Abstract: A motion analyzer for attachment to sports equipment. The motion analyzer may be constructed as one unitary piece and may include a base portion and an upper portion. The motion analyzer may collect and record motion data associated with movement of the sports equipment. The motion data may then be communicated to a mobile application which provides a user with a visual representation of the motion of the sports equipment. Further, a method of manufacturing a motion analyzer for attachment to sports equipment.

Abstract: An embodiment of a putter type golf club head with an upper and lower portion, made from two different materials, is enclosed herein. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method for monitoring a golf swing is provided that includes coupling a mobile telephone to a golf club and employing the mobile telephone coupled to the golf club to monitor acceleration of the mobile telephone as the mobile telephone swings while a user swings the golf club, collect acceleration information based on the monitored acceleration of the mobile telephone as the mobile telephone swings, analyze the collected acceleration information to determine one or more characteristics of the golf swing based on the collected acceleration information, and output information regarding the one or more characteristics of the golf swing on the display of the mobile telephone. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to various components of a system for monitoring and/or tracking a user's performance during an activity involving an instrument that is swung. Exemplary embodiments can include a sensor module configured to be secured to the instrument. The sensor module can detect a swing event and/or an impact between the instrument and an object and can implement power management features to limit or manage a power consumption of the sensor module. The sensor module can transmit swing information to an electronic device associated with the user, which can display the swing information, process the swing information, and/or transmit the swing information to a remote system.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method for monitoring a golf swing is provided that includes coupling a mobile telephone to a golf club and employing the mobile telephone coupled to the golf club to monitor acceleration of the mobile telephone as the mobile telephone swings while a user swings the golf club, collect acceleration information based on the monitored acceleration of the mobile telephone as the mobile telephone swings, analyze the collected acceleration information to determine one or more characteristics of the golf swing based on the collected acceleration information, and output information regarding the one or more characteristics of the golf swing on the display of the mobile telephone. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A golf aide is described for providing tactile feedback to a user during a golf swing. The golf aide has a shaft (12) with a golf grip (11), an arm (14) having a linking element (13) coupling the arm (14) to the shaft (12) at a first end of the arm (14), and a tactile indicator (15) arranged at a distal end of the arm (14) opposite the linking element (13). The tactile indicator has a width greater than a width of the arm and the shaft (12), arm (14) and tactile indicator (15) are fixedly arrangeable such that the distance and angle between a portion of the golf grip to be gripped during a golf stroke and the tactile indicator is equivalent to a predetermined target distance and angle between hands and a lateral upper arm portion of an inside arm of a user at an apex of a backswing of a golf stroke.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting configuration states of a golf club and adjustment systems of a golf club, such as a shaft connection system. A golf club configuration detection system captures configuration data from the adjustment system of the golf club by a configuration detection device, such as a camera, a barcode scanner, or an RFID scanner. The captured configuration data is compared to reference configuration data to determine a configuration state of the adjustment system. Swing data and ball-flight data are tracked for golf-ball strikes with the golf club in the detected configuration state. Recommendations for configuration states may be generated based on the tracked data.

Abstract: Method for coupling a sensor to a piece of equipment, such as a golf club, baseball bat, or tennis racket, that ensures that the sensor is in a known position and orientation relative to the equipment. Compensates and calibrates for degrees of freedom introduced in manufacturing and installation. The method may include manufacturing a sensor receiver that aligns with equipment in a fixed orientation, and that holds a sensor housing in a fixed orientation relative to the receiver. Remaining uncertainties in sensor position and orientation may be addressed using post-installation calibration. Calibration may include performing specific calibration movements with the equipment and analyzing the sensor data collected during these calibration movements.

Abstract: A motion analysis method includes: specifying a first axis along a longitudinal direction of a shaft of a golf club when a user is at a standstill using an output of a sensor unit; and estimating a prescribed position between head and chest of the user when the user is at a standstill using the output of the sensor unit and body information of the user, and specifying a second axis which connects the estimated prescribed position and a hitting position.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to tracking one or more objects during a process that utilizes the objects. For example, one embodiment provides a method for monitoring performance of a process involving one or more objects, wherein the method includes receiving a set of rules defining one or more portions of the process and receiving object identification information regarding the one or more objects. The method further includes, for a selected portion of the process, receiving image information of a physical scene, identifying from the image information and the object identification information an operation performed with an identified object in the physical scene, and taking an action based upon whether the operation satisfies a rule of the set of rules associated with the selected portion of the process.

