Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
  • G09B19/00—Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass
  • G09B19/003—Repetitive work cycles; Sequence of movements
  • G09B19/0038—Sports
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
  • A63B24/0003—Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
  • A63B24/0006—Computerised comparison for qualitative assessment of motion sequences or the course of a movement
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
  • A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
  • A63B69/3608—Attachments on the body, e.g. for measuring, aligning, restraining
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
  • A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
  • A63B69/3623—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for driving
  • A63B69/3632—Clubs or attachments on clubs, e.g. for measuring, aligning
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
  • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
  • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
  • A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
  • A63B24/0003—Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
  • A63B24/0006—Computerised comparison for qualitative assessment of motion sequences or the course of a movement
  • A63B2024/0012—Comparing movements or motion sequences with a registered reference
  • A63B2024/0015—Comparing movements or motion sequences with computerised simulations of movements or motion sequences, e.g. for generating an ideal template as reference to be achieved by the user
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
  • A63B24/0062—Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
  • A63B2024/0068—Comparison to target or threshold, previous performance or not real time comparison to other individuals
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
  • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
  • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
  • A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
  • A63B2071/0625—Emitting sound, noise or music
  • A63B2071/0627—Emitting sound, noise or music when used improperly, e.g. by giving a warning
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
  • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
  • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
  • A63B2071/0655—Tactile feedback
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
  • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
  • A63B2220/803—Motion sensors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
  • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
  • A63B2220/83—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor characterised by the position of the sensor
  • A63B2220/833—Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
  • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
  • A63B2220/83—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor characterised by the position of the sensor
  • A63B2220/836—Sensors arranged on the body of the user
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
  • A63B2225/50—Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the field of training aids, i.e., devices that helps a person or animal better perform some activity of that person or animal. More particularly the present invention relates to a golf swing training aid.
• W02003024544 discloses a repetitive motion feedback system provided with various sensors and devices for monitoring aspects of a repetitive motion sequence, such as a golf swing.
• the monitored aspects can include motion properties of an object moved by the user, position properties of the user and motion properties of the user.
• a data processing system for receiving data of the monitored aspects provides feedback data that is provided to a feedback output device, such as a graphical display device or speaker, so that the user is provided with feedback regarding the repetitive motion sequence.
• the user’s performance is compared to a template of a prior performance, with feedback being provided regarding the differences.
• US6778866 disclosing a method and apparatus for teaching a person how to perform a specific body motion in a consistent manner is based on electronically measuring one or more parameters of an actual body motion, comparing the one or more measured parameters with corresponding parameters of a target body motion, and providing a sensible feedback to the user based on a degree of
• the feedback is audible. More specifically the feedback is a musical tune that has a particular characteristic (such as rhythm) that is particularly suited to a particular body motion (such as a golf swing).
• the feedback may be in the form of electronically causing the musical tune to go off-key in proportion to a discrepancy between the actual body motion and the target body motion.
• a further prior art system and method for teaching ergonomic motion of an athlete, for example a golfer is disclosed in WO200518759.
• the system including the video camera for capturing successive image of the golfer executing a preferring golf swing and a threshold definition system that allows the golfer define a spatial region of the video image. If the spatial region is intruded upon, an alarm is actuated, thereby providing feedback so the golfer may alter the technique of the next attempted motion.
• the golfer may define the region such that if the club moves off plane during a swing, a tee removal system causes the ball to disappear. In this manner, the golfer is only able to hit the ball when the club stays on plane
• a video recording also has to be studied and processed using the cognitive function of the human brain. It may be an advantage to provide feedback instead, or also, using the more non-cognitive functions of the brain, such as the emotional functions or reflexes.
• the proposed training aid of the present invention enables the user to learn new movement patterns also on a subconscious level that creates learning free from the conscious analytical mind. This in turn makes the new movement pattern sustainable under pressure
• the present invention provides a movements training aid, based on a small, lightweight sensor unit, attachable to a person’s body, the sensor unit is able to provide sensor data that enables determining of the sensor unit’s position relative to a reference position.
