Abstract: Provided herein is a method, apparatus and computer program product for gathering and presenting information associated with a sporting event to a user in a manner tailored to a user's preferences. Methods include: receiving a plurality of video segments associated with at least one subject; providing for display of at least one of the plurality of video segments; providing for selection of at least one video segment not associated with the at least one subject in response to the plurality of video segments having been played or skipped; providing for display of the at least one video segment not associated with the at least one subject; and following or superseding display of the at least one video segment not associated with the at least one subject with display of a new video segment in response to receiving the new video segment associated with the at least one subject.

Abstract: It is provided a method for conveying data on a flying object in a scene. The method including capturing video frames of the scene by video cameras to get video frames which include image of the object, identifying the object in captured video frames to get associated object parameters, calculating motion variables, solving motion equations for anticipated object trajectory taking into account certain effects, and conveying data to displaying devices. The certain effects are an effect of object collision with a ground surface, air friction, wind effect, and interaction of a spinning object with air. The method may be applied to a ball in a sporting playing field. The cameras may have variable operating parameters desirable for the calculating the motion variables, which may be determined by camera calibration using captured artifacts of the scene. Shadow of the object may be captured as well and be used to provide data absent due to occluding a of the object from a video camera.

Abstract: The Fox Sharpshooter putter grip is a putter grip that has two unique features. First it contains a chart to help the golfer to determine the how hard to strike the golf ball when putting. Second it features a cap containing a bubble level to help the golfer to hold the putter shaft vertically, which will give the golfer a consistent vertical line with which to compare to the slope of the green. This will help the golfer to determine which direction the ball will roll (the break.) When the chart and the bubble level are used together, they help the golfer to “read” a putt with great accuracy. The Fox Sharpshooter putter grip conforms to USGA rules when the cap with the bubble level is removed.

Abstract: A putting alignment tool includes a pair of spaced, telescoping arms each having an upper end and a lower end. The upper ends are joined with a horizontal bubble level having a divot-repair fork hingedly attached thereto. Magnetically attached to the divot-repair fork is a ball marker. The lower ends of the arms are joined with a weighted ball that maintains the tool in a vertical orientation when the tool is suspended. Accordingly, a golfer extends the arms to a desired length and suspends the tool by grasping the upper end. The bubble level allows the golfer to verify that the weighted arms are indeed vertical. Then, the ball and cup are framed between the two arms to determine the optimum putting path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf aid for determining the slope of putting green or other area of a golf course. More specifically, the invention provides a device for calibrating suspending Optionally, the device includes a ball marker and can include tools for assembling the device in a golf club.

Abstract: A computer readable media and computing device for computing and displaying a path trajectory and an aim point icon for directing a putted golf ball from a starting point on a golf course to a target point based on pre-computed putting data for the putting green is provided. The aim point icon is graphically displayed on a visual representation of the putting green at an aim point distance perpendicular to the left or right of the target location, the aim point distance representing a location on the putting green for properly aiming a putt in order to propel the golf ball from the start position to the desired target location.

Abstract: A putt break visualization instrument useful for improving putting includes an elongated object such as a crossbar that extends from the shaft of a putter and is normal thereto. The golfer begins by addressing the golf ball. The golfer then holds the putter above the green by the handle in the manner of a plumb line so that the shaft of the putter is vertically oriented and the crossbar is horizontally oriented. The golfer then aligns the shaft with the uphill edge of the golf ball and moves the shaft up or down along the vertical so that the crossbar extends in proximity to the cup. The golfer may use a slider on the crossbar to mark the cup. The golfer may now evaluate how well he or she has addressed the golf ball, and either repeat the process if improvement is needed or make the putt.

Abstract: In order to reduce or eliminate bad green reads, the inventor has devised expert green reading techniques that allow a golfer to accurately and quickly read greens, thereby reducing scores and increasing enjoyment for the golfer. Rather than making a green read while being positioned behind the ball with respect to the cup as in conventional green reading techniques, in the disclosed expert green reading techniques a golfer takes a specific, precise, and consistent stance on or adjacent to a path between the ball and the cup.

