Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for 3D flight tracking of objects include a method including: determining at least one three dimensional trajectory for at least one golf ball hit into a three dimensional physical space based on observations by at least one golf ball sensor placed adjacent to the three dimensional physical space; calculating systemic and stochastic errors for the at least one three dimensional trajectory in accordance with variations in golf ball launching position, variations in locations for the at least one golf ball sensor, or both; and presenting a report showing a summary of the calculated systemic and stochastic errors to indicate preferred hitting positions, a different location for the at least one golf ball sensor, or both.

Abstract: Methods and systems include, in at least one aspect: determining an optical model of an object in flight using two dimensional image data obtained from a camera, determining a radar model of the object in flight using radar data obtained from a radar device, combining the radar model with the optical model to produce three dimensional location information of the object in flight in three dimensional space, comparing the three dimensional location information of the object in flight with data representing an expected ball launch, and rejecting (or verifying) the object as an actual ball launch in response to the three dimensional location information of the object in flight differing (or not differing) from the data representing the expected ball launch by a threshold amount.

Abstract: An interactive electronic table tennis game is provided that has a table having first and second table portions that are foldable. There are first and second table portions that are structurally the same, and the second table portion has a flat top that is made of a hard material that is clear, transparent, or translucent such that light can pass through the hard material. The flat top is mounted on a frame that defines a plurality of compartments and lights or light emitting diodes that are positioned in the compartments. The frame also supports electronics. The electronics have audio pickups, converter microcontrollers, and a table tennis game computer. When a ball hits the first and second table portions light is emitted by the LEDs in that compartment. This makes the interactive electronic table tennis game fun to play and fun to watch, because everyone can see where the ball impacts.

Abstract: An integrated hole-in-one verification system with progressive reward, wherein the integrated hole-in-one verification system is associated with a golf hole. The golf hole includes a tee box and a green. The green has a hole. The integrated hole-in-one verification system includes a recording device, an activation device, a storage device and a hole-in-one reward claim device. The recording device is capable of recording at least a portion of the tee box and at least a portion of the green where the hole is located. The activation device causes the recording device to be activated. The storage device receives the recording of at least the portion of the tee box and at least the portion of the green where the hole is located. A hole-in-one reward claim device that when activated causes review of the recording of at least the portion of the tee box and at least the portion of the green where the hole is located to verify the hole-in-one.

Abstract: A motion analysis apparatus includes an impact analysis unit that specifies a hitting direction of an exercise appliance during impact and a speed of the exercise appliance during the impact by using an output signal from an inertial sensor, and a display unit that displays the hitting direction and the speed in a coordinate system in which a hitting target direction is set.

Abstract: A method for managing multi-player interactivity with an interactive application is provided, including the following method operations: determining a location of a first controller; determining a location of a second controller; determining a location of a biometric identifier of a first user; determining a location of a biometric identifier of a second user; pairing the first controller to the first user based on the location of the first controller and the location of the biometric identifier of the first user; pairing the second controller to the second user based on the location of the second controller and the location of the biometric identifier of the second user.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a high integrity golf wagering game. The system includes a driving range with hitting bays where players hit balls at targets. Individual balls are associated with a particular player and are tracked from the tee in a hitting bay to a target. If a player hits a ball into a target, a wagering game is offered that awards prizes to a player depending on the outcome of the game. The game itself may take many different forms including a slot type game. The system and method include variants for randomization of game results or results based in whole or in part on a player's skill in hitting targets.

