SWING ANALYZING DEVICE, SWING ANALYZING SYSTEM, AND SWING ANALYZING METHOD

Abstract

A swing analyzing device (a sensor unit) includes an exercise-information acquiring section configured to acquire an output of an inertial sensor (an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor), an information acquiring section (a movement-information acquiring section) configured to acquire at least either one of position information and movement information, and a control section (a sampling-rate control section) configured to control a storage sampling rate of the storage of the output of the inertial sensor. The control section changes the storage sampling rate according to at least either one of the position information and the movement information.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This nonprovisional application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-057157 filed Mar. 23, 2017, the enter disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a swing analyzing device, a swing analyzing system, and a swing analyzing method.

2. Related Art

As an exercise measuring device, there has been disclosed a golf score recording device that detects (calculates) and records, during round of golf, on the basis of measurement data by an inertial sensor such as an acceleration sensor, an indicator indicating a swing state of a player (see, for example, JP-A-2015-73714 (Patent Literature 1)). Patent Literature 1 describes that the golf score recording device performs recording of swing position information together with periodical position information measurement.

In the golf score recording device functioning as the exercise measuring device described in Patent Literature 1, the inertial sensor needs to be always set in a detectable state to be capable of detecting a state of a swing no matter when the swing is performed during the round. However, although a time required for the swing is short, the round of golf usually takes a long time such as a half day or a full day. The necessity for always setting the inertial sensor in the detectable state for such a long time increases wasteful electric energy (consumed electric energy) required for measurement in a time other than a time in which the swing is actually performed. Further, an amount of measurement data measured by the inertial sensor excessively increases.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 1

A swing analyzing device according to this application example 1 includes: an exercise-information acquiring section configured to acquire an output of an inertial sensor; an information acquiring section configured to acquire at least either one of position information and movement information; a storing section configured to store the output of the inertial sensor; and a control section configured to control a storage sampling rate of the storage by the storing section. The control section changes the storage sampling rate according to at least either one of the position information and the movement information.

With the swing analyzing device according to this application example, it is possible to change, according to at least either one of the position information and the movement information, the storage sampling rate of the storage of the output of the inertial sensor by the storing section. Consequently, it is possible to change, without always setting the inertial sensor during exercise in a state in which detailed detection or storage of data is always possible, the storage sampling rate of the storage of the output of the inertial sensor by the storing section according to whether it is necessary to enable detailed output data of the inertial sensor to be stored at the storage sampling rate for storage by the storing section in a state in which exercise is actually performed or it is not so necessary to store the output data of the inertial sensor in a state in which exercise is not actually performed. It is possible to reduce electric energy (consumed electric energy) required for measurement and reduce an amount of measurement data to be stored.

Note that the position information and the movement information can be calculated by, for example, a positing system in which position information satellites are used or can be calculated on the basis of an output of the inertial sensor. The position information and the movement information can be obtained as information such as “a user is moving” or “a user is stopping”.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 2

In the swing analyzing device according to the application example, it is preferable that the control section changes the storage sampling rate by changing a measurement sampling rate of measurement by the inertial sensor according to at least either one of the position information and the movement information.

According to this application example, it is possible to easily change the storage sampling rate by changing the measurement sampling rate of the measurement by the inertial sensor according to at least either one of the position information and the movement information.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 3

In the swing analyzing device according to the application example, it is preferable that the control section sets, on the basis of at least either one of the position information and the movement information, the storage sampling rate lower in a state in which a moving state is detected than in a state in which the moving state is not detected.

According to this application example, by reducing, on the basis of at least either one of the position information and the movement information, the storage sampling rate in the state in which the moving state (movement of a position or speed) is detected, it is possible to increase the storage sampling rate according to, for example, a swing of golf that comes into an exercise state in which measurement is necessary during a stop.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 4

In the swing analyzing device according to the application example, it is preferable that the position information or the movement information is calculated by a navigation satellite system.

According to this application example, it is possible to easily calculate position information and movement information during exercise with positioning performed by using, for example, radio waves of a GPS satellite system.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 5

In the swing analyzing device according to the application example, it is preferable that the position information or the movement information is calculated according to an output of a motion sensor including the inertial sensor.

According to this application example, it is possible to easily calculate position information and movement information during exercise on the basis of, for example, the output of the motion sensor including the inertial sensor.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 6

A swing analyzing system according to this application example 6 includes: an exercise measuring device including an inertial sensor; and an exercise analyzing device including: an information acquiring section configured to acquire at least either one of position information and movement information; a storing section configured to store an output of the inertial sensor; and a control section configured to control a storage sampling rate of storage by the storing section. The control section changes the storage sampling rate according to at least either one of the position information and the movement information.

With the swing analyzing system according to this application example, the control section included in the exercise analyzing device changes, according to, for example, the acquired position information, the storage sampling rate of the storage by the storing section of the output of the inertial sensor included in the exercise measuring device. Consequently, it is possible to change, without always setting the inertial sensor during exercise in a state in which detailed detection or storage of data is always possible, the storage sampling rate of the storage of the output of the inertial sensor by the storing section according to whether it is necessary to enable detailed output data of the inertial sensor to be stored at the storage sampling rate for storage by the storing section in a state in which exercise is actually performed or it is not so necessary to store the output data of the inertial sensor in a state in which exercise is not actually performed. It is possible to reduce electric energy (consumed electric energy) required for measurement and reduce an amount of measurement data to be stored.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 7

A swing analyzing method according to this application example includes: acquiring an output of an inertial sensor; acquiring at least either one of position information and movement information; determining on the basis of at least either one of the position information and the movement information whether a user is moving; changing, on the basis of a result of the determination concerning whether the user is moving, a storage sampling rate of storage of the output of the inertial sensor by a storing section; and the storing section storing the output of the inertial sensor at the changed storage sampling rate.

With the swing analyzing method according to this application example, it is possible to determine, on the basis of, for example, at least either one of the acquired position information and the acquired movement information, whether the user is moving and change the storage sampling rate of the storage of the output of the inertial sensor by the storing section according to a result of the determination. Consequently, it is possible to change, without always setting the inertial sensor during exercise in a state in which detailed detection or storage of data is always possible, the storage sampling rate of the storage of the output of the inertial sensor by the storing section according to whether it is necessary to enable detailed output data of the inertial sensor to be stored at the storage sampling rate for storage by the storing section in a state in which exercise is actually performed or it is not so necessary to store the output data of the inertial sensor in a state in which exercise is not actually performed. It is possible to reduce electric energy (consumed electric energy) required for measurement and reduce an amount of measurement data to be stored.

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 a diagram showing a configuration example of a swing analyzing system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sensor unit functioning as an exercise measuring device and a swing analyzing device functioning as an exercise analyzing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an attachment position and a direction of the sensor unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a procedure of motions performed by a user until the user hits a ball.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram about a swing motion.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the sensor unit and the swing analyzing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a form 1 of a procedure of a swing analyzing method.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart related to a change of a storage sampling rate of the form 1.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a form 2 of the procedure of the swing analyzing method.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart related to a change of a storage sampling rate of the form 2.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a swing analyzing system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a swing analyzing device functioning as an exercise analyzing device according to the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments explained below do not unduly limit the contents of the invention described in the appended claims. Not all of components explained below are essential constituent elements of the invention.

