MOTION ANALYSIS METHOD, MOTION ANALYSIS DEVICE, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

A motion analysis method includes: acquiring velocity information of a prescribed part of a golf club when a ball is hit; acquiring actual flying distance information which relates to an actual hit-ball flying distance; acquiring set meeting rate information which is set by a user; acquiring calculated flying distance information which is calculated based on the velocity information of a prescribed part of the golf club when a ball is hit and the set meeting rate information; and comparing the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a motion analysis method, a motion analysis device, and a program, which analyze the motion of a user.

2. Related Art

JP-A-2010-22739 discloses a technology for evaluating good or bad of swing by acquiring a meeting rate using a head speed and a ball velocity and comparing the meeting rate with a reference meeting rate which is set in advance.

However, in the technology disclosed in JP-A-2010-22739, a user is capable of knowing good or bad of user's swing based on whether the meeting rate is higher or lower than the reference meeting rate. However, it is difficult to know a degree of extension of a flying distance if possible using an ideal meeting rate or the degree of the potential for the meeting rate. In other words, in the technology according to the related art, there is a problem in that it is difficult for the user to accurately know the potential of swing of the user, which is determined based on the meeting rate.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a motion analysis method, a motion analysis device, and a program, which are capable of notifying of information of the potential of swing based on a meeting rate.

The invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 1

A motion analysis method according to this application example includes: acquiring velocity information of a prescribed part of sporting equipment when a ball is hit; acquiring actual flying distance information which relates to an actual hit-ball flying distance; acquiring set meeting rate information which is set by a user; acquiring calculated flying distance information which is calculated based on the velocity information and the set meeting rate information; and comparing the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance.

Sporting equipment includes, for example, equipment, which is used to hit a ball, such as a golf club, a tennis racket, a baseball bat, a hockey stick, or the like.

For example, the velocity information of the prescribed part of the sporting equipment when a ball is hit may be acquired using the output of an inertial sensor. The inertial sensor may be a sensor which is capable of measuring the amount of inertia, such as acceleration or angular velocity, and may be, for example, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) which is capable of measuring the acceleration or the angular velocity. In addition, the inertial sensor may be attached to, for example, the sporting equipment or a part of the user, and may be detectable from the sporting equipment or the user. Otherwise, the inertial sensor may be embedded into the sporting equipment and fixed to the sporting equipment such that it is difficult to be removed from the sporting equipment.

When the ball is hit is not limited to a moment in which the ball is hit, and may include the vicinity of the moment in which the ball is hit (a prescribed range which includes the moment in which the ball is hit).

In the motion analysis method according to this application example, an actual hit-ball flying distance is compared with a flying distance, which is calculated based on a velocity of the prescribed part of the sporting equipment when a ball is hit and a meeting rate which is set by the user. The difference between the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance is generated due to the difference between the actual meeting rate and the set meeting rate. Therefore, in the motion analysis method according to this application example, it is possible to notify of the information of the potential of swing based on the meeting rate.

In addition, in the motion analysis method according to this application example, actual hit-ball flying distance information is acquired. Therefore, it is not necessary to calculate the flying distance using the output of the inertial sensor or the like. For example, when the inertial sensor is mounted on the sporting equipment or the user, it is difficult to accurately calculate the hit-ball flying distance using the output of the inertial sensor. Therefore, in the motion analysis method according to this application example, it is possible to acquire flying distance information with comparatively high accuracy, and thus it is possible to notify of information with higher reliability.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 2

The motion analysis method according to the application example described above may further include: outputting difference information between the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance as a result of the comparing.

In the motion analysis method according to this application example, the user easily understands the degree of the demonstrated potential of swing based on the meeting rate according to the difference between the actual flying distance and the flying distance, which is calculated based on the meeting rate set by the user.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 3

The motion analysis method according to the application example described above may further include: calculating a hit-ball meeting rate based on the velocity information and the actual flying distance information; and outputting the hit-ball meeting rate information.

In the motion analysis method according to this application example, the actual meeting rate is calculated based on the velocity of the prescribed part of the sporting equipment when a ball is hit and the actual hit-ball flying distance, and the actual meeting rate information is output. Accordingly, in the motion analysis method according to this application example, the user easily understands the degree of the demonstrated potential of swing based on the actual meeting rate.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 4

A motion analysis method according to this application example includes: acquiring velocity information of a prescribed part of sporting equipment when a ball is hit; acquiring actual flying distance information which relates to an actual hit-ball flying distance; calculating a hit-ball meeting rate based on the velocity information and the actual flying distance information; acquiring set meeting rate information which is set by a user; and comparing the hit-ball meeting rate and the set meeting rate.

In the motion analysis method according to this application example, the actual meeting rate is calculated based on the velocity of the prescribed part of the sporting equipment when a ball is hit and the actual hit-ball flying distance, and the actual meeting rate is compared with the meeting rate which is set by the user. Accordingly, in the motion analysis method according to this application example, it is possible to notify of the information of the potential of swing based on the meeting rate.

In addition, in the motion analysis method according to this application example, the actual hit-ball flying distance information is acquired. Therefore, it is not necessary to calculate the flying distance using the output of the inertial sensor or the like. For example, when the inertial sensor is mounted on the sporting equipment or the user, it is difficult to accurately calculate the hit-ball flying distance using the output of the inertial sensor. Therefore, in the motion analysis method according to this application example, it is possible to acquire the flying distance information with comparatively high accuracy, and it is possible to notify of information with higher reliability.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 5

The motion analysis method according to the application example described above may further include: outputting difference information between the hit-ball meeting rate and the set meeting rate as a result of the comparing.

In the motion analysis method according to this application example, the user easily understands the degree of the demonstrated potential of swing based on the difference between the actual meeting rate and the meeting rate which is set by the user.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 6

The motion analysis method according to the application example described above may further include: acquiring calculated flying distance information which is calculated based on the velocity information and the set meeting rate information; and comparing the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance.

In the motion analysis method according to this application example, the flying distance is calculated based on the velocity of the prescribed part of the sporting equipment when a ball is hit and the meeting rate which is set by the user, and the actual hit-ball flying distance is compared with the flying distance which is calculated based on the meeting rate. Accordingly, in the motion analysis method according to this application example, the user is capable of understanding the degree of the extension of the flying distance when the meeting rate is improved.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 7

The motion analysis method according to the application example described above may further include: outputting information which is acquired by associating the hit-ball meeting rate and the actual flying distance and by associating the set meeting rate with the calculated flying distance.

In the motion analysis method according to this application example, the user is capable of easily understanding a degree, in which the loss of the flying distance is generated, according to the difference between the actual meeting rate and the meeting rate which is set by the user based on the output information.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 8

In the motion analysis method according to the application example described above, the prescribed part of the sporting equipment may be a part which moves at a velocity which relates to the actual flying distance when the ball is hit.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 9

In the motion analysis method according to the application example described above, the prescribed part of the sporting equipment may be a hitting section.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 10

The motion analysis method according to the application example described above may further include: outputting advice information based on a result of the comparing.

In the motion analysis method according to this application example, the user is capable of knowing a swing improvement method in detail.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 11

In the motion analysis method according to the application example described above, the sporting equipment may be a golf club.

In the motion analysis method according to this application example, the user is capable of knowing the potential of the user's golf swing based on the meeting rate.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 12

A motion analysis device according to this application example includes: a velocity information acquisition unit that acquires velocity information of a prescribed part of sporting equipment when a ball is hit; a flying distance information acquisition unit that acquires actual flying distance information which relates to an actual hit-ball flying distance; a flying distance calculation unit that acquires set meeting rate information which is set by a user, and that acquires calculated flying distance information which is calculated based on the velocity information and the set meeting rate information; and a comparison unit that compares the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance.

The motion analysis device according to this application example compares an actual hit-ball flying distance and a flying distance, which is calculated based on a velocity of the prescribed part of the sporting equipment when a ball is hit and the meeting rate which is set by the user. The difference between the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance is generated according to the difference between the actual meeting rate and the set meeting rate. Therefore, in the motion analysis device according to this application example, it is possible to notify of the information of the potential of swing based on the meeting rate.

In addition, in the motion analysis device according to this application example, the actual hit-ball flying distance information is acquired. Therefore, it is not necessary to calculate the flying distance using the output of the inertial sensor or the like. For example, when the inertial sensor is mounted on the sporting equipment or the user, it is difficult to accurately calculate the hit-ball flying distance using the output of the inertial sensor. Therefore, in the motion analysis device according to this application example, it is possible to acquire the flying distance information with comparatively high accuracy, and it is possible to notify of information with higher reliability.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 13

A motion analysis device according to this application example includes: a velocity information acquisition unit that acquires velocity information of a prescribed part of sporting equipment when a ball is hit; a flying distance information acquisition unit that acquires actual flying distance information which relates to an actual hit-ball flying distance; a meeting rate calculation unit that calculates a hit-ball meeting rate based on the velocity information and the actual flying distance information; and a comparison unit that acquires set meeting rate information, which is set by a user, and that compares the hit-ball meeting rate and the set meeting rate.

