Abstract: A golf club having at least one directional based graphic on the golf club it disclosed. More specifically, the golf club in accordance with the present invention will have at least one directional based graphic that will only be visible when the golf club is oriented in a desirable direction while staying invisible in all other undesirable directions.

Abstract: A putting stroke sensor assembly is cooperable with a putter head. The putting stroke sensor assembly includes a processor, a memory storing a preferred putting path, and an accelerometer configured to measure characteristics of a putting stroke. The processor is programmed to compare the characteristics of the putting stroke with the preferred putting path and to generate an output indicative of the comparison.

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 golf club head has structure for assisting a golfer, and a head cover has structure for supporting the golfer-assisting structure. In one aspect, the golfer-assisting structure provides a visual indicator, such as an alignment marker, a ball impact indicator, a temperature indicator, or the like. In another aspect, the golfer-assisting structure includes sensor(s) and/or other electronic components for measuring swing characteristics, course conditions, global position, or the like. The supporting structure may provide a source of energy, such as a power source, a light source, or a heat source. In some aspects, the supporting structure may include a processor for receiving data from the golfer-assisting structure, and may transmit data to a display on the head cover and/or to an external source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a real-time, automatic golf scoring apparatus that can automatically tally golf scores and record the positions of golf shots. The real-time, automatic golf scoring apparatus includes: a storage unit for storing information regarding driver shot positions at holes; a communications unit for receiving position computation information for calculating a current position of a golfer; and a control unit for counting the number of driver shots if a condition on the number of driver shots based on the information regarding the driver shot positions and information regarding the current position of the golfer is satisfied using these means, the system is capable of providing useful real-time information to golf players and of automatically managing play records.

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 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: The invention generally relates to a grip for a golf club for housing an accessory to enhance the enjoyment of the game of golf. A grip of the invention prevents relative motion between the accessory and the club when the accessory is coupled to the club.

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: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to a method of swinging a mobile device to simulate swinging of a golf club in order to evaluate a user's golf swing for customized golf club fitting. In an embodiment, the method can be performed by a processor of the mobile device. In another embodiment, the method can be performed for multiple mobile devices concurrently, the method performed at least in part on a cloud-based server. According to an aspect of the invention, a method comprises swinging a mobile device having motion sensors integrated therein to simulate a golf swing; evaluating the simulated golf swing to determine at least one characteristic of a custom-fitted golf club; and outputting information related to the determined at least one characteristic. In an embodiment, the mobile device is held by a user. In an alternate embodiment, the mobile device is attached to a golf club.

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: A golf club that can automatically align the club head with intended path of ball direction. The golf club encompasses a movable club head, electronics, a power source and motor driver for adjusting golf club head position at time of impact with a golf ball. The golf club can also serve as teaching aid for tracking a golfer swing path and errors in golf club path.

Abstract: The device is used for monitoring the drive movement and the accuracy with which the striking surface (16) of a golf club hits a golf ball. It comprises a plate-shaped sensor (18), which can be fastened to the striking surface (16) and by which the point of impact can be located. The sensor (18) is connected by way of signal lines (26) to a measurement and computation circuit (30), which can be detachably fastened to the shaft (12) or the back of the head of the golf club, and which together with a yaw rate sensor (65) and an electrical voltage source is mounted in a housing (28) and during each strike carries out a measurement operation in order to determine coordinates of the point of impact relative to the position of a predetermined reference point (22).

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

Abstract: 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: 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 posture analyzing system has a collecting apparatus disposed on a handle of a sports apparatus and is configured to collect and transmit data of the sports apparatus. A mobile terminal is configured to read the data and to draw a moving path of the sports apparatus according to the data and shape of the sports apparatus. Further, a posture analyzing system collects and sends data of the sports apparatus by a collecting apparatus disposed on a handle of the sports apparatus and receives the data and draws a moving path of the sports apparatus according to the data and shape of the sports apparatus by a mobile terminal.

Abstract: Enables coupling or retrofitting a golf club with active motion capture electronics that are battery powered, passive or active shot count components, for example a passive RFID, and/or a visual marker on the cap for use with visual motion capture cameras. Does not require modifying the golf club. Electronics package and battery can be easily removed and replaced, for example without any tools. May utilize a weight that is removed when inserting the electronic package in the mount, wherein the weight element may have the same weight as an electronics package, for no net change or minimal change in club weight. May be implemented with a shaft enclosure and expander that may be coupled with a screw aligned along an axis parallel to the axis of the shaft. May utilize non-permanently and/or friction coupling between the mount and shaft. Cap may include a visual marker and/or logo.

Abstract: A golf club assembly includes at least one sensor assembly, the sensor assembly being operable to sense at least motion and impact of a golf club head and a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly, the processor being operable to sample data from the sensor assembly at a first rate, receive a signal indicating motion of the golf club head, and sample data from the sensor assembly at a second rate different from the first rate upon receiving the signal indicating motion of the golf club head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a practice golf club capable of adjusting head speed having a head (H) attached to an end of a shaft(S) having a grip (G), from which an impact sound is generated through a swing operation, wherein the head (H) includes: a first body (100) coupled to the end of the shaft (S); a second body (110) having a tubular shape, both ends of which are open and adapted to be screw-coupled to the rear end of the first body (100); a moving weight (140) movably disposed inside the second body (110); a magnet (180) adapted to fix the moving weight (140) to the front end portion of the second body (110) by means of a magnetic force thereof; adjustment means adapted to adjust the gap between the magnet (180) and the moving weight (140) so as to control the strength of the magnetic force of the magnet (180) pulling the moving weight (140); a cap (120) screw-coupled to a rear end of the second body (110); and return means interposed between the cap (120) and the moving weight (140) to return the

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 golf club head includes a club face with at least one impact sensor, where the sensor has a passive piezoelectric element that is integrated into the club face, the passive piezoelectric element being able to generate a signal when an impact force is applied to the club face. An energy storage assembly includes a battery, a capacitor, or both. An energy harvesting assembly includes a signal divider with at least one input and at least two outputs, the at least two outputs providing a known ratio of a given input signal, wherein the at least one input of the signal divider is electrically coupled to one or more of the piezoelectric elements and a first of the at least two signal divider outputs is electrically coupled to the energy storage assembly.

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 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: A technique which easily removes the motion element of a game controller which is attributed to the vibrating motion of a vibrator from the output data of an acceleration sensor or reduces the element is provided. In a game device, a wireless communication module receives an acceleration sensor output data, which has been analog-to-digital converted, in a game controller. A sensor output correction unit corrects the received acceleration sensor output data and provides the corrected acceleration sensor output data to the application processor. In the sensor output correction unit, a masking processing unit performs the masking process on the acceleration sensor output data within the predetermined range of masking. The masking processing unit corrects the acceleration sensor output data within the range of masking including zero acceleration to have zero acceleration.

Abstract: A method relating to an improved fitting system for a golf club shaft is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention utilizes specific data gathered from the golfer's golf swing itself to determine the best performing golf club shaft for this particular golf swing. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of infrared motion capturing cameras to record the location data of a golf club shaft throughout a swing. Based on the location data captured, one or more dynamic behavioral characteristics can be calculated to determine one or more preferred shaft characteristics. Using the preferred shaft characteristics, a shaft can be recommended for the golfer having this particular golf swing. The current inventive fitting methodology is preferred to the archaic fitting method of using data gathered from the result orientated ball flight data together with a tedious process of having to try numerous different shafts.

Abstract: A hitting position detecting device includes: a golf club which includes a shaft having a grip portion and a head portion having a face portion with a hitting surface and a rear surface and attached to the front end of the shaft; vibration wave sensors which is arranged on the side of the rear surface of the face portion and is fixed to the head portion so as to output electrical signals in accordance with a vibration wave generated upon hitting of the face portion; a calculation unit which detects arrival times in the vibration wave sensors of the vibration wave generated in the face portion upon hitting of a ball on the basis of the electrical signals, calculates a hitting position of the ball in the face portion on the basis of a difference in the plurality of arrival times, and then outputs the result as a hitting position signal; a display unit which displays the hitting position in the face portion on the basis of the hitting position signal output from the calculation unit; and a power source which sup

Abstract: A housing for a sensor includes the sensor; vertical walls surrounding an aperture containing the sensor; a horizontal floor connected to a bottom of the vertical walls, the floor having the sensor located thereon; and a vertical shaft connected to the bottom of the floor and configured to connect the housing to a grip of a golf club. The shaft and at least the horizontal floor define a continuous air passage to vent air pressure from an inside of the golf club to an outside of the golf club.

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 putter site orienting device and method that linearly aligns a putter having a shaft longitudinal axis, a gripping portion, a putting head, a golf ball having indicia marked thereon, and target golf hole including a putter shaft attaching portion having a contoured face that attaches to the shaft; a magnet integrally formed with the shaft attaching portion that magnetically secures device to the shaft; a rigid rod having a longitudinal axis and a diameter Dr substantially smaller then a diameter Dp of the shaft integrally formed with the shaft attaching portion including a first end integrally formed with the shaft attaching portion, and second free end opposite the first end wherein the rigid rod protrudes outwardly and perpendicularly from the shaft attaching portion to allow proper alignment of a putter to which the device attaches with respect to both a golf ball and to a target golf hole.

Abstract: A golf club measuring system is designed to dynamically measure physical values of a golf club shaft during its swinging motion. A sensor wiring substrate includes a flexible board (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate material), a connector, a plurality of couplers, and a plurality of wires. A plurality of sensors is connected to the sensor wiring substrate via a plurality of couplers. The sensor wiring substrate is helically wound about the golf club shaft such that the flexible board is slightly warped and closely attached to the curved surface of a golf club shaft, thus reducing air resistance occurring on the golf club shaft being swung. An external device (e.g. a strain measuring device) is connected to the connector of the sensor wiring substrate so as to receive signals representing physical values (e.g. strain values), occurring on the golf club shaft being swung, from a plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A training device for golf swings, which overcomes the elastic resistance arising from the coil-spring on a golf swing and accelerates the head speed to strengthen and to accelerate the impact, thus magnifying the centrifugal force.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A reversibly attachable muscle trainer includes a multi-arm structure with motion sensors and force generators for exercising opposing muscles of a person moving an implement so as to maintain an ideal movement. When attached to the implement, the muscle trainer trains the opposing muscles to consistently move the implement in an ideal way. While the person moves the implement with the muscle trainer attached, a processor receives signals from the motion sensors and determines differences between the actual implement motion and an ideal implement motion. The difference indicates a dominating force direction in which the dominating muscles urge the implement. The processor activates the force generators to apply external forces to the implement to urge the implement in various types of training force directions.

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: Embodiments of golf impact analysis systems are described herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.

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

Abstract: 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 golf club or implement comprising a grip region (14), a head (15), and a shaft (12) connecting the grip region (14) to the head (16). A fairing (20) is attachable to a trailing edge of the shaft (12). The fairing can reduce drag associated with the shaft (12) during a swing motion of the club or implement. The fairing can, on attachment, extend along a portion of the shaft (12) from a location proximal the head (16) of the club or implement.

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: 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: 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 an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer 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: 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: 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: 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.