Abstract:
Systems and methods for measuring and analyzing the grip of a bowler. In some embodiments, a bowling grip pressure device includes a glove configured to leave the second finger, the third finger, and the thumb substantially exposed. Pressure sensors are attached to the substantially exposed fingers. At least one pressure sensor is permanently affixed to the glove. Methods are taught for analyzing a bowler&#39;s performance. In some embodiments, the bowler performs a plurality of bowling motions. Pressures exerted on the second finger, the third finger, and the thumb are measured and recorded as a function of time. The bowler&#39;s performance is evaluated based upon the recorded pressures as a function of time. Methods are also taught for using recorded grip pressure data to fit a bowler with a proper bowling ball.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. No. 61/027,697 filed Feb. 11, 2008 , and 61/027,700, filed Feb. 11, 2008 , the entire contents of which are both herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to methods and systems for athletic training and performance analysis of bowlers and, in particular, to methods and systems for measuring and analyzing grip pressure during a bowling motion. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Systems are known that assist individuals in improving grip in athletic activities, specifically in sports such as golf, tennis, and baseball that involve swinging a striking implement. These previous systems detect and alert the athlete when total grip pressure exceeds or falls below a certain threshold. 
     SUMMARY 
     While some attempts have been made to analyze grip in the above mentioned sports, detailed analysis of bowling motions has, in general, not been conducted. Bowling coaching has generally been limited by what can be perceived by human senses. However, the fluid motion of an ideal bowling movement can be greatly affected by changes in grip that are not perceptible to a human. As such, coaches and equipment fitters have been limited in their ability to coach and fit bowlers. 
     Some embodiments of the invention provide a bowling grip pressure device comprising a glove and a plurality of pressure sensors. The glove includes two sheathes to accept and cover a first finger and a fourth finger. The glove includes three openings to accept and leave substantially exposed a second finger, a third finger, and a thumb. The device includes pressure sensors permanently affixed to the glove that align with the first and fourth fingers between the finger tip and the distal interphalangeal joint. Additional sensors are included that are temporarily attached to the second finger and the third finger between the finger tip and the distal interphalangeal joint and to the thumb between the finger tip and the proximal interphalangeal joint when worn by a bowler. In some embodiments, the bowling grip pressure device also includes a communication interface and a computer. 
     Some embodiments of the invention provide methods of analyzing a bowler&#39;s performance. A bowler performs a plurality of bowling motions while the pressures exerted on each of a second finger, a third finger, and a thumb are measured and recorded as functions of time. A measurement set is created for each bowling motion. The bowler&#39;s performance is evaluated based upon the recorded pressures as a function of time. 
     Some embodiments of the invention provide methods of fitting a bowler with a bowling ball. The bowler performs a bowling motion with a first bowling ball while the pressures exerted on each of a second finger, a third finger, and a thumb are measured as functions of time. A measurement set is created for each bowling motion. The fit of the first bowling ball for the bowler is evaluated based on the recorded pressures as a function of time. In some embodiments, the bowler repeats the bowling motion a plurality of times with the first ball. In some embodiments, the bowler repeats the motion at least once with a second ball. In some embodiments, either the first ball or the second ball is selected as the better fit for the bowler by comparing the measurement sets collected with each ball. 
     Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of a hand fitted with a pressure sensing apparatus according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of interconnections of the pressure sensing apparatus of  FIG. 1  and a computerized pressure monitoring system according to one construction. 
         FIG. 3  is a graph showing the pressure exerted by three fingers and the corresponding position of the bowler as functions of time as a bowler swings a ball back and forth without releasing. 
         FIG. 4  is a graph comparing two sets of finger pressure data and the corresponding position of the bowler as functions of time during a bowler&#39;s approach and release. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of one construction of a graphical display showing pressures recorded by the system of  FIG. 2  during a bowler&#39;s normal ball release. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of one construction of a graphical display showing pressures recorded by the system of  FIG. 2  during a bowler&#39;s ball release resulting in an axis of ball rotation that is more angled than the release of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of one construction of a graphical display showing pressures recorded by the system of  FIG. 2  during a bowler&#39;s ball release resulting in a rate of ball rotation that is higher than the release of  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one construction of a pressure sensing apparatus  100  as worn by a bowler. The pressure sensing apparatus  100  in this construction includes a glove  101  and a plurality of pressures sensors. A suitable commercially available system of sensors is the Grip® VersaTek® System from Tekscan, Inc. In the VersaTek® System, each pressure sensor has an array of twelve to sixty individual sensing units that provide a two-dimensional array of pressure distribution across the sensor. The pressure sensing apparatus may include less complex sensors as well as more or fewer pressure sensors than are shown in this construction. References to fingers and sensors below that use  100  series reference characters (e.g.,  110  for the first finger,  120  for the second finger, etc.) refer to those shown in  FIG. 1  unless explicitly stated otherwise. 
