Apparatus and method for detecting and determining grip profile

Abstract

A grip evaluation device is provided that evaluates the force applied to a grip surface. The grip assessment device includes a support structure having an outer surface, a cover disposed about the support structure and configured to define a grip surface, and a plurality of sensor elements disposed along the outer surface of the support structure, each sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements configured to generate an output signal indicative of a force applied to the grip surface at the respective sensor element, the plurality of sensor elements being dispersed throughout the grip surface, such that the output signals from the plurality of sensor elements collectively indicate a grip profile along the grip surface, the grip profile providing grip position data and grip strength data correlated with the grip position data.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 852,726, entitled "Grip Profile Detection and Evaluation," filed May 24, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] [Technical field to which the invention pertains] TECHNICAL FIELD The disclosure herein relates generally to measuring grip and other surface forces.

[0003] The elbow has collateral ligaments on the medial and lateral sides of the elbow. The ligament on the medial side of the elbow is the medial ulnar collateral ligament. It runs from the medial side of the upper arm bone (i.e., the humerus) to the medial side of the larger of the two bones in the forearm (i.e., the ulna). The medial ulnar collateral ligament stabilizes the elbow during movements that put valgus stress on the elbow, such as pitching a baseball. Injuries to the medial ulnar collateral ligament can range from minor tears and inflammation to complete rupture of the ligament.

[0004] Although the medial ulnar collateral ligament can be ruptured by a sudden traumatic accident, more commonly, the medial ulnar collateral ligament can weaken over time, eventually leading to rupture. Such weakness results from the repetitive stresses associated with certain repetitive movements in pitching and other throwing sports. For this reason, weakness and subsequent injury is common among baseball pitchers, javelin throwers, and other throwing athletes, as well as gymnasts who are involved in repetitive eversion movements and stresses across the elbow.

[0005] Medial ulnar collateral ligament ruptures and other injuries are common in baseball pitchers of all ages, from adolescents to professionals. Knowledge of elbow mechanics does not provide a comprehensive understanding of how to prevent such injuries. For example, dynamic movements of the flexor muscles are known to be involved in protecting the medial ulnar collateral ligament. However, questions remain regarding the conditions of the flexor muscles that result in injury to the medial ulnar collateral ligament. More information on the extent of flexor and extensor fatigue that occurs in pitching, throwing, and swinging sports is important to further understand these common pathologies. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a grip assessment device includes a support structure having an exterior surface, a cover disposed about the support structure and configured to define a grip surface, and a plurality of sensor elements disposed along the exterior surface of the support structure. Each sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements is configured to generate an output signal indicative of a force applied to the grip surface at the respective sensor element. The plurality of sensor elements are distributed throughout the grip surface such that the output signals from the plurality of sensor elements collectively indicate a grip profile along the grip surface, the grip profile providing grip position data and grip strength data correlated to the grip position data.

[0007] According to another aspect of the disclosure, an instrumented baseball includes a core having an exterior surface, a leather covering wrapped around the exterior surface of the core and configured to define a grip surface, and a plurality of sensor elements disposed along the exterior surface of the core, each sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements configured to generate an output signal indicative of a force applied to the grip surface at the respective sensor element. The instrumented baseball further includes a circuit disposed inside the core, communicatively connected to the plurality of sensor elements, and configured to generate grip profile data based on the output signal.

[0008] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of evaluating a grip profile of a baseball includes acquiring, at a processor, sensor data acquired by an instrumented baseball during a pitch. The sensor data is indicative of grip position data and grip strength data correlated with the grip position data. The method further includes generating, at the processor, grip profile data based on the sensor data, comparing, at the processor, the grip profile data to pre-defined grip profile data, and providing, at the processor, an evaluation of the grip profile of the baseball based on the comparison.

[0009] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a grip evaluation system includes a grip evaluation device. The grip evaluation device includes a support structure having an outer surface, a cover configured to be disposed about the support structure and define a grip surface, and a plurality of sensor elements disposed along the outer surface of the support structure. Each sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements is configured to generate an output signal indicative of a force applied to the grip surface at the respective sensor element. The grip evaluation device further includes a control circuit communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensor elements and configured to generate grip profile data based on the output signal. The grip evaluation system further includes a computing device. The computing device is communicatively coupled to the grip evaluation device to receive the grip profile data from the grip evaluation device. The computing device includes a processor and a memory having grip profile comparison instructions stored thereon. Execution of the grip profile comparison instructions causes the processor to perform a comparison of the grip profile data to pre-defined grip profile data and provide a grip profile evaluation based on the comparison.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, the ball includes a support structure having an exterior surface, a cover configured to be positioned about the support structure and define an exterior surface of the ball, and a plurality of sensor elements disposed along the exterior surface of the support structure. Each sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements is configured to generate an output signal indicative of a force applied to the exterior surface at the respective sensor element. The ball further includes a motion sensor supported by the support structure. The motion sensor is configured to measure a motion of the ball affected by the force applied to the exterior surface. The ball further includes control circuitry communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensor elements and the motion sensor to generate the output signal and data based on the measured motion.

