Golf Ball Trajectory Prediction Using Strobe Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf simulators lack precision in measuring the rotational velocity of a golf ball, which is crucial for accurately predicting its trajectory, limiting the realism and effectiveness of indoor practice.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize strobe lights, cameras, and image processing to capture and compute the rotational and translational velocities of a golf ball, enabling precise determination of its future trajectory by combining these velocities with image analysis techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional position-capture arrays are used to measure golf ball spin, then the device structure is relatively simple, but the measurement precision of rotational velocity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical position-capture array system with an optical imaging system consisting of a camera and strobe lights. This substitution allows for precise measurement of rotational velocity by capturing sequential images of the golf ball at known time intervals, enabling accurate spin measurement without complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic strobe lights that flash at specific intervals to illuminate the golf ball during its flight. This periodic illumination captures the ball's rotational position at discrete time points, allowing calculation of rotational velocity through image analysis while maintaining system simplicity.
2Reliability
If more precise measurement methods for rotational velocity are implemented, then the trajectory prediction accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an optical-based image analysis system. By using a camera to capture sequential images and analyzing the rotational displacement of features on the golf ball surface, the system achieves high trajectory prediction accuracy without requiring complex mechanical sensors or measurement apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces strobe lights as an intermediary to facilitate precise measurement. The strobe lights freeze the motion of the rotating golf ball at specific moments, creating clear images that reveal rotational position. This intermediary enables accurate spin measurement while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
3Measurement precision
If sequential images are captured at known time intervals to measure spin, then rotational velocity measurement precision improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic strobe lights that flash only at specific intervals during the golf ball's flight, rather than continuous illumination. This periodic action captures the necessary rotational position data at discrete time points while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the lights off between flashes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent captures images at specific critical intervals during the golf ball's flight rather than continuously throughout. By selecting only the necessary time points for accurate spin measurement, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision while reducing overall energy usage compared to continuous imaging.
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 a more accurate prediction of the golf ball's trajectory, enhancing the realism and effectiveness of indoor golf practice by providing precise measurements of spin and movement.
Implementation Method 1
A spin capturing system including a camera and lights takes sequential images of the sports object as it moves through the air
Implementation Method 2
A spin capturing system including a camera and lights takes sequential images of the sports object as it moves through the air
Data Source
AI summary
A sports simulator calculates spin of a sports object using image analysis. A velocity vector is also calculated. These are combined to produce a predicted future trajectory of the sports object. In one embodiment, the sports object is a golf ball and the sports simulator simulates golf.