• the body motion tracker comprises a processor unit configured to calculate and track the sensor unit’s position.
• the processor is configured to be able to compare the track in progress with a reference track provided in advance, to indicate a deviation.
• the present invention provides a sports training aid comprising a sensor unit
• the sensor unit being configured to be attachable to a user’s body or a user’s sports implement, and wherein the sensor unit is provided with:
• the sports training aid is configured to provide real time feedback related to a motion fault of a studied sports motion performed by the user
• the sensor unit is intended to be attached to a user’s body or a user’s sports implement at a representative location, the representative location being bound to travel a path representative of the studied sports motion, and
• the motion sensor module of the sensor unit comprises acceleration sensors and gyro sensors
• the processor of the sensor unit is configured to determine, with the aid of data from the motion sensor module, a still position corresponding to an event wherein the sensor unit is determined to be still
• the processor is configured to keep track of the movements of the sensor module of the sensor unit relative to the still position, and v) wherein the processor is configured to activate, in real time, the feedback stimulator upon real time detection of a sports motion fault of the studied sports motion of the user as represented by the motion path of the motion sensor module of the sensor unit.
• the training aid is configured to perform an initiation sequence setting internal position registers and velocity registers to zero upon receiving a trigger signal and/or detecting a predetermined event wherein the detecting of the predetermined event is the detecting of null or very limited motion during a predetermined first time period.
• the processor is configured to detect a still position to perform a coordinate system fixation. Still further, the processor is configured to detect motion start by identifying certain parameters.
• Fig. 1 a shows a block diagram of a biofeedback device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 1 b shows a block diagram of a biofeedback device according to another embodiment of the present invention
• Fig. 2a shows a flow chart of a method for providing biofeedback to a person on a body motion.
• Fig. 2b shows a flow chart of another method for providing biofeedback to a person on a body motion.
• Fig. 3a shows a perspective view of a golfer swinging a club
• Fig. 3b shows a perspective view of an athlete’s body with attached devices.
• Fig. 4a shows a schematic representation as seen from above of a golf swing as consecutive positions of the club and wrist superimposed together with a tube of allowed deviation.
• Fig. 4b shows a detail of a virtual tube of allowed deviation.
• Fig. 4c shows a few sample points of a motion together with directional vectors of each point and limit cones/sectors for the directional vectors.
• Fig. 4d shows a schematic perspective view of a motion sensor unit with reference directions for accelerometer and gyro data.
• Fig. 4e shows a diagrammatic representation of two coordinate systems
• Fig. 4f shows the reference frames of fig. 4e ready to be aligned using a motion start sequence or a still detection method.
• Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a still detection method for establishing a reference position for training aid use.
• Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of a position calculation method for training aid use.
• Fig. 7a shows a flowchart of a method for establishing a reference plane for training aid use.
• Fig. 7b shows a flowchart of a method for establishing a center point of rotation for training aid use.
• Fig. 8 shows geometrical relations relevant for the method of Fig. 7b.
• Fig. 9 shows a side view of a stick figure golfer.
• Fig. 10a shows a graphical representation of measurements to detect a swing fault.
• Fig. 10b shows a further graphical representation of measurements to detect a swing fault.
• Fig. 10c shows a diagram of distance between back- and downswing as a function of downswing angle.
• Fig. 11 shows a flowchart of an over-the-top swing fault detection method.
• Motion is understood any body movement, performed by a user, composite or simple, may it be a movement of one or more of his or her extremities, or torso, or centre of gravity. Any possible ambiguities should be solved by the context in which the term is used.
• Example motions include, but are not limited to, portions of or complete high jumps, pole vaults, hammer throws, javelin throws, gymnastics,
• choreography moves cheerleading moves, baseball battings, baseball pitching, golf swings, putting strokes, or horse jumps.
• motion also includes rotational movement.
• Motion representation is a usually mathematical representation of a motion.
• the motion representation may include representations of linear and rotational motion position, motion velocity, and motion acceleration.