First Embodiment

1-1. Configuration of a Swing Analyzing System

A swing analyzing system (an exercise analyzing system) according to a first embodiment is explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and with reference to, as an example of exercise measurement and an exercise analysis, measurement and an analysis of a swing of golf (hereinafter referred to as golf swing). FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the swing analyzing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sensor unit functioning as an exercise measuring device and a swing analyzing device functioning as an exercise analyzing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an attachment position and a direction of the sensor unit.

As shown in FIG. 1, a swing analyzing system 1 in the first embodiment includes a sensor unit (an example of a motion sensor including an inertial sensor) 10 functioning as an exercise measuring device and a swing analyzing device 20 functioning as an exercise analyzing device. Note that, as shown in FIG. 1, the swing analyzing system 1 includes GPS satellites (position-information output sections) 8 and a position-information acquiring section 43 (see FIG. 6) included in the swing analyzing device 20. The swing analyzing system 1 can include a function of receiving information related to positions included in radio waves (satellite signals) transmitted from the GPS satellites 8 and performing positioning calculation (acquisition of position information). Communication between the sensor unit 10 and the swing analyzing device 20 may be wireless communication or may be wired communication. As shown in FIG. 2, the swing analyzing device 20 is realized by, besides a personal computer 20a and the like, a portable device 20b such as a smartphone or a tablet or various information terminals (client terminals) including wearable terminals such as a head mounted display (HMD) and a wrist device.

The swing analyzing system 1 may include a swing diagnosing device 30 separately from the swing analyzing device 20. However, the swing diagnosing device 30 may be included in the swing analyzing device 20. The swing diagnosing device 30 may be realized by a server that processes a request from the swing analyzing device 20. The swing analyzing device 20 and the swing diagnosing device 30 may be connected via a network 40. The network 40 may be a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet or may be a local area network (LAN). Alternatively, the swing analyzing device 20 and the swing diagnosing device 30 may communicate through, for example, short-range wireless communication or wired communication not via the network 40.

The sensor unit 10 is capable of measuring, for example, accelerations in respective axis direction of three axes orthogonal to one another, angular velocities around the respective three axes orthogonal to one another, and an azimuth (a direction) in which the sensor unit 10 faces. As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor unit 10 is attached to, for example, a golf club 3 functioning as an exercise instrument. The swing analyzing device 20 can calculate, on the basis of an output of the sensor unit 10, a state of a user 2 as movement information (position information) such as “moving” in which the user 2 is moving toward the next shot position in round or “stopping” or “movement stopped” in which the user 2 stops to perform a swing (a shot).

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the sensor unit 10 is attached to the golf club (an example of an exercise instrument) 3 with three detection axes (an x axis, a y axis, and a z axis) crossing (ideally, orthogonal to) one another adjusted. In FIG. 3, the sensor unit 10 is attached to a part of a shaft, for example, with the y axis adjusted to a longitudinal direction of the shaft of the golf club 3 (a longitudinal direction of the golf club 3) and with the x axis adjusted to a target direction of ball hitting (a shot target direction). Desirably, the sensor unit 10 is attached to a position close to a grip to which a shock during ball hitting is less easily transmitted and a centrifugal force is less easily applied during a swing. The shaft is a portion of a handle excluding a head (a hitting section) 3a of the golf club 3 and includes the grip. However, the sensor unit 10 may be attached to a part (e.g., a hand or a glove) of the user 2 or may be attached to an accessory (a portable device) such as a wristwatch.

The user 2 performs a swing motion for hitting (shooting) a golf ball 4 or a swing motion by a practice swing according to a predetermined procedure. Note that the swing motion is, for example, a swing motion performed in a practice range or a swing motion during round in a golf course. In any case, in general, such a swing motion is performed in a state in which a present position of the user 2 is not moving, that is, a state of so-called “stopping”.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a procedure of motions performed by the user 2 until the user 2 hits a ball in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, first, the user 2 performs, via the swing analyzing device 20, input operation for inputting information related to the body of the user 2, information concerning the golf club 3 used by the user 2 (golf club information), and the like (S1).

In step S1 in FIG. 4, the user 2 inputs information related to the body such as height, sex, an age, and a country and inputs information concerning a golf club such as a club length (the length of a shaft) and a number on an input screen (not shown in FIG. 4). Note that the information related to the body is not limited to the above and may include, for example, information concerning at least one of the length of arms and the length of legs instead of or together with the height. Similarly, the information included in the information concerning the golf club is not limited to the above. For example, the golf club information may not include the information concerning either one of the club length and the number or may include other information.

Subsequently, the user 2 performs measurement start operation (operation for causing the sensor unit 10 to start measurement) via the swing analyzing device 20 (S2). After receiving, from the swing analyzing device 20, a notification (e.g., a notification by voice) for instructing the user 2 to take an address posture (a basic posture before a swing start) (Y in S3), the user 2 takes the address posture to set the longitudinal direction of the shaft of the golf club 3 to be perpendicular to a target line (a target direction of ball hitting) and stands still for a predetermined time or more (S4). Subsequently, after receiving, from the swing analyzing device 20, a notification (e.g., a notification by voice) for permitting a swing (Y in S5), the user 2 performs a swing motion and hits the golf ball 4 (S6). Note that this embodiment is not always limited to the ball hitting and can also be applied to a practice swing. This embodiment may include a function of detecting timing equivalent to the ball hitting.

When the user 2 performs the measurement start operation in step S2 in FIG. 4, the swing analyzing device 20 transmits a measurement start command to the sensor unit 10. The sensor unit 10 receives the measurement start command and starts measurement of three-axis accelerations and three-axis angular velocities in an inertial sensor (a motion sensor). The sensor unit 10 measures three-axis accelerations and three-axis angular velocities at a predetermined measurement sampling rate (e.g., 1 kHz, in other words, a predetermined cycle of 1 ms) and sequentially transmits measured data to the swing analyzing device 20.

The swing analyzing device 20 notifies the permission of the swing start in step S5 in FIG. 4 to the user 2. Thereafter, the swing analyzing device 20 analyzes, on the basis of the measurement data of the sensor unit 10, the swing motion of the ball hitting performed by the user 2 using the golf club 3 (step S6 in FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 5, the swing operation performed by the user 2 in step S6 in FIG. 4 includes a motion of leading to, after starting a swing (a back swing) from an address posture (a standstill state), an impact (ball hitting) for hitting the golf ball 4 through respective states of a halfway back in which the shaft of the golf club 3 is leveled during the back swing, a top in which the back swing is switched to a down swing, and a halfway down in which the shaft of the golf club 3 is leveled during the down swing. The swing analyzing device 20 generates swing analysis data including information concerning time (date and time) when the swing is performed, identification information and sex of the user 2, a type of the golf club 3, and an analysis result of the swing motion and transmits the swing analysis data to the swing diagnosing device 30 via the network 40 (see FIG. 1).

