Training device

Abstract

Provided is a training device that can be useful in connection with sports training, such as helping a golfer to improve his or her golf putting stroke. The device is worn on the user's wrist or forearm and uses an active sensor, such as a laser rangefinder, to measure motion with respect to a point on the user's hand.

Description

This application is filed with respect to the inventions disclosed in

• Disclosure Document Number 570713 filed with the USPTO on Feb. 17, 2005;
• Disclosure Document Number 571099 filed with the USPTO on Feb. 22, 2005;
• Disclosure Document Number 571687 filed with the USPTO on Feb. 28, 2005;
• Disclosure Document Number 572594 filed with the USPTO on Mar. 11, 2005;
• Disclosure Document Number 572623 filed with the USPTO on Mar. 14, 2005;
• Disclosure Document Number 574740 filed with the USPTO on Apr. 12, 2005; and
• Disclosure Document Number 574741 filed with the USPTO on Apr. 12, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a training device, e.g., for use in sports training, and particularly is applicable to a training device for providing feedback regarding movement of a user's wrist.

BACKGROUND

A significant problem that many athletes encounter when playing sports is that the athlete bends his or her wrist at an inappropriate time during a particular movement, such as a golf putting stroke or a tennis swing. A variety of different techniques have been attempted to prevent this. However, all of such conventional techniques have significant disadvantages. For example, certain conventional training techniques use a brace to physically inhibit the wearer's wrist from bending. Unfortunately, such braces often are bulky and heavy, thereby interfering with other aspects of the wearer's natural movements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a conceptual view showing the operation of a training device, according to a representative embodiment of the present invention, in use.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are side elevational views of the device of FIG. 1, in two different rotational orientations.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a device according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing the operational modes of a device according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing how the evaluation mode of a device according to the present invention is activated according to certain representative embodiments thereof.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing the processing performed in an evaluation mode according to certain representative embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing how a device according to the present invention may be used, in accordance with certain representative embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The present invention, in its various embodiments, provides feedback for monitoring a user's wrist movement. In certain embodiments, the feedback is instantaneous, thereby permitting the user to make real-time adjustments to a particular motion sequence that may include, not only wrist movement (or activity in which the wrist is supposed to remain stationary), but also movements of other parts of the body. In certain embodiments of the invention, information regarding wrist movement is stored for later analysis and/or both is provided in real-time and also is stored for later analysis. As will be readily appreciated, the present invention can be used beneficially in connection with sports training or in any other situation in which it is important to perform a sequence of motions properly, e.g., in the workplace where improper repetitive motions might lead to inefficiencies or even injury.

In some of the preferred embodiments described below, the present invention concerns a golf putting training device to teach golfers to steady their hands during the practice stroke or the actual stroke, thereby promoting a smoother, more solid, sweet-spot putt. However, a device according to the present invention also can be used for other sports and/or in other training situations where it is important that the user maintains a steady wrist position (e.g., straight or at some other fixed angle).

Preferred Configuration of Training Device

FIG. 1 illustrates a conceptual view showing the operation of a training device 5 while in use. Preferably, training device 5 includes a base portion 10 (which, in turn, preferably includes the electronics for the device 5) and a sensor 12 that is mounted on top of base portion 10.

In the present embodiment, training device 5 also includes a band 14 that may be worm, e.g., around the user's wrist or forearm. However, in an alternate embodiment training device 5 is mounted on top of a wristwatch or other device worn on the wrist or forearm (e.g., temporarily with a suction-cup or using any combination of clips, screws or the like), thereby obviating the need for a separate band 14. In a still further embodiment, training device 5 is incorporated into a wristwatch (which also tells time and date, in the same manner as a conventional watch). In any event, training device 5 preferably is worn on the user's wrist or forearm (e.g., close to the user's wrist).

As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 12 preferably is elevated above the user's wrist or forearm (as applicable). Such a configuration permits sensor 12 to have a clear path 20 to a point 22 on the back of the user's hand (e.g., either for transmitting and receiving a reflected beam or for simply detecting the spot 22). In this regard, sensor 12 preferably is a distance or motion sensor, but instead may be a simple binary detection sensor for sensing the absence or presence of a spot (e.g., taped or drawn) on the user's hand. In the latter case, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1 of the spot 22 will be visible to sensor 12 with the user's hand oriented as shown in FIG. 1, but will not be detected when the user bends his wrist forward such that the path 20 completely misses the back of the user's hand.

More preferably, sensor 12 is an active sensor that emits a beam and receives its reflection from the target point 22 on the back of the user's hand, which information is then used to calculate motion (e.g., either directly using Doppler principles or based on changes in distance to point 22). Accordingly, in the preferred embodiments of the invention sensor 12 is implemented as a laser, LED (light-emitting diode), infrared, ultrasonic, or similar active sensor. For example, in one embodiment sensor 12 is implemented as a compact preferably battery-powered short-distance laser rangefinder (e.g., for measuring distances up to 24 inches). In alternate embodiments, sensor 12 is configured to detect speed or any other indication of motion.

In still further embodiments, sensor 12 may be implemented as a passive sensor, e.g., by physically taping or marking the spot 22 on the back of the user's hand and optically detecting the spot 22. In such an embodiment, distance may be measured, e.g., using a multi-element sensor 12 and well-known principles of triangulation.

