JPH07213671A - Image processor for golf swing analysis - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically acquire image signals of the prescribed number of frames for a series of swings from the take-back to the followthrough of a golf club by a player without any manual work and to reduce a working cost and required memory capacity. CONSTITUTION:A CCD camera 1 photographs an area including the player who hits a golf ball set on a tee at every 30 frames. An impact sensor 2 generates a trigger signal St by detecting a moment hitting the golf ball by the golf club. A primary processing circuit 7 records by updating the image signal of prescribed time from the CCD camera 1 while thinning out at a prescribed timing for buffer memory 7a, and also, transfers the image signal within a range traced back by five seconds from an input timing and the image signal within a range elapsed by one second to monitor memory 12 via a transmission buffer 11 when the trigger signal St is inputted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a golf swing analysis image processing apparatus useful for checking a golf swing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a golf player checks his or her golf swing, it is common to photograph the swing state with a video camera and analyze the photographed result while monitoring it. However, with such a means, the screen displayed on the monitor is a moving image, so that it is difficult to sufficiently perform the swing check. In order to deal with such a situation, it is possible to use the stop motion function (image pause function) provided in the image reproduction device, but the operation of temporarily suspending the image at appropriate timing is troublesome. There was a problem such as becoming.

In recent years, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a series of swings from a state in which a golf player starts taking back a golf club to a follow-through through a backswing and a downswing by an image pickup means. A golf swing in which the operation is continuously photographed at a predetermined number of frames (for example, 16 frames) at a relatively high shutter speed, and the photographed results are arranged in time series and output to a monitor device or a printer. An image processing device for analysis has been embodied, and such a device is installed in a golf driving range or a golf equipment store and used for a fee.

[0004]

In the above-mentioned device, it is necessary to start the operation of the image pickup means at the timing when the golf player starts the takeback, but it is impossible for the golf player to perform the start operation. Therefore, in reality, an operator who operates the imaging means is required. Therefore, there is a problem that the cost of using the device is high, which is an unsolved problem.

Therefore, the applicant of the present invention has applied for an image processing device for golf swing analysis which solves the above problems (Japanese Patent Application No. 6-3516). That is, this apparatus takes an image of a region including a player hitting a golf ball or a golf ball-like object with a golf club at a rate of a predetermined number of frames per second and outputs image signals of each frame in sequence, and the image pickup means. The image storage means is provided so that the image signal from the means can be stored for a predetermined number of frames, and the newest image signal is sequentially stored while erasing the oldest image signal each time a new image signal is input. And a detection means for generating a trigger signal by detecting the moment when the golf ball or golf ball-like object is hit by a golf club, at the time of outputting the trigger signal,
That is, the image signal in the predetermined period before and after the hitting of the golf ball or the golf ball-like object is extracted from the image storage means and output, and with such a configuration, the player can follow the takeback of the golf club. It is possible to automatically obtain an image signal for a predetermined number of frames for a series of swing motions up to the through without any human intervention.

However, this device has the following problems. That is,
Golf swings generally require a relatively short time from the top position to the follow-through after the downswing is initiated, but take a relatively long time from the takeback to the top position. It is a thing. Therefore, as the image storage means for temporarily storing the image signal taken by the image pickup means, it is necessary to also store all the image signals in the period corresponding to the relatively long time from the take-back to the top position. From the above, it is necessary to make the storage capacity extremely large, which raises the problem of increasing the manufacturing cost.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to manually generate image signals for a predetermined number of frames in a series of swing motions from a player's takeback to follow-through of a golf club. It is possible to obtain it automatically without intervention, and it is possible to reduce the usage cost, and it is possible to reduce the storage capacity necessary for the image storage means necessary to obtain such effects as much as possible. Therefore, it is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing device for golf swing analysis which can realize a reduction in manufacturing cost.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus for golf swing analysis according to the present invention hits a golf ball or a golf ball-like object set in a predetermined position with a golf club. An image pickup unit that shoots an area including a player at a rate of a predetermined number of frames per second and sequentially outputs image signals of the respective frames, and an image signal from the image pickup unit that is capable of storing the predetermined number of frames is provided. An image storage unit that stores the new image signal while erasing the oldest image signal each time a new image signal is input, and detects the moment when the golf ball or golf ball-like object is hit by a golf club. And a detection means for generating a trigger signal, and a trigger signal from the detection means are provided to be input,
In order to reproduce the image signal from the signal processing unit, the image processing unit stores the image signal stored in the image storage unit and outputs the image signal for a predetermined time period before and after the input timing of the trigger signal. Of the image signal from the image pickup unit, and the image signal group before the time point of a predetermined number of frames is traced back from the latest image signal from the image pickup unit is set in advance. It is configured such that it is memorized in a thinned state at different intervals (Claim 1).

In this case, the image storage means may be constructed so that the interval for thinning out the image signal from the image pickup means over a predetermined period can be adjusted (claim 2).

The signal processing means is configured to output all of the image signals stored in the image storage means, and an edit storage means for storing the image signals output from the signal processing means. It is also possible to provide an editing means for extracting any one of the image signals stored in the editing storage means and giving it to the reproducing means (claim 3).

