Golf ball track monitor

Abstract

A system for monitoring a trajectory of a golf ball is disclosed. The system includes a first camera configured to capture a first image of a golf ball and a second camera configured to capture a second image. The system also includes a radar configured to detect a flight characteristic of the golf club. The system also includes a processor configured to trigger the first camera to capture a first image of the golf ball based on a flight characteristic of the golf club. The processor is further configured to trigger the second camera to capture a second image of the golf ball after the first camera captures the first image. The processor is further configured to present a trajectory of the golf ball to an interface or a display, where the trajectory is based on the first image, the second image, and a flight characteristic of the golf club.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional application No. 18 / 381,494, entitled “Golf Ball Trajectory Monitor,” filed on October 18, 2023, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 417,222, entitled “Golf Ball Trajectory Monitor,” filed on October 18, 2022, the technical disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a golf simulator or a golf-related motion unit for measuring the trajectory of a golf ball. Background Art

[0004] Golf simulators provide users with an indoor alternative for practicing their golf game. Conventional golf simulators rely on expensive equipment to accurately predict the trajectory of a golf ball and display that trajectory on a screen. Conventional golf simulators are also bulky and not portable. Therefore, it is desirable to have a golf simulator or exercise unit that can accurately and inexpensively predict the trajectory of a golf ball.

[0005] Golf simulators also lack functional means for users to navigate or interact with a simulation or sport. Instead, conventional golf simulators rely on buttons and physical general or dedicated controllers for user navigation and interaction, which provides the user with another object to manipulate. Therefore, a golf simulator is desired that utilizes the user's golf clubs to navigate or interact with a golf simulation or sport. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system for monitoring the trajectory of a golf ball. The system includes a first camera configured to capture a first image of a golf ball after the golf ball is hit by a golf club. The system also includes a second camera configured to capture a second image of the golf ball after capturing the first image. The system also includes a radar having a detection field. The radar is configured to detect flight characteristics of a golf club or a golf ball within the detection field. The system also includes a processor that communicates with the first camera, the second camera, and the radar. The processor is configured to trigger the first camera to capture a first image of the golf ball based on the radar detecting the flight characteristics of the golf club or the golf ball. The processor is also configured to trigger the second camera to capture a second image of the golf ball after the first camera captures the first image. The processor is also configured to present the trajectory of the golf ball to an interface, wherein the trajectory is based on the first image, the second image, and the flight characteristics of the golf club or the golf ball.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a computing device for determining a trajectory of a golf ball. The computing device is configured to receive information associated with a flight characteristic of a golf club or a golf ball, which is used to determine a speed of the golf club or the golf ball. The computing device determines the speed of the golf ball after the golf ball is hit by the golf club. The computing device is configured to send a first command to a first camera to capture a first image of the golf ball after the golf ball is hit by the golf club. The computing device is also configured to send a second command to a second camera to capture a second image of the golf ball. The computing device receives the first image and the second image. The computing device determines the trajectory of the golf ball based on the first image, the second image, the flight characteristic of the golf club or the golf ball, and the speed of the golf ball. The computing device presents the trajectory of the golf ball to an interface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] By referring to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the simplified drawings of exemplary embodiments, the foregoing aspects of the present technology and many of the attendant advantages will become more readily understood. The drawings briefly described herein below are presented for ease of explanation and do not limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] Figure 1A A perspective view of an embodiment of a system for monitoring the trajectory of a golf ball is depicted.

[0010] Figure 1B Depicted Figure 1A Another perspective view of the illustrated embodiment.

[0011] Figure 1C Depicted Figure 1A Another perspective view of the illustrated embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2AA perspective view of another embodiment of a system for monitoring the trajectory of a golf ball is depicted.

[0013] Figure 2B Depicted Figure 2A Another perspective view of the illustrated embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2C Depicted Figure 2A Another perspective view of the illustrated embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 A diagram of an embodiment of a system for monitoring the trajectory of a golf ball is depicted.

[0016] Figure 4 An interface depicting an image of a golf ball in flight.

[0017] Figure 5A An embodiment of a camera for use in a system for monitoring the trajectory of a golf ball is depicted.

[0018] Figure 5B Another embodiment of a camera for use in a system for monitoring the trajectory of a golf ball is depicted.