• the motion may be represented by the current position of a predetermined point on the body of a user, or the motion may be represented by a (motion) track, see below.
• Position With the term“position”, as used herein is understood the physical local position of a sensor unit or small object in relation to a nearby reference point and expressed using a suitable coordinate system. Typically, in the context of the present invention, positions are within the magnitude of 0-5 meters from the reference point.
• Undesired motion The term“undesired motion” is used to denote a motion that is undesired or comprises an undesired feature as seen from the point of view of the user, and/or his or her coach.
• Body motion tracker denotes a device or a system, or a piece of computer code when executed capable of tracking one or more predefined points of a user’s body over time, based on processed sensor data.
• Tracking With the term“tracking” is understood the activity of collecting and storing (recording) consecutive positions of one or more predefined points on a user’s body during a motion.
• Motion track With the term“motion track” is meant the result of the tracking activity, i.e., the collective amount of stored consecutive positions of a predefined body point over time, starting at a start point or start time, and ending at a finishing point or finishing time.
• Reference motion track A“reference motion track” is a desired motion track that can be used to create a model to which motion
• “Rotation angle” or“Angle of rotation” In two-dimensional space the “angle of rotation” is a measurement of the amount, the angle, by which an object is rotated about a fixed point. In three-dimensional space rotation is measured and indicated using angles of rotation about three coordinate axes.
• Predefined body point With the term“predefined body point” is meant a point on a user’s body that has been provided with means for facilitating the tracking of said point, e.g. a sensor unit.
• attitude In the context of the present invention the term“attitude” is used to denote an object’s orientation (attitude, angular position) in space.
• the attitude may be represented by pitch, yaw and roll angles or,
• Motion sensor unit is understood to be a unit, attachable to a user’s body, that are able to deliver motion information, such as accelerations, and/or gyroscopic data, i.e., information making it possible to determine the sensor’s attitude and three-dimensional position or changes in the same position during a motion of the user, in a suitable reference system.
• the sensor unit is conceived to be small and lightweight enough not to interfere with the motion of the user.
• Control unit In the context of the present invention a“control unit” is a unit comprising a man-machine interface for operating a device, it also usually comprises wireless communication means to communicate with the processor and/or the motion sensor unit.
• sample In the context of the present invention the term“sample” is used to denote a calculated state of the motion sensor unit at a particular moment in time and may include representations of linear and/or rotational: motion position, motion velocity, and motion acceleration as calculated by the processor based on motion sensor data from the motion sensor unit and also based on a reference frame, i.e., a coordinate system. Associated with the sample are a sample number and/or a sample time.
• processor In the context of the present invention the term “processor” is used to denote a processor system irrespective if it comprises one or more logical or physical processors, if nothing else is explicitly mentioned.
• Memory In the context of the present invention the term“memory” is used to denote a memory system irrespective if it comprises one or more logical or physical memories, if nothing else is explicitly mentioned
• Stimulator In the context of the present invention the term stimulator is used to denote a device, attachable to a body of a person or animal, and upon receiving a command, capable of eliciting a stimulus perceptible by that person or animal.
• Fig. 1 a shows a block diagram of a training aid system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• the training aid system comprises a motion sensor unit 110 for providing motion sensor data.
• the motion sensor unit 110 is configured to be easily attachable to a body part of a person or to an implement used by said person. It could be in the form of e.g. a bracelet or a plaster.
• the motion sensor unit 110 is connected to a processor 105 configured to process motion sensor data, and to a memory 118.
• the system may further comprise a control unit 120 for easy communication with the processor 105, fig. 1 b.
• the control unit is preferably handheld.
• the processor is connected to a memory 118 for storing of data.
• the system comprises a stimulator 102 capable of eliciting a stimulus perceptible by the person.
• the stimulator 102 is preferably attachable to the body of the person.
• the stimulator 102, the processor 105, the memory 118 and the motion sensor unit may all be arranged or integrated in the same physical unit.
