U.S. patent application number 16/136027 was filed with the patent office on 2019-03-28 for motion correction apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Shigenori Hiruta, Shiro Kitamura, Daisuke Muramatsu, Shuji Nakayama.
Application Number | 20190091513 16/136027 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65808572 |
Filed Date | 2019-03-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190091513 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kitamura; Shiro ; et
al. |
March 28, 2019 |
MOTION CORRECTION APPARATUS
Abstract
A motion correction apparatus, including: a setting portion
configured to set a target motion; a detecting unit configured to
detect an actual motion of a user corresponding to the target
motion; a motion correcting unit configured to correct user motion
by applying an external stimuli to a body or a brain of the user;
and an outputting unit configured to output control signals to the
motion correcting unit based on an attainment level of the actual
motion detected by the detecting unit to the target motion so that
the actual motion approaches to the target motion, wherein the
target motion includes a final target motion and a single or a
plurality of intermediate target motion set in steps up to the
final target motion.
Inventors: |
Kitamura; Shiro; (Wako-shi,
JP) ; Muramatsu; Daisuke; (Tokyo, JP) ;
Hiruta; Shigenori; (Wako-shi, JP) ; Nakayama;
Shuji; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
65808572 |
Appl. No.: |
16/136027 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2213/004 20130101;
A61B 5/1128 20130101; A63B 24/0087 20130101; A63B 2024/0012
20130101; A61N 1/0484 20130101; A63B 2220/89 20130101; G06K 9/00342
20130101; A61B 5/1122 20130101; A63B 2220/836 20130101; G06K
9/00536 20130101; G09B 19/0038 20130101; A61N 1/3603 20170801; A63B
2024/0093 20130101; A61B 5/0476 20130101; A63B 2220/807 20130101;
A63B 69/3608 20130101; A63B 2230/105 20130101; A61B 5/6803
20130101; A63B 2220/40 20130101; A61N 1/0452 20130101; A61N 1/0492
20130101; A63B 69/3623 20130101; A63B 24/0006 20130101; A61B
2562/0219 20130101; A63B 2230/085 20130101; A61N 1/36003 20130101;
A63B 2022/0092 20130101; A61N 1/0476 20130101; A63B 69/36
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A63B 69/36 20060101 A63B069/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 26, 2017 |
JP |
2017-185124 |
Claims
1. A motion correction apparatus, comprising: a detecting unit
configured to detect an actual motion of a user corresponding to a
target motion; a motion correcting unit configured to correct user
motion by applying an external stimuli to a body or a brain of the
user; and a processor and a memory, the processor configured to set
a target motion, and the processor configured to output control
signals to the motion correcting unit based on an attainment level
of the actual motion detected by the detecting unit to the target
motion so that the actual motion approaches to the target motion,
wherein the target motion includes a final target motion and a
single or a plurality of intermediate target motion set in steps up
to the final target motion.
2. The motion correction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the processor is configured to output control signals to the motion
correcting unit based on the attainment level of the actual motion
detected by the detecting unit to the intermediate target motion so
that the actual motion approaches to the intermediate target
motion, and configured to output, when the attainment level of the
actual motion to the intermediate target motion is equal to or
greater than a predetermined value, control signals to the motion
correcting unit based on the attainment level of the actual motion
detected by the detecting unit to the final target motion so that
the actual motion approaches to the final target motion.
3. The motion correction apparatus according to claim 2, further
comprising: a selecting unit configured to select one of a
plurality of the final target motion in response to a command from
the user, wherein the processor is configured to set the final
target motion selected by the selecting unit, wherein the processor
is configured to output the control signals to the motion
correcting unit so that the actual motion detected by the detecting
unit approaches to the final target motion.
4. The motion correction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the motion correcting unit is further configured to be worn on the
body of the user, and configured as an equipment having an
electrode or an actuator, wherein the processor is configured to
output control signals to the electrode or the actuator based on
the attainment level of the actual motion to the target motion.
5. The motion correction apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
the processor is configured to output electric control signals
larger in proportion as the attainment level of the actual motion
to the target motion is lower.
6. The motion correction apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a display configured to display the attainment level of
the actual motion to the target motion.
7. The motion correction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the processor is configured to set an initial target motion based
on an initial attainment level of the actual motion detected by the
detecting unit to the final target motion.
8. A motion correction method, comprising: setting a target motion;
detecting an actual motion of a user corresponding to the target
motion; and correcting user motion by applying an external stimuli
to a body or a brain of the user based on an attainment level of
the actual motion detected by the detecting unit to the target
motion so that the actual motion approaches to the target motion,
wherein the target motion includes a final target motion and a
single or a plurality of intermediate target motion set in steps up
to the final target motion.
