US005916181A
`5,916,181
`(114) Patent Number:
`United States Patent 55
`Socci et al.
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Jun. 29, 1999
`
`
`[54] HEAD GEAR FOR DETECTING HEAD
`MOTION AND PROVIDING AN INDICATION
`OF HEAD MOVEMENT
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Roger David Socci, Reston, Va.;
`Robert Leslie Wakenight, New
`Market, Md.
`[73] Assignee: Creative Sports Designs, Inc., Reston,
`Va.
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 08/957,073
`[22]
`Filed:
`Oct. 24, 1997
`[51]
`Int. Cl.° See ener ene nneeneereee esos ees see eee ees ses eeee ees eee sense A61B 5/00
`[52] US. CU. ce ceccssecsscesneessesesnecssnsesssceesensnceasses 600/595
`[58] Field of Search ....ccccscsscsssssessseseeee 600/587, 595;
`273/26 R: 33/511 512
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`[56]
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`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`4,300,765
`11/1981 Stringham .
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`8/1986 Morrissey .
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`3/1988 Fierro .
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`5/1989 Socci .
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`9/1989 Lee .
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`4/1991 Richardson .
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`4/1992 Johnson .
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`8/1992 Reed .
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`6/1993 McTeigue et al
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`2/1994 Rush,III.
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`200 oN
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`404
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`1/1995 Soccietal. .
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`7/1995 Soccietal. .
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`9/1995 Socciet al.
`.
`5,447,305
`6/1996 Shannon .
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`7/1996 Putz .
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`7/1996 Rush, II.
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`8/1996 Rush, II.
`5,546,609
`.
`9/1996 Nolan, Jr.
`5,558,585
`11/1996 Felsing 0. eeeeeeeeereeeee 600/595
`5,573,011
`3/1997 Horton et al...
`5,615,132
`7/1997 Foi cccsscssssssssseseessssesesseeeeeee 128/774
`5,645,077
`2/1998 Socci et al. ccc ceeseseceeeeeee 473/422
`5,713,804
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`131040
`5/1993
`Japan.
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`.
`.
`.
`Electronic Baseball (Babe Ruth would die); Daniel Ruby;
`Jul. 1982, Popular Science, p. 63.
`Declaration In Support Of An IDS, by Roger Socci Jan.
`1998.
`Primary Examiner—Max Hindenburg
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Hunton & Williams
`
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`Apparatus and method for using head gear to sense the
`motion of the wearer’s head and output a signal indicative of
`the motion. Sensors are used to detect head motion about
`two mutually perpendicular axes. The sensor signal is fed
`into a microprocessor to compute a feedback signal indica-
`tive of the deviation of the motion from a desired, pre-
`programmed path. The feedback signal is delivered to an
`indicator to alert the wearer of the head motion. The device
`is adaptable to monitor head motions for various athletic,
`sporting and safety applications.
`
`31 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
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`1
`HEAD GEAR FOR DETECTING HEAD
`MOTION AND PROVIDING AN INDICATION
`OF HEAD MOVEMENT
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to head gear for sensing the
`motion of the wearer’s head and providing an audible
`indication or other alarm signal when certain predetermined
`paths of head movementare detected.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The ability to monitor the motion of a person’s head has
`importance in many applications. For example,
`in many
`sports, the relative position and/or motion of a player’s head
`is essential
`in executing a desired athletic movement.
`Typically, in order to achieve the correct head position or
`movement,
`the player must practice. Traditionally, such
`practice has encompassed repeating the position or move-
`mentuntil it is properly executed. A significant problem with
`this repetitive practice approach is the player must generally
`rely on self-inspection to determine whether the motion or
`position is correct. Endless hours of unknowingly practicing
`the incorrect motion will
`input
`improper data into the
`player’s muscle memory and will make it difficult for the
`player to achieve the intended improvement. A second party
`observer (e.g., a coach) can sometimes provide insight to
`correct the motion. However, this method depends upon the
`knowledge, communication skills and availability of such an
`expert observer. A video tape recorder can substitute for an
`observer. However, using a video recording requires the
`purchase of costly equipment and often the tape can only be
`viewed after the practice session has taken place. Thus,
`corrections can only be attempted at a subsequent practice
`session.