The swing diagnosing device 30 receives, via the network 40, the swing analysis data transmitted by the swing analyzing device 20 and saves the swing analysis data. Therefore, every time the user 2 performs the swing motion according to the procedure shown in FIG. 4, the swing analysis data generated by the swing analyzing device 20 is saved in the swing diagnosing device 30. A swing analysis data list is constructed.

In this embodiment, when the user 2 starts a swing diagnosis application via an operation section 23 (see FIG. 6) of the swing analyzing device 20, the swing analyzing device communicates with the swing diagnosing device 30. A selection screen (not shown in FIG. 6) for the swing analysis data is displayed on a display 25 (see FIG. 6) of the swing analyzing device 20. The selection screen includes, about the respective swing analysis data of the user 2 included in the swing analysis data list saved in the swing diagnosing device 30, time (date and time), a type of the golf club 3 used by the user 2, and values of a part of indicators serving as an analysis result of the swing.

The selection screen includes checkboxes associated with the respective swing analysis data. For example, the user 2 checks any one of the checkboxes via operation of the swing analyzing device 20, whereby, for example, an input data editing screen (not shown in FIG. 6), which is a target of swing diagnosis, is displayed on the display 25 of the swing analyzing device 20. Note that the input data editing screen includes, concerning sex, a type of the golf club 3 (a driver or an iron), and indicators of a swing, as initial values, values obtained on the basis of selected swing analysis data.

Input data including the sex, the type of the golf club 3, and the indicator values on the input data editing screen can be edited. The user 2 can edit the input data via the operation section 23 (see FIG. 6) of the swing analyzing device 20. The user 2 can input, for example, a score of golf for each of holes as the input data input from the input data editing screen.

The swing diagnosing device 30 receives the input data (an input result) and calculates levels of a plurality of items using the input data. For example, the swing diagnosing device 30 may calculate levels respectively about items of “a V zone”, “rotation”, “speed”, “an impact”, “a tempo of a swing”, and “swing efficiency”. Note that the “level” may be represented by scores such as “1, 2, 3, 4, and 5”.

The swing analyzing device 20 receives information concerning the levels of the plurality of items and a total score and causes the display 25 to display a swing diagnosis screen. As an example of the swing diagnosis, the user 2 can grasp, with the swing diagnosis screen, the levels of the plurality of items and the total score as a diagnosis result for the input data. In particular, the user 2 can grasp strong points and weak points about the swing of the user 2. The user 2 can also grasp, for example, which indicator should be improved to which degree in order to overcome the weak points.

1-2. Configurations of the Sensor Unit (the Exercise Measuring Device) and the Swing Analyzing Device (the Exercise Analyzing Device)

The sensor unit functioning as the exercise measuring device and the swing analyzing device functioning as the exercise analyzing device according to the first embodiment are explained with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the sensor unit and the swing analyzing device according to the first embodiment.

1-2-1. The Sensor Unit (the Exercise Measuring Device)

The sensor unit 10 according to the first embodiment includes, as shown in FIG. 6, a motion sensor 11 including an inertial sensor (an acceleration sensor 12 and an angular velocity sensor 13) and an azimuth sensor 14, a signal processing section 16 functioning as an exercise-information processing section, and a communication section 18. However, the sensor unit 10 may have a configuration in which a part of the components are deleted or changed or other components are added as appropriate.

The acceleration sensor 12 functioning as the inertial sensor measures accelerations generated in respective three-axis directions crossing (ideally, orthogonal to) one another and outputs a digital signal (acceleration data) corresponding to the magnitudes and the directions of the measured accelerations in the respective three-axis directions.

The angular velocity sensor 13 functioning as the inertial sensor measures angular velocities generated around respective three axes crossing (ideally, orthogonal to) one another and outputs a digital signal (angular velocity data) corresponding to the magnitudes and the directions of the measured angular velocities in the respective three-axis directions.

The azimuth sensor 14 can indicate a direction in which the azimuth sensor 14 faces. That is, the azimuth sensor 14 can detect a direction in which the user 2 faces, a direction in which the user 2 moves, and the like and output the directions. The azimuth sensor 14 can measure, for example, the direction of a magnetic field in terrestrial magnetism and perform arithmetic processing of the measured direction of the magnetic field to thereby acquire azimuth information (one kind of position information) related to the user 2. Note that the azimuth sensor 14 is sometimes called terrestrial magnetism sensor.

The signal processing section 16 functioning as the exercise-information processing section receives the acceleration data, the angular velocity data, and the azimuth data respectively from the acceleration sensor 12, the angular velocity sensor 13, and the azimuth sensor 14, adds time information to the data, and stores the data in a not-shown storing section. The signal processing section 16 adds time information to the stored measurement data (the acceleration data, the angular velocity data, and the azimuth data), generates packet data adjusted to a format for communication, and outputs the packet data to the communication section 18.

The acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 13 are ideally attached to the sensor unit 10 such that the three axes respectively coincide with three axes (an x axis, a y axis, and a z axis) of an orthogonal coordinate system (a sensor coordinate system) defined with respect to the sensor unit 10. However, actually, an error of an attachment angle occurs. Therefore, the signal processing section 16 performs processing for converting the acceleration data and the angular velocity data into data of the xyz coordinate system using correction parameters calculated in advance according to the attachment angle error.

Note that the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 13 may be sensors that output analog signals. In this case, the signal processing section 16 only has to perform A/D conversion of each of an output signal of the acceleration sensor 12 and an output signal of the angular velocity sensor 13 to generate measurement data (acceleration data and angular velocity data) and generate packet data for communication using these measurement data.

The communication section 18 performs processing for transmitting the packet data received from the signal processing section 16 to the swing analyzing device 20, processing for receiving various control commands such as a measurement start command from the swing analyzing device 20 and sending the control commands to the signal processing section 16, and the like. The signal processing section 16 performs various kinds of processing corresponding to the control commands.

1-2-2. The Swing Analyzing Device (the Exercise Analyzing Device)

The swing analyzing device 20 according to the first embodiment includes, as shown in FIG. 6, a processor 21, a communication section 22, an operation section 23, a storing section 24, a display 25, a sound output section 26, a communication section 27, and a movement-information acquiring section (an information acquiring section) 28 including an exercise-information acquiring section 42 and the position-information acquiring section 43. However, the swing analyzing device 20 may have a configuration in which a part of these components are deleted or changed or other components are added as appropriate.

The communication section 22 performs processing for receiving packet data transmitted from the sensor unit 10 and sending the packet data to the processor 21 and the movement-information acquiring section 28, processing for transmitting a control command received from the processor 21 to the sensor unit 10, and the like. The communication section performs processing for receiving course information including a course arrangement of a golf course via the network 40.

