US20050215335A1 - Position detector and method of motion analysis - Google Patents

Position detector and method of motion analysis Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20050215335A1
US20050215335A1 US10/954,711 US95471104A US2005215335A1 US 20050215335 A1 US20050215335 A1 US 20050215335A1 US 95471104 A US95471104 A US 95471104A US 2005215335 A1 US2005215335 A1 US 2005215335A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
position detector
motion analysis
motion
impact
swing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/954,711
Inventor
Christian Marquardt
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of US20050215335A1 publication Critical patent/US20050215335A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/36Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
    • A63B69/3623Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for driving
    • A63B69/3632Clubs or attachments on clubs, e.g. for measuring, aligning
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/36Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
    • A63B69/3676Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for putting
    • A63B69/3685Putters or attachments on putters, e.g. for measuring, aligning
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/05Image processing for measuring physical parameters
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/802Ultra-sound sensors
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/805Optical or opto-electronic sensors
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/806Video cameras
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/89Field sensors, e.g. radar systems

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a position detector, as well as to a method of motion analysis.
  • the task of the invention is therefore to measure and improve the sequence of movements during the golf game, and especially during putting.
  • This task is accomplished by means of a position detector according to claim 1 and by a corresponding method of motion analysis according to claim 18 .
  • the invention is based on the knowledge that, when learning slow movements such as putting, unnoticed systematic motion errors are also frequently learned.
  • the execution of quick ballistic motions is always purely motor-driven and, therefore, self-organizing.
  • the execution of slow motions is always closely tied to strategy. Strategic motion errors during slow motions, such as those performed during putting, frequently go unnoticed by the golfers themselves; and it is difficult even for trainers to recognize these mistakes with the naked eye.
  • the so-called Yips syndrome leads to an unconscious twitching of the hand and wrist during the short game and thus makes precise execution of the swinging motion impossible.
  • Yips syndrome cannot be alleviated with conventional training methods; quite the contrary, the symptoms continue to worsen with intensified practice.
  • the invention therefore comprises a general technical gauge for recording and analyzing the movement of a golf club using a suitable device-supported method of motion analysis.
  • the strengths and weaknesses of the individual sequence of movements are hereby, on the one hand, displayed in detail, enabling targeted, and thus extremely efficient, training.
  • motion problems such as the Yips syndrome, can be measured early and objectively. By using the derived information, a specific treatment for these motion problems can be carried out for the first time.
  • a position detector is provided that is detachably mounted on a golf club for the purpose of determing the spatial position and/or the alignment of the club.
  • the position detector receives and transmits at least one position signal, which serves to determine the position and/or the alignment of the golf club.
  • the invention is not, however, limited to recording the position or alignment of a golf club, but can rather basically be used for other ball sport devices, such as, for example, billiards, cricket bats, or similar clubs. To facilitate understanding, however, the invention will be described below using a golf club.
  • the position detector is preferably an active position detector that transmits at least one position signal that is recorded by a stationary receiver, wherein the position and/or the alignment of the golf club is determined by the receiver dependent upon the received position signal.
  • a position detector mountable on the golf club, that is passive and has a receiver for receiving a position signal from a stationary transmitter, wherein the position and/or the alignment of the golf club is again determined by the receiver dependent upon the position signal.
  • the position signal is preferably an ultrasonic signal that, for example, can be transmitted with a measurement rate of between 100 Hz and 400 Hz, wherein the measurement rate in the preferred embodiment of the invention amounts to 300 Hz.
  • the use of an ultrasonic signal as the position signal enables a high-sensitivity resolution of approximately 0.1 mm, which, during motion analysis, can expose the smallest details of the sequence of movements and also enable the identification of motion disturbances, such as, for example, Yips syndrome, which are invisible to the naked eye.
  • the invention is not limited to an acoustical signal.
  • the position signal can rather be an optical or a magnetic signal.
  • the motion-measuring components can—for example, according to the principle of optical position determination—consist of cameras or laser-light scanning; and the measuring sensors can be made of reflecting and/or actively ruminating marking dots and optically sensitive measuring surfaces.
  • the motion-measuring components can function by using magnetic fields.
  • the position detector can also have one or more acceleration sensors that record the movement of the golf club.
  • the position detector that can be mounted on the golf club has at least three transmitters or receivers, so that the position of the individual transmitters or receivers can be precisely determined by triangulation and subsequently coordinate transformation.
  • the individual transmitters or receivers are hereby preferably arranged on a common plane and form a triangle.
  • the individual transmitters it is preferable for the individual transmitters to emit essentially in the same direction, wherein the individual transmitters can have a transmission angle of up to 180°, so that the position detector or an associated control unit must be only approximately aligned with the associated receivers.
  • one of the transmitters is preferably arranged flush with the shaft of the golf club, while the other two transmitters are arranged on opposite sides of this plane.
  • This arrangement of the individual transmitters advantageously enables a simple and precise coordinate transformation and, thus, precise position determination.
  • the position detector according to the invention is preferably mounted on the shaft of the golf club, wherein the mounting is detachable and, for example, can be performed with a clamping screw joint.
  • the position detector is hereby preferably rotatable around the shaft of the golf club, wherein a gauge can be used for aligning the position detector in the rotation direction relative to the golf club.
  • the detachable mounting of the position detector according to the invention that is on the golf club is advantageous because the position detector is also a training device, and different golf clubs can be compared to one another. For example, testing different golf clubs with the position detector according to the invention enables the direct selection of the individually optimal golf club, which otherwise is possible only with a longer use of different golf clubs.
  • the actual determination of the position or alignment of the golf club is hereby preferably performed via a stationary control unit, wherein the control unit is connected to the transmitters and the receivers in order to perform a transit time measurement and thus determine the position and alignment of the position detector and the golf club to which the position detector is attached.
  • a conventional control unit such as, for example, the one marketed by zebris Medical GmbH, Max-Eyth-Weg 42, 88316 Isny (Germany) under the brand name CMS-20 or CMS10, can be used for this.
  • the raw data from the aforementioned, well-known control unit undergoes a kinematic analysis in order to acquire golf-specific information on golf training and, particularly, on the training of putting.
  • a kinematic analysis for example, from the position and/or the alignment of the golf club, the following swing parameters can be determined:
  • the variabilities of all twenty-eight (28) parameters are preferably calculated for multiple swings (typically, 5 swings), in order to describe the consistency of motion execution.
  • the individual swing parameters are preferably normalized within the framework of the method of motion analysis according to the invention, so that deviations from the norm within the individual swing parameters can be easily recognized and quantitatively evaluated.
  • the swing parameters are preferably graphically depicted within the framework of the method of motion analysis according to the invention, wherein the depiction can be performed with stored comparative values so that deviations and motion disturbances can be recognized.
  • FIG. 1 a motion-analysis system according to the invention for the training of putting in golf
  • FIG. 2 a position detector according to the invention that can be mounted on a golf club
  • FIG. 3 an enlarged view from FIG. 1 with the position detector from FIG. 2 mounted on the golf club,
  • FIGS. 4 a to 4 e the method for motion analysis according to the invention in a flowchart
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 different graphic renditions on the monitor that are generated within the framework of the method for motion analysis according to the invention, as well as
  • FIG. 7 an alternative embodiment of a motion-analysis system according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a golfer 1 putting with a golf club 2 , wherein an active position detector 3 , which is shown in detail in FIG. 2 and subsequently described, is detachably mounted on the shaft of the golf club 2 .
  • the position detector 3 has two attachment screws 4 , 5 with which the position detector 3 can be detachably mounted on the shaft of the golf club 2 .
