Abstract: We generally describe a detection system and a method for tracking a moving object. The detection system (101) comprises a sensor (102) which is configured to sense an event. The system further comprises a trigger detection module (108a) which is coupled to the sensor (102), wherein the trigger detection module (108a) is configured to identify the sensed event to be a trigger event. The system further comprises an imaging device (114) for imaging the trajectory of an object, and an imaging device control unit (112) for controlling the imaging device (114). The imaging device control unit (112) is coupled to the trigger detection module (180a), wherein the imaging device control unit (112) is configured to control the imaging device (114) in response to a trigger event being identified by the trigger detection module (108a).

Abstract: An annular multimedia stadium goalpost and multipurpose target display system. The system includes a rear support-and-multimedia assembly for supporting the net and producing audible and visual effects. The system also includes a at least one annular frame and a primary projector. The rear support-and-multimedia assembly includes a support assembly and a multimedia bar system. The support assembly maintains the annular frame and the multimedia bar system in an orientation that facilitates playing sports and projecting information. The multimedia bar system includes a plurality of lights, a plurality of first speakers, a plurality of sponsor display panels, a retractably screen assembly, and a retractably underground projector in order to audible and visually convey content regarding the sports game and advertisements to the audience. The system also includes an annular display, and a multitude of rangefinder laser-detector video cameras to track, record, and present gameplay live.

Abstract: A portable sports practice net includes a frame with a base to which removable vertical poles having top side bar supports, such as T-units or L-units, are joined holds a net to create an opening, such as a goal opening. The top side bar supports have a unique shape and extend horizontally from the top of the vertical poles in a manner that reduces the weight placed on the net fabric hung between the vertical poles and creates a goal pocket depth with need for additional vertical posts. Or, the tops of the vertical posts are joined to T-units or L-units, with each T-unit or L-unit having a horizontal bar slidably engaged thereto to create the goal opening depth. Each vertical post creates a pivot point at its bottom end, such that each vertical post is urged apart from the other post to create tension or leverage between the opposite top side bar supports or T-units or L-units, thus creating a net opening with a more realistic goal shape and reducing sag at the top edge.

Abstract: A protective screen system having a protective screen made up of a protective screen frame and a primary net, and including a protective screen safety apparatus coupled to the protective screen. The protective screen safety apparatus includes one or more spacing connectors adapted to couple a structure such as a protective screen frame, and support and suspend a safety net in front of and spaced from the protective screen frame to minimize bounce back of a ball from the protective screen frame. Methods of protecting a batter with the protective screen safety apparatus are provided. Retrofitting and adjustable protective screen safety apparatus are described, including embodiments adapted to minimize damage to chain-link fences, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A sports training device includes a target having a mounting arm and an attachment. The mounting arm includes a set of front holes and a set of back holes. The hole sets are separated by at least a quarter of the circumference of an in situ support. The attachment includes a strap, hook, and tab. The first and the second ends of a strap are threaded through the front hole set thus forming a loop and then threaded through the back hole set. The strap ends are threaded through the holes on the tab. A hook is positioned on the loop. The tab includes a hole for the hook and two pair of tab holes for the strap. The first end is threaded through the first pair of tab holes while the second end is threaded through the second pair of tab holes.

Abstract: A sports training device includes a target having a mounting arm and an attachment. The mounting arm includes a set of front holes and a set of back holes. The hole sets are separated by at least a quarter of the circumference of an in situ support. The attachment includes a strap, hook, and tab. The first and the second ends of a strap are threaded through the front hole set thus forming a loop and then threaded through the back hole set. The strap ends are threaded through the holes on the tab. A hook is positioned on the loop. The tab includes a hole for the hook and two pair of tab holes for the strap. The first end is threaded through the first pair of tab holes while the second end is threaded through the second pair of tab holes.

Abstract: A device includes circuitry configured to receive, from a position sensor, a geospatial position of the device. The circuitry is configured to receive, from a memory, image data corresponding to one or more golf courses, wherein the image data is received when the circuitry determines that the geospatial position of the device corresponds to a current golf course, of the at least one golf courses. The circuitry is configured to control a display such that the image data corresponding to the current golf course is output on the display. The circuitry is configured to receive a simulated shot input representing a simulated golf stroke taken at the geospatial location of the device. The circuitry is configured to calculate a simulated shot trajectory based on the simulated shot input. The circuitry is configured to control the display to output a result of the simulated golf stroke.

