U.S. patent application number 14/965394 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-23 for exercise analysis device, exercise analysis method, program, recording medium, and exercise analysis system.
This patent application is currently assigned to SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Akira INAGAKI, Masaki UKAWA.
Application Number | 20160175681 14/965394 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56128313 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160175681 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
INAGAKI; Akira ; et
al. |
June 23, 2016 |
EXERCISE ANALYSIS DEVICE, EXERCISE ANALYSIS METHOD, PROGRAM,
RECORDING MEDIUM, AND EXERCISE ANALYSIS SYSTEM
Abstract
A first imaginary plane specifying unit specifies a first axis
which lies in a longitudinal direction of a shaft of an exercise
tool at an address posture of a user, using an output of an
inertial sensor. A second imaginary plane specifying unit specifies
a second axis forming a predetermined angle along with the first
axis, using a hitting direction as a rotation axis. An exercise
analysis unit calculates a trajectory of a swing of the user based
on an output of the inertial sensor. A trajectory determination
unit determines whether the trajectory of the swing passes through
a predetermined region specified based on the first and second
axes.
Inventors: |
INAGAKI; Akira;
(Matsumoto-shi, JP) ; UKAWA; Masaki; (Chino-shi,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
56128313 |
Appl. No.: |
14/965394 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/223 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 19/3481 20130101;
G06K 9/00342 20130101; G16H 30/20 20180101; G16H 20/30
20180101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36; A63B 71/06 20060101 A63B071/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 18, 2014 |
JP |
2014-256579 |
Claims
1. An exercise analysis device comprising: a first specifying unit
that specifies a first axis which lies in a longitudinal direction
of a shaft of an exercise tool at an address posture of a user,
using an output of an inertial sensor; a second specifying unit
that specifies a second axis forming a predetermined angle along
with the first axis, using a hitting direction as a rotation axis;
an analysis unit that calculates a trajectory of a swing of the
user based on an output of the inertial sensor; and a determination
unit that determines whether the trajectory passes through a
predetermined region specified based on the first and second
axes.
2. The exercise analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the
determination unit determines a portion of the trajectory which
passes through the predetermined region and a portion of the
trajectory which does not pass through the predetermined
region.
3. The exercise analysis device according to claim 2, further
comprising: an image generation unit that generates image data in
which a display form of the trajectory differs between the portion
which passes through the predetermined region and the portion which
does not pass through the predetermined region.
4. The exercise analysis device according to claim 3, wherein the
image generation unit generates the image data in which a color of
the trajectory differs between the portion which passes through the
predetermined region and the portion which does not pass through
the predetermined region.
5. The exercise analysis device according to claim 3, wherein the
image generation unit generates the image data in which the
trajectory continuously lights and blinks to distinguish the
portion which passes through the predetermined region from the
portion which does not pass through the predetermined region.
6. The exercise analysis device according to claim 3, wherein the
image generation unit generates the image data in which a kind of
line of the trajectory differs between the portion which passes
through the predetermined region and the portion which does not
pass through the predetermined region.
7. The exercise analysis device according to claim 3, wherein the
image generation unit generates the image data in which a thickness
of a line of the trajectory differs between the portion which
passes through the predetermined region and the portion which does
not pass through the predetermined region.
8. The exercise analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the
first specifying unit specifies a first imaginary plane including
the first axis and the hitting direction, wherein the second
specifying unit specifies a second imaginary plane including the
second axis and the hitting direction, and wherein the
predetermined region is a region interposed between the first and
second imaginary planes.
9. The exercise analysis device according to claim 8, wherein the
image generation unit defines first and second regions interposing
the predetermined region outside the predetermined region, and
generates image data in which the predetermined region, the first
region, and the second region are distinguished and displayed.
10. An exercise analysis method comprising: specifying a first axis
which lies in a longitudinal direction of a shaft of an exercise
tool at an address posture of a user, using an output of an
inertial sensor; specifying a second axis forming a predetermined
angle along with the first axis, using a hitting direction as a
rotation axis; calculating a trajectory of a swing of the user
based on an output of the inertial sensor; and determining whether
the trajectory passes through a predetermined region specified
based on the first and second axes.
11. The exercise analysis method according to claim 10, wherein in
the determining of the trajectory, a portion of the trajectory
which passes through the predetermined region and a portion of the
trajectory which does not pass through the predetermined region are
determined.
12. A program causing a computer to perform: specifying a first
axis which lies in a longitudinal direction of a shaft of an
exercise tool at an address posture of a user, using an output of
an inertial sensor; specifying a second axis forming a
predetermined angle along with the first axis, using a hitting
direction as a rotation axis; calculating a trajectory of a swing
of the user based on an output of the inertial sensor; and
determining whether the trajectory passes through a predetermined
region specified based on the first and second axes.
13. A recording medium that records a program causing a computer to
perform: specifying a first axis which lies in a longitudinal
direction of a shaft of an exercise tool at an address posture of a
user, using an output of an inertial sensor; specifying a second
axis forming a predetermined angle along with the first axis, using
a hitting direction as a rotation axis; calculating a trajectory of
a swing of the user based on an output of the inertial sensor; and
determining whether the trajectory passes through a predetermined
region specified based on the first and second axes.
14. An exercise analysis system comprising: an inertial sensor; a
first specifying unit that specifies a first axis which lies in a
longitudinal direction of a shaft of an exercise tool at an address
posture of a user, using an output of the inertial sensor; a second
specifying unit that specifies a second axis forming a
predetermined angle along with the first axis, using a hitting
direction as a rotation axis; an analysis unit that calculates a
trajectory of a swing of the user based on an output of the
inertial sensor; and a determination unit that determines whether
the trajectory passes through a predetermined region specified
based on the first and second axes.
15. An exercise analysis device that determines whether a
trajectory of a swing of a user passes through a V zone.
16. The exercise analysis device according to claim 15, wherein a
display form of the trajectory differs between a portion of the
trajectory which passes through the V zone and a portion of the
trajectory which does not pass through the V zone.
17. The exercise analysis device according to claim 16, further
comprising: an image generation unit that generates image data in
which the display form of the trajectory differs between the
portion which passes through the predetermined region and the
portion which does not pass through the predetermined region.
18. The exercise analysis device according to claim 16, wherein the
image generation unit generates image data in which a color of the
trajectory differs between the portion which passes through the
predetermined region and the portion which does not pass through
the predetermined region.
19. The exercise analysis device according to claim 16, wherein the
image generation unit generates image data in which the trajectory
continuously lights and blinks to distinguish the portion which
passes through the predetermined region from the portion which does
not pass through the predetermined region.
20. The exercise analysis device according to claim 16, wherein the
image generation unit generates image data in which a kind of line
of the trajectory differs between the portion which passes through
the predetermined region and the portion which does not pass
through the predetermined region.
21. The exercise analysis device according to claim 16, wherein the
image generation unit generates image data in which a thickness of
a line of the trajectory differs between the portion which passes
through the predetermined region and the portion which does not
pass through the predetermined region.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to an exercise analysis
device, an exercise analysis method, a program, a recording medium,
and an exercise analysis system.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] JP-A-2010-82430 discloses that an image is acquired by
performing photographing from the rear side in a hitting direction
between an address state to the end of a swing and the image is
split into at least three regions by a first straight line passing
through a shaft axis of a golf club in the address state and a
second straight line intersecting the first straight line and
passing through the root of an installed tee and the base of the
neck of a golfer.
[0005] However, a V zone is known as an index for indicating
goodness and badness of a swing. In general, when a trajectory of a
swing is included in a V zone, the swing is estimated to be a good
swing.
[0006] In JP-A-2010-82430, a golfer at the time of address is
photographed from the rear side of the hitting direction using a
camera and, for example, a user draws a line in the photographed
image to specify a V zone. In JP-A-2010-82430, the golfer
performing a swing is photographed using a camera and it is
visually confirmed whether a trajectory of the swing of the golfer
is contained in the V zone drawn by the user. Therefore, in
JP-A-2010-82430, there is a problem that it is difficult to
estimate a swing.
SUMMARY
[0007] An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it
provides a technology for simply estimating a swing.
[0008] A first aspect of the invention is directed to an exercise
analysis device including: a first specifying unit that specifies a
first axis which lies in a longitudinal direction of a shaft of an
exercise tool at an address posture of a user, using an output of
an inertial sensor; a second specifying unit that specifies a
second axis forming a predetermined angle along with the first
axis, using a hitting direction as a rotation axis; an analysis
unit that calculates a trajectory of a swing of the user based on
an output of the inertial sensor; and a determination unit that
determines whether the trajectory passes through a predetermined
region specified based on the first and second axes.
[0009] According to the first aspect of the invention, the exercise
analysis device can change the display form of the trajectory of
the swing according to the passage state of the trajectory of the
swing through the predetermined region specified based on the first
and second axes. Thus, the user can easily see whether the
trajectory of a swing passes through the predetermined region
specified based on the first and second axes, and thus can simply
perform a swing estimation.
[0010] The determination unit may determine a portion of the
trajectory which passes through the predetermined region and a
portion of the trajectory which does not pass through the
predetermined region.
[0011] With this configuration, the exercise analysis device can
change the display form of the trajectory of the swing in the
portion of the trajectory of the swing which passes through the
predetermined region and the portion of the trajectory of the swing
which does not pass through the predetermined region. The user can
easily see whether the trajectory of a swing passes through the
predetermined region specified based on the first and second axes,
and thus can simply perform the swing estimation.
[0012] The exercise analysis device may further include an image
generation unit that generates image data in which a display form
of the trajectory differs between the portion which passes through
the predetermined region and the portion which does not pass
through the predetermined region.