Abstract: An athletic swing trainer permits an athlete to swing a trainer at speeds far in excess of the athlete's conventional swing speeds and to confirm to the athlete that the practice swings made with the trainer at these extremely high speeds have been technically properly executed. Armed with this experience, the athlete is then able to swing the athlete's own conventional club, bat or racquet at speeds which, though lower than the athlete's trainer swing speeds, are significantly higher than the athlete's conventional club swing speeds. After six or seven trainer swings, an athlete's swing speed at point of contact of a conventional golf club, bat or racquet with a corresponding ball is typically increased in a range of 5 to 15%.

Abstract: Provided is a customized exercise system including exercise equipment comprising a sensor, a server storing information about an exercise method and an exercise amount corresponding to a body condition, and a mobile terminal receiving information about an exercise method and an exercise amount that are suitable for a user from the server and providing the transmitted information to the exercise equipment, in which a body condition of an individual user is determined using the sensor.

Abstract: A wood-type club head can include a front end having a front face, a toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, a rear end opposite the front end, a crown having a front crown end and a rear crown end, and an alignment aid at the crown surface. The front crown end can be closer to the front end than to the rear end, and the rear crown end can be closer to the rear end than the front end. The alignment aid can include five alignment aid stripes. The five alignment aid stripes can include a first toe alignment aid stripe, a first heel alignment aid stripe, a second toe alignment aid stripe, a second heel alignment aid stripe, and a center alignment aid stripe. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for motion capture and analysis is described. The system may include a motion sensor unit configured to capture data associated with movement of an object. The motion sensor unit is configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to the movement object at a first location. The system also includes a processor to process the captured data to determine one or more values and to translate the data and/or values to correspond to a second location on the movement object located away from the first location. The data and/or values, including translated data and/or values, may be transmitted by wireless transmitter and displayed by a display unit.

Abstract: A motion detection device includes: a base on which an electronic component is loaded; and a holder installed on a sporting equipment. A fitting portion where the base and the holder can be attached to and removed from each other is provided. The fitting portion is provided with a recessed part provided on the base or the holder, and a protruding part provided on the other and fitting with the recessed part.

Abstract: A method and system determine a plurality of golf ball construction characteristics that constitute a golf ball construction. Each of the plurality of golf ball construction characteristics is determined on the basis of at least a measurement related to a golf shot parameter value obtained from samples of a specific golfer's golf swing. Accordingly, the golf ball construction may be custom-fit to golf swings of a specific golfer.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus 10 for a golf club 34 includes: a club camera 20 capable of photographing the golf club; a control part 30 capable of controlling a timing at which the golf club is photographed; and three sensors capable of detecting passage of the golf club 34. The three sensors are defined as a first sensor S1, a second sensor S2, and a third sensor S3 in this order from a point close to a position of a golf ball. When a club speed calculated based on the passage of the golf club detected by the second sensor S2 and the third sensor S3 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the control part generates a trigger signal for starting to photograph the golf club. The measuring apparatus 10 can effectively suppress erroneous generation of the trigger signal.

Abstract: A method and system determine a plurality of golf ball construction characteristics that constitute a golf ball construction. Each of the plurality of golf ball construction characteristics is determined on the basis of at least a measurement related to a golf shot parameter value obtained from samples of a specific golfer's golf swing. Accordingly, the golf ball construction may be custom-fit to golf swings of a specific golfer.

Abstract: A measurement system having a miniature, wireless inertial measurement unit (IMU) disposed within or on a moving object, such as a ball or other member, to calculate the kinematics of the moving object.

Abstract: Enables coupling or retrofitting a golf club with active motion capture electronics that are battery powered, passive or active shot count components, for example a passive RFID, and/or a visual marker on the cap for use with visual motion capture cameras. Does not require modifying the golf club. Electronics package and battery can be easily removed and replaced, for example without any tools. May utilize a weight that is removed when inserting the electronic package in the mount, wherein the weight element may have the same weight as an electronics package, for no net change or minimal change in club weight. May be implemented with a shaft enclosure and expander that may be coupled with a screw aligned along an axis parallel to the axis of the golf club shaft. May utilize non-permanently and/or friction coupling between the mount and golf club shaft. Cap may include a visual marker and/or logo.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for golf training includes a system of links and a holder for holding a golf club in an optimal position for beginning a golf swing at initiation of a downswing, which eliminates a backswing of the club, and the holder being adapted to separate from the club, wherein the entire apparatus separates from the club during a downswing of the club.

