Trajectory Path Estimation in Sports Simulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sports simulators lack an efficient method to estimate the trajectory path of an object, such as a golf ball, in real-time, especially in dynamic environments, requiring manual calibration and lacking accurate feedback for improving swing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple sensors, including LIDAR, to identify and track a target object and striking object, estimate their trajectory paths, and provide real-time feedback for alignment with an objective path, without the need for manual calibration, using machine learning and homography for accurate 3D representation and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration is used in sports simulators, then system setup is simple, but measurement precision and reliability of trajectory estimation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically identifying the target object, determining its location, and calculating the objective path without requiring manual intervention. The calibration data is automatically updated based on detected objects and their trajectories, enabling the system to maintain high measurement precision while eliminating manual calibration complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes a coordinate system and objective paths for multiple potential target locations before actual use. When a target object is detected, the system quickly references pre-calculated path data rather than computing everything in real-time, improving both measurement precision and reducing the complexity of on-the-spot calibration
2Measurement precision
If real-time trajectory estimation is implemented, then feedback accuracy is improved, but processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores objective paths for multiple target locations before real-time operation. During actual use, the system only needs to detect the target object, identify its location, and retrieve the corresponding pre-computed path data, significantly reducing real-time processing time while maintaining high trajectory feedback accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The trajectory estimation process is divided into distinct modules: object detection module, location identification module, path determination module, and feedback generation module. Each module handles a specific aspect of the process independently, improving processing efficiency and enabling real-time operation with high accuracy
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are used for tracking, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines data from multiple sensors (LIDAR, cameras, depth sensors) into a unified coordinate system and processes them through integrated modules. By merging sensor inputs and processing them through a single object detection and tracking system, the patent achieves high tracking reliability while managing device complexity through unified architecture rather than separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting target objects, determining their locations, tracking their movement, and providing depth information. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve high reliability across all tracking aspects while reducing overall device complexity by having sensors serve multiple purposes rather than requiring specialized sensors for each function
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 dynamic and accurate estimation of trajectory paths for objects in sports simulators, providing real-time feedback for improved performance without the need for manual calibration, allowing users to adjust their swing techniques effectively.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing multiple sensors, including LIDAR, to identify and track a target object and striking object
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for estimating a trajectory path of an object. An apparatus includes an object module that identifies a target object based on data captured from a first sensor. An apparatus includes a location module that identifies the target location for the target object based on data captured from a second sensor. An apparatus includes a path module that determines an objective path for the target object relative to the target location. An apparatus includes a surface module that identifies a surface of a striking object that is configured to cause the target object to move along a trajectory path towards a target location. A path module estimates the trajectory path of the target object towards the target location and relative to the objective path prior to the striking object contacting the target object.