[0013] With this configuration, in accordance with the difference
in the display from of the trajectory of the swing, the user can
easily see whether the trajectory of the swing passes through the
predetermined region specified based on the first and second axes,
and thus can simply perform the swing estimation.
[0014] The image generation unit may generate the image data in
which a color of the trajectory differs between the portion which
passes through the predetermined region and the portion which does
not pass through the predetermined region.
[0015] With this configuration, in accordance with the difference
in the color of the trajectory of the swing, the user can easily
see whether the trajectory of the swing passes through the
predetermined region specified based on the first and second axes,
and thus can simply perform the swing estimation.
[0016] The image generation unit may generate the image data in
which the trajectory continuously lights and blinks to distinguish
the portion which passes through the predetermined region from the
portion which does not pass through the predetermined region.
[0017] With this configuration, in accordance with the continuous
lighting or blinking of the trajectory of the swing, the user can
easily see whether the trajectory of the swing passes through the
predetermined region specified based on the first and second axes,
and thus can simply perform the swing estimation.
[0018] The image generation unit may generate the image data in
which a kind of line of the trajectory differs between the portion
which passes through the predetermined region and the portion which
does not pass through the predetermined region.
[0019] With this configuration, in accordance with the difference
in the kind of the trajectory of the swing, the user can easily see
whether the trajectory of the swing passes through the
predetermined region specified based on the first and second axes,
and thus can simply perform the swing estimation.
[0020] The image generation unit may generate the image data in
which a thickness of a line of the trajectory differs between the
portion which passes through the predetermined region and the
portion which does not pass through the predetermined region.
[0021] With this configuration, in accordance with the difference
in the thickness of the line of the trajectory of the swing, the
user can easily see whether the trajectory of the swing passes
through the predetermined region specified based on the first and
second axes, and thus can simply perform the swing estimation.
[0022] The first specifying unit may specify a first imaginary
plane including the first axis and the hitting direction. The
second specifying unit may specify a second imaginary plane
including the second axis and the hitting direction. The
predetermined region may be a region interposed between the first
and second imaginary planes.
[0023] With this configuration, the user can easily see whether the
trajectory of the swing passes through the predetermined region
interposed between the first and second imaginary planes, and thus
can simply perform the swing estimation.
[0024] The image generation unit may define first and second
regions interposing the predetermined region outside the
predetermined region, and generate image data in which the
predetermined region, the first region, and the second region are
distinguished and displayed.
[0025] With this configuration, the user can easily see how the
trajectory of the swing passes through the first and second
regions, and thus can simply perform the swing estimation.
[0026] A second aspect of the invention is directed to an exercise
analysis method including: specifying a first axis which lies in a
longitudinal direction of a shaft of an exercise tool at an address
posture of a user, using an output of an inertial sensor;
specifying a second axis forming a predetermined angle along with
the first axis, using a hitting direction as a rotation axis;
calculating a trajectory of a swing of the user based on an output
of the inertial sensor; and determining whether the trajectory
passes through a predetermined region specified based on the first
and second axes.
[0027] According to the second aspect of the invention, the
exercise analysis device can change the display form of the
trajectory of the swing according to the passage state of the
trajectory of the swing through the predetermined region specified
based on the first and second axes. Thus, the user can easily see
whether the trajectory of a swing passes through the predetermined
region specified based on the first and second axes, and thus can
simply perform the swing estimation.
[0028] In the determining of the trajectory, a portion of the
trajectory which passes through the predetermined region and a
portion of the trajectory which does not pass through the
predetermined region may be determined.
[0029] Thus, in the exercise analysis method, the display form of
the trajectory of the swing can be changed in the portion of the
trajectory of the swing which passes through the predetermined
region and the portion of the trajectory of the swing which does
not pass through the predetermined region. The user can easily see
whether the trajectory of a swing passes through the predetermined
region specified based on the first and second axes, and thus can
simply perform the swing estimation.
[0030] A third aspect of the invention is directed to a program
causing a computer to perform: specifying a first axis which lies
in a longitudinal direction of a shaft of an exercise tool at an
address posture of a user, using an output of an inertial sensor;
specifying a second axis forming a predetermined angle along with
the first axis, using a hitting direction as a rotation axis;
calculating a trajectory of a swing of the user based on an output
of the inertial sensor; and determining whether the trajectory
passes through a predetermined region specified based on the first
and second axes.
[0031] According to the third aspect of the invention, the computer
can change the display form of the trajectory of the swing
according to the passage state of the trajectory of the swing
through the predetermined region specified based on the first and
second axes. Thus, the user can easily see whether the trajectory
of a swing passes through the predetermined region specified based
on the first and second axes, and thus can simply perform the swing
estimation.
[0032] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a recording
medium that records a program causing a computer to perform:
specifying a first axis which lies in a longitudinal direction of a
shaft of an exercise tool at an address posture of a user, using an
output of an inertial sensor; specifying a second axis forming a
predetermined angle along with the first axis, using a hitting
direction as a rotation axis; calculating a trajectory of a swing
of the user based on an output of the inertial sensor; and
determining whether the trajectory passes through a predetermined
region specified based on the first and second axes.
[0033] According to the another aspect of the invention, the
computer can change the display form of the trajectory of the swing
according to the passage state of the trajectory of the swing
through the predetermined region specified based on the first and
second axes. Thus, the user can easily see whether the trajectory
of a swing passes through the predetermined region specified based
on the first and second axes, and thus can simply perform the swing
estimation.
[0034] A fourth aspect of the invention is directed to an exercise
analysis system including: an inertial sensor; a first specifying
unit that specifies a first axis which lies in a longitudinal
direction of a shaft of an exercise tool at an address posture of a
user, using an output of the inertial sensor; a second specifying
unit that specifies a second axis forming a predetermined angle
along with the first axis, using a hitting direction as a rotation
axis; an analysis unit that calculates a trajectory of a swing of
the user based on an output of the inertial sensor; and a
determination unit that determines whether the trajectory passes
through a predetermined region specified based on the first and
second axes.
[0035] According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the
exercise analysis system can change the display form of the
trajectory of the swing according to the passage state of the
trajectory of the swing through the predetermined region specified
based on the first and second axes. Thus, the user can easily see
whether the trajectory of a swing passes through the predetermined
region specified based on the first and second axes, and thus can
simply perform the swing estimation.
[0036] Still another aspect of the invention is directed to an
exercise analysis device that determines whether a trajectory of a
swing of a user passes through a V zone.
[0037] A display form of the trajectory may differ between a
portion of the trajectory which passes through the V zone and a
portion of the trajectory which does not pass through the V
zone.
[0038] The exercise analysis device may further include an image
generation unit that generates image data in which the display form
of the trajectory differs between the portion which passes through
the predetermined region and the portion which does not pass
through the predetermined region.
[0039] The image generation unit may generate image data in which a
color of the trajectory differs between the portion which passes
through the predetermined region and the portion which does not
pass through the predetermined region.
[0040] The image generation unit may generate image data in which
the trajectory continuously lights and blinks to distinguish the
portion which passes through the predetermined region from the
portion which does not pass through the predetermined region.
[0041] The image generation unit may generate image data in which a
kind of line of the trajectory differs between the portion which
passes through the predetermined region and the portion which does
not pass through the predetermined region.
[0042] The image generation unit may generate image data in which a
thickness of line of the trajectory differs between the portion
which passes through the predetermined region and the portion which
does not pass through the predetermined region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] The invention will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like
elements.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an exercise
analysis system according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating examples of a shaft plane
and a Hogan's plane.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the
configuration of an exercise analysis system.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an exercise
analysis process.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a golf club and a sensor
unit at the time of stopping of a user when viewed from the
negative side of the X axis.
[0049] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cross section obtained by
cutting the shaft plane along the YZ plane when viewed from the
negative side of the X axis.
[0050] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a cross section obtained by
cutting the Hogan's plane along the YZ plane when viewed from the
negative side of the X axis.
[0051] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating examples of angular
velocities output from the sensor unit.
[0052] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a norm of an
angular velocity.
[0053] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a
differential value of the norm of an angular velocity.
[0054] FIG. 11 is a diagram (a diagram projected to the YZ plane)
illustrating the shaft plane and the Hogan's plane when viewed from
the negative side of the X axis.
[0055] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen
displayed on a display unit.
[0056] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations
of a trajectory determination unit and an image generation
unit.
[0057] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen in
which a region outside a V zone including a line segment and a
Hogan's plane is displayed.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0058] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described
with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, an exercise analysis
system performing analysis of a golf swing will be described as an
example.
[0059] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an exercise
analysis system according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0060] An exercise analysis system 1 includes a sensor unit 10 and
an exercise analysis device 20.
[0061] The sensor unit 10 can measure acceleration generated in
each axis direction of three axes and an angular velocity generated
in each rotation of the three axes as an inertial sensor and is
mounted on a golf club 3. For example, the sensor unit 10 is fitted
on a part of the shaft of the golf club 3 when one axis among three
detection axes (the x axis, the y axis, and the z axis), for
example, the y axis, conforms to the major axis direction of the
shaft. Preferably, the sensor unit 10 is fitted at a position close
to a grip in which a shock at the time of a shot is rarely
delivered and a centrifugal force is not applied at the time of a
swing. The shaft is a portion of the handle excluding the head of
the golf club 3 and also includes the grip.
[0062] A user 2 performs a swing motion of hitting a golf ball (not
illustrated) in a pre-decided procedure. For example, the user 2
first holds the golf club 3, takes a posture of address so that the
major axis (longitudinal direction) of the shaft of the golf club 3
is vertical to a target line (a hitting target direction), and
stops for a predetermined time or more (for example, 1 second or
more). Next, the user 2 performs a swing motion to hit the golf
ball. The posture of address in the present specification includes
a posture in a stop state of the user before start of a swing or a
posture in a state in which the user shakes an exercise tool
(waggling) before start of a swing. The target line refers to any
hitting direction and is decided as, for example, a hitting target
direction in the embodiment.
