1. Field of the Invention
One or more embodiments setting forth the ideas described throughout this disclosure pertain to the field of mounts as utilized in sporting equipment for electronics and visual markers. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, one or more aspects of the disclosure enable a motion capture element mount.
2. Description of the Related Art
Known systems for mounting electronics on sporting equipment include mounts in the shafts of fishing poles, and golf clubs for example. Existing mounts have the following limitations:
Existing mounts for sporting equipment electronics require alteration of an existing piece of sporting equipment before attaching the mount and hence electronics. For example, known mounts require modification of a golf club shaft to include threads.
Some mounts extend longitudinally away from the normal ending point of the shaft for a distance that is far enough to interfere with or provide a confusing point at which to grasp the club.
Other mounts combine the electronics on the mount itself in a monolithic package that does not allow for the weight of the club to remain constant with or without electronics installed. For example, in sports with rules against instrumented sporting equipment, the weight of an instrumented piece of sporting equipment differs from the weight of the same non-instrumented piece of sporting equipment that complies with competition rules.
There are no known systems that include electronics within the shaft of a piece of sporting equipment that are also utilized to provide a visual marker for motion capture. Traditionally, mounts have been used for electronics or visual markers, but not both.
For at least the limitations described above there is a need for a motion capture element mount.
Embodiments of the invention enable a motion capture element mount for a piece of sporting, exercise or medical rehabilitation equipment, for example a golf club, tennis racquet, weight training bar, or any other equipment capable of movement by a human. In addition, embodiments enable existing equipment that was not manufactured originally with a mount for electronics to be retrofitted with a motion capture element mount. The apparatus may be located within a shaft or grip in the handle portion of the equipment for example. The mount is configured to hold electronics and/or a visual marker. Embodiments of the invention do not require modifying the equipment, for example the golf club, to include threads within the shaft. The apparatus may be flush mounted with the normal end of the equipment or have any desired length of extension from the end of the equipment. The mount also allows for the battery to be easily removed and replaced, for example without any tools. Although the remainder of this disclosure refers to an exemplary piece of equipment such as a golf club, one skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the invention may be utilized in any type of equipment capable of coupling with the apparatus.
One or more embodiments of the mount include a shaft enclosure and expander that may be coupled with an attachment element, for example a screw that is aligned along an axis parallel to the axis of the golf club shaft. The shaft enclosure and expander are situated within the handle portion of a golf club and engage in inner portion of the golf club shaft or grip for example. In one or more embodiments, the screw is then rotated to move the shaft enclosure and expander together, which thus forces legs of the shaft enclosure in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the golf club shaft. The force of the shaft enclosure against the inner wall of the golf club shaft thus couples the shaft enclosure to the golf club shaft non-permanently, for example based on the coefficient of static friction therebetween. After the shaft enclosure and expander are brought close enough together via the attachment element to securely couple the mount to the golf club shaft or inside portion of a grip that is coupled to the golf club shaft, then either the electronics package or a weight element is coupled with the shaft enclosure. Embodiments of the weight element require no modification of the equipment. A cap is coupled with the shaft enclosure in either case, which provides a cover for the weight element or electronics package and which may include a visual marker and/or logo on the cap. Any other method or structure that enables a non-permanent mount of the apparatus that requires no modification of the golf club shaft is in keeping with the spirit of the invention.