[0019] Figure 6 An embodiment of a control strip for use in a system for controlling a golf simulation is depicted.

[0020] Figure 7 Depicted are embodiments of environments in which the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented.

[0021] Figure 8 is a flow chart describing a process for monitoring and / or determining the trajectory of a golf ball.

[0022] Fig. 9 Depicted Figure 7 A diagram of example components of one or more devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figures 1A to 1C An embodiment of a system 100 for monitoring the trajectory of a golf ball 114 is depicted. System 100 includes a first camera 110A configured to capture a first image of golf ball 114 after golf ball 114 is struck by a golf club (not shown). System 100 also includes a second camera 110B configured to capture a second image of golf ball 114 after capturing the first image. In one embodiment, first camera 110A and second camera 110B (collectively 110) use the same lens, thereby providing the same field of view for capturing images of golf ball 114. In other embodiments, cameras 110 use different lenses, thereby providing different fields of view for capturing images of golf ball 114.

[0024] The system 100 also includes a radar 104 having a detection field 118. The radar 104 is configured to detect flight characteristics of a golf club or a golf ball, or both, within the detection field 118. The radar 104 includes a transmitter (not shown), a switch (not shown), and a radar antenna behind a lens 106. The transmitter generates pulses that are transmitted by the antenna 106 into the environment. The switch controls the transmission of the antenna at 106. The radar 104 can be configured to transmit pulses within a predetermined detection field 118. Defining the boundaries of the detection field 118 is advantageous because it avoids detecting foreign objects that would inhibit the detection of the golf club and / or golf ball 114.

[0025] The system 100 also includes a processor 108 in communication with the first camera 110A, the second camera 110B, and the radar 104. The processor 108 is configured to trigger the first camera 110A to capture a first image of the golf ball 114 based on the flight characteristics of the golf club, the golf ball, or both detected by the radar 104. The processor 108 is also configured to trigger the second camera 110B to capture a second image of the golf ball 114 after the first camera 110A captures the first image. The second camera is triggered based on the speed or trajectory of the golf ball measured by the radar, the characteristics of the golf ball image captured by the first camera, or both. The processor 108 is also configured to present the trajectory of the golf ball 114 to an interface or display (not shown). The trajectory is based on the first image, the second image, and the flight characteristics of the golf club or the golf ball detected by the radar.

[0026] The system 100 may also include a control bar 112 for controlling actions on the interface or display. In some embodiments, the radar 104, processor 108, camera 110, and control bar 112 may be configured as a single device 102. In such an embodiment, the camera 110 and processor 108 may be located in the same housing. It is beneficial to configure the components (104, 108, 110, 112) as a single device 102 because it increases the portability of the system 100. In one embodiment, the single device can be folded at a hinge provided between the radar housing and the camera housing to provide more compact storage and transportation.

[0027] Continue to refer Figures 1A to 1C , device 102 is configured such that radar 104 is positioned at the rear of device 102, processor 108 and camera 110 are positioned at the front of device 102, and control strip 112 interconnects radar 104 with processor 108 and camera 110. Golf ball 114 is preferably initially placed within the field of view of at least first camera 110A. Tee 116 may be used to support golf ball 114 for use in system 100.

[0028] Steering FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C, an alternative embodiment of a system 200 for monitoring the trajectory of a golf ball 214 is shown. The system includes a radar 204, a processor 208, a first camera 210A and a second camera 210B (collectively referred to as 210), and a control strip 212. The system 200 is configured so that the radar 204 is in a housing separate from and not physically connected to the processor 208, the camera 210, and the control strip 212. In at least one embodiment, the radar is positioned directly behind the golf ball 214. The radar 204 can be configured to send pulses within a predetermined detection field 218. In addition to the benefits of limiting the detection field 218 explained above, positioning the radar 208 directly behind the golf ball 214 is also beneficial because it reduces the likelihood that any foreign objects will be detected and eliminates a source of error known as the cosine effect, in which the radar only measures the velocity component perpendicular to its central field of view. Conversely, positioning the radar 208 directly behind the golf ball 214 increases the likelihood that only the golf club and / or the golf ball 214 will be detected.

