Abstract: A ball tracking system is disclosed which includes a display, sensors, a launch monitor and a processor that receives data from the sensors and from the launch monitors and outputs a rendering to the display. Specifically, the sensors are positioned to detect a plurality of observed ball flight paths, each in the plurality originating from a different ball strike at a different location. The sensors' field of view is correlated to three-dimensional space. The launch monitor is positioned to detect one of the ball strikes and to measure the launch parameters of that ball strike. The processor performs several processing steps to match the ball strike detected by the launch monitor to the ball flight paths observed by the sensors, and creates a rendering using both the predicted and the observed data.

Abstract: A ball tracking system is disclosed which includes a display, sensors, a launch monitor and a processor that receives data from the sensors and launch monitors and outputs a rendering to the display. Specifically the sensors are positioned to detect a plurality of observed ball flight paths, each in the plurality originating from a different ball strike at a different location. The sensors field of view is correlated to three-dimensional space. The launch monitor is positioned to detect one of the ball strikes, and measures the launch parameters of that ball strike. The processor performs several processing steps to match the ball strike detected by the launch monitor to the ball flight paths observed by the sensors, and creates a rendering using both the predicted and observed data.

Abstract: A golf ball launch monitor is disclosed that may be used with an alignment stick. The monitor has a default alignment and an image sensor adapted to capture an image of the alignment stick and communicate that image to a processor. The processor is configured to perform the following steps: (a) detect a horizontal edge within the image representative of the alignment stick by detecting large contrast changes; (b) convert each edge to a vector that starts at the sensor's focal point and projects into space based on the sensor's calibration; (c) locate the plane formed by the vectors by applying standard outlier removal and best fit analysis (d) determine the intersection of the plane and an earth tangential plane; and (e) calculate an azimuth alignment angle offset based on the line and the monitor's default alignment. The calculated azimuth alignment angle can then be used to adjust ball flight trajectory calculations.

Abstract: A golf ball launch monitor is disclosed that may be used with an alignment stick. The monitor has a default alignment and an image sensor adapted to capture an image of the alignment stick and communicate that image to a processor. The processor is configured to perform the following steps: (a) detect a horizontal edge within the image representative of the alignment stick by detecting large contrast changes; (b) convert each edge to a vector that starts at the sensor's focal point and projects into space based on the sensor's calibration; (c) locate the plane formed by the vectors by applying standard outlier removal and best fit analysis (d) determine the intersection of the plane and an earth tangential plane; and (e) calculate an azimuth alignment angle offset based on the line and the monitor's default alignment. The calculated azimuth alignment angle can then be used to adjust ball flight trajectory calculations.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a method for measuring the path and orientation of a golf club during a swing. Of particular interest is the orientation of the club face and its path prior to, at and just after impact with the ball. Golfers and club manufactures are interested in this information for swing improvement and club design. The key measurements are the face orientation and path relative to the ball, these are: horizontal path, vertical path, face open/close, face loft, face lie and ball impact position on the face. The disclosure additionally defines a means for accurately measuring the orientation of the club head and shaft throughout the entire swing. The technique may use an inertial navigation system attached to the head or shaft in conjunction with the camera system. An important feature of the method is the ease of use in that it provides accurate results without complex calibration procedures.

Abstract: A portable flight parameter measurement system is a standalone smart camera which 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 determined, 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.

Abstract: A compact, energy-efficient extensible illumination source combines the reliability advantages of light emitting diodes (LEDs) with the brightness of conventional lighting. High reliability of the LEDs provides trouble-free operation over a long hour lifetime. This high-output light source can be used in direct lighting applications or for backlighting for translucent materials. The illumination source includes LED printed wire board segments that may be configured to form a light line of any length. The segments are mounted on a inner mounting base which also serves as a first stage heat sink for the LEDs. The illumination source includes a linear mirror for reflecting radiant energy away from the LEDs to produce a uniform linear illumination pattern. A window provides mechanical protection for the LEDs and may be used for diffusing or filtering light from the LEDs. An integral base in contact with the inner mounting base also serves as a heat sink and provides structural support for the illumination source.

Abstract: A compact, energy-efficient extensible illumination source combines the reliability advantages of light emitting diodes (LEDs) with the brightness of conventional lighting. High reliability of the LEDs provides trouble-free operation over a long hour lifetime. This high-output light source can be used in direct lighting applications or for backlighting for translucent materials. The illumination source includes LED printed wire board segments that may be configured to form a light line of any length. The segments are mounted on a inner mounting base which also serves as a first stage heat sink for the LEDs. The illumination source includes a linear mirror for reflecting radiant energy away from the LEDs to produce a uniform linear illumination pattern. A window provides mechanical protection for the LEDs and may be used for diffusing or filtering light from the LEDs. An integral base in contact with the inner mounting base also serves as a heat sink and provides structural support for the illumination source.

Abstract: A portable flight parameter measurement system is a standalone smart camera which 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 determined, 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.

Abstract: A compact, energy-efficient extensible illumination source combines the reliability advantages of light emitting diodes (LEDs) with the brightness of conventional lighting. High reliability of the LEDs provides trouble-free operation over a long hour lifetime. This high-output light source can be used in direct lighting applications or for backlighting for translucent materials. The illumination source includes LED printed wire board segments that may be configured to form a light line of any length. The segments are mounted on a inner mounting base which also serves as a first stage heat sink for the LEDs. The illumination source includes a linear mirror for reflecting radiant energy away from the LEDs to produce a uniform linear illumination pattern. A window provides mechanical protection for the LEDs and may be used for diffusing or filtering light from the LEDs. An integral base in contact with the inner mounting base also serves as a heat sink and provides structural support for the illumination source.