[0063] While the user 2 performs the motion to hit the golf ball in
the above-described procedure, the sensor unit 10 measures triaxial
acceleration and triaxial angular velocities at a predetermined
period (for example, 1 ms) and sequentially transmits the
measurement data to the exercise analysis device 20. The sensor
unit 10 may immediately transmit the measurement data, or may store
the measurement data in an internal memory and transmit the
measurement data at a desired timing such as the end of a swing
motion of the user 2. Communication between the sensor unit 10 and
the exercise analysis device 20 may be wireless communication or
wired communication. Alternatively, the sensor unit 10 may store
the measurement data in a recording medium such as a memory card
which can be detachably mounted and the exercise analysis device 20
may read the measurement data from the recording medium.
[0064] The exercise analysis device 20 analyzes a swing exercise
performed with the golf club 3 by the user 2 using the data
measured by the sensor unit 10. In particular, in the embodiment,
the exercise analysis device 20 specifies a shaft plane (which
corresponds to a first imaginary plane or a first axis according to
the invention) and a Hogan's plane (which corresponds to a second
imaginary plane or a second axis according to the invention) at the
time of stopping of the user 2 (the time of address) using the data
measured by the sensor unit 10.
[0065] The exercise analysis device 20 calculates a trajectory of
the golf club 3 (for example, a trajectory of the head) at a swing
after the user 2 starts the swing motion. The exercise analysis
device 20 changes a display form of the trajectory according to a
passage state of the trajectory of the golf club 3 through a region
referred to as a V zone between the shaft plane and the Hogan's
plane and displays the display form of the trajectory on a display
device. At this time, the exercise analysis device 20 does not
display the shaft plane and the Hogan's plane indicating the V zone
in the display device. That is, when the exercise analysis device
20 changes the display form of the trajectory of the golf club 3 by
displaying the display form in the display device, the user 2 sees
how the trajectory of the golf club 3 passes through the V
zone.
[0066] For example, the exercise analysis device 20 displays a
trajectory outside the V zone with a first color such as red in the
display device and displays a trajectory inside the V zone with a
second color, such as blue, different from the first color in the
display device. Thus, the user 2 can see how the trajectory of his
or her swing passes through the V zone even when the shaft plane
and the Hogan's plane indicating the V zone is not displayed in the
display device.
[0067] The exercise analysis device 20 may be, for example, a
portable device such as a smartphone or a personal computer (PC).
In FIG. 1, the exercise analysis device 20 is mounted on the waist
of the user 2, but the mounted position is not particularly
limited. Further, the exercise analysis device 20 may not be
mounted on the user 2.
[0068] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating examples of the shaft plane
and the Hogan's plane. In the embodiment, an XYZ coordinate system
(global coordinate system) in which a target line indicating a
hitting target direction is an X axis, an axis on a horizontal
plane vertical to the X axis is a Y axis, and an upward vertical
direction (which is an opposite direction to the direction of the
gravity acceleration) is a Z axis is defined. In FIG. 2, the X, Y,
and Z axes are shown.
[0069] A shaft plane 30 at the time of address of the user 2 is an
imaginary plane which includes a first line segment 51 serving as a
first axis which lies in the major axis direction of the shaft of
the golf club 3 and a third line segment 52 serving as a third axis
indicating a hitting target direction and has four vertexes T1, T2,
S1, and S2. In the embodiment, a position 61 of the head (blow
portion) of the golf club 3 is set as the origin O (0, 0, 0) of the
XYZ coordinate system. The first line segment 51 is a line segment
which connects the position 61 (the origin O) of the head of the
golf club 3 to a position 62 of a grip end. The third line segment
52 is a line segment which has T1 and T2 on the X axis as both
ends, has a length TL, and centers on the origin O. When the user 2
takes the above-described address posture at the time of the
address, the shaft of the golf club 3 is vertical to the target
line (the X axis). Therefore, the third line segment 52 is a line
segment which is perpendicular to the major axis direction of the
shaft of the golf club 3, that is, a line segment perpendicular to
the first line segment 51. The shaft plane 30 is specified by
calculating the coordinates of the four vertexes T1, T2, S1, and S2
in the XYZ coordinate system. A method of calculating the
coordinates of the four vertexes T1, T2, S1, and S2 will be
described in detail below.
[0070] The Hogan's plane 40 is an imaginary plane which includes
the third line segment 52 and a second line segment 53 serving as a
second axis and has four vertexes T1, T2, H1, and H2. In the
embodiment, the second line segment 53 is a line segment which
connects the position 62 (which is an example of a blow position)
of the head (which is a blow portion) of the golf club 3 to a
predetermined position 63 (which is, for example, the position of
the base of the neck or the position of one of the right and left
shoulders) on a line segment connecting both shoulders of the user
2 to one another. Here the second line segment 53 may be a line
segment which connects the predetermined position 63 to the
position (which is an example of the blow position) of a ball at
the time of address. A Hogan's plane 40 is specified by calculating
the coordinates of the four vertexes T1, T2, H1, and H2 in the XYZ
coordinate system. A method of calculating the coordinates of the
four vertexes T1, T2, H1, and H2 will be described in detail
below.
[0071] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the
configuration of an exercise analysis system.
[0072] The sensor unit 10 includes a control unit 11, a
communication unit 12, an acceleration sensor 13, and an angular
velocity sensor 14.
[0073] The acceleration sensor 13 measures acceleration generated
in each of mutually intersecting (ideally, orthogonal) triaxial
directions and outputs digital signals (acceleration data)
according to the sizes and directions of the measured triaxial
accelerations.
[0074] The angular velocity sensor 14 measures an angular velocity
generated at axis rotation of mutually intersecting (ideally,
orthogonal) three axes and outputs digital signals (angular
velocity data) according to the sizes and directions of the
measured triaxial angular velocities.
[0075] The control unit 11 controls the sensor unit in an
integrated manner. The control unit 11 receives the acceleration
data and the angular velocity data from the acceleration sensor 13
and the angular velocity sensor 14, appends time information, and
stores the acceleration data and the angular velocity data in a
storage unit (not illustrated). The control unit 11 generates
packet data in conformity to a communication format by appending
time information to the stored measurement data (the acceleration
data and the angular velocity data) and outputs the packet data to
the communication unit 12.
[0076] The acceleration sensor 13 and the angular velocity sensor
14 are ideally fitted in the sensor unit 10 so that the three axes
of each sensor match the three axes (the x axis, the y axis, and
the z axis) of the rectangular coordinate system (sensor coordinate
system) defined for the sensor unit 10, but errors of the fitting
angles actually occur. Accordingly, the control unit 11 performs a
process of converting the acceleration data and the angular
velocity data into data of the xyz coordinate system, using
correction parameters calculated in advance according to the errors
of the fitting angles.
[0077] The control unit 11 may perform a temperature correction
process of the acceleration sensor 13 and the angular velocity
sensor 14. Alternatively, a temperature correction function may be
embedded in the acceleration sensor 13 and the angular velocity
sensor 14.
[0078] The acceleration sensor 13 and the angular velocity sensor
14 may output analog signals. In this case, the control unit 11 may
perform A/D (analog/digital) conversion on each of an output signal
of the acceleration sensor 13 and an output signal of the angular
velocity sensor 14, generate measurement data (acceleration data
and angular velocity data), and generate packet data for
communication using the measurement data.
[0079] The communication unit 12 performs, for example, a process
of transmitting the packet data received from the control unit 11
to the exercise analysis device 20 or a process of receiving
control commands from the exercise analysis device 20 and
transmitting the control commands to the control unit 11. The
control unit 11 performs various processes according to the control
commands.
[0080] The exercise analysis device 20 includes a control unit 21,
a communication unit 22, an operation unit 23, a storage unit 24, a
display unit 25, and a sound output unit 26.
[0081] The communication unit 22 performs, for example, a process
of receiving the packet data transmitted from the sensor unit 10
and transmitting the packet data to the control unit 21 or a
process of transmitting a control command from the control unit 21
to the sensor unit 10.
[0082] The operation unit 23 performs a process of acquiring
operation data from the user and transmitting the operation data to
the control unit 21. The operation unit 23 may be, for example, a
touch panel type display, a button, a key, or a microphone.
[0083] The storage unit 24 is configured by, for example, any of
various IC memories such as a read-only memory (ROM), a flash ROM,
and a random access memory (RAM) or a recording medium such as a
hard disk or a memory card.
[0084] The storage unit 24 stores, for example, programs used for
the control unit 21 to perform various calculation processes or
control processes, or various programs or data used for the control
unit 21 to realize application functions. In particular, in the
embodiment, the storage unit 24 stores an exercise analysis program
which is read by the control unit 21 to perform an analysis
process. The exercise analysis program may be stored in advance in
a nonvolatile recording medium. Alternatively, the exercise
analysis program may be received from a server via a network by the
control unit 21 and may be stored in the storage unit 24.