[0029] refer to Figure 3 , which shows an embodiment of a system 300 for monitoring the trajectory of a golf ball 314. The system 300 includes a radar 304 for detecting the movement of a golf club 326 within a detection field 322. An antenna 306 of the radar 304 sends a pulse 324 to the detection field 322. Once the golf club enters the detection field, the pulse 324 is reflected back to the antenna 306 by the golf club or the golf ball, or both. The radar 304 detects the movement and / or speed of the golf club 326 as the user swings the golf club 326 through the detection field 322, and / or after the golf club 326 strikes the golf ball 314, the radar 304 detects the movement and / or speed of the golf ball 314. The first camera 310A captures a first image of the golf ball 314 after the golf club 326 strikes the golf ball 314. Alternatively, the first camera 310A may capture the first image of the golf ball when the golf club 326 strikes the golf ball 314 or before the golf club 326 strikes the golf ball 314. After a period of time, second camera 310B captures a second image of golf ball 314 .

[0030] Steering Figure 4, which shows a composite 400 of two images of a golf ball 414 in flight. The first image shown is captured at a time T1 after the golf club hits the golf ball. The second image shown is captured at a time T2 after the first image is captured. The golf ball 414 in both images is shown with a reference arrow 428. The reference arrow 428 is provided for illustrative purposes to show the rotation (i.e., backspin) of the golf ball between the first image at T1 and the second image at T2. Additionally, the first image at T1 illustrates the golf ball 314 having a first position (x1, y1), and the second image at T2 illustrates the golf ball 314 having a second position (x2, y2). Therefore, the ball has traveled a horizontal distance (Δx) and a vertical distance (Δy), which can be used to determine the launch angle of the golf ball 314. Further, the speed of the golf ball 414 can be calculated based on the distance traveled by the golf ball 314 and the time between the first image at T1 and the second image at T2. Further, lateral movement of golf ball 414 may be determined based on changes in the area of ​​golf ball 414 and / or the pixels in golf ball 414. An area that becomes larger in the second image (or more pixels in the golf ball) indicates that the golf ball is traveling in the negative z direction (toward the camera). An area that becomes smaller in the second image (or fewer pixels in the golf ball) indicates that the golf ball is traveling in the positive z direction (away from the camera). No change in area or pixels indicates that the golf ball is not traveling in the z direction (i.e., a straight path relative to the camera). Lateral movement is movement of the golf ball along the z-axis, where horizontal movement is along the x-axis and vertical movement is along the y-axis. It has been found that one method of determining the ball flight trajectory is to use a projected spherical fit based on an ellipse calculated from the ball to the image plane. This can then be used to determine the origin of a sphere with that major axis and a known radius. It is based on a higher-level description of the number of pixels, because the length and position of the major axis are measured in pixels, and can be used to calculate other parameters.

[0031] refer to FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B , which illustrates an embodiment of a housing 508 for use in a system for monitoring the trajectory of a golf ball. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B In FIG. 5 , the housing 508 includes a first camera 510A and a second camera 510B (collectively referred to as 510 ). Figure 5A In the embodiment, the housing 508 is configured so that the circular flash band 530 is external to the lens of the camera 510. Figure 5B In the embodiment of the present invention, the housing 508 is configured such that two strip-shaped flash strips 530 are positioned above and below the camera 510. The flash strips 530 include a plurality of individual lights 532 positioned along the flash strips 530. In some configurations, the circular flash strips 530 utilize infrared lights 532, whereby the flash is not detectable to the human eye. Utilizing such undetectable lights is advantageous because visible flashes may distract the user during waving. Figure 5A The illustrated configuration of circular flash band 530 may be preferred because it provides a balanced exposure, resulting in a clear view of the dimples of the golf ball. As the exposure becomes more unbalanced, the amount of shadows on the golf ball increases and distorts the shape of the dimples on the golf ball, resulting in calculation errors.

[0032] Steering Figure 6 , which illustrates an embodiment of a control strip 612 used in a system for controlling a golf simulation or golf game. The control strip 612 may include a plurality of lights 634 (eg, LED lights) located on the strip that illuminate to indicate the position of the club head.

