Apparatus and methods for measuring elongate, cylindrical objects

Abstract

An apparatus for measuring an object having a central longitudinal axis includes a support frame to immobilize the object within a defined scanning volume. A scanner (e.g., an optical scanner or a contact sensor) is mounted to a drive assembly that allows the scanner to move through the scanning volume in two orthogonal directions. A controller commands the drive assembly to move the scanner through the scanning volume. As the scanner moves (e.g., raster-style), the controller receives signals from the scanner that it can resolve into dimensions of the object. A weight sensor, such as a load cell, can be included to measure the weight of the object. Using dimension and weight information, the controller can also output the object's volume, profile, balance point, central longitudinal axis, swing weight, and / or sweet spot location.

Description

Attorney Docket No. BDNA-0001APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING ELONGATE, CYLINDRICAL OBJECTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of United States provisional application no. 63 / 680,520, filed 7 August 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to measurement of objects. In particular, the present disclosure relates to dimensional measurement and assessment of objects such as billets, balusters, and baseball and softball bats, that have central longitudinal axes.BACKGROUND

[0003] Traditional methods of measuring cylindrical objects involve manual measurement using caliper-type tools. These manual measurements, however, can result in inaccuracies and inconsistencies in measurements, which can, in turn, impact product quality.

[0004] Various scanning technologies are also known. For instance, a single-point laser system can be used to measure one side of a baseball or softball bat along its central longitudinal axis. This method, however, may not account for defects in the bat, such as breakage or warping. Thus, a single-point laser measurement may result in data that is unusable for assessing, editing, or reproducing the scanned bat.

[0005] Handheld three-dimensional laser scanners, including lidar (light detection and ranging) scanners, can capture the surface area of an object. They require lengthy processing and scanning times, however, often in excess of 30 minutes. This makes them undesirable for use in assessing large quantities of objects.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] The instant disclosure provides an apparatus for measuring an object having a central longitudinal axis. The apparatus includes a support frame to immobilize the object during measurement; an optical scanner including an optical emitter and an optical detector; a driveAttorney Docket No. BDNA-0001 assembly including: a first track; a first carriage mounted on the first track and movable relative to the first track; a first motor to move the first carriage relative to the first track; a second track mounted on the first carriage; a second carriage mounted on the second track and movable relative to the second track; and a second motor to move the second carriage relative to the second track, wherein the first track has a fixed relationship to the support frame during operation of the apparatus, wherein the optical scanner is mounted to the second carriage, and wherein the second track is orthogonal to the first track; and a controller operably coupled to the optical scanner and the drive assembly, wherein the controller is configured to: command the first motor to move the first carriage relative to the first track along a first dimension of the object; command the second motor to move the second carriage relative to the second track along a second dimension of the object, the second dimension of the object being orthogonal to the first dimension of the object; receive signals from the optical scanner; and output dimensions of the object from the signals received from the optical scanner, positions of the first carriage relative to the first track, and positions of the second carriage relative to the second track.

[0007] The apparatus can also include a weight sensor, such as a load cell (e.g., a strain gauge). The controller can be further configured to receive signals from the weight sensor and to output a weight of the object from the signals received from the weight sensor. The weight sensor may be integrated into the support frame.

[0008] The controller may be further configured to output one or more of a volume of the object, a profile of the object, a balance point of the object, and an identification of the central longitudinal axis of the object.

[0009] The elongate object may be a swinging implement, such as a baseball or softball bat. The controller may be further configured to output at least one of a swing weight of the swinging implement and a sweet spot of the swinging implement.

[0010] The optical scanner can include a through beam sensor, which may include a laser. Alternatively or additionally, the optical sensor may include a lidar sensor.

[0011] The support frame can include a first clamp element to clamp against a first longitudinal end of the object and a second clamp element, opposite the first clamp element, to clamp against a second longitudinal end of the elongate object. One of the first clamp element and the second clamp element may be stationary relative to the support frame while another ofAttorney Docket No. BDNA-0001 the first clamp element and the second clamp element may be movable relative to the support frame.

