Abstract: A mixed-reality sport simulation system includes a projectile-tracking sub-system to generate projectile-tracking data when a projectile is launched by a user, a near-eye display to display mixed-reality virtual objects displayed over physical objects within a field of view of a user representing lines of sight of the user, and a controller. The controller may direct the near-eye display to display a mixed-reality environment including virtual objects within the field of view. The near-eye display may provide an unobstructed real-world view for view vectors below a selected pitch angle and at least a portion of the mixed-reality environment for view vectors above a selected pitch angle. The controller may receive projectile-tracking data in real-time from the projectile-tracking sub-system and may direct the near-eye display to display one or more virtual objects representing a trajectory of the projectile within the mixed-reality environment in real-time based on the projectile-tracking data.

Abstract: Articles of clothing or pieces of athletic equipment, and particularly golf clubs, include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the clothing or athletic equipment or for performing other functions. Such systems and methods may use physical or other interaction(s) between the module and the article of clothing or piece of athletic equipment for activating and/or deactivating the module and/or sensing devices included with the module, for confirming whether the module and clothing or piece of athletic equipment are authorized for use with one another, and/or for automatic data algorithm selection methods. Additionally, such systems and methods also may use the activation and/or authentication systems for data input to the module. Some examples of such systems and methods may utilize magnets and magnetic sensing systems and/or light (or other radiation) sources and sensing systems for activation, authentication, data input, and/or algorithm selection.

Abstract: A golf swing analysis device includes a joint force calculation section and a torque extraction section. The joint force calculation section generates a double pendulum model that includes a first link that corresponds to an upper part of a body of a golfer, a second link that corresponds to a golf club, and a joint that links the first link and the second link, and calculates a joint force applied to the joint along with a swing motion using an acceleration measured by an inertial sensor attached to the golf club. The torque extraction section extracts a torque that causes the second link to make a rotational motion around a first axis from the joint force.

Abstract: A base unit of a sports swing mechanics training device receives from a swing detector a swing detection message indicating a swing motion by a player, and in response, displays a visual symbol for a predetermined period of time. When the device receives a user selection of a visual symbol from the player, it is compared with the displayed visual symbol. If they match, the device indicates a symbol match. Otherwise, the device indicates a symbol mismatch. The base unit is placed at a location where the displayed visual symbol would be visible to the player immediately following contact with a ball when the player's eyes are in a desired position during the swing motion. The device trains players to keep their heads and eyes correctly directed at the point of collision with the ball during and immediately following the ball collision.

Abstract: A golfing aid system at least partially configured to be mounted on a golfer is provided. The system includes an optical system, an output configured to provide audio and/or visual information, a human wearable support, a first compass mounted on the wearable support, an optical system. The golfing aid system is configured to, when the wearable support is worn by the golfer, obtain a first compass heading from the first compass for a target location observable through the optical system, obtain a second compass heading when the golfer is in a golfing stance, determine, based on at least the first and second compass headings, whether a part of the body that supports the human wearable support is substantially in alignment with a direction, and provide feedback through the output, the feedback being configured to indicate whether or not the golfer is substantially aligned with the direction.

Abstract: A sample testing device includes a motor, a gear reducer, and an output shaft coupled for rotation by the motor via the gear reducer. The sample testing device further includes a first device adapted to enable the output shaft to move linearly in a first direction substantially parallel with an axis of the output shaft and a second device coupled to the first device for enabling the output shaft to move linearly in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The sample testing can further include a third device coupled to the first and second devices for enabling the output shaft to translate linearly in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus and method for improving golf swing tempo and rhythm uses a lighted strip that sequentially illuminates the backswing and foreswing patterns of a desired golf swing tempo. A control unit operatively connected to the light strip is programmed to control and vary the speed and tempo of the lighting sequence of the strip as desired.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for providing data. At least one embodiment of a method includes providing, by a user device, a user interface configured to receive golf scoring data from a user, the user interface including a default score based on predetermined data related to past performance; receiving a first piece of golf scoring data from the user; determining, from the received first piece of golf scoring data, a second piece of golf scoring data; and storing the first piece of golf scoring data and the second piece of golf scoring data.