[0085] In the embodiment, the storage unit 24 stores body
information of the user 2, club specification information
indicating the specification of the golf club 3, and sensor-mounted
position information. For example, when the user 2 operates the
operation unit 23 to input the body information such as a height, a
weight, and a sex, the input body information is stored as body
information in the storage unit 24. For example, the user 2
operates the operation unit 23 to input a model number of the golf
club 3 (or selects the model number from a model number list) to be
used and sets specification information regarding the input model
number as the club specification information among pieces of
specification information for each model number (for example,
information regarding the length of the shaft, the position of the
center of gravity, a lie angle, a face angle, a loft angle, and the
like) stored in advance in the storage unit 24. For example, when
the user 2 operates the operation unit 23 to input a distance
between the position at which the sensor unit 10 is mounted and the
grip end of the golf club 3, information regarding the input
distance is stored as the sensor-mounted position information in
the storage unit 24. Alternatively, by mounting the sensor unit 10
at a decided predetermined position (for example, a distance of 20
cm from the grip end), information regarding the predetermined
position may be stored in advance as the sensor-mounted position
information.
[0086] The storage unit 24 is used as a work area of the control
unit 21 and temporarily stores, for example, data input from the
operation unit 23 and calculation results performed according to
various programs by the control unit 21. The storage unit 24 may
store data necessarily stored for a long time among the data
generated through the processes of the control unit 21.
[0087] The display unit 25 displays a processing result of the
control unit 21 as text, a graph, a table, animations, or another
image. The display unit 25 may be, for example, a cathode ray tube
(CRT) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an electrophoretic
display (EPD), a display using an organic light-emitting diode
(OLED), a touch panel type display, or a head-mounted display
(HMD). The functions of the operation unit 23 and the display unit
25 may be realized by one touch panel type display.
[0088] The sound output unit 26 outputs a processing result of the
control unit 21 as audio such as a sound or a buzzer tone. The
sound output unit 26 may be, for example, a speaker or a
buzzer.
[0089] The control unit 21 performs a process of transmitting a
control command to the sensor unit 10, various calculation
processes on data received from the sensor unit 10 via the
communication unit 22, and other various control processes
according to various programs. In particular, in the embodiment,
the control unit 21 executes an exercise analysis program to
function as a sensor information acquisition unit 210, a first
imaginary plane specifying unit 211 (which corresponds to a first
specifying unit according to the invention), a second imaginary
plane specifying unit 212 (which corresponds to a second specifying
unit according to the invention), an exercise analysis unit 213
(which correspond to an analysis unit according to the invention),
a trajectory determination unit 214 (which corresponds to a
determination unit according to the invention), an image generation
unit 215, and an output processing unit 216. The sensor information
acquisition unit 210, the first imaginary plane specifying unit
211, the second imaginary plane specifying unit 212, the exercise
analysis unit 213, the trajectory determination unit 214, the image
generation unit 215, and the output processing unit 216 may be
realized by separate calculation units or some or all thereof may
be realized by the same calculation unit.
[0090] The control unit 21 may be realized by a computer that
includes a central processing unit (CPU) which is a calculation
device, a random access memory (RAM) which is a volatile storage
device, a ROM which is a non-volatile storage device, an interface
(I/F) circuit connecting the control unit 21 to the other units,
and a bus mutually connecting these units. The computer may include
various dedicated processing circuits such as image processing
circuits. The control unit 21 may also be realized by an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or the like.
[0091] The sensor information acquisition unit 210 receives the
packet data received from the sensor unit 10 by the communication
unit 22 and acquires the time information and the measurement data
from the received packet data. The sensor information acquisition
unit 210 stores the acquired time information and measurement data
in the storage unit 24 in association therewith.
[0092] The first imaginary plane specifying unit 211 performs a
process of specifying the first line segment 51 in the major axis
direction (longitudinal direction) of the shaft of the golf club 3
at the time of stopping of the user 2, using the measurement data
output by the sensor unit 10. Further, the first imaginary plane
specifying unit 211 performs a process of specifying the shaft
plane (first imaginary plane) 30 (see FIG. 2) including the first
line segment 51 and the third line segment 52 indicating the
hitting target direction.
[0093] The first imaginary plane specifying unit 211 may calculate
the coordinates of the position 62 of the grip end of the golf club
3 using the measurement data output by the sensor unit 10 and
specify the first line segment 51 based on the coordinates of the
position 62 of the grip end. For example, the first imaginary plane
specifying unit 211 may calculate an inclination angle (an
inclination relative to the horizontal plane (the XY plane) or the
vertical plane (the XZ plane)) of the shaft of the golf club 3,
using the acceleration data measured by the acceleration sensor 13
at the time of stopping of the user 2 (the time of the address) and
specify the first line segment 51 using the calculated inclination
angle and information regarding the length of the shaft included in
the club specification information.
[0094] The first imaginary plane specifying unit 211 may calculate
the width of the shaft plane 30 using the length of an arm of the
user 2 based on the body information and the length of the first
line segment 51.
[0095] The second imaginary plane specifying unit 212 performs a
process of specifying the second line segment 53 forming a
predetermined angle relative to the first line segment 51 specified
by the first imaginary plane specifying unit 211, using the hitting
target direction (the third line segment 52) as the rotation axis.
Further, the second imaginary plane specifying unit 212 performs a
process of specifying the Hogan's plane (second imaginary plane) 40
(see FIG. 2) including the second line segment 53 and the third
line segment 52.
[0096] For example, the second imaginary plane specifying unit 212
performs a process of estimating the predetermined position 63
between the head and the chest of the user 2 at the time of
stopping of the user 2 (for example, on a line segment connecting
both shoulders to one another) using the body information and the
measurement data output by the sensor unit 10 and specifying the
second line segment 53 connecting the estimated predetermined
position 63 to the position 62 of the head (blow portion) of the
golf club 3. The second imaginary plane specifying unit 212
performs a process of specifying the Hogan's plane 40 including the
second line segment 53 and the third line segment 52.
[0097] The second imaginary plane specifying unit 212 may estimate
the predetermined position 63 using the coordinates of the position
62 of the grip end calculated by the first imaginary plane
specifying unit 211 and the length of the arm of the user 2 based
on the body information. Alternatively, the second imaginary plane
specifying unit 212 may calculate the coordinates of the position
62 of the grip end of the golf club 3 using the measurement data
output by the sensor unit 10. In this case, the first imaginary
plane specifying unit 211 may specify the shaft plane 30 using the
coordinates of the position 62 of the grip end calculated by the
second imaginary plane specifying unit 212.
[0098] The second imaginary plane specifying unit 212 may calculate
the width of the Hogan's plane 40 using the length of the arm of
the user 2 based on the body information and the length of the
first line segment 51.
[0099] The exercise analysis unit 213 performs a process of
analyzing a swing exercise of the user 2 using the measurement data
output by the sensor unit 10. Specifically, the exercise analysis
unit 213 first calculates an offset amount included in the
measurement data using the measurement data (the acceleration data
and the angular velocity data) at the time of stopping of the user
2 (the time of the address), which is stored in the storage unit
24. Next, the exercise analysis unit 213 subtracts the offset
amount from the measurement data after start of a swing, which is
stored in the storage unit 24 to correct a bias and calculates the
position and posture of the sensor unit 10 during a swing motion of
the user 2 using the measurement data in which the bias is
corrected.
[0100] For example, the exercise analysis unit 213 calculates the
position (initial position) of the sensor unit 10 at the time of
stopping of the user 2 (the time of the address) in the XYZ
coordinate system (global coordinate system), using the
acceleration data measured by the acceleration sensor 13, the club
specification information, and the sensor-mounted position
information, integrates the subsequent acceleration data, and
chronologically calculates a change in the position of the sensor
unit 10 from the initial position. Since the user 2 stops at a
predetermined address posture, the X coordinate of the initial
position of the sensor unit 10 is 0. Further, the y axis of the
sensor unit 10 is identical to the major axis direction of the
shaft of the golf club 3, and the acceleration sensor 13 measures
only the gravity acceleration at the time of stopping of the user
2. Therefore, the exercise analysis unit 213 can calculate an
inclination angle of the shaft (an inclination relative to the
horizontal plane (the XY plane) or the vertical plane (the XZ
plane)), using y-axis acceleration data. Then, the exercise
analysis unit 213 can calculate the Y and Z coordinates of the
initial position of the sensor unit 10 using the inclination angle
of the shaft, the club specification information (the length of the
shaft), and the sensor-mounted position information (the distance
from the grip end) and specify the initial position of the sensor
unit 10. Alternatively, the exercise analysis unit 213 may
calculate the coordinates of the initial position of the sensor
unit 10 using the coordinates of the position 62 of the grip end of
the golf club 3 calculated by the first imaginary plane specifying
unit 211 or the second imaginary plane specifying unit 212 and the
sensor-mounted position information (the distance from the grip
end).
[0101] The exercise analysis unit 213 calculates the posture
(initial posture) of the sensor unit 10 at the time of stopping of
the user 2 (the time of the address) in the XYZ coordinate system
(global coordinate system), using the acceleration data measured by
the acceleration sensor 13, performs rotation calculation using the
angular velocity data measured subsequently by the angular velocity
sensor 14, and chronologically calculates a change in the posture
from the initial posture of the sensor unit 10. The posture of the
sensor unit 10 can be expressed by, for example, rotation angles (a
roll angle, a pitch angle, and a yaw angle) around the X axis, the
Y axis, and the Z axis, Eulerian angles, quaternions, or the like.
At the time of stopping of the user 2, the acceleration sensor 13
measures only the gravity acceleration. Therefore, the exercise
analysis unit 213 can specify an angle formed between of each of
the x, y, and z axes of the sensor unit 10 and a gravity direction
using triaxial acceleration data. Since the user 2 stops at the
predetermined address posture, the y axis of the sensor unit 10 is
present on the YZ plane at the time of stopping of the user 2. The
exercise analysis unit 213 can specify the initial posture of the
sensor unit 10.