• the motion sensor unit 110 is provided with one or more sensors capable of providing motion data to the processor 105 to which it is connected, and the processor 105 are configured to keep track of
• the motion sensor unit may preferably be a small single chip motion tracking device providing accelerometer and/or gyroscopic data allowing the processor to calculate relative position data of the motion sensor unit without the need for external references.
• An example of reference directions of a 9- axis motion sensor unit is shown in fig. 4d. Accelerations are provided for X, Y, and Z-axis directions and also rotational accelerations around said axes respectively.
• a commercially available unit is the semiconductor motion tracker device MPU-9250 from INVENSENSE, San Jose, California.
• the system may further comprise wireless communication means, e.g.
• Bluetooth or WIFI enabling the processor 105 to communicate with the control unit 120.
• control unit can be used to set the system in one out of two modes, a threshold set mode and a supervision mode:
• a first three-dimensional track can be defined together with a threshold, also called allowable deviation which may be any limit or threshold associated with the motion, including, but not limited to a radius of a virtual tube created with a reference motion track as centre axis. Also, attitude deviation parameters can be set in this mode.
• the system is configured such that it is possible to connect the control unit to the Internet and import a reference motion track and an allowable deviation.
• the control unit is also configured to facilitate adjustment of parameters of allowable deviation. Typical parameters of allowable deviation may include radius, measured from a centre curve 410, of an allowable tube 431 , 432, 433, see fig.
• a desirable track, and/or desirable attitude angles may be predefined as a factory setting that may be adjusted by input of certain body measurements, such as e.g. fingertip to ground distance, and arm length, depending on motion to be practiced (trained).
• the processor is configured to compare either the sensor unit position, or both sensor unit position and sensor unit attitude, with reference values. Regarding position, as long as the actual movement stays within the virtual tube, the motion is considered satisfactory and no stimulus will be elicited. Thus, depending on the motion sensor unit 110 movement relative to certain limits or thresholds or a reference movement, the processor may immediately send, to the stimulus unit 102 a command to elicit a first stimulus, when the motion sensor unit has moved away outside any limits or thresholds or away further than the allowable deviation distance and/or the attitude has deviated outside an angular cone.
• the processor may be configured to accomplish a comparison with a predetermined motion only and is not configured to be able to be set in any threshold or reference motion modes.
• the system is provided with a stimulator 102 to elicit a stimulus depending on the current motion compared to a reference motion or to specific motion criteria.
• the stimulator 102 is preferably configured to provide a discouraging stimulus.
• the stimulus may be a tactile stimulus, electrical stimulus, light stimulus, auditory stimulus, heat stimulus, or cold stimulus, or a combination thereof.
• the stimulus can be selected to maximize motor learning.
• the stimulus elicited by the stimulus unit is an electric stimulus.
• the stimulus unit is configured to be able to elicit an electric stimulus of such magnitude that it is perceived as painful to most humans.
• the stimulus unit is configured to be able to deliver such stimuli.
• the system may be configured such that the magnitude of the stimulus is adjustable.
• the stimulus unit is configured to deliver the stimulus in real time, i.e., without noticeable delay, preferably with less delay than 50 milliseconds (ms), or more preferred less than 20 ms, or most preferred less than 10 ms.
• ms milliseconds
• a method for a training aid for a person or animal provided with a motion sensor unit 110, in order to improve a body motion comprising the steps of
• the stimulus issued may be an electrical stimulus.
• the method may comprise additional steps as illustrated. It is shown a flow chart of another method for providing biofeedback to a person on a body motion, the method comprising the steps of
• the training aid is relying on accelerometer and gyroscopic data from a MEMS motion tracking device.
• the processor is configured to have internal (to the processor) or external position registers, attitude registers, and velocity registers for keeping updated the current position, attitude and velocity of the motion sensor unit.
• the registers are updated using motion sensor data from the motion sensor unit.
• the processor is configured to perform an initiation procedure to reset position coordinates of the position of the motion sensor unit. In various embodiments initiation of registers is done by keeping the sensor unit still for a
• the inventors have identified the problem of creating a fast and accurate enough way of determining motion parameters to be able to detect a faulty motion in real time.
