Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for detecting the placement of a golf ball for a launch monitor is disclosed. The method comprises capturing an image of a scan zone that is adjacent to the launch monitor and in the field of view of the launch monitor's image sensor, analyzing the scan zone image for the placement of an object, and determining if the object is likely the golf ball. An apparatus is also disclosed that implements the golf ball detection method.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for detecting the placement of a golf ball for a launch monitor is disclosed. The method comprises capturing an image of a scan zone that is adjacent to the launch monitor and in the field of view of the launch monitor's image sensor, analyzing the scan zone image for the placement of an object, and determining if the object is likely the golf ball. An apparatus is also disclosed that implements the golf ball detection method.

Abstract: A novel golf ball launch monitor with a foldable design is disclosed. This launch monitor has a bottom housing that is connect to a top housing through a hinge. The top housing contains an image sensor for capturing an image of a golf ball. The top housing may also include a tilt gauge to measure the tilt of the top housing relative to the earth tangential or other reference plane. The monitor may also have a processor to process the images captured by the sensor, and may also include an illumination lamp to illuminate the golf ball and the surrounding environment. A display and/or a speaker may be added to the monitor as a means of outputting the results from the processor to a user of the monitor.

Abstract: A novel integrated golf ball launch monitor for measuring flight path parameters for a golf ball is disclosed. This integrated launch monitor includes a housing that includes a sensor, a user output device, and a processor. The processor performs the steps of monitoring a trigger zone, determining that the golf ball has launched from the trigger zone, capturing position information for the golf ball with the sensor, calculating the flight parameters using the position information, and outputting the flight parameters on the user output device. A display and/or a speaker may be added to the monitor as a means of outputting the flight parameters from the processor to a user of the monitor. The integrated launch monitor may be sized and constructed to be portable and may also include a battery (which may be rechargeable).

Abstract: An illumination system for a web inspection process is provided. The illumination system cooperates with a camera system to detect defects in the web material, with the camera having a line of light sensors. The illumination system has a single light source and a lens that arranges the light into a set of light beams. Each beam is projected to an associated small portion of the web, so that together, the light beams illuminate an inspection line on the web. After the beams have been projected onto the web, light from each individual web portion is received by one sensor in the camera. Depending on the camera and light configuration, the light may be either refracted through or reflected from the web. If a defect is present in one small portion, then some of the light beam associated with that portion will follow a different path than when no defect is present, and will not be received at the sensor.

Abstract: A novel golf ball launch monitor with a foldable design is disclosed. This launch monitor has a bottom housing that is connect to a top housing through a hinge. The top housing contains an image sensor for capturing an image of a golf ball. The top housing may also include a tilt gauge to measure the tilt of the top housing relative to the earth tangential or other reference plane. The monitor may also have a processor to process the images captured by the sensor, and may also include an illumination lamp to illuminate the golf ball and the surrounding environment. A display and/or a speaker may be added to the monitor as a means of outputting the results from the processor to a user of the monitor.

Abstract: A novel integrated golf ball launch monitor for measuring flight path parameters for a golf ball is disclosed. This integrated launch monitor includes a housing that includes a sensor, a user output device, and a processor. The processor performs the steps of monitoring a trigger zone, determining that the golf ball has launched from the trigger zone, capturing position information for the golf ball with the sensor, calculating the flight parameters using the position information, and outputting the flight parameters on the user output device. A display and/or a speaker may be added to the monitor as a means of outputting the flight parameters from the processor to a user of the monitor. The integrated launch monitor may be sized and constructed to be portable and may also include a battery (which may be rechargeable).

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for detecting the placement of a golf ball for a launch monitor is disclosed. The method comprises capturing an image of a scan zone that is adjacent to the launch monitor and in the field of view of the launch monitor's image sensor, analyzing the scan zone image for the placement of an object, and determining if the object is likely the golf ball. An apparatus is also disclosed that implements the golf ball detection method.

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.

Abstract: A sports simulator has a housing and two arrays of IR receivers and emitters positioned in the housing. A launch area is established near one end of the housing, and a user can launch an object such as a golf ball located in the launch area and drive the ball into the housing through the planes defined by the arrays of emitters and against a screen positioned at one end of the housing. A computer is connected to the IR receivers, which detect the passage of the object through the respective plane. Based upon the signals from the receivers the computer, using triangulation techniques, determines the horizontal and vertical position, as well as the velocity, of the object. The computer can also determine the spin of the golf ball, and cause an image of the golf ball, as it would have appeared travelling away from the golfer had it not encountered the screen, to be displayed on the screen.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring wind speed and direction includes: a wind vane which has a permanent magnet, an anemometer which has a permanent magnet and a ferromagnetic member, and a stationary housing which has a radially mounted reed switch and an axially mounted reed switch. As the anemometer spins in the wind, the magnet in the anemometer closes the radially mounted reed switch, once per revolution. This produces a signal having a frequency proportional to wind speed. The magnet in the wind vane rotates around the stationary housing to a point determined by the direction of the wind. This magnet produces enough flux to keep the axially mounted reed switch closed. The ferromagnetic member is mounted in the anemometer so that it is interposed between the magnet in the wind vane and the axially mounted reed switch once per revolution. This draws flux away from the axially mounted reed switch, allowing it to open.