JP2004195240A - Performance measurement system with fluorescent marker for golf equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a performance measurement system for golf equipment, which can measure flight characteristics of at least one object moving in a predetermined field-of-view, by using at least one fluorescent marker. <P>SOLUTION: This system includes a lightening unit with a light filter, and at least one camera unit with a camera filter. The lightening unit directs light in the direction of the object. If there is the light filter, the light is filtered prior to reaching the object. The camera unit is pointed toward the object and the camera filter inhibits all wavelengths except those in a certain range. The reflected light from the object is transmitted to the camera through the camera filter. In one embodiment, the system includes a camera filter that is electronically switchable between at least two colors. The present invention further includes a method for monitoring one object having at least one marker by using filters. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a monitor system having an optical wavelength discrimination ability and a fluorescent marker. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for monitoring the kinematics of golf equipment and methods of use thereof.

  Devices for measuring golf ball flight characteristics as well as club head swing characteristics are known. For example, marking a golf ball or golf club head with at least one contrast region, using it to generate an optical image, and using the image to determine performance characteristics. Some of these devices use retroreflective tape or paint markers. However, when the retroreflective marker is attached to a golf ball, the surface rises and affects the flight performance of the golf ball. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system that measures the launch or flight characteristics of a golf ball using markers that have little effect on the flight performance of the golf ball. Furthermore, paint or ink-based markers and devices are ineffective under bright sunlight and the markers cannot be adequately discriminated optically.

  Devices for measuring two sports objects in a single swing are also known, but these systems have drawbacks regarding outdoor functionality, portability, accuracy, and ease of use. Thus, there is a need for a monitor system that captures club motion data and ball motion data that is portable, easy to use, accurate, and suitable for outdoor use.

This application is a continuation-in-part of US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 002,174, filed Dec. 5, 2001, which is now pending, which application is filed Feb. 14, 2001, now pending. US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 782,278.
This application is also a continuation-in-part of US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 468,351, filed Dec. 21, 1999, now pending, which is now US Pat. No. 5,803,823. Which is a continuation-in-part of US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 751,447 filed on Nov. 18, 1996, which is currently US Pat. No. 5,575,719. This is a continuation of US application Ser. No. 08 / 510,085 filed Aug. 1, which is currently US Pat. No. 5,501,463, filed Feb. 24, 1994. This is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 08 / 209,169, which is a continuation of US application Ser. No. 07 / 979,712 filed Nov. 20, 1992, now abandoned.
All of the above references are incorporated herein by reference.

US Patent Application No. 10 / 002,174 US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 782,278 US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 468,351 US Pat. No. 5,803,823 (Application No. 08 / 751,447) US Pat. No. 5,575,719 (Application No. 08 / 510,085) US Pat. No. 5,501,463 (Application No. 08 / 209,169) US Patent Application No. 07 / 979,712 US Pat. No. 6,241,622

  The present invention focuses on a method and apparatus for measuring the flight characteristics of an object using a fluorescent optical marker. Specifically, one embodiment contemplates a monitoring system for measuring flight characteristics of objects such as golf balls and / or golf clubs with fluorescent markers. Flight characteristics are derived from data obtained when an object enters a predetermined field of view. The system preferably includes at least one illumination device with a light filter and at least one camera device with a camera filter. The lighting device directs light in the direction of the object. This light passes through an optical filter or is generated from a narrow wavelength light source, such as a light emitting diode, so that only light of a selected wavelength strikes the object. When the light passing through the filter illuminates the object, the fluorescent marker on the object fluoresces, creating reflected light having a longer wavelength than the light emitted from the light source. The camera device is aimed at the object. The camera filter blocks the passage of all wavelengths other than the selected range of wavelengths so that only a portion of the reflected light passes through the camera filter and reaches the camera.

In some embodiments, the camera is a CCD camera of about 90,000 pixels or greater. In another embodiment, the camera is about 300,000 pixels or larger. In yet another embodiment, the camera is about 1 million pixels or more.
The monitor system further includes a second camera device directed at the object. The second camera device also has a camera filter.
In some embodiments, the camera filter is a bandpass filter. The bandwidth of the band pass filter is about 60 nm or less, preferably about 30 nm or less, more preferably about 15 nm or less.

  The optical filter used in the present invention is a low-pass filter. In some embodiments, the low pass cutoff wavelength is at least 10 nm shorter than the center wavelength of the camera band pass wavelength. In another embodiment, the low pass cutoff wavelength is at least 20 nm shorter than the center wavelength of the camera band pass wavelength. In some embodiments, the optical filter passes light of a wavelength less than 580 nm. The filter has a transmittance of about 50 percent or more, preferably about 70 percent or more. In some embodiments, the filter transmission is about 85 percent or greater.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the fluorescent marker is an orange fluorescent pigment having a peak transmittance of about 600 nm. In yet another embodiment, the monitor system also includes a computer that generates data from images created by the camera device. These images are created from the reflected light that reaches each camera through its camera filter.
The present invention also focuses on the combination of an object having at least one fluorescent marker and a monitoring system. The monitor system includes a discrete wavelength illumination device and at least one camera device. In some embodiments, the first light exits the lighting device and travels through the optical filter to the object, so that only a portion of the first light passes through to the object.
Alternatively, a light source that generates isolated wavelengths or light having a narrow spectrum, such as a light emitting diode, may be used. The first light that has passed through the filter illuminates the fluorescent marker and causes the second light to be emitted at a longer wavelength in the direction of the camera.

In some embodiments, the camera device includes an associated camera filter through which the second light passes. Only a portion of the second light passes through the associated camera filter, thereby creating second filtered light that is sent to the camera.
The present invention also focuses on a method for monitoring an object. The method includes providing at least one fluorescent marker on the object. The method further includes directing the first light toward the object and then passing the light through a filter. The light passing through the filter is reflected by at least one fluorescent marker and generates second light in the direction of at least one camera device. Some embodiments further include passing the second light through a filter to generate second filtered light and sending the second filtered light to the camera device.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention combines at least two objects and a monitoring system for measuring data of the objects within a predetermined field of view. The first object includes at least one first marker having a first reflection spectrum. In some embodiments, the second object includes at least one second marker having a second reflection spectrum that is significantly different from the first reflection spectrum. The monitor system includes at least one camera directed at a predetermined field of view. Each camera further includes a switchable filter, the first time the filter has a first center wavelength and the second time the filter has a second center wavelength.

