The described embodiments relate generally to electronic sensing. More particularly, the described embodiments relate to methods, systems and apparatuses for interpretation of characteristics of a golf swing using motion analysis.
Over the past decade, the field of miniature electronics sensors has witnessed a surge of applications. This field touches a wide swath of markets and industries that are as diverse as vehicular telematics, earthquake detection, home & corporate security, senior safety, infant safety, athletic performance, sports improvement, guided missile systems, only to name a few.
One class of wireless sensors that has gained popularity in recent years is motion sensing devices. Such sensors, commonly available as accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt sensors, shock sensors and magnetometers, have the ability to detect precise levels of acceleration, rotation and spatial orientation in three dimensions, and thereby provide a precise measure of the types of motions that occur in the objects or devices that they are attached to.
As further background, the field of golf has a large number of players who are very passionate about the sport. Golfers are perennially seeking to improve their golf swing. They take lessons from golf pros, practice drills for hours at driving ranges, and read books on golf technique.
It is desirable to have an apparatus and method for accurate interpretation of characteristics of a golf swing.
An embodiment includes a golf swing analysis system. The golf swing analysis system includes a motion sensing device attached to a golf club, the motion sensing device comprising a controller and one or more motion sensors. The golf swing analysis system further includes a remote processor, wherein a wireless link electronically connects the remote processor and the controller of the motion sensing device. Further, at least one of the controller and the remote processor are operative to access sensor data generated based on sensed signals of the one or more motion sensors, and perform pattern recognition analysis on the sensor data, comprising identifying and analyzing at least a portion of a golf swing based on the sensed data.
Another embodiment includes a method of analyzing a golf swing. The method includes sensing motion, by a motion sensing device attached to a golf club, the motion sensing device comprising a controller and one or more motion sensors, accessing, by a controller, sensor data generated based on sensed signals of the one or more motion sensors, performing pattern recognition analysis on the sensor data, comprising identifying and analyzing at least a portion of a golf swing based on the sensed data, wherein the at least one portion of the golf swing includes at least one of an address portion, a takeaway portion, a first-half of back swing portion, a top of back swing portion, down swing portion, an impact portion, and a follow through portion.
Other aspects and advantages of the described embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the described embodiments.
The described embodiments are related to the technological field of motion detection, capture and pattern recognition using electronic sensors, and to the plotting, analysis and interpretation of the characteristics of golf movements, that may be either human movements or equipment movements or a combination thereof. The described embodiments further relate to an electronic and electro-mechanical apparatus that can precisely trace and record a three-dimensional trajectory of a golf swing, and a method to plot, analyze and interpret the various attributes of the golf swing.
The described embodiments further include methods to analyze and interpret the various types of golf swings that are taken by a golfer, in the same manner that a golf instructor would. These golf swings are comprised of a combination of the motion of a golf club and the motion of the golfer wielding the club. Enabled by miniature motion sensors attached to the golf club or to the golfer's body, the described embodiment include analysis of the recorded trajectory of the golf motion using signal processing and pattern recognition, and outputs meaningful characteristics and attributes of the golf swing to the golfer. These characteristics and attributes are a close approximation of those that would be determined by a skilled golf instructor observing the golfer's swing.
Golfers, as a group, have a great deal of passion for the game. They love to practice and they love even more to compete. In order to improve, they read books on golf techniques, watch videos and even may take lessons from a golf pro once in a while.
However, during practice, it is simply not practical to have a golf instructor watching, and analyzing every swing they take. Also, it is not practical to film one's own swing with high speed video cameras from several angles on a constant basis. As a result, golfers really have no good idea of whether they are making the necessary corrections in their swing to improve their game.
Furthermore, only around 10% of the population of golfers takes golf lessons. That means that the vast majority of them do not have good knowledge of the characteristics of their swing. In most cases golfer do know the outcome of each swing, such as a slice, hook, fade, draw, shank or topping the ball. They are also likely to know if they have a tendency to slice, hook or top, or simply spray it all over from one shot to the next. However, there can be several causes for a slice or a hook, and in most cases they relate to the shape of the swing, and the golfer's body movements. Most golfers, especially those who rarely take lessons, do not have a good idea of what aspects of their swing shape or body movements cause the poor shot.