In the motion analysis device according to this application example, the actual meeting rate is calculated based on the velocity of the prescribed part of the sporting equipment when a ball is hit and the actual hit-ball flying distance, and the actual meeting rate is compared with the meeting rate which is set by the user. Accordingly, in the motion analysis device according to this application example, it is possible to notify of the information of the potential of swing based on the meeting rate.

In addition, in the motion analysis device according to this application example, the actual hit-ball flying distance information is acquired. Therefore, it is not necessary to calculate the flying distance using the output of the inertial sensor or the like. For example, when the inertial sensor is mounted on the sporting equipment or the user, it is difficult to accurately calculate the hit-ball flying distance using the output of the inertial sensor. Therefore, in the motion analysis device according to this application example, it is possible to acquire the flying distance information with comparatively high accuracy, and it is possible to notify of information with higher reliability.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 14

A program according to this application example causes a computer: to acquire velocity information of a prescribed part of sporting equipment when a ball is hit; to acquire actual flying distance information which relates to an actual hit-ball flying distance; to acquire set meeting rate information which is set by a user; to acquire calculated flying distance information which is calculated based on the velocity information and the set meeting rate information; and to compare the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance.

In the program according to this application example, the actual hit-ball flying distance is compared with the flying distance, which is calculated based on a velocity of the prescribed part of the sporting equipment when a ball is hit and the meeting rate which is set by the user. The difference between the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance is generated according to the difference between the actual meeting rate and the set meeting. Therefore, in the program according to this application example, it is possible to notify of the information of the potential of swing based on the meeting rate.

In addition, in the program according to this application example, the actual hit-ball flying distance information is acquired. Therefore, it is not necessary to calculate the flying distance using the output of the inertial sensor or the like. For example, when the inertial sensor is mounted on the sporting equipment or the user, it is difficult to accurately calculate the hit-ball flying distance using the output of the inertial sensor. Therefore, in the program according to this application example, it is possible to acquire the flying distance information with comparatively high accuracy, and it is possible to notify of information with higher reliability.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 15

A program according to this application example causes a computer: to acquire velocity information of a prescribed part of sporting equipment when a ball is hit; to acquire actual flying distance information which relates to an actual hit-ball flying distance; to calculate a hit-ball meeting rate based on the velocity information and the actual flying distance information; to acquire set meeting rate information which is set by a user; and to compare the hit-ball meeting rate and the set meeting rate.

In the program according to this application example, the actual meeting rate is calculated based on the velocity of the prescribed part of the sporting equipment when a ball is hit and the actual hit-ball flying distance, and the actual meeting rate is compared with the meeting rate which is set by the user. Accordingly, in the program according to this application example, it is possible to notify of the information of the potential of swing based on the meeting rate.

In addition, in the program according to this application example, the actual hit-ball flying distance information is acquired. Therefore, it is not necessary to calculate the flying distance using the output of the inertial sensor or the like. For example, when the inertial sensor is mounted on the sporting equipment or the user, it is difficult to accurately calculate the hit-ball flying distance using the output of the inertial sensor. Therefore, in the program according to this application example, it is possible to acquire the flying distance information with comparatively high accuracy, and it is possible to notify of information with higher reliability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view illustrating the outline of a motion analysis system according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating examples of the installation position of a sensor unit.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of a movement performed by a user in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a motion analysis system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of a motion analysis process according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of a process of detecting a timing in which the user hits a ball.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of a process of calculating the posture of the sensor unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image which is displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a motion analysis system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of a motion analysis process according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image which is displayed on the display unit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a motion analysis system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of a motion analysis process according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image which is displayed on the display unit according to the third embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Meanwhile, the embodiments which are described below do not unfairly limit the content of the invention disclosed in the appended claims. In addition, all configurations which are described below are not the essential components of the invention.

Hereinafter, a motion analysis system (motion analysis device) which performs golf swing analysis will be described as an example.

1. Motion Analysis System

1-1. First Embodiment

1-1-1. Outline of Motion Analysis System

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the outline of a motion analysis system according to an embodiment. A motion analysis system 1 according to the embodiment includes a sensor unit 10 (an example of an inertial sensor) and a motion analysis device 20.

The sensor unit 10 is capable of measuring acceleration, which is generated in each of the axial directions of 3 axes, and angular velocity which is generated around each of the 3 axes, and is mounted on a golf club 3 (an example of sporting equipment) or a part of a user 2.

For example, the sensor unit 10 may be attached to a part, such as the shaft of the golf club 3, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, may be attached to the hand or the glove of the user 2 as illustrated in FIG. 2B, or may be attached to an accessory, such as a wrist watch, as illustrated in FIG. 2C.

More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, when the sensor unit 10 is attached to the golf club 3 such that one of 3 detection axes (an x axis, a y axis, and a z axis), for example, the y axis, is adjusted to the longitudinal direction of the shaft, the relationship between one detection axis direction of the sensor unit 10 and the posture of the golf club 3 is fixed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce computational complexity when swing analysis is performed. In addition, when the sensor unit 10 is attached to the shaft of the golf club 3, it is preferable that the sensor unit 10 is attached to a position where it is difficult to transmit a shock generated when a ball is hit and where it does not get centrifugal force generated when swing is performed, as illustrated in FIG. 2A.

In the embodiment, the user 2 hits a golf ball 4 according to a sequence which is determined in advance, that is, performs a swing movement. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of movement which is performed by the user 2. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the user 2 first grips the golf club 3, takes an address posture such that the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the golf club 3 is perpendicular to a target line (target ball-hitting direction), and is at a standstill for a prescribed time or more (for example, 1 or more seconds) (S1). Subsequently, the user 2 performs the swing movement, and hits the golf ball 4 (S2).

In addition, the user 2 operates the motion analysis device 20 and inputs the specification information of the golf club 3 and the installation position information of the sensor unit 10 in advance to the movement illustrated in FIG. 3. Further, after the movement illustrated in FIG. 3 ends, the user 2 operates the motion analysis device 20 and inputs the hit-ball flying distance.

While the user 2 performs movement of ball hitting the golf ball 4 according to the sequence illustrated in FIG. 3, the sensor unit 10 measures 3 axial accelerations and 3 axial angular velocities during a prescribed period (for example, 1 ms), and sequentially transmits measurement data to the motion analysis device 20. The sensor unit 10 may immediately transmit the measurement data, or may store the measurement data in an inner memory and then transmit the measurement data at desired timing such as after the swing movement of the user 2 ends. The communication between the sensor unit 10 and the motion analysis device 20 may be wireless communication or wired communication. Otherwise, the sensor unit 10 may store the measurement data in a detachable recording medium, such as a memory card, and the motion analysis device 20 may read the measurement data from the recording medium.

The motion analysis device 20 analyzes motion, which is made in such a way that the user 2 hits a ball using the golf club 3, using the data measured by the sensor unit 10. More specifically, in the embodiment, the motion analysis device 20 calculates a flying distance using the data measured by the sensor unit 10 and hit-ball meeting rate information which is set by the user 2. For example, when the user 2 sets an ideal meeting rate, the motion analysis device 20 calculates an ideal flying distance. Further, motion analysis device 20 compares an actual hit-ball flying distance, which is input by the user 2, and the calculated flying distance (for example, the ideal flying distance), generates swing motion analysis information of the user 2, and notifies the user 2 using an image or a sound. The motion analysis device 20 may be, for example, a mobile terminal, such as a smart phone, or a Personal Computer (PC).

1-1-2. Configuration of Motion Analysis System

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the sensor unit 10 and the motion analysis device 20 according to a first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in the embodiment, the sensor unit 10 includes an acceleration sensor 12, an angular velocity sensor 14, a signal processing unit 16, and a communication unit 18.

The acceleration sensor 12 measures acceleration which is generated in each of the 3 axial directions which intersect with each other (ideally, cross at right angles), and outputs a digital signal (acceleration data) according to the magnitude and orientation of the measured 3 axial acceleration.

The angular velocity sensor 14 measures angular velocity which is generated around each of the 3 axes which intersect with each other (ideally, cross at right angles), and outputs a digital signal (angular velocity data) according to the magnitude and orientation of the measured 3 axial angular velocity.

The signal processing unit 16 receives the acceleration data and the angular velocity data from the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14, respectively, stores the acceleration data and the angular velocity data in a storage unit, which is not shown in the drawing, generates packet data, which is adjusted to a format for communication, by attaching time information to the stored measurement data (the acceleration data and the angular velocity), and outputs the packet data to the communication unit 18.

