Golf Ball Spin Axis Measurement Using Doppler Radar
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining golf ball spin axis are indirect, prone to errors due to wind interference, radar alignment issues, and are inaccurate in indoor environments, especially when using camera-based systems which struggle with high-speed objects.
Innovation Solution
A Doppler radar system with multiple spaced receivers, arranged in a predefined pattern, measures the time differences in signals received from a golf ball to calculate its spin axis using trigonometric functions, providing direct and accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If indirect methods (trajectory analysis) are used to estimate spin axis, then measurement can be performed, but measurement precision deteriorates due to wind interference, radar alignment errors, and extended observation time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement task by using multiple spaced receivers (at least three, preferably four) arranged in specific geometric patterns (triangular, tetrahedral, or planar configurations). Each receiver independently measures time-of-flight to the ball, and the combined data from multiple reception points enables direct calculation of spin axis through trigonometric relationships, eliminating the need for indirect trajectory analysis and reducing susceptibility to environmental interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical/optical measurement systems (cameras requiring physical alignment, illumination, and marking) with an electromagnetic wave-based Doppler radar system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical alignment and illumination setups, and the Doppler effect provides direct measurement of ball spin characteristics without being affected by wind or requiring extended observation periods.
2Measurement precision
If camera-based systems are used to measure spin axis, then direct measurement is possible, but device complexity and cost increase due to high-speed cameras, and measurement reliability deteriorates due to alignment difficulties and illumination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical/optical camera systems with an electromagnetic radar system. The Doppler radar uses electromagnetic waves to directly measure ball spin characteristics through time-of-flight differences at multiple reception points, eliminating the need for high-speed cameras, complex alignment procedures, and illumination systems. This substitution significantly reduces device complexity while maintaining or improving measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electromagnetic waves (Doppler radar signals) as an intermediary to measure ball spin characteristics. The waves interact with the spinning ball and carry information about its rotation state to the receivers, providing a non-contact, non-intrusive measurement method that does not require physical markers or complex optical setups.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If indoor test environments are used, then wind interference is eliminated, but measurement capability is lost because extended observation time is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The Doppler radar system enables rapid measurement by using electromagnetic wave propagation and reflection, which occurs instantaneously over the measurement distance. The system calculates spin axis from time-of-flight differences measured at multiple reception points, providing results in real-time without requiring extended observation periods. This allows indoor test environments to be used effectively, eliminating wind interference while maintaining measurement capability.
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 method allows for precise and reliable measurement of golf ball spin axis in various environments, reducing errors associated with wind and alignment issues, and improving statistical accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Doppler radar with an array of appropriately spaced receivers to measure a golf ball spin axis
Implementation Method 2
receiving reflected Doppler signals from the golf ball by a radar device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and media are provided for golf ball spin axis measurement. In one example, a method comprises detecting a launched golf ball, receiving reflected Doppler signals from the golf ball by a radar device having an array of multiple receiver pairs, demodulating the spin-induced signals from the received signals, determining a time delay between the demodulated signals for the receiver pairs in the array, calculating an average time delay for the multiple receiver pairs, calculating a spin axis of the golf ball from the time delay values, outputting a spin axis value to an external system, and storing the spin axis value in a database.