Motion monitor

Abstract

A method for evaluating the motion of a moveable object relative to a reference object includes locating the reference object within a three-dimensional coordinate system having first, second, and third positional coordinates such that the position of the reference object is characterized by respective values of first, second, and third positional coordinates. A mechanism is provided having a plurality of visual indicators. A sensor is configured to detect the position of the moveable object within the three-dimensional coordinate system substantially apart from any dynamic property inherent in the movement of the moveable object. An acceptable minimal number of sampling events is determined and providing a sensor having sufficient response rate as to be capable of determining respective positions of the moveable object as the moveable object moves relative to the reference object such that the number of the respective positions exceeds the acceptable minimal number for any maximum velocity of the moveable object manually achievable by the user.

1 . A method for evaluating the motion of a moveable object relative to a reference object comprising:
 (a) locating said reference object within a three-dimensional coordinate system having first, second, and third positional coordinates such that the position of said reference object is characterized by respective values of said first, second, and third positional coordinates;   (b) providing a mechanism having a plurality of visual indicators;   (c) providing a sensor configured to detect the position of said moveable object within said three-dimensional coordinate system substantially apart from any dynamic property inherent in the movement of said moveable object;   (d) determining an acceptable minimal number of sampling events and providing a sensor having sufficient response rate as to be capable of determining respective positions of said moveable object as said moveable object moves relative to said reference object such that the number of said respective positions exceeds said acceptable minimal number for any maximum velocity of said moveable object manually achievable by said user.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said moveable object is the head portion of a golf club. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said reference object is a golf ball. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said offset and said array of said first one of said indicators are linear. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said dynamic property is an angle of approach based on the angle between an axis of intended trajectory of said reference object and an axis of motion of said moveable object as said moveable object closely approaches said reference object as evaluated with each said axis being projected onto a common plane within said three dimensional coordinate system. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said sensor detects high frequency movements. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said sensor detects low frequency movements. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said sensor detects zero frequency movements. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said sensor proves an output that is independent of object speed. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said sensors are positioned related to one another to detect multi-dimensional movements. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said multi-dimensional movements are orthogonal. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said movements are linear orthogonal. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said movements are rotational orthogonal. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said movements include nine orthogonal linear components and nine orthogonal rotational components.