[0033] The plurality of lights 634 on the strip may be divided into segments 636. For example, in Figure 6 , the control strip 612 is divided into a first section 636A, a second section 636B, and a third section 636C. The sections can be programmed to be similar to buttons on a motion controller, and the virtual buttons can be actuated by, for example, positioning a club head over the button for a predetermined period of time. Moreover, for example, by changing the color of the lights comprising the sections or buttons, the virtual buttons can be made visually identifiable and distinguishable from other virtual buttons. For example, one virtual button can be highlighted with a blue light, while another virtual button can be highlighted with a green light. Actuating the virtual buttons can be used to control different aspects of a golf simulator or a golf video sport. The virtual buttons actuated by the golf club head using the control strip can also be shown on a display associated with the golf simulator or the golf video sport.

[0034] One or more proximity sensors (e.g., one or more infrared proximity sensors) above the light strip are used to determine the position of the club head above the control strip 612. In one embodiment, the control strip 612 is used with two infrared-based proximity sensors (not shown). For example, one proximity sensor can be positioned on each end of the light strip, and the detected positions of the individual sensors can be interpolated to provide an accurate composite position.

[0035] In one embodiment, when a golf club (specifically, the head of the golf club) is positioned above the control strip 612, the lights 634 corresponding to the position of the golf club can be configured to illuminate. In this embodiment, as the golf club moves along the length of the control strip 612, the corresponding lights 634 below the current position of the club can illuminate to show the position of the golf club, while the lights 634 not below the current position of the club do not illuminate. The length of the control strip 612 can be between about 0.3 meters and about 3.0 meters.

[0036] The control bar can facilitate various types of input to the golf simulator or golf video sports. The use of the control bar to provide virtual buttons has been described above. Other types of input include swing gestures, wherein moving the club head in one direction or another direction above the control bar can provide different inputs to the golf simulator or video sports. For example, if the golf simulator or video sports includes an option to change the aiming or hitting direction of the next shot, moving the club head left or right on the control bar can move the hitting direction left or right on the simulator or sports accordingly. Swing gestures can also be used to change other options in the simulation or sports, such as selecting different menu options, selecting which golf club to use, or manipulating the side spin or curve rotation given to the golf ball when the golf ball is hit. The control bar can also be manipulated using different types of objects (such as the user's feet or hands, or the ends of the strips).

[0037] refer to Figure 7 , which illustrates an embodiment of an environment 700 in which the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented. The environment 700 includes a golf simulator or sports equipment 701. The environment 700 also includes a platform 740, wherein the platform 740 and the processor 708 communicate via a network 738. The devices of the environment 700 may be interconnected via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0038] The simulator or sports device 701 includes a radar 704, a camera 710, a control bar 712, and a processor 708. The processor 708 is communicatively coupled to the radar 704, the camera 710, and the control bar 712. As explained herein, the radar 704 is configured to detect the movement characteristics of a golf club and / or a golf ball. The camera 710 is configured to capture an image of a golf ball in flight. The control bar 712 is configured to enable control of the simulation or sports or to provide input to the simulation or sports. The processor 708 is configured to control the radar 704, the camera 710, and the control bar 712. The processor 708 is capable of receiving, generating, storing, processing, and / or providing information associated with a golf simulation or golf sports. For example, the processor 708 may include a computing device, a server, a server group, a user device (e.g., a laptop computer, a desktop computer, etc.), etc.

[0039] The platform 740 includes one or more computing resources 742 capable of receiving, generating, storing, processing and / or providing information associated with golf simulation or sports. For example, the platform 740 may include a server, a server group, etc. In some embodiments, the platform 740 may be partially or completely implemented in a cloud computing environment.

[0040] Cloud computing environments include environments where computing is delivered as a service, whereby shared resources, services, etc. may be provided to processor 708 and / or platform 740. Cloud computing environments may provide computing, software, data access, storage, and / or other services without requiring the end user to be aware of the physical location and configuration of the systems and / or devices delivering the services.

[0041] Figure 7 The number and arrangement of devices and networks shown are provided as examples. In practice, there may be Figure 7 Additional devices and / or networks, fewer devices and / or networks, different devices and / or networks, or differently arranged devices and / or networks are shown. Figure 7 Two or more of the devices shown may be implemented in a single device, or Figure 7 The single device shown may be implemented as multiple distributed devices. Additionally or alternatively, one or more devices of one set of devices (eg, one or more devices) of environment 700 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of environment 700.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the motion device 701 transmits data collected from the radar 704, camera 710, control bar 712, or processor 708 directly to the platform 740 via the network 738, thereby forming a chain of trust between the motion device 701 and the platform 740. The chain of trust is established from the motion device 701 to ensure that the motion device 701 has not been tampered with by the end user and to ensure that the data received by the platform 740 accurately reflects the data collected from the tamper-free motion device 701. In one embodiment, the network 738 is the Internet, and the platform 740 is in the cloud.

[0043] The data transmitted from the sports device 701 to the platform 740 is then used to generate golf motion or golf simulation data, which is then sent to one or more user devices, and the user device displays the motion or simulation data or the results of such data. In this arrangement, users in different locations can play the same sport or simulation, and believe that the results of the motion or simulation are not the result of tampering with the sports device or the result of otherwise based on inaccurate or falsified data. In one embodiment, the raw data collected from the camera or radar is sent to the platform 740 via the network 738 for further processing to determine the ball flight characteristics, such as speed or launch angle. In another embodiment, at least some of the raw data processing occurs at the processor 708 of the sports device 701 before being sent to the platform 740 via the network 738. In each aspect of this embodiment, before any participation of the user device (that is, before any data is transferred to the user device outside the trust chain between the sports device 701 and the platform 740), the data from the sports device 701 is sent to the platform 740 via the network 738. Again, this ensures the trustworthiness of the data and the accuracy of the motion or simulation results.

[0044] In another embodiment, platform 740 runs on the end user's own electronic device, which is connected to sports device 701 via network 738. In this embodiment, the user's device is used as part of the trust chain and processes the data to generate golf motion or golf simulation data. In this embodiment, the user's device will run an executable program with a digital certificate, which ensures that no data is manipulated to be inconsistent with the original data or accurately processed data. The sports device can be configured to send the original data to a separate verification platform running in the cloud, which can analyze the original data to determine whether the user's device has accurately processed the original data and generated credible golf motion or golf simulation data. This separate verification can occur simultaneously with the processing on the user's device, or can occur at a later time to verify the motion or simulation results that have been displayed on the user's device.

[0045] Steering Figure 8 , which shows a flow chart describing a process 800 for monitoring and / or determining the trajectory of a golf ball. In some embodiments, one or more process blocks may be performed by platform 740. In some embodiments, one or more process blocks may be performed by another device or group of devices separate from or including platform 740, such as processor 708.

[0046] The process 800 includes receiving 802 information associated with the flight characteristics of a golf club, a golf ball, or both. The flight characteristics of the golf club or golf ball may include radar readings of the golf club or golf ball at one or more locations within the detection field. The process includes determining 804 the speed of the golf club or golf ball based on the flight characteristics of the golf club. In at least one embodiment, the speed of the golf club or golf ball is determined by applying a fast Fourier transform to the radar readings to convert the radar readings into the speed of the golf club or golf ball. The speed of the golf club or golf ball can be determined at the time and / or location when the golf club hits the golf ball. The process continues to determine 806 the speed of the golf ball after the golf club is hit by the golf club. In one embodiment, the speed of the golf ball is determined based on the radar readings of the golf ball. In an alternative embodiment, the speed of the golf ball is determined based on a coefficient of the speed of the golf club when the golf club hits the golf ball. The coefficient may be between about 1.2 times and about 1.5 times the speed of the golf club. In another alternative embodiment, the speed of the golf ball is determined based on the distance traveled by the golf ball between the first image and the second image and the amount of time between the first image and the second image.

[0047] A first command is sent 808 to a first camera to capture a first image of a golf ball after being struck by a golf club. In one embodiment, the first command is based on the speed of the golf club or golf ball when the golf club strikes the golf ball. In one embodiment, the first camera captures the first image when the golf ball is located at the center of the field of view of the first camera. A second command is sent 810 to a second camera to capture a second image of the golf ball. In one embodiment, the second command is based on the speed of the golf ball after the golf club strikes the golf ball. Additionally or alternatively, the second command is sent to the second camera an amount of time after the first camera captures the first image, wherein the amount of time is based on the speed of the golf ball. For example, if the golf ball has a detected speed of 50 m / s, the corresponding amount of time would be approximately 1 millisecond. In another embodiment, the second camera captures the second image when the golf ball is located at the center of the field of view of the second camera. In yet another embodiment, the second camera captures the second image when the golf ball travels an amount of time after the first camera captures the first image. The amount of time may be, for example, between approximately 1 millisecond and approximately 10 milliseconds.

