Load Sensor Golf Swing Analysis System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional golf practice devices require complex structures and high production costs due to the need for optical sensors to detect the point of impact and other features, making them inefficient for determining user motion.

Innovation Solution

A computer-readable storage medium with an information processing program that uses load sensors to acquire load information and detect the center of gravity, allowing for the determination of user motion without a complex structure, by calculating velocity and position changes over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical sensors are used to detect the point of impact and club head passage, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracy of swing featuresVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical detection systems with a load sensor-based mechanical detection system. The load sensor mounted on the golf club shaft detects changes in load during the swing, allowing determination of the point of impact and other swing features through mechanical measurement rather than optical detection. This substitution simplifies the device structure while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the complex optical sensor system from the device, retaining only the essential load sensing function. By eliminating the optical sensors, cameras, and associated complex detection infrastructure, the device achieves the same swing analysis capability with significantly reduced structural complexity and production cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If optical sensors are used to detect swing features, then measurement precision is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracy of swing featuresVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a load sensor that is significantly cheaper than optical sensor systems. The load sensor can be mass-produced as a simple electronic component mounted on the club shaft, reducing production costs while providing sufficient measurement precision for swing analysis. This approach replaces expensive optical detection hardware with affordable electronic sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By substituting the expensive optical detection system with a mechanical load sensing system, the patent achieves the same functional outcome at a fraction of the production cost. The load sensor-based approach eliminates the need for expensive cameras, light sources, and complex signal processing equipment associated with optical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If load sensors are used to detect user motion, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidaccuracy of motion detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the load sensor continuously monitors load changes during the swing and uses this information to determine swing features. The system processes the load signal in real-time, comparing it against predetermined criteria to accurately identify the point of impact, backswing start, and other swing characteristics, maintaining measurement precision despite the simpler sensor type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical position detection to mechanical load detection. By measuring load variations on the club shaft during the swing, the system captures dynamic information about swing mechanics. This parameter change allows accurate motion detection through a different physical quantity that is equally informative about swing features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the determination of user motion with a simple apparatus structure, reducing production costs and complexity while effectively analyzing golf swing dynamics.

Implementation Method 1

a load sensor to which load is applied by a user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLoad sensing: Force

Data Source

PatentEP2311538B1Information processing program having computer-readable storage medium therein and information processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP2311538B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2311538B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2311538B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3E

AI summary

A game apparatus calculates a first evaluation value based on the difference between the time when the load value detected by a load controller becomes the maximum and the time when the velocity of the center of gravity, which represents the velocity of movement of the position of the center of gravity, becomes the maximum. The game apparatus calculates a second evaluation value based on the velocity of load, which represents the degree of increase in the load in a predetermined time period, and the velocity of the center of gravity. The game apparatus calculates a third evaluation value based on the path of the position of the center of gravity. The game apparatus calculates the amount of slice based on the first through third evaluation values.