Abstract: Provided is a pair of golf eyeglasses having a function of correcting various swing errors and head-up movement, in which a golf ball-colored focus structure is detachably mounted on one of a pair of eyeglasses, to thus form a golf ball-colored focus control circle with a limited field of view, in order to correct errors in various swing actions that frequently occur for golfers. In addition, the pair of golf eyeglasses enables a golfer to make a golf swing practice by using a limited field of view of a golf ball-colored adjustable focus circle, to thereby make the golfer focus more attention on a target golf ball, and recognize various swing errors and the head up movement for himself or herself as soon as the golf ball deviates from the golf ball-colored adjustable focus circle and correct the posture of the golfer, and to thus allow anyone from amateur golfers to professional golfers to conveniently use the golf eyeglasses at low costs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a training aid 10, 100 for a golfer. The training aid 10 mounts to a golfer's cap 24 or sunglasses and includes a battery powered collimated light source 12 in the form of an LED which is configured to emit collimated, visible light. The aid 10 further includes an electronic circuit which comprises a microcontroller 17 which is drivingly connected to the LED and an electronic orientation sensor 16 which is configured to sense the orientation of the LED. The circuit and LED are housed within a housing and a mounting formation is provided for mounting the training aid 10 to a user. In response to an orientation of the light source 12 sensed by the electronic sensor 16, the microcontroller 17 automatically interrupts emission of light when the training aid 10 is orientated outside of a predefined operative angular range.

Abstract: This invention relates to a training aid 10, 100 for a golfer. The training aid 10 mounts to a golfer's cap 24 or sunglasses and includes a battery powered collimated light source 12 in the form of an LED which is configured to emit collimated, visible light. The aid 10 further includes an electronic circuit which comprises a microcontroller 17 which is drivingly connected to the LED and an electronic orientation sensor 16 which is configured to sense the orientation of the LED. The circuit and LED are housed within a housing and a mounting formation is provided for mounting the training aid 10 to a user. In response to an orientation of the light source 12 sensed by the electronic sensor 16, the microcontroller 17 automatically interrupts emission of light when the training aid 10 is orientated outside of a predefined operative angular range.

Abstract: Provided is a pair of golf eyeglasses having a function of correcting various swing errors and head-up movement, in which a golf ball-coloured focus structure is detachably mounted on one of a pair of eyeglasses, to thus form a golf ball-coloured focus control circle with a limited field of view, in order to correct errors in various swing actions that frequently occur for golfers. In addition, the pair of golf eyeglasses enables a golfer to make a golf swing practice by using a limited field of view of a golf ball-coloured adjustable focus circle, to thereby make the golfer focus more attention on a target golf ball, and recognize various swing errors and the head up movement for himself or herself as soon as the golf ball deviates from the golf ball-coloured adjustable focus circle and correct the posture of the golfer, and to thus allow anyone from amateur golfers to professional golfers to conveniently use the golf eyeglasses at low costs.

Abstract: A system includes an article of golf equipment or other athletic equipment configured to be engaged by a user during an athletic situation and a tempo indicating device connected to the article, which is configured for emitting a rhythm that is detectable by the user. The tempo indicating device may include a contact portion configured for emitting a tactile rhythm to the user that is detectable by the user through sense of touch. The tempo indicating device may additionally or alternately be configured for emitting the rhythm in another form, such as audio and/or visual. The tempo indicating device may be utilized independently of the golf equipment, and may include a control interface that can be located on the device or remote from the device, such as on a portable electronic device.

Abstract: A system of golfing aids for a golfer for improving golf shots, the system comprising: an automatic activation switch for automatically activating at least one golfing aid when a golfer prepares to take a shot, and at least one automatically activated golfing aid.

Abstract: A golf alignment device includes an emitter assembly having an emitter portion for emitting radiant energy and at least one lens portion for projecting the radiant energy onto a surface with a predetermined pattern. The predetermined pattern includes an illuminated golf ball alignment mark, an illuminated first foot alignment mark and an illuminated second foot alignment mark for indicating placement of the golfer's feet with respect to the golf ball. A fourth alignment mark intersects the golf ball and is in alignment with a distant target. Different lens portions may be provided with different projection patterns for use with different golf clubs and/or golfer's of different heights.