Abstract: A sensor unit is installed to a target object and detects a given physical amount. A data acquisition unit acquires output data of the sensor unit in a period including a first period for which a real value of a value of m time integrals of the physical amount is known and a second period that is a target for motion analysis. An error time function estimating unit performs m time integrals of the output data of the sensor unit and estimates a time function of an error of a value of the physical amount detected by the sensor unit with respect to the real value of the value of the physical amount detected by the sensor unit based on a difference between a value of m time integrals of the output data and the real value for the first period.

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: A sensor unit is installed to a target object and detects a given physical amount. A data acquisition unit acquires output data of the sensor unit in a period including a first period for which a real value of a value of m time integrals of the physical amount is known and a second period that is a target for motion analysis. An error time function estimating unit performs m time integrals of the output data of the sensor unit and estimates a time function of an error of a value of the physical amount detected by the sensor unit with respect to the real value of the value of the physical amount detected by the sensor unit based on a difference between a value of m time integrals of the output data and the real value for the first period.

Abstract: Golf club telemetry equipment sends signals to a receiver in a golf round data system. The signals uniquely identify the particular club a player has selected for a stroke and the fact that a stroke has been taken. The club identification can occur either before or during a stroke. Automatic detection of clubs and strokes simplifies round data collection for the player. Club identification before a stroke permits a forecast of the result of the stroke to be presented to then player prior to the stroke. The signals can be either acoustic or electromagnetic.

Abstract: A camera system that measures golf club and golf ball kinematics is disclosed. Preferably, a plurality of retroreflective markers are placed on a golf club and a plurality of fluorescent markers are placed on a golf ball. Using two separate strobe lamps, images of a golf club and golf ball are acquired. The output of each of the strobe lamps is preferably filtered to pass predetermined colors of light. The input to each of the cameras is also preferably filtered. Based on the filtered light outputs generated by each light source and the filtered camera inputs, at least two images of the golf club and the golf ball in motion may be acquired. The acquired images may be used to analyze the kinematics of the golf ball and golf club.

Abstract: Golf club telemetry equipment sends signals to a receiver in a golf round data system. The signals uniquely identify the particular club a player has selected for a stroke and the fact that a stroke has been taken. The club identification can occur either before or during a stroke. Automatic detection of clubs and strokes simplifies round data collection for the player. Club identification before a stroke permits a forecast of the result of the stroke to be presented to the player prior to the stroke. The signals can be either acoustic or electromagnetic.

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: 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 performance measuring device for a golf club that measures a motion state of a golf ball hit by the golf club and displays a measurement result, includes a camera part that takes a picture of the hit golf ball, a sensor part that detects a passage of the golf club hitting the golf ball and sends a trigger signal of deciding a photographing timing of the golf ball to the camera part, a control box having storage unit that stores an image of the golf ball photographed by the camera part and a USB interface that sends the image, and a mobile type computer having an arithmetical operation unit that analyzes the image, and a liquid crystal monitor that displays an analytic result. The mobile type computer includes a central processing unit having a clock frequency of 500 MHz or more, and a basic software achieving multitask and multiwindow.

Abstract: A golf swing practice target panel or impact device is provided. The impact device may be or may include a panel made of a type of material such that there will be a temporary mark where a standard or non-standard golf ball impacted the panel. An aiming reference point may be provided on a lower portion of the panel. In addition, lines may be printed on the panel to depict launch or elevation angles and off-center deviation angles. A golfer can examine how accurate the strike was after the swing. Also, the panel material may possess proper friction that enables the spinning direction of a golf ball to be determined when a golf ball bounces off from the panel. Judging from where the ball landed relative to the temporary ball mark on the panel, the golfer is able to know how the ball was spinning after striking.

Abstract: A portable golf practice game consisting of a wall having a front face, rear face, and base. The wall includes a plurality of openings along the base for the entry of an object there-through. Each opening includes an opening sensor to detect the presence of an object there-through. The wall further includes proximity sensors along the base to detect the presence of an object not passing though an opening. The sensors emit a signal which is detected by a processor connected to the wall. Each opening has a corresponding graphic element which displays a value interpreted by the processor. A user chooses a game on the input device, then propels an object toward the wall, a sensor emits a signal, the processor interprets the signal and the graphic element displays an assigned value.

Abstract: A method for performing projectile-based sport simulations. A striking apparatus is used to strike a projectile with striking means, the striking apparatus being configurable to alter its strike properties. The strike results from the strike are measured and are entered into a data base along with the corresponding strike properties. The process is repeated for a variety of strike properties. A sports practice device is then provided having a simulation projectile mounted to a flexible tether and sensor means. The striking apparatus is then used to strike the simulation projectile of the sports practice device using the same strike properties as entered into the database. A user strikes the simulation projectile of the sports practice device and sensor readings are measured. The strike results for the user's strike are calculated by correlating the sensor readings with the information entered into the database.