  The present invention also focuses on a method of calculating club motion data and ball motion data using a monitor system. The method includes providing a club with at least one first marker having a first reflection spectrum, providing a ball with at least one fluorescent marker, and directing light to a predetermined field of view. Is included. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of reflecting light to the at least one first marker to generate a first reflected light, and passing the first reflected light through a first wavelength switchable filter. Generating a first filtered light; sending the first filtered light to the camera for the first and second times; switching the switchable filter to a second wavelength; and the at least one second marker. The second reflected light to generate the second reflected light, the second reflected light to pass through the second wavelength switchable filter to generate the second filtered light, and the second filtered light Sending light to the camera for the third and fourth times.

  The present invention also focuses on a monitor system for measuring club and ball data moving within a predetermined field of view. The system includes a camera with at least one filter directed to a predetermined field of view. Each camera obtains an image of at least two clubs within a predetermined field of view and further obtains an image of at least two balls within the predetermined field of view. The system further includes a computer for determining club motion data from the club image and determining ball motion data from the ball image.

The present invention relates to a portable and accurate method and apparatus for measuring golf performance. Strictly speaking, the kinematic characteristics of an object such as a golf ball or golf club are measured using at least one fluorescent marker, camera, filter, and central processing unit. The camera, lighting system, and markings on the object can measure the position and orientation of the object within a given field of view at discrete time intervals.
The apparatus may be used to direct light in the direction of the object and pass through at least one light filter, or at least be able to control only light of a selected wavelength to strike the object. One lighting device and at least one camera configured to face an object having at least one camera filter are included. The light illuminates the object and causes the fluorescent marker to reflect the light toward the camera. The camera filter allows only a portion of the reflected light to pass and be sent to the camera at the selected moment. Optionally, a narrow spectrum light source may be used to eliminate the need for a filter on the lighting device. As the light source having a narrow spectrum, a light emitting diode is desirable.

  System activity is initiated by using a trigger that reacts to the position or sound of the object. In response to the trigger signal, a first image of the golf ball and / or golf club within a predetermined field of view is taken. The operation of the camera is controlled by the shutter electronics and through a strobe that is used to take several pictures of the object. For example, if the sensing element of the camera is active for 1 ms (1000 microseconds (μs)), the strobe is fired twice, preferably once at t = 0, and again at about t = 800 μs. Two images of the marker are created on the CCD, that is, “burn”. The camera system also includes a computer and a monitor for processing the image data to determine the launch state of the object. Alternatively, the image of the marker may be acquired at two discrete time intervals by abruptly opening and closing the electronic shutter and maintaining the strobe light constant.

  In some embodiments, the trigger communicates with the camera via an asynchronous protocol to control activity. In another embodiment, the camera and strobe are controlled and communicated using an IEEE 1394 bus. Control and communication using an IEEE 1394 bus or the like is advantageous because a complicated cable is not required and the monitor system is compact and lightweight. Another embodiment advantageously includes a wireless communicator, which eliminates the need for complex cables and makes the monitor system compact and lightweight. Using a wireless communication device allows remote control and visualization of data captured by the camera system. Devices used for such wireless connection are known in the communication technology field. The data transfer rate of such wireless communication is desirably about 5 Mb / s or more. It is more desirable that the data transfer rate is 10 Mb / s or more. Furthermore, the data transfer rate is more preferably 100 Mb / s or more. A preferred communication protocol is IEEE 802.11. Cellular networks as well as other wireless networks can also be used. When connecting monitoring equipment to a common power source, a system such as the PowerLine system available from Lynksys can be used, which reduces the requirements for individual communication lines or wiring. The A computer and a monitor of the camera system can also be connected via wireless communication. The trigger used in certain embodiments of the system is an acoustic trigger.

  While an acoustic trigger is used as the primary example to illustrate the system of the present invention, the system can also be activated using a position sensitive trigger, for example an optical trigger such as a laser or other device. For example, a light and sensor system may be used so that when a golf ball or club moves across the light, the sensor sends a signal to the system. When using a laser, the laser is positioned so that the trigger is activated as soon as the ball moves. For example, the laser is directed toward a golf ball placed on a tee and a first image is taken when the golf ball leaves the tee or immediately after it leaves. A commercially available suitable laser-based optical trigger is model LV-H32 available from Keyence, NJ.

The camera used for the camera is preferably an electro-optical camera having a light receiving aperture, a shutter, and a photosensitive silicon panel. An example of such a camera is described in US Pat. No. 5,575,719. Suitable commercially available cameras include, but are not limited to, Sony's XCD-X700 (available from Sony Electronics, Park Ridge, NJ), and DragonFly (Point Point, Vancouver, British Columbia). Available from Gray Research). A charge coupled device (CCD) camera is preferred, but a TV-type video camera can also be used. In one embodiment, a camera based on CMOS technology is used. As described above, the camera communicates and is controlled via an IEEE 1394 bus or the like.

In some embodiments, the camera has a digital resolution of about 90,000 pixels or greater. In another embodiment, the camera has a digital resolution of about 300,000 pixels or more, preferably about 1 million pixels or more.
In the present invention, a plurality of cameras can be used. In one embodiment employing a dual camera system, for example, the camera is preferably asynchronous and has an external trigger capability, and each digital resolution is greater than about 100,000 pixels, preferably about 500,000 pixels. That's it. Furthermore, a camera having the digital resolution value described in the above section can also be used.

  The camera is directed and focused on a predetermined field of view where the golf ball moves and is imaged. The camera has a wider field of view than is necessary to image just one golf ball. As described above, when a plurality of cameras are used, the predetermined visual field is the visual field of the camera at the position where the line of sight of the camera intersects. The angle between the lines of sight of both cameras is about 0 ° to about 40 °, preferably about 10 ° to about 30 °.

The optical shutter system used in the present invention has an electronic device that continuously controls, i.e. activates and deactivates, the influence of light on the camera. An example of such a shutter is a ferromagnetic liquid crystal shutter, but is not limited thereto. The time required to open and close the shutter system is preferably less than about 100 μs.
The camera is electrically connected to the microprocessor and the computer and the monitor.

