U.S. patent application number 15/478649 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-19 for display method, swing analysis apparatus, swing analysis system, swing analysis program, and recording medium.
This patent application is currently assigned to SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Norihisa HAGIWARA, Junko HASEGAWA, Tsuyoshi ITO, Akira KIRYU, Kenya KODAIRA.
Application Number | 20170296870 15/478649 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60039365 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170296870 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIRYU; Akira ; et
al. |
October 19, 2017 |
DISPLAY METHOD, SWING ANALYSIS APPARATUS, SWING ANALYSIS SYSTEM,
SWING ANALYSIS PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM
Abstract
A display method includes generating first analysis information
on the basis of a plurality of pieces of data related to a
plurality of swings, output from an inertial sensor which is
attached to a user or an exercise appliance swung by the user and
measures the plurality of swings performed by the user, estimating
respective ball arrival positions corresponding to the plurality of
swings on the basis of the first analysis information, and
displaying a first region image in a coordinate system having at
least two indexes as axes on the basis of the respective ball
arrival positions.
Inventors: |
KIRYU; Akira; (Kai-shi,
JP) ; KODAIRA; Kenya; (Azumino-shi, JP) ; ITO;
Tsuyoshi; (Suwa-shi, JP) ; HAGIWARA; Norihisa;
(Hachioji-shi, JP) ; HASEGAWA; Junko;
(Koganei-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
60039365 |
Appl. No.: |
15/478649 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 20/30 20180101;
G09B 19/0038 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A63B 71/06 20060101 A63B071/06; A63B 60/46 20060101
A63B060/46; A63B 69/36 20060101 A63B069/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 15, 2016 |
JP |
2016-081825 |
Claims
1. A display method comprising: generating first analysis
information on the basis of a plurality of pieces of data related
to a plurality of swings, output from an inertial sensor which is
attached to a user or an exercise appliance swung by the user and
measures the plurality of swings performed by the user; estimating
respective ball arrival positions corresponding to the plurality of
swings on the basis of the first analysis information; and
displaying a first region image in a coordinate system having at
least two indexes as axes on the basis of the respective ball
arrival positions.
2. The display method according to claim 1, wherein the two indexes
are a carry and a relative face angle.
3. The display method according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined
target region is displayed in the coordinate system.
4. The display method according to claim 1, wherein the first
region image includes a plurality of time-series images, and
wherein the plurality of time-series images are displayed in the
coordinate system.
5. The display method according to claim 4, wherein a display
aspect differs for the time-series images.
6. The display method according to claim 1, wherein an area of the
first region image is the magnitude corresponding to variations
between the plurality of pieces of data related to the plurality of
swings.
7. The display method according to claim 1, wherein a second region
image corresponding to the first region image in relation to a
plurality of swings performed by another user who is different from
the user is displayed in the coordinate system along with the first
region image.
8. The display method according to claim 7, wherein the coordinate
system is divided into a plurality of regions, and wherein a
proportion of the second region image occupying the plurality of
separate regions is displayed.
9. The display method according to claim 7, wherein the coordinate
system is divided into a plurality of regions, and wherein a
proportion of the first region image occupying the plurality of
separate regions is displayed.
10. The display method according to claim 1, wherein a ball flight
trajectory from a ball shooting position to an arrival position is
displayed in the coordinate system.
11. The display method according to claim 1, wherein the first
analysis information includes information related to at least one
of impact, a V zone, efficiency, rotation, a head speed, hands-up,
and a down blow.
12. The display method according to claim 1, wherein diagnosis
information is displayed on the basis of the first region
image.
13. The display method according to claim 12, wherein a practice
method is displayed on the basis of the diagnosis information.
14. A swing analysis apparatus comprising: an analysis section that
generates first analysis information on the basis of a plurality of
pieces of data related to a plurality of swings, output from an
inertial sensor which is attached to a user or an exercise
appliance swung by the user and measures the plurality of swings
performed by the user; a processing section that estimates
respective ball arrival positions corresponding to the plurality of
swings on the basis of the first analysis information; and a
display section that displays a first region image in a coordinate
system having at least two indexes as axes on the basis of the
respective ball arrival positions.
15. The swing analysis apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the
two indexes are a carry and a relative face angle.
16. A swing analysis system comprising: the swing analysis
apparatus according to claim 14; and an inertial sensor.
17. A swing analysis system comprising: the swing analysis
apparatus according to claim 15; and an inertial sensor.
18. A recording medium storing a program causing a computer to
execute: generating first analysis information on the basis of a
plurality of pieces of data related to a plurality of swings,
output from an inertial sensor which is attached to a user or an
exercise appliance swung by the user and measures the plurality of
swings performed by the user; estimating respective ball arrival
positions corresponding to the plurality of swings on the basis of
the first analysis information; and displaying a first region image
in a coordinate system having at least two indexes as axes on the
basis of the respective ball arrival positions.
19. The recording medium according to claim 17, wherein the two
indexes are a carry and a relative face angle.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a display method, a swing
analysis apparatus, a swing analysis system, a swing analysis
program, and a recording medium.
2. Related Art
[0002] In the related art, there is a technique in which a swing
trajectory of a golf club, a racket, or a bat as an exercise
appliance in sports such as golf, tennis, or baseball is analyzed,
and an athletic ability of a player is enhanced by improving a
swing trajectory. As an example of such a technique, for example,
JP-A-2015-123206 discloses a technique in which a swing is imaged
with a video camera, and analysis is performed by using captured
moving images. For example, JP-A-2014-64125 discloses a technique
in which a swing is analyzed on the basis of multi-motion images
obtained by superimposing and combining a plurality of continuously
captured images of the swing. For example, JP-A-2014-100341
discloses a technique in which an impact timing, that is, a ball
hitting timing during a swing is detected by using a motion sensor,
and then the swing is analyzed.
[0003] However, in the techniques disclosed in JP-A-2015-123206 and
JP-A-2014-64125, a size of a device capturing moving images or
consecutive images (multi-motion images) is large, and thus there
is a problem in that it is hard for a user to easily measure a
swing. On the other hand, in the technique disclosed in
JP-A-2014-100341, swing analysis can be easily performed by using a
motion sensor attached to an exercise appliance (golf club), but
there is a problem in that it is hard for a user to objectively
recognize variations in a plurality of swings.
SUMMARY
[0004] An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at
least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can
be implemented as the following forms or application examples.
Application Example 1
[0005] A display method according to this application example
includes generating first analysis information on the basis of a
plurality of pieces of data related to a plurality of swings,
output from an inertial sensor which is attached to a user or an
exercise appliance swung by the user and measures the plurality of
swings performed by the user; estimating respective ball arrival
positions corresponding to the plurality of swings on the basis of
the first analysis information; and displaying a first region image
in a coordinate system having at least two indexes as axes on the
basis of the respective ball arrival positions.
[0006] According to the display method of this application example,
respective ball arrival positions corresponding to a plurality of
swings are estimated on the basis of first analysis information
which is generated on the basis of a plurality of pieces of data
related to a plurality of swings, and a first region image is
displayed in a coordinate system having at least two indexes as
axes on the basis of the estimated respective ball arrival
positions. Since such display is performed, the user can
specifically and objectively recognize and check to what extent the
present ability (level) is improved with respect to respective ball
arrival positions corresponding to a plurality of swings in
addition to a variation.
Application Example 2
[0007] In the display method of the application example, it is
preferable that the two indexes are a carry and a relative face
angle.
[0008] According to this application example, it is possible to
easily obtain information for estimating respective ball arrival
positions corresponding to a plurality of swings as image
information on the basis of a carry and a relative face angle.
Consequently, the user can recognize more efficiently swing ability
(level).
Application Example 3
[0009] In the display method of the application example, it is
preferable that a predetermined target region is displayed in the
coordinate system.
[0010] According to this application example, since the
predetermined target region is displayed in the coordinate system,
a user can specifically and objectively recognize to what extent
there is a gap with the target with respect to a ball arrival
position, or to what extent the present ability (level) is improved
with respect to the target in addition to a variation.
Application Example 4
[0011] In the display method of the application example, it is
preferable that the first region image includes a plurality of
time-series images, and the plurality of time-series images are
displayed in the coordinate system.
[0012] According to this application example, the plurality of
time-series images included in the first region image are displayed
in the coordinate system having at least two indexes as axes. Since
such display is performed, a user can recognize transition of the
first analysis information related to a plurality of swings as the
plurality of time-series images. Consequently, the user can
objectively recognize to what extent the present ability (level) of
the user related to a plurality of swings is improved in addition
to a variation.
Application Example 5
[0013] In the display method of the application example, it is
preferable that a display aspect differs for each of the
time-series images.
[0014] According to this application example, since the respective
time-series images are displayed in different display aspects (for
example, colors or the types of lines) in the first region image,
the user can easily identify at first sight a transition state from
the past to the present with respect to the ability (level) related
to a plurality of swings.
Application Example 6
[0015] In the display method of the application example, it is
preferable that an area of the first region image is the magnitude
corresponding to variations between the plurality of pieces of data
related to the plurality of swings.
[0016] According to this application example, the user can easily
and objectively check variations between a plurality of pieces of
data related to a plurality of swings at first sight on the basis
of a size (magnitude) of the area of the first region image.
Application Example 7
[0017] In the display method of the application example, it is
preferable that a second region image corresponding to the first
region image in relation to a plurality of swings performed by
another user who is different from the user is displayed in the
coordinate system along with the first region image.
[0018] According to this application example, since the second
region image corresponding to the first region image in relation to
a plurality of swings performed by another user who is different
from the user is displayed in the coordinate system, the user can
perform comparison with the second region image related to swings
performed by another person, and can thus perform more objective
evaluation.
Application Example 8
[0019] In the display method of the application example, it is
preferable that the coordinate system is divided into a plurality
of regions, and a proportion of the second region image occupying
each of the plurality of separate regions is displayed.
[0020] According to this application example, a proportion of the
second region image which is included in each of the regions into
which the coordinate system is divided, and which is obtained by
estimating respective ball arrival positions corresponding to a
plurality of swings, that is, a proportion related to a ball
arrival position estimated for each swing is displayed.
Consequently, the user can understand a swing state of another
person. The user can objectively check biasing or the like in ball
arrival positions in a plurality of swings performed by the user
while performing comparison with swings performed by another
person.
Application Example 9
[0021] In the display method of the application example, it is
preferable that the coordinate system is divided into a plurality
of regions, and a proportion of the first region image occupying
each of the plurality of separate regions is displayed.
[0022] According to this application example, a proportion of the
first region image which is included in each of the regions into
which the coordinate system is divided, and which is obtained by
estimating respective ball arrival positions corresponding to a
plurality of swings, that is, a proportion related to a ball
arrival position estimated for each swing performed by the user is
displayed. The user can objectively check biasing or the like in
ball arrival positions in a plurality of swings.
Application Example 10
[0023] In the display method of the application example, it is
preferable that a ball flight trajectory from a ball shooting
position to an arrival position is displayed in the coordinate
system.
[0024] According to this application example, the user can check a
flight trajectory (movement trajectory) of a ball hit by the user
through image display, and can thus easily understand the flight
trajectory.
Application Example 11
[0025] In the display method of the application example, it is
preferable that the first analysis information includes information
related to at least one of impact, a V zone, efficiency, rotation,
a head speed, hands-up, and a down blow.
[0026] According to this application example, the user can obtain
information related to at least one of impact, a V zone,
efficiency, rotation, a head speed, hands-up, and a down blow as
analysis data of an important index indicating ability (level)
regarding a plurality of swings and detailed data. Consequently,
the user can more efficiently understand swing ability.
Application Example 12
[0027] In the display method of the application example, it is
preferable that diagnosis information is displayed on the basis of
the first region image.
[0028] According to this application example, since diagnosis
information based on the first region image is displayed, the user
can easily understand a swing state, and can thus take appropriate
measures to improve a swing.
Application Example 13
[0029] In the display method of the application example, it is
preferable that a practice method is displayed on the basis of the
diagnosis information.
[0030] According to this application example, a practice method
based on diagnosis information is displayed, and thus the user can
perform an efficient practice.
Application Example 14
[0031] A swing analysis apparatus according to this application
example includes an analysis section that generates first analysis
information on the basis of a plurality of pieces of data related
to a plurality of swings, output from an inertial sensor which is
attached to a user or an exercise appliance swung by the user and
measures the plurality of swings performed by the user; a
processing section that estimates respective ball arrival positions
corresponding to the plurality of swings on the basis of the first
analysis information; and a display section that displays a first
region image in a coordinate system having at least two indexes as
axes on the basis of the respective ball arrival positions.
[0032] According to the swing analysis apparatus of this
application example, the processing section estimates respective
ball arrival positions corresponding to a plurality of swings on
the basis of first analysis information which is generated by the
analysis section on the basis of a plurality of pieces of data
related to a plurality of swings, and a first region image is
displayed in a coordinate system having at least two indexes as
axes on the basis of the respective estimated ball arrival
positions on the display section. Since such display is performed,
the user can specifically and objectively recognize and check to
what extent the present ability (level) is improved with respect to
respective ball arrival positions corresponding to a plurality of
swings in addition to a variation.
Application Example 15
[0033] In the swing analysis apparatus of the application example,
it is preferable that the two indexes are a carry and a relative
face angle.
[0034] According to this application example, it is possible to
easily obtain information for estimating respective ball arrival
positions corresponding to a plurality of swings as image
information on the basis of a carry and a relative face angle.
Consequently, the user can recognize more efficiently swing ability
(level).
Application Example 16
[0035] In the swing analysis apparatus of the application example,
it is preferable that a predetermined target region is displayed in
the coordinate system.
[0036] According to this application example, since, the
predetermined target region is displayed in the coordinate system,
a user can objectively recognize to what extent there is a gap with
the target with respect to a ball arrival position, or to what
extent the present ability (level) is improved with respect to the
target in addition to a variation.
Application Example 17
[0037] In the swing analysis apparatus of the application example,
it is preferable that the first region image includes a plurality
of time-series images, and the plurality of time-series images are
displayed in the coordinate system.
[0038] According to this application example, the plurality of
time-series images included in the first region image are displayed
together in the coordinate system having at least two indexes as
axes. Since such display is performed, a user can recognize
transition of the first analysis information related to a plurality
of swings as the plurality of time-series images. Consequently, the
user can specifically and objectively recognize to what extent the
present ability (level) of the user related to a plurality of
swings is improved in addition to a variation.
Application Example 18
[0039] In the swing analysis apparatus of the application example,
it is preferable that a display aspect differs for each of the
time-series images.
[0040] According to this application example, since the respective
time-series images are displayed in different display aspects (for
example, colors or the types of lines) in the first region image,
the user can easily identify at first sight a transition state from
the past to the present with respect to the ability (level) related
to a plurality of swings.
Application Example 19
[0041] In the swing analysis apparatus of the application example,
it is preferable that an area of the first region image is the
magnitude corresponding to variations between the plurality of
pieces of data related to the plurality of swings.
[0042] According to this application example, the user can easily
and objectively check variations between a plurality of pieces of
data related to a plurality of swings at first sight.
Application Example 20
[0043] In the swing analysis apparatus of the application example,
it is preferable that a second region image corresponding to the
first region image in relation to a plurality of swings performed
by another user who is different from the user is displayed in the
coordinate system along with the first region image.
[0044] According to this application example, since the second
region image corresponding to the first region image in relation to
a plurality of swings performed by another user who is different
from the user is displayed in the coordinate system, the user can
perform comparison with the second region image related to swings
performed by another person, and can thus perform more objective
evaluation.
Application Example 21
[0045] In the swing analysis apparatus of the application example,
it is preferable that the coordinate system is divided into a
plurality of regions, and a proportion of the second region image
occupying each of the plurality of separate regions is
displayed.
[0046] According to this application example, a proportion of the
second region image which is included in each of the regions into
which the coordinate system is divided, and which is obtained by
estimating respective ball arrival positions corresponding to a
plurality of swings performed by another user, that is, a
proportion related to a ball arrival position estimated for each
swing is displayed. Consequently, the user can understand a swing
state of another person. The user can objectively check biasing or
the like in ball arrival positions in a plurality of swings
performed by the user while performing comparison with swings
performed by another person.
Application Example 22
[0047] In the swing analysis apparatus of the application example,
it is preferable that the coordinate system is divided into a
plurality of regions, and a proportion of the first region image
occupying each of the plurality of separate regions is
displayed.
[0048] According to this application example, a proportion of the
first region image which is included in each of the regions into
which the coordinate system is divided, and which is obtained by
estimating respective ball arrival positions corresponding to a
plurality of swings, that is, a proportion related to a ball
arrival position estimated for each swing performed by the user is
displayed. The user can objectively check biasing or the like in
ball arrival positions in a plurality of swings.
Application Example 23
[0049] In the swing analysis apparatus of the application example,
it is preferable that a ball flight trajectory from a ball shooting
position to an arrival position is displayed in the coordinate
system.
[0050] According to this application example, the user can check a
flight trajectory (movement trajectory) of a ball hit by the user
through image display, and can thus easily understand the flight
trajectory.
Application Example 24
[0051] In the swing analysis apparatus of the application example,
it is preferable that the first analysis information includes
information related to at least one of impact, a V zone,
efficiency, rotation, a head speed, hands-up, and a down blow.
[0052] According to this application example, the user can obtain
information related to at least one of impact, a V zone,
efficiency, rotation, a head speed, hands-up, and a down blow as
analysis data of an important index indicating ability (level)
regarding a plurality of swings and detailed data. Consequently,
the user can more efficiently understand swing ability.
Application Example 25
[0053] In the swing analysis apparatus of the application example,
it is preferable that diagnosis information is displayed on the
basis of the first region image.
[0054] According to this application example, since diagnosis
information based on the first region image is displayed, the user
can easily understand a swing state, and can thus take appropriate
measures to improve a swing.
Application Example 26
[0055] In the swing analysis apparatus of the application example,
it is preferable that a practice method is displayed on the basis
of the diagnosis information.
[0056] According to this application example, a practice method
based on diagnosis information is displayed, and thus the user can
perform an efficient practice.
Application Example 27
[0057] A swing analysis system according to this application
example includes the swing analysis apparatus according to any one
of the application examples; and an inertial sensor.
[0058] According to the swing analysis system of this application
example, the processing section estimates respective ball arrival
positions corresponding to a plurality of swings on the basis of
first analysis information which is generated by the analysis
section on the basis of a plurality of pieces of data related to a
plurality of swings, and a first region image is displayed in a
coordinate system having at least two indexes as axes on the basis
of the estimated respective ball arrival positions on the display
section. Since such display is performed on the display section,
the user can specifically and objectively recognize and check to
what extent the present ability (level) is improved with respect to
respective ball arrival positions corresponding to a plurality of
swings in addition to a variation. Therefore, by using the swing
analysis system, the user can perform highly accurate practice.
Application Example 28
[0059] A swing analysis program according to this application
example causes a computer to execute generating first analysis
information on the basis of a plurality of pieces of data related
to a plurality of swings, output from an inertial sensor which is
attached to a user or an exercise appliance swung by the user and
measures the plurality of swings performed by the user; estimating
respective ball arrival positions corresponding to the plurality of
swings on the basis of the first analysis information; and
displaying a first region image in a coordinate system having at
least two indexes as axes on the basis of the respective ball
arrival positions.
[0060] According to the swing analysis program of this application
example, respective ball arrival positions corresponding to a
plurality of swings are estimated on the basis of first analysis
information which is generated on the basis of a plurality of
pieces of data related to a plurality of swings, and a first region
image is displayed in a coordinate system having at least two
indexes as axes on the basis of the estimated respective ball
arrival positions. Since such display is performed, the user can
specifically and objectively recognize and check to what extent the
present ability (level) is improved with respect to respective ball
arrival positions corresponding to a plurality of swings in
addition to a variation.
Application Example 29
[0061] In the swing analysis program of the application example, it
is preferable that the two indexes are a carry and a relative face
angle.
[0062] According to this application example, it is possible to
easily obtain information for estimating respective ball arrival
positions corresponding to a plurality of swings as image
information on the basis of a carry and a relative face angle.
Consequently, the user can recognize more efficiently swing ability
(level).
Application Example 30
[0063] A recording medium according to this application example
stores a program causing a computer to execute generating first
analysis information on the basis of a plurality of pieces of data
related to a plurality of swings, output from an inertial sensor
which is attached to a user or an exercise appliance swung by the
user and measures the plurality of swings performed by the user;
estimating respective ball arrival positions corresponding to the
plurality of swings on the basis of the first analysis information;
and displaying a first region image in a coordinate system having
at least two indexes as axes on the basis of the respective ball
arrival positions.
[0064] According to the recording medium of this application
example, by executing a computer on the basis of the recorded
program, respective ball arrival positions corresponding to a
plurality of swings are estimated on the basis of first analysis
information which is generated on the basis of a plurality of
pieces of data related to a plurality of swings, and a first region
image is displayed in a coordinate system having at least two
indexes as axes on the basis of the estimated respective ball
arrival positions. Since such display is performed, the user can
specifically and objectively recognize and check to what extent the
present ability (level) is improved with respect to respective ball
arrival positions corresponding to a plurality of swings in
addition to a variation.
Application Example 31
[0065] In the recording medium of the application example, it is
preferable that the two indexes are a carry and a relative face
angle.
[0066] According to this application example, it is possible to
easily obtain information for estimating respective ball arrival
positions corresponding to a plurality of swings as image
information on the basis of a carry and a relative face angle.
Consequently, the user can recognize more efficiently swing ability
(level).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0067] The invention will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like
elements.
[0068] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of
a motion analysis system of the present embodiment.
[0069] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a sensor unit and a swing
analysis apparatus.
[0070] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating examples of a position at
which and a direction in which the sensor unit is attached.
[0071] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating procedures of actions
performed by a user until the user hits a ball.
[0072] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input
screen of physical information and golf club information.
[0073] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a swing action.
[0074] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection
screen of swing analysis data.
[0075] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an editing
screen of input data which is a swing diagnosis target.
[0076] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a swing
diagnosis screen.
[0077] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating configuration examples of
the sensor unit and a swing analysis apparatus.
[0078] FIG. 11 is a plan view in which a golf club and the sensor
unit are viewed from a negative side of an X axis during standing
still of the user.
[0079] FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating examples of temporal changes
of three-axis angular velocities.
[0080] FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating a temporal change of a
combined value of the three-axis angular velocities.
[0081] FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating a temporal change of a
derivative of the combined value.
[0082] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a shaft plane and a Hogan
plane.
[0083] FIG. 16 is a view in which a sectional view of the shaft
plane which is cut in a YZ plane is viewed from the negative side
of the X axis.
[0084] FIG. 17 is a view in which a sectional view of the Hogan
plane which is cut in the YZ plane is viewed from the negative side
of the X axis.
[0085] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a face angle and a club
path (incidence angle).
[0086] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temporal
change of a shaft axis rotation angle from swing starting
(backswing starting) to impact.
[0087] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temporal
change of a speed of a grip in a downswing.
[0088] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining definition of an attack
angle (first angle) of a ball hitting portion at impact.
[0089] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures
of a swing analysis process (swing analysis method).
[0090] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of
a swing diagnosis apparatus.
[0091] FIG. 24A is a diagram illustrating relationships among the
shaft plane and the Hogan plane, and a plurality of regions.
[0092] FIG. 24B is a diagram schematically illustrating an example
of the shaft plane, the Hogan plane, and a user's attitude.
[0093] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a V zone
score table.
[0094] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a rotation
score table.
[0095] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of an impact
score table.
[0096] FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a down blow
score table.
[0097] FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of an upper
blow score table.
[0098] FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a swing
efficiency score table.
[0099] FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a carry
score table.
[0100] FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures
of a process performed by the swing analysis apparatus in relation
to a swing diagnosis process.
[0101] FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures
of the swing diagnosis process (swing diagnosis method).