Abstract: A television signal and image processing system that superimposes an indicator of the fall line of a golf green adjacent the hole on the green image to be televised to the viewer. This process is achieved by generating and storing typographical maps of the greens on a golf course and generating and storing the locations of the holes on those greens, the locations of the holes are then merged with topography of the individual greens, and then the high (above the hole) and low (below the hole) fall lines are calculated in xyz coordinates, and synthesized arrows having the same coordinates are then applied to the merged topography with one arrow on the high side of the hole point downwardly on the fall line in three dimensions and a second arrow on the low side of the hole also pointed downwardly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf aid for determining the slope of putting green or other area of a golf course. More specifically, the invention provides a device for calibrating suspending Optionally, the device includes a ball marker and can include tools for assembling the device in a golf club.

Abstract: A device and method for viewing and analyzing the surface of a putting green. The device includes an image capturing device and a display device attached to opposite ends of a shaft. The shaft may include telescoping sections which permit the shaft to be collapsed for storage, extended for use, and adjusted to suit the height of the golfer. A golfer places the image capturing device on or close to the ground to obtain an image of the surface of the green. The golfer adjusts the length of the shaft using the telescoping sections so the display is positioned at a convenient height. The image is transmitted via cable or wirelessly to the display. The golfer views the image of the putting surface on the display and visually determines the breaks and imperfections of the putting surface between the ball and the cup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus read the break in a surface and adjust aim accordingly. The method utilizes a green key ball marker comprising indicia of slope, and describes how to determine slope. The marker then allows for quantifying break and provides alignment assistance.

Abstract: A system and method for calibration of golf shots is provided. Specifically, a tool for providing a reference target superimposed over a magnified image of the cup for calibration purposes is provided. An optical putter calibration tool may include an eye lens; an object lens; a target lens; a beam splitter; and a target reticle. The eye lens, the object lens, the target lens, the beam splitter and the target reticle may be integrated in a shaft of a golf club, such as a putter, for providing a simultaneous magnified view and projecting a reticle image. Comparison of the reticle image and the magnified view may provide a reading of a playing surface characteristic.

Abstract: A blade assembly for a golf putter includes an outer body, a pin, and a blade. The outer body is sized to fit partially within the putter shaft. The pin has a pin shaft and a pin head, each of which have a diameter, and the diameter of the pin head is greater than the diameter of the pin shaft. The blade has a channel sized to receive the pin head. In a first position, the blade extends into the outer body and the putter shaft, substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the putter shaft. In a second position, the outer body and pin support the blade at an angle between 15 and 165 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the putter shaft. A golfer can thus use the putter and extended blade as a pendulum and angle finder to read the break of a green.

Abstract: A handheld device for golfers is disclosed which determines the slope from a golf ball's location on the golf course to the cup or pin on a green. The device includes: a housing; a sight mounted on the housing for aiming the device at the flag of the pin; a tilt sensor for measuring the slope or tilt of the aimed device; a display wheel cooperating with the tilt sensor for indicating the slope or tilt of the aimed device; and, a chart affixed to the housing including actual ball to cup distances, slope indications and yardage adjustments which are added to or subtracted from the actual distances to enable the golfer to estimate the effective shot distance of the ball to the cup. A software application is also disclosed for estimating the effective shot distance of a golf ball to a target on a handheld device such as a smart phone.

Abstract: A golf green reading device capable of displaying graphical putting aid to a user. The device captures both a plurality of distance measurements between the device and a putting green, and an angular orientation of the device. Using those measurements, the device computes the topography of a putting green. With the computed topography, the device constructs and displays graphical putting aid to a user.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program for computing a path, starting velocity, aim angle, and aim points for directing a putted golf ball from a point on a golf course to another point and incorporating such data into easily read charts or electronic media is provided. The invention also provides a means of determining the initial launch conditions and actual path a putted golf ball traveled on given its starting and ending ball positions.