Abstract: Embodiments of the Putting Trainer are comprised of two side guides and a middle guide. The middle guide is comprised of an essentially solid core with a plurality of notches to accept the side guides. The center guide is further comprised of a semi-circular notch. This semi-circular notch accepts the placement of the golf ball for the putting practice. The putting trainer is used by placing the side guides in the appropriate position on the middle guide. The side guides can be placed in the appropriate slots, in the middle guide by inserting the side guides with the tab in the appropriate slot. The middle guide is further comprised of holes formed in tabs located on either end of the middle guide through which a golf tee can be placed to hold the putting trainer in the appropriate position.

Abstract: The presented invention relates to a method for determining the effectiveness of a golfer's swing without the requirement of the club head making contact with a golf ball. More specifically, the present invention relates to a measurement and analysis system comprising a first module that attaches to the club head and captures measurement receiver signal strength data during the entire swing time line and may capture motional data on same time line, further first module wirelessly communicates bi-directionally with a second module that is further connected to a user interface device and computational engine where feedback results are derived and conveyed to the golfer. The system provides comprehensive feedback for a swing characterization time line referenced to the spatial domain using receiver signal strength measurements that may be in combination with motional and dynamics orientation measurements.

Abstract: A golf club shaft swing training and practice device to impart axial rotation to the user's hand during the length of the stroke by utilizing a fixed upper handgrip and a movable lower handgrip on a support rod. The upper handgrip is fixed on the rod and the lower handgrip is slidably disposed along the rod which is cross-sectionally square with a longitudinal spiral twisted surface to impart lower grip axial rotation as it is moved therealong in increasing distance from the fixed upper handgrip during a practice swing.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary methods and systems for selecting a shaft flex for a golfer based on characteristics of the golfer's swing. Some exemplary methods comprise using measuring in-swing-plane shaft deflection values of a golfer's golf club during the golfer's swing, determining a phase of the golfer's swing when maximum in-swing-plane shaft deflection occurs; determining a kick velocity of the golfer's swing at impact with a golf ball; and selecting a shaft flex for the golfer based on the determined phase of the golfer's swing when maximum in-swing-plane shaft deflection occurs and based on the determined kick velocity of the golfer's swing at impact with a golf ball.

Abstract: A weighted apparatus, such as a bat, bar, stick, racket, or club, includes added weight in one end of the apparatus to create an obviously heavy end, and thereby an unbalanced apparatus. The unbalanced apparatus gives the user the ability to create a heavy load to build strength by holding the light end of the device and a light load to build speed, endurance, and flexibility by holding the heavy end of the device. When swung holding the heavy end, such an unbalanced apparatus is uniquely effective for various sports practice regimens, certain game play, general exercise, physical rehabilitation, etc., to improve the user's strength and overall conditioning levels, to build hand speed and to promote a proper swing.

Abstract: A swing analysis apparatus 10 for a golf club includes a club camera 20 continuously photographing a behavior of a golf club 34, a ball camera 22 continuously photographing a behavior of a golf ball 36, and an information processor 32. The club camera 20 is positioned in front of a golf player. A straight line C passes through a center of a lens of the club camera 22 and a center of the golf ball 36. An angle ?c between the straight line C and a vertical line Z is 10 degrees or greater and 20 degrees or less. The information processor 32 measures a synchronized club behavior value from synchronized club image data. The information processor 32 measures a synchronized ball behavior value from synchronized ball image data. The information processor 32 stores the synchronized club behavior value and the synchronized ball behavior value.