Abstract: A golf swing posture correction apparatus and method therefor are provided. Provided is the golf swing posture correction system apparatus capable of detecting movement of an anchored leg in a golf swing and notifying a user, thereby correcting a golf swing posture. The anchored leg is a left leg for a right-handed person and a right leg for a left-handed person. The golf swing posture correction apparatus detects the movement of the anchored leg, and processes a detected signal, thereby generating sound via a speaker or vibration.

Abstract: The invention is a motion training method. The motion of golf swing will be emphasized. In order to guide a golfer through a proper swing, his/her swing must be analyzed first. To analyze the swing, a set of frame photos will be needed. From those frame photos, the invented method will provide a rule based method to calculate the body mechanics/forces of the golfer. Once the body mechanics/forces are known, the system will then determine the swing is correct or incorrect. If the swing is incorrect, the system will then make suggestions to the golfer about how to correct his/her swing.

Abstract: A laser indicator for golf enables a golfer to maintain a correct posture when he or she enjoys putting or driving a golf ball. The laser indicator includes a case having a window on a front surface, a clamp fixedly secured to the case so as to detachably attach the case to a cap worn by a golfer, a laser module disposed within the case to irradiate a point laser beam and having an optical path in alignment with the window of the case, a switch mounted on the case for allowing the golfer to control electricity supply to the laser module, and a laser beam converter provided between the window of the case and the laser module for movement into alignment with the optical path of the laser module and adapted to convert the point laser beam to a line laser beam.

Abstract: A sports training apparatus for sports in which a ball or the like are played with a racket or the like, comprising a programmable microcomputer, an acoustic device and at least one input device, wherein the microcomputer can be controlled by the input device to output acoustic signals indicating specific motions by means of acoustic output devices and for changing the duration, interval and quality of said signals. The invention aims at providing a sports training device which is lasting and practical to use, e.g., small, lightweight and relatively easy and simple to use and offering mental support for practicing said sport. To this end, the microcomputer, the acoustic device and at least part of the input device are located in a casing having the form of a wrist-watch. The acoustic device comprises a voice generator for generating at least two different words.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a training aid for golfers. The device 10 is designed to generate a collimated beam of red light 20 from a device 10 that is selectively attached to the brim 16 of a hat 18. Once attached to the hat 18, the golfer 12 positions their head to a desired point whereupon the light-emitting apparatus 14 is hingedly 24 adjusted to project the laser light onto the golf ball 22 thereby enabling the golfer 12 to easily ascertain whether there is unwanted head movement during the golf swing. The device 10 is comprised of a laser beam emitter 14 having an on/off switch 28 and a clip 26 for attaching the device to the brim of a hat and a hinge 24 positioned between the emitter and hat attachment means providing pivotal adjustment of the emitter.

Abstract: A laser device for teaching and improving the putting stroke of a golfer. The device includes a housing having a power source, an on/off switch a laser, a reflective surface rotatable by a handle and a lever system, a P.C. board and a switch to prevent the laser from being accidentally shone in the eyes of other persons. The device places a light dot on a golf ball or target area and indicates any undesirable body or head motion that will be noted by movement of the light dot by a golfer while standing over and stroking a putter with an aligned sweet spot. The device also allows a golfer to use a light dot to draw an imaginary line between a golf ball being struck and a cup to improve a golfer's visualization of the travel line of the ball after stroking it with the aligned putter sweet spot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching a person how to perform a specific body motion in a consistent manner is based on electronically measuring one or more parameters of an actual body motion, comparing the one or more measured parameters with corresponding parameters of a target body motion, and providing a sensible feedback to the user based on a degree of correspondence between the one or more measured parameters and the corresponding target parameters. In a particular embodiment, the feedback is audible. More specifically the feedback is a musical tune that has a particular characteristic (such as rhythm) that is particularly suited to a particular body motion (such as a golf swing). The feedback may be in the form of electronically causing the musical tune to go off-key in proportion to a discrepancy between the actual body motion and the target body motion.

