Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a 3D avatar and object fitting recommendations using a biomechanical analysis of observed actions with a focus on representing actions through computer-generated 3D avatars. Physical quantities of biomechanical actions can be measured from the observations, and the system can analyze these values, compare them to target or optimal values, and use the observations and known biomechanical capabilities to generate the 3D avatars and object fitting recommendations.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus is disclosed herein. More specifically, image capturing apparatus disclosed herein will be used to help a golfer properly select a golf club utilizing a high speed camera attached to a gantry apparatus capable of adjusting its own position relative to the golfer in order to capture data of a golf swing in an iron type golf club.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a 3D avatar and object fitting recommendations using a biomechanical analysis of observed actions with a focus on representing actions through computer-generated 3D avatars. Physical quantities of biomechanical actions can be measured from the observations, and the system can analyze these values, compare them to target or optimal values, and use the observations and known biomechanical capabilities to generate the 3D avatars and object fitting recommendations.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides a golf GPS device with a sensor mechanism to automatically switch between video and audio only modes of the device. More particularly, when a player attaches the golf GPS device to a piece of clothing or hat, the device automatically switches to audio-only mode. When the player detaches the golf GPS device, the device automatically switches to video mode, with or without audio. The golf GPS device further includes one or more processors configured to repeatedly determine in which one of the plurality of holes the device is located, to repeatedly compute a distance between the device and a feature of the determined hole, and to cause to display the hole number of the determined hole and the computed distance on the display screen.

Abstract: A method and a device are for simulating a golf shot for a user. The method includes receiving golf course information and receiving historical golf shot capabilities of the user in combination with generating at least one current golf shot simulation based on a current position of a golf ball on the golf course, the golf course information and the historical golf shot capabilities of the user and determining a strategy for the current golf shot based on the at least one current golf shot simulation.

Abstract: Distance measuring devices and methods are included which may be used to measure and simultaneously display an accurate range of multiple targets such as the flags of a golf practice driving range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for live sporting event wagering with data security and integrity are disclosed. At least one input capture device and at least one user device are constructed and configured in network communication with at least one computing platform. The at least one input capture device is configured to transmit live input data relating to a live sporting event to the at least one computing platform in real time or near real time. The at least one computing platform is configured to aggregate and analyze the live input data, thereby creating analyzed data. The at least one computing platform is further configured to set odds for wagering in the live sporting event based on the analyzed data in real time or near real time. The at least one user device is configured to display the odds, receive bets, and transmit the bets to the at least one computing platform.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus in which a player plays a game by controlling a player character is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to generate a game image in accordance with an operation by the player, generate another image of another character or an object other than the player character, in a case where the another character or the object is in a state to be affected by the player character in the game, and superimpose and display the another image on the game image.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for rating a baseball player's performance in pressure situations. The method includes receiving information about at bat situations associated with a player from at least one information source. The method determines whether the at bat situations are pressure at bat situations based upon baseball fan participation. Using the information from pressure at bat situations, the method calculates at least one pressure situation statistic for the player. The pressure situation statistic is then communicated to a baseball fan.

Abstract: Methods and systems for 3D ball trajectory reconstruction are disclosed. The methods and systems perform steps of receiving a 2D ball trajectory, a shooter's on-ground foot location, and a camera projection matrix; generating on-ground trajectory line assumptions based on the shooter's on-ground foot location and the 2D trajectory; reconstructing a candidate 3D trajectory for each on-ground trajectory line assumption, by determining a ball height for each on-ground projection point in the on-ground trajectory line and by curve fitting; evaluating each candidate 3D trajectory and selecting one with a best score as the reconstructed 3D ball trajectory. Embodiments of the present invention enable a resource-limited mobile device such as a smartphone to conduct the aforementioned steps. Also disclosed are benefits of the new methods, and alternative embodiments of implementation.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides a golf GPS device with a sensor mechanism to automatically switch between video and audio only modes of the device. More particularly, when a player attaches the golf GPS device to a piece of clothing or hat, the device automatically switches to audio-only mode. When the player detaches the golf GPS device, the device automatically switches to video mode, with or without audio. The golf GPS device further includes one or more processors configured to repeatedly determine in which one of the plurality of holes the device is located, to repeatedly compute a distance between the device and a feature of the determined hole, and to cause to display the hole number of the determined hole and the computed distance on the display screen.

