Laser Speckle Analysis for Ball Spin Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and visualizing the spin of small balls in sports are inadequate, as they fail to intuitively convey the spin characteristics, especially for balls with uniform color and texture, and require expensive and cumbersome equipment for slow-motion capture.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a camera to detect the ball's location and emits a laser beam to create a speckle pattern, which is analyzed to determine the ball's spin characteristics, with the results displayed in a user-friendly format, including numeric and graphical representations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If slow-motion cameras are used to capture ball spin, then the ball's spin can be recorded in detail, but the equipment becomes expensive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical slow-motion cameras with an optical laser speckle detection system. A laser beam projects onto the ball surface, and the resulting speckle pattern is captured by a standard camera. The spin characteristics are extracted by analyzing temporal changes in the speckle pattern, eliminating the need for expensive high-speed imaging equipment while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary between the ball and the camera. The laser creates a speckle pattern on the ball surface that encodes spin information, which is then captured by a regular camera. This intermediary approach allows standard equipment to measure parameters that would otherwise require specialized high-speed cameras.
2Measurement precision
If slow-motion cameras are used to capture ball spin, then the ball's spin can be recorded, but post-processing is required to present the spin depiction
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures speckle patterns at regular intervals and processes them in real-time to determine spin characteristics. The processing algorithm analyzes temporal changes in the speckle pattern to calculate spin rate and direction, providing immediate feedback without requiring lengthy post-processing of slow-motion footage.
3Measurement precision
If high-speed cameras are used to capture ball spin, then the ball's spin can be captured, but the cameras are large and cannot be easily oriented at the ball during flight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky high-speed cameras with a compact laser-speckle-camera system. The laser source and camera can be positioned at a fixed location (such as near the table or court), and the laser beam is directed at the ball during flight. This eliminates the need to physically attach or reposition large cameras on the ball or track them through the air.
4Stability of the object's composition
If uniform colored balls are used in sports, then the balls meet standard specifications, but it becomes almost impossible to present video in a way that conveys spin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a laser beam to create a speckle pattern on the ball surface, which appears as a distinct visual pattern that contrasts with the uniform ball color. The speckle pattern's temporal changes encode spin information, and this can be visualized through various presentation methods including overlay graphics, color-coded indicators, or augmented reality displays that show spin characteristics without altering the ball's actual appearance.
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 and intuitive visualization of the spin characteristics of small balls in real-time, improving user interface engagement and fan experience by providing clear and understandable spin data without the need for expensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The emitted laser beam interacts with the surface of the object and some of the emitted laser beam scatters off the object
Implementation Method 2
The returning laser beam is detected using a photodetector. The photo detector captures the returning laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided herein for detecting and measuring characteristics of a ball during a sporting event, and further for presenting the detected characteristics. For example, the disclosed system uses a camera to detect the location of an object (e.g., a ball used in a sporting event) and, based on the determined location, emits a laser beam at the object. The emitted laser beam scatters off the object and creates a speckle pattern detectable in the same direction as the emitted laser beam. The speckle pattern is detected, for example, using a photodetector. The photodetector captures the speckle pattern caused by the emitted laser beam interacting with the object's surface. The system analyzes the detected speckle pattern over time to determine characteristics of the object. The system may optionally display the characteristics of the object using one or more visualizations.