Flight parameter measurement system
First Claim
1. A ball flight parameter measurement system, comprising:
- a sensor adapted to capture a plurality of images of the ball in flight;
an alignment device is adapted to generate a misalignment signal based on the orientation of the alignment device relative to earth tangential;
an output device; and
a processor coupled to the alignment device, the sensor and the output device, operating the steps of;
receiving the plurality of images from the sensor;
receiving the misalignment signal from the electronic alignment device;
determining an alignment correction factor based on the misalignment signal to compensate for any difference between the current orientation of the sensor and a previously calibrated orientation;
calculating at least one ball flight parameter based on the plurality of images and the alignment correction factor; and
outputting the ball flight parameter on the output device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A portable flight parameter measurement tracks the surface of an object in motion, e.g., a ball, and determines speed, trajectory, a spin axis, and a spin rate around that axis. The measurement system is particularly suited for analyzing the path of a ball in flight which is affected, in great part, by the amount of spin and the direction of spin imparted to the ball upon impact. The measurement system provides a user, such as a golfer, with important feedback for modifying his or her swing to obtain desired results. The measurement system utilizes non-precision marks, surface blemishes such as cuts made by a club, dimples, or a combination of all three as the only features necessary to determine ball flight characteristics.
61 Citations
5 Claims
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1. A ball flight parameter measurement system, comprising:
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a sensor adapted to capture a plurality of images of the ball in flight; an alignment device is adapted to generate a misalignment signal based on the orientation of the alignment device relative to earth tangential; an output device; and a processor coupled to the alignment device, the sensor and the output device, operating the steps of; receiving the plurality of images from the sensor; receiving the misalignment signal from the electronic alignment device; determining an alignment correction factor based on the misalignment signal to compensate for any difference between the current orientation of the sensor and a previously calibrated orientation; calculating at least one ball flight parameter based on the plurality of images and the alignment correction factor; and outputting the ball flight parameter on the output device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification