Golf Launch Monitor Markers for Non-White Ball Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing launch monitors struggle to effectively analyze non-white golf balls and white golf balls in certain conditions due to challenges with imaging using visible light spectrum markings.
Innovation Solution
A launch monitor system utilizing fluorescent colorants that absorb visible light and emit near-infrared or infrared light, combined with near-infrared or infrared imagers, to capture images of golf balls and clubs, allowing for adaptable analysis across various ball colors and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If visible light spectrum markings are used for imaging golf balls and clubs, then the launch monitor can capture images of white golf balls, but it struggles to effectively analyze non-white golf balls and white golf balls in certain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light from visible spectrum to near-infrared spectrum. By using near-infrared light sources and near-infrared imagers, the system can penetrate and capture images of golf balls regardless of their surface color, solving the limitation of visible light imaging that struggled with non-white balls and white balls in certain conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces near-infrared fluorescent markers as an intermediary element. These markers absorb near-infrared light and emit at different wavelengths, creating high-contrast signals that can be detected by the near-infrared imager. This intermediary mechanism enables reliable imaging of both non-white and white golf balls across various conditions.
2Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods are used, then the system structure remains simple, but measurement precision is insufficient for accurate kinematic analysis of all ball types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal imaging system using near-infrared technology that can accurately capture images of all golf ball types (white, non-white, colored) and golf club types. The near-infrared light source and imager work together to provide consistent, high-precision kinematic data across diverse objects, eliminating the need for multiple specialized imaging systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If ambient light is used for imaging, then the system does not require additional light sources, but background interference and ambient illumination effects reduce imaging quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful ambient light interference by using near-infrared imaging technology that is insensitive to visible ambient illumination. The near-infrared imager selectively detects only the near-infrared signal from the fluorescent markers, effectively removing background interference and ambient light effects from the imaging process.
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 universal kinematic information capture for golf balls and clubs, enhancing adaptability and accuracy by eliminating background interference and suppressing ambient illumination effects.
Implementation Method 1
The first fluorescent colorant on the dynamic golf object can be configured to: (i) absorb light from the first light source at least within the first wavelength range, and (ii) emit light towards the first imager at least within the second wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
A launch monitor is disclosed herein that uses a backing marker underneath a primary marker applied to a dynamic golf object that is configured to be tracked via the launch monitor. The backing marker can be provided, in one aspect, in order to provide improved contrast for imaging the dynamic golf object. The backing marker can be comprised of a white colorant. The primary marker can be comprised of a fluorescent colorant, which can either fluoresce in the visible light spectrum or the near-infrared or infrared spectrum.