Abstract: The present invention is a transponder for transmitting a RFID signal for shot tracking a golfer's round of golf while conserving battery power, comprising a battery in electrical communication with a resistor, the resistor in electrical communication with a capacitor and a load switch, which in turn is in electrical communication with a microprocessor comprising a radiofrequency transceiver.

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: One or more player Bingo cards are generated using a universe of Bingo indicia, optionally with player input. In an optional embodiment, the player may select all or a portion of the Bingo indicia on a player Bingo card, or regenerate a player Bingo card. A selection set of pairs are generated, each pair consisting of a Bingo indicium and a playing card. The pairs of the selection set are compared to the player Bingo cards and, on each player Bingo card, locations matching the Bingo indicium of a pair are replaced with the corresponding playing card of the pair. The player is rewarded if a pattern on the player Bingo card matches a winning Bingo pattern. The player is also rewarded for having a poker hand formed from the playing cards along predetermined poker patters on the player Bingo card match a winning poker hand.

Abstract: Position measuring system including a synchronization transducer used to synchronize a position signal evaluation with the position signal emission of a wireless synchronization transmission line between a position signal transmitter and a position signal evaluation unit, or visa versa, in order to transmit synchronization signals to a series controller of a position signal transmitter or to identifying means of the position signal evaluation unit.

Abstract: A diagnostic golf club system having a diagnostic golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The diagnostic golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, and a non-volatile memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the diagnostic golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to determine a shaft flex profile for a particular golfer.

Abstract: A golf-related game includes obtaining an instruction relating to at least one golf-related task; attempting the at least one golf-related task, and rewarding a player upon successful completion of the attempted golf-related task.

Abstract: A transmitter tag for a ball, the tag comprises a transmitter configured to issue a signal for location of the ball, a power source for powering the transmitter, activation means operable for activating the transmitter when the ball is in use, and deactivation means operable for remote manual deactivation of the transmitter after the ball is located.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for determining a user skill level for user interaction with virtual equipment in an interactive computer game. The virtual equipment is capable of being manipulated through user interaction with an associated representation. Automatically adapting a virtual equipment model associated with the virtual equipment to reflect the determined user skill level. The virtual equipment model governs how the virtual equipment behaves in response to user interaction with the representation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transmitting a signal while conserving battery power by utilizing a resistor in series with a power source prior to a capacitor, allowing that capacitor to be charged at a controlled rate and further comprising an automatic switch, allowing power to flow when desired.

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: In a method for analyzing performance of a golfer, a number greens hit in regulation by the golfer during at least one round of golf and a number of long game strokes taken by the golfer during the at least one round of golf are determined, a long game efficiency index of the golfer is calculated by dividing the determined number of long game strokes by the determined number of greens hit in regulation, and a long game handicap of the golfer is determined based at least in part upon the calculated long game efficiency index and a known relationship between long game handicap versus long game efficiency index. The method may be performed by a computer system if desired.

Abstract: A golf system that includes a tee or other area for striking a golf ball; and a golf green having a concave surface with a ball receptacle located at the lowest point in the surface so that a ball landing and remaining on the green will roll into the ball receptacle. The green includes a resiliently compressible layer coinciding with the concave surface. The resiliently compressible surface may include at least one layer of corrugated plastic material and may be covered with an artificial turf surface. The golf system may be used to play a unique game, wherein a plurality of balls are rolled on the green and travel in a spiral manner into the ball receptacle. The golf green may be mounted on a portable frame.

Abstract: A method for organising a golf tournament is described, the method comprising the steps of: specifying a first set of clubs for use in the tournament, said first set of clubs being designated traditional clubs. The method further comprising requiring each player to use said first set of clubs in at least one round of the tournament. In other rounds of the tournament each player can choose the golf clubs to use within the rules of golf.

Abstract: This invention relates to a golf lesson apparatus and server by using intrinsic location and user authentication which is installed at each tee box of golf courses or driving ranges. This invention aims simple and easy correction of user's swing posture, and is comprised of: the Wireless Communication Part which authenticates users with the user's RFID ID card; the Motion Detection Part which records user's swing posture; the Data Storage Part which stores the video of the user's swing posture; the Key Input Interface Part which receives user's command; the Display Part which shows the video of the user's swing posture on real time basis and the video of analysis and lesson on user's swing posture transmitted from the golf lesson server; the Network Interface Part which connects the golf lesson server via wired/wireless networks; and the Control Part which provides the services linked with the Golf Lesson Server.

Abstract: A system for selecting a golf ball comprises a ballistics data input configured to receive ballistics data for a plurality of golf balls and for a plurality of launch conditions; a material data input configured to receive material measurement data for each of the plurality of golf balls; a data structure generation module configured to generate a data structure for each of the plurality of golf balls based on the ballistics data and measurement data; an indexing module configured to index the data structures relative to each other; a interactive feedback module configured to solicit and receive launch monitor data and preferences; a modelling module configured to generate a performance model based on the launch monitor data and preferences; and a selection module configured to select one of the plurality of golf balls based on the index and the performance model.

Abstract: A putting device comprising a storage means having a plurality of recorded audio samples stored thereon; a randomizing means, and a sensing means; wherein all said means are cooperatively connected together; upon activation of said sensing means, said randomizing means selects an audio sample from said storage means for said putting device to audibilize.

Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club information system for representing a plurality of golf club head configurations includes a first member having thereon a graphic depicting a golf club head with openings and a second member movably coupled to the first member having marks thereon corresponding to a golf club head configuration associated with a predicted golf ball flight path. The first and second members are movable relative to each other to display some of the marks on the second member within the openings in the first member. The displayed marks convey golf club head configuration information.

Abstract: A high impact game ball with a core structure founded on a spherical member, a spherical casing concentrically disposed relative to the spherical member, at least one surface deviation disposed relative to the spherical member of the core structure, and at least one corresponding surface deviation disposed relative to the spherical casing in a mating relationship with the at least one surface deviation of the spherical member. A switching arrangement can be embedded in the spherical member for causing a response to be exhibited based on the occurrence of an activation condition, such as an impact or a remote activation signal. A plurality of positioning stays can project from the spherical member to ensure a concentric relationship relative to the spherical casing.

Abstract: The present invention enhances a golf tournament using novel tournament scoring and novel rules that include allowing viewer interaction with a live tournament to affect the outcome of the tournament. In a match play golf tournament, the number of tournament points awarded to a match winning team is directly proportional to a sum of the difference in the number of holes won and the number of holes left to play. In addition, elected spectators of the event may participate in a team's compliance with one or more of the tournament rules, such as selecting a player whose results will be counted double. The tournament is preferably based on the Ryder cup format, but condensed into a single day.

Abstract: A highly simulative golf device and method for performing the same is proposed. A device body of the device has an object display unit and a short grass area. The object display unit displays a beating objective point and the sensor set senses the falling point of a golf ball. Then the device body will calculate a distance difference between the beating objective point and the falling point so as to get next distance difference as a base for the following beating objective point. The method includes the following steps: a: displaying the beating objective point, b: sensing the falling point; c: calculating the distance difference; d: reset the beating objective point; e: re-sensing the falling point; the user can beat the golf ball repeatedly until the distance difference is smaller than zero or approaches to zero.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine and method used to capture, analyze, score, archive, track and communicate real-time relevant golf data specific to individual golfers: 1) during practice/lessons; or 2) for every shot on every hole of an entire recreational golf round; and 3) archive all such practice sessions or rounds during which the invention is in use. Additionally it could be used to support a foursome or an entire tournament for those participants using the invention.

Abstract: A mechanical golf counter includes a case in which is mounted a golf counter mechanism including: a plurality of first components for counting score associated with a plurality of holes and for providing indication of the score at each hole; a plurality of second components for storing the indication for each hole and cooperating with the first components; third component for altering the score indication of a selected hole, cooperating with the first component; fourth component for reading the score of the selected hole, and cooperating with the first components; and fifth component for displaying the score of the selected hole, the fifth component cooperating with the fourth component, wherein the first components are mounted mobile inside the case so any one of the components can occupy a determined score incrementing/reading position, in which the component is selected to cooperate with the third and fourth components.

Abstract: A method for scoring a golf tournament that incorporates, in part, a worst ball format is presented. The invention is directed to a tournament or rounds of golf of teams of two golfers each. On certain of the holes, the format is a best ball format. On other holes, the format is a worst ball format, and on yet other holes, the format is a weighted one, in which the scores of the golfer for each hole are added together, and then either the best or worst score for that hole is added again. The team having the lowest total score at the end of the tournament is the winner.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for turning physical motion into an interpretable language which when formed into sentences reproduces the original motion. This system may be referred to herein as a “Motion Description System.” Physical motion is defined as motion in one, two or three dimensions, with anywhere from 1 to 6 degrees of freedom. Language is defined as meaning applied to an abstraction.

Abstract: A scorecard for use in connection with a golf wagering game is disclosed. The scorecard has a base with indicators for each of the holes printed thereon. In addition, a series of rotating dials are attached to the scorecard for keeping track of the wagering for each hole.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating competition are provided. According to an embodiment of the present invention, competition is facilitated by combining competition results from competition-event-segments across competition events conducted at different event locations.

Abstract: A golf counter is constructed in a completely mechanical manner and includes a first counting mechanism with a display (202) for counting a number of strokes per hole, a second counting mechanism with a display (203) of a total number of strokes, and a third counting mechanism with a display (204) of played holes, wherein a press button (212) for indexing the third counting mechanism to the next position automatically sets the first counting mechanism into a zero position. Thereby, the display of the second counting mechanism is a sum hand (203) which may be rotated about a central pivot of the golf counter. The sum hand (203) permits an analog representation of the state of the game, in contrast to the common two-or three digit displays with digit disks. The counting mechanism is preferably designed as an autonomous module, and is arranged in a watch between the dial and the clockwork.

Abstract: A golf type game for playing at a driving range, or other golf practice facility is provided consisting of a series of cards that simulate a series of golf holes. The cards are placed and moved within a handbook that has an opaque cover with a slot so that the player can determine his own position and make his own strategy decisions to determine his desired target and/or target line. Once closed, the handbook cover has grid markings that correspond to grid markings on the driving range so that a shot outcome can be transferred to said card. The player then plays a shot directly towards a target, and observes the shot outcome. A series of holes are provided on said cover through which the player can mark the shot outcome on the card, prior to opening the handbook. By being opaque, however, the player marks the card in an unbiased fashion.

Abstract: A combination golf and dice game for a golf foursome comprising a first die and a second dice. The first die has different indica defining specified pairings of the foursome while the second die has different indicia defining at least one of a skill challenge(s) and scoring rules for the game. A player rolls the pair of dice to obtain both the specified pairing of the foursome being dictated by the first die such that a first team competes against a second team under one of the specified skill challenges and scoring rules of the game dictated by the second dice. A method of playing the game for a golf foursome is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is “Golfball®”, a system and method of playing a team golf game in which teams consisting of nine players each compete in a match play format with the object being to win the greater number of holes, including rules for player substitutions, line up disclosure, simultaneous play, extra holes in case of ties, real time communication of the game score and the number of holes remaining to be played to all participating players and the display of the current status of the game and all component matches on a consolidated scoreboard.

Abstract: A cellular phone mounted player position as well as a hole position determining system for a golf course for use by players in playing the course is disclosed. Each of the cellular phone includes a monitor for displaying the golf course including each of the holes with its tee box, fairway, green, cup and hazards, as well as the position of the cellular phone unit on the course in real time. The distance between the target and the current position on a specific course of a golf club is measured when a player push the specific code number of a golf club followed by pushing the course number.

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 golf course monitoring system and method of monitoring a golf course is disclosed. The system comprises a display unit comprising a display, a wireless signal receiver coupled to the display and a photovoltaic power source configured to provide power to the display and the receiver; and a camera unit comprising a camera, a wireless signal transmitter coupled to the camera and a photovoltaic cell for providing power to the camera and the transmitter.

