Electrical Patents (Class 473/199)
  • Patent number: 11946997
    Abstract: A system for tracking an object includes a first tracking device aimed so that a first field of view of the first tracking device covers at least a portion of a target volume into which an object is to be launched from a launch location and a processor receiving data from the tracking device and identifying from the data the velocity of the object over time, the processor identifying, based on changes in the velocity of the object over time, a first portion of a path of the object during which the object was in one of a bouncing state and a sliding state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: TRACKMAN A/S
    Inventors: Fredrik Tuxen, Jesper Brasch
  • Patent number: 11940525
    Abstract: An example method to determine an object spin rate may include receiving a radar signal of a particular object in motion. The method may further include converting the radar signal into an input vector. The method may also include providing the input vector as input to a neural network. The neural network may include access to a set of initial data that has been generated based on multiple initial radar signals of multiple initial objects in motion. The method may further include determining a spin rate of the particular object in motion based on an analysis performed by the neural network of the input vector including time and frequency information of the particular object in motion in view of the set of initial data. The analysis may include comparing one or more elements of the input vector to one or more elements of the set of initial data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: RAPSODO PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Batuhan Okur, Roshan Gopalakrishnan, Saurabh Garg, Lodiya Radhakrishnan Vijayanand
  • Patent number: 11715214
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining a trajectory of a axisymmetric object in 3-D physical space using a digital camera which records 2-D image data are described. In particular, based upon i) a characteristic length of the axisymmetric object, ii) a physical position of the camera determined from sensors associated with the camera (e.g., accelerometers) and iii) captured 2-D digital images from the camera including a time at which each image is generated relative to one another, a position, a velocity vector and an acceleration vector can be determined in three dimensional physical space for axisymmetric object objects as a function of time. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus can be applied to determine the trajectories of objects in games which utilize axisymmetric object objects, such as basketball, baseball, bowling, golf, soccer, rugby or football.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Pillar Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Marty, John Carter
  • Patent number: 11682157
    Abstract: Techniques for a motion-based online interactive platform are described. The platform allows a teacher to visualize motions performed by a student in a perspective and how close the motions are in view of an authoritative instructor (model). Depending on implementation, the platform may be implemented as an application, a Teacher App or a student App. Each may be executed in a computer or control computer associated with an instructor or teacher or computing devices associated with students. Each of the computing devices is coupled to or includes a camera, where the camera is used by a student to show his presence or poses he performs. Data streams from the computing devices are received in the control computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Inventors: Wade I. Lagrone, Edwin Angkasa, Bullit Sesariza, Indra Madyasiwi, Ali Alhabsyi, Cecylia Wati, Joseph Chamdani
  • Patent number: 11513208
    Abstract: A method for estimating a spin of a projectile, the method comprising obtaining from a radar transceiver a first time series comprising observations of a radial velocity of the projectile relative to the radar transceiver, calculating, from the first time series, a center velocity of the projectile, extracting from the first time series a second time series comprising a variation in the first time series around the calculated center velocity estimating a frequency of the second time series, and determining the spin of the projectile WO based on the estimated frequency of the second time series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Topgolf Sweden AB
    Inventor: Jonny Eriksson
  • Patent number: 11452919
    Abstract: A golf ball with embedded electronics to allow proximity to be tracked and to monitor golfer performance is disclosed. The golf ball comprises a processor connected to an accelerometer, communications circuitry, a spin detector, and memory, wherein the processor stores accelerometer data from the accelerometer and rotation data regarding rotation of the spin detector in the memory. The processor converts the data regarding the rotation of the spin detector into a rotation speed and a rotation direction, said rotation speed determined by a frequency of the data, and said rotation direction determined by a magnitude of the data. The communications circuitry is configured to communicate the accelerometer data, the rotation direction, and the rotation speed to a central interrogator for analysis of a golfer's performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Graff Golf LLC
    Inventors: Michael Eberle, Patrick Kelly, Aaron Shapiro
  • Patent number: 11344784
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising an integrated circuit is disclosed herein. The integrated circuit comprises a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and a BLUETOOTH low energy (BTLE) radio, and at least one battery. A body is composed of an epoxy material, and the body encompasses the integrated circuit. A wound core layer is disposed over the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Andrew Dykhuis, Mario Raposo
  • Patent number: 11344785
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising an electrical component is disclosed herein. The electrical component comprises an integrated circuit having a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and a BLUETOOTH low energy (BTLE) radio, and at least one battery. A body is composed of an epoxy material, and the body encompasses the electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Mario Raposo, David Bartels, Petra Petrich, Grady Crahan, Nick Lannes
  • Patent number: 11266895
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for measuring speed of a tennis ball, which includes: a housing, a power supply, a main control device, a sensor device, a transmission device, a clamping device and a limiting device. The clamping device is clamped at the serve opening of a tennis ball machine, which can detect the serve speed of a tennis ball accurately with simple operation. The transmission device is engaged with the second sensor device, and the housing is slidably connected with the second sensor device. The emitting ends of the second sensor device and the first sensor device are positioned in the same vertical plane. The limiting device is connected with the second sensor device to limit excessive operation of the transmission device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Wuyi University