Thus, in either embodiment sensor 12 generally will include a receiver, typically either an electromagnetic receiver (e.g., for receiving visible light, infrared or ultraviolet electromagnetic signals) or an acoustic receiver (e.g., for receiving audible or ultrasonic signals).

A processor within device 5 (discussed in more detail below) preferably controls the operation of sensor 12, receives range or other sensor information from it, and causes the user to be alerted in real-time in the event of any inappropriate wrist motion or, depending upon the particular embodiment, of any specified wrist motion (e.g., with the user deciding whether the wrist motion occurred at an appropriate time). As indicated above, the processing and interface circuitry of device 5 preferably is included within the base portion 10, onto which sensor 12 is physically attached or mounted, thereby elevating sensor 12.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate side elevational views of device 5. In the present embodiment, sensor 12 is pivotally mounted 24 onto base portion 10. As result, sensor 12 may be rotated upwardly or downwardly in order to adjust the position at which point 22 is located, to permit sensor 12 to detect point 22 and/or to ensure that point 22 actually falls on the back of the user's hand. Such a feature often can be desirable to accommodate different types and/or sizes of users. In other embodiments, sensor 12 is adjustable in nearly any direction (e.g., using a ball and socket or similar type of universal joint), thereby permitting the user to adjust the pointing direction of sensor 12 as desired.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the functional components of device 5 according to the present embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the heart of device 5 is a processor 30 that performs all, or at least a substantial portion, of the processing described below. Processor 30: (i) receives data from sensor 12 (discussed above); (ii) communicates with a user 36 through user interface 32; (iii) interacts with memory 35 to retrieve software program instructions for execution and to store and retrieve sensor data and settings; and (iv) optionally communicates with other devices via external interface 34.

In certain embodiments, processor 30 is an off-the-shelf microprocessor. However, in other embodiments processor 30 is implemented as a special-purpose processor (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit, ASIC, or a gate array). While illustrated in FIG. 3 as a single processor, processor 30 actually may include one or more distinct processors, each performing different functions, and/or ancillary special-purpose circuits, such as clocks.

Memory 35 preferably is non-volatile digital memory. Additional considerations pertaining to processor 30 and memory 35 are discussed below.

User interface 32 preferably includes one or more devices for providing information to an end user 36, such as a beeper, speaker or other audio output device, a vibration transducer, and/or a digital display or other visual output device. In addition, user interface 32 preferably includes a number of buttons, a keypad, a touch-sensitive display or other device for inputting user preferences and/or other data. Any or all of the provided buttons may be dedicated (or “hard”) or have changeable purposes (“soft” buttons).

Optionally, device 5 is provided with an external interface 34 for allowing data collected by device 5 to be downloaded into an external device (such as a general-purpose computer) for later analysis. Any of various types of interfaces are utilized in different embodiments of the invention, including: USB (universal serial bus), FireWire or other hardware interfaces; and infrared, Bluetooth, 802.11 or other wireless interfaces. In addition, interface 34 may be a standard or a proprietary digital data interface Besides permitting offloading of information, external interface 34 preferably allows an external device to configure the internal settings of device 5, thereby providing user 36 with the ability to interact with device 5 through a fuller interface than could be directly incorporated into device 5, particularly as device 5 preferably is small and lightweight.

The device 5 preferably is powered by a rechargeable and/or replaceable battery(ies). The sensor 12 is raised above the face of the watch (or other base 10) aiming down at the back of the hand. This is partially because aiming down instead of aiming at an angle typically is more accurate in terms of measuring the distance between the sensor 12 and a targeted spot 22 on the back of the hand. Preferably, the housing of the sensor 12 can be adjusted up or down (e.g., ten degrees in either direction) to fine tune the aiming angle to a targeted spot on the back of the left hand.

Golf Putting Embodiment

The following discussion concerns a particular embodiment of device 5 according to the present invention, when implemented for training the wearer to improve his or her golf putting stroke. Assuming the user is right-handed, putting left hand high (traditional grip), the user preferably wears the device 5 on the left arm just above the wrist. In the current embodiment of the invention, interface 32 includes buttons for “ON/OFF”, “LONG”, “MEDIUM”, “SHORT”, “QUALITY”, “FORWARD PRESS”, and “SET TIME”, all of which being described in more detail below.

The processing performed by device 5 in the current embodiment of the invention (pertaining to golf putting) now is described with reference to FIGS. 4-6. Preferably, device 5 operates in a sequence of different modes or steps, as shown in FIG. 4. Initially, in step 40 the device 5 is turned on via a provided “ON/OFF” button or via a provided “LONG”, “MEDIUM”, or “SHORT” button.

In step 41, device 5 accepts user configuration settings through user interface 32 or external interface 34. Preferably, such configuration settings indicate, inter alia, how the evaluation mode 44 (described below) is to be initiated, how sensitive to motion the device 5 will be during the training session (e.g., how much motion will be necessary to trigger an alert to the user 36 or how device 5 otherwise will react to the motion of the user 36), and when the training session is to end. Although indicated as a single step in FIG. 4, it should be understood that step 41 in fact may be divided into multiple steps, e.g., one well in advance of a practice session (e.g., during which basic user-specific setup information is input) and one immediately before the practice session is to begin (e.g., during which the user inputs session-specific setup information, such as selecting from specified putting activities to be evaluated).

