Trajectory Extrapolation for Golf Ball Origin Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking golf balls in flight struggle to accurately identify the origin of a golf ball when multiple golfers are hitting simultaneously, especially in environments with error-prone sensor data.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple sensors, including cameras and radar, to detect golf balls in flight and determine their three-dimensional trajectory. By extrapolating this trajectory backward and calculating distance measures to defined physical locations, the system identifies the origin of the golf ball based on error measures that account for systemic and stochastic errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to track golf balls in flight, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data from multiple sensors (cameras and radar devices) to track golf balls and identify their origins. By merging sensor inputs and processing them through a unified trajectory extrapolation system, the patent achieves high measurement precision for origin identification without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The trajectory extrapolation system serves multiple functions: tracking ball flight paths, identifying launch origins, and handling simultaneous shots from multiple bays. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain measurement precision while avoiding the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Productivity
If trajectory extrapolation is used to identify golf ball origin, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to error accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary trajectory extrapolation as soon as initial ball flight data is available, rather than waiting for complete trajectory information. This allows rapid origin identification while incorporating error estimation to maintain measurement precision despite the abbreviated observation period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements error estimation and correction mechanisms that provide feedback on trajectory accuracy. By continuously monitoring and adjusting for errors in the extrapolation process, the system maintains measurement precision while achieving high productivity through rapid origin identification.
3Reliability
If error measures are calculated to account for systemic and stochastic errors, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-validation by calculating error measures for its own trajectory estimations. This self-service approach to error monitoring improves reliability of origin assignments without requiring additional external validation systems, thereby avoiding proportional increases in device complexity.
4Measurement precision
If additional sensors are deployed to reduce errors, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves measurement precision by changing parameters of existing sensors (such as observation frequencies, tracking algorithms, and error estimation parameters) rather than adding more sensors. This approach reduces system costs while maintaining or improving origin identification accuracy through optimized use of existing sensor 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
This approach allows for quick and accurate identification of the golf ball's origin, reducing errors in assigning shots to the correct golfer and minimizing the need for additional sensors, thus enhancing system efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more radar devices positioned to maximize the field of view (beam coverage) of the radar device(s)
Implementation Method 2
data obtained from camera, radar, and/or other sensor devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes assessing errors for golf shots using observations by sensor(s), the assessing being in accordance with variations in a location for the sensor(s), and providing a map indicating at least one preferred location for the sensor(s) for use in setting up an object tracking system. Further, a method includes assessing how an estimated error affects identification of an originating location for a golf shot, including projecting a first value of the error back to the originating location and multiplying a second value of the error by a distance to the originating location, and identifying the originating location for the golf shot based on a first effect of the error and a second effect of the error. Finally, a system includes a building including tee areas, targets, and a sensor system including sensor(s), in which a dedicated sensor system is not included for any one of the tee areas.