing intensive
`activities as proper swing tempo is indicative of proper body
`position and proper body motion. In golf, for example,
`proper golf swing tempo ensures that golf club head velocity
`and golf club head position are optimized during a golf
`swing. As such, a device which assists a golfer in consis(cid:173)
`tently repeating proper swing tempo can be an invaluable
`teaching aid or training device.
`[0005] To be effective, a swing tempo training device
`should provide "real-time" feedback (e.g., sufficiently
`instantaneous and continuous to allow modification of a
`swing during the swing). Real-time feedback provides real(cid:173)
`time information which allows a person to know during a
`swing whether swing tempo should be increased, decreased,
`or maintained.
`[0006] A need therefore exists for a swing tempo training
`device which may provide real-time feedback, preferably
`without disturbing others and without creating artificial
`vibrations during a swing.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0007]
`In a first aspect of the invention, a system for
`monitoring a swing is provided that includes (1) a swing
`measurement device adapted to couple to a swinging object
`and to output a signal indicative of a characteristic of the
`swinging object; (2) a wireless transmitter coupled to the
`swing measurement device and adapted to wirelessly trans(cid:173)
`mit the signal output by the swing measurement device; and
`(3) a wireless device adapted to receive the wirelessly
`transmitted signal and to provide information regarding the
`swinging object based on the received signal. The wireless
`device is a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant
`(PDA).
`[0008]
`In a second aspect of the invention, a method for
`monitoring a swing is provided that includes (1) employing
`a wireless device to receive a wirelessly transmitted signal
`from a swing measurement device coupled to a swinging
`
`object; and (2) employing the wireless device to provide
`information regarding the swinging object based on the
`received signal. The wireless device is a cellular telephone
`or personal digital assistant (PDA).
`[0009]
`In a third aspect of the invention, an apparatus is
`provided that includes a wireless device adapted to receive
`a wirelessly transmitted signal from a swing measurement
`device coupled to a swinging object and to provide infor(cid:173)
`mation regarding the swinging object based on the received
`signal. The wireless device is a cellular telephone or per(cid:173)
`sonal digital assistant (PDA). Numerous other aspects are
`provided.
`[0010] Other features and aspects of the present invention
`will become more fully apparent from the following detailed
`description, the appended claims and the accompanying
`drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram of exemplary components of an
`illustrative swing training device network provided in accor(cid:173)
`dance with the present invention.
`[0012] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of
`using a wireless swing monitoring device provided in accor(cid:173)
`dance with the present invention.
`[0013] FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrative exemplary wire(cid:173)
`less swing training devices in accordance with some
`embodiments of this invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Golf Embodiment
`
`[0014]
`In accordance with one or more embodiments of
`the invention, a system is provided for monitoring golf
`performance and/or play. The golf monitoring system may
`be employed to monitor swing performance during golf play,
`including swing tempo, swing velocity, ball-club contact
`force, and/or the like. In some embodiments, each golf club
`to be employed by a golfer is equipped with an accelerom(cid:173)
`eter and a Bluetooth™ or other wireless transmitter. Each
`accelerometer may be positioned on or in a golf club and
`employed to measure acceleration of the golf club during a
`golf swing. This acceleration may be used to determine
`swing tempo, swing velocity, ball-club contact and/or con(cid:173)
`tact force, number of strokes of the golfer, and the like,
`predict ball travel distance and/or position, etc. A Blue(cid:173)
`tooth™ or other wireless transmitter may receive an accel(cid:173)
`eration signal, such as a voltage or current level, from the
`accelerometer and transmit information regarding the accel(cid:173)
`eration signal to a wireless device such as a cellular tele(cid:173)
`phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an MP3 player, a
`portable game player, or the like.
`[0015]
`In one or more embodiments, the wireless device
`includes software, such as computer program code and/or
`one or more computer program products, adapted to monitor
`and/or process the information transmitted by the Blue(cid:173)
`tooth™ or other wireless transmitter coupled to each golf
`club. For example, the wireless device may employ the
`information received from each wireless transmitter to deter(cid:173)
`mine (1) the type of golf club being used (e.g., a wood, an
`iron, a 9 iron, a putter, etc., such as by associating an
`identifier of a wireless transmitter with a particular club); (2)
`the acceleration of the club during a swing (e.g., club head
`acceleration); (3) the velocity and/or speed of the club
`during a swing ( 4) swing tempo; (5) ball-club contact; (6)
`
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`ball-club contact force; (7) ball-club contact timing; (8)
`follow through speed, timing and/or tempo; (9) number of
`strokes of the golf club and/or golfer; (10) predicted ball
`travel distance (e.g., based on ball-club contact force, club
`type, swing speed, etc.); (11) predicted ball position (e.g.,
`based on ball-club contact force, club type, swing speed,
`etc.); (12) golf score; (13) golf handicap; and/or any other
`similar information.