When the trigger signal is input, the signal processing means extracts the image signal at the time of input of the trigger signal from the image storage means as a reference image signal,
An image signal for a predetermined number of frames within a range traced back by a predetermined time from the reference image signal is extracted, and an image signal for a predetermined number of frames within a range elapsed for a predetermined time from the reference image signal is extracted. It is also possible (Claim 4).

In such a configuration, the signal processing means may be capable of adjusting each timing of extracting image signals for a predetermined number of frames from the image storage means. (Claim 5).

[0013]

In the image processing apparatus for golf swing analysis according to claim 1, the image of the area including the player who hits the golf ball or the golf ball-like object set at the predetermined position by the golf club by the image pickup means is displayed every second. Images are taken at a rate of a predetermined number of frames, and the image signal of each frame is sequentially output. The image storage means sequentially updates and stores the image signal from the image pickup means for a predetermined number of frames. At that time, at least the latest image in the image signal group from the image pickup means is stored. The image signal group before the time point when a predetermined number of frames are traced back from the signal is stored while being thinned out at a preset interval. When the player hits the golf ball or a golf ball-like object with a golf club, the detection means that detects the hit generates a trigger signal, and the trigger signal is input to the signal processing means.
Then, in the signal processing means, the image signal stored in the image storage means is taken out and output only for a predetermined time in a period before and after the input timing of the trigger signal, and thus, The extracted image signal can be reproduced by the reproducing means.

As a result, the reproducible image signal as described above is a signal showing the swing state of the player in a time series in a predetermined period before and after the golf ball or the golf ball-like object is hit. Thus, it is possible to automatically obtain an image signal for a predetermined number of frames for a series of swing motions from a player's takeback to follow-through of the golf club without human intervention, and image data based on the image signal. It becomes possible to effectively check the golf swing based on. In this case, the image storage unit stores the image signals output from the image pickup unit in a thinned state in a fixed period, so that the storage capacity required for the image storage unit can be reduced. The image signals thinned out as described above are
The image signal before the time point when a predetermined number of frames are traced back from the latest image signal in the image signal group from the image pickup means, that is, the time point when the golf ball or the golf ball-like object is hit (trigger signal generation timing) is traced back for a predetermined time. Since the image signal before the time point can be made to correspond to the image signal in the period that requires a relatively long time from the takeback of the golf swing to the top position, the adverse effect caused by the thinning can be eliminated.

According to another aspect of the image processing apparatus for golf swing analysis of the present invention, the image storage means can adjust the interval of thinning out the image signal from the image pickup means over a predetermined period. It becomes possible to prevent from becoming improper.

In the golf swing analysis image processing apparatus according to claim 3, the signal processing means outputs all of the image signals stored in the image storage means, and the image signals thereof are stored in the editing storage means. Remembered. The image signal thus stored in the editing storage means can be taken out by the editing means and given to the reproducing means. Therefore, the image signal of each frame reproduced by the reproducing means can be reproduced by the player. The series of swing operations from takeback to follow-through can be optimized for swing analysis, which is extremely convenient in actual use.

In the golf swing analysis image processing apparatus according to the present invention, when the trigger signal is generated, the signal processing means that receives the trigger signal uses the image signal at the time of input from the image storage means as a reference image signal. And extract image signals for a predetermined number of frames within a range that is traced back from the reference image signal for a predetermined time, and also extract image signals for a predetermined number of frames within a range that has elapsed for a predetermined time from the reference image signal. Come to do. As a result, the image signal of each frame output from the output means in the order of occurrence is
Since the golf ball or the golf ball-like object is in a state of being developed back and forth around the reference image signal that is closest to the image at the moment when the golf ball is hit, the golf swing can be more effectively checked.

In the golf swing analysis image processing apparatus according to the present invention, each timing for extracting the image signals for a predetermined number of frames from the image storage means in the signal processing means is adjustable as described above. Therefore, the image signal of each frame can be reliably set to a state corresponding to a series of swing motions from the takeback of the golf club to the follow through by the player, and the image signal of each frame stored in the image storage means. There is an advantage that it can be utilized without waste.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows an electric configuration of the image processing apparatus for golf swing analysis by combining functional blocks. In FIG. 1, a CCD camera 1 as an image pickup means is provided so as to photograph an area including a player who hits a golf ball set on a tee, which is a predetermined position, from the front side direction of the player. For example, the image signal of each frame taken at 30 frames per second is sequentially output. The scanning time for one image by the CCD camera 1 (corresponding to the shutter speed in the camera)
Is set as short as possible. Also, here, the area including the player is shot from the front side direction,
It is also possible to have a configuration in which it is possible to arbitrarily switch to each state of shooting from other directions (a back side direction of the player, a head side direction, a front side direction, a back side direction, etc.). The image signal as described above may be either color or monochrome, but in this embodiment, it is assumed that it is a color image signal.

The impact sensor 2 as a detecting means is
This is for detecting the moment when the golf ball is hit by a golf club and for generating a trigger signal St through the trigger output unit 3 at the time of detection, for example, a microphone for detecting a hitting sound, a golf ball from the top of the tee. It is possible to use means for optically or mechanically detecting the lost state, means for optically or magnetically detecting the state where the golf club has passed on the tee or immediately before the tee, and these means are also available. It may be realized by combining.

