Swing Analysis System Using Motion Capture and Force Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current swing analysis systems for athletic performance improvement lack real-time quantitative feedback and automated phase detection, relying on post-activity video analysis which is less effective for quickly executed sports like baseball and golf.
Innovation Solution
A swing analysis system combining motion capture technology with a force measurement assembly and data processing, utilizing a trained neural network to detect body keypoints, calculate center of mass, and determine swing performance metrics such as forces, moments, and angular velocities, providing immediate and accurate feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If post-activity video analysis is used to correct mistakes, then feedback is provided to the athlete, but the feedback is not effective for quickly executed sports because it comes after the activity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing motion data and force plate data during the actual swing execution, processing this data through neural networks and algorithms to generate feedback before the athlete completes their training set, thereby providing timely corrections for quickly executed sports
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by processing motion capture and force plate data in real-time or near-real-time, providing athletes with immediate performance metrics and correction guidance rather than delayed post-activity video analysis
2Loss of information
If a coach manually observes and corrects mistakes, then personalized feedback is provided, but the process is time-consuming and lacks quantitative data
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the manual mechanical observation process with automated electronic sensors (motion capture cameras and force plates) that objectively measure and quantify swing parameters, eliminating the need for coaches to manually observe and provide quantitative feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing athletes to receive automated feedback and swing analysis without requiring constant coach intervention, with the neural network and processing algorithms independently analyzing data and generating performance reports
3Measurement precision
If detailed swing analysis is performed manually, then comprehensive feedback is provided, but the analysis cannot be performed in real-time for quickly executed sports
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing all necessary motion and force data during swing execution, then processes this data through pre-trained neural networks and algorithms to generate comprehensive analysis results before the athlete needs them, enabling detailed analysis without real-time processing delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual swing analysis with automated computational algorithms and neural networks that rapidly process sensor data, providing comprehensive swing metrics at speeds impossible for human coaches to achieve manually
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, quantitative analysis of swing performance, automates phase detection, and generates detailed reports, enhancing athlete training by providing immediate and actionable feedback for improved athletic performance.
Implementation Method 1
a motion capture system comprising at least one motion capture device configured to detect the motion of one or more body segments of a user and generate output data
Implementation Method 2
at least one force transducer, the at least one force transducer configured to sense one or more measured quantities and output one or more signals that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to the top surface of the force measurement assembly by the user
Data Source
AI summary
A swing analysis system is disclosed herein. The swing analysis system includes a motion capture system and a force measurement assembly configured to receive a user; and at least one data processing device operatively coupled to the motion capture system and the force measurement assembly, the at least one data processing device configured to determine positional information for the one or more body segments of the user from the output data of the at least one motion capture device and output forces and/or moments from the force measurement assembly, the at least one data processing device further configured to determine one or more swing performance parameters for the user using at least one of: (i) the positional information of the one or more body segments of the user from the at least one motion capture device, and (ii) the output forces and/or moments from the force measurement assembly.