Abstract: A method of measuring rotational motion of a golf ball. A hit golf ball is photographed by use of two cameras disposed along the traveling direction of the golf ball with a predetermined distance therebetween, and rotational motion of the golf ball is measured based on the photographed images of the golf ball. There is used a golf ball that has a no-depression polygonal mark in black or a dark color close to black printed on the surface of the golf ball. The hit golf ball is photographed by use of two cameras, and the position of an angular point of the no-depression polygonal mark is detected from photographed images, by means of image processing. The rotational motion of the hit golf ball is calculated based on change in position of the angular point in images photographed by the two cameras.

Abstract: A method for identifying position and displaying information about the position is provided, including the steps of digitizing visual images and electronically storing information regarding positions displayed in the visual images; electronically displaying the visual images; and electronically displaying information regarding user-selected positions displayed in the visual images. A device is provided that includes an electronic display screen for displaying visual images and information stored on a removable memory module. A control panel includes a control pad and buttons that enable a user to selectively display the digitized photographs and selected information concerning positions and objects shown on the display device.

Abstract: An optical sensor net system for measuring the relational dynamic information of a spheroidal projectile. A support frame for the system may include light emitters that generate divergent non-parallel rays of light. The non-parallel rays of light emitted may be directed to and received by a plurality of light detectors substantially arranged within a single plane. The intersecting non-parallel rays of light may form an asymmetrical optical sensor net that may also capture both golf ball and golf club information as they pass through. The light detectors that receive the rays of light may be spaced apart at preselected locations and distances less than the diameter of a spheroidal object such as a golf ball.

Abstract: A ball motion measuring apparatus (10) has a CCD camera (11) having a multi-shutter (11b) which can open and close successively; strobes (13-1-13-4); a swinging speed measuring sensor (14); and a controlling/computing device (16) connected to the CCD camera (11), the strobes (13-1-13-4), and the swinging speed measuring sensor (14). The swinging speed measuring sensor (14) outputs a trigger signal for opening/closing the shutter to the CCD camera (11) when the swinging speed measuring sensor (14) detects passage of a golf club. Upon receipt of the trigger signal, the multi-shutter (11b) opens and closes successively. Synchronously with the opening/closing of the multi-shutter (11b), the strobes (13-1-13-4) emit flashlight sequentially. In this manner, a plurality of images of a golf ball (31) driven by the golf club are photographed in a one-image frame.

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

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

Abstract: A handheld golf course distance computer includes a graphics display and keyboard and is preprogrammed, using an external personal computer and optical data link, with alphanumeric and graphical information regarding each hole of a particular golf course. The alphanumeric information includes an identification of the course and a selected hole, information relating to hazards and/or the best method of play of the selected hole, the distance of play from various tees, the number of strokes required to par the hole, and typical playing time for the course. The actual or elapsed playing time from the beginning of play is also displayed. The graphical information, including details of the course terrain, is obtained from an aerial photograph of the course and converted to pixel information using commercially available personal computer software. The alphanumeric and graphical information associated with the selected hole may be selectively displayed.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf training device capable of forming a two-dimensional, single planar and total symmetrical optical sensor net for detecting movement of a golf ball. The device comprises a square frame which has a signal producing means holding part on the first horizontal and the first vertical sides of the frame and a signal detecting means holding part on the second horizontal and the second vertical sides of the frame. On the signal producing means holding part, a light signal producing means including a light signal emitting means is installed to generate a two-dimensional, single planar optical path net. A light signal detecting means is spatially arranged in the opposite sides of the frame in accordance with the light emitting means to form a totally symmetrical optical sensor net for detecting the light signals from the light signal producing means.