Embedded Swing Sensors for Real-Time Equipment Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion capture systems lack the ability to seamlessly integrate with sporting equipment, provide real-time feedback, and data mining for large numbers of individuals to optimize equipment selection, and fail to match dynamic motion information to a database of idealized motion information.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using inertial and gyrometric sensors, a core micro-controller, and a Bluetooth radio to measure and analyze a swing, matching the motion to optimized equipment by collecting data on acceleration, torque, and sonification, and transmitting it to a computing device or server for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion sensors are attached to sporting equipment to capture swing data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for seamless integration and multiple sensor types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) into integrated measurement units that are embedded within sporting equipment. This merging of sensor functions into compact units enables precise swing motion capture while reducing the complexity of separate sensor components and their individual mounting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to work with multiple types of sporting equipment (golf clubs, baseball bats, tennis rackets, hockey sticks) through a universal interface. The same sensor technology and data processing methodology can be applied across different equipment types, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision across diverse applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data is collected from a large number of individuals for equipment optimization, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to the volume of data processing and analysis required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data processing and analysis during the data collection phase. Measurement units continuously monitor and pre-process swing data, filtering and organizing information as it is captured. This preliminary action reduces the time required for subsequent batch processing and enables faster equipment optimization recommendations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that provide real-time or near-real-time analysis of swing data. By continuously comparing collected data against optimized equipment profiles and providing immediate feedback, the system enables rapid equipment selection recommendations without requiring extensive post-processing time delays.
3Measurement precision
If motion capture data is analyzed in a laboratory on a per user basis, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to the lack of automated data mining and real-time feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement units perform self-service data processing and analysis directly at the point of use. Each unit autonomously processes its own swing data, compares it against stored optimized equipment profiles, and generates recommendations without requiring manual laboratory analysis. This self-service capability maintains measurement precision while dramatically increasing productivity through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual laboratory analysis with automated electronic processing. Instead of physical measurement and manual evaluation in a laboratory setting, the system uses electronic sensors, digital data processing, and algorithmic comparison to automatically analyze motion data and match it with optimized equipment profiles, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If sensors are made small format for seamless integration with equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for advanced integration technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement units are nested within the structure of the sporting equipment itself. Sensors and processing components are embedded inside the equipment (e.g., within the shaft or frame), making the measurement system invisible to the user while maintaining seamless integration. This nesting approach simplifies operation by eliminating separate mounting requirements.
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 real-time feedback and optimization of sporting equipment by matching user swing motion to idealized equipment, providing accurate and efficient data mining for business strategies and personal performance enhancement.
Implementation Method 1
motion sensors may include inertial sensors that capture acceleration and gyroscope data, which is then integrated to measure an object's trajectory
Implementation Method 2
inertial sensors that capture acceleration
Implementation Method 3
inertial sensors that capture acceleration and gyroscope data
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for analyzing the swing motion of sporting equipment, for example, a golf club, including at least one or more inertial acceleration sensors, one or more gyrometric sensors, a data acquiring unit, a core micro-controller, and a Bluetooth radio. The motion detecting unit detects at least one motion of the swing. Particularly, the sensors and data acquiring unit calculates swing information using the acquired detection data to match a user's swing motion to optimized equipment. Particularly, the data acquiring unit acquires detection data from the sensor(s) and forwards such data to a computing device or server having stored information that matches the swing motion to an optimized swing device.