Sensor Positioned Apart From Implement To Interact With A Separate Cooperating Sensor Means Attachable To Or Integral With Implement Patents (Class 473/222)
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Patent number: 11844994Abstract: A stick handling training device is provided. A stick handling training device for practicing stick handling drills having a board surface. A plurality of lights affixed to an underside of the board surface. One or more sensors affixed to the underside of the board surface that detects a presence of one or more physical stimuli. One or more objects for stick handling having a member that generates physical stimuli and an interface display, wherein a user moves the one or more objects across the board surface. The plurality of lights turning on and off in a specific order such that only one light is on at a same time providing an appearance that a single light may be moving in a drill pattern. One or more sensors tracking at least one characteristic of the one or more objects for stick handling and the interface displaying at least one characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2021Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Inventor: Micheal David Lozinski
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Patent number: 11819733Abstract: A golf swing tracking system includes a wearable device. The wearable device has a camera, a processor and a signal transceiver. The camera is connected to the processor. The processor is in connected to the signal transceiver. The golf swing tracking system further includes an electronic device. The electronic device includes a signal receiver. The signal receiver is designed to receive a collection of data from the signal transceiver of the wearable device. The electronic device has a display and is programmed to execute an application. The application is designed to display the collection of data and to transmit the collection of data to a network, such as a social media network.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2021Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Inventor: Jonathan Blose
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Method and electronic device for identifying golf swings and tracking statistics during a golf round
Patent number: 11813514Abstract: A system and method for automatically identifying a golf swing without any active participation on the part of the golfer is disclosed. The application program stored on and operating from an electronic device system uses data from a gyroscope and accelerometer to identify the golf swing. The system also automatically keeps statistics about the golfer's round of golf based on the GPS location of the identified swings.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: COLLATERAL OPPORTUNITIES, LLCInventor: Michael McCartin -
Patent number: 11707649Abstract: A portable golf ball scrubber assembly includes a housing. Each of a plurality of straps is coupled to the housing and is extendable around a pole. First and second tracks are positioned within the housing. The second track surrounds the first track. The second track has an opening to receive a golf ball. Each of a plurality of bristles is positioned within the housing to scrub the golf ball. A crank is rotatably coupled to the housing and an arm positioned in the housing engages the crank. The arm travels around the first track and the second track when the cranks is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Inventor: Kevin Osborne
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Patent number: 11642583Abstract: A putting alignment system includes a lateral imaging alignment guide having a set of indicia, including an upper indicia, a lower indicia, a right indicia, and a left indicia. The lateral imaging alignment guide has a generally flat body that is configured to removably connect to a golf club shaft. A club lower distal tip reflector is configured for mounting on a distal tip of a golf club. A lateral imaging apparatus includes an imaging system. The imaging system has a main camera. The main camera captures and records motion of the lateral imaging alignment guide. A secondary alignment system includes a forward receiver sensor. The forward receiver sensor detects orientation of the club lower distal tip reflector when the club lower distal tip reflector is facing the forward receiver sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Inventor: Joe Stroffolino
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Patent number: 11243228Abstract: A motion measurement apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a controller unit. The controller unit extracts, from an acceleration in each direction of three axes that includes a dynamic acceleration component and a static acceleration component of a detection target that moves within a space, the dynamic acceleration component of the detection target, and generates, as a control signal, a change in kinematic physical quantity of a posture of the detection target from the dynamic acceleration component.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kosei Yamashita, Hidetoshi Kabasawa, Sho Murakoshi, Tomohiro Matsumoto, Masahiro Segami
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Patent number: 11148025Abstract: A squash training system includes a sport sensor. The sport sensor includes a sensing unit configured to detect a motion of a racquet and generate three-dimensional (3D) motion data associated with the motion. The sport sensor also includes a memory configured to store the 3D motion data and a communication interface configured to transmit the 3D motion data to a terminal device. The squash system also includes at least one processor configured to receive the 3D motion data from the sport sensor and determine, based on the 3D motion data, at least one characteristic associated with the motion. The processor is also configured to render a graphical representation of the characteristic on a display.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: SMARTER SQUASH SOLUTIONS, LLCInventors: William S. Ho, Zachary S. Ho
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Patent number: 11040244Abstract: Golf performance and equipment characteristics may be determined by analyzing the impact between a golf ball and an impacting surface. In some examples, the impacting surface may be a golf club face. The impact between the golf ball and the surface may be measured based on sound and/or motion sensors (e.g., gyroscopes, accelerometers, etc.). Based on motion and/or sound data, various equipment-related information including golf ball compression, club head speed and impact location may be derived. Such information and/or other types of data may be conveyed to a user to help improve performance, aid in selecting golf equipment and/or to insure quality of golfing products.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Jeffrey A. Hadden, Douglas A. Thornton, Bradley C. Glenn, Nicholas A. Leech, Arthur Molinari
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Patent number: 10799759Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying golf equipment. The system may include one or more performance tracking devices, such as an optical sensor system or a radar sensor system for tracking at least one of a golf club swing or a golf ball flight. The system also may include at least one processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to perform a set of operations. The operations include receiving current dynamic input for a golf shot from a golfer and current static input for the golfer. The operations also include executing a trained machine-learning model based on the received current dynamic input and current static input to generate predicted golf club properties and/or predicted golf ball properties for the golfer. The predicted golf club properties and/or predicted golf ball properties are displayed on a connected display.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: ACUSHNET COMPANYInventors: Chris Hixenbaugh, Nicholas M. Nardacci
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Patent number: 10786717Abstract: Provided is an impact point estimation apparatus that is capable of estimating, easily and with high accuracy, an impact point on a face surface of a golf club head at the time of a golf swing. The impact point estimation apparatus includes an acquisition part configured to acquire time-series sensor data that is output from at least one of an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor attached to at least one of a grip and a shaft of a golf club and an estimation part configured to estimate the impact point, according to a shaft characteristic which is a characteristic of the shaft, based on the sensor data.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Satoru Hanamitsu, Masahiko Ueda, Kousuke Okazaki, Yuto Nakamura
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Patent number: 10713883Abstract: A system has a pre-recorded content database. Further, the system has a processor that establishes a virtual scratch card game, randomly determines a plurality of positions in a virtual scratch card grid that correspond to a winning outcome of the virtual scratch card game, searches for a plurality of pre-recorded video clips in the pre-recorded content database such that each of the plurality of pre-recorded video clips displays an event corresponding to the winning outcome, and provides the plurality of pre-recorded video clips to a display device that renders the virtual scratch card grid according to a plurality of scratch-off blocks that, when activated, reveal each of the plurality of pre-recorded video clips at each of the corresponding plurality of positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Highlight Games LimitedInventors: Timothy Patrick Jonathan Green, Steven John Holmes, Stewart James Whittle, Nick Gardiner
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Patent number: 10695632Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to track movement of sports implements are disclosed herein. An example sensing unit disclosed herein is to be coupled to a sports implement. The sensing unit includes an inertial measurement unit to obtain movement data of said sports implement during a swing of said sports implement and a swing analyzer to determine whether the swing is a horizontal shot or a vertical shot based on the movement data.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Ke Ding, Lakshman Krishnamurthy, Narayan Sundararajan, Xue Yang
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Patent number: 10668350Abstract: A launch monitor that generates three dimensional images to accurately measure movement of golf objects. In an aspect, the launch monitor can utilize stereographic camera systems to capture images from which three dimensional images can be generated. In an aspect, the launch monitor can utilize light-field camera systems to capture images of the golf objects. In an aspect, the camera systems can capture images in color.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Charles Hightower, Leonidas Amarant, Paul A. Furze, Richard Daprato
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Patent number: 10639528Abstract: A method and system for matching an athlete with a selected striking tool. The method includes, and the system facilitates, receiving test data resulting from the athlete hitting a test target with a test striking tool to launch the test target. The test data is mathematically transformed to calculate a test functional group score. The test functional group score is compared with a database to match the test functional group score with matched previous data having a similar functional group score to the test functional group score. A selection parameter of the selected striking tool is defined to correspond with a value of the selection parameter associated with a strong performance metric in the matched previous data.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: SPORT INSIGHT INC.Inventors: Darren J. Stefanyshyn, John W. Wannop, Ryan M. J. Madden, Jay Tofin Worobets
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Patent number: 10589162Abstract: A sports ball for communicating to an external electronic device various parameters related to an impact with a sporting implement, such as a golf club. The sports ball comprises an outer resilient shell within that is contained a resilient core. An electronic circuit comprises at least one sensor, a transmitter, optionally a light-emitting diode, and a power source. The electronic circuit is cushioned from the impact of the sporting implement by the resilient core. The electronic circuit is adapted for communicating sensor data to the external electronic device via the transmitter. The at least one sensor is taken from the group of sensors comprising: a GPS receiver, a multi-axis accelerometer, an orientation sensor, an altitude sensor, and a microphone. The transmitter may be an RFID chip that passively transfers data from the at least one sensor and a unique ID number of the sports ball.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Inventor: Jason Koo
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Patent number: 10527402Abstract: Apparatus for magnetically sensing, computing, and displaying cable distance, as well as computing and displaying other user-selectable information in a pipe inspection system or other system is disclosed. Two or more permanent magnets may be mounted in spaced apart fashion, on either a frame or a rotatable member supported on the frame for rotation about an axis. A magnetic sensor may be mounted on the other one of the rotatable member or frame on which the magnets are not mounted, so that either the magnets rotate around the magnetic sensor or the magnetic sensor rotates between the permanent magnets. The magnetic sensor may generate output signals representing changes in at least two axes in a composite magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Jan Soukup, Jeffrey A. Prsha, Ray Merewether
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Patent number: 10259324Abstract: A display unit incorporated in the housing surface of an instrument panel on the passenger seat side changes its display variously together with other display devices such as a liquid crystal display and a line illumination, and displays information such as driving information, danger notification information and entertainment information in coordination.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Masahiro Takamatsu, Tai Inoue, Masahide Nagata, Takayuki Ogawa, Gosei Sato, Takao Kanai
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Patent number: 10195511Abstract: A system (1) for collecting data for golf, includes: a first detection system (11) which includes a portable sensor (15, 37) and is suitable for generating a first determination signal (19, 41) representing a time likely to correspond to the hitting of a golf ball; a second detection system (12) for determining whether a sound is likely to correspond to the hitting of a golf ball (4) by a golf club (3) used by a golfer (2), and for generating a second determination signal (25) representing a time that is likely to correspond to the hitting of a golf ball; a processing means (20) for receiving the first and second determination signals (19, 41, 25), comparing same, determining an event (27) of the golf club (3) hitting a golf ball (4) in the event of a positive result from the comparison, and storing the event (27) in a memory unit (28).Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: UL INVESTMENTS S.ÀR.L.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Dolige, Pascal Useldinger
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Patent number: 10186041Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing a golf motion. The apparatus includes acquiring, by an image sensor of a camera unit, a 2D image of motion of a user, acquiring, by a depth sensor of the camera unit, a depth image to temporally alternate with acquisition of the 2D image, the depth image including depth values of pixels in the 2D image, increasing an image-capturing speed by generating a corresponding depth image or a corresponding 2D image, which corresponds to a reference 2D image or a reference depth image acquired at a predetermined time, outputting the reference 2D image and the corresponding depth image or the reference depth image and the corresponding 2D image as output data for motion analysis, extracting skeletal information of the user through analysis of output data, and displaying motion of the user on a display unit based on skeletal information.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Ju-Yong Chang, Soon-Chan Park, Ji-Young Park, Jin-Seo Kim, Hee-Kwon Kim, Kwang-Hyun Shim, Moon-Wook Ryu, Ho-Wook Jang, Hyuk Jeong
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Patent number: 10097959Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to capturing aspects of a smart playable device. The playable device can include any device that is suitable for sports, games, or play, such as balls, discs, staffs, clubs, and the like. The playable device can include rapid charging circuits to receive power from a remote charger. The playable device may transmit sensor data including motion data to a computing device. Sensor data may be interpreted by the computing device as gestures of the playable device for interacting with the computing device. Sensor data can also be interpreted as motion data during gameplay and notifications can be provided to a user based on the gameplay. In some instances, the computing device can capture image data of the playable device and identify the playable device and annotate image data based on the sensor data from the playable device.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2016Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Play Impossible CorporationInventors: Brian Monnin, Gadi Amit, Kevin Langdon
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Patent number: 9999823Abstract: A system for analyzing a golf swing process includes a sensor system for simultaneously measuring human body movements, club head trajectories and the ball trajectories; a processor for reading data of the sensor system; synchronizing and processing the data; generating the human body 3D model, the club trajectories and the initial flying trajectory of the ball; and calculating a complete flying trajectory of the ball according to the initial flying trajectory; and a visual device, wherein the visual device provides the integrated display of the human body 3D model, the feet pressures, the club trajectories and the ball trajectories, for tracing the club trajectories according to the ball trajectories, and tracing the human 3D model and the feet pressures according to the club trajectories. A method for analyzing the golf swing process is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: Inxpar Inc.Inventors: Yan Chen, Jin Chen
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Patent number: 9604117Abstract: A golf stroke training device and system allowing a user to obtain feedback regarding a golf stroke without moving from a stance and capable of detecting the orientation and velocity of a leading edge of a golf club. A data processing unit filters out non-relevant inputs from the sensors and only evaluates valid simulated forward strokes so that the data processing unit may evaluate a plurality of non-stop practice strokes.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Inventor: Schalk J. Leonard
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Patent number: 9161708Abstract: The use of motion capture data for analyzing an individual's performance on certain exercises, and more particularly relates to comparison of movement data for an individual with a database of recorded motions for a population in order to generate a training regimen for the individual, and to monitor the individual's progress when carrying out the training regimen.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: P3 Analytics, Inc.Inventors: Marcus Elliott, James Ballantyne, Timothy Rouse, Eric Leidersdorf
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Patent number: 9154739Abstract: A computer-implemented method, a system and a computer-readable medium provide useful feedback for a user involved in exercise. A camera is used to track user motion by using image processing techniques to identify key points on a user's body and track their motion. The tracked points are compared to proper form for an exercise, and an embodiment gives feedback based on the relationship between the actual movement of the user and the proper form. Alternatively, silhouette information may be used in a similar manner in another embodiment.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Alex Nicolaou, Ryan James Harrison
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Patent number: 9022878Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Inventor: Gisle Solhaug
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Patent number: 9005047Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems relating to golf data collecting and recording are described. In one embodiment an apparatus on a golf club includes an integrated reminder and a stroke cancellation system and is semi-automatic in that the recording of the stroke is directly in response to changing the state (e.g. activating) of a switch which indicates that the golfer has pressed a button on the golf club. The pressing of the button indicates that the golfer will or has taken a stroke with the golf club and that the stroke is to be recorded, optionally with the location of the stroke and an identifier of the club (e.g. 9 iron).Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Tag Golf, LLCInventors: Chris Savarese, Noel H. C. Marshall, Susan McGill
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Patent number: 8992346Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventor: Mario Raposo
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Patent number: 8994826Abstract: Portable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system and method configured to display motion capture/analysis data on a mobile device. System obtains data from motion capture elements and analyzes the data. Enables unique displays associated with the user, such as 3D overlays onto images of the user to visually depict the captured motion data. Ratings associated with the captured motion can also be displayed. Predicted ball flight path data can be calculated and displayed. Data shown on a time line can also be displayed to show the relative peaks of velocity for various parts of the user's body. Based on the display of data, the user can determine the equipment that fits the best and immediately purchase the equipment, via the mobile device. Custom equipment may be ordered through an interface on the mobile device from a vendor that can assemble-to-order customer built equipment and ship the equipment.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Blast Motion Inc.Inventor: Michael Bentley