Abstract: A method for applying a putter alignment indicator to a putter to aid in aligning the putter during a putting stroke. The method includes providing a substantially planar alignment surface and having a golfer, while standing in the golfer's normal putting stance, place the striking surface of the putter head against the substantially planar alignment surface. A light source directs a beam of light onto the elongated shaft to create a shadow on the heel portion of the putter head. The position of the light source is adjusted until the first edge and the second edge of the shadow, as viewed by the golfer when standing in the golfer's normal putting stance, appear adjacent to or directly behind the shaft. An alignment indicator is applied to the putter head adjacent to at least one edge of the shadow.

Abstract: A small laser pointer is connected to a gripping member by a free-swinging connection member so that when the gripping member is attached to a golfer's cap, golf visor or sunglasses, the laser pointer plumbs straight down under the influence of the gravitational force. Because of the free-swinging connection member, the laser pointer can swing as a pendulum through the full 360° of motion in a horizontal plane. The point of light that is projected by the laser pointer onto the ground provides the golfer with instant feed back if the golfer's head moves during the putting stroke, as the point of light created by the laser will also move when the head moves. The point of light from the laser also provides a point of reference that allows the golfer to set the golfer's eyes directly over the ball. At this location, the golfer is ensured of seeing the line of the putt better and is able to line up the putter head more precisely.

Abstract: A training device (FIGS. 1 and 2) for a person performing a physical activity wherein the proper performance thereof is related to the proper movement by the person (10). The device comprises a movement sensor (40), a trigger event sensor (50) for sensing the occurrence of a specific physical trigger event, a processor (60), an electronic memory (70), and a protective enclosure (95). The movement sensor (40) provides movement signal values to the processor (60), which is able to store these movement signal values in the memory (70). The trigger event sensor (50) provides trigger event signal values to the processor (60), such trigger event signal values corresponding to the occurrence of the specific physical trigger event near the device (FIGS. 1 and 2). The processor (60) is able to store the trigger event signal values in the memory (70), and evaluate the trigger event signal values (FIGS. 4A-4D, and 90) to determine if the specific trigger event has occurred.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting head movement of a golfer relative to an address position. The apparatus includes a movement switch positioned on the golfer's head which provides a signal indicative of head movement from a first position to a second position. The position of the movement switch on the golfer defines the first position as approximately the address position prior to the golf swing. The apparatus also includes a transducer which detects the sound of a golf club striking a ball and provides a signal in response thereto. A microcontroller becomes active in response to the transducer signal and then generates an alarm signal in response to the movement switch signal. In response to the alarm signal, the transducer produces an audible alarm to inform the golfer of the head movement during the golf swing. The apparatus has a housing with a clip for securing it to a hat worn by the golfer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for assisting a person in achieving proper alignment. The device and method are particularly useful for achieving proper alignment for a golf stroke in which a golf ball is struck to move towards a target. In one embodiment, the device comprises a support member to be worn by the person. A light source is attached to the support member. The light source is adapted to generate a generally linear, visible alignment beam of light on the ground in front of the person when the person is in position to perform a task. The alignment beam is generally parallel to an alignment of the portion of the person's body upon which the support member is worn and, thus, provides an indication of such alignment readily visible to the user in real time.

Abstract: A golf, tennis or baseball training apparatus to align the eyes, striking implement and stationary or moving ball to be struck, upon impact. A cap for the user has radiation emitting means mounted to project radiation along the vision path. A radiation detector, an impact detector and a light signaling means are mounted on the striking implement. Processing and decoding circuitry and sound signaling means are mounted on the striking implement or the user. A light or sound signal can signal proper alignment to the user on impact (i.e., essentially simultaneous actuation of radiation and impact detection), and/or can signal improper alignment to the user on impact. The sound signal may be a high or low frequency signal or words from a voice clip. Adjustable radiating beam widths may be used for different levels of skills.

Abstract: Adapters removably affixing a hand held laser pointer to selected apparatus are disclosed. The adapters include structure for mounting therein the laser pointer having a laser module emitting a laser beam, a casing, a voltage source and a switch for controlling the laser module. Also included is a device for maintaining the laser pointer in an on condition and means for removably affixing the adapters to the selected apparatus such that when the adapters are affixed thereon, the laser beam emitted from the laser pointer is aimed in a predetermined relation with respect to the selected apparatus. The laser pointer and associated adapters are employed to optimize the use of the laser pointer and enhance the selected apparatus upon which it is mounted.

