Abstract: A golf ball alignment device includes a golf ball having an exterior surface. Indicia is disposed on the exterior surface of the golf ball. The indicia include first and second line segments extending along a portion of the golf ball at a spaced interval. The spaced interval is narrower at a first end of each line segment than at a second end of each line segment such that the line segments converge from the second end of the line segments to the first end of the line segments. The indicia provide an alignment reference on the golf ball for a user to align the line segments with at least one of an intended direction of travel of the golf ball and a club head used to strike the ball in the intended direction of travel.

Abstract: A golf ball alignment device includes a golf ball having an exterior surface. Indicia is disposed on the exterior surface of the golf ball. The indicia include first and second line segments extending along a portion of the golf ball at a spaced interval. The spaced interval is narrower at a first end of each line segment than at a second end of each line segment such that the line segments converge from the second end of the line segments to the first end of the line segments. The indicia provide an alignment reference on the golf ball for a user to align the line segments with at least one of an intended direction of travel of the golf ball and a club head used to strike the ball in the intended direction of travel.

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: A system determining a spin axis of a ball includes a radar transmitting a signal into a target area. The radar includes a minimum of three receivers arranged so that two pairs of receivers are not co-linear. The system also includes a Processing Unit (“PU”) receiving data from the radar and determining a radar range of frequencies received at a point in time corresponding to differing velocities relative to the radar of different portions of the ball as the ball is spinning. PU divides the radar frequency range into a plurality of frequency components and calculating, for each of the frequency components, an angular position associated therewith. PU identifies as a projection of the spin axis in a plane perpendicular to a line of sight from the radar to the ball, a line perpendicular to a line represented by the determined angular positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the accuracy of aiming in connection with putting a ball on a green of a golf course. A main part of the aiming aid is placed behind the ball so that the center of the ball is situated in a real or imaginary center of a recess, which can be half-circular. An alignment mark on the aiming aid is directed toward an intended target, such as the hole, and aligned with a marking, such as a text line, drawn line, or other marking, on the ball aligned with or at an angle to a perpendicular end edge of the aiming aid or a marked perpendicular line on the aiming aid. The aiming aid is removed before putting with the straight face of a club parallel to the marking on the ball.

Abstract: A system (20) for establishing wireless communication between at least one medical device (2) having a predefined unique identification (ID) and at least one communication unit (4, 6, 8) includes a communication unit (4, 6, 8) provided with a primary two-way wireless data communication interface (52) including systems for wirelessly performing primary two-way data communication, including receiving and transmitting information (10, 14). The system (20) includes systems for securing that the primary two-way wireless data communication can be carried out if and only if the communication unit (4, 6, 8) positively and in advance has identified the predefined unique identification (ID) of the medical device (2). The system (20) includes secondary one-way wireless communication systems (24, 24?, 28, 30) configured for carrying out identification of the predefined unique identification (ID) of the medical device (2) through secondary wireless communication.

Abstract: An image capturing system introduces or controls an aliasing/stroboscopic effect in a cyclically moving object. The system has a camera to capture a series of images to form a video of the cyclically moving object. A sensor detects the cycling frequency of the cyclically moving object and generates a frequency reading with a control module communicably coupled to the sensor. Retro-reflective indicia are provided on the cyclically moving object. A light emitter is aligned with the camera and is operable to emit pulses of light at a controllable emission frequency, such that pulses of light which reach the retro-reflective indicia are reflected backwards towards the camera, wherein the control module is configured to control the emission frequency of the light emitter based on the frequency reading, thereby to influence the temporal aliasing of the retro-reflective indicia provided on the cyclically moving object.

Abstract: Sight alignment indicia on a sphere being indicia made on opposing sides of a sphere, the indicia positioned from about 0 degrees to 23 degrees north of the equator of the sphere, and visible at the same time to one standing over the ball. A sphere surface template marking device comprising a shell having an outer-surface and inner-surface generally defining a hemi-spherical portion of a sphere adapted for receiving a portion of the sphere so that the inner-surface substantially conforms thereto, the shell having an edge portion approximating the equator of the sphere, at least two grooves disposed there through, with the grooves positioned on opposing sides of said shell from about 0 degrees to 23 degrees north of the edge portions of the sphere, serving to receive and guide a marker imprinting indicia on said surface of said sphere.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided that includes a pair of congruous, opposing, spherical hemispheres, each having a hemispheric diameter and a hemispheric planer surface; at least one spacer attached to each hemispheric planer surface; and at least one central disk positioned between each hemispheric planer surface and each spacer, said central disk having a circular planer surface with a diameter of approximately 95-99% of said hemispheric diameter, said central disk having opposing planer surfaces equidistantly positioned offset from each hemispheric planer surface by a distance relative to said hemispheric diameter of about 9.1 and 13.5 percent.