Abstract: A cocking loosening feedback method includes sensing sequential three-dimensional direction information of a golf club and three-dimensional direction information of the arm a user, analyzing the change of an angle between both three-dimensional information with respect to time, generating a cocking loosening evaluation variable based on the difference between the cocking loosening point and the impact point and the difference between the backswing top point and the impact point in the analyzed three-dimensional information, analyzing the evaluation variable based on a predetermined criterion to evaluate the cocking loosening, and providing its feedback information to the user.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a muscle trainer and methods for exercising opposing muscles of a person moving an implement. If the opposing muscles were of appropriate strength, the opposing muscles would apply forces in opposite directions to the implement to assist in maintaining an ideal movement of the implement. The methods train the opposing muscles to consistently move the implement in an ideal way to accomplish the function. The methods include: (a) moving the muscle trainer through an actual motion; (b) determining a difference between the actual motion and an ideal motion, the difference indicating a dominating force direction in which the dominating muscles urge the muscle trainer; (c) applying an external force to the muscle trainer to urge the muscle trainer in the dominating force direction; and (d) using the non-dominating muscles to urge the muscle trainer against the external force to thereby exercise the non-dominating muscles.

Abstract: A golf swing measurement device is placed in front of a golfer when the golfer swings a golf club to hit a golf ball. The golf swing measurement device includes a sidewall portion extending substantially in parallel to a swing path of the club head; a first sensor coil and a second sensor coil disposed along the sidewall portion for detecting a club head with a permanent magnet on a distal thereof passing therethrough; a calculation unit for calculating a swing time from a start moment of a backswing to a moment of an impact, a head speed upon the impact, and a total flying distance; a display unit for displaying the swing time, the head speed, and the total flying distance; a memory unit for storing measurement data including the swing time, head speed, and the total flying distance; and a transmission unit for sending the measurement data.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems to custom fit golf clubs are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A method relating to an improved fitting system for a golf club shaft is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention utilizes specific data gathered from the golfer's golf swing itself to determine the best performing golf club shaft for this particular golf swing. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of infrared motion capturing cameras to record the location data of a golf club shaft throughout a swing. Based on the location data captured, one or more dynamic behavioral characteristics can be calculated to determine one or more preferred shaft characteristics. Using the preferred shaft characteristics, a shaft can be recommended for the golfer having this particular golf swing. The current inventive fitting methodology is preferred to the archaic fitting method of using data gathered from the result orientated ball flight data together with a tedious process of having to try numerous different shafts.

Abstract: A swing analysis device includes a sensor section including a motion sensor adapted to detect a swing of sports equipment, a swing characteristic information calculation section adapted to calculate swing characteristic information of the swing based on output data of the motion sensor, the output data corresponding to the swing, a swing selection section adapted to select the swing characteristic information, and a reference swing characteristic information calculation section adapted to calculate reference swing characteristic information used as a reference based on the swing characteristic information selected, and store the reference swing characteristic information into a storage section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon during a golf swing, and more specifically to an apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon during a golf swing, which helps a golfer keep his or her eyes on the place where a golf ball to be struck is located, by making the ball ascend just before the impact only if the swing speed exceeds a pre-set value. According to the apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon especially during the golf tee-shot training, a golf ball either ascends above the ground or descends toward the ground from above just before the impact only if a down-swing is performed or only if the swing speed exceeds the pre-set value, such that the user may not suffer too much burden when swinging the golf ball placed on the tee.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for measurement and analysis of a behavior of a golf club head. Specifically, the system comprises a measurement and analysis device having a marker recognition and positional information acquisition unit for recognizing the at least one marker and acquiring positional information of the recognized at least one marker, a vector calculation unit for calculating a first vector representing a direction of the head and a second vector representing a tangent vector of a trajectory of the head during the golf swing, and a vector angle change acquisition unit for calculating a vector angle between the first vector and the second vector and acquiring a time series change of the calculated vector angle.

Abstract: A golf club including a swing analyzer includes an accelerometer that measures acceleration in three directions, a magnetometer/gyroscope unit, a processor unit that converts the measured acceleration and golf club movement during a non-ball-striking or ball-striking swing into an estimated carrying distance of a golf ball when struck by the golf club based on swing position and a type of the golf club, and a display that displays the estimated carrying distance as a function of swing position to the golfer. The accelerometer, magnetometer/gyroscope unit, and processor unit may be mounted in a handle at a grip end of the golf club. The estimated carrying distance calculation may be performed at a unit separate from the golf club and capable of performing this calculation for several golf clubs with which it communicates via cooperating communications unit.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf club classification method capable of classifying a golf swing precisely. Specifically, the present invention provides a classification method comprising steps of: partitioning the golf swing of the golfer into golf swing trajectories of a back swing, a down swing, and a follow through so as to determine a stable point in the golf swing trajectories as an origin for any two of the trajectories and to assign a two dimensional coordinate to the two golf swing trajectories; determining straight lines connecting each of one point selected within each of the two golf swing trajectories and the origin; calculating angles between each of the determined straight lines and the horizontal line respectively for the two golf swing trajectories; and classifying the golf swing based on a difference between the calculated angles.