The camera filter camera is fitted with a filter to enhance the contrast between the illuminated marker and other objects in the field of view. The filter used in the present invention is preferably a bandpass filter used to block light in a selected range of wavelengths. The filter used in the present invention preferably has a center frequency, that is, a center wavelength of about 600 nm. The bandwidth of the filter used, for example 2, 10, 20, 40 nm, etc., also called filter accuracy, allows light of wavelengths from about 560 nm to about 640 nm to pass through the filter.

For example, FIG. 1 shows a transmittance curve of a bandpass filter as BP. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the light emission wavelength in nanometers (nm), and the vertical axis of the graph represents the transmittance as a percentage of the total light (for example, 100 percent transmittance is the loss of light by the filter). And show no absorption). A peak transmittance of 65 percent appears at an emission wavelength of about 605 nm, i.e. a central wavelength indicated by point CW. The band of the filter is determined to have fallen to 50% of the peak transmittance. For the curve BP, a 50% decrease in peak transmittance results in a transmittance of about 32%, ie, about 588 nm indicated by point BW ₁ and 622 nm indicated by point BW ₂ . The width of the peak from the point BW ₁ to the point BW ₂ is about 34 nm and this is BW. Thus, all wavelengths of light shorter than about 588 nm and longer than 622 nm are significantly dimmed by the bandpass filter. A narrow bandwidth is desirable when used under bright light, such as when used outdoors.

  In some embodiments, the camera filter used in the system of the present invention is an orange interference filter and is preferably installed in front of the camera. Suitable filters include filters from Andover Corporation of Salem, NH and Edmund Scientific Corporation, Tonawanda, NY.

  Another embodiment uses a switchable filter. The recommended switchable filter is electronic and can switch from one color filter to another in a short time. In some embodiments, the switchable filter is a multi-color optical filter that is electronically tuned with no moving parts or vibration and with a response time or adjustment time of less than about 500 μs, more preferably less than about 50 μs. It is. In another embodiment, the switchable filter has a transmission of about 60 percent or greater, desirably about 80 percent or greater.

  In some embodiments, the switchable filter can alternate between the three primary colors, for example, the RGB filter can be switched between red, green, and blue. If the Varispec VS-RGB-GP liquid crystal adjustable filter is used, the red filter and the green filter can be switched in about 250 μs. When using a Varispec filter and a black and white camera, the filter may be attached in any way as long as it is suitable for installing a filter between the camera lens and the camera.

Illumination devices Illumination devices used in the system of the present invention include dual strobe illumination devices. The strobe light device includes at least one flash bulb assembly, associated circuitry, and a cylindrical flash tube. The circuitry used in the strobe light device is similar to that disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,011,359, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, the dual strobe illuminator includes two Viviat automatic electronic flash models 283 strobe lights. In another embodiment, the system uses a dual strobe flash device such as that available from Unilux, Saddle Brook, NJ. In yet another embodiment, the flash device is an LED strobe such as a model 5380 available from Illumination Technology, Inc., East Syracuse, NY. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the illumination device described herein is a representative example of the light source used in the present invention and does not limit or constrain the use of other light sources.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the strobe light is mounted to continuously direct light, preferably filtered light, into a predetermined field of view. The distance from the lighting device to the object is desirably about 60 inches or less, and more desirably about 30 inches or less. Short strobe bursts are desirable to prevent the optical markers from stretching. In some embodiments, the duration of light in one burst is less than about 100 μs, and more preferably less than about 30 μs.

Alternatively, a flash device with one sphere and two separate discharge circuits may be used. When the trigger sends a signal to the microprocessor, the strobe illuminator activates a continuous flash, causing at least two bursts of light at intervals shorter than 2000 μs. In another embodiment, the at least two bursts of light are about 1000 μs apart.
The energy of a single burst of light is greater than about 1.5 joules, more desirably greater than about 3.0 joules, and most desirably greater than 6 joules.
Communication and control with the strobe light is preferably performed by wireless connection such as an IEEE 1394 bus. The delay between the activation of the external asynchronous trigger signal and the first burst of light, as well as the delay time between successive bursts of light, is dictated by software on the control computer and is via wireless communication or 1394 bus prior to activation. Is transmitted to the strobe device.

The filter used in the illumination filter illumination system is mounted in any suitable manner in front of the illumination device to generate the first filtered light. It is desirable to distinguish the excitation wavelength from the marker emission wavelength. There are several ways to achieve this, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, use an illumination filter chosen to have a cutoff wavelength shorter than the center wavelength of the camera filter. There is a way to do it. This allows a definitive contrast between the emission wavelength and the excitation wavelength, so that only the emitted light, i.e. the marker, will be imaged by the camera. Excitation light, that is, strobe light, cannot pass through the camera filter because the wavelength does not meet the filter pass criterion.

In some embodiments, the illumination filter is a low pass filter whose cutoff wavelength is at least about 10 nm shorter than the lower end of the marker emission wavelength. For example, the low-pass filter has a cutoff wavelength that is about 10 nm shorter than the point BW ₁ described above in connection with FIG. Specifically, when the center emission wavelength of the band pass filter used in the camera is about 605 and the bandwidth is 34 nm, the low pass filter used in the illumination system has a cutoff wavelength of about 580 nm or less (FIG. 1). ). Any cutoff wavelength is acceptable as long as the excitation wavelength curve and the emission wavelength curve do not intersect near the center wavelength of each curve.
It is desirable that the excitation wavelength has a peak transmittance at a center frequency, that is, a wavelength of about 450 nm. The illumination filter of the present invention preferably has a transmittance of about 50 percent or more, more preferably 70 percent or more. In some embodiments, the filter transmission is about 85 percent or greater.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the transmittance of the illumination filter of the present invention by reference numeral LF. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the excitation wavelength of light in nanometers (nm), and the vertical axis of the graph represents the transmittance value, that is, the emitted excitation light as a percentage of all light. The illumination filter curve LF shows a high transmission of about 79 percent at point C1 with an excitation wavelength of about 460 nm. The transmittance curve for the comparative green filter indicated by the symbol GF is shown for comparison purposes only. This curve shows how high transmission (appearing at point C2) within the emission wavelength range (approx. 500 nm) adversely affects image contrast due to the high degree of overlap with the emission wavelength curve. Yes.