`
`Monitoring head movement and relative position has
`numerous safety applications. For example, in those sports
`considered to be contact sports (e.g.,
`football, hockey,
`lacrosse, etc.), a player making contact with his or her head
`in the wrong position risks injury. A warning signal would
`give the player an opportunity to alter his or her head
`position in time to avoid injury. Current head gear for these
`types of contact sports do not provide any sensor informa-
`tion to indicate a dangerous head position.
`A head position monitor has safety applications in situa-
`tions where head position indicates other dangerous condi-
`tions. For example, certain movements of an automobile
`driver’s head indicate that the driver has fallen asleep at the
`wheeloris not looking at the road. Many accidents could be
`avoided if the driver is prompted to regain proper head
`position. Likewise, in aviation a pilot’s head position in
`certain instances can create a potentially dangerous situa-
`tion. For example, when anaircraft is in a turn and a pilot’s
`head is positioned at an improper angle with respect to the
`vertical of the centerline of the aircraft, disorientation can
`occur. This may occur whenthe innerear of a pilot provides
`an erroneous sense of turn information to the pilot while
`making a prolonged, constant bank turn such that the pilot
`may incorrectly believe that he or she has ceased turning and
`has leveled off. While many cockpits include attitude and
`altitude indicators to alert the pilot to the aircraft’s attitude
`and altitude, current head gear for pilots do not provide a
`head position sensor indicating a dangerous, prolonged,
`constant banked turn. Providing an alarm alerting the pilot
`of improper head position can be a significant safety advan-
`tage in this circumstance.
`Manydrawbacksexist among current head position moni-
`tors. For example, many devices are not sensitive to small
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`amplitude head motions, thus, these motions remain unde-
`tected. Another drawbackofexisting devicesis that often the
`desired motion requires a deliberate, predetermined head
`motion and many existing devices are set to merely indicate
`when the head has moved. For example, to properly hit a
`baseball the batter’s head should move to follow the pitch
`from the pitcher to the catcher. Existing head motion sensors
`that merely indicate when a batter’s head moves are not
`useful to indicate the proper head motion to the batter.
`Another drawback is that many existing devices are bulky
`and cumbersome. To be practical, a head motion monitor
`should interfere with the wearer and activity as little as
`possible. Another drawback is that many existing devices
`are not adaptable to the skill
`level of the wearer. For
`example, the acceptable range of head motion for a profes-
`sional baseball batter is smaller than the acceptable range of
`head motion for a little league baseball batter and many
`existing devices cannot adapt to these different ranges.
`These and other drawbacks exist in current devices.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`An object of the invention is to overcome the above
`enumerated drawbacks and others present
`in existing
`devices.
`
`Another object of the invention is to provide head gear
`that provides real time feedback to the wearer to aid the
`wearer in maintaining proper relative head position while
`participating in sports.
`Another object of the invention is to provide head gear
`that detects the motion of the wearer’s head about two
`mutually perpendicular axes.
`Another object of the inventionis to provide a very simple
`device to teach players the correct method for hitting a ball.
`Another object of the invention is to provide head gear
`that relays safety information to the wearer regarding the
`wearer’s head position.
`Another object of the invention is to provide head gear
`with memory capable of storing data pertaining to desired
`motions.
`
`Another object of the invention is to provide real time
`feedback to the wearerto aid the wearer in achieving proper
`head motion and related shoulder position during the course
`of a swing while participating in sports.
`Another object of the invention is to provide real time
`feedback to pilots during a turn indicating a dangerous,
`prolonged, constant banked turn.
`Another object of the invention is to provide head gear
`capable of alerting a driver of a potentially dangerous head
`position.