In step 42, device 5 waits until a user takes the appropriate actions to cause device 5 to begin the evaluation mode 44. Any of a variety of different techniques may be utilized to activate evaluation mode 44. One example of the processing performed in the activation mode 42 is now described with reference to FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 5, initially in step 50 sensor 12 immediately begins determining whether any movement is occurring. In the preferred embodiment, sensor 12 continuously takes measurements on a periodic basis (e.g., not less frequently than every 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 or 1.0 second). In one representative embodiment, if the user 36 bends his or her wrist in a manner that the spot 22 in not measurable by the sensor 12, then the processor 30 preferably will treat such a situation as if continuous motion were occurring.

In step 51, device 5 waits for a specified interval of time, called the pause time (which preferably is user-settable during step 41), during which movement remains less than a specified (e.g., user-settable during step 41) amount. For example, in order to order to satisfy the condition of step 51 device 5 might require 1.0 to 3.0 seconds during which movement is less than 1/16 inch. Basically, in this embodiment step 51 waits for the wearer's hand to remain steady for an amount of time that indicates that the user 36 is ready for the putt (or, in other embodiments, other desired practice motion) to begin.

Once the condition of step 51 has been satisfied, in step 52 device 5 determines whether the wearer (or user) has selected “forward press” (e.g., in step 41). This selection (applicable to golf putting) indicates that the user.36 presses his or her hands in a forward motion (moving his or her wrists) just as the putt begins. After this forward movement the user 36 is supposed to keep his or her wrists motionless during the remainder of the stroke. Accordingly, if “forward press” has been selected then processing proceeds to step 54 to wait for the forward press to be completed. Otherwise, processing immediately proceeds to step 57 to begin the evaluation mode 44 (shown in FIG. 4).

In step 54, a determination repeatedly is made as to whether a sufficient amount of movement has occurred to signal the beginning of the forward press. Once such motion is detected, processing proceeds to step 55.

In step 55, a specified delay occurs which preferably is long enough to allow the user 36 to complete the forward press. Such delay preferably in his user-settable during step 41 and, e.g., preferably is approximately 0.5-2.5 seconds. Alternatively, in other embodiments the delay is variable with the endpoint occurring when a determination has been made that the user's hands are sufficiently steady (i.e., after completion of the forward press). Upon completion of the delay in step 55, processing proceeds to step 57 to begin evaluation mode 44.

The foregoing sequence of processing pertains to just one representative embodiment of the invention. It should be understood that other techniques may be implemented for determining when to transition to the evaluation mode 44.

For example, in an alternate embodiment, device 5 is provided with an audio sensor, and processing proceeds to a valuation mode 44 when a sufficiently loud sound occurs. In still further embodiments, device 5 utilizes any combination of timers, position sensors, audio sensors and/or other sensors to trigger the transition to evaluation mode 44.

Returning to FIG. 4, in step 44 device 5 preferably continuously monitors the distance to spot 22 and alerts the user if the distance increases more than a specified amount. It should be noted that the physical location of spot 22 on the back of the user's hand generally will change as the user's wrist bends. The preferred embodiment of this step 44 is discussed in more detail below in connection with FIG. 6.

In step 46, a determination is made as to whether the training session is complete. In the various embodiments of the invention, this determination is made in different ways. For example, in one embodiment the user sets (e.g., during step 41) a training session duration (e.g., in seconds or minutes) at the beginning of the session, and then activates a timer to begin the training session; thus, an affirmative determination will be made in step 46 only after the set period of time has elapsed (or after such time has elapsed and the current practice stroke, or other motion, ends). In another embodiment, the user sets a specified number of events (e.g., practice golf strokes); thus, an affirmative determination is made in step 46 only after the number of iterations set by the user (e.g., by decrementing a count at each iteration of step 46). In yet another embodiment, the iterations continue until the user manually indicates that he or she wants to stop (e.g., by pressing a “stop” button). If an affirmative determination is made in step 46, than processing returns to step 42 for an additional iteration. Otherwise, processing is complete 48 for the current practice session.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing the processing performed in the evaluation mode 44 according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. Initially, in step 60 a sample is obtained by activating the sensor 12.

In step 62, the sample obtained in step 60 is evaluated to determine whether a specified motion threshold (e.g., based on the settings provided in step 41 or pre-specified by the manufacturer of the device 5) has been exceeded, i.e., to determine whether excessive wrist movement has occurred. In the preferred embodiments, this is accomplished by subtracting from an initial measurement if a distance measurement has been taken, by comparing to a threshold if a velocity measurement has been taken, or by taking a ratio of the current measurement to a previous measurement. For example, in one embodiment of the current sample is compared to the immediately preceding sample. In another embodiment, the current sample is compared to the very first sample collected at the beginning of the evaluation mode 44 (or the sample collected immediately prior to the beginning of the evaluation mode 44). In still further embodiments, the current sample (or a function thereof) is compared to a combination of previous sample values, such as a moving average. In any event, in the preferred embodiments if the comparison measure does not indicate at least a specified amount of motion, then a negative determination is made in this step 62 and processing proceeds to step 64. Otherwise, a positive determination is made and processing proceeds to step 66.

The threshold used in step 62 preferably is user-settable, at least at a rough level. For example, as described in more detail below, the user might select a particular task classification (e.g., long, intermediate or short putt) and/or a particular skill level (e.g., beginner, amateur or professional), in response to which device 5 determines a corresponding motion threshold. Alternatively, the user may be provided with the ability to specifically set the threshold (e.g., in inches or fractions of an inch, where the criterion is a maximum amount of wrist movement).