`[0016]
`In one particular embodiment, each golf club in a
`golfer's golf bag may include an accelerometer and a
`Bluetooth™ transmitter that are "paired" or otherwise con(cid:173)
`figured to communicate with a cellular telephone such as a
`Palm® TreO™ or other cellular telephone. During golf play,
`the cellular telephone may monitor and/or analyze each
`swing of a golfer to determine, record, display and/or
`otherwise manipulate swing data of the golfer (e.g., to
`determine any of (1)-(13) above, or any other relevant
`information). For example, the cellular telephone may track
`number of swings for each golf hole. In some embodiments,
`the cellular telephone may prompt a golfer to indicate when
`a swing is a practice swing, and should not be counted
`toward a golf score (e.g., by pressing a key on the cellular
`telephone, speaking a command, etc.). The cellular tele(cid:173)
`phone may graph or chart swing information, compare the
`same to historical information about the golfer's swings or
`the swings of an instructor or golf pro (e.g., swing tempo,
`club velocity and/or speed, ball-club contact force, etc).
`Numerical acceleration and/or speed, ball-club contact
`force, etc., may also be provided, so as to allow a golfer to
`easily compare his/her swing data to that of other golfers. In
`some embodiments, a wireless device may be paired or
`otherwise configured to receive swing and/or club informa(cid:173)
`tion from multiple golfers (e.g., to track the golf score or
`other swing statistics of a group of golfers). As stated, other
`wireless
`transmitters and/or wireless devices may be
`employed.
`
`Tennis Embodiment
`
`[0017]
`In accordance with one or more other embodiments
`of the invention, a system is provided for monitoring tennis
`performance and/or play. The tennis monitoring system may
`be employed to monitor swing performance during tennis
`play, including swing tempo, swing velocity, ball-racquet
`contact force, and/or the like. In some embodiments, a tennis
`racquet to be employed by a tennis player is equipped with
`an accelerometer and a Bluetooth™ or other wireless trans(cid:173)
`mitter. Each accelerometer may be positioned on or in a
`tennis racquet and employed to measure acceleration of the
`tennis racquet during a swing. This acceleration may be used
`to determine swing tempo, swing velocity, ball-racquet
`contact and/or contact force, number of swings of the tennis
`player, and the like, predict ball travel distance and/or
`position, etc. A Bluetooth™ or other wireless transmitter
`may receive an acceleration signal, such as a voltage or
`current level, from the accelerometer and transmit informa(cid:173)
`tion regarding the acceleration signal to a wireless device
`such as a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant
`(PDA), an MP3 player, a portable game player, or the like.
`[0018]
`In one or more embodiments, the wireless device
`includes software, such as computer program code and/or
`one or more computer program products, adapted to monitor
`and/or process the information transmitted by the Blue(cid:173)
`tooth™ or other wireless transmitter coupled to a tennis
`racquet. For example, the wireless device may employ the
`
`information received from a wireless transmitter to deter(cid:173)
`mine (1) the type of racquet being swung; (2) the accelera(cid:173)
`tion of the racquet during a swing; (3) the velocity and/or
`speed of the racquet during a swing ( 4) swing tempo; (5)
`ball-racquet contact; (6) ball-racquet contact force; (7) ball(cid:173)
`racquet contact timing; (8) follow through speed, timing
`and/or tempo; (9) number of swings of the racquet; (10)
`predicted ball travel distance (e.g., based on ball-racquet
`contact force, racquet type, swing speed, etc.); (11) predicted
`ball position (e.g., based on ball-racquet contact force,
`racquet type, swing speed, etc.); and/or any other similar
`information.