`To accomplish these and other objects of the invention
`there is disclosed head gear to be worn whenit is desirable
`to have an indication of the wearer’s head motion or
`
`position. The head gear may be incorporated into an existing
`article of head wear. The incorporation may be permanent,
`or the head gear may be alternatively attached to various
`articles of head wear. Integral with the head gear are motion
`and/or position sensing devices to indicate the motion or
`position of the wearer’s head. The data from the sensors may
`be fed into a digital processor to process the sensed data and
`derive a signal indicative of the wearer’s head motion or
`position. Some embodiments employ a programmable pro-
`cessor to adapt the head gearto a variety of applications. The
`signal indicative of head motion or position may be fed into
`an indicator to provide the wearer with a recognizable
`feedback signal indicative of head motion or position.
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`readily available in the retail market and are inexpensive.
`Preferably, the head gear comprises a unitary construction
`The 9 Volt battery has sufficient capacity to power the head
`that can be incorporated into existing head wear. The head
`gear for approximately 30 hours of continuous operation.
`gear is preferably of such a size and weightto be relatively
`unobtrusive to the wearer. Some embodiments of the head
`More exotic batteries (e.g., Ni-Cad, etc.,),
`renewable
`batteries, rechargeable batteries or other suitable power
`gear are attachable to more than one kind of existing head
`sources are available. Other embodiments, having different
`wear to enable use in multiple applications. Some embodi-
`power requirements may employ other power sources. For
`ments of the head gear may be permanently incorporated
`example, power sources supplying more or less than 9 V
`into existing head wear.
`may be incorporated as desired.
`the head gear allows the
`Among other applications,
`Preferably, the 9 Volts from the battery may be regulated
`wearer to practice and perfect a desired motion. For
`to the required 5 Volts by a linear voltage regulator. A
`example, applied to baseball, the head gear provides the
`protection device, such as a blocking diode, may be used to
`wearer with feedback indicating the amount of head tilt and
`protect the regulator if the battery is inadvertently installed
`head rotation that occurs during the act of swingingabat at
`with the wrong polarity. Amomentary switch can be used as
`a pitch. The batter receives feedback during the swing,
`15
`the power on/off switch. This switch and associated circuitry
`allowing the batter to immediately pinpoint the correct or
`apply power to processor 30 for a long enough time for
`incorrect head motion. Thus, the batter is provided with the
`processor 30 to “wake up” and latch the on condition of the
`information necessary to correct his or her head position for
`head gear. In one embodiment, the head gear can be turned
`the next swing and doesnot have to rely on guess work. The
`off in two different ways. First, the user can activate the
`batter receives the information instantaneously, he or she
`momentary power switch to turn the head gear on or off.
`does not have to wait to view a video later, or after the
`Second, the processor 30 can turn off the head gear on its
`practice session has ended. Furthermore, there is no need to
`own. For example, if the processor 30 has determined that
`acquire and rely on a second party observer. The head gear
`the head gear has not been used for a preprogrammedperiod
`allows the wearer a simple and relatively inexpensive
`of time, the processor 30 will unlatch the power source 10
`method and apparatus to practice.
`and go to “sleep.” This feature conserves the available
`When the head motion monitor is used in safety applica-
`powersource 10 capacity in those applications where power
`tions the operation is similar. The motion and/or position
`conservation is desirable.
`sensing devices indicate the motion or position of the
`Processor
`wearer’s head. The data from the sensors are fed into a
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`processor to process the data and derive a signal indicative
`of the wearer’s head motion or position. The processor is
`programmed to indicate when the wearer’s head is in an
`unsafe position and to output a signal to the indicator to
`notify the wearer of the unsafe condition. Thus, the head
`gear can be used to help reduce the risk of injury in many
`situations.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodimentof
`the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a schematicillustration of an attachable embodi-
`mentof the invention.
`FIG. 3 is a schematic of the circuit for an embodimentof
`the invention.
`
`FIG. 4 depicts an embodimentof the invention as applied
`to the sport of baseball.
`FIG. 5 depicts a partial cut-away view of an embodiment
`of the invention mounted within a protective helmet.