In step 64, after determining that the motion criterion has not been exceeded in step 62, a delay occurs before again returning to step 62 take the next sample measurement. Preferably, more than 15 samples per second are taken (e.g., user-settable), although the number of samples could be, e.g., anywhere from 5-50 per second, with fewer samples generally requiring less power consumption (thereby prolonging battery life) and more samples reducing the delay until the user 36 is notified of any excess motion.

In step 66, in response to the affirmative determination made in step 62, the user immediately is alerted regarding the excess movement and then processing pursuits to step 46 in order to determine whether an additional iteration is to be performed. Because the alert is immediate in the preferred embodiment, the user 36 can know exactly at what point during the practice movement the wrist-motion violation occurred. Therefore, he or she can work specifically on that part of the golf stroke or other practice movement.

In the preferred embodiments, the alert is an audio and/or a vibration signal, although visual and/or other types of signals also are contemplated. More preferably, the alert is provided that as a beep or as multiple beeps. In addition, in certain embodiments of the invention different alert signals are provided depending upon the magnitude of the detected motion (e.g., using multiple different thresholds in step 62), as discussed in more detail below.

Returning briefly to FIG. 4, the transition to step 46 occurs in different ways in different embodiments of the invention. In the preferred embodiment, discussed above, processing does not proceed to step 46 until an alert signal has been provided in step 44 (thus, a single instance of excess wrist motion terminates the evaluation mode 44). On the other hand, if the current practice motion (e.g., a putting stroke in the current embodiment) has been completed perfectly, i.e., without having triggered an alert signal, the user can manually move his or her wrist to effect of the transition. In alternate embodiments, any other user action can trigger the end of the evaluation step 44.

We now discuss a more specific example of the foregoing embodiment of the present invention. As noted above, in the preferred embodiments, the device 5 uses audio and/or vibration signals to alert the user 36 to any excess wrist motion (e.g., changes in the distance to spot 22). In this regard, the device 5 preferably: can make any of a variety of sounds, has a variety of control/command (programmable user interface) press buttons: “ON/OFF”, “LONG”, “MEDIUM”, “SHORT”, “QUALITY”, “FORWARD PRESS”, and “SET TIME”, a LCD display in the face of the device, a vibrator, and other user interface features, including programmable features, allowing the user 36 to control when and how (e.g., at what sensitivity or tolerance) the training device 5 should measure the change of distance from its sensor 12 to the targeted spot 22 on the back of the golfer's left hand, when and how to “Beep” or vibrate, and when the device 5 is on and off. The programmable user interface 32 preferably allows the user 36 to customize the training device 5 to fit his or her personal (specific) style of putting routine.

The training device 5 preferably has the capability to determine the quality of the putting strokes according to at least three different categorizations, with each classification corresponding to a different audio signal to the user 36. The following example describes one such embodiment.

The least tolerant category is called “Professional”, which means there is virtually no change in the distance (perhaps less than 1/32 of an inch) between the sensor 12 and the targeted spot 22 on the back of the left hand during the stroke. If the change in distance detected by the device 5 is less than this first threshold, the training device 5 preferably does not make any “Beeping” sound, and in this case the golfer (i.e., user 36) would know that his hands were very steady without actually looking at his hands and wrists during the stroke.

The second category is called “Amateur”, which means there is a little change in the distance (perhaps from 1/32 to less than 1/16 of an inch) between the sensor 12 and the targeted spot 22 on the back of the left hand during the stroke. Hence, the training device 5 preferably provides a first type of audio signal, e.g., a single “Beep” sound, as the method of indicating the quality of the putting stroke to the golfer, and in this case the golfer would know that his hands were not adequately steady without actually looking at his hands and wrists during the stroke.

The most tolerant category is called “Beginner”, which means there is too much change in the distance (perhaps 1/16 of an inch or more) between the sensor 12 and the targeted spot 22 on the back of the left hand during the stroke. Hence, the training device 5 preferably provides a second type of audio signal (different from the first type), e.g., a double-beep or “Beep, Beep” sound as the method of indicating the quality of the putting stroke to the golfer, and in this case the golfer would know that his hands were very unsteady without actually looking at his hands and wrists during the stroke.

In the preferred embodiment, the user 36 presses the “QUALITY” button after one of the “LONG”, “MEDIUM”, or “SHORT” buttons is pressed, in which case device 5 will audibly (or using a vibration or other signal) notify the user 36 which level his or her putt achieved, as described above. In the preferred embodiment, if the “QUALITY” button is not selected after selecting a “LONG”, “MEDIUM”, or “SHORT” button, then the device 5 will only notify the user 36 which of the two level his or her putting stroke achieved: no “Beep” for a “Professional” quality putting stroke, or one “Beep” for a not “Professional” quality putting stroke. Alternatively, the user 36 might press the “QUALITY” button, in which case the device 5 only beeps (or provides another alert signal) if the motion threshold for one of the quality category levels is exceeded (e.g., a different alert signal for each of “PROFESSIONAL”, “AMATEUR” and “BEGINNER”). If the “QUALITY” button is not pressed, the device 5 preferably is programmed to assume this feature is off.

As noted above, the training device 5 preferably is designed not to “Beep” during the forward press of hands at the start of a putting stroke, if “forward press” has been designated. This feature is important because many golfers use a forward press as a starting move for their practice (or actual) putting stroke and that is not an indicator of the steadiness of the hands, or the quality of the stroke. To use this feature, preferably all the golfer has to do is press the “LONG”, “MEDIUM”, or “SHORT” button, followed by the “QUALITY” button, followed by the “FORWARD PRESS” button and it's on. The user 36 preferably previously had set a “forward press time” indicating the amount of delay time to use in step 55.