Marker fluorescent markers include pigments or dyes that emit electromagnetic radiation while absorbing other forms of energy, but stop emitting radiation as soon as the input energy stops. For example, fluorescent markers useful in the present invention obtain excitation energy from the lighting device, but stop the fluorescence as soon as the lighting device fails. This property is beneficial in the present invention. For example, this phenomenon allows the dual strobe function to capture two separate marker groups on a single image frame while minimizing blurring due to slow fluorescence decay.
Fluorescent markers can be identified with a spectral emission test. Spectral emission testing can be performed using, for example, MacBeth Color-Eye 7000A in a reflection exclusion UV inclusion mode. Fluorescent markers typically have a reflectance value higher than 100 in the visible spectrum.

  When a fluorescent marker is used in the present invention, the marker is preferably made of an orange fluorescent pigment, but other pigments may be used. Orange fluorescent pigments can be selected from a variety of sources, such as those manufactured by Dayglo, Cleveland, Ohio, Binney & Smith, Easton, Pennsylvania (LIQUIITEX®), and Kuretake, Japan. It is done.

  FIG. 3 shows reflectance curves for two orange fluorescent pigments. In FIG. 3, the pigment of Dayglo is represented by the reflectance curve of symbol D, and the pigment of Kuretake is represented by the reflectance curve of symbol K. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the wavelength in nanometers (nm), and the vertical axis of the graph is the reflectance indicating the percentage of light reflected for a given wavelength. Reflectance is the amount of light that reflects from a given marker. For Kuretake pigment (curve K), a maximum or first order reflectance of about 200 percent occurs at point C3 at a wavelength of about 600 nm. For the Dayglo pigment (curve D), a maximum or first order reflectance of about 160 percent occurs at point C4 at a wavelength of about 600 nm. Thus, Kuretake pigments have better reflectivity than Dayglo pigments, but any can be used in the system of the present invention. Curves K and D have the highest reflectivity over a range of about 560 nm to about 640 nm, centered on the dominant wavelength of about 600 nm.

The marker can be applied to the golf ball or golf club using any method known in the art, if appropriate, such as pad printing, foil transfer, marking pen, spray paint, and the like.
When monitoring a golf club and golf ball simultaneously, it is desirable that the club and ball markers be distinguishable from each other. This can be achieved by using different sizes, shapes, orientations, peak optical reflection wavelengths, or combinations thereof. Further, different types of markers may be used for the club and the ball. For example, a club may be marked with a fluorescent marker, and a ball may be marked with a retroreflective marker. In another example, a diffuse reflective circular marker is used for the ball and a triangular fluorescent marker is used for the club.

  In some embodiments, the club marker has a first reflection spectrum and the ball marker has a second reflection spectrum. In another embodiment, the first reflection spectrum has a first primary response wavelength and the second reflection spectrum has a second primary response wavelength. In another embodiment, the first and second primary response wavelengths are separated by about 50 nm or more. In yet another embodiment, the first and second primary response wavelengths are separated by about 100 nm or more. In some embodiments, the first primary response wavelength is 500 nm or more and the second primary response wavelength is about 600 nm or more.

  On golf equipment, at least one marker must be used, but it is desirable to use at least two markers. In general, the marker must be positioned to reflect light from a golf ball or club within a predetermined field of view and return it to the camera used for image acquisition. In some embodiments, six or more markers are used for golf balls and three or more markers are used for golf clubs.

The placement of the markers on the golf ball or club can be changed by methods known to those skilled in the art. Although not limited, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the golf ball 60 is provided with six reflective markers 60a-f. The marker 60f is arranged at the center of the ball, and the markers 60a-e are arranged around it. Let β be the angle between markers 60a-e that are not in the center. The angle β is preferably between about 10 ° and 40 °. Most desirably, the angle β is about 30 °. Although six markers are shown, the ball may instead use one line, only two markers, or as many as eleven markers.
The golf ball rotates when hit by a golf club, and the pattern of the markers 60a-f becomes the same image at a certain rotation angle. The rotation speed is calculated by calculating the angular rotation of the ball using images of at least two balls taken at known time intervals. If the ball rotates through one of the symmetrical arrangements during the interval, an error will occur in the calculation of the rotation angle and consequently in the calculated rotation speed. A typical pattern of markers is symmetric when passing through a rotation and the angle is 72 degrees. It is therefore beneficial to use a pattern of markers that expands this rotation angle between symmetrical images.

  FIG. 15 shows another example of the arrangement of the markers 60 a-f on the golf ball 60. The marker 60f is disposed at the center of the ball 60, and the markers 60a-e are provided around the marker 60f. The center marker 60f is square, and the rotation angle α between symmetrical images is 90 °.

  FIG. 16 shows another example of the arrangement of the markers 60 a-f on the golf ball 60. The marker 60f is disposed at the center of the ball 60, and the markers 60a-e are provided around the marker 60f. The center marker 60f is a triangle, and the rotation angle α between symmetrical images is 120 °.

  FIG. 17 shows another example of the arrangement of the markers 60 a-f on the golf ball 60. In this arrangement, two markers 60 e and 60 f are arranged at the center of the ball 60. The markers 60a-e are provided around the center markers 60e, 60f. Depending on the positions of the center markers 60e and 60f, the rotation angle α between the symmetric images is 180 °.

  FIG. 18 shows another example of the arrangement of the markers 60 a-e on the golf ball 60. The marker 60e is disposed at the center of the ball 60, and the markers 60a-d are provided around the marker 60e. The markers 60a-d are arranged asymmetrically, the markers 60a, 60c, 60d are provided toward one side of the center marker 60e, and the marker 60b is provided on the opposite side of the center marker 60e. In this arrangement, the rotation angle α of the target image is 360 °. This is of course the maximum possible rotation angle of the symmetric image.

  Although not limiting, another example shown in FIG. 5 includes a golf club 72 with a club head 74, a hosel 76, and a shaft 78. Three reflective markers 72a-c are located at designated locations on the club, 72a is on the toe of the club head 74, 72b is on the free end of the hosel 76, and 72c is on the shaft 78. Alternatively, two markers may be placed on the toe, one on the hosel, or one marker on the toe and two markers on the hosel. The marker arrangement of the golf ball or golf club may be any arrangement as long as the marker can reflect light back to the camera system.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the markers 60a-f and 72a-c may be rounded or circular in shape. If circular markers are used, the marker diameter is preferably about 0.05 inches to about 0.25 inches, more preferably about 0.1 inches to about 0.2 inches, and about 0.18 inches. Is most desirable. However, the markers of the present invention are not limited to circular shapes, specific sizes, or diameters shown in the examples.

