Golf Simulator Velocity Measurement Using Single IR Sensor Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf simulators that accurately measure both translational and rotational velocity of a golf ball are typically expensive, making them cost-prohibitive for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective golf simulator system that uses a single set of IR emitters and sensors, combined with camera imaging and strobe lighting, to detect the launch of the golf ball, calculate its initial position, and determine both translational and rotational velocities, thereby predicting its future trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional golf simulators use multiple sets of sensors and complex measurement systems to accurately measure translational and rotational velocity, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single camera system. The camera captures both the position (for translational velocity) and rotation (for rotational velocity) of the golf ball using image processing algorithms, eliminating the need for separate sensor arrays for each measurement type. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor systems with an optical-based image processing system. Instead of using multiple physical sensors to detect ball position and rotation, the system uses a camera to capture images and computationally extract both translational and rotational velocity data through image analysis, thereby reducing mechanical complexity.
2Measurement precision
If golf simulators use comprehensive sensor arrays to measure both translational and rotational velocity components, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system performs multiple measurement functions simultaneously - it captures both the spatial position and rotational orientation of the golf ball from the same device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor systems, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining comprehensive velocity measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image capture to create a visual copy of the ball's state, from which both translational and rotational information can be extracted through image processing. This copying approach allows a single inexpensive camera to replace multiple expensive specialized sensors.
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 an affordable means to accurately simulate golf ball trajectories, reducing the overall cost of the simulator without compromising accuracy, allowing for year-round practice.
Implementation Method 1
A triggering device is coupled to the strobe controller to flash the strobe lights
Implementation Method 2
one linear array of emitters for transmitting electromagnetic radiation, one or two linear arrays of receivers positioned to receive light from at least one of the emitters
Data Source
AI summary
A sports simulator calculates the rotational and translational velocity of a sports object. The rotational velocity is calculated using image analysis. The translational velocity is calculated using image analysis and a set of emitters and sensors. The simulator then computes the future trajectory of the sports object based on the rotational and translational velocity. In one embodiment, the sports object is a golf ball and the sports simulator simulates golf.