Abstract: An image capturing apparatus is disclosed herein. More specifically, image capturing apparatus disclosed herein will be used to help a golfer properly select a golf club utilizing a high speed camera attached to a gantry apparatus capable of adjusting its own position relative to the golfer in order to capture data of a golf swing in an iron type golf club.

Abstract: The invention relates to an RFID device comprising: a layer of flexible laminar material, comprising: an outer face, and an inner face, and an RFID tag, fixed to the inner face of the layer. Said inner face comprises a coating, with the RFID tag being encapsulated between the inner face and the coating.

Abstract: A golf system includes a plurality of striking areas, each striking areas being associated with a respective set of targets. The golf system includes at least one sensing device for sensing one or more parameters regarding the travel of a physical golf ball. A processor is configured to: access a database including golf hole data, the golf hole data defining relative positions of a tee-off location and a pin location for a virtual golf hole; based on the one or more parameters regarding the travel of the physical golf ball, update a virtual location of a virtual golf ball; generate signals to provide an indication of which of the plurality of striking areas or corresponding set of targets a next shot is to be struck from or to; and generate signals to provide an indication of which target in a set of targets represents a direction of the pin location.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sensing device for calculating information about a golf shot when the user hits a ball using a golf club in order to take a golf practice or play a virtual golf game using a screen golf system and a sensing method thereof, and in particular a sensing device for calculating information about a golf shot taken by a user, wherein, when acquiring and analyzing an image of a user hitting a ball using a golf club, the sensing device is configured to effectively detect the position of a feature point corresponding to the position of the golf club through analysis of the acquired image without attaching a certain characteristic marker to the golf club and to calculate various kinds of physical information about the motion of the golf club according to a golf shot using the feature point, and a sensing method using the same.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can provide for a second-person avatar. The second-person avatar can rely upon a second-person-based perspective such that the avatar is displayed to appear to encompass all or portions of a target user. Accordingly, actions or a configuration of the avatar can serve as a model or demonstration for the user in order to aid the user in accomplishing a particular task. Updates to avatar activity or configuration can be provided by a dynamic virtual handbook. The virtual handbook can be constructed based upon a set of instruction associated with accomplishing the desired task and further based upon features or aspects of the user as well as those of the local environment.

Abstract: Provided is a sensing system, a sensor device, and a sensor fixture. The sensing system includes a sensor fixture that has a mode corresponding to an attachment attitude to a target object and a sensor device that is attachable with the attachment attitude to the target object via the sensor fixture. The sensor device includes a sensor unit that senses information regarding the target object, and an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the attachment attitude based on the mode of the sensor fixture.

Abstract: A sports training aid comprising a body unit, attachable to a person's body or the person's sports implement, is provided with a positioning sensor module; a feedback stimulator; and a processor. The sports training aid is configured to provide instantaneous feedback on motion faults of a studied sports motion, and the body unit is intended to be attached to a person's body (or a person's sports implement) at a representative location, the location being bound to travel a path representative of the studied sports motion, and the positioning sensor module comprises acceleration sensors and gyro sensors, and the processor is configured to determine a still position corresponding to an event wherein the body unit is determined to be still, to keep track of the sensor module's movements relative to the still position, and to activate the feedback stimulator in real time, upon detection of a sports motion fault.

Abstract: A batting practice tee has a tee portion and a targeting apparatus in association with the tee portion. The tee portion has a support structure and a ball holder. The support structure has a base end and a distal end. The ball holder is connected to distal end of the support structure and has a ball receiving opening. The targeting apparatus has a light transmitter and an angle indicator in association with the light transmitter. The light transmitter is positioned adjacent the ball holder and produces a light stream to project a target onto a surface. The angle indicator provides a human-perceivable indication of an angle of the light relative to a horizontal plane.