[0102] FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures
of a process of calculating scores and a total score of a plurality
of items.
[0103] FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a
ball arrival position as a display example 1.
[0104] FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a
ball a ball arrival position and a target region as a display
example 2.
[0105] FIG. 37 is a histogram related to a "shooting direction" as
an example of analysis information for estimating an arrival
position.
[0106] FIG. 38 is a histogram related to "curving" as an example of
analysis information for estimating an arrival position.
[0107] FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining display examples
illustrating a swing trajectory of a club head of a right-handed
subject and a swing trajectory of a club head of a left-handed
subject.
[0108] FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a display example in which
one of swing trajectories having mirror image shapes due to a
difference between dominant hands of subjects is inverted to
overlap the other which is not inverted.
[0109] FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating a ball arrival position
and a ball flight line (ball flight trajectory) as a display
example 3.
[0110] FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating Modification Example 1
related to another display method of an analysis result.
[0111] FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating Modification Example 2
related to another display method of an analysis result.
[0112] FIG. 44A is a diagram for explaining a V zone (a first
virtual plane and a second virtual plane).
[0113] FIG. 44B is a diagram illustrating a modification example of
the first virtual plane and the second virtual plane.
[0114] FIG. 44C is a diagram illustrating another modification
example of the first virtual plane and the second virtual
plane.
[0115] FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of
a motion analysis system related to a modification example.
[0116] FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of
a sensor unit and a swing analysis apparatus related to a
modification example.
[0117] FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the
motion analysis apparatus is configured by using a head mounted
display.
[0118] FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the
motion analysis apparatus is configured by using a wrist type
terminal.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0119] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be
described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described
below are not intended to improperly limit the content of the
invention disclosed in the appended claims. In addition, all
constituent elements described below are not essential constituent
elements of the invention.
1. Motion Analysis System
1-1. Configuration of Motion Analysis System
[0120] Hereinafter, analysis of a golf swing will be described as
an example of motion analysis. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a
configuration example of a motion analysis system of the present
embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a motion analysis system
(swing analysis system) 1 of the present embodiment is configured
to include a sensor unit (an example of an inertial sensor) 10, and
a swing analysis apparatus (an example of a motion analysis
apparatus) 20. Communication between the sensor unit 10 and the
swing analysis apparatus 20 may be wireless communication, and may
be wired communication. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the swing
analysis apparatus 20 is implemented by various information
terminals (client terminals) including not only a personal computer
20a, but also a portable apparatus 20b such as a smart phone or a
tablet PC, or a wearable terminal such as head mounted display
(HMD) or a wrist apparatus.
[0121] The motion analysis system (swing analysis system) 1 may be
configured to include a swing diagnosis apparatus 30 separately
from the swing analysis apparatus 20. However, the swing diagnosis
apparatus 30 may be included in the swing analysis apparatus 20.
The swing diagnosis apparatus 30 may be implemented by a server
which processes a request from the swing analysis apparatus 20. The
swing analysis apparatus 20 and the swing diagnosis apparatus 30
may be connected to each other via a network 40. The network 40 may
be a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, and may be a
local area network (LAN). The swing analysis apparatus 20 and the
swing diagnosis apparatus 30 may communicate with each other
through, for example, near field communication or wired
communication, without using the network 40.
[0122] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the sensor unit 10 can measure,
for example, acceleration in each axial direction of three axes
orthogonal to each other and, for example, angular velocity about
each of the three axes orthogonal to each other, and is attached
to, for example, a golf club 3 as an exercise appliance.
[0123] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the sensor unit 10 is attached to
the golf club 3 (an example of an exercise appliance) so as to
match three detection axes (an x axis, a y axis, and a z axis)
intersecting (ideally, orthogonal to) each other. In FIG. 3, the
sensor unit 10 is attached to a part of a shaft so that, for
example, the y axis matches a longitudinal direction of the shaft
of the golf club 3 (a longitudinal direction of the golf club 3),
and, for example, the x axis matches a target direction of a hit
ball (target hitting direction). Preferably, the sensor unit 10 is
attached to a position close to a grip to which impact during ball
hitting is hardly forwarded and a centrifugal force is not applied
during a swing. The shaft is a shaft portion other than a head
(ball hitting portion) 3a of the golf club 3 and also includes the
grip. However, the sensor unit 10 may be attached to a part (for
example, the hand or a glove) of a user 2, and may be attached to
an accessory such as a wristwatch.
[0124] The user 2 performs a swing action for hitting a golf ball 4
or a swing action through a practice swing according to predefined
procedures. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating procedures of actions
performed by the user 2 until the user hits the ball. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, first, the user 2 performs an input
operation of physical information of the user 2, information (golf
club information) regarding the golf club 3 used by the user 2, and
the like via the swing analysis apparatus 20 (step S1).
[0125] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input
screen of physical information and golf club information, displayed
on a display section 25 (refer to FIG. 10) of the swing analysis
apparatus 20. In step S1 in FIG. 4, the user 2 inputs physical
information such as a height, sex, age, and country, and inputs
golf club information such as a club length (a length of the
shaft), and a club number on the input screen illustrated in FIG.
5. Information included in the physical information is not limited
thereto, and, the physical information may include, for example, at
least one of information regarding a length of the arms and a
length of the legs instead of or along with the height. Similarly,
information included in the golf club information is not limited
thereto, and, for example, the golf club information may not
include at least one of information regarding the club length and
the club number, and may include other information.
[0126] Next, the user 2 performs a measurement starting operation
(an operation for starting measurement in the sensor unit 10) via
the swing analysis apparatus 20 (step S2). After receiving a
notification (for example, a notification using a voice) of giving
an instruction for taking an address attitude (a basic attitude
before starting a swing) from the swing analysis apparatus 20 (Y in
step S3), the user 2 takes an address attitude so that the axis in
the longitudinal direction of the shaft of the golf club 3 is
perpendicular to a target line (target hit ball direction), and
stands still (step S4). Next, the user 2 receives a notification
(for example, a notification using a voice) of permitting a swing
from the swing analysis apparatus 20 (Y in step S5), and then hits
the golf ball 4 by performing a swing action (step S6). The present
embodiment is not necessarily limited to ball hitting, and is also
applicable to a practice swing, and may have a function of
detecting a timing corresponding to ball hitting.
[0127] If the user 2 performs the measurement starting operation in
step S2 in FIG. 4, the swing analysis apparatus 20 transmits a
measurement starting command to the sensor unit 10, and the sensor
unit 10 receives the measurement starting command and starts
measurement of three-axis accelerations and three-axis angular
velocities. The sensor unit 10 measures three-axis accelerations
and three-axis angular velocities in a predetermined cycle (for
example, 1 ms), and sequentially transmits the measured data to the
swing analysis apparatus 20.
[0128] The swing analysis apparatus 20 notifies the user 2 of
permission of swing starting, shown in step S5 in FIG. 4, and then
analyzes the swing action (step S6 in FIG. 4) in which the user 2
has hit the ball by using the golf club 3 on the basis of measured
data from the sensor unit 10.
[0129] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the swing action performed by the
user 2 in step S6 in FIG. 4 includes an action reaching impact
(ball hitting) at which the golf ball 4 is hit from an address
attitude (standing still state) through respective states of
halfway back at which the shaft of the golf club 3 becomes
horizontal during a backswing after starting a swing (backswing), a
top at which the swing changes from the backswing to a downswing,
and halfway down at which the shaft of the golf club 3 becomes
horizontal during the downswing. The swing analysis apparatus 20
generates swing analysis data including information regarding a
time point (date and time) at which the swing is performed,
identification information or the sex of the user 2, the type of
golf club 3, and an analysis result of the swing action, and
transmits the swing analysis data to the swing diagnosis apparatus
30 via a network 40 (refer to FIG. 1).
[0130] The swing diagnosis apparatus 30 receives the swing analysis
data transmitted by the swing analysis apparatus 20 via the network
40, and preserves the swing analysis data. Therefore, when the user
2 performs a swing action according to the procedures illustrated
in FIG. 4, the swing analysis data generated by the swing analysis
apparatus 20 is preserved in the swing diagnosis apparatus 30, and
thus a swing analysis data list is built.
[0131] In the present embodiment, if the user 2 activates a swing
diagnosis application via an operation section 23 (refer to FIG.
10) of the swing analysis apparatus 20, the swing analysis
apparatus 20 performs communication with the swing diagnosis
apparatus 30, and, for example, a selection screen of swing
analysis data as illustrated in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display
section 25 of the swing analysis apparatus 20. The selection screen
includes a time point (date and time), the type of golf club which
has been used, and some index values as analysis results of a
swing, with respect to each item of swing analysis data regarding
the user 2 included in the swing analysis data list preserved in
the swing diagnosis apparatus 30.
[0132] A checkbox correlated with each item of swing analysis data
is located at a left end of the selection screen illustrated in
FIG. 7, and the user 2 checks any one of the checkboxes by
operating the swing analysis apparatus 20, and then presses an OK
button located on a lower part of the selection screen.
Consequently, the swing analysis apparatus 20 performs
communication with the swing diagnosis apparatus 30, and, thus, for
example, an editing screen of input data which is a swing diagnosis
target, as illustrated in FIG. 8, is displayed on the display
section 25 of the swing analysis apparatus 20, with respect to the
swing analysis data correlated with the checked checkbox on the
selection screen illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0133] The input data editing screen illustrated in FIG. 8 includes
values obtained on the basis of the selected swing analysis data as
initial values with respect to the sex, the type of golf club
(either of a driver or an iron), and each index of a swing.
Meanings or calculation methods of the respective indexes (a region
in which a position of a head 3a at halfway back is included, a
region in which a position of the head 3a at halfway down is
included, a face angle, a club path (incidence angle), a shaft axis
rotation angle at top, a head speed, a grip deceleration ratio, and
a grip deceleration time ratio) included in the selection screen
illustrated in FIG. 7 will be described later.
[0134] The input data formed of the sex, the type of golf club, and
the respective index values in the input data editing screen
illustrated in FIG. 8 can be edited. The user 2 does not edit the
input data or edits the input data via the operation section 23
(refer to FIG. 10) of the swing analysis apparatus 20, and then
presses a diagnosis starting button located on a lower part of the
input data editing screen. Consequently, the swing analysis
apparatus 20 transmits the input data at the time of the diagnosis
starting button being pressed to the swing diagnosis apparatus
30.
[0135] The swing diagnosis apparatus 30 receives the input data,
and performs calculation of levels (first analysis information) of
a plurality of items by using the input data. For example, the
swing diagnosis apparatus 30 may calculate a level of each of five
items such as a "V zone", "rotation", "impact", a "down blow" or an
"upper blow", and "swing efficiency (efficiency)" illustrated in
the radar chart of FIG. 9, as 5 points maximum. Meanings or
calculation methods of the five items will be described later. The
swing diagnosis apparatus 30 may calculate a total score of a swing
by using the respective levels of the five items. The swing
diagnosis apparatus 30 transmits information regarding the
calculated levels and total score of the plurality of items to the
swing analysis apparatus 20. The "levels" may be represented by,
for example, "1, 2, 3, . . . ", "A, B, C, . . . ", "O, .DELTA., X,
. . . ", and may be represented by scores. The levels (first
analysis information) calculated by the swing diagnosis apparatus
30 may include information related to at least one of seven items
as a result of adding items such as a "head speed" and "hands-up"
to the five items such as the "V zone", the "rotation", the
"impact", the "down blow" or the "upper blow", and the "swing
efficiency (efficiency)".
[0136] The swing analysis apparatus 20 receives the information
regarding levels and total score of the plurality of items, and
displays, for example, a swing diagnosis screen as illustrated in
FIG. 9 on the display section 25. The swing diagnosis screen
illustrated in FIG. 9 includes input data information on a left
part thereof. The input data information is input data at the time
of the diagnosis starting button being pressed in the input data
editing screen illustrated in FIG. 8, that is, data information
used for diagnosis of the swing (that is, calculation of the levels
and the total score of the five items) in the swing diagnosis
apparatus 30. The swing diagnosis screen illustrated in FIG. 9
includes a radar chart indicating scores as the levels of the five
items on the central part thereof, and includes information
regarding the total score on a right part thereof.
[0137] The user 2 can understand levels and a total score of the
plurality of items as diagnosis results for the input data on the
left part on the basis of the swing diagnosis screen illustrated in
FIG. 9. Particularly, if the user 2 presses the diagnosis starting
button without editing the input data on the input data editing
screen illustrated in FIG. 8, the user can understand a strong
point or a weak point in the user's swing on the basis of the swing
diagnosis screen illustrated in FIG. 9. On the other hand, if the
user 2 edits the input data and presses the diagnosis starting
button on the input data editing screen illustrated in FIG. 8, the
user can understand which index is improved to what extent in order
to overcome the weak point. Hereinafter, a description will be made
of an example in which "levels" of a plurality of items are
represented by "scores", but, needless to say, the example can be
easily replaced with an example of the levels being expressed by
"1, 2, 3, . . . ", "A, B, C, . . . ", "O, .DELTA., X, . . . ", or
the like.
[0138] The swing analysis apparatus 20 receives information
regarding levels and a total score of the plurality of items
related to a plurality of swings, generates first analysis
information related to a ball on the basis of such a plurality of
pieces of information (data), and estimates a ball arrival position
corresponding to each of the plurality of swings on the basis of
the first analysis information. A first region image AA including a
plurality of time-series images A1, A2 and A3 is displayed in a
coordinate system which will be described later in FIG. 36 and has
at least two indexes as axes, on the basis of each estimated ball
arrival position. The swing analysis apparatus 20 displays the
plurality of time-series images A1, A2 and A3 together in a
coordinate system having at least two indexes as axes. Here, each
of the time-series images A1, A2 and A3 is a set of ball arrival
positions corresponding to a plurality of swings, and indicates
variations among the ball arrival positions in each of the
time-series images A1, A2 and A3. As illustrated in FIG. 35, a
single time-series image A1 may be displayed as variations among
ball arrival positions respectively corresponding to a plurality of
swings in a coordinate system having at least two indexes as
axes.
[0139] Since the time-series images A1, A2 and A3 are displayed,
the user 2 can specifically and objectively recognize variations
among a plurality of ball arrival positions (estimated positions)
corresponding to a plurality of swings, that is, the extent of the
present ability (level) of the user related to a plurality of ball
arrival positions (estimated positions) in a plurality of swings in
addition to variations.
1-2. Configurations of Sensor Unit and Swing Analysis Apparatus
[0140] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating configuration examples of
the sensor unit 10 and the swing analysis apparatus 20. As
illustrated in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the sensor unit
10 is configured to include an acceleration sensor 12, an angular
velocity sensor 14, a signal processing section 16, and a
communication section 18. However, the sensor unit 10 may have a
configuration in which some of the constituent elements are deleted
or changed as appropriate, or may have a configuration in which
other constituent elements are added thereto.
[0141] The acceleration sensor 12 measures respective accelerations
in three axial directions which intersect (ideally, orthogonal to)
each other, and outputs digital signals (acceleration data)
corresponding to magnitudes and directions of the measured
three-axis accelerations.
[0142] The angular velocity sensor 14 measures respective angular
velocities in three axial directions which intersect (ideally,
orthogonal to) each other, and outputs digital signals (angular
velocity data) corresponding to magnitudes and directions of the
measured three-axis angular velocities.
[0143] The signal processing section 16 receives the acceleration
data and the angular velocity data from the acceleration sensor 12
and the angular velocity sensor 14, respectively, adds time
information thereto, stores the data in a storage portion (not
illustrated), adds time information to the stored measured data
(acceleration data and angular velocity data) so as to generate
packet data conforming to a communication format, and outputs the
packet data to the communication section 18.
[0144] Ideally, the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity
sensor 14 are provided in the sensor unit 10 so that the three axes
thereof match three axes (an x axis, a y axis, and a z axis) of an
orthogonal coordinate system (sensor coordinate system) defined for
the sensor unit 10, but, actually, errors occur in installation
angles. Therefore, the signal processing section 16 performs a
process of converting the acceleration data and the angular
velocity data into data in the xyz coordinate system by using a
correction parameter which is calculated in advance according to
the installation angle errors.
[0145] The signal processing section 16 may perform a process of
correcting the temperatures of the acceleration sensor 12 and the
angular velocity sensor 14. Alternatively, the acceleration sensor
12 and the angular velocity sensor 14 may have a temperature
correction function.
[0146] The acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor
14 may output analog signals, and, in this case, the signal
processing section 16 may A/D convert an output signal from the
acceleration sensor 12 and an output signal from the angular
velocity sensor 14 so as to generate measured data (acceleration
data and angular velocity data), and may generate communication
packet data by using the data.
[0147] The communication section 18 performs a process of
transmitting packet data received from the signal processing
section 16 to the swing analysis apparatus 20, or a process of
receiving a control command from the swing analysis apparatus 20
and sending the control command to the signal processing section
16. The signal processing section 16 performs various processes
corresponding to control commands.
[0148] As illustrated in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the
swing analysis apparatus 20 is configured to include a processing
section 21, a communication section 22, an operation section 23, a
storage section 24, a display section 25, a sound output section
26, and a communication section 27. However, the swing analysis
apparatus 20 may have a configuration in which some of the
constituent elements are deleted or changed as appropriate, or may
have a configuration in which other constituent elements are added
thereto.
[0149] The communication section 22 performs a process receiving
packet data transmitted from the sensor unit 10 and sending the
packet data to the processing section 21, or a process of
transmitting a control command from the processing section 21 to
the sensor unit 10.
[0150] The operation section 23 performs a process of acquiring
operation data from the user 2 and sending the operation data to
the processing section 21. The operation section 23 may be, for
example, a touch panel type display, a button, a key, or a
microphone.
[0151] The storage section 24 is constituted of, for example,
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. The storage section 24 stores a program
for the processing section 21 performing various calculation
processes or a control process, or various programs or data for
realizing application functions.
[0152] In the present embodiment, the storage section 24 stores a
swing analysis program 240 which is read by the processing section
21 and executes a swing analysis process. The swing analysis
program 240 may be stored in a nonvolatile recording medium
(computer readable recording medium) in advance, or the swing
analysis program 240 may be received from a server (not
illustrated) or the swing diagnosis apparatus 30 by the processing
section 21 via the network 40, and may be stored in the storage
section 24.
[0153] In the present embodiment, the storage section 24 stores
golf club information 242, physical information 244, sensor
attachment position information 246, and swing analysis data 248.
For example, the user 2 may operate the operation section 23 so as
to input specification information regarding the golf club 3 (for
example, at least some information such as information regarding a
length of the shaft, a position of the centroid thereof, a lie
angle, a face age, a loft angle, and the like) from the input
screen illustrated in FIG. 5, and the input specification
information may be used as the golf club information 242.
Alternatively, in step S1 in FIG. 4, the user 2 may sequentially
input type numbers of the golf club 3 (alternatively, selects a
type number from a type number list) so that specification
information for each type number is stored in the storage section
24 in advance. In this case, specification information of an input
type number may be used as the golf club information 242.
[0154] For example, the user 2 may input physical information by
operating the operation section 23 from the input screen
illustrated in FIG. 5, and the input physical information may be
used as the physical information 244. For example, in step S1 in
FIG. 4, the user 2 may input an attachment position of the sensor
unit 10 and a distance to the grip end of the golf club 3 by
operating the operation section 23, and the input distance
information may be used as the sensor attachment position
information 246. Alternatively, the sensor unit 10 may be attached
at a defined predetermined position (for example, a distance of 20
cm from the grip end), and thus information regarding the
predetermined position may be stored as the sensor attachment
position information 246 in advance.
[0155] The swing analysis data 248 is data including information
regarding a swing action analysis result in the processing section
21 (swing analysis portion 211) along with a time point (date and
time) at which a swing was performed, identification information or
the sex of the user 2, and the type of golf club 3.
[0156] The storage section 24 is used as a work region of the
processing section 21, and temporarily stores data which is input
from the operation section 23, results of calculation executed by
the processing section 21 according to various programs, and the
like. The storage section 24 may store data which is required to be
preserved for a long period of time among data items generated
through processing of the processing section 21.
[0157] The display section 25 displays a processing result in the
processing section 21 as text, a graph, a table, animation, and
other images. The display section 25 may be, for example, a CRT, an
LCD, a touch panel type display, and a head mounted display (HMD).
A single touch panel type display may realize functions of the
operation section 23 and the display section 25.
[0158] The display section 25 displays a plurality of time-series
images A1, A2 and A3 included in the first region image AA together
in a coordinate system having at least two indexes as axes, for
example, as illustrated in FIGS. 35 and 36 which will be described
later. As illustrated in FIG. 41, the display section 25 displays a
second region image BB, related to a plurality of swings performed
by another user who is different from the user 2, corresponding to
the first region image AA, together. Detailed description of
display examples will be made later, and thus description thereof
will be omitted.
[0159] Regarding a function of the operation section 23 in the
display section 25, the display content can be switched or enlarged
or reduced by touching (screen touching) the display section 25. As
mentioned above, designation of the display content is performed on
the operation section 23 of the display section 25, and thus it is
possible to directly perform an indication, and also to reliably
and easily perform an indication.
[0160] The sound output section 26 outputs a processing result
(analysis information) in the processing section 21 so as to
present the processing result as a sound such as a voice or a
buzzer sound. The sound output section 26 may be, for example, a
speaker or a buzzer.
[0161] The communication section 27 performs data communication
with a communication section 32 (refer to FIG. 23) of the swing
diagnosis apparatus 30 via the network 40. For example, the
communication section 27 performs a process of receiving the swing
analysis data 248 from the processing section 21 after a swing
analysis process is completed, and transmitting the swing analysis
data to the communication section 32 of the swing diagnosis
apparatus 30. For example, the communication section 27 performs a
process of receiving information required to display the selection
screen illustrated in FIG. 7 from the communication section 32 of
the swing diagnosis apparatus 30 and transmitting the information
to the processing section 21, and a process of receiving selected
information on the selection screen illustrated in FIG. 7 from the
processing section 21 and transmitting the selected information to
the communication section 32 of the swing diagnosis apparatus 30.
For example, the communication section 27 performs a process of
receiving information required to display the input data editing
screen illustrated in FIG. 8 from the communication section 32 of
the swing diagnosis apparatus 30, and transmitting the information
to the processing section 21. For example, the communication
section 27 performs a process of receiving input data at the time
of the diagnosis starting button on the input data editing screen
illustrated in FIG. 8 from the processing section 21, and
transmitting the input data to the communication section 32 of the
swing diagnosis apparatus 30. For example, the communication
section 27 performs a process of receiving information (diagnosis
result information (scores or a total score of a plurality of
items) based on the input data) required to display the swing
diagnosis screen illustrated in FIG. 9 from the communication
section 32 of the swing diagnosis apparatus 30, and transmitting
the information to the processing section 21.
[0162] The processing section 21 performs a process of transmitting
a control command to the sensor unit 10 via the communication
section 22, or various computation processes on data which is
received from the sensor unit 10 via the communication section 22,
according to various programs. The processing section 21 performs a
process of reading the swing analysis data 248 from the storage
section 24, and transmitting the swing analysis data to the swing
diagnosis apparatus 30 via the communication section 27, according
to various programs. The processing section 21 may perform a
process of transmitting various pieces of information to the swing
diagnosis apparatus 30 via the communication section 27, and
forming first region image data corresponding to the first region
image AA (for example, refer to 36) as display data of the first
analysis information on the basis of the information received from
the swing diagnosis apparatus 30, according to various programs.
The processing section 21 performs other various control
processes.
[0163] By executing the swing analysis program 240, the processing
section 21 functions as a data acquisition portion 210, a swing
analysis portion 211 as an analysis portion, an image data
generation portion 212, a storage processing portion 213, a display
processing portion 214, and a sound output processing portion 215.
The processing section 21 functions as a computer.
