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Method and apparatus for determining parameters of the motion of an object

  • US 5,246,232 A
  • Filed: 01/22/1992
  • Issued: 09/21/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/22/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for indicating the estimated carry distance of a golf ball after being struck by a golf club held by a golfer, comprising:

  • a) a microwave transmitter for transmitting radiation at a first frequency;

    b) a receiver positioned relative to the golf ball before it is struck such that the receiver receives radiation transmitted by said transmitter and reflected by the golf ball after being struck by the golf club, wherein said received radiation has a second frequency different from said first transmitted frequency by an amount substantially proportional to the velocity of the golf ball;

    c) means, coupled to said transmitter and to said receiver, for generating a sequence of difference pulses having durational periods substantially proportional to the reciprocals of corresponding frequency differences between said transmitted first signal frequency and said received second signal frequency, and having a first output line to carry said sequence of difference pulses;

    d) a processor for generating a value equal to an estimated distance the golf ball would travel, said processor comprising;

    i) an input line coupled to said first output line;

    ii) a clock for generating clock pulses at a predetermined constant rate;

    iii) means for comparing a number of clock pulses representing the periods of successive difference pulses in said sequence of difference pulses to obtain differences in periods between said successive difference pulses and for identifying valid difference pulses dependent on whether the obtained differences are within a predetermined range;

    iv) a register for accumulating a sum equal to the number of clock pulses representing a predetermined number of said valid difference pulses;

    v) averaging means for calculating the average period of said predetermined number of said valid difference pulses;

    vi) means for dividing a predetermined constant by said average period; and

    vii) a second output line coupled to said processor; and

    e) a display, coupled to said second output line, for indicating the estimated carry distance of the golf ball.

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