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  Imaging system and method including multiple, sequentially exposed image sensorsUSPTO Application #: 20070202959Title: Imaging system and method including multiple, sequentially exposed image sensors Abstract: An imaging system and method are provided that include one or more image sensors, a light source for illuminating the field(s) of view of the image sensor(s), a control system for directing operation of the light source and the image sensor(s) in order to capture image(s) of a ball and an image processor for analyzing the image(s) of the ball to determine at least one parameter associated with movement of the ball through the field(s) of view of the image sensor(s). An imaging system and method of one aspect are capable of determining a plurality of parameters associated with movement of a ball based upon single exposure images captured by a plurality of image, while an imaging system and method of another aspect include an accelerometer and are capable of automatically compensating for changes in orientation of an image sensor from a predefined orientation. (end of abstract) Agent: Alston & Bird LLP - Charlotte, NC, US Inventor: David B. Rankin USPTO Applicaton #: 20070202959 - Class: 473151000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Golf, Projectile Addressing Surface And Target, Or Distance Marker (e.g., Course, Putting Green With Cup, Driving Range, Miniature Golf Course, Etc.), Electrical Sensor Or Electrical Indicator Responsive To Swingable Implement Or Projectile The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070202959. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/761,119, filed Jan. 23, 2006 entitled Imaging System and Method Including Multiple, Sequentially mage Sensors, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to techniques for measuring the launch conditions of a golf ball or other object in motion and, more particularly, to techniques for capturing successive images of a golf ball or other object from which a variety of launch parameters can be determined. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Many golfers work consistently to improve their game. One tool that has been developed to assist golfers in analyzing their golf shots is a golf ball launch monitor. Golf ball launch monitors are used extensively to provide detailed information regarding the velocity of the ball, the launch angle of the ball, the side spin of the ball and the like. As such, golf ball launch monitors are quite useful in training sessions to evidence the manner in which swing changes affect the resulting golf shots. Similarly, launch monitors are quite useful in club fitting to provide feedback on the golf shots hit by a golfer with different clubs such that the golfer can more intelligently select the most suitable set of clubs for the game. Further details regarding launch monitors are provided by U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/360,196 filed Feb. 7, 2003, entitled "Methods Apparatus and Computer Program Products for Processing Images of Golf Balls", the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. [0004] Various types of launch monitors have been developed that rely upon different technologies to capture information regarding the launch conditions of a golf ball. One type of launch monitor captures two, successive images of a golf ball shortly after the golf ball has been struck. By comparing the images, parameters relating to the velocity of the ball, launch angle of the ball, side spin of the ball and the like can be determined as described by the '196 application. In order to capture two successive images of the golf ball in a cost effective manner, a single camera has typically been utilized. The single camera can capture two successive images of the golf ball in different manners. [0005] In a double exposure approach, the shutter of the camera is opened and the strobe lights are pulsed on two successive occasions such that two representations of the golf ball are captured in a single, double exposed image while the shutter remains open. Thus, within a single image, two different representations of the golf ball at two slightly different points in time are depicted. While this technique is quite workable and provides accurate results, the image captured by the camera can be adversely affected by the ambient lighting conditions since the shutter remains open for relatively long period of time while the strobes are pulsed on two occasions. The ambient light that is received while the shutter is open tends to decrease the resolution and the contrast of the images of the golf ball that are otherwise captured by the camera. This decreased resolution can adversely affect the accuracy with which the resulting golf ball launch parameters are determined. [0006] In order to at least partially overcome the adverse affects introduced by the ambient lighting conditions, filters can be employed. While filters reduce the deleterious effects of the ambient light, the filters increase the illumination required to be provided by the strobe lights can be utilized. However, the cost of the resulting launch monitor is increased as more powerful strobe lights are utilized. Additionally, the power consumption of the launch monitor is increased as more powerful strobe lights are employed. [0007] Another technique for capturing two successive images of a golf ball following launch with a single camera utilizes a double shutter method. In this technique, the shutter of the camera is opened and an image of the golf ball is captured. The shutter is then closed and the frame containing the image of the golf ball is moved out, such as by transferring the image from the charged coupled device (CCD) array to memory. The shutter is then reopened and a second image of the golf ball is captured. The shutter is then closed again and the image is moved from the CCD array to another location in memory. While this technique overcomes at least some of the issues associated with the double exposure technique described above by closing the shutter between those points in time at which images of the golf ball are obtained, the camera and its associated control circuitry must operate extremely quickly in order to capture the first image of the golf ball and then transfer the image to memory prior to capturing a second image of the golf ball. While cameras are available that can capture the successive images such cameras are typically quite expensive so as to adversely affect the cost of the resulting golf ball launch monitor. [0008] As such, it would be advantageous to develop an improved launch monitor for capturing successive images of an object, such as a golf ball, such that various parameters that define the path of motion of the object and its launch conditions can be accurately determined in a cost effective manner. [0009] Launch monitors are generally portable. As such, launch monitors may be used in the field, such as on a driving range, where the terrain on which the launch monitor will be set is uneven. In order to utilize the launch monitor, the launch monitor is placed adjacent the tee or other location from the golf ball will be struck and a configuration process is carried out in order to ensure that the launch monitor is prepared to capture images of the golf ball. Since a number of the parameters captured by the launch monitor are dependent upon the orientation of the launch monitor, it is desirable to orient the launch monitor in a repeatable manner. However, it is generally quite difficult to ensure that the launch monitor is disposed in the same orientation with the orientation of the launch monitor generally changing by at least a degree or two from one location to the next. In order to take into account the differences in orientation, launch monitors have provided users with the ability to input an offset from a level orientation. However, users may have difficulty in accurately determining the offset to be entered or users may simply forget to enter the offset. In instances in which the user forgets to enter the offset or enters an incorrect offset, some of the resulting parameters, such as the launch angle of the golf ball, that are determined by the launch monitor will be correspondingly inaccurate. [0010] Accordingly, it would also be desirable to provide a launch monitor that takes into account any offset in the orientation of the launch monitor without requiring user input. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011] An imaging system and method are therefore provided to address at least some of the issues of conventional imaging systems. For example, an imaging system and method of one embodiment are capable of determining a plurality of parameters associated with movement of a ball based upon single exposure images captured by a plurality of image sensors, thereby potentially reducing the power required to operate the system and improving the resolution of the images and, in turn, the accuracy with which the parameters are determined. By way of another example, an imaging system and method of another embodiment are capable of automatically compensating for changes in orientation of an image sensor from a predefined orientation such that the resulting parameters that define the movement of the ball are potentially determined in a more accurate fashion. [0012] According to one aspect, an imaging system is provided that includes a plurality of image sensors spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance and having respective fields of view. In one embodiment, the plurality of image sensors may have different respective fields of view. For example, the plurality of image sensors may have respective image planes, and the plurality of image sensors may be positioned such that reference vectors normal to the respective image planes of the plurality of image sensors are parallel to one another. [0013] In addition to the plurality of image sensors, the imaging system can also include a light source, such as an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), for illuminating at least portions of the fields of view of the plurality of image sensors and a control system configured to direct the light source to illuminate the respective fields of view of the image sensors and also configured to direct the image sensors to capture images, such as single exposure images, of a ball at different times. Further, the imaging system may include an image processor for analyzing the images of the ball in order to determine at least one parameter associated with movement of the ball through the respective fields of view of the image sensors. Advantageously, the image processor may be configured to take into account the predetermined distance by which the image sensors are spaced apart in order to determine at least one parameter associated with movement of the ball through the respective fields of view of the image sensors. If desired, the imaging system can also include a trigger mechanism for providing a trigger signal to the control system for initiating actuation of the light source. [0014] In one embodiment in which the imaging system includes first and second image sensors, the control system is configured to direct the light source to illuminate the field of view of the first image sensor and also configured to direct the first image sensor to capture an image of the ball at a first time. Additionally, the control system of this embodiment is further configured to direct the light source to illuminate the field of view of the second image sensor and also configured to direct the second image sensor to capture an image of the ball at a second time. In this regard, the second time can be separated timewise from the first time by a predefined time interval. [0015] According to another aspect, an imaging system, such as a portable, battery-powered unit, is provided that includes an image sensor having a predefined field of view, a light source for illuminating at least a portion of the field of view of the image sensor, an accelerometer for providing a signal indicative of the orientation of the image sensor, a control system configured to direct the light source to illuminate the field of view of the image sensor and also configured to direct the image sensor to capture an image of a ball while the field of view of the image sensor is illuminated, and an image processor for analyzing the image of the ball while taking into account the orientation of the image sensor that is automatically provided by the accelerometer without manual input in order to determine at least one parameter associated with movement of the ball. In one embodiment, the image processor is configured to compensate for the orientation of the image sensor based on the signal provided by the accelerometer in order to determine an angle of flight, such as a launch angle, associated with movement of the ball. [0016] According to yet another aspect, a method is provided in which a plurality of image sensors are provided that are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance and that have respective fields of view. In this regard, the plurality of image sensors that are provided may have different respective fields of view. For example, the plurality of image sensors may have respective image planes with the plurality of image sensors being positioned such that reference vectors normal to the respective image planes of the plurality of image sensors are parallel to one another. [0017] The method also illuminates at least portions of the fields of view of the plurality of image sensors, captures images, such as single exposure images, of a ball at different times with the image sensors while the respective fields of view of the image sensors are illuminated, and analyzes the images of the ball in order to determine at least one parameter associated with movement of the ball through the respective fields of view of the image sensors. In regards to the analysis of the images of the ball, the method of one embodiment may take into account the predetermined distance by which the image sensors are spaced apart from one another. If desired, a trigger signal may also be provided to initiate illumination of at least portions of the fields of view of the plurality of image sensors and capture of images of the ball at different times. [0018] In one embodiment in which the plurality of image sensors that are provided include first and second image sensors, the field of view of the first image sensor is illuminated and an image of the ball is captured by the first image sensor at a first time. Then, the field of view of the second image sensor is illuminated and an image of the ball is captured at a second time. In this regard, the second time is separated timewise from the first time by a predefined time interval. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: Continue reading... 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