The described embodiments address the problem articulated above in a novel and innovative way, using electronic and electro-mechanical motion sensors, combined with a unique method for interpreting the trajectory of the golf club or golfer's body movements.
One benefit of the described embodiments is to provide golfers with a qualitative “instructor-like” feedback on their golf swing from the application, while taking golf swings in any convenient environment, such as in their backyards, basements or garages (hitting into a net), at a driving range or on a real golf course. They can use the same golf clubs they use for their regular game, not simulators or contrivances. Utilizing the described embodiments, golfers learn the attributes and flaws in their golf swing, and with that knowledge are able to focus on their deficiencies and improve their golf game.
A golf swing includes a golf club with which the ball is struck, and a human being who moves his or her body in order to strike the ball.
At least some of the described embodiments include two categories of apparatuses. The first is a golf club motion sensor that is able to capture the movements of the golf club accurately and with precision. The second is a group of golfer body motion sensors that are able to capture the movements of the golfer's body accurately and with precision.
Important characteristics of the golf club sensor 100 include the golf club sensor being miniature and lightweight, and having a negligible impact on the weight of the golf club, virtually too small to notice for the golfer. Further, an embodiment of the golf club sensor is tethered to an appropriate position on the golf club, where it is able to detect the linear and angular motion of the golf club. Further, an embodiment of the golf club sensor includes high precision electronic and/or electro-mechanical components that are able to detect linear acceleration of the sensor in three dimensions. Further, an embodiment of the golf club sensor includes high precision electronic and/or electro-mechanical components that are able to detect angular (rotational) acceleration of the sensor in three dimensions. Further, an embodiment of the golf club sensor includes a wireless transmission mechanism that is able to transmit data collected by the sensor to a proximal or remote data collection device. Further, an embodiment of the golf club sensor includes an electronic storage capability, to collect and store data within itself, until such future time that the data can be suitably transferred, wirelessly or via an electrical cable, to a proximal or remote data collection device.
For at least some embodiments, desirable positions of the golf body motion sensors are at the neck, shoulders, waist, wrist, head, forearms, upper arms, thighs, lower legs and feet, or any combination thereof. The golf body motion sensors may to be placed at one, multiple, or every single position identified above, and typically would be placed selectively at only those positions that provide the optimal information about the golfer's swing. For at least some embodiments, each body sensor is miniature and lightweight, virtually too small to notice for the golfer. For at least some embodiments, each sensor is tethered to an appropriate position on the golfer's body via an appropriate body harness, which can be either (a) a strap that is elastic, Velcro, buttoned or zippered, (b) a suspender, apparel or under-clothing worn by the golfer, cap, glove, sock, shoe, it is able to detect the linear and angular motion of the golf club. For at least some embodiments, each sensor contains high precision electronic and/or electro-mechanical components that are able to detect linear acceleration of the sensor in three dimensions. For at least some embodiments, each sensor contains high precision electronic and/or electro-mechanical components that are able to detect angular (rotational) acceleration of the sensor in three dimensions. For at least some embodiments, each sensor contains a wireless transmission mechanism that is able to transmit data collected by the sensor to a proximal or remote data collection device. For at least some embodiments, each sensor contains an electronic storage capability, to collect and store data within itself, until such future time that the data can be suitably transferred, wirelessly or via an electrical cable, to a proximal or remote data collection device.
Golf Swine Motion Analysis
For at least some embodiments, the motion sensors that are tethered to the golf club or worn on the human body have the ability to capture the motion of the golf club or of various locations on the human body. This motion can be classified as (a) linear acceleration and displacement, in one of three dimensions, (b) angular velocity and displacement, in one of three dimensions, (c) Orientation of the sensor, based on the force of gravity, and/or based on the direction indicated by a compass.