[0011] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for evaluating the dynamics of a ball includes acquiring, with a plurality of sensor elements embedded in the ball, sensor data indicative of a spatial distribution of forces applied to an exterior surface of the ball; acquiring, with motion sensors embedded in the ball, motion data indicative of the motion of the ball under the influence of the forces applied to the exterior surface of the ball; and providing, with control circuitry embedded in the ball, the sensor data and the motion data to a processing unit external to the ball.

[0012] In relation to any one of the aforementioned aspects, the devices, systems, and / or methods described herein may alternatively or additionally include any combination of one or more of the following aspects or features: The plurality of sensor elements is disposed between the support structure and the cover. Each sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements includes an individual sensor. The grip assessment device further includes a sensor film disposed between the cover and the support structure. The plurality of sensor elements is arranged as a grid of sensor elements disposed on the film. Each sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements is configured to measure pressure. Each of the plurality of sensor elements includes a piezoelectric sensor element.

[0013] The grip assessment device further includes a circuit disposed within the support structure, communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensor elements and configured to generate grip profile data based on the output signals, the circuit configured for wireless communication of the grip profile data.

[0014] The support structure includes a core. The cover includes a polymeric shell having embedded therein the core and a plurality of sensor elements, and a cover layer wrapped around the polymeric shell. The core and polymeric shell are configured such that the grip assessment device has an inertial characteristic of a baseball. The support structure is ball shaped. The plurality of sensor elements includes a flexible spiral film wrapped around an outer surface of the support structure. The plurality of sensor elements includes a flexible film wrapped around an outer surface of the support structure. The flexible film includes a plurality of petals.

[0015] The support structure is handle-shaped. The support structure is spheroid-shaped and an exterior surface thereof has a plurality of flattened portions, each flattened portion having a respective sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements disposed thereon.

[0016] The grip evaluation device further includes a plurality of cables. The support structure has a plurality of openings on its outer surface. Each sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements includes a respective cable of the plurality of cables. Each cable of the plurality of cables passes through a respective opening of the plurality of openings. The instrumented baseball further includes a core and a polymeric shell having the plurality of sensor elements embedded therein. The leather cover is wrapped around the polymeric shell. The core is spheroidal in shape and its outer surface has a plurality of flattened portions, each flattened portion of the plurality of flattened portions having a respective sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements disposed thereon.

[0017] The method further includes acquiring, at the processor, pitch data acquired during a pitch. The pitch data is indicative of a pitch trajectory of the instrumented baseball. The method further includes performing a comparison of the pitch trajectory data with pre-defined pitch trajectory data for the pitch type, and providing, at the processor, an evaluation including providing information related to the comparison. The motion sensor includes an inertial measurement unit. The data generated by the control circuitry includes spin data indicative of a spin rate of the motion. The data generated by the control circuitry includes velocity data indicative of a speed of the motion. The data generated by the control circuitry includes trajectory data indicative of a trajectory of the motion. The motion sensor includes an inertial measurement unit. The method further includes calculating, at the processor, trajectory data based on the motion data. The trajectory data includes a spin rate of the motion, a spin axis of the motion, a speed of the motion, and a change (curvature) of the motion.

[0018] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like reference numerals, and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic and block diagram of a grip assessment device according to one example. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram and block diagram of a grip evaluation system and an apparatus thereof according to another example. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a grip evaluation method according to one example. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a grip evaluation device according to an example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a schematic portion of a core of a grip assessment device according to one example. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a core of a grip evaluation device according to another example. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a sensor element of a grip assessment device according to an example. [Figure 8]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the grip evaluation device according to the present embodiment, showing a core having a plurality of sensor elements disposed thereon in the process of being formed. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the grip evaluation device according to the present embodiment, showing a core and a plurality of sensor elements in the process of being formed to be embedded within a polymer shell. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a grip evaluation device after the manufacturing process has been completed with packaging of the leather cover according to one example. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a plot of calibration data for a sensor element in which the sensor output signal is plotted as a function of applied load. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a spiral-shaped planar sensor circuit configured for placement across a sphere or other three-dimensional curved perimeter, according to one example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the planar sensor circuit of FIG. 12 after placement across a spherical outer surface. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a petal-shaped, planar sensor circuit configured for placement across a sphere or other three-dimensional curved outer surface, according to one example. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of one of the planar sensor circuits of FIG. 12 after placement across a spherical outer surface. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a planar sensor circuit distributed across a set of hexagonal and pentagonal panels (i.e., in the form of a truncated icosahedron or soccer ball) for placement across a sphere or other three-dimensional curved exterior surface, according to one example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The disclosed device, system, and method embodiments may assume a variety of forms, and while specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described below, it is understood that the disclosure is intended to be illustrative, i.e., the disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments described and illustrated herein.

[0021] Apparatus, systems and methods for detecting and assessing a grip profile are described. The disclosed apparatus includes a grip assessment device including a plurality of sensor elements distributed across a grip surface. Thus, the disclosed apparatus can measure grip strength across the entire grip surface. The plurality of sensor elements measure respective forces applied to the grip surface. Data provided by the plurality of sensor elements is collected to provide a grip profile, which may include the magnitude of all forces on the ball. The grip profile includes both grip position data and grip strength data.

[0022] In some cases, the grip assessment device is an instrumented baseball or other ball. The instrumented baseball can measure forces (e.g., normal forces) applied to the surface of the ball. A plurality of sensor elements provide output signals that map the forces to distributed locations on the ball. Thus, the instrumented baseball may be used to determine a profile of grip forces applied to the ball. Thus, the disclosed devices, systems, and methods can address, for example, the lack of general knowledge regarding the exact locations where forces are applied on a baseball (e.g., in relation to various grips for different pitches) and / or where forces applied to a ball occur.

[0023] In some cases, an instrumented baseball (or other ball) has the appearance and feel of a real baseball (or other ball). For example, an instrumented baseball (or other ball) can be pitched and has the surface, inertia, and other appearance characteristics of a (real) baseball (or other ball). In these and other cases, the sensor elements and other active components of the instrumented baseball can be embedded, despite the challenges of fitting the components inside the baseball. Thus, to a user, the instrumented ball will appear identical in all respects (e.g., feel, weight, functionality, etc.) to a conventional, non-instrumented ball.

[0024] The grip force profile provided by the instrumented baseball may be used to measure or characterize the different grips performed by a pitcher or pitchers for various pitches (i.e., pitch types). The grip force profile may also be used to quantify the muscular effort required by a pitcher or pitchers to successfully execute various pitches. By measuring the force applied to the surface of the ball, the instrumented baseball may be used to quantify how different grips affect the outcome of different pitchers' pitches (velocity, spin, and deflection). Thus, the instrumented baseball is useful as a training or coaching tool. For example, the data provided by the instrumented baseball may be used to measure the different grips performed by pitchers for different pitches.

[0025] The grip profile information provided by the instrumented baseball is also useful as a tool for analyzing the biomechanical characteristics of a pitcher and / or a particular pitch. For example, by mapping the forces on the baseball, the disclosed devices, systems, and methods can be used to determine the work exerted by, for example, the flexor muscles. In quantifying the performance of the muscles involved in executing various pitches, the disclosed devices, systems, and methods can be used to determine or correlate which pitches are most fatiguing to the flexor muscles (forearm musculature). Other biomechanical characteristics can be determined for various analyses, including, for example, fatigue analysis, injury prevention, and other injury identification.

[0026] Although described herein in the context of an instrumented baseball, the nature, structure, configuration, features, and other aspects of the grip assessment device may vary depending on its grip surface. For example, the grip assessment device may be applied to other types of balls, such as softballs and footballs. Objects other than balls may be configured with or as a grip assessment device. For example, in other sports-related contexts, the grip assessment device may be a club (e.g., a golf club), a racquet (e.g., a tennis racquet), or a bat (e.g., a baseball bat). The disclosed devices, systems, and methods are also not limited to sports-related fields. The grip assessment device may include any object having a grip surface for which grip profile data is useful (e.g., an object for which the profile of the object's grip determines the outcome). Examples of such non-sports-related equipment or equipment include steering wheels, bicycle handlebars, various consumables, hand-held controls for use in the workplace and elsewhere, and other objects. Thus, the disclosed devices, systems, and methods may be applied to any object having a grip surface.

[0027] Regardless of the nature of the object being gripped, the disclosed devices may be configured such that the operational characteristics of the object are not or will not be adversely affected by the integration of the components of the disclosed devices. For example, the ball or other object will appear to be identical to an actual, uninstrumented ball or other object. For these purposes, the circuitry of the ball or other object may use battery power and / or wireless communications, thereby acquiring and transmitting grip position data, grip strength data, and other data without affecting the operational characteristics of the ball or other object.

[0028] Although described in the context of injury prevention, the disclosed devices, systems, and methods are also useful in the context of sports and other performance training. For example, knowing the finger and palm positions and their respective pressure distributions is a useful tool for honing sport-specific throwing techniques. In some cases, the disclosed devices, systems, and methods can support on-the-spot technique changes, e.g., via immediate feedback.

[0029] The disclosed devices, systems, and methods are not limited to applications involving measurements of grip forces on a ball. For example, the disclosed devices, systems, and methods may be directed to evaluating the dynamics of any ball to which a surface force is applied. Data indicative of the surface forces is obtained along with motion data indicative of the motion of the ball affected by the surface forces. The nature of the surface forces may change. In some cases, the surface forces are applied by human motion (e.g., a foot hitting a soccer ball, or a hand hitting a volleyball) or an implement (e.g., a golf club hitting a golf ball, or a baseball bat hitting a baseball). The properties of the ball may change accordingly.

[0030] Thus, the disclosed devices, systems, and methods are useful in connection with multiple types of objects. In some cases, the disclosed devices may be configured as any type of object having a grip surface. In such cases, the disclosed devices may or may not be balls, and motion data indicative of motion influenced by grip forces may or may not be obtained. When the disclosed devices are configured as balls, the surface forces may or may not be grip forces, and motion data may or may not be obtained. Corresponding systems and methods may be modified accordingly. Thus, references herein to grip assessment, grip forces, and other grip-related aspects associated with the disclosed devices, systems, and methods should be understood to include other surface forces in the context of a ball with embedded sensor functionality as described herein.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a grip assessment device 100 according to one embodiment. In this case, the grip assessment device 100 is or includes a baseball 102 capable of measuring the magnitude and location of applied grip force. In other cases, the grip assessment device 100 is or includes another type of ball, such as a football, or other gripped object. In still other cases, the device 100 may be any type of ball (with or without a grip surface) with embedded sensor functionality for acquiring surface and motion data as described herein. The device 100 is illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 1 for ease of explanation. Exemplary grip assessment devices are described non-schematically in connection with the other figures.

[0032] The device 100 includes a core 104 and a cover 106 disposed about the core 104. The core 104 has an exterior surface. The exterior surface may be molded or otherwise configured to support grip evaluation features, as described below. In some cases, the exterior surface and / or other aspects of the core 104 may be customized by three-dimensional printing or other rapid prototyping. The cover 106 is configured to define a grip or other exterior surface, such as the exterior surface of the core 104. In this case, the core 104 is ball-shaped and the cover 106 is or includes a leather cover.

[0033] The shape, composition, composition, and other characteristics of the core 104 and cover 106 may differ from the baseball 102 of FIG. 1. For example, the core 104 may be cylindrical in shape. The core 104 may be or include any type of internal structure, support, or support structure. The core 104 may be or include an air-filled object, such as, for example, a football, basketball, or other inflated ball.

[0034] The core 104, cover 106, and example embodiments thereof are further shown and described with respect to other figures. The cover 106 can include multiple layers, including, for example, an inner shell and an outer layer.

[0035] The device 100 further includes a plurality of sensor elements 108 disposed along an outer surface of the core 104. The sensor elements 108 are supported by the core or support structure 104. Each sensor element 108 is configured to generate an output signal indicative of a force applied to the grip surface at the respective sensor element 108. The sensor elements 108 are distributed across the grip surface such that the output signals from the sensor elements 108 collectively indicate a grip profile along the grip surface. As described below, the grip profile provides grip position data and grip force magnitude data that correlates with the grip position data. The device 100 may include one or more additional sensors, including, for example, a motion sensor such as an inertial measurement unit, to obtain motion data, as described herein.

[0036] 1, each sensor element 108 is an individual sensor. Each sensor element 108 is configured to generate its output signal independently of the other sensor elements 108. In other cases, the sensor elements 108 may be integrated into a grid or other framework, for example. The degree or nature of the integration may vary.

[0037] The number and layout of the sensor elements 108 may vary. In one example baseball, the number of sensor elements 108 falls within the range of about 30 to about 40 (e.g., 32 sensor elements), although the number may vary with other sensor layouts. The layout may differ from the linear arrangement shown in FIG. 1, for example, the sensor elements 108 may be arranged in a diamond configuration or other arrangement that better suits the shape of each sensor element 108.

[0038] The size, number, shape, and placement of the sensor elements 108 may be selected to maximize or increase the extent to which the grip surface is covered by the sensor elements 108. Increasing the coverage area provides a more accurate and useful grip profile. Complete coverage of a spherical or spheroidal surface is challenging. To this end, it may be useful to place many small sensors around the surface of the baseball 102. The sensor elements 108 may be carried on a flexible circuit or other film shaped to allow for universal or substantial coverage of the surface. Examples of such films are described below in connection with FIGS. 12-16.

[0039] Each sensor element 108 may be or include one or more force-sensitive resistors. In some cases, each sensor element 108 is or includes a piezoelectric sensor element. Each sensor element 108 may be configured to measure pressure. For example, each sensor element 108 may measure pressure via compression or other physical deformation of one or more layers of the cover 106. Other types of pressure or force sensors may be used, including, for example, capacitive sensors.

[0040] The sensor element 108 may be embedded in a cover layer or other component of the baseball 102. For example, the sensor element 108 may be secured, attached, or otherwise positioned on the core 104 and then encased in a flexible polymer shell (or other cover layer). In some cases, the polymer shell or layer is or includes polyurethane, which may be applied via a mold. The polymer layer may be considered one of multiple layers of the cover 106. The leather or other cover layer of the cover 106 may then be wrapped around the polymer layer.

[0041] The grip assessment device 100 includes a control circuit 110 communicatively coupled to the sensor elements 108 and configured to generate grip profile data based on the output signals. The control circuit 110 can receive the output signals directly or indirectly from the sensor elements 108. In the example of FIG. 1, the control circuit 110 is shown on the outside of the baseball 102 for ease of depiction. In other cases, one or more components of the control circuit 110 are embedded or otherwise disposed within the core 104 or the baseball 102. The control circuit 110 can be coupled to the sensor elements 108 via one or more wired connections.

[0042] In the example of FIG. 1, the control circuit 110 includes a microcontroller 112, an input circuit 114, and a signal processing circuit 116. These components of the control circuit 110 may be integrated to any desired extent. For example, the components may be provided via a system on chip (SoC) or other integrated architecture. Any number of integrated circuits (ICs) or other components may be used to realize the components of the control circuit 110. Additional, fewer, or alternative components may be provided. For example, the control circuit 110 may include a separate circuit directed to providing a digital output signal, i.e., grip profile data, from the microcontroller 112. The control circuit 110 may include additional, fewer, or alternative components. For example, the control circuit 110 may include a battery and / or other power source. The battery may be embedded or otherwise internally located.

[0043] The output signals are received via input circuitry 114. The input circuitry 114 can be configured to develop an analog representation of the force applied to each sensor element 108. For example, the input circuitry 114 may include a resistor or resistive element over which a voltage is developed according to the current passing through the sensor element 108. In one example, each output signal is measured across a 150 Ω resistor. A respective resistor or resistive element may be provided for each sensor element 108. Alternatively, the input circuitry 114 may be or include a multiplexer or other configuration. In some cases, the input circuitry 114 may also be configured to drive (e.g., bias) or support the driving of the sensor elements 108.

[0044] The signal processing circuitry 116 can be configured to process analog signals provided via the input circuitry 114. In some cases, the signal processing circuitry 116 is or includes an analog-to-digital converter. Alternative or additional processing may be provided. For example, the signal processing circuitry 116 may be directed to filtering or other conditioning of analog or other signals provided by the input circuitry 114 or the sensor elements 108.

[0045] The microcontroller 112 receives digital or other signals from other components of the control circuit 110. The microcontroller 112 may be configured to generate or record data indicative of the magnitude of force applied to each sensor element 108 along with data indicative of its position, i.e., the position of the corresponding force sensor 108. The force magnitude and position data generated by the microcontroller 112 may be used to understand different grips and quantify different grip profiles.

[0046] The microcontroller 112 may be or include a processing unit (processor) or may be implemented on an IC chip. The processing unit may be programmed via instructions stored in one or more memory units. The one or more memory units may be integrated with the processing unit, for example, on an IC chip, or may not be integrated with the processing unit. In one example, the microcontroller 112 is or includes an Arduino Uno processor. Other microcontrollers or processing units may be used. In some cases, the control circuit 110 may include one or more multiplexers to effectively increase the number of analog input ports (e.g., pins) provided by the microcontroller 112.

[0047] The Arduino Uno or other microcontroller 112 may be configured to partition and display the grip profile data. For example, the microcontroller 112 may include or be coupled to a serial monitor on which the grip profile data is displayed. The microcontroller 112 may be configured to implement alternative or additional procedures. For example, drift present in readout time may be accommodated for, compensated for, or otherwise addressed by procedures executed by the microcontroller 112, e.g., via instructions stored in one or more memory units.

[0048] 1 shows a wired connection 118 between the sensor element 108 and the control circuit 110. Grip profile data may be obtained from the control circuit 110 via an additional wired connection. For example, the microcontroller 112 and / or more generally the control circuit 110 may have one or more output ports to which a cable may be connected.

[0049] In other cases, the grip profile data may be obtained from and provided wirelessly by the control circuitry 110. In such cases, the control circuitry 110 may be embedded or otherwise disposed within the baseball 102. For example, the control circuitry 110 may be disposed within the interior space of the core 104. Thus, the grip evaluation device 100 may be a fully wireless, pitchable, instrumented baseball. As a result, the grip evaluation device 100 may be configured to have the same inertial characteristics as a regulation baseball. In this manner, the grip evaluation device 100 provides the ability to understand the relationship between different grips and pitching performance.

[0050] 2 illustrates a grip evaluation system 200 according to an example. Grip evaluation system 200 includes a grip evaluation device 202 and a computing device 204 communicatively coupled to grip evaluation device 202. Grip evaluation device 202 may have one or more features in common with other devices described herein, including, for example, device 100 of FIG. 1, and computing device 204 may be used in conjunction with any of the devices described herein.

[0051] In some cases, grip assessment device 202 is included as any type of ball, such as a baseball, football, soccer ball, volleyball, golf ball, etc. The ball may or may not have a gripping surface. In cases without a gripping surface, system 200 may be directed to assessing the spatial distribution of forces applied to the outer surface of the ball, such as a ball dynamics assessment system. In still other cases, device 202 may be any type of gripping object, such as a racket, handle, or hand-held control.

[0052] The grip evaluation device 202 may have a grip or other outer surface that is spherical, spheroidal, cylindrical, or other shaped. The curvature of the grip surface may vary accordingly. The grip evaluation device 202 may have one or more features or aspects in common with other grip evaluation devices described herein. For example, the grip evaluation device 202 may include a core 206 (or support structure) having an outer circumferential surface portion, a cover 208 disposed about the core 206 and configured to define a grip surface 210, and a plurality of sensor elements disposed between the core 206 and the cover 208 along the outer circumferential surface portion of the core 206. In this example, the cover 208 includes a single layer, e.g., a leather cover, although any number or type of cover layer may be used, including, for example, a polymeric inner shell, although alternative or additional cover layers may be included.

[0053] The grip assessment device 202 includes a control unit 212 disposed within the core 206, for example, within the internal space of the core 206. The control unit 212 is embedded to enable the grip assessment device 202 to be gripped and used naturally. The control unit 212 can be configured similarly to the control circuitry described above. For example, the control unit 212 can be or include circuitry configured to generate grip profile data based on output signals from the sensor elements. In this case, the control unit 212 uses a wireless communication connection with the computing device 204, for example, via Bluetooth or another wireless communication standard, to transfer sensor data (e.g., grip profile data) from the grip assessment device 202 to the computing device 204.

[0054] The grip assessment device 202, as in the examples described above, includes a plurality of sensor elements distributed across the grip surface 210. The example of FIG. 2 differs from the examples described above in that the sensor elements are arranged in a sensor grid 214. Thus, the sensor elements of the sensor grid 214 are not individual sensors. Instead, the sensor elements are arranged and interconnected in rows and columns in the sensor grid 214. The sensor grid 214 includes matrix read / driver circuitry 216, 218 coupled to the sensor elements and configured to drive and / or read output signals of the sensor elements.

[0055] The sensor grid 214 may be configured as a flexible sheet or film and may be wrapped around the core 206. The sensor elements may be formed or otherwise disposed on the film. For example, the film may act as a substrate for transistors, resistive, capacitive, and / or other circuit elements of the sensor grid 214.

[0056] The sensor grid 214 may be suitable for use when the grip assessment device 202 is cylindrical, such as a golf club, or other handle shape. In other cases, the film may be stretchable and / or molded to accommodate other device shapes (e.g., a ball shape or other spheroidal device).

[0057] In the example of FIG. 2, the grip assessment device 202 includes one or more motion sensors 219 configured to acquire or measure a motion of the grip assessment device 202. The motion is influenced by a grip or other force applied to an exterior surface of the device 202. If the grip assessment device 202 is or includes a ball, the sensors 219 may be configured to acquire data indicative of a trajectory of the motion (e.g., a pitching trajectory). For example, the motion sensor 219 may be or otherwise include an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The motion sensor 219 may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or other motion sensors. The degree to which the motion sensor 219 is integrated may vary as desired.

[0058] The computing device 204 is communicatively coupled to the grip assessment device 202 to receive the grip profile data from the grip assessment device 202. The computing device 204 may be a portable computing device, such as a smart phone, or a personal computing device, such as a laptop or desktop. The computing device 204 includes a processing unit 220 that processes the grip profile data, a wireless communication interface 222 that receives the grip profile data, and a display 224 that presents the raw or processed grip profile data to a user. The computing device 204 further includes a memory 226 in which instructions for the processing unit 220 are stored. In this example, grip profile generation instructions 228, grip profile comparison instructions 230, and action (e.g., pitch trajectory or other trajectory) calculation instructions 231 are stored in the memory 226. The instructions 228, 230, 231 may be combined to any desired extent. Additional, fewer, or alternative instructions may be stored. For example, generation of the grip profile (or grip profile data) may be processed entirely by the control unit 212. The memory 226 may include one or more memories or memory units.

[0059] Execution of the grip profile comparison instructions 230 causes the processing unit 220 to perform a comparison of the grip profile data to preset grip profile data and provide a grip profile assessment based on the comparison. The preset grip profile data may be stored in a data store 232 on the computing device 204. In some cases, the data store 232 may be located on a server or other remote computing device.

[0060] The grip profile evaluation may be directed to evaluating how appropriate the grip profile is for a given pitch or other activity, for example as a training tool. The grip profile evaluation may alternatively or additionally be directed to injury prevention, injury detection, rehabilitation, and / or other uses.

[0061] Execution of the motion calculation instructions 231 causes the processing unit 220 to generate data based on motion data measured or acquired by the motion sensor 219. For example, the data may include rotational data indicative of a rotational rate of the motion and / or a rotational axis of the motion. Alternatively or additionally, the data may include velocity data indicative of a rotational rate and / or trajectory data indicative of a change in rotation or other trajectory. Data calculated via execution of the motion calculation instructions 231 may enable a pitched ball or other object trajectory to be analyzed in conjunction with the spatial distribution of grip or other surface forces without reliance on further equipment, such as a video camera and associated video analysis system.

[0062] The computing device 204 may be used in conjunction with any of the other grip assessment devices described herein.

[0063] FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 for evaluating a grip profile, e.g., a baseball grip profile, or other spatial distribution of surface forces, according to an example. One or more operations of the method 300 may be performed by any one or more of the controllers, control circuits, or processors described herein, and / or another controller, control circuit, or processor. For example, some or all of the method 300 may be performed as a result of execution of the grip profile comparison instructions 230 (FIG. 2) by the processor 220 (FIG. 2). Alternatively or additionally, one or more operations of the method 300 may be performed by a microcontroller or other controller of one of the grip evaluation devices described herein. For example, the grip profile data may be generated by the grip evaluation device.

[0064] Method 300 may also be directed to evaluating ball motion dynamics. For example, ball motion dynamics may be calculated via execution of motion calculation instructions 231 (FIG. 2) by processing unit 220 (FIG. 2).

[0065] The method 300 may begin with one or more acts directed to acquiring sensor data indicative of a grip profile or other spatial distribution of forces applied to the outer surface. As described herein, the sensor data is acquired by a number of sensor elements embedded in the ball or other object. Any one of the disclosed grip evaluation devices may be used to acquire the sensor data. In the example of FIG. 3, the method 300 includes an act 302 in which sensor data is acquired. For example, the sensor data may be acquired from the grip evaluation device via wired or wireless communication. In the baseball example, the sensor data may be acquired during a pitch of an instrumented baseball. The sensor data may be indicative of grip position data and a correlation between grip amplitude data and grip position data, or other spatial distribution of forces applied to the outer surface.

[0066] In act 304, grip profile data (or other surface force profile data) is generated based on the sensor data. The grip profile data may be generated through filtering, conditioning, or other data processing of the sensor data.