If the electronics package is installed, then generally a positive battery contact, printed circuit board (PCB), an insulator or insulative spacer, with negative electrical contact and battery may be installed between the shaft enclosure and cap. The electronics that may be coupled with the PCB for example may include active motion capture electronics that are battery powered, passive or active shot count components, for example a passive or active radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Embodiments of the electronics may include motion capture accelerometers and/or gyroscopes and/or an inertial measurement unit along with wireless transmitter/receiver or transceiver components. The RFID tag enables golf shots for each club associated with a golfer to be counted. Golf shots may optionally be counted via an identifier associated with motion capture electronics on the golf club in conjunction with a mobile computer, for example an IPHONE® equipped with an RFID reader that concentrates the processing for golf shot counting on the mobile computer instead of on each golf club. Optionally a wireless antenna may be coupled with the cap or alternatively may be implemented integral to the PCB as desired. One or more embodiments of the invention may also include a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna. The GPS antenna may be mounted on the printed circuit board or may be located separate from the printed circuit board. One or more embodiments of the invention may also directly or indirectly communicate with any other sensors coupled with the club including motion analysis capture elements, strain gauges or any other type of sensor coupled for example with the golf club head. One or more embodiments of the invention may also utilize a battery coupling that attaches the battery to the shaft enclosure so that when the cap is removed, the battery does not fall out, unless intended. Embodiments may also utilized spring based electrical contacts to prevent loss of electrical conductivity under high acceleration.
As previously stated, one or more embodiments may include a weight element that is interchangeable with the electronic package in the mount. The electronics package may be removed for example to comply with any sporting rules that do not allow instrumented sporting equipment. For example, USGA Rule 14-3 on Artificial Devices prohibits any “unusual device”, for example under 14-3(b) “For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance”. Any embodiment of the electronics package including a GPS receiver may thus be removed prior to match play for example and replaced with a weight element to minimize the weight difference. For example, the weight element may for example weigh close to or the same as the electronics to minimize overall instrumented versus non-instrumented weight differences of the golf club. In addition, a manufacture may provide the mount on each club with a small weight for example, that is removed when the golfer decides to upgrade the club to include active instrumented electronics or passive shot count elements that weigh the same amount. The net effect on the club dynamics for swing then is negligible. In one embodiment, the plastic portion of the mount weighs 5.7 grams and the battery weighs 3 grams while the screw weighs 1.9 grams. Thus the mounting components have minimal weight and by selecting a weight element of the same weight of the electronics package, or elements within the shaft enclosure and cap that are replaced by the weight element, the golfer feels no change in club weight when upgrading to an instrumented club.
The visual marker may be mounted on the cap for use with visual motion capture cameras. A golf club number may also be displayed on in a display area of the cap to indicate which club number is associated with the golf club. Embodiments of the visual marker may be passive or active, meaning that they may either have a visual portion that is visually trackable or may include a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode (LED) that allows for image tracking in low light conditions respectively. This for example may be implemented with a graphical symbol or colored marker at the cap of the mount on the shaft at the end of the handle for example. Motion analysis may be performed externally, for example using a camera and computer system based on the visual marker in any captured images. The visual data may also be utilized in motion analysis in combination with any wireless data from any installed electronics package.
The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the ideas conveyed through this disclosure will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:
A motion capture element mount will now be described. In the following exemplary description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the ideas described throughout this specification. It will be apparent, however, to an artisan of ordinary skill that embodiments of ideas described herein may be practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein. In other instances, specific aspects well known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the disclosure. Readers should note that although examples of the innovative concepts are set forth throughout this disclosure, the claims, and the full scope of any equivalents, are what define the invention. Although this disclosure refers to an exemplary piece of equipment such as a golf club, one skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the invention may be utilized in any equipment capable of coupling with the apparatus. This includes any piece of sporting, exercise or medical rehabilitation equipment, for example a golf club, tennis racquet, weight training bar, or any other equipment capable of movement by a human.
Optionally, an identification element or ID sticker, for example an RFID tag may be mounted within the shaft enclosure, cap, or any other portion of the apparatus, for shot count or club identification functionality. The identification element may also be implemented integral to, or coupled with the PCB in any manner as desired.
