Method and apparatus for teaching how to execute a predetermined motion

Abstract

A practicing method includes a full-length mirror provided with a series of images of an individual executing a predetermined motion such as a golf swing, with the individual seeking to practice the execution of his or her motion, looking at himself or herself in the mirror, and mimicking the positions of the correct motion as displayed on the mirror while viewing himself or herself as an overlay over the positions portrayed on the mirror. The individual then can correct his or her motion by matching his or her reflected image with the positions portrayed by indicia at the mirror. In one embodiment, the mirror is provided with an LCD layer that is driven with animation reflecting the correct motion to be achieved, such that the images portrayed by the mirror can be made to change in a sequential fashion, in accordance with the correct motion to be achieved. The images may also be provided one at a time so that the individual can match his or her position such as, in the golf embodiment, stance, back swing and follow-through by comparing his or her reflected image with the image on the mirror. In an alternative embodiment, clear plastic overlays are imprinted with an image of an individual executing a correct motion, such that the individual seeking to correct his or her movement can compare what he or she sees as his or her reflection in the mirror with that portrayed by the overlay.

1 . A method of teaching golf, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a mirror with indicia thereon depicting a predetermined body position corresponding to golf;    standing in front of the mirror so as to see oneself in the mirror; and,    positioning one's body to match the body position depicted by the indicia on the mirror.    
   
   
       2 . A practicing method for teaching body positioning, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a mirror with indicia thereon depicting a predetermined body position;    standing in front of the mirror so as to look at oneself in the mirror; and,    positioning one's body to match the body position depicted by the indicia on the mirror, thus to practice maintaining the body position.    
   
   
       3 . A method for practicing an activity, comprising the steps of: 
 portraying a predetermined body position on a mirror by indicia thereon;    having an individual face the mirror;    having the individual look at himself or herself in the mirror; and,    having the individual adjust his or her position to correspond to the predetermined position portrayed at the mirror, thus to practice maintaining the portrayed body position.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the portraying step includes portraying a series of predetermined body positions corresponding to a predetermined motion.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the mirror includes an indicating layer that can be driven to supply the series of body positions and further including the step of driving the layer with the series of body positions.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein each of the series of predetermined body positions is carried on a transparent mirror overlay marked with a predetermined body position.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the portrayed body position includes a body position associated with golf.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the portrayed body position includes a body position associated with a sport  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the portrayed body position includes a body position associated with dance.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the portrayed body position includes a body position associated with operation of machinery.  
   
   
       11 . A system for teaching an individual a skill involving body motion by teaching an individual how to adopt a predetermined body position, comprising: 
 a mirror having indicia thereon depicting a predetermined body position.    
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein said indicia are carried on a transparent mirror overlay.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein said indicia are carried by an electronically driven layer.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein said layer is transparent except for where it is driven to present said indicia.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein said layer is on the top surface of said mirror.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein said layer is embedded in said mirror.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 13 , and further including a module for driving said layer with a series of body positions corresponding to predetermined motion.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein said layer includes an LCD layer.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein said layer includes light-emitting elements.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein said light-emitting elements include diodes.  
   
   
       21 . A system for teaching an individual a skill involving body motion by teaching an individual how to adapt a predetermined body position, comprising: 
 a mirror in front of said individual oriented to reflect the individual and present his image to him;    a screen in back of said individual; and,    an image at said screen for said individual to mimic, both the image of said individual and the image at said screen being reflected by said mirror to be presented to the individual.    
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the image at said screen is projected thereon.  
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein said image is back projected onto said screen.  
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the image at said screen is electronically generated.  
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein said electronically generated image includes LCD elements.  
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein said electronically generated image includes LED elements.  
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 23 , and further including an electronic image drive for presenting the image portrayed at said screen to said screen.