Although it is ideal that the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14 are attached to the sensor unit 10 such that the respective 3 axes match the 3 axes (the x axis, the y axis, and the z axis) of the orthogonal coordinate system (sensor coordinate system) which is defined for the sensor unit 10, an attachment angular error occurs in reality. Here, the signal processing unit 16 performs a process of converting the acceleration data and the angular velocity data into data of the xyz coordinate system using a correction parameter which is calculated in advance according to the attachment angular error.

Further, the signal processing unit 16 may perform a process of correcting the temperature of the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14. Otherwise, a function of correcting temperature may be embedded in the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14.

Meanwhile, the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14 may output an analog signal. In this case, the signal processing unit 16 may generate the measurement data (the acceleration data and the angular velocity data) by performing A/D conversion on the output signal of the acceleration sensor 12 and the output signal of the angular velocity sensor 14, respectively, and may generate the packet data for communication using the measurement data.

The communication unit 18 performs a process of transmitting the packet data, which is received from the signal processing unit 16, to the motion analysis device 20, or a process of receiving a control command from the motion analysis device 20 and transmitting the control command to the signal processing unit 16. The signal processing unit 16 performs various processes according to the control command.

The motion analysis device 20 includes a processing unit 21, a communication unit 22, an operating unit 23, a storage unit 24, a display unit 25, and a sound output unit 26.

The communication unit 22 performs a process of receiving the packet data from the sensor unit 10 and transmitting the packet data to the processing unit 21, or a process of transmitting the control command, which is received from the processing unit 21, to the sensor unit 10.

The operating unit 23 performs a process of acquiring operating data from the user and transmitting the operating data to the processing unit 21. The operating unit 23 may include, for example, a touch panel type display, buttons, keys, or a microphone.

The storage unit 24 includes, for example, various IC memories, such as a Read Only Memory (ROM), a flash ROM, and a Random Access Memory (RAM), or a recording medium such as a hard disk or a memory card.

The storage unit 24 stores programs which are used to perform various calculation processes and control processes by the processing unit 21, various programs and data which are used to realize application functions, or the like. More specifically, in the embodiment, the storage unit 24 stores a motion analysis program 240 which is read by the processing unit 21 and which is used to execute a motion analysis process. The motion analysis program 240 may be stored in a nonvolatile recording medium in advance or the motion analysis program 240 may be received by the processing unit 21 from a server through a network and stored in the storage unit 24.

In addition, in the embodiment, the storage unit 24 stores club specification information 242 which indicates the specifications of the golf club 3, sensor installation position information 244, flying distance information 246, and meeting rate information 248.

For example, the user 2 may operate the operating unit 23 and input the model number of the golf club 3 to be used (or selects from a model number list), and may set the specification information corresponding to the input model number to the club specification information 242 from among specification information (for example, information about the length, the central position, the lie angle, the facial angle, and the loft angle of the shaft) for each model number which is stored in the storage unit 24 in advance. Otherwise, when the user 2 operates the operating unit 23 and inputs information of the model number or the type (a driver, 1 to 9 irons or the like) of the golf club 3, the processing unit 21 displays the editable defaults of various items which relate to the golf club corresponding to the input model number or the type, such as the length or the like of the shaft, on the display unit 25, and the club specification information 242 may include the defaults of various items or values acquired after editing.

In addition, for example, the user 2 may operate the operating unit 23 and input the distance between the installation position of the sensor unit 10 and the grip end of the golf club 3, and information of the input distance may be stored as the sensor installation position information 244 in the storage unit 24. Otherwise, the sensor unit 10 may be mounted on a determined prescribed position (for example, at a distance of 20 cm from the grip end), and the information of the prescribed position may be stored in advance as the sensor installation position information 244.

In addition, for example, after the user 2 ends swing, the user 2 may operate the operating unit 23 and may input the hit-ball flying distance, and the processing unit 21 may store the input flying distance as flying distance information 246 in the storage unit 24. For example, after the user 2 ends swing, the user 2 may estimate the flying distance by visually checking an arrival position of a hit ball. Otherwise, the user 2 may count the number of steps while walking from a swing spot to the arrival position of the hit ball, and may calculate the flying distance by multiplying the number of counted steps by a stride. Otherwise, the user 2 may use a measurement device which is capable of measuring an accurate flying distance.

In addition, for example, the user 2 may operate the operating unit 23 and may set a hit-ball meeting rate by inputting the hit-ball meeting rate (or by selecting the hit-ball meeting rate from a meeting rate list), and thus the input and set meeting rate information (set meeting rate) may be stored as the meeting rate information 248 in the storage unit 24. The user 2 may set, for example, the ideal meeting rate information to the meeting rate information 248. The ideal meeting rate is a meeting rate at an approximately upper limit, which is determined according to the material or the like of the golf club 3. For example, in a case of an amateur, the ideal meeting rate is approximately 1.4, and, in a case of a pro, the ideal meeting rate is approximately 1.5. Meanwhile, the meeting rate information 248 may not be set by the user 2, and may be stored in the storage unit 24 in advance.

In addition, the storage unit 24 is used as the work space of the processing unit 21, and temporarily stores the data which is input from the operating unit 23, the results of operations which are executed by the processing unit 21 according to the various programs. Further, the storage unit 24 may store data, which needs to be preserved for a long time, from among data generated through processes performed by the processing unit 21.

The display unit 25 displays the results of the processes performed by the processing unit 21 as letters, graphs, tables, animation, and the other images. The display unit 25 may include, for example, a CRT, an LCD, a touch panel type display, a Head Mount Display (HMD), and the like. Meanwhile, the functions of the operating unit 23 and the display unit 25 may be realized using a single touch panel type display.

The sound output unit 26 outputs the results of processes which are performed by the processing unit 21 as sounds such as a voice or a buzzing sound. The sound output unit 26 may include, for example, a speaker, a buzzer, or the like.

The processing unit 21 performs a process of transmitting a control command to the sensor unit 10, various calculation processes for data which is received from the sensor unit 10 through the communication unit 22, and the other various control processes according to the various programs. More specifically, on the embodiment, the processing unit 21 executes the motion analysis program 240, and functions as a data acquisition unit 210, a velocity information acquisition unit 211, a flying distance information acquisition unit 212, a flying distance calculation unit 213, a comparison unit 215, a storage processing unit 216, a display processing unit 217, and a sound output processing unit 218.

The data acquisition unit 210 performs a process of receiving the packet data which is received by the communication unit 22 from the sensor unit 10, and acquiring the time information and the measurement data from the received packet data. The time information and the measurement data, which are acquired by the data acquisition unit 210, are associated with each other, and stored in the storage unit 24.

The velocity information acquisition unit 211 performs a process of acquiring information of the velocity of the prescribed part of the golf club 3 when the user 2 hits (impacts) a ball. For example, the velocity information acquisition unit 211 may calculate the velocity of the prescribed part of the golf club 3, which is acquired when the user 2 hits (impacts) a ball, using the measurement data which is output by the sensor unit 10. Otherwise, the sensor unit 10 may include a velocity sensor, and may output the measurement data, which includes velocity information output by the velocity sensor. Otherwise, the sensor unit 10 may calculate the velocity information by integrating acceleration data. When the measurement data, which includes the velocity information, is output, the velocity information acquisition unit 211 may acquire the velocity information which is included in the measurement data acquired when the user hits (impacts) a ball. Here, when the user 2 hits a ball, the prescribed part may be a part which moves at a velocity which relates to the hit-ball flying distance. In the embodiment, the prescribed part is the head (hitting section), and the velocity information acquisition unit 211 calculates a velocity (head speed) V_h of the head when a ball is hit (impacted) using the acceleration data and the angular velocity data which are included in the measurement data.

More specifically, the velocity information acquisition unit 211 first calculates off-set volume, which is included in the measurement data, using the measurement data (the acceleration data and the angular velocity data) which are acquired when the user 2 is at a standstill (at address) and which are stored in the storage unit 24. Further, for example, an XYZ coordinate system (global coordinate system), in which a target line indicative of a target ball-hitting direction is an X axis, an axis on a horizontal plane which is perpendicular to the X axis is a Y axis, and a vertical upper direction (the reverse direction of direction of acceleration of gravity) is a Z axis, is defined, and the velocity information acquisition unit 211 calculates an initial position and an initial posture in the XYZ coordinate system (global coordinate system) of the sensor unit 10 using the measurement data which is acquired by subtracting the off-set volume from the measurement data and performing bias correction.

The user 2 performs the movement in step S1 of FIG. 3, and thus the X coordinate of the initial position of the sensor unit 10 is 0. Further, when the user 2 is at a standstill, the acceleration sensor 12 measures only acceleration of gravity. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, when the y axis of the sensor unit 10 matches the longitudinal direction of the shaft of the golf club 3, the velocity information acquisition unit 211 is capable of calculating an angle of inclination (inclination for the horizontal plane (XY plane) or the vertical surface (XZ plane)) of the shaft using y-axis acceleration data. Further, the velocity information acquisition unit 211 is capable of calculating the Y coordinate and the Z coordinate of the initial position of the sensor unit 10 using an angle of inclination of the shaft, the club specification information 242 (the length of the shaft) and the sensor installation position information 244, and is capable of specifying the initial position of the sensor unit 10.