[0012] At least one of the first motor and the second motor may include a stepper motor. Alternatively, at least one of the first motor and the second motor may include a servomotor.

[0013] At least one of the first track and the second track may include a screw drive.

[0014] Also disclosed herein is an apparatus for measuring an object. The apparatus defines a scanning volume and includes: a clamp to immobilize the object within the scanning volume; a scanner movable throughout the scanning volume in two orthogonal directions; and a controller operably coupled to the scanner and configured to: command the scanner to move throughout the scanning volume in the two orthogonal directions; receive signals from the scanner; and output dimensions of the object from the signals received from the scanner and positions of the scanner within the scanning volume.

[0015] The scanner may include a through beam sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the scanner may include a contact sensor.

[0016] The apparatus may also include a weight sensor, such as a load cell, and the controller may be further configured to receive signals from the weight sensor and to output a weight of the object from the signals received from the weight sensor.

[0017] There is also provided a computer-readable medium, a record carrier, or a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed, cause a computer or processor to perform any of the methods set forth herein. It will also be appreciated that the methods undertaken herein may be undertaken by a processor or computer on data representative of the received signals.

[0018] The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from reading the following description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus for measuring an object having a central axis according to an aspect of the instant disclosure.Attorney Docket No. BDNA-0001

[0020] Figure 2 is a close-up view of the scanning volume defined by the apparatus of Figure 1. For clarity, the scanner and portions of the drive assembly are not shown.

[0021] Figure 3 is a front view of the support frame, scanner, and drive assembly of the apparatus of Figure 1.

[0022] Figure 4 is a top view of the support frame, scanner, and drive assembly of the apparatus of Figure 1.

[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the scanner assembly of the apparatus of Figure 1.

[0024] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The instant disclosure provides apparatus and methods for precisely measuring objects having central longitudinal axes, and particularly elongate, cylindrical objects, with high precision, speed, and reliability. For purposes of illustration, aspects of the disclosure will be described below with reference to a baseball or softball bat (or, more generally, a “swinging implement”). Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will understand how to apply the teachings herein to good advantage in other contexts and / or with respect to other objects such as billets, balusters, handheld implements (e.g., tools, medical devices), and so forth.

[0026] As used herein, the term “cylindrical” is not limited to right circular cylinders, but rather is intended to encompass other shapes, such as objects that taper, flare, or otherwise vary in cross-sectional dimension along their height (or, if oriented horizontally, along their length), objects where the end faces and / or cross-sectional dimensions are non-circular, and / or objects where the end faces are not parallel to each other.

[0027] Similarly, the term “central longitudinal axis” is not limited to straight lines and can accommodate a curved axis that would be associated with certain shapes included within the foregoing definition of “cylindrical.”

[0028] The term “diameter” will be used herein to refer to cross-sectional dimensions of the object, regardless of whether the cross-section is circular or some other (non-circular) shape.Attorney Docket No. BDNA-0001

[0029] As used herein, the term “elongate” refers to an object having a height (or length, if oriented horizontally) that is substantially greater than its diameter. For instance, baseball bats may have a length (e. ., about 33 inches) that is greater than ten times the diameter of the barrel (e.g., about 2.6 inches) and greater than thirty times the diameter of the handle.

[0030] Figure 1 depicts an apparatus 10 for measuring an object having a central longitudinal axis, such as swinging implement 12 (e.g., a baseball or softball bat), according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, apparatus 10 is implemented in a cabinet 14. Cabinet 14 may be made portable, such as by placing it on casters 16. It should be understood, however, that this implementation is merely exemplary; apparatus 10 may be implemented as a fixed installation, with or without cabinet 14, without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0031] Apparatus 10 defines a scanning volume 18, shown in close-up in Figure 2. When apparatus 10 is in use, swinging implement 12 is immobilized within scanning volume 18. For example, a support frame 20 (shown in detail in Figure 3) can include opposing first and second clamping elements 22a, 22b to clamp against opposing first and second longitudinal ends of swinging implement 12 (as shown in Figure 2).

