초록 ▼

The invention monitors the driving range and tracks golf balls from users at the driving range and informs those users of characteristics such as driving distance. A solid state camera images the range, and preferably one or more tee-off positions, and collects frames of image data to track a ball's

The invention monitors the driving range and tracks golf balls from users at the driving range and informs those users of characteristics such as driving distance. A solid state camera images the range, and preferably one or more tee-off positions, and collects frames of image data to track a ball's motion through space. Simulation routines augment that track and assist in isolating the start location as well as where the ball lands, or would have landed had it not been obstructed (e.g., by a net). Preferably, the invention also determines the ball's position in 3-D to increase the accuracy. In one technique, two or more solid state cameras are used, and synchronized, to specify stereoscopic imaging. In another technique, the ball's energy or physical extent is used to determine an absolute distance between the camera and the ball. A computer at the club house monitors the entire system and further manages a network including an array of displays at the several tee off positions. The computer thus sends information such as distance to the several users via the network.

대표청구항 ▼

[ In view of the foregoing, what is claimed as new and secured by the Letters Patent is:] [1.]1. A method for tracking a ball within a playing field, comprising:imaging at least a portion of the playing field onto a solid-state detector focal plane array with a plurality of detectors, the focal plan

[ In view of the foregoing, what is claimed as new and secured by the Letters Patent is:] [1.]1. A method for tracking a ball within a playing field, comprising:imaging at least a portion of the playing field onto a solid-state detector focal plane array with a plurality of detectors, the focal plane being constructed within a solid state camera;sequentially capturing, from the array, frames of data corresponding to an image of the playing field;detecting frame-to-frame movement of ball images through one or more detectors;determining distances between the camera and the ball; andtracking ball motion to determine characteristics of ball travel.