`[0019]
`In one particular embodiment, a tennis racquet may
`include an accelerometer and a Bluetooth™ transmitter that
`are "paired" or otherwise configured to communicate with a
`cellular telephone such as a Palm® Treo™ or other cellular
`telephone. During tennis play, the cellular telephone may
`monitor and/or analyze each swing of a tennis player to
`determine, record, display and/or otherwise manipulate
`swing data of the tennis player (e.g., to determine any of
`(1)-(11) above, or any other relevant information). For
`example, the cellular telephone may track number of swings
`for a point, set, game, etc. In some embodiments, the cellular
`telephone may prompt a tennis player to indicate when a
`swing is a practice swing, and should not be counted (e.g.,
`by pressing a key on the cellular telephone, speaking a
`command, etc.). The cellular telephone may graph or chart
`swing information, compare the same to historical informa(cid:173)
`tion about the player's swings or the swings of an instructor
`or tennis pro (e.g., swing tempo, racquet velocity and/or
`speed, ball-racquet contact force, etc). Numerical accelera(cid:173)
`tion and/or speed, ball-racquet contact force, etc., may also
`be provided, so as to allow a player to easily compare his/her
`swing data to that of other tennis players. In some embodi(cid:173)
`ments, a wireless device may be paired or otherwise con(cid:173)
`figured to receive swing and/or racquet information from
`multiple tennis players (e.g., to track the score or other
`swing statistics of a group of tennis players, such as two or
`more tennis players during a tennis game). As stated, other
`wireless
`transmitters and/or wireless devices may be
`employed.
`[0020]
`In general, any swinging device may be similarly
`equipped, such as a hockey stick, a racquet ball racquet, a
`boxing glove, a kick boxer's leg, etc. For example, the
`number and/or force of punches during a boxing match may
`be monitored and/or analyzed.
`
`Exemplary Swing Measurement and/or Analysis
`Network
`
`[0021] Use of a wireless device in a swing measurement
`and/or analysis network 100 in accordance with the present
`invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1,
`a user 102, such as a golfer, may employ a swing measure(cid:173)
`ment device 104 to measure swing information of a swing(cid:173)
`ing object, such as a golf club 106. In some embodiments,
`the swing measurement device 104 may be an accelerometer
`coupled to a wireless transmitter or any other suitable device
`for measuring and transmitting swing information of a
`swinging object. The swing measurement device 104 may
`be, for example, located on and/or in the swinging object,
`and is adapted to send signals (e.g., via a Bluetooth™ or
`other transmitter) indicative of the swing information (e.g.,
`club acceleration, speed and/or velocity, swing tempo, club(cid:173)
`ball impact force, etc.) to a wireless device 108.
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`[0022]
`In some embodiments, based on the received sig(cid:173)
`nals, the wireless device 108 may output auditory cues
`indicative of swing information to headphones 110. For
`tracking purposes, the swing measurement device 104 may
`be adapted to send swing information to the Internet 112,
`which may in turn transfer that information to the user's or
`another computer 114. Wireless device 108 may also transfer
`information to the computer 114, either directly, or through
`the Internet 112.
`In one or more embodiments, the user 102 may use
`[0023]
`the swing measurement device 104 to measure swing tempo.
`In an exemplary embodiment, the swing measurement
`device 104 may comprise an accelerometer which outputs a
`voltage signal based on measured acceleration of the swing(cid:173)
`ing object, a voltage-to-frequency converter coupled to the
`accelerometer which produces an audio signal in response to
`the voltage signal, and a wireless transmitter which trans(cid:173)
`mits the audio signal to the wireless device 108 and/or the
`headphones 110. In another embodiment, the swing mea(cid:173)
`surement device 104 may comprise an accelerometer that
`produces an output signal based on the acceleration of the
`swinging object, and a wireless transmitter that transmits the
`output signal to the wireless device 108. The wireless device
`108 then may convert the output signal into an audio signal
`(e.g., via software) for output by the wireless device 108
`and/ or for transmission to and output by the headphones 110.
`Other appropriate swing measurement devices may be used.