Abstract: A system for displaying information of a golf putt on a user device includes generating a digital terrain map of a golf green, determining a location of a cup, determining a location of a golf ball on the golf green in real time, calculating a projected path of a golf ball from the ball to the cup and displaying information of the ball location, cup location, projected path, aiming path and a flat surface equivalent distance on a user interface of the user device.

Abstract: A putter grip and blade assembly for a golf putter including a grip having a distal end and a proximal end with the grip having an opening at the proximal end for a shaft of a putter and additionally a recess in the length of the grip for a blade; the blade being rotatable for the blade to extend from the recess of the grip; and where the majority of the sides of the blade are within the recess when the blade is in a closed position.

Abstract: A training device assisting golfers in reading putting greens includes a housing having a central cavity shaped and dimensioned for receiving the golf ball therein. The housing includes a closed first end and an open second end. A force producing mechanism is positioned at the closed first end of the housing and extends toward the open second end within the housing. The force producing mechanism is positioned within the housing for selective actuation thereof so as to contact and push forward a golf ball positioned within the housing. Upon actuation, the force producing mechanism launches the golf ball smoothly onto the golf putting green surface at a pre-determined speed.

Abstract: An improved system, method, and apparatus, computer-readable medium for a putting reference guide is provided that includes a plurality of reference indicia graphically representing a hole and a green surrounding the hole, wherein the hole is a center point in a center of a series of circumferential rings around the hole, wherein each ring represents a distance out from the hole, and a series of spokes radiating from the center point, wherein each spoke represents a putt's angle with respect to a reference point, wherein within each ring and between each spoke the expected break is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf aid for determining the slope of putting green or other area of a golf course. More specifically, the invention provides a device for calibrating suspending Optionally, the device includes a ball marker and can include tools for assembling the device in a golf club.

Abstract: A golf putting visualization aid for a golfer who is practicing the putting of a golf ball into a hole located on a green. The visualization aid has a slope indicating vessel (12) containing a coloured liquid (14) that is visible to the golfer. The vessel is adapted to be laid on the green over the hole so as to indicate the slope, if any, of the green around the hole. The visualization aid also has a reference dial (30) containing circumferentially spaced apart markers. The dial is adapted to be laid on the green around the hole and on the outside of the vessel so that the markers are located annularly around the vessel. The visualization aid also has a ball visualizing disc (40) representing a first golf ball. The disc is adapted to be laid on a marker of the dial selected to correspond to the intended point of entry of the ball into the hole.

Abstract: An improved system, method, and apparatus, computer-readable medium for a putting reference guide is provided that includes a plurality of reference indicia graphically representing a hole and a green surrounding the hole, wherein the hole is a center point in a center of a series of circumferential rings around the hole, wherein each ring represents a distance out from the hole, and a series of spokes radiating from the center point, wherein each spoke represents a putt's angle with respect to a reference point, wherein within each ring and between each spoke the expected break is provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the coefficient of rolling friction or speed of a horizontal surface over which a round object is rolled such as a putting green encountered in the game of golf. The method includes a device for launching a ball across the surface at a constant and consistent velocity. An included timing device is triggered to start counting the elapsed time when the ball exits the launching device and continues counting until the ball has decelerated to a stop. At the instant the ball ceases moving the timer is triggered to terminate the count. The time required for a body with a specific velocity to come to rest after experiencing constant deceleration is determined by the laws of motion. The coefficient of friction or “speed” of the green which is proportional to the amount of deceleration may then be calculated. This time measurement is therefore sufficient to determine the speed of the green surface which may be reported as an equivalent “stimp” value.