9. A motion correction apparatus, comprising: a setting portion
configured to set a target motion; a detecting unit configured to
detect an actual motion of a user corresponding to the target
motion; a motion correcting unit configured to correct user motion
by applying an external stimuli to a body or a brain of the user;
and an outputting unit configured to output control signals to the
motion correcting unit based on an attainment level of the actual
motion detected by the detecting unit to the target motion so that
the actual motion approaches to the target motion, wherein the
target motion includes a final target motion and a single or a
plurality of intermediate target motion set in steps up to the
final target motion.
10. The motion correction apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
the outputting unit is further configured to output control signals
to the motion correcting unit based on the attainment level of the
actual motion detected by the detecting unit to the intermediate
target motion so that the actual motion approaches to the
intermediate target motion, and configured to output, when the
attainment level of the actual motion to the intermediate target
motion is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, control
signals to the motion correcting unit based on the attainment level
of the actual motion detected by the detecting unit to the final
target motion so that the actual motion approaches to the final
target motion.
11. The motion correction apparatus according to claim 10, further
comprising: a selecting unit configured to select one of a
plurality of the final target motion in response to a command from
the user, wherein the setting portion is further configured to set
the final target motion selected by the selecting unit, wherein the
outputting unit is further configured to output the control signals
to the motion correcting unit so that the actual motion detected by
the detecting unit approaches to the final target motion set by the
setting portion.
12. The motion correction apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
the motion correcting unit is further configured to be worn on the
body of the user, and configured as an equipment having an
electrode or an actuator, wherein the outputting unit is further
configured to output control signals to the electrode or the
actuator based on the attainment level of the actual motion to the
target motion.
13. The motion correction apparatus according to claim 12, wherein
the outputting unit is further configured to output electric
control signals larger in proportion as the attainment level of the
actual motion to the target motion is lower.
14. The motion correction apparatus according to claim 9, further
comprising: a display configured to display the attainment level of
the actual motion to the target motion.
15. The motion correction apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
the setting portion is further configured to set an initial target
motion based on an initial attainment level of the actual motion
detected by the detecting unit to the final target motion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-185124 filed on
Sep. 26, 2017, the content of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a motion correction apparatus and
a motion correction method for correcting user motion.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Among conventional apparatuses of this type are known ones
that compare actual user motion data with pre-stored standard
motion data, generate data for motion correction based on result of
the comparison, and output the generated data to a motion guidance
unit. Such an apparatus is described in Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication No. 2010-246912 (JP2010-246912A), for example. The
apparatus of JP2010-246912A responds to occurrence of a difference
between standard motion data and actual motion data by outputting a
vibration or sound signal to a device worn by the user and thereby
informing the user that his or her actual motion was incorrect.
[0004] However, it is difficult to efficiently correct user motion
with an apparatus like that of the aforesaid JP2010-246912A
configured to inform the user of incorrect motions using vibration
and/or sound.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An aspect of the present invention is a motion correction
apparatus, including: a detecting unit configured to detect an
actual motion of a user corresponding to a target motion; a motion
correcting unit configured to correct user motion by applying an
external stimuli to a body or a brain of the user; and a processor
and a memory, the processor configured to set a target motion, and
the processor configured to output control signals to the motion
correcting unit based on an attainment level of the actual motion
detected by the detecting unit to the target motion so that the
actual motion approaches to the target motion. The target motion
includes a final target motion and a single or a plurality of
intermediate target motion set in steps up to the final target
motion.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is a motion
correction apparatus, including: a setting portion configured to
set a target motion; a detecting unit configured to detect an
actual motion of a user corresponding to the target motion; a
motion correcting unit configured to correct user motion by
applying an external stimuli to a body or a brain of the user; and
an outputting unit configured to output control signals to the
motion correcting unit based on an attainment level of the actual
motion detected by the detecting unit to the target motion so that
the actual motion approaches to the target motion. The target
motion includes a final target motion and a single or a plurality
of intermediate target motion set in steps up to the final target
motion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become clearer from the following description of
embodiments in relation to the attached drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of user motion to
which a motion correction apparatus according to an embodiment of
the present invention is applied;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing
configuration of the motion correction apparatus according to the
embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a relationship between desired
attainment degree and desired motions used by the motion correction
apparatus of FIG. 2;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing
performed by a computing unit of FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation
of the motion correction apparatus according to the embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0013] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a modification of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] An embodiment of the present invention is explained below
with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The motion correction apparatus
according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured
to correct user motions by outputting electric signals to equipment
worn by a user so as to make user motions approach desired motions.