The speed sensor 4 generates a speed signal Sv indicating the head speed (swing speed of the golf club). The speed sensor 4 is a means utilizing the Doppler effect such as ultrasonic waves, or the moving time of the golf club between fixed points is optically determined. And the CC
It can also be realized by utilizing an image signal from the D camera 1. Although not shown, such a speed sensor 4
In addition, means for detecting the face angle when the club head hits the golf ball is provided, and the property of the hit ball (slice, hook or straight ball type) is judged based on the detection result. It is like this.

The image signal from the CCD camera 1 is passed through the input processing section 5 to the primary processing circuit 7 in the primary processing device 6.
(Corresponding to the signal processing means in the present invention) and to the switcher circuit 9 in the output control device 8 (which constitutes the editing means in the present invention together with the operation section 22 described later). Has become.

The primary processing circuit 7 is capable of storing the image signal given every 1/30 second for a predetermined number of frames (for example, 70 frames). The buffer memory 7a is configured to store the new image signal sequentially while erasing the oldest image signal each time a new image signal is input. In this case, the primary processing circuit 7 stores the image signal group before the time point when a predetermined number of frames, for example, 30 frames, from the latest image signal in the image signal group from the CCD camera 1 before going back to the buffer memory 7a. The memory is configured to be stored in a state of being thinned out at preset intervals (for example, thinning out two out of every three).

This will be specifically described as follows. That is, as schematically shown in FIG. 2, the buffer memory 7a is provided with 70 memory areas m1 to m70 for respectively storing the image signals for 70 frames and an auxiliary memory area mf. , When a new image signal is input, the image signal is stored in the head memory area m1 and before the input, the memory areas m1 to m69
The image signal stored in the memory area m2 to m70 is sequentially shifted to erase the oldest image signal stored in the memory area m70.

Of the image signal group from the CCD camera 1, the image signal group before the time point of 30 frames back from the latest stored image signal, that is, the image signal group stored in the memory areas m1 to m30 is 1 The image signals are sequentially stored every / 30 seconds, but the image signals after this point are sequentially stored every 1/10 seconds, and the image signals shown by hatching in FIG. 2 should be thinned out. become. When the image signal stored in the memory area m30 is shifted to the memory area m31, the image signal is sequentially updated and stored in the auxiliary memory area mf every 1/30 seconds, and the 3 in the auxiliary memory area mf is stored. The operation of shifting the stored image signal for each frame (every 1/10 second) to the memory area m31 is performed.

As a result, the buffer memory 7a contains the latest ones for the memory areas m1 to m30.
The image signals for 0 frames (1 second) are continuously stored, and the image signals for 120 frames (4 seconds) before the image signals for 30 frames are stored in the memory areas m31 to m70. Image signals for a total of 40 frames, which are periodically thinned from the inside, are stored, and the stored contents for a total of 70 frames are changed to new ones every 1/30 seconds or 1/10 seconds. It goes.

Returning to FIG. 1, the primary processing circuit 7 is adapted to receive the output from the trigger output section 3, and when the trigger signal St is input, the image signal stored in the buffer memory 7a. Is transferred to the transmission buffer 10 as follows. That is, at the time of inputting the trigger signal St, all the image signals (for 70 frames) stored in the memory areas m1 to m70 of the buffer memory 7a and at the timing when a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) has elapsed from the time of the input, It is configured to transfer the image signals for 30 frames stored in the memory areas m1 to m30 of the buffer memory 7a. Therefore,
The transmission buffer 10 has a continuous image signal (60 frames) for 2 seconds before and after including the input time point of the trigger signal St, and an intermittent image signal for a period that goes back 4 seconds from 1 second before the input time point. 100 corresponding to a total of 6 seconds (40 frames)
The image signal group of the frame is stored. It should be noted that it takes at least 1 second after the input of the trigger signal St to complete the transfer operation of such an image signal.

In the primary processing circuit 7, as described above, the interval for thinning out the image signals over the predetermined period can be adjusted by an external operation through the setting means 11. In this case, the setting unit 11 may be configured to be able to arbitrarily adjust the thinning period and the number of thinning of the image signal of each frame.

When storing the image signals while thinning them out in the buffer memory 7a, for example, in the period two seconds back from one second before the input time of the trigger signal St,
With the configuration that the thinning-out is performed at a rate of 1/2, the thinning-out rate is increased stepwise as the image signal becomes old, such as performing a thinning-out at a rate of 1/4 for a period 2 seconds back from this period. The buffer memory 7a
The capacity may be further reduced, and, of course, such a change of the thinning rate may be performed by using the setting means 11.

Further, when the image signal stored in the buffer memory 7a is transferred to the transmission buffer 10, especially after the input time point of the trigger signal St, the buffer memory 7a.
When transferring the image signal stored in a.
The image signals stored in the memory areas m1 to m15 of the buffer memory 7a are transferred as they are until 5 seconds have passed, and after 0.5 seconds, the images stored in the memory areas m16 to m45 of the buffer memory 7a have been transferred. The signal may be thinned out at a rate of 1/2 and transferred. When configured in this way, the transmission buffer 10 stores continuous image signals (45 frames) for 1.5 seconds before and after including the input time of the trigger signal St, and for 4 seconds from 1 second before the input time. Corresponding to a total of 6.5 seconds of the intermittent image signal (40 frames) of the period traced back and the intermittent image signal (15 frames) in the period of 1 second after 0.5 seconds after the input. The image signal group thus created is stored.

