WO2019032093A1

WO2019032093A1 - System and method for user alignment and sports equipment fitting

Info

Publication number: WO2019032093A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/045828
Authority: WO
Inventors: Theodore J. Stechschulte; Jeffrey George COOPER
Original assignee: I/P Solutions, Inc.; Aboutgolf, Limited
Priority date: 2017-08-08
Filing date: 2017-08-08
Publication date: 2019-02-14

Abstract

A system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion is provided. The system comprises a force analysis system and a processing unit. The force analysis system may comprise a force plate, a camera, and a sensor for detecting a position, an orientation, and a distribution of a body, an appendage, and an extremity. The processing unit is configured to receive force and body position analysis data from the force analysis system, determine extrapolated force or body position analysis data, perform statistical analysis on the force and body position analysis data and the extrapolated data, and provide at least a portion of the collected and generated data in relation to real-time user body kinematics and kinetics, the extrapolated force data, and reference data.

Description

TITLE

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USER ALIGNMENT AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT FITTING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to sports training and sports equipment fitting and, more particularly, to a system and method for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sports simulation environments are well-known and are often used to provide a training experience that provides a user with information relating to a user's performance typically not available to the user during ordinary participation in a sport and can encompass both the use of simulators, virtual reality or augmented virtual reality, and real-world locations, such as, for example, golf courses, practice ranges, sports fields, or stadiums. For example, a sports simulation environment may be used to simulate the experience of playing the game of golf without requiring a large area ordinarily necessary when a user participates in the sport. Such simulated play often results in sports simulation equipment providing feedback to a user relating to their performance inside the sports simulation environment that allows the user to refine a technique or skill used in the sport with a goal of improving performance of the user during ordinary participation in the sport. Equipment used within the sports simulation environment often include an object tracking device or sensor for detecting a changing position of an object, such as, for example a golf ball, traveling within the sports simulation environment and producing a signal in response thereto; a processor for receiving the signal generated by the object tracking device or sensor; and an output device that conveys information to the user. The processor analyzes the signal from the object tracking device or sensor, wherein the analysis includes determining a relationship of the object to and within the simulated sports environment and generates a different signal that is conveyed to the user by the output device. Sports simulation environments also afford the opportunity to record other data that may be analyzed. Recordation may be performed by one or more of a number of types of sensors or input devices that may be in communication with the processor or sports simulation system. Recording the position, instance, or movement of the user's body and/or the position, instance, or movement of a sports implement solely or in relation to another point within the sports simulator or simulated environment may facilitate enhanced analysis that could provide valuable feedback to be used for optimizing the performance and consistency of a user's position, instance, or movement and, in addition, may be used to adjust a sports implement or a body appendage used as an implement to optimize a user's performance while using that particular sports implement or body appendage.

The process of creating an individualized sports implement is commonly known as fitting. Fitting may be recommended for a player of a sport because manufacturing tolerances for sports implements vary greatly, often resulting in inconsistent sports performances. The process of adjusting a sports implement is commonly referred to as tuning and may be required after fitting because custom manufactured sports implements can have wide-ranging tolerances and because the use of sports implements may result in changes to their shape or material properties affecting a user's performance. A fitter, who typically has extensive knowledge and training about the tuning process, may gather performance information by observing a user playing a sport or by using sports simulation equipment. Further, a fitter may analyze at least one sports implement of a series of sports implements of a user to determine if the at least one sports implement analyzed should be adjusted. A fitter may recommend adjusting a position or angle of a component of a sports implement, such as, for example, the lie and loft of a club in a set of golf clubs, of a user to improve the user's performance with that particular sports implement. Lastly, a fitter may make recommendations to a user about techniques that a user employs and may adjust a sports implement of the user to meet the user's performance needs. Moreover, in many sports, players in preparation of performing an action assume stances or positions as a matter of routine, such as for example, a football player may take on a three-point stance, a baseball player may step up to the plate, or a golfer may address a golf ball. Furthermore, players of some sports may use objects as reference positions in order to align themselves in a manner appropriate for the action they wish to perform, such as, for example, a football player may use the line of scrimmage to align their feet and body; a baseball player may use home plate to align their feet and body; or a golfer may use a distant target, a non-limiting example of which would be a flag stick, tree, or other object on the course, or an imagined line from the ball to a distant target to align their feet and body. Often such positioning or alignment is crucial to the outcome of the sports action to be performed such that a player that is misaligned may miss a target or expend more energy than is necessary to achieve an optimized performance.

It would be advantageous to develop a system and method for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion that facilitates the user in alignment training, the development of muscle memory, and to generate and automatically track an alignment-to-target signature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Presently provided by the invention, a system and method for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion that facilitates the user in alignment training, the development of muscle memory, and to generate and automatically track an alignment-to-target signature, has surprisingly been discovered.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion. The system comprises a force analysis system and a processing unit. The force analysis system comprises at least one of a force plate, a camera, and a sensor, the at least one of the force plate, the camera, and the sensor capable of detecting at least one of a position, an orientation, and a distribution of a body, at least one appendage, and at least one extremity of the user. The processing unit is configured to receive at least one of force and body position analysis data from the force analysis system, determine at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data from the at least one of force and body position analysis data, perform statistical analysis on at least one of the at least one of force and body position analysis data and the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and provide at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data in relation to at least one of real-time user body kinematics and kinetics, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and at least one of a reference point, a reference object, and a reference line.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion. The steps of the method comprise providing a force analysis system

comprising at least one of a force plate, a camera, and a sensor, the at least one of the force plate, the camera, and the sensor capable of detecting at least one of a position, an orientation, and a distribution of a body, at least one appendage, and at least one extremity of the user; providing a processing unit; receiving at the processing unit at least one of force and body position analysis data from the force analysis system; determining at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data from the at least one of force and body position analysis data; performing a statistical analysis on at least one of the at least one of force and body position analysis data and the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data; and providing at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data in relation to at least one of real-time user body kinematics and kinetics, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and at least one of a reference point, a reference object, and a reference line. In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion. The system comprises a force analysis system, a storage medium, and a processing unit. The force analysis system comprises at least one of a force plate, a camera, and a sensor, the at least one of the force plate, the camera, and the sensor capable of detecting at least one of a position, an orientation, and a distribution of a body, at least one appendage, and at least one extremity of the user. The processing unit is configured to receive at least one of force and body position analysis data from the force analysis system. The processing unit is further configured to store the at least one of force and body position analysis data on the storage medium, the at least one of force and body position analysis data including information about at least one of the position, the orientation, and the distribution of the body, the at least one appendage, and the at least one extremity of the user. The processing unit is further configured to determine and store on the storage medium at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data from the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data comprising real-time user body kinematics and kinetics and at least one of real-time angular relationship and orientation data of the real-time user body kinematics and kinetics with respect to at least one of a reference point, a reference object, and a reference line. The processing unit is further configured to obtain and store on the storage medium statistical force or body position analysis data, the statistical force or body position analysis data determined by performing statistical analysis on at least one of the at least one of force and body position analysis data and the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data. The processing unit is further configured to provide at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data in relation to at least one of the real-time user body kinematics and kinetics, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line. Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The FIGURE is a schematic illustration of system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined herein. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise.

The FIGURE illustrates a system 0 for measuring and optimizing an alignment of a user performing a sports motion. The system 10 comprises a launch detection module 12, a display device 14, a storage medium 16, a force analysis system 18, a network connection 20, and a processing unit 22.

The launch detection module 12, which also may be referred to as a launch monitor, is well known in the art and may comprise a number of forms. As envisioned in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the launch detection module 12 may include at least one camera 12a for motion sensing and capture, a motion sensor 12b which may utilize a laser or radar array, at least one microphone for auditory sound recording, or any other technology known in the art or deemed suitable for monitoring a launch and flight parameters of a sports object. The launch detection module 12 may further comprise a number of peripherals or accessories to be used for additional data capture, such as may be deemed appropriate. Furthermore, the launch detection module 2 may comprise a set or series of peripheral devices and sensing equipment in communication with a processing or computing means or, alternatively, may comprise sensing equipment or peripheral devices bundled into a unit in communication with a standalone processing or computing means. In addition, the launch detection module 12 may be in communication with the processing unit 22, the storage medium 16, the network connection 20, or any combination thereof.

The display device 14 of the system 10 may be in communication with the launch detection module 12, the processing unit 22, the force analysis system 18 or any combination thereof. The display device 14 comprises one or more digital displays, such as, for example, LED, OLED, Plasma, or LCD panels; a projector with or without a projection screen; or another appropriate device that facilitates a display of information, including 3D renderings.

However, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the system 10 does not include a display device 14. In such an embodiment of the system 10, the processing unit 22 or the launch detection module 12 act to merely store the acquired and calculated information or data on the storage medium

16. This data can then be accessed at the same or at another time using separate unit, such as, for example, a computing device, PC, mobile phone, tablet, or other appropriate means.

The display device 14 of the system 10 as described above is an exemplary output device that forms a portion of the system 10. It is understood that the system 10 may be configured with other and/or additional output devices instead of the display device 14. An output device forming a portion of the system 10 is typically configured to receive data from at least one of the other components of the system 10. Non-limiting examples of data received by the output device are force analysis data, body position analysis data, extrapolated force analysis data, body position analysis data, statistical force analysis data, and body position analysis data. It is understood that any portion or all of the aforementioned examples of data received may be provided in relation to at least one of real-time user body kinematics and kinetics, at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and at least one of a reference point, a reference object, and a reference line. Further, it is understood that the output device may be configured to receive at least one of real-time angular relationship and orientation data of the real-time user body kinematics and kinetics with respect to at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line.

The system 10 also comprises a storage medium 16 or a device capable of retaining data in digital, non-volatile format for extended periods of time. The storage medium 16 may comprise hard disk drives, solid state drives, magnetic tape drives, NAND flash, or other appropriate means. The storage medium 16 is ideally in communication with the processing unit 22, the launch detection module 12, and the force analysis system 18, allowing the processing unit 22, the launch detection module 12, and the force analysis system 18 to send information to be received by and written to the storage medium 16.

Alternatively, the storage medium 16 may only be in communication with less than all but one or more of the processing unit 22, the launch detection module 12, or the force analysis system 18. The storage medium 16 may also be removable from the system 10 for replacement, archival purposes, or to be used with other equipment. Moreover, the storage medium 16 may be a standalone component capable of being placed in communication with a standalone processing means and launch monitor (not shown) or may also be part of a system that Includes the processing unit 22 and sensing equipment comprising the launch detection module 12.

The force analysis system 18 comprises devices appropriate for determining a plurality of moments and forces generated individually or together by objects placed or standing thereon. As a non-limiting example, the devices used by the force analysis system 18 may comprise one or more force plates 24 or similar force or strain measurement devices. When the devices used by the force analysis system 18 utilize the force plates 24, the force plates 24 may comprise a series or set of parallel strain gauges or other devices appropriate for determining a plurality of moments and forces generated individually or together by objects placed or standing thereon. Such force plates 24 may also include such devices that measure electrical impedance through a conductive surface upon which objects are placed or to which force is applied creating measurable fluctuations or variability in the electrical field generated upon the surface. In addition, the force plates 24 are ideally in communication with the processing unit 22, the display device 14, and the storage medium 16. As such, the force plates 24 can send information directly to the display device 14 for analysis of raw force plate data for error diagnostics as well as send data to be stored on the storage medium 16 for later retrieval by the processing unit 22, while being in communication with the processing unit 22 allows analysis and transformation of the raw force plate data into applicable information, such as, for example, force, moment, and center of pressure.

The system 10 also comprises the network connection 20, which interconnects at least one of the launch detection module 12, the processing unit 22, the force analysis system 18, and the storage medium 16. In the preferred embodiment, the processing unit 22 is in communication with the network connection 20 allowing data distribution over a local area network or the internet. The network connection 20 may include technologies such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or another appropriate technologies for distributing data across small and large networks. The network connection 20 may also be in communication with other processing means or storage media (not shown) allowing for increased processing and data retention capabilities. The network connection 20 may facilitate communication between the system 10 and/or its components and a network 28. The network 28 may be a distributed computing network and a network cloud storage system in communication with at least one of the force analysis system 18 and the processing unit 22. When the network 28 is one of the force analysis system 18 and the processing unit 22, the processing unit 22 may be configured to output at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data using the network connection 20 to one of the distributed computing network and the network cloud storage system.

The system 10 also comprises the processing unit 22. The processing unit 22 operates the launch detection module 12. The processing unit 22 is in communication with the launch detection module 12, the force plates 24, and the display device 14. The processing unit 22 may comprise a computing device, a CPU, a PCU, a microchip, a digital computer, or another device capable of performing computations or otherwise deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. The processing unit 22 may be an integral part of the launch detection module 2 or may be operated separately from the launch detection module 12 or isolated within the launch detection module 12 in its own module or array. Moreover, more than one processor, CPU, PCU, digital computer, or other device capable of performing computations or otherwise deemed appropriate can be arranged in an array to form the processing unit 22.

Similarly, it is also contemplated that the processing unit 22 may comprise a cloud network or distributed computing array at a remote location, allowing access to data, processed or raw, from remote locations, wherein the raw data has been transmitted via the network connection 20 from the launch detection module 12, the storage medium 16, or other individual components of the invention.

The processing unit 22 may comprise an alignment module 26. The alignment module 26 may be configured to receive at least one of force and body position analysis data from the force analysis system 8; determine at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data from the at least one of force and body position analysis data; perform statistical analysis on at least one of the at least one of force and body position analysis data and the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data; and provide at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data in relation to at least one of realtime user body kinematics and kinetics, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line. Further, at least one of the processing unit 22 and the alignment module 26 may be configured to use at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data to determine at least one of real-time angular relationship and orientation data of the real-time user body kinematics and kinetics with respect to at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line. Further, the at least one of the processing unit 22 and the alignment module 26 may be configured to receive and store on the storage medium at least one of a sports implement data, a sports implement position data, and a launch data.

In use, the system 10 can be used to both fit an individual with sports equipment as well as train such individuals in order to obtain better sports performance outcomes. Using the launch detection module 12, an individual performs a sports activity using a sports implement to strike a sports object and outcome metrics can be calculated and/or recorded by the system 10 in a sports simulation environment or a real world environment. A non-limiting example of such could include a golfer using a golf club to hit a golf ball, wherein the golf club is the sports implement and the golf ball is the sports object, either of which is a type of equipment for which the individual may wish to be fitted accurately or the type of equipment on which the individual may wish to train in order to obtain a better sports performance outcome. Examples of the better sports performance outcomes could include, for example, hitting more accurate golf shots, hitting more consistent golf shots, or achieving longer golf drives. However, alternative embodiments may also be used for other sports activities, for example, baseball, softball, soccer, football, or hockey among others. An individual may provide sports implement data or sports object data, comprising information regarding the shape, conformation, or physical or dynamic properties of the sports implement or sports object, to the processing unit 22 and the processing unit 22 may receive the data from wireless unique identifiers present on or in the sports implement or sports object that can be read using appropriate technology, such as, for example, radio frequency identification (RFID). Alternately, the processing unit 22 may receive the data from peripheral devices offering appropriate technology that allows for perception of the physical or dynamic characteristics of the sports implement or object, such as, for example, a three-dimensional scanner. Once a sports activity has been performed in view of the launch detection module 12, the processing unit 22 receives launch data comprising raw data or computed data such as, for example, sports implement velocity, sports object velocity, sports object launch angle, and sports object spin, from the launch detection module 12. The sports object spin can be determined using any number of algorithms or methods to determine the rotation of the sports object about its three axes. Ideally, the processing unit 22 then determines extrapolated data from the launch data, such as, for example, sports object trajectory, distance, height, or offset from target line. In addition, the processing unit 22 may also receive the raw or computed data from the force analysis system 18 and, if necessary, compute the force data, such as, for example, real-time moments generated by one or more feet or hands placed on the one or more force plates, positions of forces applied by one or more feet or hands placed on one or more force plates 24, real-time centers of pressure of the forces applied, real-time angle of the centers of pressure, real-time orientation of one or more feet or hands on the force plates, or real-time distances of the centers of pressure of one or more feet or hands with respect to the sports object. All of the launch data, extrapolated data, and force plate data are then stored on the storage medium 16.

Next, the processing unit 22 then accesses the storage medium 16 and calculates statistical data by performing advanced statistical analysis on the launch data, extrapolated data, and data from the force plates 24 of a user's multiple attempts to perform the same sports action using the same or other sports implements and sports objects for each action performed and for each sports implement or sports object used. This statistical data is then stored on the storage medium 16 for accessing later and is arranged and presented on the display device 14 in relation to the one or more sports implements used by the user. The user then chooses one or more of the statistical data, launch data, or extrapolated data to be a reference point for decision-making. This could vary by user depending on the aspect of the sport or what sports motion the user wishes to emphasize in fitting sports equipment or in which to train. Using any amount of the available launch data, extrapolated data, or statistical data in relation to one or more sports implements, sports objects, or a combination thereof, the user then determines which sports equipment, implement or object, or adjustment to sports motion results in the optimal response in the chosen decision-making reference point.

Similarly, a user may use any amount of the launch data, extrapolated data, statistical data, sports implement data, and sports object data to determine aspects of a decision-making reference point. Then, using the data from the force plates 24 in reference to any of the launch, extrapolated, or statistical data for a given sports implement or sports object, determine what combination of data from the force plates 24 yields i e optimal result in the chosen decision-making reference point. The user can then train to ensure proper placement of their feet on the force plates when addressing the sports object in view of the launch detection module 12 relative to one or more targets comprising points represented by objects or lines connecting one or more objects or one or more points on a user's anatomy or calculated centers of pressure or average positions for one or more appendages. This behavior can be reinforced by including visual and auditory stimulus or feedback, for example, when a user's feet or hands are placed in the correct orientation at the correct distance from the sports object to be launched. Such may be accomplished using one or more displays (which may include the display 14), one or more laser projectors to create the outline of a user's foot or hand on the appropriate foot or hand positions on each force plate or on the user, or one or more auditory sounds produced when a user has placed their feet within the prescribed area for each foot on the force plate, as non-limiting examples. Repetition in addressing the sports object using the system with stimulus or feedback will result in increased muscle and reference memory allowing users to more accurately address the sports object in a way that maximizes the desired athletic performance.

The system and method for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion provides many benefits to the user. The system and method facilitates the user in alignment training, the development of muscle memory for the user, and by generating and automatically tracking an alignment-to-target signature. By providing the benefit of facilitating the user in alignment training and the development of muscle memory, the system and method allows a routine performance of the alignment of the user to be consistent and optimized for performance. By providing the benefit of generating and automatically tracking the alignment-to-target signature of the user, the system and method provides an optimal alignment of the user in relation to a reference point. Non-limiting examples of a reference point may comprise, for example, a hole on a golf course green or a projected version thereof. Further, it is understood that the reference point may be a reference line, such as, for example, a line connecting the center of pressure or heels of both feet in relation to a reference point or a reference line. Non-limiting examples of the reference line may be, for example, a line connecting a ball to a ball target, without any or for any sports implements. Further, the system and method ensures consistency of a stance of the user by guiding the user in replicating an alignment-to-a-target signature consistent with a best

performance results of the user collected through a database of recorded sports motion or performance data.

The following aspects of the invention are also noted, which the invention comprises.

The present invention is directed to a system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion. The system comprises a force analysis system and a processing unit. The force analysis system comprises at least one of a force plate, a camera, and a sensor, the at least one of the force plate, the camera, and the sensor capable of detecting at least one of a position, an orientation, and a distribution of a body, at least one appendage, and at least one extremity of the user. Trie processing unit is configured to receive at least one of force and body position analysis data from the force analysis system, determine at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data from the at least one of force and body position analysis data, perform statistical analysis on at least one of the at least one of force and body position analysis data and the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and provide at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data in relation to at least one of real-time user body kinematics and kinetics, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and at least one of a reference point, a reference object, and a reference line.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may further comprise a storage medium in communication with the force analysis system and the processing unit.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may be further characterized in that the at least one of force and body position analysis data includes information about at least one of a position, an orientation, and a distribution of the body, the at least one appendage, and the at least one extremity of the user.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may be further characterized in that the processing unit is further configured to determine the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data from the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data comprising real-time user body kinematics and kinetics and at least one of real-time angular relationship and orientation data of the real-time user body kinematics and kinetics with respect to at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may be further characterized in that the processing unit is further configured to store the at least one of force and body position analysis data on the storage medium.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may be further characterized in that the processing unit is further configured to obtain and store on the storage medium the statistical force or body position analysis data.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may be further characterized in that the statistical force or body position analysis data is determined by performing statistical analysis on at least one of the at least one of force and body position analysis data and the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may be further characterized in that the processing unit comprises an alignment module, the alignment module configured to: receive at least one of force and body position analysis data from the force analysis system; determine at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data from the at least one of force and body position analysis data; perform statistical analysis on at least one of the at least one of force and body position analysis data and the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data; and provide at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data in relation to at least one of real-time user body kinematics and kinetics, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may further comprise an output device, the output device configured to receive at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data in relation to at least one of real-time user body kinematics and kinetics, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may further comprise an output device, the output device configured to receive at least one of real-time angular relationship and orientation data of the real-time user body kinematics and kinetics with respect to at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line. The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may further comprise a network connection in communication with at least one of the force analysis system and the processing unit.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may further comprise one of a distributed computing network and a network cloud storage system in communication with at least one of the force analysis system and the processing unit.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may be further characterized in that the processing unit is further configured to output at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data using the network connection to one of the distributed computing network and the network cloud storage system.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may be further characterized in that at least one of the processing unit and the alignment module is configured to use at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data to determine at least one of real-time angular relationship and orientation data of the real-time user body kinematics and kinetics with respect to at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may be further characterized in that the force analysis system comprises at least one of the force plate, the camera, and the sensor is further capable of detecting at least one of a size, a shape, a position, an orientation, and a distribution of at least one sports implement used by the user performing a sports motion.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may be further characterized in that the force analysis system comprises at least one of the force plate, the camera, and the sensor is further capable of detecting a launch condition and a motion through a space of a sports object.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may be further characterized in that the at least one of the processing unit and the alignment module is configured to receive and store on the storage medium at least one of a sports implement data, a sports implement position data, and a launch data.

The system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion may be further characterized in that the sports implement data comprises at least one of a size and a shape of the sports implement, the sports implement position data comprises at least one of a size, a shape, a position, an orientation, and a distribution of at least one sports implement, and the launch data comprises at least one of a launch angle and a velocity of a sports object.

The present invention is also directed to a method for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion. The steps of the method comprise providing a force analysis system comprising at least one of a force plate, a camera, and a sensor, the at least one of the force plate, the camera, and the sensor capable of detecting at least one of a position, an orientation, and a distribution of a body, at least one appendage, and at least one extremity of the user; providing a processing unit; receiving at the processing unit at least one of force and body position analysis data from the force analysis system; determining at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data from the at least one of force and body position analysis data; performing a statistical analysis on at least one of the at least one of force and body position analysis data and the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data; and providing at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data in relation to at least one of real-time user body kinematics and kinetics, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and at least one of a reference point, a reference object, and a reference line.

The present invention is also directed to a system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion. The system comprises a force analysis system, a storage medium, and a processing unit. The force analysis system comprises at least one of a force plate, a camera, and a sensor, the at least one of the force plate, the camera, and the sensor capable of detecting at least one of a position, an orientation, and a distribution of a body, at least one appendage, and at least one extremity of the user. The processing unit is configured to receive at least one of force and body position analysis data from the force analysis system. The processing unit is further configured to store the at least one of force and body position analysis data on the storage medium, the at least one of force and body position analysis data including information about at least one of the position, the orientation, and the distribution of the body, the at least one appendage, and the at least one extremity of the user. The processing unit is further configured to determine and store on the storage medium at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data from the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data comprising real-time user body kinematics and kinetics and at least one of realtime angular relationship and orientation data of the real-time user body kinematics and kinetics with respect to at least one of a reference point, a reference object, and a reference line. The processing unit is further configured to obtain and store on the storage medium statistical force or body position analysis data, the statistical force or body position analysis data determined by performing statistical analysis on at least one of the at least one of force and body position analysis data and the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data. The processing unit is further configured to provide at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data in relation to at least one of the real-time user body kinematics and kinetics, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion, the system comprising:

a force analysis system comprising at least one of a force plate, a camera, and a sensor, the at least one of the force plate, the camera, and the sensor capable of detecting at least one of a position, an orientation, and a distribution of a body, at least one appendage, and at least one extremity of the user; and

a processing unit configured to:

receive at least one of force and body position analysis data from the force analysis system;

determine at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data from the at least one of force and body position analysis data;

perform statistical analysis on at least one of the at least one of force and body position analysis data and the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data; and

provide at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data in relation to at least one of real-time user body kinematics and kinetics, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and at least one of a reference point, a reference object, and a reference line.

2. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a storage medium in communication with the force analysis system and the processing unit.

3. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one of force and body position analysis data includes information about at least one of a position, an orientation, and a distribution of the body, the at least one appendage, and the at least one extremity of the user.

4. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data from the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data comprising real-time user body kinematics and kinetics and at least one of realtime angular relationship and orientation data of the real-time user body kinematics and kinetics with respect to at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line.

5. The system according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit is further configured to store the at least one of force and body position analysis data on the storage medium.

6. The system according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit is further configured to obtain and store on the storage medium the statistical force or body position analysis data.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the statistical force or body position analysis data is determined by performing statistical analysis on at least one of the at least one of force and body position analysis data and the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data.

8. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit comprises an alignment module, the alignment module configured to:

perform statistical analysis on at least one of the at least one of force and body position analysis data and the at least one of

extrapolated force or body position analysis data; and

provide at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data in relation to at least one of real-time user body kinematics and kinetics, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line.

9. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising an output device, the output device configured to receive at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data in relation to at least one of real-time user body kinematics and kinetics, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line.

10. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising an output device, the output device configured to receive at least one of real-time angular relationship and orientation data of the real-time user body kinematics and kinetics with respect to at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line.

11. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a network connection in communication with at least one of the force analysis system and the processing unit.

12. The system according to claim 11 , further comprising one of a distributed computing network and a network cloud storage system in communication with at least one of the force analysis system and the processing unit.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the processing unit is further configured to output at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data using the network connection to one of the distributed computing network and the network cloud storage system.

14. The system according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the processing unit and the alignment module is configured to use at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data to determine at least one of real-time angular relationship and orientation data of the real-time user body kinematics and kinetics with respect to at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line.

15. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the force analysis system comprising at least one of the force plate, the camera, and the sensor is further capable of detecting at least one of a size, a shape, a position, an orientation, and a distribution of at least one sports implement used by the user performing a sports motion.

16. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the force analysis system comprising at least one of the force plate, the camera, and the sensor is further capable of detecting a launch condition and a motion through a space of a sports object.

17. The system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one of the processing unit and the alignment module is configured to receive and store on the storage medium at least one of a sports implement data, a sports implement position data, and a launch data.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the sports implement data comprises at least one of a size and a shape of the sports implement, the sports implement position data comprises at least one of a size, a shape, a position, an orientation, and a distribution of at least one sports implement, and the launch data comprises at least one of a launch angle and a velocity of a sports object.

19. A method for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion, the steps of the method comprising:

providing a force analysis system comprising at least one of a force plate, a camera, and a sensor, the at least one of the force plate, the camera, and the sensor capable of detecting at least one of a position, an orientation, and a distribution of a body, at least one appendage, and at least one extremity of the user;

providing a processing unit;

receiving at the processing unit at least one of force and body position analysis data from the force analysis system;

determining at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data from the at least one of force and body position analysis data; performing a statistical analysis on at least one of the at least one of force and body position analysis data and the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data; and

providing at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data in relation to at least one of real-time user body kinematics and kinetics, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and at least one of a reference point, a reference object, and a reference line.

20. A system for measuring and optimizing the alignment of a user performing a sports motion, the system comprising:

a force analysis system comprising at least one of a force plate, a camera, and a sensor, the at least one of the force plate, the camera, and the sensor capable of detecting at least one of a position, an orientation, and a distribution of a body, at least one appendage, and at least one extremity of the user;

a storage medium; and

a processing unit configured to receive at least one of force and body position analysis data from the force analysis system, the processing unit further configured to store the at least one of force and body position analysis data on the storage medium, the at least one of force and body position analysis data including information about at least one of the position, the orientation, and the distribution of the body, the at least one appendage, and the at least one extremity of the user;

the processing unit further configured to determine and store on the storage medium at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data from the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data comprising real-time user body kinematics and kinetics and at least one of real-time angular relationship and orientation data of the real-time user body kinematics and kinetics with respect to at least one of a reference point, a reference object, and a reference line;

obtain and store on the storage medium statistical force or body position analysis data, the statistical force or body position analysis data determined by performing statistical analysis on at least one of the at least one of force and body position analysis data and the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data; and

provide at least a portion of the at least one of force and body position analysis data, the at least one of extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the statistical force or body position analysis data in relation to at least one of the real-time user body kinematics and kinetics, the at least one of

extrapolated force or body position analysis data, and the at least one of the reference point, the reference object, and the reference line.