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: The present invention relates to a static pose fixture (10) used for measuring a subject (42) that is the object of a motion capture system. The static pose fixture (10) provides a means for holding the subject (52) in a static position by using various struts in order to automate the sizing of a computer generated model or to position and orient markers with respect to the model.

Abstract: An exercise device having a first base member with foot platforms mounted thereon for rotating a person's lower body and a second base member including at least one handle to be grasped by a person for rotating a person's upper body. The first and second base members are mounted so as to be capable of rotating about the same vertical axis. Resistance means and/or weights may be used to increase the force needed to rotate the base members. Either base member may also be fixed so as not to rotate. Similarly, the foot platforms may rotate on the first base member independently of the first base member or can be fixed thereto so as to remain stationary in relation to the first base member. The second base member may be mounted adjacent the first base member and concentric therewith the handle extending upwardly.

Abstract: A novel integrated golf ball launch monitor for measuring flight path parameters for a golf ball is disclosed. This integrated launch monitor includes a housing that includes a sensor, a user output device, and a processor. The processor performs the steps of monitoring a trigger zone, determining that the golf ball has launched from the trigger zone, capturing position information for the golf ball with the sensor, calculating the flight parameters using the position information, and outputting the flight parameters on the user output device. A display and/or a speaker may be added to the monitor as a means of outputting the flight parameters from the processor to a user of the monitor. The integrated launch monitor may be sized and constructed to be portable and may also include a battery (which may be rechargeable).

Abstract: A golf practice mat includes an impact sensor disposed in a vicinity bounding the location of where a golf ball would be placed for striking. The golf practice mat may also include, for example, a “crosshair” target imprint that is disposed on a golf club impact sensor portion of the practice surface and indicates the point/line of contact that the club face should hit the ground after the ball has been struck with the club head in a descending blow. A microcontroller receives and analyzes the output of the impact sensor and generates a display/output message that is coupled to a display that is, for example, embodied on the golf practice mat to provide user shot-related feedback. The display may indicate, for example, the user's golf club, the estimated distance the ball will travel depending upon the impact data analyzed, the club chosen by the user, input backswing data and/or a three-dimensional simulation of the resulting golf stroke.

Abstract: A golf practice mat includes an impact sensor disposed in a vicinity bounding the location of where a golf ball would be placed for striking. The golf practice mat may also include, for example, a “crosshair” target imprint that is disposed on a golf club impact sensor portion of the practice surface and indicates the point/line of contact that the club face should hit the ground after the ball has been struck with the club head in a descending blow. A microcontroller receives and analyzes the output of the impact sensor and generates a display/output message that is coupled to a display that is, for example, embodied on the golf practice mat to provide user shot-related feedback. The display may indicate, for example, the user's golf club, the estimated distance the ball will travel depending upon the impact data analyzed, the club chosen by the user, input backswing data and/or a three-dimensional simulation of the resulting golf stroke.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for detecting the placement of a golf ball for a launch monitor is disclosed. The method comprises capturing an image of a scan zone that is adjacent to the launch monitor and in the field of view of the launch monitor's image sensor, analyzing the scan zone image for the placement of an object, and determining if the object is likely the golf ball. An apparatus is also disclosed that implements the golf ball detection method.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus has: a recording portion that optically records a flying body at intervals, to obtain a first image and a second image; an image information computing portion that detects a first outline region of the flying body from the first image and a second outline region of the flying body from the second image, and finds first image information from the first image and second image information from the second image: and a rotation amount computing portion that maps the first image information to a surface of a first visual spherical body, the second image information to a surface of a second virtual spherical body, and computes a rotation amount that is used for rotation processing when the rotation processing is performed on the first virtual spherical body to obtain a highest correlation between the first image information and the second image information.

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. A projectile launch area sensing unit captures images of the projectile launch area. At least one processing stage communicates with the projectile tracking apparatus and the projectile launch area sensing unit and is responsive to the data received therefrom to determine the three-dimensional positions, velocity, acceleration and spin of a detected projectile traveling through the projectile tracking region.