The monitor memory 12 corresponding to the editing storage means in the present invention is the same as the monitor buffer 10 for the transmission buffer 10.
Every time the storage of the image signal for 0 frames is completed, the image signal group is cumulatively stored up to, for example, about 10 groups. The image signal group thus stored is stored in the output control device 8 Each group can be selectively output to the internal switcher circuit 9. When outputting such an image signal group, the image signals of each frame are sequentially output from the oldest one. The image signals for 100 frames stored in the monitor memory 12 are transferred to the transmission buffer 10.
It is also possible to directly transfer from the buffer memory 7a to the monitor memory 12 without using.

In the output control device 8, the switcher circuit 9 includes an image signal from the CCD camera 1 and the monitor memory 1.
It is provided in order to select any one of the image signals from 2 and give it to the mixing circuit 13, and the selecting operation is performed by a command from the output control section 14.

The mixing circuit 13 mixes the image signal from the switcher circuit 9 with the image signal for superimposing given from the output control section 14,
The image signal after the mixing is applied to the output circuit 15.

The output circuit 15 includes a mixing circuit 13
Image signal from the CRT color display or liquid crystal color display, and a color monitor 16 as a reproducing means and a monochrome printer 17 (a color printer is also acceptable) as a reproducing means. The selection operation is performed by a command from the output control unit 14.

The output circuit 15 has an internal structure as shown in FIG. That is, in FIG. 3, the output circuit 1
The controller 18 in 5 has a function of receiving an image signal from the mixing circuit 13 and a command signal from the output controller 14 and outputting the image signal to the color monitor 16 and the monochrome printer 17, and also the output controller 14 described above. Based on the command from the buffer memory 1 in the output circuit 15
9. It has a function of exchanging signals with the display frame register 20 and the fixed memory 21, and a function of controlling display of a monitor screen 24 in an editing monitor device 23 provided in an operation unit 22 described later. .

Returning to FIG. 1, the output control unit 14 also has a function of selecting the image signal group output from the monitor memories 12 to the switcher circuit 9 by giving selection signals to the monitor memories 12. Therefore, an operation signal from the operation unit 22 is given to the output control unit 14.

As shown in FIG. 4, the operation section 22 is a key switch 22a for inputting the type of club used.
Group, "edit" switch 22b, "print" switch 22c, clear switch 22d for initializing input contents, screen selection switches 22e, 22f, "cancel" in the form of "←", "→" Switch for 22
g, a “set” switch 22h, and a display panel 22i formed of, for example, a liquid crystal display. The editing monitor device 23 installed along with the operation unit 22 sets a 16-divided time-lapse image display area 24a and an editor area 24b in a monitor screen 24 including a liquid crystal panel or a CRT display. Then
Furthermore, each time-lapse image display area 2 divided into 16 parts
The transparent touch switches (not shown), which are independent of each other, are provided on 4a.

In this case, the group of key switches 22a is composed of illuminated switches, and includes "wood", "iron",
"0" to "9", "SW" (abbreviation of sand wedge),
The type of golf club to be used is configured to be inputtable according to the operating state of each key switch 22a provided with "PW" (abbreviation of pitching wedge), and the input data is used to create the superimposing image signal. Be served.

The "editing" switch 22b and the "printing" switch 22c are also illumination type switches, and from each group of image signals for 100 frames stored in the monitor memory 12, each group can be arbitrarily selected. It is provided to select an edit mode for extracting 16 frames and a print mode for instructing the printing of the image signal displayed in the time-lapse image display area 24a of the monitor screen 24, and each is turned on independently. It is possible.

The display panel 22i is provided to display the current operation mode of the golf swing analysis image processing device, and is, for example, "while the time-lapse monitor is in progress.
It is possible to display such as "<current shot>" and "time-lapse print <first shot>".

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the power source of the image processing apparatus for golf swing analysis as described above may be configured to be started up in response to, for example, the insertion of a certain amount of money or more. It is desirable to promote

The output control unit 14 receives the trigger signal St from the trigger output unit 3 and the speed signal Sv from the speed sensor 4 in addition to the operation signal from the operation unit 22 as described above. The following control is performed based on those input signals, data transfer with the storage unit 25, and a preset control program.

That is, FIG. 5 shows the main part of the control contents by the output control unit 14, which will be described below. In FIG. 5, when the execution of the control program is started in response to power-on, a predetermined initialization step A1 is executed and then an initial image output routine A2 is executed.
In this routine A2, the switcher circuit 9
The image signal from the D camera 1 is instructed to be given to the mixing circuit 13, and the output circuit 15 is instructed to give the image signal from the mixing circuit 13 to the color monitor 16. As a result, the color monitor 16
The image captured by the CCD camera 1 is displayed in real time.

After the execution of the initial image output routine A2, an operation mode setting step A3 for updating and storing the operation content indicated by the operation signal from the operation section 22 in the storage section 25 is executed. Specifically, in step A3, the type of the golf club used, which is input by the key switch group 22a, and the selection states of the edit mode and the print mode by the "edit" switch 22b and the "print" switch 22c are stored. It has become.