If the “FORWARD PRESS” button is not pressed, the device 5 preferably is programmed to assume this feature is off. To turn off the feature, the user 36 preferably simply presses the “ON/OFF” button again. Because every golfer's forward press style has different time duration, the golfer preferably can select a time of 0.5 to 2.5 second time. This time selection is called press time.

The training device 5 preferably has the capability to allow tolerance (e.g., user settable and/or using categories that have been pre-specified by the manufacturer of the device 5) in determining the quality of the putting strokes in accordance to three different categories of putting lengths—short, medium and long. Let us assume that a typical green has a speed of 11 on the stimpmeter; in this regard, it is known that a long putt would require a longer stroke than a short putt. When stroking a long 40-foot putt the user's hands typically would not be as steady as when stroking for a short four-foot putt. Therefore, the device 5 preferably adjusts the permissible movement threshold(s) for the length of the putt that is being made. At least three categories (e.g., pre-specified by the manufacturer of the device 5), short, medium and long, preferably are accommodated by device 5. The “short putts” category is defined as those lengths of putts that are, e.g., 4 feet or less; the “medium putts” category is defined as those lengths of putts that are, e.g., more than 4 feet and less than 20 feet; and the “long putts” category is defined as those lengths of putts that are, e.g., more than 20 feet. To use this feature, preferably all the golfer has to do is press the “SHORT” button, the “MEDIUM” button, or the “LONG” button, and continue with his putting routine. If no other feature buttons were selected, the beeping cycle will only provide one “Beep” if the change in the distance between the sensor 12 and the targeted spot 22 on the back of the left hand has surpassed a predetermined tolerance, and then automatically switches to step 42 for an additional iteration.

For example, had the golfer pressed the “SHORT” button, the predetermined distance tolerance would be, e.g., less than 1/32 inch to qualify the putting stroke as “Professional” on those lengths of putts that are in the short putts category. Had the golfer pressed the “MEDIUM” button, the predetermined distance tolerance would be, e.g., less than 1/16 inch to qualify the putting stroke as “Professional” on those lengths of putts that are in the medium putts category. On the other hand, had the golfer pressed the “LONG” button, the predetermined distance tolerance would be, e.g., less than 3/32 inch to qualify the putting stroke as “Professional” on those lengths of putts that are in the long putts category. In short, the motion threshold preferably is determined by device 5 in the present embodiment based on the quality level and the distance (or difficulty) rating (e.g., using a table or using fixed adjustments).

The device 5 preferably turns off automatically after a time of 5 to 75 seconds as selected by the golfer 36 in step 41 (this time duration is called routine time or a training session duration), or when the golfer simply presses the “ON/OFF” button before the routine time is up. The following are examples of how a typical golfer would practice putting using his putting training device 5.

Assuming the device 5 is brand new, the user 36 preferably must first enter some data into the programmable user interface 32 (or via interface 34) to customize the device 5 to fit his or her preferred putting style. Once this data is entered, there generally will be no need to re-enter the same data for all future practice sessions. First, the user 36 enters a routine time of, e.g., 45 seconds, then enters a pause time of, e.g., 1.75 seconds, and finally enters a press time, e.g., 0 seconds in the present example, into the programmable user interface data bank. Now the device 5 is ready to put to use in many combinations of ways.

Let us say that the user's intent is to check his short practice putting strokes for forty-five seconds; therefore, he presses the “SHORT” button, and the device starts measuring. He takes 6 seconds to set up the stance, waits for the programmed pause time to kick in, and practices his stoke. The result is a “Beep” during the down swing. He then knows his hands were unsteady. So he resets his putter, waits for the programmed pause time to kick in again, and practices another stroke. The result is another “Beep” during the down swing. It is still unsteady, and as he is standing there wondering what went wrong with his stroke, the routine time expires. The device has shown him that his stroke was not “Professional” in quality, so now he wonders how bad was it?

Undaunted, he tries again, pressing the “SHORT” button, followed by the “QUALITY” button, and the device starts measuring. Again, he takes 6 seconds to set up the stance, waits for the programmed pause time to kick in, and practices his stoke. The result is a “Beep”, not a “Beep, Beep” during the down swing. Now he knows his stroke was “Amateur” in quality, and the good news is that his stroke was not as bad as a “Beginner” in quality.”

Determined, he resets his putter, waits for the programmed pause time to kick in again, and practices another stroke. The result is silent until he consciously breaks down his wrists after the follow through and a “Beep, Beep” goes off. He did it! That was a “professional” quality stroke, and as he stands there, the routine time expires. Now he is inspired. He wants to practice some more, but this time for more than 45 seconds, perhaps continuously for few minutes. He presses the “ON/OFF” button, followed by the “SHORT” button, followed by the “QUALITY” button and the device is on until he turns it off by pressing the “ON/OFF” button again. He is learning from mistakes indicated by the training device 5, improving his short strokes as his hands become steadier.