  • the alignment of the position detector 3 in the rotation direction around the shaft of the golf club 2 is hereby accomplished by a gauge, which, for reasons of simplification, is not shown.
  • the position detector 3 essentially consists of a middle part 6 , on whose free end an ultrasonic transmitter 7 is attached, wherein the middle part 7 branches out on the opposite end into two side arms 8 . 1 , 8 . 2 , on whose free ends another ultrasonic transmitter 9 or, respectively, 10 , is attached in each instance.
  • the ultrasonic transmitters 7 , 9 , 10 are hereby arranged on a plane and emit in the same direction, wherein the individual ultrasonic transmitters 7 , 9 , 10 have, in each instance, a transmission angle of 180° and a maximum measurement distance of approximately 2 m and enable a measurement rate totaling 300 Hz.
  • a fourth sensor On the top of the position detector 3 , there is a connection to which a fourth sensor can be connected in order to separately measure wrist motions.
  • the motions of the wrist are very important, especially when Yips problems are being measured.
  • the motion-analysis system can also process other measuring signals, if a position detector attached to the body of golfer 1 is used instead of position detector 3 on golfer 2 . With such a position detector, other body movements, such as movements of the head, shoulders, back, and hips, can also be measured.
  • these body-specific signals can be simultaneously registered with a second measuring sensor that is connected to the same processor via a second control unit. The signals from the motion of the golf club 2 and the motion signals of the body can be analyzed and evaluated synchronously. With such a measuring unit, the connection between good performance during the short golf game and the associated body-specific movements can be measured for the first time.
  • the motion-analysis system can be operated in synchronization with other measuring systems, for example, for performing a synchronous determination of the ground reaction forces using a force-distribution measuring plate.
  • the position detector 3 is connected by a cable 11 to a control unit 12 , which can have a conventional design.
  • a control unit 12 can have a conventional design.
  • the control unit 12 one can, for example, use the CMS10 or the CMS 20S measuring system, which is marketed by the aforementioned company zebras Medical GmbH.
  • the communication between the position detector 3 and the control unit 12 can alternatively be wireless, for example, it can be performed by an optical signal.
  • a signaling transmitter e.g., infrared
  • the measuring sensor is then preferably connected by a cable to the processor 19 via the control unit 12 .
  • the control unit 12 can hereby also be integrated with the measuring sensor 14 or combined with the processor 19 .
  • control unit 12 is connected by another cable 13 to an ultrasonic measuring sensor 14 , which can be designed conventionally and is available, for example, together with the aforementioned measuring system of zebras Medical GmbH.
  • the measuring sensor 14 is hereby arranged on a tripod and has three ultrasonic receivers 16 , 17 , 18 , which are arranged on a single plane in the shape of a triangle and which are aligned, jointly and roughly parallel, to the position detector 3 , in order to receive ultrasonic signals from the ultrasonic transmitters 7 , 9 , 10 .
  • the control unit 12 triggers the ultrasonic transmitters 7 , 9 , 10 to emit ultrasonic impulses that are recorded by the ultrasonic receivers 16 - 18 and transmitted via cable 13 to the control unit 12 .
  • the transit times of the ultrasonic impulses of the ultrasonic transmitters 7 , 9 , 10 until they are received by the ultrasonic receivers 16 - 18 are transmitted by the measuring sensor 14 , via the cable 13 , to the control unit 12 and, from there, via a data interface, to the processor 19 .
  • the processor 19 calculates the positions of the individual ultrasonic transmitters 7 , 9 , 10 in three-dimensional space from the transit time of the ultrasonic impulses.
  • the processor 19 calculates the position data of the golf club 2 in real time by using coordinate transformation.
  • the position data of the golf club 2 are analyzed in real time, and the results are alternately displayed on a monitor 20 and saved for further analysis in a measured value file. Operator prompting is hereby possible via an input device 21 .
  • the position detector 3 is attached to the shaft of the golf club 2 in such a way that the ultrasonic transmitter 7 is located in the middle front of the shaft, while the side arms 8 . 1 and 8 . 2 stick out laterally from the shaft of the golf club 2 .
  • This arrangement of the position detector 3 enables a precise position determination using a triangulation of the ultrasonic impulses that are emitted by the three ultrasonic transmitters 7 , 9 , 10 .
  • FIGS. 4 a to 4 e show the method of motion analysis according to the invention in a flowchart.
  • preliminary tasks such as the mounting of the position detector 3 onto the golf club 2 , as well as the set-up of the measuring sensor 14 with the tripod 15 and the alignment of the measuring sensor 14 in the direction of golfer 1 , are initially performed.
  • the entire system is calibrated in this segment of the method, in order to enable a precise recording of the position.
  • the club head of the golf club 2 is calibrated, in the horizontal direction, precisely in the direction of the sighted target (“alignment”), and, in the vertical direction, the club head is calibrated in the direction of the the gradient opposite the verticals (“loft”).
  • the actual measurement of the motion of golf club 2 is then performed, wherein this segment of the method is constantly repeated in the background during operation.
  • this segment of the method is constantly repeated in the background during operation.
  • several swings are normally performed one after the other, in order to test the consistency of motion execution.
  • the ultrasonic transmitters 7 , 9 , 10 of the position detector 3 constantly emit ultrasonic signals that are received by the ultrasonic receivers 16 to 18 of the measuring sensor 14 .
  • the control unit 12 measures the transit time of the ultrasonic signals between their emission by the ultrasonic transmitters 7 , 9 , 10 of the position detector 3 and their reception by the ultrasonic receivers 16 to 18 of the measuring sensor 14 .
  • the processor 19 calculates the positions of the ultrasonic transmitters 7 , 9 , 10 , and, from these positions, it calculates the position and alignment of the club head using coordinate transformation, wherein a defined alignment of the position detector 3 relative to the golf club 2 is taken as the basis.
  • the swing motions within the continuous data stream are automatically identified according to precisely defined criteria, a task that is performed in the segment of the method shown in FIG. 4 c .
  • diverse criteria are combined in a combination of time sequences, motion direction, and motion dynamics.
  • the golf club 2 must be kept still for a certain period of time (for example, for 1 second). Then the club must be moved away from the goal in the negative direction at a certain minimum velocity. Within a certain period of time, the backward motion must then be stopped and converted seamlessly into a forward motion. Within a certain period of time, a certain forward velocity must then be exceeded. Within a certain period of time, the swing velocity must then decrease to below a certain threshold value, in order to indicate the end of the stroke. If one of the specified conditions is not met, the measurement cycle is interrupted, and the motion is rejected as invalid.
  • the segment of the method shown in FIG. 4 c is repeated. If a swing is ended and the required number of strokes have not yet been completed, then the segment of the method shown in FIG. 4 c is performed again. Otherwise, one skips to the segment of the method shown in FIG. 4 d in which the actual analysis and display of the motion data is performed as described below.
  • the moment of impact is calculated from the data stream.
  • a combination of the position when the swing begins, the club height, and the measured impact impulse of the ball on the golf club 2 is used in the acceleration signal.
  • An additional acceleration sensor mounted on the club can also be used to determine the impact time.
  • the twenty-eight (28) different motion parameters are then calculated, some of which are shown as examples in the monitor printouts in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
  • the maximum velocity and the maximum acceleration of the club head of the golf club 2 are calculated in advance. All calculated data curves can be depicted graphically and, together with the associated motion parameters, combined with one another and displayed on the monitor or printed out in any manner whatsoever.
  • the motion parameters e.g., maximum acceleration
  • the motion parameters are standardized into corresponding Z values using a transformation, wherein the combined Z values form a skills profile that is graphically depicted in FIG. 6 .
  • an overall performance index which reflects the performance capability of the respective golfer 1 , is calculated from the Z values.
  • a competency profile of a well-known golfer can be selected as a reference from a database that is stored in the processor 19 and then displayed graphically on the monitor.
  • this competency profile serving as reference is always shown in the middle as a gray shaded field, while the actually determined Z values of the golfer 1 appear as black bars that lie partially outside of the range of the competency profile that serves as a reference.
  • FIG. 7 The embodiment of a motion-analysis system according to the invention, which is shown in FIG. 7 , largely corresponds to the motion-analysis system that was previously described and depicted in FIG. 1 , so that, in order to avoid repetition, reference is generally made to the aforementioned description; and the same indicators are used below for corresponding components.
  • the determination of the position and alignment of the golf club 2 is based, however, on what is basically a technically different principle.
  • the position detector 3 has several acceleration sensors that record the acceleration of the position detector 3 , from which the control unit 12 , in conjunction with the processor 19 , can then calculate the position and alignment of the golf club 2 .