Abstract: The ball detection apparatus is for detecting when a golf ball is hit off a golf tee of an automatic golf ball teeing machine. The detection apparatus comprises a radar device for producing a first signal in response to detecting movement of a golf club towards the tee, a directional microphone for producing a second signal in response to detecting the sound of a golf club striking a golf ball and monitoring means for detecting a coincidence between the first and second signals. An automatic golf ball teeing machine including such ball detection apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a golf training kit for playing on a small course. The kit comprises a ball mound comprising a seat having a tee, a rope having one end attached to the seat, and a foot member at the other end of the rope; and a target assembly comprising a base assembly of a predetermined height and including a plurality of peripheral openings, a support on a top of the base assembly, and a bell hung under the support. In playing, a person stands on the foot member prior to hitting a ball. The bell rings when struck by the ball driven through the opening. Additionally, there are provided a hollow pole comprising a base segment releasably secured onto the support, and at least one connecting segment releasably connected to the base segment, and a flag attached to the topmost connecting segment.

Abstract: A golf mat similar to the type used at a driving range, including a hole for inserting a golf tee, with the addition of a pressure sensor (transducer) embedded in one corner of the mat, sandwiched between a top artificial grass and a bottom rubber backing of the mat, for use in activating an alarm when the golf club head strikes the area just behind the ball, above the pressure sensor, before striking the ball. When the golf club strikes the area above the sensor, an electrical signal is sent to the input of a timer circuit, which then provides a signal of a few seconds in time to the input of a visible alarm. Lines are included on the top surface of the mat to mark off the boundaries directly above the pressure sensor so a golfer will not step in this area and set off a false alarm. In use, when the golfer makes a good swing with the club head striking the ball solidly, without hitting the ground first, then the alarm will not flash a light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-recording golf ball having an inner core defined by an outer cover, said golf ball further comprising a microprocessor, a power source, a receive and transmit device, and a piezo sensor electrically connected to one another and housed within said inner core of said golf ball; wherein the microprocessor further is programmed to record data corresponding to strokes received by the ball and to transmit the data, via the receive and transmit device, to a second microprocessor.

Abstract: A ball target assembly into which a rolling ball is directed and the associated method of playing a game using the ball target assembly. The ball target assembly has a base section wherein at least one ramp extends from the base section. A cup is disposed in the top surface of the base section. The ramp provides a surface upon which a rolling ball approaching the base section can roll to reach the cup. A flag indicator is provided that is selectively positionable between a down position and a raised position. The position of the flag indicator is controlled by an activation mechanism. The activation mechanism moves the flag indicator from its down position to its raised position when a ball is received in the cup. As such, when a ball rolls into the cup, the flag indicator automatically is raised.

Abstract: A system for measuring the distance traveled by bodies in flight during sports events, the bodies executing trajectories having a common predetermined take-off area, and a variable landing point within a landing surface. The system includes a fixed image acquisition device positioned at a predetermined distance from the take-off area for acquiring the image of the landing surface, a recorder for recording the landing surface image at least from the moment of initiation of the flight to completion of the flight, an identifying device for identifying a landing point of the body within the landing surface, and a calculating device for calculating the distance of the landing point from the take-off area.

Abstract: A golf cup bell is provided including a bell and a bracket coupled to the bell for supporting the bell interior a golf cup such that a golf ball entering the golf cup strikes the bell causing the bell to move relative to the bracket producing an audible ring for indicating the golf ball's entry into the golf cup. The golf cup bell is designed to be mountable in a standard golf cup. In one embodiment the bell defines a central opening for receiving a flag stick therethrough. Also disclosed is a golf cup including a cylindrical housing and a golf cup bell as described above.

Abstract: A golf practice device has a body that includes at least one battery, a display generator that presents a visual or audio display when energized by the battery, and a sensor switch that closes an electrical circuit that connects the battery to the display generator when the device is struck by a golf ball. In one embodiment, the bottom of the body is attached to a pin which is inserted into a golf green. In another embodiment, the bottom of the body is made of a material having many small hooks on it so that the body will grasp onto a fabric, such as a carpet. When a golf ball strikes the golf practice device it presents a visual or audio display to the golfer.

Abstract: A target device includes a rear sheet member and a front sheet member each having one or more conductor members aligned with each other, and an intermediate member disposed between the sheet members for separating the conductor members from each other. The intermediate member is compressible or deformable, or includes one or more openings having an area large enough for allowing the conductor members to be contacted with each other when the sheet members are deformed and hit by balls. The target device may be supported in any place or position with a frame.