`FIG. 6 depicts an embodimentof the invention attached to
`a cap or hat.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`The operation of the present invention to achieve the
`objects stated above will be better understood by reference
`to the drawings and detailed description below.
`The head motion sensor head gear apparatus, to achieve
`the objects of the invention, may include five main func-
`tional blocks: power supply, processor, sensing mechanism,
`user interface, and an indicator. These functional elements
`operate to provide the benefits described above. Each block
`is discussed separately below. However,
`they operate
`together as indicated.
`Power Supply
`The power source 10 for the head gear preferably com-
`prises a standard 9 Volt alkaline battery. These batteries are
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`Processor 30 is preferably a microprocessor chip, for
`example, the Microchip PIC16C72 or PIC16C73. This type
`of processor typically has 2-4K bytes of on-chip program
`memory, 128— 192 bytes of on-chip data memory, 3 timer
`modules, 5 analog to digital converter channels (8 bit
`resolution), a watchdog timer, power on reset circuitry,
`programmable I/O pins, and interrupt capabilities. These
`values are merely exemplary of the features desirable to
`provide a single chip solution to the processing require-
`ments. The PIC16C73 also comprises a universal asynchro-
`nous receiver/transmitter (UART)to enable interfacing with
`a personal computer(or the like). This capability is advan-
`tageous for those embodiments where it is desired to per-
`form data analysis or other diagnostics. Processor 30 may
`also comprise similar microprocessors chips made by other
`manufacturers.
`The poweronreset circuitry ensures that the processor is
`properly initialized when first
`turned on. The watchdog
`timer ensures that the program embeddedin the processoris
`running properly. If the program should “crash,”that is cease
`to function properly, the processor will automatically reset
`itself. For those embodiments of the head gear comprising
`two motion sensors, preferably, two channels of the analog
`to digital converter are used to convert the analog data from
`the two sensorsinto a digital form which can be analyzed by
`the embedded program in the processor. Preferably, two of
`the available timer modules are used in the head gear. One
`timer is, preferably, set to interrupt at a 60 Hz rate. This is
`the sample period for the analog to digital conversions and
`also provides a timertick for various time-out periods in the
`operation of the head gear. The second timeris, preferably,
`programmedto interrupt on every half cycle of the selected
`frequency being applied to the indicator. Preferably, pro-
`grammable I/O pins are used to read the user interface
`switches, to provide drive for the audible indicator, and to
`control the power supply latching circuitry.
`For embodiments of the head gear equipped with the
`ability to store data in memory additional processor chips
`may be provided. For example, a static RAM chip may be
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`incorporated into the head gear to enable the ability to store
`sensor data. Typically, the static RAM may operate with a
`processor such as an Intel 80C51 processor, or a similar
`device. Such a processor may be used instead of the above
`described PIC type microprocessor. A flash memory device
`mayalso be incorporated into embodiments where the speed
`of data storage is not an issue. Other types of memory
`storage chips may also be used.
`Sensors
`
`In some embodiments, the head gear preferably uses two
`sensors 40 and measures the angular motion of the wearer’s
`head about two axes. Onesensitive axis passes through the
`ears of the wearer and will be referred to as the X axis. The
`second sensitive axis passes out the top of the wearer’s head
`and will be referred to as the Z axis. Other embodiments may
`comprise more sensors to detect motion about other axes.
`For example, sensors may be incorporated to detect motion
`along the Y axis, which can be envisioned as passing
`horizontally out through the tip of the wearer’s nose. For
`embodiments where motion detection is only along oneaxis,
`fewer sensors may be used.
`Rotation about the X axis is a measure ofthetilt of the
`wearer’s head.
`In those embodiments of the head gear
`adaptedto sports, it is important to monitor head tilt because,
`in many sports the degree and direction of a player’s headtilt
`is indicative of the correctness of the motion. For example,
`in baseball, a batter’s head should not tilt up during the
`swing and, in fact, should naturally tilt slightly downward.