Desired motions can be any of numerous types including, for
example, motions involved in various field and water sports,
dancing and the like, motions involved in different leisure and
recreational activities, and ordinary motions involved in
performance of daily activities. An example using golf swing
motions as desired motions is taken up in the following.
[0015] For example, a golf beginner needs to practice in order to
learn ideal swing motions but cannot do so efficiently simply by
imitating exemplary swings while watching a video or the like. In
fact, it is particularly difficult for a learner to improve actual
motions toward desired motions simply by watching and imitating
when, for example, difference between the learner's actual motions
and the ideal motions (desired motions) is great. In view of this,
the motion correction apparatus according to this embodiment is
configured so that a learner can easily and efficiently improve
actual motions toward achieving desired motions.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of user motion to
which the motion correction apparatus according to the present
embodiment is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, motion correction
equipment 1 is fitted on a user's body (upper body and/or arms, for
example) by means of straps and other fittings. The equipment 1
incorporates, for example, multiple electrode pads 1a (only one
shown) at predetermined positions corresponding to muscles most
strongly affecting swing motion. Electric current can therefore be
applied to the electrode pads 1a to impart properly timed
electrical stimuli to predetermined muscle positions. As a result,
swing motion can be corrected by causing muscles at predetermined
positions to perform contracting motions independent of the user
consciousness.
[0017] Alternatively, correction of swing motion can be achieved by
incorporating electric motors or other such actuators into the
equipment 1 and outputting control signals to the actuators so as
to operate them to apply properly timed external forces of
predetermined magnitude to predetermined positions of the user's
body.
[0018] Optionally, cap-shaped equipment 2, for example, is fitted
on the user's head instead of, or in addition to, the equipment 1
worn on the user's body. The equipment 2 incorporates, for example,
one or more electrodes 2a at positions corresponding to areas of
the brain that instruct muscle movements. Electric current can
therefore be applied to the electrodes 2a to impart electrical
stimuli to brain areas. As a result, swing motion can be corrected
by inducing the user to perform predetermined motions.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing essential components of a
motion correction apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the motion correction
apparatus 100 is centered on a controller 10 to which detectors 20,
an input unit 30, a display unit 40, and the electrode pads 1a are
electrically connected by wired or wireless connection. When the
user wears the equipment 2, the electrodes 2a are connected to the
controller 10. When the equipment 1 incorporates actuators
(electric motors), the actuators are connected to the controller
10.
[0020] The detectors 20 include one or more CCD or other image
sensor-equipped cameras for imaging user swing motions. User swing
motion characteristics, i.e., swing trajectory, timing, speed and
the like, can be detected from picture signals produced by these
cameras. Various sensors can be used in the detectors 20 instead
of, or in addition to cameras, including, for example, acceleration
sensors for detecting acceleration and force acting on certain
parts of the user's body, force sensors, and displacement sensors
for detecting displacement and angular change of certain parts of
the user's body. Some or all of such sensors can be incorporated in
the equipment 1 and 2. The equipment 2 in particular can be
provided with sensors for detecting brain activity including, for
example, sensors for detecting brain waves/electroencephalographic
waves and state of brain blood flow. Signals from the detectors 20
are sent to the controller 10.
[0021] The input unit 30 comprises various switches, a keyboard, a
touch panel and the like that can be operated by the user to input
various instructions and data to the controller 10. The input unit
30 also includes a microphone the user can use to vocally input
various instructions and information. The input unit 30 has a
selector 31 as a functional constituent. The selector 31 is
responsive to a selection operation by the user for selecting a
single operation from among multiple operations stored in the
controller 10 (a memory unit 15 thereof).
[0022] The display unit 40 includes a monitor responsive to
instructions from the controller 10 for informing the user of
various information. The display unit 40 can, for example, display
user actual swing motion (actual motion), desired swing motion
(desired motion), degree of difference between actual motion and
desired motion (attainment gap versus desired motion), and so
forth. The display unit 40 can also be adapted to guide the user in
operating the input unit 30 by, for example, showing a list
operations selectable using the selector 31. Although not
illustrated in the drawings, a speaker can be connected to the
controller 10 for vocally announcing information.
[0023] The controller 10 has a computer comprising a CPU or other
computing unit 10A, a memory unit 10B including ROM, RAM and the
like, and other peripheral circuits. The computing unit 10A
comprises a setting portion 11, a calculating portion 12 and an
outputting portion 13 as functional constituents. Optionally, some
functions of the controller 10 can be shared among multiple
intercommunicating controllers.
[0024] Multiple desired motions are stored in the controller 10 in
advance. These desired motions include swing motions of
professional golfer A, professional golfer B, and a number of other
professional golfers. These desired motions can include various
different swing motions to be recommended in accordance with
attributes of the user including, for example, gender, age, and
golf skill level. Swing motions directed to increasing ball flight
distance, curing hook or slice, and other such purposes can also be
included among the desired motions. The controller 10 can be
adapted to acquire desired motions from external servers and the
like for storage in the memory unit 10B.
[0025] The setting portion 11 sets a desired motion selected by the
user using the selector 31 as a final desired motion. For example,
it sets a swing motion of professional golfer A or professional
golfer B as the final swing motion. In addition, the setting
portion 11 sets one or more motion steps as intermediate desired
motions (phases) up to the final swing motion. The intermediate
desired motions are lower skill level motions than the final
desired motion.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of desired motions
set by the setting portion 11. In the example of FIG. 3, a final
desired motion and two intermediate motion phases (first
intermediate desired motion and second intermediate desired motion)
are set. Defining proficiency of the final desired motion as 100%,
the first intermediate desired motion is set at a considerably
lower proficiency of .alpha.1 (e.g., 30%) and the second
intermediate desired motion is set at a somewhat less lower
proficiency of .alpha.2 (e.g., 60%). Before setting the desired
motion to the final desired motion, the setting portion 11 sets
proficiencies .alpha.1 and .alpha.2 of intermediate desired motions
predetermined in accordance with difference between final desired
motion and user actual motion, i.e. in accordance with attainment
degree gap between actual motion and final desired motion.
[0027] The calculating portion 12 of FIG. 2 calculates degree of
difference between user actual motion detected by the detectors 20
and desired motion set by the setting portion 11. For example, it
calculates degree of difference regarding swing motion aspects such
as trajectory, speed and timing. Specifically the calculating
portion 12 calculates degree .beta.(%) actual motion attainment
with respect to desired motion defined as 100% attainment.
[0028] The outputting portion 13 sends the electrode pads 1a
control signals based on attainment degree .beta. calculated by the
calculating portion 12. In other words, the outputting portion 13
sends the electrode pads 1a motion correction control signals for
improving user actual motions toward desired motions, e.g., larger
electric signals in proportion as the attainment degree .beta. is
smaller. The outputting portion 13 also sends the display unit 40
control signals to display desired motion attainment degree .beta.
and other information on the display unit 40.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing
performed by the computing unit 10A in accordance with a program
loaded in the memory unit 10B in advance, particularly an example
of processing related to control of the electrode pads 1a. The
processing shown in this flowchart is started, for example, when
the user operates a start switch or the like of the input unit 30
after selecting the final desired motion through the selector
31.
[0030] First, in S1 (S: processing Step), initial actual motion of
the user detected by the detectors 20 is read. Next, in S2, initial
actual motion and actual motion attainment degree .beta. with
respect to the final desired motion selected in the selector 31
(initial attainment degree) are calculated, and initial desired
motion is set in accordance with the calculated initial attainment
degree. For example, a target value of attainment degree with
respect to the desired motion, namely, a target attainment degree
.beta.a (e.g., 90%), is defined in advance, and the desired motion
is set in accordance with the size of the attainment degree .beta.
and target attainment degree .beta.a. In the example of FIG. 3,
initial desired motion is set as first intermediate desired motion
when initial attainment degree .beta. is less than .alpha.1
.times..beta.a, as second intermediate desired motion when initial
attainment degree .beta. is equal to or greater than .alpha.1
.times..beta.a and less than .alpha.2 .times..beta.a, and as final
actual motion when initial attainment degree .beta. is equal to or
greater than .alpha.2.times..beta.a. Optionally, value of target
attainment degree .beta.a can be changed every desired motion step
rather than being set at a fixed value.
[0031] In S2, desired motion is upgraded until desired motion
reaches final desired motion. For example, when first intermediate
desired motion is set as initial desired motion in first processing
run of S2, second intermediate desired motion is set as desired
motion in following processing run of S2, and final desired motion
is set in next following processing run of S2.