Abstract: A target device includes a rear sheet member and a front sheet member each having one or more conductor members aligned with each other, and an intermediate member disposed between the sheet members for separating the conductor members from each other. The intermediate member is compressible or deformable, or includes one or more openings having an area large enough for allowing the conductor members to be contacted with each other when the sheet members are deformed and hit by balls. The target device may be supported in any place or position with a frame.

Abstract: A water golf game comprising at least one floating portable green surrounded by at least one floating circle is disclosed. The floating green has a circle that sits on top of the green or is molded into the green. Both the floating circle and the circle on the green have lights so the game may be played at night.

Abstract: An ordinary golf ball is cleaned and then heated with an emulsion depositing in the dimples a hologram having the capacity to reflect a pre-selected wavelength of laser-beam. If a player temporarily losses such ball, a hand-held unit directs an infra-red laser beam of said pre-selected wavelength, desirably one not absorbed by atmospheric moisture, such as 1310 nm. Said hand-held unit contains an analyzer evaluating the light reflected back to such analyzer and attributable to such laser bean of said pre-selected wave-length. By evaluating the intensity of such reflected light, the golfer can target the location of the temporarily lost ball. Upon approaching the lost ball the angle at which the unit would be held would be modified for focusing on the lost ball. Earphones, meters, or other diagnostic equipment can monitor the intensity of the light reflected back from such laser beam.

Abstract: A game providing method dispenses a golf ball that has an ID number recorded. A plurality of players hits the golf ball in turn from respective bays toward a fixed target position. A number of the golf balls hit from each of the bays is counted by counting means until an ID number recognizing device disposed at the target position recognizes a golf ball having an ID number corresponding to each of the bays. The number of the golf balls counted in each of the bays is displayed by display means.

Abstract: A ball motion measuring apparatus (10) has a CCD camera (11) having a multi-shutter (11b) which can open and close successively; strobes (13-1-13-4); a swinging speed measuring sensor (14); and a controlling/computing device (16) connected to the CCD camera (11), the strobes (13-1-13-4), and the swinging speed measuring sensor (14). The swinging speed measuring sensor (14) outputs a trigger signal for opening/closing the shutter to the CCD camera (11) when the swinging speed measuring sensor (14) detects passage of a golf club. Upon receipt of the trigger signal, the multi-shutter (11b) opens and closes successively. Synchronously with the opening/closing of the multi-shutter (11b), the strobes (13-1-13-4) emit flashlight sequentially. In this manner, a plurality of images of a golf ball (31) driven by the golf club are photographed in a one-image frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a speed of a projectile uses control logic and a single acoustic sensor connected to the control logic. The control logic includes a pulsing clock. The control logic starts the clock upon receiving a first signal from the acoustic sensor and stops the clock upon receiving a second signal from the acoustic sensor. The control logic converts pulses of the clock into a numeric value indicative of speed based upon a preprogrammed distance measurement setting. The numeric value can then be converted into miles per hour and displayed to the user.

Abstract: The test range is provided with a calibration system for calibrating the exact position of a light curtain formed by a ballistic screen. The calibration system uses a model ball which can be moved through a light screen at high speed in order to simulate the actual passage of a driven golf ball through the light screen. Positioning of the model golf ball at a point at which the golf ball just contacts the light screen serves to determine the exact location of the light screen. A laser ranging device is used to locate the calibration system relative to a launch point. Thus, the precise distance of the curtain of light from the launch point can be readily determined. The calibration system may also be used to determine if a ballistic screen is mounted in a true vertical plane.

Abstract: A golf ball putting aid includes a bell member, a pin member for driving into the ground, and a resilient member for resiliently connecting to the bell member and the pin member, whereby when the golfer hits the golf ball toward the golf ball putting aid, the golfer can listen for the bell ring without having to lift his head. The golf putting aid helps a golfer break himself of the bad habit of lifting his head during a putting stroke. This helps to improve his and her putting proficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the flying velocity of a spherical object, including ray projecting devices for emitting a plurality of parallel rays of light, ray receiving devices for detecting the incidences of said rays of light on them and the interceptions of said rays of light, an instrumentation device for measuring the time for which said rays of light are blocked off by a spherical object in flight, upon detecting signals given by said ray receiving devices, and an arithmetic operation device, such as a computer. The parallel rays of light emitted by using the ray projecting devices are arranged within a plane, and their respective positions are known quantities. The distance between every two rays of light is set such as to be less than the radius of the spherical object.