Abstract: Monitoring of a golf ball and apparatus for doing so is described using differential time locating. Launch parameters of a golf ball can be characterized independent of any specific positional measurement on the basis of a ball signal that is transmitted from the ball. These parameters include initial spin, initial velocity, and initial trajectory. Ground proximity detection is described as well as a landing position and rollout position detection technique and associated apparatus. Calibration techniques are described for various kinds of range receivers that subsequently receive the ball signal.

Abstract: A golf ball has indicia adapted to allow a user to align the indicia with at least one of an intended direction of travel of the ball and a club head of a club the user will use to strike the ball. The indicia can be three parallel lines extending around a portion the golf ball. A golf club can be provided with a marking on the club head adapted to align with the indicia on the golf ball.

Abstract: A golf ball has indicia adapted to allow a user to align the indicia with at least one of an intended direction of travel of the ball and a club head of a club the user will use to strike the ball. The indicia can be three parallel circles extending around the golf ball. A golf club can be provided with a marking on the club head adapted to align with the indicia on the golf ball.

Abstract: A golf ball includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and a cavity therebetween. A fluid, such as a viscous damping fluid, is placed in the cavity. When the ball is struck, the inner and outer layers rotate independently of one another. Indicia are provided on the inner and outer layers. An examination of the relative position of the indicia before the ball is struck and after the ball is struck can yield data that indicate the shear force of the stroke.

Abstract: A golf ball may include a UV curable coating layer that is only partially cured upon finishing. The golf ball may be used in its partially cured state in a game of golf, where the partially cured state may be advantageous for play under wet conditions. The coating layer may then further cure upon exposure to UV light, such as ambient environmental light from the sun during a game of golf in sunny conditions. As a result of this further curing, the coating may transition to a cured state that is associated with play characteristics that are advantageous for play under sunny dry conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is a golf training aid comprising a spheroid segment comprising a dimpled outer circumferential surface, a first substantially flat base surface, and a second substantially flat base surface, wherein the first substantially flat base surface and the second substantially flat base surface are substantially parallel to each other and are substantially equal in size.

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 putting practice ball having visually contrasting lighter and darker sections and a visually contrasting aiming line going across a lighter color section in a 90 degree angle to the borderline of the lighter and darker color sections, and a visually contrasting mark located on the border of the different color sections of the ball, at a location 90° away from the midpoint of the aiming line, and a weight located in an asymmetric position in relation to the internal center of the ball.

Abstract: A golf training method and device having at least one flat surface and an annular surface, wherein the annular surface is configured to receive contact with a golf club and the flat surface is configured to contact the surface on which the device is disposed. The device may have a radius greater than the height. The device may be sized to have the diameter of a standard regulation golf ball, and a height approximately 0.25 inches to require the user to swing within 0.25 inches precision in order to hit the training device. The device maybe made from a soft, resilient material suitable for use indoors.

Abstract: A plurality of layers and elements are incorporated into a golf ball to display values for various swing characteristics on a display layer of a ball. A calculator is incorporated to calculate a value of at least one swing characteristic. A weighted light source is incorporated to display the value on a display layer. The display layer is a substantially opaque layer.

Abstract: Monitoring of a golf ball and apparatus for doing so is described using differential time locating. Launch parameters of a golf ball can be characterized independent of any specific positional measurement on the basis of a ball signal that is transmitted from the ball. These parameters include initial spin, initial velocity, and initial trajectory. Ground proximity detection is described as well as a landing position and rollout position detection technique and associated apparatus. Calibration techniques are described for various kinds of range receivers that subsequently receive the ball signal.

Abstract: A golf ball with a piezoelectric material portion allows golf ball data to be obtained when a golfer hits the golf ball with a golf club. An output from the piezoelectric material generated in response to the impact force of the golf club hitting the golf ball is measured. Based on the measured output, golf ball data can be obtained. The obtained golf ball data may be used by golf club fitting systems, golf ball fitting systems, and golfer profile databases.