[0164] Particularly, in the present embodiment, by executing the
swing analysis program 240, the processing section 21 functions as
the data acquisition portion 210, the swing analysis portion 211,
the image data generation portion 212, the storage processing
portion 213, the display processing portion 214, and the sound
output processing portion 215, and performs a process (swing
analysis process) of analyzing a swing action of the user 2.
[0165] The data acquisition portion 210 performs a process of
receiving packet data which is received from the sensor unit 10 by
the communication section 22, acquiring time information and
measured data in the sensor unit 10 from the received packet data,
and sending the time information and the measured data to the
storage processing portion 213. The data acquisition portion 210
performs a process of receiving the information required to display
the various screens (the respective screens illustrated in FIGS. 7,
8 and 9), received from the swing diagnosis apparatus 30 by the
communication section 27, and transmitting the information to the
image data generation portion 212.
[0166] The storage processing portion 213 performs read/write
processes of various programs or various data for the storage
section 24. The storage processing portion 213 performs a process
of storing the time information and the measured data received from
the data acquisition portion 210 in the storage section 24 in
correlation with each other, or a process of storing various pieces
of information calculated by the swing analysis portion 211, the
swing analysis data 248, or the like in the storage section 24.
[0167] The swing analysis portion 211 as an analysis portion
performs a process of analyzing a swing action (a plurality of
swings) of the user 2 by using the measured data (the measured data
stored in the storage section 24) output from the sensor unit 10,
the data from the operation section 23, or the like, so as to
generate the swing analysis data 248 as first analysis information
including a time point (date and time) at which the swing was
performed, identification information or the sex of the user 2, the
type of golf club 3, and information regarding a swing action
analysis result. Particularly, in the present embodiment, the swing
analysis portion 211 calculates a value of each index of the swing
as at least some of the information regarding the swing action
analysis result. The swing analysis data 248 as the first analysis
information includes information regarding at least one of the
impact, the V zone, the efficiency (swing efficiency), the
rotation, the head speed, the hands-up, and the down blow. By
obtaining such information; the user 2 can more efficiently check
swing ability.
[0168] The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate at least one
virtual plane as an index of the swing. For example, at least one
virtual plane includes a shaft plane SP (first virtual plane) which
will be described later, and a Hogan plane HP (second virtual
plane) which will be described later forming a predetermined angle
with the shaft plane SP, and the swing analysis portion 211 may
calculate the "shaft plane SP" and the "Hogan plane HP" as the
indexes.
[0169] The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate a position of
the head 3a of the golf club 3 at a first timing during the
backswing as an index of the swing. For example, the first timing
is the time of halfway back, at which the longitudinal direction of
the golf club 3 becomes a direction along the horizontal direction
during the backswing, and the swing analysis portion 211 may
calculate a "position of the head 3a at halfway back" which will be
described later as the index.
[0170] The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate a position of
the head 3a of the golf club 3 at a second timing during the
downswing as an index of the swing. For example, the second timing
is the time of halfway down at which the longitudinal direction of
the golf club 3 becomes a direction along the horizontal direction
during the downswing, and the swing analysis portion 211 may
calculate a "position of the head 3a at halfway down" which will be
described later as the index.
[0171] The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate an index based
on an incidence angle of the head 3a of the golf club 3 at impact
(at ball hitting), as an index of the swing. For example, the swing
analysis portion 211 may calculate a "club path (incidence angle)
.psi." which will be described later as the index.
[0172] The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate an index based
on an inclination of the head 3a of the golf club 3 at impact (at
ball hitting) as an index of the swing.
[0173] The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate an index based
on a speed of the golf club 3 (head 3a) at impact (at ball hitting)
as an index of the swing. For example, the swing analysis portion
211 may calculate the "head speed" which will be described later as
the index.
[0174] The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate, as an index of
the swing, an index based on a rotation angle about a rotation axis
(hereinafter, referred to as about the long axis) of the shaft of
the golf club 3 at a predetermined timing between the time of
starting a backswing and the time of impact (at ball hitting) with
the longitudinal direction of the shaft as the rotation axis. The
rotation angle about the long axis of the golf club 3 may be an
angle by which the golf club 3 is rotated about the long axis from
a reference timing to a predetermined timing. The reference timing
may be the time of starting a backswing, and may be the time of
address. The predetermined timing may be the time (the time of a
top) at which a backswing transitions to a downswing. For example,
the swing analysis portion 211 may calculate a "shaft axis rotation
angle .theta..sub.top at top" which will be described later as the
index.
[0175] The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate an index based
on a deceleration amount of the grip of the golf club 3 during the
downswing as an index of the swing. For example, the swing analysis
portion 211 may calculate a "grip deceleration ratio R.sub.V" which
will be described later as the index. The "grip deceleration ratio
R.sub.V" is also referred to as "natural uncock" or a "natural
uncock ratio".
[0176] The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate an index based
on a deceleration period of the grip of the golf club 3 during the
downswing as an index of the swing. For example, the swing analysis
portion 211 may calculate a "grip deceleration time ratio R.sub.T"
which will be described later as the index.
[0177] The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate an index based
on a deceleration timing of the grip of the golf club 3 during the
downswing as an index of the swing. For example, the swing analysis
portion 211 may calculate a timing of natural uncock ("natural
uncock timing") of motion in which the grip side of the golf club 3
is decelerated, and the head 3a of the golf club 3 is accelerated
as the index. The timing of natural uncock is an index indicating a
switching timing in a state in which energy accumulated in a top
swing is released and is thus forwarded to the golf club 3.
[0178] The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate, as indexes of
the swing, an index related to a position of the head 3a at halfway
back (HWB) and an index related to a position of the head 3a at
halfway down (HWD) in a region (refer to FIGS. 15 and 17)
interposed between the shaft plane SP (first virtual plane) and the
Hogan plane HP (second virtual plane) called the "V zone".
[0179] The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate indexes based
on a lie angle at ball hitting and a lie angle at address in the
head 3a of the golf club 3 as indexes of the swing.
[0180] The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate indexes based
on a "face angle" and an "attack angle" in the head 3a of the golf
club 3 as indexes of the swing.
[0181] However, the swing analysis portion 211 may not calculate
values of some of the indexes, and may calculate values of other
indexes, as appropriate.
[0182] The image data generation portion 212 performs a process of
generating image data corresponding to an image displayed on the
display section 25. For example, the image data generation portion
212 generates image data corresponding to the selection screen
illustrated in FIG. 7, the input data editing screen illustrated in
FIG. 8, and the swing diagnosis screen illustrated in FIG. 9, on
the basis of various pieces of information received by the data
acquisition portion 210.
[0183] The image data generation portion 212 performs, for example,
a process of generating image data of a correlation diagram related
to an estimation result of a ball arrival position illustrated in
FIG. 41, and a process of generating image data of another user
corresponding to the first region image AA (for example, ball
arrival positions) displayed on the display section 25. For
example, the image data generation portion 212 generates image data
(second region image data) corresponding to, for example, the
second region image BB illustrated in FIG. 41 on the basis of a
plurality of pieces of swing analysis data performed by another
user stored in the storage section 24.
[0184] The display processing portion 214 performs a process of
displaying various images (including text, symbols, and the like in
addition to an image corresponding to the image data generated by
the image data generation portion 212) on the display section 25.
For example, the display processing portion 214 displays the
selection screen illustrated in FIG. 7, the input data editing
screen illustrated in FIG. 8, the swing diagnosis screen
illustrated in FIG. 9, and the like, on the display section 25, on
the basis of the image data generated by the image data generation
portion 212. For example, the image data generation portion 212 may
display an image, text, or the like for notifying the user 2 of
permission of swing starting on the display section 25 in step S5
in FIG. 4. For example, the display processing portion 214 may
display text information such as text or symbols indicating an
analysis result in the swing analysis portion 211 on the display
section 25 automatically or in response to an input operation
performed by the user 2 after a swing action of the user 2 is
completed. Alternatively, a display section may be provided in the
sensor unit 10, and the display processing portion 214 may transmit
image data to the sensor unit 10 via the communication section 22,
and various images, text, or the like may be displayed on the
display section of the sensor unit 10.
[0185] The display processing portion 214 may display the second
region images BB for another user along with the first region image
AA for the user 2 displayed as images on the display section 25, in
response to an instruction from the user 2.
[0186] The display processing portion 214 may display, for example,
comments related to a ball arrival position, or a ball shooting
direction, ball curving, or the like along with the first region
image AA or the second region image BB displayed as images on the
display section 25. The comments may be diagnosis information based
on the first region image AA or information indicating a practice
method based on the diagnosis information. As mentioned above, the
comments are preferably advice information regarding an analysis
result.
[0187] As mentioned above, since diagnosis information or a
practice method based on the diagnosis information is displayed as
comments, the user 2 can easily understand a swing state, and can
thus take appropriate measures in relation to improvement of a
swing or perform an efficient practice.
[0188] The sound output processing portion 215 performs a process
of outputting various sounds (including voices, buzzer sounds, and
the like) from the sound output section 26. For example, the sound
output processing portion 215 may output a sound for notifying the
user 2 of permission of swing starting from the sound output
section 26 in step S5 in FIG. 4. For example, the sound output
processing portion 215 may output a sound or a voice indicating an
analysis result in the swing analysis portion 211 from the sound
output section 26 automatically or in response to an input
operation performed by the user 2 after a swing action of the user
2 is completed. Alternatively, a sound output section may be
provided in the sensor unit 10, and the sound output processing
portion 215 may transmit various items of sound data or voice data
to the sensor unit 10 via the communication section 22, and may
output various sounds or voices from the sound output section of
the sensor unit 10.
[0189] A vibration mechanism may be provided in the swing analysis
apparatus 20 or the sensor unit 10, and various pieces of
information may be converted into vibration pieces of information
by the vibration mechanism so as to be presented to the user 2.
1-3. Swing Analysis Process
[0190] In the present embodiment, when a position of the head 3a of
the golf club 3 at address (during standing still) is set to the
origin, an XYZ coordinate system (global coordinate system) is
defined which has a target line indicating a target hit ball
direction as an X axis, an axis on a horizontal plane which is
perpendicular to the X axis as a Y axis, and a vertically upward
direction (a direction opposite to the gravitational direction) as
a Z axis. In order to calculate each index value, the swing
analysis portion 211 calculates a position and an attitude of the
sensor unit 10 in a time series from the time of the address in the
XYZ coordinate system (global coordinate system) by using measured
data (acceleration data and angular velocity data) in the sensor
unit 10. The swing analysis portion 211 detects respective timings
of the swing starting, the top, and the impact illustrated in FIG.
6, by using the measured data (acceleration data or angular
velocity data) in the sensor unit 10. The swing analysis portion
211 calculates values of the respective indexes (for example, a V
zone, efficiency (swing efficiency), rotation, impact, and a down
blow (or an upper blow) illustrated in the radar chart of FIG. 9)
of the swing by using the time series data of the position and the
attitude of the sensor unit 10, and the timings of the swing
starting, the top, and the impact, so as to generate the swing
analysis data 248.
1-3-1. Calculation of Position and Attitude of Sensor Unit 10
[0191] If the user 2 performs the action in step S4 in FIG. 4,
first, the swing analysis portion 211 determines that the user 2
stands still at an address attitude in a case where an amount of
changes in acceleration data measured by the acceleration sensor 12
does not continuously exceed a threshold value for a predetermined
period of time. Next, the swing analysis portion 211 computes an
offset amount included in the measured data by using the measured
data (acceleration data and angular velocity data) for the
predetermined period of time. Next, the swing analysis portion 211
subtracts the offset amount from the measured data so as to perform
bias correction, and computes a position and an attitude of the
sensor unit 10 during a swing action of the user 2 (during the
action in step S6 in FIG. 4) by using the bias-corrected measured
data.
[0192] Specifically, first, the swing analysis portion 211 computes
a position (initial position) of the sensor unit 10 during standing
still (at address) of the user 2 in the XYZ coordinate system
(global coordinate system) by using the acceleration data measured
by the acceleration sensor 12, the golf club information 242, and
the sensor attachment position information 246.
[0193] FIG. 11 is a plan view in which the golf club 3 and the
sensor unit 10 during standing still (at address) of the user 2 are
viewed from a negative side of an X axis. The origin O (0,0,0) is
set at a position 61 of the head 3a of the golf club 3, and
coordinates of a position 62 of a grip end are (0, G.sub.Y,
G.sub.Z). Since the user 2 performs the action in step S4 in FIG.
4, the position 62 of the grip end or the initial position of the
sensor unit 10 has an X coordinate of 0, and is present on a YZ
plane. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the gravitational acceleration of
1G is applied to the sensor unit 10 during standing still of the
user 2, and thus a relationship between a y axis acceleration y(0)
measured by the sensor unit 10 and an inclined angle (an angle
formed between the long axis of the shaft and the horizontal plane
(XY plane)) .alpha. of the shaft of the golf club 3 is expressed by
Equation (1).
y(0)=1Gsin .alpha. (1)
[0194] Therefore, the swing analysis portion 211 can calculate the
inclined angle .alpha. according to Equation (1) by using any
acceleration data between any time points at address (during
standing still).
[0195] Next, the swing analysis portion 211 subtracts a distance
L.sub.SG between the sensor unit 10 and the grip end included in
the sensor attachment position information 246 from a length
L.sub.1 of the shaft included in the golf club information 242, so
as to obtain a distance L.sub.SH between the sensor unit 10 and the
head 3a. The swing analysis portion 211 sets, as the initial
position of the sensor unit 10, a position separated by the
distance L.sub.SH from the position 61 (origin O) of the head 3a in
a direction (a negative direction of the y axis of the sensor unit
10) specified by the inclined angle .alpha. of the shaft.
[0196] The swing analysis portion 211 integrates subsequent
acceleration data so as to compute coordinates of a position from
the initial position of the sensor unit 10 in a time series.
[0197] The swing analysis portion 211 computes an attitude (initial
attitude) of the sensor unit 10 during standing still (at address)
of the user 2 in the XYZ coordinate system (global coordinate
system) by using acceleration data measured by the acceleration
sensor 12. Since the user 2 performs the action in step S4 in FIG.
4, the x axis of the sensor unit 10 matches the X axis of the XYZ
coordinate system in terms of direction at address (during standing
still) of the user 2, and the y axis of the sensor unit 10 is
present on the YZ plane. Therefore, the swing analysis portion 211
can specify the initial attitude of the sensor unit 10 on the basis
of the inclined angle .alpha. of the shaft of the golf club 3.
[0198] The swing analysis portion 211 computes changes in attitudes
from the initial attitude of the sensor unit 10 by performing
rotation calculation using angular velocity data which is
subsequently measured by the angular velocity sensor 14. An
attitude of the sensor unit 10 may be expressed by, for example,
rotation angles (a roll angle, a pitch angle, and a yaw angle)
about the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, or a quaternion.
[0199] The signal processing section 16 of the sensor unit 10 may
compute an offset amount of measured data so as to perform bias
correction on the measured data, and the acceleration sensor 12 and
the angular velocity sensor 14 may have a bias correction function.
In this case, it is not necessary for the swing analysis portion
211 to perform bias correction on the measured data.
1-3-2. Detection of Swing Starting, Top and Impact Timings
[0200] First, the swing analysis portion 211 detects a timing
(impact timing) at which the user 2 hit a ball by using measured
data. For example, the swing analysis portion 211 may compute a
combined value of measured data (acceleration data or angular
velocity data), and may detect an impact timing (time point) on the
basis of the combined value.
[0201] Specifically, first, the swing analysis portion 211 computes
a combined value n.sub.0(t) of angular velocities at each time
point t by using the angular velocity data (bias-corrected angular
velocity data for each time point t). For example, if the angular
velocity data items at the time point t are respectively indicated
by x(t), y(t), and z(t), the swing analysis portion 211 computes
the combined value n.sub.0(t) of the angular velocities according
to the following Equation (2).
n.sub.0(t)= {square root over (x(t).sup.2+y(t).sup.3+z(t).sup.2)}
(2)
[0202] Next, the swing analysis portion 211 converts the combined
value n.sub.0(t) of the angular velocities at each time point t
into a combined value n(t) which is normalized (scale-conversion)
within a predetermined range. For example, if the maximum value of
the combined value of the angular velocities in an acquisition
period of measured data is max(n.sub.0), the swing analysis portion
211 converts the combined value n.sub.0(t) of the angular
velocities into the combined value n(t) which is normalized within
a range of 0 to 100 according to the following Equation (3).
n ( t ) = 100 .times. n 0 ( t ) max ( n 0 ) ( 3 ) ##EQU00001##
[0203] Next, the swing analysis portion 211 computes a derivative
dn(t) of the normalized combined value n(t) at each time point t.
For example, if a cycle for measuring three-axis angular velocity
data items is indicated by .DELTA.t, the swing analysis portion 211
computes the derivative (difference) dn(t) of the combined value of
the angular velocities at the time point t by using the following
Equation (4).
dn(t)=n(t)-n(t-.DELTA.t) (4)
[0204] FIG. 12 illustrates examples of three-axis angular velocity
data items x(t), y(t) and z(t) obtained when the user 2 hits the
golf ball 4 by performing a swing. In FIG. 12, a transverse axis
expresses time (msec), and a longitudinal axis expresses angular
velocity (dps).
[0205] FIG. 13 is a diagram in which the combined value n.sub.0(t)
of the three-axis angular velocities is computed according to
Equation (2) by using the three-axis angular velocity data items
x(t), y(t) and z(t) in FIG. 12, and then the combined value n(t)
normalized to 0 to 100 according to Equation (3) is displayed in a
graph. In FIG. 13, a transverse axis expresses time (msec), and a
longitudinal axis expresses a combined value of the angular
velocity.
[0206] FIG. 14 is a diagram in which the derivative dn(t) is
calculated according to Equation (4) on the basis of the combined
value n(t) of the three-axis angular velocities in FIG. 13, and is
displayed in a graph. In FIG. 14, a transverse axis expresses time
(msec), and a longitudinal axis expresses a derivative value of the
combined value of the three-axis angular velocities. In FIGS. 12
and 13, the transverse axis is displayed at 0 seconds to 5 seconds,
but, in FIG. 14, the transverse axis is displayed at 2 seconds to
2.8 seconds so that changes in the derivative value before and
after impact can be understood.
[0207] Next, of time points at which a value of the derivative
dn(t) of the combined value becomes the maximum and the minimum,
the swing analysis portion 211 specifies the earlier time point as
an impact time point t.sub.impact (impact timing) (refer to FIG.
14). It is considered that swing speed is the maximum at the moment
of impact in a typical golf swing. In addition, since it is
considered that a value of the combined value of the angular
velocities also changes according to a swing speed, the swing
analysis portion 211 can capture a timing at which a derivative
value of the combined value of the angular velocities is the
maximum or the minimum (that is, a timing at which the derivative
value of the combined value of the angular velocities is a positive
maximum value or a negative minimum value) in a series of swing
actions as the impact timing. Since the golf club 3 vibrates due to
the impact, a timing at which a derivative value of the combined
value of the angular velocities is the maximum and a timing at
which a derivative value of the combined value of the angular
velocities is the minimum may occur in pairs, and, of the two
timings, the earlier timing may be the moment of the impact.
[0208] Next, the swing analysis portion 211 specifies a time point
of a minimum point at which the combined value n(t) is close to 0
before the impact time point t.sub.impact, as a top time point
t.sub.top (top timing) (refer to FIG. 13). It is considered that,
in a typical golf swing, an action temporarily stops at the top
after starting the swing, then a swing speed increases, and finally
impact occurs. Therefore, the swing analysis portion 211 can
capture a timing at which the combined value of the angular
velocities is close to 0 and becomes the minimum before the impact
timing, as the top timing.
[0209] Next, the swing analysis portion 211 sets an interval in
which the combined value n(t) is equal to or smaller than a
predetermined threshold value before and after the top time point
t.sub.top, as a top interval, and detects a last time point at
which the combined value n(t) is equal to or smaller than the
predetermined threshold value before a starting time point of the
top interval, as a swing starting (backswing starting) time point
t.sub.start (refer to FIG. 13). It is hardly considered that, in a
typical golf swing, a swing action is started from a standing still
state, and the swing action is stopped till the top. Therefore, the
swing analysis portion 211 can capture the last timing at which the
combined value of the angular velocities is equal to or smaller
than the predetermined threshold value before the top interval as a
timing of starting the swing action. The swing analysis portion 211
may detect a time point of the minimum point at which the combined
value n(t) is close to 0 before the top time point t.sub.top as the
swing starting time point t.sub.start.
[0210] The swing analysis portion 211 may also detect each of a
swing starting timing, a top timing, and an impact timing by using
three-axis acceleration data in the same manner.
1-3-3. Calculation of Shaft Plane and Hogan Plane
[0211] The shaft plane is a first virtual plane specified by a
target line (target hit ball direction) and the longitudinal
direction of the shaft of the golf club 3 at address (standing
still state) of the user 2 before starting a swing. The Hogan plane
is a second virtual plane specified by a virtual line connecting
the vicinity of the shoulder (the shoulder or the base of the neck)
of the user 2 to the head 3a of the golf club (or the golf ball 4),
and the target line (target hit ball direction), at address of the
user 2.
[0212] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the shaft plane and the
Hogan plane. FIG. 15 displays the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z
axis of the XYZ coordinate system (global coordinate system).
[0213] As illustrated in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, a
virtual plane which includes a first line segment 51 as a first
axis along a target hit ball direction and a second line segment 52
as a second axis along the longitudinal direction of the shaft of
the golf club 3, and has four vertices such as U1, U2, S1, and S2,
as the shaft plane SP (first virtual plane). In the present
embodiment, the position 61 of the head 3a of the golf club 3 at
address is set as the origin O (0,0,0) of the XYZ coordinate
system, and the second line segment 52 is a line segment connecting
the position 61 (origin O) of the head 3a of the golf club 3 to the
position 62 of the grip end. The first line segment 51 is a line
segment having a length UL in which U1 and U2 on the X axis are
both ends, and the origin O is a midpoint. Since the user 2
performs the action in step S4 in FIG. 4 at address, and thus the
shaft of the golf club 3 is perpendicular to the target line (X
axis), the first line segment 51 is a line segment orthogonal to
the longitudinal direction of the shaft of the golf club 3, that
is, the second line segment 52. The swing analysis portion 211
calculates coordinates of the four vertices U1, U2, S1, and S2 of
the shaft plane SP in the XYZ coordinate system.
[0214] Specifically, first, the swing analysis portion 211 computes
coordinates (0, G.sub.Y, G.sub.Z) of the position 62 of the grip
end of the golf club 3 by using the inclined angle .alpha. and the
length L.sub.1 of the shaft included in the golf club information
242. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the swing analysis portion 211 may
compute G.sub.Y and G.sub.Z by using the length L.sub.1 of the
shaft and the inclined angle .alpha. according to Equations (5) and
(6).
G.sub.Y=L.sub.1cos .alpha. (5)
G.sub.Z=L.sub.1 sin .alpha. (6)
[0215] Next, the swing analysis portion 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 so as to compute
coordinates (0, S.sub.Y, S.sub.Z) of a midpoint S3 of the vertex S1
and the vertex S2 of the shaft plane SP. In other words, the swing
analysis portion 211 computes S.sub.Y and S.sub.Z according to
Equations (7) and (8), respectively.
S.sub.Y=G.sub.YS (7)
S.sub.Z=G.sub.ZS (8)
[0216] FIG. 16 is a view in which a sectional view of the shaft
plane SP in FIG. 15 which is cut in the YZ plane is viewed from the
negative side of the X axis. As illustrated in FIG. 16, a length (a
width of the shaft plane SP in a direction orthogonal to the X
axis) of a line segment connecting the midpoint S3 of the vertex S
and the vertex S2 to the origin O is S times the length L.sub.1 of
the second line segment 52. The scale factor S is set to a value at
which a trajectory of the golf club 3 during a swing action of the
user 2 enters the shaft plane SP. For example, if a length of the
arms of the user 2 is indicated by L.sub.2, the scale factor S may
be set as in Equation (9) so that the width S.times.L.sub.1 of the
shaft plane SP in the direction orthogonal to the X axis is twice
the sum of the length L.sub.1 of the shaft and the length L.sub.2
of the arms.