[0048] The process continues by receiving 812 the first image and the second image, and determining 814 a trajectory of the golf ball based on the first image, the second image, the flight characteristics of the golf club, and / or the speed of the golf ball. In one embodiment, a launch angle of the golf ball is determined based on the first image and the second image. For example, the distance (Δx, Δy) that the golf ball has traveled across the first image and the second image can be used to determine the launch angle of the golf ball. Thus, the trajectory of the golf ball is further based on the launch angle of the golf ball.

[0049] In another embodiment, a spin rate of the golf ball is determined based on the first image and the second image. For example, a difference in orientation of the golf ball between the first image and the second image may be used to determine the spin rate of the golf ball. Thus, the trajectory of the golf ball is further based on the spin rate of the golf ball. In yet another embodiment, a lateral distance traveled by the golf ball is determined based on the first image and the second image. For example, lateral movement of the golf ball may be determined based on an area of ​​the golf ball and / or pixel changes in the golf ball. Thus, the trajectory of the golf ball is further based on the lateral distance. The process also includes presenting 816 the trajectory of the golf ball to an interface or display as part of a golf simulation or golf-related sport.

[0050] refer to Fig. 9 , which shows a block diagram of example components of device 900. Device 900 may correspond to processor 708 and / or computing resource 742. In some embodiments, processor 708 and computing resource 742 may include one or more devices 900 and / or one or more components of device 900. Fig. 9 As shown, device 900 may include a bus 910 , a processor 920 , an internal memory 930 , an external memory component 940 , an input component 950 , an output component 960 , and a communication interface 970 .

[0051] The bus 910 includes components that allow communication between components of the device 900. The processor 920 is implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The processor 920 is a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component. In some embodiments, the processor 920 includes one or more processors that can be programmed to perform functions. The internal memory 930 includes a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, and / or optical memory) that stores information and / or instructions for use by the processor 920.

[0052] The external memory component 940 stores information and / or software related to the operation and use of the device 900. For example, the external memory component 940 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and / or a solid-state disk), a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a floppy disk, a cassette, a magnetic tape, and / or another type of non-transitory computer-readable medium, along with a corresponding drive.

[0053] Input components 950 include components that allow device 900 to receive information, such as via user input (e.g., a control bar, a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, buttons, switches, and / or a microphone). Additionally or alternatively, input components 950 may include sensors for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or an actuator). Output components 960 include components that provide output information from device 900 (e.g., a display, a speaker, and / or one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs)).

[0054] The communication interface 970 includes transceiver-like components (e.g., transceivers and / or separate receivers and transmitters) that enable the device 900 to communicate with other devices, for example, via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of a wired and wireless connection. The communication interface 970 may allow the device 900 to receive information from another device and / or provide information to another device. For example, the communication interface 970 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a cellular network interface, etc.

[0055] The device 900 may perform one or more processes described herein. The device 900 may perform these processes based on the processor 920 executing software instructions stored by a non-transient computer-readable medium such as an internal memory 930 and / or an external memory component 940. A computer-readable medium is defined herein as a non-transient memory device. A memory device includes memory space within a single physical storage device or memory space distributed across multiple physical storage devices.

[0056] The software instructions may be read into the internal memory 930 and / or the external memory component 940 from another computer-readable medium or from another device via the communication interface 970. When executed, the software instructions stored in the internal memory 930 and / or the external memory component 940 may cause the processor 920 to perform one or more processes described herein. Additionally or alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. Therefore, the implementations described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0057] Fig. 9The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as examples. In practice, the device 900 may include Fig. 9 Additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than shown. Additionally or alternatively, one set of components (eg, one or more components) of device 900 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device 900.

[0058] In addition, the section titles of this article are provided in accordance with the recommendations of 37C.FR1.77, or otherwise provide organizational cues. These titles should not limit or characterize one or more inventions set forth in any claims that may be issued from the present invention. Specifically, and by way of example, although the title relates to the "technical field", the claims should not be limited by the language selected under the title to describe the so-called field. Further, the description of the technology as background information should not be interpreted as an admission that certain technologies are prior art to any one or more embodiments of the present invention. "Invention content" should also not be considered as a characterization of one or more embodiments set forth in the claims issued. In addition, any reference to "invention" in the singular form in the present invention should not be used to claim that there is only a single novel point in the present invention. According to the limitations of multiple claims issued from the present invention, multiple embodiments can be set forth, and such claims accordingly limit one or more embodiments and their equivalents to be protected thereby. In all cases, according to the present invention, the scope of these claims should be considered based on their own advantages, but should not be constrained by the titles set forth herein.

