초록 ▼

The launch angle of an object in flight after being launched from a initial position, such as a golf ball struck by a golf club, is determined by measuring the velocity of the object using a sensor, such as a Doppler Radar transceiver, positioned, for example, at a known distance forward of the init

The launch angle of an object in flight after being launched from a initial position, such as a golf ball struck by a golf club, is determined by measuring the velocity of the object using a sensor, such as a Doppler Radar transceiver, positioned, for example, at a known distance forward of the initial position along an expected straight aim line. The launch angle is calculated using a mathematical model, describing the relationship between the measured velocity as a function of elapsed time since launch and the geometrical relation between the sensor and the initial position. The aim angle of the object may be determined by performing independent launch angle calculations corresponding with velocity measurements from a plurality of sensors positioned, for example, in a line at a known distance forward of the initial position. The aim angle is obtainable from the ratio of the calculated launch angles.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for determining at least one approximate launch parameter of an object in flight after being launched from an initial position comprising the steps of: positioning a plurality of sensors for measuring a velocity of the object while in flight, wherein each sensor is positioned along a

1. A method for determining at least one approximate launch parameter of an object in flight after being launched from an initial position comprising the steps of: positioning a plurality of sensors for measuring a velocity of the object while in flight, wherein each sensor is positioned along a line substantially perpendicular to a projection onto the ground of a straight flight path expected when the object is launched on a direct bearing towards a desired target location, wherein the line is at a known distance forward of the initial position measured along the projection of the expected straight flight path, and wherein the sensors are positioned along the line at locations corresponding to selected aim angles; measuring the velocity of the object while in flight using each of the sensors; performing independent launch angle calculations corresponding with each sensor using a mathematical model; and using the results of the independent launch angle calculations to obtain at least one approximate launch parameter of the object, wherein an approximate aim angle is obtainable by direct calculation from ratios of the results of the independent launch angle calculations. 2. A method for determining at least one approximate launch parameter of an object in flight after being launched from an initial position comprising the steps of: positioning a plurality of sensors for measuring a velocity of the object while in flight, wherein each sensor is positioned along a line substantially perpendicular to a projection onto the ground of a straight flight path expected when the object is launched on a direct bearing towards a desired target location, wherein the line is at a known distance forward of the initial position measured along the projection of the expected straight flight path, and wherein the sensors are positioned along the line at locations corresponding to selected aim angles; measuring the velocity of the object while in flight using each of the sensors; performing independent launch angle calculations corresponding with each sensor using a mathematical model; and using the results of the independent launch angle calculations to obtain at least one approximate launch parameter of the object, wherein an approximate launch angle is obtainable by examining the results of the independent launch angle calculations to determine which of the launch angle calculations resulted in the smallest calculated launch angle and selecting the smallest calculated launch angle as the launch angle of the object. 3. A method for determining a launch angle of a golf ball in flight after being launched from an initial position by striking it with a golf club, said method comprising the steps of: operating a sensor positioned in a known geometrical relation with the initial position to obtain a measured velocity of the ball while in flight at an elapsed time after the ball is launched; obtaining an actual velocity of the ball after being launched from the initial position; and calculating the launch angle of the ball in accordance with a mathematical model comprised of the following equations: a=d2 (1) b=-2dc[1-{vm(t)/vo}2] (2)