Golf Swing Analysis Using Inertial Sensors for Shaft and Hogan Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion analysis technologies for golf swings lack accuracy in presenting the shaft plane and hogan plane, making it difficult to evaluate the quality of the swing effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method using inertial sensors to specify the first axis along the golf club's shaft and estimate the prescribed position between the head and chest, allowing for the calculation of the second axis, which connects the estimated position and the hitting position, enabling accurate evaluation of the swing by determining if the golf club's locus is within the V zone formed by these planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera-based swing plane measurement is used, then swing area can be measured, but measurement precision of shaft plane and hogan plane is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical measurement system (camera) with an inertial sensor-based mechanical measurement system. The inertial sensor attached to the golf club shaft directly measures acceleration and orientation data, which is then processed to calculate the shaft plane and hogan plane with higher precision, eliminating the need for complex camera calibration and swing plane reconstruction algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inertial sensor as an intermediary device between the golf club and the measurement system. This sensor acts as a mediator that directly captures the club's motion and orientation data, providing more accurate input for calculating the shaft plane and hogan plane compared to indirect camera-based observation.
2Measurement precision
If swing evaluation is based only on swing plane area, then simple measurement is possible, but evaluation accuracy is insufficient because it cannot detect hook or slice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional swing plane area measurement to three-dimensional spatial analysis by calculating the shaft plane and hogan plane using inertial sensor data. This dimensional expansion allows the system to evaluate whether the club path falls within the V-zone between these planes, providing comprehensive detection of hook, slice, and straight shots that cannot be achieved with area measurement alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple area-based evaluation method with an inertial sensor-based mechanical measurement system that calculates multiple planes (shaft plane, hogan plane, V-zone) to comprehensively assess swing quality, enabling detection of shot direction errors that area measurement cannot identify.
3Ease of operation
If camera system is used for swing analysis, then swing motion can be captured, but large-scale device is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the large-scale camera system with a compact inertial sensor that can be directly attached to the golf club shaft. This substitution dramatically reduces the physical size and complexity of the measurement device while improving ease of operation, as the sensor moves with the club and requires no external cameras or complex setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The inertial sensor serves multiple functions: it measures acceleration, orientation, and angular velocity, and this data is used to calculate the shaft plane, hogan plane, V-zone, and evaluate swing quality. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate camera systems and post-processing software, simplifying the overall device while maintaining comprehensive analysis capability.
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
This approach allows users to objectively assess the quality of their swing by recognizing the positional relationship between the shaft plane, hogan plane, and the golf club's path, providing a more accurate evaluation compared to traditional methods without the need for large-scale devices like cameras.
Implementation Method 1
specifying a first axis along a longitudinal direction of a shaft section of sporting equipment when a user is at a standstill using an output of an inertial sensor; and estimating a prescribed position between head and chest of the user when the user is at a standstill using the output of the inertial sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A motion analysis method includes: specifying a first axis along a longitudinal direction of a shaft of a golf club when a user is at a standstill using an output of a sensor unit; and estimating a prescribed position between head and chest of the user when the user is at a standstill using the output of the sensor unit and body information of the user, and specifying a second axis which connects the estimated prescribed position and a hitting position.