[0032] Either or both of clamping elements 22a, 22b may be movable. In one configuration, certain advantages of which will be described below, second clamping element 22b may be stationary relative to support frame 20, while first clamping element 22a may be movable relative to support frame 20 (and thus relative to second clamping element 22b).

[0033] Figures 2 through 5 also illustrate a scanner 24 and a drive assembly 26. Scanner 24 operates to detect swinging implement 12 within scanning volume 18. In embodiments of the disclosure, therefore, scanner 24 may be an optical scanner that uses light to detect swinging implement 12. For instance, scanner 24 may include a through beam sensor, such as a laser through beam sensor. As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, in a through beam sensor, an emitter 28 and detector 30 are mounted opposite each other (as shown in Figure 4), with light (e.g., laser light) being sent from emitter 28 and received at detector 30. The output changes state when a target (e.g., swinging implement 12) interrupts the output beam from emitter 28 and starves detector 30 of light. Alternatively, scanner 24 may include a lidar sensor.Attorney Docket No. BDNA-0001

[0034] In other embodiments of the disclosure, scanner 24 may utilize a contact sensor, such as a pressure transducer, to detect swinging implement 12.

[0035] Drive assembly 26 operates to move scanner 24 throughout scanning volume 18 in two orthogonal directions. For ease of reference, these orthogonal directions have been labeled as the z-direction, which is oriented generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of swinging implement 12, and the y-direction, perpendicular thereto.

[0036] As shown to good advantage in Figures 2, 3, and 5, drive assembly 26 includes a first track 32, a first carriage 34 mounted on first track 32 and movable relative to first track 32, and a first motor 36 operable to cause first carriage 34 to traverse first track 32 (e.g., to move in the z- direction). First track 32 may also have a fixed relationship relative to support frame 20 during operation of apparatus 10.

[0037] As shown to good advantage in Figures 4 and 5, drive assembly 26 also includes a second track 38 (orthogonal to first track 32), a second carriage 40 mounted on second track 38 and movable relative to second track 38, and a second motor 42 operable to cause second carriage 40 to traverse second track 38 (e.g., to move in the y-direction). Scanner 24 is mounted to second carriage 40. Thus, by a combination of actuations of first motor 36 to move first carriage 34 in the z-direction and second motor 42 to move second carriage 40 in the y-direction, scanner 24 may be moved throughout scanning volume 18 to detect the full extent of swinging implement 12.

[0038] Either or both of first track 32 and second track 38 may incorporate a screw drive.

[0039] Either or both of first track 32 and second track 38 may incorporate a belt drive.

[0040] Either or both of first track 32 and second track 38 may incorporate a worm drive.

[0041] Either or both of first motor 36 and second motor 42 may be a stepper motor.Alternatively, either or both of first motor 36 and second motor 42 may be a servomotor.

[0042] Apparatus 10 further includes a controller operably coupled to scanner 24 and drive assembly 26. The controller may be implemented as part of a computing device 44, shown in Figure 1, such as a programmable microprocessor or microcontroller e.g., as a set of machine- readable instructions comprised within a computer-readable medium or record carrier, or within a computer program product, such that, when the instructions are executed by a computer or processor, the computer or processor performs the methods described herein), an applicationAttorney Docket No. BDNA-0001 specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or solid state electronics.

[0043] Computing device 44 may be any suitable computing device, such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a handheld computer, and so forth. Such a computing device 44 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) to execute instructions to cause apparatus 10 to perform the methods described herein. Computing device 44 may also include input and output interfaces through which computing device 14 may receive inputs and / or provide outputs as described herein. Computing device 44 may communicate with scanner 24 and / or drive assembly 26 using any suitable wired or wireless communications protocol or a combination of such protocols.