After this, it is judged whether or not the clear switch 22d is turned on (step A4), and when it is turned on, the monitor memory 12 is cleared and the output circuit 15 is instructed to perform a clear process. Step A
5. Step A6 for initializing the operation mode stored in the storage unit 25 in the operation mode setting step A3 is sequentially executed, and the process returns to step A2.

In the state where the clear switch 22d is not turned on ("NO" in step A4), it is judged whether or not the trigger signal St is input (step A7), and if it is not input, the edit mode is selected. It is determined whether the edit mode is selected (step A8). If the edit mode is not selected, the process returns to step A2.

When the trigger signal St is input ("YES" in step A7), that is, when the golf ball set on the tee is hit by a golf club, a superimposing image signal is created in step A.
9 is executed.

Specifically, in step A9, data indicating how many times the trigger signal St has been input (that is, hitting the golf ball), data indicating the type of club used, stored in step A3, and a speed signal. An image signal for superimposing including data indicating a head speed based on Sv and data indicating a ball type (slice, hook, or straight) determined based on a detection result of a face angle detecting means (not shown) is created. In a succeeding step A10, the superimposing image signal is output to the mixing circuit 13.

After the execution of step A10, it is judged whether or not the switcher circuit 9 is switched to the monitor memory 12 side (step A11). Only when not switched, the switcher circuit 9 is switched to the monitor memory 12 side. The switching step A12 is executed. After that, the monitor memory 12 is instructed to output the latest image signal and the output circuit 15 is instructed to perform the initial processing (steps A13 and A14).

Then, it is judged whether or not the print mode is selected (step A15), and if the print mode is not selected, the process directly proceeds to step A8, but if it is selected, the output is made. After the step A16 of giving the print processing command to the circuit 15 is executed, the process shifts to the step A8.

If "YES" is determined in the step A8, that is, if the edit mode is selected,
Screen selection switch 2 in which the shapes of "←" and "→" are displayed
Judge the operation state of 2e, 22f (step A17),
Only when it is turned on, the frame feed processing command is given to the output circuit 15 (step A18). After this, each time-lapse image display area 24a on the monitor screen 24 is displayed.
The operation state of the transparent touch switch provided above is determined (step A19), and only when the switch is turned on,
A frame switching process command is given to the output circuit 15 (step A20).

Then, the "cancel" switch 2
The operating state of the 2g or "set" switch 22h is judged (step A21), and only when it is turned on, a set processing command or a cancel processing command is given to the output circuit 15 (step A22). After this, the operation state of the "print" switch 22c is judged (step A23), and if it is not turned on, the process directly returns to step A3, but if it is turned on, the output circuit 15 is printed. The step A24 for giving a command is executed and the process returns to the step A3.

That is, FIG. 6 shows the main part of the control contents by the output circuit 15, which will be described below together with the related operation. In FIG. 6, the output circuit 15 is
Whether the initial processing command, the frame feed processing command, the frame switching process command, the set process command, the cancel process command, the print process command, and the clear process command output from the output control unit 14 at the timing shown in FIG. A loop for sequentially judging is formed (steps B1 to B7).

When the initial processing command is received, the internal buffer memory 19 is initialized and then the monitor memory 12
An image signal for 100 frames (which is output from the monitor memory 12 in response to the step A13 shown in FIG. 5) given from the switcher circuit 9 and the mixing circuit 13 from the buffer memory 19 (Steps B8 and B9).

When the image signals are stored in the buffer memory 19, for example, the frame numbers in the order of occurrence are added to each image signal, and the image immediately before the trigger signal St is generated is added to the image signal. The corresponding reference image signal has a flag (mark) indicating that effect.

Then, as described above, the buffer memory 19
Sixteen frames corresponding to a predetermined frame number are extracted from the image signals of 100 frames stored in (step B10). Specifically, for example, in addition to one frame corresponding to the flagged reference image signal, nine frames from an image signal group older than this reference image signal,
Six frames from an image signal group newer than the reference image signal are extracted in an appropriately dispersed state.

Then, the image signals for the 16 frames extracted as described above are stored together with the frame numbers in the fixed memory 21, and one of the image signals for the 16 frames is stored in the editor area 24b as the initial screen. In order to display as, for example, the frame number of the flagged reference image signal is set in the display frame register 20 (step B
11, B12), and then the monitor output routine B13 is executed and the process proceeds to step B2. The image displayed as the initial screen in this manner may be the first or last one of the image signals for 16 frames, or the image signal in the middle.

In the monitor output routine B13, the image signals for 16 frames stored in the finalized memory 21 are displayed in the 16-divided time-lapse image display area 24a and set in the display frame register 20. The image signal corresponding to the frame number in the editor area 24b
Further, the image signals of the 16 frames are displayed on the color monitor 16 in 16 divisions. It is also possible to store only the frame number in the finalizing memory 21 and call the image signal corresponding to the frame number from the buffer memory 19 and use it for the display as described above.

As a result, the time-lapse image display area 24
The image signal for 16 frames extracted in advance from the image signals for 100 frames stored in the buffer memory 19, that is, the moment when the golf ball is hit by the golf club and before and after that The latest one of the time-lapse image signal group is displayed at a predetermined timing of, and particularly for the color monitor 16,
The data indicated by the superimposing image signal created in step A9 is displayed at the same time. It should be noted that FIG. 7 schematically shows a display example of the color monitor 16 in this case, and in this example, image signals of each frame are collectively displayed. However, it goes without saying that the image signal for each frame may be sequentially displayed, or a predetermined number of images may be sequentially displayed.