`Likewise, in golf a player’s head should not tilt up during a
`swing. Therefore,if the tilt of the head is up, the playeris not
`watching the ball to the point at which the bat or club
`contacts the ball.
`Rotation about the Z axis is a measure of the rotation of
`
`the wearer’s head during the motion. For example, in many
`sports it is preferable for the player’s head to follow the
`motion of the ball throughout the swing. For example, in
`baseball, a batter’s head should initially rotate slightly, from
`the set position of the stance,
`toward the catcher. This
`indicates that the batter is actually tracking the baseball asit
`leaves the pitcher’s hand and approaches homeplate. The
`batter’s head should stay in this position until some time
`after the baseball is contacted. Training the head to remain
`in position until some time after contact helps to ensure that
`the batter is getting proper separation of the head from the
`front shoulder during the swing. If the rotation of the batter’s
`head is initially away from the catcher, the batter is not
`tracking the ball properly and is said to be “pulling off the
`ball.” If the rotation away from the catcher occurs too
`quickly, the batter will not be getting the proper separation
`of head and front shoulder during the swing andthe batter
`will not contact the ball properly. Similar head rotation
`analysis for other sports can also be accommodated by the
`head gear.
`One embodiment of the head gear measures the angular
`motion around the two sensitive axes (e.g., X and Z) with
`two gyroscopes oriented such that each gyroscope is only
`sensitive to rotations about one of the axes. The outputs of
`the gyroscopesare, preferably, analog voltages proportional
`to the angular rate at which the gyroscope is moving about
`its axis of sensitivity. The gyroscopes are preferably
`mounted on head gear being worn bythe player, therefore,
`the outputs of the gyroscopes are indicative of the angular
`motion of the wearer’s head about the two sensitive axes.
`
`The data output of the gyroscopes is proportional to the
`speed of rotation and a simple mathematical manipulation of
`the data yields the position of the wearer’s head. A single
`integration of speed data yields the distance traveled relative
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`to a starting point. Thus, the motion and position of the
`wearer’s head can be monitored by the sensors. In one
`embodiment the gyroscopes can be Murata part number
`ENC-05E gyroscopes giving an output
`in millivolts per
`degrees per seconds. Other gyroscopes can also be used.
`Alternative embodiments may use a different sensor con-
`figuration. For example, a combination of gyroscopes and
`accelerometers may be used to enable monitoring the wear-
`er’s head position. Other position and motion sensors may
`be used.
`User Interface
`The head gear may enable the user to input information
`into the processor. Preferably, data entry can be accom-
`plished through a user interface 20. One example of data
`input is whether the user wants the head gear activated.
`Preferably, a power on/off selector is provided in the user
`interface for this purpose. Another example of user data
`entry applies to embodiments adapted for sports training.
`The user may input the particular sport or application that
`the head gearis being used to monitor. For example, the user
`can input a “baseball” selection when the user desires to
`practice a baseball batting swing. After selecting the par-
`ticular application, further information may be inputted into
`the head gear. For example, head gear adapted for use as a
`baseball batting trainer requires the user to input whether the
`user is left or right handed. This allows the processor to
`determine the preferred direction of head rotation. For
`example, rotations about the Z axis towards the catcher are
`“good” because, they indicate proper tracking of the motion
`of the ball towards the batter. Similarly, rotations about the
`Z axis away from the catcher are “bad”. However, for a
`right-handed batter “good” rotations are clockwise, “bad”
`rotations are counter-clockwise. The situation is reversed for
`
`a left-handed batter. Thus, in this embodiment, the processor
`must know which situation exists in order to properly
`interpret the rotation data. In one embodiment the on/off
`switch is a dual function switch, controlling both the power
`and the right/left-handed selections. Other embodiments
`may have separate right/left and on/off switches.
`Other user inputs to the head gear are possible. For
`example, the user could control such things as the volume
`level of an audible indicator, activating a save data setting or
`set up the head gear to judge head motion based on the skill
`level of the head gear user (e.g., novice or expert).
