Planar Sensor Shadow Detection for Virtual Golf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual golf systems require complex and costly optical devices or multiple sensors to measure the movement of a golf ball, making them expensive and difficult to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single light source and a planar sensor unit to detect the shadow of an object, allowing for precise measurement of physical quantities like height and movement by analyzing the shadow's size, duration, and angle, which is then used to simulate the golf ball's movement in a virtual golf system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-speed cameras or multiple sensors are used to detect golf ball movement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task into two functional parts: a light source that creates shadows and a planar sensor that detects shadow movements. This segmentation allows each component to be simple while achieving accurate golf ball movement detection through shadow analysis, avoiding the need for complex multi-sensor arrays or high-speed cameras
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (shadow) of the golf ball's movement and detects this copy instead of directly tracking the ball itself. The shadow serves as a simplified representation that contains all necessary movement information, enabling accurate measurement with less complex equipment
2Reliability
If multiple light sources and vertical sensors are used, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source and sensor into a single planar detection unit where the sensor is positioned on the same plane as the light source. This integration simplifies manufacturing and installation while maintaining reliable measurement through the geometric relationship between the light source, object, and sensor on a single plane
Solution Approach 2:
The planar sensor unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both the detection surface and the mounting plane for the light source. This universal design allows the same structural element to fulfill multiple roles, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall system implementation
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex optical devices with inexpensive components: a simple light source (such as an LED) and a planar sensor array. These inexpensive components achieve accurate measurement through clever geometric arrangement and shadow analysis, making the system cost-effective for virtual golf applications
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
This approach enables precise measurement of physical quantities with reduced complexity and cost, allowing for an effective and affordable virtual golf system that mimics real golf experiences.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, by the planar sensor unit, a shadow of the object generated by light emitted from the single light source
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring a physical quantity of an object by using a single light source and a planar sensor unit, and a virtual golf system using the same are provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for measuring a physical quantity of an object by using a single light source and a planar sensor unit, the method comprising: detecting, by the planar sensor unit, a shadow of the object generated by light emitted from the single light source, wherein the planar sensor unit is disposed on a bottom surface opposed to the single light source; and measuring a physical quantity of the object based on information regarding the shadow.