Abstract: In order to reduce or eliminate bad green reads, the inventor has devised expert green reading techniques that allow a golfer to accurately and quickly read greens, thereby reducing scores and increasing enjoyment for the golfer. Rather than making a green read while being positioned behind the ball with respect to the cup as in conventional green reading techniques, in the disclosed expert green reading techniques a golfer takes a specific, precise, and consistent stance on or adjacent to a path between the ball and the cup.

Abstract: A training device assisting golfers in reading putting greens includes a housing having a central cavity shaped and dimensioned for receiving the golf ball therein. The housing includes a closed first end and an open second end. A force producing mechanism is positioned at the closed first end of the housing and extends toward the open second end within the housing. The force producing mechanism is positioned within the housing for selective actuation thereof so as to contact and push forward a golf ball positioned within the housing. Upon actuation, the force producing mechanism launches the golf ball smoothly onto the golf putting green surface at a pre-determined speed.

Abstract: Described herein is a rolling ball device comprising a pair of ball support structures secured together and spaced apart so as to support a golf ball there between, each of the ball support structures having a first portion having a first end and a second end and having a first surface with a clothoid shape and having a second portion having a first end coupled to a second end of the first portion and a second end, the second portion having a first surface having an arc shape and having a third portion having a first end coupled to the second end of said second portion and having a second end, the third portion having a first surface having an inverted clothoid shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the rolling resistance and other characteristics of a golf course putting green is disclosed herein. The present invention can be incorporated into a golf ball housing and used by golfers, greens keepers, and other persons to measure the green speed or stimp, and other characteristics, of a putting green on a golf course.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method, which includes the steps of collecting data associated with a golfing activity, comparing a condition associated with a first golfing event with the data associated with the golfing activity to determine an occurrence of the first golfing event, and performing an action in response to at least the first golfing event and a second golfing event occurring at a specified sequence.

Abstract: A golf club incorporates a slope indicator on its shaft to enable a golfer to estimate the slope of a putting green. When the golf club is placed on the ground, the slope indicator indicates a degree of slope. The golfer may engage a lock for the slope indicator. Engagement of the lock allows the golfer to lift the club off the ground to inspect the slope indicator.

Abstract: A golf club incorporates a slope indicator on its shaft. to enable a golfer to estimate the slope of a putting green. When the golf club is placed on the ground, the slope indicator indicates a degree of slope. The golfer may engage a lock for the slope indicator. Engagement of the lock allows the golfer to lift the club off the ground to inspect the slope indicator.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program for computing a path, starting velocity, aim angle, and aim points for directing a putted golf ball from a point on a golf course to another point and incorporating such data into easily read charts or electronic media is provided. The invention also provides a means of determining the initial launch conditions and actual path a putted golf ball traveled on given its starting and ending ball positions.

Abstract: An accurate putter device comprises a frame having a pair of blinds slidable within an aperture in the frame. A thumb dial mounted on each side of the frame controls a particular blind to narrow the golfer's line of sign through the aperture so that the golfer may line-up the putt and read the grade or angle of the green towards the hole. The thumb dials are coupled to the threads running through the blinds to move the blinds to and fro along tracks in the frame to line-up the ball with respect to the hole.

Abstract: A shoe with a leveling instrument for detecting a relative height and a gradient of a ground to step thereon with the shoe, includes an outsole disposed at a lower portion of the shoe, an upper disposed at an upper portion of the outsole, an x-direction leveling instrument formed or affixed at the girth (i.e., an upper strip portion or welt) of a front end portion of the outsole or the upper, a top surface thereof being externally exposed, and a y-direction leveling instrument formed or affixed at the girth of a side portion of the outsole or the upper thereof, a top surface thereof being externally exposed. Accordingly, the shoes having the leveling instrument can detect the relative height and the gradient around the ground stepped by a user, whereby helping to correct a swing posture of a golfer, conduct a measurement operation of various engineers in architectural and civil engineering etc., and correct a walking posture of a walker.