[0102] The control unit 11 of the sensor unit 10 may calculate the
offset amount of the measurement data and correct the bias of the
measurement data or a bias correction function may be embedded in
the acceleration sensor 13 and the angular velocity sensor 14. In
this case, it is not necessary to correct the bias of the
measurement data by the exercise analysis unit 213.
[0103] The exercise analysis unit 213 defines an exercise analysis
model (a double pendulum model or the like) in consideration of the
body information (the height (length of the arm) of the user 2),
the club specification information (the length or the position of
the center of the shaft), the senor-mounted position information
(the distance from the grip end), features (rigid body and the
like) of the golf club 3, and features of a human body (for
example, a joint bending direction is decided), and then calculate
a trajectory of the golf club 3 at a swing of the user 2 using the
exercise analysis model and the information regarding the position
and posture of the sensor unit 10.
[0104] The exercise analysis unit 213 detects a timing (a timing of
impact) at which a ball is hit during a period of a swing motion of
the user 2, using time information and the measurement data stored
in the storage unit 24. For example, the exercise analysis unit 213
calculates a composite value of the measurement data (the
acceleration data or the angular velocity data) output by the
sensor unit 10 and specifies a timing (time) at which the user 2
hits the ball based on the composite value.
[0105] Using the exercise analysis model and information regarding
the position and posture of the sensor unit 10, the exercise
analysis unit 213 may generate a rhythm of a swing from a backswing
to follow-through, a head speed, an incident angle (club pass) or a
face angle at the time of hitting, shaft rotation (a change amount
of face angle during a swing), information regarding a deceleration
rate or the like of the golf club 3, or information regarding a
variation in each piece of information when the user 2 performs the
swing a plurality of times.
[0106] The trajectory determination unit 214 determines whether the
trajectory of the golf club 3 calculated by the exercise analysis
unit 213 passes through a V zone (a region between the shaft plane
30 specified by the first imaginary plane specifying unit 211 and
the Hogan's plane 40 specified by the second imaginary plane
specifying unit 212). Specifically, the trajectory determination
unit 214 determines a portion of the trajectory of the golf club 3
which is calculated by the exercise analysis unit 213 and passes
through the V zone and a portion of the trajectory which does not
pass the V zone.
[0107] The image generation unit 215 performs a process of
generating image data corresponding to an image of an exercise
analysis result displayed on the display unit 25. In particular, in
the embodiment, the image generation unit 215 generates image data
in which a display form of the trajectory of the golf club 3 is
changed in the portion of the trajectory of the golf club 3 which
is determined by the trajectory determination unit 214 and passes
through the V zone and the portion of the trajectory of the golf
club 3 which does not pass the V zone. For example, the image
generation unit 215 generates the image data in which the color of
the trajectory is changed in the portion of the trajectory of the
golf club 3 which passes through the V zone and in the portion of
the trajectory of the golf club 3 which does not pass through the V
zone. Specifically, the image generation unit 215 generates the
image data in which a first color is set to the trajectory of the
golf club 3 in the portion of the trajectory of the golf club 3
which passes outside the V zone and a second color different from
the first color is set to the trajectory in the portion of the
trajectory of the golf club 3 which passes through the V zone.
[0108] The first imaginary plane specifying unit 211, the second
imaginary plane specifying unit 212, the exercise analysis unit
213, the trajectory determination unit 214, and the image
generation unit 215 also perform a process of storing various kinds
of calculated information in the storage unit 24.
[0109] The output processing unit 216 performs a process of causing
the display unit 25 to display various images (including not only
an image corresponding to the image data generated by the image
generation unit 215 but also text, signs or the like). For example,
the output processing unit 216 causes the display unit 25 to
display the image corresponding to the image data generated by the
image generation unit 215 automatically or according to an input
operation of the user 2 after a swing motion of the user 2 ends.
Alternatively, the sensor unit 10 may include a display unit, the
output processing unit 216 may transmit the image data to the
sensor unit 10 via the communication unit 22, and various images
may be displayed on the display unit of the sensor unit 10.
[0110] The output processing unit 216 performs a process of causing
the sound output unit 26 to output various kinds of audio (also
including sound, buzzer tone or the like). For example, the output
processing unit 216 reads various kinds of information stored in
the storage unit 24 and causes the sound output unit 26 to output
audio or sound for exercise analysis automatically or at the time
of performing a predetermined input operation after a swing motion
of the user 2 ends. Alternatively, the sensor unit 10 may include a
sound output unit, the output processing unit 216 may transmit
various kinds of audio data or sound data to the sensor unit 10 via
the communication unit 22, and the sound output unit of the sensor
unit 10 may be caused to output the various kinds of audio or
sound.
[0111] The exercise analysis device 20 or the sensor unit 10 may
include a vibration mechanism and various kinds of information may
be converted into vibration information by the vibration mechanism
to be presented to the user 2.
[0112] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an exercise
analysis process. The control unit 21 executes an exercise analysis
program stored in the storage unit 24 to perform the exercise
analysis process in the procedure of the flowchart illustrated in
FIG. 4.
[0113] First, the sensor information acquisition unit 210 acquires
the measurement data of the sensor unit 10 (step S10). When the
control unit 21 acquires the first measurement data in a swing
motion (also including a stopping motion) of the user 2, the
control unit 21 may perform processes subsequent to step S20 in
real time. Alternatively, after the control unit 21 acquires some
or all of the series of measurement data in the swing motion of the
user 2 from the sensor unit 10, the control unit 21 may perform the
processes subsequent to step S20.
[0114] Next, the exercise analysis unit 213 detects a stopping
motion (address motion) of the user 2 using the measurement data
acquired from the sensor unit 10 (step S20). When the control unit
21 performs the process in real time and detects the stopping
motion (address motion), for example, the control unit 21 outputs a
predetermined image or audio. Alternatively, the sensor unit 10 may
include a light-emitting diode (LED) and blinks the LED to notify
the user 2 that the stopped state is detected so that the user 2
confirms the notification and subsequently starts a swing.
[0115] Next, the first imaginary plane specifying unit 211
specifies the shaft plane 30 (the first imaginary plane) using the
measurement data (the measurement data in the stopping motion
(address motion) of the user 2) acquired from the sensor unit 10
and the club specification information (step S30).
[0116] Next, the second imaginary plane specifying unit 212
specifies the Hogan's plane 40 (the second imaginary plane) using
the measurement data (the measurement data in the stopping motion
(address motion) of the user 2) acquired from the sensor unit 10
and the body information (step S40).
[0117] Next, the exercise analysis unit 213 calculates the initial
position and the initial posture of the sensor unit 10 using the
measurement data (the measurement data in the stopping motion
(address motion) of the user 2) acquired from the sensor unit 10
(step S50).
[0118] Next, the exercise analysis unit 213 detects a series of
motions (rhythm) from the start of the swing to the end of the
swing using the measurement data acquired from the sensor unit 10
(step S60).
[0119] The exercise analysis unit 213 calculates the position and
posture of the sensor unit 10 during the swing motion of the user 2
concurrently with the process of step S60 (step S70).
[0120] Next, the exercise analysis unit 213 calculates the
trajectory of the golf club 3 during the swing motion of the user 2
using the rhythm detected in step S60 and the position and posture
of the sensor unit 10 calculated in step S70 (step S80).
[0121] Next, the trajectory determination unit 214 determines
whether the trajectory of the golf club 3 calculated in step S80
passes through the V zone (the region between the shaft plane 30
specified in step S30 and the Hogan's plane 40 specified in step
S40) (step S90). Specifically, the trajectory determination unit
214 determines the portion of the trajectory of the golf club 3
which is calculated by the exercise analysis unit 213 and passes
through the V zone and the portion of the trajectory which does not
pass through the V zone.
[0122] Next, the image generation unit 215 generates the image data
including the trajectory of the golf club 3 based on the
determination result of step S90 (step S100). At this time, the
image generation unit 215 does not include images of the shaft
plane 30 and the Hogan's plane 40 in the image data and generates
the image data in which the display form of the trajectory of the
golf club 3 is changed according to a passage state of the
trajectory of the golf club 3 through the V zone. For example, the
image generation unit 215 generates the image data in which the
color of the trajectory is changed in the portion of the trajectory
of the golf club 3 which passes through the V zone and the portion
of the trajectory which does not pass through the V zone.
[0123] The image data generated by the image generation unit 215 is
output to the display unit 25 by the output processing unit 216.
Then, the control unit 21 ends the process of the flowchart
illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0124] In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the sequence of the processes
may be appropriately changed within a possible range.
[0125] Next, an example of the process (the process of step S30 in
FIG. 4) of specifying the shaft plane (the first imaginary plane)
will be described in detail.
[0126] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first imaginary plane
specifying unit 211 first calculates the coordinates (0, G.sub.Y,
G.sub.Z) of the position 62 of the grip end based on the
acceleration data at the time of the stopping measured by the
sensor unit 10 and the club specification information by using the
position 61 of the head of the golf club 3 as the origin O (0, 0,
0) of the XYZ coordinate system (global coordinate system). FIG. 5
is a plan view illustrating the golf club 3 and the sensor unit 10
at the time of stopping of the user 2 (the time of the address)
when viewed from the negative side of the X axis. In FIG. 5, the
position 61 of the head of the golf club 3 is the origin O (0, 0,
0) and the coordinates of the position 62 of the grip end are (0,
G.sub.Y, G.sub.Z). Since the gravity acceleration G is applied to
the sensor unit 10 at the time of stopping of the user 2, a
relation between the y axis acceleration y(0) and an inclination
angle (an angle formed by the major axis of the shaft and the
horizontal plane (XY plane)) a of the shaft of the golf club 3 is
expressed in equation (1).
y(0)=Gsin .alpha. (1)
[0127] Accordingly, when L.sub.1 is the length of the shaft of the
golf club 3 included in the club specification information, G.sub.Y
and G.sub.Z are calculated using the length L.sub.1 and the
inclination angle .alpha. of the shaft in equations (2) and (3),
respectively.