If the electronics package is installed, then generally a positive battery contact, printed circuit board or PCB, an insulator or insulative spacer, with negative electrical contact and battery may be installed between the shaft enclosure and cap. Optionally, a wireless antenna and/or GPS antenna may be coupled with the cap or alternatively may be implemented integral to the PCB as desired. Also see
The visual marker may be mounted on cap 230, shown as a circle with dots in view B1 may be utilized with visual motion capture cameras. A golf club number may also be displayed on in a display area of the cap to indicate which club number is associated with the golf club, which is shown as a small circle with a number in it in view B1. Embodiments of the visual marker may be passive or active, meaning that they may either have a visual portion that is visually trackable or may include a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode (LED) that allows for image tracking in low light conditions respectively. This for example may be implemented with a graphical symbol or colored marker at the cap of the mount on the shaft at the end of the handle for example. Motion analysis may be performed externally, for example using a camera and computer system based on the visual marker in any captured images. The visual data may also be utilized in motion analysis in combination with any wireless data from electronics package 460.
While the ideas herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/048,850 filed 15 Mar. 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 12/901,806 filed 11 Oct. 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 12/868,882 filed 26 Aug. 2010, the specifications of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1712537 | White | May 1929 | A |
2218268 | Reid | Oct 1940 | A |
3182508 | Varju | May 1965 | A |
3223555 | Himy et al. | Dec 1965 | A |
3226704 | Petrash | Dec 1965 | A |
3270564 | Evans | Jun 1966 | A |
3606327 | Gorman | Sep 1971 | A |
3788647 | Evans | Jan 1974 | A |
3792863 | Evans | Feb 1974 | A |
3806131 | Evans | Apr 1974 | A |
3945646 | Hammond | Mar 1976 | A |
4088324 | Farmer | Sep 1978 | A |
D295207 | Mahaffey | Apr 1988 | S |
4759219 | Cobb et al. | Jul 1988 | A |
4898389 | Plutt | Feb 1990 | A |
4910677 | Remedio et al. | Mar 1990 | A |
4940236 | Allen | Jul 1990 | A |
4991850 | Wilhlem | Feb 1991 | A |
5056783 | Matcovich et al. | Oct 1991 | A |
5086390 | Matthews | Feb 1992 | A |
5111410 | Nakayama et al. | May 1992 | A |
5127044 | Bonito et al. | Jun 1992 | A |
5184295 | Mann | Feb 1993 | A |
5230512 | Tattershall | Jul 1993 | A |
5233544 | Kobayashi | Aug 1993 | A |
5249967 | O'Leary et al. | Oct 1993 | A |
5259620 | Marocco | Nov 1993 | A |
5283733 | Colley | Feb 1994 | A |
5298904 | Olich | Mar 1994 | A |
5332225 | Ura | Jul 1994 | A |
5333061 | Nakashima et al. | Jul 1994 | A |
5364093 | Huston et al. | Nov 1994 | A |
5372365 | McTeigue et al. | Dec 1994 | A |
5422798 | Osiecki et al. | Jun 1995 | A |
5441256 | Hackman | Aug 1995 | A |
5441269 | Henwood | Aug 1995 | A |
5460372 | Cook | Oct 1995 | A |
5486001 | Baker | Jan 1996 | A |
5524081 | Paul | Jun 1996 | A |
5542676 | Howe et al. | Aug 1996 | A |
5592401 | Kramer | Jan 1997 | A |
5626527 | Eberlein | May 1997 | A |
5632484 | Lambert | May 1997 | A |
5638300 | Johnson | Jun 1997 | A |
5665006 | Pellegrini | Sep 1997 | A |