• the solution must cope with a two-step
• the sensor unit determines the orientation of the sensor unit in relation to the gravity acceleration vector.
• the orientation of left-right, and forward- backward directions is arbitrary set except for being perpendicular to gravity, and further calculations are configured accordingly.
• initiation may preferably be done by pressing a button on the motion sensor unit or the control unit and/or by keeping the sensor unit“still” for a predetermined amount of time, and/or just by keeping it still enough, i.e., so still that activity level of accelerometer and gyro is below certain levels.
• the predetermined time period may preferably be between 1 to 5000 milliseconds in duration, or more preferred between 5 to 20 milliseconds in duration, or even more preferred between7 and 15 milliseconds, or most preferred between 9 and 11 milliseconds, during which time period the processor preferably averages received motion sensor data (accelerations) and if the average is below a certain value, the processor determines
• the processor determines an initiation point in time upon receiving a trigger signal and/or detecting a predetermined event.
• the initiation point in time may be the moment in time wherein it is assessed that the sensor motion unit is not influenced by any acceleration apart from gravity.
• the processor is preferably configured to search for a motion start identifier, i.e., a short motion sequence, or a predetermined attained speed of motion, betraying (telling, signalling) that motion has started.
• the direction of the start sequence may be determined as the direction of a velocity vector at a predetermined absolute value of the attained velocity of motion of the motion sensor unit. This direction is the used to align reference motion track with current motion, a process here also referred to as“calibration”.
• Fig. 4e shows a schematic view of two different reference
• Fig. 4f shows the reference frames of fig. 4e ready to be aligned.
• the processor is preferably configured to search for a motion start identifier, i.e., a short motion track portion (491 ).
• the processor is configured to align the short motion track portion (491 ) to fit in a virtual motion start tube 494. Subsequently the virtual motion start tube 494 is used to align the current reference frame having a second origin 552 to a reference motion reference frame having a first origin 551.
• Another motion start identifier may be a predetermined attained speed of motion, signalling that motion has started and in what direction.
• the direction of the start sequence is preferably determined as direction of velocity vector at a predetermined absolute value of the attained velocity of motion of the motion sensor unit. This direction is then used to align reference motion track with current motion, as process here called
• a sports training aid comprising:
• the sensor unit being configured to be attachable to a user’s body or a user’s sports implement, and wherein the sensor unit (110) is provided with:
• the sports training aid is configured to provide instantaneous feedback related to a motion fault of a studied sports motion performed by the user, and i) wherein the sensor unit is intended to be attached to a user’s body or a user’s sports implement at a representative location, the representative location being bound to travel a path representative of the studied sports motion, and
• the motion sensor module of the sensor unit comprises acceleration sensors and gyro sensors
• the processor of the sensor unit is configured to determine, with the aid of data from the motion sensor module, a still position corresponding to an event wherein the sensor unit (110) is determined to be still, and iv) wherein the processor is configured to keep track of the movements of the sensor module of the sensor unit relative to the still position, and v) wherein the processor is configured to activate, in real time, the feedback stimulator upon real time detection of a sports motion fault of the studied sports motion of the user as represented by the motion path of the motion sensor module of the sensor unit.
• the processor is configured to determine the still position using a method including the following steps:
• the processor may be configured to determine the still position using a method including the following steps:
• the determining of a steady absolute value includes the following step(s):
• the processor may in a preferred embodiment be configured to discard gyro sensor data when determining the still position.
• the user may be an animal.
• motion data from a motion sensor module includes accelerometer data and gyroscopic data.
• a number of position registers are set to zero during the initiation procedure where a still position is identified.
• the orientation of the motion sensor module is set to the average of the direction of acceleration, that is assumed to be originating from earth gravity and maybe some small random fluctuations due to normal minor involuntary muscular contractions.
• output from triple-axis gyroscope of motion sensor module includes digital-output X-, Y-, and Z-axis angular rates.