At the start of a motion capture sequence, a reference position is established as a baseline. Deviations of the sensor from this reference position is determined with high precision, represented as angular and linear displacements as a function of time. The sensor readings are sampled at a very high rate, resulting in the ability to plot the location and orientation of the sensor in three dimensions with very high precision, as a function of time. By using spherical trigonometry, and equipped with the knowledge of the mounting position(s) of the sensor(s) on the golf club or human body, a highly accurate plot of the trajectory and orientation of the golf club is mapped out in three dimensions.
In order to provide context to the linear and angular orientations, the following nomenclature is adopted for the linear axes and the axes of rotation of the golf club.
Interpretation of Swings
Based on the type of motions, various types of swings can be interpreted.
Lie Angle
The lie angle is the direction made by the club with the ground, at the time of address as well as the time of ball impact. The accelerometers within the sensor provide a precise indication of the orientation of the golf club at the time that the golfer is addressing the ball. From the time that golf swing commences to the time that the ball is struck, the deviation in lie angle is computed and presented by the application. The described embodiments include a determination of whether the lie angle is: (i) Too shallow, (ii) Optimal, or (iii) Too high.
Step 601 includes capturing accelerometer and gyroscope data that is captured by the golf club sensor 100. This data is continually measured. In step 602 the system awaits a condition where there is no movement in the data for over one second, and when this condition arises, the method transitions to step 604. In step 604, the accelerometer data in item 603 is collected, which facilitates the computation of the direction of gravity in step 604. Once the direction of gravity is known, in step 605 the angle between the X-axis and the gravity vector (direction of gravity) is computed. From this, the Lie Angle can be determined directly and published. That is, an embodiment includes analyzing an address portion of the golf swing including processing the sensor data to determine whether a lie angle is too shallow, optimal, or too high. For an embodiment, determining the lie angle includes sensing an x-axis along a shaft of the golf club, sensing a gravity vector, and computing an angle between the x-axis and the gravity vector.
Takeaway Direction
One of the most important assessments for the golfer is the direction of takeaway of the club from the address position. For a good golf stroke, it is important for the club to be moved straight backward. However, in some cases, the golfer may move the club backward and inward, and in other cases the club may be moved backward and outward. Both of these are flaws that may negatively affect the way in which the ball is struck. The described embodiments include a determination of whether the takeaway direction is: (i) outward, (ii) straight back, and (iii) inward.
For an embodiment, determining the takeaway direction of the golf swing includes sensing accelerometer data and gyroscope data of the sensor data during the takeaway portion, wherein the accelerometer data includes Z-axis motion, wherein the Z-axis motion is perpendicular to a shaft of the golf club and planar to grooves of the golf club, and wherein the gyroscope data includes rotational (β-axis) movement of the golf club that is perpendicular to a shaft of the golf club and planar to grooves of the golf club, and determining the takeaway direction by identifying negative or positive directions of the Z-axis motion and negative or positive rotational (β-axis) movement of the golf club.
Backswing Plane
The backswing plane is another swing characteristic that can affect how the ball is struck. Swings that are too vertical may cause a pull slice or erratic stroking of the ball, whereas swings that are too horizontal (flat) may cause a push hook. An optimal backswing plane sets the golfer up for an optimal downswing plane. At least some of the described embodiment includes a determination of whether the backswing plane is: (i) vertical, (ii) optimal, and (iii) flat or horizontal.
For an embodiment, analyzing the backswing portion of the golf swing includes processing the sensor data to determine whether a backswing plane is vertical, optimal, or flat, wherein analyzing the first-half of the back swing comprises continuously collecting the sensor data, identifying a condition of no movement for greater than a threshold of time, computing a backplane plane that is a closest match plane for a backswing arc, computing an angle between the backswing plane and a gravity vector of the sensor data, and comparing the angle with a predetermined set of threshold, wherein the threshold identify the backswing plane as vertical, optimal, or flat.
Downswing Plane
Like the backswing plane, the downswing plane is another swing characteristic that can affect how the ball is struck. Often, the backswing and downswing planes are different, because the golfer has a loop at the top of the swing. Downswings that are too vertical may cause a pull slice or erratic stroking of the ball, whereas downswings that are too horizontal (flat) may cause a push hook. An optimal backswing plane sets the golfer up for an optimal downswing plane. At least some of the described embodiments include a determination of whether the downswing plane is: (i) vertical, (ii) optimal, and (iii) flat or horizontal.
