Optical Launch Parameter Measurement Using Laser Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current launch monitor systems for measuring launch parameters of flying objects are complex, costly, and require trained personnel, struggling with indoor reflections and calibration issues, especially with radar-based systems, and high-speed camera systems.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a transmitter optical subassembly, receiver optical subassembly, processing unit, illumination source, and camera, using laser sheets to estimate object velocity and time photo-taking events for precise image capture, reducing the need for high-speed cameras and improving measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar-based launch monitor systems are used, then launch parameters can be measured, but the systems become complex and costly requiring trained personnel for operation and calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex radar-based mechanical/electromagnetic systems with a simpler optical system using laser sheets and photodetectors. The laser sheet system creates planar light fields that interact with the golf ball, and photodetectors capture the interaction signals, eliminating the need for complex radar hardware and trained personnel while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive laser diodes and photodetector components instead of expensive radar systems. These optical components are significantly cheaper than radar equipment and can be easily replaced if needed, reducing both initial cost and operational complexity while achieving the same measurement function.
2Measurement precision
If high-speed cameras are used to capture object motion, then precise trajectory data can be obtained, but the cost and complexity of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes high-speed camera systems with a laser sheet and photodetector system. Instead of using complex high-speed imaging to track trajectory, the system uses laser sheets to create reference planes and photodetectors to detect when and where the golf ball intersects these planes, providing precise trajectory data through a simpler optical sensing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser sheets as intermediary reference planes between the golf ball and the detection system. These laser sheets act as mediators that define specific spatial locations along the flight path, allowing the photodetectors to measure trajectory by detecting intersections with these intermediary planes rather than requiring direct continuous imaging.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sample points and specially-marked objects are used in radar systems, then measurement accuracy improves, but indoor reflection interference and calibration difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radar-based measurement with an optical laser sheet system. The laser sheets create defined planar reference surfaces that are less susceptible to indoor reflection interference compared to radar waves. The system uses the laser-golf ball interaction at specific planes rather than radar echo from multiple sample points, eliminating reflection-related calibration issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic radar-based multiple sample point approach and specially-marked object requirements. By using laser sheets that create natural reference planes and photodetectors that detect ball intersection, the system removes the need for marked objects and complex multi-point sampling, thereby eliminating the associated reflection and calibration problems.
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 effectively measures launch parameters like speed and angle with reduced costs and improved efficiency, enabling precise tracking of flying objects without the need for costly high-speed cameras and complex calibration processes.
Implementation Method 1
The ROSA is configured to receive light reflected from the object
Implementation Method 2
The illumination source is configured to emit light at a time in which the object passes through a field of view
Data Source
AI summary
An example embodiment includes an apparatus for monitoring launch parameters of an object. The apparatus includes a transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA), a receiver optical subassembly (ROSA), a processing unit, and a camera. The TOSA includes at least one laser source configured to transmit a laser sheet along an expected flight path of an object. The ROSA is configured to receive light reflected from the object. The processing unit is configured to estimate a velocity of the object based at least partially on the received light. The camera is configured to capture one or more images of the object at a time in which the object passes through a field of view of the camera according to the estimated velocity.