Abstract: A system for conveying viewer-selected information to viewers of a golf tournament includes a group of external input signals, a command facility, and a remote device able to convey viewer-selected information to the viewer. The external signals are from a group that includes at least a real-time identity of a club that a player is using. The remote viewing device is able to convey transmitted visual information and includes (1) a means for receiving transmitted signals conveying visual information, (2) a means for displaying selected visual information, and (3) a means to enable a viewer to select the visual information desired to be displayed from a group including at least the real-time identity of the club that a selected player has had removed from a golf bag used by the player.

Abstract: A portable golf GPS device comprising a microprocessor operably coupled to a GPS unit, an input device such as a keypad (or touch screen) operably coupled to the microprocessor, a voice recognition unit operably coupled to the microprocessor, and a display such as a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) operably coupled to the microprocessor. A program memory system which contains at least some of the software and data to operate the device is also operably coupled to the microprocessor. The portable golf GPS device is preferably contained in a housing such that the entire device has a very compact and lightweight form factor, and is preferably handheld and/or pocket size. The golf GPS device is configured to display distances to course features, and to receive and process voice input in order to select functions or input data into the golf GPS device.

Abstract: A golf GPS device is disclosed herein. The device includes a GPS unit, a memory for storing a plurality of aerial images of a golf course, a display for displaying the plurality of aerial images, a user input for inputting a plurality of location points on an aerial image of the plurality of aerial images displayed on the display, and a processor comprising means for determining a distance between any two points on a golf course.

Abstract: A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing composed of a polymer material, the housing having a main body and a projection body extending from the main body, the projection body having a length ranging from 1 mm to 5 mm and a diameter ranging from 20 mm to 25 mm, a battery, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.

Abstract: A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing, a battery having no more than 225 milliamp hours of power, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.

Abstract: An analysis system of golf ball and club head data using lasers and 4-axis light sensing is provided, which includes a horizontal sensor array including a plurality of light sensors arranged in straight lines, the horizontal sensor array receiving light from a light source; a vertical sensor array installed to protrude from the floor at a perpendicularly offset angle, the vertical sensor array receiving a laser beam from a laser; a control unit deriving position coordinates of the golf ball in space using data of the silhouette of the golf ball detected by the horizontal and vertical sensor arrays, and calculating ball speed, club head speed, a ball directional angle, a ball launch angle, a club head path, a ball quality, and a flight distance, using the position coordinates of the golf ball; and a display unit displaying the calculated values on a screen under control of the control unit.

Abstract: A method of automatically switch of target golf hole is applied in a golf assisting device. The golf assisting device utilizes the memory to store a plurality of golf-hole-region coordinates that define a plurality of regions belonged to every golf hole. A processor of the golf assisting device is used to determine which convex polygon region the golf assisting device is located in accordance with the stored golf-hole-region coordinates in order to automatically switch a corresponding target golf hole of the convex polygon region. The golf assisting device determines in accordance with the corresponding target golf hole of the convex polygon region to proceed and operate other various functions of the golf assisting device so that the golf assisting device can be operated and switched automatically without any manual operation from the golfer.

Abstract: A system and device for selecting a golf club comprises a data entry means, an adjustment means, and a tag production means. A usage method is also disclosed. A golfer enters his or her individual data into the system via a computing device having software that accepts information about a golfer's shot distances, clubs, etc. The computing device manipulates and adjusts the data and creates customized shot distance chart information based on half, three-quarters and full swings of various golf clubs. A club selection card is produced which is inserted into a tag having a clear sleeve for viewing the card and a connection means to secure it to a golf bag. A usage method can comprise a golfer being presented with a particular shot situation; the golfer references the tag and selects an appropriate club from the information on the tag in order to make the shot.

Abstract: A method for tracking a golfer's round of golf, wherein the method comprises determining a first location of a GPS device, receiving a signal from a first golf club, recording the first location, determining a second location of the GPS, receiving a signal from a second golf club, determining the distance from the first location and the second location and recording the distance as a distance for a first shot of the golfer.

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: A golf accessory for determining a gimme status of a golf putt in the form of a device that includes areas and/or indicia relating to at least two preselected conditions and by which a gimme status of a golf putt may be determined. A method of using the device is disclosed in which the device permits the user to determine whether or not a golf ball is close enough to a hole to warrant a concession of a golf putt under at least one of the at least two preselected conditions.

Abstract: A system featuring a server communicating with the network with game hosting software programmed on the server, a terrain database and a time sequence GPS position linked message database each stored on the server and accessed by the game hosting software is disclosed. The terrain database stores a plurality of three dimensional renderings of golf courses created from digital aerial photographs of each golf course, wherein each photo includes elevational and slope data for each aerial photo. The time sequence GPS position linked message database contains a plurality of messages collected by a portable computing device and transmitted to the server by the device during an actually played round of golf. Each message is: transmitted by the device to the server; associated with an elapsed time from the beginning of the play of the round of golf; and linked to a GPS determined position from where the message was transmitted.

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: Included are systems and methods for providing data. At least one embodiment of a method includes constructing, by a computing device, a segment line on a computer display of an image of a golf course, the segment line being constructed from a tee box on a golf hole to a green on the golf hole, the segment line bisecting a fairway of the hole; determining at least one lay up position on the segment line, the at least one lay up position indicating a predetermined distance from the green; and providing the at least one lay up position to a user device, the user device configured to determine a distance between the user device and the lay up position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shot tracking device for attachment to a golf club. The shot tracking device comprises a housing, a battery, and a circuit board. A plurality of board components are disposed on the circuit board, the plurality of comprise a microprocessor, a resistor, a capacitor, a load switch and a RFID chip.

Abstract: A device for shot tracking is disclosed herein. The device comprises a housing, a battery disposed within the housing, a circuit board disposed within the housing, a sensor disposed on the circuit board, a plurality of board components disposed on the first side and the second side of the circuit board, wherein the shot tracking device transmits a signal when the golf club strikes a golf ball, the signal comprising identification of the golf club.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to permit accurate determinations of the distance of a golf ball to a golf cup on a golf green. A golf pin shot measuring device is employed to fit within a golf cup. The golf pin shot measuring device has a string therein that may be locked in place to permit accurate determinations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shot tracking. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system for tracking shots of a golfer during a round of golf. One aspect of the present invention is a system for automatically tracking a golf club swung by a golfer. The system comprises a plurality of golf clubs. Each of the plurality of golf clubs comprises a device attached to a grip which is attached to a shaft which is attached to a golf club head. The device comprises a power source, a shock switch and a RFID component.

Abstract: A golf GPS device is disclosed herein. The device includes a GPS unit, a memory for storing a plurality of aerial images of a golf course, a display for displaying the plurality of aerial images, a user input for inputting a plurality of location points on an aerial image of the plurality of aerial images displayed on the display, and a processor comprising means for collision avoidance of features on the display of the device.

Abstract: A golf-course guide is provided with true to scale information maps (1) of the individual holes (2) for orientation about the quirks and distances of the respective hole (2). Detailed golf-course features which serve at least as an orientation aid for visual position determination are indicated by way of each information map (1) of the respective hole (2) which is shown to scale. A measurement aid means (10) is provided which is provided with a distance scale (11) which corresponds to the scale of the information map (1), in order for it to be possible to determine the distances which are relevant for the player. A golf-course guide of this type can be handled simply and produced inexpensively.

Abstract: A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing, a battery having no more than 225 milliamp hours of power, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.

Abstract: A method for dynamic collision avoidance of graphical and textual elements on a display is disclosed. The method comprises displaying an aerial image of a portion of the golf course on a viewport of a golf GPS device, wherein the GPS device comprises a GPS component, a memory for storing a plurality of aerial images of a golf course, and a user input. The method further comprises determining the location of the at least one element of texts on the display in positional relation to the plurality of elements on the display, determining if there is a collision of elements on the display, and adjusting the texts element to avoid collision.

Abstract: A call center system for coaching a player in judgmental aspects of an athletic sport or for practicing judgmental aspects of the sport includes a call center computer having a display and a memory. The system may also include a camera, a telephone, and a position locator system. Either the pictures stored in the memory or pictures taken with the camera are used to provide coaching or practice. Pictures of a golf course, golf course mapping data, or both are stored in a call center system. GPS data indicating the position of a golf ball on a golf course hole is used to provide either an overhead view of the hole and terrain features, pictures of the course at or near the location of the ball, or both, on a golf professional computer display.