[0059] Moreover, the abstract is provided to comply with 37 CFR § 1.72(B), which requires that the abstract will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It should be understood that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing detailed description, it can be seen that in order to make the invention flow smoothly, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than those expressly recited in the individual claims. On the contrary, as reflected in the claims, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim independently serving as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring the trajectory of a golf ball hit by a golf club, the system include: a first camera configured to capture a first image of the golf ball after the golf ball is struck by the golf club; a second camera configured to capture a second image of the golf ball after capturing the first image; a radar having a detection field, wherein the radar is configured to detect flight characteristics of the golf club or the golf ball within the detection field; and a processor in communication with the first camera, the second camera, and the radar, wherein the processor is configured to: triggering the first camera to capture the first image of the golf ball based on the radar detecting a flight characteristic of the golf club or golf ball, triggering the second camera to capture the second image of the golf ball after the first camera captures the first image, and The trajectory of the golf ball is presented to an interface or display, wherein the trajectory is based on the first image, the second image, and the flight characteristics of the golf club or golf ball.

2. The system according to claim 1, in, The flight characteristics of the golf club include the speed of the golf club at the location where the golf club strikes the golf ball; a coefficient by which the speed of the golf ball is based on the speed of the golf club; the processor being configured to trigger the second camera to capture the second image an amount of time after the first camera captures the first image; The amount of time is based on the speed of the golf ball; and The trajectory of the golf ball is also based on the speed of the golf ball.

3. The system according to claim 2, in, The coefficient is between about 1.2 times and about 1.5 times the speed of the golf club.

4. The system according to claim 1, in, The first camera captures the first image when the golf ball is located at the center of the field of view of the first camera; as well as The second camera captures the second image when the golf ball is located at the center of the field of view of the second camera.

5. The system according to claim 4, in, the flight characteristic of the golf club corresponds to a speed of the golf club at a location where the golf ball is initially placed; the processor being configured to trigger the second camera to capture the second image an amount of time after the first camera captures the first image; calculating a speed of the golf ball based on a distance the golf ball travels between the first image and the second image and an amount of time between the first image and the second image; and The trajectory of the golf ball is also based on the speed of the golf ball.

6. The system according to claim 5, in, The amount of time is between about 1 millisecond and about 10 milliseconds; the launch angle and speed of the golf ball based on the latitude distance and longitude distance traveled by the golf ball between the first image and the second image; and The trajectory of the golf ball is also based on the launch angle of the golf ball.

7. The system according to claim 4, in, the golf ball travels a lateral distance between the first image and the second image; The lateral distance is based on (i) a difference in the area of ​​the golf ball in the first image and the second image and (ii) a difference in the number of pixels of the golf ball in the first image and the second image; and The trajectory of the golf ball is also based on the lateral distance of the golf ball.

8. The system according to claim 4, in, a spin rate of the golf ball based on a first orientation of the golf ball in the first image and a second orientation of the golf ball in the second image; as well as The trajectory of the golf ball is also based on the spin rate of the golf ball.

9. The system according to claim 1, in, The first camera and the second camera have the same lens, thereby producing the same field of view for the first camera and the second camera; The flight characteristics of the golf club include the speed of the golf club at the location where the golf club strikes the golf ball; The processor is configured to trigger the first camera based on a first speed of the golf club; The radar is further configured to detect flight characteristics of the golf ball within the detection range, whereby the radar detects a plurality of velocities of the golf ball at a plurality of locations within the detection range after the golf ball is struck by the golf club; The processor is configured to trigger the second camera based on the plurality of speeds of the golf ball; and The trajectory of the golf ball is also based on the plurality of speeds of the golf ball.

10. The system according to claim 1, in, The second camera is positioned laterally downward from the first camera; The radar is positioned behind the golf ball; and The detection field includes an area extending a first distance in front of the golf ball, a second distance to the left of the golf ball, and a third distance to the right of the golf ball.