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Patent number: 8992347Abstract: A system for golf data collection comprises an apparatus arranged to be worn about the body of a golfer during a game of golf. The apparatus includes a positioning system for determining various locations of a golfer during the game, a tag reader for reading a club held in close proximity to the apparatus around the time of striking a golf ball, and a processor for correlating the location of the golfer with the time at which a tag is read to enable the path of a golf ball throughout the game of golf to be determined.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Active Mind Technology R&D LimitedInventors: Padraic Moran, John McGuire, William Hunt
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Patent number: 8986129Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Suunto OyInventors: Michael Miettinen, Eljas Saastamoinen, Jussi Rouhento, Sami Ruotsalainen
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Patent number: 8951138Abstract: This disclosure describes a method for measuring the path and orientation of a golf club during a swing. Of particular interest is the orientation of the club face and its path prior to, at and just after impact with the ball. Golfers and club manufactures are interested in this information for swing improvement and club design. The key measurements are the face orientation and path relative to the ball, these are: horizontal path, vertical path, face open/close, face loft, face lie and ball impact position on the face. The disclosure additionally defines a means for accurately measuring the orientation of the club head and shaft throughout the entire swing. The technique may use an inertial navigation system attached to the head or shaft in conjunction with the camera system. An important feature of the method is the ease of use in that it provides accurate results without complex calibration procedures.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: WAWGD, Inc.Inventors: Chris Kiraly, Paulo Merloti
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Publication number: 20140349776Abstract: A method relating to an improved swing characteristic capturing system that can be used for a golf club shaft fitting system 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 cameras to record the location data of a plurality of markers located on a golf club shaft throughout a 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Ryan Margoles, Gregory D. Johnson
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Patent number: 8888604Abstract: An integrated golf club and analysis system that measures and analyze the performance characteristics of both: 1) a free golf swing without impact with a golf ball and 2) a golf swing with ball impact analysis. Free swing analysis provides critical information needed to analyze swing style so that dynamics swing characteristics optimization can be evaluated throughout the entire swing without ball impact, while impact analysis provides critical information on ball impact location on the club face, however, they cannot be measured simultaneously since ball impact eliminates the ability to identify the swing metric peaks such as velocity if it were to occur after ball impact. To achieve both, an integrated electronics golf club head comprises multiple types of sensors for measuring club head motion, impact and spatial location information with a weight and balance of a regulation golf club head.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Golf Impact, LLCInventor: Roger Davenport
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Publication number: 20140335965Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventor: Brian M. Dugan
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Publication number: 20140329613Abstract: A golf data collection system can use a near field communication system in a data processing application to record golf club identifiers and golf strokes, taken (with the identified club) at GPS identified positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: Radar CorporationInventors: Chris Savarese, Susan McGill
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Patent number: 8870671Abstract: A golf game system is provided, including at least one ball, at least one club and at least one hole area. The club has a striking sensor for sensing a striking action of the club on the ball, and a score display for displaying a score related to the striking action. The hole area has a tee for placing the ball and a hole for receiving the ball, wherein the hole has a ball-in-the-hole sensor for communicating with the club. Scores are automatically printed for players at game conclusion.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Inventor: Thomas P. Foley
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Patent number: 8845459Abstract: A method for tracking a golfer's round of golf, wherein the method comprises determining a first location of a GPS device, receiving a signal from a first golf club, recording the first location, determining a second location of the GPS, receiving a signal from a second golf club, determining the distance from the first location and the second location and recording the distance as a distance for a first shot of the golfer.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Joseph Balardeta, Scott Denton
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Patent number: 8840483Abstract: This disclosure relates to an evaluation device and methods for evaluating the swing of a piece of athletic equipment. The evaluation device may include a microphone, an accelerometer, and a microcontroller configured to detect a stroke and ball strike and track the position of the athletic equipment in three-dimensional space. The evaluation device may also include a radio for wireless transmissions, a battery, and a sound tube connected to the microphone. The evaluation device can be used in conjunction with a host computer to store, and display data gathered by the evaluation device. In some methods, a stroke that is detected from a swing and a ball strike can be determined by comparing signals received from the accelerometer and the microphone to predetermined criteria.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Kinetek SportsInventors: Patrick M. Steusloff, Thomas H. Lupfer