Abstract

The invention relates to a position detector (3) for a method of motion analysis, especially for golf training. It is proposed that the position detector (3) be detachably mounted on a ball sport device (2) and then receive and transmit at least one position signal for the determination of the spatial position and/or the alignment of the ball sport device (2). Furthermore, the invention includes a method of motion analysis by using the position detector according to the invention.

Description

  • The invention relates to a position detector, as well as to a method of motion analysis.
  • In the game of golf, putting requires highly-developed fine motor skills from the players. During training, primary attention is normally focused on the driving technique, that is, on the static aspects of motion. During putting, the dynamics of motion can hardly be perceived with the naked eye due to the extremely low execution speed. Likewise with conventional methods of analysis, such as video analysis, the dynamic aspects of putting movements have, for methodological reasons, been analyzable only unsatisfactorily and with great difficulty. Correspondingly, the training of the short game is often quite neglected and frequently leads to unsatisfactory results, although putting makes up approximately 40% of the golf game when measured by the number of strokes.
  • The task of the invention is therefore to measure and improve the sequence of movements during the golf game, and especially during putting.
  • This task is accomplished by means of a position detector according to claim 1 and by a corresponding method of motion analysis according to claim 18.
  • The invention is based on the knowledge that, when learning slow movements such as putting, unnoticed systematic motion errors are also frequently learned. The execution of quick ballistic motions is always purely motor-driven and, therefore, self-organizing. In contrast to this, the execution of slow motions is always closely tied to strategy. Strategic motion errors during slow motions, such as those performed during putting, frequently go unnoticed by the golfers themselves; and it is difficult even for trainers to recognize these mistakes with the naked eye. For example, in the sport of golf, the so-called Yips syndrome leads to an unconscious twitching of the hand and wrist during the short game and thus makes precise execution of the swinging motion impossible. Yips syndrome cannot be alleviated with conventional training methods; quite the contrary, the symptoms continue to worsen with intensified practice.
  • The invention therefore comprises a general technical gauge for recording and analyzing the movement of a golf club using a suitable device-supported method of motion analysis. The strengths and weaknesses of the individual sequence of movements are hereby, on the one hand, displayed in detail, enabling targeted, and thus extremely efficient, training. Furthermore, motion problems, such as the Yips syndrome, can be measured early and objectively. By using the derived information, a specific treatment for these motion problems can be carried out for the first time.
  • In addition to this, within the framework of the invention, a position detector is provided that is detachably mounted on a golf club for the purpose of determing the spatial position and/or the alignment of the club.
  • Preferably, the position detector receives and transmits at least one position signal, which serves to determine the position and/or the alignment of the golf club.
  • The invention is not, however, limited to recording the position or alignment of a golf club, but can rather basically be used for other ball sport devices, such as, for example, billiards, cricket bats, or similar clubs. To facilitate understanding, however, the invention will be described below using a golf club.
  • The position detector is preferably an active position detector that transmits at least one position signal that is recorded by a stationary receiver, wherein the position and/or the alignment of the golf club is determined by the receiver dependent upon the received position signal.
  • Another alternative, however, is a position detector, mountable on the golf club, that is passive and has a receiver for receiving a position signal from a stationary transmitter, wherein the position and/or the alignment of the golf club is again determined by the receiver dependent upon the position signal.
  • The position signal is preferably an ultrasonic signal that, for example, can be transmitted with a measurement rate of between 100 Hz and 400 Hz, wherein the measurement rate in the preferred embodiment of the invention amounts to 300 Hz. The use of an ultrasonic signal as the position signal enables a high-sensitivity resolution of approximately 0.1 mm, which, during motion analysis, can expose the smallest details of the sequence of movements and also enable the identification of motion disturbances, such as, for example, Yips syndrome, which are invisible to the naked eye.
  • With regard to the position signal, however, the invention is not limited to an acoustical signal. The position signal can rather be an optical or a magnetic signal. In this regard, the motion-measuring components can—for example, according to the principle of optical position determination—consist of cameras or laser-light scanning; and the measuring sensors can be made of reflecting and/or actively ruminating marking dots and optically sensitive measuring surfaces. Furthermore, according to the principle of position determination, the motion-measuring components can function by using magnetic fields.
  • In addition to this, the position detector can also have one or more acceleration sensors that record the movement of the golf club.
  • In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the position detector that can be mounted on the golf club has at least three transmitters or receivers, so that the position of the individual transmitters or receivers can be precisely determined by triangulation and subsequently coordinate transformation. The individual transmitters or receivers are hereby preferably arranged on a common plane and form a triangle.
  • Furthermore, it is preferable for the individual transmitters to emit essentially in the same direction, wherein the individual transmitters can have a transmission angle of up to 180°, so that the position detector or an associated control unit must be only approximately aligned with the associated receivers.
  • When the position detector is in the mounted state according to the invention, one of the transmitters is preferably arranged flush with the shaft of the golf club, while the other two transmitters are arranged on opposite sides of this plane. This arrangement of the individual transmitters advantageously enables a simple and precise coordinate transformation and, thus, precise position determination.
  • The position detector according to the invention is preferably mounted on the shaft of the golf club, wherein the mounting is detachable and, for example, can be performed with a clamping screw joint. The position detector is hereby preferably rotatable around the shaft of the golf club, wherein a gauge can be used for aligning the position detector in the rotation direction relative to the golf club.
  • The detachable mounting of the position detector according to the invention that is on the golf club is advantageous because the position detector is also a training device, and different golf clubs can be compared to one another. For example, testing different golf clubs with the position detector according to the invention enables the direct selection of the individually optimal golf club, which otherwise is possible only with a longer use of different golf clubs.
  • The actual determination of the position or alignment of the golf club is hereby preferably performed via a stationary control unit, wherein the control unit is connected to the transmitters and the receivers in order to perform a transit time measurement and thus determine the position and alignment of the position detector and the golf club to which the position detector is attached. A conventional control unit, such as, for example, the one marketed by zebris Medical GmbH, Max-Eyth-Weg 42, 88316 Isny (Germany) under the brand name CMS-20 or CMS10, can be used for this.
  • Within the framework of the method of motion analysis according to the invention, the raw data from the aforementioned, well-known control unit, however, undergoes a kinematic analysis in order to acquire golf-specific information on golf training and, particularly, on the training of putting. For example, from the position and/or the alignment of the golf club, the following swing parameters can be determined:
      • duration of backswing
      • duration of follow-through
      • impact time
      • symmetry of the impact time
      • symmetry of the velocity profile
      • alignment when addressing the ball
      • club head at the moment of impact
      • differential value for alignment
      • rotation to the moment of impact
      • rotation after the moment of impact
      • rotation rate per time
      • horizontal angle of the club head on the swing path
      • loft of the club at the moment of impact
      • point of impact on the club head
      • height of club at moment of impact
      • length of backswing
      • length of follow-through
      • symmetry of swing path
      • horizontal direction of the swing path at the moment of impact
      • vertical incline of the swing path at the moment of impact
      • maximum backswing velocity
      • velocity at impact
      • maximum follow-through velocity
      • maximum acceleration
      • acceleration after impact
      • maximum braking
      • average jerk during the backswing
      • average jerk during the follow-through.
  • Additionally, within the framework of the method of motion analysis according to the invention, the variabilities of all twenty-eight (28) parameters are preferably calculated for multiple swings (typically, 5 swings), in order to describe the consistency of motion execution.
  • Furthermore, the individual swing parameters are preferably normalized within the framework of the method of motion analysis according to the invention, so that deviations from the norm within the individual swing parameters can be easily recognized and quantitatively evaluated.
  • In addition to this, the swing parameters are preferably graphically depicted within the framework of the method of motion analysis according to the invention, wherein the depiction can be performed with stored comparative values so that deviations and motion disturbances can be recognized.
  • Other advantageous improvements of the invention are described in the dependent claims or, together with the following description of the prefered embodiment of the invention, are discussed in more detail using the figures. Shown are:
  • FIG. 1 a motion-analysis system according to the invention for the training of putting in golf,
  • FIG. 2 a position detector according to the invention that can be mounted on a golf club,
  • FIG. 3 an enlarged view from FIG. 1 with the position detector from FIG. 2 mounted on the golf club,
  • FIGS. 4 a to 4 e the method for motion analysis according to the invention in a flowchart,
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 different graphic renditions on the monitor that are generated within the framework of the method for motion analysis according to the invention, as well as
  • FIG. 7 an alternative embodiment of a motion-analysis system according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a golfer 1 putting with a golf club 2, wherein an active position detector 3, which is shown in detail in FIG. 2 and subsequently described, is detachably mounted on the shaft of the golf club 2.
  • The position detector 3 has two attachment screws 4, 5 with which the position detector 3 can be detachably mounted on the shaft of the golf club 2. The alignment of the position detector 3 in the rotation direction around the shaft of the golf club 2 is hereby accomplished by a gauge, which, for reasons of simplification, is not shown.
  • The position detector 3 essentially consists of a middle part 6, on whose free end an ultrasonic transmitter 7 is attached, wherein the middle part 7 branches out on the opposite end into two side arms 8.1, 8.2, on whose free ends another ultrasonic transmitter 9 or, respectively, 10, is attached in each instance.
  • The ultrasonic transmitters 7, 9, 10 are hereby arranged on a plane and emit in the same direction, wherein the individual ultrasonic transmitters 7, 9, 10 have, in each instance, a transmission angle of 180° and a maximum measurement distance of approximately 2 m and enable a measurement rate totaling 300 Hz.
  • On the top of the position detector 3, there is a connection to which a fourth sensor can be connected in order to separately measure wrist motions. The motions of the wrist are very important, especially when Yips problems are being measured.
  • Furthermore, the motion-analysis system can also process other measuring signals, if a position detector attached to the body of golfer 1 is used instead of position detector 3 on golfer 2. With such a position detector, other body movements, such as movements of the head, shoulders, back, and hips, can also be measured. In another embodiment of the invention, these body-specific signals can be simultaneously registered with a second measuring sensor that is connected to the same processor via a second control unit. The signals from the motion of the golf club 2 and the motion signals of the body can be analyzed and evaluated synchronously. With such a measuring unit, the connection between good performance during the short golf game and the associated body-specific movements can be measured for the first time. Furthermore the motion-analysis system can be operated in synchronization with other measuring systems, for example, for performing a synchronous determination of the ground reaction forces using a force-distribution measuring plate.
  • The position detector 3 is connected by a cable 11 to a control unit 12, which can have a conventional design. For the control unit 12, one can, for example, use the CMS10 or the CMS 20S measuring system, which is marketed by the aforementioned company zebras Medical GmbH.
  • The communication between the position detector 3 and the control unit 12, however, can alternatively be wireless, for example, it can be performed by an optical signal. In addition, a signaling transmitter (e.g., infrared), which, for example, is fastened to the belt of the golfer 1 and controls an additional receiver, can be controlled via a shortened cable. The measuring sensor is then preferably connected by a cable to the processor 19 via the control unit 12. The control unit 12 can hereby also be integrated with the measuring sensor 14 or combined with the processor 19.
  • Furthermore, the control unit 12 is connected by another cable 13 to an ultrasonic measuring sensor 14, which can be designed conventionally and is available, for example, together with the aforementioned measuring system of zebras Medical GmbH. The measuring sensor 14 is hereby arranged on a tripod and has three ultrasonic receivers 16, 17, 18, which are arranged on a single plane in the shape of a triangle and which are aligned, jointly and roughly parallel, to the position detector 3, in order to receive ultrasonic signals from the ultrasonic transmitters 7, 9, 10.
  • Via cable 11, the control unit 12 triggers the ultrasonic transmitters 7, 9, 10 to emit ultrasonic impulses that are recorded by the ultrasonic receivers 16-18 and transmitted via cable 13 to the control unit 12. The transit times of the ultrasonic impulses of the ultrasonic transmitters 7, 9, 10 until they are received by the ultrasonic receivers 16-18 are transmitted by the measuring sensor 14, via the cable 13, to the control unit 12 and, from there, via a data interface, to the processor 19. Using triangulation, the processor 19 calculates the positions of the individual ultrasonic transmitters 7, 9, 10 in three-dimensional space from the transit time of the ultrasonic impulses. From this raw data, the processor 19 then calculates the position data of the golf club 2 in real time by using coordinate transformation. The position data of the golf club 2 are analyzed in real time, and the results are alternately displayed on a monitor 20 and saved for further analysis in a measured value file. Operator prompting is hereby possible via an input device 21.
  • From the enlarged representation in FIG. 3, one can see that the position detector 3 is attached to the shaft of the golf club 2 in such a way that the ultrasonic transmitter 7 is located in the middle front of the shaft, while the side arms 8.1 and 8.2 stick out laterally from the shaft of the golf club 2. This arrangement of the position detector 3 enables a precise position determination using a triangulation of the ultrasonic impulses that are emitted by the three ultrasonic transmitters 7, 9, 10.