On the other hand, when the frame advance processing command is received ("YES" in step B2), the display frame register 20
The frame number set in (the frame number of the image signal being displayed in the editor area 24b) and the screen selection switch 2
The frame number of the image signal to be displayed next is determined based on which of 2e and 22f is operated (step B
14). Next, the frame number set in the display frame register 20 is updated to the frame number of the next display image signal determined as described above (step B15), and the display screen of the editor area 24b is updated with the updated frame number. The image signal is switched to one corresponding to the image signal (step B16), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step B3.

When the frame switching processing command is received ("YES" in step B3), the framed image display area 24 is displayed.
It is determined whether or not the frame number of the image signal corresponding to the operated one of the transparent touch switches on a matches the frame number set in the display frame register 20 (step B17). If the above frame numbers match, the process proceeds to step B4. If they do not match, the frame number set in the display frame register 20 is changed to the image corresponding to the operated transparent touch switch. The frame number of the signal is updated (step B18). Then, the display screen of the editor area 24b is switched to the one corresponding to the image signal of the updated frame number (step B
19) and thereafter, the process proceeds to step B4.

When a set processing command is received (step B
In "4", "YES"), it is determined whether or not the image being displayed in the editor area 24b has already been determined, that is, whether or not the image signal and its frame number are stored in the determined memory 21 ( Step B20). Here, "YE
If "S" is determined, the process proceeds to step B5 to prevent double determination, and if "NO" is determined, whether the image storage area of the determination memory 21 is full, that is, the determination memory 21. It is determined whether or not 16 image signals are stored in the memory (step B21), and if they are stored, the process proceeds to step B5.

On the other hand, if there is an empty area for storing the image signal in the fixed memory 21, the editor area 24
The image signal being displayed in b is stored in the finalizing memory 21 together with the frame number (step B22). Next, step B23 for rearranging the image signals stored in the finalizing memory 21 in the ascending order of frame numbers (however, if the number of stored image signals is one, the rearrangement is not substantially performed), and the final image is stored in the finalizing memory 21. After executing step B24 in which all the generated image signals are arranged and displayed again in the frame-by-frame image display area 24a in the order of frame numbers, the process proceeds to step B5.

When the cancel processing command is received ("YES" in step B5), it is determined whether or not the image signal corresponding to the frame number set in the display frame register 20 is in the finalized memory 21, that is, the editor. It is determined whether or not the image signal being displayed in the area 24b is stored in the confirmation memory 21 (step B25). If "NO" is determined here, the process proceeds to step B6, but "YE
If it is determined to be “S”, that is, if the image signal to be canceled is stored in the finalizing memory 21, the image signal and the frame number are deleted from the finalizing memory 21 Step B
26, Step B27 of rearranging the image signals stored in the finalizing memory 21 in ascending order of frame number, finalizing memory 21
Step B2, in which all the image signals stored in the memory are displayed in the time-lapse image display area 24a in the order of frame numbers.
After executing 8, the process proceeds to step B6.

When the print processing command is received ("YES" in step B6), the print output processing routine B29 for printing out the image signal stored in the finalized memory 21 through the monochrome printer 17 is executed and step B7 is executed. In addition, the printout in this case is the time-lapse image display area 24a of the monitor screen 24.
Alternatively, the display form on the color monitor 16 (see FIG. 7)
It is performed in the same state as.

When a clear processing command is received (step B
In "7", "YES"), the memory clear routine B30 for initializing the buffer memory 19, the display frame register 20, and the fixed memory 21 is executed, and then the process returns to step B1.

In summary, according to the golf swing analysis image processing apparatus according to the above-described embodiment, the CCD camera 1 produces 3 images per second in the area including the player who is about to hit the golf ball set on the tee.
The image signal for each of the latest 5 seconds taken in this manner is sequentially updated and stored in the buffer memory 7a in the primary processing circuit 7, and the golf ball set in the tee is shot. When hit by a golf club, based on the output from the buffer memory 7a, a time-lapse image signal (for 100 frames) in a period from 5 seconds before the hit to 1 second after the hit. Is stored in the monitor memory 12, and such a stored image signal is stored in the buffer memory 19 in the output circuit 15. Then, from the image signals of 100 frames stored in this way, a time-lapse image signal at the moment of hitting,
And a time-lapse image signal of a plurality of frames (9 frames) at a predetermined timing within a range of 5 seconds from the moment, and a plurality of frames (5 frames) at a predetermined timing within a range of 1 second from the moment. The time-lapse image signal is automatically extracted and can be reproduced or printed out as a total of 16 divided images.

As a result, the 16-frame divided image becomes a state in which the player's swing state in a predetermined period before and after the golf ball is hit is chronologically displayed, and the player's take-back of the golf club is followed through. 16 about a series of swing motions up to
It is possible to automatically obtain a reproduced video or printed matter showing images for each frame without human intervention, and it is possible to effectively check a golf swing based on the reproduced video or printed matter. Of course, according to the apparatus of the present embodiment, an operator, which has been necessary in the past, is unnecessary, so that it is possible to realize a reduction in utilization cost.