G.sub.Y=L.sub.1cos .alpha. (2)
G.sub.Z=L.sub.1sin .alpha. (3)
[0128] Next, the first imaginary plane specifying unit 211
multiplies the coordinates (0, G.sub.Y, G.sub.Z) of the position 62
of the grip end of the golf club 3 by a scale factor S to calculate
the coordinates (0, S.sub.Y, S.sub.Z) of a midpoint S3 of the
vertexes S1 and S2 of the shaft plane 30. That is, S.sub.Y and
S.sub.Z are calculated using equations (4) and (5).
S.sub.Y=G.sub.YS (4)
S.sub.Z=G.sub.ZS (5)
[0129] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cross section obtained by
cutting the shaft plane 30 in FIG. 2 along the YZ plane when viewed
from the negative side of the X axis. The length (the width of the
shaft plane 30 in a direction perpendicular to the X axis) of a
line segment connecting the origin O to the midpoint S3 of the
vertexes S1 and S2 is S times the length L.sub.1 of the first line
segment 51. The scale factor S is set to a value so that the
trajectory of the golf club 3 during the swing motion of the user 2
falls within the shaft plane 30. For example, when L.sub.2 is the
length of an arm of the user 2, the scale factor S may be set as in
equation (6) so that a width S.times.L.sub.1 in the direction
perpendicular to the X axis of the shaft plane 30 is twice a sum of
the length L.sub.1 of the shaft and the length L.sub.2 of the
arm.
S = 2 ( L 1 + L 2 ) L 1 ( 6 ) ##EQU00001##
[0130] The length L.sub.2 of the arm of the user 2 has correlation
with a height L.sub.0 of the user 2. For example, based on
statistical information, a correlation equation as in equation (7)
is expressed when the user 2 is male, and a correlation equation as
in equation (8) is expressed when the user 2 is female.
L.sub.2=0.41.times.L.sub.0-45.5 [mm] (7)
L.sub.2=0.46.times.L.sub.0-126.9 [mm] (8)
[0131] Accordingly, the length L.sub.2 of the arm of the user is
calculated by equation (7) or (8) using the height L.sub.0 and sex
of the user 2 included in the body information.
[0132] Next, the first imaginary plane specifying unit 211
calculates the coordinates (-TL/2, 0, 0) of the vertex T1, the
coordinates (TL/2, 0, 0) of the vertex T2, the coordinates (-TL/2,
S.sub.Y, S.sub.Z) of the vertex S1, and the coordinates (TL/2,
S.sub.Y, S.sub.Z) of the S2 of the shaft plane 30 using the
coordinates (0, S.sub.Y, S.sub.Z) of the midpoint S3 calculated as
described above and the width (the length of the third line segment
52) TL of the shaft plane 30 in the X axis direction. The width TL
in the X axis direction is set to a value so that the trajectory of
the golf club 3 during the swing motion of the user 2 falls within
the shaft plane 30. For example, the width TL in the X axis
direction may be set to be the same as the width S.times.L.sub.1 in
the direction perpendicular to the X axis, that is, twice the sum
of the length L.sub.1 of the shaft and the length L.sub.2 of the
arm.
[0133] The shaft plane 30 is specified based on the coordinates of
the four vertexes T1, T2, S1, and S2 calculated in this way.
[0134] Next, an example of the process (the process of step S40 in
FIG. 4) of specifying the Hogan's plane (the second imaginary
plane) will be described in detail.
[0135] First, the second imaginary plane specifying unit 212
estimates the predetermined position 63 on the line segment
connecting both shoulders of the user 2 to one another to calculate
the coordinates (A.sub.X, A.sub.Y, A.sub.Z), using the coordinates
(0, G.sub.Y, G.sub.Z) of the position 62 of the grip end of the
golf club 3 calculated as described above and the body information
of the user 2.
[0136] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a cross section obtained by
cutting the Hogan's plane 40 in FIG. 2 along the YZ plane when
viewed from the negative side of the X axis. In FIG. 7, the
midpoint of the line segment connecting both shoulders of the user
2 to one another is set as the predetermined position 63, and the
predetermined position 63 is present on the YZ plane. Accordingly,
the X coordinate A.sub.X of the predetermined position 63 is 0.
Then, the second imaginary plane specifying unit 212 estimates that
a position obtained by moving the position 62 of the grip end of
the golf club 3 by the length L.sub.2 of the arm of the user 2 in
the positive direction of the Z axis is the predetermined position
63. Accordingly, the Y coordinate A.sub.Y of the predetermined
position 63 is the same as the Y coordinate G.sub.Y of the position
62 of the grip end, and the Z coordinate A.sub.Z of the
predetermined position 63 is calculated as a sum of the Z
coordinate G.sub.Z of the position 62 of the grip end and the
length L.sub.2 of the arm of the user 2, as in equation (9).
A.sub.Z=G.sub.Z+L.sub.2 (9)
[0137] The length L.sub.2 of the arm of the user is calculated in
equation (7) or (8) using the height L.sub.0 and sex of the user 2
included in the body information.
[0138] Next, the second imaginary plane specifying unit 212
multiples the Y coordinate A.sub.Y and the Z coordinate A.sub.Z of
the predetermined position 63 by a scale factor H to calculate the
coordinates (0, H.sub.Y, H.sub.Z) of a midpoint H3 of the vertexes
H1 and H2 of the Hogan's plane 40. That is, H.sub.Y and H.sub.Z are
calculated using equations (10) and (11).
H.sub.Y=A.sub.YH (10)
H.sub.Z=A.sub.ZH (11)
[0139] As illustrated in FIG. 7, a length (a width of the Hogan's
plane 40 in a direction perpendicular to the X axis) of a line
segment connecting the origin O to the midpoint H3 of the vertexes
H1 and H2 is H times the length L.sub.3 of the second line segment
53. The scale factor H is set to a value so that the trajectory of
the golf club 3 during the swing motion of the user 2 falls within
the Hogan's plane 40. For example, the Hogan's plane 40 may have
the same shape and size as the shaft plane 30. In this case, since
a width H.times.L.sub.3 of the Hogan's plane 40 in the direction
perpendicular to the X axis is identical to the width
S.times.L.sub.1 of the shaft plane 30 in the direction
perpendicular to the X axis and is twice the sum of the length
L.sub.1 of the shaft of the golf club 3 and the length L.sub.2 of
the arm of the user 2, the scale factor H may be set as in equation
(12).
H = 2 ( L 1 + L 2 ) L 3 ( 12 ) ##EQU00002##
[0140] The length L.sub.3 of the second line segment 53 is
calculated from equation (13) using the Y coordinate A.sub.Y and
the Z coordinate A.sub.Z of the predetermined position 63.
L.sub.3= {square root over (A.sub.Y.sup.2A.sub.Z.sup.2)} (13)
[0141] Next, the second imaginary plane specifying unit 212
calculates the coordinates (-TL/2, 0, 0) of the vertex T1, the
coordinates (TL/2, 0, 0) of the vertex T2, the coordinates (-TL/2,
H.sub.Y, H.sub.Z) of the vertex H1, and the coordinates (TL/2,
H.sub.Y, H.sub.Z) of the H2 of the Hogan's plane 40 using the
coordinates (0, H.sub.Y, H.sub.Z) of the midpoint H3 calculated as
described above and the width (the length of the third line segment
52) TL of the Hogan's plane 40 in the X axis direction. The width
TL in the X axis direction is set to a value so that the trajectory
of the golf club 3 during the swing motion of the user 2 falls
within the Hogan's plane 40. In the embodiment, the width TL of the
Hogan's plane 40 in the X axis direction may be set to be the same
as the width of the shaft plane 30 in the X axis direction, and
thus may be set to be twice the sum of the length L.sub.1 of the
shaft and the length L.sub.2 of the arm, as described above.
[0142] The Hogan's plane 40 is specified based on the coordinates
of the four vertexes T1, T2, H1, and H2 calculated in this way.
[0143] Next, an example of the process (the process of step S60 in
FIG. 4) of detecting a timing at which the user 2 hits a ball will
be described in detail.
[0144] The exercise analysis unit 213 detects a series of motions
(also referred to as a rhythm) from the start of the swing to the
end of the swing, for example, the start of the swing, a backswing,
a top, a downswing, an impact, follow-through, and the end of the
swing, using the measurement data acquired from the sensor unit 10.
A specific rhythm detection procedure is not particularly limited.
For example, the following procedure can be adopted.
[0145] First, the exercise analysis unit 213 calculates a sum
(referred to as a norm) of the magnitudes of the angular velocities
around the axes at each time t using the acquired angular velocity
data of each time t. The exercise analysis unit 213 may integrate
the norm of the angular velocities at each time t by time.
[0146] Here, a case of a graph in which angular velocities around
three axes (x, y, and z axes) are shown, for example, in FIG. 8
(which is a diagram illustrating examples of angular velocities
output from the sensor unit) will be considered. In FIG. 8, the
horizontal axis represents a time (msec) and the vertical axis
represents an angular velocity (dps). The norm of the angular
velocities is shown in the graph illustrated in, for example, FIG.
9 (which is a diagram illustrating an example of the norm of the
angular velocities). In FIG. 9, the horizontal axis represents a
time (msec) and the vertical axis represents the norm of the
angular velocities. A differential value of the norm of the angular
velocity is shown in a graph illustrated in, for example, FIG. 10
(which is a diagram illustrating an example of the differential
value of the norm of the angular velocity). In FIG. 10, the
horizontal axis represents a time (msec) and the vertical axis
represents the differential value of the norm of the angular
velocity. FIGS. 8 to 10 are exemplified to facilitate understanding
of the embodiment and do not show accurate values.