  • FIGS. 4 a to 4 e show the method of motion analysis according to the invention in a flowchart. In the segment of the method shown in FIG. 4 a, preliminary tasks, such as the mounting of the position detector 3 onto the golf club 2, as well as the set-up of the measuring sensor 14 with the tripod 15 and the alignment of the measuring sensor 14 in the direction of golfer 1, are initially performed.
  • Furthermore, the entire system is calibrated in this segment of the method, in order to enable a precise recording of the position. For this, the club head of the golf club 2 is calibrated, in the horizontal direction, precisely in the direction of the sighted target (“alignment”), and, in the vertical direction, the club head is calibrated in the direction of the the gradient opposite the verticals (“loft”).
  • In the segment of the method shown in FIG. 4 b, the actual measurement of the motion of golf club 2 is then performed, wherein this segment of the method is constantly repeated in the background during operation. During a measurement in the diagnosis mode, several swings are normally performed one after the other, in order to test the consistency of motion execution. Typically, there are five putts to the same goal.
  • During this procedure, the ultrasonic transmitters 7, 9, 10 of the position detector 3 constantly emit ultrasonic signals that are received by the ultrasonic receivers 16 to 18 of the measuring sensor 14.
  • The control unit 12 then measures the transit time of the ultrasonic signals between their emission by the ultrasonic transmitters 7, 9, 10 of the position detector 3 and their reception by the ultrasonic receivers 16 to 18 of the measuring sensor 14.
  • Finally, from the measured transit times, the processor 19 calculates the positions of the ultrasonic transmitters 7, 9, 10, and, from these positions, it calculates the position and alignment of the club head using coordinate transformation, wherein a defined alignment of the position detector 3 relative to the golf club 2 is taken as the basis.
  • In order to make an operator intervention superfluous for the measuring and storing of the data on individual swings, the swing motions within the continuous data stream are automatically identified according to precisely defined criteria, a task that is performed in the segment of the method shown in FIG. 4 c. For this, diverse criteria are combined in a combination of time sequences, motion direction, and motion dynamics. First, the golf club 2 must be kept still for a certain period of time (for example, for 1 second). Then the club must be moved away from the goal in the negative direction at a certain minimum velocity. Within a certain period of time, the backward motion must then be stopped and converted seamlessly into a forward motion. Within a certain period of time, a certain forward velocity must then be exceeded. Within a certain period of time, the swing velocity must then decrease to below a certain threshold value, in order to indicate the end of the stroke. If one of the specified conditions is not met, the measurement cycle is interrupted, and the motion is rejected as invalid.
  • If, on the other hand, a valid swing cycle was identified in the continuous data stream, then the associated position data and the alignment of the club head of golf club 2 are stored, along with the respective measurement times for the subsequent analysis of the swing motion.
  • If the swing motion did not end correctly, then the segment of the method shown in FIG. 4 c is repeated. If a swing is ended and the required number of strokes have not yet been completed, then the segment of the method shown in FIG. 4 c is performed again. Otherwise, one skips to the segment of the method shown in FIG. 4 d in which the actual analysis and display of the motion data is performed as described below.
  • In contrast to the diagnosis mode, in the training mode, only one motion is executed each time. This is immediately analyzed in real time, and the results displayed on the monitor. Thus, the golfer 1 can immediately see how close he or she has come to the standard for each stroke. In contrast to the continuous biofeedback, here a so-called kinetic feedback is used (“knowledge of result”). Continuous motion feedback, on the other hand, would disrupt motion execution; and it has proven to be unsuitable for the learning of automated movements.
  • Before the data can be evaluated, they undergo an error analysis and data filtering, which is shown in FIG. 4 d. Since all biomechanical signals entail a certain error ratio and this error ratio is multiplied when dynamic aspects, such as, velocity and acceleration, are calculated, then valid data filtering plays a decisive role. On the basis of scientific findings, a sliding average filter is used here that, as has been proven, produces the best filtering results for motion data. This filter is described, for example, in MARQUARDT, C. & Mai, N.: “A computational procedure for movement analysis in handwriting” (Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 52, 39-45); thus the entire contents of this publication should be included in the existing description, and a detailed description of the data filtering is not needed here.
  • Since the impact time of the golf club 2 on the golf ball cannot be measured acoustically due to the low velocity of the club, the moment of impact is calculated from the data stream. In order to determine the impact time, a combination of the position when the swing begins, the club height, and the measured impact impulse of the ball on the golf club 2 is used in the acceleration signal. An additional acceleration sensor mounted on the club can also be used to determine the impact time.
  • In order to calculate the different motion parameters, the data of the individually stored motions are automatically classified into seven (7) different motion segments, which include:
      • 1) beginning of the backswing,
      • 2) beginning of the follow-through,
      • 3) maximum acceleration,
      • 4) impact time
      • 5) maximum velocity,
      • 6) maximum braking,
      • 7) end of the follow-through.
  • Based on the seven (7) motion segments, the twenty-eight (28) different motion parameters are then calculated, some of which are shown as examples in the monitor printouts in FIGS. 5 and 6. For example, within the framework of the motion analysis, the maximum velocity and the maximum acceleration of the club head of the golf club 2 are calculated in advance. All calculated data curves can be depicted graphically and, together with the associated motion parameters, combined with one another and displayed on the monitor or printed out in any manner whatsoever.
  • Finally, the motion parameters (e.g., maximum acceleration) that have been determined in this way are standardized into corresponding Z values using a transformation, wherein the combined Z values form a skills profile that is graphically depicted in FIG. 6.
  • Additionally, an overall performance index, which reflects the performance capability of the respective golfer 1, is calculated from the Z values.
  • Furthermore, a competency profile of a well-known golfer can be selected as a reference from a database that is stored in the processor 19 and then displayed graphically on the monitor. In FIG. 6, this competency profile serving as reference is always shown in the middle as a gray shaded field, while the actually determined Z values of the golfer 1 appear as black bars that lie partially outside of the range of the competency profile that serves as a reference.
  • Finally, the determined competency profile and the competency profile selected to serve as reference are graphically depicted, whereby the monitor printouts from FIGS. 5 and 6 are to be understood only as examples.
  • The embodiment of a motion-analysis system according to the invention, which is shown in FIG. 7, largely corresponds to the motion-analysis system that was previously described and depicted in FIG. 1, so that, in order to avoid repetition, reference is generally made to the aforementioned description; and the same indicators are used below for corresponding components.
  • In this embodiment, the determination of the position and alignment of the golf club 2 is based, however, on what is basically a technically different principle. Thus, the position detector 3 has several acceleration sensors that record the acceleration of the position detector 3, from which the control unit 12, in conjunction with the processor 19, can then calculate the position and alignment of the golf club 2.
  • The invention is not limited to the preferred aforementioned embodiment examples. Rather, a number of variants and adaptations are possible that also make use of the scope and nature of the invention and therefore lie within the range of protection.