Abstract: A golf green reading device has a lens with a reference line that is illuminated when the reference line is in a horizontal or vertical orientation. The reference line is illuminated by an electrical circuit secured within a housing having a power source, a light source, and a level switch. The user holds the device in a horizontal or vertical orientation to read the slope of a golf green relative to the reference line and determine the correct line to putt the golf ball.

Abstract: A Golf Green Reader is disclosed. The device is available in two versions—one that is elongated, is sized similar to the length of a golf umbrella and allows the user to site the putt line while standing, and a second version that is handheld. The device includes optics to provide the user with the ability to site along a laser-pointer line and focus, zoom and obtain a wide-angle view of the cup from the ball location. The device further overlays an image that aids the user in holding the device in a level position while siting along the putt line. The image overlay includes symbology that indicates current spacial orientation of the device, the desired spacial device orientation and the direction to correct the device orientation.

Abstract: A slope indicator for fastening to the ground of a putting green to indicate the slope during the game of golf is disclosed to include a housing having a transparent top face and a pointed bottom anchoring rod for fastening to the ground, a fluid sealed in the housing, and a bubble formed in the fluid inside the housing and shifted in the fluid subject to the tilting condition of the housing to give an indication of the slope of the ground to which the slope indicator is fastened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf putter mainly used for a putting stoke in golf clubs. The golf putter in accordance with the present invention adds a putting information providing apparatus 4, which provides putting information to a player, to an ordinary golf putter including a head 1, a shaft 2 and a grip 3. The putting information providing apparatus 4 comprises an operation switch 41, through which a player inputs distance information from a golf ball to a hole; an LCD 46 displaying putting information; and a gradient sensor 44 providing gradient information corresponding to a tilted state when the putter is laid on a horizontal surface. The putting information providing apparatus 4 displays position information of an imaginary hole against an actual hole based on the distance information and gradient information so that the player can perform a putting stroke toward the imaginary hole.

Abstract: A golf putting training device that indicates the proper aim point on sloped putting surfaces such as golf course greens and compensates for the slope of the various putting surfaces. The device comprises a platform supporting one or more spirit levels. The device can be elevated upon the putting green surface to permit a golf ball to roll underneath the device when the ball is putted towards the indicated aim point; or not elevated when aim points are referenced to the golf cup or hole.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for computing and outputting a putting backstroke instruction for a planned putt of a golf ball during recreational play. A computing means includes means for initializing or customizing according to a specific golfer putting on a specific golf green, the golfer putting at least one initializing putt a pre-selected distance on a level area of a green. During recreational play thereafter, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the golfer, for each segment of a planned putt enters the applicable grade and length. The computing means outputs to the golfer an instruction for the length of the backstroke recommended, i.e., required for the planned putt. Another embodiment of the invention requires the inputting of the length of the planned putt but excludes the inputting of the grade of the green.

Abstract: A device and a method for training a golfer to putt a golf ball into a hole. The device includes a slope indicator, which provides a visual indication of the slope of the slope of the golf green at the rim of the hole. The golfer marks the slope and practices different lines of approach of the ball to the hole, and at different distances, until he can accurately and consistently sink the putt from any approach on the green.

Abstract: A golf green reader includes a lens comprising a plurality of spaced, parallel lines and a line extending perpendicularly to the spaced, parallel lines. When the perpendicularly extending line is aligned with a golf ball resting on a golf green and the pin of the golf green, the spaced, parallel lines are used to read the slope or inclination of the golf green. The golf green reader includes a level for aligning the spaced, parallel lines horizontally and a handle for aligning the perpendicularly extending line with the golf ball and cup. The lens of the golf green reader further includes vertically spaced indicia useful in determining the distance within 150 yards to the pin of a golf green. A lanyard precisely positions the golf green reader relative to user thereof to facilitate an accurate reading of the distance of the pin.

