KR20070017041A - How to get sports equipment and movement information - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to sports equipment which includes a built-in optical sensor. Built-in light sensors include an image array and a navigation engine. The navigation engine receives image information originating from the image array and performs correlation on the image information to detect movement to calculate the overlap of the images and determine the shift between the images.

Description

How to get sports equipment and movement information {MOTION SENSOR IN SPORTING EQUIPMENT}

1 illustrates an optical motion sensor embedded in a ball according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 shows a simplified block diagram of an optical motion sensor in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

3 shows a simplified block diagram of a plurality of optical motion sensors according to another embodiment of the present invention.

4 illustrates an optical motion sensor embedded in a baseball bat according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 shows an optical motion sensor embedded in the head of a golf club according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 shows an optical motion sensor embedded in a flying disc such as a soccer ball and a Frisbee disc.

FIG. 7 illustrates a driving range used to obtain and analyze information from an optical motion sensor embedded in sports equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a view illustrating an optical motion sensor embedded in a belt that constitutes a sports equipment for monitoring an athlete's activity according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

21: Image Array 22: Analog-to-Digital Converter

23: automatic gain controller 24: navigation engine

29: transceiver 28: controller

In many sports, different types of equipment are used. This equipment can be classified into three classes. The first class of equipment includes equipment that serves as a sign or symbol of competition control. Typical examples of such signs of control are balls or disks.

The second class of equipment is an extension tool for athletes. Such equipment includes clubs, bats or rackets. The success a person achieves as an athlete is often determined by the efficient use of the extension tool and the efficient control of the interaction between the extension tool and the signs or symbols of control.

The third class of equipment is for monitoring sports activities. This includes speed meters, pedometers, stopwatches and the like.

For example, in a golf game, a golfer grabs and swings a golf club and hits the golf ball through impact so that the golf ball moves in the intended direction. If the golf ball deviates from its intended hole destination, for example, if the golfer hits the ball from the terering area where the ball is placed on the tee, the golf ball can be controlled as accurately as possible with precise control of the direction and distance the golf ball finally moves. It is often required to hit a golf ball with a golf club with sufficient force to deliver sufficient speed to the ball. Several factors, including the speed of the golf club at impact, the position of the club face in contact with the golf ball, and the direction of the clubface relative to the target at the moment of impact, have a great influence on determining the final end point of the golf ball. . The ability to monitor these factors is important feedback for training golfers to hit golf balls efficiently and accurately and for evaluating golf equipment.

Golf balls have round grooves, but not just for aesthetic reasons. The main reason the golf ball has a groove is to deliver the desired aerodynamic properties to the golf ball's flight. For example, a suitably placed groove allows the golf ball to fly the optimum distance for a given initial speed. The rotation transmitted to the golf ball at the moment of impact by the golf club interacts with aerodynamic forces and affects golf ball flight height, distance and direction. The ability to deliver the desired rotation to the golf ball is a very important ability for the highly skilled golf game.

When trained by highly skilled practitioners, golfers often observe the golf ball's flight to obtain information about the impact conditions of the golf club and golf ball. In addition, for highly professional analysts of golf equipment and golf swing machines, additional monitoring tools such as high speed video, speed guns, digital cameras, high speed strobes and image analysis equipment may be used. When used properly, these tools provide additional information about the impact and hitting conditions of the golf ball.

Transferring rotation to the ball is not only important for golf. Indeed, in all sports involving projections moving through the air, the control of the rate of rotation and the direction of movement are very important to success in the race. For example, a highly skilled pitcher in baseball can deliver a certain kind of rotation to the ball. The interaction between the rotation of a baseball with an uneven surface and airflow causes the baseball's trajectory to change as it moves from the pitcher's hand toward the batter. The ability to throw a baseball with various curve trajectories is possible by controlling the rotation of the baseball. Thus, the feedback regarding the actual rotation of the baseball at the moment the ball is released can be very helpful feedback for the pitcher. Similarly, RBI information, Frisbee flying disks and other similar sports equipment in football can be very useful for designing, evaluating and using sports equipment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the sports equipment comprises a built-in light sensor. Built-in light sensors include an image array and a navigation engine. The navigation engine receives image information sent from the image array to detect motion and performs correlation on the image information to calculate the overlap of the images and determine the shift between the images.