In addition, when the user 2 is at a standstill, the acceleration sensor 12 measures only the acceleration of gravity. Therefore, the velocity information acquisition unit 211 is capable of specifying an angle which is made by each of the x axis, the y axis, and the z axis of the sensor unit 10 and the gravity direction using the 3 axial acceleration data. Further, since the user 2 performs the movement in step S1 of FIG. 3, the y axis of the sensor unit 10 is on the YZ plane when the user 2 is at a standstill, and thus the velocity information acquisition unit 211 is capable of specifying the initial posture of the sensor unit 10.

Meanwhile, the signal processing unit 16 of the sensor unit 10 may calculate the off-set volume of the measurement data, and may perform the bias correction of the measurement data. Further, a bias correction function may be embedded in the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14. In this case, the bias correction of the measurement data, which is performed by the velocity information acquisition unit 211, is not necessary.

Subsequently, the velocity information acquisition unit 211 performs the bias correction by subtracting the off-set volume from the measurement data which is stored in the storage unit 24 and which is acquired after swing starts, and detects timing (impact timing) at which a ball is hit during a period of the swing movement of the user 2 using the measurement data on which the bias correction is performed. For example, the velocity information acquisition unit 211 may calculate a composition value of the measurement data (the acceleration data and the angular velocity data) on which the bias correction is performed, and may detect the timing (time) at which the user 2 hits a ball based on the composition value.

In addition, the velocity information acquisition unit 211 calculates the position and the posture of the sensor unit 10 when the user 2 is performing the swing movement (during the movement in step S2 of FIG. 3) using the measurement data which is stored in the storage unit 24 and which is acquired after swing starts (the measurement data on which the bias correction is performed). For example, the velocity information acquisition unit 211 calculates the change in the position of the sensor unit 10 from the initial position in time series with two-step integration of the acceleration data, and calculates the change in the posture of the sensor unit 10 from the initial posture in time series by performing a rotating operation using the angular velocity data. Meanwhile, it is possible to express the posture of the sensor unit 10 using, for example, a rotation angle (a roll angle, a pitch angle, or a yaw angle), Quaternion, or the like around the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis.

In the end, the velocity information acquisition unit 211 calculates the head speed V_h of the golf club 3 when a ball is hit using the timing (impact timing), at which the user 2 hits a ball, the position and the posture of the sensor unit 10, the sensor installation position information 244, and the like. For example, the velocity information acquisition unit 211 may define a motion analysis model by taking the club specification information 242 (the length and the central position of the shaft), the feature of the golf club 3 (rigid body or the like), the feature of the human body (a direction in which a joint bends is determined, or the like), and the like into consideration, and may calculate the head speed V_h of the golf club 3 when a ball is hit using the motion analysis model. For example, the velocity information acquisition unit 211 may calculate the locus of the golf club 3 when the user 2 performs swing using the motion analysis model, the sensor installation position information 244, and information of the position and the posture of the sensor unit 10, and may calculate the head speed V_h acquired when a ball is hit based on the locus of the head of the locus of the golf club 3.

The flying distance information acquisition unit 212 performs a process of acquiring actual distance information which relates to an actual hit-ball flying distance D_meas of the user 2. For example, the flying distance information acquisition unit 212 performs a process of acquiring information of the actual hit-ball flying distance D_meas, which is input by the user 2 by operating the operating unit 23, after swing ends. The information of the flying distance D_meas, which is acquired by the flying distance information acquisition unit 212, is stored as the flying distance information 246 in the storage unit 24.

The flying distance calculation unit 213 performs a process of acquiring the meeting rate information 248, and acquiring the flying distance information (calculated flying distance), which is calculated based on the velocity information of the prescribed part of the golf club 3 (in the embodiment, the head speed V_h) when the user 2 hits a ball and which is acquired by the velocity information acquisition unit 211, and the meeting rate information 248. In the embodiment, the flying distance calculation unit 213 calculates the flying distance based on the head speed V_h and the meeting rate which is set as the meeting rate information 248. For example, when the meeting rate, which is set as the meeting rate information 248, is an ideal meeting rate M_max the flying distance calculation unit 213 calculates an ideal flying distance D_max which is assumed based on the head speed V_h when a ball is hit. In the embodiment, the ideal flying distance D_max is calculated as in Equation 1 using the head speed V_h when a ball is hit, the ideal meeting rate M_max and a club coefficient K.

D_max=V_h×M_max×K  (1)

The club coefficient K is a coefficient which is determined for each type of the golf club 3, depends on the length or the material of the golf club 3, and is a value around, for example, 4. For example, the storage unit 24 may store a correspondence table of the type (the length or the material) of the golf club and the club coefficient K. The flying distance calculation unit 213 may refer to the correspondence table, may select the club coefficient K according to the type of the specified golf club 3 from the club specification information 242, and may select and substitute the club coefficient K in Equation 1.

The comparison unit 215 performs a process of comparing the actual flying distance which is acquired by the flying distance information acquisition unit 212 with the calculated flying distance which is acquired by the flying distance calculation unit 213. For example, the comparison unit 215 may compare the actual flying distance D_meas with the ideal flying distance D_max, and may generate ball-hitting motion (swing) analysis information of the user 2. For example, the comparison unit 215 may generate and output information of the difference between the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance (for example, information of a difference D_meas−D_max (or D_meas−D_max) between the actual flying distance D_meas and the ideal flying distance D_max) as a result of comparison. In addition, for example, the comparison unit 215 may generate and output advice information (for example, information which relates to advices for improving ball hitting performed by the user 2) based on the result of comparison. The comparison unit 215 compares, for example, the absolute value |D_meas−D_max| of the difference between the flying distance D_meas of the hit ball and the ideal flying distance D_max with a prescribed threshold. When the absolute value |D_meas−D_max| of the difference is larger than the threshold, analysis information which includes advice for improving the meeting rate may be generated. When the absolute value |D_meas−D_max| of the difference is less than the threshold, analysis information which includes advice for improving the flying distance may be generated. The advice for improving the meeting rate may include, for example, messages such as “grasp a position which is a little closer to the shaft” and “use a golf club with a little shorter shaft”. In addition, the advice for improving the flying distance may include, for example, messages such as “grasp a position which is a little farther from the shaft” and “use a golf club with a little longer shaft”.

In addition thereto, the comparison unit 215 may generate information, such as swing rhythm from back swing to follow-through, an incident angle (club pass) and a face angle which are acquired when a ball is hit, a shaft rotation (the amount of change in the face angle during swing), and the deceleration of the golf club 3. Otherwise, the comparison unit 215 may generate analysis information which includes dispersion information of the respective pieces of information when the user 2 performs swing a plurality of times.

The storage processing unit 216 performs a process of reading and writing the various programs or the various data for the storage unit 24. More specifically, the storage processing unit 216 performs a process of associating the time information with the measurement data, which are acquired by the data acquisition unit 210, and storing the resulting data in the storage unit 24, and performs a process of reading the pieces of information from the storage unit 24. In addition, the storage processing unit 216 performs a process of storing the club specification information 242, the sensor installation position information 244 and the flying distance information 246 (the actual flying distance D_meas of a hit ball, which is acquired by the flying distance information acquisition unit 212) according to the information, which are input by the user 2 by operating the operating unit 23, in the storage unit 24, and a process of reading the pieces of information from the storage unit 24. In addition, the storage processing unit 216 performs a process of storing information, such as the position and the posture of the sensor unit 10, the locus of the golf club 3, and the head speed V_h which are calculated by the velocity information acquisition unit 211, the calculated flying distance information which is acquired by the flying distance calculation unit 213, and the analysis information which is generated by the comparison unit 215 in the storage unit 24 or a process of reading the pieces of information from the storage unit 24.

The display processing unit 217 performs a process of displaying various images (which include letters and symbols) on the display unit 25. For example, after the swing motion of the user 2 ends, the display processing unit 217 performs a process of generating an image corresponding to the analysis information, which is stored in the storage unit 24 automatically or according to the input operation performed by the user 2, and displaying the image on the display unit 25. Meanwhile, the sensor unit 10 may be provided with a display unit, and the display processing unit 217 may transmit various images data to the sensor unit 10 through the communication unit 22 and may display the various images on the display unit of the sensor unit 10.

The sound output processing unit 218 performs a process of outputting various sounds (which include voice, a buzzing sound, and the like) to the sound output unit 26. For example, after the swing motion of the user 2 ends, the sound output processing unit 218 may perform a process of generating a sound or a voice corresponding to the analysis information which is stored in the storage unit 24 and outputting the generated sound or the voice from the sound output unit 26, automatically or when a prescribed input operation is performed. Meanwhile, the sound output unit may be provided in the sensor unit 10, and the sound output processing unit 218 may transmit the various sound data or voice data to the sensor unit 10 through the communication unit 22, and may output the various sounds or voices to the sound output unit of the sensor unit 10.