5688183 | Sabatino et al. | Nov 1997 | A |
5694340 | Kim | Dec 1997 | A |
5772522 | Nesbit | Jun 1998 | A |
5779555 | Nomura et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
5792001 | Henwood | Aug 1998 | A |
5800279 | Densberger et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
D399282 | Jarrett | Oct 1998 | S |
5819206 | Horton | Oct 1998 | A |
5826578 | Curchod | Oct 1998 | A |
5868578 | Baum | Feb 1999 | A |
5904484 | Burns | May 1999 | A |
5941779 | Zeiner-Gundersen | Aug 1999 | A |
5973596 | French et al. | Oct 1999 | A |
6007439 | MacKay, Jr. | Dec 1999 | A |
6030109 | Lobsenz | Feb 2000 | A |
6044704 | Sacher | Apr 2000 | A |
6073086 | Marinelli | Jun 2000 | A |
6224493 | Lee et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6244356 | Luna | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6248021 | Ognjanovic | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6293802 | Ahlgren | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6366205 | Sutphen | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6441745 | Gates | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6443860 | Byrne et al. | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6456938 | Barnard | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6567536 | McNitt | May 2003 | B2 |
6582328 | Kuta et al. | Jun 2003 | B2 |
6697761 | Akatsuka et al. | Feb 2004 | B2 |
6697820 | Tarlie | Feb 2004 | B1 |
6705942 | Crook et al. | Mar 2004 | B1 |
6709352 | Albin | Mar 2004 | B1 |
6746336 | Brant et al. | Jun 2004 | B1 |
6757572 | Forest | Jun 2004 | B1 |
6774932 | Ewing et al. | Aug 2004 | B1 |
6802772 | Kunzle et al. | Oct 2004 | B1 |
6900759 | Katayama | May 2005 | B1 |
6908404 | Gard | Jun 2005 | B1 |
6923729 | McGinty et al. | Aug 2005 | B2 |
7004848 | Konow | Feb 2006 | B2 |
7021140 | Perkins | Apr 2006 | B2 |
D522078 | De Gruccio | May 2006 | S |
7037198 | Hameen-Anttila | May 2006 | B2 |
D523507 | Perry et al. | Jun 2006 | S |
7118498 | Meadows et al. | Oct 2006 | B2 |
7121962 | Reeves | Oct 2006 | B2 |
7143639 | Gobush | Dec 2006 | B2 |
7160200 | Grober | Jan 2007 | B2 |
7175177 | Meifu et al. | Feb 2007 | B2 |
7184151 | Clarke et al. | Feb 2007 | B2 |
7205894 | Savage | Apr 2007 | B1 |
7219033 | Kolen | May 2007 | B2 |
7234351 | Perkins | Jun 2007 | B2 |
7264098 | McPherson | Sep 2007 | B2 |
7264554 | Bentley | Sep 2007 | B2 |
7267619 | Pettis | Sep 2007 | B1 |
7433805 | Vock et al. | Oct 2008 | B2 |
7457439 | Madsen | Nov 2008 | B1 |
7457724 | Vock et al. | Nov 2008 | B2 |
7481716 | Johnson | Jan 2009 | B1 |
7492367 | Mahajan et al. | Feb 2009 | B2 |
7494236 | Lim | Feb 2009 | B2 |
7561989 | Banks | Jul 2009 | B2 |
7623987 | Vock et al. | Nov 2009 | B2 |
7689378 | Kolen | Mar 2010 | B2 |
7713148 | Sweeney | May 2010 | B2 |
7736242 | Stites et al. | Jun 2010 | B2 |
7771263 | Telford | Aug 2010 | B2 |
7780450 | Tarry | Aug 2010 | B2 |
7800480 | Joseph et al. | Sep 2010 | B1 |
7813887 | Vock et al. | Oct 2010 | B2 |
7831212 | Balardeta et al. | Nov 2010 | B1 |
7871333 | Davenport | Jan 2011 | B1 |
7966154 | Vock et al. | Jun 2011 | B2 |
7983876 | Vock et al. | Jul 2011 | B2 |
8036826 | MacIntosh et al. | Oct 2011 | B2 |
8117888 | Chan et al. | Feb 2012 | B2 |
8172722 | Molyneux et al. | May 2012 | B2 |
8231506 | Molyneux et al. | Jul 2012 | B2 |
8249831 | Vock et al. | Aug 2012 | B2 |
8257191 | Stites et al. | Sep 2012 | B2 |