Abstract: A golf ball including a piezoelectric material allows the characteristics of the golf ball to be changed by application of an electric current. An electric current may be applied to the piezoelectric material prior to impact of the golf ball by the golf club using a golf tee with a power source. An electric current may be applied to the piezoelectric material after impact of the golf ball by the golf club and during flight of the golf ball. By selectively applying or removing electric current prior to, during, or after impact with the golf club, the characteristics of the golf ball may be changed and the flight path characteristics of the golf ball may be altered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring ball launch conditions is disclosed. Specifically, the accuracy of the calculations used to determine the kinematic characteristics may be increased. A background image of a field of view, without a golf ball present, may be acquired. Two or more images of a golf ball in motion are then be acquired based on positive or negative imaging. The background image is subtracted from each of the two or more images of the golf ball. After subtracting the background image, the two or more images of the golf ball are analyzed to determine the location of the circular perimeter of the golf ball. Based on the location of the circular perimeter of the golf ball, the location of the center of the golf ball may be calculated. Knowing the location of the center of the golf ball increases the accuracy of measurements of kinematic characteristics such as sidespin, backspin, velocity, and launch angle.

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: Systems and methods are disclosed for integrating a transmitter into an object, such as a golf ball, that becomes active upon the motion of the object. This transmitter sends a signal to a receiver that is configured to determine the location of the object. The receiver is the able to determine the location of the object and outputs the location to a display.

Abstract: A method, system and golf ball are therefore provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention in order to determine the spin of a golf ball, such as the side spin and/or back spin, in order to facilitate the evaluation of a putt. In one embodiment, a system includes a golf ball and an offboard display device. The golf ball may include a golf ball body, a motion sensor disposed within the golf ball body and configured to measure acceleration of the golf ball along each of three mutually perpendicular axis, and a transmitter disposed within the golf ball body configured to transmit data representative of spin of the golf ball. In turn, the display device may include a receiver configured to receive data representative of the spin of the golf ball from transmitter and a display configured to provide a representation of a measure of the spin of the golf ball.

Abstract: A method, system and golf ball are provided to determine the deceleration of a golf ball and, in turn, the speed of a green. The system may include a golf ball and an offboard display device. The golf ball may include a golf ball body, a motion sensor disposed within the golf ball body to measure acceleration of the golf ball along each of three mutually perpendicular axes, and a transmitter disposed within the golf ball body to transmit data representative of deceleration. The display device may include a receiver to receive data representative of the deceleration of the golf ball from transmitter and a display to provide a representation of the deceleration of the golf ball. At least one of the golf ball and the display device may include a processor to determine deceleration of the golf ball based upon the acceleration measured by the motion sensor.

Abstract: Monitoring of a golf ball and apparatus for doing so is described using differential time locating. Launch parameters of a golf ball can be characterized independent of any specific positional measurement on the basis of a ball signal that is transmitted from the ball. These parameters include initial spin, initial velocity, and initial trajectory. Ground proximity detection is described as well as a landing position and rollout position detection technique and associated apparatus. Calibration techniques are described for various kinds of range receivers that subsequently receive the ball signal.

Abstract: A putting training system is described which includes a modified putter head and may include a modified golf ball. The putter head includes sensor prongs which project from the putter head face.

Abstract: A putting aide device that can be used with or without an existing golf cup or hole and has a perimeter lip for nesting on the surface edge of the hole or cup. Without the use of a hole, the device can be placed on a practice green surface of grass or a carpet or any other substitute surface for putting practices. The device has an elevated circular body with a lateral opening in a side thereof that allows a limited ball entry to itself or to the hole beneath (when used). The device includes a tuning fork feature that is struck by a properly delivered golf ball. When struck, the fork emits a sound dependent on the ball's aim, force and/or contact. This way, the golfer receives visual and audible feedback as to the quality and effectiveness of the putting stroke.

Abstract: A method of determining spin parameters of a spot 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.

Abstract: A golf ball with an imbedded chip and a golf club grip that is capable of communication with the golf ball in order to provide certain information to the golfer, such as the height of the ball, how hard the ball was hit, the distance traveled, the spin and trajectory, and the angle it was hit at, along with other factors

Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus and method for training of golf playing and/or simulate a golf game is disclosed. The apparatus mainly comprises a standing platform, a ball supporting assembly, a retainer, a motor driven assembly, and a controller. As part of the ball supporting assembly, a golf ball is raised above the standing platform, where a player stands; ready to be hit by a player. After the golf ball being hit, the retainer restrains the golf ball supporting assembly and the motor driven assembly restores the golf ball supporting assembly back to its original position ready for next hit. A sensor is used to measure the impact exerted on the golf ball. The method to operate the apparatus mainly comprises a program to processes the sensor signals and a program to display the projected trajectory of the golf ball with a user selected scenery background.

