Abstract: A digit-mounted, spring-assisted device for launching a projectile in response to a launching motion of a finger by a user. The digit-mounted device may comprise a securing means for securing a launcher to the digit of the user. The securing means may comprise a strap, loop, or cinch. The digit-mounted device may further comprise a launch guide extending outwardly from a base member. A projectile may be mounted onto or into the launch guide. A spring may be mounted on the digit-mounted device which is placed under tension when the user prepares to make a launching motion with the digit. The projectile is launched in response to the user making a launching motion with the digit, using the thumb as a tensioning means. The spring is released from tension upon making a launching motion with the digit, adding to the force given to the projectile upon launch. The projectile may take a wide variety of forms.

Abstract: A golfing game assembly for playing miniature golf games includes a plurality of cups, a plurality of poles, and a plurality of spheres. Each cup is truncated frustrum shaped so that a base of the cup can be positioned on a surface with the cup being stabilized in an upright configuration. Each pole is selectively couplable to a respective cup so that the pole extends substantially vertically from the respective cup. The pole has a flag engaged thereto distal from the respective cup. The spheres are hollow, and each sphere has a plurality of orifices positioned therein. A respective sphere can be positioned on the surface distal from a respective cup. A user then is positioned to strike the sphere with a golf club in an attempt to propel the sphere into a respective cup.

Abstract: A sports-inspired dart game and method of playing the dart game are described. Embodiments of the sports-inspired dart game can include, but are not limited to, a dart board including indicia of a field of play, a mat including distance markers from which players throw darts, and a plurality of game pieces removably coupled to the dart board and implemented as targets and anti-targets on the dart board. Different rules can be implemented for a particular sports-inspired game being played.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for photographing a moving subject by means of multiple cameras, and acquiring the actual movement trajectory of the subject on the basis of the photographed image. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for acquiring the movement trajectory of a subject, the method comprising: a step for photographing a moving subject by means of multiple cameras; a step for collecting, from each of the cameras, information on multiple images of the subject and the positions of the images on the relevant camera image frames; and a step for acquiring the movement trajectory of the subject on the basis of the information collected.

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: 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: An apparatus for playing a skill game includes a generally vertically extending tube having a first, lower end; a second, upper end; and an axially extending passage. At least one outlet is located proximate the first end of the tube, and a play ball is supported by a flexible tether for swinging movement in a direction toward a scoring ball supported on the tube. The apparatus further includes a first receptacle for receiving the scoring ball if the scoring ball is appropriately struck by the play ball when a player swings the play ball in a direction toward the scoring ball supported on the tube.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a motion trainer for improving a person's movement of an implement by allowing the person to visualize the path of the implement during the movement. The motion trainer comprises an implement having a plurality of motion characteristic sensors located thereon for determining, among other things, the direction of the movement and the orientation of the implement during the movement. Biofeedback devices provide the person information regarding the positioning of the implement during the movement.

Abstract: A launch monitor that includes substantially all of its functional components on or within a housing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the launch monitor is capable of being transported and used in any desired location. One or more camera's, flashes, and triggers may be used to acquire images of a golf club and golf ball. The launch monitor is preferably capable of receiving and transmitting data over a wireless network. Acquired images and other data may be analyzed by a processor, and then displayed using an LED, LCD or other type of display or printer. The launch monitor may “recognize” a plurality of golf clubs and golf balls based on an optical fingerprint. The optical fingerprints, which are preferably stored in a memory, allow the launch monitor to identify a golf club and/or ball substantially soon after they are placed in the field of view of the monitor Optical fingerprinting enables automatic record keeping, and storing performance data and equipment used simultaneously.

Abstract: A watch includes a wrist band and a housing mounted to the wrist band where the housing includes a wrist side and an opposing side, a pliable domed shape pressure plate that extends outwardly from the wrist side of the housing to contact a palm side of a wrist and that responds to movements of muscles and tendons in the wrist that correspond to varying grip pressures applied by a hand extending from the wrist, a battery, memory, circuitry powered by the battery to convert responses of the pliable domed shape pressure plate to digital data, and circuitry powered by the battery to record the digital data to the memory.

Abstract: A method for a predicting golfer's performance is disclosed herein. The method inputs the pre-impact swing properties of a golfer obtained from a CMOS imaging system, 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 user interface device for controlling an audio visual system. In one embodiment, a device for interfacing with an audio/visual system includes a sensor mat including a surface and operable to be disposed on a substantially flat floor. The sensor mat is further operable for generating electrical signals responsive to physical interactions of a user with the surface. The interface device also includes an electronic control unit including circuitry for coupling to the mat, the electronic control unit for detecting the physical interactions of the mat and the electronic control unit operable to be placed on the substantially flat floor. The interface device further includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end and physically coupled to the electronic control unit via the first end and extending laterally therefrom. The second end of the elongated shaft is operable to be displaced in various directions by interactions with both hands of the user.

Abstract: A screen golf system is provided, which includes: a strike position sensor placed on a ground where the golf ball is placed and configured to sense a ground strike position when the golf club hits the golf ball and a ground near the golf ball and to output the sensed ground strike position in a form of a ground strike position signal; a strike force sensor configured to sense ground strike force when the golf club hits the golf ball and the ground near the golf ball and to output the sensed ground strike force in a form of a ground strike force signal; and an output device configured to receive the ground strike position signal and the ground strike force signal and to output a striking state, including the ground strike position and ground strike force of the golf club.

Abstract: An information processing system includes an input section that inputs movement information of an object on which a user performed an operation in an operation environment, and an output section that holds another object in a remote site remote from the operation environment and reproduces a movement of the object on which the user performed the operation on the basis of the movement information received from the input section.

Abstract: A game played on a golf course using a tennis racquet, a putter and a ball. The game may involve a player generally following the rules of golf, but using a tennis racquet to hit a ball on the golf course towards a green, and then putting the ball once on the green. Also, equipment for playing the game. The equipment may include a tennis racquet, a golf putter and a ball. Preferably, the ball is a specially designed ball that is distinct from a tennis ball or a golf ball.

Abstract: Grip pressure is monitored by a collection of battery powered components embodied in an assembly analogous to an ordinary wrist watch, that is a watch housing or casement and a stretchable band. The system, which we shall refer to as a swing monitor, is worn on the wrist and deployed in such a way that the back of the housing or casement is cinched securely to the back or underside of the wrist. A pressure plate on the back of the watch makes contact with the pulse region of the wrist. The flexing and relaxing of the muscles and tendons of the wearer is read by an electronic pressure sensing device, a piezo sensor. A tighter grip will register greater pressure and a looser grip, less pressure. The device records grip pressure associated with the swing of a golf club, tennis racquest or baseball bat, among other articles of sports equipment meant to be swung. The grip pressure determined to be optimal, that is giving the desired result, can be SAVED in the memory of the swing monitor system.

Abstract: A recreational toss golf game involving one to four members and a scoring method similar to the game of golf. A start flag and a target flag indicate the starting and ending positions of each round, with players tossing a large diameter ball from the starting flag towards the target flag. The player's ball that comes closest to the target flag scores the lowest for each round, and the player with the lowest combined score after all rounds is declared the winner. The game setup is modular and may be set up over different terrains or distances, depending on player preference and skill level. A full game may comprise any number of rounds up to 18, similar to a full round of golf. The game provides players with the joys of golf without requiring each player to invest time and money developing golf specific skills or paying for specialized equipment.

Abstract: A system featuring a server communicating with the network with game hosting software programmed on the server, a terrain database and a time sequence GPS position linked message database each stored on the server and accessed by the game hosting software is disclosed. The terrain database stores a plurality of three dimensional renderings of golf courses created from digital aerial photographs of each golf course, wherein each photo includes elevational and slope data for each aerial photo. The time sequence GPS position linked message database contains a plurality of messages collected by a portable computing device and transmitted to the server by the device during an actually played round of golf. Each message is: transmitted by the device to the server; associated with an elapsed time from the beginning of the play of the round of golf, and linked to a GPS determined position from where the message was transmitted.

Abstract: Embodiments of projectile golf game may include a variety of targets, each of them representing a “hole” to imitate playing traditional golf. For example, nine different “hole” targets having different configurations similar to a golf course layout may be provided. Scoring is accomplished based, at least in part, by the locations at which projectiles hit the targets and/or the number of projectiles used. Additionally, a handicap target may be used to determine the skills of each participant to level the skill levels of various participants.

Abstract: A bag toss game target has an angled landing surface with a target opening that rotates on a base of the game target whereby rotation of the landing surface changes direction of the slope of the landing surface and the target opening location relative to the base. The landing surface is provided by a platform that is raised relative to the target base. The platform is temporarily fixed in rotation to define various set positions and slope directions of the landing surface relative to the target base. The configuration of the present game target provides a bag toss game and game target that emulates the game of golf wherein the platform and target opening represents a golf green and golf hole (collectively, golf green), with the target base representing at least a portion of a golf hole fairway or approach leading to the golf green.

Abstract: A golf game operable by data processing apparatus by one or more players comprising a video golf game having various scoring features emulating a corresponding feature of a golf game played on an actual golf course; a rank-assigning element for responsively assigning a virtual military ranking for each of the one or more players for each scoring feature of the video golf game as playing of the video golf game progresses; and an interface element interconnecting the rank-assigning element in communication with the video golf game. The virtual military ranking of each of the one or more players playing the video golf game is promoted or demoted based on his golfing scores as playing of the video golf game progresses.

Abstract: Pose and play dolls that will stand on a platform by magnetic attraction and dance with lifelike animation, but which may be removed from the stand for ordinary play. The dolls include animation powered from the platform through the legs of the doll. A motor in the doll animates the doll body, arms and head, with proportional feedback allowing control by a controller in coordination with music being played. The doll head may rotate or gyrate, and the arms swing as a unit or with the lower arms bending as the arms swing. In one form of platform simply rotates through controlled angles, again in coordination with the music being played. In another form of doll, the hips are configured to swing back and forth, and another form of platform controls the hip movement, again in coordination with the music being played. Various other features and capabilities are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for a predicting golfer's performance is disclosed herein. The method inputs the pre-impact swing properties of a golfer obtained from a CMOS imaging system, 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 that wirelessly integrates actual golf equipment with a computer and the internet to allow players remotely located from one another to play a competitive simulated game of golf. An individual player may opt to play solo or practice to improve basic golfing techniques. The system includes smart golf clubs, a golf ball receptacle and a golf club motion sensing device, all containing circuits and contact or motion sensors coupled with signal processing and radio frequency transmitter circuitry, thereby wirelessly communicate game performance information to a remote receiver-computer. The computer displays player information and visually simulates and controls a golf game between two players, via the internet, having similar equipment and remotely located from each other. Standard golf clubs may be retrofitted with the sensors and associated circuitry to convert such clubs into “smart clubs” for use with the system.

Abstract: The system monitors a user's key physical movements when performing a particular activity, such as a golf swing, and signals visually and/or aurally when a single (or several) error(s) is/are committed, for the purpose of encouraging faster learning of fundamentally sound physical skills. Mental conditioning is achieved when the effects of repeatedly listening to the specially constructed and authored audio conditioning programs during practice sessions and games are combined with the above described physical monitoring effects of the system. Better physical execution of a selected technique or skill results, and the user experiences the benefits of mental conditioning on his/her playing performance.

Abstract: A manual game is provided which simulates American football. The game has a playing surface with multiple openings having indicia associated with football activities, and players toss game pieces at the surface in order to achieve football action determined by the indicia of the opening into which a game piece drops. The game includes a goal the structure with a pair of uprights, and players attempt to score field goals and points after touchdown by tossing a game piece between the uprights. A plurality of template plates are provided to effect different games, and each template plate has a subset of the openings and covers at least one of them. As a result, different games are available with different patterns of openings. A blank, planar form is provided which can be folded and assembled into a game chassis which includes the playing surface.

Abstract: A game system that uses a swinging launcher to strike and propel a magnetic projectile. The magnetic projectile is propelled toward a primary target. If struck, the magnetic projectile clings to the primary target with magnetic attraction. Optional obstacles may be provided to make the striking of the primary target more difficult and the game more challenging. A tee is provided for placement of the magnetic projectile. The swinging launcher is spring loaded. The swinging launcher has a striking head that contacts the magnetic projectile on the tee when the spring loaded striking head is cocked and released. The striking head hits and separates the magnetic projectile from the tee thereby propelling the magnetic projectile toward the target.

Abstract: A game piece is struck by a golf club, and is propelled through the air in order to target a vertical pole in the ground similar to the action in the game of horseshoes. The game piece consists of a spherical object simulating a golf ball having a pair of arms. The game, while providing a novel experience sought by many persons, also tends to aid players in properly striking a golf ball in the game of golf. If the spherical object which can be an actual golf ball is properly struck at its center without a club induced slice, the game piece will turn over and over in an orderly fashion without wobbling from side-to-side. If it is not properly struck, it will wobble in its flight through the air which indicates that the player has not hit the spherical object properly.