`[0024] Wireless device 108 may be any wireless device
`that is capable of receiving the signals transmitted from the
`swing measurement device 104 (e.g., by supporting Blue(cid:173)
`tooth™, WiFi, or similar technology). An exemplary wire(cid:173)
`less device may be, for example, a cellular telephone,
`web-enabled device (e.g., web-enabled cellular telephone or
`PDA), portable web browser, cellular or web-enabled wrist
`watch, web-enabled or otherwise portable gaming device
`(e.g., Sony PSP®, Nintendo DS™, etc.), or any other
`suitable device. The wireless device 108 may be capable of
`receiving, transmitting, storing, compiling, logging, tabulat(cid:173)
`ing, and/or analyzing swing information received from the
`swing measurement device 104 employed by the user 102.
`[0025] Headphones 110 may be any conventional listening
`device adapted to receive wireless (e.g., Bluetooth™), wired
`or similar signals. Similarly, connectivity to the Internet 112
`and/or the computer 114 from the swing measurement
`device 104 and/or wireless device 108 may be made via
`Bluetooth™, WiFi, or similar signals.
`[0026] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary method 200 of using
`the wireless device 108 and the swing measurement device
`104 according to some aspects of the present invention. The
`method 200 begins at step 202.
`In operation, the user 102 swings a club with a
`[0027]
`swing measurement device 104 attached or included therein,
`such as a wirelessly-enabled (e.g., Bluetooth™ enabled)
`accelerometer. Swing information (e.g., swing tempo or any
`other information) is measured at step 204, preferably in real
`time, by the swing measurement device 104.
`[0028] At step 206, the swing information is communi(cid:173)
`cated to the wireless device 108 (e.g., a cellular telephone,
`a PDA, etc.). In certain embodiments, the wireless device
`108 may transmit swing information to another device (e.g.,
`headphones, the Internet, a computer, etc.); in the same or
`alternative embodiments, the swing information may be
`transmitted directly to the other device from the swing
`measurement device 104.
`
`[0029]
`In an exemplary embodiment, the wireless device
`108 may send a real time audio signal indicative of swing
`tempo to headphones 110. In this way, the user 102 may
`privately listen to an auditory representation of the swing
`tempo and adjust the swing tempo of his/her swing without
`disturbing other golfers. Similarly, the wireless device 108
`may transmit the audio signal to an iPod, personal mp3
`player, or similar audio device. The signal may be recorded
`for future playback and/or played live via attached head(cid:173)
`phones or speakers so the user 102 may hear the tempo of
`the swing. In some embodiments, the audio signal may be
`transmitted directly from a Bluetooth™ enabled club to the
`audio device.
`[0030]
`In step 208, the wireless device 108 may analyze
`the swing information. For example, the wireless device 108
`may display a graphical representation of the swing infor(cid:173)
`mation (e.g., swing tempo, club head speed, velocity and/or
`acceleration, club-ball contact force and/or time, etc.) on a
`screen or other display of the wireless device 108. An
`example of such a representation is shown in FIG. 3A. The
`user 102 may then visually analyze the swing after it is
`completed and/or allow another user (e.g., a coach or caddy)
`to evaluate the swing in progress. In some embodiments, the
`graphical representations may be stored in a database of
`swings. The swings may then be reviewed and/or overlayed
`to closely compare any variations in swings. For example, a
`reference or ideal drive swing tempo may be loaded into a
`database on wireless device 108.
`[0031] Database storage and/or tracking may also occur at
`computer 114 or on the Internet 112 (e.g., at a Web server of
`a golf related Web site). Each time the user 102 swings,
`swing information may be recorded and/or displayed graphi(cid:173)
`cally over reference swing information and/or previous
`swings. Preferably, the wireless device 108 is a small,
`hand-held device the user 102 may carry on his/her person
`(e.g., a cellular telephone, a PDA, etc.). In this way, the user
`102 may see where a swing may be adjusted to realize an
`optimal swing while on the golf course (or other playing
`field for alternative swing applications such as tennis).
`[0032]
`In some embodiments, the wireless device 108 may
`track the current swing and output a cue if the swing varies
`greatly from an ideal swing. For example, ifthe user 102 is
`exceeding the necessary swing tempo at the top of the swing,
`the wireless device 108 may vibrate and/or emit a tone. In
`this way, the user 102 will be alerted to the error and may
`stop the swing before ball contact.
`[0033]
`In a similar fashion, the wireless device 108 may
`output a cue ifthe swing is ideal or very good. For example,
`if the measured tempo from a swing start through contact
`with the ball to the follow through indicates a good drive, the
`wireless device 108 may send a text message to a predeter(cid:173)
`mined list of persons or otherwise alert others that the user
`102 hit a good drive. The wireless device 108 may also
`calculate an approximate or anticipated drive distance based
`on the measured swing information and report this to the
`user 102 and/or include this information in the sent message.