    Inventors: Tianlei Wang, Na Xiao, Yijia Deng, Junjie Xu, Zijian Li, Jingling Zhang, Yikui Zhai, Jiangyuan Chen, Chaojian Xie, Yiren Long
  • Patent number: 11161014
    Abstract: A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene with an embedded IC is disclosed herein. The golf ball preferably has a single core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an inner core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Vincent Simonds, David Bartels, Vijay Chavan
  • Patent number: 11143754
    Abstract: A method of determining spin parameters of a sports ball, such as spin axis and rotation velocity of a golf ball. The spin axis is determined solely from the trajectory of the flying ball, and the rotational velocity is determined from a frequency analysis of a signal provided by a radar, which signal comprises spectrum traces positioned equidistantly in frequency, which frequency distance relates to the spin velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Trackman A/S
    Inventor: Fredrik Tuxen
  • Patent number: 11125559
    Abstract: A ball rotation amount measurement system which includes a magnetic sensor fixed to a ball to measure geomagnetism in at least one axis direction, and a computation unit configured to compute the rotation amount of the ball using data of a large number of the geomagnetism time-sequentially acquired by the magnetic sensor. The computation unit includes a difference data calculation unit configured to calculate a difference between two of the time-sequential geomagnetic data to thereby time-sequentially obtain a large number of difference data, a difference waveform calculation unit configured to determine a difference waveform that represents a time variation waveform of a large number of the difference data, and a rotation amount calculation unit configured to calculate the rotation amount of the ball, based on information of zero cross points at which the difference waveform crosses a straight line indicating zero-difference within a predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: AICHI STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michiharu Yamamoto, Kazuo Urakawa, Masaki Mori
  • Patent number: 11086008
    Abstract: A golf ball tracking system, which includes a distributed sensor and processor system adapted to simultaneously track the trajectories of multiple golf balls hit by one or more golfers. The system is adapted to keep track of the location of the golfers to enable the allocation of shots to the correct golfer. The system is operated at a golf driving range, where multiple players can hit balls from anywhere within a designated area and/or fixed hitting bay locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Alphawave Golf (Pty) Ltd
    Inventors: Leendert Johannes Du Toit, Sarel Jacobus Marais
  • Patent number: 10957439
    Abstract: The present invention provides group performance monitoring systems and methods. In one exemplary embodiment, a group monitoring device includes a display configured to display, during an athletic activity, a plurality of individual performance metrics relating to a plurality of individuals engaged in the athletic activity, each individual performance metric relating to one of the plurality of individuals; and an input to manipulate the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Meg Susan Burich, Qaizar Hassonjee, Roger Armitage, Markus Strecker, Hagen Diesterbeck
  • Patent number: 10957162
    Abstract: A secondary service provides a second, or collateral, service in connection with a client application associated with a first service. The secondary service receives user input from the client application and forwards the user input to at least one second server for the collateral service. The collateral service may be a lottery gaming system that generates or receives lottery entries as users perform certain actions. Other non-limiting examples of a collateral service that may receive user input via the secondary service include a data mining system, an advertising system and a loyalty and bonus system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: Sam Johnson
  • Patent number: 10918929
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising an electrical component is disclosed herein. The electrical component comprises an integrated circuit having a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and a BLUETOOTH low energy (BTLE) radio, and at least one battery. A body is composed of an epoxy material, and the body encompasses the electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Mario Raposo, David Bartels, Petra Petrich, Grady Crahan, Nick Lannes
  • Patent number: 10821330
    Abstract: A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene with an embedded IC is disclosed herein. The golf ball preferably has a single core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an inner core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Vincent Simonds, David Bartels, Vijay Chavan
  • Patent number: 10755466
    Abstract: Techniques for showing comparisons between motions performed by a user and a chosen instructor are described. According to one aspect of the technique, an avatar is rendered in a computing device from attributes derived from the motions. A representation of similar motions performed by a chosen instructor is retrieved from a database. A display of the avatar next to the representation is then provided to show possible differences in poses or motions by the user and the instructor. The differences may be highlighted. The display is adjusted in a perspective view to help the user see clearly where to start or improve his moves in view of what the instructor is doing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph I. Chamdani, Wade Lagrone, Pietro Garofalo, Gabriele Ligorio, Michele Raggi, Josh Sole
  • Patent number: 10695646
    Abstract: Systems and methods for grounds monitoring may include recreational grounds monitoring robots that move about a recreational ground measuring soil moisture at various selectable locations, performing security monitoring and/or identifying and tracking objects on the recreational ground, such as players, golf carts and golf balls. The recreational grounds monitoring robots may also monitor the recreational ground while at charging or docking stations along the boundaries or edges of the recreational ground. Data collected from such monitoring may be used to reduce water usage and enhance games played on the recreational ground by providing the player with the ability to easily locate, and thus track, the location and movement of the ball, while also to facilitating providing game statistics, leaderboard information, other game variations, interactive games and augmented games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: DISH Network L.L.C.