An embodiment includes analyzing the downswing portion including processing the sensor data to determine whether a downswing plane is vertical, optimal, or flat. For an embodiment, determining whether a downswing plane is vertical, optimal, or flat includes ascertaining that the golf swing is at a top of a back swing of the golf swing, comprising identifying a momentary pause and a transition of a Y-axis angular rotation from negative to positive, wherein the Y-axis is perpendicular to shaft of the golf club and perpendicular to grooves of the golf club, computing a three-dimensional arc of the downswing, identifying a downswing plane by computing a closest match plane of the three-dimensional arc of the downswing, computing an angle between the downswing plane and a gravity vector, and comparing the angle with a predetermined set of threshold, wherein the threshold identify the backswing plane as vertical, optimal, or flat.
Backswing Length
Release Timing
For at least some embodiment, processing the sensor data to determine whether a release time is too early, optimal, or too late, wherein determining whether the release time is too early, optimal, or too late includes, continuously collecting the sensor data, ascertaining the golf club to be at a top of a backswing by identifying a momentary pause of the golf club and identifying a transition of a Y-axis angular rotation from negative to positive, wherein the Y-axis is perpendicular to shaft of the golf club and perpendicular to grooves of the golf club, identifying a double pendulum motion based on a sensed γ-axis angular rotation, wherein the γ-axis angular rotation is perpendicular to shaft of the golf club and parallel to grooves of the golf club, determining an angle between and X-axis of motion and a ground plane, wherein the X-axis is along a shaft of the golf club, and based on the determined angle, identify whether the release time is too early, optimal, or too late.
Timing of Top Speed
At least some embodiments include determining whether a timing of top speed of the golf swing is reach before impact, at impact or after impact with a golf ball, wherein determining whether a timing of top speed of the golf swing is reach before impact, at impact or after impact with a golf ball includes continuously collecting the sensor data, ascertaining the golf club to be at a top of a backswing by identifying a momentary pause of the golf club and identifying a transition of a Y-axis angular rotation from negative to positive, wherein the Y-axis is perpendicular to shaft of the golf club and perpendicular to grooves of the golf club, identifying a characteristic motion signature pattern to indicate impact between the golf club and a golf ball, after identifying the characteristic motion signature pattern to indicate impact between the golf club and a golf ball, determining whether a sample of an γ-axis angular speed of the sensor data is faster, equal or slower than a prior sample of the γ-axis angular speed of the sensor data, wherein the γ-axis angular speed is perpendicular to shaft of the golf club and parallel to grooves of the golf club, and determining whether the timing of top speed of the golf swing is reach before impact, at impact or after impact with the golf ball based on whether sample of the γ-axis angular speed of the sensor data is faster, equal or slower than the prior sample of the γ-axis angular speed of the sensor data.
Downswing Acceleration Timing
At least some embodiments include determining whether the downswing acceleration is constant, early or late, wherein determining whether the downswing acceleration is constant, early or late includes continuously collecting the sensor data, ascertaining the golf club to be at a top of a backswing by identifying a momentary pause of the golf club and identifying a transition of a Y-axis angular rotation from negative to positive, wherein the Y-axis is perpendicular to shaft of the golf club and perpendicular to grooves of the golf club, collecting Y-axis angular acceleration and X-axis linear acceleration in the early stage of the downswing, wherein the y-axis angular acceleration is perpendicular to shaft of the golf club and perpendicular to grooves of the golf club and the X-axis linear acceleration is parallel to a shaft of the golf club, collecting Y-axis angular acceleration and X-axis linear acceleration in the late stage of the downswing, and determining the downswing acceleration to be constant, early or late based on whether the Y-axis angular acceleration and X-axis linear acceleration in the early stage of the downswing exceed, is equal to, or less than the Y-axis angular acceleration and X-axis linear acceleration in the late stage of the downswing.
