Grip pressure sensing-based swing analysis method and device therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a swing analysis method of a swing measurement module that is based on grip pressure sensing. Specifically, the swing analysis method includes measuring pressure sensing data according to a first time interval using a pressure detection sensor based on a grip pressure of a user, measuring swing data according to a second time interval using a swing detection sensor module based on movement of the user, generating valid swing data from the swing data based on a timing at which the first time interval and the second time interval match, and generating grip pressure-based swing analysis data for each step of a swing according to the valid swing data.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a swing analysis method and a device therefor, and more particularly, to a grip pressure sensing-based swing analysis method and a device therefor.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A golf swing is a complex, sophisticated movement, and various tracking methods have been developed for accurate analysis of and improvement in a golf swing. In particular, accuracy of and accessibility to golf swing analysis have significantly improved with recent technology development.

[0003] Accordingly, modern golf swing analysis methods can be mainly classified into three categories. The first category is a method using a 3D motion capture system. In this method, images of the body of a golfer and a marker attached to a club are captured with multiple high-speed cameras to obtain precise 3D motion data. The second category is a method using an inertial measurement unit (IMU). A small sensor attached to the wrist of a golfer or a club collects data such as acceleration, angular velocity, and orientation in real time. The third category is a video analysis method utilizing artificial intelligence and computer vision technology. This method has high accessibility because it can automatically analyze a swing just using an image captured by a general smartphone.

[0004] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to providing a system that utilizes a grip of a golf club and can measure a grip pressure in real time and analyze a pressure change at a major point in time during a swing based on the measured data.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0005] The present invention is directed to providing a grip pressure sensing-based swing analysis method and a device therefor.

[0006] Objectives to be achieved by the present invention are not limited to the above objective, and other unmentioned objectives should be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description.Technical Solution

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objectives provides a swing analysis method of a swing measurement device that is based on grip pressure sensing, the swing analysis method including: measuring pressure sensing data according to a first time interval using a pressure detection sensor based on a grip pressure of a user; measuring swing data according to a second time interval using a swing detection sensor module based on movement of the user; generating valid swing data from the swing data based on a timing at which the first time interval and the second time interval match; and generating grip pressure-based swing analysis data for each step of a swing according to the valid swing data.

[0008] Further, the pressure detection sensor and the swing detection sensor module may be located to be spaced from each other on an area of one end of a golf club.

[0009] Further, the measuring of the pressure sensing data according to the first time interval may include: applying an electrical signal to a first axis according to the first time interval; and measuring a pressure sensing signal corresponding to the electrical signal that is sent through a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and furthermore, the pressure sensing signal may be generated due to the grip pressure at a point where the first axis and the second axis are perpendicular to each other.

[0010] Further, the second time interval may be set to be shorter than the first time interval. Further, the extracting of the valid swing data may include: setting a valid swing section in which movement of the user matches a preset swing trajectory in the swing data; and from the swing data measured according to the second time interval in the valid swing section, extracting the valid swing data by selecting specific swing data matching a measurement time of the pressure sensing data measured according to the first time interval. Furthermore, the setting of the valid swing section may include setting a start time of the valid swing section by going reverse in time from a time at which an event due to the preset swing trajectory is complete.

[0011] Further, the swing analysis method may further include activating the pressure detection sensor and the swing detection sensor module with a preset gesture of the user.Advantageous Effects

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a grip pressure sensing-based swing analysis method and a device therefor can be efficiently provided.

[0013] Advantageous effects that can be obtained by the present invention are not limited to that mentioned above, and other unmentioned advantageous effects should be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a reference view for describing a swing practice device according to the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a reference view for describing a swing measurement module according to the present invention.

[0016] FIGS. 3 and 4 are reference views for describing a configuration of a pressure detection sensor module according to the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a reference view related to a grip pressure sensing-based method of analyzing a swing using the swing measurement module coupled to the swing practice device according to the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a reference view for describing a grip pressure sensing-based structure of analyzing a swing using the swing measurement module coupled to the swing practice device according to the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a reference view for describing a scenario of extracting valid data from pressure sensing data based on a first time interval and swing data based on a second time interval according to one embodiment of the present invention.MODES OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention is not limited to the following description of embodiments, and it is apparent that various modifications may be made within the scope not departing from the technical gist of the present invention. In addition, in describing the embodiments, description of technical contents widely known in the art to which the present invention pertains and not directly related to the technical gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0021] Meanwhile, like components are denoted by like reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.

[0022] In addition, some components may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings. This is to clearly describe the gist of the present invention by omitting unnecessary description that is irrelevant to the gist of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a reference view for describing a swing practice device according to the present invention.

[0024] A swing practice device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may collect and process swing data related to a swing of a golfer, who is a user, and pressure data related to a pressure with which the golfer holds a golf club. In addition, the swing practice device 1000 may send the processed data to an external device. The external device may analyze the received data and may derive methods of correcting a swing trajectory of the golfer and a way in which the golfer grips a golf club.

[0025] The swing practice device 1000 described above may include a shaft 10, a head portion 20, and a grip portion 30.

[0026] The shaft 10 may have a shape that has a predetermined diameter and extends in one direction. The head portion 20 may be connected to one side of the shaft 10, and the grip portion 30 may be connected to the other side of the shaft 10.

[0027] The shaft 10 may have the shape of a tube or a pipe. In addition, the shaft 10 may have a form in which a diameter toward the head portion 20 is smaller than a diameter toward the grip portion 30. In addition, the shaft 10 may have a form in which the diameter toward the head portion 20 and the diameter toward the grip portion 30 are the same.

[0028] The head portion 20 may be connected to the one side of the shaft 10 and may hit a golf ball through a swing of a golfer. The head portion 20 may have a form that can accurately hit a golf ball through a swing of a golfer.

[0029] The grip portion 30 is provided at the other side of the shaft 10 and allows a golfer to grip the swing practice device. The grip portion 30 may be formed of various materials that can improve a grip feeling of the golfer. For example, the grip portion 30 may be formed of a natural rubber material.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a reference view for describing a swing measurement module according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment of the present invention, a swing measurement module consisting of a swing detection sensor module 100, a capsule structure 200, and a pressure detection sensor module 300 may be provided in an area of the shaft 10 that is adjacent to the grip portion 30. That is, the swing practice device 1000 may further include the swing measurement module including the swing detection sensor module 100, the capsule structure 200, and the pressure detection sensor module 300.

[0031] The swing detection sensor module 100 may be disposed inside the shaft 10. In particular, the swing detection sensor module 100 may be mounted in an inner space of the capsule structure 200 and may be, together with the capsule structure 200, disposed in an area of the shaft 10 that overlaps the grip portion 30.

[0032] The swing detection sensor module 100 may process various data for golf practice. For example, the swing detection sensor module 100 may process swing data related to a swing of a golfer and pressure data related to a pressure with which the golfer grips the grip portion that are collected by the pressure detection sensor module 300 and may generate training data according to results of processing.

[0033] The swing detection sensor module 100 may transmit the generated training data to an external device (not illustrated). To this end, the swing detection sensor module 100 may include a communication portion 110 for transmitting the data to the external device. That is, the swing detection sensor module 100 may be connected to the external device through a wireless network. Here, the wireless network may be a connection structure in which an information exchange is possible between different nodes such as the swing detection sensor module 100 and the external device. Examples of such a network may include a radiofrequency (RF) network, a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, a 5th Generation Partnership Project (5GPP) network, a World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) network, the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Bluetooth network, a near-field communication (NFC) network, a satellite broadcasting network, an analog broadcasting network, a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) network, and the like, but the network is not limited thereto.

[0034] In addition, although an example in which the swing detection sensor module 100 is connected to the external device through a wireless network has been described in one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the swing detection sensor module 100 may be connected to the external device through a wired network. In particular, the swing detection sensor module 100 may be connected to the external device through a data connection device such as a wired cable.

[0035] The swing detection sensor module 100 may store the training data. To this end, the swing detection sensor module 100 may include a memory that can store data. The memory may store the swing data and the pressure data in addition to the training data.

[0036] Meanwhile, although an example in which the swing detection sensor module 100 transmits the training data generated by processing the swing data and the pressure data to the external device has been described in one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto. The swing detection sensor module 100 may transmit the swing data and the pressure data to the external device through the communication portion 110 without processing the swing data and the pressure data. In this case, the external device may process the swing data and the pressure data and may generate training data according to results of processing.

[0037] The capsule structure 200 may be disposed inside the shaft 10. In particular, the capsule structure 200 may be disposed in the area of the shaft 10 that overlaps the grip portion 30.

[0038] The capsule structure 200 may have an inner space in which the above-described swing detection sensor module 100 can be mounted. As the swing detection sensor module 100 is mounted in the inner space of the capsule structure 200, the swing detection sensor module 100 can be disposed in the area of the shaft 10 that overlaps the grip portion 30. In addition, as the swing detection sensor module 100 is mounted in the inner space of the capsule structure 200, a change in the position of the swing detection sensor module 100 due to a swing of a golfer can be prevented.

[0039] The capsule structure 200 may have a shape that extends in one direction, for example, a direction in which the shaft 10 extends. For example, the capsule structure 200 may have the shape of a rotating body that extends in one direction.

[0040] For the swing detection sensor module 100 to be accommodated in the inner space of the capsule structure 200, the capsule structure 200 may be formed to be longer than a length of the swing detection sensor module 100. However, in order to prevent a weight increase due to the capsule structure 200 and allow the capsule structure 200 to be disposed to overlap the grip portion 30, the capsule structure 200 may be formed to be shorter than a length of the grip portion 30.

[0041] The pressure detection sensor module 300 may collect data related to at least one of a swing of a golfer and a grip pressure on the grip portion 30. For example, the pressure detection sensor module 300 may collect at least one of swing data related to a swing of a golfer and pressure data related to a grip pressure applied on the grip portion 30 by the golfer.

[0042] The pressure detection sensor module 300 may generate pressure data in which a pressure applied to each point on the grip portion 30 by a golfer is transformed into numerical data and may transmit the pressure data to the swing detection sensor module 100.

[0043] The pressure detection sensor module 300 may be disposed to overlap the grip portion 30. For example, the pressure detection sensor module 300 may be disposed between the inner circumference of the grip portion 30 and the outer circumference of the shaft 10.

[0044] FIGS. 3 and 4 are reference views for describing a configuration of a pressure detection sensor module according to the present invention.

[0045] The pressure detection sensor module 300 may include a conductive layer 301, a circuit layer 303, and a separating layer 305. The conductive layer 301, the circuit layer 303, and the separating layer 305 of the pressure detection sensor module 300 may be disposed between the shaft 10 and the grip portion 30 and may be provided in a stacked form.

[0046] The conductive layer 301 is disposed between the shaft 10 and the grip portion 30 and is pressure-sensitive to allow the pressure detection sensor module 300 to detect the pressure generated on the grip portion 30.

[0047] The conductive layer 301 may be formed of a material that has resistance changing according to pressure and has resilience. For example, the conductive layer 301 may be formed of a pressure-sensitive nonwoven fabric. For example, the conductive layer 301 may have a sheet resistance of 200 Ω / sq. When a pressure is applied to the conductive layer 301, the resistance of the conductive layer 301 may decrease.

[0048] The conductive layer 301 may be provided between the circuit layer 303 and the grip portion 30. The resistance of an area of the conductive layer 301 where the pressure is generated may decrease. Therefore, the conductive layer 301 with a decreased resistance may allow only a specific position on the circuit layer 303 to be conductive so that a pressure sensing signal of the position where the pressure is applied is transmitted through the circuit layer 303.

[0049] The circuit layer 303 may be disposed to face the conductive layer 301. For example, the circuit layer 303 may be disposed between the shaft 10 and the conductive layer 301.

[0050] The circuit layer 303 may transmit the pressure generated on the conductive layer 301 to the swing detection sensor module 100. That is, the pressure detection sensor module 300 may generate pressure data by detecting a pressure generated on each point of the grip portion 30 and may transmit the generated pressure data to the swing detection sensor module 100.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the circuit layer 303 may be provided in the form of a flexible film that includes a plurality of pattern areas 303B having a plurality of conductive patterns. For example, the circuit layer 303 may be provided in the form of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). Here, the plurality of pattern areas 303B may be disposed apart from each other.

[0052] The conductive patterns included in the pattern areas 303B may include a first conductive pattern 303BA and a second conductive pattern 303BB.

[0053] When a pressure is applied to the pattern areas 303B, the first conductive pattern 303BA and the second conductive pattern 303BB may come into contact with the conductive layer 301 and may form a current path. Therefore, whether the pressure has been applied to the pattern areas 303B may be determined based on whether a current or voltage signal is transmitted from the pattern areas 303B to the swing detection sensor module 100.

[0054] An output terminal 303A that can send pressure data to the swing detection sensor module 100 may be provided at one side of the circuit layer 303. The output terminal 303A may have a shape that extends from one side of the circuit layer 303.

[0055] The separating layer 305 may be disposed between the conductive layer 301 and the circuit layer 303. The separating layer 305 may have restorability and may separate the conductive layer 301 and the circuit layer 303. Due to the restorability of the separating layer 305, the pressure detection sensor module 300 is capable of accurate pressure sensing in relation to local pressure.

[0056] When a pressure is applied to the grip portion 30, the conductive layer 301 may be deformed and the separating layer 305 may be compressed due to the pressure. When the conductive layer 301 is deformed and the separating layer 305 is compressed due to the pressure, the conductive layer 301 may come into contact with the first conductive pattern 303BA and the second conductive pattern 303BB of the pattern areas 303B through inter-fiber spaces of the separating layer 305. In addition, due to the pressure, resistance may decrease in the area of the conductive layer 301 to which the pressure is applied. Therefore, the first conductive pattern 303BA and the second conductive pattern 303BB may be electrically connected, and current may flow therein. Here, the current flowing in the first conductive pattern 303BA and the second conductive pattern 303BB may be transmitted to the swing detection sensor module 100.

[0057] Here, the current or voltage transmitted from the pressure detection sensor module 300 to the swing detection sensor module 100 may change due to the resistance decreased due to the pressure, and the changed current or voltage may be transmitted in the form of pressure data to the swing detection sensor module 100.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pressure detection sensor module 300 may further include a protective layer 307. The protective layer 307 may be provided between the conductive layer 301 and the grip portion 30 and between the circuit layer 303 and the shaft 10. That is, the protective layer 307 is a layer exposed to the outside of the pressure detection sensor module 300 and is able to protect the conductive layer 301 and the circuit layer 303 therein.

[0059] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in the drawings, an adhesive layer may be provided between the protective layer 307 adhered to the circuit layer 303 and the shaft 10 and between the protective layer 307 adhered to the conductive layer 301 and the grip portion 30. The adhesive layer may adhere the pressure detection sensor module 300 and the shaft 10 and may adhere the pressure detection sensor module 300 and the grip portion 30. Here, the adhesive layer may be formed of an adhesive or a double-sided tape.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a reference view related to a grip pressure sensing-based method of analyzing a swing using the swing measurement module coupled to the swing practice device according to the present invention.

[0061] In the present invention, the pressure detection sensor module and the swing detection sensor module on the shaft of a golf club may be located to be spaced from each other on an area of one end of the shaft as described above.

[0062] For example, the pressure detection sensor module is disposed to overlap the grip, is located between the inner circumference of the grip and the outer circumference of the shaft, is configured to detect a pressure applied to the grip in real time and collect data, and changes an electrical signal according to a change in a grip pressure during a swing to enable accurate pressure sensing.

[0063] The swing detection sensor module is located inside the shaft of a golf club, particularly, in an area of the shaft that overlaps the grip, and may be designed to accurately collect necessary data while sensors are protected from an external environment.

[0064] Therefore, the pressure detection sensor module and the swing detection sensor module are located to be spaced from each other by being located inside and outside the shaft in an area of the shaft that overlaps the grip of the golf club.

[0065] The swing measurement module of the present invention measures pressure sensing data according to a first time interval using the pressure detection sensor module based on a grip pressure of a user (S501). That is, as described above, in order to measure the grip pressure of the user, the swing measurement module may place the pressure detection sensor module on the outer diameter of the shaft and may measure the pressure sensing data based on the grip pressure of the user according to the first time interval.

[0066] Therefore, in the present invention, a change in pressure when the user holds the grip can be continuously measured using the pressure sensor module mounted on the grip of the golf club. Further, in the present invention, either a piezoelectric pressure sensor or a piezoresistive pressure sensor may be utilized as a pressure measurement sensor.

[0067] For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, a piezoresistive pressure sensor may be used, and when a pressure is applied to the grip, the pressure may be measured using a piezoresistance effect. Further, a grip pressure of the user may be detected using a piezoresistive film or layer for piezoresistive pressure sensing.

[0068] The swing measurement module measures swing data according to a second time interval using the swing detection sensor module based on movement of the user (S503). In the present invention, club movement data is continuously measured using at least one sensor located inside the shaft of the golf club to correspond to the pressure detection sensor module located at the outer diameter of the shaft of the golf club.

[0069] The swing detection sensor module according to the present invention may be configured as a sensor in which one or more of an acceleration sensor measuring a linear acceleration of the club, a gyro sensor detecting the rotational speed and orientation, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor tracking the position of the club by utilizing the GPS, and a geomagnetic sensor identifying the absolute orientation and position of the golf club are combined.

[0070] Accordingly, the swing detection sensor module may measure the linear acceleration along the three axes (X, Y, Z) of the shaft of the club and the rotational speed around the three axes according to a predetermined second time interval, may calculate the absolute orientation such as the east, west, south, and north based on the current orientation of the club, and may collect the overall movement information of the swing including a change in the GPS position of the club, and the above pieces of information are used to analyze the overall trajectory, a speed change, a swing plane, etc., of the club.

[0071] The swing measurement module generates valid swing data from the swing data based on a timing at which the first time interval and the second time interval match (S505). That is, in the present invention, the valid swing data may be generated by presetting a time range for matching between the first time interval and the second time interval. That is, the first time interval and the second time interval may be set to be different from each other, and two different types of data measured at different time intervals (grip pressure data and swing data) may be synchronized to extract data valid in swing analysis.

[0072] Preferably, the preset matching time range may be set to be smaller than a shorter time interval of the first time interval and the second time interval to prevent abnormal matching of data.

[0073] For example, when the first time interval is set to be longer than the second time interval, swing detection data measurement times at the second time interval that are within a preset range may be checked based on a grip pressure data measurement time at the first time interval, and in this way, consistency in matching between pressure sensing data related to the grip pressure measured according to the first time interval and swing data detected according to the second time interval can be improved.

[0074] Proximity-based matching may be performed if a plurality of swing data measurement times according to the second time interval are present within the preset time range based on the grip pressure data measurement time at the first time interval. For example, the proximity-based matching may be determined based on a measurement time according to the second time interval that is the closest in time to a measurement time according to the first time interval, that is, the minimum time difference. That is, by matching the pressure sensing data according to the first time interval and the swing data according to the second time interval based on proximity, the correlation between the pressure sensing data and the swing data can be increased.

[0075] In another embodiment of the present invention, the valid swing data may be generated by matching mean values of the data at the first time interval and the data at the second time interval. For example, when the second time interval is set to be relatively smaller than the first time interval, pieces of data at the second time interval that are present within a preset matching time range from a specific measurement time at the first time interval may be identified, and a mean value of all data points at the second time interval that are within the corresponding range may be calculated.

[0076] That is, a mean value of all pieces of swing detection data (at the second time interval) that are within the set time range from a specific measurement time of the grip pressure data (at the first time interval) may be calculated, and the calculated mean value of the pieces of swing detection data at the second time interval may be matched with the corresponding data point at the first time interval to generate valid swing data.

[0077] In this way, by considering all relevant data within the range instead of selecting a single data point within a specific time, an influence of noise or a temporary change can be reduced, and a problem due to a data density difference between the two time intervals can be mitigated.

[0078] In still another embodiment of the present invention, valid swing data may be generated by interpolating data at the first time interval (longer interval) based on data at the second time interval (shorter interval).

[0079] For example, the closest data point at the first time interval is identified for each data point at the second time interval configured as a relatively smaller interval. Then, values at the first time interval may be estimated using an interpolation technique such as linear interpolation or spline interpolation. Various forms of interpolation techniques may be applied as the data interpolation technique, and the data interpolation technique should not be interpreted as being limited to the interpolation technique described above.

[0080] Valid swing data may be extracted by matching the interpolated grip pressure data at the first time interval and the actually-measured swing data at the second time interval. Further, in order to reduce noise of the extracted interpolated data, a moving average, a Kalman filter, or the like may be applied.

[0081] In addition, by keeping original timestamps at the second time interval intact and preserving time information in valid swing data, it is possible to generate valid swing data in which grip pressure data at the first time interval is accurately reflected based on the second time interval that has a relatively small interval.

[0082] The swing measurement module generates grip pressure-based swing analysis data for each step of a swing according to the calculated valid swing data (S507).

[0083] That is, based on the valid swing data, the swing measurement module identifies characteristics of a swing of a user by analyzing a change in grip pressure for each step of a swing such as address, backswing, downswing, impact, and follow through. In this way, by simultaneously analyzing a change in grip pressure and movement of a club, more accurate and detailed swing analysis is possible, and by selecting only valid swing data of which consistency can actually be acknowledged and performing analysis, an error due to a practice swing or incorrect movement can be reduced.

[0084] That is, in the present invention, in a swing analysis process, first, a valid swing section in which movement of the user matches a preset swing trajectory is set. The valid swing section in the present invention is a target of golf swing analysis and is set based on a major swing event that matches a swing trajectory. The major swing event includes address, takeaway, top of backswing, start of downswing, impact, follow through, and in this way, the start and end of the valid swing section may be defined.

[0085] Then, grip pressure-based swing analysis data for each step of a swing may be generated by using the pressure sensing data and the swing detection data within the valid swing section based on measurement intervals. For example, in the valid swing section, from the swing data measured according to the relatively short second time interval, specific swing data that matches a measurement time of the pressure sensing data measured according to the relatively long first time interval may be selected and extracted as valid swing data, and then swing analysis data may be generated for each step according to a specific trajectory in the valid swing section.

[0086] FIG. 6 is a reference view for describing a grip pressure sensing-based structure of analyzing a swing using the swing measurement module coupled to the swing practice device according to the present invention.

[0087] The pressure detection sensor module according to the present invention may have a circuit layer having a structure made of a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to each other. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, description will be given assuming that a first axis 303BA has a plurality of conductive wires arranged in the vertical direction, a second axis 303BB has a plurality of conductive wires arranged in the horizontal direction, and the first axis 303BA and the second axis 303BB are perpendicular to each other.

[0088] Accordingly, an electrical signal is applied to the first axis 303BA according to the predetermined first time interval (S601), and at this time, when a grip pressure is applied, a resistance value of a piezoresistive element (for example, a piezoresistive film or layer) changes. Through the change in the resistance value, the electrical signal applied to the first axis flows out to the second axis 303BB, and accordingly, a pressure sensing signal corresponding to the electrical signal applied to the first axis is measured (S603). That is, since the first axis and the second axis are structuralized to be perpendicular to each other, the pressure sensing signal according to the grip pressure is measured exactly at an intersection point 303BC of the two axes. In addition, not only the magnitude of the pressure, but also the exact position at which the pressure has been applied may be simultaneously detected. Therefore, even when multiple touches have been generated, the grip pressures simultaneously applied at several points may be independently detected at different intersection points.

[0089] FIG. 7 is a reference view for describing a scenario of extracting valid data from pressure sensing data based on the first time interval and swing data based on the second time interval according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] In FIG. 7, in Case A in which pressure sensing data 711 based on the relatively long first time interval and swing data 721 according to the relatively short second time interval are measured, swing data 721 present within a preset range from the pressure sensing data 711 may be set as valid data.

[0091] On the other hand, in Case B, it is assumed that two pieces of swing data 723 and 725 according to the relatively short second time interval that match pressure sensing data 713 based on the relatively long first time interval are measured within a preset range. In Case B, distances from the pressure sensing data 713 to points where the pieces of swing data 723 and 725 are measured may be compared (that is, distances 7A and 7B may be compared), and the swing data 723 present at the relatively close distance 7A may be selected as valid data.

[0092] Alternatively, when, as in Case C, two pieces of swing data 727 and 729 according to the relatively short second time interval that match pressure sensing data 715 based on the relatively long first time interval are measured within a preset range, a mean value of pieces of measured data at points where the pieces of swing data 727 and 729 present within the preset range based on the pressure sensing data 715 are measured may be calculated and generated as valid swing data.

[0093] Further, the swing measurement module of the present invention may be set so that the pressure detection sensor module and the swing detection sensor module are activated through a preset gesture of the user. That is, in order to reduce power consumption of the swing measurement module and prevent unintended movement, the user may perform a gesture such as gripping the grip of the club in a specific manner or performing specific movement while holding the grip. Therefore, when a recognized gesture matches a predefined pattern, the sensor modules are activated and collect golf swing-related data.

[0094] In addition, by utilizing a machine learning algorithm and artificial intelligence technology, a pressure detection sensor may recognize a pressure in a specific area, and an acceleration sensor may detect a specific gesture of the club or wrist. In this way, gesture data of various users may be learned to improve recognition accuracy and further improve a user experience through customized gesture setting for each user.

[0095] The embodiments of the present invention described above may be implemented by various means. For example, the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof.

[0096] When implemented in hardware, the methods according to the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by one or more of ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, and microprocessors.

[0097] When implemented in firmware or software, the methods according to the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in the form of modules, procedures, or functions that perform the above-described functions or operations. The software codes may be stored in memory units and may be driven by processors. The memory units may be positioned inside or outside the processors and may exchange data with the processors by various known means.

[0098] The detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclosed as described above has been provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement and carry out the present invention. While the present invention has been described above with reference to the exemplary embodiments, it may be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be modified and changed in various ways within the scope not departing from the idea and scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein but intended to provide the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. In addition, although exemplary embodiments of the present specification that are illustrated in the drawings have been described above, the present specification is not limited to specific embodiments described above, and of course, various modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present specification claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood as being separate from the technical idea or prospect of the present specification.

[0099] In addition, both product invention and method invention are described herein, and the descriptions of both inventions may be applied complementarily as necessary.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]The present invention is not limited to the following description of embodiments, and it is apparent that various modifications may be made within the scope not departing from the technical gist of the present invention. In addition, in describing the embodiments, description of technical contents widely known in the art to which the present invention pertains and not directly related to the technical gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0021]Meanwhile, like components are denoted by like reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.

[0022]In addition, some components may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings. This is to clearly describe the gist of the present invention by omitting unnecessary description that is irrelevant to the gist of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 1 is a reference view for describing a swing practice device according to the present invention.

[0024]A swing practice device 1000 according to one emb...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a swing analysis method and a device therefor, and more particularly, to a grip pressure sensing-based swing analysis method and a device therefor.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A golf swing is a complex, sophisticated movement, and various tracking methods have been developed for accurate analysis of and improvement in a golf swing. In particular, accuracy of and accessibility to golf swing analysis have significantly improved with recent technology development.

[0003] Accordingly, modern golf swing analysis methods can be mainly classified into three categories. The first category is a method using a 3D motion capture system. In this method, images of the body of a golfer and a marker attached to a club are captured with multiple high-speed cameras to obtain precise 3D motion data. The second category is a method using an inertial measurement unit (IMU). A small sensor attached to the wrist of a golfer or a club collects data such as acceleration, angular velocity, and orientation in real time. The third category is a video analysis method utilizing artificial intelligence and computer vision technology. This method has high accessibility because it can automatically analyze a swing just using an image captured by a general smartphone.

[0004] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to providing a system that utilizes a grip of a golf club and can measure a grip pressure in real time and analyze a pressure change at a major point in time during a swing based on the measured data.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0005] The present invention is directed to providing a grip pressure sensing-based swing analysis method and a device therefor.

[0006] Objectives to be achieved by the present invention are not limited to the above objective, and other unmentioned objectives should be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description.Technical Solution

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objectives provides a swing analysis method of a swing measurement device that is based on grip pressure sensing, the swing analysis method including: measuring pressure sensing data according to a first time interval using a pressure detection sensor based on a grip pressure of a user; measuring swing data according to a second time interval using a swing detection sensor module based on movement of the user; generating valid swing data from the swing data based on a timing at which the first time interval and the second time interval match; and generating grip pressure-based swing analysis data for each step of a swing according to the valid swing data.

[0008] Further, the pressure detection sensor and the swing detection sensor module may be located to be spaced from each other on an area of one end of a golf club.

[0009] Further, the measuring of the pressure sensing data according to the first time interval may include: applying an electrical signal to a first axis according to the first time interval; and measuring a pressure sensing signal corresponding to the electrical signal that is sent through a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and furthermore, the pressure sensing signal may be generated due to the grip pressure at a point where the first axis and the second axis are perpendicular to each other.

[0010] Further, the second time interval may be set to be shorter than the first time interval. Further, the extracting of the valid swing data may include: setting a valid swing section in which movement of the user matches a preset swing trajectory in the swing data; and from the swing data measured according to the second time interval in the valid swing section, extracting the valid swing data by selecting specific swing data matching a measurement time of the pressure sensing data measured according to the first time interval. Furthermore, the setting of the valid swing section may include setting a start time of the valid swing section by going reverse in time from a time at which an event due to the preset swing trajectory is complete.

[0011] Further, the swing analysis method may further include activating the pressure detection sensor and the swing detection sensor module with a preset gesture of the user.Advantageous Effects

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a grip pressure sensing-based swing analysis method and a device therefor can be efficiently provided.

[0013] Advantageous effects that can be obtained by the present invention are not limited to that mentioned above, and other unmentioned advantageous effects should be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a reference view for describing a swing practice device according to the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a reference view for describing a swing measurement module according to the present invention.

[0016] FIGS. 3 and 4 are reference views for describing a configuration of a pressure detection sensor module according to the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a reference view related to a grip pressure sensing-based method of analyzing a swing using the swing measurement module coupled to the swing practice device according to the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a reference view for describing a grip pressure sensing-based structure of analyzing a swing using the swing measurement module coupled to the swing practice device according to the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a reference view for describing a scenario of extracting valid data from pressure sensing data based on a first time interval and swing data based on a second time interval according to one embodiment of the present invention.MODES OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention is not limited to the following description of embodiments, and it is apparent that various modifications may be made within the scope not departing from the technical gist of the present invention. In addition, in describing the embodiments, description of technical contents widely known in the art to which the present invention pertains and not directly related to the technical gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0021] Meanwhile, like components are denoted by like reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.

[0022] In addition, some components may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings. This is to clearly describe the gist of the present invention by omitting unnecessary description that is irrelevant to the gist of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a reference view for describing a swing practice device according to the present invention.

[0024] A swing practice device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may collect and process swing data related to a swing of a golfer, who is a user, and pressure data related to a pressure with which the golfer holds a golf club. In addition, the swing practice device 1000 may send the processed data to an external device. The external device may analyze the received data and may derive methods of correcting a swing trajectory of the golfer and a way in which the golfer grips a golf club.

[0025] The swing practice device 1000 described above may include a shaft 10, a head portion 20, and a grip portion 30.

[0026] The shaft 10 may have a shape that has a predetermined diameter and extends in one direction. The head portion 20 may be connected to one side of the shaft 10, and the grip portion 30 may be connected to the other side of the shaft 10.

[0027] The shaft 10 may have the shape of a tube or a pipe. In addition, the shaft 10 may have a form in which a diameter toward the head portion 20 is smaller than a diameter toward the grip portion 30. In addition, the shaft 10 may have a form in which the diameter toward the head portion 20 and the diameter toward the grip portion 30 are the same.

[0028] The head portion 20 may be connected to the one side of the shaft 10 and may hit a golf ball through a swing of a golfer. The head portion 20 may have a form that can accurately hit a golf ball through a swing of a golfer.

[0029] The grip portion 30 is provided at the other side of the shaft 10 and allows a golfer to grip the swing practice device. The grip portion 30 may be formed of various materials that can improve a grip feeling of the golfer. For example, the grip portion 30 may be formed of a natural rubber material.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a reference view for describing a swing measurement module according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment of the present invention, a swing measurement module consisting of a swing detection sensor module 100, a capsule structure 200, and a pressure detection sensor module 300 may be provided in an area of the shaft 10 that is adjacent to the grip portion 30. That is, the swing practice device 1000 may further include the swing measurement module including the swing detection sensor module 100, the capsule structure 200, and the pressure detection sensor module 300.

[0031] The swing detection sensor module 100 may be disposed inside the shaft 10. In particular, the swing detection sensor module 100 may be mounted in an inner space of the capsule structure 200 and may be, together with the capsule structure 200, disposed in an area of the shaft 10 that overlaps the grip portion 30.

[0032] The swing detection sensor module 100 may process various data for golf practice. For example, the swing detection sensor module 100 may process swing data related to a swing of a golfer and pressure data related to a pressure with which the golfer grips the grip portion that are collected by the pressure detection sensor module 300 and may generate training data according to results of processing.

[0033] The swing detection sensor module 100 may transmit the generated training data to an external device (not illustrated). To this end, the swing detection sensor module 100 may include a communication portion 110 for transmitting the data to the external device. That is, the swing detection sensor module 100 may be connected to the external device through a wireless network. Here, the wireless network may be a connection structure in which an information exchange is possible between different nodes such as the swing detection sensor module 100 and the external device. Examples of such a network may include a radiofrequency (RF) network, a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, a 5th Generation Partnership Project (5GPP) network, a World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) network, the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Bluetooth network, a near-field communication (NFC) network, a satellite broadcasting network, an analog broadcasting network, a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) network, and the like, but the network is not limited thereto.

[0034] In addition, although an example in which the swing detection sensor module 100 is connected to the external device through a wireless network has been described in one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the swing detection sensor module 100 may be connected to the external device through a wired network. In particular, the swing detection sensor module 100 may be connected to the external device through a data connection device such as a wired cable.

[0035] The swing detection sensor module 100 may store the training data. To this end, the swing detection sensor module 100 may include a memory that can store data. The memory may store the swing data and the pressure data in addition to the training data.

[0036] Meanwhile, although an example in which the swing detection sensor module 100 transmits the training data generated by processing the swing data and the pressure data to the external device has been described in one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto. The swing detection sensor module 100 may transmit the swing data and the pressure data to the external device through the communication portion 110 without processing the swing data and the pressure data. In this case, the external device may process the swing data and the pressure data and may generate training data according to results of processing.

[0037] The capsule structure 200 may be disposed inside the shaft 10. In particular, the capsule structure 200 may be disposed in the area of the shaft 10 that overlaps the grip portion 30.

[0038] The capsule structure 200 may have an inner space in which the above-described swing detection sensor module 100 can be mounted. As the swing detection sensor module 100 is mounted in the inner space of the capsule structure 200, the swing detection sensor module 100 can be disposed in the area of the shaft 10 that overlaps the grip portion 30. In addition, as the swing detection sensor module 100 is mounted in the inner space of the capsule structure 200, a change in the position of the swing detection sensor module 100 due to a swing of a golfer can be prevented.

[0039] The capsule structure 200 may have a shape that extends in one direction, for example, a direction in which the shaft 10 extends. For example, the capsule structure 200 may have the shape of a rotating body that extends in one direction.

[0040] For the swing detection sensor module 100 to be accommodated in the inner space of the capsule structure 200, the capsule structure 200 may be formed to be longer than a length of the swing detection sensor module 100. However, in order to prevent a weight increase due to the capsule structure 200 and allow the capsule structure 200 to be disposed to overlap the grip portion 30, the capsule structure 200 may be formed to be shorter than a length of the grip portion 30.

[0041] The pressure detection sensor module 300 may collect data related to at least one of a swing of a golfer and a grip pressure on the grip portion 30. For example, the pressure detection sensor module 300 may collect at least one of swing data related to a swing of a golfer and pressure data related to a grip pressure applied on the grip portion 30 by the golfer.

[0042] The pressure detection sensor module 300 may generate pressure data in which a pressure applied to each point on the grip portion 30 by a golfer is transformed into numerical data and may transmit the pressure data to the swing detection sensor module 100.

[0043] The pressure detection sensor module 300 may be disposed to overlap the grip portion 30. For example, the pressure detection sensor module 300 may be disposed between the inner circumference of the grip portion 30 and the outer circumference of the shaft 10.

[0044] FIGS. 3 and 4 are reference views for describing a configuration of a pressure detection sensor module according to the present invention.

[0045] The pressure detection sensor module 300 may include a conductive layer 301, a circuit layer 303, and a separating layer 305. The conductive layer 301, the circuit layer 303, and the separating layer 305 of the pressure detection sensor module 300 may be disposed between the shaft 10 and the grip portion 30 and may be provided in a stacked form.

[0046] The conductive layer 301 is disposed between the shaft 10 and the grip portion 30 and is pressure-sensitive to allow the pressure detection sensor module 300 to detect the pressure generated on the grip portion 30.

[0047] The conductive layer 301 may be formed of a material that has resistance changing according to pressure and has resilience. For example, the conductive layer 301 may be formed of a pressure-sensitive nonwoven fabric. For example, the conductive layer 301 may have a sheet resistance of 200 Ω / sq. When a pressure is applied to the conductive layer 301, the resistance of the conductive layer 301 may decrease.

[0048] The conductive layer 301 may be provided between the circuit layer 303 and the grip portion 30. The resistance of an area of the conductive layer 301 where the pressure is generated may decrease. Therefore, the conductive layer 301 with a decreased resistance may allow only a specific position on the circuit layer 303 to be conductive so that a pressure sensing signal of the position where the pressure is applied is transmitted through the circuit layer 303.

[0049] The circuit layer 303 may be disposed to face the conductive layer 301. For example, the circuit layer 303 may be disposed between the shaft 10 and the conductive layer 301.

[0050] The circuit layer 303 may transmit the pressure generated on the conductive layer 301 to the swing detection sensor module 100. That is, the pressure detection sensor module 300 may generate pressure data by detecting a pressure generated on each point of the grip portion 30 and may transmit the generated pressure data to the swing detection sensor module 100.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the circuit layer 303 may be provided in the form of a flexible film that includes a plurality of pattern areas 303B having a plurality of conductive patterns. For example, the circuit layer 303 may be provided in the form of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). Here, the plurality of pattern areas 303B may be disposed apart from each other.

[0052] The conductive patterns included in the pattern areas 303B may include a first conductive pattern 303BA and a second conductive pattern 303BB.

[0053] When a pressure is applied to the pattern areas 303B, the first conductive pattern 303BA and the second conductive pattern 303BB may come into contact with the conductive layer 301 and may form a current path. Therefore, whether the pressure has been applied to the pattern areas 303B may be determined based on whether a current or voltage signal is transmitted from the pattern areas 303B to the swing detection sensor module 100.

[0054] An output terminal 303A that can send pressure data to the swing detection sensor module 100 may be provided at one side of the circuit layer 303. The output terminal 303A may have a shape that extends from one side of the circuit layer 303.

[0055] The separating layer 305 may be disposed between the conductive layer 301 and the circuit layer 303. The separating layer 305 may have restorability and may separate the conductive layer 301 and the circuit layer 303. Due to the restorability of the separating layer 305, the pressure detection sensor module 300 is capable of accurate pressure sensing in relation to local pressure.

[0056] When a pressure is applied to the grip portion 30, the conductive layer 301 may be deformed and the separating layer 305 may be compressed due to the pressure. When the conductive layer 301 is deformed and the separating layer 305 is compressed due to the pressure, the conductive layer 301 may come into contact with the first conductive pattern 303BA and the second conductive pattern 303BB of the pattern areas 303B through inter-fiber spaces of the separating layer 305. In addition, due to the pressure, resistance may decrease in the area of the conductive layer 301 to which the pressure is applied. Therefore, the first conductive pattern 303BA and the second conductive pattern 303BB may be electrically connected, and current may flow therein. Here, the current flowing in the first conductive pattern 303BA and the second conductive pattern 303BB may be transmitted to the swing detection sensor module 100.

[0057] Here, the current or voltage transmitted from the pressure detection sensor module 300 to the swing detection sensor module 100 may change due to the resistance decreased due to the pressure, and the changed current or voltage may be transmitted in the form of pressure data to the swing detection sensor module 100.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pressure detection sensor module 300 may further include a protective layer 307. The protective layer 307 may be provided between the conductive layer 301 and the grip portion 30 and between the circuit layer 303 and the shaft 10. That is, the protective layer 307 is a layer exposed to the outside of the pressure detection sensor module 300 and is able to protect the conductive layer 301 and the circuit layer 303 therein.

[0059] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in the drawings, an adhesive layer may be provided between the protective layer 307 adhered to the circuit layer 303 and the shaft 10 and between the protective layer 307 adhered to the conductive layer 301 and the grip portion 30. The adhesive layer may adhere the pressure detection sensor module 300 and the shaft 10 and may adhere the pressure detection sensor module 300 and the grip portion 30. Here, the adhesive layer may be formed of an adhesive or a double-sided tape.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a reference view related to a grip pressure sensing-based method of analyzing a swing using the swing measurement module coupled to the swing practice device according to the present invention.

[0061] In the present invention, the pressure detection sensor module and the swing detection sensor module on the shaft of a golf club may be located to be spaced from each other on an area of one end of the shaft as described above.

[0062] For example, the pressure detection sensor module is disposed to overlap the grip, is located between the inner circumference of the grip and the outer circumference of the shaft, is configured to detect a pressure applied to the grip in real time and collect data, and changes an electrical signal according to a change in a grip pressure during a swing to enable accurate pressure sensing.

[0063] The swing detection sensor module is located inside the shaft of a golf club, particularly, in an area of the shaft that overlaps the grip, and may be designed to accurately collect necessary data while sensors are protected from an external environment.

[0064] Therefore, the pressure detection sensor module and the swing detection sensor module are located to be spaced from each other by being located inside and outside the shaft in an area of the shaft that overlaps the grip of the golf club.

[0065] The swing measurement module of the present invention measures pressure sensing data according to a first time interval using the pressure detection sensor module based on a grip pressure of a user (S501). That is, as described above, in order to measure the grip pressure of the user, the swing measurement module may place the pressure detection sensor module on the outer diameter of the shaft and may measure the pressure sensing data based on the grip pressure of the user according to the first time interval.

[0066] Therefore, in the present invention, a change in pressure when the user holds the grip can be continuously measured using the pressure sensor module mounted on the grip of the golf club. Further, in the present invention, either a piezoelectric pressure sensor or a piezoresistive pressure sensor may be utilized as a pressure measurement sensor.

[0067] For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, a piezoresistive pressure sensor may be used, and when a pressure is applied to the grip, the pressure may be measured using a piezoresistance effect. Further, a grip pressure of the user may be detected using a piezoresistive film or layer for piezoresistive pressure sensing.

[0068] The swing measurement module measures swing data according to a second time interval using the swing detection sensor module based on movement of the user (S503). In the present invention, club movement data is continuously measured using at least one sensor located inside the shaft of the golf club to correspond to the pressure detection sensor module located at the outer diameter of the shaft of the golf club.

[0069] The swing detection sensor module according to the present invention may be configured as a sensor in which one or more of an acceleration sensor measuring a linear acceleration of the club, a gyro sensor detecting the rotational speed and orientation, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor tracking the position of the club by utilizing the GPS, and a geomagnetic sensor identifying the absolute orientation and position of the golf club are combined.

[0070] Accordingly, the swing detection sensor module may measure the linear acceleration along the three axes (X, Y, Z) of the shaft of the club and the rotational speed around the three axes according to a predetermined second time interval, may calculate the absolute orientation such as the east, west, south, and north based on the current orientation of the club, and may collect the overall movement information of the swing including a change in the GPS position of the club, and the above pieces of information are used to analyze the overall trajectory, a speed change, a swing plane, etc., of the club.

[0071] The swing measurement module generates valid swing data from the swing data based on a timing at which the first time interval and the second time interval match (S505). That is, in the present invention, the valid swing data may be generated by presetting a time range for matching between the first time interval and the second time interval. That is, the first time interval and the second time interval may be set to be different from each other, and two different types of data measured at different time intervals (grip pressure data and swing data) may be synchronized to extract data valid in swing analysis.

[0072] Preferably, the preset matching time range may be set to be smaller than a shorter time interval of the first time interval and the second time interval to prevent abnormal matching of data.

[0073] For example, when the first time interval is set to be longer than the second time interval, swing detection data measurement times at the second time interval that are within a preset range may be checked based on a grip pressure data measurement time at the first time interval, and in this way, consistency in matching between pressure sensing data related to the grip pressure measured according to the first time interval and swing data detected according to the second time interval can be improved.

[0074] Proximity-based matching may be performed if a plurality of swing data measurement times according to the second time interval are present within the preset time range based on the grip pressure data measurement time at the first time interval. For example, the proximity-based matching may be determined based on a measurement time according to the second time interval that is the closest in time to a measurement time according to the first time interval, that is, the minimum time difference. That is, by matching the pressure sensing data according to the first time interval and the swing data according to the second time interval based on proximity, the correlation between the pressure sensing data and the swing data can be increased.

[0075] In another embodiment of the present invention, the valid swing data may be generated by matching mean values of the data at the first time interval and the data at the second time interval. For example, when the second time interval is set to be relatively smaller than the first time interval, pieces of data at the second time interval that are present within a preset matching time range from a specific measurement time at the first time interval may be identified, and a mean value of all data points at the second time interval that are within the corresponding range may be calculated.

[0076] That is, a mean value of all pieces of swing detection data (at the second time interval) that are within the set time range from a specific measurement time of the grip pressure data (at the first time interval) may be calculated, and the calculated mean value of the pieces of swing detection data at the second time interval may be matched with the corresponding data point at the first time interval to generate valid swing data.

[0077] In this way, by considering all relevant data within the range instead of selecting a single data point within a specific time, an influence of noise or a temporary change can be reduced, and a problem due to a data density difference between the two time intervals can be mitigated.

[0078] In still another embodiment of the present invention, valid swing data may be generated by interpolating data at the first time interval (longer interval) based on data at the second time interval (shorter interval).

[0079] For example, the closest data point at the first time interval is identified for each data point at the second time interval configured as a relatively smaller interval. Then, values at the first time interval may be estimated using an interpolation technique such as linear interpolation or spline interpolation. Various forms of interpolation techniques may be applied as the data interpolation technique, and the data interpolation technique should not be interpreted as being limited to the interpolation technique described above.

[0080] Valid swing data may be extracted by matching the interpolated grip pressure data at the first time interval and the actually-measured swing data at the second time interval. Further, in order to reduce noise of the extracted interpolated data, a moving average, a Kalman filter, or the like may be applied.

[0081] In addition, by keeping original timestamps at the second time interval intact and preserving time information in valid swing data, it is possible to generate valid swing data in which grip pressure data at the first time interval is accurately reflected based on the second time interval that has a relatively small interval.

[0082] The swing measurement module generates grip pressure-based swing analysis data for each step of a swing according to the calculated valid swing data (S507).

[0083] That is, based on the valid swing data, the swing measurement module identifies characteristics of a swing of a user by analyzing a change in grip pressure for each step of a swing such as address, backswing, downswing, impact, and follow through. In this way, by simultaneously analyzing a change in grip pressure and movement of a club, more accurate and detailed swing analysis is possible, and by selecting only valid swing data of which consistency can actually be acknowledged and performing analysis, an error due to a practice swing or incorrect movement can be reduced.

[0084] That is, in the present invention, in a swing analysis process, first, a valid swing section in which movement of the user matches a preset swing trajectory is set. The valid swing section in the present invention is a target of golf swing analysis and is set based on a major swing event that matches a swing trajectory. The major swing event includes address, takeaway, top of backswing, start of downswing, impact, follow through, and in this way, the start and end of the valid swing section may be defined.

[0085] Then, grip pressure-based swing analysis data for each step of a swing may be generated by using the pressure sensing data and the swing detection data within the valid swing section based on measurement intervals. For example, in the valid swing section, from the swing data measured according to the relatively short second time interval, specific swing data that matches a measurement time of the pressure sensing data measured according to the relatively long first time interval may be selected and extracted as valid swing data, and then swing analysis data may be generated for each step according to a specific trajectory in the valid swing section.

[0086] FIG. 6 is a reference view for describing a grip pressure sensing-based structure of analyzing a swing using the swing measurement module coupled to the swing practice device according to the present invention.

[0087] The pressure detection sensor module according to the present invention may have a circuit layer having a structure made of a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to each other. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, description will be given assuming that a first axis 303BA has a plurality of conductive wires arranged in the vertical direction, a second axis 303BB has a plurality of conductive wires arranged in the horizontal direction, and the first axis 303BA and the second axis 303BB are perpendicular to each other.

[0088] Accordingly, an electrical signal is applied to the first axis 303BA according to the predetermined first time interval (S601), and at this time, when a grip pressure is applied, a resistance value of a piezoresistive element (for example, a piezoresistive film or layer) changes. Through the change in the resistance value, the electrical signal applied to the first axis flows out to the second axis 303BB, and accordingly, a pressure sensing signal corresponding to the electrical signal applied to the first axis is measured (S603). That is, since the first axis and the second axis are structuralized to be perpendicular to each other, the pressure sensing signal according to the grip pressure is measured exactly at an intersection point 303BC of the two axes. In addition, not only the magnitude of the pressure, but also the exact position at which the pressure has been applied may be simultaneously detected. Therefore, even when multiple touches have been generated, the grip pressures simultaneously applied at several points may be independently detected at different intersection points.

[0089] FIG. 7 is a reference view for describing a scenario of extracting valid data from pressure sensing data based on the first time interval and swing data based on the second time interval according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] In FIG. 7, in Case A in which pressure sensing data 711 based on the relatively long first time interval and swing data 721 according to the relatively short second time interval are measured, swing data 721 present within a preset range from the pressure sensing data 711 may be set as valid data.

[0091] On the other hand, in Case B, it is assumed that two pieces of swing data 723 and 725 according to the relatively short second time interval that match pressure sensing data 713 based on the relatively long first time interval are measured within a preset range. In Case B, distances from the pressure sensing data 713 to points where the pieces of swing data 723 and 725 are measured may be compared (that is, distances 7A and 7B may be compared), and the swing data 723 present at the relatively close distance 7A may be selected as valid data.

[0092] Alternatively, when, as in Case C, two pieces of swing data 727 and 729 according to the relatively short second time interval that match pressure sensing data 715 based on the relatively long first time interval are measured within a preset range, a mean value of pieces of measured data at points where the pieces of swing data 727 and 729 present within the preset range based on the pressure sensing data 715 are measured may be calculated and generated as valid swing data.

[0093] Further, the swing measurement module of the present invention may be set so that the pressure detection sensor module and the swing detection sensor module are activated through a preset gesture of the user. That is, in order to reduce power consumption of the swing measurement module and prevent unintended movement, the user may perform a gesture such as gripping the grip of the club in a specific manner or performing specific movement while holding the grip. Therefore, when a recognized gesture matches a predefined pattern, the sensor modules are activated and collect golf swing-related data.

[0094] In addition, by utilizing a machine learning algorithm and artificial intelligence technology, a pressure detection sensor may recognize a pressure in a specific area, and an acceleration sensor may detect a specific gesture of the club or wrist. In this way, gesture data of various users may be learned to improve recognition accuracy and further improve a user experience through customized gesture setting for each user.

[0095] The embodiments of the present invention described above may be implemented by various means. For example, the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof.

[0096] When implemented in hardware, the methods according to the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by one or more of ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, and microprocessors.

[0097] When implemented in firmware or software, the methods according to the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in the form of modules, procedures, or functions that perform the above-described functions or operations. The software codes may be stored in memory units and may be driven by processors. The memory units may be positioned inside or outside the processors and may exchange data with the processors by various known means.

[0098] The detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclosed as described above has been provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement and carry out the present invention. While the present invention has been described above with reference to the exemplary embodiments, it may be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be modified and changed in various ways within the scope not departing from the idea and scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein but intended to provide the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. In addition, although exemplary embodiments of the present specification that are illustrated in the drawings have been described above, the present specification is not limited to specific embodiments described above, and of course, various modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present specification claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood as being separate from the technical idea or prospect of the present specification.

[0099] In addition, both product invention and method invention are described herein, and the descriptions of both inventions may be applied complementarily as necessary.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]The present invention is not limited to the following description of embodiments, and it is apparent that various modifications may be made within the scope not departing from the technical gist of the present invention. In addition, in describing the embodiments, description of technical contents widely known in the art to which the present invention pertains and not directly related to the technical gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0021]Meanwhile, like components are denoted by like reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.

[0022]In addition, some components may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings. This is to clearly describe the gist of the present invention by omitting unnecessary description that is irrelevant to the gist of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 1 is a reference view for describing a swing practice device according to the present invention.

[0024]A swing practice device 1000 according to one emb...

Claims

1. A swing analysis method of a swing measurement device that is based on grip pressure sensing, the swing analysis method comprising:measuring pressure sensing data according to a first time interval using a pressure detection sensor based on a grip pressure of a user;measuring swing data according to a second time interval using a swing detection sensor module based on movement of the user;generating valid swing data from the swing data based on a timing at which the first time interval and the second time interval match, wherein generating the valid swing data includes:setting a valid swing section in which movement of the user matches a preset swing trajectory in the swing data, andfrom the swing data measured according to the second time interval in the valid swing section, extracting the valid swing data by selecting specific swing data matching a measurement time of the pressure sensing data measured according to the first time interval; andgenerating grip pressure-based swing analysis data for each step of a swing according to the valid swing data.

2. The swing analysis method of claim 1, wherein the pressure detection sensor and the swing detection sensor module are located to be spaced from each other on an area of one end of a golf club.

3. The swing analysis method of claim 1, wherein the measuring of the pressure sensing data according to the first time interval includes:applying an electrical signal to a first axis according to the first time interval; andmeasuring a pressure sensing signal corresponding to the electrical signal that is sent through a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

4. The swing analysis method of claim 3, wherein the pressure sensing signal is generated due to the grip pressure at a point where the first axis and the second axis are perpendicular to each other.

5. The swing analysis method of claim 1, wherein the second time interval is set to be shorter than the first time interval.

6. (canceled)7. The swing analysis method of claim 1, further comprising activating the pressure detection sensor and the swing detection sensor module with a preset gesture of the user.

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