[0032] In step S3, user actual motion detected by the detectors 20
is read. Next, in S4, degree of difference between detected swing
motion and desired motion, i.e., attainment degree .beta. of actual
motion with respect to desired motion (intermediate desired motion
or final desired motion), is calculated. Next, in S5, whether
calculated attainment degree .beta. is equal to or greater than
target attainment degree .beta.a is determined. When the result in
S5 is NO, the program goes to S6.
[0033] In S6, motion correction processing for correcting user
swing motion is performed. Specifically, during user swing motion,
properly timed control signals matched to attainment degree .beta.
are output to electrode pads 1a at selected locations. For example,
electric signals larger in proportion as attainment degree is
smaller are output to selected electrode pads 1a so as to stimulate
muscle movements that improve user actual motion toward desired
motion. Upon completion of motion correction processing, the
program returns to S3 to repeat the aforesaid processing.
[0034] On the other hand, when the result in S5 YES, the program
goes to S7 to determine whether the desired motion set in S2 is the
final desired motion, i.e., whether user actual motion attainment
degree .beta. (percent) is equal to or greater than target
attainment degree .beta.a and has reached the desired motion
proficiency (100%). When the result in S7 is NO, the program
returns to S2 to set a new desired motion. For example, when the
immediately preceding desired motion was the first intermediate
desired motion of FIG. 3, the second intermediate desired motion,
and when it was the second intermediate desired motion of FIG. 3,
the final desired motion, is set as the new desired motion. When
the result in S7 is YES, the processing is terminated.
[0035] Main operations of the motion correction apparatus according
to the present embodiment are concretely explained in the
following. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of user
proficiency progress over time. As shown in FIG. 5, where level
(proficiency) of initial user swing motion detected by the
detectors 20 at initial time t0 is .alpha.0 (point P0), first
intermediate desired motion is set as the desired motion (S2).
Motion correction processing is then performed in accordance with
degree of user's actual motion attainment with respect to the first
intermediate desired motion so as to improve user actual motion
toward the first intermediate desired motion (S6).
[0036] As the user's swing motion proficiency increases over time
and actual motion attainment degree .beta. with respect to the
first intermediate desired motion (proficiency .alpha.1) reaches or
exceeds target attainment degree .beta.a (e.g., 90%) (point P1) at
time t1, i.e., when user proficiency approaches .alpha.1 to within
a predetermined degree, a new desired motion (second intermediate
desired motion) is set (S5.fwdarw.S7.fwdarw.S2). Motion correction
processing is then performed in accordance with degree of user' s
actual motion attainment with respect to the second intermediate
desired motion so as to improve user actual motion toward the
second intermediate desired motion (S6).
[0037] As actual motion attainment degree .beta. with respect to
the second intermediate desired motion (proficiency level .alpha.2)
increases with further passage of time to reach or exceed target
attainment degree .beta.a (point P2) at time t2, another new
desired motion (final desired motion) is set. Motion correction
processing is then performed in accordance with degree of user's
actual motion attainment with respect to the final desired motion
so as to improve user actual motion toward the final desired
motion. When user actual motion attainment degree .beta. reaches or
exceeds target attainment degree .beta.a and degree of user's swing
motion increases to substantially 100% (point P3) at time t3,
motion correction processing is terminated.
[0038] Owing to the adoption of a configuration that gradually
increases desired motion level in this way, divergence between
actual motion and desired motion can be constantly maintained
within a predetermined range. As a result, user swing motion can be
easily and efficiently improved by motion correction performed by
operating the electrode pads 1a with minimum burden on the
user.
[0039] The present embodiment can achieve advantages and effects
such as the following:
[0040] (1) The motion correction apparatus 100 includes: the
setting portion 11 for setting desired golf swing motion; the
detectors 20 for detecting user swing motion; the equipment 1
(electrode pads 1a) for correcting user motion by applying
electrical stimuli to the body of the user; and the outputting
portion 13 for outputting control signals to the electrode pads 1a
in accordance with user actual motion attainment with respect to
desired motion so as to improve actual motion detected by the
detectors 20 toward desired motion (FIG. 2). Desired motion
includes final desired motion and intermediate desired motion set
in steps up to final desired motion (first intermediate desired
motion and second intermediate desired motion) (FIG. 3). Owing to
adoption of such a configuration that operates the equipment 1 to
apply electrical stimuli to the user's body, sets stepwise
intermediate desired motions up to final desired motion, and
gradually increases desired motion level, user swing motion
proficiency can be simply and efficiently improved.