1 shows an optical motion sensor 11, an optical motion sensor 12 and an optical motion sensor 13 embedded in a ball 10. For example, the ball 10 is sports equipment such as a baseball, golf ball or other ball used in playing or playing sports. The optical motion sensors 11, 12, 13 are embedded at the positions of the balls 10 to form the orthogonal direction. This makes it possible to detect and monitor the direction of movement and rotation of the ball 10. If full information is not required, fewer optical motion sensors can be used. If extra information is required, an additional optical motion sensor can be used.

2 is a block diagram of an optical motion sensor. For example, the image array 21 is implemented using a 32x32 photodetector array. Alternatively, different array sizes may be used depending on the image resolution needed to provide sufficient information for a particular application. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 22 receives an analog signal from the image array 21 and converts this signal into digital data.

Automatic gain controller (AGC) 23 evaluates the digital data received from ADC 22 and controls the shutter speed and gain adjustment in image array 21. This prevents, for example, saturation or underexposure of the image captured by the image array 21.

The navigation engine 24 evaluates and correlates the digital data from the ADC 22 for motion detection to calculate the overlap of the images and determine the shift between the images. For example, correlation may be performed using an image processing algorithm such as convolution or in other ways to detect image shifts. The navigation engine 24 determines the delta x value disposed in the output unit 25 and the delta y value disposed in the output unit 26. The image array 21, the ADC 22 and the navigation engine 24 together form a tracking device that tracks the movement of the ball 10.

The controller 28 receives the delta x value disposed in the output 25 and the delta y value disposed in the output 26. Through the transceiver 29, the controller 28 sends representative values of these values to the host system. The delta x value disposed at the output 25 and the delta y value disposed at the output 26 are immediately transmitted continuously to the host system, or alternatively stored for later transmission in response to a query from the host system. Can be.

In general, only a fairly rudimentary image is often required in an application. For example, optical motion sensors located on the equator of a rotating golf ball typically see different patterns of "sky" and "land." The frequency of this detected pattern indicates the rotational speed of the golf ball. For this reason, precise imaging capabilities are often not required to obtain the desired information, depending on the particular implementation and application.

For example, optical motion sensor technology in existing optical mice can be directly applied to implementing the image array 21, ADC 22, AGC 23 and navigation engine 24. See, for example, USPN 5,644,139, USPN 5,578,813, USPN 5,786,804 and / or USPN 6,281,212 B1 for additional information on how to implement this standard or similar functionality of an optical mouse.

In FIG. 2 each optical motion sensor is completely self-contained, but some of the functionality may be shared between the optical motion sensors in the case of implementing one or more optical motion sensors in one component of sports equipment.

For example, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an implementation of three optical motion sensors. For the first optical motion sensor, the image array 31 is implemented using, for example, a 32x32 photodetector array. Alternatively, different array sizes may be used depending on the image resolution needed to provide sufficient information for a particular application. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 32 receives an analog signal from the image array 31 and converts this signal into digital data.

Automatic gain control (AGC) 33 evaluates the digital data received from ADC 32 and controls the shutter speed and gain adjustment in image array 31. This is done, for example, to prevent saturation and underexposure of the image captured by the image array 31.

The navigation engine 34 evaluates and correlates digital data from the ADC 32 to detect motion to calculate the overlap of the images and determine the shift between the images. The navigation engine 34 determines delta x values and delta y values that are disposed in the communication path 35.

For the second optical motion sensor, the image array 41 is implemented using, for example, a 32x32 photodetector array. Alternatively, different array sizes may be used depending on the image resolution needed to provide sufficient information for a particular application. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 42 receives an analog signal from the image array 41 and converts this signal into digital data.

Automatic gain control (AGC) 43 evaluates the digital data received from ADC 42 and controls the shutter speed and gain adjustment in image array 41. This is done, for example, to prevent saturation or lack of exposure of the image captured by the image array 41.

The navigation engine 44 evaluates and correlates digital data from the ADC 42 to detect motion to calculate the overlap of the images and determine the shift between the images. The navigation engine 44 determines the delta x value and the delta y value that are disposed in the communication path 45.

For the third optical motion sensor, the image array 51 is implemented using, for example, a 32x32 photodetector array. Alternatively, different array sizes may be used depending on the image resolution needed to provide sufficient information for a particular application. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 52 receives an analog signal from the image array 51 and converts the signal into digital data.

Automatic gain control (AGC) 53 evaluates the digital data received from ADC 52 and controls the shutter speed and gain adjustment in image array 51. This is done, for example, to prevent saturation or lack of exposure of the image captured by the image array 51.

