Laser Optical Screen for Projectile Velocity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical screen systems are unable to accurately determine the position, time, and velocity of fast-moving projectiles, particularly outdoors, due to limitations in multi-directional detection, sunlight interference, and the need for reusable and cost-effective solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a continuous wave or pulsed laser transmitter forming a planar or curved optical screen, combined with an array of detectors and detection logic to determine spatial position, velocity, and direction of moving objects, capable of operating outdoors and compensating for sunlight interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fast photography with two consequent exposures is used to determine position and velocity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring a bulky and expensive fast camera
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical photography system with an optical detection system. Instead of using a fast camera to capture sequential images, the invention uses a laser screen that creates a light plane and detectors that measure light intensity changes when a projectile passes through, thereby substituting mechanical imaging with optical field interaction and electrical signal detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary laser screen (light plane) between the projectile and the detectors. The laser screen acts as a mediator that converts the projectile's physical passage into optical signal changes that can be detected and measured, enabling position and velocity determination without direct mechanical contact or complex imaging.
2Device complexity
If consumable screens are used for position detection, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to requiring replacement after every event
Solution Approach 1:
The laser screen system is self-regenerating and reusable. The laser continuously generates the light plane without consumable materials, and the system automatically resets after each measurement, enabling unlimited multi-shot operations without replacement or maintenance of the screen itself.
3Measurement precision
If optical screens with laser transmitter and receiver are used for position maintenance, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited application scope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the laser screen system with universal applicability. The same basic configuration can measure position, velocity, and direction of various objects (projectiles, balls, etc.) by adjusting detector arrays and laser parameters, making it adaptable to sports training, industrial testing, and research applications without requiring fundamental system changes.
4Measurement precision
If temporally scanning beam between fixed mirrors is used for dimensional resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but speed deteriorates due to limitation in detecting fast moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes the laser light plane before the projectile arrives. Instead of scanning the beam during the measurement window, the laser continuously maintains the light plane in the measurement region, allowing instantaneous detection of fast-moving objects as they pass through the pre-positioned screen without temporal scanning limitations.
5Device complexity
If passive optical system with intersecting detector fields is used for position detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to determine velocity and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the time dimension to the spatial detection. By measuring the temporal sequence of signal activation across multiple detectors in the array, the system calculates velocity from the time difference of flight and determines orientation from the spatial pattern of activation, thereby extracting additional dimensional information from the same detector array.
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
Enables accurate two- or three-dimensional positioning, velocity measurement, and multi-directional detection of fast-moving objects, while resisting sunlight and stray light interference, providing a reusable and cost-effective solution for outdoor applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one continuous wave or pulsed laser transmitter for transmitting a beam of radiation at a predetermined wavelength and forming at least one planar or curved surface
Implementation Method 2
at least one receiver including an array of detectors for receiving reflected or scattered beam radiation from said object
Implementation Method 3
at least one receiver including an array of detectors for receiving reflected or scattered beam radiation from said object
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a system for forming an optical screen, including a continuous wave or pulsed laser transmitter for transmitting a beam of radiation at a predetermined wavelength and forming a planar or curved surface to be traversed by a moving object, at least one receiver including an array of detectors for receiving reflected or scattered beam radiation from the object and directing it towards the detectors for producing a signal, and a detection logic receiving the signal and determining parameters selected from the group of spatial position, velocity and direction of propulsion of them moving object. A method for detecting a moving object is also provided.