Abstract: A system and methods for custom-fitting golf clubs and golf club components is disclosed. Data is generated by a tracking device as a plurality of golf swings are performed by an individual. The data comprises motion and orientation information associated with a golf ball and with a golf club. The data is displayed using a graphical user interface. A plurality of shot characteristics is determined from the data. The shot characteristics are used to recommend golf clubs and golf club components that adjust a golfer's swing where the golfer exhibits the plurality of shot characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing coaching, training, or equipment specification information to individual golfers based on data generated during their individual golf swings. Additionally, data hubs are described that provide information and services to individuals based on data collected for a community of multiple golfers. Such community data hub systems and methods may provide one or more of the following: (a) storage of scoring data, swing data, ball flight data, and/or equipment data for multiple golfers; (b) at least some level of individual access to the stored data for the community; and/or (c) electronic interaction between golfers within the community.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking the flight of golf balls at driving range. The system includes a plurality of hitting stations, a plurality of sensors, a computer, and a range surface. Each hitting station in the plurality of hitting stations includes a golf ball, a golf club, a monitor, and a sensor. At least one other sensor in the plurality of sensors is placed outside a hitting station. The flight path of the golf balls being calculated by the computer using parameters by the plurality of sensors. The method includes steps for determining whether a first sensor detected a first parameter and a second parameter, whether a second sensor detected a first and a second parameter, whether a third sensor detected a third parameter, and depicting the flight path of the golf balls using the first parameter, the second parameter, and the third parameter.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and methods for conducting sport-specific activities. Illustrated systems may be adjustable to permit a performance of different sport-specific activities. Further aspects relate to using sensor data to evaluate a user's performance and determine sport-specific fitness parameters. Various fitness parameters may measure reactive agility and/or the physiological state of the user, such as when in an exhausted state. Illustrated systems may have structures with an output device and a sensor. The structure may include a vertically-arranged planar surface to form a wall. Several structures may be configured to form a boundary. The boundary may be automatically adjustable, for example, depending on one or more specific fitness routines to be implemented. Calculated fitness parameters may be visually mapped on the structures of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for virtual golf simulation imaging a mini map that provides contents on the mini map for allowing a golfer to recognize the state of a golf course and a state in which a round of golf is being currently played in a virtual golf process through virtual golf simulation in a more active user-oriented form. The apparatus includes a simulation means for performing golf simulation on a virtual golf course, an image processing means for displaying a golf simulation image obtained by the simulation means and a mini map image having a downscaled image of the virtual golf course displayed in a predetermined region of the golf simulation image, and a mini map control means for controlling a plurality of mini maps showing states and information changed according to progress of the virtual golf simulation performed in the virtual golf course to be displayed step by step.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor shoppers in a retail environment are disclosed herein. In a disclosed example method, a first signal is transmitted via a first device in a first direction to a second device and a second signal is transmitted via the first device in a second direction to a third device associated with a shopper. A direction of travel of the third device is determined based on the first signal and a path of travel of the third device through a monitored establishment is determined based on the second signal.

Abstract: An electronic device can utilize one or more image capture elements on the sides or edges of the device to capture image information in a way that is more discrete than for conventional devices with a single camera on a back of the device. Further, the ability to utilize cameras on multiple sides of the device provides enhanced capability. Devices can utilize information such as the current orientation of a device to select one or more appropriate image capture elements to activate at a given time. The image information can be used to provide information about the user's surroundings, such as the names of people in a meeting, without making it obvious that the user is trying to determine that information.

Abstract: A sports simulator calculates spin of a sports object using image analysis. A velocity vector is also calculated. These are combined to produce a predicted future trajectory of the sports object. In one embodiment, the sports object is a golf ball and the sports simulator simulates golf.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a virtual golf simulation device, a system including the same and a terminal device, and a virtual golf simulation method wherein the best shot or the worst shot occurring during a virtual golf game is stored in a server such that the best shot or the worst shot can be watched afterwards or such that the best shot or the worst shot can be shared by many persons, and a user enjoying a screen golf culture records various impressions of such a culture such that the impressions can be listened to afterward or can be open to the public, that is, various contents are provided, whereby a user using a screen golf system based on virtual golf simulation can enjoy various cultures which cannot be provided by a conventional golf system and thus interest of users can be induced.

Abstract: A game-play environment includes a tee box, a range surface, and a monitor. The tee box is configured to permit a player to hit a golf ball onto the range surface. The range surface has a plurality of physical markers. The monitor depicts a virtual environment that includes a plurality of virtual components. Some of the virtual components are visual cues that correspond to the physical markers. A player is able to play the game by targeting the appropriate physical marker that corresponds to the desired visual cue.

Abstract: A camera 10 photographs a golf player swinging a golf club to hit a golf ball and the golf club. Image data is obtained by photographing. A calculating part 16 extracts a plurality of frames from the image data. The calculating part 16 determines a check frame in which the golf player is in a predetermined posture from the plurality of frames. The calculating part 16 determines a contour of the golf player from the check frame. The calculating part 16 decides a swing from the contour of the golf player. An extreme value constituting the contour is determined in deciding the swing. A feature point is determined from the extreme value. The swing is diagnosed using the feature point.