S = 2 ( L 1 + L 2 ) L 1 ( 9 ) ##EQU00002##
[0217] The length L.sub.2 of the arms of the user 2 is associated
with a height L.sub.0 of the user 2. The length L.sub.2 of the arms
is expressed by a correlation expression such as Equation (10) in a
case where the user 2 is a male, and is expressed by a correlation
expression such as Equation (11) in a case where the user 2 is a
female, on the basis of statistical information.
L.sub.2=0.41.times.L.sub.0-45.5[mm] (10)
L.sub.2=0.46.times.L.sub.0-126.9[mm] (11)
[0218] Therefore, the swing analysis portion 211 may calculate the
length L.sub.2 of the arms of the user according to Equation (10)
or Equation (11) by using the height L.sub.0 and the sex of the
user 2 included in the physical information 244.
[0219] Next, the swing analysis portion 211 computes coordinates
(-UL/2,0,0) of the vertex U1 of the shaft plane SP, coordinates
(UL/2,0,0) of a vertex U2, coordinates (-UL/2, S.sub.Y, S.sub.Z) of
the vertex S1, and coordinates (UL/2, S.sub.Y, S.sub.Z) of the
vertex 52 by using the coordinates (O, S.sub.Y, S.sub.Z) of the
midpoint S3 and a width (the length of the first line segment 51)
UL of the shaft plane SP in the X axis direction. The width UL in
the X axis direction is set to a value at which a trajectory of the
golf club 3 during a swing action of the user 2 enters the shaft
plane SP. For example, the width UL in the X axis direction may be
set to be same as the width S.times.L.sub.1 in the direction
orthogonal 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 arms.
[0220] In the above-described manner, the swing analysis portion
211 can calculate the coordinates of the four vertices U1, U2, S1,
and S2 of the shaft plane SP.
[0221] As illustrated in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, a
virtual plane which includes a first line segment 51 as a first
axis and a third line segment 53 as a third axis, and has four
vertices such as U1, U2, H1, and 1H2, is used as the Hogan plane HP
(second virtual plane). The third line segment 53 is a line segment
connecting a predetermined position 63 in the vicinity of a line
segment connecting both of the shoulders of the user 2, to the
position 61 of the head 3a of the golf club 3. However, the third
line segment 53 may be a line segment connecting the predetermined
position 63 to a position of the golf ball 4. The swing analysis
portion 211 calculates respective coordinates of the four vertices
U1, U2, H1, and H2 of the Hogan plane HP in the XYZ coordinate
system.
[0222] Specifically, first, the swing analysis portion 211
estimates the predetermined position 63 by using the coordinates
(0, G.sub.Y, G.sub.Z) of the position 62 of the grip end of the
golf club 3 at address (during standing still), and the length
L.sub.2 of the arms of the user 2 based on the physical information
244, and computes coordinates (A.sub.X, A.sub.Y, A.sub.Z)
thereof.
[0223] FIG. 17 is a view in which a sectional view of the Hogan
plane HP illustrated in FIG. 15 which is cut in the YZ plane is
viewed from the negative side of the X axis. In FIG. 17, a midpoint
of the line segment connecting both of the shoulders of the user 2
is the predetermined position 63, and the predetermined position 63
is present on the YZ plane. Therefore, an X coordinate A.sub.X of
the predetermined position 63 is 0. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the
swing analysis portion 211 estimates, as the predetermined position
63, 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 arms of the user 2
in a positive direction along the Z axis. Therefore, the swing
analysis portion 211 sets a Y coordinate A.sub.Y of the
predetermined position 63 to be the same as the Y coordinate
G.sub.Y of the position 62 of the grip end. The swing analysis
portion 211 computes a Z coordinate A.sub.Z of the predetermined
position 63 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 arms of the user 2 as
in Equation (12).
A.sub.Z=G.sub.Z+L.sub.Z (12)
[0224] Next, the swing analysis portion 211 multiplies the Y
coordinate A.sub.Y and the Z coordinate A.sub.Z of the
predetermined position 63 by a scale factor H, so as to compute
coordinates (0, H.sub.Y, H.sub.Z) of a midpoint H3 of the vertex H1
and the vertex H2 of the Hogan plane HP. In other words, the swing
analysis portion 211 computes H.sub.Y and H.sub.Z according to
Equation (13) and Equation (14), respectively.
H.sub.Y=A.sub.YH (13)
H.sub.Z=A.sub.ZH (14)
[0225] As illustrated in FIG. 17, a length (a width of the Hogan
plane HP in a direction orthogonal to the X axis) of a line segment
connecting the midpoint H3 of the vertex H1 and the vertex H2 to
the origin O is H times the length L.sub.3 of the third line
segment 53. The scale factor H is set to a value at which a
trajectory of the golf club 3 during a swing action of the user 2
enters the Hogan plane HP. For example, the Hogan plane HP may have
the same shape and size as the shape and the size of the shaft
plane SP. In this case, the width H.times.L.sub.3 of the Hogan
plane HP in the direction orthogonal to the X axis matches the
width S.times.L.sub.1 of the shaft plane SP in the direction
orthogonal 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 arms of the user 2. Therefore, the swing analysis portion 211
may compute the scale factor H according to Equation (15).
H = 2 ( L 1 + L 2 ) L 3 ( 15 ) ##EQU00003##
[0226] The swing analysis portion 211 may compute the length
L.sub.3 of the third line segment 53 according to Equation (13) by
using the Y coordinate A.sub.Y and the Z coordinate A.sub.Z of the
predetermined position 63.
[0227] Next, the swing analysis portion 211 computes coordinates
(-UL/2, H.sub.Y, H.sub.Z) of the vertex H1 of the Hogan plane HP,
and coordinates (UL/2, H.sub.Y, H.sub.Z) of the vertex H2 by using
the coordinates (0, H.sub.Y, H.sub.Z) of the midpoint H3 and a
width (the length of the first line segment 51) UL of the Hogan
plane HP in the X axis direction. The two vertices U1 and U2 of the
Hogan plane HP are the same as those of the shaft plane SP, and
thus the swing analysis portion 211 does not need to compute
coordinates of the vertices U1 and U2 of the Hogan plane HP
again.
[0228] In the above-described manner, the swing analysis portion
211 can calculate the coordinates of the four vertices U1, U2, H1,
and H2 of the Hogan plane HP.
[0229] A region interposed between the shaft plane SP (first
virtual plane) and the Hogan plane HP (second virtual plane) is
referred to as a "V zone", and a trajectory of a hit ball (a ball
line) may be estimated to some extent on the basis of a
relationship between a position of the head 3a of the golf club 3
and the V zone during a backswing or a downswing. For example, in a
case where the head 3a of the golf club 3 is present in a space
lower than the V zone at a predetermined timing during a backswing
or a downswing, a hit ball is likely to fly in a hook direction. In
a case where the head 3a of the golf club 3 is present in a space
higher than the V zone at a predetermined timing during a backswing
or a downswing, a hit ball is likely to fly in a slice direction.
In the present embodiment, as is clear from FIG. 17, an angle
.beta. formed between the shaft plane SP and the Hogan plane HP is
determined depending on the length L.sub.1 of the shaft of the golf
club 3 and the length L.sub.2 of the arms of the user 2. In other
words, since the angle .beta. is not a fixed value, and is
determined depending on the type of golf club 3 or physical
features of the user 2, the more appropriate shaft plane SP and
Hogan plane HP (V zone) are calculated as an index for diagnosing a
swing of the user 2.
1-3-4. Calculation of Positions of Head 3a at Halfway Back and
Halfway Down
[0230] A position of the head 3a at halfway back is a position of
the head 3a at the moment of the halfway back, right before the
halfway back, or right after the halfway back, and a position of
the head 3a at halfway down is a position of the head 3a at the
moment of the halfway down, right before the halfway down, or right
after the halfway down.
[0231] First, the swing analysis portion 211 computes a position of
the head 3a and a position of the grip end at each time point t by
using the position and the attitude of the sensor unit 10 at each
time point t from the swing start time point t.sub.start to the
impact time point t.sub.impact.
[0232] Specifically, the swing analysis portion 211 uses, as a
position of the head 3a, a position separated by the distance
L.sub.SH in the positive direction of the y axis specified by the
attitude of the sensor unit 10, from the position of the sensor
unit 10 at each time point t, and computes coordinates of the
position of the head 3a. As described above, the distance L.sub.SH
is a distance between the sensor unit 10 and the head 3a. The swing
analysis portion 211 uses a position separated by the distance
L.sub.SG in the negative direction of the y axis specified by the
attitude of the sensor unit 10, from the position of the sensor
unit 10 at each time point t, and computes coordinates of the
position of the grip end. As described above, the distance L.sub.SG
is a distance between the sensor unit 10 and the grip end.
[0233] Next, the swing analysis portion 211 detects a halfway back
timing and a halfway down timing by using the coordinates of the
position of the head 3a and the coordinates of the position of the
grip end.
[0234] Specifically, the swing analysis portion 211 computes a
difference .DELTA.Z between a Z coordinate of the position of the
head 3a and a Z coordinate of the position of the grip end at each
time point t from the swing start time point t.sub.start to the
impact time point t.sub.impact. The swing analysis portion 211
detects a time point t.sub.HWB at which a sign of .DELTA.Z is
inverted between the swing start time point t.sub.start and the top
time point t.sub.top, as the halfway back timing. The swing
analysis portion 211 detects a time point t.sub.HWD at which a sign
of .DELTA.Z is inverted between the swing start time point
t.sub.top, and the impact time point t.sub.impact, as the halfway
down timing.
[0235] The swing analysis portion 211 uses the position of the head
3a at the time point t.sub.HWB as a position of the head 3a at
halfway back, and uses the position of the head 3a at the time
point t.sub.HWD as a position of the head 3a at halfway down.
1-3-5. Calculation of Head Speed
[0236] A head speed is the magnitude of a speed of the head 3a at
impact (the moment of the impact, right before the impact, or right
after the impact). For example, the swing analysis portion 211
computes a speed of the head 3a at the impact time point
t.sub.impact on the basis of differences between the coordinates of
the position of the head 3a at the impact time point t.sub.impact
and coordinates of a position of the head 3a at the previous time
point. The swing analysis portion 211 computes the magnitude of the
speed of the head 3a as the head speed.
1-3-6. Calculation of Face Angle and Club Path (Incidence
Angle)
[0237] The face angle is an index based on an inclination of the
head 3a of the golf club 3 at impact, and the club path (incidence
angle) is an index based on a trajectory of the head 3a of the golf
club 3 at impact.
[0238] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the face angle and the
club path (incidence angle). FIG. 18 illustrates the golf club 3
(only the head 3a is illustrated) on the XY plane viewed from a
positive side of the Z axis in the XYZ coordinate system. In FIG.
18, the reference numeral 74 indicates a face surface (hitting
surface) of the golf club 3, and the reference numeral 75 indicates
a ball hitting point. The reference numeral 70 indicates a target
line indicating a target hit ball direction, and the reference
numeral 71 indicates a plane orthogonal to the target line 70. The
reference numeral 76 indicates a curve indicating a trajectory of
the head 3a of the golf club 3, and the reference numeral 72 is a
tangential line at the ball hitting point 75 for the curve 76. In
this case, the face angle .phi. is an angle formed between the
plane 71 and the face surface 74, that is, an angle formed between
a straight line 73 orthogonal to the face surface 74, and the
target line 70. The club path (incidence angle) w is an angle
formed between the tangential line 72 (a direction in which the
head 3a in the XY plane passes through the ball hitting point 75)
and the target line 70.
[0239] For example, assuming that an angle formed between the face
surface 74 of the head 3a and the x axis direction is normally
constant (for example, orthogonal), the swing analysis portion 211
computes a direction of a straight line orthogonal to the face
surface 74 on the basis of the attitude of the sensor unit 10 at
the impact time point t.sub.impact. The swing analysis portion 211
uses, a straight line obtained by setting a Z axis component of the
direction of the straight line to 0, as a direction of the straight
line 73, and computes an angle (face angle) .phi. formed between
the straight line 73 and the target line 70.
[0240] For example, the swing analysis portion 211 uses a direction
of a speed (that is, a speed of the head 3a in the XY plane)
obtained by setting a Z axis component of a speed of the head 3a at
the impact time point t.sub.impact to 0, as a direction of the
tangential line 72, and computes an angle (club path (incidence
angle)) .psi. formed between the tangential line 72 and the target
line 70.
[0241] The face angle .phi. indicates an inclination of the face
surface 74 with the target line 70 whose direction is fixed
regardless of an incidence direction of the head 3a to the ball
hitting point 75 as a reference, and is thus also referred to as an
absolute face angle. In contrast, an angle .eta. formed between the
straight line 73 and the tangential line 72 indicates an
inclination of the face surface 74 with an incidence direction of
the head 3a to the ball hitting point 75 as a reference, and is
thus referred to as a relative face angle. The relative face angle
.eta. is an angle obtained by subtracting the club path (incidence
angle) .psi. from the (absolute) face angle .phi..
1-3-7. Calculation of Shaft Axis Rotation Angle at Top
[0242] The shaft axis rotation angle .theta..sub.top at top is an
angle (relative rotation angle) by which the golf club 3 is rotated
about a shaft axis from a reference timing to a top timing. The
reference timing is, for example, the time of starting a backswing,
or the time of address. In the present embodiment, in a case where
the user 2 is a right-handed golfer, a right-handed screw
tightening direction toward the tip end on the head 3a side of the
golf club 3 (a clockwise direction when the head 3a is viewed from
the grip end side) is a positive direction of the shaft axis
rotation angle .theta..sub.top. Conversely, in a case where the
user 2 is a left-handed golfer, a left-handed screw tightening
direction toward the tip end on the head 3a side of the golf club 3
(a counterclockwise direction when the head 3a is viewed from the
grip end side) is a positive direction of the shaft axis rotation
angle .theta..sub.top.
[0243] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temporal
change of the shaft axis rotation angle from starting of a swing
(starting of a backswing) to impact. In FIG. 19, a transverse axis
expresses time (s), and a longitudinal axis expresses a shaft axis
rotation angle (deg). FIG. 19 illustrates the shaft axis rotation
angle .theta..sub.top at top with the time of starting a swing (the
time of starting a backswing) as a reference timing (at which the
shaft axis rotation angle is 0.degree.).
[0244] In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the y
axis of the sensor unit 10 substantially matches the longitudinal
direction of the shaft of the golf club 3 (the longitudinal
direction of the golf club 3). Therefore, for example, the swing
analysis portion 211 time-integrates a y axis angular velocity
included in angular velocity data from the swing starting
(backswing starting) time point t.sub.start or the time of address
to the top time point t.sub.top (at top), so as to compute the
shaft axis rotation angle .theta..sub.top.
1-3-8. Calculation of Grip Deceleration Ratio and Grip Deceleration
Time Ratio
[0245] The grip deceleration ratio is an index based on a grip
deceleration amount, and is a ratio between a speed of the grip
when the grip starts to be decelerated during the downswing, and a
speed of the grip at impact. The grip deceleration time ratio is an
index based on a grip deceleration period, and is a ratio between a
period of time from the time at which the grip starts to be
decelerated during the downswing to the time of impact, and a
period of time of the downswing. A speed of the grip is preferably
a speed of a portion held by the user 2, but may be a speed of any
portion of the grip (for example, the grip end), and may be a speed
of a peripheral portion of the grip.
[0246] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temporal
change of a speed of the grip during the downswing. In FIG. 20, a
transverse axis expresses time (s), and a longitudinal axis
expresses a speed (m/s) of the grip. In FIG. 20, if a speed (the
maximum speed of the grip) when the grip starts to be decelerated
is indicated by V.sub.1, and a speed of the grip at impact is
indicated by V.sub.2, a grip deceleration ratio R.sub.V (unit: %)
is expressed by the following Equation (16).
R V = V 1 - V 2 V 1 .times. 100 ( % ) ( 16 ) ##EQU00004##
[0247] In FIG. 20, if a period of time from the time of top to the
time at which the grip starts to be decelerated is indicated by
T.sub.1, and a period of time from the time at which the grip
starts to be decelerated during the downswing to the time of impact
is indicated by T.sub.2, a grip deceleration time ratio R.sub.T
(unit: %) is expressed by the following Equation (17).
R T = T 2 T 1 + T 2 .times. 100 ( % ) ( 17 ) ##EQU00005##
[0248] For example, the sensor unit 10 may be attached to the
vicinity of a portion of the golf club 3 held by the user 2, and a
speed of the sensor unit 10 may be regarded as a speed of the grip.
Therefore, first, the swing analysis portion 211 computes a speed
of the sensor unit 10 at the time point t on the basis of
differences between coordinates of a position of the sensor unit 10
at each time point t from the top time point t.sub.top to the
impact time point t.sub.impact (during the downswing) and
coordinates of a position of the sensor unit 10 at the previous
time point.
[0249] Next, the swing analysis portion 211 computes the magnitude
of the speed of the sensor unit 10 at each time point t, sets the
maximum value thereof as V.sub.1, and sets the magnitude of the
speed at the impact time point t.sub.impact as V.sub.2. The swing
analysis portion 211 specifies a time point t.sub.vmax at which the
magnitude of the speed of the sensor unit 10 becomes the maximum
value V.sub.1. The swing analysis portion 211 computes
T.sub.1=t.sub.vmax-t.sub.top, and T.sub.2=t.sub.impact-t.sub.vmax.
The swing analysis portion 211 computes the grip deceleration ratio
R.sub.V and the grip deceleration time ratio R.sub.T according to
Equations (16) and (17), respectively.
[0250] The swing analysis portion 211 may regard a speed of the
grip end as a speed of the grip, and may compute the speed of the
grip end on the basis of coordinates of a position of the grip end
at each time point t during the downswing, so as to obtain the grip
deceleration ratio R.sub.V and the grip deceleration time ratio
R.sub.T through the above-described computation.
1-3-9. Calculation of Attack Angle and Defined of Signs of Attack
Angle and Face Angle
[0251] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining definition of an attack
angle .delta.. In the present embodiment, the XYZ coordinate system
is defined which has a target line indicating a target hitting
direction as an X axis, an axis on a horizontal plane which is
perpendicular to the X axis as a Y axis, and a vertical direction
(a direction opposite to the gravitational direction) as a Z axis,
and FIG. 21 illustrates the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. The
target line indicates, for example, a target direction in which a
ball flies straight. In FIG. 21, a point R is a ball hitting point
at which the head 3a of the golf club 3 comes into contact with a
golf ball 4, a curve L1 indicates a part of a trajectory during a
swing of the head 3a of the golf club 3 in an XZ plane, and a
straight line L2 is a tangential line of the curve L1 at the hall
hitting point R in the XZ plane. As illustrated in FIG. 21, an
attack angle is defined as an angle .delta. of the straight line L2
with respect to the XY plane (horizontal plane) S.sub.XY. In FIG.
21, a rightward direction toward the drawing surface along the X
axis which is parallel to the XY plane (horizontal plane) S.sub.XY
is a target hitting direction. Therefore, the attack angle .delta.
can be said to be an angle formed between a direction of the
tangential line (straight line L2) which is in contact with the
trajectory (curve L1) of a swing of the head (ball hitting portion)
3a of the golf club (exercise appliance) 3 and a target hitting
direction along the X axis.
[0252] The target hitting direction also includes a direction
orthogonal to the face surface of the head 3a of the golf club 3, a
hitting direction which is set in advance by the user, a direction
connecting a direct distance to a hole cup, and the like.
[0253] In the present embodiment, regarding signs of the attack
angle .delta., when the Y axis is a rotation axis, a direction (a
clockwise direction in FIG. 21) in which +Z (vertically upward
direction) of the Z axis rotates in the +X direction (rightward
direction toward the drawing surface) of the X axis is defined as a
first sign, and a sign reverse to the first sign is defined as a
second sign. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the first sign is, for
example, negative (-), and the second sign is positive (+). A sign
of the attack angle (first angle) .delta. illustrated in FIG. 21 is
the first sign (negative). In other words, the attack angle
.delta.<0.degree. occurs at the time of a down blow in which the
head 3a is incident to the ball hitting point R obliquely
downwardly toward the drawing surface. The attack angle
.delta.=0.degree. occurs at the time of a level blow in which the
head 3a is incident to the ball hitting point R horizontally along
the X axis. The attack angle .delta.>0.degree. occurs at the
time of a down blow in which the head 3a is incident to the ball
hitting point R obliquely upwardly toward the drawing surface.
[0254] On the other hand, regarding signs of the face angle (second
angle) .phi. illustrated in FIG. 18, when the Z axis is a rotation
axis, a direction (a clockwise direction toward the drawing surface
in FIG. 18) in which +Y of the Y axis rotates in the +X direction
of the X axis is defined as a third sign, and a sign reverse to the
third sign is defined as a fourth sign. As illustrated in FIG. 18,
the third sign is, for example, negative (-), and the fourth sign
is positive (+). A sign of the face angle (second angle) .phi.
illustrated in FIG. 18 is the third sign (negative). In other
words, the face angle .phi.<0.degree. occurs when the head 3a
reaches impact in a closed state with an inside-out trajectory. The
face angle .phi.=0.degree. occurs when the face surface 74 of the
head 3a is vertically incident to the target line. The face angle
.phi.>0.degree. occurs when the head 3a reaches impact in an
open state with an outside-in trajectory.
[0255] The swing analysis portion 211 illustrated in FIG. 10 may
include a first angle calculator which calculates the attack angle
.delta. and a second angle calculator which calculates the face
angle .phi.. The first and second angle calculators respectively
calculate the first and second angles .delta. and .phi. on the
basis of the relationships illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 18 by using
an output from the data acquisition portion 210 illustrated in FIG.
10, that is, an output from the sensor unit 10.
1-3-10. Procedures of Swing Analysis Process (Swing Analysis
Method)
[0256] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures
of a swing analysis process (swing analysis method) performed by
the processing section 21. The processing section 21 performs the
swing analysis process, for example, according to the procedures
shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22 by executing the swing analysis
program 240 stored in the storage section 24. Hereinafter, the
flowchart of FIG. 22 will be described.
[0257] First, the processing section 21 waits for the user 2 to
perform a measurement starting operation (the operation in step S2
in FIG. 4) (N in step S10), transmits a measurement starting
command to the sensor unit 10 if the measurement starting operation
is performed (Y in step S10), and starts to acquire measured data
from the sensor unit 10 (step S12).
[0258] Next, the processing section 21 instructs the user 2 to take
an address attitude (step S14). The user 2 takes the address
attitude in response to the instruction, and stands still for a
predetermined period of time or more (step S4 in FIG. 4).
[0259] Next, if a standing still state of the user 2 is detected by
using the measured data acquired from the sensor unit 10 (Y in step
S16), the processing section 21 notifies the user 2 of permission
of swing starting (step S18). The processing section 21 outputs,
for example, a predetermined sound, or an LED is provided in the
sensor unit 10, and the LED is lighted, so that the user 2 is
notified of permission of swing starting. The user 2 confirms the
notification and then starts a swing action (the action in step S6
in FIG. 4).
[0260] Next, the processing section 21 performs processes in step
S20 and subsequent steps after completion of the swing action of
the user 2, or from before completion of the swing action.
[0261] First, the processing section 21 computes an initial
position and an initial attitude of the sensor unit 10 by using the
measured data (measured data during standing still (at address) of
the user 2) acquired from the sensor unit 10 (step S20).
[0262] Next, the processing section 21 detects a swing starting
timing, a top timing, and an impact timing by using the measured
data acquired from the sensor unit 10 (step S22).
