Abstract: A swing analyzing device includes at least a motion sensor, a data acquiring unit, a motion detecting unit, and a swing data determining unit. The data acquiring unit acquires detection data of the motion sensor. The motion detecting unit uses the acquired detection data to detect a motion of a swing and extracts, as swing candidate data, data from which the motion of the swing is detected. The swing data determining unit selects true swing data from the swing candidate data based on determination conditions associated with the swing.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensing instant display type golf swing collimation trainer comprises a base (1) and a display device (2), two photoelectric sensor mounting supports (3, 3?) are mounted on the base (1), two groups of photoelectric detection devices with transmitters (4) and sensors (5) are mounted on each mounting support (3 or 3?), the distance between the two sensors (5) on each mounting support is matched with the distance of the straight line section at the bottom of a club head of a golf club, when the club head of the golf club passes between the transmitters (4) and the sensors (5), the pulse receiving of the sensors (5) is blocked, and the sensors (5) are used for sending the synchronous state of blocking the pulse receiving of the club head of the golf club to the display device (2) which is electrically connected with the sensors (5) for real-time display.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods, computer-readable media and article of manufacture related to putting stroke characteristics are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A short game training device 10 for use with a golf club comprises an two-axis linear accelerometer 12, a fastener 50 for removably attaching the accelerometer to the golf club head H so that the X and Y axes of the accelerometer 12 are disposed approximately parallel with the club face and oriented at approximately a forty-five degree angle with respect to a substantially vertical plane V containing the aim line A established when addressing the golf ball G with the club face aligned perpendicularly to the aim line A, a detectable alarm 18, and a microprocessor 14 for calculating differences in forces measured by the X and Y axes during a timed interval subsequent to positioning the club and for activating the alarm 18 when the differences exceed a selected threshold.

Abstract: A club shaft that can be installed in a club head permanently or can be installed in clubs with interchangeable shaft features is disclosed herein. The invention is a measurement device that enables the capturing of the speed and motion of the swing. The invention uses two antennas, one transmitting and one receiving. The power of the radar wave is low. The wavelength will be on the order of a millimeter.

Abstract: A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing, a battery having no more than 225 milliamp hours of power, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.

Abstract: Golf club heads having sensors configured to measure one or more swing parameters are provided. The golf club head may include several gyroscopes and accelerometers. In one embodiment, the club head contains three gyroscopes that measure angular rate data along different orthogonal axes. At least one gyroscope may an analog gyroscope. Accelerometers may provide data regarding the three orthogonal axes associated with the gyroscopes. The club head may further include software and/or hardware that perform computer-executed methods for determining one or more swing parameters. Exemplary club heads may include a display device for displaying an output of the swing parameter(s). Further aspects of the invention relate to novel methods and algorithms for calculating measurements relating to the swing parameters.

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

Abstract: The 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: 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 data and relative position data during the entire swing, 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 calculated and conveyed to the golfer. The system provides comprehensive feedback for swing characterization including detailed swing timing metrics, dynamic club head orientation and motion metrics and dynamics shaft action metrics all referenced to the spatial domain.

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 data and relative position data during the entire swing, 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 calculated and conveyed to the golfer. The system provides comprehensive feedback for swing characterization including detailed swing timing metrics, dynamic club head orientation and motion metrics and dynamics shaft action metrics all referenced to the spatial domain.

Abstract: A golf training system includes a rearward and lower first laser beam defined by a rearward and lower first laser transmitting to a rearward and lower first receiving sensor with a first alarm. The golf training system also includes a forward and upper second laser beam defined by a forward and upper second laser transmitting to a forward and upper second receiving sensor, with a second alarm, located above the shoulder of the user. The first laser beam and the second laser beam are substantially parallel and define an extending ideal path along a designated club head path as a golfer swings. The extending ideal path corresponds to a desired club head path, if the club head crosses the first laser beam, the first alarm associated with the first receiving sensor is activated, and if the club head crosses the second laser beam, the second alarm associated with the second receiving sensor is activated.

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: Golf club telemetry equipment sends signals to a receiver in a golf round data system. The signals uniquely identify the particular club a player has selected for a stroke and the fact that a stroke has been taken. The club identification can occur either before or during a stroke. Automatic detection of clubs and strokes simplifies round data collection for the player. Club identification before a stroke permits a forecast of the result of the stroke to be presented to the player prior to the stroke. The signals can be either acoustic or electromagnetic.