The navigation engine 54 evaluates and correlates digital data from the ADC 52 to detect motion to calculate the overlap of the images and determine the shift between the images. The navigation engine 54 determines the delta x value and the delta y value that are disposed in the communication path 55.

The controller 38 receives delta x values and delta y values disposed in the communication data path 35, the communication data path 45, and the communication data path 55. For example, the communication data paths 35, 45 and 55 are implemented using wiring in sports equipment in which optical motion sensors are embedded. Alternatively, communication data paths 35, 45, and 55 can be implemented using wireless technology. The controller 38 sends representative values of these values to the host system via the transceiver 39. Representative values of the delta x value and the delta y value for each optical motion sensor may be immediately and continuously transmitted to the host system or alternatively may be stored for later transmission in response to a query from the host system.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates an optical motion sensor embedded in a ball, the optical motion sensor may be used in other kinds of sports equipment.

For example, FIG. 4 illustrates an optical motion sensor 61, an optical motion sensor 62, and an optical motion sensor 63 embedded in the bat 60. For example, bat 60 is a kind of bat used in baseball. The optical motion sensors 61, 62, 63 are embedded at the position of the bat 60 to point in the orthogonal direction. This allows for detecting and monitoring the direction and the movement of the bat 60. If complete information is not required, fewer optical motion sensors can be used. If extra information is required, an additional optical motion sensor can be used.

For example, FIG. 5 shows an optical motion sensor 71 embedded in the lower portion of the golf club head 70. A single optimal motion sensor allows to detect and monitor the swing speed of the club head 70. If full information is not required, fewer optical motion sensors can be used. Similarly, optical motion sensors may be embedded in other types of bats, sports rackets, paddles, and the like.

6 shows an optical motion sensor 91 and an optical sensor 92 embedded in a soccer ball 93. 6 shows an optical motion sensor 97 and an optical sensor 98 embedded in the flight disk 95. The soccer ball 93 and the flying disc 95 are intended to be exemplary for many kinds of balls and other sports equipment in which an optical monitor may be built.

Optical motion sensors may be embedded in other types of sports equipment. For example, an optical motion sensor may be mounted on a billiard ball and / or pool stick to detect characteristics of the contact and / or rotational characteristics (such as rotation or “English”). The optical motion sensor may be mounted to wheels such as bicycle wheels, skateboard wheels or inline skate wheels, for example, to detect movement characteristics such as the speed of the wheel surface. In the case of wheels, the built-in optical motion sensor allows absolute speed measurement without the need to know the tire circumference accurately to convert the rotational speed to linear speed.

FIG. 7 illustrates a practice field used to obtain and analyze information from an optical motion detector embedded in sports equipment. For example, the optical motion sensor is embedded in the ball 81 or the club 82. The light sensor collects information when the player 80 makes a golf swing. For example, if the ball 81 and the club 82 are properly positioned and oriented, the optical motion sensor can capture the nature of the impact between the club 82 and the ball 81. The optical motion sensor includes the actual speed at the moment of impact, the position of the club at which the impact occurs, the speed of the club 82 immediately before the impact, the speed of the ball 81 relative to the club 82 immediately after the impact, It may be positioned and oriented to observe the properties of the impact, including the direction of the club surface relative to the ball 81 during and after impact.

For example, the host system 83 located near the support 84 collects and analyzes information from the optical sensor. For example, host system 83 is a laptop computer or personal digital assistant (PDA) with wireless communication capabilities.

Sports equipment can be used to directly monitor the performer's movements. For example, FIG. 8 shows a belt 100 having an optical sensor 101, an embedded optical sensor 102 and an embedded optical sensor 103. Belt 100 is designed to attach an optical sensor directly to the attendant to monitor the attendant's activity. For example, the belt 100 may be sized to be attached to the waist, ankle, leg, wrist, forehead, chest, neck, etc. of the attendant. If you want additional feedback, you can use multiple belts. Similarly, the light sensor may be embedded in a uniform or other garment or jeweler's ornament and attached directly to the attendant to obtain feedback regarding the rider's movement.

For example, various light sensors may be attached to a performer, for example, attached to a gymnast, skater, runner, diver, dancer, actor, speaker, singer, or other type of performer during practice or performance. Track the movement of body parts over. The performer may be a person, but may be another kind of animal, for example a horse practicing for an equestrian event or a dog practicing for a race or show.

