Golf Swing Analysis Using Lightweight Neural Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing golf swing analysis techniques require expensive instruments or separate sensors/markers to recognize a golfer's posture and motion, making them cumbersome and costly.

Innovation Solution

A method using a light-weighted artificial neural network model with depthwise convolution and pointwise convolution to detect joints from a photographed golf swing image, allowing for the estimation of golf swing information without additional sensors or instruments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If expensive instruments or separate sensors are used to recognize golfer's posture and motion, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegolf swing analysis precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a camera to capture images of the golfer's swing and employs image processing algorithms to create a virtual representation of the golfer's posture and motion. This copying approach replaces the need for expensive sensors and markers by digitally reconstructing movement data from standard camera images, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining analysis precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical sensing systems (sensors, markers, and specialized instruments) with an optical system (camera) combined with computational algorithms. By substituting the mechanical measurement apparatus with image capture and processing, the system achieves golf swing analysis without requiring complex hardware attachments to the golfer or club

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If separate sensors or markers are attached to the golfer's body and golf club, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposture and motion recognition accuracyVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the golfer to perform self-diagnosis by simply standing in front of the camera and executing their swing. The automated image processing and analysis algorithms handle all measurements and evaluations without requiring manual intervention or complex setup, allowing the golfer to independently obtain swing analysis results without assistance from professionals or complex equipment setup

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If conventional image processing techniques are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidswing analysis accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances conventional image processing by introducing advanced algorithms that specifically analyze golf swing parameters such as club head speed, swing path, angle of attack, and body position. By changing the analysis parameters and applying domain-specific computational methods, the system achieves both ease of operation (automatic analysis) and high measurement precision (accurate swing metrics)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12274917B2Method, device, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium for estimating information on golf swing

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 MOAIS INC

AI summary

A method for estimating information on a golf swing is provided. The method includes the steps of: when a photographed image of a user's golf swing is acquired, detecting at least one joint of the user from the photographed image using an artificial neural network model; and estimating information on the user's golf swing with reference to a position of the at least one detected joint.