Abstract: A method of estimating a parameter of a sports ball in flight which parameter is estimated on the basis of a determined or measured position of launch thereof. The launch position may be determined using path information relating to the flight path of the ball or an element used for launching the ball. Optionally, optical data, such as image data, and/or sound may be used for determining the launch position.

Abstract: A system for a predicting golfer's performance is disclosed herein. The system inputs the pre-impact swing properties of a golfer, a plurality of mass properties of a first golf club, and a plurality of mass properties of a first golf ball into a rigid body code. Ball launch parameters are generated from the rigid body. The ball launch parameters, a plurality of atmospheric conditions and lift and drag properties of the golf ball are inputted into a trajectory code. This trajectory code is used to predict the performance of a golf ball if struck by the golfer with the golf club under the atmospheric conditions. The system can then predict the performance of the golf ball if struck by the golfer with a different golf club. The system of the present invention predicts the performance of the golf ball without the golfer actually striking the golf ball.

Abstract: A method for a predicting golfer's performance is disclosed herein. The method inputs the pre-impact swing properties of a golfer, a plurality of mass properties of a first golf club, and a plurality of mass properties of a first golf ball into a rigid body code. Ball launch parameters are generated from the rigid body. The ball launch parameters, a plurality of atmospheric conditions and lift and drag properties of the golf ball are inputted into a trajectory code. This trajectory code is used to predict the performance of a golf ball if struck by the golfer with the golf club under the atmospheric conditions. The method can then predict the performance of the golf ball if struck by the golfer with a different golf club. The method and system of the present invention predict the performance of the golf ball without the golfer actually striking the golf ball.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a golfer's putt is provided. Included is a ball, putter, and ball marker, each of which bear directional indicia, such as arrows or triangles. The indicia of the various elements are aligned toward the hole, with the indicia of each element creating a desired directional path. The golfer uses the directional path created by the proper alignment of one or more elements to aim his or her putt. Furthermore, the directional indicia of the golf ball are designed to blend together when the ball is hit in the direction of the indicia, but create a swirl pattern when the ball is mis-hit for visualization of proper and improper putting.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a golfer's putt is provided. Included is a ball, putter, and ball marker, each of which bear directional indicia, such as arrows or triangles. The indicia of the various elements are aligned toward the hole, with the indicia of each element creating a desired directional path. The golfer uses the directional path created by the proper alignment of one or more elements to aim his or her putt. Furthermore, the directional indicia of the golf ball are designed to blend together when the ball is hit in the direction of the indicia, but create a swirl pattern when the ball is mis-hit for visualization of proper and improper putting.

Abstract: A method for a predicting golfer's performance is disclosed herein. The method inputs the pre-impact swing properties of a golfer, a plurality of mass properties of a first golf club, and a plurality of mass properties of a first golf ball into a rigid body code. Ball launch parameters are generated from the rigid body. The ball launch parameters, a plurality of atmospheric conditions and lift and drag properties of the golf ball are inputted into a trajectory code. This trajectory code is used to predict the performance of a golf ball if struck by the golfer with the golf club under the atmospheric conditions. The method can then predict the performance of the golf ball if struck by the golfer with a different golf club. The method and system of the present invention predict the performance of the golf ball without the golfer actually striking the golf ball.

Abstract: An improved golf ball marker comprises a cap having a generally hemispherical hollow, the hollow having approximately the same dimensions as one half of a standard golf ball, the cap having first and second linear slits forming a “T” shaped slit configuration for marking a golf ball inserted in the hollow with a “T” mark comprising a seam indicator line and a club alignment line. The golf ball is positioned and oriented in the hollow of the cap such that the seam is aligned with the first linear slit for making the seam indicator line on the ball with a marker and the second linear slit is perpendicular to the seam for making the club alignment line on the ball.

Abstract: A golf ball having a surface with an alignment indicia which includes a longitudinal segment and a latitudinal segment is disclosed herein. Preferably, the longitudinal segment extends along a pole of the golf ball and has a length ranging from 1.00 inch to 1.5 inches.