• Output from accelerometers include triple axis-accelerations.
• a sports training aid comprising:
• the sensor unit being configured to be attachable to a user’s body or a user’s sports implement, and wherein the sensor unit (110) is provided with:
• the sports training aid is configured to provide instantaneous feedback related to a motion fault of a studied sports motion performed by the user
• the sensor unit is intended to be attached to a user’s body or a user’s sports implement at a representative location, the representative location being bound to travel a path representative of the studied sports motion, and
• the processor of the sensor unit is configured to determine, with the aid of data from the motion sensor module, a still position corresponding to an event wherein the sensor unit (110) is determined to be still, and iv) wherein the processor is configured to keep track of the movements of the sensor module of the sensor unit relative to the still position, and v) wherein the processor is configured to activate, in real time, the feedback stimulator upon real time detection of a sports motion fault of the studied sports motion of the user as represented by the motion path of the motion sensor module of the sensor unit, and
• an initial orientation of the sensor module is determined and set based on accelerometer data of motion sensor module, and accelerometer data of motion sensor module only, corresponding to the still position
• the further, dynamically changing orientation of the sensor unit is determined based on angular rates from the gyroscope of the motion sensor module, and angular rates from the gyroscope of the motion sensor module only.
• the processor is configured to determine the still position using a method including the following steps:
• the processor may be configured to determine the still position using a method including the following steps:
• the predetermined amount of time may preferably be in the interval of 0.5 to 2.5 seconds.
• a fixed period is replaced with a still detector and an indicator, indicating that the system now is ready to be used.
• the still detector evaluates sensor data to be able to tell when acceleration and/or gyroscopic parameters are below a certain threshold.
• the determining of a steady absolute value includes the following step(s):
• the processor may in a preferred embodiment be configured to discard gyro sensor data when determining the still position.
• the user may be an animal.
• the further, dynamically changing, position of the motion sensor module is calculated based on the calculated, dynamically changing orientation (attitude) of the motion sensor module, and
• FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a still detector of a training aid.
• the aid is configured to perform a still detection 500 method including the following steps:
• a golf training aid comprising a body unit attachable to a person’s body wherein the body unit is provided with:
• the golf training aid is configured to provide real time feedback
• body unit is intended to be attached to a person’s body at a representative location, the location being bound to travel a path
• the positioning sensor module comprises acceleration sensors and gyro sensors, and wherein the module is configured to keep track of the persons movements and to determine a still position wherein the body unit is determined to be still, and wherefrom acceleration and/or gyro signals can be used to determine the position of the body unit, and wherein acceleration sensor data only is used to determine orientation of body unit when still, and wherein gyroscopic data only is used to determine orientation of body unit when not still, and wherein the processor is configured to realize a golf swing detector arranged to detect that a golf swing is initiated, the golf swing detector may comprise inclusion criteria and rejection criteria, and wherein
• inclusion criteria comprises:
• rejection criteria comprises:
• the processor is configured to activate the feedback stimulator, upon detection of a sports motion fault of the person.
• the golf training aid may comprise that the predetermined height increase is in the interval of 0.4 to 0.6 meter, or more preferred between 0.45 and 0.55 m or most preferred between 0.49 and 0.51 m
• the golf training aid may comprise that the predetermined still threshold time is in the interval of 5 to 20 milliseconds, or more preferred in the interval of 7 to 15 milliseconds or most preferred 9 to 11 milliseconds.
• a golf training aid comprising a sensor unit attachable to a user’s body or a user’s sports implement, wherein the sensor unit is provided with:
• the sports training aid is configured to provide instantaneous feedback when a swing fault is detected
• the body unit is intended to be attached to the person’s body (or a person’s sports implement) at a representative location, the location being bound to travel a path representative of the studied sports motion, and wherein the golf training aid comprises means to:
• the processor being configured to calculate the position of a swing plane, based on position sensor data
• the processor further being configured to calculate, in real time, the position of the body unit, relative to the swing plane, and to
• the golf training aid may further be configured such that the path of the body unit relative to the swing plane is considered being consistent with an over-the-top swing fault if the following criteria is fulfilled:
• the downward portion of the body unit path is differing a distance A in front of the upward path in a direction perpendicular to the swing plane.
