Inertial Sensor Golf Swing Collision Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing golf swing analysis techniques fail to accurately detect and measure 'duff' (ground collision) due to reliance on inappropriate address positions, leading to potential misclassification of simple ground contacts as collisions.

Innovation Solution

A motion analysis device utilizing inertial sensors to detect collisions by analyzing acceleration and angular velocity data, allowing for objective determination of ground contact and collision intensity during a golf swing, with criteria set to differentiate between ground contact and other surface interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the address position is used as a reference for determining duff, then the determination process is simple, but the accuracy of duff detection deteriorates when the address position is not appropriate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of determination processVSAvoidaccuracy of duff detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical measurement system (optical sensor measuring distance) with an inertial sensor-based detection system. The inertial sensor detects acceleration changes during the swing, and duff is determined by analyzing the acceleration pattern rather than by measuring distance from a reference position. This substitution eliminates the dependency on address position accuracy while maintaining detection simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from distance measurement (optical) to acceleration measurement (inertial). By detecting the acceleration profile during the swing and identifying characteristic patterns that indicate ground contact, the system achieves accurate duff detection without requiring a reliable address position reference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the optical sensor measures distance to determine duff, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to objectively measure collision intensity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of device structureVSAvoidobjective measurement of collision amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the optical distance measurement system with an inertial sensor system that directly measures acceleration. This enables the objective quantification of collision intensity through acceleration magnitude, while the inertial sensor itself remains a relatively simple device component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces acceleration as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the physical collision event and the detection system. The inertial sensor captures acceleration changes caused by ground contact, providing an objective measure of collision intensity that can be processed and analyzed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If simple ground contact is detected without acceleration threshold, then all contacts are detected, but false positives increase from simple turf or sand contacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of contact detectionVSAvoidaccuracy of collision identification

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection criterion from simple contact presence to acceleration magnitude threshold. By setting an appropriate threshold for acceleration, the system distinguishes between significant collisions (duff) and minor contacts (turf or sand), achieving both comprehensive detection and high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses acceleration feedback to dynamically determine whether a contact event qualifies as duff. The inertial sensor continuously monitors acceleration, and when the threshold is exceeded, it triggers a duff determination, providing reliable identification while maintaining complete detection coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 detection and measurement of ground collisions, preventing false positives from turf or sand contacts and providing objective feedback for improving golf swing techniques.

Implementation Method 1

a detection section that detects collision of the exercise apparatus with the ground by using at least an acceleration output among the outputs from the inertial sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

the detection section may use an acceleration output and an angular velocity output from the inertial sensor for detection of the collision

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngular velocity measurement: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS10682548B2Motion analysis device, motion analysis method, program, and motion analysis system

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A motion analysis device analyzing a swing using an exercise apparatus, includes an acquisition section that acquires outputs from an inertial sensor, and a detection section that detects collision of the exercise apparatus with the ground by using at least an acceleration output among the outputs from the inertial sensor.