Monitor The monitor used in the present system is an electronic character or graphical display that can be viewed outdoors. In some embodiments, the monitor display has an optical brightness of at least 500 candela per square meter (nit). The display may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) display. In embodiments using an LCD, the LCD preferably utilizes super twisted nematics (STN) or thin film transistor (TFT) technology.

  In some embodiments, a touch screen is used to overlay a bright LCD panel. The operation of the touch screen is based on capacitive, resistive or optical techniques. In this embodiment, the operator uses a touch screen to display, store or transmit collected kinematic data, or adjust system parameters before and after collecting kinematic data.

When using wireless communication , the camera device and the lighting device are arranged near the person to be measured. The monitor and computer are preferably located away from the golfer. Since the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless communication device, there is no need to connect a wire or cable between the equipment located near the golfer and the equipment that controls the system and displays the measurement data. Also good. By using a wireless communication device, it is possible to remotely control, visualize the data captured by the camera system, and to realize a compact and lightweight monitor system by omitting complicated cables. Using this setup is advantageous because the system can be widely used in various locations and conditions. This setup is convenient because it makes it easier to connect to other display devices such as a large screen used during the demonstration.

  Devices used for such wireless communication are known in communication technology. The data transfer rate of such wireless communication is preferably 10 Mb / s or higher. The data transfer rate is more preferably 100 Mb / s or more. A preferred communication protocol is IEEE 802.11. The computer of the camera system and the monitor may also be connected by wireless communication.

System The system of the present invention weighs less than about 50 pounds and more desirably less than about 25 pounds. Further, the physical volume of the system is desirably less than about 2 cubic feet. The entire system 10 (that is, a camera, a filter, a lighting device, a central processing unit, and a display) is housed in a single housing that can be carried by a handle 10a (shown in FIG. 6).

  An example of a suitable deployment of this system, i.e. a portable dual camera monitor system, is shown in FIG. Other system deployments are briefly described here, but are described in detail in co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 782,278, which includes dual camera systems, single camera systems, and both golf balls and golf clubs. A system for monitoring at the same time is included. Other system deployment examples are described in US Pat. No. 6,241,622, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

  The monitor system 10 includes an illumination box 40 and camera devices 36 and 38. In the present embodiment, the lighting box 40 includes a trigger 41 and a dual strobe lighting device 42 disposed in the center. In other deployments of the system, the trigger is separate from the lighting device. The filter 44 is disposed in front of the dual strobe lighting device 42. The cameras 36 and 38 are oriented toward a predetermined field of view, for example, the golf ball 60. The camera filters 50a and 50b are disposed in front of the cameras 36 and 38.

  A single camera system is similar to system 10, but it includes a single camera device, a single filter, and an adjacent trigger and light source attached to a lighting box.

The ball camera and club camera system allows for simultaneous monitoring of the golf club and golf ball.
The system is similar to system 10, but also includes a club monitor, a ball monitor, a microprocessor, and a computer and monitor. The club monitor includes a first club camera, a second club camera placed apart, and a lighting box. The club filter is disposed in front of each club camera. The club monitor further includes a strobe light device and a trigger within the lighting box. The ball monitor is similar to the club monitor and includes a first ball camera, a second ball camera placed apart, and a lighting box. The ball monitor further includes a strobe light device in the lighting box, and a ball filter is disposed in front of each ball camera.

  In this deployment, it is desirable that the club filter and ball filter have different colors. For example, the club filter can be red and the ball filter can be green. With such a club filter, the club camera can see the light reflected by the strobe flash at the red wavelength, and the ball camera can see the light reflected by the strobe flash at the green wavelength. Can do.

  Another deployment of the system is described in detail in US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 782,278, and includes a strobe illuminator with four capacitors and a switchable filter in front of the camera as described above. At least one camera, preferably a black and white CCD camera. This deployment includes at least one club motion sensor, but the number of sensors corresponds to the number of cameras. The sensor is preferably a photoelectric sensor from Tritronics, and is preferably used with a reflective mount as described in US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 782,278.

  FIG. 19 illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a portable launch monitor system 210 that includes a base or support structure 212 and attached support elements 214, 216. The support elements 214, 215 are specifically shown as slide pads that include V-shaped notches 218, 220, respectively, which allow the pads 214, 216 to slide along the rod 222. . Another slide pad 224 attached to the rear of the system 210 slides along the rod 226 as well. One or more slide pads 214, 216, and 224 may be replaced with other support elements, such as wheels, that differ in configuration or method of movement. With the term “slide pad”, Applicants intend to encompass any element that can slide or move the system 210 back and forth relative to a given field of view. The slide pads 214, 216 have a height adjustment feature that can raise and lower both front corners of the system 210 for leveling purposes. Specifically, the slide pads 214 and 216 are attached to the support structure 212 by screw rods 228 and 230 and nuts 232 and 234 fixed to the support structure 212. The rods 228 and 230 include driving units 228a and 230a used for adjusting the pads 214 and 216, respectively.

  The launch monitor system 210 further includes first and second camera devices, a control box 240 disposed in the center, and a dual strobe lighting device 242. The first and second camera devices 236, 238 are preferably ELECTRMIM EDC-1000U computer cameras manufactured by Electrim of Princeton, NJ. Charge-coupled devices or CCD cameras are preferred, but TV-type video cameras can also be used. The angle between the line of sight of the two cameras is preferably in the range of 10 ° -30 °, with 22 ° being optimal. Each camera 236, 238 has a light receiving aperture, a shutter, and a photosensitive silicon panel 239. The camera is aimed and focused on a predetermined field of view where the golf ball moves and is imaged. A trigger 272 is included in the system 210.

  The control box 240 communicates with the camera devices 236 and 238 by the communication method described above to control the activities of the camera devices 236 and 238 and the dual strobe lighting device 242 and activate the continuous flash. The dual strobe lighting device 242 includes two strobe lights mounted on the top and bottom. These strobe lights in turn direct light onto the beam splitter 243, then exit the device, through the windows 244 and 246, into the reflective elements or panels 248, 250, and to a predetermined field of view. Panels 248 and 250 are formed of a polished metal such as stainless steel or chrome plated metal. Other light reflecting elements may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Each reflective panel 248, 250 includes an aperture 252, 254. The cameras 236 and 238 are fixed to the support structures 256 and 258 so that each lens 260 and 262 is disposed through the apertures 252 and 254 toward a predetermined field of view. Video lines 264 and 266 then send the video signal to control box 240 in preparation for use.