Abstract: A golf course management tool receives location information from devices associated with golfers as they play golf. The location information includes ball-striking locations and periodically determined locations of the golfer. The location information is stored in a database and is linked to the appropriate golf course. A user is presented with a graphical user interface which presents the location information overlaid on an overhead image of the golf course. The location information is presented in various ways under the control of the user. Statistics are also calculated for the holes and rounds played and presented to the user. The location information can also be filtered in a variety of ways under control of the user to alter the graphical presentation and statistical calculations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a divot-detecting golf swing mat and, more particularly, to a divot-detecting golf swing mat characterized by comprising: a hitting mat (110) having artificial turf (111) formed on the upper side thereof such that a golf ball (B) can be seated thereon; a divot-detecting sensor array portion (120) installed beneath the hitting mat (110) so as to measure hitting of a club head (H), which is transferred through the hitting mat (110), through sensors arranged in an array type; a control portion (130) for calculating information regarding hitting of the club head (H) sensed by the divot-detecting sensor array portion (120); a golf ball position designating portion (150) installed on a side surface of the rear side of the hitting mat (110) so as to designate the position of the golf ball (B); and a display portion (140) for displaying the information regarding hitting of the club head (H) and the position of the golf ball (B).

Abstract: A golf ball range finder that rests in either a custom leveled and aligned pin, or a standard pin of a golf green, and rotationally and vertically aligns a laser range finder onto all the golf balls in the vicinity. The golf ball range finder has mechanisms to align it vertically, horizontally and to adjust for differences in the depth of the pin so that its rotational axis resides collinear with a vertical axis passing through the midpoint of the pin.

Abstract: A golf guide system includes a terminal to be carried by a user who is playing golf, and a location information transmitter provided in the terminal and a hole and transmitting location information of the hole to the terminal, generates a distance by measuring a distance between the terminal and the location information transmitter, and guides a distance and a recommendable club based on analysis of environment and geography between the terminal and the hole.

Abstract: Examples of systems and methods for locating movable objects such as carts (e.g., shopping carts) are disclosed. Such systems and methods can use dead reckoning techniques to estimate the current position of the movable object. Various techniques for improving accuracy of position estimates are disclosed, including compensation for various error sources involving the use of magnetometer and accelerometer, and using vibration analysis to derive wheel rotation rates. Various techniques utilize characteristics of the operating environment in conjunction with or in lieu of dead reckoning techniques, including characteristic of environment such as ground texture, availability of signals from radio frequency (RF) transmitters including precision fix sources.

Abstract: Distance measuring devices and methods are included which may be used to measure and simultaneously display an accurate range of multiple targets such as the flags of a golf practice driving range.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for simultaneously reconstructing an initial three-dimensional (3D) trajectory and velocity of an object by using single camera images. The system for simultaneously reconstructing an initial 3D trajectory and velocity of an object by using single camera images includes a receiver configured to receive 3D world coordinate information of a starting point of an object and object-captured image information of a single camera, a two-dimensional (2D) coordinate acquisition unit configured to acquire 2D image coordinates of the object from the object-captured image information, and a reconstructor configured to simultaneously reconstruct an initial 3D velocity and trajectory of the object by applying a 3D motion equation to the 2D image coordinates and depth information from the single camera to the object.

Abstract: An electronic golf aid system for assisting users with reading greens on golf courses includes a camera that captures images of the user's field of view, and an electronic display device with a display screen that displays captured images. A processor, which communicates with the camera and display device, is programmed to: receive signals from the camera indicative of images of a golf ball and a cup on the green; determine respective locations for the golf ball and cup; determine a perspective view of the topology of the green between the golf ball and cup from the user's point of view; determine, based on the green's topology, a proposed trajectory line from the golf ball's location to the cup's location; and direct the electronic display device to display the proposed trajectory line superimposed on the surface of the green as the green is shown in real-time on the display screen.

Abstract: An alignment aid for a golfer includes a handheld device with a direction finding device for determining a target vector (V1) with respect to a sighted target, a sensor device for determining a position vector (V2) as a measure of an instantaneous alignment of the golfer, and a display device. The alignment aid is operable to check an included angle (a) between the target vector (V1) and the position vector (V2) and to output a good signal (G) to the display device upon a successful check of the included angle.

Abstract: A system for locating an article having a finding unit attached thereto. The finding unit has a transmitter which transmits a wireless signal continuously. Through a software application in the smartphone the wireless signal is monitored continuously when the smartphone is in range of the transmitter. If a User and his or her smartphone go beyond the range of the transmitter, the smartphone sends a notification to the smartphone's display including a GPS location of the smartphone when the smartphone most recently did not receive the wireless signal. The location provides where the article was lost. A software program is provided by which a User can send a message through the smartphone to one or more contacts for assistance. The finding unit can also have a wireless receiver to receive a wireless signal from the smartphone to activate audio and visual alarms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that determines and simulates the proper putting stroke using at least aiming direction and speed for successfully making a particular putt based on particular putting green characteristics and the location of the golf hole on the putting green, and which is interactive with the user thereby providing an enhanced playing experience and improved putting results.

