Abstract: A system for detecting, capturing, analyzing and displaying data for a game using a moving ball and players, whereby the system defines, stores and displays various characteristics of the ball in real time.

Abstract: A system for detecting a ball or strike in baseball.

Abstract: A ball tracking and scoring system and also enables a game implementation system using this system.

Abstract: A method for determining golf shot characteristics includes detecting, in imaging data captured by an imager, a signature of a golf shot launched from a first launch area, a field of view of the imager including one of the first launch area and an area adjacent to the first launch area, and determining, from the imaging data, first golf shot characteristics, the first shot characteristics including a first launch location and a first launch time in combination with determining whether the first launch location and the first launch time correspond to a second launch location and a second launch time for second golf shot characteristics determined from sensor data captured by a further sensor arrangement and when no correspondence is found between the first and second launch locations and the first and second launch times, transmitting the first shot characteristics to a display at the first launch location.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed that includes capturing data about motion of a sports object caused by one or more athletes manipulating the sports object, transmitting the captured data out of the sports object wirelessly in real time while the one or more athletes are still manipulating the sports object, and presenting information that incorporates the captured data about motion of the sports objects with one or more wearable devices.

Abstract: Principal and secondary regions (106 and 108) of an information-presentation structure extend to an exposed surface (102) respectively at principal and secondary surface zones (112 and 114) variously impacted by a spherical object (104) that rebounds from the surface. The principal region normally appears along the principal zone as a principal color. An impact-dependent portion (138) of the principal region responds to the object impacting the principal zone at an object-contact area (116) by temporarily appearing along a print area (118) of the principal zone as changed color materially different from the principal color. The print area closely matches the object-contact area in size, shape, and location. The secondary region fixedly appears along the secondary zone as a secondary color. Restitution matching is provided across the two zones so that the rebound characteristics of the object are largely independent of whether it contacts the principal or secondary zone.

Abstract: A golf practice mat includes an impact sensor disposed in a vicinity bounding the location of where a golf ball would be placed for striking. The golf practice mat may also include, for example, a “crosshair” target imprint that is disposed on a golf club impact sensor portion of the practice surface and indicates the point/line of contact that the club face should hit the ground after the ball has been struck with the club head in a descending blow. A microcontroller receives and analyzes the output of the impact sensor and generates a display/output message that is coupled to a display that is, for example, embodied on the golf practice mat to provide user shot-related feedback. The display may indicate, for example, the user's golf club, the estimated distance the ball will travel depending upon the impact data analyzed, the club chosen by the user, input backswing data and/or a three-dimensional simulation of the resulting golf stroke.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing storage at indoor golf driving ranges. In various embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods permit golfers to store their baggage in close proximity to the golfers while the golfers practice their swing.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a specific sound detecting section which detects a specific sound generated during motion of a specific motion conducted by a target object included in an image group including a plurality of images which continues in a time-series manner; a synthetic image generating section which generates a synthetic image representing transitions of the specific motion; a determination range setting section which sets, as a determination range, a range in the time axis for determination on the generation of the synthetic image on the basis of a user manipulation; and a control section which controls the synthetic image generating section to generate the synthetic image in a case where the specific sound is detected in the set determination range, and not to generate the synthetic image in a case where the specific sound is not detected in the set determination range.

Abstract: An integrated golf club and analysis system that measures and analyze the performance characteristics of both: 1) a free golf swing without impact with a golf ball and 2) a golf swing with ball impact analysis. Free swing analysis provides critical information needed to analyze swing style so that dynamics swing characteristics optimization can be evaluated throughout the entire swing without ball impact, while impact analysis provides critical information on ball impact location on the club face, however, they cannot be measured simultaneously since ball impact eliminates the ability to identify the swing metric peaks such as velocity if it were to occur after ball impact. To achieve both, an integrated electronics golf club head comprises multiple types of sensors for measuring club head motion, impact and spatial location information with a weight and balance of a regulation golf club head.

Abstract: A golf simulator allows a player to launch a golf ball towards a display surface that shows the future trajectory of the golf ball. In one embodiment, the display surface allows the golf ball to pass through it. In one embodiment, the simulator collects the golf ball after it passes through the display surface and returns it to the player.

Abstract: A method for conducting and scoring a golf video game, comprising determining the number of strokes it takes a team to complete a golf hole, wherein the team comprises of a plurality of players collectively playing one ball, allowing at least one player to take a strategic position further down the golf course ahead of where the ball is being played, and basing a score on the number of strokes the team collectively takes to complete the golf hole.