Since the above-described 16-frame divided image is developed back and forth around the reference image signal that is closest to the image at the moment when the golf ball is hit, it is better to check the golf swing. It can be done more effectively.

Further, the image signals for 16 frames reproduced or printed out as described above are replaced with image signals at arbitrary timing by editing based on the image signals for 100 frames stored in the buffer memory 19. Therefore, it is possible to easily correct an image of 16 frames automatically obtained for a series of swing actions from the takeback of the golf club to the follow through by the player to a state most suitable for the analysis of the swing. become. As a result, the golf swing can be checked more efficiently, which is very convenient in actual use.

Moreover, C is stored in the buffer memory 7a.
Since the latest image signals for 5 seconds output from the CD camera 1 are stored in a thinned state, the storage capacity required for the buffer memory 7a can be reduced. The image signal thinned out as described above is an image signal before the time point when a predetermined number of frames (30 frames in the embodiment) are traced back from the latest image signal in the image signal group from the CCD camera 1, that is, the golf ball. It is possible to correspond to an image signal before the time point that is traced back by a predetermined time from the timing at which the ball is hit (the timing at which the trigger signal St is generated), and the image signal for a period that requires a relatively long time from the takeback to the top position of the golf swing. Since this is possible, it is possible to eliminate the adverse effects of thinning out.

The interval at which the image signal from the CCD camera 1 is stored in the buffer memory 7a while being thinned out over a predetermined period can be adjusted by the setting means 11, so that the thinned-out state of the image signal is unsatisfactory. It becomes possible to prevent from becoming appropriate. Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the example in which the golf ball set on the tee is hit is described, but a configuration in which a golf ball similar object is hit may be adopted.

FIGS. 8 to 10 show a second embodiment of the present invention, and only the portions different from the first embodiment will be described below. That is, this embodiment is characterized in that the editing function of the image signal in the first embodiment is deleted, and as shown in FIG. 8, the output circuit 15 and the operation unit 22 in the first embodiment are provided. Instead, the output circuit 1
5'and an operating section 22 'are provided, and the signal processing means 7 is also provided.
The function is changed as described later.

The output circuit 15 'is the mixing circuit 1
3 is provided with a function to selectively apply the image signal from the color monitor 16 and / or the monochrome printer 17 to each other.
It is performed by the command from 4. In addition, the operation unit 22 '
As shown in FIG. 9, from the operation unit 22 shown in FIG.
The edit monitor device 23, the "edit" switch 22b, the screen selection switches 22e and 22f, the "cancel" switch 22g, and the "set" switch 22h are removed.

When the trigger signal St is input, the signal processing means 7 is stored in the memory areas m1 to m70 of the buffer memory 7a (see FIG. 2 in the first embodiment) 70 at the time of the input. For example, image signals for 11 frames are extracted from the image signals for the frames, and are stored in the memory areas m1 to m30 of the buffer memory 7a at a timing when a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) has elapsed from the input time. For example, 5 frames are extracted from the image signals of 30 frames and transferred to the transmission buffer 10. The transmission buffer 10 has a structure capable of storing, for example, about 10 image signal groups thus transferred.

Specifically, at the time of input of the trigger signal St, for example, memory areas m1, m3, m5, m7, m1.
The image signals for a total of 11 frames stored in 0, m15, m30, m40, m50, m60, and m70 are extracted, and when 1 second has elapsed after the input of the trigger signal St, for example, the memory areas m2, m4, Image signals for a total of 5 frames stored in m6, m10 and m30 are extracted. That is, the image signal at the time of inputting the trigger signal St (the image signal in the memory area m1) is extracted as the reference image signal, and the image signal for 10 frames is extracted from the range traced back from the reference image signal for 5 seconds. Image signals for five frames are extracted from a range in which only one second has passed from the reference image signal.

In this case, the number of the memory area to be extracted as described above is registered in advance by the setting means 11, and the registered content, that is, 16 as described above.
Each timing for extracting the image signal for each frame can be arbitrarily changed by the setting means 11. still,
When performing the above-mentioned registration, as shown in FIG. 10, the arrangement relationship between the arrangement of the image signals in the predetermined period based on the output time point of the trigger signal St and the arrangement of the image signals stored in the buffer memory 7a is determined by the buffer. It is displayed on the color monitor 16 together with the memory area numbers (m1 to m70) of the memory 7a.
However, the registration work can be performed based on such a display.

When the output control section 15 receives the trigger signal St, the output control section 15 displays the latest 16-frame image signals stored in the monitor memory 12 as described above on the color monitor 16 as divided images, and at the same time, operates them. When the "print" switch 22c in the section 22 is operated,
Image signals for six frames are printed out through the monochrome printer 17 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Therefore, also in the present embodiment having the above-mentioned structure, the golf swing can be effectively checked as in the case of the first embodiment, and the use cost is reduced and the buffer memory 7a is required. The memory capacity can be reduced, and the memory buffer 7a
Since the timings for extracting the image signals for 16 frames are adjusted by the operating means 11, a series of swing operations from the takeback of the golf club by the player to the follow-through are performed. There is an advantage that it can be surely set to a state corresponding to, and the image signal of each frame stored in the memory buffer 7a can be utilized without waste.