Abstract: A wood-type club head can include a front end having a front face, a toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, a rear end opposite the front end, a crown surface having a front crown end and a rear crown end, and an alignment aid at the crown surface. The front crown end can be closer to the front end than to the rear end, and the rear crown end can be closer to the rear end than to the front end. The alignment aid can include three alignment aid stripes. The three alignment aid stripes can include a toe alignment aid stripe, a heel alignment aid stripe, and a center alignment aid stripe. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for measuring or analyzing a golf swing. Measurement or analysis is made relative to energy generation and transfer through a player's body and club. The measurement or analysis data is principally obtained from the player's ground-reaction forces. Processed signals are analyzed with an artificial intelligence system. Ground-reaction forces relate to reaction forces which occur between a standing surface and the player's feet. The apparatus and method measures or analyses a golf swing in an automatic manner or in an automatic and interactive manner.

Abstract: A method and electronic device for analyzing golf swings associates actual ball flight data with sensed swing characteristics. The electronic device includes a location-determining component; a sensor; a display; and a computing device all housed within a portable, handheld or wearable enclosure. The computing device may associate the ball flight data with the swing characteristic data by storing the data together in memory, linking the data in memory, displaying representations of the data together, or by any other method. The computing device may also create a reference profile for a golfer based on ball flight data and sensed swing characteristics for a plurality of golf swings and may associate swing characteristics with particular golf clubs.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.

Abstract: A golf training and practice device has a flat element which is placed on the ground separated from the user and spaced from a golf ball, and has on its upper face at least one ball direction mark, indicating the direction in which the golf ball is to go once hit, and a club orientation mark, indicating the orientation in which a clubface of a golf club that is being used must be placed, or lines parallel to said clubface etched on a surface of said golf club, where said ball direction mark and said club orientation mark are mutually separated from and are substantially perpendicular to one another. Furthermore, the flat element has a fastening and/or pivot hole.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf aid for determining the slope of putting green or other area of a golf course. More specifically, the invention provides a device for calibrating suspending Optionally, the device includes a ball marker and can include tools for assembling the device in a golf club.

Abstract: Handle integrated motion capture element mount that enables coupling or retrofitting a golf club with active motion capture electronics that are battery powered, passive or active shot count components, for example a passive RFID, and/or a visual marker on the cap for use with visual motion capture cameras. Does not require modifying the golf club. Electronics package and battery can be easily removed and replaced, for example without any tools. May utilize a weight that is removed when inserting the electronic package in the mount, wherein the weight element may have the same weight as an electronics package, for no net change or minimal change in club weight. May be implemented with a handle without electronics for future upgrading. May utilize non-permanently and/or friction coupling between the mount and equipment.

Abstract: An image-capturing apparatus for putting practice which is mounted on a putter provided with a head including a face for putting, a shaft, and a grip includes: an image-capturing unit provided with a camera for imaging a hole; a computation unit configured to specify a face perpendicular line which is a vertical line drawn from the center of the face, and calculate a relative relation between the hole and the face perpendicular line based on a hole image captured by the camera; a display unit configured to display the relative relation calculated by the computation unit; and a mounting unit configured to mount at least the image-capturing unit on the shaft or the grip.

Abstract: A golf aid including a yoke portion with a pair of the divergent upper portions, a pair of forearm guide portions, one associated with each of the divergent upper portions of the yoke and a resilient means to bias the forearm guide portions into an extended condition whereby a user's forearms apply force to the forearm guide portions against the biasing force in order to maintain optimum spacing between the user's forearms.

Abstract: A golf club head with a body and an asymmetrical visual swing indicator is provided. The asymmetrical visual swing indicator may be formed to represent an apparent backswing path outward of an actual backswing path. In certain configurations the asymmetrical visual swing indicator is positioned such that a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to the hitting surface of the golf club is closer to a heel end plane of the golf club head then a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to a rear surface of the golf club head. The swing indicator is integral with the body of the golf club head.