Abstract: An aspect of the invention relates to a golf swing analyzing apparatus, comprising: a first arithmetic section operating to use an output from a first inertial sensor and an output from a second inertial sensor to calculate a first energy amount, the first inertial sensor being attached to a portion of an upper body of a golfer, the second inertial sensor being attached to a golf club, the first energy amount being generated in the upper body of the golfer; a second arithmetic section operating to use the output from the first inertial sensor and the output from the second inertial sensor to calculate a second energy amount transferred to the golf club from the upper body of the golfer; and a processing section calculating an energy transferring ratio of an energy transferred from the upper body of the golfer to the golf club based on a ratio of the second energy amount to the first energy amount.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf club classification method capable of classifying a golf swing precisely. Specifically, the present invention provides a classification method comprising steps of: partitioning the golf swing of the golfer into golf swing trajectories of a back swing, a down swing, and a follow through so as to determine a stable point in the golf swing trajectories as an origin for any two of the trajectories and to assign a two dimensional coordinate to the two golf swing trajectories; determining straight lines connecting each of one point selected within each of the two golf swing trajectories and the origin; calculating angles between each of the determined straight lines and the horizontal line respectively for the two golf swing trajectories; and classifying the golf swing based on a difference between the calculated angles.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for measuring or analyzing a golf swing. Measurement or analysis is made relative to energy generation and transfer through a player's body and club. The measurement or analysis data is principally obtained from the player's ground-reaction forces. Processed signals are analyzed with an artificial intelligence system. Ground-reaction forces relate to reaction forces which occur between a standing surface and the player's feet. The apparatus and method measures or analyses a golf swing in an automatic manner or in an automatic and interactive manner.

Abstract: A method and electronic device for analyzing golf swings associates actual ball flight data with sensed swing characteristics. The electronic device includes a location-determining component; a sensor; a display; and a computing device all housed within a portable, handheld or wearable enclosure. The computing device may associate the ball flight data with the swing characteristic data by storing the data together in memory, linking the data in memory, displaying representations of the data together, or by any other method. The computing device may also create a reference profile for a golfer based on ball flight data and sensed swing characteristics for a plurality of golf swings and may associate swing characteristics with particular golf clubs.

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 or even predict the launch conditions of a golf club.

Abstract: A system for predicting object location includes a video capture system for capturing a plurality of video frames, each of the video frames having a first area, an object isolation element for locating an object in each of the plurality of video frames, the object being located at a first actual position in a first video frame and being located at a second actual position in a second video frame, and a trajectory calculation element configured to analyze the first actual position and the second actual position to determine an object trajectory, the object trajectory comprising past trajectory and predicted future trajectory, wherein the predicted future trajectory is used to determine a second area in a subsequent video frame in which to search for the object, wherein the second area is different in size than the first area.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Handle integrated motion capture element mount that 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 handle without electronics for future upgrading. May utilize non-permanently and/or friction coupling between the mount and equipment.

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: A system and method for measuring golf ball striking information includes a floor sensor array for detecting the space velocity and position of a golf ball or detecting the speed of a club head and the trajectory of a circle drawn by the club head; a floor light source emission array for emitting a light source to the floor sensor array from a position corresponding to the floor sensor array; a horizontal sensor array for detecting the entry angle and speed of the club head by left-handed hitting or right-handed hitting; and a horizontal light source emission array for emitting a light source to the horizontal floor sensor array from a position corresponding to the horizontal sensor array.

Abstract: A method of golf instruction utilizing a schematic represented by a plurality of vertical, diagonal and circular lines which demonstrate a preferred golf swing. A video recorder, processor and monitor can be used to record the golf swing of a student aligned within the schematic. Corrections to the students swing can be made based on the deviation from the schematic. Additionally, the flight path of the ball can be determined based upon the deviation from the schematic and the adjusted flight path can be displayed.

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 then player prior to the stroke. The signals can be either acoustic or electromagnetic.

Abstract: A method for gold club recommendation. The method can include providing user data related to a user, the user data including a user's gender, and handicap, and a plurality of golf clubs associated with the user, providing golf club data related to each golf club of the plurality of golf clubs, the golf club data including average yardages and deviation limits, determining a starting location of a user on a golf course, determining a final location where the user intends to land a golf ball, accessing the golf club data for each golf club of the plurality of golf clubs, determining at least one recommended golf club for the user based on the golf club data, and displaying the recommended golf club to the user.

Abstract: 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.