    Inventor: Neil Marten
  • Patent number: 10688366
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising an electrical component is disclosed herein. The electrical component comprises an integrated circuit having a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and a BLUETOOTH low energy (BTLE) radio, and at least one battery. A body is composed of an epoxy material, and the body encompasses the electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Petra Petrich, David Bartels, Mario Raposo, Grady Crahan, Nick Lannes
  • Patent number: 10679362
    Abstract: A first plurality of images obtained via an image capture device is obtained. A first set of pixels in a first image of the first plurality of images identify is identified based on specified criteria. A first set of coordinates associated with the first set of pixels is determined. A second set of coordinates is generated based on the first set of coordinates. A second set of pixels in a second image of the first plurality of images is identified, based on the specified criteria and a proximity to the second set of coordinates. A first trajectory between the first set of pixels and the second set of pixels is generated. The first trajectory is determined to correspond to a second trajectory associated with a second plurality of images obtained via a second image capture device, and the first trajectory and the second trajectory are outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Vulcan Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Allan McKennoch
  • Patent number: 10672173
    Abstract: Techniques for storing attributes of motion and sharing the motion are described. The motion of a first user is captured and analyzed, where the attributes of motion are stored on a server or cloud. The attributes of motion are represented in a 3D anatomical coordinate system to ensure a reliable representation of an anatomy behind the motion. When accessed by a second user, an avatar is animated per the stored attributes of motion while capturing similar motion made by the second user. A stream of showing the differences in the motion by the second user and the avatar is provided to a device associated with the second user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Turingsense Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph I. Chamdani, Pietro Garofalo, Cecylia Wati, Jasmin Nakic, Taufik Arifin, Limin He
  • Patent number: 10661142
    Abstract: A movement analysis device includes a sensor information acquisition unit and a swing identification processing unit. The sensor information acquisition unit acquires sensor information that is movement information from a sensor unit which is attached to a target person and which senses the movement of the target person. The swing identification processing unit individually identifies the time of the start of the movement and the time of the completion thereof with reference to a predetermined threshold value in a predetermined timing of the sensor information that is the movement information acquired from the sensor information acquisition unit. The swing identification processing unit identifies a movement within the range of the operation based on the time of the start of the movement and the time of the completion that are identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignees: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD., NARA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Shogo Hashimoto, Ryo Okumura, Yutaka Arakawa, Hirohiko Suwa, Yuta Takahashi, Chishu Amenomori
  • Patent number: 10509953
    Abstract: A carry measuring device includes a first acquiring section configured to acquire a sensor signal from a motion sensor attached to at least one of an exercise instrument and a user, a second acquiring section configured to acquire position information, a shot detecting section configured to detect a shot on the basis of the sensor signal, a position measuring section configured to measure a shot position on the basis of the position information at the time when the shot is detected, and a carry measuring section configured to measure a carry of a hit ball on the basis of the distance between the shot position of the last time and the shot position of this time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoichi Natori, Shoichi Nakajo, Hisao Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10493329
    Abstract: A golf ball tracking system and method is described. The golf ball tracking system includes a golf ball and a stationary time of flight receiver. The golf ball includes a memory, a logic component, an antenna and a battery. The memory stores a unique identifier associated with the golf ball. The logic component is electrically coupled to the memory. The antenna is electrically coupled to the logic component. The battery is electrically coupled to the logic component, antenna and memory. The battery powers the transmission of the unique identifier using the antenna at one or more frequencies. The stationary time of flight (ToF) receiver configured to receive the unique identifier transmitted by the golf ball. The unique identifier communicated to the ToF receiver at a frequency that tracks the location of the golf ball along a ball path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: EDGE TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., William K. Bertram, Warren R. White
  • Patent number: 10441863
    Abstract: A system for illustrating the flight of a sports ball includes a radar, an imager, and a controller. The imager is configured to image a moving sports ball. The controller is configured to (i) receive, from the imager, an image including the moving sports ball, (ii) receive, from the radar, radar data associated with the moving sports ball, (iii) determine, from the radar data, a portion of a trajectory of the moving sports ball, (iv) alter the image to illustrate the portion of the trajectory relative to the moving sports ball, and (v) output the altered image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: TRACKMAN A/S
