Apparatus, systems, and methods for evaluating body movements
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for measuring and analyzing movements of a body and for communicating information related to such body movements over a network. In certain embodiments, a system gathers biometric and biomechanical data relating to positions, orientations, and movements of various body parts of a user performed during sports activities, physical rehabilitation, or military or law enforcement activities. The biometric and biomechanical data can be communicated to a local and/or remote interface, which uses digital performance assessment tools to provide a performance evaluation to the user. The performance evaluation may include a graphical representation (e.g., a video), statistical information, and/or a comparison to another user and/or instructor. In some embodiments, the biometric and biomechanical data is communicated wirelessly to one or more devices including a processor, display, and/or data storage medium for further analysis, archiving, and data mining. In some embodiments, the device includes a cellular telephone.
1 . A golfer alignment system comprising:
a first sensor associated with the head of a user;
a second sensor associated with the upper torso of the user;
a third sensor associated with the lower torso of the user;
a portable master control unit configured to be worn or carried by the user, the master control unit configured to receive data from at least two sensors; and
a remote processor having a user interface and a wireless receiver, the remote processor configured to communicate wirelessly with the portable master control unit and provide information related to at least one of the user's stance, alignment, or swing to the user in real time.
2 . The golfer alignment system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one foot sensor.
3 . The golfer alignment system of claim 2 , wherein the user interface of the remote processor comprises a stance indicator that can display information relating to data received from the at least one foot sensor, the information relating to a distance between the user's feet or to an alignment of the user's feet.
4 . The golfer alignment system of claim 2 , wherein the user interface further comprises a visual reference line for use in aligning the user interface with the golf target line.
5 . The golfer alignment system of claim 1 , wherein the user interface of the remote processor further comprises a human form representation having indicators showing the user any stance changes needed and which portion of the user's body the stance change should affect.
6 . The golfer alignment system of claim 1 , wherein the remote processor comprises a cellular telephone.
7 . The golfer alignment system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first, second, and third sensors is configured to be associated with a garment worn by the user.
8 . The golfer alignment system of claim 7 , wherein the at least one of the first, second, and third sensors is configured to be associated with the garment by being disposed in a sensor cavity in the garment.
9 . The golfer alignment system of claim 8 , wherein the at least one of the first, second, and third sensors and the sensor cavity are shaped or sized to resist relative movement therebetween.
10 . A method of evaluating a golfer's form, the method comprising:
associating a plurality of sensors with portions of a golfer's body;
associating a master control with the golfer, the master control unit configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors;
calibrating the plurality of sensors and the master control unit to provide a calibration position;
assuming, by the golfer, a golfing stance with respect to a target line; and
analyzing data from the plurality of sensors to evaluate the golfer's form.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein associating a plurality of sensors with portions of a golfer's body comprises:
associating a first sensor with the head of the golfer;
associating a second sensor with the upper torso of the golfer; and
associating a third sensor with the lower torso of the golfer.
12 . The method of claim 10 , wherein calibrating the plurality of sensors comprises:
assuming the calibration position, by the golfer; and
communicating to the master control unit information related to the calibration position.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the calibration position comprises a balanced, erect position of the golfer.
14 . The method of claim 12 , wherein assuming the calibration position, by the golfer, comprises:
standing such that the golfer's left and right shoulders are each located distances away from the ground that are substantially the same; and
standing such that the golfer's left and right hips are each located distances away from the ground that are substantially the same.
15 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the golfer's form comprises the golfer's stance, alignment, or swing.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein analyzing data from the plurality of sensors comprises at least one of determining a width of the golfer's stance, an alignment of regions of the golfer's body, and a lean in an address position of the golfer.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the regions of the golfer's body include the golfer's head, feet, hips, or shoulders.
18 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising:
aligning an interface box with the target line, the interface box configured to communicate with the master control unit so as to provide visual or audible information related to the golfer's stance, alignment, or swing.
19 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising:
performing a golf swing, by the golfer; and
activating a rhythm indicator in response to the golf swing.
20 . A system for evaluating a body movement, the system comprising:
a first sensor associated with a first body portion of a user;
a second sensor associated with a second body portion of the user;
a third sensor associated with a third body portion of the user;
a portable master control unit configured to be worn or carried by the user, the master control unit configured to receive data from the first, the second, and the third sensors; and
a remote processor having a user interface and a wireless receiver;
wherein the remote processor is configured to (i) wirelessly receive body movement information from the portable master control unit, (ii) calculate a performance evaluation based at least in part on the body movement information, and (iii) provide via the user interface information relating to the performance evaluation.