Abstract: Any instructional information related to the act of playing the game of golf, provided on a golf ball, by any means, including, but not limited to: illustrations, images, and text, by any method, including, but not limited to printing and/or engraving.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a golf device for use on a putting surface are provided. In one aspect, a golf device for use on a putting surface is provided that includes a ball that has a center and a first outer diameter. First and second annular members are coupled to the ball in substantially parallel spaced-apart relation. The spacing of the first and second annular members defines a spherical zone of the ball that projects radially outwardly from the center beyond the outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second annular members. The first and second diameters of the first and second annular members are sized so that a first portion of the first outer peripheral surface and a second portion of the second outer peripheral surface are positioned substantially at the putting surface. The device provides rapid tactile and visual feedback of a misstroke.

Abstract: A method for a predicting golfer's performance is disclosed herein The method inputs the pre-impact swing properties of a golfer, a plurality of mass properties of a first golf club, and a plurality of mass properties of a first golf ball into a rigid body code. Ball launch parameters are generated from the rigid body. The ball launch parameters, a plurality of atmospheric conditions and lift and drag properties of the golf ball are inputted into a trajectory code. This trajectory code is used to predict the performance of a golf ball if struck by the golfer with the golf club under the atmospheric conditions. The method can then predict the performance of the golf ball if struck by the golfer with a different golf club. The method and system of the present invention predict the performance of the golf ball without the golfer actually striking the golf ball.

Abstract: A golf ball and putter alignment combination is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a surface with alignment indicia which includes a longitudinal segment and a latitudinal segment. Preferably, the longitudinal segment extends along a pole of the golf ball and has a length ranging from 1.00 inch to 1.5 inches. The putter has an alignment indicia that is aligned with the alignment indicia of the golf ball to allow for a more accurate putt.

Abstract: A method for determining the lift and drag coefficients of a golf ball includes launching the ball along a flight path, measuring the velocity at two positions along the flight path, using the measured velocities to determine the coefficients of lift and drag. The step of measuring the velocity includes taking two images of the ball at the two positions, where the time interval between images at each position is less than about 0.01 seconds.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in determining spin characteristics of an appropriately configured rotating object, such as a golf ball, includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a demodulator. The object is configured for reflecting radiation of at least a first frequency in a modulated fashion corresponding to at least one spin characteristic of the object. In this regard, an appropriately configured object may include at least one contrast area comprised of a material having different reflectivity than the rest of the object to electromagnetic radiation of at least the first frequency. The transmitter is positioned for transmitting electromagnetic radiation of at least the first frequency at the object. The receiver is positioned for receiving at least a portion of the modulated reflected radiation. The transmitter and receiver may comprise a single transceiver unit.

Abstract: A device for measuring a movable object, such as a baseball, football, hockey puck, soccer ball, tennis ball, or a golf ball. Part of the device, called the object unit, is embedded, secured, or attached to the movable object of interest, and consists of an accelerometer network, electronic processor circuit, and a radio transmitter. The other part of the device, called the monitor unit, is held or worn by the user and serves as the user interface for the device. The monitor unit has a radio receiver, a processor, an input keypad, and an output display that shows the various measured motion characteristics of the movable object, such as the distance, time of flight, speed, trajectory height, spin rate, or curve of the movable object, and allows the user to input data to the device.

Abstract: A golf ball locator system. The golf ball comprises a transmitter that transmits a coded signal, identifying the ball, and that is received by an array of receivers. The receivers measure either the angle of arrival, or the time of arrival of the signal, which is transmitted to a processor that uses triangulation calculations to generate location coordinates of the golf ball. The processor then transmits the location coordinates to a display unit. The display unit can be portable and viewed by the golfer. The display unit can simply display golf ball position coordinates in relation to a pre-existing golf course map, or display the golf ball on a map which may include various landmarks of the golf course. The system can further include a player location device that allows the system to give audio or visual traveling instructions to assist the golfer to locate his/her ball.

Abstract: A device for measuring the time of flight, speed, and trajectory height of a projectile, such as a baseball, football, hockey puck, or model rocket, or the time and speed of swing of a movable object, such as a baseball bat or golf club. Part of the device, called the object unit, is embedded, secured, or attached to the projectile or movable object of interest, and consists of an acceleration sensor, threshold circuit, and a radio transmitter. The other part of the device, called the monitor unit, is held or worn by the user and serves as the user interface for the device. The monitor unit has a radio receiver, a processor, an input keypad, and a display that shows the various measured motion characteristics of the projectile or movable object, such as distance, time of flight, speed, and trajectory height, and allows the user to input data to the device.