[0080]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a region including a player who hits a golf ball or a golf ball-like object set at a predetermined position with a golf club. An image pickup unit that sequentially outputs image signals obtained by shooting images at a predetermined number of frames per second, and sequentially stores and stores such image signals by the number of frames corresponding to the latest fixed period, and at least the latest image signals. An image storage unit is provided for storing the image signal group before the time of going back a predetermined number of frames from, and when the player hits a golf ball or a golf ball-like object with a golf club, the image storage unit stores the image signal. Since the stored image signal is taken out and reproduced for a predetermined time before and after the moment of impact, It is possible to automatically obtain image signals for a predetermined number of frames for a series of swing movements from takeback to follow-through of the golf club by the layer without human intervention, and reduce the usage cost. In addition to the above, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity required for the image storage unit necessary to obtain such an effect as much as possible, and it is possible to realize a reduction in manufacturing cost. .

According to the second aspect of the invention, when the image signal from the image pickup means is stored in the image storage means, the interval for thinning out the image signal can be adjusted. It becomes possible to prevent from becoming improper.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, all of the image signals stored in the image storage means are output, and the image signals to be reproduced can be edited using these image signals. Therefore, the image signal of each frame reproduced by the reproducing means can be made optimum for swing analysis out of a series of swing operations from the takeback of the golf club to the follow through by the player. Very convenient on top.

According to the invention described in claim 4, when the trigger signal is generated, the signal processing means that receives the trigger signal extracts the image signal at the time of the input from the image storage means as a reference image signal, The image signal for a predetermined number of frames within a range traced back from the reference image signal for a predetermined time is extracted, and the image signal for a predetermined number of frames within a range elapsed by a predetermined time from the reference image signal is extracted. Therefore, the image signals of the respective frames output from the output means in the state of being arranged in the order of occurrence are forward and backward around the reference image signal closest to the image at the moment when the golf ball or the golf ball-like object is hit. In the unfolded state, the golf swing can be effectively checked based on the image reproduced by the reproducing means.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the signal processing means is provided so that each timing for extracting the image signals of a predetermined number of frames from the image storage means is adjustable, the image signals of each frame are adjusted. Can be reliably set to a state corresponding to a series of swing operations from the takeback of the golf club to the follow through by the player, and the image signals of each frame stored in the image storage means can be utilized without waste. become.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a storage form of an image signal.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a main part.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the operation unit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the output control unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the output circuit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen display example.

FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen display example at the time of registration work of a memory area number necessary for extracting an image signal.

[Explanation of symbols]

In the drawing, 1 is a CCD camera (imaging means), 2 is an impact sensor (detection means), 4 is a speed sensor, 6 is a primary processing device, 7 is a primary processing circuit (signal processing means), and 7a is a buffer memory (image storage). Means), 8 is an output control device (editing means), 9 is a switcher circuit, 11 is setting means,
Reference numeral 12 is a monitor memory (editing storage means), and 14 and 14 '.
Is an output circuit, 16 is a color monitor (reproducing means), 17 is a monochrome printer (reproducing means), 19 is a buffer memory, 22 and 22 'are operating sections (editing means), 23 is an editing monitor device, and 24 is a monitor screen. Indicates.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An area including a player hitting a golf ball or a golf ball-like object set at a predetermined position with a golf club is photographed at a predetermined number of frames per second, and image signals of the respective frames are sequentially output. And an image pickup means for storing the image signal from the image pickup means for a predetermined number of frames, and the new image signal is erased while the oldest image signal is erased each time a new image signal is input. An image storage unit for storing, a detection unit for generating a trigger signal by detecting a moment when the golf ball or a golf ball-like object is hit by a golf club, and a trigger signal from the detection unit is input. The image signal stored in the image storage means is provided for a predetermined time period before and after the input timing of the trigger signal. And a reproduction means for reproducing the image signal from the signal processing means, wherein the image storage means includes at least the latest image signal of the image signal group from the imaging means. An image processing apparatus for golf swing analysis, characterized in that the image signal group before the time point of going back by a predetermined number of frames is stored in a state of being thinned out at a preset interval. 2. The image processing for golf swing analysis according to claim 1, wherein the image storage means is configured so that an interval for thinning out the image signal from the image pickup means over a predetermined period can be adjusted. apparatus. 3. The signal processing means is configured to output all of the image signals stored in the image storage means, and an editing storage means for storing the image signals output from the signal processing means, 2. The image processing apparatus for golf swing analysis according to claim 1, further comprising: an editing unit that takes out any one of the image signals stored in the editing storage unit and gives it to the reproducing unit. 4. The signal processing means, when the trigger signal is input, extracts the image signal at the time of inputting the trigger signal from the image storage means as a reference image signal,
The image signal for a predetermined number of frames within a range traced back from the reference image signal for a predetermined time is extracted, and the image signal for a predetermined number of frames within a range elapsed by a predetermined time from the reference image signal is extracted. The image processing apparatus for golf swing analysis according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is a golf swing analysis image processing apparatus. 5. The golf swing analysis according to claim 4, wherein the signal processing means is configured to be adjustable in timing for extracting image signals for a predetermined number of frames from the image storage means. Image processing device.