Downswing Arc
At least some embodiments include determining the downswing arc relative to the backswing arc includes continuously collecting the sensor data, ascertaining the golf club to be at a top of a backswing by identifying a momentary pause of the golf club and identifying a transition of a Y-axis angular rotation from negative to positive, wherein the Y-axis is perpendicular to shaft of the golf club and perpendicular to grooves of the golf club, using sensor data samples from the linear axes and the angular rotation axes to plot the backswing and downswing in 3-dimensional space, recording relative positions of the downswing arc and backswing arc, and identifying the downswing arc relative to the backswing arc as inside, same, or outside based on the relative positions of the downswing arc and backswing arc.
Wrist Rotation at Halfway Point of Backswing/Wrist Rotation at Top of Backswing
The wrist rotation of the golfer is an extremely important consideration in determining how the ball will be struck. At the 9 o'clock position on the backswing, the clubhead should optimally be pointing straight upward, whereas at the top of the backswing, it should ideally be pointing downward. Golfers whose club orientations are sub-optimal are likely to hit a slice or hook. At least some of the described embodiments include a determination of whether the orientation of the clubhead can be determined with high precision as the club traverses through the backswing and downswing.
At least some embodiments include determining an orientation of the golf club as the golf club traverses through a backswing and a downswing including continuously collecting the sensor data, identifying a condition of no movement for greater than a threshold of time, identifying a condition in which an Y-axis is moving in the negative direction combined with an γ-axis angular motion commencing, thereby indicating a start of the backswing, wherein the Y-axis is perpendicular to shaft of the golf club and perpendicular to grooves of the golf club and the γ-axis angular motion is perpendicular to shaft of the golf club and parallel to grooves of the golf club, after start of the backswing, identifying a condition in which a γ-axis rotates 90 degrees, after the condition in which a γ-axis rotates 90 degrees, computing an angle between a Z-axis and a ground plane, wherein the Z-axis is perpendicular to shaft of the golf club and planar to grooves of the golf club, compute rotation in an α-axis, wherein the α-axis is planar to the shaft of the golf club, determining the orientation of the golf club as the golf club traverses through a backswing and a downswing as under-rotation of the golf club, optimal rotation of the golf club, over-rotation of the golf club based on whether the angle is less than 90 degrees, approximately equal to 90 degrees, or greater than 90 degrees.
For an embodiment, the motion sensor 2400 in conjunction with the external controller 2450 forms a golf swing analysis system. For an embodiment, the golf swing analysis system includes the motion sensing device (motion sensor 2400) attached to a golf club, wherein the motion sensing device includes the controller 2430 and one or more motion sensors of the motion sensing electronics 2420. Further, the golf swing analysis system includes the remote processor (external controller 2450), wherein a wireless link electronically connects the remote processor 2450 and the controller 2430 of the motion sensing device 2400. Further, at least one of the controller 2430 and the remote processor 2450 (that is, the controller 2430 may perform the operations, the remote processor 2450 may perform the operations, or the controller 2430 and the remote processor 2450 may perform the operations in conjunction) are operative to access sensor data generated based on sensed signals of the one or more motion sensors, perform pattern recognition analysis on the sensor data, comprising identifying and analyzing at least a portion of a golf swing based on the sensed data.
For at least some embodiments, at least one of the controller and the remote processor are further operative to perform the identifying and analyzing of the at least a portion of a golf swing based sensed linear axis rotation and sensed angular axis of rotation of the golf club as shown in
For at least some embodiments, the pattern recognition analysis includes conditional processing, wherein conditions of the processing are dependent upon sensing motion thresholds. For at least some embodiments, the pattern recognition that is employed by the system uses specific algorithms that rely on a decision tree structure for resolution and interpretation of the motion. These algorithms commence with a common baseline in each case that is the reference position of the motion sensing device. From that reference position, the motion sensing device can traverse a very large set of paths and angular deviations at varying rates, which collectively comprise the golf swing. This collective set of swing motion paths and rates represent the various permutations that characterize the swing type. Taken in totality, this number of permutations is too large to process effectively. However, a decision tree methodology with conditional processing at each mini-traversal of the golf club allows the swing to be interpreted and characterized—they form the basis of the pattern recognition, and allow the analysis to be simplified. At each mini-traversal of the golf club, the system determines the motion parameters at that point, and slots them into select ranges or threshold crossings. From that point, the next mini-traversal takes the club to a new position where new ranges and threshold crossings will apply. In this manner, once all the mini-traversals are completed, the complete interpretation of the swing is made possible.
