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System for measuring the initial velocity vector of a ball and method of use

  • US 5,926,780 A
  • Filed: 10/09/1997
  • Issued: 07/20/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/09/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A system for measuring an initial line of flight of a ball, comprising:

  • the ball having an initial position;

    a first light sensing array having a plurality of light sensors;

    a first light source directed toward said first light sensing array;

    the ball having a first position interposed between said first light sensing array and said first light source;

    a first shadow position on said first light sensing array caused by the ball being interposed between said first light sensing array and said first light source, said first shadow position including a shadow cast upon at least one light sensor;

    a first plane defined by (1) said initial position, (2) said first shadow position, and (3) said first light source;

    a second light sensing array having a plurality of light sensors, said second light sensing array oriented substantially parallel to and disposed a predetermined distance D from said first light sensing array;

    a second light source directed toward said second light sensing array;

    the ball having a second position interposed between said second light sensing array and said second light source;

    a second shadow position on said second light sensing array caused by the ball being interposed between said second light sensing array and said second light source, said second shadow position including a shadow cast upon at least one light sensor;

    a second plane defined by (1) said initial position, (2) said second shadow position, and (3) said second light source; and

    ,said initial line of flight defined by the intersection of said first plane with said second plane.

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