Abstract: Provided is a fitting apparatus for selecting a golf club suited to a golfer, including: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a measurement value obtained by measuring a swing action of a test club by the golfer, with a measurement device; a calculation unit configured to calculate a first swing index and a second swing index related to the swing action, based on the measurement value; a determination unit configured to determine an optimal swingability index, which is a swingability index of the golf club suited to the golfer, according to a magnitude of the first swing index, and determine an optimal stiffness index representing stiffness of a shaft suited to the golfer, according to a magnitude of the second swing index; and a selection unit configured to select at least one of a golf club and a shaft matching the optimal swingability index and the optimal stiffness index.

Abstract: An exercise analyzing device (a swing analyzing device) includes an acquiring section (a data acquiring section) configured to acquire an output of a first inertial sensor (an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor) attached to a body of a user and an output of a second inertial sensor (an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor) attached to an exercise instrument (a golf club), an analyzing section (a swing analyzing section) configured to analyze a correlation or a similarity degree between the output of the first inertial sensor and the output of the second inertial sensor and generate reference information, and an output processing section configured to estimate, when the second inertial sensor is not used, the output of the second inertial sensor from the output of the first inertial sensor and the reference information.

Abstract: A motion analyzing apparatus 1 includes a data acquiring unit 51, a top detecting unit 52, an address detecting unit 53, a finish detecting unit 54, an axis correcting unit 55, a half detecting unit 56, and an impact detecting unit 57. The data acquiring unit 51 acquires motion information including an operation direction in a series of operations of a target object measured by a sensor unit. The top detecting unit 52 acquires a specific time point at which the operation direction of a target object is reversed in the motion information acquired by the data acquiring unit 51. The address detecting unit 53 or the finish detecting unit 54 specifies a start time point or an end time point of a series of operations by using a specific time point.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the training of athletes, including the steps of during a test, measuring with a portable device (1) a series of acceleration values during a series of N short movements performed by the athlete. Then, calculating with the device a plurality of muscular parameters based on the series of acceleration values. The device then determines a set of training exercises personalized for the athlete, based on the muscular parameters and presents the said set of training exercises to the athlete. The device then verifies the execution of the training exercises.

Abstract: An image processing device having a CPU which functions as units including an image acquiring unit that acquires a plurality of images indicative of a sequence of actions of a subject; a selecting unit that selects, in accordance with an operation by a user, one of a partial action from among a plurality of kinds of partial actions included in the sequence of actions of the subject; an image selecting unit that selects a plurality of images corresponding to the specific kind of partial action selected by the selecting unit from among the plurality of images acquired by the image acquiring unit; and an image composition unit that generates a composite image wherein the composite image includes the plurality of images.

Abstract: Analysis of sporting equipment characteristics may be analyzed using dynamic sampling rates. For example, analyzing a golf swing may include the use of one or more sensors providing data at various sampling rates. According to some aspects, the sampling rate may be dynamically modified upon determination of one or more golf equipment characteristics, environmental conditions, player characteristics and the like. In one example, a sampling rate processor may dynamically select a sampling rate at which data is sampled from one or more sensors. In some examples, by dynamically selecting the sampling rate, an analysis may be tailored to various types, and portions of a golf swing, in addition to producing power consumption by the analysis instruments in the golf club system. According to other aspects, triggering conditions for modifying a sampling rate may be determined from a population of one or more previous golf swings performed by a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the head and torso orientation of a subject during physical motion. The method and apparatus employ at least two inertial measurement units (IMUs) being temporally synchronized with each other and each measuring three degrees of freedom of angular velocity, acceleration, and optionally magnetic field. A first IMU being affixed to the head of the subject and the second IMU being affixed to the torso of the subject. The orientation of the head, the orientation of the torso, and optionally the relative orientation of the head and torso are calculated based on the data from the IMU's and optionally magnetometer data. The resultant output data is transmitted to a host device (computer, tablet, smart phone) and can be used for monitoring, training, coaching, worker safety and health, and/or rehabilitation.