     In this construction, some pressure sensors are permanently affixed to the glove  101 . Among other benefits, this reduces the amount of time involved in equipping the bowler with the pressure sensing apparatus  100 . Sensor  111  and sensor  141  are affixed to glove  101  and positioned to align with the first finger  110  and the fourth finger  140 , respectively, between the finger tip and the distal interphalangeal joint when worn. Similarly, sensor  113  and sensor  143  are positioned to align with the first and fourth fingers ( 110  and  140 ) between the distal interphalangeal joint and the proximal interphalangeal joint. Sensor  115  and  145  are positioned to align with the first and fourth fingers ( 110  and  140 ) between the proximal interphalangeal joint and the metacarpophalangeal joint. Sensor  161  is positioned to extend across the metacarpophalangeal joints of the second, third, and fourth fingers ( 120 ,  130 , and  140 ) while sensor  167  is positioned over the metacarpophalangeal joint of the first finger  110 . Sensor  165  is positioned at the outer palm of the bowler&#39;s hand. 
     Other pressure sensors are not permanently affixed to the glove  101 . Because the fingers that will be inserted into the bowling ball (the second finger  120 , the third finger  130 , and the thumb  150 ) are not covered by glove  101 , sensors are temporarily affixed to the bowler&#39;s skin when wearing the pressure sensing apparatus  100 . As a consequence, sensor  121  and sensor  131  are attached directly to the skin of the bowler&#39;s second finger  120  and third finger  130 , respectively, between the finger tip and the distal interphalangeal joint. Similarly, sensor  123  and sensor  133  are attached to the skin of the bowler&#39;s second and third fingers ( 120  and  130 ) between the distal interphalangeal joint and the proximal interphalangeal joint. Sensor  151  and sensor  153  are attached to the skin of the thumb  150  between the finger tip and the proximal interphalangeal joint and between the proximal interphalangeal joint and the metacarpophalangeal joint, respectively. Sensor  167  is attached to the palm of the bowler&#39;s hand. These sensors can be attached to the skin with medical tape or adhesive compatible with use on human skin. 
       FIG. 2  shows a bowler  200  equipped with the pressure sensing apparatus  100  and associated monitoring equipment according to one construction. The pressure sensing apparatus  100  is connected to a communication device  205  through cable  203 . Communication device  205  is further connected to the computer  209  through cable  207 . The bowler performs a bowling motion with bowling ball  201 . Communication device  205  receives pressure measurement data from the pressure sensing apparatus  100  and forwards it to computer  209  where it is displayed, interpreted, and analyzed. 
     The system shown in  FIG. 2  may be modified in a variety of ways. For example, in some constructions, communication device  205  is worn on the belt  210  (as pictured in  FIG. 2 ), while in other constructions, it is permanently affixed to glove  101 . In some constructions communication device  205  sends data to computer  209  through wireless means such as radio frequency (RF). In some constructions computer  209  is a standard desktop personal computer whereas in other constructions it is a computerized hardware device designed specifically for monitoring and analyzing grip pressure. 
       FIG. 3  demonstrates the grip pressure of a bowler during a bowling motion. A bowler is equipped with the system shown in  FIG. 2 , grips a bowling ball, and swings the bowling ball back and forth without releasing. References to fingers and sensors below that use  100  series reference characters (e.g.,  110  for the first finger,  120  for the second finger, etc.) refer to those shown in  FIG. 1 , unless explicitly stated otherwise. The graph in  FIG. 3  shows the pressure detected by sensor  151  (shown as “Thumb”), sensor  121  (shown as “Second Finger”), and sensor  131  (shown as “Third Finger”). 
     Above the graph are a series of images  301 ,  303 ,  305 ,  307 ,  309 ,  311 ,  313 ,  315 , and  317  that show the approximate position of the ball in the bowler&#39;s swing at the time corresponding to the graph. A period of relatively low grip pressure occurs as the ball approaches the top of the back swing and, in this case, the top of the forward swing. This is because the pressure on the individual fingers decreases as momentum and speed decrease. 
     When the ball is held motionless in front of the bowler (from 0 seconds to approximately 1 second), the grip pressure detected on all three plotted fingers is relatively low. However, as the bowler begins swinging backwards ( 301 ) the grip detected at all three plotted fingers increases. The grip pressure decreases when the ball approaches the top of the bowler&#39;s backswing and again increases when the bowler begins swinging the ball forward ( 303 ). 