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 sports simulator calculates the rotational and translational velocity of a sports object. The rotational velocity is calculated using image analysis. The translational velocity is calculated using image analysis and a set of emitters and sensors. The simulator then computes the future trajectory of the sports object based on the rotational and translational velocity. In one embodiment, the sports object is a golf ball and the sports simulator simulates golf.

Abstract: Disclosed are a virtual golf simulation apparatus in which an image of a ball hit by a user using virtual golf simulation, who swings a golf club to hit the ball, is acquired, and the ball is found from the acquired image to calculate the moving trajectory of the ball, thereby realizing a simulation image of the trajectory of the ball, and, particularly, in which the two-dimensional trajectory of ball candidates, determined as a ball, in an image acquired by the camera is analyzed to accurately and rapidly extract the ball, thereby accurately and rapidly calculating information on physical properties of the moving ball even using a camera having a low resolution and velocity, and a sensing device and method used for the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are a virtual golf simulation apparatus and method in which a golf ball hit by a user who swings at the golf ball is sensed by a sensing device, and the trajectory of the golf ball is simulated on a virtual golf course based on the sensed result so that the user can enjoy virtual golf on the virtual golf course, thereby providing the same sense of reality that the user would feel playing a round of golf on a real golf course.

Abstract: A virtual golf simulation apparatus and method are provided. A sensing device senses hitting a ball by a user with a golf club and a ball trajectory is simulated in a virtual golf course according to sensing results, allowing the user to enjoy a virtual golf on a virtual golf course to provide the same sense of realism as when playing golf on a real golf course.

Abstract: A virtual golf simulation device and a method for the same are disclosed. The virtual golf simulation device includes a sensor for sensing flight of a ball hit by a golfer, an image processor for processing a simulated image of a virtual golf course and a simulated image of a flight trajectory of the ball sensed by the sensor, a database including a text storing part for storing text data corresponding to predetermined voice guides to determined text data among the text data stored in the text storing part to voice, and a controller for identifying a situation to trigger voice guidance to the golfer, extracting or extracting and combining the predetermined text data, and outputting the extracted or combined text data to the voice converter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a virtual golf simulation apparatus and method that is capable of applying differences between golf shots based on kinds of a landform of a real golf course when a user performs a golf rounding in the real golf course to hitting environment based on a golf mat, on which the user hits a golf ball, and to a virtual golf course through virtual golf simulation, and that is capable of simultaneously and properly reflecting the hitting environment of the user and the environment of the virtual golf course in simulation results, thereby providing the same sense of reality that the user would feel in the real golf course.

Abstract: A golf ball range target system that includes a golf target, a golf ball dispenser, at least one golf ball, a target sensor, a tracking module, and a client computer is described. The golf target has a known geographic location and includes at least one golf target area. The golf ball dispenser houses golf balls. Each golf ball is associated with a particular player. The tracking module determines a golf ball flight trajectory for the golf ball associated with the particular player. The target sensor determines whether the golf ball has landed in a target area.

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: 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 system that captures, analyzes and provides feedback related to golf is described. The system is designed to capture and analyze an initial trajectory of a golf ball and predict a subsequent flight of the ball. The system may be configured to provide immediate feedback that may be utilized by a player to improve their performance as well as provide entertainment value above and beyond what is normally associated with the play of a game of golf. The analysis and feedback system may be portable and may be operable for use in an area where golf is normally played, such as a golf course or an area where golf training takes place, such as a driving range. In one example, the analysis and feedback system may be integrated into a golf bag. Further, the system may be designed to be non-intrusive such that a player may use the system and receive feedback during normal activities associated with golf, such as out on a golf course.

Abstract: A sports simulation device creating the illusion that a sports object is interacting with real world features. A system is used which tracks the movement of a sports object and calculates the future trajectory of the object. The system then displays the calculated trajectory. The simulated movement of the sports object is projected or otherwise displayed onto a transparent or semi-transparent screen, superimposing the displayed trajectory of the sports object over a real-world background, thus creating the illusion that the displayed image is interacting with real world features. In one embodiment, the illusion is created that a struck golf ball travels towards and makes contact with a real world feature (such as a building) when in actuality a net or barrier stops the struck golf ball's flight after a relatively short distance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a virtual golf simulation device, a system including the same and a terminal device, and a virtual golf simulation method wherein the best shot or the worst shot occurring during a virtual golf game is stored in a server such that the best shot or the worst shot can be watched afterwards or such that the best shot or the worst shot can be shared by many persons, and a user enjoying a screen golf culture records various impressions of such a culture such that the impressions can be listened to afterward or can be open to the public, that is, various contents are provided, whereby a user using a screen golf system based on virtual golf simulation can enjoy various cultures which cannot be provided by a conventional golf system and thus interest of users can be induced.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatuses for simulating golf. For example, described herein is a system for simulating a golf game. The system includes a simulator with a golf ball launch area and a display and an exercise device. The exercise device and simulator are connected to a computer.