Abstract: An information processing system includes processing circuitry that is configured to receive input data from a shock sensor which outputs data based on a shock on the shock sensor, and identify a target segment of time-series data that is output from a motion sensor that senses a motion of an object. The target segment includes a pre-shock portion that occurs before the shock event and a post-shock portion that occurs after the shock event, the shock event is recognized based on the data from the shock sensor.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting aspects of a person's swing of a sporting implement having proximal and distal ends displays the aspects of the person's swing on a portable electronic device. The system includes a distal enclosure, a proximal enclosure, and a software application resident on the portable electronic device. The proximal and distal enclosures are fixable with the proximal and distal ends, respectively, of the sporting implement, and two additional hip enclosures may be include for fixing with the person's hips. Each enclosure includes a power source that powers a sensing circuit having at least one sensor and a transmitter. The software application is adapted to receive the sensor data from the sensing circuits and display aspects of the person's swing on a display thereof as derived from the sensor data. Embodiments adapted for use with golf clubs, sporting racquets, and baseball bats are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, and methods for providing feedback regarding an impact between a sporting implement and a ball, an example system comprising a glove worn by a player, the glove including a sensor for detecting vibrations caused by an impact between the sporting implement and the ball and determining whether a level of the vibrations is within a predetermined range, and a speaker within audible range of the player, the speaker configured to emit an audible tone in response to receiving a signal from the sensor indicating that the level of the vibrations is determined to be within the predetermined range.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal is provided with a pedal spindle, a pedal body, a first shear force sensor, a second shear force sensor, a first bending force sensor and a second bending force sensor. The pedal spindle includes a crank arm mounting part. The pedal body is rotatably mounted on the pedal spindle about a center spindle axis. The first and second shear force sensors are arranged relative to the pedal spindle to detect first and second shear components of a pedaling force with respect to the center spindle axis. The first bending force sensor is arranged relative to the pedal spindle to detect a first bending component of the pedaling force with respect to the center spindle axis. The second bending force sensor is arranged relative to the pedal spindle to detect a second bending component of the pedaling force with respect to the center spindle axis.

Abstract: A method for detecting a lost club includes detecting an orientation characteristic of a golf club with a detection unit, transmitting the orientation characteristic from the detection unit to a mobile device, determining a distance between the golf club and the mobile device based on a signal transmitted from the detection unit to the mobile device and determining a lost club state based on the orientation characteristic of the golf club and the distance between the golf club and the mobile device.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the motion of a sport ball that has been impacted by an individual during the course of an athletic activity includes the steps of a portable electronic device wirelessly receiving motion data from the sport ball, and the portable electronic device determining a point of impact based on the motion data, wherein the point of impact includes a location on a surface of the sport ball where the impact occurred.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a system for monitoring a swing is provided that includes (1) a swing measurement device adapted to couple to a swinging object and to output a signal indicative of a characteristic of the swinging object; (2) a wireless transmitter coupled to the swing measurement device and adapted to wirelessly transmit the signal output by the swing measurement device; and (3) a wireless device adapted to receive the wirelessly transmitted signal and to provide information regarding the swinging object based on the received signal. The wireless device is a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant (PDA). Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A motion analyzing apparatus includes a first calculation unit that calculates a position of a first line segment representing a direction in which a rod-like part of a sporting tool extends in a stationary state, a second calculation unit that calculates the position of the first line segment at hitting, and a third calculation unit that specifies a virtual plane formed by the first line segment in the stationary state and a second line segment representing a ball hitting direction, wherein a relation between the virtual plane and the first line segment at the hitting is compared.

Abstract: A method for analyzing sensor data from baseball swings (or swings in similar sports) that transforms data into a reference frame defined by the bat orientation and velocity at impact. The swing plane defined by these two axes provides a natural and robust reference frame for physically relevant measurements of swing characteristics. Illustrative swing metrics derived from swing plane reference frame data include: swing speed, defined as a rotational rate within the swing plane; total swing angle, defined as the angular change within the swing plane; and swing tempo, defined as the percentage of peak swing speed achieved halfway through the swing. Analyzing these metrics from multiple swings across multiple users identifies factors that contribute to peak performance. Metrics may be combined into multidimensional feature vectors that characterize a swing; these feature vectors may be used to group swings into swing styles or to match swings against similar players.