8348783 | Soracco et al. | Jan 2013 | B2 |
8355529 | Wu et al. | Jan 2013 | B2 |
8425292 | Lui et al. | Apr 2013 | B2 |
20010029207 | Cameron et al. | Oct 2001 | A1 |
20010035880 | Musatov et al. | Nov 2001 | A1 |
20010045904 | Silzer, Jr. | Nov 2001 | A1 |
20020004723 | Meifu et al. | Jan 2002 | A1 |
20020019677 | Lee | Feb 2002 | A1 |
20020049507 | Hameen-Anttila | Apr 2002 | A1 |
20020052750 | Hirooka | May 2002 | A1 |
20020064764 | Fishman | May 2002 | A1 |
20020072815 | McDonough et al. | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20020077189 | Tuer et al. | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20020082775 | Meadows et al. | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20020151994 | Sisco | Oct 2002 | A1 |
20020173364 | Boscha | Nov 2002 | A1 |
20020177490 | Yong et al. | Nov 2002 | A1 |
20020188359 | Morse | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20030008722 | Konow | Jan 2003 | A1 |
20030063292 | Mostafavi | Apr 2003 | A1 |
20040147329 | Meadows et al. | Jul 2004 | A1 |
20040224787 | Lindner | Nov 2004 | A1 |
20040248676 | Taylor et al. | Dec 2004 | A1 |
20050032582 | Mahajan et al. | Feb 2005 | A1 |
20050054457 | Eyestone et al. | Mar 2005 | A1 |
20050215340 | Stites et al. | Sep 2005 | A1 |
20050227775 | Cassady et al. | Oct 2005 | A1 |
20050261073 | Farrington, Jr. et al. | Nov 2005 | A1 |
20050268704 | Bissonnette et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050272516 | Gobush | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050282650 | Miettinen et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20060025229 | Mahajan et al. | Feb 2006 | A1 |
20060063600 | Grober | Mar 2006 | A1 |
20060084516 | Eyestone et al. | Apr 2006 | A1 |
20060109116 | Keays | May 2006 | A1 |
20060122002 | Konow | Jun 2006 | A1 |
20060199659 | Caldwell | Sep 2006 | A1 |
20060270450 | Garratt et al. | Nov 2006 | A1 |
20060276256 | Storek | Dec 2006 | A1 |
20070081695 | Foxlin et al. | Apr 2007 | A1 |
20070087866 | Meadows et al. | Apr 2007 | A1 |
20070099715 | Jones et al. | May 2007 | A1 |
20070111811 | Grober | May 2007 | A1 |
20070129178 | Reeves | Jun 2007 | A1 |
20070135225 | Nieminen | Jun 2007 | A1 |
20070135237 | Reeves | Jun 2007 | A1 |
20070270214 | Bentley | Nov 2007 | A1 |
20070298896 | Nusbaum | Dec 2007 | A1 |
20090017944 | Savarese et al. | Jan 2009 | A1 |
20090036237 | Nipper et al. | Feb 2009 | A1 |
20090111602 | Savarese et al. | Apr 2009 | A1 |
20090137333 | Lin et al. | May 2009 | A1 |
20090177097 | Ma et al. | Jul 2009 | A1 |
20090209358 | Niegowski | Aug 2009 | A1 |
20090233735 | Savarese et al. | Sep 2009 | A1 |
20100049468 | Papadourakis | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100063778 | Schrock et al. | Mar 2010 | A1 |
20100063779 | Schrock et al. | Mar 2010 | A1 |
20100079830 | Lacoste et al. | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100091112 | Veeser et al. | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100093458 | Davenport et al. | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100113174 | Ahern | May 2010 | A1 |
20100130298 | Dugan et al. | May 2010 | A1 |
20100144414 | Edis et al. | Jun 2010 | A1 |
20100144456 | Ahern | Jun 2010 | A1 |
20100216564 | Stites et al. | Aug 2010 | A1 |
20100222152 | Jaekel et al. | Sep 2010 | A1 |
20100308105 | Savarese et al. | Dec 2010 | A1 |
20110015005 | Pfeifer | Jan 2011 | A1 |
20110037778 | Deng et al. | Feb 2011 | A1 |
20110053688 | Crawford | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110075341 | Lau et al. | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110165998 | Lau et al. | Jul 2011 | A1 |
20110230273 | Niegowski et al. | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20110230274 | Lafortune et al. | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20110230985 | Niegowski et al. | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20110230986 | Lafortune | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20120052972 | Bentley | Mar 2012 | A1 |
20120115682 | Homsi | May 2012 | A1 |
20120120573 | Bentley | May 2012 | A1 |
20130060168 | Chu et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
20130167290 | Ben Ezra | Jul 2013 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
2694123 | Aug 2011 | CA |
20070120443 | Dec 2007 | KR |
10-1079319 | Nov 2011 | KR |
9427683 | Dec 1994 | WO |
Entry |
---|
myCaddie, 2009, retrieved on Sep. 26, 2012 from http://www.iMakePars.com, 4 pages. |
Swing it See it Fix it, Improve Gold Swing, SwingSmart Golf Analyzer, retrieved on Sep. 26, 2012 from http://www.SwingSmart.com, 2 pages. |
Learn how Swingbyte can improve your game, retrieved on Sep. 26, 2012 from http://www.swingbyte.com, 2 pages. |
International Search Report Dated Mar. 29, 2013, 10 pages. |
ActiveReply, “TRACE—The Most Advanced Activity Monitor for Action Sports”, http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/activereplay/trace-the-most-advanced-activity-monitor-for-actio, 13 pages, Jul. 31, 2013. |
International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Mar. 27, 2014, 7 pagse, PCT Appl. No. PCT/US2013/072461. |
International Preliminary Report on Patentability, received for PCT Patent Appl. No. PCT/US2012/066915, dated Jun. 12, 2014, 7 pages. |
International Search Report Dated Jul. 18, 2013, 6 pages, PCT Appl. No. PCT/US2013/038694. |
Foreman et al. “A Comparative Analysis for the Measurement of Head Accelerations in Ice Hockey Helmets using Non-Accelerometer Based Systems,” Nov. 19, 2012, 13 pages. |
Armour39, Under Armour Guarantee, Getting Started, retrieved from the Internet on Jul. 12, 2013, 7 pages. |
Armour39 Module & Chest Strap, retrieved from the Internet on Jul. 12, 2013, 6 pages. |
King, The Design and Application of Wireless Mems Inertial Measurement Units for the Measurement and Analysis of Golf Swings, 2008. |
Grober, An Accelerometer Based Instrumentation of the Golf Club: Comparative Analysis of Golf Swings, 2009. |
The Nike+FuelBand User's Guide, rev 14, 26 pages, 2012. |
UP by Jawbone Extended User Guide, 10 pages, 2013. |
miCoach Pacer User Manual, 31 pages, 2009. |
miCoach SPEED—CELL TM, User Manual, 23 pages, 2011. |
Nike+iPod, User Guide, 32 pages, 2010. |
SureShotGPS SS9000X, Intelligent Touch, Instruction Manual, 25 pages, 2011. |
Gehrig et al, Visual Golf Club Tracking for Enhanced Swing Analysis, Computer Vision Lab, Lausanne, Switzerland, 2003. |
Pocketpro Golf Designs, PocketPro Full Swing Analysis in Your Pocket, www.PocketPro.org, Jun. 8, 2011. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20120052973 A1 | Mar 2012 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 13048850 | Mar 2011 | US |
Child | 13191309 | US | |
Parent | 12901806 | Oct 2010 | US |
Child | 13048850 | US | |
Parent | 12868882 | Aug 2010 | US |
Child | 12901806 | US |