[0263] The processing section 21 computes a position and an
attitude of the sensor unit 10 during the swing action of the user
2 in parallel to the process in step S22, or before and after the
process in step S22 (step S24).
[0264] Next, in steps S26 to S34, the processing section 21
computes values of various indexes regarding the swing by using at
least some of the measured data acquired from the sensor unit 10,
the swing starting, top and impact timings detected in step S22,
and the position and the attitude of the sensor unit 10 computed in
step S24.
[0265] The processing section 21 computes the shaft plane SP and
the Hogan plane HP in step S26.
[0266] The processing section 21 computes a position of the head 3a
at halfway back and a position of the head 3a at halfway down in
step S28.
[0267] The processing section 21 computes a head speed, the face
angle .phi., the attack angle .delta., and the club path (incidence
angle) .psi. in step S30.
[0268] The processing section 21 computes the shaft axis rotation
angle .theta..sub.top at top in step S32.
[0269] The processing section 21 computes the grip deceleration
ratio R.sub.V and the grip deceleration time ratio R.sub.T in step
S34.
[0270] The processing section 21 generates the swing analysis data
248 by using the various indexes calculated in steps S26 to S34,
transmits the swing analysis data to the swing diagnosis apparatus
30 (step S36), and finishes the swing analysis process.
[0271] In the flowchart of FIG. 22, order of the respective steps
may be changed as appropriate within an allowable range, some of
the steps may be omitted or changed, and other steps may be added
thereto.
1-4. Configuration of Swing Diagnosis Apparatus
[0272] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of
the swing diagnosis apparatus 30. As illustrated in FIG. 23, in the
present embodiment, the swing diagnosis apparatus 30 is configured
to include a processing section 31, a communication section 32, and
a storage section 34. However, the swing diagnosis apparatus 30 may
have a configuration in which some of the constituent elements are
deleted or changed as appropriate, or may have a configuration in
which other constituent elements are added thereto.
[0273] The storage section 34 is constituted of, for example,
various IC memories such as a ROM, a flash ROM, and a RAM, or a
recording medium such as a hard disk or a memory card. The storage
section 34 stores a program for the processing section 31
performing various calculation processes or a control process, or
various programs or data for realizing application functions.
[0274] In the present embodiment, the storage section 34 stores a
swing diagnosis program 340 which is read by the processing section
31 and executes a swing diagnosis process. The swing diagnosis
program 340 may be stored in a nonvolatile recording medium
(computer readable recording medium) in advance, or the swing
diagnosis program 340 may be received from a server (not
illustrated) by the processing section 31 via the network 40, and
may be stored in the storage section 34.
[0275] In the present embodiment, the storage section 34 stores
(preserves) a swing analysis data list 341 including a plurality of
pieces of swing analysis data 248 generated by the swing analysis
apparatus 20. In other words, the swing analysis data 248 generated
whenever the processing section 21 of the swing analysis apparatus
20 analyzes a swing action of the user 2 is sequentially added to
the swing analysis data list 341.
[0276] In the present embodiment, the storage section 34 stores a V
zone score table 342, a rotation score table 343, an impact score
table 344, a down blow score table 345, an upper blow score table
346, and a swing efficiency score table 347. The score tables will
be described later in detail.
[0277] The storage section 34 is used as a work region of the
processing section 31, and temporarily stores results of
calculation executed by the processing section 31 according to
various programs, and the like. The storage section 34 may store
data which is required to be preserved for a long period of time
among pieces of data generated through processing of the processing
section 31.
[0278] The communication section 32 performs data communication
with the communication section 27 (refer to FIG. 10) of the swing
analysis apparatus 20 via the network 40. For example, the
communication section 32 performs a process of receiving the swing
analysis data 248 from the communication section 27 of the swing
analysis apparatus 20, and transmitting the swing analysis data 248
to the processing section 31. For example, the communication
section 32 performs a process of transmitting information required
to display the selection screen illustrated in FIG. 7 to the
communication section 27 of the swing analysis apparatus 20, or a
process of receiving selected information on the selection screen
illustrated in FIG. 7 from the communication section 27 of the
swing analysis apparatus 20 and transmitting the selected
information to the processing section 31. For example, the
communication section 32 performs a process of receiving
information required to display the input data editing screen
illustrated in FIG. 8 from the processing section 31, and
transmitting the information to the communication section 27 of the
swing analysis apparatus 20. For example, the communication section
32 performs a process of receiving input data at the time of the
diagnosis starting button on the input data editing screen
illustrated in FIG. 8 being pressed from the communication section
27 of the swing analysis apparatus 20, transmitting the input data
to the processing section 31, receiving diagnosis result
information (scores or a total score of a plurality of items
indicating features of a swing of the user 2) based on the input
data from the processing section 31, and transmitting the diagnosis
information and the lesson information to the communication section
27 of the swing analysis apparatus 20. For example, the
communication section 32 performs a process of receiving
information required to display the swing diagnosis screen
illustrated in FIG. 9 from the processing section 31, and
transmitting the information to the communication section 27 of the
swing analysis apparatus 20.
[0279] The processing section 31 performs a process of receiving
the swing analysis data 248 from the swing analysis apparatus 20
via the communication section 32 and storing the swing analysis
data 248 in the storage section 34 (adding the swing analysis data
to the swing analysis data list 341), according to various
programs. The processing section 31 performs a process of receiving
various pieces of information from the swing analysis apparatus 20
via the communication section 32, and transmitting information
required to display various screens (the respective screens
illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9) to the swing analysis apparatus
20, according to various programs. The processing section 31
performs other various control processes.
[0280] Particularly, in the present embodiment, the processing
section 31 functions as a data acquisition portion 310, a score
calculation portion 311, and a storage processing portion 312 by
executing the swing diagnosis program 340, and performs a diagnosis
process (swing diagnosis process) on the swing analysis data 248
selected from the swing analysis data list 341.
[0281] The data acquisition portion 310 performs a process of
receiving the swing analysis data 248 received from the swing
analysis apparatus 20 by the communication section 32 and
transmitting the swing analysis data 248 to the storage processing
portion 312. The data acquisition portion 310 performs a process of
receiving various pieces of information received from the swing
analysis apparatus 20 by the communication section 32 and
transmitting the information to the score calculation portion
311.
[0282] The storage processing portion 312 performs read/write
processes of various programs or various data for the storage
section 34. For example, the storage processing portion 312
performs a process of receiving the swing analysis data 248 from
the data acquisition portion 310 and storing the swing analysis
data 248 in the storage section 34 (adding the swing analysis data
to the swing analysis data list 341), a process of reading the
swing analysis data 248 from the swing analysis data list 341
stored in the storage section 34, or the like. For example, the
storage processing portion 312 performs a process of reading the V
zone score table 342, the rotation score table 343, the impact
score table 344, the down blow score table 345, the upper blow
score table 346, and the swing efficiency score table 347 stored in
the storage section 34.
[0283] The score calculation portion 311 (level calculation unit)
performs a process of calculating scores (levels) of a plurality of
items on the basis of data regarding a swing. In the present
embodiment, the data regarding a swing may be input data at the
time of the diagnosis starting button on the input data editing
screen illustrated in FIG. 8 being pressed, may be the swing
analysis data 248 selected on the selection screen illustrated in
FIG. 7, and may include both of the data.
[0284] For example, in a case where the sex, the type of golf club,
and each index of a swing are not edited in a state of being
initial values, and the diagnosis starting button is pressed on the
input data editing screen illustrated in FIG. 8, the score
calculation portion 311 performs a process of calculating scores on
the basis of the swing analysis data 248 selected from the swing
analysis data list 341. On the other hand, in a case where at least
one of the sex, the type of golf club, and each index of a swing is
edited, and then the diagnosis starting button is pressed on the
input data editing screen illustrated in FIG. 8, the score
calculation portion 311 performs a process of calculating scores on
the basis of data (pseudo-data) in which at least a part of the
selected swing analysis data 248 is edited.
[0285] A plurality of items which are score calculation targets
include a first item regarding at least one of a backswing and a
downswing. The first item may include an item indicating a
relationship among at least one virtual plane, a position of the
head 3a (an example of a ball hitting portion) of the golf club 3
(an example of an exercise appliance) at a first timing during the
backswing, and a position of the head 3a at a second timing during
the downswing. For example, the first timing may be the time at
which the longitudinal direction of the golf club 3 becomes a
direction along the horizontal direction during the backswing. For
example, the second timing may be the time at which the
longitudinal direction of the golf club 3 becomes a direction along
the horizontal direction during the downswing.
[0286] At least one virtual plane may include the shaft plane SP
which is a first virtual plane specified on the basis of the first
line segment 51 which is a first axis along a target hit ball
direction (target line) in the XY plane as a reference plane, and
the second line segment 52 which is a second axis along the
longitudinal direction of the golf club 3 before starting a
backswing. The time before starting a backswing may be the time of
address (when the user 2 takes an address attitude and stands
still).
[0287] At least one virtual plane may include the Hogan plane HP
which is a second virtual plane (that is, the second virtual plane
which forms a first angle .beta. with the first virtual plane)
specified on the basis of the first line segment 51 which is a
first axis along a target hit ball direction (target line) in the
XY plane as a reference plane, and the third line segment 53 which
is a third axis forming the first angle .beta. with the
longitudinal direction of the golf club 3 before starting a
backswing.
[0288] At least one virtual plane may include only one of the shaft
plane SP and the Hogan plane HP. At least one virtual plane may
include other virtual planes (for example, a plane interposed
between the shaft plane SP and the Hogan plane HP, a plane outside
the shaft plane SP and the Hogan plane HP, and a plane intersecting
at least one of the shaft plane SP and the Hogan plane HP) instead
of the shaft plane SP or the Hogan plane HP.
[0289] Hereinafter, the first item is assumed to include an item
(hereinafter, this item will be referred to as a "V zone" item)
indicating a relationship among four indexes of a swing, that is,
the "shaft plane SP", the "Hogan plane HP", a "position of the head
3a at halfway back", and a "position of the head 3a at halfway
down".
[0290] The first item may include an item regarding swing
efficiency. The item regarding swing efficiency may be an item
indicating a relationship between a deceleration amount and a
deceleration period of the grip of the golf club 3 in a downswing.
Hereinafter, the first item is assumed to include an item
(hereinafter, this item will be referred to as a "swing efficiency"
item) indicating a relationship between a "grip deceleration ratio"
which is an index based on the deceleration amount of the grip and
a "grip deceleration time ratio" which is an index based on the
deceleration period of the grip, as the item regarding swing
efficiency.
[0291] The plurality of items which are score calculation targets
also include a second item regarding impact (at ball hitting). The
second item may include an item indicating a relationship between
an incidence angle of the head 3a of the golf club 3 and an
inclination of the head 3a at impact (at ball hitting).
Hereinafter, the second item is assumed to include an item
(hereinafter, this item will be referred to as an "impact" item)
indicating a relationship between the "club path (incidence angle)
.psi." which is an index based on the incidence angle of the head
3a of the golf club 3 at impact and the "relative face angle .eta."
which is an index based on the inclination of the head 3a at
impact.
[0292] The second item may include an item indicating a
relationship between an attack angle of the head 3a of the golf
club 3 and an absolute face angle at impact (at ball hitting).
Hereinafter, the second item is assumed to include an item
(hereinafter, this item will be referred to as a "down blow" item
or an "upper blow" item) indicating a relationship between the
"attack angle .delta." which depends on a position of the head 3a
of the golf club 3 and the lowest point thereof at impact and the
"absolute face angle .phi." which is an index based on the
inclination of the head 3a at impact.
[0293] The plurality of items which are score calculation targets
may also include a third item regarding the time at which a swing
transitions from a backswing to a downswing, and the time of impact
(the time of ball hitting). The third item may include an item
indicating a relationship between a rotation angle about the long
axis of the golf club 3 at the time (at top) at which a swing
transitions from a backswing to a downswing and an inclination of
the head 3a of the golf club 3 at impact (at ball hitting).
Hereinafter, the third item is assumed to include an item
(hereinafter, this item will be referred to as a "rotation" item)
indicating a relationship between the "shaft axis rotation angle
.theta..sub.top at top" which is an index based on the rotation
angle about the long axis of the golf club 3 at the top timing, and
the "(absolute) face angle .phi." which is an index based on the
inclination of the head 3a at impact.
[0294] The score calculation portion 311 performs a process of
calculating a total score on the basis of the scores of the
plurality of items. The processing section 31 transmits information
regarding the scores or the total score of the plurality of items,
calculated by the score calculation portion 311, to the swing
analysis apparatus 20 via the communication section 32. In other
words, the processing section 31 also functions as an output
section which outputs the information regarding the scores (levels)
or the total score of the plurality of items.
1-5. Swing Diagnosis Process
[0295] In the present embodiment, the processing section 31 of the
swing diagnosis apparatus 30 performs a process of calculating
scores and a total score of a plurality of items indicating
features of a swing as a swing analysis process.
[0296] A detailed description will be made of a method of
calculating a score of each item and a method of calculating a
total score in the score calculation portion 311 of the processing
section 31.
1-5-1. Calculation of Score of "V Zone" Item
[0297] The score calculation portion 311 calculates a score of the
"V zone" item depending on in which regions positions of the head
3a at halfway back and halfway down are included among a plurality
of regions determined based on the shaft plane SP and the Hogan
plane HP (V zone).
[0298] FIGS. 24A and 24B are diagrams illustrating examples of
relationships among the shaft plane SP and the Hogan plane HP (V
zone), and a plurality of regions. FIG. 24A illustrates
relationships among the shaft plane SP, the Hogan plane HP, and
five regions A to E when viewed from a negative side of the X axis
(when projected onto the YZ plane). FIG. 24B is a diagram
schematically illustrating an example of the shaft plane SP, the
Hogan plane HP, and an attitude of the user 2. The region B is a
predetermined space including the Hogan plane HP, and the region D
is a predetermined space including the shaft plane SP. The region C
is a region interposed between the region B and the region D (a
space between an interface S.sub.BC with region B and an interface
S.sub.CD with the region D). The region A is a space in contact
with the region B in an interface S.sub.AB on an opposite side to
the region C. The region E is a space in contact with the region D
in an interface S.sub.DE on an opposite side to the region C.
[0299] There may be various methods of setting the interface
S.sub.AB, the interface S.sub.BC, the interface S.sub.CD, and the
interface S.sub.DE. As an example, the interfaces may be set so
that, on the YZ plane, the Hogan plane HP is located exactly at the
center of the interface S.sub.AB and the interface S.sub.BC, the
shaft plane SP is located exactly at the center of the interface
S.sub.CD and the interface S.sub.DE, and angles of the region B,
the region C, and the region D about the origin O (X axis) are the
same as each other. In other words, with respect to the first angle
.beta. formed between the shaft plane SP and the Hogan plane HP, if
each of angles formed between the Hogan plane HP, and the interface
S.sub.AB and the interface Sac is set to .beta./4, and each of
angles formed between the shaft plane SP, and the interface
S.sub.CD and the interface S.sub.DE is set to .beta./4, angles of
the region B, the region C, and the region D are all set to
.beta./2.
[0300] Since a swing that causes a Y coordinate of a head 3a
position at halfway back or halfway down to be negative cannot be
expected, an interface of the region A opposite to the interface
S.sub.AB is set in the XZ plane in FIG. 24A. Similarly, a swing
that causes a Z coordinate of a position of the head 3a at halfway
back or halfway down to be negative cannot be expected, and an
interface of the region E opposite to the interface S.sub.DE is Set
in the XY plane. Of course, an interface of the region A or the
region E may be set so that an angle of the region A or the region
E about the origin O (X axis) is the same as angles of the region
B, the region C, and the region D.
[0301] Specifically, first, the score calculation portion 311 sets
the interface S.sub.AB, the interface S.sub.BC, the interface
S.sub.CD, and the interface S.sub.DE of the regions A to E on the
basis of coordinates of each of the four vertices U1, U2, S1, and
S2 of the shaft plane SP and coordinates of each of the four
vertices U1, U2, H1, and H2 of the Hogan plane HP, included in data
(selected swing analysis data 248) regarding a swing. Next, the
score calculation portion 311 determines in which region of the
regions A to E coordinates of a position of the head 3a at halfway
back and coordinates of a position of the head 3a at halfway down
included in the data (selected swing analysis data 248) regarding
the swing are included.
[0302] Information regarding a determination result thereof is
transmitted to the swing analysis apparatus 20, and is used as the
information regarding the "sex" and the "region in which a position
of the head 3a at halfway down is included" in the input data
editing screen illustrated in FIG. 8. Thereafter, the score
calculation portion 311 calculates a score corresponding to the
determination result by referring to the V zone score table 342 and
by using information regarding a "region in which a position of the
head 3a at halfway back is included" and a "region in which a
position of the head 3a at halfway down is included", included in
the data (diagnosis target input data) regarding the swing.
[0303] In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the V
zone score table 342 defines a score for each combination of the
region in which a position of the head 3a at halfway back is
included and the region in which a position of the head 3a at
halfway down is included. For example, in a case where a position
of the head 3a at halfway back is included in the region A, and a
position of the head 3a at halfway down is included in the region
A, a score is pv1. Each of scores pv1 to pv25 illustrated in FIG.
25 is any one of, for example, 1 point to 5 points.
[0304] The score calculation portion 311 may calculate a lower
score as a hit ball predicted on the basis of a relationship among
the shaft plane SP, the Hogan plane HP, the position of the head 3a
at halfway back, and the position of the head 3a at halfway down
becomes more easily curved. The term "easily curved" may indicate
that a trajectory after ball hitting is easily curved (easily
sliced or hooked), and may indicate that a hit ball direction is
easily deviated relative to a target direction (target line).
Alternatively, the score calculation portion 311 may calculate a
higher score as a hit ball more easily flies straight. The term
"easily flies straight" may indicate that a trajectory after ball
hitting is hardly curved (easily straightened), and may indicate
that a hit ball direction is hardly deviated relative to a target
direction (target line).
[0305] For example, in a case where a position of the head 3a at
halfway back is included in the region E, and a position of the
head 3a at halfway down is included in the region A, it is expected
that a hit ball is easily curved, and thus the score calculation
portion 311 calculates a relatively low score. Therefore, in the
example illustrated in FIG. 25, pv21 may be 1 point which is the
lowest score, for example, among 1 point to 5 points.
[0306] For example, in a case where a position of the head 3a at
halfway back and a position of the head 3a at halfway down are all
included in the region C, it is expected that a hit ball easily
flies straight, and thus the score calculation portion 311
calculates a relatively high score (for example, 5 points maximum).
Therefore, in the example illustrated in FIG. 25, pv13 may be 5
points which is the highest score, for example, among 1 point to 5
points.
1-5-2. Calculation of Score of "Rotation" Item
[0307] The score calculation portion 311 calculates a score of the
"rotation" item depending on in which range among a plurality of
ranges each of the shaft axis rotation angle .theta..sub.top at top
and the face angle .phi. is included. Specifically, first, the
score calculation portion 311 determines whether or not in which
range each of the shaft axis rotation angle .theta..sub.top at top
and the face angle 4 included in data (target diagnosis input data)
regarding a swing is included. Next, the score calculation portion
311 calculates a score corresponding to a determination result by
referring to the rotation score table 343.
[0308] In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 26, the
rotation score table 343 defines a score for each combination of a
range in which the shaft axis rotation angle .theta..sub.top at top
is included and a range in which the face angle .phi. is included.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 26, a range in which the shaft
axis rotation angle .theta..sub.top at top is included is
classified into five ranges such as "less than .theta.1", ".theta.1
or more and less than .theta.2", ".theta.2 or more and less than
.theta.3", ".theta.3 or more and less than .theta.4", and ".theta.4
or more". A range in which the face angle 4 is included is
classified into seven ranges such as "less than .phi.1", ".phi.1 or
more and less than .phi.2", ".phi.2 or more and less than .phi.3",
".phi.3 or more and less than .phi.4", ".phi.4 or more and less
than .phi.5", ".phi.5 or more and less than .phi.6", and ".phi.6 or
more". For example, in a case where the shaft axis rotation angle
.theta..sub.top at top is included in the range of "less than
.theta.1", and the face angle .phi. is included in the range of
"less than .phi.1", a score is pr1. Each of scores pr1 to pr35
illustrated in FIG. 26 is any one of, for example, 1 point to 5
points.
[0309] The score calculation portion 311 may calculate a lower
score as a hit ball predicted on the basis of a relationship
between the shaft axis rotation angle .theta..sub.top at top and
the face angle .phi. becomes more easily curved.
[0310] For example, since the face surface of the golf club 3 is
considerably open in a state where the shaft axis rotation angle
.theta..sub.top at top is extremely large, it is expected that the
face surface is not completely returned to a square at impact, and
thus a hit ball is easily curved. A state in which the face angle
.phi. is extremely large is a state in which the face surface at
impact is considerably open, and a state in which the face angle
.phi. is extremely small (a negative state in which an absolute
value thereof is great) is a state in which the face surface at
impact is considerably closed. In either state, it is expected that
a hit ball is easily curved. In other words, for example, in a case
where the shaft axis rotation angle .theta..sub.top is included in
the range of ".theta.4 or more", and the face angle .phi. is
included in the range of "less than .phi.1" or ".phi.6 or more", it
is expected that a hit ball is easily curved, and thus the score
calculation portion 311 calculates a relatively low score.
Therefore, in the example illustrated in FIG. 26, pr29 or pr35 may
be 1 point which is the lowest score, for example, among 1 point to
5 points.
[0311] For example, if the shaft axis rotation angle
.theta..sub.top at top is small, it is expected that the face
surface is completely returned to the square at impact, and thus a
hit ball easily flies straight. If the face angle .phi. is close to
0.degree., the face surface at impact is close to the square, and
thus it is expected that a hit ball easily flies straight. In other
words, in a case where the shaft axis rotation angle
.theta..sub.top is included in the range of "less than .theta.1",
and the face angle .phi. is included in the range of ".phi.3 or
more and less than .phi.4", it is expected that a hit ball easily
flies straight, and thus the score calculation portion 311
calculates a relatively high score (for example, 5 points maximum).
Therefore, in the example illustrated in FIG. 26, pr4 may be 5
points which is the highest score, for example, among 1 point to 5
points.
1-5-3. Calculation of Score of "Impact" Item
[0312] The score calculation portion 311 calculates a score of the
"impact" item depending on in which range among a plurality of
ranges each of the club path (incidence angle) .psi. and the
relative face angle .eta. is included. Specifically, first, the
score calculation portion 311 determines whether or not in which
range the club path (incidence angle) .psi. included in data
(target diagnosis input data) regarding a swing is included. The
score calculation portion 311 calculates the relative face angle
.eta. by subtracting the club path (incidence angle) .psi. from the
face angle .phi. included in the data (diagnosis target input data)
regarding the swing (refer to FIG. 18), and determines in which
range the relative face angle .eta. is included. Next, the score
calculation portion 311 calculates a score corresponding to a
determination result by referring to the impact score table
344.
[0313] In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 27, the
impact score table 344 defines a score for each combination of a
range in which the relative face angle .eta. is included and a
range in which the club path (incidence angle) .psi. is included.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 27, a range in which the
relative face angle .eta. is included is classified into five
ranges such as ".eta.1 or more", "less than .eta.1 and .eta.2 or
more", "less than .eta.2 and .eta.3 or more", "less than .eta.3 and
.eta.4 or more", and "less than .eta.4". A range in which the club
path (incidence angle) .psi. is included is classified into five
ranges such as "less than .psi.1", ".psi.1 or more and less than
.psi.2", ".psi.2 or more and less than .psi.3", ".psi.3 or more and
less than .psi.4", and ".psi.4 or more". For example, in a case
where the relative face angle .eta. is included in the range of
".eta.1 or more", and the club path (incidence angle) .psi. is
included in the range of "less than .psi.1", a score is pi1. Each
of scores pi1 to pi25 illustrated in FIG. 27 is any one of, for
example, 1 point to 5 points.