Abstract: A computer program is disclosed for reconfiguring a property-adjustable golf club. The program receives data input corresponding to a current configuration of an adjustable feature of the golf club, and data input corresponding to trajectory adjustment information. Based on the data input, reconfiguration information is generated, and outputted, that corresponds to one of a plurality of configurations of the adjustable feature of the golf club.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a system for monitoring a swing is provided that includes a wireless device adapted to couple to a swinging object and to provide information indicative of a characteristic of the swinging object. The wireless device is a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant (PDA). Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A motion analysis device has a determination unit which uses an output from an inertial sensor mounted on at least one of a subject and a tool operated by the subject, to determine a dominant hand of the subject in a swing. The determination unit can determine the dominant hand on the basis of the sign of angular velocity or acceleration from the inertial sensor. A calculation unit which calculates motion analysis information in a swing, using an output from the inertial sensor can add dominant hand information from the determination unit to the motion analysis information. The motion analysis device can include a coincidence determination unit which determines that a first subject and a second subject have different dominant hands, and an inverted image generation unit which inverts first motion analysis information in the case of no coincidence.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses related to golf club grips with attached or embedded RFID tags are described. In an embodiment, a RFID tag is attached to or embedded into a golf club grip and a RFID reader incorporated into a personal computing device may read or capture information associated with the RFID tag. The device may be configured to provide notifications to the golfer based on the captured information.

Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention relates to a golf swing analyzing apparatus, comprising: an arithmetic section operating to use the output of an inertial sensor to calculate bending moment acting on the golf club, the inertial sensor being attached to the golf club.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided that can display selected predetermined postures or predetermined motions on a frame by frame basis or as a continuous motion for imitation or emulation by a system user or subject to, for example, learn the motion or posture, or to be guided in rehabilitation from a trauma, surgery or other injury, or to permit comparison of the users posture or motion to a baseline posture or motion for purposes of analysis or diagnosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to golf clubs, more particularly to mechanisms for fastening accessories to clubs. The invention provides a golf club configured to house an electronic device such as an RFID tag within a recess within the grip, thereby protecting the device from the stress, shock, and exposure that arises when a golf club is used.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses related to golf club grips with attached or embedded RFID tags are described. In an embodiment, a RFID tag is attached to or embedded into a golf club grip in a manner that does not compromise either the functionality or aesthetics of the grip. In an embodiment, the embedded or attached RFID tag is located in the butt-end of the grip, perpendicular to the shaft of the golf club.

Abstract: A basketball shot-tracking system comprising a wrist tracker, a net tracker, and a shot-tracking mobile application. The wrist tracker is worn on the wrist or arm of a basketball player and the net tracker is attached to the net of the basketball hoop. The wrist tracker and net tracker automatically detect shot-attempt and made-shot events, respectively, and asynchronously transmit messages to the shot-tracking mobile application reporting these events. The shot-tracking mobile application, which runs on a mobile device, such as a smart phone or tablet computer, includes program instructions that, when executed by the CPU of the wireless mobile device, causes the wireless mobile device to automatically receive and process the asynchronous event data sent by the wrist tracker and net tracker, and to automatically tabulate, store and/or display the basketball player's shooting statistics (such as total shots taken, total shots made, shooting percentage, shot locations, and the like).

Abstract: A golf swing training device communicates a deviation from a proper golf swing path. The golf swing training device includes a two stands each having a stand adjustment scale attached to a light detector, a light source and a stand base. An upper beam is created by aligning the upper light detector with the upper light source. A lower beam is created by aligning the lower light detector with the lower light source. The proper golf swing path involves swinging a golf club on a back swing outside the lower beam and inside the upper beam, on a down swing inside the upper beam and outside the lower beam and on the follow through, outside the lower beam and inside the upper beam. The deviation from the proper golf swing path is communicated to a user.

Abstract: A method and system for locating an object in which the activation of the alert is predicated on the recent relative movement of the object. As a result, the alert is only activated after an event in which the object might be lost. In addition, a receiver integrated in the object is similarly only activated after a relative movement for a predetermined period of time associated with a search for the object, if a signal is received during the period, the alert is activated.