Abstract: A method for golf club selection uses a behavior of the golf swing when a golf club is gripped and swung. The method for golf club selection has a step of obtaining information of a vertical movement direction relative to a horizontal plane of a golf club head immediately before striking a golf ball, and information of the horizontal movement direction of the golf club head immediately before striking the golf ball on a plane parallel to the horizontal plane, a step of classifying the golf swing step as a predetermined type using the information of the vertical movement direction and information of the horizontal movement direction obtained, and a step of selecting a golf club suited for the classification according to the classification result.

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: A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing composed of a polymer material, the housing having a main body and a projection body extending from the main body, the projection body having a length ranging from 1 mm to 5 mm and a diameter ranging from 20 mm to 25 mm, a battery, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shot tracking. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system for tracking shots of a golfer during a round of golf. One aspect of the present invention is a system for automatically tracking a golf club swung by a golfer. The system comprises a plurality of golf clubs. Each of the plurality of golf clubs comprises a device attached to a grip which is attached to a shaft which is attached to a golf club head. The device comprises a power source, a shock switch and a RFID component.

Abstract: A method for a predicting golfer's performance is disclosed herein. The method inputs the pre-impact swing properties of a golfer obtained from a CMOS imaging system, a plurality of mass properties of a first golf club, and a plurality of mass properties of a first golf ball into a rigid body code. Ball launch parameters are generated from the rigid body. The ball launch parameters, a plurality of atmospheric conditions and lift and drag properties of the golf ball are inputted into a trajectory code. This trajectory code is used to predict the performance of a golf ball if struck by the golfer with the golf club under the atmospheric conditions. The method can then predict the performance of the golf ball if struck by the golfer with a different golf club. The method and system of the present invention predict the performance of the golf ball without the golfer actually striking the golf ball.

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

Abstract: A system and method for shot tracking disclosed herein. The system preferably includes a golf club, a receiver and a device. The golf club preferably includes an active RFID transponder, a power source, a switch and an accelerometer. Each golf shot is recorded on the device including the type of club and club swing speed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic trigger for a golf equipment performance monitor is described. In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic trigger comprises at least one emitter and receiver. The emitters periodically generate sound waves at an ultrasonic frequency. The sound waves are targeted towards an object or objects within a target area. The sound waves are reflected by the objects within the target area, and are detected by at least one receiver. The receiver may be connected to a computational device to determine the position and/or velocity of the objects within the field of view.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to selectively measure one or more conditions, such as temperature, wind speed, and angle of inclination, that may assist a golfer in making a play. If it is not permissible to present to the golfer additional information (e.g., an adjusted distance, temperature, wind speed, or a suggested club) that may assist a golfer in making a play, only a line-of-sight distance to a target on a golf course may be displayed. Modular rangefinders are also provided in which a dongle is coupled to a rangefinder to provide unique functionality. For example, a TGR™ dongle may provide golf specific functionality, such as calculating an adjusted distance that the golfer may use to play an inclined shot and a TBR® dongle may provide hunting specific functionality, such as calculating an equivalent horizontal distance that a hunter may use for precise shooting on an incline.

Abstract: A putter fitting method and system comprising a laser configured to deflect a laser beam off of a putter at address and strike a scoring map in such a way so as to indicate the any error's in a golfer's aim. The method and system may further comprise determining physical alterations to the golfer's putter in order to correct the aim errors. Such changes may be to the hosels (neck), hosel offset, hosel types, head shape, loft, line combination, length or the like. These changes may be suggested automatically, for example, by a computer program, based on the location of the laser strike, or by a fitting professional.

Abstract: A computer (16) for capturing a colored moving image photographed by photographing means (14, 15) has an extraction means for extracting images having necessary swing postures as check-point images from a large number of still images constituting the color moving image; a means for obtaining a coordinate of a position of each of attention-focused points, which operate, in each of the check-point images, while a golfer (11) is swinging; a means for diagnosing a golfer's swing form by setting a plurality of diagnosis items for each trajectory pattern obtained by a ball motion measuring apparatus (20) to classify behavior of a golf ball and by comparing numerical data generated from data of the coordinate of the position of each of the attention-focused points with a judgement value set in each of a plurality of diagnosis items; and a means for outputting an advice drill corresponding to a result of a diagnosis.

Abstract: A golf GPS device is disclosed herein. The device includes a GPS unit, a memory for storing a plurality of aerial images of a golf course, a display for displaying the plurality of aerial images, a user input for inputting a plurality of location points on an aerial image of the plurality of aerial images displayed on the display, and a processor comprising means for collision avoidance of features on the display of the device.