The golfer decides to check on how steady his hands would be stroking a long putt. He places a ball on the green, picks a hole that is about 25 feet away, and reads the breaks to determine the line and the speed of the putt. As he stands behind the ball, putter in his left hand, he presses the “LONG” button, followed by the “QUALITY” button, and the device is on. He knows the routine time of 45 seconds allows plenty of time to line up to the putt, wait for the pause time to kick in, take a practice stroke, receive a quality evaluation from the device, step up to the ball, line up the ball again, wait for the pause time to kick in again, and finally stroke the ball and receive another quality evaluation from the device.

He does just that, and the device 5 is silent until he breaks down his wrist after the follow through. He senses his hands were not extremely steady, but it was still determined to be a “Professional” quality stroke because it was under the tolerance set for the long putts category which is less than 3/32 of an inch between the distance sensor(s) and the targeted spot on the back of his left hand during the stroke. He then notices that it is 5:30 P.M. on his training device 5, and time to go home.

Other Uses of the Training Device

The embodiment described above pertains to a specific use of a device 5 according to the present invention. We now describe more general uses of a device 5, according to a class of representative embodiments, with reference to FIG. 7.

Initially, in step 101, user 36 attaches device 5 to the user's forearm or wrist, and then points the sensor 12 (or at least the receiver or transmitter/receiver portion thereof) toward a position 22 on the back of the user's hand.

In step 102, user 36 inputs configuration and setting information into device 5 via user interface 32 and/or external interface 34 (e.g., pertaining to the characteristics and duration of the current training session). The information in this step 102 preferably is session-specific information that is input immediately before a practice, training or evaluation session, e.g., out in the field. Although user interface 32 generally will be used for this purpose, it is also possible to transfer (either wirelessly or via a cable connection) such information from a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other portable device that has a larger and fuller user interface.

Preferably, the device's general configuration and setting information has been input previously. The session-specific configurations and settings preferably include any or all of: the type of motion to be performed (e.g., baseball pitch), any variations on the type of motion (e.g., curveball), the duration of the training session (e.g., either in minutes or in number of practice motions), a motion sensitivity setting, and/or whether the information is to be provided in real-time and/or stored for later analysis.

As indicated above, at least some of the session-specific information input in this step 102 preferably comprises selections of options that were configured during the previous inputting of the device's general information. Also, it is noted that, while step 102 is illustrated as being subsequent to step 100, the training-session-specific configurations and settings in fact generally may be input either prior to or after attaching device 5 to the user's forearm or wrist.

In step 104, user 36 takes the appropriate actions (e.g., holding his or her hands steady for the specified amount of time and, if selected, beginning the forward press and putting stroke) to set the device 5 into the evaluation mode 44, in which output signals from sensor 12 repeatedly are evaluated to determine an amount of motion or otherwise to identify motion.

Finally, in step 105 the physical activity is performed (or completed) with the device 5 in the evaluation mode. Preferably, device 5 provides real-time alerts (e.g., audible or vibration) regarding motion of the user's wrist. As a result, the user will know immediately when his or her wrist moved. Ordinarily, the user will be able to tell (e.g., based on earlier coaching or based on advice from instructional information, such as information provided with device 5) whether the wrist motion occurred at the appropriate point in time or at the appropriate position in the overall movement sequence.

In many sports and other activities, the user's wrist ordinarily will be in one of two general positions: (1) a position in the range from straight to bent backward; or (2) bent forward. Accordingly, the device 5 preferably is capable of detecting which of these two positions the user's wrist is in and, in certain embodiments, provides an alert to the user in real time each time the user's wrist changes from one such position to the other. One way for sensor 12 to detect which of such two positions the user's wrist is in is to determine whether the spot 22 is visible or not. Typically, the spot 22 will be detectable in the first position. However, because the wrist is bent forward it generally will not be detectable in the second position, i.e., the line of sight 20 from sensor 12 will completely miss the back of the user's hand.

The foregoing steps 104 and 105 of putting the device 5 into the evaluation mode 44 and performing the practice movement, respectively, may then be continuously repeated (e.g., without changing the setting or configuration information) until in step 107 the training session is completed (e.g., user 36 manually stops it or the specified time period expires).

Device Programming

By using a programmable processor 30 (particularly in connection with a universal pivot joint 24 which allows the sensor 12 to be pointed to other positions on the user's body), a device 5 according to the present invention can be used for a wide variety and a flexible number of different purposes. That is, it can be used for training in a wide variety of sports, a wide variety of different motions within a single sport, and a wide variety of other non-sports-related activities.

The programming for processor 30 may be pre-loaded into the device 5, pre-programmed into a computer-readable medium or other device for loading into device 5 as and when desired, and/or created by the user. For this latter purpose, it is preferable to provide device 5 with operating software, e.g., stored in memory 35, that supports a provided simple special-purpose programming language.

Preferably, such a programming language allows a user to: (1) specify the conditions under which alerts are provided, e.g., based on absolute distance thresholds, velocity thresholds and/or distance-difference thresholds, as selected by the user; (2) specify the conditions that must be satisfied for the evaluation mode to begin (e.g., any desired sequence of required events and/or delays triggered by such events); (3) specify the number of samples to be taken per second during the evaluation mode; (4) specify the type of each alert (e.g., particular sounds, vibration, light or any combination of the foregoing); (5) specify any variables that may be selected by the user when inputting the session-specific information for a training session (e.g., golf putting distances); (6) specify the effects each selected variable will have; and (7) specify the sequence in which events and/or modes of operation are to occur.