Abstract: A sports simulation system includes a projectile tracker having a display presenting a three-dimensional sports scene. The projectile tracker captures images of a projectile tracking region disposed in front of the display to detect a launched projectile traveling through the tracking region towards the display. A processing stage, in communication with the projectile tracker, is responsive to data received from camera devices to determine three-dimensional positions, velocity, acceleration and spin of a detected projectile traveling through the tracking region, which are used by the processing stage to calculate a trajectory of the launched projectile into the three-dimensional sports scene.

Abstract: A virtual golf simulation device and a method for the same are disclosed. The virtual golf simulation device includes a sensor for sensing flight of a ball hit by a golfer, an image processor for processing a simulated image of a virtual golf course and a simulated image of a flight trajectory of the ball sensed by the sensor, a database including a text storing part for storing text data corresponding to predetermined voice guides to determined text data among the text data stored in the text storing part to voice, and a controller for identifying a situation to trigger voice guidance to the golfer, extracting or extracting and combining the predetermined text data, and outputting the extracted or combined text data to the voice converter.

Abstract: It is aimed at providing a golf address deviation detecting apparatus capable of detecting as to which of inaccuracy in loft angle, inaccuracy in lie angle, and inaccuracy in face orientation, inaccuracy, if any, occurred upon address by golf club is caused by. There is provided an apparatus comprising a light reflecting section(s) and light irradiating units, so that inaccuracies in loft angle, lie angle, and face orientation are detected and distinguished from one another, based on differences among patterns of the light-beams reflected by the light reflecting section(s).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the temperature pattern of the surface of a golf ball or golf club is disclosed. The apparatus includes a thermal device capable of imparting a temperature pattern onto the surface of a golf ball. The thermal device preferably imparts the temperature pattern from a distance, preferably while the golf ball is positioned on a golf tee. After a predetermined amount of time, the golf ball may be stuck by a golf club. A thermal imaging device, which may detect a cooling pattern imparted to the golf ball by prongs of a cooling device, is preferably used to acquire images of the temperature pattern. The acquired images may then be analyzed by a processor to determine the kinematic characteristics of the golf ball.

Abstract: Collapsible golf simulators include an enclosure mounted over a base. The base has a play surface configured to support a person using the golf simulator, and the enclosure is configured to receive golf balls hit from the play surface. A container is configured to be removably mounted to the base, and at least one component of at least one of a computer system and a graphical display system is disposed within the container. In additional embodiments, collapsible golf simulators include a collapsible enclosure mounted over a base. The enclosure is configured to receive a physical golf ball hit from a play surface on the base. The collapsible enclosure includes a plurality of arcuate rib members each having ends pivotally mounted to the base. The rib members are configured to pivot relative to the base and carry a sheet of pliable material. Methods of using such apparatuses are also disclosed.

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 game operable by data processing apparatus by one or more players comprising a video golf game having various scoring features emulating a corresponding feature of a golf game played on an actual golf course; a rank-assigning element for responsively assigning a virtual military ranking for each of the one or more players for each scoring feature of the video golf game as playing of the video golf game progresses; and an interface element interconnecting the rank-assigning element in communication with the video golf game. The virtual military ranking of each of the one or more players playing the video golf game is promoted or demoted based on his golfing scores as playing of the video golf game progresses.

Abstract: This application relates to a single camera monitoring system useful for determining parameters relating to a striking instrument as it approaches an object. The monitoring system may be used to determine the swing characteristics of a golf club as it approaches and impacts with a golf ball. The accuracy of the single camera system may be comparable to the accuracy of more complex, multi-camera systems. The application also relates to methods for calibrating a single camera system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring dynamic information of a golf ball for a screen golf, and more particularly to, such a system for measuring dynamic information of a golf ball, which accurately measures the angle and speed of a golf ball and a golf club from four different optical beam planes positioned in front of a golf ball hitting platform in a screen golf facility installed mainly in an indoor driving range so as to implement an expected carry distance and falling point of the golf ball in the form of a three-dimensional image based on the measurements of the angle and speed of the golf ball.