     In a fluid bowling motion, these peaks and depressions are fairly smooth and curvilinear. However, this analysis also detects when a bowler deviates from a repeatable fluid motion. For example, the relatively high pressure measured at position  315  shows three different spikes of pressure on thumb  150  as detected by sensor  151 . These spikes might be caused, for example, by the bowler attempting to change the speed or direction of the ball by grabbing it during the forward swing. This sporadic pressure affects the motion of the swing and, therefore, affects the performance of the ball when released. Such a reaction may not be perceptible to a coach or even to the bowler, but it can be detected and analyzed using embodiments of the invention. 
     The graph shown in  FIG. 4  plots finger pressures measured during a bowler&#39;s actual approach and release of the ball. The bowler performed the same type of shot twice (Shot  1  and Shot  2 ) and the six sets of data shown on the graph of  FIG. 4  correspond to the pressures measured on the thumb, the second finger, and the third finger during each of the two bowling shots. The legend to the right of the graph defines the sensor and the shot corresponding to each data set. Above the graph are a series of images  401 ,  403 ,  405 ,  407 ,  409 , and  411  that show the approximate position of the ball in the bowler&#39;s swing at the time corresponding to the graph. At position  401 , the bowler is holding the ball in a cupped hand. At position  403 , the bowler has begun lowering the ball into his backswing. The ball rises into the backswing at position  405  and reaches the top of the backswing at position  407 . At position  409 , the bowler begins to bring the ball forward until releasing the ball at position  411 . 
     During both Shot  1  and Shot  2 , the pressure detected on the fingers was relatively low while the bowler is holding the ball before beginning her approach (position  401 ) as shown by the pressure curves between approximately 2 and 2.5 seconds (delineated as portion  413 ). A rise in pressure is detected at each finger when the bowler begins moving the ball backwards (position  403 ) as indicated by the portion of the curve depicting a first period of relatively high pressure measurements (peak  415 ). This pressure decreases as the bowler approaches the top of her backswing (position  405 ). Relatively low pressures are detected on the fingers at the top of the backswing (position  407 ). However, grip pressure rises again when the bowler begins to move the ball forward (position  409 ) as indicated by the portion of the curve depicting a second period of relatively high pressure measurements (peak  417 ). The pressure detected on each finger drops abruptly when the bowler releases the ball (position  411 ). 
     Unlike  FIG. 3 , the amplitude of pressures on the second and third fingers ( 120  and  130  from  FIG. 1  respectively) are not consistent between the first peak  415  and the second peak  417 . This is because the action performed by the second and third fingers ( 120  and  130  from  FIG. 1 ) are different during an actual approach and release of a bowling ball as compared to simply swinging the ball back and forth. During the backswing, gravity and momentum move the ball downward. The second and third fingers ( 120  and  130 ) are used to guide the direction of the ball movement and to counteract any forces applied by the thumb. However, when the bowler moves the ball forward, inertial forces exist between the ball and the fingers as it is pushed forward. Because the fingers are used to affect the angle and magnitude of spin (as will be discussed in detail below), the pressures applied to the fingers during the release will be greater than during the backswing. 
     The data provided in such a comparison graph provides useful information to a bowler or a coach. For example, at the first peak  415 , the pressures detected on all three fingers are fairly consistent between Shot  1  and Shot  2 . The amplitudes and rate of change are similar. However, at the second peak  417 , the maximum pressure exerted by the thumb  150  is greater in the data from Shot  2  than it is in the data from Shot  1 . Furthermore, the pressure detected on the third finger  130  at the second peak  417  increases more quickly in Shot  2  than it does in Shot  1 . Also, there is a distinct second spike in pressure detected at each finger during the release of Shot  1  (at the second peak  417 ). As discussed previously, these double spikes could indicate that the bowler has grabbed the ball during her release. These dual pressure spikes affect the movement of the ball during the release and, therefore, affect the performance of the ball after the release. 
     The performance inconsistencies of the bowler demonstrated in  FIG. 4  can be used to determine several different things depending upon the situation in which it arises. For example, a coach has directed his student to throw the same straight bowling shot twice and records the pressure data displayed in  FIG. 4 . From the data sets of Shot  1 , the coach determines that the bowler&#39;s release should be modified. The dual pressure spikes from each finger at peak  417  indicate that the bowler grabbed the ball at the last moment. This was possibly an attempt to correct the direction or speed of the ball before releasing. 
     By adding the data sets of Shot  2  the bowling coach receives a further indication that the bowler&#39;s release is inconsistent. As discussed above, the amplitude of the pressure on the thumb  150  is fairly consistent between Shot  1  and Shot  2  during the backswing (peak  415 ). However, before the release (peak  417 ), the amplitude of the thumb pressure is noticeably higher during Shot  2  than it is in Shot  1 . Based upon this information, the bowling coach further identifies the grip during release as an area that could benefit from coaching. 
