Optical Ball Tracking System with Integrated Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measuring systems for ball games are expensive and limit player movement, as they require multiple detector units to measure velocity and angles of elevation, and are not suitable for determining the diameter of balls with varying radii.
Innovation Solution
A single complex detector unit with multiple optical transmitters and receivers arranged opposite each other in a measurement plane, emitting modulated light signals that intersect the ball's path at specific angles, allowing for the determination of velocity, direction, and position based on spatial positions and time data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detector units are used to measure velocity and angles of elevation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and player movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detector units into a single complex detector unit that integrates multiple optical transmitters and receivers. This merging approach maintains the measurement precision of multiple separate units while reducing device complexity and eliminating spatial restrictions on player movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The single complex detector unit is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously - measuring velocity, direction, position, and ball diameter all with one integrated unit. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized detector units, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detector units separated in space are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited player movement
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple spatially separated detector units into a single complex detector unit, the patent eliminates the physical barriers that restricted player movement. The integrated design maintains measurement precision while allowing players to move freely throughout the game area without navigating around multiple detector units.
3Device complexity
If a single complex detector unit is used, then device complexity is reduced and player movement is freed, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The single complex detector unit is internally segmented into multiple functional components - multiple optical transmitters and multiple optical receivers arranged in specific configurations. This segmentation within the unified structure enables precise measurement of various ball parameters while maintaining the benefits of a single external unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multi-dimensional light signal paths with beams forming angles relative to each other and including parallel light signals. By utilizing angular and spatial dimensions within the single unit, the system achieves measurement precision equivalent to multiple separate units while maintaining device simplicity.
4Manufacturing precision
If fixed detector configuration is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates for different ball sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable parameters including variable distances between transmitters and receivers, and adjustable beam angles. These dynamic adjustments allow the fixed detector configuration to adapt to different ball sizes while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled variable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes - specifically adjusting the distance between transmitters/receivers and the angles of light beams - to accommodate different ball radii. This approach maintains precise manufacturing of the detector unit while providing versatility for different ball sizes through programmable parameter adjustments.
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 measurement of a ball's velocity, direction, and position without restricting player movement, and can determine the ball's diameter by adjusting the distance between transmitters and receivers, providing precise data for various ball sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of optical transmitters and a plurality of optical receivers arranged opposite to each other in a measurement plane, wherein the optical transmitters and the optical receivers are arranged opposite to each other so that the ball traversing said plane always cross at least two beams, each of said beams mutually forming an angle relatively each other and including at least two parallel light signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical measuring system for determining the traveling direction, the velocity and the position of a ball traversing a measurement plane in ball games. The measurement system comprises a plurality of optical transmitters (T) and a plurality of optical receivers (R) adapted for detecting light signals emitted by said plurality of optical transmitters (T), said optical transmitters (T) and optical receivers (R) being arranged opposite to each other in a measurement plane (M) in a manner such at least two of said receivers can simultaneously detect the signals of any one of said transmitters and any one of said receivers can detect the signals of at least two transmitters, and at the ball's traversing the measurement plane, the ball intersects at least two beams, each of said beams mutually forming an angle relative to each other and including at least two parallel light rays; a central control and processing unit (C) connected to said transmitters (T) via control lines (SO) for controlling the operation thereof in a time divisional manner, said central control and processing unit (C) being further connected to said receivers (R) via signal lines (SI) for receiving the light signals detected thereby; and a power supply (G) for powering said transmitters (T), said receivers (R), said central control and processing unit (C) via power lines (W).