Quantum Dot Fluorescent Markers for Golf Kinematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball and club measurement systems face challenges with outdoor functionality, portability, accuracy, and ease of use, particularly due to the use of retro-reflective markers that affect flight performance and non-fluorescent markers that are ineffective in bright sunlight.
Innovation Solution
A monitor system utilizing fluorescent optical markers with a lighting unit and camera units equipped with filters to capture the flight characteristics of golf balls and clubs, employing fluorescent markers that emit light at longer wavelengths, allowing for accurate measurement of kinematics in outdoor conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If retro-reflective markers are used on the golf ball, then the ball flight characteristics can be measured, but the raised surface of the markers adversely affects the flight performance of the golf ball
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical retro-reflective markers with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Magnetic sensors detect the position and motion of the golf ball through its flight path without requiring physical markers on the ball surface, thereby eliminating the aerodynamic disruption caused by raised markers while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field lines as an intermediary between the measurement system and the golf ball. Embedded magnetic elements in the ball interact with external magnetic sensors, allowing indirect measurement of ball characteristics without direct optical contact or surface markers that would affect flight
2Ease of manufacture
If non-fluorescent paint or ink-based markers are used, then the markers can be applied to the object, but they are ineffective in bright sunlight and do not provide sufficient optical discrimination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the optical system by using active fluorescent markers that emit light at specific wavelengths when excited by LED sources.配合 wavelength-specific optical filters, this allows the system to operate independently of ambient sunlight conditions and achieve high optical discrimination between multiple markers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs fluorescent markers with distinct emission spectra (different colors/wavelengths) that can be selectively excited and detected. This allows multiple markers to be differentiated optically even in bright sunlight, as each marker emits at its characteristic wavelength when excited by the appropriate LED source
3Measurement precision
If a monitor system with multiple cameras and filters is used to capture kinematics data, then accurate measurement can be achieved, but the system complexity and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs an integrated monitor system where a single camera unit performs multiple functions by capturing images through different wavelength-specific optical filters. The system can track both the golf ball and golf club using the same camera and lighting unit, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each object and reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the lighting unit, optical filters, and camera into a single integrated monitor system that can simultaneously track multiple objects. The system merges the functionality of multiple specialized devices into one portable unit that maintains measurement accuracy while improving ease of deployment and portability
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 provides accurate and portable measurement of golf ball and club kinematics, unaffected by bright sunlight, with enhanced optical discrimination and minimal impact on flight performance, using fluorescent markers that maintain fluorescence for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting unit directs light in the direction of the object. This light is filtered through a light filter or produced from a narrow wavelength light source, e.g., light emitting diodes, to allow only selected wavelengths of the light to contact the object. The filtered light illuminates the object causing the fluorescent markers on the object to exhibit fluorescence, and thus producing a reflected light at a longer wavelength than the light emitted from the light source.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a monitor system that measures flight characteristics of at least one object moving in a predetermined field-of-view using at least one fluorescent marker. In one embodiment, the emission spectra of the fluorescent marker is preferably narrow and substantially symmetric. It may be desirable for the fluorescent marker to be capable of responding to a broad excitation spectra. Preferably, the fluorescent markers comprise quantum dots. The quantum dots may be manufactured in any desired manner, and may comprise semiconductors, gold atoms, and the like.