`[0034]
`In some embodiments, swing information received
`at the wireless device 108, Internet 112, and/or computer 114
`may be tracked in a tracking program. The information may
`be transmitted via wired and/or wireless signals over the
`Internet 112 and/or transmitted directly to a personal com(cid:173)
`puter 114, golf computer, or other device with golf tracking
`software loaded thereon.
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`In some embodiments, the wireless device 108 may
`[0035]
`track swing information and may additionally track the score
`for a user's game. For example, swing measurement devices
`(e.g., accelerometers) may be attached to (or in) each of the
`user's 102 clubs and/or may be easily transferred therebe(cid:173)
`tween. In such embodiments, the swing measurement
`devices may be sufficiently small and light so as to not
`impede or otherwise hamper the swing of the user 102. The
`wireless device 108 may track the number of swings
`(strokes) taken by the user 102 using some or all clubs. In
`some embodiments, the wireless device 108 may differen(cid:173)
`tiate between practice swings and strokes by determining the
`amount and/or speed of deceleration at ball-contact and/or
`the end of the stroke. For example, in a completed stroke,
`there may be a noticeable change in the swing tempo at the
`point of contact with the ball, indicating a stroke whereas in
`a practice swing, a swing tempo change may be reduced
`and/or may not be present. The user 102 may also input
`penalties into the wireless device 108 which would not
`normally be recorded otherwise. Using the total score for a
`round or rounds, the wireless device 108 may also calculate
`a user's 102 handicap.
`[0036]
`In some embodiments, especially when more than
`one user 102 employs the wirelessly-enabled clubs and
`wireless device 108, the wireless device 108 may track
`various types of games and/or propositions. For example,
`the wireless device 108 may track the scores of an entire
`foursome or even a tournament. Different types of play may
`be accommodated, such as match play, skins games, and/or
`best ball tournaments. In some embodiments, the wireless
`device 108 may be capable of calculating an approximate
`landing position of the ball based on swing information and
`compare this estimation to other users. In this way, ball
`position may be tracked on a golf course and an estimation
`of the most appropriate ball to hit in a best ball or scramble(cid:173)
`type game may be determined.
`[0037] To further aid a user 102 to track a golf game, the
`wireless device 108, clubs, and/or ball may be GPS
`equipped. In this way, the user 102 may have real time
`accurate information of where the user 102 is in relation to
`a ball, a pin, the 19'h hole, etc. FIG. 3B represents an
`example of a golf mapping program which may be used in
`conjunction with the present invention. Golf mapping pro(cid:173)
`grams are commercially available from, for example, Golf(cid:173)
`wits, LLC of Lynden, Wash. and StarCaddy, manufactured
`by LinksPoint of Norwalk, Conn.
`[0038] Used in coordination, the present invention and
`golf course mapping software may provide useful tools to a
`user. For example, a GPS enabled wireless device may track
`the movements of the user and provide information such as
`location on the course, distance to hole, etc. Based on swing
`tempo, other swing information and/or course terrain down(cid:173)
`loaded from the course map, the wireless device 108 may
`calculate an approximate landing location of a ball after a
`swing. This tentative landing location may be plotted on the
`golf course mapping software and the user may utilize the
`GPS capabilities to find the golf ball. This may be especially
`useful with errant shots or blind turns. The wireless device
`108 may also suggest shots and clubs based on a record of
`previous swings (e.g., prior swing measurements such as
`prior swing tempo achievement). For example, ifthe user is
`not achieving a certain swing tempo, indicating an inability
`to hit high or long shots, the wireless device 108 may
`suggest a two shot approach to a dogleg instead of attempt-
`
`ing to fly over. Additionally, based on terrain and location on
`the map, the wireless device 108 may calculate an alternate
`swing tempo or other swing adjustment for the user. This
`alternate swing may help the golfer hit a further and/or more
`accurate shot or may encourage a shorter shot or lay-up.
`[0039] The method ends at step 210.