11. The system according to claim 10, in, The first distance is between about one inch and six inches, the second distance is between about zero inches and about six inches, the third distance is between about three inches and about six inches, and the fourth distance is between about three inches and about six inches.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a control bar, in, The control strip comprises: a strip comprising a plurality of lights arranged along a length of the strip, wherein the lights are configured to illuminate as an indication of a position of a golf club head over the strip; At least one proximity sensor is configured to determine the position of the golf club head above the strip.

13. The system according to claim 12, in, The position of the golf club head above the strip is used as an input for controlling the motion of a golf simulation or golf video.

14. A computing device for determining the trajectory of a golf ball struck by a golf club, the computing device include: one or more memories for storing instructions; and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions so that the one or more processors: receiving information associated with flight characteristics of the golf club or the golf ball; determining a speed of the golf club based on the flight characteristics of the golf club or the golf ball; determining a velocity of the golf ball after being struck by the golf club; sending a first command to a first camera to capture a first image of the golf ball after being struck by the golf club; sending a second command to a second camera to capture a second image of the golf ball; receiving the first image and the second image; determining a trajectory of the golf ball based on the first image, the second image, the flight characteristics of the golf club, and the speed of the golf ball; as well as The trajectory of the golf ball is presented to an interface or display.

15. The computing device of claim 14, in, said flight characteristics of said golf club include radar readings; determining a speed of the golf club based on the radar reading of the golf club; as well as Sending the first command is based on the speed of the golf club when the golf club strikes the golf ball.

16. The computing device according to claim 15, in, the one or more memories storing additional instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to receive information associated with flight characteristics of the golf ball; said flight characteristics of said golf ball include radar readings; the speed of the golf ball is determined based on the radar reading of the golf ball; as well as Sending the second command is based on the speed of the golf ball after the golf club strikes the golf ball.

17. The computing device of claim 14, in, the one or more memories storing additional instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to determine a launch angle of the golf ball based on the first image and the second image; as well as The trajectory of the golf ball is also based on the launch angle of the golf ball.

18. The computing device of claim 17, in, the one or more memories storing additional instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to determine a spin rate for the golf ball based on the first image and the second image; and The trajectory of the golf ball is also based on the spin rate of the golf ball.

19. The computing device of claim 18, in, the one or more memories storing additional instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to determine a lateral distance traveled by the golf ball based on the first image and the second image; and The trajectory of the golf ball is also based on the lateral distance.

20. The computing device of claim 15, in, The speed of the golf ball is determined based on a coefficient of the speed of the golf club when the golf club strikes the golf ball; as well as Sending the second command is based on the speed of the golf ball after the golf club strikes the golf ball.

21. The computing device of claim 19, in, the launch angle being determined based on a latitudinal distance traveled by the golf ball between the first image and the second image and a longitudinal distance traveled by the golf ball between the first image and the second image; the spin rate being based on a first orientation of the golf ball in the first image and a second orientation of the golf ball in the second image; The lateral distance is based on at least one of: (i) a difference in an area of ​​the golf ball in the first image and the second image, (ii) a difference in a number of pixels of the golf ball in the first image and the second image.

22. The computing device of claim 15, in, the speed of the golf ball is determined based on the radar reading of the golf ball; an amount of time after the first camera captures the first image, sending the second command to the second camera; as well as The amount of time is based on the speed of the golf ball.

23. A system for providing a virtual golf simulator or golf video game, include: a golf ball launch detector including a first camera, a second camera, and a radar; and A control strip comprising a strip including a plurality of lights arranged along the length of the strip, wherein the lights are configured to illuminate as an indication of the position of a golf club head over the strip; and at least one proximity sensor configured to determine the position of the golf club head over the strip, wherein the system uses the position of the golf club head over the strip as input to the virtual golf simulator or golf video motion.

24. A system for providing a virtual golf simulator or golf video game, include: Sports equipment, including: a golf ball launch detector including a first camera, a second camera, and a radar; and a processor that receives raw emission data from the first camera, the second camera, and the radar to generate processed emission data; A platform comprising computing resources that receive raw transmission data or processed transmission data from the motion device via a network, wherein the raw transmission data or processed transmission data is verified by a trust chain that excludes any user device, and further wherein the platform processes the raw transmission data or processed transmission data to generate motion data, and sends the motion data to the user device.

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