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 measuring apparatus 10 for a golf club 34 includes: a club camera 20 capable of photographing the golf club; a control part 30 capable of controlling a timing at which the golf club is photographed; and three sensors capable of detecting passage of the golf club 34. The three sensors are defined as a first sensor S1, a second sensor S2, and a third sensor S3 in this order from a point close to a position of a golf ball. When a club speed calculated based on the passage of the golf club detected by the second sensor S2 and the third sensor S3 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the control part generates a trigger signal for starting to photograph the golf club. The measuring apparatus 10 can effectively suppress erroneous generation of the trigger signal.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system and method for shot tracking disclosed herein. The system preferably includes a golf club and a receiver. The golf club preferably includes an active RFID transponder, a power source, a switch and an accelerometer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conserving power for a shot tracking device for attachment to a golf club. The method involves transmitting a plurality of signals from a shot tracking device attached to a golf club. The shot tracking device is enabled to determine that a threshold number of signals has been transmitted by the shot tracking device and a receipt signal has not been received by the shot tracking device, which in turn deactivates the shot tracking device until a predetermined event occurs.

Abstract: A golf tracking system including a tag coupled to a golf club. The tag includes a plurality of sensors, each which output a signal based on a detected movement of the golf club, a microcontroller that compares each of the plurality of sensor outputs to stored reference sensor output values, and a transceiver that transmits data corresponding to the sensor outputs to a device remote from the tag based on the comparison performed by the microcontroller. The location-aware device then processes the information received from the tag to determine whether a shot should be registered.

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: 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: 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: A system and method for shot tracking disclosed herein. The system preferably includes a golf club and a receiver. The golf club preferably includes an active RFID transponder, a power source, a switch and an accelerometer.

Abstract: A putting stroke training system identifies a preferred putting stroke and facilitates training for a golfer to repeat the preferred putting stroke. The training system includes a grid box with a fixed side wall and a movable side wall. The movable side wall is positionable relative to the fixed side wall into alignment with the preferred putting stroke. The training system also includes an alignment sensor attachable to a putter head. In some embodiments, the alignment sensor signals when the putter head deviates from the preferred stroke.

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 golf club including a swing analyzer includes an accelerometer that measures acceleration in three directions, a magnetometer/gyroscope unit, a processor unit that converts the measured acceleration and golf club movement during a non-ball-striking or ball-striking swing into an estimated carrying distance of a golf ball when struck by the golf club based on swing position and a type of the golf club, and a display that displays the estimated carrying distance as a function of swing position to the golfer. The accelerometer, magnetometer/gyroscope unit, and processor unit may be mounted in a handle at a grip end of the golf club. The estimated carrying distance calculation may be performed at a unit separate from the golf club and capable of performing this calculation for several golf clubs with which it communicates via cooperating communications unit.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method, system and golf ball are provided to determine the deceleration of a golf ball and, in turn, the speed of a green. The system may include a golf ball and an offboard display device. The golf ball may include a golf ball body, a motion sensor disposed within the golf ball body to measure acceleration of the golf ball along each of three mutually perpendicular axes, and a transmitter disposed within the golf ball body to transmit data representative of deceleration. The display device may include a receiver to receive data representative of the deceleration of the golf ball from transmitter and a display to provide a representation of the deceleration of the golf ball. At least one of the golf ball and the display device may include a processor to determine deceleration of the golf ball based upon the acceleration measured by the motion sensor.

Abstract: A system for predicting object location includes a video capture system for capturing a plurality of video frames, each of the video frames having a first area, an object isolation element for locating an object in each of the plurality of video frames, the object being located at a first actual position in a first video frame and being located at a second actual position in a second video frame, and a trajectory calculation element configured to analyze the first actual position and the second actual position to determine an object trajectory, the object trajectory comprising past trajectory and predicted future trajectory, wherein the predicted future trajectory is used to determine a second area in a subsequent video frame in which to search for the object, wherein the second area is different in size than the first area.

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: Apparatuses, methods and systems relating to at least one or more of golf club reminding and golf data collecting and recording. 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, with the location of the stroke and an identifier of the club (e.g. 9 iron). The system may also be equipped with a missing club reminder and theft prevention function that notifies the golfer is a golf club has been left behind or if a club or golf bag has been removed without authorization.

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 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 putting stroke training system includes a putting board with a putting section and a hole, a light sensitive or touch sensitive screen positioned in the putting section of the putting board, where the light sensitive or touch sensitive screen records stroke paths of a putter head, and a processor that correlates successful strokes with respective ones of the stroke paths. The processor generates a preferred stroke path based on an average of the successful strokes.

Abstract: A method for predicting 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.

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 magnetic material positioned on a face of a golf club head and an array of magnetic sensors.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf simulation apparatus and a method for the same, which reproduce the trajectory of a golf ball hit by a golfer to give a sense of reality to the golfer by identifying a current golf club and applying information about the identified golf club in a simulation result, the object can be accomplished by the provision of a golf simulation apparatus for simulating a golf course, including a sensing unit for sensing at least one of a golf ball hit by a golfer and a golf club used by the golfer in a simulated golf course, a club identification unit for identifying the golf club used by the golfer in the simulated golf course, and a simulation unit for simulating.