[0147] The exercise analysis unit 213 detects a timing of an impact
in the swing using the calculated norm of the angular velocities.
For example, the exercise analysis unit 213 detects a timing at
which the norm of the angular velocities is the maximum as the
timing of the impact (T5 in FIG. 9). For example, the exercise
analysis unit 213 may detect a former timing between timings at
which the value of the differential of the calculated norm of the
angular velocities is the maximum and the minimum as the timing of
the impact (T5 in FIG. 10).
[0148] For example, the exercise analysis unit 213 detects a timing
at which the calculated norm of the angular velocities is the
minimum before the impact as a timing of a top of the swing (T3 in
FIG. 9). For example, the exercise analysis unit 213 specifies a
period in which the norm of the angular velocities is continuously
equal to or less than a first threshold value before the impact, as
a top period (which is an accumulation period at the top) (T2 to T4
in FIG. 9).
[0149] For example, the exercise analysis unit 213 detects a timing
at which the norm of the angular velocities is equal to or less
than a second threshold value before the top, as a timing of the
start of the swing (T1 in FIG. 9).
[0150] For example, the exercise analysis unit 213 detects a timing
at which the norm of the angular velocities is the minimum after
the impact, as a timing of the end (finish) of the swing (T7 in
FIG. 9). For example, the exercise analysis unit 213 may detect a
first timing at which the norm of the angular velocities is equal
to or less than the third threshold value after the impact, as the
timing of the end (finish) of the swing. For example, the exercise
analysis unit 213 specifies a period in which the norm of the
angular velocities is continuously equal to or less than a fourth
threshold value after the timing of the impact and close to the
timing of the impact, as a finish period (T6 to T8 in FIG. 9).
[0151] In this way, the exercise analysis unit 213 can detect the
rhythm of the swing. The exercise analysis unit 213 can specify
each period (for example, a backswing period from the start of the
swing to the start of the top, a downswing period from the end of
the top to the impact, and a follow-through period from the impact
to the end of the swing) during the swing by detecting the
rhythm.
[0152] Hereinafter, the trajectory determination unit 214 and the
image generation unit 215 will be described in detail.
[0153] FIG. 11 is a diagram (a diagram projected to the YZ plane)
illustrating the shaft plane and the Hogan's plane when viewed from
the negative side of the X axis. In FIG. 11, the shaft plane 30,
the Hogan's plane 40, and a trajectory 3a of the golf club 3 are
illustrated. The trajectory 3a indicated by a dotted line of FIG.
11 is a trajectory of the golf club 3 in a backswing and the
trajectory 3a indicated by a one-dot chain line is a trajectory of
the golf club 3 in a downswing.
[0154] The trajectory determination unit 214 divides a space
defined with the XYZ coordinate system (global coordinate system)
into predetermined regions. For example, the trajectory
determination unit 214 divides the space into a region (a V zone 71
indicated by diagonal lines in FIG. 11) interposed between the
shaft plane 30 specified by the first imaginary plane specifying
unit 211 and the Hogan's plane 40 specified by the second imaginary
plane specifying unit 212 and the other region. The trajectory
determination unit 214 determines whether the trajectory 3a of the
golf club 3 calculated by the exercise analysis unit 213 passes
through the V zone 71. Specifically, the trajectory determination
unit 214 determines a portion in which the trajectory 3a of the
golf club 3 passes through the V zone 71 and a portion in which the
trajectory 3a of the golf club 3 does not pass through the V zone
71.
[0155] For example, in the case of FIG. 11, the trajectory 3a of a
portion indicated by ranges A1 and A2 does not pass through the V
zone 71 and the trajectory 3a of a portion out of the ranges A1 and
A2 passes through the V zone 71. Accordingly, in the case of FIG.
11, the trajectory determination unit 214 determines that the
trajectory 3a of the portion indicated by the ranges A1 and A2 does
not pass through the V zone 71 and determines that the trajectory
3a of the portion out of the ranges A1 and A2 passes through the V
zone 71.
[0156] When the image generation unit 215 generates the image data
of the trajectory 3a of the golf club 3, the image generation unit
215 changes a display form of the trajectory 3a of the golf club 3
based on the determination result of the trajectory determination
unit 214. For example, the image generation unit 215 generates
image data in which the trajectory 3a inside the V zone 71 (the
trajectory 3a indicated by a dotted line and the trajectory 3a
indicated by a one-dot chain line inside the V zone 71) is set with
blue. For example, the image generation unit 215 generates image
data in which the trajectory 3a indicated by the ranges A1 and A2
outside the V zone 71 is set with red.
[0157] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen
displayed on a display unit. The image data generated by the image
generation unit 215 is output to the display unit 25 by the output
processing unit 216. A screen 80 illustrated in FIG. 12 is a screen
example displayed on the display unit 25. The screen 80 is a screen
example viewed from the rear side in the hitting direction.
[0158] In the screen 80, the trajectory 3a of the golf club 3 is
displayed without displaying the V zone. Whether the trajectory 3a
of the golf club 3 enters the V zone is indicated by the color of
the trajectory 3a.
[0159] For example, trajectories 3aa and 3ac indicated by thick
lines represent trajectories outside the V zone in a backswing (for
example, see the ranges A1 and A2 in FIG. 11) and are indicated
with red. Trajectories 3ab and 3ad indicated by thin lines
represent trajectories inside the V zone in the backswing and are
indicated with, for example, blue.
[0160] For example, a trajectory 3ae indicated by a thin line
represents a trajectory inside the V zone in a downswing and is
indicated with blue. A trajectory 3af indicated by a thick line
represents a trajectory outside the V zone in the downswing (for
example, see the range A2 in FIG. 11) and is indicated with, for
example, red.
[0161] Thus, the user 2 can know which portion of his or her swing
is deviated or not deviated from the V zone. For example, when the
trajectory 3a is displayed with the colors of the foregoing
example, the user 2 can recognize his or her swing is deviated from
the V zone in the red trajectories 3aa, 3ac, and 3af.
[0162] In order to clarify a difference between the trajectories
3ab, 3ad, and 3ae inside the V zone and the trajectories 3aa, 3ac,
and 3af outside the V zone in FIG. 12, the trajectories 3aa, 3ac,
and 3af outside the V zone are indicated by the thick lines, but
may be displayed with solid lines with the same thickness as the
trajectories 3ab, 3ad, and 3ae inside the V zone.
[0163] The screen 80 illustrated in FIG. 12 may be a 3-dimensional
image of which a display angle (viewpoint at which an image is
viewed) can be changed according to an operation of the user 2.
[0164] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations
of the trajectory determination unit and the image generation unit.
The flowchart of FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the detailed
processes of steps S90 and S100 of FIG. 4.
[0165] First, the trajectory determination unit 214 specifies the V
zone based on the shaft plane 30 specified in step S30 of FIG. 4
and the Hogan's plane 40 specified in step S40 of FIG. 4 (step
S901).
[0166] Next, the trajectory determination unit 214 determines
whether the trajectory of the golf club 3 calculated in step S80 of
FIG. 4 is inside the V zone specified in step S901 (step S902). For
example, the trajectory determination unit 214 determines whether
the trajectory of the golf club 3 is inside the V zone specified in
step S901, for example, in order from an address position to
impact.
[0167] When the trajectory determination unit 214 determines in
step S902 that the trajectory of the golf club 3 is inside the V
zone ("Yes" in S902), the image generation unit 215 generates image
data in which a first color is set to the trajectory of the golf
club 3 (step S903). That is, the image generation unit 215
generates the image data in which the first color is set to the
trajectory of the golf club 3 inside the V zone. When the image
generation unit 215 generates the image data in which the first
color is set to the trajectory, the process proceeds to step
S905.
[0168] When the trajectory determination unit 214 determines in
step S902 that the trajectory of the golf club 3 is not inside the
V zone ("No" in S902), the image generation unit 215 generates
image data in which a second color is set to the trajectory of the
golf club 3 (step S904). That is, the image generation unit 215
generates the image data in which the second color is set to the
trajectory of the golf club 3 outside the V zone. When the image
generation unit 215 generates the image data in which the second
color is set to the trajectory, the process proceeds to step
S905.
[0169] The image generation unit 215 determines whether the
processes from step S902 to step S904 are performed from the
address of the trajectory of the golf club 3 to the impact (step
S905). That is, the image generation unit 215 determines whether to
generate the image data in which the trajectory from the address to
the impact is subjected to a coloring process. When the image
generation unit 215 determines that the trajectory from the address
to the impact is not subjected to the coloring process ("No" in
S905), the process proceeds to step S902. When the image generation
unit 215 determines that the trajectory from the address to the
impact is subjected to the coloring process ("Yes" in S905), the
process proceeds to step S906.
[0170] When the image generation unit 215 determines in step S905
that the trajectory from the address to the impact is subjected to
the coloring process ("Yes" in S905), the generated image data is
output to the output processing unit 216 (step S906).
[0171] Thus, for example, the screen 80 described in FIG. 12 is
displayed on the display unit 25. For example, the first color is
set to the trajectories 3aa, 3ac, and 3af indicated by the thick
lines in FIG. 12 and the second color is set to the trajectories
3ab, 3ad, and 3ae indicated by the thin lines. Accordingly, the
user 2 can confirm whether the trajectory 3a of the golf club 3
enters the V zone in the screen 80, and thus can simply performs
swing estimation of the golf club 3.