In addition to providing performance feedback, optical sensors can be used for other purposes. For example, a light sensor may be attached to the alert system to provide immediate feedback and / or alerts to the attendant. For example, feedback may indicate that the rider is not moving at a speed sufficient to cross the steeple, that the long jumper is not moving at the optimal speed to maximize the jump distance, or that the shot putter is to maximize the flying distance. It can be indicated that it is not rotating at the optimum rotation speed.

The foregoing descriptions are merely exemplary methods and embodiments of the present invention. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the core spirit or features thereof. Accordingly, the detailed description of the invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

According to the present invention, there is provided a sports equipment capable of monitoring the movement of the performer.

Claims (20)

As sports equipment, Including the optical sensor embedded in the sports equipment, The optical sensor Image arrays, A navigation engine that receives image information from the image array for motion detection, performs correlation on the image information, calculates superposition of images, and determines a shift between the images. Sports equipment. The method of claim 1, The sports equipment includes at least one additional optical sensor embedded therein. Sports equipment. The method of claim 1, The sports equipment is a substantially round ball that includes two additional light sensors embedded therein, Each optical sensor is embedded within the sports equipment and looks in a direction perpendicular to the other optical sensors embedded in the sports equipment. Sports equipment. The method of claim 1, The sports equipment is one of a golf ball, baseball ball, soccer ball, flying disc, billiard ball Sports equipment. The method of claim 1, The sports equipment is one of a golf club, baseball bats, bicycle wheels, inline skate wheels, skateboard wheels, a pool cue Sports equipment. The method of claim 1, The optical sensor, An analog-to-digital converter that receives an analog signal from the image array and converts the signal into digital data; And an automatic gain controller that evaluates the digital data received from the analog-to-digital converter and controls shutter speed and gain adjustment in the image array. Sports equipment. The method of claim 1, The optical sensor, And a controller for receiving motion detection information from the navigation engine and transmitting a representative value of the motion detection information from the navigation engine to a host system. Sports equipment. The method of claim 1, The sports equipment, At least one additional optical sensor embedded in the sports equipment; And a controller that receives motion detection information from the optical sensor and the at least one additional optical sensor and transmits a representative value of the motion detection information to a host system. Sports equipment. The method of claim 1, The sports equipment is attached directly to the performer to monitor the move of the performer. Sports equipment. A method of obtaining motion information from sports equipment, Embedding an optical sensor embedded in the sports equipment, the optical sensor receiving image information originating from the image array to detect movement and performing correlation with the image information to superimpose the images. Includes a navigation engine that calculates and determines shifts between images-and, Collecting and evaluating information from the embedded optical sensor; Method of obtaining motion information. The method of claim 10, Embedding at least one optical sensor embedded within the sports equipment; Collecting and evaluating information from the at least one additional embedded optical sensor; Method of obtaining motion information. The method of claim 10, Embedding two additional optical sensors embedded in the sports equipment such that each optical sensor embedded in the sports equipment faces in a direction perpendicular to other optical sensors embedded in the sports equipment. Method of obtaining motion information. The method of claim 10, The correlation with respect to the image information is performed using convolution Method of obtaining motion information. As sports equipment, Including the optical motion detection means embedded in the sports equipment, The optical motion detection means, Means for generating image information, Means for receiving said image information to detect motion and performing correlation on said image information to calculate superposition of images and to determine shifts between images; Sports equipment. The method of claim 14, The sports equipment includes at least one additional means for detecting optical movement embedded therein. Sports equipment. The method of claim 14, The sports equipment is a substantially round ball comprising two additional optical motion sensing means embedded therein, Each optical motion sensing means built into the sports equipment looks in a direction perpendicular to the other optical motion sensing means built into the sports equipment. Sports equipment. The method of claim 14, The sports equipment is one of a golf ball, baseball ball, soccer ball, flying disc Sports equipment. The method of claim 14, The sports equipment is either a golf club or a baseball bat Sports equipment. The method of claim 14, The sports equipment is attached directly to the performer to monitor the move of the performer. Sports equipment. The method of claim 14, The sports equipment, At least one additional optical motion detecting means embedded in the sports equipment; And a controller for receiving motion detection information from the optical motion detection means and the at least one additional optical motion detection means and transmitting a representative value of the motion detection information to a host system. Sports equipment.

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