In addition, an oscillation mechanism may be provided in the motion analysis device 20 or the sensor unit 10, and various information may be converted into oscillation information by the oscillation mechanism such that the converted oscillation information is notified to the user 2.

1-1-3. Process of Motion Analysis Device

Motion Analysis Process

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of the motion analysis process which is performed by the processing unit 21 of the motion analysis device 20 according to the first embodiment. The processing unit 21 of the motion analysis device 20 (an example of a computer) performs the motion analysis process according to the sequence of the flowchart of FIG. 5 by executing the motion analysis program 240 which is stored in the storage unit 24. Hereinafter, the flowchart of FIG. 5 will be described.

First, the processing unit 21 acquires information which is input by the user 2, and generates the club specification information 242, the sensor installation position information 244, and the meeting rate information 248 (S10).

Subsequently, the processing unit 21 acquires the measurement data of the sensor unit 10 (S20). When the processing unit 21 acquires initial measurement data in the swing motion (including static movement) of the user 2 in step S20, the processing unit 21 may perform processes subsequent to step S30 in real time, or may perform the processes subsequent to step S30 after acquiring a part or entirety of a series of measurement data in the swing motion of the user 2 from the sensor unit 10.

Subsequently, the processing unit 21 detects the standstill movement (address movement) of the user 2 (movement in step S1 of FIG. 3) using the measurement data which is acquired from the sensor unit 10 (S30). When the processes are performed in real time and the processing unit 21 detects the standstill movement (address movement), for example, a prescribed image or a sound is output. Otherwise, an LED is provided in the sensor unit 10, the user 2 is notified about the detection of the static state by lighting the LED, and thus the user 2 may start swing after checking the notification.

Subsequently, the processing unit 21 calculates the initial position and the initial posture of the sensor unit 10 using the measurement data, which is acquired from the sensor unit 10 (the measurement data in the static movement (address movement) of the user 2) (S40).

Subsequently, the processing unit 21 detects the timing (impact timing) at which the user 2 hits a ball using the measurement data which is acquired from the sensor unit 10 (S50).

In addition, the processing unit 21 calculates the position and the posture of the sensor unit 10 during the swing movement of the user 2 together with the process performed in step S50 (S60).

Subsequently, the processing unit 21 calculates the head speed V_h acquired when a ball is hit using the club specification information 242 and the sensor installation position information 244 which are generated in step S10, the impact timing which is detected in step S50, and the position and the posture of the sensor unit 10 which are calculated in step S60 (S70).

Subsequently, the processing unit 21 acquires the flying distance information 246 of a hit ball (information of the actual flying distance D_meas of a hit ball) which is input by the user 2 (S80).

Subsequently, the processing unit 21 acquires the meeting rate information 248, and calculates the flying distance (for example, the ideal flying distance D_max) using the head speed V_h which is calculated in step S70 and the meeting rate (for example, the ideal meeting rate M_max) which is set in the meeting rate information 248 (S90).

Further, the processing unit 21 compares the actual flying distance D_meas of a hit ball, which is acquired in step S80, with the flying distance (for example, the ideal flying distance D_max), which is calculated in step S90, generates the swing analysis information and displays the swing analysis information on the display unit 25 (S100), and ends the process.

Meanwhile, in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the sequence of each step may be appropriately changed in a possible range.

Process of Detecting Impact

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of a process (the process in step S50 of FIG. 5) of detecting a timing at which the user 2 hits a ball. Hereinafter, the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described.

First, the processing unit 21 calculates the composition value n₀(t) of the angular velocity at each time t using the acquired angular velocity data (the angular velocity data for each time t) (S200). For example, when the angular velocity data includes x(t), y(t), and z(t) at time t, the composition value n₀(t) of the angular velocity is calculated as in subsequent Equation 2.

n₀(t)=√{square root over (x(t)²+y(t)²+z(t)²)}{square root over (x(t)²+y(t)²+z(t)²)}{square root over (x(t)²+y(t)²+z(t)²)}  (2)

Subsequently, the processing unit 21 converts the composition value n₀(t) of the angular velocity at each time t into a composition value n(t) which is normalized (scaled) to a prescribed range (S210). For example, when the maximum value of the composition value of the angular velocities during a period, in which the measurement data is acquired, is max (n₀), the composition value n₀(t) of the angular velocities is converted to the composition value n(t) which is normalized in a range of 0 to 100 through subsequent Equation 3.

$\begin{array}{cc}n\left(t\right)=\frac{100\times n_0\left(t\right)}{\max \left(n_0\right)}& \left(3\right)\end{array}$

Subsequently, the processing unit 21 calculates the differentiation dn(t) of the composition value n(t) after normalization at each time t (S220). For example, when the measurement period of the 3 axial angular velocity data is Δt, the differentiation (difference) dn(t) of the composition value of the angular velocities at time t is calculated as in subsequent Equation 4.

dn(t)=n(t)−n(t−Δt)  (4)

At last, the processing unit 21 detects the earlier time of time, in which the value of the differentiation dn(t) of the composition value is the maximum, and time, in which the value of the differentiation dn(t) of the composition value is the minimum, as the ball hitting timing (S230). In normal golf swing, it is considered that a swing velocity is the maximum at a ball hitting moment. Further, since it may be considered that the value of the composition value of the angular velocity changes according to the swing velocity, it is possible to understand timing at which the differentiation value of the composition value of the angular velocities during a series of swing movement is the maximum or the minimum (that is, timing at which the differentiation value of the composition value of the angular velocities is the positive maximum value or the negative minimum value) as ball hitting (impacting) timing. Meanwhile, since the golf club 3 is vibrated due to the ball hitting, it is considered that timing at which the differentiation value of the composition value of the angular velocities is the maximum or the minimum occurs in pairs. However, the earlier timing thereof is considered as the ball hitting moment.

Meanwhile, when the user 2 performs the swing movement, a series of rhythms, in which the user stops the golf club at the top position, performs down swing, hits a ball, and performs follow-through, are assumed. Accordingly, the processing unit 21 detects the candidates of the timing at which the user 2 hits a ball according to the flowchart of FIG. 6, and determines whether or not the measurement data, which is acquired before or after the detected timing, matches the rhythm. The detected timing may be confirmed as the timing at which the user 2 hits a ball when the measurement data matches the rhythm, and a subsequent candidate may be detected when the measurement data does not match the rhythm.

In addition, in a flowchart of FIG. 6, the processing unit 21 detects the ball hitting timing using the 3 axial angular velocity data. Meanwhile, it is possible to detect the ball hitting timing using the 3 axial acceleration data in the same manner.

Process of Calculating Posture of Sensor Unit

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of the process (some processes in step S40 and step S60 of FIG. 5) of calculating the posture of the sensor unit 10 (initial posture and posture at time N). Hereinafter, the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described.

First, the processing unit 21 makes setting such that time t=0 (S300), specifies the orientation of the acceleration of gravity based on the 3 axial acceleration data at a standstill, and calculates quaternion p(0) which indicates the initial posture (posture at time t=0) of the sensor unit 10 (S310).

In addition, quaternion q, which indicates rotation, is expressed as in subsequent Equation 5.

q==(w,x,y,z)  (5)

In Equation 5, when a rotation angle of target rotation is φ and the unit vector of the rotational axis is (r_x, r_y, r_z), w, x, y, and z are expressed as in subsequent Equation 6.

$\begin{array}{cc}w=\cos \frac{\phi }{2},x=r_x·\sin \frac{\phi }{2},y=r_y·\sin \frac{\phi }{2},z=r_z·\sin \frac{\phi }{2}& \left(6\right)\end{array}$

Since the sensor unit 10 stops at time t=0, φ=0. Quaternion q(0), which indicates the rotation at time t=0, while φ=0, is expressed as in subsequent Equation 7 using Equation 5 in which φ=0 is substituted for Equation 6.

q(0)=(1,0,0,0)  (7)

Subsequently, the processing unit 21 updates time t to t+1 (S320). Here, since time t=0, time is updated such that time t=1.

Subsequently, the processing unit 200 calculates quaternion Δq(t), which indicates rotation for each unit time of time t, from the 3 axial angular velocity data at time t (S330).

For example, when the 3 axial angular velocity data at time t is ω(t)=(ω_x(t), ω_y(t), ω_z(t)), the size |ω(t)| of the angular velocity for a single sample which is measured at time t is calculated using subsequent Equation 8.

|ω(t)|=√{square root over (ω_x(t)²+ω_y(t)²+ω_z(t)²)}{square root over (ω_x(t)²+ω_y(t)²+ω_z(t)²)}{square root over (ω_x(t)²+ω_y(t)²+ω_z(t)²)}  (8)

Since the size |ω(t)| of the angular velocity is a rotation angle for each unit time, quaternion Δq(t+1) which indicates rotation for each unit time of time t is calculated using subsequent Equation 9.