     As the bowler progresses through training, the dual spikes in finger pressure should be more infrequent and the amplitude of pressure during release should become more consistent. This analysis provides the bowler and the coach with a metric by which to quantify improvement. 
     In another example, an equipment fitter can use this analysis to comparatively identify the best ball and drilling for a particular bowler. The equipment fitter will instruct the bowler to perform two repetitions of the same bowling motion—the first with one type of bowling ball and the second with a different ball. Looking to the plotted data, the equipment fitter can determine, for example, that the second ball is a better fit for the bowler, because she felt compelled to grab the first ball during the release as demonstrated by the dual spikes observed at  432 ,  434 , and  436 . 
     The equipment fitter also instructs the bowler to perform several repetitions of the same bowling motion with the same bowling ball. This time, instead of comparing data sets from one bowling ball to data sets from another, the equipment fitter compares multiple data sets from the same ball. As discussed above, there are inconsistencies detected in the graph of  FIG. 4 . If those inconsistencies are not present in data sets collected with a different bowling ball, the equipment fitter will conclude that the ball used in  FIG. 4  was not appropriate for this bowler. 
     Without pressure sensing equipment, a bowler might not detect soreness that indicates an improper equipment fit until after bowling several frames. In addition to the comparative analysis discussed above, the equipment fitter can monitor the amplitude of the measured pressures as shown in  FIG. 4 . If, for example, the equipment fitter determines that pressure over 30 PSI will cause premature soreness in this particular bowler, the equipment fitter can conclude that the ball used in the second throw in  FIG. 4  is inappropriate for the bowler because the maximum pressure during the release exceeded the threshold. The threshold may be higher or lower than 30 PSI depending upon the particular bowler and her bowling style. 
     Although only two data sets are shown for each finger in  FIG. 4 , more accurate conclusions may be reached by comparing collected pressure data from more than two repetitions of the bowling motion. Depending upon the situation, ten repeated bowling motions may be appropriate. 
     As discussed above, the pressure sensing apparatus includes multiple pressure sensors that provide pressure information from multiple portions of the bowlers hand and not only the finger tips. This additional information can be beneficial in teaching releases to a bowler.  FIGS. 5-7  depict graphical displays that show the pressures detected on each sensor of pressure sensing apparatus  100 . Pressure sensors and the corresponding data displays have similar reference characters in the 500, 600, and 700 series for  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  7 , respectively. For example, pressure detected at sensor  131  is displayed at  531  in  FIG. 5 , at  631  in  FIG. 6 , and at  731  in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIGS. 5-7  show pressure distributions of the ball on the hand as the bowler holds the ball before the approach.  FIG. 5  shows the distribution of the ball weight for a bowler before making his primary release. Display section  561  shows the ball resting at the base of the first finger  110  and the base of the second finger  120 . For this bowler, the distribution of ball weight shown in  FIG. 5  results in a 50 degree axis of rotation and 400 rpms when the ball is released. 
       FIG. 6  depicts the distribution of ball weight for the same bowler, this time applying a greater angle of axis rotation. Display sections  661 ,  665 , and  645  show that the distribution of weight before the approach is shifted toward the base of the fourth finger  140  and toward the edges of the palm of the bowler&#39;s hand. This distribution of weight resulted in a 75 degree axis of rotation. 
       FIG. 7  depicts the distribution of ball weight for the same bowler when applying a higher rate of rotation. As indicated by display section  761 , the weight of the ball has been moved off of the base of the bowler&#39;s fingers and, as indicated by display sections  751  and  753 , the weight has been shifted to the base of the bowler&#39;s thumb. Additionally, the first finger  110  provides more pressure as indicated by display section  711 . 
     As  FIGS. 5-7  and the discussion above demonstrates, the speed and angle of rotation of the bowler&#39;s ball after the release can be influenced by shifting the position of the ball before the approach and maintaining this distribution through the release. If the bowler wishes to add more spin to the ball, the coach can instruct the bowler to shift the weight of the ball toward the fourth finger  140 . Conversely, if the bowler complains of too much spin causing the ball to move toward the gutter of the alley after release, the coach can instruct the bowler to shift the weight of the ball toward the thumb  150 . Progress can be monitored by displaying data in a format similar to that depicted in  FIGS. 5-7 . Additionally, the coaching and equipment fitting methods discussed above in reference to  FIG. 4  may also be applied to pressures as monitored and analyzed through the displays of  FIGS. 5-7 . 
     It should be understood that the constructions and methods described above are exemplary and other configurations and designs are possible. For example, additional components, sensor arrangements, or automated operations may be added to the described constructions and methods without departing from the intended scope. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.