Abstract: An offset measurement system, for aiding a golfer when putting upon a putting green having varying slope between a golf ball, resting upon the green, and a hole having a hole center. A target having a target line is positioned at the hole with the target line aligned with a direct putt line that connects the hole center and ball. A measurement device is used to acquire multiple measurement data sets having the slope of the putting green at a position along the direct putt line and a distance to the target at that position. The measurement device calculates and displays a recommended offset distance from the measurement data sets that is used by the golfer to redirect the putt at the hole by the recommended offset distance from the direct putt line.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an alignment paddle that allows the golfer 18 to identify a straight line between the golf ball 12 and the intended target 14. The hand held alignment paddle includes a vertical elongated aperture 26 and two parallel horizontal apertures 22, 24. One horizontal aperture intersects at the top 22 of the vertical aperture and the other horizontal aperture intersects at the bottom 24 of the vertical aperture 26. The intersections create an upper 34 and a lower 36 viewing passage centerline. The golfer 18 identifies a straight path from the golf ball to the intended target by positioning the paddle in his line of sight such that the golf ball 12 is visible in the lower viewing passage centerline and the intended target, e.g., the hole 14 is in the upper viewing passage centerline. When both the ball 12 and the intended target; e.g., the hole 14 are visible, a straight path has been identified.

Abstract: One or more lasers are used to create cones of laser light of varying angles. The lasers are visible on the flat surface as a series of arcs or complete circles of varying radius. In one embodiment, consecutive arcs spaced from a center on a perfectly flat surface increase in radius by a predetermined or constant amount. When the surface is not flat, but has a slope, the radius of adjacent circles become closer or further from each other, creating a virtual relief map appearance.

Abstract: This device presented here is a portable, collapsible greens speed measuring instrument to aid golfers in putting. It has been difficult for golfers to have accurate readings of the putting green speed since most golf courses do not evaluate their greens. This invention will do this for the golfer. The device is inexpensive, light, convenient, and easy to use, which is in sharp contrast to the stimpmeter used today in professional circles. This device folds into a small size, approximately 8 inches, in contracts the the stimpmeter used now which is about 30 inches. The presently used device is expensive and is not collapsible. It is difficult to use and unavailable at most golf courses. It is for these reasons there is a strong need for a portable greens speed meter presented here for the average or the professional golfer.

Abstract: The golf green speed and contour teaching device is used to help the golfer learn and understand the green he is about to putt on. Golfers usually take years of practice to become proficient at learning the speed and route the ball will take when struck. He must putt over and over, and over again to familiarize himself with the terrain and the grass to be able to make the correct putt on the ball. The grass heighth, dampness and other factors are not easily understood by the novice, and can make him putt a poor shot. Also, ridges or valleys in the green make contour reading difficult. Many professionals have difficulty even after years of practice. This instrument will speed up the golfer's learning process and even the amateur can become proficient at putting. This instrument will give him wisdom.

Abstract: This device presented here is a portable, collapsible greens speed measuring instrument to aid golfers in putting. It has been difficult for golfers to have accurate readings of the putting green speed since most golf courses do not evaluate their greens. This invention will do this for the golfer. The device is inexpensive, light, convenient, and easy to use, which is in sharp contrast to the stimpmeter used today in professional circles. This device folds into a small size, approximately 8 inches, in contrtast the the stimpmeter used now which is about 30 inches. The presently used device is expensive and is not collapsible. It is difficult to use and unavailable at most golf courses. It is for these reasons there is a strong need for a portable greens speed meter presented here for the average or the professional golfer.

Abstract: The golf green speed and contour teaching device is used to help the golfer learn and understand the green he is about to putt on. Golfers usually take years of practice to become proficient at learning the speed and route the ball will take when struck. He must putt over and over, and over again to familiarize himself with the terrain and the grass to be able to make the correct putt on the ball. The grass heighth, dampness and other factors are not easily understood by the novice, and can make him putt a poor shot. Also, ridges or valleys in the green make contour reading difficult. Many professionals have difficulty even after years of practice. This instrument will speed up the golfer's learning process and even the amateur can become proficient at putting. This instrument will give him wisdom.