For at least some embodiments, the motion thresholds include at least one of linear axis of rotation motion thresholds and angular axis of rotation motion thresholds. As described, the motion sensing device contains sensors that provide linear acceleration, angular velocity and angular acceleration data in conjunction with the rate of traversal. The values assumed by the linear and angular motion parameters can be classified into a set of ranges to facilitate interpretation of the motion. The boundary of each range is the threshold that determines whether a measurement falls within a given range or in the adjacent one.
For at least some embodiments, the at least one portion of the golf swing is identified based on a temporal component, a displacement component and an acceleration component. The motion sensing device, during the traversal through the swing, follows a trajectory in space. This trajectory can be decomposed into a sequence of mini traversals. Each mini traversal may be considered to be an element of the vocabulary of possible swing motions at that point. These mini traversals are identified by time, space, angular deviation and rate of motion. Time is characterized as a temporal component, space is characterized as a displacement component, and the rate of traversal through space is characterized as an acceleration component.
For at least some embodiments, the at least one portion of the golf swing includes at least one of an address portion, a takeaway portion, a first-half of back swing portion, a top of back swing portion, down swing portion, an impact portion, and a follow through portion. For the purpose of analysis of the golf swing, it is necessary to decompose the swing into a sequence of phases. The address portion, takeaway portion, first half of back swing, top of back swing, down swing, impact portion and follow through portion all represent bite-sized portions of the swing that facilitate practical analysis and interpretation.
At least some embodiments further include analyzing the address portion, comprising processing the sensor data to determine whether a lie angle is too shallow, optimal, or too high. This analysis is further disclosed by the flow chart of
At least some embodiments further include analyzing the takeaway portion, comprising processing the sensor data to determine whether a takeaway direction of the takeaway portion is outward, straight back, or inward. This analysis is further disclosed by the flow chart of
At least some embodiments further include analyzing the first-half of back swing portion, comprising processing the sensor data to determine whether a backswing plane is vertical, optimal, or flat. This analysis is further disclosed by the flow chart of
At least some embodiments further include analyzing the top of back swing portion, comprising processing the sensor data to determine whether a backswing length is too short, optimal, or parallel at top of the back swing portion. This analysis is further disclosed by the flow chart of
At least some embodiments further include analyzing the down swing portion, comprising processing the sensor data to determine whether a downswing plane is vertical, optimal, or flat. This analysis is further disclosed by the flow chart of
At least some embodiments further include analyzing the impact portion, comprising processing the sensor data to determine whether a release time is too early, optimal, or too late. This analysis is further disclosed by the flow chart of
At least some embodiments further include analyzing the impact portion, comprising processing the sensor data to determine whether a timing of top speed of the golf swing is reach before impact, at impact or after impact with a golf ball. This analysis is further disclosed by the flow chart of
At least some embodiments further include analyzing the down swing portion, comprising processing the sensor data to determine whether a downswing acceleration is constant, early or late.
At least some embodiments further include analyzing the down swing portion, comprising processing the sensor data to determine whether a downswing arc relative to an arc of a backswing.
At least some embodiments further include processing the sensor data to determine a sensed wrist rotation comprising determining an orientation of the golf club as the golf club traverses through a backswing and a downswing.
For at least some embodiments, the controller 2430 is operative to sense electrical and mechanical contact of the mechanical switch 2410 due to the sensing apparatus having been subjected to a level of acceleration greater than a minimal threshold amount. For example, motion of a golf club that the sensing apparatus is attached to can cause the mechanical switch 2410 to at least momentarily close due to an electrical and mechanical contact of electrical conductors within the mechanical switch 210.