Abstract: A diagnostic golf club system having a diagnostic golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The diagnostic golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, and a non-volatile memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the diagnostic golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to determine a shaft flex profile for a particular golfer.

Abstract: An audio digital recording and playback device is configured to conveniently store and play audible messages pertaining to specific golfing techniques. The device includes a housing, a power supply contained within the housing, switches operably coupled to the housing and adapted for enabling operator selection of one of a plurality of categories pertaining to golf, a play-record mode selector control, a speaker, a volume adjustment switch, a visual indicator and a microphone. The switches are configured (i.e., spaced and sized) to allow an operator wearing a golf glove to easily manipulate them. A circuit within the housing produces and stores message data from the analog audio signals corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of categories pertaining to golf. In playback mode, the circuit produces analog output message signals from stored message data corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of categories pertaining to golf, and transmits the analog output message signals to the speaker.

Abstract: In a method for analyzing performance of a golfer, a number greens hit in regulation by the golfer during at least one round of golf and a number of long game strokes taken by the golfer during the at least one round of golf are determined, a long game efficiency index of the golfer is calculated by dividing the determined number of long game strokes by the determined number of greens hit in regulation, and a long game handicap of the golfer is determined based at least in part upon the calculated long game efficiency index and a known relationship between long game handicap versus long game efficiency index. The method may be performed by a computer system if desired.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for computing and outputting a putting backstroke instruction for a planned putt of a golf ball during recreational play. A computing means includes means for initializing or customizing according to a specific golfer putting on a specific golf green, the golfer putting at least one initializing putt a pre-selected distance on a level area of a green. During recreational play thereafter, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the golfer, for each segment of a planned putt enters the applicable grade and length. The computing means outputs to the golfer an instruction for the length of the backstroke recommended, i.e., required for the planned putt. Another embodiment of the invention requires the inputting of the length of the planned putt but excludes the inputting of the grade of the green.

Abstract: A system, a computer program product and a method for registration and analysis of data from a practised stage, and for generation of action programs in dependence of said data. Preferably, the system and the method are adapted for the analysis of the player properties of a sports practiser (1500) and for the generation of an action program in the form of a training model for the player, whereby the player will, while practising (1501) the sport, register (1502) player data (101) and result data (102) in a registration unit (104). In a parameter processing unit (106), a player characteristics profile, depending of said registered data, is generated (1503), regarding various parameters, such as shot type, number of shots per shot type, etc., as well as a comparison profile by means of which a current player characteristics profile for a player is compared with a normal profile for an average player.

Abstract: An object retrieval system providing an expanse of flexible material variably configured by travel of a material support element between a first position and a second position which generates movement in objects that collect on the material surface for retrieval.

Abstract: A personal golfing assistant system includes a handheld device and a GPS receiver that enables the user to survey and/or electronically capture geophysical golf data. The system can be used during the course of play to mark a ball location automatically, determine the distance to golf course targets or objects, analyze golf related data and generate statistics. The system provides a graphical display of useful golf-related information and can send a set of parameters tailored for a specific course to a real time tunable GPS to adjust for optimal performance and can adjust measurements to compensate for environmental condition changes. There is also provided a method for collecting and uploading golf course geographic information to an internet accessible server, processing the uploaded data, distributing data upon an authorized user request and downloading the requested data to an electronic device.

Abstract: A golf mat similar to the type used at a driving range, including a hole for inserting a golf tee, with the addition of a pressure sensor (transducer) embedded in one corner of the mat, sandwiched between a top artificial grass and a bottom rubber backing of the mat, for use in activating an alarm when the golf club head strikes the area just behind the ball, above the pressure sensor, before striking the ball. When the golf club strikes the area above the sensor, an electrical signal is sent to the input of a timer circuit, which then provides a signal of a few seconds in time to the input of a visible alarm. Lines are included on the top surface of the mat to mark off the boundaries directly above the pressure sensor so a golfer will not step in this area and set off a false alarm. In use, when the golfer makes a good swing with the club head striking the ball solidly, without hitting the ground first, then the alarm will not flash a light.