  The strobe light, beam splitter, reflective element and camera are arranged so that light enters the predetermined field of view from the strobe, is reflected from the ball by the reflective dots, and returns to the camera through the aperture. In another embodiment, a ring-shaped strobe light surrounding each camera lens can be used. The ring-shaped strobe light is disposed close to the lens, and since the central axis of the strobe is aligned with the center of the lens, the light enters the lens when reflected by the marker. This eliminates the need for reflective elements.

  Conveniently, telescopic distance calibrators 268, 70 are attached to the support structure 212. The telescopic member is used when the launch monitor system 210 is calibrated to an appropriate distance from the object to be monitored. The distance calibrators 268 and 270 are extendable members, and for example, a conventional wireless antenna can be used. The calibrators 268 and 270 are used together with the calibration jig 370 shown in FIG.

  FIGS. 21-23 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention in which the size of the system is further reduced, thus increasing portability.

  The launch monitor system 100 includes a base or support structure 112 having a cover 13. Slide members or pads 114, 116 are used in the lower forward portion of the support structure 112 and are formed with notches 118, 120 that allow the notches 118, 120 to be placed on the rod 190 and slidable along the pads 11, 116. It has become. Wheels 122, 124 may be used instead of pads as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, as described above with respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. The wheels 122 and 124 are rotatably attached to the support structure, and the support structure is provided with a handle 126 that allows the operator to move the launch monitor system 100 back and forth along the ground. In the present embodiment, screw rods 128 and 130 and nuts 132 and 134 are also provided at the front portion of the launch monitor system 100 so that the height can be adjusted. The wheel is also adjustable in height relative to the support structure 112 so that the system 100 can be adjusted according to the terrain of the installation location. The computer and monitor are preferably used, but may be combined as an integral element or as separate elements. The computer has several algorithms and programs that the system uses to make the decisions discussed below.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the first and second camera devices 136 and 138 are attached to the support structure 112. These electro-optic devices 136, 138 are preferably smaller than those described above, and are preferably ELECTRMIM EDC-1000HR computer cameras available from Electrim, Princeton, NJ. Each camera 136, 138 has its line of sight focused on a predetermined field of view. The field of view of the camera is just larger than that needed to image one golf ball. Thus, the predetermined field of view is the field of view of the camera where the line of sight of the camera intersects.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the calibration jig 170 is provided for calibrating the system. The jig 170 has receiving elements or tabs 172, 174 that project outward from the outer legs 176, 178 to receive the ends of the distance calibrators 158, 160. When positioned at this location by the distance calibrators 158, 160, the central leg 180 of the jig 170 is positioned in the correct position relative to the golf ball 182 used for launch monitoring operation. The golf ball 182 also has a reflective dot pattern. The calibration jig 170 further includes an optical level indicator 184 on the upper surface thereof so that the level of the jig 170 can be adjusted before the calibration operation. Finally, spikes 186 and 188 extending from the bottom of the jig 170 are inserted into the grass to stabilize the jig 170 during the calibration operation. The jig 170 has reflective dot patterns 170a-o as shown in FIG. Applicant has found that only 15 dots are required here (as opposed to the 20 dots used in the calibration fixture of patent application, application number 08 / 751,447). Since the longitudinal movement of the golf ball in time between the two images is greater than the vertical movement, the calibration of the system need not be very precise in the vertical direction. Thus, the number of vertical dots on the calibration fixture that are necessary to properly calibrate the system is small.

Calibration and Operation The general calibration and operation of this system are shown in steps S101 to S116 in FIG. In the first step (step S101), the system is started and it is determined whether the system is used for the first time. By default, the system uses the previous calibration when it is first started. Thus, the system will be calibrated each time it is moved and / or energized.
After the system is started, calibration starts and a coordinate system used by the system is defined (step S102). Details of the calibration step are described in pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 468,351. For example, a single camera system is calibrated by calculating the distance between dots.
Optional telescopic distance calibrators 64, 66 may be used in the system 10 as shown in FIG. The telescopic member is used when the monitor system 10 is calibrated to an appropriate distance from the object to be monitored. The distance calibrators 64 and 66 are extendable members such as conventional wireless antennas.

  After the system has been calibrated, operating parameters are defined (step S103), i.e., left or right handed orientation is determined by the golfer being tested. When a left-handed azimuth is selected, a coordinate set used for a left-handed golfer is required, and for a right-handed system, another coordinate set must be used. Step S103 also includes the step of setting the system to either a test mode or a demonstration mode. If the test mode is selected, the system saves the test data. In demonstration mode, the system does not save data. In step 103, specific additional data is entered into the test location and golfer. The operator may optionally enter data about the environmental conditions used to calculate the flight, rotation and total distance of the golf ball, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, altitude, and turf type. Good. The operator may optionally input personal data of the golfer, such as name, age, handicap, gender, golf ball type, and golf club (type, club head, shaft) used.

  Once this data has been entered, the system is ready for data collection or demonstration (step S104). In steps S105-S107, the position of the golf ball and / or golf club relative to the monitor is determined using a number of algorithms stored in the system computer. After the computer determines the position of the golf ball or club from the image, the system (and computer algorithm) determines launch conditions. These determinations corresponding to steps S105, S106, and S107 include finding bright areas in the image, determining which of these bright areas correspond to markers on the golf ball, and then The method includes the step of obtaining the position of the golf ball from the image using the information and the step of calculating the launch condition.

The use of the system will be described using the dual camera system of FIG. 7, but the general concept used other variations of the system, such as a single camera system, a ball and club monitor system, or a narrow spectrum light source. The same applies when the system is used. The trigger 41 communicates to control the operation of the dual strobe illuminator 42 and the cameras 36, 38 to capture images. The dual strobe illuminator 42 activates a continuous flash, and the light L travels in a predetermined direction through the filter 44 to generate the first filtered light FL at a wavelength centered at about 450 nm. The filter passing light FL travels toward the golf ball 60 and is reflected as reflected light RL ₁ and RL ₂ from the marker. Since RL ₁ and RL ₂ pass through the camera filters 50a and 50b, respectively, only certain portions of RL ₁ and RL ₂ are transmitted as the camera filter passing lights FL ₁ and FL ₂ , respectively. FL ₁ and FL ₂ preferably have a center wavelength of light of about 560 nm to about 640 nm. FL ₁ and FL ₂ send light to the cameras 36 and 38, respectively, and generate images of two balls at positions I and II in one image frame, as shown in FIG.

