Ball Spin Rate Measurement Using Magnetometer and Accelerometer Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for measuring ball spin rate and axis orientation, particularly in high-speed pitches, are limited by the capabilities of MEMS angular rate gyros and require complex configurations of accelerometers, making them inefficient and difficult to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A portable system with an embedded electronics circuit containing an inertial measurement unit and a spin sensor module, capable of wireless communication, that determines spin rate and axis orientation using magnetometers or accelerometers, allowing for data processing on a personal device or embedded processor, and reconstructs pitch motion to provide accurate spin metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If MEMS angular rate gyros are used to measure ball spin rate, then the system becomes portable and easier to operate, but the measurement precision deteriorates at high spin rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (accelerometers and magnetometers) into a single integrated measurement system. The accelerometers measure linear acceleration while the magnetometers measure magnetic field changes, and both datasets are fused through signal processing to accurately determine spin rate and axis orientation, overcoming the limitations of any single sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal processing system that receives raw data from the sensors and transforms it into meaningful spin rate and axis orientation measurements. This intermediary processing layer includes coordinate transformations, filtering, and fusion algorithms that convert sensor readings into accurate spin metrics even at high speeds.
2Measurement precision
If complex configurations of accelerometers are used to measure ball spin rate, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional sensor system where accelerometers serve dual purposes: measuring linear acceleration for trajectory analysis and contributing to spin rate measurement through their relationship with magnetic field data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized sensors and simplifies the overall configuration while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the relationship between acceleration parameters and magnetic field parameters to derive spin rate information. By changing the measurement approach from direct rotational measurement to indirect measurement through acceleration and magnetic field interactions, the system achieves accurate spin rate measurement without requiring complex rotational sensors.
3Measurement precision
If existing measurement systems are used for high-speed pitches, then the measurement precision can be maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-contained measurement system where the embedded processors automatically perform signal processing, coordinate transformations, and data fusion without requiring external intervention. The system self-calibrates and processes its own data, eliminating the need for complex external equipment and simplifying deployment while maintaining high measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and efficient measurement of high-speed ball spin rates and axis orientation, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by providing a portable and user-friendly solution for pitchers to improve their skills.
Implementation Method 1
determines spin rate and axis orientation using magnetometers or accelerometers
Implementation Method 2
determines spin rate and axis orientation using magnetometers or accelerometers
Implementation Method 3
the Magnus force is an aerodynamic force acting on the ball. It depends on the speed and direction of ball spin
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method wherein ball spin rate and axis orientation are determined according to an electronic circuit that includes a magnetometer spin sensor module and, in the alternative, an electronic circuit that includes a spin sensor module with a plurality of accelerometers.