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Patent number: 8827846Abstract: A modular bat selecting simulator system according to various embodiments can include a handle weighted modular baseball bat configured to receive interchangeable weights in a handle portion of the handle weighted modular baseball bat. At least one tracking system configured to track movement of the handle weighted modular baseball bat and movement of a user while swinging the baseball bat. A computer configured for receiving data from the tracking system to determine an optimum bat weight based upon swing dynamics monitored while the user swings the baseball bat and outputting the data to a display. The display displays a virtual background including a virtual image of the baseball bat and a pitched ball, virtual movement of the baseball bat and the user swinging to hit the virtual image of the pitched ball.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Inventor: Christopher Shocklee
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Patent number: 8827842Abstract: A golf equipment fitting system that uses advanced technology to not only objectively identify the optimum equipment for the golfer, but to also identify and help correct swing flaws so that the golfer can achieve optimum performance on the golf course. Thus, in one embodiment, golf fitting includes collecting data related to the golfer's swing and determining if the golfer's swing technique should be modified based at least in part on the collected swing data. When it is determined that the golfer's swing technique should be modified, then providing swing instruction to the golfer. When, however, it is determined that the golfer's swing technique is fine, then collecting data related to how the golfer's swing launches a golf ball. Finally, golf equipment, e.g., golf clubs, can be specified based on the collected swing data and launch data.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Max Out Golf LLCInventors: Mitchell Clark Voges, Daniel Patrick Hollister
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Patent number: 8808101Abstract: A system for measuring golf club parameter data on impact of a club face of a user's golf club with a target surface includes a static impact bag having a front facing surface for receiving an impact thereon with the club face, and a plurality of sensors for detecting force data upon impact of the club face with the front facing surface. The system includes a processor connected to sensors for receiving the force data and determining golf club parameter data related to the club face's impact with the front surface of the bag.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Inventors: Garry Peters, Peter Klein
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Patent number: 8801532Abstract: A golf swing measurement device is placed in front of a golfer when the golfer swings a golf club to hit a golf ball. The golf swing measurement device includes a sidewall portion extending substantially in parallel to a swing path of the club head; a first sensor coil and a second sensor coil disposed along the sidewall portion for detecting a club head with a permanent magnet on a distal thereof passing therethrough; a calculation unit for calculating a swing time from a start moment of a backswing to a moment of an impact, a head speed upon the impact, and a total flying distance; a display unit for displaying the swing time, the head speed, and the total flying distance; a memory unit for storing measurement data including the swing time, head speed, and the total flying distance; and a transmission unit for sending the measurement data.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2008Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shu Katayama
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Patent number: 8758151Abstract: A head measuring method of the present invention includes: (a) preparing a golf club having a head having a plurality of markers provided thereon; (b) photographing the head by a camera disposed at a position, wherein a backward distance between the position and a center point of a ball is equal to or greater than 0, to obtain a head image near an impact; and (c) analyzing the head image to calculate a position and attitude of the head near the impact. Preferably, three or more combinations of the markers set such that the marker interval is equal to or greater than a head vertical width exist.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Dunlop Sports Co. Ltd.Inventors: Wataru Kimizuka, Masahide Onuki
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Patent number: 8734264Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for measurement and analysis of a behavior of a golf club head. Specifically, the system comprises a measurement and analysis device having a marker recognition and positional information acquisition unit for recognizing the at least one marker and acquiring positional information of the recognized at least one marker, a vector calculation unit for calculating a first vector representing a direction of the head and a second vector representing a tangent vector of a trajectory of the head during the golf swing, and a vector angle change acquisition unit for calculating a vector angle between the first vector and the second vector and acquiring a time series change of the calculated vector angle.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignees: Bridgestone Corporation, Bridgstone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Saito, Koji Takao, Hideo Matsunaga, Hirotada Iwade