Abstract: A golf-swing training device for improving ball-driving distance and accuracy. The training device mounts to a golf club and signals to the golfer when the club head begins decelerating in the direction of the forward motion of a golf swing. Additional energy is available for transfer from the club head to the ball as the club head is transitioning from acceleration to deceleration. This additional energy comes from the change in the direction of the flexing of the club. By using the training device, a golfer may practice timing his swing to contact the ball with the club head just prior to the beginning of deceleration of the club head during the course of a typical swing. Utilization of the additional available energy may result in increased ball-driving distance. Additionally, contacting the ball while the club is in a straight position, during the transition of the direction of flex, promotes a more accurate drive.

Abstract: An automatic real-time game scoring device and golf club swing analyzer which may include enhanced capability based on GPS parametric and golf course specific information. One aspect of the invention includes the capability to assess a player's swing as a function of ball strike, club information, and length of an actual golf shot. In another aspect of the invention, the device provides for scoring a game as a function of the club used, the shot characteristics, and specific course parameter such as the hole played, game conditions, which may be analyzed during game play, as well as post game. The system presented according to the present invention is capable of adding to an individual's score only actual golf ball shots while ignoring practice swings. For recreational golf, the system allows for user overrides (“whiffs” and “mulligans”) at the golfer's digression.

Abstract: A golf swing monitoring system in the form of a one piece, wrist mounted unit which includes multi-function instrumentation with extremely high degrees of precision that monitors a plurality of critical components of a golf swing. In particular, motion sensors that discriminate finite changes in the timing and speed of the swing are disposed in a housing mounted on a wrist bank analogous to a common wrist watch or timepiece. A third component, user grip pressure, is simultaneously monitored and is similarly housed in the watch housing or casement. The detected parameters are displayed on a LCD which is part of the instrumentation. Finally the calculated values of the swing components can be saved in the memory of the invention. Subsequent swings are compared with those saved and the degrees to which later swings conform or deviate from the values for the saved swing are displayed. The subject invention has a skill level setting, 1 to 5 where 1 is the highest skill level, 5 the least.

Abstract: A club shaft that can be installed in a club head permanently or can be installed in clubs with interchangeable shaft features is disclosed herein. The invention is a measurement system that enables the capturing of the speed and motion of the golfer's swing. The invention uses infrared reflectors positioned on a golf club and an array of infrared sensors.

Abstract: A laser putting device for a golf putter includes a guiding unit for generating a laser beam, a frame for supporting the guiding unit disposed in the frame, an activator connected to the golf putter and communicated with the guiding unit for turning the guiding unit between on and off positions thereby generating the laser beam. A bracket of the laser guiding device is adaptable to receive a tubular member of the guiding unit that has a mirror and a diode emitting the laser beam and guiding the laser beam into the mirror angled in the fashion to form the laser beam having 90 degrees thereby allowing the golfer to point the laser beam at the target point, such as a hole in a golf green. The laser guiding device help the golfer to learn how to improve a strike and place the golf ball into a hole within short period of time and without necessity of using outdoor facility.

Abstract: A golf swing action correcting unit, which gives information about a plurality of stages corresponding to a plurality of golf swing actions, comprises: a control unit for generating signals corresponding to the plurality of stages; and an information-giving unit for generating information by means of signals corresponding to one or more of the plurality of stages in accordance with the signals from the control unit.

Abstract: The analysis method includes steps of acquiring measurement data obtained from swings and values of hitting results (flight distance or the like) (STEP 3); calculating a characteristic value (face angle or the like) from the measurement data (STEP 4); and determining an indicator for selecting a shaft of a golf club from the characteristic value and the values of hitting results (STEP 5). In the step of determining an indicator, when a hitting result of a golf club is an objective variable, and the characteristic value is an explanatory variable together with a predetermined shaft physical property (flex point or the like), and has a statistically significant relation with the hitting result, the characteristic value is determined as the indicator. A relational expression of the indicator and the hitting result is calculated for each value of the physical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus adapted for use with an assistive energy type golf club which is safe to use, inconspicuous, and able to release sufficient assistive energy at the optimum time during a golf swing to add prescribed incremental velocity to a golf ball.

Abstract: A golf club includes a golf club head including a golf club head including a head body and a pair of balance adjustment portions formed in the head body, a plurality of weights detachably retained in each balance adjustment portion so that a three-dimensional gravity center position of the golf club head is adjusted, the weights serving as balancers and differing from each other in density and mass, and an IC chip accommodating portion which is formed in the head body or one of the balance adjustment portions to house an IC chip which stores information on a three-dimensional gravity center position of the golf club head.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing coaching, training, or equipment specification information to individual golfers based on data generated during their individual golf swings. Additionally, data hubs are described that provide information and services to individuals based on data collected for a community of multiple golfers. Such community data hub systems and methods may provide one or more of the following: (a) storage of scoring data, swing data, ball flight data, and/or equipment data for multiple golfers; (b) at least some level of individual access to the stored data for the community; and/or (c) electronic interaction between golfers within the community.