Abstract: A golf club head velocity monitor is disposed at or near the golfer's hands. The monitor is preferably detachably securable to the golfer's hands or a golf glove, so that a single monitor can easily be used with any club selected by the golfer. An inferential determination of club head velocity may be made from the output of a single accelerometer disposed to measure centripetal acceleration in the direction of the golf club shaft. The monitor may provide other functions such as timekeeping or scorekeeping functions.

Abstract: An apparatus for the practicing of golf swings utilizing a motion sensor and a radiation source on the forehead of the user which projects a radiated signal when head motion is sensed. The signal is detected by a unit contemporaneously with the golfer's swinging either-a golf club, if he is outside, or a simulated golf club provided with a beam of radiation emanating from one end thereof, if he is inside. In the case of the simulated unit which may be used indoors, details of club head registry, (open, closed, square, sweet spot, slightly toward the toe, slightly toward the heel, toe, heel, top and bottom) swing, follow through, club head speed, tempo, distance the ball travels and the path of the ball are displayed and recorded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved golf timer control (10) which functions to emit an audible signal to a golfer (26) after a pre-set time interval after striking a golf ball (30) with a golf club (28). The improved golf timer control (10) comprises: A) a housing (12) which comprises; I) a housing top (12A) having a housing top display opening (12AA) therein, and ii) a housing bottom (12B) securely and connected to the housing top (12A) by a housing left side (12CL), a housing right side (12CR), a housing front (12D), and a housing rear (12E). The housing front (12D) has a housing front control UP button opening (12DA), a housing front control DOWN button opening (12DB), a housing front power button opening (12DC), a housing front speaker opening (12DD), and a housing front microphone opening (12DE) therein. The housing rear (12E) has a housing rear clip (12EA) securely attached thereto which functions to attach the housing (12) onto a user.

Abstract: A device for detecting head movement of an individual during an activity of the individual is provided. The device includes a weighted wheel for establishing a reference with respect to an initial position of the individual's head, and a first angular encoder and second angular encoder for detecting angular movement of the head with respect to the reference. The detected head movement is processed by a controller and the output is provided by a display and a speaker.

Abstract: A training device for a person performing a physical activity wherein the proper performance thereof is related to the proper movement by the person. The device comprises a movement sensor, a trigger event sensor for sensing the occurrence of a specific physical trigger event, a processor, an electronic memory, and a protective enclosure. The movement sensor provides movement signal values to the processor, which is able to store these movement signal values in the memory. The trigger event sensor provides trigger event signal values to the processor, such trigger event signal values corresponding to the occurrence of the specific physical trigger event near the device. The processor is able to store the trigger event signal values in the memory and evaluate the trigger event signal values to determine if the specific trigger event has occurred. Upon detection of the trigger event, if the movement signal values are not within a first pre-defined range, the processor takes a first notification action.

Abstract: A head movement sensor, which may be used for such things as golf practice, is adapted to be attached or carried on a person's head. The device consists of a sensor which is mounted to the head and senses an initial position by means of a hollow tube carrying a conductive liquid with electrodes extending within the tube. The tube is shaped so that as the head is angularly displaced from the initial position to a displaced position, the liquid flows within the tube, changing the resistance between the electrodes. By measuring the change in resistance, an electrical signal can be derived. Sudden changes in angular displacement also produce an electrical signal. The electrical signals are processed to produce an audible indication.

Abstract: When the golfer makes the most important part of the golf swing, i.e., from the back swing to the down swing, most of the movements of swing check points after the top naturally become good by performing an ideal body turn of lower body lead. It is intended to permit such an ideal body turn to be mastered, eliminate a commonly termed hand shooting from the top, increase the head speed without irrational force to increase the distance, improve the shot control and produce high level swing form. To realize these intents, a golf swing training device 10 was constructed with detecting means 12 for detecting the contact of the golfer's shoulder with the chin or close contact of the former to the latter at the time of the back swing, and notifying means 20 for providing a detection signal to the golfer 18 via a controller 16, and transmitting means 22 and 24 for transmitting to the waist or knee. Further, second detecting means are provided, if necessary.