Such programs preferably are part of the general device information that are designed and then input into the device 5 well in advance of a particular practice session. Typically, they will be created on an external computer and downloaded into device 5 (e.g., into memory 35 for immediate execution by processor 30) via external interface 34. Then, e.g., by simply selecting the desired activity and inputting it as session-specific information in step 102, the program associated with that activity automatically is invoked and performed by device 5.

System Environment.

Generally speaking, the device 5 according to the present invention can be implemented as a small programmable general-purpose computing device. Such a device typically will include, for example, at least some of the following components interconnected with each other, e.g., via a common bus: a central processing unit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), input/output software and/or circuitry for interfacing with other devices and/or for connecting to one or more networks, a display (such as a liquid crystal display, light-emitting diode display, an organic light-emitting display, a polymeric light-emitting display or any other thin-film display), other output devices (such as one or more speakers, a headphone set and/or a beeper), one or more input devices (such as a touchpad, touch-sensitive display, a keypad, and/or a microphone), and/or a real-time clock. In operation, the process steps to implement the above methods, to the extent performed by the device itself, typically will be executed by the CPU out of RAM or ROM.

Suitable components for manufacturing devices for use in implementing the present invention may be obtained from various vendors. In addition, although a general-purpose programmable device generally has been described above, in alternate embodiments a special-purpose device instead (or in addition) is used. In particular, any of the functionality described above can be implemented in software, hardware, firmware or any combination of these, with the particular implementation being selected based on known engineering tradeoffs. In this regard, it is noted that the functionality described above primarily is implemented through fixed logical steps and therefore can be accomplished through programming (e.g., software or firmware), an appropriate arrangement of logic components (hardware) or any combination of the two, as is well-known in the art.

It should be understood that the present invention also relates to machine-readable media on which are stored program instructions for performing the methods of this invention. Such media include, by way of example, magnetic disks, magnetic tape, optically readable media such as CD ROMs and DVD ROMs, semiconductor memory such as PCMCIA cards, etc. In each case, the medium may take the form of a portable item such as a small disk, diskette, cassette, etc., or it may take the form of a relatively larger or immobile item such as a hard disk drive, ROM or RAM provided in a computer.

The foregoing description primarily emphasizes electronic computers. However, it should be understood that any other type of computer instead may be used, such as a computer utilizing any combination of electronic, optical, biological and/or chemical processing.

Additional Considerations.

As noted above, in addition to providing real-time alerts to a user 36, in certain embodiments a device 5 according to the present invention also stores motion data and/or raw data provided by sensor 12 into memory 35. Later, such information is downloaded to an external device via external interface 34 for off-line analysis.

In the embodiments described above, the sensor is worn on the user's wrist or forearm and is pointed toward a spot on the back of the user's hand. In alternate embodiments, the sensor is positioned on the inside of the user's wrist or forearm and is pointed toward a spot on the palm of the user's hand or, if the subject activity involves making a fist, on the user's fingers.

More generally, the present invention contemplates a device of the nature described above that can be worn on the user's arm, wrist, leg or any other portion of the user's body having a sensor that can be pointed to another spot on the user's body for detecting distances and/or relative motion. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the user is alerted in real-time to any excess motion, thereby helping the user to adjust his or her movements to eliminate the undesirable motions.

In alternate embodiments, the user is alerted in real-time when the sensor 12 detects a distance within a specified range (signifying the correct positioning for a particular type of movement) and/or when the measured distance falls outside of that range. As a result, the user generally will know if he or she ever was in the desired position (and whether he or she reached the correct position too early or too late in the desired motion) and/or whether he or she broke the desired position at the appropriate time. Based on this information, the user can make any appropriate corrections in the motion being evaluated.

According to one representative embodiment, a device 5 is worn on the user's wrist or forearm and the sensor 12 is pointed toward a spot on the user's shoulder when the user's hands are in a specified position. Such an embodiment is useful in connection with training for a proper driving stroke in golf.

In another representative embodiment, the distance between the user's hands and his or her waist area is detected. Then, e.g., if the hands are between 5 inches and 5 1/16 inches (or within another specified distance range) away from the user's waist, the apparatus 5 (initially in a vibration mode) stops vibrating. At this point in time, the golfer knows that he or she has setup properly and can proceed with the swing. In variations on this embodiment, the same sensor or a different (additional) sensor is used to measure this distance to the golfer's waist so that the golfer gets the proper setup position before a putt or a golf swing.

The present invention also contemplates the use of two or more sensors and/or the use of different alert signals for each. In certain embodiments, the use of multiple sensors typically can provide more detailed and complete information to the user 36 than is possible with a single sensor 12.

Finally, information from other sensors may be input into device 5 and used in generating the user alerts. For instance, a separate device (e.g., another device 5 that is strapped to the user's bicep for detecting flexing at the elbow) might detect arm motion or position. Then, depending upon the specified programming, an alert could be provided to the user if the wrist motion does not occur at the appropriate time relative to the arm motion. Alternatively, the sensor information from device 5 may be provided to another sensor device or to a separate external device that receives inputs from multiple sensor devices, in order to achieve similar purposes. Such real-time exchanges of information among sensor devices can occur via hard-wired connections, but more preferably occur wirelessly, e.g., using a Bluetooth or 802.11 protocol.