  The marked golf ball 60 described with reference to FIG. 4 is placed in a field of view (shown by a chain line) surrounded by a predetermined three-dimensional straight line in FIG. 9 at two positions (I and II) at two different times after launch. ) Shows the image. The camera filter passing lights FL1 and FL2 generate an image of the ball 60 at the position I, respectively. Since the strobe light 42 emits pulses, the filter filtering sequence is repeated at short intervals, preferably 800 μs, to generate a second ball image 60 at position II.

In step S105, the system analyzes the image recorded by the camera's silicon panel by locating bright areas in the image. 10-11 are graphical representations of the pixel maps of both cameras 36,38. Light areas in the image, for example, 60a '-f' exits the strobe lighting apparatus, reflected from the markers as RL ₁ and RL _2, the filter pass came out of the camera filters 50a and 50b as street FL ₁ and FL ₂ It corresponds to light (FL).

Although the marker pattern of FIG. 5 is used in the description, any of the other marker patterns shown in FIGS. 15 to 18 can be used.
Specific to the ball camera and club camera, step S104 sends a signal to the microprocessor to put the ball camera in a “ready state” during the club backswing and prepare to start if there is a signal. Tell the computer. When the ball camera is “prepared”, the panel in the CCD camera is once erased and ready for activation. It is for the particular camera used that the ball camera is ready prior to image capture. This step and additional sensors are not required when using other cameras with faster panel erasure and preparation. The signal is also sent to the microprocessor to prepare for the signal from the second swing sensor.

  After the ball camera is in the “ready state”, the second sensor strikes the club monitor twice to generate light in the direction along the club downswing. The light is reflected to club markers 72a-c at positions A and B shown in FIG. The reflected light passes through the club filter and is sent to the exposed sensing grid panel of the camera. Since the club monitor strobes during the same sensing grid panel exposure time, the filtered light will cause two images of the club head at positions A and B and the ball on the tee to be in one frame. Can be created.

A graphic display of the club camera pixel map is shown in FIGS. The system should find six bright areas representing club markers 72a'-c '.
The ball and club markers are preferably arranged as described above and shown in FIGS. The ball and club markers used must correspond to the ball and club filters (for example, when using the green ball filter and the red club filter, the green ball marker and the red club Will use each marker). The ball and club markers may be different as described above, for example, the ball marker may be fluorescent and the club marker may be retroreflective.

  The system using the switchable filter briefly outlined above will now be described using two cameras 36, 38, but step S104 is performed when the club 72 is moved by the player's backswing. It starts with the operation of the first club motion sensor. The sensor sends a signal to the microprocessor to tell the computer 70 to open the shutters of the cameras 36 and 38 that stereoscopically view the scene. The microprocessor is also sent a signal to prepare for the signal from the second club motion sensor.

  During the downswing, the beam from the second club motion sensor is interrupted and the strobe light flashes twice. Each time there is a flash from the strobe lighting device 42, the electric energy from the capacitor is discharged. Specifically, the electric energy from two of the four capacitors is discharged by downswing. The light reflected by the club markers 72a-c is filtered by a switchable filter (eg, a red retroreflective club marker and a red filter) in the corresponding filter mode. The trigger 41, or microphone, senses the sound of the golf club 72 hitting the golf ball 60 and sends a signal to the microprocessor to change the filter from the first filter to the second filter, ie from red to green, or “on”. To “off”.

  After the filter is switched, two flashes are fired here in succession by strobe light from the electrical energy stored in the remaining two capacitors. The light of the last two strobe flashes is reflected by the reflective markers 60 a-f on the golf ball 60, passes through the second filter, and is sent to the cameras 36 and 38. By using the second filter, club markers 72a-c, which are also included in the field of view, can be filtered out of the image. As described above in connection with system 10, the apparatus of this system acquires two images of both club 72 and ball 60.

  The system then determines in step S106 which of the bright areas corresponds to the marker. This analysis can be performed in several ways, but is discussed in detail in pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 468,351.

  If the correct number of dots is found in the image, the system moves to step S107 and determines the position and orientation of the golf ball and / or club in the first and second images from the dots in the image. However, if the number of dots or bright areas found in the image is greater or less than expected, at step S108, the operator can manually filter the image. If there are too few bright areas, the operator may adjust the image brightness, and if there are too many bright areas, the operator may remove it. In some cases, the bright areas in the image may be reflections from other parts of the golf ball or from the golf club head. If the brightness adjustment or removal of extraneous bright areas is not adequate, the system returns the operator to step S104 and causes the golfer to hit another golf ball. If the manual editing of the area is successful, the system proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, the system uses the marker identification in step S106 to determine the position of the center of each marker in the image. Once the center position of each marker is known, the system can calculate golf club speed, loft angle, attack angle, pass angle, face angle, droop angle, loft spin, face spin, droop spin, and hit position. . In addition, the system can calculate ball speed, launch angle, back spin, side angle, side spin, rifle spin, carry distance, direction, carry and roll distance. Detailed information regarding image analysis is described in US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 782,278.

  After the rotation speed, speed, and direction are calculated, the system calculates the trajectory of the golf ball at the time of the shot using this information and the environmental conditions and golf ball information input in step S103 (step S109). The system estimates where the golf ball will land, i.e. where it carries and how far it rolls, and calculates the total distance for the shot. Since the system is calibrated in three dimensions, it can also calculate how much the golf ball has been sliced or hooked and how much the ball is off line, as described in US Pat. No. 6,241,622. ing.