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: According to the present invention, a torque applied from a golf player to a golf club during a swing is analyzed in a time-series manner. A DLT method is suitable as a determination procedure. Preferably, a link model is used in this analysis. Preferably, the three-dimensional coordinate of the mark provided at a position that corresponds to the link model is determined by a DLT method. Preferable analysis method includes: modeling using a golf club, and at least a part of a golf player who grips a grip member of the golf club to provide a link model in which the golf club is connected with the golf player via a joint; and analyzing the torque that acts on the joint is analyzed during the swing in a time-series manner. This joint is positioned in the vicinity of the grip member. This analysis can be applied to a method of diagnosing a swing, a method of selecting a golf club, and a method of designing a golf club.

Abstract: A measurement setup to determine hitting parameters of a golf club includes a group of reflectors with at least two strip-shaped reflectors with retroreflective surfaces applied to the golf club shaft. The group of reflectors is attached to the club shaft with a detachable, yet tight clamp-connection. At least three retroreflective areas are arranged in a determined geometry at the club shaft and/or at the group of reflectors. At least one first reflective light barrier sends its beam at a right angle to the ideal swing path of the club head near the tee and/or the golf ball at the group of reflectors. During the penetration of the beam the three strip-shaped retroreflective surfaces elicit temporally staggered pulse-shaped signals that the receiver of the first reflective light barrier receives and which it transmits to the data acquisition device. A calibration setup is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for shot tracking disclosed herein. The system preferably includes a golf club and a receiver. The golf club preferably includes an active RFID transponder, a power source, a switch and an accelerometer.

Abstract: Wireless golf club shot count system configured to obtain spatial data from at least one sensor that is coupled with a microcontroller wherein the apparatus fits into a golf club handle or weight port or otherwise couples to a golf club. The apparatus may send a unique identifier and spatial data over a self-contained radio and antenna wirelessly to an external system that may analyze and display the spatial data in a user-friendly manner. The unique identifier and/or radio through use of non-interfering communications mechanisms allows for multiple clubs one or more players to be within range of a wireless receiver and not interfere. Adapters that may be specific to each golf club manufacture allow for coupling the apparatus to any type of golf club.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conserving battery power during shipping for an impact activated device for transmitting a radiofrequency signal. The method comprises forming an impact activated device for transmitting a radiofrequency signal. The shot tracking device is shipped in commerce and received at a retailer. The shot tracking device is stored at the retailer, wherein the battery has at least 90% of its capacity until paired with a receiver.

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 point, monitoring a downswing and transmitting data for the golfer's swing to a receiver for analysis.

Abstract: A method for determining an orientation of a putterhead of a putter during a putting stroke, wherein the method comprises determining that the golfer is addressing a golf ball to swing a putter, monitoring the putterhead orientation during the backswing, determining a transition time, monitoring the putterhead orientation during a downswing, determining an orientation of the putterhead at impact time, transmitting data for the orientation of the putterhead to a receiver for analysis.

Abstract: A putter training system includes a putter with putter head, an attachment secured adjacent the putter head, and a grid having sidewalls and a grid bottom. The putter head includes a bottom, a top and a face, where the top has at least one putter alignment line appearing thereon. The grid sidewalls are spaced apart by a distance larger than a length of the putter head. The grid bottom includes at least one grid alignment line cooperable with the at least one putter alignment line to facilitate alignment perception during a putting stroke. Additionally, the attachment is cooperable with the grid bottom to facilitate alignment feedback during the putting stroke.

Abstract: A golf putting practice device/simulator and ball return with no moving parts, and method for a golfer to practice putting a golf ball in which the device is located in close proximity to the golfer and the intended target can be of any normal putting distance allowing one to practice golf putts indoors of greater length than indoor spaces normally allow. The device accomplishes this by detecting the speed and the position of the golf ball as it approaches the device. The device is programmed and configured in such a way to accurately approximate the distance and to display the direction the golf ball would have traveled had the path of the ball not be interrupted by device. The practice device can be configured to account for a coefficient of resistance commonly know as the Stimp of the green in its calculations. The device receives and returns the ball to the user then evaluates the putt data. The results are then displayed on the digital display.

Abstract: A method, system and golf ball are provided to determine the deceleration of a golf ball and, in turn, the speed of a green. The system may include a golf ball and an offboard display device. The golf ball may include a golf ball body, a motion sensor disposed within the golf ball body to measure acceleration of the golf ball along each of three mutually perpendicular axes, and a transmitter disposed within the golf ball body to transmit data representative of deceleration. The display device may include a receiver to receive data representative of the deceleration of the golf ball from transmitter and a display to provide a representation of the deceleration of the golf ball. At least one of the golf ball and the display device may include a processor to determine deceleration of the golf ball based upon the acceleration measured by the motion sensor.