$\begin{array}{cc}\Delta q\left(t\right)=\left(\cos \frac{\omega \left(t\right)}{2},\frac{{\omega }_x\left(t\right)}{\omega \left(t\right)}\sin \frac{\omega \left(t\right)}{2},\frac{{\omega }_y\left(t\right)}{\omega \left(t\right)}\sin \frac{\omega \left(t\right)}{2},\frac{{\omega }_z\left(t\right)}{\omega \left(t\right)}\sin \frac{\omega \left(t\right)}{2}\right)& \left(9\right)\end{array}$

Here, since t=1, the processing unit 21 calculates Δq(1) using Equation 9 based on the 3 axial angular velocity data ω(1)=(ω_x(1), ω_y(1), ω_z(1)) at time t=1.

Subsequently, the processing unit 21 calculates quaternion q(t) which indicates rotation performed from time 0 to t (S340). Quaternion q(t) is calculated using subsequent Equation 10.

q(t)=q(t−1)·Δq(t)  (10)

Here, since t=1, the processing unit 21 calculates q(1) using Equation 10 based on q(0) of Equation 7 and Δq(1) which is calculated in step S330.

Subsequently, the processing unit 21 repeats the processes in steps S320 to S340 until t=N. When t=N (Y in S350), the processing unit 21 calculates quaternion p(N), which indicates posture at time N, based on quaternion p(0), which indicates the initial posture calculated in step S310, and quaternion q(N), which indicates rotation performed from when time t=0 to when t=N and which is calculated in the last step S340, (S360), and ends the process.

The processing unit 21 calculates the posture of the sensor unit 10 when a ball is hit while time in which the user 2 hits a ball is set to time N according to the sequence of the flowchart of FIG. 7.

1-1-4. Example of Display of Analysis Information

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image which is generated by the processing unit 21 in step S100 of FIG. 5 and which is displayed on the display unit 25. An image 300, which is illustrated in FIG. 8, includes text information which relates to analysis results and text information which relates to advice for improving ball hitting performed by the user 2. In the example of FIG. 8, analysis results are displayed which indicate that the head speed V_h, acquired when a ball is hit, is 40 m/s, the flying distance D_meas of the hit ball, which is input by the user 2, is 150 yards, the ideal flying distance D_max is 240 yards, and the difference between the flying distance D_meas of the hit ball and the ideal flying distance D_max is −90 yards. Further, the absolute value of the difference between the flying distance D_meas of the hit ball and the ideal flying distance D_max is larger than the threshold (for example, 30 yards). Therefore, in the example of FIG. 8, advice for improving the meeting rate is displayed. The user 2 is capable of knowing an ideal degree of extension of the flying distance and a degree of the demonstrated potential of swing based on the difference between the actual flying distance and the ideal flying distance according to the analysis result information included in the image 300 of FIG. 8. In addition, the user 2 is capable of knowing a way that the user can sufficiently demonstrate the potential of swing of the user based on the advice information included in the image 300 of FIG. 8.

1-1-5. Advantages

As described above, in the first embodiment, the motion analysis device 20 calculates the flying distance (for example, the ideal flying distance) based on the head speed of the golf club 3 when a ball is hit and the meeting rate which is set by the user (for example, the ideal meeting rate), and generates the analysis information by comparing the actual flying distance with the calculated flying distance (for example, the ideal flying distance). The difference between the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance (for example, the ideal flying distance) is generated due to the difference between the actual meeting rate and the set meeting rate (for example, the ideal meeting rate). Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to notify the user 2 of the information of the potential of swing based on the meeting rate.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the motion analysis device 20 acquires the actual hit-ball flying distance information, which is input by the user 2. Therefore, it is not necessary to calculate the flying distance using the measurement data which is output by the sensor unit 10. It is difficult to accurately calculate the hit-ball flying distance using the measurement data which is output by the sensor unit 10 installed on the golf club 3 or the user 2. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to acquire the actual flying distance information with relatively high accuracy, and it is possible to notify of analysis information with higher reliability.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the user 2 is capable of easily knowing the degree of the demonstrated potential of swing based on the meeting rate according to the difference information between the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance (for example, ideal flying distance), and is capable of knowing a swing improvement method in detail according to the advice information.

In addition, according to the first embodiment, the motion analysis device 20 generates the analysis information using the measurement data which is output by the sensor unit 10. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a large scale device, such as a camera, and thus restrictions on a place in which swing analysis is performed are small.

1-2. Second Embodiment

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configurations of the sensor unit 10 and the motion analysis device 20 in a motion analysis system according to a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are attached to the same components as in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, description which is repeated in the first embodiment is omitted, and the second embodiment will be described based on the difference from the first embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, in a motion analysis system 1 according to the second embodiment, the processing unit 21 of the motion analysis device 20 functions as a data acquisition unit 210, a velocity information acquisition unit 211, a flying distance information acquisition unit 212, a meeting rate calculation unit 214, a comparison unit 215, a storage processing unit 216, a display processing unit 217, and a sound output processing unit 218 by executing a motion analysis program 240.

The respective functions of the data acquisition unit 210, the velocity information acquisition unit 211, the flying distance information acquisition unit 212, the storage processing unit 216, the display processing unit 217, and the sound output processing unit 218 are the same as in the first embodiment.

The meeting rate calculation unit 214 performs a process of calculating a hit-ball meeting rate M_meas of the user 2 based on the velocity information (head speed V_h) of a prescribed part (head in the embodiment) of the golf club 3 when the user 2 hits a ball, which is acquired by the velocity information acquisition unit 211, and the actual flying distance information, which relates to the hit-ball actual flying distance D_meas of the user 2 and which is acquired by the flying distance information acquisition unit 212. In the embodiment, the hit-ball meeting rate M_meas is calculated through Equation 11 using the head speed V_h acquired when the ball is hit, the actual flying distance D_meas of the hit ball, and the club coefficient K.

$\begin{array}{cc}{M}_{\mathrm{meas}}=\frac{D_{\mathrm{meas}}}{V_h\times K}& \left(11\right)\end{array}$

The comparison unit 215 performs a process of acquiring the meeting rate information 248, and comparing the hit-ball meeting rate, which is calculated by the meeting rate calculation unit 214, with the meeting rate which is set in the meeting rate information 248. For example, the comparison unit 215 may compare the calculated meeting rate M_meas with the ideal meeting rate M_max, and may generate ball-hitting motion (swing) analysis information of the user 2. For example, the comparison unit 215 may generate and output the difference information between the meeting rate, which is calculated as the result of the comparison, and the set meeting rate (for example, the difference information M_meas−M_max (or M_meas−M_max) between the calculated meeting rate M_meas and the ideal meeting rate M_max). In addition, for example, the comparison unit 215 may generate and output the advice information (for example, the information which relates to advice for improving ball-hitting performed by the user 2) based on the result of comparison. The comparison unit 215 compares, for example, the absolute value |M_meas−M_max| of the difference between the hit-ball meeting rate M_meas and the ideal meeting rate M_max with the prescribed threshold. The analysis information, which includes advice for improving the meeting rate when the absolute value |N_meas−M_max| of the difference is larger than the threshold and which includes advice for improving the flying distance when the absolute value |M_meas−M_max| of the difference is less than the threshold, may be generated.

In the same manner as in the first embodiment, the comparison unit 215 may generate analysis information which includes information, such as swing rhythm from back swing to follow-through, an incident angle (club path) and a face angle which are acquired when a ball is hit, a shaft rotation (the amount of change in the face angle during swing), and the deceleration of the golf club 3, the deviation information of the respective pieces of information which are acquired when the user 2 performs swing a plurality of times, and the like.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of a motion analysis process performed by the processing unit 21 of the motion analysis device 20 according to the second embodiment. The processing unit 21 of the motion analysis device 20 (an example of a computer) performs the motion analysis process according to the sequence of the flowchart of FIG. 10 by executing the motion analysis program 240 which is stored in the storage unit 24. In the flowchart of FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are attached to the same steps in the flowchart of FIG. 5. Hereinafter, the flowchart of FIG. 10 will be described.

First, the processing unit 21 performs processes in steps S10 to S80. Since the respective processes in steps S10 to S80 are the same as the respective processes in steps S10 to S80 of FIG. 5, the description thereof will not be repeated.

Subsequently, the processing unit 21 calculates the hit-ball meeting rate M_meas of the user 2 using the head speed V_h calculated in step S70 and the actual flying distance D_meas of the hit ball, which is acquired in step S80 (S92).

Further, the processing unit 21 acquires the meeting rate information 248, compares the meeting rate M_meas which is calculated in step S92 and the meeting rate (for example, the ideal meeting rate M_max) which is set in the meeting rate information 248, generates swing analysis information and displays the swing analysis information on the display unit 25 (S102), and ends the process.