Next, in step S110, this information (ie, golfer launch conditions) is presented to the golfer in numerical and / or graphic form. In step S111, the launch conditions are modified and the same information can now be calculated assuming that a different golf ball is now used (eg, a 2 piece golf ball versus a 3 piece golf ball). . It is also possible to determine the effect of changing the launch condition (for example, golf ball speed, spin rate, and launch angle) to change the result.
Step S112 provides the golfer with the option to shoot more shots by returning the system to step S104. For example, if the system is in test mode and the golfer releases various shots, step S113 can calculate the average of all shot data accumulated during the session. Step S114 provides ideal launch conditions for the golfer's individual abilities, thereby allowing the golfer to make changes and maximize the distance. When the session is completed, the golfer can start a new test with a new golf club in step S115, or the session is terminated in step S116.

  Thus, using the system of the present invention, the kinematics of two colliding objects can be determined, and the measured kinematic data is compiled into a database, which is linked to the database in the Internet or in a conventional manner. A larger group of users will be able to access the computer's Internet network. The present invention also focuses on a computer that provides on-course kinematic data acquired by the system. This data can be sent on a computer and transferred over the Internet or an intranet computer network. This data is provided, for example, at a fee processed by the computer. This data can also be sent from a golf pro shop to a club or ball manufacturer when purchasing or recommending equipment for a particular golfer.

  Although the present invention has been described above with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be noted that the scope of the present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiments. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, many modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the system may be battery operated, or more than two cameras. Furthermore, the operating system may be embedded in a computer or controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC). It can be a different marker or paint, or a laser diode with a narrow light range can be used to eliminate the use of a filter. The present invention may include remote capabilities based on radio frequency or infrared frequency. Furthermore, features of one embodiment can be combined with features of another embodiment. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other variations of the preferred embodiments are also within the spirit of the invention, as defined by the claims.

It is a graph which shows the transmittance | permeability curve of the bandpass camera filter whose center wavelength is 605 nm and whose bandwidth is 34 nm. It is a graph which shows the transmittance | permeability curve of a low-pass filter whose cutoff wavelength is about 560 nm and about 580 nm. Figure 5 is a graph showing the reflectance curve for two different fluorescent markers. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a teeed-up golf ball used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a club head used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a perspective view of the portable system of this invention. 1 is a top view of an arrangement of systems according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the schematic operation | movement and calibration of the system of this invention. 1 is a perspective view of a field of view surrounded by a three-dimensional straight line showing a golf ball at two different positions I and II according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of a pixel map obtained by a camera of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. 2 is a graphical representation of a pixel map obtained by a camera of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. 2 is a graphical representation of a pixel map obtained by a camera of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. 2 is a graphical representation of a pixel map obtained by a camera of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. 2 is a perspective view of a three-dimensional field of view of a club head partially moving in the field of view according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing measurable position A, measurable position B, and projected collision position C. FIG. 1 is a view of a golf ball used in an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a view of a golf ball used in an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a view of a golf ball used in an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a view of a golf ball used in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another arrangement system according to the present invention. FIG. 20 is a top view of the system of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another arrangement system according to the present invention. It is a top view of FIG. 21, and is a figure which shows the calibration of this system schematically. FIG. 22 is a side view of the system of FIG. 21. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a calibration jig used in the system according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10, 100, 210 Launch monitor system 36, 38, 136, 138, 236, 238 Camera device 40 Lighting box 41, 272 Trigger 42, 242 Dual strobe lighting device 44 Filter 50a, 50b Camera filter 60, 182 Golf ball 60a-f 72a-c Marker 72 Golf club 74 Club head 239 Photosensitive silicon panel 243 Beam splitter 244, 246 Window 248, 250 Reflection panel 252, 254 Aperture 260, 262 Lens

Claims (24)

In a monitoring system for measuring the kinematics of at least one object,
A light source;
And a camera,
The monitor system, wherein the at least one object is provided with a fluorescent marker based on a pattern that is symmetrical only after rotating at an angle α, and the angle α is greater than 72 degrees.   The monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the marker is arranged on the object so that the angle α is at least about 90 °.   The monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the marker is arranged on the object so that the angle α is at least about 120 °.   The monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the marker is arranged on the object so that the angle α is at least about 180 °.   The monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the marker is arranged on the object such that the angle α is approximately 360 °.   The monitor system according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless communication device. In a monitoring system for measuring the kinematics of at least one object,
A lighting device;
A camera device;
A computing device;
A wireless communication device having a data transfer rate;
And a trigger system.   The monitor system according to claim 7, wherein the illumination device includes an optical filter.   The monitor system according to claim 7, wherein the illumination device includes a light source that generates light having a narrow spectrum.   The monitor system according to claim 7, wherein a data transfer rate of the wireless communication device is about 10 Mb / s or more.   The monitor system according to claim 7, wherein a data transfer rate of the wireless communication device is about 100 Mb / s or more.   The monitor system according to claim 7, wherein the wireless communication device conforms to IEEE 802.11.   The monitor system according to claim 7, wherein the camera device includes a camera filter.   The monitor system according to claim 13, wherein the camera filter is a band pass filter.   The monitor system according to claim 13, wherein the camera filter is a switchable filter.   The monitor system according to claim 7, wherein the trigger is an acoustically activated trigger.   The monitor system according to claim 7, wherein the trigger is a trigger that operates according to a position.   The monitor system according to claim 17, wherein the trigger is an optically operated trigger.   A monitor system, wherein a fluorescent marker is arranged on the object based on a pattern that is symmetrical only after rotating at an angle α, and the angle α is greater than 72 degrees. In a method for calculating the trajectory of an object based on flight characteristics measured while the object moves within a predetermined field of view,
Providing a portable launch monitor system having a first camera device directed to the predetermined field of view and coupled to a support structure to facilitate transport;
Providing a pattern of fluorescent markers disposed on the object based on a pattern that is only symmetric after rotating at an angle α greater than 72 °;
Taking at least two images of the object at two different times while the object is in the predetermined field of view;
Determining the position and orientation of the object within the predetermined field of view from the image;
Calculating the launch condition of the object from the position and orientation of the object;
Calculating the trajectory of the object from the calculated launch conditions.   21. The method of claim 20, wherein the marker is disposed on the object such that the angle [alpha] is at least approximately 90 [deg.].   21. The method of claim 20, wherein the marker is placed on the object such that the angle [alpha] is at least approximately 120 [deg.].   21. The method of claim 20, wherein the marker is placed on the object such that the angle [alpha] is at least approximately 180 [deg.].   The method according to claim 20, wherein the marker is arranged on the object such that the angle α is approximately 360 °.

Images