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: There is provided a method and system for matching golf clubs to a specific user. The method includes providing both a height and a weight of the specific user; determining physical parameters of the specific user from both the height and the weight; providing data for each golf club; obtaining optimal club mass for a Driver; obtaining optimal values of both a moment of inertia about a grip center and a mass for each golf club; and modifying each golf club to enable each golf club to attain the optimal values. The system involves utilizing the aforementioned information gathered for the method. It is advantageous that each of the golf clubs matched to the specific user are effectively employed with an application of identical swings from the specific user.

Abstract: A motion analysis device includes two posture angle sensors attached to a measurement object at locations distant from each other, a data acquisition section, a posture angle correction section, and a deformation amount calculation section. The data acquisition section acquires data of a first posture angle and a second posture angle respectively detected by the posture angle sensors. The posture angle correction section corrects a difference between the first posture angle and the second posture angle after starting a motion of the measurement object in accordance with a difference between the first posture angle and the second posture angle before starting the motion of the measurement object. The deformation amount calculation section calculates a deformation amount of the measurement object based on a difference between the first posture angle and the second posture angle corrected by the posture angle correction section.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a golfer's swing speed, wherein the method comprises determining that the golfer is addressing a golf ball to swing a golf club, monitoring a backswing, determining a transition time, monitoring a downswing, determining an impact time, transmitting data for the golfer's swing to a receiver for analysis and generating a golfer's swing speed using a length of a shaft of the golf club. A device is positioned or built within a grip of the golf club.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable device and a method for monitoring the performance a sportsman performing a plurality of motor acts, such as golf swings. The device comprises at least one sensor providing an output signal, the sensor being responsive to body movements of the sportsman. A signal processing unit is used for extracting data on the course of each of the plurality of motor acts from the sensor output signal, and a computing unit is used for determining, based on the data on the course of the plurality of motor acts, at least one characteristic number describing the repeatability of the motor act. By the means of the invention, the handicap number of the golfer can be predicted with good accuracy by monitoring several his or her subsequent swings.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for using mobile sporting goods. In one aspect, the system permits a sporting enthusiast to track the location of a mobile sporting good, such as a golf ball, relative to a target, such as a target on a driving range, and correlate that location to a simulated location on a simulated golf hole.

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 fixed clamping member has a first interior surface and is constructed of a first material. A sensor unit formed on an exterior surface of the fixed clamping member detects a motion of the motion analysis device. A pivoting clamping member secured to a first end of the fixed clamping member has a second interior surface that opposes the first interior surface when the pivoting clamping member is in a secured position. A gripping element constructed of a second material different than the first material is formed over the first interior surface and the second interior surface. A tightening member having a threaded portion is secured to a second end of the fixed clamping member. A knob has a threaded interior portion with a diameter corresponding to the cylindrical threaded portion. An opening on the pivoting clamping member has a shape and a size corresponding to the tightening member.

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: The invention relates to golf clubs, more particularly to mechanisms for fastening accessories to clubs. The invention provides a golf club configured to house an electronic device such as an RFID tag within a recess within the grip, thereby protecting the device from the stress, shock, and exposure that arises when a golf club is used.

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 swing analyzing device includes at least an angular velocity sensor, a data acquiring unit, and a motion detecting unit. The angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities generated about a plurality of axes by a swing. The data acquiring unit acquires detection data of the angular velocity sensor. The motion detecting unit detects at least one of motions of the swing. Particularly, the motion detecting unit includes an angular velocity calculating unit which calculates the sum of the magnitudes of the angular velocities generated about the plurality of respective axes using the acquired detection data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, system, detection apparatus and computer program for recognizing a collision of a golf club with a golf ball. In the invention the recognition procedure is configured to be executed partly in a motion sensor (22) of a detection device (2), party in the processor unit (20) of the detecting device and a mobile information processing device (6). The most complex processing and computation steps are executed in the processor unit (60) of the mobile information processing device (6). Due to the shared computations the result of the algorithm is accurate. Also the power consumption of the detecting device (2) is low which provides for a long operating time and accurate hit detection at the same time.