Claims (36)

1. Position detector (3) characterized by a mounting arrangement with which the position detector (3) can be detachably mounted on a ball sport device (2).
2. Position detector (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the ball sport device (2) is a golf club.
3. Position detector (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one transmitter (7, 9, 10) for emitting a position signal to a stationary receiver (16-18), wherein the receiver (16-18) determines the position and/or the alignment of the ball sport device (2), dependent upon the received position signal.
4. Position detector (3) according to claim 3, characterized by at least three, interspaced transmitters (7, 9, 10), each of which emits a position signal to three stationary and interspaced receivers (16-18).
5. Position detector (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by at least one receiver for receiving the position signal from a stationary transmitter, wherein the receiver determines the position and/or the alignment of the ball sport device, dependent upon the received position signal.
6. Position detector (3) according to claim 5, characterized by at least three, interspaced receivers, each of which receives a position signal from three stationary and interspaced transmitters.
7. Position detector (3) according to one of the claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the transmitter (7, 9, 10) is an ultrasonic transmitter.
8. Position detector (3) according to one of the claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the transmitters (7, 9, 10) are essentially arranged on one plane (flush).
9. Position detector (3) according to one of the claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the transmitters (7, 9, 10) essentially emit the position signals in the same direction.
10. Position detector (3) according to one of the claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the three transmitters (7, 9, 10) are essentially arranged in the shape of a triangle.
11. Position detector (3) according to one of the claims 3 to 10, characterized in that one of the transmitters (7, 9, 10) is arranged, in the mounted state, flush with the shaft of the ball sport device (2), while the two other transmitters (9, 10) are arranged on opposite sides of this plane.
12. Position detector (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the position detector has at least one acceleration sensor.
13. Position detector (3) according to one of the claims 2 to 12, characterized in that the position detector (3) can be mounted on the shaft of the ball sport device (2).
14. Position detector (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cable connection (11) is provided for wire communication with a stationary control unit (12).
15. Position detector (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an additional transmitter is provided for wire communication with a stationary control unit (12).
16. Position detector (3) according to claim 15, characterized in that the additional transmitter can be attached to the body of a golfer.
17. Motion-analysis system with a position detector (3) according to one of the preceding claims and a control unit (12) that is connected to the position detector (3) in order to control and assess the motion analysis.
18. Method of motion analysis, characterized in that the motion of the ball sport device (2) during a swing is recorded and analyzed by a position detector (3) mounted on the ball sport device (2).
19. Method of motion analysis according to claim 18, characterized in that the ball sport device (2) is a golf club.
20. Method of motion analysis according to one of the claims 18 to 19, characterized by the following steps:
transmission of a position signal between the position detector (3) mounted on the ball sport device (2) and a stationary control unit (12),
determination of the position and/or the alignment of the ball sport device (2), dependent upon the position signal.
21. Method of motion analysis according to claim 20, characterized in that the transit time of the position signal between the position detector (3) and the control unit (12) is measured, and then the position and/or alignment of the ball sport device (2) is determined using the transit time.
22. Method of motion analysis according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the position detector (3) and the control unit (12) have several interspaced transmitters (7, 9, 10) or several interspaced receivers, among which several position signals are transmitted, wherein the position and/or the alignment of the ball sport device (2) is determined, dependent upon the position signals.
23. Method of motion analysis according to one of the claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the following data are determined from the position and/or the alignment of the ball sport device (2):
start of a swing motion and/or
end of a swing motion and/or
moment of impact of the ball sport device (2) on the ball.
24. Method of motion analysis according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following swing parameters is determined for a swing from the position and/or the alignment of the golf club (2):
duration of backswing
duration of follow-through
impact time
symmetry of the impact time
symmetry of the velocity profile
alignment when addressing the ball
club head at the moment of impact
differential value for alignment
rotation to the moment of impact
rotation after the moment of impact
rotation rate per time
horizontal angle of the club head on the swing path
loft of the club at the moment of impact
point of impact on the club head
height of club at moment of impact
length of backswing
length of follow-through
symmetry of swing path
horizontal direction of the swing path at the moment of impact
vertical incline of the swing path at the moment of impact
maximum backswing velocity
velocity at impact
maximum follow-through velocity
maximum acceleration
acceleration after impact
maximum braking
average jerk during the backswing
average jerk during the follow-through.
25. Method of motion analysis according to one of the claims 18 to 24, characterized in that the variability is calculated for each of the swing parameters in order to measure motion consistency.
26. Method of motion analysis according to one of the claims 18 to 25, characterized in that the swing parameters are graphically displayed.
27. Method of motion analysis according to one of the claims 18 to 26, characterized in that the chronological sequence of the swing parameters is graphically displayed.
28. Method of motion analysis according to one of the claims 24 to 27, characterized in that the swing parameters are normalized.
29. Method of motion analysis according to one of the claims 18 to 28, characterized in that the swing parameters are compared to stored reference values and/or displayed together with the reference values.
30. Method of motion analysis according to one of the claims 28 to 29, characterized in that an Overall-Performance-Index is calculated from the normalized swing parameters in order to determine the performance of the golfer.
31. Method of motion analysis according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in addition to the position determination of the club, other position signals, such as, the positions and motions of the golfer's body, are synchronously recorded and jointly analyzed.
32. Method of motion analysis according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in addition to the position determination of the club, the ground reaction forces during golf play are synchronously measured and analyzed using a force measuring plate.
33. Method of motion analysis according to one of the claims 18 to 32, characterized in that motion problems, such as the Yips Syndrome, can be classified and identified already before they actually occur by using the calculated competency profile.
34. Method of motion analysis according to one of the claims 18 to 33, characterized in that the position detector has at least one acceleration sensor that produces an acceleration signal corresponding to the motion of the ball sport device.
35. Method of motion analysis according to claim 34, characterized in that the position signal that is dependent upon the transit time is balanced with the acceleration signal, in order to increase the precision.
36. Method of motion analysis according to claim 34, characterized in that the position signals and the angle signals of the club are reconstructed from the acceleration signals, in order to calculate the swing parameters from them.
US10/954,711 2004-03-26 2004-09-30 Position detector and method of motion analysis Abandoned US20050215335A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2004/003237 WO2005094949A1 (en) 2004-03-26 2004-03-26 Position sensor and movement analysis method
WOPCT/EP04/03237 2004-03-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050215335A1 true US20050215335A1 (en) 2005-09-29

Family

ID=34957112

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/954,711 Abandoned US20050215335A1 (en) 2004-03-26 2004-09-30 Position detector and method of motion analysis

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20050215335A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1727602B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE513598T1 (en)
WO (1) WO2005094949A1 (en)

Cited By (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060087325A1 (en) * 2003-02-13 2006-04-27 Arie Ariav Apparatus for making high-sensitivity measurements of various parameters, and sensors particularly useful in such apparatus
US20060105849A1 (en) * 2004-11-17 2006-05-18 Wolfgang Brunner Position determination system and ball sport training system
US20060126611A1 (en) * 2004-11-23 2006-06-15 Microsoft Corporation System and method for a distributed server for peer-to-peer networks
US20060141433A1 (en) * 2004-12-28 2006-06-29 Hing Cheung C Method of detecting position of rectangular object and object detector
US20060148594A1 (en) * 2005-01-05 2006-07-06 Microsoft Corporation Smart communicating sports equipment
US20070010341A1 (en) * 2005-07-08 2007-01-11 Suunto Oy Golf device and method
DE102005046085A1 (en) * 2005-09-26 2007-03-29 Haag Elektronische Meßgeräte GmbH Measuring device and method for measuring impact factors of a golf club
US20070207873A1 (en) * 2006-03-01 2007-09-06 Acushnet Company IR system for kinematic analysis
WO2007118938A1 (en) * 2006-04-19 2007-10-25 Maekelae Pekka Exercise instrument for golfing, and golf club
US20090270193A1 (en) * 2008-04-24 2009-10-29 United States Bowling Congress Analyzing a motion of a bowler
US7815516B1 (en) * 2005-12-02 2010-10-19 Mortimer Bruce J P Method and apparatus for golf club swing training
US7871333B1 (en) * 2010-05-11 2011-01-18 Golf Impact Llc Golf swing measurement and analysis system
US20110105252A1 (en) * 2009-11-03 2011-05-05 Canosa Marshall Joseph Pitching and Hitting Training Aid
US20110313552A1 (en) * 2010-05-11 2011-12-22 Golf Impact Llc Golf Free Swing Measurement and Analysis System
US20120179418A1 (en) * 2011-01-11 2012-07-12 Seiko Epson Corporation Motion analysis device and motion analysis method
US8425340B2 (en) * 2011-09-03 2013-04-23 Golf Impact Llc Golf free swing measurement and analysis system
US20140364245A1 (en) * 2013-06-11 2014-12-11 Amy Fox Golf Aid for Aligning Stance
US8926445B2 (en) * 2011-09-03 2015-01-06 Golf Impact, Llc Golf free swing measurement and analysis system
CN104667508A (en) * 2013-11-26 2015-06-03 精工爱普生株式会社 Azimuth Angle Calibration Method And Motion Analysis Apparatus
US9230447B2 (en) 2012-09-04 2016-01-05 Yaron Gabbai Method of recording a motion for robotic playback
US20170028253A1 (en) * 2015-07-28 2017-02-02 Seiko Epson Corporation Calculation apparatus, calculation system, calculation method, and recording medium
US9604118B2 (en) 2008-10-09 2017-03-28 Golf Impact, Llc Golf club distributed impact sensor system for detecting impact of a golf ball with a club face
US10188890B2 (en) 2013-12-26 2019-01-29 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Magnetic resistance mechanism in a cable machine
US10220259B2 (en) 2012-01-05 2019-03-05 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. System and method for controlling an exercise device
US10226396B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2019-03-12 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Post workout massage device
US10272317B2 (en) 2016-03-18 2019-04-30 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Lighted pace feature in a treadmill
US10279212B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-05-07 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Strength training apparatus with flywheel and related methods
US10391361B2 (en) 2015-02-27 2019-08-27 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Simulating real-world terrain on an exercise device
US10426989B2 (en) 2014-06-09 2019-10-01 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Cable system incorporated into a treadmill
US10433612B2 (en) 2014-03-10 2019-10-08 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Pressure sensor to quantify work
US10493349B2 (en) 2016-03-18 2019-12-03 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Display on exercise device
US10625137B2 (en) 2016-03-18 2020-04-21 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Coordinated displays in an exercise device
US10671705B2 (en) 2016-09-28 2020-06-02 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Customizing recipe recommendations
US20220072372A1 (en) * 2018-12-28 2022-03-10 Golfzon Co., Ltd. A method for calculating a swing trajectory of a golf club using radar sensing data, a radar sensing device using the same, and a recording medium readable by a computing device recording the method
US11642583B1 (en) * 2021-12-14 2023-05-09 Joe Stroffolino Putting alignment system

