Golf Ball Analysis Using 4-Axis Light Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf practice range analysis systems using only floor-mounted light sensors are unable to accurately measure the launch angle and three-dimensional movement of the golf ball and club, leading to inaccurate data on ball speed, flight distance, and swing analysis.
Innovation Solution
A 4-axis light sensing system incorporating both horizontal and vertical sensor arrays, utilizing laser beams to detect the silhouette of the golf ball and club head, calculates ball speed, launch angle, and flight trajectory, providing detailed three-dimensional graphics for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only floor-mounted light sensors are used, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision of launch angle and three-dimensional movement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional floor-mounted sensors to a three-dimensional sensor array system. Vertical sensor arrays are added to detect the ball's movement in the vertical dimension, enabling accurate launch angle measurement. The combination of horizontal and vertical sensor arrays creates a comprehensive 3D detection space that captures ball trajectory, club head path, and launch conditions with full spatial precision.
2Measurement precision
If only floor-mounted light sensors are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement accuracy of ball speed and flight distance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into multiple independent sensor arrays positioned at different locations and orientations. Horizontal sensor arrays measure lateral movement and ball direction, while vertical sensor arrays measure vertical movement and launch angle. This segmentation allows each array to specialize in specific measurement dimensions, improving overall measurement accuracy for ball speed, flight distance, and trajectory without requiring a single overly complex sensor.
3Measurement precision
If a 4-axis light sensing system is implemented, then the measurement precision of three-dimensional movement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrays are designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously. The same horizontal and vertical sensor arrays that detect ball position and trajectory also measure club head path, ball launch angle, and flight characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors for each measurement parameter, managing system complexity while achieving comprehensive 3D measurement capabilities.
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
The system accurately measures and displays ball speed, flight distance, direction, and swing analysis data, including club head path and ball quality, enabling golfers to improve their technique with precise feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a horizontal sensor array installed on a floor and including a plurality of light sensors arranged in straight lines a predetermined distance apart from each other, the horizontal sensor array receiving light from a light source installed thereabove so as to detect the silhouette of a golf ball or a club head
Implementation Method 2
a vertical sensor array installed to protrude from the floor at a perpendicularly offset angle, the vertical sensor array receiving a laser beam from a laser installed to the rear thereof so as to detect the silhouette of the golf ball when the golf ball passes through the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis system of golf ball and club head data using lasers and 4-axis light sensing is provided, which includes a horizontal sensor array including a plurality of light sensors arranged in straight lines, the horizontal sensor array receiving light from a light source; a vertical sensor array installed to protrude from the floor at a perpendicularly offset angle, the vertical sensor array receiving a laser beam from a laser; a control unit deriving position coordinates of the golf ball in space using data of the silhouette of the golf ball detected by the horizontal and vertical sensor arrays, and calculating ball speed, club head speed, a ball directional angle, a ball launch angle, a club head path, a ball quality, and a flight distance, using the position coordinates of the golf ball; and a display unit displaying the calculated values on a screen under control of the control unit.