• AHRS attitude and heading reference system
• the AHRS uses an AHRS algorithm to calculate the sensor orientation, i.e., not the sensor position, but merely its angle(s) in relation to global frame, also known as“attitude”.
• the AHRS-algorithm is set to be active during the entire time, however it is configured to act differently depending on the user is still or is moving. During the still period the AHRS- algorithm uses accelerometer values as a reference for the direction of the gravitational force. The AHRS -algorithm adapt its orientation against the values of the accelerometer.
• the AHRS-algorithm has achieved the best possible estimate of the relationship between the body frame and the global frame.
• the AHRS algorithm is configured such that once the
• accelerometer values are not used as a reference. This is done since during movement, accelerometer values comprise acceleration components caused by movements of the sensor.
• the AHRS- algorithm is configured to, during movement, to update sensor (unit) attitude and heading based on gyroscopic data only, and not using accelerometer data.
• the training aid is configured to internally use an x, y, z coordinate system to track and analyze the movement of the user as reflected by the movement of the sensor unit.
• the determining of the z-direction is described above.
• the x-, and y-directions in the global frame need not be determined in relation to a golf course or to a surrounding environment.
• the user and the golf swing are rotated in the global frame such that a normal vector to a reference plane or“swing plane” (see below) projected on the x-y plane of the global frame is pointing in positive x-direction. This means that a launching direction of a golf ball is along the y-axis and that the nose of the golfer points along the positive x-direction.
• a golf swing training aid may comprise features including a hardware or software to recognize the beginning of a golf swing.
• the training aid may comprise features including a hardware or software to recognize the beginning of a golf swing.
• the inventor(s) have chosen to call a“golf swing detector”.
• the first thing the golf swing detector is configured to do is to detect a progress from stationary to moving. This may be accomplished by setting a threshold value for one or more motion parameters and determine that a movement has started when one or more thresholds is/are exceeded. A progress from stationary to moving is happening each time the user moves after a stationary period.
• the golf swing detector is further configured to return to wait for a new still period if nothing more happens within a predetermined period.
• This predetermined period may be set in the interval 1.5 to 2.5 seconds. If a movement of the sensor unit upwards, i.e, in the z-direction is detected, exceeding a predetermined distance, then the golf swing detector is allowed to carry on working.
• This predetermined distance may preferably be set to around 0.5 meter. In other words, motion in the x-y-plane together with movement upwards in z-direction can be seen as criteria for activating the golf swing detector.
• the position of the wrist sensor unit is determined by feeding an AHRS unit 615 with data from the wrist sensor units gyro data unit 605 and the sensor units accelerometer data unit 610.
• the AHRS unit feed orientation/attitude data to a quaternion rotation unit 620 which establishes and keeps track of local frame orientation in relation to global frame.
• the quaternion rotation unit provides acceleration data in global frame format to a subtracting gravity unit 625 which subtracts gravity component. Acceleration data is fed from the subtracting gravity unit 625 to a double integration unit 630 which in turn feeds position data.
• Resetting of position coordinates may be performed by a resetting unit 635.
• the training aid is configured to determine a reference plane.
• This plane may also be referred to as a swing plane, but since this term is sometimes used with other meanings in golf literature, it is preferred here to call it a reference plane.
• Fig. 7a shows a flowchart of a method for establishing a reference plane for training aid use. The method comprises the following steps:
• determining that a movement has started i.e., determining that from a still position accelerometer and/or gyro data is consistent with a movement of the sensor unit
• the reference plane being the plane defined by three reference points, wherein a first reference point may be the point where the sensor unit is at still, a second reference point may be the point where the sensor unit is when a predetermined value of a gyroscopic angular movement is attained, and a third reference point may be a point where the sensor unit is when the value of the gyroscopic angular movement is somewhere between the value at still and the predetermined value.