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102006005558B4 (en) * 2005-02-21 2015-12-10 Zebris Medical Gmbh Ball sports training system
US7499828B2 (en) 2005-11-29 2009-03-03 Mario Barton Position determining apparatus and related method
DE102006008333B4 (en) * 2006-02-20 2008-10-02 Frontier Semiconductor, San Jose Apparatus and method for training the movement of a racket for hitting a ball, in particular for the game of golf, for baseball, for tennis and for ice hockey
DE102015225776A1 (en) 2015-12-17 2017-06-22 Viewlicity Gmbh Method and device for motion analysis of a sports device
AT518936A1 (en) * 2016-07-18 2018-02-15 Tyche Tech Gmbh Apparatus for exercising strokes with a golf club

Citations (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US569340A (en) * 1896-10-13 Tide-lndicator
US3792863A (en) * 1972-05-30 1974-02-19 Athletic Swing Measurement Swing measurement system and method employing simultaneous multi-swing display
US3895366A (en) * 1974-03-18 1975-07-15 Francis E Morris Golf swing sensing device
US3945646A (en) * 1974-12-23 1976-03-23 Athletic Swing Measurement, Inc. Athletic swing measurement system and method
US4958836A (en) * 1988-12-27 1990-09-25 Sony Corporation Golf simulator
US5221088A (en) * 1991-01-22 1993-06-22 Mcteigue Michael H Sports training system and method
US5330188A (en) * 1991-11-21 1994-07-19 Reimers Eric W Putter alignment system
US5465972A (en) * 1995-01-26 1995-11-14 Cornett; Jerry W. Golf putting aid
US5694340A (en) * 1995-04-05 1997-12-02 Kim; Charles Hongchul Method of training physical skills using a digital motion analyzer and an accelerometer
US5692965A (en) * 1995-12-13 1997-12-02 Nighan, Jr.; William L. Golf swing training device with laser
US5984798A (en) * 1998-08-27 1999-11-16 Gilmour; Alf J. Method and apparatus for achieving an improved golf swing
US6095928A (en) * 1997-12-10 2000-08-01 Goszyk; Kurt A. Three-dimensional object path tracking
US6149531A (en) * 1997-08-12 2000-11-21 Intelligent Machine Concepts Llc Method for training golf putting skills
US6254493B1 (en) * 1997-03-03 2001-07-03 Lazereyes Golf, Llc Golf swing training device and method
US20010027136A1 (en) * 2000-02-25 2001-10-04 Sorge Chris Golf club alignment device
US6375579B1 (en) * 1998-03-30 2002-04-23 Lee David Hart Golf swing analysis system and method
US20020077189A1 (en) * 2000-12-14 2002-06-20 Mechworks Software Inc. Proprioceptive golf club with analysis, correction and control capabilities
US6441745B1 (en) * 1999-03-22 2002-08-27 Cassen L. Gates Golf club swing path, speed and grip pressure monitor
US20020123386A1 (en) * 2000-10-20 2002-09-05 Perlmutter Michael S. Methods and systems for analyzing the motion of sporting equipment
US6793585B1 (en) * 1999-10-19 2004-09-21 Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. Swing measurement method, golf swing analysis method, and computer program product
US20050009616A1 (en) * 2003-07-09 2005-01-13 Dickie Robert G. Laser equipped golf swing practice device and practice mat
US7160198B2 (en) * 2004-08-11 2007-01-09 Coates Adam L Method and apparatus for training a user to swing a golf club
US7286230B1 (en) * 2003-04-02 2007-10-23 Salmon D Miles Alignment system, device and method
US7329193B2 (en) * 2002-07-23 2008-02-12 Plank Jr Richard G Electronic golf swing analyzing system

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3406179C1 (en) * 1984-02-21 1985-09-05 Travenol GmbH, 8000 München Device for the measurement of the position and movement of at least one measurement point
DE3406180C2 (en) * 1984-02-21 1989-10-12 Travenol GmbH, 8000 München Device for measuring the position of at least one measuring point with the aid of ultrasound

Patent Citations (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US569340A (en) * 1896-10-13 Tide-lndicator
US3792863A (en) * 1972-05-30 1974-02-19 Athletic Swing Measurement Swing measurement system and method employing simultaneous multi-swing display
US3895366A (en) * 1974-03-18 1975-07-15 Francis E Morris Golf swing sensing device
US3945646A (en) * 1974-12-23 1976-03-23 Athletic Swing Measurement, Inc. Athletic swing measurement system and method
US4958836A (en) * 1988-12-27 1990-09-25 Sony Corporation Golf simulator
US5221088A (en) * 1991-01-22 1993-06-22 Mcteigue Michael H Sports training system and method
US5330188A (en) * 1991-11-21 1994-07-19 Reimers Eric W Putter alignment system
US5465972A (en) * 1995-01-26 1995-11-14 Cornett; Jerry W. Golf putting aid
US5694340A (en) * 1995-04-05 1997-12-02 Kim; Charles Hongchul Method of training physical skills using a digital motion analyzer and an accelerometer
US5692965A (en) * 1995-12-13 1997-12-02 Nighan, Jr.; William L. Golf swing training device with laser
US6254493B1 (en) * 1997-03-03 2001-07-03 Lazereyes Golf, Llc Golf swing training device and method
US6149531A (en) * 1997-08-12 2000-11-21 Intelligent Machine Concepts Llc Method for training golf putting skills
US6095928A (en) * 1997-12-10 2000-08-01 Goszyk; Kurt A. Three-dimensional object path tracking
US6375579B1 (en) * 1998-03-30 2002-04-23 Lee David Hart Golf swing analysis system and method
US5984798A (en) * 1998-08-27 1999-11-16 Gilmour; Alf J. Method and apparatus for achieving an improved golf swing
US6441745B1 (en) * 1999-03-22 2002-08-27 Cassen L. Gates Golf club swing path, speed and grip pressure monitor
US6793585B1 (en) * 1999-10-19 2004-09-21 Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. Swing measurement method, golf swing analysis method, and computer program product
US20010027136A1 (en) * 2000-02-25 2001-10-04 Sorge Chris Golf club alignment device
US20020123386A1 (en) * 2000-10-20 2002-09-05 Perlmutter Michael S. Methods and systems for analyzing the motion of sporting equipment
US20030207718A1 (en) * 2000-10-20 2003-11-06 Perlmutter Michael S. Methods and systems for analyzing the motion of sporting equipment
US20020077189A1 (en) * 2000-12-14 2002-06-20 Mechworks Software Inc. Proprioceptive golf club with analysis, correction and control capabilities
US7329193B2 (en) * 2002-07-23 2008-02-12 Plank Jr Richard G Electronic golf swing analyzing system
US7286230B1 (en) * 2003-04-02 2007-10-23 Salmon D Miles Alignment system, device and method
US20050009616A1 (en) * 2003-07-09 2005-01-13 Dickie Robert G. Laser equipped golf swing practice device and practice mat
US7160198B2 (en) * 2004-08-11 2007-01-09 Coates Adam L Method and apparatus for training a user to swing a golf club