Abstract: An information processing system includes an input section that inputs movement information of an object on which a user performed an operation in an operation environment, and an output section that holds another object in a remote site remote from the operation environment and reproduces a movement of the object on which the user performed the operation on the basis of the movement information received from the input section.

Abstract: The GolfDisney World is the combinatory hot topic on golf, ancient China mystery, SanXingDui heritage and Eastern Olympics, YanYun. The GolfDisney World is the special topic entertainment center having the versatile Golfing amusement activities. The GolfDisney World goes through the mysterious China history to find out the ancient 5000 years golf history. It has the SanXing Golf which is re-constructed from the heritage of SanXingDui 3500 years ago. Being similar to the cartoon movie MULAN of Walt Disney World, GolfDisney has the SanXing movie going through the 5000 years timing channel of the Oriental Grand Ming, Oriental Dark Ages, Oriental Renaissance and Oriental Olympics, YanYun Sports. The GolfDisney has the parade of the oriental YanYun Torch team and the ancient golf which are discovered from the SanXingDui heritage. The ancient golf are the YuanShi golf, 7-Sun golf and the GaoShang golf.

Abstract: A bag toss game target has an angled landing surface with a target opening that rotates on a base of the game target whereby rotation of the landing surface changes direction of the slope of the landing surface and the target opening location relative to the base. The landing surface is provided by a platform that is raised relative to the target base. The platform is temporarily fixed in rotation to define various set positions and slope directions of the landing surface relative to the target base. The configuration of the present game target provides a bag toss game and game target that emulates the game of golf wherein the platform and target opening represents a golf green and golf hole (collectively, golf green), with the target base representing at least a portion of a golf hole fairway or approach leading to the golf green.

Abstract: An impact-responsive scoring and sensing goal post that forms an active target for hybrid soccer golf games of numerous variations, and a soccer golf game using the goal pole. The portable electronic “goal-pole” comprises an upstanding, cylindrical stanchion that supports sensor circuitry and display apparatus. The goal pole can be disposed in different predetermined locations over a playing surface to provide a target. The solid state circuitry responds to an impact-responsive electrical switch to energize an activation line for a predetermined time, turning on a trio of driver transistors activating a motor that rotates the visual display, a plurality of LED's, and a loud recorded message for audibly indicating a score.

Abstract: A sports simulation system includes a projectile tracking apparatus having a display surface on which a visually apparent three-dimensional sports scene is presented. The projectile tracking apparatus captures images of a projectile tracking region disposed in front of the display surface to detect a launched projectile traveling through the projectile tracking region towards the display surface. At least one processing stage communicates with the projectile tracking apparatus and is responsive to the image data to determine the three-dimensional positions, velocity and deceleration/acceleration of a detected projectile traveling through the projectile tracking region. The determined three-dimensional positions, velocity and deceleration/acceleration are used by the at least one processing stage to calculate a trajectory of the launched projectile into the visually apparent three-dimensional sports scene.

Abstract: A novel golf ball launch monitor with a foldable design is disclosed. This launch monitor has a bottom housing that is connect to a top housing through a hinge. The top housing contains an image sensor for capturing an image of a golf ball. The top housing may also include a tilt gauge to measure the tilt of the top housing relative to the earth tangential or other reference plane. The monitor may also have a processor to process the images captured by the sensor, and may also include an illumination lamp to illuminate the golf ball and the surrounding environment. A display and/or a speaker may be added to the monitor as a means of outputting the results from the processor to a user of the monitor.

Abstract: A reconfigurable golf game having an interchangeable body, a hollow shaft, a swing actuation system, and a coupler. The coupler allows a user that purchases one game system including multiple interchangeable bodies to easily attach different interchangeable bodies to the hollow shaft thereby changing the game. The various interchangeable bodies mimic the look and swing characteristics of modem professional golfers. The swing actuation system includes a translational motion system, including a rack and prime mover, and a rotational motion system, including a pinion. In operation the user grips the hollow shaft and activates the translation motion system by pulling the prime mover, and thus the rack, away from the interchangeable body, the rotational motion system pinion cooperates with the rack thereby causing the rotating body portion to rotate from a maximum backswing position to a maximum follow-through position, striking the replica golf ball.