`Indicator
`
`Some embodiments comprise indicator 50 which provides
`both positive and negative feedback to the user of the head
`gear. The indicator 50 may provide, for example, audible
`signals to the wearer. In these embodiments the indicator 50
`is, preferably, a piezo ceramic speaker. Drive to the speaker
`can be provided by one (or more) of the programmable I/O
`pins of the processor. The speaker is preferably driven by a
`square wave, the duration and frequency of which is con-
`trolled by the processor 30. Other drivers or signal indicators
`are possible. For example, synthesized or recorded speech
`may be incorporated into the indicator. Visible indicator
`signals, for example LED’s or the like, are also possible.
`The exact frequencies, duration, or the combinationsof on
`and off times provided to the user are not important. The
`only requirementis that the user is able to readily differen-
`tiate between the various indications, in order to clearly
`discern the information being provided.
`Some embodiments of the head gear employ several
`different audible indications. A “greeting” sequence may be
`sent when the head gear is turned on. If necessary, the user
`may make the various data inputs that may be desired (e.g.,
`right/left-handed batter selection) during the greeting tone.
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`In some embodiments, an “armed” or “ready” indicator
`may be sent when the head gear has determined that the
`wearer is at rest and presumably has adopted the set or
`stance position in preparation to beginning the desired
`motion. The importance of establishing a wearer’s starting
`position will be explained in the algorithm section below.
`The wearer waits for the “armed” indication before and
`
`between motions, to allow the head gear to properly monitor
`the motion.
`
`indicating
`In some embodiments, a “good” indicator,
`proper head motion, can be sent during the monitored
`motion, and the actual indication being sent can be propor-
`tional to the degree of motion (e.g., as the degree of motion
`increases, the frequency of an audible tone increases or the
`frequencyofa flashing LED increases). Alternative embodi-
`ments of the head gear may use a single fixed frequency
`audible indicator for “good” with the degree of “good” being
`indicated by a varying intensity sound instead of a varying
`frequency sound. The same may be applied to a visible
`indicator with an increase in visual signal intensity propor-
`tional to the degree of motion.
`For some embodiments,a distinctive “bad” indicator may
`be sent when the head gear has determined that excessive
`“bad” or out of range motion has occurred. The “bad”
`indicator may interrupt any “good”indicator in progress, to
`indicate an improper head motion has occurred.
`In some embodiments, silence, or no indicator, can be
`used to indicate either “good” or “bad” head motion depend-
`ing upon the desires of the user.
`Algorithm
`For those embodiments sensing motion along two axes,
`preferably, the analysis of the head motion may be based
`upon the integration of the raw data collected from two
`sensors. These sensors are preferably two gyroscopes, one
`sensitive to motion about the X axis (i.e., head tilt) and one
`sensitive to motion about the Z axis (i.e., head rotation). As
`mentioned previously, the outputs of the gyroscopes may be
`proportional to angular speed of rotation so a single inte-
`gration will yield distance traveled about an axis in degrees.
`For embodiments sensing motion along a different number
`of axes, the algorithm is similar, however, the number of
`sensors may vary.
`in some
`to consider is that,
`An important point
`embodiments, this integration can be, preferably, deliber-
`ately imprecise. In these embodiments, the actual integrator
`is a “leaky” integrator. A small portion of the accumulated
`integration may be discarded after every update. This pre-
`vents small errors due to noise or a small error in the initial
`reference for the integration from being accumulated. The
`actual arithmetic is also not precise. A more exact numerical
`integration would require multiplication. A precise integra-
`tion would require floating point rather than fixed point
`arithmetic. These both cost processor time. The analog to
`digital conversion is, preferably, limited to 8 bits of resolu-
`tion. The actual sensor output can be subject to drift with
`temperature and time. All these factors can eventually result
`in a large error in the apparent position of the head, which
`can be further compounded over
`time.