Cited By (51)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7533571B2 (en) * 2003-02-13 2009-05-19 Nexense Ltd. Apparatus for making high-sensitivity measurements of various parameters, and sensors particularly useful in such apparatus
US20060087325A1 (en) * 2003-02-13 2006-04-27 Arie Ariav Apparatus for making high-sensitivity measurements of various parameters, and sensors particularly useful in such apparatus
US20060105849A1 (en) * 2004-11-17 2006-05-18 Wolfgang Brunner Position determination system and ball sport training system
US7837574B2 (en) * 2004-11-17 2010-11-23 Zebris Medical Gmbh Position determination system and ball sport training system
US20060126611A1 (en) * 2004-11-23 2006-06-15 Microsoft Corporation System and method for a distributed server for peer-to-peer networks
US7639681B2 (en) 2004-11-23 2009-12-29 Microsoft Corporation System and method for a distributed server for peer-to-peer networks
US20060141433A1 (en) * 2004-12-28 2006-06-29 Hing Cheung C Method of detecting position of rectangular object and object detector
US20100285874A1 (en) * 2004-12-28 2010-11-11 Cheung Chuen Hing Method and apparatus for detecting an image of a reflective object
US20060148594A1 (en) * 2005-01-05 2006-07-06 Microsoft Corporation Smart communicating sports equipment
US20070010341A1 (en) * 2005-07-08 2007-01-11 Suunto Oy Golf device and method
US8986129B2 (en) 2005-07-08 2015-03-24 Suunto Oy Golf device and method
US8226494B2 (en) * 2005-07-08 2012-07-24 Suunto Oy Golf device and method
US20080200274A1 (en) * 2005-09-26 2008-08-21 Hgm Gmbh - Haag Golf Messtechnik Measuring device for measuring hitting parameters of a golf club and associated calibration device
DE102005046085B4 (en) * 2005-09-26 2007-08-16 Hgm Gmbh - Haag Golf Messtechnik Method for measuring impact factors of a golf club
DE102005046085A1 (en) * 2005-09-26 2007-03-29 Haag Elektronische Meßgeräte GmbH Measuring device and method for measuring impact factors of a golf club
US8142301B2 (en) 2005-09-26 2012-03-27 Hgm Gmbh - Haag Golf Messtechnik Measuring device for measuring hitting parameters of a golf club and associated calibration device
US7815516B1 (en) * 2005-12-02 2010-10-19 Mortimer Bruce J P Method and apparatus for golf club swing training
US20070207873A1 (en) * 2006-03-01 2007-09-06 Acushnet Company IR system for kinematic analysis
US8636605B2 (en) * 2006-03-01 2014-01-28 Acushnet Company IR system for kinematic analysis
WO2007118938A1 (en) * 2006-04-19 2007-10-25 Maekelae Pekka Exercise instrument for golfing, and golf club
US20090270193A1 (en) * 2008-04-24 2009-10-29 United States Bowling Congress Analyzing a motion of a bowler
US9604118B2 (en) 2008-10-09 2017-03-28 Golf Impact, Llc Golf club distributed impact sensor system for detecting impact of a golf ball with a club face
US8388470B2 (en) * 2009-11-03 2013-03-05 Marshall Joseph CANOSA Pitching and hitting training aid
US20110105252A1 (en) * 2009-11-03 2011-05-05 Canosa Marshall Joseph Pitching and Hitting Training Aid
US8210960B1 (en) * 2010-05-11 2012-07-03 Golf Impact Llc Golf free swing measurement and analysis system
US8221257B2 (en) * 2010-05-11 2012-07-17 Golf Impact Llc Golf free swing measurement and analysis system
US20110313552A1 (en) * 2010-05-11 2011-12-22 Golf Impact Llc Golf Free Swing Measurement and Analysis System
US7871333B1 (en) * 2010-05-11 2011-01-18 Golf Impact Llc Golf swing measurement and analysis system
US9026398B2 (en) * 2011-01-11 2015-05-05 Seiko Epson Corporation Motion analysis device and motion analysis method for analyzing deformation of measurement object
US20120179418A1 (en) * 2011-01-11 2012-07-12 Seiko Epson Corporation Motion analysis device and motion analysis method
US20150211970A1 (en) * 2011-01-11 2015-07-30 Seiko Epson Corporation Motion analysis device and motion analysis method for analyzing deformation of measurement object
US8926445B2 (en) * 2011-09-03 2015-01-06 Golf Impact, Llc Golf free swing measurement and analysis system
US8425340B2 (en) * 2011-09-03 2013-04-23 Golf Impact Llc Golf free swing measurement and analysis system
US10220259B2 (en) 2012-01-05 2019-03-05 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. System and method for controlling an exercise device
US9230447B2 (en) 2012-09-04 2016-01-05 Yaron Gabbai Method of recording a motion for robotic playback
US10279212B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-05-07 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Strength training apparatus with flywheel and related methods
US20140364245A1 (en) * 2013-06-11 2014-12-11 Amy Fox Golf Aid for Aligning Stance
CN104667508A (en) * 2013-11-26 2015-06-03 精工爱普生株式会社 Azimuth Angle Calibration Method And Motion Analysis Apparatus
US10188890B2 (en) 2013-12-26 2019-01-29 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Magnetic resistance mechanism in a cable machine
US10433612B2 (en) 2014-03-10 2019-10-08 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Pressure sensor to quantify work
US10426989B2 (en) 2014-06-09 2019-10-01 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Cable system incorporated into a treadmill
US10226396B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2019-03-12 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Post workout massage device
US10391361B2 (en) 2015-02-27 2019-08-27 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Simulating real-world terrain on an exercise device
US20170028253A1 (en) * 2015-07-28 2017-02-02 Seiko Epson Corporation Calculation apparatus, calculation system, calculation method, and recording medium
US10272317B2 (en) 2016-03-18 2019-04-30 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Lighted pace feature in a treadmill
US10493349B2 (en) 2016-03-18 2019-12-03 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Display on exercise device
US10625137B2 (en) 2016-03-18 2020-04-21 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Coordinated displays in an exercise device
US10671705B2 (en) 2016-09-28 2020-06-02 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Customizing recipe recommendations
US20220072372A1 (en) * 2018-12-28 2022-03-10 Golfzon Co., Ltd. A method for calculating a swing trajectory of a golf club using radar sensing data, a radar sensing device using the same, and a recording medium readable by a computing device recording the method
US11771954B2 (en) * 2018-12-28 2023-10-03 Golfzon Co., Ltd. Method for calculating a swing trajectory of a golf club using radar sensing data, a radar sensing device using the same, and a recording medium readable by a computing device recording the method
US11642583B1 (en) * 2021-12-14 2023-05-09 Joe Stroffolino Putting alignment system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1727602B1 (en) 2011-06-22
WO2005094949A1 (en) 2005-10-13
EP1727602A1 (en) 2006-12-06
ATE513598T1 (en) 2011-07-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20050215335A1 (en) Position detector and method of motion analysis
US10870037B2 (en) Motion capture and analysis
TWI429469B (en) Golf clubs and golf club heads having digital lie and/or other angle measuring equipment
JP6234928B2 (en) System and method for detecting a user-dependent state of a sports item
JP5941752B2 (en) Analysis system and analysis method
US20110021280A1 (en) Hitting technique by identifying ball impact points
JP2005110850A (en) Body movement evaluating method, swing motion evaluating method, and body movement measuring system
JP2004534583A (en) Automated method and system for golf club selection based on swing type
CN105007995A (en) Measuring device for detecting hitting movement of hitting implement, training device, and method for training hitting movement
KR20050031862A (en) Swing training equipment in ball game sports
US20150283427A1 (en) Motion analysis system and motion analysis method
KR100634523B1 (en) Appratus and method for monitoring sports motion
KR101509129B1 (en) The golf practice system using finger-shaped swing analysis device interlocked with smartphone
KR101189116B1 (en) Swing exercise apparatus of golf
JP2002248187A (en) Goal achievement system of sports such as golf practice and golf practice device
KR20170114452A (en) A Sports Training System Using A Smart Band & A Smart Ball
KR20110008189U (en) Portable device and set for training golf
KR200418096Y1 (en) putting diagnosis equipment with aiming function using laser beam
US20220111284A1 (en) Method and system for golf training
NL2010266C2 (en) Motion tracking method and device.
KR20150045262A (en) Golf exercising system using smart phone
KR20200005622A (en) Computer-readable media that records the swing measurement device, swing measurement method, and swing measurement program.
KR20110093399A (en) Swing exercise system of golf and operating method thereof
JP7248353B1 (en) Hitting analysis system and hitting analysis method
US11724165B2 (en) Golf swing analyzer system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION