Sensor-Based Center of Mass Estimation for Golf Swing Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a reliable, cost-effective, and minimally intrusive method to accurately measure the center of mass (COM) movement during a golf swing in real-life conditions, and fail to provide objective feedback for improving postural control and balance in sports activities.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-based system using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to estimate the COM position and provide feedback for improving the golf swing, incorporating biomechanical models to quantify and enhance postural control by normalizing COM position values with arm speed and providing visual and auditory cues for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory-based measurement systems are used to measure COM movement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory-based measurement systems with a portable electronic sensor system comprising accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers. These sensors collectively measure body segment movements and calculate COM position through computational algorithms, eliminating the need for expensive force plates and motion capture laboratories while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system integrates multiple sensing functions (acceleration, rotation, magnetic field detection) into a single portable device that can measure COM position across various sports activities and environments. The system serves multiple purposes including measurement, feedback provision, and performance evaluation, replacing multiple specialized laboratory instruments.
2Productivity
If comprehensive biomechanical analysis is provided to golfers, then productivity in skill improvement is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sensor data during golf swings and provides real-time visual and auditory feedback about COM position relative to optimal positions. The feedback mechanism includes immediate corrections and performance summaries, enabling golfers to adjust their technique during practice sessions and accelerate skill acquisition without requiring complex manual analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically processes raw sensor data through biomechanical models and algorithms to generate meaningful performance metrics and feedback. The computational system performs complex calculations independently, converting raw accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer data into actionable insights about COM movement and swing quality without requiring user intervention in the analysis process.
3Productivity
If real-time visual feedback is provided to improve learning, then productivity in skill acquisition is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual feedback system operates periodically rather than continuously, updating displays at key moments during and after swings rather than maintaining constant high-power output. The system activates feedback displays based on detected swing events, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective learning support through strategically timed information delivery.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate, real-time assessment and improvement of postural control during golf swings, allowing for better motion analysis and training, even in real-life conditions, without the need for expensive infrastructure or highly trained personnel.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor-based system using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to estimate the COM position
Implementation Method 2
A sensor-based system using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to estimate the COM position
Implementation Method 3
A sensor-based system using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to estimate the COM position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a body-worn sensor-based system for evaluating the biomechanics and the motor adaptation characteristics of postural control during a sport activity such as a golf swing. Various embodiments use sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to measure the three-dimensional motion of ankle and hip joints. In several embodiments, additional sensors attached to other body segments are used to improve the accuracy of the data or detect particular instants during the swing (e.g., top of back swing, instant of the maximum speed of arm, and instant of ball impact). In a golf embodiment, the system combines the measured data in conjunction with a biomechanical model of the human body to: (1) estimate the two-dimensional sway of the golfer's center of mass; (2) quantify and evaluate the golfer's balance via his/her postural compensatory strategy; and (3) provide visual feedback to the golfer for improving dynamic postural control.