    Inventors: Fredrik Tuxen, Frederik Ettrup Brink
  • Patent number: 10393870
    Abstract: A method of determining spin parameters of a sports ball, such as spin axis and rotation velocity of a golf ball. The spin axis is determined solely from the trajectory of the flying ball, and the rotational velocity is determined from a frequency analysis of a signal provided by a radar, which signal comprises spectrum traces positioned equidistantly in frequency, which frequency distance relates to the spin velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Trackman A/S
    Inventor: Fredrik Tuxen
  • Patent number: 10315093
    Abstract: A system for illustrating the flight of a sports ball includes a radar, an imager, and a controller. The imager is configured to image a moving sports ball. The controller is configured to (i) receive, from the imager, an image including the moving sports ball, (ii) receive, from the radar, radar data associated with the moving sports ball, (iii) determine, from the radar data, a portion of a trajectory of the moving sports ball, (iv) alter the image to illustrate the portion of the trajectory relative to the moving sports ball, and (v) output the altered image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: TRACKMAN A/S
    Inventors: Fredrik Tuxen, Frederik Ettrup Brink
  • Patent number: 10304230
    Abstract: Techniques for capturing and analyzing motion made by a person performing activities are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, sensing devices are attached to different parts of a body. As a person makes moves, the sensor modules, each including at least one inertial sensor, produce sensing data that are locally received in one designated sensing device that is in communication with an external device either remotely or locally. The combined sensing data received from the these sensing devices are processed and analyzed to derive the motions made the person. Depending on applications, various attributes of the motion can be derived from the combined sensing data, where the attributes can be incorporated into an application running on a mobile device for 3D graphics rendering into a human avatar animation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Turingsense Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph I. Chamdani, Pietro Garofalo, Cecylia Wati, Jasmin Nakic, Taufik Arifin, Limin He
  • Patent number: 10157488
    Abstract: Techniques for capturing and analyzing motion made by a person performing activities are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, sensing devices are attached to different parts of a body. As a person makes moves, the sensor modules, each including at least one inertial sensor, produce sensing data that are locally received in one designated sensing device that is in communication with an external device either remotely or locally. Relying on the resources on the external device, the combined sensing data received from the these sensing devices are processed and analyzed to derive the motions made the person. Depending on applications, various attributes of the motion can be derived from the combined sensing data, where the attributes can be incorporated into an application running on a mobile device for 3D graphics rendering into a human avatar animation and motion chart analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Turingsense Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph I. Chamdani, Pietro Garofalo, Cecylia Wati, Jasmin Nakic, Taufik Arifin, Limin He
  • Patent number: 9842418
    Abstract: Implementations generally relate to generating multiple user media compositions (e.g., photo compositions) in connection with a social network system. In one implementation, a method includes detecting a plurality of devices based on one or more location criteria. The method also includes synchronizing an actuation of the plurality of devices. The method also includes receiving photos from the plurality of devices. The method also includes generating one or more compositions from the photos.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Crosby, Matthew Steiner
  • Patent number: 9744403
    Abstract: An activity tracking racquet attachment device tracks activity such as calories burned over a period of using a racquet to which the device is attached. The device includes a housing having a first face and a perimeter sidewall extending from and around the first face. A processor is coupled to the housing. A motion detector is coupled to the housing such that the motion detector detects movement of the housing. The motion detector is communicatively coupled to the processor wherein the processor receives motion data from the motion detector. A coupler is coupled to and extends from a second face of the housing coupling the housing to an end of a handle of a racquet such that the first face of the housing faces outwardly from the end of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventors: Jorge H. Rangel, Gerardo Marvez
  • Patent number: 9678204
    Abstract: A speed measuring device has an antenna with directionality that transmits a transmission wave toward the moving body based on a transmission signal supplied from a Doppler sensor, and receives a reflected wave reflected by the moving body to generate and supply to the Doppler sensor a reception signal. An imaginary line extending along a direction in which a gain of the antenna is maximized is defined as an imaginary axis that indicates an orientation direction of the antenna. An antenna supporting unit is provided on a housing and supports the antenna so an inclination of the imaginary axis can be altered. A display is provided on an upper surface of the housing with a flat display surface of a rectangular shape facing upward and displays various display contents including the movement speed of the moving body on the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Saegusa, Tsuyoshi Kitazaki