The operation section 23 performs processing for acquiring data corresponding to operation by the user 2 and sending the data to the processor 21. The operation section 23 may be, for example, a touch panel display, buttons, keys, or a microphone.

The storing section 24 is configured by, for example, various IC memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash ROM, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a recording medium such as a hard disk or a memory card. The storing section 24 has stored therein computer programs for the processor 21 to perform various kinds of calculation processing and control processing, computer programs and data for realizing application functions, and the like.

In this embodiment, the storing section 24 has stored therein a swing analyzing program 240 read out by the processor 21 to execute swing analysis processing and a sampling rate control program 241 for controlling a measurement sampling rate by the sensor unit 10 (the inertial sensor) and a storage sampling rate of storage of measured output data by the storing section 24. The swing analyzing program 240 may be stored in advance in a nonvolatile recording medium (a computer readable recording medium). The processor 21 may receive the swing analyzing program 240 from a not-shown server or the swing diagnosing device 30 via the network 40 and cause the storing section 24 to store the swing analyzing program 240. The sampling rate control program 241 may be stored in advance in a nonvolatile recording medium.

In this embodiment, the storing section 24 has stored therein golf club information 242, body information 244, sensor attachment position information 246, golf course information 247, and swing analysis data 248. For example, the user 2 may operate the operation section 23 to input specification information (e.g., at least a part of information such as the length of a shaft, the position of the center of gravity, a lie angle, a face angle, and a loft angle) of the golf club 3 in use from the input screen and set the input specification information as the golf club information 242. Alternatively, in step S1 in FIG. 4, the user 2 may input (or select from a model number list) a model number of the golf club 3 and set, as the golf club information 242, specification information of the input model number in specification information for each of model numbers stored in advance in the storing section 24.

For example, the user 2 may operate the operation section 23, input information related to the body from the input screen, and set the input information related to the body as the body information 244. For example, in step S1 in FIG. 4, the user 2 may operate the operation section 23 to input the distance between an attachment position of the sensor unit 10 and a grip end of the golf club 3 and set information concerning the input distance as the sensor attachment position information 246. Alternatively, assuming that the sensor unit 10 is attached to a predetermined position (e.g., a distance of 20 cm from the grip end), information concerning the predetermined position may be stored in advance as the sensor attachment position information 246. The user 2 may operate the operation section 23 and cause the storing section 24 to store, via the network 40, in advance, as the golf course information 247, information concerning a golf course where the user 2 plays.

The swing analysis data 248 is data including information concerning an analysis result of a swing motion by the processor 21 (a swing analyzing section 211) together with time (date and time) when a swing is performed, identification information and sex of the user 2, and a type of the golf club 3.

The storing section 24 is used as a work area of the processor 21. The storing section 24 temporarily stores data acquired by the operation section 23, results of an arithmetic operations executed by the processor 21 according to various computer programs, and the like. Further, the storing section 24 may store data that needs to be saved for a long period among data generated by processing of the processor 21.

The display 25 displays a processing result of the processor 21 as characters, a graph, a table, an animation, or other images. The display 25 may be, for example, a CRT, an LCD, a touch panel display, or a head mounted display (HMD). Note that functions of the operation section 23 and the display 25 may be realized by one touch panel display.

First analysis information displayed on the display 25 desirably includes information related to at least one of an impact based on a relative face angle and a club path (an incident angle), efficiency based on a deceleration amount and timing in the grip of the golf club 3, rotation based on a rotation angle and a face angle of a shaft axis during a top, head speed based on speed of the golf club 3 during ball hitting, and a tempo of a swing based on timings of an address start, a swing start, the top, and the impact. Note that analysis data of important indicators indicating real abilities (levels) concerning a plurality of swings is not limited to the above and may include indicators such as hand-up based on a lie angle during ball hitting and during address and down-blow based on a face angle and an attack angle. Consequently, the user 2 can obtain information related to at least one of an impact, a V zone, efficiency, rotation, head speed, and a tempo of a swing as the analysis data of the important indicators indicating the real abilities (the levels) concerning the plurality of swings.

The sound output section 26 outputs a processing result (analysis information) of the processor 21 to present the processing result as sound information such as voice or buzzer sound. The sound output section 26 may be, for example, a speaker or a buzzer.

The communication section 27 performs data communication between the communication section 27 and the swing diagnosing device 30 via the network 40. For example, after the end of the swing analysis processing, the communication section 27 performs processing for receiving the swing analysis data 248 from the processor 21 and transmitting the swing analysis data 248 to the swing diagnosing device 30. For example, the communication section 27 performs processing for receiving information necessary for display of a selection screen from the swing diagnosing device 30 and sending the information to the processor 21 and processing for receiving information selected on the selection screen from the processor 21 and transmitting the information to the swing diagnosing device 30. For example, the communication section 27 performs processing for receiving information necessary for display of an input data editing screen from the swing diagnosing device 30 and sending the information to the processor 21. For example, the communication section 27 performs processing for receiving input data at the time when a diagnosis start button on the input data editing screen is pressed and transmitting the input data to the swing diagnosing device 30. For example, the communication section 27 performs processing for receiving information necessary for display of a swing diagnosis screen (information concerning a diagnosis result based on the input data (scores of a plurality of items and a total point)) from the swing diagnosing device 30 and sending the information to the processor 21.

The movement-information acquiring section 28 functioning as the information acquiring section includes the exercise-information acquiring section 42 and the position-information acquiring section 43. The movement-information acquiring section 28 can acquire information representing a state of the user 2 on the basis of movement information indicating a motion (a movement) of the user 2 calculated by the exercise-information acquiring section 42 or position information such as a present position of the user 2 acquired (calculated) by the position-information acquiring section 43. As the information representing the state of the user 2, for example, information indicating that the user 2 “is moving” or “is stopping” can be acquired. The movement-information acquiring section 28 outputs the position information and the movement information to the processor 21 as information representing a calculated state of the user 2.

The exercise-information acquiring section 42 acquires exercise data such as acceleration data, angular velocity data, and azimuth data measured by the inertial sensor (the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 13) and the azimuth sensor 14 of the motion sensor 11 configuring the sensor unit 10. Note that the exercise-information acquiring section 42 acquires (calculates) continuous exercise data at a predetermined measurement sampling rate (e.g., 1 kHz, in other words, a predetermined cycle of 1 ms).

For example, the position-information acquiring section 43 receives information related to positions included in radio waves (satellite signals) transmitted from the GPS satellites 8 functioning as position-information output sections, performs positioning calculation (acquisition of position information), and acquires (calculates) position information such as present position data of the swing analyzing device 20. Note that the position-information acquiring section 43 acquires (calculates) continuous present position data at a predetermined measurement sampling rate (e.g., 1 kHz, in other words, a predetermined cycle of 1 ms).

The processor 21 performs, according to various computer programs, processing for transmitting a control command to the sensor unit 10 via the communication section and various kinds of calculation processing for data received from the sensor unit 10 via the communication section 22. The processor 21 performs, according to the various computer programs, processing for reading out the swing analysis data 248 from the storing section 24 and transmitting the swing analysis data 248 to the swing diagnosing device 30 via the communication section 27. The processor 21 can output the swing analysis data 248 as image data corresponding to an image representing a calculated play state of the user 2. According to the various computer programs, the processor 21 can transmit various kinds of information to the swing diagnosing device 30 via the communication section 27, calculate a play state of the user 2 on the basis of information received from the swing diagnosing device 30, and output the play state as image data corresponding to an image representing the play state of the user 2.

The processor 21 can cause the storing section 24 to store, as the golf course information 247, a course arrangement, an altitude, and the like of the golf course input via the communication section 22. The processor 21 calculates position information of the user 2 on the basis of present position data sent from the position-information acquiring section 43 explained below. Note that the position information includes information such as a state of a movement and a moving track in a course of the user 2. The processor 21 performs other various kinds of control processing.

The processor 21 executes the swing analyzing program 240 to thereby function as a data acquiring section 210, a swing analyzing section 211, an image-data generating section 212, a storage processing section 213, a display processing section 214, a sound-output processing section 215, and a sampling-rate control section 216 functioning as a control section that controls sampling rates of measurement and storage. Note that the processor 21 includes a function of a computer.

In particular, in this embodiment, the processor 21 executes the sampling-rate control program 241 to thereby function as the sampling-rate control section 216 and function as a control section that performs control for, for example, changing a measurement sampling rate by the sensor unit 10 (the inertial sensor) and a storage sampling rate of storage of measured output data by the storing section 24.

The processor 21 executes the swing analyzing program 240 to thereby function as the data acquiring section 210, the swing analyzing section 211, the image-data generating section 212, the storage processing section 213, the display processing section 214, and the sound-output processing section 215. The processor 21 performs processing for analyzing a swing motion of the user 2 (swing analysis processing) and processing for calculating and outputting a play state indicating real states, strong points, and weak points of motions including a golf swing and movement of the user 2.

The data acquiring section 210 performs processing for receiving packet data received by the communication section 22 from the sensor unit 10, acquiring time information and measurement data from the received packet data, and sending the time information and the measurement data to the storage processing section 213. The data acquiring section 210 performs processing for receiving information necessary for display of various screens received by the communication section 27 from the swing diagnosing device 30 and sending the information to the image-data generating section 212.

The storage processing section 213 performs processing for reading and writing various computer programs and various data from and in the storing section 24. For example, the storage processing section 213 performs processing for causing the storing section 24 to store time information and measurement data received from the data acquiring section 210 in association with each other and processing for causing the storing section 24 to store various kinds of information calculated by the swing analyzing section 211, the swing analysis data 248, and the like.

The swing analyzing section 211 performs processing for analyzing a swing motion (a plurality of swings) of the user 2 using measurement data output by the sensor unit 10 (measurement data stored in the storing section 24), data received from the operation section 23, and the like and generating the swing analysis data 248 as first analysis information including information concerning time (date and time) when a swing is performed, identification information and sex of the user 2, a type of the golf club 3, and an analysis result of the swing motion. In particular, in this embodiment, the swing analyzing section 211 calculates values of respective indicators of a swing of golf as at least a part of information concerning an analysis result of the swing motion. Note that the swing analysis data 248 serving as the first analysis information includes information related to at least one of an impact, a V zone, efficiency (swing efficiency), rotation, head speed, and a tempo of a swing.

The swing analyzing section 211 can calculate, as indicators of a swing, indicators explained below. However, the swing analyzing section 211 may not calculate values of apart of the indicators as appropriate or may calculate values of other indicators.

(1) A “shaft plane SP” and a “Hogan plane HP” that are indicators indicating at least one imaginary plane.

(2) A “position of the head 3a during halfway back” that is an indicator indicating the position of the head 3a at first timing during a back swing or at second timing during a down swing.

(3) A “head speed” that is an indicator based on an incident angle and a tilt of the head 3a at an impact (during ball hitting) or an indicator based on the speed of the head 3a.

(4) A “shaft axis rotation angle during a top” that is an indicator based on a rotation angle around a rotation axis (hereinafter referred to as around a long axis) of the shaft of the golf club 3 at predetermined timing from the start of the back swing until the impact (the ball hitting) with the longitudinal direction of the shaft set as the rotation axis.

(5) A “grip deceleration ratio” also called “natural uncock” or “natural uncock ratio” that is an indicator based on a deceleration amount of the grip of the golf club 3 in the down swing.

(6) An indicator “grip deceleration time ratio” based on a deceleration period of the grip and timing of the natural uncock (“natural release timing”) that is an indicator based on deceleration timing of the grip in the golf club 3 in the down swing. Note that the timing of the natural uncock is an indicator indicating timing of switching in a state in which energy accumulated in the top swing is switched to release and transmitted to the golf club 3.

(7) An indicator related to the position of the head 3a during the halfway back (HWB) and an indicator related to the position of the head 3a during the halfway down (HWD) in a region between the shaft plane SP (a first imaginary plane) and the Hogan plane HP (a second imaginary plane) called “V zone”.

(8) An indicator based on a “lie angle” during ball hitting and a “lie angle” or a “face angle” and an “attack angle” during address in the head 3a of the golf club 3.

The image-data generating section 212 performs processing for generating image data corresponding to an image displayed on the display 25. For example, the image-data generating section 212 generates image data corresponding to the selection screen, the input data editing screen, and the swing diagnosis screen on the basis of the various kinds of information received by the data acquiring section 210.

The display processing section 214 performs processing for causing the display 25 to display various images (including characters and signs besides the image corresponding to the image data generated by the image-data generating section 212). For example, the display processing section 214 causes, on the basis of the image data generated by the image-data generating section 212, the display 25 to display the selection screen, the input data editing screen, the swing diagnosis screen, and the like. For example, in step S5 in FIG. 4, the image-data generating section 212 may cause the display 25 to display an image, characters, or the like for notifying permission of a start of a swing to the user 2. For example, after the swing motion of the user 2 ends, the display processing section 214 may cause, automatically or according to input operation of the user 2, the display 25 to display text information such as characters or signs indicating a result of an analysis by the swing analyzing section 211. Alternatively, a display may be provided in the sensor unit 10. The display processing section 214 may transmit image data to the sensor unit 10 via the communication section 22 and cause the display of the sensor unit 10 to display various images, characters, and the like.

The sound-output processing section 215 performs processing for causing the sound output section 26 to output various kinds of sound (including voice and buzzer sound). For example, in step S5 in FIG. 4, the sound-output processing section 215 may cause the sound output section 26 to output sound for notifying permission of a start of a swing to the user 2. For example, after the swing motion of the user 2 ends, the sound-output processing section 215 may cause, automatically or according to input operation of the user 2, the sound output section 26 to output sound or voice indicating a result of an analysis by the swing analyzing section 211. Alternatively, a sound output section may be provided in the sensor unit 10. The sound-output processing section 215 may transmit various sound data or voice data to the sensor unit 10 via the communication section 22 and cause the sound output section of the sensor unit 10 to output various kinds of sound or voice.

Note that a vibrating mechanism may be provided in the swing analyzing device 20 or the sensor unit 10. Various kinds of information may be converted into vibration information by the vibrating mechanism and notified to the user 2.

The sampling-rate control section 216 functioning as a control section performs control for, for example, changing a measurement sampling rate by the sensor unit 10 (the inertial sensor) and a storage sampling rate of storage of measured output data by the storing section 24 according to whether the user 2 is in a state of “movement stopped”, which is a state in which the user 2 stays in a fixed position, or the user 2 is in a state of “moving” determined on the basis of at least either one of the position information and the movement information transmitted from the movement-information acquiring section 28. Note that, when the measurement sampling rate is changed, it is possible to control the measurement sampling rate by transmitting control information output by the control section (the processor 21) to the sensor unit 10.

Specifically, it is desirable that the sampling-rate control section 216 sets, on the basis of at least either one of the position information and the movement information, the storage sampling rate lower in a state in which a moving state (“moving”) is detected than in a state in which the moving state is not detected.

The sampling-rate control section 216 can reduce the storage sampling rate by reducing, on the basis of at least either one of the position information and the movement information, the measurement sampling rate of measurement by the sensor unit 10 (the inertial sensor) in a state in which the moving state (“moving”) is detected. Since the measurement sampling rate can be reduced, it is possible to reduce power consumption of sensor unit 10.

In this way, the storage sampling rate in the state in which the moving state is detected, for example, movement of a position or speed is detected is reduced or the measurement sampling rate of the measurement by the inertial sensor is changed to reduce the storage sampling rate on the basis of at least either one of the position information and the movement information. Consequently, it is possible to increase the storage sampling rate according to, for example, a swing of golf that changes to the stopping state (“stopping”), that is, an exercise state in which precise measurement is necessary.

With the swing analyzing system 1 including the sensor unit 10 functioning as the exercise measuring device and the swing analyzing device 20 functioning as the exercise analyzing device according to the first embodiment explained above, it is possible to change, according to at least either one of the position information and the movement information, the storage sampling rate of storage by the storing section 24 of outputs of the inertial sensor (the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 13) and the azimuth sensor 14 configuring the motion sensor 11 of the sensor unit 10. Consequently, it is possible to change, without always setting the inertial sensor during exercise in a state in which detailed detection can be performed or a state in which storage of detected data is possible, the storage sampling rate of the storage of the outputs of the inertial sensor and the azimuth sensor 14 by the storing section 24 according to whether it is necessary to enable detailed output data of the inertial sensor or the like to be stored at the storage sampling rate for storage by the storing section 24 in a state in which exercise is actually performed or it is not so necessary to store the output (the output data) of the inertial sensor and the azimuth sensor 14 in a state in which exercise is not actually performed. It is possible to reduce electric energy (consumed electric energy) required for measurement and reduce an amount of measurement data to be stored.

1-3. Swing Analyzing Method

1-3-1. Form 1 of a Procedure Related to a Swing Analyzing Method

A form 1 of a procedure related to a swing analyzing method is explained with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the form 1 of the procedure of the swing analyzing method. FIG. 8 is a timing chart related to a change of a storage sampling rate in the form 1. The processor 21 explained above executes the swing analyzing program 240 and the sampling rate control program 241 stored in the storing section 24 to thereby execute swing analysis processing, for example, in the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. The swing analysis processing is explained according to the flowchart of FIG. 7. Note that, in the following explanation, the components configuring the swing analyzing system 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and signs.

First, the processor 21 stays on standby until the measurement start operation (the operation in step S2 in FIG. 4) by the user 2 is performed. When the measurement start operation is performed, the processor 21 starts measurement of measurement data in the sensor unit 10 at a predetermined measurement sampling rate (in the example explained above, a cycle of 1 ms) and reception of information related to positions included in radio waves (satellite signals) transmitted from the GPS satellites 8. The processor 21 transmits the measured measurement data and the received information related to the positions to the data acquiring section 210 and the exercise-information acquiring section 42.

The exercise-information acquiring section 42 acquires the transmitted measurement data in the sensor unit 10 (step S110). The position-information acquiring section 43 acquires the information related to the positions included in the radio waves (the satellite signals) transmitted from the GPS satellites 8.

The data acquiring section 210 acquires the transmitted measurement data and the transmitted information related to the positions and stores the measurement data and the information related to the positions at a storage sampling rate (e.g., 32 Hz: a cycle of 31.25 ms) lower than a measurement sampling rate (1 kHz: a cycle of 1 ms) (step S120).

Subsequently, the movement-information acquiring section 28 acquires at least either one of position information and movement information of the user 2 on the basis of the measurement data in the sensor unit 10 acquired by the exercise-information acquiring section 42 and the information concerning the positions acquired by the position-information acquiring section 43 in step S110 (step S130) and transmits the at least either one of the position information and the movement information to the processor 21.

Subsequently, the processor 21 determines on the basis of at least either one of the position information and the movement information transmitted from the movement-information acquiring section 28 whether the user 2 is in the state of “movement stopped”, which is the state in which the user 2 stays in a fixed position (step S140). A swing motion in golf is generally often performed in a state of so-called “stopping” in which a present position of the user 2 is not moving. Therefore, the state of “stopping”, in other words, the state of “movement stopped” in which the user 2 stays in the fixed position can be assumed to be, for example, a scene in which the user 2 is about to perform a shot (perform a swing motion) during round in a golf course or a scene in which the user 2 performs a swing motion in a practice range.

When determining in step S140 that the user 2 is in the state of “movement stopped” (Yes in step S140), assuming that a shot (a swing motion) is about to be performed, the processor 21 (the sampling-rate control section 216) instructs the data acquiring section 210 to increase the storage sampling rate to, for example, 1 kHz: a cycle of 1 ms as shown in FIG. 8. The data acquiring section 210 receives the instruction from the processor 21 (the sampling-rate control section 216) and stores the transmitted measurement data at the storage sampling rate (1 kHz: a cycle of 1 ms) (step S150).

When determining in step S140 that the user 2 is not in the state of “movement stopped”, that is, the user 2 is in the state of “moving” (No in step S140), the processor 21 (the sampling-rate control section 216) determines that the user 2 is not in a state in which the shot (the swing motion) is performed and returns to step S110. The processor 21 (the sampling-rate control section 216) repeats the following series of procedures for continuing the measurement of measurement data in the sensor unit 10 at the predetermined measurement sampling rate and the reception of information related to positions included in radio waves (satellite signals) transmitted from the GPS satellites 8.

Subsequently, the processor 21 determines whether a measurement end is instructed (step S160). When the measurement end is instructed (Yes in step S160), the processor 21 ends the series of procedures. When the measurement end is not instructed (No in step S160), the processor 21 returns to step S110 and repeats the following series of procedures for continuing the measurement of measurement data in the sensor unit 10 at the predetermined measurement sampling rate and the reception of information related to positions included in radio waves (satellite signals) transmitted from the GPS satellites 8. When the measurement end is instructed (Yes in step S160), the processor 21 ends the series of procedures.

According to the form 1 of the procedure related to the swing analyzing method explained above, the processor 21 determines on the basis of, for example, at least either one of the position information and the movement information acquired by the movement-information acquiring section 28 whether the user 2 is moving and changes the storage sampling rate of storage by the storing section 24 of an output of the inertial sensor (the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 13) according to a result of the determination. Consequently, it is possible to change, without always setting the inertial sensor during exercise in a state in which detailed detection can be performed or a state in which storage of detected data is possible, the storage sampling rate of the storage of an output (output data) of the inertial sensor by the storing section 24 according to whether it is necessary to enable output data of the inertial sensor to be always stored at a high sampling rate in a state in which exercise is actually performed or it is not so necessary to store the output (the output data) of the inertial sensor in a state in which exercise (a swing) is not actually performed. It is possible to reduce electric energy (consumed electric energy) required for measurement and reduce an amount of measurement data to be stored.

1-3-2. Form 2 of the Procedure Related to the Swing Analyzing Method

A form 2 of the procedure related to the swing analyzing method is explained with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the form 2 of the procedure of the swing analyzing method. FIG. 10 is a timing chart related to a change of a storage sampling rate in the form 2. The processor 21 explained above executes the swing analyzing program 240 and the sampling rate control program 241 stored in the storing section 24 to thereby execute the swing analysis processing, for example, in the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9. The swing analysis processing is explained according to the flowchart of FIG. 9. Note that, in the following explanation, the components configuring the swing analyzing system 1 explained above are denoted by the same reference numerals and signs.

First, the processor 21 stays on standby until the measurement start operation (the operation in step S2 in FIG. 4) by the user 2 is performed. When the measurement start operation is performed, the processor 21 starts measurement of measurement data in the sensor unit 10 at a measurement sampling rate set low (e.g., 32 Hz: a cycle of 31.25 ms) and reception of information related to positions included in radio waves (satellite signals) transmitted from the GPS satellites 8. The processor 21 transmits the measured measurement data and the received information related to the positions to the data acquiring section 210 and the exercise-information acquiring section 42.

The exercise-information acquiring section 42 acquires the measurement data in the sensor unit 10 measured at the low measurement sampling rate and transmitted (step S210). The position-information acquiring section 43 acquires information related to positions included in radio waves (satellite signals) transmitted from the GPS satellites 8.

The data acquiring section 210 acquires the transmitted measurement data and the information related to the positions and stores the measurement data and the information related to the positions at a storage sampling rate set low (e.g., 32 Hz: a cycle of 31.25 ms) (step S220).

Subsequently, the movement-information acquiring section 28 acquires at least either one of position information and movement information of the user 2 on the basis of the measurement data in the sensor unit 10 acquired by the exercise-information acquiring section 42 and the information concerning the positions acquired by the position-information acquiring section 43 in step S210 (step S230) and transmits the at least either one of the position information and the movement information to the processor 21.

Subsequently, as in the form 1, the processor 21 determines on the basis of at least either one of the position information and the movement information transmitted from the movement-information acquiring section 28 whether the user 2 is in the state of “movement stopped”, which is the state in which the user 2 stays in a fixed position (step S240). Note that explanation about the same contents as the contents in the form 1 is omitted.

When determining in step S240 that the user 2 is in the state of “movement stopped” (Yes in step S240), assuming that a shot (a swing motion) is about to be performed, the processor 21 (the sampling-rate control section 216) instructs the sensor unit 10 to increase the measurement sampling rate to, for example, 1 kHz: a cycle of 1 ms as shown in FIG. 10. The sensor unit 10 receives the instruction, increases the measurement sampling rate to, for example, 1 kHz: a cycle of 1 ms and performs measurement, and acquires an output of the inertial sensor with the exercise-information acquiring section 42 (step S250).

Subsequently, the exercise-information acquiring section 42 transmits output data measured at the high measurement sampling rate to the data acquiring section 210. The data acquiring section 210 stores the transmitted measurement data at the high storage sampling rate (1 kHz: a cycle of 1 ms) (step S260).

When determining in step S240 that the user 2 is not in the state of “movement stopped”, that is, the user 2 is in the state of “moving” (No in step S240), the processor 21 (the sampling-rate control section 216) determines that the user 2 is not in a state in which the shot (the swing motion) is performed and returns to step S210.

Subsequently, the processor 21 determines whether a measurement end is instructed (step S270). When the measurement end is instructed (Yes instep S270), the processor 21 ends the series of procedures. When the measurement end is not instructed (No in step S270), the processor 21 returns to step S210 and repeats the following series of procedures for continuing the measurement of measurement data in the sensor unit 10 at the predetermined measurement sampling rate and the reception of information related to positions included in radio waves (satellite signals) transmitted from the GPS satellites 8. When the measurement end is instructed (Yes in step S270), the processor 21 ends the series of procedures.

According to the form 2 of the procedure related to the swing analyzing method explained above, it is possible to easily change the storage sampling rate by changing the measurement sampling rate of the measurement by the inertial sensor according to at least either one of the position information and the movement information. Consequently, it is possible to change the storage sampling rate of the storage of an output (output data) of the inertial sensor by the storing section 24 according to whether it is necessary to enable output data of the inertial sensor to be always stored at a high sampling rate in a state in which exercise (a swing motion) is actually performed or it is not so necessary to store the output data of the inertial sensor in a state in which exercise (a swing) is not actually performed. It is possible to reduce electric energy (consumed electric energy) required for measurement and reduce an amount of measurement data to be stored.

Second Embodiment

2-1. Configuration of a Swing Analyzing System

A swing analyzing system (an exercise analyzing system) according to a second embodiment is explained with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 and with reference to, as an example of exercise measurement and an exercise analysis, measurement and an analysis of a swing of golf (hereinafter referred to as golf swing). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the swing analyzing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a swing analyzing device functioning as an exercise analyzing device according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, a swing analyzing system 100 in the second embodiment includes a swing analyzing device 200 functioning as an exercise analyzing device including a sensor unit (an example of a motion sensor including an inertial sensor) 110 functioning as an exercise measuring device. Note that, in the swing analyzing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the sensor unit 10 and the swing analyzing device 20 are separately configured. However, as shown in FIG. 11, the swing analyzing device 200 in this embodiment includes the sensor unit 110. As shown in FIG. 11, the swing analyzing system 100 includes the GPS satellites (the position-information output sections) 8 and the position-information acquiring section 43 (see FIG. 12) included in the swing analyzing device 200. The swing analyzing system 100 can include a function of receiving information related to positions included in radio waves (satellite signals) transmitted from the GPS satellites 8 and performing measurement calculation (acquisition of position information). In the following explanation, the same components as the components in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and signs and explanation of the components is omitted.

The swing analyzing system 100 may include the swing diagnosing device 30 separately from the swing analyzing device 200. However, the swing diagnosing device 30 may be included in the swing analyzing device 200. The swing diagnosing device 30 may be realized by a server that processes a request received from the swing analyzing device 200. The swing analyzing device 200 and the swing diagnosing device 30 may be connected via the network 40. The network 40 may be a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet or may be a local area network (LAN). Alternatively, the swing analyzing device 200 and the swing diagnosing device 30 may communicate, for example, through short-range wireless communication or wired communication not via the network 40.

2-2. Configuration of the Swing Analyzing Device (the Exercise Analyzing Device)

The swing analyzing device functioning as the exercise analyzing device according to the second embodiment is explained with reference to FIG. 12. The swing analyzing device 200 according to the second embodiment includes, as shown in FIG. 12, the sensor unit 110, the processor 21, the communication section 22, the operation section 23, the storing section 24, the display 25, the sound output section 26, the communication section 27, and the movement-information acquiring section (the information acquiring section) 28 including the exercise-information acquiring section 42 and the position-information acquiring section 43. However, the swing analyzing device 200 may have a configuration in which a part of these components are deleted or changed or other components are added as appropriate.

The sensor unit 110 includes the motion sensor 11 including the inertial sensor (the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 13) and the azimuth sensor 14, the signal processing section 16 functioning as the exercise-information processing section, and the communication section 18. However, the sensor unit 110 may have a configuration in which a part of these components are deleted or changed or other components are added as appropriate.

Note that the processor 21, the communication section 22, the operation section 23, the storing section 24, the display 25, the sound output section 26, the communication section 27, and the movement-information acquiring section (the information acquiring section) 28 including the exercise-information acquiring section 42 and the position-information acquiring section 43 configuring the swing analyzing device 200 are the same as the sections in the first embodiment. Therefore, explanation of the sections is omitted below.

The motion sensor 11 including the inertial sensor (the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 13) and the azimuth sensor 14 configuring the sensor unit 110, the signal processing section 16, and the communication section 18 are the same as the sections in the first embodiment. Therefore, explanation of the sections is omitted below.

With the swing analyzing system 100 including the swing analyzing device 200 functioning as the exercise analyzing device according to the second embodiment explained above, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to change, according to at least either one of the position information and the movement information, the storage sampling rate of storage by the storing section 24 of outputs of the inertial sensor (the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 13) and the azimuth sensor 14 included in the motion sensor 11 of the sensor unit 110. Consequently, it is possible to change, without always setting the inertial sensor during exercise in a state in which detailed detection can be performed or a state in which storage of detected data is possible, the storage sampling rate of the storage of the outputs of the inertial sensor and the azimuth sensor 14 by the storing section 24 according to whether it is necessary to enable output data measured by the inertial sensor and the azimuth sensor 14 to be stored at the storage sampling rate for detailed storage in a state in which exercise is actually performed or it is not so necessary to store the output data of the inertial sensor and the azimuth sensor 14 in a state in which exercise is not actually performed. It is possible to reduce electric energy (consumed electric energy) required for measurement and reduce an amount of measurement data to be stored.

Note that, in the swing analyzing system 100 and the swing analyzing device 200 according to the second embodiment explained above, it is also possible to apply the procedure related to the swing analyzing method explained above.

The swing analyzing systems 1 and 100 can control, according to movement information acquired from outputs of the inertial sensor (the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 13) and the azimuth sensor 14 included in the motion sensor 11 of the sensor unit 110, a sampling rate for acquiring information related to positions included in radio waves (satellite signals) transmitted from the GPS satellites 8. For example, by reducing the sampling rate for acquiring the information related to the positions when it is determined that the user 2 is in the state of “stopping” and increasing the sampling rate for acquiring the information related to the positions when it is determined that the user 2 is in the state of “moving”, it is possible to reduce electric energy (consumed electric energy) required for acquisition of the information related to the positions and reduce a data amount related to positions to be stored.

In the above explanation, the GPS in which the GPS satellites 8 are used as the position information satellites included in the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is illustrated. This is only an example. The global navigation satellite system only has to be other systems such as GALILEO (EU), GLONASS (Russia), and BeiDou (China) or global navigation satellite systems including position information satellites that transmit satellite signals such as geostationary satellites, for example, SBAS, and quasi-zenith satellites. Note that the global navigation satellite system can be a regional navigation satellite system (RNSS).

The invention includes configurations substantially the same as the configurations explained in the embodiments (e.g., configurations having the same functions, methods, and results or configurations having the same objects and effects). The invention includes configurations in which unessential portions of the configurations explained in the embodiments are replaced. The invention includes configurations that realize the same action and effects as the action and the effects of the configurations explained in the embodiments or configurations that can achieve the objects as the objects of the configurations explained in the embodiments. The invention includes configurations obtained by adding publicly-known techniques to the configurations explained in the embodiments.

Claims

1. A swing analyzing device comprising:

an exercise-information acquiring section configured to acquire an output of an inertial sensor;

an information acquiring section configured to acquire at least either one of position information and movement information;

a storing section configured to store the output of the inertial sensor; and

a processor functioning as a control section configured to control a storage sampling rate of the storage by the storing section, wherein

the control section changes the storage sampling rate according to at least either one of the position information and the movement information.

2. The swing analyzing device according to claim 1, wherein the control section changes the storage sampling rate by changing a measurement sampling rate of measurement by the inertial sensor according to at least either one of the position information and the movement information.

3. The swing analyzing device according to claim 1, wherein the control section sets, on the basis of at least either one of the position information and the movement information, the storage sampling rate lower in a state in which a moving state is detected than in a state in which the moving state is not detected.

4. The swing analyzing device according to claim 1, wherein the position information or the movement information is calculated by a navigation satellite system.

5. The swing analyzing device according to claim 1, wherein the position information or the movement information is calculated according to an output of a motion sensor including the inertial sensor.

6. A swing analyzing system comprising:

an exercise measuring device including an inertial sensor; and

an exercise analyzing device including: an information acquiring section configured to acquire at least either one of position information and movement information; a storing section configured to store an output of the inertial sensor; and a processor functioning as a control section configured to control a storage sampling rate of storage by the storing section, wherein

the control section changes the storage sampling rate according to at least either one of the position information and the movement information.

7. A swing analyzing method comprising:

acquiring an output of an inertial sensor;

acquiring at least either one of position information and movement information;

determining on the basis of at least either one of the position information and the movement information whether a user is moving;

changing, on the basis of a result of the determination concerning whether the user is moving, a storage sampling rate of storage of the output of the inertial sensor by a storing section; and

the storing section storing the output of the inertial sensor at the changed storage sampling rate.