Abstract: In a method capable of diagnosing quality of a swing without circumstance, a camera 10 photographs a golf player swinging a golf club to hit a golf ball and the golf club. Image data is obtained by photographing. A calculating part 16 extracts a frame from the image data. The calculating part 16 obtains an edge image of the frame. The calculating part 16 subjects the edge image to binarization based on a predetermined threshold value to obtain a binary image. The calculating part 16 subjects the binary image to Hough transform processing to extract a position of a shaft of the golf club, and specifies a tip coordinate of the golf club. The calculating part 16 contrasts tip coordinates of different frames to determine a temporary flame in an address. The calculating part 16 calculates color information in a reference area of each of the frames by backward sending from a frame after the temporary frame by a predetermined number, and determines a frame in the address based on change of the color information.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems to identify address position of golf club heads are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method that enables an assistive energy type golf club to sense the approach of the club face toward a golf ball, and to trigger the release of the assistive energy at the optimum time to achieve the desired golf ball velocity and distance.

Abstract: A method for pairing a golf club to a receiver for shot tracking is disclosed herein. The method comprises activating a receiver, striking a golf club against a solid object to activate a device attached to a grip of the golf club, transmitting a signal from the golf club to the receiver, receiving the signal at the receiver, inputting the type of golf club associated with identification of the signal and storing the type of golf club in the memory of the receiver.

Abstract: An ultrasonic trigger for a golf equipment performance monitor is described. In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic trigger comprises at least one emitter and receiver. The emitters periodically generate sound waves at an ultrasonic frequency. The sound waves are targeted towards an object or objects within a target area. The sound waves are reflected by the objects within the target area, and are detected by at least one receiver. The receiver may be connected to a computational device to determine the position and/or velocity of the objects within the field of view.

Abstract: A putter guide for guiding a putter shaft during a putting stroke has a pair of guide rails for guiding the shaft of a putter, a base member; and a post coupling the base member to the pair of guide rails for elevating the pair of guide rails above the ground to be closer to a grip on the putter. The guide rails are adapted to fold down beside the main post and both are adapted to fold down between two parallel tubes of the base to allow a golfer to carry the putter guide.

Abstract: A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing, a battery having no more than 225 milliamp hours of power, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems to identify address position of golf club heads are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A golf ball receptacle and optional directionality system that wirelessly integrates actual golf equipment and sports implements with a computer and the internet to allow players to practice and improve their golfing skills, play a competitive game with one or more players locally, or if desired engage players remotely located from one another to play a competitive real or 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, to thereby wirelessly communicate game performance information to a remote receiver-computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shot tracking. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system for tracking shots of a golfer during a round of golf. One aspect of the present invention is a system for automatically tracking a golf club swung by a golfer. The system comprises a plurality of golf clubs. Each of the plurality of golf clubs comprises a device attached to a grip which is attached to a shaft which is attached to a golf club head. The device comprises a power source, a shock switch and a RFID component.

Abstract: A portable swing trainer has a wedge body of a triangular shape, and a stick sensor having a vertical adjustment and a horizontal adjustment. The stick sensor has a deployed position and a collapsed position. The stick sensor is mounted behind the wedge body. A restoring mechanism can be for restoring the stick sensor from the collapsed position to the deployed position. The restoring mechanism is mounted behind the wedge body. The stick sensor is pivotally mounted to the restoring mechanism. A catch mechanism is for catching the stick sensor in collapsed position. The catch mechanism is mounted behind the wedge body. A pair of electronic beam sensors can be mounted in a pair of depressions formed on a face of the wedge body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the effectiveness of a golfer's swing requiring no club contact with the golf ball. The measurement and analysis system comprises an attachable and detachable module, that when attached to a golf club head measures three dimensional acceleration data, that is further transmitted to a computer or other smart device or computational engine where a software algorithm interprets measured data within the constraints of a multi-lever variable radius golf swing model using both rigid and non-rigid levers, and further processes the data to define accurate golf swing metrics. In addition, if the club head module is not aligned ideally on the club head a computational algorithm detects the misalignment and further calibrates and corrects the data.

Abstract: A method for evaluating feeling of hitting of a golf club, includes: measuring vibration of a golf club appearing in a circumferential direction of a shaft when a golf ball is hit by the golf club having the three-axis accelerometer attached to the shaft by a three-axis accelerometer; analyzing the vibration of the golf club along the circumferential direction of the shaft measured by the three-axis accelerometer by a hand-arm vibration measurement filter; and evaluating feeling of hitting of the golf club in accordance with a result of analysis of vibration of the golf club appearing along the circumferential direction of the shaft by the hand-arm vibration measurement filter.

Abstract: A putting system with a putter substrate and modules that detachably couple to the putter substrate to form a putter head is disclosed. The modules detect, determine, measure and/or monitor alignment and/or tempo of the putter head. Modules include displays and/or audio outputs that provide visual and/or audio representations of the alignment and/or the tempo of the putter head. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the system includes a target module for generating alignment signals that are received by a positioning module with a built-in receiver unit. Preferably, the transmitter unit includes an array of infrared transmitters and the receiver unit includes an array of infrared detectors. In operation the positioning module is configured to detect, determine, measure and/or monitor angular alignment of the putter head with respect to the target module based on intensities of the alignment signals received at each of the infrared detectors.

Abstract: A device to improve the feedback to the golfer relative to the rotation of the club head and thus provide valuable feedback to the golfer on the rate and timing of the club head rotation to golf ball impact is disclosed herein. The device is a training and practice aid to accomplish such auditory feedback.

Abstract: A swing analysis method of the present invention includes steps of: preparing a radio type acceleration measuring device 4 capable of measuring respective accelerations in three axis directions; mounting the acceleration measuring device 4 to a golf player's body t1; receiving measured data from the acceleration measuring device 4 during a swing through radio communication; and analyzing a golf swing based on the acceleration data. Preferably, the acceleration measuring device is attached to each of two or more portions of the tester t1. Preferably, an attached position of the acceleration measuring device is any part selected from the group consisting of a head, a neck, a shoulder, a back, a waist and a wrist. Preferably, a weight of the acceleration measuring device is equal to or more than 10 g.

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: The invention provides for a golf teaching apparatus (10) including: an elongate arcuate track (12); a carriage (14) being slidable along the track; wherein the carriage includes receiving means (44) for releasably receiving a shaft (50) of a golf club (48). The apparatus further includes a mat (92), golf club displacement limiters (52), sensors (84) and a golf swing plane determiner (68). The carriage allows for freedom of movement of a shaft of a golf club relative to the track, and linear movement of the shaft relative to the receiving means.

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: The present invention provides a portable device that can be used anywhere and that enables a golfer to improve putting performance, for training or entertainment purposes. The device has an electronic analyzing system comprising, in one embodiment of the invention, only three passive infrared sensors to accurately detect all the crucial movements of a putter head (or any other golf club) (e.g., squareness at impact, speed, distance) throughout the crucial portion of a swing at the virtual point of impact (or actual point of impact if a golf ball is used). The device further uses these sensors to capture information in tandem with preset and/or selectable features and options (e.g., stimp, slope, statistics, games) to supply a holistic approach to putting practice. The device may also be equipped with an accelerometer/inclinometer to instantly inform the user of the slope and drop of the ground on which the device is placed.

Abstract: This application relates to a single camera monitoring system useful for determining parameters relating to a striking instrument as it approaches an object. The monitoring system may be used to determine the swing characteristics of a golf club as it approaches and impacts with a golf ball. The accuracy of the single camera system may be comparable to the accuracy of more complex, multi-camera systems. The application also relates to methods for calibrating a single camera system.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprising an illumination device adapted for illuminating a movable object during at least two timely spaced time intervals, an image sensor device adapted to capture an image of the movable object, and a control unit adapted for coordinating the illumination device and the image sensor device in a manner that the image sensor device captures the image of the illuminated movable object during the at least two timely spaced time intervals and that the image sensor device is deactivated during at least a portion of the time distance between the at least two timely spaced time intervals.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system and methods are disclosed. A variety of golf swing parameters are measured by the instrumented golf club and wirelessly transmitted to a portable computer device. The portable computer device generates a user interface that displays the golf swing parameters against preferred golf swing parameters. The instrumented golf club system allows a golfer to receive feedback in real time while playing golf.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method that enables an assistive energy type golf club to sense the approach of the club face toward a golf ball, and to trigger the release of the assistive energy at the optimum time to achieve the desired golf ball velocity and distance.