Abstract: Electronic devices can facilitate collective and accurate scorekeeping. A first electronic mobile device can communicate (directly or indirectly) with a second electronic mobile device. Respective users can use the devices to identify when and/or how a score is to be adjusted. The input can be processed at a mobile device or central server to determine whether and/or how to adjust a score. Score adjustment can depend on whether any other input includes inconsistent information. The score adjustments can be pushed to one or more mobile devices. In this manner, all mobile devices can display a consistent and current score.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides a golf GPS device with a sensor mechanism to automatically switch between video and audio only modes of the device. More particularly, when a player attaches the golf GPS device to a piece of clothing or hat, the device automatically switches to audio-only mode. When the player detaches the golf GPS device, the device automatically switches to video mode, with or without audio. The golf GPS device further includes one or more processors configured to repeatedly determine in which one of the plurality of holes the device is located, to repeatedly compute a distance between the device and a feature of the determined hole, and to cause to display the hole number of the determined hole and the computed distance on the display screen.

Abstract: A putting stroke apparatus and method is provided that determines and simulates the proper putting stroke using at least an aiming direction and initial ball speed for successfully making a particular putt based on particular putting green characteristics and the location of the golf hole on the putting green. A pendulum putter apparatus is coupled with a putting diagnostic tool wherein the putting diagnostic tool determines at least an aiming direction and initial ball speed for a particular putt using inputs such as: (i) topographic information (e.g., contours) specific to the green; (ii) the green speed at a particular time; (iii) the golf hole location (i.e., the physical location of the golf hole); and (iv) the golf ball location on the green (i.e., the physical location of the golf ball).

Abstract: Systems and methods providing statistical analytics of golf performance for coaching including text, tabular, graphic, and image-based outputs that include trends information for the golfer, all based upon actual golf play on course situations, wherein the golfer inputs shot data during play, without interrupting the flow of the game, and uploads the shot data for analytics and review online, and wherein all information related to a given user are reviewable by an authorized coach user through a web-based coach access account. The system is further operable to provide the coach user rights for providing corrective or instructive feedback to the user, including visual recommendations such as modified target areas.

Abstract: The ball existence determining part 301 determines a specific infrared zone where the stopped ball exists as a ball existing zone in plural infrared zones. The first object appearance determining part 302 determines the front and end infrared zones being adjacent the ball existing zone as front and end object appearance schedule zones, and determines whether or not the object for launching the ball appeared in either one of the front and end object appearance schedule zones. The second object appearance determining part 303 determines whether or not the object appeared in the remaining object appearance schedule zone when the object appeared in either one of the front and end object appearance schedule zones. The ball disappearance determining part 304 determines whether or not the ball in the ball existing zone disappeared when the object appeared in the remaining object appearance schedule zone.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides a golf GPS device with a hole cup location selection mechanism which displays a plurality of selectable hole cup locations for selection by a user. When the user selects one of the plurality of selectable hole cup locations, the golf GPS device provides the user with a number representative of the distance between the user and the selected one of the plurality of selectable hole cup locations.

Abstract: A golf aid for assisting a user in reading a green includes a user tracking system to determine the location of a user on a golf course, a heads up display, and a processor. The heads up display is configured to be worn on the user's head, and to display an image within a field of view of the user. The processor is in communication with the user tracking system and with the heads up display, and maintains a representation of a topology for each of a plurality of golf greens, receives an indication of the location of the user from the user tracking system, identifies one of the plurality of golf greens that is the closest to the user, and displays a representation of the topology within the field of view of the user via the heads up display.

Abstract: We have disclosed systems and methods for portable performance monitoring of an individual during a physical activity. The systems and methods may include an input device configured to receive position data. The systems and methods may also include a processor configured to determine location information for the fitness activity based on the position data. The systems and methods may also include a memory operatively coupled to the processor and storing computer readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to determine weather information based on the location information, and to determine athletic performance information. The systems and methods may also include a display screen configured to display the weather information and the athletic performance information to the individual.

Abstract: A golf aid for assisting a user in reading a green includes a user tracking system to determine the location of a user on a golf course, a heads up display, and a processor. The heads up display is configured to be worn on the user's head, and to display an image within a field of view of the user. The processor is in communication with the user tracking system and with the heads up display, and maintains a representation of a topology for each of a plurality of golf greens, receives an indication of the location of the user from the user tracking system, identifies one of the plurality of golf greens that is the closest to the user, and displays a representation of the topology within the field of view of the user via the heads up display.