  • Patent number: 9613241
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying persons near a mobile device includes a wireless signaling system including an incoming wireless signal receiver, a device motion sensing system including at least a first sensor and a controller configured to determine whether the device is being moved in accordance with a predetermined gesture and to responsively enter a personnel data collection mode. In the personnel data collection mode, the device may transmit a query and receives an identification signal from at least one other device and identifies a user of the device based on the received identification signal. The predetermined gesture is a spinning gesture in an embodiment. In an embodiment, a thermal sensor is used to identify or enumerate personnel. The identification signal may be one of a Bluetooth ID and a WiFi ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Craig J Detter, Roger W Ady, Rachid M Alameh, Balaji Thiagarajan
  • Patent number: 9597591
    Abstract: This invention provides a game apparatus for a virtual or simulation game that allows a game player to readily recognize that a game tool is improperly operated. Image display means 55 displays on a screen of a television set 5 no character, which plays on the screen in place of the game player. Motion determination means 53 determines, based on the motion signal, whether or not a predetermined proper motion has been made by the player with the game tool 9 in a three dimensional space. The image display means 55 indicates on the screen that the proper motion has been made when the motion determination means 53 determines that the proper motion has been made with the game tool 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Okamoto, Hachitaro Sato
  • Patent number: 9514379
    Abstract: Disclosed are a sensing device and method used for a virtual golf simulation apparatus in which an image acquired by an inexpensive camera having a relatively low resolution and velocity is analyzed to relatively accurately extract information on physical properties, such as velocity, direction and altitude angle, of a moving ball, and, particularly, in which the moving trajectory of a golf club is relatively accurately calculated from the acquired image to relatively accurately estimate spin of the ball and to reflect the estimated spin of the ball in golf simulation, thereby constituting a virtual golf simulation apparatus having high accuracy and reliability at low costs and further improving reality of virtual golf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GOLFZON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Jin Park, Hyung Sik Yoon, Hyun Dam Jeong, Hyung Wook Jang
  • Patent number: 9440134
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: FULL-SWING GOLF, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Antonio Nicora
  • Patent number: 9409074
    Abstract: A solution is provided for recommending sports video content samples to users of a recommendation service with enhanced user experience. The recommendation service generates voting scores for sports video content samples according to a voting method, and selects from among the sports content samples according to the voting scores for the sports video content samples. The voting method is based on in part on motion data for a user's sports motion and the motion data is captured by a motion data device. The sports video content samples, e.g., golf videos, can be classified into multiple classes, e.g., golf swing power related videos, and each class is related to a different aspect of the sports motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Zepp Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Han, Jie Xu
  • Patent number: 9367654
    Abstract: A method for back-end-of-line variation modeling is provided. A bounding box is defined within a design layout. A back-end-of-line variation parameter is determined for the bounding box. The back-end-of-line variation parameter is applied as a constraint for simulation of the design layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Chi-Wen Chang, Hui Yu Lee, Jui-Feng Kuan, Yi-Kan Cheng, Chin-Hua Wen, Wen-Shen Chou
  • Patent number: 9280717
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a computing device. One or more images of a scene captured by an image capturing device of the computing device is processed. The scene includes an object of interest that is in motion and that has a rounded shape. The one or more images are processed by detecting a rounded object that corresponds to the object of interest. Position information is determined based on a relative position of the rounded object in the one or more images. One or more processes are implemented that utilize the position information determined from the relative position of the rounded object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Sphero, Inc.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Polo
  • Patent number: 9242158
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: GOLFZON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang Heon Woo, Hyung Wook Jang, Heung Ryul Zo
  • Patent number: 9192836
    Abstract: A system and method for fitting golf clubs is disclosed. The system and method implement a unique swing weight scale for promoting improved fitting, and thus, improved performance of the golf clubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Pro-Fit Performance Club Fitting, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Greg Johannesen, James B. White
  • Patent number: 9180350
    Abstract: The monitoring system employs a sensor to detect the replacement or removal and replacement of the flagstick in a golf hole liner. The sensor may be incorporated into the flagstick, the hole liner or any combination of the two. A central receiver remote from the sensors receives the two signals from respective sensor and has a timing device for recording the time of arrival of each signal from each sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION
    Inventors: Matthew M. Pringle, Ross T. Galarneault
  • Patent number: 9162130
    Abstract: A swing analyzing device includes at least an angular velocity sensor, a data acquiring unit, and a motion detecting unit. The angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities generated about a plurality of axes by a swing. The data acquiring unit acquires detection data of the angular velocity sensor. The motion detecting unit detects at least one of motions of the swing. Particularly, the motion detecting unit includes an angular velocity calculating unit which calculates the sum of the magnitudes of the angular velocities generated about the plurality of respective axes using the acquired detection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Shibuya
  • Patent number: 9113510
    Abstract: A light adjusting system for use with sport simulation equipment and a method of adjusting a state of operation of at least one light source used with golf simulation equipment is provided. The light adjusting system comprises a data interface, a light controller, an operations processor, and a storage device. The data interface is in communication with the sport simulation equipment. The light controller is in communication with at least one light source. The operations processor is in communication with the data interface and the light controller. The storage device is in data communication with the operations processor. The storage device includes at least one lighting profile. In response to communication between the sport simulation equipment and the data interface, the operations processor accesses the at least one lighting profile on the storage device and adjusts a state of operation of the at least one light source using the light controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: I/P Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore J. Stechschulte
  • Publication number: 20150105172
    Abstract: A golf ball sensing apparatus for use with a portable electronic device including a data acquisition device and a processing unit, and in association with a golf club and a cup. The apparatus includes a golf ball, at least one sensor carried by the ball and a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The sensor senses at least one attribute of the ball. The medium directs a processing unit to identify the initiation of a first stroke of the ball towards the cup, obtain a first final location after the first stroke, obtain the at least one attribute of the first stroke, store a set of associated data regarding the first stroke, obtain a second initial location of the ball prior to a subsequent second stroke, and output portions of the stored set of data in response to the second initial location being within a predetermined zone of the first initial location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Robert T. Thurman, Michael Vrska, Frank M. Simonutti
  • Publication number: 20150105173
    Abstract: An apparatus including a golf ball comprising an internal sensor, and an internal wireless communicator. The internal wireless communicator adapted to communicate parameters sensed by the sensor to external electronics, wherein the external electronics are configured to determine if the golf ball went into a cup based upon the parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Robert T. Thurman, Michael Vrska, Frank M. Simonutti
  • Patent number: 8992347
    Abstract: A system for golf data collection comprises an apparatus arranged to be worn about the body of a golfer during a game of golf. The apparatus includes a positioning system for determining various locations of a golfer during the game, a tag reader for reading a club held in close proximity to the apparatus around the time of striking a golf ball, and a processor for correlating the location of the golfer with the time at which a tag is read to enable the path of a golf ball throughout the game of golf to be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Active Mind Technology R&D Limited
    Inventors: Padraic Moran, John McGuire, William Hunt
  • Publication number: 20150057095
    Abstract: A golf aid for displaying one or more golf-related statistics to a user includes a golf ball tracking system for tracking a flight of a golf ball, a heads up display, and a processor in communication with the golf ball tracking system and the heads up display. The heads up display is configured to be worn on the user's head and display an image within the user's field of view. The processor is configured to compute one or more shot statistics from the tracked flight of the golf ball and display the one or more computed shot statistics within the field of view of the user via the heads up display. The one or more shot statistics include at least one of an initial ball speed, a spin rate, a carry, and a remaining distance to the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Leech
  • Patent number: 8959981
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes a first Doppler sensor which outputs a first transmission signal and receives a first Doppler signal, that is the first transmission signal returned after being reflected by an impacting object, a timing detection unit that detects an impact timing which is a moment when an impacted object is impacted by the impacting object, an impacting object speed computing unit that computes a speed of the impacting object based on the first Doppler signals obtained from the detected impact timing to a timing before a predetermined period, and an imaging unit that images the impacted object immediately after the impact so as to be used for computing a motion state of the impacted object, based on the computed speed of the impacting object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd., Flovel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Arakawa, Tetsuya Nakamura, Takanori Shibui, Tatsuya Ishikawa, Masataka Kai, Naoyuki Miyagawa