`In these
`embodiments, the apparent position of the head will only be
`accurate for a short period of time, thus, the desire to “arm”
`the head gear before every practice motion. “Arming” the
`head gear means having the wearer assume a stance and
`remain still until that fact is recognized by the head gear. The
`armed indicator indicates to the wearerthat the integrations
`have reset and restarted and the head gear has refreshed the
`position of the wearer’s head andis readyforthe start of the
`next practice motion.
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`Some embodiments of the head gear can be programmed
`to “remember” or store the sensor readings for a particular
`motion. Subsequent motions can be compared to the stored
`data. These embodiments may require additional processor
`memory capabilities as noted above. For example,
`in a
`baseball batting aid embodiment, the processor can store in
`memory the sensor data values that occur during a chosen
`swing. Subsequent swings can then be compared with the
`stored data as a training aid. The processor can automatically
`store a successful motion (e.g., by selecting an “auto-store”
`mode) or a successful motion can be selected, by the user,
`after the motion has been completed. For example, in the
`baseball training embodiment, a player might have com-
`pleted a correct swing (e.g., satisfactory contact with the
`ball); the player can now select the “store” mode and the
`sensor data for the successful swing will be stored in the
`processor for comparison with subsequent swings.
`Alternatively,
`the user can select an “auto-store” mode
`where a correct swing is automatically stored in memory.
`As shownin FIG. 2, the head gear may comprise a unitary
`construction. Contained within the head gear 200 are the
`components described above. The embodiment in FIG. 2,
`comprises an audible indicator, shown as a speaker element
`210. A compartment 220 is provided to house a battery or
`similar power source. Switches 230 comprise the user inter-
`face portion. In the depicted embodiment two switches are
`shown, one for on/off and volumethe other for left/right
`handed input. Other configurations of the user interface
`portion are possible. The head gear 200 may be attached to
`a suitable item of head wearprior to use. The attachment of
`head gear 200 maybecarried out in any suitable fashion that
`does not significantly interfere with the wearer’s perfor-
`mance. For example, fastening screws 240 are shown in
`FIG. 2 to enable attachment.
`Aschematic diagram of one embodimentof the head gear
`is shownin FIG. 3. The numberof sensors 40 used may vary
`according to head gear’s intended application. The variabil-
`ity of the number of sensors is indicated in FIG. 3 by the
`sensor 40 shown in broken lines. The analog output of each
`sensor 40 may be amplified by an amplifier 410. The
`amplified sensor output may then serve as the input for an
`analog to digital (A/D) converter 420. For embodiments
`comprising a PIC type processor 30, the A/D converter 420
`may be an integral portion of the processor chip. Clock 310
`may also comprise an integral portion of the processor 30.
`Clock 310 provides a timer for the various time-out periods
`in the operation of the head gear. Indicator 50 is coupled to
`the output of processor 30.
`In FIG. 3,
`indicator 50 is
`represented schematically as an audible speaker. Other
`indicators, for example, a visible LED indicator, are also
`possible. Power for the head gear is supplied by power
`source 10, indicated as a battery in FIG. 3. Voltage from the
`power source 10 may be regulated by a voltage regulator
`110. A protection device, for example, diode 101, may be
`used to protect the voltage regulator if power source 10 is
`inadvertently installed with the wrong polarity. Power on/off
`switch 120 may be provided to allow the user to turn the
`head gear on or off. Additional circuit devices, for example,
`diodes 130 and transistor 140, may be provided to enable a
`safe and effective supply of power to the head gear. In FIG.
`3, the user interface is depicted as comprising switch ele-
`ments 201, 202, 203. The switch elements 201, 202 and 203
`are used for selecting a voltage level, determined by asso-
`ciated resistive elements 2011, 2022 and 2033. This voltage
`level may serve as input to the programmable I/O pins on the
`processor. In this manner, the processor can be programmed
`to enable the various functionalities described herein. The
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`look up before the ball is secured. This often results in an
`“error” or missing the ball. The head gear can be pro-
`grammedto signal the fielder to keep his or her head down
`until
`the ball
`is secured. The fielding embodiment may
`comprise a simplified design as head motion need only be
`detected along one axis (e.g., the X axis). Sensing along
`m