[0314] The score calculation portion 311 may calculate a lower
score as a hit ball predicted on the basis of the club path
(incidence angle) .psi. and the relative face angle .eta. becomes
more easily curved.
[0315] For example, a state in which the relative face angle .eta.
is extremely large is a state in which the face surface at impact
is open, and a state in which the face angle .phi. is extremely
small (a negative state in which an absolute value thereof is
great) is a state in which the face surface at impact is
considerably closed. In either state, it is expected that a hit
ball is easily curved. For example, in a state in which the club
path (incidence angle) .psi. is extremely large, a trajectory of
the head 3a at impact becomes a considerably inside-out trajectory,
and thus it is expected that a hit ball is easily curved. In a
state in which the club path (incidence angle) .psi. is extremely
small (a negative state in which an absolute value thereof is
great), a trajectory of the head 3a at impact becomes a
considerably outside-in trajectory, and thus it is expected that a
hit ball is easily curved. In other words, for example, in a case
where the relative face angle .eta. is included in the range of
".eta.1 or more" or "less than .eta.4", and the club path
(incidence angle) .psi. is included in the range of "less than
.psi.1" or ".psi.4 or more", it is expected that a hit ball is
easily curved, and thus the score calculation portion 311
calculates a relatively low score. Therefore, in the example
illustrated in FIG. 27, pi1, pi5, pi21, and pi25 may be 1 point
which is the lowest score, for example, among 1 point to 5
points.
[0316] For example, in a case where the relative face angle .eta.
is close to 0.degree., and the club path (incidence angle) .psi. is
close to 0.degree., the face surface at impact is close to the
square, and a trajectory of the head 3a at impact is nearly
straight. Therefore, it is expected that a hit ball easily flies
straight. In other words, in a case where the relative face angle
.eta. is included in the range of "less than .eta.2 and .eta.3 or
more", and the club path (incidence angle) .psi. is included in the
range of ".psi.2 or more and less than .psi.3", it is expected that
a hit ball easily flies straight, and thus the score calculation
portion 311 calculates a relatively high score (for example, 5
points maximum). Therefore, in the example illustrated in FIG. 27,
pi13 may be 5 points which is the highest score, for example, among
1 point to 5 points.
1-5-4. Calculation of Score of "Down Blow" Item
[0317] The score calculation portion 311 calculates a score of the
"down blow" item depending on in which range among a plurality of
ranges each of the attack angle .delta. and the absolute face angle
.phi. is included in a case where an iron is selected as the golf
club 3. Specifically, first, the score calculation portion 311
determines whether or not in which range the attack angle .delta.
illustrated in FIG. 21 is included. The score calculation portion
311 determines whether or not in which range the face angle .phi.
illustrated in FIG. 18 is included. Next, the score calculation
portion 311 calculates a score corresponding to a determination
result by referring to the down blow score table 345 as illustrated
in FIG. 28.
[0318] In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 28, the
down blow score table 345 defines a score for each combination of a
range in which the attack angle .delta. is included and a range in
which the absolute face angle .phi. is included. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 28, a range in which the attack angle .delta.
is included is classified into five ranges such as "less than
-.delta.1", "-.delta.1 or more and less than -.delta.2", "-.delta.2
or more and less than -.delta.3", "-.delta.3 or more and less than
0", and "+.delta.4 or more" (where .delta.1>.delta.2>.delta.3
and .delta.4.apprxeq.0). A range in which the absolute face angle
.phi. is included is classified into five ranges such as "less than
-.phi.1", "-.phi.1 or more and 0 or less", "more than 0 and less
than +.phi.1", "+.phi.1 or more and less than +.phi.2", and
"+.phi.2 or more" (where .phi.1<.phi.2). For example, in a case
where the attack angle .delta. is included in the range of "less
than -.delta.1", and the absolute face angle .phi. is included in
the range of "less than -.phi.1", a score is pd1.
[0319] Here, when a sign of the attack angle (first angle) .delta.
is the second sign (positive), scores Pd5, Pd10, Pd15, Pd20, and
Pd25 may be the lowest score. In this case, an absolute value of
the threshold value .delta.4 may be infinitely small
(.delta.4.apprxeq.0). As mentioned above, the second sign
(positive) of the attack angle (first angle) .delta. at impact
indicates an upper blow in which the lowest point of the club head
3a during a downswing occurs before the impact. In an iron club
requiring a down blow, if it is determined that a sign of the
attack angle (first angle) .delta. is the second sign (positive),
the lowest score may be calculated, and thus a swing may be
evaluated to be bad.
[0320] Next, in a case where a sign of the attack angle (first
angle) .delta. is the first sign (negative), and a sign of the
absolute face angle (second angle) .phi. is the fourth sign
(positive), if an absolute value of the absolute face angle (second
angle) .phi. is equal to or greater than the first threshold value
.phi.2, scores Pd21 to Pd24 illustrated in FIG. 28 satisfying this
condition may be set to be low. As mentioned above, the first sign
(negative) of the attack angle (first angle) .delta. at impact
indicates a down blow in which the lowest point of the club head 3a
during a downswing occurs after the impact. If the attack angle
(first angle) .delta. is zero, a true level blow occurs, but a
level blow may also be regarded to occur in a case where an
absolute value of an attack angle having the first sign (negative)
is small. Even in this case, in a case where it is determined that
the absolute face angle (second angle) .phi. is equal to or more
than the first threshold value .phi.2 indicating an excessively
open state, a low score may be calculated, and thus a swing may be
evaluated to be bad, even if the attack angle (first angle) .delta.
indicates a down blow.
[0321] Next, in a case where a sign of the attack angle (first
angle) .delta. is the first sign (negative), if an absolute value
of the attack angle (first angle) .delta. is smaller than a second
threshold value .delta.2, and an absolute value of the absolute
face angle (second angle) .phi. is smaller than the third threshold
value .phi.1, scores Pd8, Pd9, Pd13 and Pd14 satisfying this
condition may be set to be highest. The case where a sign of the
attack angle (first angle) .delta. is the first sign (negative)
indicates a case where a swing using an iron club is an appropriate
down blow or a level blow. For example, if an absolute value of the
attack angle (first angle) .delta. is smaller than the second
threshold value .delta.2, it is determined that the attack angle
(first angle) .delta. is in an appropriate range. Similarly, if an
absolute value of the absolute face angle (second angle) .phi. is
smaller than the third threshold value .phi.1, it is also
determined that the absolute face angle (second angle) .phi. is in
an appropriate range. In this case, the highest score may be
calculated, and thus the swing may be evaluated to be good.
[0322] Next, in a case where a sign of the attack angle (first
angle) .delta. is the first sign (negative), and a sign of the
absolute face angle (second angle) .phi. is the fourth sign
(positive), if an absolute value of the absolute face angle (second
angle) .phi. is equal to or greater than the third threshold value
.phi.1 and is smaller than the first threshold value .phi.2, scores
Pd16 to Pd19 satisfying this condition may be set as low scores.
The case where a sign of the attack angle (first angle) .delta. is
the first sign (negative) indicates a case where a swing using an
iron club is an appropriate down blow or a level blow. The case
where a sign of the absolute face angle (second angle) .phi. is the
fourth sign (positive) corresponds to the time at which the face
surface is open. In this case, if an absolute value of the absolute
face angle (second angle) .phi. is equal to or greater than the
third threshold value .phi.1 and is smaller than the first
threshold value .phi.2, low scores are set. The scores Pd21 to Pd24
illustrated in FIG. 28 may be the same as the scores Pd16 to Pd19
illustrated in FIG. 28.
[0323] Next, in a case where a sign of the attack angle (first
angle) .delta. is the first sign (negative), and a sign of the
absolute face angle (second angle) .phi. is the third sign
(negative), if an absolute value of the absolute face angle (second
angle) .phi. is equal to or greater than the third threshold value
.phi.1, scores Pd1, Pd2, Pd3 and Pd4 illustrated in FIG. 28
satisfying this condition may be set as intermediate scores higher
than the low scores. The case where a sign of the first angle
corresponding to an attack angle is the first sign (negative)
indicates a case where a swing using an iron club is an appropriate
down blow or a level blow. The case where a sign of the absolute
face angle (second angle) .phi. is the third sign (negative)
corresponds to the time at which a face angle of the head (ball
hitting portion) 3a with respect to a target hitting direction at
impact indicates a closed state. In this case, even if an absolute
value of the absolute face angle (second angle) .phi. is equal to
or greater than the third threshold value .phi.1, intermediate
scores which are higher than the low scores are set.
[0324] Next, if an absolute value of the attack angle (first angle)
.delta. is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value
.delta.1 and is smaller than the second threshold value .delta.2 in
a case where a sign of the attack angle (first angle) .delta. is
the first sign (negative), and if an absolute value of the absolute
face angle (second angle) .phi. is smaller than the third threshold
value .phi.1 in a case where a sign of the absolute face angle
(second angle) .phi. is the third sign (negative), a score Pd7
illustrated in FIG. 28 satisfying this condition is set as a score
which is lower than the highest score and is higher than the
intermediate score. The case where a sign of the first angle
corresponding to an attack angle is the first sign (negative)
indicates a case where a swing using an iron club is an appropriate
down blow. In this case, if an absolute value of the attack angle
(first angle) .delta. is equal to or greater than the fourth
threshold value .delta.1 and is smaller than second threshold value
.delta.2, it can be said that the attack angle (first angle)
.delta. is in a range similar to an appropriate range. The case
where a sign of the absolute face angle (second angle) .phi. is the
third sign (negative) corresponds to the time at which a face angle
of the head (ball hitting portion) 3a with respect to a target
hitting direction at impact indicates a closed state. In this case,
if an absolute value of the absolute face angle (second angle)
.phi. is smaller than the third threshold value .phi.1, a score
which is lower than the highest score and is higher than the
intermediate score is set.
[0325] Next, if an absolute value of the attack angle (first angle)
.delta. is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value
.delta.1 and is smaller than the second threshold value .delta.2 in
a case where a sign of the attack angle (first angle) .delta. is
the first sign (negative), and if an absolute value of the absolute
face angle (second angle) .phi. is smaller than the third threshold
value .phi.1 in a case where a sign of the absolute face angle
(second angle) .phi. is the fourth sign (positive), a score Pd12
illustrated in FIG. 28 satisfying this condition is set as a score
which is lower than the highest score and is higher than the
intermediate score. The case where a sign of the first angle
corresponding to an attack angle is the first sign (negative)
indicates a case where a swing using an iron club is an appropriate
down blow. In this case, if an absolute value of the attack angle
(first angle) .delta. is equal to or greater than the fourth
threshold value .delta.1 and is smaller than second threshold value
.delta.2, it can be said that the attack angle (first angle)
.delta. is in a range similar to an appropriate range. On the other
hand, the case where a sign of the absolute face angle (second
angle) .phi. is the fourth sign (positive) corresponds to the time
at which a face angle of the head (ball hitting portion) 3a with
respect to a target hitting direction at impact indicates an open
state. In this case, if an absolute value of the absolute face
angle (second angle) .delta. is smaller than the third threshold
value .phi.1, a score which is lower than the highest score and is
higher than the intermediate score is set.
[0326] In the present embodiment, in a case where a sign of the
attack angle (first angle) .delta. is the first sign (negative),
and a sign of the absolute face angle (second angle) .phi. is the
fourth sign (positive), a lower score may be calculated as an
absolute value of the second angle becomes greater (for example,
Pd6<Pd7<Pd8, Pd9, Pd11<Pd12<Pd13).
[0327] In the present embodiment, in a case where a sign of the
attack angle (first angle) .delta. is the first sign (negative), a
higher score may be calculated as an absolute value of the first
angle becomes smaller and an absolute value of the second angle
becomes smaller (for example, Pd2<Pd7=Pd12<Pd8=Pd13, and
Pd7=Pd12>Pd17).
[0328] In the present embodiment, in a case where a sign of the
attack angle (first angle) .delta. is the first sign (negative),
and a sign of the absolute face angle (second angle) .phi. is the
third sign (negative), a lower score is calculated as an absolute
value of the second angle becomes greater (for example, Pd1<Pd6,
Pd2<Pd7, Pd3<Pd8, and Pd4<Pd9).
1-5-5. Calculation of Score of "Upper Blow" Item
[0329] The score calculation portion 311 calculates a score of the
"upper blow" item depending on in which range among a plurality of
ranges each of the attack angle .delta. and the absolute face angle
.phi. is included in a case where a driver (wood) is selected as
the golf club 3. Specifically, the score calculation portion 311
calculates a score corresponding to a determination result by
referring to the upper blow score table 346, for example, as
illustrated in FIG. 29.
[0330] Here, FIG. 29 may be created, for example, by changing signs
of the attack angle (first angle) .delta. illustrated in FIG. 28.
In other words, since a driver (wood) requires an upper blow, if a
sign of the attack angle (first angle) .delta. is the first sign
(negative) indicating a down blow, scores pu5, pu10, pu15, pu20 and
pu25 satisfying this condition are the lowest score. Also in a case
where a sign of the attack angle (first angle) .delta. is the
second sign (positive) indicating an upper blow, if the absolute
face angle (second angle) .phi. indicates an excessive open state
(.phi..gtoreq.+.phi.2), scores pu21 to pu24 satisfying this
condition are the lowest score. The scores pu1 to pu25 illustrated
in FIG. 29 may be the same as the scores Pd1 to Pd25 illustrated in
FIG. 28 in corresponding numbers. For example, in FIG. 29, the
highest score may be set in the range of
0.ltoreq..delta..ltoreq..delta.2 and the range of
-.phi.1<.phi.<+.phi.1 (pu8=pu9=pu13=pu14=highest score). In
FIGS. 28 and 29, values of .delta.1 to .delta.4 or values of .phi.1
and .phi.2 may be the same as or different from each other. In
FIGS. 28 and 29, values of Pd1 to Pd25 and values of Pu1 to Pu25
may be the same as or different from each other.
1-5-6. Calculation of Score of "Swing Efficiency" Item
[0331] The score calculation portion 311 calculates a score of the
"swing efficiency" item depending on in which range among a
plurality of ranges each of the grip deceleration ratio R.sub.V and
the grip deceleration time ratio R.sub.T is included. Specifically,
first, the score calculation portion 311 determines whether or not
in which range each of the grip deceleration ratio R.sub.V and the
grip deceleration time ratio R.sub.T included in data (target
diagnosis input data) regarding a swing is included. Next, the
score calculation portion 311 calculates a score corresponding to a
determination result by referring to the swing efficiency score
table 347.
[0332] In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 30, the
swing efficiency score table 347 defines a score for each
combination of a range in which the grip deceleration ratio R.sub.V
is included and a range in which the grip deceleration time ratio
R.sub.T is included. In the example illustrated in FIG. 30, a range
in which the grip deceleration ratio R.sub.V is included is
classified into six ranges such as "nu1 or more", "less than nu1
and nu2 or more", "less than nu2 and nu3 or more", "less than nu3
and nu4 or more", "less than nu4 and nu5 or more", and "less than
nu5". A range in which the grip deceleration time ratio R.sub.T is
included is classified into six ranges such as "nup1 or more",
"less than nup1 and nup2 or more", "less than nup2 and nup3 or
more", "less than nup3 and nup4 or more", "less than nup4 and nup5
or more", and "less than nup5". For example, in a case where the
grip deceleration ratio R.sub.V is included in the range of "nu1 or
more", and the grip deceleration time ratio R.sub.T is included in
the range of "nup1 or more", a score is ps1. Each of scores ps1 to
ps36 illustrated in FIG. 30 is any one of, for example, 1 point to
5 points.
[0333] The score calculation portion 311 may calculate a higher
score as swing efficiency predicted on the basis of the grip
deceleration ratio R.sub.V and the grip deceleration time ratio
R.sub.T becomes higher.
[0334] It is considered in a golf swing that, when the head 3a is
accelerated, the arms are decelerated by reducing forces of the
arms in a downswing, and thus natural rotation of the golf club
occurs, so that the shaft is accelerated. A tendency for the
natural rotation of the golf club to occur can be understood
depending on to what extent a speed of the grip is decelerated
during a downswing. Therefore, it is expected that a highly
efficient swing using natural rotation of the golf club can be
realized as the grip deceleration ratio R.sub.V becomes higher.
However, if a timing at which natural rotation of the golf club
occurs is close to an impact timing, that is, the grip deceleration
time ratio R.sub.T is low, impact occurs in a state in which the
natural rotation of the golf club cannot be sufficiently used, and
thus it cannot necessarily be said that a highly efficient swing is
performed. In other words, for example, in a case where the grip
deceleration ratio R.sub.V is included in the range of "nu1 or
more", and the grip deceleration time ratio R.sub.T is included in
the range of "nup1 or more", it is expected that swing efficiency
is high, and thus the score calculation portion 311 calculates a
relatively high score. For example, in a case where the grip
deceleration ratio R.sub.V is included in the range of "less than
nu5", and the grip deceleration time ratio R.sub.T is included in
the range of "less than nup5", it is expected that swing efficiency
is low, and thus the score calculation portion 311 calculates a
relatively low score. Therefore, in the example illustrated in FIG.
30, ps1 may be 5 points which is the highest score, for example,
among 1 point to 5 points, and ps36 may be 1 point which is the
lowest score, for example, among 1 point to 5 points.
1-5-7. Calculation of Score of "Carry" Item
[0335] The score calculation portion 311 calculates a score of a
"carry" item depending on in which range among a plurality of
ranges a ball arrival point (carry) .kappa. estimated on the basis
of a relative face angle .eta. and a head speed .nu. is included.
Specifically, first, the score calculation portion 311 determines
in which range each of the relative face angle .eta. and the ball
arrival point (carry) .kappa. included in data (diagnosis target
input data) regarding a swing is included. Next, the score
calculation portion 311 calculates a score corresponding to a
determination result by referring to a ball carry score table 350
illustrated in FIG. 31.
[0336] In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 31, the
ball carry score table 350 defines a score for each combination of
a range in which the ball arrival point (carry) .kappa. is included
and a range in which the relative face angle .eta. is included. In
the example illustrated in FIG. 31, a range in which the ball
arrival point (carry) .kappa. is included is classified into five
ranges such as "less than .kappa.1", ".kappa.1 or more and less
than .kappa.2", ".kappa.2 or more and less than .kappa.3",
".kappa.3 or more and less than .kappa.4", and ".kappa.4 or more".
A range in which the relative face angle .eta. is included is
classified into seven ranges such as "less than .eta.1", ".eta.1 or
more and less than .eta.2", ".eta.2 or more and less than .eta.3",
".eta.3 or more and less than .eta.4", ".eta.4 or more and less
than .eta.5", ".eta.5 or more and less than .eta.6", and ".eta.6 or
more". For example, in a case where the ball arrival point (carry)
.kappa. is included in the range of "less than .kappa.1", and the
relative face angle .kappa. is in the range of "less than .eta.1",
a score is pk1. Each of scores pk1 to pk35 illustrated in FIG. 31
is any one of, for example, 1 point to 5 points.
[0337] The score calculation portion 311 may calculate a lower
score as a ball carry predicted on the basis of a relationship
between the ball arrival point (carry) .kappa. and the relative
face angle .eta. becomes shorter. For example, in a case where the
ball arrival point (carry) .kappa. is included in the range of
"less than .kappa.1", and the relative face angle .eta. is included
in the range of "less than .eta.1", it is expected that a hit ball
is easily curved in a hooked state or a carry is reduced (a carry
is short), or the relative face angle 1 is included in the range of
".eta.6 or more", it is expected that a hit ball is easily curved
in a sliced state or a carry is reduced (a carry is short). Thus,
the score calculation portion 311 calculates a relatively low
score. Therefore, in the example illustrated in FIG. 31, pk1 or pk6
may be 1 point which is the lowest score, for example, among 1
point to 5 points.
[0338] For example, if the relative face angle .eta. is close to
0.degree., it is expected that a hit ball easily flies straight and
a carry is increased (a carry is long). In other words, for
example, in a case where the relative face angle .eta. is included
in the range of ".eta.3 to .eta.4", and the ball arrival point
(carry) .kappa. is included in the range of ".kappa.4 or more", it
is expected that a hit ball easily flies straight, and a carry is
also long, and thus the score calculation portion 311 calculates a
relatively high score (for example, 5 points maximum). Therefore,
in the example illustrated in FIG. 31, pk32 may be 5 points which
is the highest score, for example, among 1 point to 5 points.
[0339] Here, in the score tables illustrated in FIGS. 25 to 31, a
level is calculated on the basis of the first index and the second
index. As mentioned above, a level can be calculated through
positioning of a swing in a two-axis coordinate system formed of
the first index and the second index, and thus a swing of a golf
club (exercise appliance) at impact can be objectively
determined.
[0340] A score is added to each region in advance on the basis of a
relationship between the first index and the second index, and thus
a lookup table can be used. A score can be specified on the basis
of the first index and the second index by using the lookup table,
and the score can be calculated as a level. As mentioned above,
since a swing is calculated as a score on the basis of the first
index and the second index by using the lookup table, it is
possible to easily and appropriately perform an objective
determination on a swing of a golf club (exercise appliance) at
impact.
1-5-8. Calculation of Total Score
[0341] The score calculation portion 311 calculates a total score
on the basis of the score of the "V zone" item, the score of the
"rotation" item, the score of the "impact" item, the score of the
"down blow", the score of the "upper blow" item, the score of the
"swing efficiency" item, and the score of the "carry" item.
[0342] For example, in a case where a score of each item is 5
points maximum, if a maximum of a total score is 100 points, the
score calculation portion 311 may multiply the score of each item
by 4 so that 20 points maximum is obtained, and may add all the
scores together so as to calculate a total score. In the swing
diagnosis screen illustrated in FIG. 9, a score of 5 points maximum
of each item is displayed as a radar chart, and the score of each
item is multiplied by 4, and 64 points obtained by adding all the
scores together is a total score.
[0343] For example, the score calculation portion 311 may increase
a weight of a highly important item in diagnosis (evaluation) of a
swing and may add scores of the items together so as to calculate a
total score.
1-5-9. Procedures of Swing Diagnosis Process (Swing Diagnosis
Method)
[0344] FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures
of a process performed by the processing section 21 of the swing
analysis apparatus 20 in relation to the swing diagnosis process.
FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures of the
swing diagnosis process (swing diagnosis method) performed by the
processing section 31 of the swing diagnosis apparatus 30. The
processing section 31 (an example of a computer) of the swing
diagnosis apparatus 30 performs the swing diagnosis process, for
example, according to the procedures of the flowchart of FIG. 33 by
executing the swing diagnosis program 340 stored in the storage
section 34. Hereinafter, the flowcharts of FIGS. 32 and 33 will be
described.
[0345] First, the processing section 21 of the swing analysis
apparatus 20 transmits user identification information allocated to
the user 2, to the swing diagnosis apparatus 30 (step S100 in FIG.
32).
[0346] Next, the processing section 31 of the swing diagnosis
apparatus 30 receives the user identification information, and
transmits list information of the swing analysis data 248
corresponding to the user identification information (step S200 in
FIG. 33).
[0347] Next, the processing section 21 of the swing analysis
apparatus 20 receives the list information of the swing analysis
data 248, and displays a selection screen (FIG. 7) of the swing
analysis data on the display section 25 (step S110 in FIG. 32).
[0348] The processing section 21 of the swing analysis apparatus 20
waits for the swing analysis data 248 to be selected on the
selection screen of the swing analysis data (N in step S120 in FIG.
32), and transmits selected information of the swing analysis data
to the swing diagnosis apparatus 30 (step S130 in FIG. 32) if the
information is selected (Y in step S120 in FIG. 32).