• the gyroscopic angular movement value may be set to zero at still.
• the predetermined value is between 100 and 120 degrees, more preferred between 105 and 115 degrees, and most preferred 110 degrees.
• Fig. 7b shows a flowchart of a method for establishing a center point of rotation for training aid use. The method comprises the following steps:
• determining 755 that a movement has started i.e., determining that from a still position accelerometer and/or gyro data is consistent with a movement of the sensor unit;
• Fig. 8 shows geometrical relations relevant for the method of Fig. 7b.
• P1 is first reference point.
• P2 is second
• P3 is third reference point as in plane determined in Fig. 7a.
• the line P1 -P3 is line between first and third reference point.
• P2-P3 is the line between second and third reference point.
• N1 is the normal to line P1 -P3 originating from halfway between P1 and P3.
• N2 is the normal to line P2-P3 originating from halfway between P2 and P3.
• Rotational center-point C is marked C.
• T is the track. Detecting an over-the-top swing fault
• Fig. 9 shows a side view of a stick figure golfer.
• a backswing track BST is shown as a dashed line marked BST.
• a downswing track DST is shown as a dashed line marked DST.
• a reference or swing plane is marked SP.
• a distance A between the backswing track BST and the downswing track DST is marked A.
• Fig. 10a shows a graphical representation of measurements to detect a swing fault.
• a backswing track BST transitions to a downswing track DST at transition point“0”.
• a first downswing angle betal is shown to be 10 degrees and a second downswing angle is shown to be 20 degrees
• Fig. 10b shows a further graphical representation of measurements to point out the measured distance A1 and A2 between backswing track BST and downswing track DST.
• TP transition point.
• RPL is reference plane as seen from the side.
• Fig. 10c shows a diagram of distance as a function of downswing angle.
• the dashed area is corresponding to criteria for detecting an over-the- top swing fault. Tests have shown that at certain downswing angles such as 20 degrees, a distance A between the backswing track and the downswing track in the direction of the normal to the reference plane, up and forward, is consistent with an over-the-top swing fault. In various embodiments this is used to trigger a stimulator to create negative feedback to the user, as also described earlier.
• Fig. 11 shows a flowchart of an over-the-top swing fault detection method. The method comprises the following steps:
• this may be done by detecting that the angle around the rotation center point is no longer increasing, but is decreasing;
• predetermined angle interval at the same time as the distance A between the backswing track and the downswing track is within a predetermined distance interval. Tests have shown that suitable values include a predetermined angle interval of 10 to 25 degrees and the predetermined distance interval including a value over 2 cm.;
• the method may include the further following steps:
• an under-the-top (UTT) swing fault may be detected. This is calculated analogous to the OTT but the distance interval lay on the negative side. For example, minus (-) 10 cm in an angle interval of 10 to 25 degrees.
• the processor may be configured such that the predetermined angle interval and the predetermined distance interval are self-adjusting.

Landscapes

• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• Educational Administration (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
• Educational Technology (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
• User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
• Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)

Priority Applications (6)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Related Child Applications (1)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=62816430

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (8)

Families Citing this family (7)

Citations (7)

Family Cites Families (21)

• 2018
  • 2018-06-28 EP EP18180493.1A patent/EP3588474A1/en not_active Withdrawn
• 2019
  • 2019-06-27 CA CA3102896A patent/CA3102896A1/en active Pending
  • 2019-06-27 WO PCT/EP2019/067222 patent/WO2020002533A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2019-06-27 KR KR1020217002358A patent/KR102712460B1/ko active Active
  • 2019-06-27 CN CN201980040644.4A patent/CN112292720B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2019-06-27 JP JP2020573344A patent/JP7496781B2/ja active Active
• 2020
  • 2020-02-13 US US16/790,382 patent/US10894186B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2020-10-30 ZA ZA2020/06800A patent/ZA202006800B/en unknown

Patent Citations (7)

Non-Patent Citations (4)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events