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Patent number: 8708833Abstract: A method for measuring behavior of a head of a golf club and of a ball includes obtaining two-dimensional data of three or more marks on a face surface at two points in time before impact; identifying three-dimensional positions of the marks on the two points in time from the two-dimensional data; identifying behavior of the face surface of the three-dimensional position of each mark at the two points in time; identifying time of a contact of the face surface with the ball; estimating behavior of the head at the time of contact of the face surface with the ball; obtaining two-dimensional data of the ball at the two points in time; identifying three-dimensional position and posture of the ball at the two points in time; and estimating a behavior value of the ball from the three-dimensional position and posture of the ball.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignees: SRI Sports Limited, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Masahiko Ueda
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Publication number: 20140106892Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a method for swing result deduction and posture correction. The method includes performing a coordinate transformation between a sensor frame and an earth frame, deducting the swing result according to at least one piece of sensor information and a swing result deduction analysis, and providing a posture correction advice according to at least one piece of sensor information and a posture correction analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicants: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY, INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: CHUNG WEI LIN, LUN CHIA KUO, CHIH WEI YI, YU JUNG YEH, TSUNG LONG CHEN, YI CHEN HUANG
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Patent number: 8696482Abstract: An apparatus and method for golf swing analysis is described using a first microprocessor, a three-axis accelerometer capable of transmitting linear acceleration data to the first microprocessor, a three-axis gyroscope capable of transmitting angular velocity data to the first microprocessor, data processing, a radio transmitter for transmitting processed data, and a housing for holding the components, which attaches to a golf club. A three-axis magnetometer capable of transmitting directional orientation data to the first microprocessor is used to allow a user to choose a target line. Communication occurs between the apparatus and a portable device with a radio receiver, memory and a computer program that processes the data into graphical data and statistical data and displays the swing graphically after a user swings the golf club. The user will be able to analyze and try to improve his or her golf swing.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Swingbyte, Inc.Inventors: Alex Pedenko, Alexander Panferov, Valery Ponomarev, Anatoly Badylin
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Patent number: 8696497Abstract: A golf equipment fitting system that uses advanced technology to not only objectively identify the optimum equipment for the golfer, but to also identify and help correct swing flaws so that the golfer can achieve optimum performance on the golf course. Thus, in one embodiment, golf fitting includes collecting data related to the golfer's swing and determining if the golfer's swing technique should be modified based at least in part on the collected swing data. When it is determined that the golfer's swing technique should be modified, then providing swing instruction to the golfer. When, however, it is determined that the golfer's swing technique is fine, then collecting data related to how the golfer's swing launches a golf ball. Finally, golf equipment, e.g., golf clubs, can be specified based on the collected swing data and launch data.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Max Out Golf, LLCInventors: Mitchell Clark Voges, Daniel Patrick Hollister
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Publication number: 20140100049Abstract: An aspect of the invention relates to a golf swing analyzing apparatus, comprising: an arithmetic section operating to process the output of a first inertial sensor and the output of a second inertial sensor to calculate a relative angle between a forearm of a golfer and a golf club, the first inertial sensor being attached to a portion of the upper body of the golfer, the second inertial sensor being attached to the golf club.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicants: Keio University, Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Ken OTA, Kazuhiro SHIBUYA
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Patent number: RE44862Abstract: A method is disclosed for matching a test golfer with a particular golf club selected from a group of golf clubs having a plurality of styles. The method utilizes data set derived in an initial procedure in which the club style preferences for each of a large number of pre-test golfers is recorded and correlated with a set of performance parameters for the golf swings of such pre-test golfers. This data enables the pre-test golfers to be classified into subgroups, in which golfers within the same subgroup generally prefer the same club style and golfers in different subgroups generally prefer different club styles. After this data set has been established, the test golfer takes a golf swing with a golf club, while performance parameters for the swing are measured. Based on the measured performance parameters and the previously established data set, the test golfer is classified according to swing type, and the optimum golf-club is then selected from the plurality of styles of golf clubs.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Ian C. Wright, David Anderson, Peter J. Roberts, Benoit Vincent