[0349] Next, the processing section 31 of the swing diagnosis
apparatus 30 receives the selected information of the swing
analysis data (step S210 in FIG. 33), and determines the sex (a
male or a female) and the type of golf club (a driver or an iron)
on the basis of the swing analysis data 248 which is selected on
the basis of the selected information (step S220 in FIG. 33).
[0350] The processing section 31 of the swing diagnosis apparatus
30 determines a region in which a position of the head 3a at
halfway back is included and a region in which a position of the
head 3a at halfway down is included on the basis of the selected
swing analysis data 248 (step S230 in FIG. 33).
[0351] Next, the processing section 31 of the swing diagnosis
apparatus 30 transmits various pieces of information based on the
selected swing analysis data (step S240 in FIG. 33). The various
pieces of information based on the selected swing analysis data 248
include the determination result in step S220, the determination
result in step S230, and information regarding some index values
(the face angle .phi., the attack angle .delta., the club path
(incidence angle) .psi., the shaft axis rotation angle
.theta..sub.top at top, the head speed, the grip deceleration ratio
R.sub.V, and the grip deceleration time ratio R.sub.T) included in
the selected swing analysis data.
[0352] Next, the processing section 21 of the swing analysis
apparatus 20 receives the various pieces of information based on
the selected swing analysis data 248, and displays an editing
screen (FIG. 8) of input data on the display section 25 (step S140
in FIG. 32).
[0353] The processing section 21 of the swing analysis apparatus 20
waits for a diagnosis starting operation to be performed on the
editing screen of input data (N in step S150 in FIG. 32), and
transmits diagnosis target input data to the swing diagnosis
apparatus 30 (step S160 in FIG. 32) if the diagnosis starting
operation is performed (Y in step S150 in FIG. 32).
[0354] Next, the processing section 31 of the swing diagnosis
apparatus 30 receives the diagnosis target input data (step S250 in
FIG. 33), and calculates scores and a total score of a plurality of
items on the basis of the diagnosis target input data (step S260 in
FIG. 33).
[0355] Next, the processing section 31 of the swing diagnosis
apparatus 30 transmits (outputs) information regarding the scores
and the total score of the plurality of items to the swing analysis
apparatus 20 (step S270 in FIG. 33), and finishes the swing
diagnosis process.
[0356] The processing section 21 of the swing analysis apparatus 20
receives the information regarding the scores and the total score
of the plurality of items, displays the swing diagnosis screen
(FIG. 9) on the display section 25 (step S170 in FIG. 32), and
finishes the process.
[0357] In the flowchart of FIG. 32, order of the respective steps
may be changed as appropriate within an allowable range, some of
the steps may be omitted or changed, and other steps may be added
thereto. Similarly, in the flowchart of FIG. 33, order of the
respective steps may be changed as appropriate within an allowable
range, some of the steps may be omitted or changed, and other steps
(for example, calculation of a score of the "carry" item) may be
added thereto.
[0358] FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures
of a process (step S260 in FIG. 33) of calculating scores and a
total score of a plurality of items in the processing section 31
(score calculation portion 311) of the swing diagnosis apparatus
30. Hereinafter, the flowchart of FIG. 34 will be described.
[0359] First, the processing section 31 calculates a score (a score
of the "V zone" item) corresponding to a region in which a position
of the head 3a at halfway back is included and a region in which a
position of the head 3a at halfway down is included by referring to
the V zone score table 342 stored in the storage section 34 (step
S261).
[0360] Next, the processing section 31 calculates a score (a score
of the "rotation" item) corresponding to the shaft axis rotation
angle .theta..sub.top at top and the face angle .phi. by referring
to the rotation score table 343 stored in the storage section 34
(step S262).
[0361] Next, the processing section 31 calculates the relative face
angle .eta. on the basis of the face angle .phi. and the club path
(incidence angle) .psi. (step S263).
[0362] Next, the processing section 31 calculates a score (a score
of the "impact" item) corresponding to the relative face angle
.eta. and the club path (incidence angle) .psi. by referring to the
impact score table 344 stored in the storage section 34 (step
S264).
[0363] Next, if an iron is selected as the golf club 3, the
processing section 31 calculates a score (a score of the "down
blow" item) corresponding to the attack angle .delta. and the
absolute face angle .phi. by referring to the down blow score table
345 stored in the storage section 34 (step S265). Alternatively, if
a driver (wood) is selected as the golf club 3, the processing
section 31 calculates a score (a score of the "upper blow" item)
corresponding to the attack angle .delta. and the absolute face
angle .phi. by referring to the upper blow score table 346 stored
in the storage section 34 (step S265).
[0364] Next, the processing section 31 calculates a score (a score
of the "swing efficiency" item) corresponding to the grip
deceleration ratio R.sub.V and the grip deceleration time ratio
R.sub.T by referring to the swing efficiency score table 347 stored
in the storage section 34 (step S266).
[0365] Finally, the processing section 31 calculates a total score
on the basis of the score of the "V zone" item calculated in step
S261, the score of the "rotation" item calculated in step S262, the
score of the "impact" item calculated in step S264, the score of
the "down blow" or "upper blow" item calculated in step S265, and
the score of the "swing efficiency" item calculated in step S266,
or scores of the "ball curving" item and the "ball shooting
direction" item (not illustrated) (step S267).
[0366] As described above, on the basis of the respective
calculated scores (evaluation result), the image data generation
portion 212 performs a process of generating image data of the
swing analysis data 248 (correlation data) as the first analysis
information related to each index, and generating image data
related to swing analysis data as the second analysis information
for another user corresponding to an image (for example, a "ball
arrival position") displayed on the display section 25. The display
processing portion 214 displays various images (including text,
symbols, and the like in addition to an image corresponding to the
image data generated by the image data generation portion 212) on
the display section 25.
[0367] Regarding a specific display method on the display section
25, for example, FIG. 35 in which a plurality of ball arrival
positions are plotted is displayed in a two-axis coordinate system
based on a correlation between a carry (yard: Y) expressed by a
longitudinal axis as one axis and a width direction position in a
fairway FW expressed by a transverse axis as the other axis.
1-5-10. Display Examples of Swing Diagnosis Screen and Lesson
Screen
[0368] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 35 to 41, a description
will be made of specific display examples of display methods
displayed on the display section 25. FIG. 35 is a diagram
illustrating a display example of a ball arrival position as a
display example 1. FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a display
example of a ball a ball arrival distance and a target region as a
display example 2. FIG. 37 is a histogram related to a "shooting
direction" as an example of analysis information for estimating an
arrival position. FIG. 38 is a histogram related to "curving" as an
example of analysis information for estimating an arrival position.
FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining display examples illustrating a
swing trajectory of a club head of a right-handed subject and a
swing trajectory of a club head of a left-handed subject. FIG. 40
is a diagram illustrating a display example in which one of swing
trajectories having mirror image shapes due to a difference between
dominant hands of subjects is inverted to overlap the other which
is not inverted. FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating a ball arrival
distance and a ball flight line (ball flight trajectory) as a
display example 3.
Display Example 1
[0369] First, with reference to FIG. 35, a description will be made
of a display method in which the first region image AA (time-series
image A1) is displayed on the display section 25.
[0370] As illustrated in FIG. 35, the display section 25 displays
the time-series image A1 which is a region image indicating a set
formed by plotting ball arrival positions (refer to FIG. 31)
related to a plurality of swings, in a two-axis coordinate system
in which one axis (longitudinal axis) expresses a ball carry (yard:
Y) and the other axis (transverse axis) expresses, for example, a
ball width direction position (arrival position) in a fairway
FW.
[0371] Ball arrival positions which are estimated on the basis of a
plurality of pieces of data obtained in a plurality of swings are
displayed in this coordinate system as the time-series image A1
which is a single region image. The time-series image A1 is
generated on the basis of the first analysis information including
information related to at least one of a ball shooting direction,
ball curving, and a head speed. Each ball shooting direction is
generated as information such as frequency distribution regions
84A, 85A and 86A as time-series images illustrated in FIG. 37, for
example, in relation to a "club path (incidence angle)". Each ball
curving is generated as information such as frequency distribution
regions 84B, 85B and 86B as time-series images illustrated in FIG.
38, for example, in relation to a "relative face angle". In the
display examples illustrated in FIGS. 37 and 38, for example,
evaluation results based on score evaluation using the score table
of the "carry" item illustrated in FIG. 31 are plotted.
[0372] The time-series image A1 indicates a set formed by plotting
ball arrival positions related to a plurality of swings, that is, a
variation range of arrival positions, and a center region P1 is
displayed as position information of the center thereof. In the
time-series image A1, a region surrounded by an outer
circumferential line indicating a variation range of swing analysis
data obtained by analyzing previously performed swings is
displayed. In other words, the magnitude of an area of a region
surrounded by an outer circumferential line indicating a variation
range of the time-series image A1 corresponds to the magnitude of
variations among a plurality of pieces of data related to a
plurality of swings, and thus it can be said that a variation
increases as the area of the region becomes larger.
[0373] A message region entitled, for example, "you of the present"
may be provided outside the coordinate system, and, a specific
index value or additional information related to a ball arrival
position of the user 2 may be displayed therein.
[0374] There is a tendency that, in a golfer (user 2) having high
skill, swing reproducibility is high, and a variation in each index
is reduced when a plurality of swings are analyzed, but, on the
other hand, in a golfer (user 2) having low skill, swing
reproducibility is low, and a variation in each index is increased
when a plurality of swings are analyzed.
[0375] Therefore, if the display method shown in the display
example 1 is used, the user 2 can obtain visual information which
can be visually recognized specifically and objectively, with
respect to the present situation of ball arrival positions in a
plurality of swings perform by the user. Consequently, the user 2
can be conscious of and recognize the present ability (level) with
respect to respective ball arrival positions corresponding to a
plurality of swings.
Display Example 2
[0376] Next, with reference to FIG. 36, a description will be made
of a display method in which the first region image AA (time-series
region images A1, A2 and A3) and target regions TA1 and TA2 are
displayed on the display section 25.
[0377] As illustrated in FIG. 36, the display section 25 displays
the time-series images A1, A2 and A3 which are three region images
each indicating a set formed by plotting ball arrival positions
(refer to FIG. 31) related to a plurality of swings, in a two-axis
coordinate system in which one axis (longitudinal axis) expresses a
ball carry (yard: Y) and the other axis (transverse axis)
expresses, for example, a ball width direction position (arrival
position) in a fairway FW. Center regions P1, P2 and P3 are also
displayed in the respectively time-series images A1, A2 and A3. The
display section 25 displays the two target regions TA1 and TA2
which the user 2 aims and center regions TP1 and TP2.
[0378] Ball arrival positions which are estimated on the basis of a
plurality of pieces of data obtained in a plurality of swings are
displayed in this coordinate system as the time-series images A1,
A2 and A3 which are three time-series region images. In the same
manner as in the above-described display example 1, each of the
time-series images A1, A2 and A3 is generated on the basis of the
first analysis information including information related to at
least one of a ball shooting direction, ball curving, and a head
speed. Each ball shooting direction is generated as information
such as the frequency distribution regions 84A, 85A and 86A as
time-series images illustrated in FIG. 37, for example, in relation
to a "club path (incidence angle)". Each ball curving is generated
as information such as the frequency distribution regions 84B, 85B
and 86B as time-series images illustrated in FIG. 38, for example,
in relation to a "relative face angle".
[0379] The time-series images A1, A2 and A3 indicate sets formed by
classifying ball arrival positions (estimated values) related to a
plurality of swings according to a predetermined period and
plotting the ball arrival positions, that is, variation ranges of
arrival positions, and the center regions P1, P2 and P3 are
displayed as position information of the centers thereof.
Specifically, the time-series image A1 is a set of data related to
swings in a period, for example, from 15 days ago to 21 days ago,
the time-series image A2 is a set of data related to swings in a
period, for example, from 8 days ago to 14 days ago, and the
time-series image A3 is a set of data related to swings in a
period, for example, from the present to 7 days ago.
[0380] In each of the time-series images A1, A2 and A3, a region
surrounded by an outer circumferential line indicating a variation
range of swing analysis data obtained by analyzing previously
performed swings is displayed. In other words, the magnitude of an
area of a region surrounded by an outer circumferential line
indicating a variation range of each of the time-series images A1,
A2 and A3 corresponds to the magnitude of variations among a
plurality of pieces of data related to a plurality of swings, and
thus a variation increases as the area of the region becomes
larger. In the display example 2, among the time-series images A1,
A2 and A3, a variation of the time-series image A3 can be said to
be smallest.
[0381] In a case where a ball arrival position at which the user 2
aims is the target region TA1, whether or not the user 2 reaches
the target in a predetermined period can be determined by checking
whether or not the time-series images A1, A2 and A3 come close to
the target region TA1. For example, in the display example 2, the
images come close to the time-series image A1 in an order of the
time-series image A1 corresponding to the period from 15 days ago
to 21 days ago, the time-series image A2 corresponding to the
period from 8 days ago to 14 days ago, and the time-series image A3
corresponding to the period from the present to 7 days ago. In
other words, it can be seen that the center region P1 of the
time-series image A1, the center region P2 of the time-series image
A2, and the center region P3 of the time-series image A3 come close
to the center region TP1 of the target region TA1 in this order
substantially along a target line TL connecting the center region
P1 for the user 2 to the center region TP1 of the target region
TA1. As mentioned above, the user 2 can understand that the user
reaches the target for three weeks, that is, a skill thereof is
improved. Even in a display aspect in which only the center regions
P1, P2 and P3 are displayed without displaying the time-series
images A1, A2 and A3, the same effect can be achieved.
[0382] The plurality of time-series images A1, A2 and A3 preferably
have different display aspects. Specifically, regarding a plurality
of time-series display aspects, the time-series image A1 is
displayed with a solid line, the time-series image A2 is displayed
with a dotted line (dashed line), and the time-series image A3 is
displayed with a dot chain line, as different display aspects. As
mentioned above, since the respective time-series images A1, A2 and
A3 are displayed in different display aspects (for example, the
types of lines, or colors) in the first region image AA, the user 2
can easily identify at first sight a transition state from the past
to the present with respect to the ability (level) related to a
ball shooting direction in a plurality of swings.
[0383] A message region entitled, for example, "target setting" or
"gap with you" may be provided outside the coordinate system, and a
target value of the user 2, and a specific record value or a target
value related to a ball arrival position of the user 2 may be
displayed therein. Although not illustrated, a legend region
(checkbox) may be provided, and, the display content for each
display aspect may be written, such as a "set of analysis data in a
period from the present to 7 days ago" and a "set of analysis data
in a period from 8 days ago to 14 days ago" as an example of
display of the time-series images A1, A2 and A3.
[0384] Therefore, if the display method shown in the display
example 2 is used, the user 2 can obtain visual information which
can be visually recognized specifically and objectively, with
respect to the present situation of ball arrival positions in a
plurality of swings perform by the user, in addition to variations
and a skill improvement state of the user. Consequently, the user 2
can be conscious of and recognize the present ability (level) with
respect to respective ball arrival positions corresponding to a
plurality of swings.
Dominant Hand of User
[0385] The user 2 has a dominant hand, and rotation directions in
swing actions are opposite to each other, for example, in a golf
swing due to a difference between dominant hands. Thus, in a case
where pieces of motion analysis data for subjects having different
dominant hands are compared with each other, rotation directions of
swing trajectories are displayed to be opposite to each other, and
thus the comparison cannot be performed through overlapping
thereof. However, in a case where pieces of motion analysis data
for subjects having different dominant hands are used for each
other, this can be handled by performing a process of adding
dominant hand information in advance and inverting an image as
follows.
[0386] FIG. 39 illustrates a display example in which a swing
trajectory RS of the head 3a of the golf club 3 of a right-handed
subject and a swing trajectory LS or the head 3a of the golf club 3
of a left-handed subject are projected onto an X-Z plane of an
absolute coordinate system .SIGMA.XYZ or are displayed in a
three-dimensional manner so as to be viewed from the lateral side.
In FIG. 39, an intersection O between the X axis and the Y axis is
located at the origin of the X axis, is an address position (impact
position) of the club head 3a. It can be said that the swing
trajectory RS and the swing trajectory LS have a relationship of
mirror image inversion with respect to a reference plane including
the Z axis passing through the origin O.
[0387] The swing trajectory RS and the swing trajectory LS have a
relationship of a substantial mirror image with respect to the
reference plane due to a difference between dominant hands of
subjects, and it is possible to automatically determine whether a
subject is right-handed or left-handed on the basis of an output
from the sensor unit 10.
[0388] Motion analysis information corresponding to one (for
example, LS) of motions (RS, LS) forming a pair having mirror image
shapes due to a difference between dominant hands of subjects,
illustrated in FIG. 39, is calculated by the swing analysis portion
211 (refer to FIG. 10) on the basis of an output from the sensor
unit 10, and is input to the image data generation portion 212
(refer to FIG. 10). The image data generation portion 212 may
invert a sign (+ or -) of a value of one motion analysis
information so that one (for example, LS) of the motions (RS, LS)
forming a pair is displayed as an inverted image (/LS) as
illustrated in FIG. 40.
[0389] Consequently, as illustrated in FIG. 40, one (for example,
LS) of the motions (RS, LS) forming a pair is inverted to be
displayed on the side where the other (RS) of the motions (RS, LS)
forming a pair is displayed. In other words, for example, an image
of a motion for a left dominant hand is displayed in the same
orientation as an image of a motion for a right dominant hand.
Consequently, the motion for a left dominant hand and the motion
for a right dominant hand can be easily compared with each other,
and thus it becomes easier to perform motion analysis.
[0390] In a case where both of the motions (RS, LS) forming a pair
are input, the swing analysis portion 211 calculates motion
analysis information by using an output from the sensor unit 10.
The image data generation portion 212 may invert one (for example,
LS) in the motion analysis information and may not invert the other
(RS) so that an inverted image (for example, /LS) of one of the
motions (RS, LS) forming a pair and a noninverted image (RS) of the
other (for example, RS) are displayed on a screen in an overlapping
manner as illustrated in FIG. 40.
[0391] In the above-described way, a motion for a left dominant
hand can be displayed to overlap a motion for a right dominant hand
in the same orientation, and thus similarities and differences
between both of the images can be clearly recognized so that swing
analysis can be more easily performed.
Display Example 3
[0392] With reference to FIG. 41, a description will be made of a
display method in which the time-series region images A1, A2 and
A3, the target region TA1, a ball flight line (ball flight
trajectory), and the second region image (an image related to an
arrival position) BB for another user are displayed on the display
section 25. The display related to the display example 3 may be
performed on the basis of the score table of the "carry" item
illustrated in FIG. 31 in relation to the ball arrival point
(carry) .kappa. which is estimated on the basis of the relative
face angle .eta., the head speed .nu., and the like.
[0393] As illustrated in FIG. 41, in the same manner as in the
display example 1, the display section 25 is provided with a
two-axis coordinate system in which one axis (longitudinal axis)
expresses a ball carry (yard: Y) and the other axis (transverse
axis) expresses, for example, a ball width direction position
(yard: Y) in a fairway FW. A ball hitting point Q1, ball flight
lines (ball flight trajectories) FC1 and FC2, and the time-series
images A1, A2 and A3 as three region images each indicating a
distribution (variation) of ball arrival positions related to a
plurality of swings are displayed in this coordinate system on the
display section 25. The display section 25 also displays the target
region TA1 indicating an arrival position region at which the user
2 aims.
[0394] The ball flight lines (ball flight trajectories) FC1 and FC2
indicate ball movement trajectories from the ball hitting point Q1
to an arrival position, estimated on the basis of analysis results
which are based on measured data of swings performed by the user 2.
For example, the ball flight line (ball flight trajectory) FC1
indicates that a ball flies in a sliced state, and reaches an
arrival position, and the ball flight line (ball flight trajectory)
FC2 indicates that a ball flies linearly (straight), and reaches an
arrival position. Each of the time-series images A1, A2 and A3
indicates a distribution (variation) of estimated ball arrival
positions, and a set classified according to a time series is
displayed as a region surrounded by an outer circumferential
line.
[0395] Each of the plurality of time-series images A1, A2 and A3
corresponds to a variation between a plurality of pieces of data
related to a plurality of swings according to the magnitude of an
area of the region surrounded by the outer circumferential line. In
this example, a large area of the region indicates that a variation
is large. Such exemplary content is shown in a legend region
(checkbox) 96d2. Variation extents of the plurality of time-series
images A1, A2 and A3 may be displayed. In FIG. 41, as written in
the legend region (checkbox) 96d2 in the display method of the
modification example of the display example 3, the legends are
written, such as "88.2", and indicate the respective variation
extents of the time-series images A1, A2 and A3. A variation is
reduced, that is, an area of the region surrounded by the outer
circumferential line becomes smaller as a value of the variation
extent becomes greater (closer to 100). In another legend region
(checkbox) 96d1, a time-series condition for each of the
time-series images A1, A2 and A3 is written, and, for example, the
time-series image A1 indicated with the solid line may indicate
data in a period from the present to 7 days ago.
[0396] The second region image (an image related to an arrival
position) BB corresponding to the time-series images A1, A2 and A3
in relation to a plurality of swings performed by another user who
is different from the user 2 may also be displayed as a comparison
target on the display section 25. In FIG. 41, the second region
image BB which is, for example, a thick-color portion (in FIG. 41,
a dark black portion) on which data concentrates is displayed by
shading of plots on the background of the time-series images A1, A2
and A3.
[0397] According to the display example 3 of the display method,
the user 2 can check a movement trajectory of a ball hit by the
user through image display and can thus easily understand the
movement trajectory. Since the target region TA1 indicating a
target arrival position region is displayed in the coordinate
system, the user 2 can specifically and objectively recognize and
check to what extent there is a gap between the ability (level) of
the user and the target with respect to a ball arrival position, or
to what extent the present ability (level) is improved with respect
to the target in addition to a variation.
[0398] According to the display example 3, the first region image
AA for the user 2, and the second region image BB corresponding to
the first region image AA in relation to a plurality of swings
performed by another user who is different from the user 2, are
displayed together in the coordinate system having two indexes as
axes on the display section 25. Consequently, the user 2 can easily
compare the first region image AA for the user 2 with the second
region image BB related to swings performed by another person, and
can thus objectively perform evaluation. For example, if a user who
is different from the user 2 is set as a person who has to be a
model, for example, a leader or a pro golfer, it is possible to
objectively evaluate a difference between the ability of the user 2
and the ability of the leader or the pro golfer.
[0399] The ball flight lines (ball flight trajectories) FC1 and FC2
may also be displayed as images indicating regions for each time
series or as regions indicating the variation extents. Region
display here indicates that line segments (corresponding to the
ball flight lines (ball flight trajectories) FC1 and FC2
illustrated in FIG. 41) indicating a plurality of ball flight
trajectories related to a plurality of swings are displayed to
overlap each other, and a set of the line segments indicating the
ball flight trajectories is displayed. Through this display, it is
possible to further check a variation in relation to the ball
flight lines (ball flight trajectories) FC1 and FC2.
Modification Example 1 of Display Method
[0400] Next, with reference to FIG. 42, a description will be made
of Modification Example 1 related to another display of an analysis
result. FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating Modification Example 1
related to another display of an analysis result.
[0401] In Modification Example 1 related to another display of an
analysis result, as illustrated in FIG. 42, for example, pieces of
record data of pro golfers A, B and C who the user 2 aims to become
are displayed as regions. Time-series records are plotted from the
previous record value P of the user 2, and, thus, for example, a
line segment L10 or L20 can be drawn. For example, in a case where
the user 2 aims to become the pro golfer C, if time-series plots
are arranged as in the line segment L10, it can be seen that the
user's attitude comes close to a target attitude. On the other
hand, if time-series plots are arranged as in the line segment L20,
it can be seen that the user's attitude becomes distant from the
target attitude, that is, the user's attitude is not directed
toward the target attitude.