Abstract: An advertising and golf training device is provided with a ball impact detector, image display, a database of advertising images, controller for selecting an image from the database for display and displaying the image upon display in response to signal from the ball impact detector, and confirmation system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing storage at indoor golf driving ranges. In various embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods permit golfers to store their baggage in close proximity to the golfers while the golfers practice their swing.

Abstract: Golf balls and a system for finding golf balls and methods for making golf balls and methods for using such balls. In the case of one exemplary golf ball, the ball includes a shell and a core material which is encased in the shell and a tag which is disposed within the core material and which has at least one perforation. The tag includes a diode and an antenna which are coupled together. Another exemplary golf ball includes a shell and a core material which is encased within the shell and a tag which is within the core material and which includes an electrical element which is coupled to an antenna; the tag is detectable over a range of at least 20 feet from a handheld device, and the golf ball has high durability and substantially complies with the golf ball specifications of the United States Golf Association.

Abstract: A golf simulator allows a player to launch a golf ball towards a display surface that shows the future trajectory of the golf ball. In one embodiment, the display surface allows the golf ball to pass through it. In one embodiment, the simulator collects the golf ball after it passes through the display surface and returns it to the player.

Abstract: A golf club head swing timing device that uses radar to measure the duration of a golf swing. Club head speed measurement is also provided. The details of the disclosed embodiments include the ability of detecting the start and end of a golf swing, and to do so from information from the radar signal. Preferably, RF Doppler radar is used. Various modes of use and display are provided.

Abstract: An electronic sensor module for us in an interactive system, such as an interactive sports training device, for accurately detecting a projectile brought within close proximity of a target. The sensor module includes a plurality of light sources arranged in a housing such that the light sources are visible through a surface of the housing when activated. A plurality of sensors are also arranged in the housing for detecting the presence of a projectile. In one aspect, the sensors are arranged in a polar array about a center of housing with spaces between adjacent sensors, and with a light source positioned in each space between adjacent sensors.

Abstract: A golf practice target in the form of a target green is provided with different colored lights which are lit up by ball landing on the target green.

Abstract: The present invention provides new golf courses and new methods of playing golf. The golf course has a golf ball hitting area used for a plurality of golf holes. A plurality of target greens are spaced at various distances from the golf ball hitting area. A target chipping area is provided adjacent the golf ball hitting area. A putting green is also adjacent the golf ball hitting area. A variety of simulated hazards, such as water hazards and sand traps, may be provided on the golf course. The golf course may be portable. The golf course is played by selecting a target green and shooting for the selected target green. The distance the golf ball traveled is subtracted from the distance to the target green and the remaining distance is used to select the next target green to complete the golf hole.

Abstract: An interactive golf driving range and practice facility including an apparatus and method for detecting the down range impact of golf balls, for processing information derived from the impact data, for providing the golfer with statistical information, and for providing the golfer with feedback relating to accuracy and distance and for displaying useful information while presenting the golfer with a variety of skill challenging, instructional and competitive options. The present invention further provides for selective video recording and playback of the golfer's swing for instructional use and for improving swing mechanics.

Abstract: The correlation method and apparatus matches the impact location of an object at or near a predetermined target with one of many shots at the target. For example, the correlation method and apparatus can match the golf ball driven from a tee box with an impact location within the target area. The correlation method and apparatus can therefore identify which one of a number of golf balls landing within the target area was hit from a specific tee box at a golf practice range having numerous tee boxes using the same target area. The correlation apparatus includes a first sensor for determining a golf ball striking time at which the golf ball is driven from the tee box toward the target area. The correlation apparatus also includes a second sensor for determining the respective impact locations and times of a plurality of golf balls within the target area.

Abstract: A golf driving range system for golfers to practice their driving skills is provided. The driving range system includes a plurality of tee boxes. Each tee box has a renewable ball stock and an automatic golf ball tee-up machine. The balls in the ball stock of each tee box have identifying characteristics for relating the balls to the particular tee box. The system has a yard and ball return gutters. The yard has sloped surfaces to cause any golf balls landing on the yard to roll toward the ball return gutters. At least one target is positioned in the yard. The target has a winning ball identification apparatus for sensing the identifying characteristics of a ball hitting the target and relaying this information to a scoring device. The ball return gutters deliver balls landing in the yard to a ball distribution apparatus, which has a return ball identification apparatus for sensing the identifying characteristics of a ball and distributing the ball back to the renewable ball stocks of the tee boxes.