Method and apparatus for monitoring objects in flight
US6592465B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63B2220/806
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention relates to a methods and apparatus for monitoring objects, such as golf balls, in flight. The methods include providing a plurality of cameras with different orientations with respect to the object's flight path. For example, two cameras can be located downstream of the object's initial position on either side of the flight path and a plurality of other cameras can be located upstream of the object's initial position on one side of the flight path. With such an arrangement, data in three-dimensions can be obtained on the object. Furthermore, the methods can include providing an object with a material for emitting light when excited. For example, a phosphorescent material can be used to provide an object with high contrast as compared to a background that the object is imaged against. With such materials, the methods can include filtering so that the cameras use only light emitted by the object to form images of the object that will be analyzed. The present invention also relates to apparatus incorporating the components used in these methods.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.