[0402] As mentioned above, since the record value P indicating the
ability (level) of the user, the target regions (for example,
record data of the pro golfers A, B and C), and the record values
which are plotted in a time series from the record value P are
displayed, the user 2 can visually understand whether or not the
user is directed toward a target related to a swing at first
sight.
[0403] The display of the target regions (for example, the record
data of the pro golfers A, B and C) may be changed, for example, by
tapping a position of a desired target region on a screen.
Modification Example 2 of Display Method
[0404] Next, with reference to FIG. 43, a description will be made
of a modification example of the display method described in the
display example 3. FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating Modification
Example 2 related to another display method of an analysis result,
and, in the display method of Modification Example 2, a coordinate
system is divided into a plurality of regions by reference lines
DL1 and DL2. The display method of the Modification Example 2 is
the same as in the display example 3 except for the reference lines
DL1 and DL2, and thus description thereof will be omitted.
[0405] In the display method of the Modification Example 2, the
coordinate system is divided into a plurality of regions by the
reference lines DL1 and DL2 provided along the longitudinal axis
and the transverse axis. In Modification Example 2, the coordinate
system is divided into four regions including a first quadrant Z1,
a second quadrant Z2, a third quadrant Z3, and a fourth quadrant Z4
by reference lines DL1 and DL2. A proportion of plot points of the
second region image BB occupying each of the separate four regions
(the first quadrant Z1, the second quadrant Z2, the third quadrant
Z3, and the fourth quadrant Z4) is displayed in a percentage (%) in
a legend region (checkbox) 96d3.
[0406] According to this display, a proportion of the second region
image BB which is included in each of the regions (the first
quadrant Z1, the second quadrant Z2, the third quadrant Z3, and the
fourth quadrant Z4) into which the coordinate system is divided,
and which is related to estimation information obtained by
estimating a ball arrival position corresponding to each of a
plurality of swings performed by another user, that is, a
proportion related to estimation information regarding a ball
arrival position for each swing is displayed. Consequently, the
user 2 can understand a swing state of another person. The user 2
can objectively check biasing regarding ball arrival positions in a
plurality of swings performed by the user while performing
comparison with swings performed by another person.
[0407] The coordinate system may be divided into four regions such
as the first quadrant Z1, the second quadrant Z2, the third
quadrant Z3, and the fourth quadrant Z4 by the reference lines DL1
and DL2, and a proportion of plot points of the time-series images
A1, A2 and A3 (first analysis information) which are analysis data
for the user 2 in each of the regions (the first quadrant Z1, the
second quadrant Z2, the third quadrant Z3, and the fourth quadrant
Z4) may be displayed in a percentage (%) in the legend region
(checkbox) 96d3.
[0408] In the embodiment, the swing analysis portion 211 detects
impact by using the square root of the square sum as shown in
Equation (2) as a combined value of three-axis angular velocities
measured by the sensor unit, but, as a combined value of three-axis
angular velocities, for example, a square sum of three-axis angular
velocities, a sum or an average of three-axis angular velocities,
or the product of three-axis angular velocities may be used.
Instead of a combined value of three-axis angular velocities, a
combined value of three-axis accelerations such as a square sum or
a square root of three-axis accelerations, a sum or an average
value of three-axis accelerations, or the product of three-axis
accelerations may be used.
[0409] In the embodiment, the score calculation portion 311 may
calculate scores and a total score of a plurality of items on the
basis of the selected swing analysis data 248 without displaying
the input data editing screen as illustrated in FIG. 8. The score
calculation portion 311 may calculate scores and a total score of a
plurality of items on the basis of input data (for example, all
indexes are manually input data) in which all values of indexes
indicating features of a swing are pseudo-values.
[0410] In the embodiment, the score calculation portion 311
calculates scores of seven items including the "V zone" item, the
"rotation" item, the "impact" item, the "down blow" or "upper blow"
item, the "efficiency (swing efficiency)" item, the "head speed"
item, and the "hands-up" item, but may not calculate scores of some
of the items, and may calculate scores of other items. In the
present embodiment, the score calculation portion 311 calculates a
total score, but may not calculate a total score. Other items such
as the "head speed" item, and the "hands-up" item may be added to
five items including the "V zone" item, the "rotation" item, the
"impact" item, the "down blow" or "upper blow" item, and the "swing
efficiency (efficiency)", and information related to at least one
of the items may be included.
[0411] In the embodiment, the score calculation portion 311
calculates scores of a plurality of items by using various score
tables, but may use equations instead of the score tables.
[0412] In the embodiment, the score calculation portion 311 may
also function as the swing analysis portion 211, and may perform a
swing diagnosis process (a swing analysis process and a score
calculation process) including the swing analysis process on the
basis of measured data (an output signal from an inertial sensor)
from the sensor unit 10, which is data regarding a swing.
[0413] In the above-described embodiment, the concept of the V zone
(a region interposed between the shaft plane and the Hogan plane)
is introduced in order to define the regions A, B, C, D and E in
which the head 3a is included. The V zone is a region interposed
between the first virtual plane along the longitudinal direction of
the golf club 3 and the second virtual plane passing through the
vicinity of the shoulder of the user 2 (refer to FIG. 44A). The
first virtual plane is, for example, a so-called shaft plane
specified by a first axis along a target hit ball direction and a
second axis along the longitudinal direction of the golf club 3
before a swing is started. The second virtual plane is, for
example, a so-called Hogan plane which includes the first axis, and
forms a predetermined angle with the first virtual plane. However,
the second virtual plane may be a virtual plane (including both of
a virtual plane parallel to the first virtual plane and a virtual
plane along the first virtual plane) which is parallel to the first
virtual plane. A parallel virtual plane may be referred to as a
"shoulder plane" (refer to FIG. 44B). In the above-described
embodiment, the second virtual plane may be calculated on the basis
of both of the first virtual plane and the physical information 244
of the user 2, and a plane having a predetermined relationship with
the first virtual plane may be the second virtual plane.
[0414] A method of defining the first virtual plane and the second
virtual plane is not limited thereto, and, for example, virtual
planes as illustrated in FIG. 44C may be used. Two virtual planes
illustrated in FIG. 44C are virtual planes which are set on the
basis of an attitude of the shaft before a swing is started, in
which a first plane is a virtual plane passing through the vicinity
of the elbow of the user 2, and a second plane is a virtual plane
passing through the vicinity of the knee of the user. The first
virtual plane and the second virtual plane are not parallel to each
other, and intersect each other on a straight line extending in a
grip end direction of the golf club 3, for example.
[0415] As described above, comments on diagnosis information based
on the first region image AA or a practice method based on the
diagnosis information may be displayed along with the first region
image AA or the second region image BB displayed as an image on the
display section 25. Since the comments on the diagnosis information
or the practice method based on the diagnosis information are
displayed, the user 2 can easily understand a swing state, and can
thus take appropriate measures to improve a swing or perform
efficient practice.
1-6. Modification Example of Motion Analysis System
[0416] Next, with reference to FIGS. 45 and 46, a modification
example of the motion analysis system will be described. FIG. 45 is
a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a motion analysis
system related to a modification example, and FIG. 46 is a diagram
illustrating an arrangement example of a sensor unit and a swing
analysis apparatus related to the modification example.
[0417] A swing diagnosis system 1000 as a motion analysis system
related to the modification example is configured to include a
sensor unit (an example of an inertial sensor) 10, a user terminal
320, a customer terminal 350, and a server 300 as illustrated in
FIGS. 45 and 46. Above all, the user terminal 320, the customer
terminal 350, and the server 300 are connected to the network 40
such as the Internet, and can transmit and receive information to
and from each other. A use example of the sensor unit 10 is the
same as in the above-described embodiment, and flows of information
transmitted and received among the sensor unit 10, the user
terminal 320, the server 300, and the customer terminal 350 are the
same as illustrated in FIG. 45.
[0418] A user of the sensor unit 10 is, for example, a purchaser of
the sensor unit 10. The sensor unit 10 is attached to, for example,
the golf club 3 owned by the user, and is used for a golf swing
practice of the user. An operator of the user terminal 320 is the
same as the user. The user terminal 320 is used for the user to
operate the sensor unit 10 or to access the server 300.
[0419] A manager of the customer terminal 350 is a golf goods
manufacturer or a golf goods shop dealing in various types of golf
clubs (examples of exercise appliances). The manufacturer or the
shop is a customer to a manager of the server 300 (hereinafter,
referred to as a "customer" as appropriate). A user visits the
manufacturer or the shop in order to purchase a golf club.
[0420] An operator of the customer terminal 350 is an employee of a
customer (the manufacturer or the shop). In the present
modification example, the employee is a person (hereinafter, simply
referred to as a "fitter") who allows a user visiting the
manufacturer or the shop to try to hit a ball, so as to find a golf
club fitted to the user, and prompts the user to purchase the golf
club.
[0421] The manager of the server 300 is, for example, a person who
made a promise to provide a program or various pieces of
information for controlling the sensor unit 10 to the user terminal
320 in advance. The manager of the server 300 is also a person who
made a promise to provide information to each of a plurality of
customers including the customer (that is, the manufacturer or the
shop) of the present modification example.
[0422] A user (not illustrated) attaches the sensor unit 10 to the
golf club 3 owned by the user, and inputs physical information of
the user, information regarding the golf club (golf club
information), sensor attachment position information, and the like
to the user terminal 320. The physical information includes, for
example, a height of the user, a length of the arms, a length of
the legs, the sex, and other information. The golf club information
includes, for example, information regarding a manufacturer name of
the golf club 3, a product number, a club number, a club type (a
head type and a shaft type), a specification (a length of the
shaft, a position of the centroid thereof, a lie angle, a face age,
a loft angle, and the like).
[0423] Next, the user performs a measurement starting operation (an
operation for causing the sensor unit 10 to start measurement) via
the user terminal 320. Next, after receiving a notification (for
example, a notification using a voice) of giving an instruction for
taking an address attitude (a basic attitude before starting a
swing) from the user terminal 320, the user takes an address
attitude so that the axis in the longitudinal direction of the
shaft of the golf club 3 is perpendicular to a target line (target
hit ball direction), and stands still. The attitude of the user
illustrated in FIG. 2 is the address attitude.
[0424] Next, the use receives a notification (for example, a
notification using a voice) of permitting a swing from the user
terminal 320, and then hits the golf ball 4 by performing a swing
action.
[0425] If the user performs the measurement starting operation, the
user terminal 320 transmits a measurement starting command to the
sensor unit 10, and the sensor unit 10 starts measurement of
three-axis accelerations and three-axis angular velocities and
sequentially transmits the measured data to the user terminal 320.
Then, the user terminal 320 analyzes the swing action on the basis
of the received measured so as to generate swing analysis data, and
transmits the swing analysis data to the server 300.
[0426] The swing action performed by the user includes an action
reaching impact (ball hitting) at which the golf ball 4 is hit
through respective states of halfway back at which the shaft of the
golf club 3 becomes horizontal during a backswing after starting a
swing (backswing), a top at which the swing changes from the
backswing to a downswing, and halfway down at which the shaft of
the golf club 3 becomes horizontal during the downswing. For
example, a swing time point (date and time), user identification
information (user ID), the sex of the user, the golf club
information, the physical information of the user, and the sensor
attachment position information are added to the swing analysis
data which is transmitted from the user terminal 320 to the server
300.
[0427] Here, in a case where a carry is not increased even if the
user of the present modification example uses the golf club, the
user visits the shop or the manufacturer who is an owner of the
customer terminal 350 in order to examine purchase of a new golf
club.
[0428] The fitter accesses the server 300 by operating the customer
terminal 350, and calls a home screen (an input screen of the user
ID) which is displayed on the customer terminal 350.
[0429] Next, the fitter prompts the user to input the user ID of
the user visiting the shop or the manufacturer to the customer
terminal 350.
[0430] If the user ID is input to the customer terminal 350, the
user ID and a customer ID are transmitted from the customer
terminal 350 to the server 300. Here, a case is assumed in which
the customer terminal 350 stores the customer ID in advance. In a
case where the customer is not stored, the fitter may input the
customer ID to the customer terminal 350. The fitter may input the
user ID to the customer terminal 350 instead of the user.
[0431] Thereafter, a diagnosis result is transmitted from the
server 300 to the customer terminal 350, and is displayed on the
customer terminal 350. The diagnosis result in the present
modification example includes a recommended golf club type
(recommended club type) which is recommended to the user by the
shop or the manufacturer. The recommended club type is expressed
by, for example, a combination of a recommended shaft type and a
recommended head type.
[0432] Next, the fitter checks the recommended club type displayed
on the customer terminal 350, and picks up one or a plurality of
golf clubs included in the recommended club type among a plurality
of golf clubs stored in the shop or the manufacturer to which the
fitter belongs.
[0433] Next, the fitter allows the user to actually try to hit a
ball (swing) with one or a plurality of golf clubs having been
picked up, and thus determines whether or not the picked-up golf
club is fitted to the user.
[0434] If the fitter determines that the picked-up golf club is not
fitted to the user, the fitter picks up another golf club type
stored in the shop or the manufacturer, and allows the user to try
to hit a ball with the golf club. The fitter repeatedly performs
this, and thus searches for a golf club fitted to the user.
[0435] If a golf club type fitted to the user is found, the user
purchases the fitted golf club type.
[0436] If the user purchases the golf club, the fitter inputs the
club type of purchased golf club (purchased club type) to the
customer terminal 350. The input of fitting data performed by the
fitter is performed, for example, by selecting (touching or
clicking) a region in which the purchase d club type is
included.
[0437] As a result, fitting data indicating the recommended club
type and the purchased club type is transmitted from the customer
terminal 350 to the server 300.
[0438] In a case where a difference between the recommended club
type and the purchased club type is small, the accuracy of swing
diagnosis in the server 300 may be regarded to be high (the
recommended club type is fitted to the user), and, in a case where
a difference between the recommended club type and the purchased
club type is great, the accuracy of swing diagnosis in the server
300 may be regarded to be low (the recommended club type is not
fitted to the user).
[0439] Therefore, in the present modification example, the fitting
data transmitted to the server 300 is used for correction (feedback
correction) of a diagnosis table (an example of a diagnosis
reference) in the server 300. The diagnosis table which is a target
of the feedback correction is a diagnosis table dedicated to the
customer (the shop or the manufacturer) of the present modification
example.
[0440] Therefore, in the present modification example, as the
number of times of the fitter using the swing diagnosis system 1000
is increased, the diagnosis table (an example of a customer
diagnosis reference) dedicated to the customer (the shop or the
manufacturer) is optimized (customized), and thus the accuracy of
swing diagnosis is improved. In other words, a probability that a
recommended club type may be fitted to a user is improved.
[0441] If the accuracy of swing diagnosis is improved, the fitter
belonging to the shop or the manufacturer, even a beginner, can
reduce the time required to find a golf club fitted to a user (the
time required for fitting). In this case, the time required for a
user to purchase a golf club is also reduced.
[0442] Even if the fitter is inexperienced, the fitter performs
fitting with confidence on the basis of a recommended club type
supported by the swing diagnosis system 1000, and can thus give a
user a sense of security.
[0443] Here, as the fitting data, a "combination of the recommended
club type and the purchased club type" is used, but, at least one
of "review of a fitter", "pointing-out by a fitter", "improvements
from a fitter", and the like may be used instead of the "purchased
club type" or along with "purchased club type".
[0444] If the user ID and the customer ID are received from the
customer terminal 350, the server 300 acquires a diagnosis result
(recommended club type) for the user and dedicated to the customer
on the basis of the swing analysis data of the user and the
diagnosis table of the customer stored in the server 300 in
advance, and transmits the diagnosis result to the customer
terminal 350.
[0445] If the fitting data (a combination of the recommended club
type and the purchased club type) is received from the customer
terminal 350, the server 300 performs feedback correction on the
diagnosis table of the customer so that a difference between the
recommended club type and the purchased club type is reduced.
[0446] The server 300 adjusts the intensity of the feedback
correction (whether or not the feedback is performed, a shift
amount of a boundary position, a timing of the feedback reference
numeral, and the like) according to the reliability of the received
fitting data.
[0447] The server 300 estimates the reliability of the received
fitting data on the basis of the fitting data of the customer or
the swing analysis data of the user.
[0448] As mentioned above, the swing diagnosis system 1000 may be
formed of a manager of the server, a golf goods manufacturer or a
golf goods shop which is a customer, and a user visiting the golf
goods shop in order to purchase a golf club.
1-7. Application Example of Motion Analysis Apparatus
[0449] Next, with reference to FIG. 47, a description will be made
of an example of using a head mounted display (HMD) as the swing
analysis apparatus 20. FIG. 47 is a perspective view illustrating
an example of a head mounted display (HMD) as a motion analysis
apparatus.
1-7-1. Application Example 1
[0450] As illustrated in FIG. 47, a head mounted display (HMD) 500
includes a spectacle main body 501 mounted on the head of the user
2. The spectacle main body 501 is provided with a display section
502. The display section 502 integrates a light beam emitted from
an image display unit 503 with a light beam directed toward the
eyes of the user 2, and thus overlaps a virtual image on the image
display unit 503 with a real image of the external world viewed
from the user 2.
[0451] The display section 502 is provided with, for example, the
image display unit 503 such as an liquid crystal display (LCD), a
first beam splitter 504, a second beam splitter 505, a first
concave reflection mirror 506, a second concave reflection mirror
507, a shutter 508, and a convex lens 509.
[0452] The first beam splitter 504 is disposed on the front side of
the left eye of the user 2, and partially transmits and partially
reflects light emitted from the image display unit 503. The second
beam splitter 505 is disposed on the front side of the right eye of
the user 2, and partially transmits and partially reflects light
which is partially transmitted from the first beam splitter
504.
[0453] The first concave reflection mirror 506, which is disposed
in front of the first beam splitter 504, partially reflects the
partially reflected light from the first beam splitter 504 so as to
transmit the light through the first beam splitter 504, and thus
guides the light to the left eye of the user 2. The second concave
reflection mirror 507, which is disposed in front of the second
beam splitter 505, partially reflects the partially reflected light
from the second beam splitter 505 so as to transmit the light
through the second beam splitter 505, and thus guides the light to
the right eye of the user 2.
[0454] The convex lens 509 guides partially transmitted light from
the second beam splitter 505 to the outside of the head mounted
display (HMD) 500 when the shutter 508 is opened.
[0455] The analysis information (refer to FIGS. 35 to 43) in a
series of swing actions of the user 2, the swing information such
as a swing trajectory (not illustrated) approximating the swing
actions, and the like, as described in the display examples, are
displayed on the head mounted display (HMD) 500. The display
content is the same as in the above-described display examples, and
a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0456] According to the head mounted display (HMD) 500, since the
head mounted display (HMD) is mounted on the head and displays
information, the user 2 can understand swing information of the
user or attitude (position) information of the hands 2a without
holding the swing analysis apparatus (motion analysis apparatus) 20
including the display section 25 displaying information with the
hands.
[0457] The head mounted display (HMD) 500 may have the functions of
the swing analysis apparatus 20 and may display swing analysis or
swing information based on measured data from the sensor unit 10,
and may be used as a display section displaying image data
transmitted from the separate swing analysis apparatus 20. The
functions of the swing analysis apparatus (motion analysis
apparatus) 20 include the processing section 21 (an example of a
processing section), the communication section 22, the operation
section 23, the storage section 24, the display section 25, and the
sound output section 26 as described above.
1-7-2. Application Example 2
[0458] Next, with reference to FIG. 48, a description will be made
of an example of using an arm mounted analysis display apparatus as
an example of a wearable apparatus, as the motion analysis display
apparatus. FIG. 48 is a perspective view illustrating an arm
mounted motion analysis display apparatus as an example of a
wearable apparatus.
[0459] As illustrated in FIG. 48, a wearable (arm mounted) analysis
display apparatus 600 is mounted on a predetermined part (the wrist
in this example) of the user (subject) 2 (refer to FIG. 2) and
displays swing analysis or swing information based on measured data
from the sensor unit 10 (refer to FIG. 2). The analysis display
apparatus 600 includes an apparatus main body 610 which is worn by
the user 2 and displays swing analysis information such as swing
analysis or attitude information of the hands 2a (refer to FIG. 2)
of the user 2, and a band portion 615 which is attached to the
apparatus main body 610 and allows the apparatus main body 610 to
be mounted on the user 2.
[0460] The apparatus main body 610 of the analysis display
apparatus 600 is provided with a bottom case 613 on the side
mounted on the user 2, and a top case 611 on an opposite side to
the side mounted on the user 2. A bezel 618 is provided on a top
side (top case 611) of the apparatus main body 610, and a glass
plate 619 as a top plate portion (outer wall) which is disposed
inside the bezel 618 and protects inner structures is also
provided. A pair of band attachment portions 617 which is a
connection portion with the band portion 615 are provided on both
sides of the bottom case 613.
[0461] The apparatus main body 610 is provided with a display
portion such as a liquid crystal display (LCD 634) directly under
the glass plate 619. The user 2 can view swing analysis
information, attitude information of the hands 2a of the user 2, or
the like, displayed on the liquid crystal display (LCD 634) via the
glass plate 619. The apparatus main body 610 may include the
processing section 21, the communication section 22, the operation
section 23, the storage section 24, the display section 25, and the
sound output section 26 in the same manner as the swing analysis
apparatus 20 described with reference to FIG. 10. The display
section 25 corresponds to a display portion such as the liquid
crystal display (LCD 634) in this example.
[0462] The analysis information (refer to FIGS. 35 to 43) in a
series of swing actions of the user 2, the swing information such
as a swing trajectory (not illustrated) approximating the swing
actions, and the like, as described in the display examples, are
displayed on the display portion of the liquid crystal, display
(LCD 634). The display (presentation) content is the same as in the
above-described display examples, and a detailed description
thereof will be omitted.
[0463] Other advice information based on swing analysis results,
for example, a text image representing a swing type of the user 2
or a text image representing advice (practice method or the like)
suitable for the swing type of the user 2 may be displayed on the
display portion of the liquid crystal display (LCD 634). Moving
images as video pictures may be displayed on the display portion of
the liquid crystal display (LCD 634).
[0464] In the above description, an example in which the top plate
portion of the apparatus main body 610 is implemented by the glass
plate 619 has been described, but the top plate portion may be
formed by using materials other than glass, such as transparent
plastic, as long as a member is transparent so as to allow the LCD
634 to be viewed, and has the rigidity of being capable of
protecting constituent elements included in the top case 611 and
the bottom case 613, such as the LCD 634. A configuration example
in which the bezel 618 is provided has been described, but the
bezel 618 may not be provided.
[0465] According to the wearable (arm mounted) analysis display
apparatus 600, since analysis display apparatus is mounted on the
arm and displays information, the user 2 can understand swing
information of the user or attitude (position) information of the
hands 2a without holding the display portion (liquid crystal
display (LCD 634)) displaying information with the hands.
[0466] The wearable (arm mounted) analysis display apparatus 600
may have the functions of the swing analysis apparatus 20 and may
display swing analysis or swing information based measured data
from the sensor unit 10, and may be used as a display section
displaying image data transmitted from the separate swing analysis
apparatus 20. The functions of the swing analysis apparatus (motion
analysis apparatus) 20 include the processing section 21 (an
example of a processing section), the communication section 22, the
operation section 23, the storage section 24, the display section
25, and the sound output section 26, as described in the swing
analysis apparatus 20 of the above-described embodiment.
[0467] For example, the invention includes substantially the same
configuration (for example, a configuration in which functions,
methods, and results are the same, or a configuration in which
objects and effects are the same) as the configuration described in
the embodiment. The invention includes a configuration in which an
inessential part of the configuration described in the embodiment
is replaced with another part. The invention includes a
configuration which achieves the same operation and effect or a
configuration capable of achieving the same object as in the
configuration described in the embodiment. The invention includes a
configuration in which a well-known technique is added to the
configuration described in the embodiment.
[0468] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No.
2016-081825 filed Apr. 15, 2016 is expressly incorporated by
reference herein.
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