Meanwhile, in the flowchart of FIG. 10, the sequence of each step may be appropriately changed in a possible range.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of an image which is generated by the processing unit 21 in step S102 of FIG. 10 and which is displayed on the display unit 25. An image 302, which is illustrated in FIG. 11, includes text information which relates to analysis results and text information which relates to advice for improving ball hitting performed by the user 2. In the example of FIG. 11, analysis results are displayed which indicate that the head speed V_h acquired when a ball is hit is 40 m/s, the hit-ball meeting rate M_meas is 0.94, the ideal meeting rate M_max is 1.5, and the difference between the hit-ball meeting rate M_meas and the ideal meeting rate M_max is −0.56. Further, the absolute value of the difference between the hit-ball meeting rate M_meas and the ideal meeting rate M_max is larger than the threshold (for example, 0.2). Therefore, in the example of FIG. 11, advice for improving the meeting rate is displayed. The user 2 is capable of knowing a meeting degree based on the analysis result information included in the image 302 of FIG. 11 and a degree of the demonstrated potential of swing of the user based on the difference between the actual meeting rate and the ideal meeting rate. In addition, the user 2 is capable of knowing a way that the user 2 can sufficiently demonstrate the potential of swing of the user based on advice information included in the image 302 of FIG. 11.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the motion analysis device 20 calculates the actual meeting rate based on the head speed of the golf club 3, which is acquired when a ball is hit, and the actual flying distance, and generates the analysis information by comparing the actual meeting rate with the meeting rate which is set by the user (for example, ideal meeting rate). Accordingly, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to notify the user 2 of the information of the potential of swing based on the meeting rate.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the motion analysis device 20 acquires the actual hit-ball flying distance information, which is input by the user 2. Therefore, it is not necessary to calculate the flying distance using the measurement data which is output by the sensor unit 10. It is difficult to accurately calculate the hit-ball flying distance using the measurement data which is output by the sensor unit 10 installed on the golf club 3 or the user 2. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to acquire the actual flying distance information with relatively high accuracy, and it is possible to notify of analysis information with higher reliability.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the user 2 easily understand the degree of the demonstrated potential of swing based on the difference information between the actual meeting rate and the set meeting rate (for example, ideal meeting rate). Further, the user 2 is capable of knowing a swing improvement method in detail based on the advice information.

In addition, according to the second embodiment, the motion analysis device 20 generates the analysis information using the measurement data which is output by the sensor unit 10. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a large scale device, such as a camera, and thus restrictions on a place in which swing analysis is performed are small.

1-3. Third Embodiment

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configurations of the sensor unit 10 and the motion analysis device 20 in a motion analysis system according to a third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are attached to the same components as in the first embodiment or the second embodiment. Hereinafter, description which is repeated in the first embodiment or the second embodiment is omitted, and the third embodiment will be described based on the difference from the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, in a motion analysis system 1 according to the third embodiment, the processing unit 21 of the motion analysis device 20 functions as a data acquisition unit 210, a velocity information acquisition unit 211, a flying distance information acquisition unit 212, a flying distance calculation unit 213, a meeting rate calculation unit 214, a comparison unit 215, a storage processing unit 216, a display processing unit 217, and a sound output processing unit 218 by executing a motion analysis program 240.

The respective functions of the data acquisition unit 210, the velocity information acquisition unit 211, the flying distance information acquisition unit 212, the storage processing unit 216, the display processing unit 217, and the sound output processing unit 218 are the same as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

In addition, the function of the flying distance calculation unit 213 is the same as in the first embodiment, and the function of the meeting rate calculation unit 214 is the same as in the second embodiment.

The comparison unit 215 performs a process of comparing an actual flying distance, which is acquired by the flying distance information acquisition unit 212, with a calculated flying distance, which is acquired by the flying distance calculation unit 213, and comparing a hit-ball meeting rate, which is calculated by the meeting rate calculation unit 214, with a meeting rate which is set in the meeting rate information 248. For example, the comparison unit 215 may compare the actual flying distance D_meas with the ideal flying distance D_max, may compare the calculated meeting rate M_meas with the ideal meeting rate M_max, and may generate hit ball motion (swing) analysis information of the user 2.

For example, the comparison unit 215 may generate and output information which is acquired by associating the calculated meeting rate and the actual flying distance with the set meeting rate and the calculated flying distance (for example, information acquired by associating the calculated hit-ball meeting rate M_meas and the actual flying distance D_meas with the ideal meeting rate M_max and the ideal flying distance D_max) as a result of comparison. In addition, for example, the comparison unit 215 may generate and output the advice information (information which relates to advice for improving ball hitting performed by the user 2) based on the result of comparison. The comparison unit 215 may compare, for example, the absolute value |D_meas−D_max| of the difference between the flying distance D_meas of the hit ball and the ideal flying distance D_max with a prescribed threshold, and may generate analysis information which includes advice for improving the meeting rate when the absolute value |D_meas−D_max| of the difference is larger than the threshold, and which includes advice for improving the flying distance when the absolute value |D_meas−D_max| of the difference is less than the threshold. Otherwise, the comparison unit 215 may compare, for example, the absolute value |M_meas−M_max| of the difference between the hit-ball meeting rate M_meas and the ideal meeting rate M_max with the prescribed threshold, and may generate analysis information which includes the advice for improving the meeting rate when the absolute value |M_meas−M_max| of the difference is larger than the threshold, and which includes the advice for improving the flying distance when the absolute value |M_meas−M_max| of the difference is less than the threshold.

In the same manner as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the comparison unit 215 may generate analysis information which include information, such as swing rhythm from back swing to follow-through, an incident angle (club path) and a face angle, which are acquired when a ball is hit, a shaft rotation (the amount of change in the face angle during swing), and the deceleration of the golf club 3, the deviation information of the respective pieces of information which are acquired when the user 2 performs swing a plurality of times, and the like, in addition thereto.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of the motion analysis process which is performed by the processing unit 21 of the motion analysis device 20 according to the third embodiment. The processing unit 21 of the motion analysis device 20 (an example of a computer) performs the motion analysis process according to the sequence of the flowchart of FIG. 13 by executing the motion analysis program 240 which is stored in the storage unit 24. In the flowchart of FIG. 13, the same reference numerals are attached to the same steps in the flowchart of FIG. 5 and the flowchart of FIG. 10. Hereinafter, the flowchart of FIG. 13 will be described.

First, the processing unit 21 performs processes in steps S10 to S90. Since the respective processes in steps S10 to S90 are the same as the respective processes in steps S10 to S90 of FIG. 5, the description thereof will not be repeated.

Subsequently, the processing unit 21 performs a process in step S92. Since the process in step S92 is the same as the process in step S92 of FIG. 10, the description thereof will not be repeated.

Further, the processing unit 21 generates swing analysis information including information which is acquired by associating the meeting rate M_meas calculated in step S92 and the actual flying distance D_meas of the hit ball acquired in step S80 with the meeting rate (for example, the ideal meeting rate M_max) set in the meeting rate information 248 and the flying distance (for example, the ideal flying distance D_max) calculated in step S90, displays the swing analysis information on the display unit 25 (S104), and ends the process.

Meanwhile, in the flowchart of FIG. 13, the sequence of each step may be appropriately changed in a possible range.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of an image which is generated in step S104 of FIG. 13 and displayed on the display unit 25 by the processing unit 21. An image 304 illustrated in FIG. 14 includes text information which relates to analysis results and text information which relates to advice for improving ball hitting performed by the user 2. In the example of FIG. 14, the analysis results are displayed which indicate that the head speed V_h acquired when a ball is hit is 40 m/s, the hit-ball meeting rate M_meas is 0.94, the flying distance D_meas of the hit ball input by the user 2 is 150 yards, the ideal meeting rate M_max is 1.5, and the ideal flying distance D_max is 240 yards. More specifically, the hit-ball meeting rate M_meas (0.94), the hit-ball flying distance D_meas (150 yards), the ideal meeting rate M_max (1.5), and the ideal flying distance D_max (240 yards) are transversely displayed in parallel, respectively. Therefore, the user 2 easily understands the relationship between the meeting rate and the flying distance. In addition, the hit-ball meeting rate M_meas (0.94), the ideal meeting rate M_max(1.5), the hit-ball flying distance D_meas (150 yards), and the ideal flying distance D_max (240 yards) are longitudinally displayed in parallel, respectively. Therefore, the user 2 easily understands the relationship between swing of the user and ideal swing.

Further, since the absolute value of the difference between the flying distance D_meas of the hit ball and the ideal flying distance D_max is larger than the threshold (for example, 30 yards) or since the absolute value of the difference between the hit-ball meeting rate M_meas and the ideal meeting rate M_max is larger than the threshold (for example, 0.2), the advice for improving the meeting rate is displayed in the example of FIG. 14. The user 2 is capable of knowing an ideal degree of extension of the flying distance, a possible meeting degree, and a degree of the demonstrated potential of swing of the user 2 based on the comparison between the actual flying distance and the ideal flying distance or the comparison between the actual meeting rate and the ideal meeting rate based on the analysis result information included in the image 304 of FIG. 14. In addition, the user 2 is capable of knowing a way that the user 2 can sufficiently demonstrate the potential of swing of the user based on advice information included in the image 304 of FIG. 14.