Abstract: A device (80) for reading a coded golf ball (40) comprises a helical track (82) on the inside or outside of a cylindrical housing (81), the track serving to change the orientation of the ball relative to an antenna coil (85) to ensure that the code is read. The track may be arranged horizontally and rotated by a motor; a flap (30) may be provided to avoid balls following each other too closely onto the helical track. Alternatively the track may be arranged vertically and the balls may fall under gravity.

Abstract: A new and useful golf range target and system is disclosed. The new target incorporates an area having a top surface that will guide a golf ball which hits the surface to a golf ball receiver. The target receiver includes an RFID reader and a GPS receiver, which, upon the passing of a golf ball through the receiver, reads the golf ball ID using an RFID tag in the golf ball, then sends that data along with GPS data back to a server. The target is designed to be mobile, or moveable, by range personnel. The server then stores the data, and makes calculations such as the distance the golf ball traveled, the point value of the target hit (if any), and related fun information. This enables players to get real-time feedback using the targets, and allows ranges to encourage range play by keeping scores, awarding prizes, etc., based on target hits and other criteria.

Abstract: A swing measurement method of directly measuring a swing behavior without being influenced by flexure of an impact implement, such as a golf club or baseball bat is provided. In addition, a golf swing analysis method and computer program product having computer program code for a simple and effective model of the behavior of a grip portion during a golf swing is provided. A three dimensional magnetic sensor capable of measuring position and direction is fixed to a grip portion of the impact implement within magnetic fields in which the magnetic field distribution of intensity and direction are known, and the behavior of the swing is directly measured. In addition, the path of the grip portion is approximated as an arc within a swing plane using the three dimensional position coordinates of the grip portion obtained in this measurement, and thus an arm angle, a wrist angle, and an angle of shaft rotation are found.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf feedback system. A mat is used to determine player foot position, and a 3D golf tracking system tracks golf balls hit from the mat to determine (a) a ground ball track and (b) a player orientation axis, based on the foot position and relative to the mat. The system further determines information indicative of how well the ground ball track correlated to the orientation axis. Preferably, a golfer using the system is led through a plurality of pin target locations in a simulated golf game. The system evaluates and stores information such as slice and hook, accuracy, player orientation axis and ball carry distance such that the player can evaluate his/her game individually or against one or more other players.

Abstract: A putt trainer system includes a plurality of ball sensors, each having a lever which pivots at impact with a putted golf ball between a rest position, wherein it blocks a light beam from a light source, and a deflected position. The light beam passes through a recess of predetermined length made in the lever to be detected by a light sensor generating a detection signal of predetermined duration that is compared with a preset value corresponding to a maximum acceptable speed. If the detection signal is at most equal to the preset value, it is further evaluated to determine whether this signal represents an off-centered, partially centered, or centered putt, each of which is allocated a respective score.

Abstract: A golf simulator has a flooring system comprising a tee area, a green area, a green-side area and a ball feed system adjacent the flooring system. From measurements taken when the ball is hit, the computer control system computes the next shot position of the ball after it is hit and the corresponding location on the flooring system. A ball feed system collects the ball into a ball feed chute and moves the ball toward a return gutter. When the ball contacts a gutter sensor, the sensor signals a gutter door to open, corresponding to a feed tube. The ball is sent down the return gutter and drops, at the position where the gutter door opened, into a feeding tube and a ball lifting mechanism positions a ball at the appropriate location on the flooring system. This process continues until a player finishes the hole. Accordingly, a player need not touch the golf ball, except when under penalty, more similar to an actual round of golf.

Abstract: A sheath for keeping a golf club grip dry when laid on wet ground includes upper and lower portions arranged to form a pocket therebetween. The pocket has an opening sized to enable at least one golf club grip to be inserted therein. The lower portion includes a water-resistant layer for resisting the entry of moisture into the pocket when the lower portion of the sheath is laid on wet ground. The water-resistant layer is longer than a length of the grip and extends past the opening in a direction away from the pocket.

Abstract: A video game system for simulating a golf game displays three-dimensional image information indicative of the terrain profile of a golf course and image information of a golf ball on the display screen of a television monitor. The golf ball is moved on the display screen based on the image information indicative of the terrain profile and a command from a controller operated by the game player. A guide comprising a matrix of lines is displayed on the display screen, and the luminance and length of each of said lines are established based on the image information indicative of the terrain profile. The guide is three-dimensionally displayed over the three-dimensional image information indicative of the terrain profile on said display screen.