[0041] (2) The outputting portion 13 first outputs control signals
to the electrode pads la in accordance with actual motion
attainment degree .beta. with respect to intermediate desired
motion so as to improve user motion detected by the detectors 20
toward intermediate desired motion. Next, when actual motion
attainment degree .beta. with respect to intermediate desired
motion reaches or exceeds target attainment degree .beta.a, the
outputting portion 13 outputs control signals to the electrode pads
1a in accordance with actual motion attainment degree .beta. with
respect to final desired motion so as to improve actual motion
detected by the detectors 20 toward final desired motion. By
gradually increasing desired motion level in this manner, user
swing motion can be gradually and efficiently upgraded to final
desired motion.
[0042] (3) The motion correction apparatus 100 additionally
includes the selector 31 for selecting one among multiple final
desired motions in response to an instruction from the user (FIG.
2). The setting portion 11 implements the final desired motion
selected by the selector 31. The outputting portion 13 outputs
control signals to the electrode pads 1a so as to induce the user
to improve actual motion detected by the detectors 20 toward the
final desired motion set by the setting portion 11. Since the user
is therefore able to correct swing motion toward a final desired
motion he or she prefers among multiple final desired motions, the
user enjoys a high degree of satisfaction. If swing motions of
professional golfer A and professional golfer B, for example, are
included among candidate swing motions selectable by the user, the
user can easily master swing motions of a favorite professional
golfer.
[0043] (4) The electrode pads 1a are incorporated in the equipment
1 worn on the user's body, and the outputting portion 13 outputs
control signals to the electrode pads la in accordance with actual
motion attainment degree .beta. with respect to the desired motion.
The application of electrical stimuli to the user's body in
accordance with attainment degree .beta. in this manner enables
easy correction of the user's swing motion.
[0044] (5) The motion correction method includes the steps of
setting desired motion (S2), detecting user actual motion relative
to desired motion (S3), and correcting user motion by applying
external electrical stimuli to the body of the user in accordance
with user actual motion attainment with respect to desired motion
and thereby improve detected actual motion toward desired motion
(S6). Desired motion includes final desired motion and intermediate
desired motion set in steps up to final desired motion. This
enables easy and efficient improvement of improvement of user swing
motion proficiency.
[0045] Various modifications of the aforesaid embodiment are
possible. One example is explained in the following. FIG. 6 is a
diagram showing a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 1. In FIG.
6, equipment 3 for correcting walking motion is fitted on a user's
body (lower body, for example). This equipment 3 incorporates, for
example, multiple electrode pads 3a (only one shown) at positions
corresponding to muscles most strongly affecting walking motion,
and properly timed electrical stimuli are applied through the
electrode pads 3a to muscles at certain positions. As a result,
user walking motion can be corrected. Optionally, the equipment 2
can be worn on the user's head and used to correct walking
motions.
[0046] Motions that can be corrected by the motion correction
apparatus are not limited to those mentioned above. The equipment
fitted on the user's body or brain is therefore not limited to that
mentioned above. In other words, the equipment 1 to 3 can be of any
configuration insofar it is adapted to correct user motion by
applying external stimuli to the user's body or brain. The
aforesaid embodiment is adapted to store desired golf swing motions
in the memory unit 10B, but target motions of other types can also
be stored in the memory unit 10B. The aforesaid embodiment is
adapted to detect user swing motion using the detectors 20, but the
detection unit can be suitably modified in accordance with target
motion. The configuration of the outputting portion 13 is not
limited to the aforesaid insofar as it enables output of control
signals to the motion correction unit in accordance with user
actual motion attainment with respect to target motion and thereby
improves actual motion detected by the detection unit toward target
motion.
[0047] In the aforesaid embodiment (FIG. 3), the setting portion 11
is adapted to set the final desired motion, first intermediate
desired motion and second intermediate desired motion, but insofar
as a stepwise approach to final target motion is established, it
can be adapted to set a single intermediate target motion or three
or more intermediate target motions. Moreover, when user initial
motion level is already near final desired motion, intermediate
target motion can be skipped and final target motion set from the
start.
[0048] The aforesaid embodiment is adapted to use the motion
correction apparatus 100 to correct golf swing motion, but the
motion correction apparatus of this invention can be similarly
applied to, inter alia, various cases of motion correction of
sports other than golf as well as of motions other than sports
(e.g., rehabilitation motion).
[0049] The above embodiment can be combined as desired with one or
more of the above modifications. The modifications can also be
combined with one another.
[0050] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily
and effectively correct user motion.
[0051] Above, while the present invention has been described with
reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be
understood, by those skilled in the art, that various changes and
modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope
of the appended claims.
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