Abstract: An apparatus including a golf ball comprising an internal sensor, and an internal wireless communicator. The internal wireless communicator adapted to communicate parameters sensed by the sensor to external electronics, wherein the external electronics are configured to determine if the golf ball went into a cup based upon the parameters.

Abstract: A method and system for using a low resolution image of a golfer's swing for analysis is disclosed. Cameras obtain images of various portions of a golfer's swing. A computer calculates parameters associated with a golfer and a golf club from the images. Parameters include body angles, head position, shoulder positions, arm positions, hand positions, leg positions, foot positions, club shaft angles, and club head position. Different portions of the swing are captured using the cameras, including a static initial address, a backswing, a downswing, a forward swing, and a follow-through. A computer uses measured parameters from two or more portions of the swing to determine comparative parameters during different portions of the swing. The computer uses the parameters to generate swing analysis outputs, including swing characteristic information and/or swing profile information. A correlation table relates identified swing analysis outputs to particular recommendations to the golfer to improve the swing.

Abstract: A method is generally described which includes a method of using environmental information in sports applications. The method also includes receiving at least one environmental condition detected using electronic remote sensing. Further, the method includes determining by a computer simulation an estimated effect of the at least one environmental condition on at least one of a predicted or actual first user action. Further still, the method includes communicating the estimated effect to at least one of the first user or a second user.

Abstract: A golf aid for assisting a user in selecting a golf club from a plurality of golf clubs includes a user tracking system configured to determine the location of a user on a golf course, a heads up display, and a processor. The processor is in communication with the user tracking system and with the heads up display, and is configured to determine a plurality of target locations on the golf course, with each of the plurality of target locations representing an ideal target for a different one of the plurality of golf clubs. The processor then displays an indicator at one of the plurality of target locations via the heads up display, such that the user perceives a portion of the indicator to be coincident with the corresponding one of the plurality of target locations.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention provide systems and methods for providing a golfer putting information. Preferred embodiments may provide a golfer with optimal ball trajectory, including the initial path the ball should be stuck on, point to which the ball should be struck and optimal force with which the ball should be struck. In preferred embodiments a golfer utilizes a mobile putting device, which may be placed anywhere on or around a putting surface, where a putting surface may be any suitable environment for striking a golf ball with a putter. Preferred embodiments of the putting device are structured to allow alignment with the cup and/or stationary object, indicate where the ball should be placed, indicate the optimal line on which the ball should be struck and the computed force with which the ball should be struck.

Abstract: A system, method and non-transitory storage medium to manage and process golf game data, golf player data, handicap data, golf team data, and golf course data so as to organize and manage team-based groups or golf leagues of extended duration where asynchronous golf game play during some periods and synchronous game play during other periods on real golf courses and potentially different golf courses is possible. Extensive grouping, scoring, and ranking of golf teams as well as qualification-based tournaments are provided so as to create previously unseen effects of creating a strong community of interest in golfing and increasing the enjoyment and frequency of golf play.

Abstract: We have disclosed systems and methods for portable performance monitoring of an individual during a physical activity. The systems and methods may include a personal computer configured to receive personal data from the individual. The systems and methods may also include a portable performance monitoring device that may be in communication with the personal computer and may have a display screen configured to display the personal data to the individual. The systems and methods may also include a server that may be in communication with the personal computer and the portable performance monitoring device and may have a database configured to store the personal data The systems and methods may be configured such that the personal data displayed on the display screen of the portable performance monitoring device and stored on the database of the server is configured to update based on the personal data received on the personal computer.

Abstract: Program products, methods, and systems for providing location-aware fitness monitoring services are disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a method of displaying a route traversed by an athlete equipped with a location-aware portable fitness monitoring device includes the steps of (a) receiving data describing a plurality of satellite navigational system waypoints that are acquired as the athlete engages in a fitness activity, (b) identifying a map area based on a location indicated by the data describing the plurality of satellite navigational system waypoints, (c) determining the route traversed by the athlete based on the data describing the plurality of satellite navigational system waypoints and based on the location of one or more known paths associated with the map area, and (d) displaying the route traversed by the athlete on top of the map area.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to predicting outcome in a sporting environment are described. The methods and apparatus are used to relate trajectory performance of an object to body motions and body orientation associated with a generating the trajectory of the object. When equipment is utilized to generate the trajectory of an object, than the effects of equipment motions and equipment orientation can be also related to trajectory performance. The method and apparatus can be used to predict body motions and body orientations that increase the likelihood of achieving a desired outcome including specifying optimum motions and orientations for a particular individual. The method and apparatus may be used in training, coaching and broadcasting environments.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, including detecting, by a first client device, a presence of a mobile customer in a particular geographic location, with detecting being through a direct device communication between the first client device and a second client device that is associated with the mobile customer; in response to the mobile customer presence detection, updating a local registry of the first client device with a customer identifier of the mobile customer; and retrieving, from a server device, customer information about the mobile customer; generating, based on contents of the local registry, a list of customers who are presently located in the particular geographic location; and rendering on a display device of the first client device at least one of the list of customers or the retrieved customer information.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for triggering events is described. A plurality of zones of influence is defined. Each zone of influence is an enclosed space defined by geolocational data. At least one of the zones of influence is associated with an event for performance by a user and a time for the event to occur. A location of the user is identified and compared with the geolocational data for each of the zones of influence. The event and the time for the event to occur for one of the zones of influence are provided to the user when the geolocational data of that zone of influence matches the location of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining real time location of assets by calculating the relative position of a plurality of GPS enabled devices transported together, taking advantage of multiple GPS enable devices being transported together including dual band GPS and averaging location data between US and European GPS data. Additionally, an IMB acts to receive GPS data from multiple devices in a shipment and IMB combines and averages data from both GPS systems to create more liable location determination.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems for tracking movements of golf clubs and alerting a golfer when one or more golf clubs are misplaced from a group of golf clubs. A peripheral unit is associated with and affixed to each of a number of golf clubs, and transmits signals that are detected and collectively processed by a base unit to determine the status of those clubs. A club may be designated as misplaced based on the sequence and timing of status events, upon which an alarm is activated to alert the golfer. Also the base unit may process signals regarding movement of golf clubs in conjunction with location data from a Global Positioning System device to obtain information regarding the user's golf performance.

Abstract: Intelligent motion capture element that includes sensor personalities that optimize the sensor for specific movements and/or pieces of equipment and/or clothing and may be retrofitted onto existing equipment or interchanged therebetween and automatically detected for example to switch personalities. May be used for low power applications and accurate data capture for use in healthcare compliance, sporting, gaming, military, virtual reality, industrial, retail loss tracking, security, baby and elderly monitoring and other applications for example obtained from a motion capture element and relayed to a database via a mobile phone. System obtains data from motion capture elements, analyzes data and stores data in database for use in these applications and/or data mining. Enables unique displays associated with the user, such as 3D overlays onto images of the user to visually depict the captured motion data. Enables performance related equipment fitting and purchase.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture and system for receiving, from a user device located at an environment at which a user is viewing an event both with and without the use of the user device, image data containing an image of the environment; receiving a request from the user device for an item of information that relates to the event, for placement into the image of the environment; responsive to receiving the request, accessing a database to retrieve the item of information; generating a scaled image of the item of information based on dimensions of the environment; and transmitting the scaled image for placement into the image of the environment on the user device to generate an augmented reality image.

Abstract: A method, device and computer program product for a golf course searching system. Various characteristics of golf courses are stored in a database. A user may log onto the golf course searching system and define parameters of a golf course of interest and the system will output information about which golf courses the user should pursue.

Abstract: Enables recognition of events within motion data obtained from portable wireless motion capture elements and video synchronization of the events with video as the events occur or at a later time, based on location and/or time of the event or both. May use integrated camera or external cameras with respect to mobile device to automatically generate generally smaller event videos of the event on the mobile device or server. Also enables analysis or comparison of movement associated with the same user, other user, historical user or group of users. Provides low memory and power utilization and greatly reduces storage for video data that corresponds to events such as a shot, move or swing of a player, a concussion of a player, or other medical related events or events, such as the first steps of a child, or falling events.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for providing data. At least one embodiment of a method includes providing, by a user device, a user interface configured to receive golf scoring data from a user, the user interface including a default score based on predetermined data related to past performance; receiving a first piece of golf scoring data from the user; determining, from the received first piece of golf scoring data, a second piece of golf scoring data; and storing the first piece of golf scoring data and the second piece of golf scoring data.

Abstract: A system for aiding the selection of a golf shot by a golfer on a hole of a golf course, comprising means for retrieving statistics indicative of past performances by the golfer for each of a plurality of golf club types, means for retrieving data regarding the hole of the golf course, means for analyzing the retrieved statistics in concert with the data regarding the hole of the golf course, means for selecting one of the golf club types as the statistically preferred golf club type for the golf shot, and means for displaying the selected golf club type to the golfer.