[0067] In the example of FIG. 3, pitch or other motion data is also acquired and / or obtained in act 306. The motion data is acquired using one or more motion sensors (e.g., inertial measurement units) embedded or otherwise positioned on the ball or other object. The motion is affected by forces applied to the outer surface. The pitch data may be indicative of the trajectory, i.e., pitch trajectory or trajectory, acquired by the grip evaluation device while the sensor data is acquired for the grip profile. Alternatively or additionally, the pitch data may be indicative of the pitch velocity executed while the sensor data is acquired for the grip profile. Additional, reduced, or alternative characteristics of the pitch may be provided via the pitch data. The pitch data may be acquired by a separate device, for example, a radar gun or other pitch tracking device. The pitch data may be acquired with or without the grip evaluation device.

[0068] The grip profile data and motion data may then be provided to an external processor in act 308. The external processor is external to the ball or other object to which the surface force is applied. The data may be provided wirelessly. The manner in which the data is transmitted may vary. Act 308 may include compiling, associating, or correlating other processing of the data prior to transmission. In some cases, the remainder of method 300 may be implemented by the external processor accordingly. Acts up to and including act 308 may be implemented by control circuitry, a controller, or other processor embedded within the ball or other object to which the surface force is applied.

[0069] In act 310, the motion data may be processed to calculate one or more motion characteristics. For example, pitch or other trajectory data may be calculated. The nature of the trajectory data may vary. The trajectory data may include, for example, rotational velocity of the motion, rotational axis of the motion, velocity of the motion, and change in motion.

[0070] 3, the trajectory data is correlated with grip profiles or other surface force data and / or otherwise processed in act 312. For example, processing of the trajectory data and surface force data includes or can include calculation of one or more parameters.

[0071] In act 314, a comparison of the calculated parameters, trajectory data, and / or surface force data (e.g., grip profile data) to preset data is performed. The comparison may include any number of comparisons or other analyses of the calculated and / or measured data with corresponding pre-existing data. In the baseball example, the preset pitch trajectory data, i.e., the comparison may be specific to a particular pitch type. For example, the pitch type may determine the preset data used in the comparison.

[0072] Then, in act 316, an evaluation of the grip profile or other force distribution is provided based on the comparison. The evaluation may include information about the comparison including the motion data, the force data, and / or parameters or characteristics calculated therefrom. The evaluation may be provided via a display, such as screen 224 (FIG. 2) of computing device 204 (FIG. 2).

[0073] Method 300 may include additional, fewer, or alternative methods. For example, method 300 may not include acts related to pitch data.

[0074] The acts of method 300 may be performed in an order different than the order shown in FIG. 3, for example, act 306 may be performed simultaneously with or before act 302.

[0075] 4 illustrates a method 400 for manufacturing a grip assessment device, according to one example. Method 400 may be used to manufacture any of the grip assessment devices described herein or another grip assessment device. Method 400 may include additional, fewer, or alternative operations. For example, method 400 may include one or more operations for disposing or integrating a control unit of the grip assessment device, for example, within the device.

[0076] Method 400 may begin with operation 402 where a core is formed. In some cases the core is formed by three-dimensional printing. Alternative or additional processes may be used. The core may be formed from multiple pieces (e.g., two halves) that are snapped together or otherwise joined. The two halves may be joined after performance of one or more operations of method 400.

[0077] In act 404, a plurality of sensor elements are attached or otherwise attached to the core. In some cases, each sensor element may be individually attached or applied to the core. Attachment of each sensor element may include mounting a sensing or sensor portion on the core and feeding a flexible cable or other connector through a slot in the other hole in the core. The sensor area may be attached to the core with an epoxy or other adhesive material. In other cases, the sensor elements are collectively applied, for example, as a sheet or film.

[0078] Next, in act 406, one or more cover layers are formed. The cover layers may include a polymer inner shell or layer and a leather cover, as described above. The polymer outer shell or layer is formed via a casting process, in which a mold (e.g., a two-part mold) is applied in act 408 and filled with, for example, polyurethane in act 410. In one example, the casting material used is VytaFlex 50 polyurethane, although other polymer materials may be used. The mold may be used to encapsulate or embed the sensor element and achieve a desired shape (e.g., spherical). Then, in act 412, a leather cover may be wrapped over the polymer layer and tightened.

[0079] The leather covering may be positioned so that the lace is aligned with or positioned according to the location of the sensor elements.

[0080] Calibration of the sensor elements may then be performed in act 414. Further details regarding an exemplary calibration procedure are provided below in connection with FIG.

[0081] 5 and 6 show examples of core sections of instrumented baseballs. In each case, the core is spheroidal in shape. The periphery of the core has a plurality of flattened sections. Each flattened section is configured for a respective one of the plurality of sensor elements disposed thereon. The periphery of the core also has a plurality of slots or holes for flexible cables or other wiring for each of the sensor elements. In these cases, each slot is adjacent to a respective one of the flattened sections. Each cable passes through a corresponding one of the plurality of openings, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0082] In the example of Figure 6, the core includes a circular hole for wiring to connect to external control circuitry. Figures 9 and 10 show examples with wiring exiting holes in both the core and cover of the instrumented baseball. The circular hole may not be included if internal or integrated control circuitry is used.