[0172] As described above, when the trajectory of the golf club 3
is inside the V zone, the first color (for example, red) is set to
the trajectory of the golf club 3. When the trajectory of the golf
club 3 is outside the V zone, the second color (for example, blue)
is set to the trajectory of the golf club 3. However, the color of
the trajectory of the golf club 3 may be changed according to
whether a swing is a backswing or a downswing.
[0173] For example, the image generation unit 215 generates image
data in which a first color (for example, red) is set to a
trajectory outside a V zone in a backswing and a second color (for
example, purple) is set to a trajectory outside a V zone in a
downswing. Further, the image generation unit 215 generates image
data in which a third color (for example, blue) is set to the
trajectory inside the V zone in the backswing and a fourth color
(for example, black) is set to the trajectory inside the V zone in
the downswing.
[0174] In this case, for example, the first color (for example,
red) is set to the trajectories 3aa and 3ac (trajectories outside
the V zone in the backswing) in FIG. 12 and the second color (for
example, purple) is set to the trajectory 3af (a trajectory outside
the V zone in the downswing). Further, the third color (for
example, blue) is set to the trajectories 3ab and 3ad (trajectories
inside the V zone in the backswing) in FIG. 12 and the fourth color
(for example, black) is set to the trajectory 3ae (a trajectory
inside the V zone in the downswing).
[0175] Thus, the user 2 can recognize whether the trajectory 3a of
the golf club 3 is deviated from the V zone in the backswing and is
deviated from the V zone in the downswing, and thus can simply
perform a swing estimation of the golf club 3.
[0176] As described above, the exercise analysis device 20
determines that the trajectory of the golf club 3 passes through
the V zone. Thus, the exercise analysis device 20 can change a
display form of the trajectory according to a passage state of the
trajectory of the golf club 3. Thus, the user 2 can easily see
which portion of the trajectory of the golf club 3 passes through
the V zone and can simply perform the swing estimation of the golf
club 3.
[0177] Since the exercise analysis device 20 specifies the shaft
plane 30 and the Hogan's plane 40 using the sensor unit 10, it is
not necessary to use a large-scale device such as a camera and
restriction on a place where the type of swing is estimated is
small.
[0178] As described above, the image generation unit 215 generates
the image data in which the color of the trajectory is changed
between the portion of the trajectory of the golf club 3 which
passes through the V zone and the portion of the trajectory of the
golf club 3 which does not pass through the V zone, but may
generate the image data so that the trajectory continuously lights
and the trajectory blinks. For example, the image generation unit
215 may generate the image data so that the trajectory inside the V
zone continuously lights and the trajectory outside the V zone
blinks.
[0179] The image generation unit 215 may generate the image data in
which kinds of lines of the trajectories of the golf club 3 are
changed. For example, the image generation unit 215 may generate
the image data in which the trajectory inside the V zone is
displayed with a solid line and the trajectory outside the V zone
is displayed with a dotted line or a broken line.
[0180] The image generation unit 215 may generate the image data in
which the thicknesses of the lines of the trajectories of the golf
club 3 are changed. For example, the image generation unit 215 may
generate the image data so that the trajectory inside the V zone is
displayed with a thin line and the trajectory outside the V zone is
displayed with a thick line.
[0181] The image generation unit 215 may generate the image data so
that the trajectory inside the V zone is not displayed and only the
trajectory outside the V zone is displayed.
[0182] The image generation unit 215 may generate the image data in
which first and second regions interposing a V zone are defined
outside the V zone, and the V zone and the first and second regions
are distinguished and displayed.
[0183] The image generation unit 215 may generate the image data in
which predetermined colors are set to a region opposite to the V
zone including the shaft plane 30 and a region opposite to the V
zone including the Hogan's plane 40. For example, the image
generation unit 215 may generate the image data in which the
predetermined colors are set to a first region outside the V zone
and present counterclockwise from the shaft plane 30 and a second
region outside the V zone and present clockwise from the Hogan's
plane 40 in FIG. 11. At this time, the image generation unit 215
may include information indicating that the first region is a slice
zone and the second region is a hook zone in the image data. Thus,
the user 2 can recognize whether his or her swing tendency is a
slice tendency or a hook tendency.
[0184] The image generation unit 215 may change a display form of
the trajectory in a rhythm of a predetermined section. For example,
in FIG. 13, the image generation unit 215 changes the display form
of the trajectory from the address to the impact, but may change
the display form of a trajectory from the address to the end of a
swing. The image generation unit 215 may change the display form of
the trajectory in regard to a trajectory of only a downswing.
[0185] The image generation unit 215 may generate the image data in
which the V zone is colored. For example, the image generation unit
215 may generate the image data in which a region interposed
between the shaft plane 30 and the Hogan's plane 40 is all painted
with a predetermined color. In this case, the image generation unit
215 may display a trajectory of which the above-described display
form is changed in the image data in which the V zone is colored.
The image generation unit 215 may display the trajectory without
changing the display form according to whether the trajectory is
inside or outside the V zone (for example, the trajectory may be
displayed with one color).
[0186] The image generation unit 215 may generate the image data
which includes a region outside a V zone including a line segment
obtained by multiplying the first line segment 51 by the scale
factor S and the Hogan's plane 40.
[0187] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen in
which a region outside a V zone including a line segment and a
Hogan's plane is displayed. As illustrated in FIG. 14, a line
segment 91 obtained by multiplying the first line segment 51 by the
scale factor S is displayed in a screen 90. A region 92 outside a V
zone including the Hogan's plane 40 as a part of a side surface is
displayed in the screen 90. The region 92 is all painted with a
predetermined color.
[0188] The image generation unit 215 may indicate the V zone by the
line segment 91 and the region 92, as illustrated in FIG. 14. As
described above, the image generation unit 215 displays a
trajectory of which a display form is changed according to whether
the trajectory is inside or outside the V zone.
[0189] The image generation unit 215 may display the first line
segment 51 in the screen 90 instead of the line segment 91. The
image generation unit 215 may generate the image data which
includes a region outside a V zone including a line segment
obtained by multiplying the second line segment 53 by the scale
factor H and the shaft plane 30.
[0190] As described above, the second imaginary plane specifying
unit 212 specifies the second line segment 53 using the body
information and the measurement data output by the sensor unit 10.
However, a process of specifying the second line segment 53
connecting the positions 63 and 62 of the head (the blow portion)
of the golf club 3 may be performed using the first line segment 51
specified by the first imaginary plane specifying unit 211 and the
predetermined angle .theta. relative to the first line segment
51.
[0191] As described above, the Hogan's plane 40 is specified by the
output of the sensor unit 10 fitted in the golf club 3, but the
invention is not limited thereto. For example, a sensor unit may be
fitted in an arm or the like of the user 2 and the Hogan's plane 40
may be specified based on an output of the sensor unit.
[0192] As described above, the acceleration sensor 13 and the
angular velocity sensor 14 are embedded in the sensor unit 10 to be
integrated, but the acceleration sensor 13 and the angular velocity
sensor 14 may not be integrated.
[0193] Alternatively, the acceleration sensor 13 and the angular
velocity sensor 14 may not be embedded in the sensor unit 10, but
may be mounted directly on the golf club 3 or the user 2. In the
foregoing embodiments, the sensor unit 10 and the exercise analysis
device 20 are separated, but the sensor unit 10 and the exercise
analysis device 20 may be integrated to be mounted on the golf club
3 or the user 2.
[0194] In the foregoing embodiments, the exercise analysis device
20 calculates the Z coordinate A.sub.Z of the predetermined
position 63 on the line segment connecting both shoulders of the
user 2 to one another as the sum of the Y coordinate G.sub.Y of the
position 62 of the grip end and the length L.sub.2 of the arm of
the user 2 as in equation (9), but another equation may be used.
For example, the exercise analysis device 20 may multiply L.sub.2
by a coefficient K and adds G.sub.Y to calculate A.sub.Z as in
A.sub.Z=G.sub.Y+KL.sub.2.
[0195] The exercise analysis system (the exercise analysis device)
analyzing a golf swing has been exemplified above. However, the
invention can be applied to an exercise analysis system (exercise
analysis device) analyzing swings of various exercises of tennis,
baseball, and the like.
[0196] The functional configuration of the exercise analysis system
described above is classified according to main processing content
in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the
exercise analysis system. The invention is not limited by the
method of classifying the constituent elements or the names of the
constituent elements. The configuration of the exercise analysis
system can be classified into further many constituent elements
according to the processing content. One constituent element can be
classified to perform more processes. The process of each
constituent element may be performed by one piece of hardware or
may be performed by a plurality of pieces of hardware.
[0197] Units of processes in the flowcharts described above are
divided according to main processing content in order to facilitate
understanding of the process of the exercise analysis device. The
invention is not limited by a method of dividing the units of
processes or the names of the units of processes. The process of
the exercise analysis device can be divided in more units of
processes according to the processing content. One unit of process
can be divided to include more processes. The processing procedure
of the foregoing flowchart is not limited to the example
illustrated in the drawing.
[0198] The embodiments of the invention have been described above,
but the technical scope of the invention is not limited to the
scope described in the foregoing embodiments. It should be apparent
to those skill in the art that various modifications or
improvements of the foregoing embodiments are made. It should be
apparent from the description of the appended claims that the
modifications or the improvements are also included in the
technical scope of the invention. The invention can also be
provided as an exercise analysis method, a program for the exercise
analysis device, or a recording medium storing the program. In the
foregoing embodiments, the sensor unit 10 and the exercise analysis
device 20 have been described as separate elements, but the
function of the exercise analysis device 20 may be mounted on the
sensor unit 10.
[0199] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No.
2014-256579, filed Dec. 18, 2014 is expressly incorporated by
reference herein.
* * * * *