`[0040] The foregoing description discloses only exem(cid:173)
`plary embodiments of the present invention. Modifications
`of the above disclosed apparatus and methods which fall
`within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to
`those skilled in the art. Specific components may be substi(cid:173)
`tuted with equivalent components and the number of com(cid:173)
`ponents may be increased or reduced and still remain within
`the scope of the present invention. A swing measurement
`apparatus may be employed for teaching proper swing (e.g.,
`swing tempo) for a tennis racket, baseball bat or hockey
`stick, to teach proper casting during fly fishing, proper
`tempo during bowling, and to monitor the velocity of a
`baseball player's throwing arm. Further, a boxer or martial
`artist may use the apparatus to monitor the velocity and/or
`acceleration (and thus the force) of punches or kicks. Addi(cid:173)
`tionally, any modulation and transmission scheme may be
`used for transmitting information to remote locations.
`[0041] Also, although discussed primarily with regard to
`Bluetooth™ technology, it is understood that signals may be
`sent to and/or from the swing measurement device, wireless
`device, and other devices via other means, such as Short
`Message Service, IEEE 802.llb (WiFi), Ultra Wide Band
`(UWB), WiMax, etc. Additionally, while the present inven(cid:173)
`tion has primarily been described with reference to a single
`user, it will be understood that the invention is equally
`applicable to multiple user situations.
`[0042] Accordingly, while the present invention has been
`disclosed in connection with exemplary embodiments
`thereof, it should be understood that other embodiments may
`fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined
`by the following claims.
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. A system for monitoring a swing comprising:
`a swing measurement device adapted to couple to a
`swinging object and to output a signal indicative of a
`characteristic of the swinging object;
`a wireless transmitter coupled to the swing measurement
`device and adapted to wirelessly transmit the signal
`output by the swing measurement device; and,
`a wireless device adapted to receive the wirelessly trans(cid:173)
`mitted signal and to provide information regarding the
`swinging object based on the received signal;
`wherein the wireless device is a cellular telephone or
`personal digital assistant (PDA).
`2. The system of claim 1 wherein the swing measurement
`device includes an accelerometer.
`3. The system of claim 1 wherein the swinging object is
`a golf club or tennis racquet.
`4. The system of claim 1 wherein the wireless transmitter
`employs Bluetooth™.
`5. The system of claim 1 wherein the swinging object is
`a golf club and wherein the wireless device is adapted to
`employ the wirelessly transmitted signal to determine a type
`of the golf club.
`6. The system of claim 1 wherein the swinging object is
`a golf club and wherein the wireless device is adapted to
`employ the wirelessly transmitted signal to determine one or
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`more of acceleration of the golf club, velocity of the golf
`club, and speed of the golf club.
`7. The system of claim 1 wherein the swinging object is
`a golf club and wherein the wireless device is adapted to
`employ the wirelessly transmitted signal to determine one or
`more of ball-club contact, ball-club contact timing and
`ball-club contact force.
`8. The system of claim 1 wherein the swinging object is
`a golf club and wherein the wireless device is adapted to
`employ the wirelessly transmitted signal to determine one or
`more of number of strokes of the golf club, number of
`strokes of a golfer swinging the golf club, golf score and golf
`handicap.
`9. The system of claim 1 wherein the swinging object is
`a golf club and wherein the wireless device is adapted to
`employ the wirelessly transmitted signal to determine one or
`more of predicted ball travel distance and predicted ball
`position.
`10. The system of claim 1 wherein the swinging object is
`a golf club and wherein the wireless device is adapted to
`detect wirelessly transmitted signals from multiple golfers.
`11. A method for monitoring a swing comprising:
`employing a wireless device to receive a wirelessly trans(cid:173)
`mitted signal from a swing measurement device
`coupled to a swinging object; and
`employing the wireless device to provide information
`regarding the swinging object based on the received
`signal;
`wherein the wireless device is a cellular telephone or
`personal digital assistant (PDA).
`12. The method of claim 11 wherein the swing measure(cid:173)
`ment device includes an accelerometer.
`13. The method of claim 11 wherein the swinging object
`is a golf club and wherein employing the wireless device to
`provide information comprises employing the wireless
`device to determine a type of the golf club.
`14. The method of claim 11 wherein the swinging object
`is a golf club and wherein employing the wireless device to
`
`provide information comprises employing the wireless
`device to determine one or more of acceleration of the golf
`club, velocity of the golf club, and speed of the golf club.
`15. The method of claim 11 wherein t