Golf Ball Motion Detection Using Large Circular Markings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing golf ball and club movements are costly and prone to errors due to the need for high-resolution, low-noise data and specific setup geometries, which are not feasible with existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A system using multiple cameras and strobe lights to capture and analyze golf ball and club movements, employing image processing and 3D trajectory calculations to determine spin, velocity, and launch angles with reduced costs and increased precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution, low-noise data acquisition systems are used to improve measurement precision, then the cost of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of ball markings from conventional small dots to large circular markings occupying 30-70% of the ball surface. This parameter change allows standard cameras to achieve high measurement precision without requiring expensive high-resolution, low-noise data acquisition systems, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical copy of the ball's rotation by using large circular markings that produce clear, easily detectable images. Instead of relying on expensive high-resolution sensors to detect subtle features, the system uses large markings that create prominent optical patterns detectable by standard cameras, reducing system cost while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If specific setup geometries and acquisition configurations are used to improve measurement accuracy, then the ease of operation and adaptability of the system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system universal by designing it to work with standard cameras and various ball types without requiring specific setup geometries. The large circular markings on the ball work effectively with multiple camera configurations and positions, allowing the system to be easily operated and adapted to different environments while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement task into independent components: large circular markings on the ball, standard cameras for capture, and image processing algorithms for analysis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and makes the overall system more flexible and easier to operate without requiring precise geometric relationships between components.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras with synchronized timing are used to improve 3D trajectory measurement, then the device complexity and synchronization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the large circular markings on the ball - that mediates between multiple cameras. These markings create distinctive optical patterns that can be easily tracked and matched across multiple camera views without requiring precise synchronization. The markings serve as a common reference that simplifies the coordination between cameras while maintaining high 3D trajectory 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
The system provides higher precision in golf ball and club data analysis at a lower cost, enabling more accurate predictions of ball flight and performance enhancements.
Implementation Method 1
A system using multiple cameras and strobe lights to capture and analyze golf ball and club movements
Implementation Method 2
A system using multiple cameras and strobe lights to capture and analyze golf ball and club movements
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detecting object location and movement utilizes a first viewing area (40) observed by a first camera (42) cooperating with a light (43) and a second camera (44) cooperating with a light (45). A third camera (46) can be added to observe a second viewing area (47) encompassing the first viewing area (40). The first camera (42) acquires images at time spaced points (51) and (53) along a first trajectory line (55). The second camera (44) acquires images at time spaced points (52) and (54) along a second trajectory line (56). This information is combined to generate the 3-D trajectory line (50) of the object.