Golf Ball Spin Calculation Using Marker Matching From Two Images
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calculating the spin of a golf ball during a swing are inefficient and inaccurate due to the need for expensive high-resolution cameras and high frame rates, especially when using markers or dimples on the ball, which complicates image processing and slows computation speed.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a single camera to quickly and accurately match markers between consecutive images of a golf ball by analyzing the relative relationship between multiple markers, calculating the spin axis and amount using geometric calculations based on marker center points and slopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-resolution camera with high frame rate is used to capture the golf ball, then the spin calculation accuracy is improved, but the device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball surface is segmented into multiple distinct markers instead of using continuous logos or dimples. This segmentation allows the system to track discrete points, simplifying image processing and enabling accurate spin calculation with lower-resolution cameras. The markers are distributed across the ball surface to provide sufficient tracking information without requiring high camera resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The markers on the golf ball use distinct color patterns or brightness variations to enhance detectability. By encoding marker information through color or intensity differences, the system can reliably identify and track markers even with lower-resolution cameras, reducing the need for high-end imaging equipment while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If markers are extracted through image processing to calculate spin, then the spin measurement capability is improved, but the computation speed decreases due to large amount of computation
Solution Approach 1:
Markers are pre-applied to the golf ball in known positions and configurations before the swing. This preliminary placement of markers eliminates the need for complex real-time feature detection and extraction during image processing. The system only needs to track the known marker positions across frames, significantly reducing computational load while maintaining spin measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extracting complex features like logos or dimple patterns from images, the system uses simplified marker representations (e.g., center coordinates and intensity values) that can be quickly copied and compared between frames. This copying approach replaces computationally intensive feature extraction with simple coordinate matching, improving processing speed.
3Measurement precision
If a radar sensor is used to measure the spin of the flying ball, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive radar sensors with inexpensive camera equipment and simple marker targets. The markers on the golf ball act as disposable or reusable low-cost tracking elements that enable accurate spin measurement through vision-based methods, eliminating the need for costly radar infrastructure while achieving comparable measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/electromagnetic radar sensing system with an optical vision-based system. By using cameras to capture images of markers on the golf ball and calculating spin through image processing, the system replaces expensive radar technology with more affordable optical equipment and computational methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A spin calculation method for a golf ball moving by being hit according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: acquiring a first image and a second image, which are consecutive images for the golf ball with a plurality of markers to be hit and moved, respectively; processing to obtain information on a reference marker and a plurality of peripheral markers around the reference marker for a plurality of markers on a first ball image corresponding to a golf ball in the first image; specifying a combination of markers corresponding to the reference marker and the peripheral markers on the first ball image among markers in a second ball image corresponding to a golf ball in a second image; and processing to calculate a spin axis and a spin amount of the moving golf ball using each center point of a pair of markers corresponding to each other on the first ball image and the second ball image.