Abstract: A system for playing in a simulated indoor golf tournament comprises a web enabled physical golf simulator configured to transmit indoor golf performance data over a computer network during an indoor golf tournament. Tournaments can be conducted between players in different locations so that the participants in a given tournament need not be in the same city or country in order to compete. Players need not be available at the same time in order to compete against each other. In addition, the tournaments can be conducted live, with all participants competing at the same time, to simulate the pace of an outdoor golf tournament.

Abstract: In a golf practice course structure including a golf round simulation unit equipped with a simulation system including a player's tee area, a golf ball sensor, a controller and a display, and a putting green unit configured for the player to be able to perform putting as if on a real golf course, the golf round simulation unit includes an opening part at a front side thereof to which a hit golf ball advances so that the player can check flight of the golf ball by naked eye after hitting the golf ball. The display is installed at a predetermined position other than the front side, for the player to conveniently check, and the putting green unit includes flat parts and hill parts properly combined 3-dimensionally, a plurality of cups, and a locating coordinate for checking of respective positions of the flat parts, the hill parts and the cups.

Abstract: An object locating system detects the presence of an object as it passes through a planar fields of view. A pair of optical sensor arrays with multiple, directed, pixel detectors observe the object from two angles as the object passes through the field of view. The location of penetration of the field of view is calculated by triangulation. Using this data, the known location of the take-off point and/or the delay between the departure of an object from the known take-off point and the penetration of the field of view, the trajectory of the object in time and space is calculated. In an alternate embodiment, the take-off point is not known and a plurality of pairs of optical sensor arrays may measure the trajectory of an object as it travels between a launch location and a target location.

Abstract: Provided is an analysis system of golf ball and club head data using lasers and 4-axis light sensing. The analysis system includes a horizontal sensor array, a vertical sensor array, a control unit, and a display unit. The horizontal sensor array is installed on a floor and includes a plurality of light sensors arranged in straight lines a predetermined distance apart from each other. The horizontal sensor array receives light from a light source installed thereabove so as to detect the silhouette of a golf ball or a club head according to movements of the golf ball or club head. The vertical sensor array is installed to protrude from a floor at a perpendicularly offset angle, in order to receive a laser beam from a laser installed to a rear thereof and detect the silhouette of the golf ball when the golf ball passes through the laser beam.

Abstract: Imaging circuitry integrated into a golf club head, such as a putter, obtains an image from as the golf club head strikes a golf ball as well as successive images after the golf ball is struck, such n<5. The images can be analyzed by integral computational software provided in the imaging device operable to (i) analyze whether the ball was struck in the middle of the golf club head, (ii) whether the golf club head was square to the target and (iii) based on comparison of n successive images, calculate the immediate path of the golf ball.

Abstract: It is aimed at providing a golf address deviation detecting apparatus capable of detecting as to which of inaccuracy in loft angle, inaccuracy in lie angle, and inaccuracy in face orientation, inaccuracy, if any, occurred upon address by golf club is caused by. There is provided an apparatus comprising a light reflecting section(s) and light irradiating units, so that inaccuracies in loft angle, lie angle, and face orientation are detected and distinguished from one another, based on differences among patterns of the light-beams reflected by the light reflecting section(s).

Abstract: A one dimensional (1D) line imaging system that operates at a scanning (clock) rate of between 10-40 MHz is used to monitor the characteristics of a golf swing. A line image is analyzed in real time by an associate computer imaging system removing the need for a trigger to operate. Optics of the imaging system are designed to relate ball image size to distance so that the number of 1 D pixels imaging the ball, in particular sensing a white object, have a relation to distance to the ball. Ball image size is related to distance by monitoring the rate of increase (rate of change) of the pixels imaging the ball with time so that the speed of the club head can be determined. The speed of a golf ball that has been struck is determined by monitoring the rate of decrease (rate of change) of the pixels imaging the ball.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to obstacles for used in yard games, a set of obstacles, and a method of playing games using the obstacles. Example obstacles include a ramp, a helical loop, a banked curve, and an inclined pipe. Although preferably these obstacles are used in croquet, some or all of them can be used in other yard games, such as yard bowling (bocce), rolling hoops, etc., or variations thereof.