Method and apparatus for sport swing analysis system

Abstract

A sports swing analysis system detects and analyzes swing parameters at the point of contact between a swung implement and the object that the swing is directed at.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application having Ser. No. 09 / 952,714, entitled, “SPORT SWING ANALYSIS SYSETM,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The present application has the same inventors as, is assigned to the same entity as, and claims benefit of the same filing date, Sep. 14, 2001, as this application. Applications having the same inventors, the same assignee, and docket numbers: GT1CONTA, GT1CONTB, GT1CONTC, GT1CONTD, GT1CONTE, GT1CONTF, GT1CONTG, GT1CONTH, GT1CONTI, and GT1CONTJ are being filed on the same day herewith and each incorporates the other by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to systems and methods to aid in analyzing the swing associated with athletic activities. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for detecting and analyzing the path and orientation of an sports implement, such as a golf club, as it is swung. Although the present invention...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a system and method for analyzing sports swings using infrared light reflected from the implement. The system detects the light reflected from the implement and uses pattern recognition to identify the light from background light. The system emits light and detects the reflected light as the implement passes by. The system can identify the leading and trailing edges of the implement and determine the speed and direction of motion. The system can also analyze slower swings, such as putting strokes in golf, and may incorporate both triangulation and edge detection techniques. The technical effects of the invention include improved accuracy in analyzing swings and providing valuable information for improving performance."

Problems solved by technology

A sixty percent failure rate would be disastrous in nearly any other endeavor, but, in baseball, it's the apex of performance.

Although professionals are available to help athletes improve their swings (e.g., hitting coaches for baseball players and golf and tennis professionals), costs associated with such lessons are beyond the means of the vast majority of players.

Scheduling the time for and traveling to lessons adds another layer of inconvenience to this approach for improving your golf game.

Additionally, athletic activities involving the use of an implement moving at a high rate of speed, it can be difficult to accurately assess any flaws in the mechanics of an individual's swing.

Notwithstanding the abundance of swing analysis systems, the development of accurate, inexpensive swing sensing and analysis systems remains elusive.

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