[0044] In operation, the controller (implemented, for example, in hardware and / or software as part of computing device 44) can command first motor 36 to cause first carriage 34 to traverse first track 32 in the z direction and can command second motor 42 to cause second carriage 40 to traverse second track 38 in the y direction. As explained above, this causes scanner 24 to move through scanning volume 18 (e.g, fully along the y-direction at each z-position before proceeding to the next z-position, raster-style), and the controller can receive output signals from scanner 24 that correspond to the detection of swinging implement 12 as scanner 24 moves through scanning volume 18 (that is, at given positions of scanner 24 in the y- and z-directions).

[0045] By combining the output signals from scanner 24 that correspond to the detection of swinging implement 12 with the positions of first carriage 34 and second carriage 40 relative to first track 32 and second track 38 (e.g., via knowledge of the positions of first motor 36 and second motor 42) respectively, the controller can determine the dimensions of swinging implement 12.

[0046] For instance, for a given z-position of scanner 24 (e.g, a position along the length of swinging implement 12), the y-dimension of swinging implement 12 can be determined by the y- positions of scanner 24 where it first and last detects the presence of swinging implement 12. In essence, therefore, the controller can acquire a series of x-y plane “slices” of swinging implement 12 using the output of scanner 24 and the position of second carriage 40 (assuming, for any given “slice,” circular symmetry in the x-y plane) and “stack” those x-y plane “slices” along the z-direction according to the corresponding position of first carriage 34.Attorney Docket No. BDNA-0001

[0047] Thus, not only do the teachings herein allow apparatus 10 to determine the dimensions of swinging implement 12, it also permits the construction of an overall three- dimensional geometry of swinging implement 12 from which additional features thereof, such as volume, can be determined.

[0048] It is also contemplated that apparatus 10 can include a weight sensor 46, such as a load cell (e.g., a strain gauge). As shown in Figure 2, weight sensor 46 may be integrated into support frame 20 (e.g., incorporated into second clamping element 22b). Weight sensor 46 may be calibrated to disregard the weight of first clamping element 22a (e.g., to disregard the clamping force arising when first clamping element 22a is brought into contact with the corresponding first end of swinging implement 12). The output signal of the weight sensor can also be received by the controller, allowing the controller to output e.g., via the display of computing device 44) the weight of swinging implement 12.

[0049] With both dimensional information and weight information as described above, the controller can output additional desirable information about swinging implement 12. For instance, the controller can compute and output the balance point of swinging implement 12, an identification of the central longitudinal axis of swinging implement 12, a swing weight of the swinging implement 12, and / or the location of a sweet spot of the swinging implement 12. Relevant mathematical models will be familiar to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0050] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the precision with which the controller can determine the dimensions, profile, and other characteristics of swinging implement 12 will depend upon various factors, including the resolution and sampling rate of scanner 24, the resolution of weight sensor 46, the speeds of first carriage 34 and second carriage 40 relative to first track 32 and second track 38, respectively, and so forth. Thus, it is contemplated that a user may be able to adjust some or all of these variables, such through a graphical user interface (GUI) output to a display of computing device 44, in order to increase or decrease the precision of the dimensional measurements. It is also contemplated that some or all of these variables may be preset to change at different z-positions along the length of swinging implement 12 (e.g., with greater resolution near where a player would grip swinging implement 12 in use and / or proximate the location on swinging implement 12 where a player would hope to make contact with the ball when in use).Attorney Docket No. BDNA-0001

[0051] Those of skill in the art will also appreciate that baseball bats (particularly wood bats) often have cupped ends (e.g., where material is removed from the barrel end of the bat). It is contemplated that apparatus 10 may also be capable of measuring the depth of the cup. For instance, first clamping element 22a may be shaped to fit within the cup (e.g., it may be tapered as shown in the Figures) and to clamp swinging implement in place at the bottom of the cup. Then, the depth of the cup may be determined by comparing the position of first clamping element 22a with the maximum z-position of swinging implement 12 as measured by scanner 24.