For at least some embodiments, the controller 2430 senses when the at least momentary closing of the mechanical switch 2410 occurs. When the at least momentary closing of the mechanical switch 2410 is sensed, the controller 2430 controls the electrical power provided to the motion sensors (sensing electronics) 2420. For example, the controller 2430 can provide electrical power to the motion sensors 2420 and to the I/O electronics as provided by a battery 2460.
When a user of the sensing apparatus 2400 is attempting to use or activate the sensing apparatus 2400, the mechanical switch 2410 is tuned to at least momentarily close. That is, the user of the sensing apparatus 2400 subjects the sensing apparatus 2400 to a level of acceleration that causes the mechanical switch 2410 is tuned to at least momentarily close.
As described, the apparatus 2400 includes the mechanical switch 2410. Further, the mechanical switch 2410 includes a switch contact, wherein the switch contact is open when the mechanical switch 2410 is at rest, and at least momentarily closed when the mechanical switch 2410 is subject to at least a threshold level of acceleration. Further, the controller 2430 is operative to activate the apparatus upon detecting that the mechanical switch is at least momentarily closed.
For at least some embodiments, the apparatus 2400 includes an athletic movement sensing device.
For at least some embodiments, the mechanical switch includes a conductive mechanical cantilever or a conductive torsion bar, wherein the conductive cantilever or conductive torsion bar deforms when subjected to acceleration. For at least some embodiments, the conductive cantilever or conductive torsion bar deforms enough to at least momentarily mechanically and electrically contact a conductor of the mechanical switch, thereby at least momentarily closing the mechanical switch when subjected to the threshold level of acceleration. For at least some embodiments, the conductive cantilever or conductive torsion bar is mechanically tuned to deform to at least momentarily mechanically and electrically contact the conductor of the mechanical switch based on a type of athletic movement being sensed by the apparatus.
For at least some embodiments, the switch contact includes a mechanical and electrical contact when the switch contact is at least momentarily closed. For at least some embodiments, the controller senses either the mechanical or the electrical contact, and activates the apparatus. For at least some embodiments, the apparatus 2400 further includes the motion sensing electronics 2420, wherein the controller 2430 activates the motion sensing electronics 2420 after sensing either the mechanical or the electrical contact.
For at least some embodiments, the controller 2430 is further operative to de-activate the apparatus 2400 after sensing a lack of motion of the apparatus 2400 for at least a threshold period of time. For at least some embodiments, the controller 2430 is further operative to de-activate the apparatus 2400 after sensing a specific sequence of motion of the apparatus 2400. For at least some embodiments, the motion or lack of motion is sensed by the motion sensors 2420 of the apparatus 2400. For at least some embodiments, the motion or lack of motion is sensed by the mechanical switch 2410 of the apparatus 2400.
For at least some embodiments, the motion sensing electronics 2420 is operative to sense specific athletic movements after the motion sensing electronics 2420 is activated. For at least some embodiments, the apparatus 2400 is attachable to a golf club, and the motion sensing electronics 2420 is operative to sense a swing of the golf club.
At least some embodiments include a method of analyzing a golf swing. For an embodiment, the method includes sensing motion, by a motion sensing device attached to a golf club, the motion sensing device comprising a controller and one or more motion sensors, accessing, by a controller, sensor data generated based on sensed signals of the one or more motion sensors, performing pattern recognition analysis on the sensor data, comprising identifying and analyzing at least a portion of a golf swing based on the sensed data, wherein the at least one portion of the golf swing includes at least one of an address portion, a takeaway portion, a first-half of back swing portion, a top of back swing portion, down swing portion, an impact portion, and a follow through portion.
Although specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, the embodiments are not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated.
This patent application claims priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/879,224 filed Sep. 18, 2013, and this patent application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/299,361, filed Jun. 9, 2014, which claims priority to provisional patent application 61/839,920, filed Jun. 27, 2013, all of which are herein incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
61879224 | Sep 2013 | US | |
61839920 | Jun 2013 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 14299361 | Jun 2014 | US |
Child | 14489980 | US |