According to the above-described third embodiment, the same advantages are accomplished as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Further, in the third embodiment, the user 2 is capable of easily understanding a degree of the loss of the flying distance according to the difference between the actual meeting rate and the set meeting rate based on the analysis information.

2. Modification Example

The invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various modification examples are possible in a range which does not depart from the gist of the invention.

For example, in each of the embodiments, the head of the golf club 3 is set to a prescribed part, the velocity (head speed V_h) of the head, which is acquired when a ball is hit, is calculated, and the flying distance (for example, the ideal flying distance D_max) or the hit-ball meeting rate M_meas is calculated using the velocity (head speed V_h) of the head. However, the prescribed part may be a part other than the head. For example, the tip (a part which is connected to the head) of the shaft of the golf club 3 may be set to the prescribed part, the velocity of the tip of the shaft, which is acquired when a ball is hit, may be calculated, and the flying distance (for example, the ideal flying distance D_max) or the hit-ball meeting rate M_meas may be calculated using the velocity of the tip of the shaft when a ball is hit. In addition, the velocity, which is acquired when a ball is hit, is not limited to a velocity at an impact moment, and may be a velocity around impact (prescribed range before or after the impact).

In addition, in each of the embodiments, the correspondence table of the type (the length or the material) of the golf club and the club coefficient K is stored in the storage unit 24. However, a calculation formula for the club coefficient K, in which one or more parameters are set to variables according to the type (length or material) of the golf club, may be used instead thereof.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the comparison unit 215 may generate and output ratio information of the actual flying distance to the calculated flying distance (for example, information of a ratio D_meas/D_max (or D_max/D_meas) of the actual flying distance D_meas to the ideal flying distance D_max) as the results of the comparison while not being limited to the difference information between the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance (for example, the information of a difference D_meas−D_max (or D_meas−D_max) between the actual flying distance D_meas and the ideal flying distance D_max). In the same manner, in the second embodiment, the comparison unit 215 may include ratio information of the calculated meeting rate to the set meeting rate (for example, ratio information M_meas/M_max (or M_max/M_meas) of the calculated meeting rate M_meas to the ideal meeting rate M_max) as the results of the comparison while not being limited to the difference information between the calculated meeting rate and the set meeting rate (for example, the difference information M_meas−M_max (or M_meas−M_max) between the calculated meeting rate M_meas and the ideal meeting rate M_max).

In addition, in each of the embodiments, the sensor unit 10 detects timing at which user 2 hits (impacts) a ball using the square root of the sum of squares as shown in Equation 2 as the measured composition value of the 3 axial angular velocities. However, in addition thereto, for example, the sum of squares of the 3 axial angular velocities, the sum or average of the 3 axial angular velocities, and the product of the 3 axial angular velocities may be used as the composition value of the 3 axial angular velocities. In addition, instead of the composition value of the 3 axial angular velocities, the composition value of the 3 axial accelerations, such as the sum of squares or the square root of the 3 axial accelerations, the sum or the average of the 3 axial accelerations, and the product of the 3 axial accelerations, may be used.

In addition, in the embodiments, the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14 are embedded and integrated in the sensor unit 10. However, the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14 may not be integrated. Otherwise, the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14 may be directly mounted on the golf club 3 or the user 2 without being embedded in the sensor unit 10. In addition, in the embodiments, the sensor unit 10 and the motion analysis device 20 are separately provided, and the sensor unit 10 and the motion analysis device 20 may be integrated to be mounted on the golf club 3 or the user 2.

In addition, in the embodiments, the motion analysis system (motion analysis device) which analyzes golf swing is provided as an example. However, it is possible to apply the invention to a motion analysis system (motion analysis device) which analyzes swings of various motions such as tennis and baseball.

The above-described embodiments and the modification example are examples, and the invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is possible to appropriately combine each embodiment and each modification example.

The invention includes a configuration (for example, a configuration which has the same function, method, and results or a configuration which has the same object and advantage) which is substantially the same as the configuration which is described in the embodiment. In addition, the invention includes a configuration in which a part of the configuration, which is described in the embodiment and which is not substantial, is replaced. In addition, the invention includes a configuration, which provides the same effect as the configuration described in the embodiment, or a configuration in which it is possible to accomplish the same object as the configuration described in the embodiment. In addition, the invention includes a configuration in which a well-known technology is added to the configuration described in the embodiment.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-154700, filed Jul. 30, 2014 is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Claims

1. A motion analysis method comprising:

acquiring velocity information of a prescribed part of sporting equipment when a ball is hit;

acquiring actual flying distance information which relates to an actual hit-ball flying distance;

acquiring set meeting rate information which is set by a user;

acquiring calculated flying distance information which is calculated based on the velocity information and the set meeting rate information; and

comparing the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance.

2. The motion analysis method according to claim 1, further comprising:

outputting difference information between the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance as a result of the comparing.

3. The motion analysis method according to claim 1, further comprising:

calculating a hit-ball meeting rate based on the velocity information and the actual flying distance information; and

outputting the hit-ball meeting rate information.

4. A motion analysis method comprising:

acquiring velocity information of a prescribed part of sporting equipment when a ball is hit;

acquiring actual flying distance information which relates to an actual hit-ball flying distance;

calculating a hit-ball meeting rate based on the velocity information and the actual flying distance information;

acquiring set meeting rate information which is set by a user; and

comparing the hit-ball meeting rate and the set meeting rate.

5. The motion analysis method according to claim 4, further comprising:

outputting difference information between the hit-ball meeting rate and the set meeting rate as a result of the comparing.

6. The motion analysis method according to claim 4, further comprising:

acquiring calculated flying distance information which is calculated based on the velocity information and the set meeting rate information; and

comparing the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance.

7. The motion analysis method according to claim 3, further comprising:

outputting information which is acquired by associating the hit-ball meeting rate and the actual flying distance and by associating the set meeting rate with the calculated flying distance.

8. The motion analysis method according to claim 6, further comprising:

outputting information which is acquired by associating the hit-ball meeting rate and the actual flying distance and by associating the set meeting rate with the calculated flying distance.

9. The motion analysis method according to claim 1,

wherein the prescribed part of the sporting equipment is a part which moves at a velocity which relates to the actual flying distance when the ball is hit.

10. The motion analysis method according to claim 4,

wherein the prescribed part of the sporting equipment is a part which moves at a velocity which relates to the actual flying distance when the ball is hit.

11. The motion analysis method according to claim 1,

wherein the prescribed part of the sporting equipment is a hitting section.

12. The motion analysis method according to claim 4,

wherein the prescribed part of the sporting equipment is a hitting section.

13. The motion analysis method according to claim 1, further comprising:

outputting advice information based on a result of the comparing.

14. The motion analysis method according to claim 4, further comprising:

outputting advice information based on a result of the comparing.

15. The motion analysis method according to claim 1,

wherein the sporting equipment is a golf club.

16. The motion analysis method according to claim 4,

wherein the sporting equipment is a golf club.

17. A motion analysis device comprising:

a velocity information acquisition unit that acquires velocity information of a prescribed part of sporting equipment when a ball is hit;

a flying distance information acquisition unit that acquires actual flying distance information which relates to an actual hit-ball flying distance;

a flying distance calculation unit that acquires set meeting rate information which is set by a user, and that acquires calculated flying distance information which is calculated based on the velocity information and the set meeting rate information; and

a comparison unit that compares the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance.

18. A motion analysis device comprising:

a velocity information acquisition unit that acquires velocity information of a prescribed part of sporting equipment when a ball is hit;

a flying distance information acquisition unit that acquires actual flying distance information which relates to an actual hit-ball flying distance;

a meeting rate calculation unit that calculates a hit-ball meeting rate based on the velocity information and the actual flying distance information; and

a comparison unit that acquires set meeting rate information, which is set by a user, and that compares the hit-ball meeting rate and the set meeting rate.

19. A program causing a computer to acquire velocity information of a prescribed part of sporting equipment when a ball is hit;

to acquire actual flying distance information which relates to an actual hit-ball flying distance;

to acquire set meeting rate information which is set by a user;

to acquire calculated flying distance information which is calculated based on the velocity information and the set meeting rate information; and

to compare the actual flying distance and the calculated flying distance.

20. A program causing a computer to acquire velocity information of a prescribed part of sporting equipment when a ball is hit;

to acquire actual flying distance information which relates to an actual hit-ball flying distance;

to calculate a hit-ball meeting rate based on the velocity information and the actual flying distance information;

to acquire set meeting rate information which is set by a user; and

to compare the hit-ball meeting rate and the set meeting rate.