[0052] Although several embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention.

[0053] For instance, an apparatus according to the foregoing teachings may be used to measure a bat made of any material commonly used in the manufacture of bats, such as wood, metal, and / or composite.

[0054] As another example, although certain embodiments are shown and described as having a generally vertical orientation, those of ordinary skill in the art would understand how to adapt the present teachings to an apparatus having a generally horizontal orientation.

[0055] As yet another example, the outputs described herein (e.g., dimensions, profile, volume, swing weight, etc.) may be provided in a format usable for manufacture of additional swinging implements 12 (e.g., as a design file for a lathe that may be used to manufacture a wood bat, for CNC milling and / or additive manufacturing equipment that may be used to manufacture a metal or composite bat, or other applicable tooling).

[0056] All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader’s understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.Attorney Docket No. BDNA-0001

[0057] It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. BDNA-0001CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for measuring an object having a central longitudinal axis, the apparatus comprising: a support frame to immobilize the object during measurement; an optical scanner including an optical emitter and an optical detector; a drive assembly comprising: a first track; a first carriage mounted on the first track and movable relative to the first track; a first motor to move the first carriage relative to the first track; a second track mounted on the first carriage; a second carriage mounted on the second track and movable relative to the second track; and a second motor to move the second carriage relative to the second track, wherein the first track has a fixed relationship to the support frame during operation of the apparatus, wherein the optical scanner is mounted to the second carriage, and wherein the second track is orthogonal to the first track; and a controller operably coupled to the optical scanner and the drive assembly, wherein the controller is configured to: command the first motor to move the first carriage relative to the first track along a first dimension of the object;Attorney Docket No. BDNA-0001 command the second motor to move the second carriage relative to the second track along a second dimension of the object, the second dimension of the object being orthogonal to the first dimension of the object; receive signals from the optical scanner; and output dimensions of the object from the signals received from the optical scanner, positions of the first carriage relative to the first track, and positions of the second carriage relative to the second track.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a weight sensor, and wherein the controller is further configured to receive signals from the weight sensor and to output a weight of the object from the signals received from the weight sensor.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the weight sensor comprises a load cell.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the load cell comprises a strain gauge.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to output one or more of a volume of the object, a profile of the object, a balance point of the object, and an identification of the central longitudinal axis of the object.

6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the elongate object comprises a swinging implement, and wherein the controller is further configured to output at least one of a swing weight of the swinging implement and a sweet spot of the swinging implement.

7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the weight sensor is integrated into the support frame.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical scanner comprises a through beam sensor.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the through beam sensor comprises a laser.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical scanner comprises a lidar sensor.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support frame comprises a first clamp element to clamp against a first longitudinal end of the object and a second clamp element,Attorney Docket No. BDNA-0001 opposite the first clamp element, to clamp against a second longitudinal end of the elongate object.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein one of the first clamp element and the second clamp element is stationary relative to the support frame and another of the first clamp element and the second clamp element is movable relative to the support frame.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first motor and the second motor comprises a stepper motor.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first motor and the second motor comprises a servomotor.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first track and the second track comprises a screw drive.

16. An apparatus for measuring an object, the apparatus defining a scanning volume and comprising: a clamp to immobilize the object within the scanning volume; a scanner movable throughout the scanning volume in two orthogonal directions; and a controller operably coupled to the scanner and configured to: command the scanner to move throughout the scanning volume in the two orthogonal directions; receive signals from the scanner; and output dimensions of the object from the signals received from the scanner and positions of the scanner within the scanning volume.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the scanner comprises a through beam sensor.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the scanner comprises a contact sensor.Attorney Docket No. BDNA-000119. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a weight sensor, and wherein the controller is further configured to receive signals from the weight sensor and to output a weight of the object from the signals received from the weight sensor.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the weight sensor comprises a load cell.

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