A device 5 according to the present invention may be used to train any of a variety of different sports motions, including swings (e.g., baseball, tennis or golf), throws (e.g., baseball or bowling), shots (e.g., billiards, basketball or hockey) and other types of movements (e.g., a volleyball hit). In addition, each such motion may be broken down into subcategories (e.g., for golf, full swing, pitching, chipping or putting). Each such motion has its own preferred sequence of sub-movements, and a device according to the present invention, if programmed appropriately, preferably can alert a user if some portion of the motion is performed too early or too late. As indicated, these alerts can be relatively simplistic, e.g., simply notifying the user when his or her wrist bends, leaving it to the user's judgment to determine whether the bend occurred at the appropriate time. Alternatively, the alerts can be based on a more complicated set of inputs (possibly including inputs from one or more other sensors), actually notifying the user if the sequence was performed properly or not.

Several different embodiments of the present invention are described above, with each such embodiment described as including certain features. However, it is intended that the features described in connection with the discussion of any single embodiment are not limited to that embodiment but may be included and/or arranged in various combinations in any of the other embodiments as well, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Similarly, in the discussion above, functionality sometimes is ascribed to a particular module or component. However, functionality generally may be redistributed as desired among any different modules or components, in some cases completely obviating the need for a particular component or module and/or requiring the addition of new components or modules. The precise distribution of functionality preferably is made according to known engineering tradeoffs, with reference to the specific embodiment of the invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Thus, although the present invention has been described in detail with regard to the exemplary embodiments thereof and accompanying drawings, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various adaptations and modifications of the present invention may be accomplished without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown in the drawings and described above. Rather, it is intended that all such variations not departing from the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope thereof as limited solely by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A training apparatus for providing feedback information regarding wrist movement, comprising:

a sensor that includes at least one of an electromagnetic receiver or an acoustic receiver; and

a processor electrically coupled to the sensor, the processor being configured to operate in an evaluation mode in which input from the sensor repeatedly is evaluated to identify motion,

wherein the apparatus is configured to be worn on a user's wrist or forearm such that the sensor points to a spot on the user's hand.

2. A training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a laser, LED or ultrasound rangefinder.

3. A training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor and the processor are part of a unit that is configured to attach to a wristwatch.

4. A training apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a band for attaching to the user's wrist or forearm.

5. A training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor enters the evaluation mode only after a specified period of time during which motion detected by the sensor is less than a specified threshold.

6. A training apparatus according to claim 5, wherein following the specified period of time during which motion detected by the sensor is less than a specified threshold the processor enters the evaluation mode only after a second period of time following a detection of motion.

7. A training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the evaluation mode the processor causes a signal to be immediately delivered to the user if detected motion exceeds a specified threshold.

8. A training apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the signal is at least one of an audible or vibration alert.

9. A training apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the signal also is based on at least one other input that indicates whether the detected motion occurred at a proper point in an overall movement sequence.

10. A training apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a user interface that permits the user to input a desired type of movement, wherein the specified threshold is dependent upon the input type of movement.

11. A training apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a user interface that is configured to input a desired type of movement, and wherein motion sensitivity of the apparatus is dependent upon the input type of movement.

12. A training apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a user interface that is configured to input a duration of a training session during which the evaluation mode may be repeatedly activated by specified activity and after which said specified activity will not activate the evaluation mode.

13. A method of training to avoid wrist movement at inappropriate times, comprising:

attaching a sensor device to a user's forearm or wrist, the sensor device including a sensor provided with at least one of an electromagnetic receiver or an acoustic receiver, such that the sensor is pointed toward a position on the user's hand;

setting the sensor device into an evaluation mode in which output from the sensor repeatedly is evaluated to identify motion; and

performing a physical activity with the sensor device in the evaluation mode.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the sensor is a laser, LED or ultrasound rangefinder.

15. A method according to claim 13, wherein in the evaluation mode the sensor device causes a signal to be immediately delivered to the user if detected motion exceeds a specified threshold.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the signal is at least one of an audible or vibration alert.

17. A method apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the signal also is based on at least one other input that indicates whether the detected motion occurred at a proper point in an overall movement sequence.

18. A method according to claim 15, further comprising a step of inputting into the sensor device a desired type of movement, wherein the specified threshold is dependent upon the input type of movement.

19. A method according to claim 13, further comprising a step of inputting into the sensor device a desired type of movement, wherein motion sensitivity of the sensor device is dependent upon the type of movement input.

20. A method according to claim 13, further comprising steps of:

inputting a duration of a training session during which the sensor device repeatedly will monitor instances of the physical activity; and

repeating the setting and performing steps until the training session expires.

21. A training apparatus for providing feedback information regarding wrist movement, comprising:

a sensor that includes at least one of an electromagnetic receiver or an acoustic receiver;

a processor electrically coupled to the sensor, the processor being configured to operate in an evaluation mode in which input from the sensor repeatedly is evaluated to identify motion; and

attachment means for attaching the sensor to a user's wrist or forearm such that the sensor points to a spot on the user's hand.

22. A training apparatus according to claim 21, wherein in the evaluation mode the processor causes a signal to be immediately delivered to the user if detected motion exceeds a specified threshold.

23. A training apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the signal is an audible or vibration alert.

24. A training apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the signal also is based on at least one other input that indicates whether the detected motion occurred at a proper point in an overall movement sequence.

25. A training apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising a user interface that is configured to input a desired type of movement, and wherein the specified threshold is dependent upon the input type of movement.

26. A training apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the attachment means comprises means for attaching to a wristwatch.

27. A training apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the attachment means comprises a band for attaching to the user's wrist or forearm.