[0083] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a sensor element for placement on the core of a grip assessment device. The sensor in this example is or includes a thin piezoelectric sensor. The piezoelectric sensor is located within the sensor region. The sensor element further includes a cable extending from the sensor region as a tail. The cable may include a flexible substrate carrying conductive wires, where each wire terminates in a corresponding lead. The sensor element may vary significantly in shape, structure, composition, and other characteristics from the illustrated example.

[0084] 8-10 show an example of a baseball at various stages of manufacture. In Figure 8 the sensor element is fixed to the core and the sensor element cable is fed through a slot in the core. In Figure 9 a polymer shell is applied to the core. The core and sensor element are embedded in the polymer shell. FIG. 10 shows the embedded core after the leather covering has been wrapped around the core and shell to define the gripping surface.

[0085] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a plot of calibration data for configuring a controller or control circuit of the disclosed grip assessment device and system. In this example, the calibration data includes the output of a force sensitive resistor plotted as a function of applied force. The calibration data may be obtained through a process in which a known weight is applied to the sensor element. The plot also displays a curve fitted to the calibration data. The curve may be used to generate a magnitude of grip force based on a given sensor output level. In this example, a quadratic exponential curve is used, but other curves may be used in other cases. The curve may be used to map each output level to a value, for example in pounds. Alternatively or additionally, a lookup table based on the curve may be used to generate the force data.

[0086] The calibration data may be obtained via a test structure configured to apply a range of known weights to simulate a finger, the test structure being configured to apply a range of loads to each sensor element individually.

[0087] 12-16 show examples of flexible films on which a grid or other array of sensor elements may be disposed. The flexible film may be wrapped around or disposed on an outer surface of any support structure of a ball or other object or device described herein. The flexible film may be or include any type of flexible substrate on which sensor elements may be disposed. For example, the flexible film may be constructed of or include a polymeric material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), although other materials may be used.

[0088] In each of the examples of Figures 12-16, the flexible film is shaped to achieve universal or substantial coverage of a spherical surface. The flexible film may be in a spiral shape, such as an Euler Spiral as shown in Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 also shows a schematic of a wire trace of a portion of a sensor grid. A petal-shaped film may also be used. The number of petals can be varied as shown in Figure 14, with Figure 15 showing an example film application with six petals. In still other cases, the flexible film includes a set of hexagonal and pentagonal panels, such as in a truncated icosahedron or soccer ball configuration, as shown in Figure 16.

[0089] The present disclosure has been described with reference to specific examples which are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Modifications, additions and / or deletions can be made to the examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0090] The above description is provided for clarity of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be made therefrom.

Claims

1. A grip determination device, a support structure having a spherical outer surface; a cover disposed about the support structure and configured to define a grip surface; a plurality of sensor elements disposed along an outer surface of the support structure; each of the plurality of sensor elements is configured to generate an output signal representative of a force applied to a grip surface at a corresponding one of the plurality of sensor elements; the determining apparatus further comprising a circuit, the circuit comprising a microcontroller disposed within the support structure, communicatively connected to the plurality of sensor elements, and configured to generate grip profile data based on the output signals; the plurality of sensor elements being distributed across a grip surface such that output signals from the plurality of sensor elements collectively indicate a grip profile along the grip surface, the grip profile providing grip position data and grip strength data correlating to the grip position data; the plurality of sensor elements comprises a flexible film enveloping an outer surface of the support structure between the cover and the support structure; the flexible film having a plurality of petals configured to generally cover an exterior surface of the support structure, thereby causing the gripping surface to have the surface characteristics of a baseball; the support structure, the plurality of sensors and the circuitry are configured such that the grip determination device has a weight of a baseball; The circuitry is configured to wirelessly communicate grip profile data such that the grip determination device can be thrown as a baseball.

2. The grip determination device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensor elements are disposed between the support structure and the cover.

3. The grip determination device of claim 1 , wherein each sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements comprises an individual sensor.

4. The grip determination device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensor elements are arranged as a grid of sensor elements disposed on the flexible film.

5. The grip determination device of claim 1 , wherein each sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements is configured to measure a pressure.

6. The grip determination device of claim 1 , wherein each sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements comprises a piezoelectric sensor element.

7. The support structure comprises a core; The grip determination device of claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises a polymeric shell in which the core and the plurality of sensor elements are embedded.

8. 1. A method for determining a grip profile of a baseball, comprising: acquiring sensor data using an instrumented baseball while pitching the instrumented baseball, the sensor data indicative of grip position data and grip strength data correlated with the grip position data; The equipped baseball is A spherical core; a film disposed along an outer surface of the spherical core; A plurality of sensor elements disposed on the film; a circuit connected to the plurality of sensor elements; the circuitry comprises a microcontroller, and the circuitry is embedded within the spherical core; The method further comprises: generating grip profile data based on the sensor data using the microcontroller; and performing a comparison of the grip profile data with preset grip profile data; determining a grip profile for the baseball based on the comparison; The method wherein the film is shaped to universally envelope the exterior surface of the spherical core, thereby causing the grip surface of the instrumented baseball to have the surface characteristics of a conventional baseball.

9. The method includes obtaining pitch data captured during a pitch, the pitch data indicative of a pitch trajectory of an instrumented baseball; The method further comprises: performing a comparison of the pitch data with pitch trajectory data preset for a type of pitch; and providing information about the comparison to make a decision.

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