Abstract: A golf GPS device is disclosed herein. The device includes a GPS unit, a memory for storing a plurality of aerial images of a golf course, a display for displaying the plurality of aerial images, a user input for inputting a plurality of location points on an aerial image of the plurality of aerial images displayed on the display, and a processor comprising means for determining a distance between any two points on a golf course.

Abstract: A golf GPS device is disclosed herein. The device includes a GPS unit, a memory for storing a plurality of aerial images of a golf course, a display for displaying the plurality of aerial images, a user input for inputting a plurality of location points on an aerial image of the plurality of aerial images displayed on the display, and a processor comprising means for collision avoidance of features on the display of the device.

Abstract: A golf ball aiming device is provided that allows a golfer to accurately position a ball relative to its intended target. The device includes a laser for aiming and pointing the device along with an alignment feature for aligning the ball relative to the device.

Abstract: A launch monitor that includes substantially all of its functional components on or within a housing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the launch monitor is capable of being transported and used in any desired location. One or more camera's, flashes, and triggers may be used to acquire images of a golf club and golf ball. The launch monitor is preferably capable of receiving and transmitting data over a wireless network. Acquired images and other data may be analyzed by a processor, and then displayed using an LED, LCD or other type of display or printer. The launch monitor may “recognize” a plurality of golf clubs and golf balls based on an optical fingerprint. The optical fingerprints, which are preferably stored in a memory, allow the launch monitor to identify a golf club and/or ball substantially soon after they are placed in the field of view of the monitor Optical fingerprinting enables automatic record keeping, and storing performance data and equipment used simultaneously.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurately measuring the distance between a golf ball and the hole on a putting green, i.e., for determining proximity, especially in golf competitions to see who can hit their ball onto the green to end up in closest proximity to the hole. An accessory to the measurement device is a proximity sign for recording the proximity measurements. The invention comprises apparatus and method for conveniently storing and using the measurement device(s). For proximity measurements, the device is configured to removably and repositionably attach a tape measure to a flag pin (generally the flag pin in the hole on the green in contest). The proximity sign is similarly configured. For storage of a device when not in use, the devices include spring clips and an optional security ring to impede unauthorized removal from the flag pin.

Abstract: A method for a predicting golfer's performance is disclosed herein. The method inputs the pre-impact swing properties of a golfer obtained from a CMOS imaging system, a plurality of mass properties of a first golf club, and a plurality of mass properties of a first golf ball into a rigid body code. Ball launch parameters are generated from the rigid body. The ball launch parameters, a plurality of atmospheric conditions and lift and drag properties of the golf ball are inputted into a trajectory code. This trajectory code is used to predict the performance of a golf ball if struck by the golfer with the golf club under the atmospheric conditions. The method can then predict the performance of the golf ball if struck by the golfer with a different golf club. The method and system of the present invention predict the performance of the golf ball without the golfer actually striking the golf ball.

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 target object position evaluation device of the present invention that is used at sport events includes a central processing unit (CPU), a global positioning system (GPS) module, an environment detection unit, a memory and a display device. In addition to the positioning function, the target object position evaluation device further uses the environment detection unit to collect various kinds of environmental information and estimate the mechanics of a motion trajectory in the CPU to provide better shooting information to a user, so that the user can easily obtain the shooting information such as the striking or shooting information required in an exercising process. In addition to the fitness effect, the user also can achieve a better result and gain more fun from the exercising process.

Abstract: Analysis of a golfer's putting stroke towards a target-hole (2) is derived by an analyzer (12;50) from sensor-signals representative of initial ball-speed and direction, using accumulated sets of historical putting-data, each set of historical data including initial putted ball-speed and direction and the resultant ball-speed and direction in approach to the target-hole (2), together with representation of whether the putt was successful. Initial ball-speed and direction is sensed by opto-electronic sensors (45) responding to back-reflection of infrared beams (13) from retro-reflectors (22-26) on the putted ball (1;20;52), or, is using retro-reflectors (71-73; 77,75) on the putter (3;51;70;74). Resultant ball-speed and direction in approach to the target-hole (2), and whether the putt is successful, is sensed by a monitor (7) from infrared beams (8-10).

Abstract: The present invention is a putting alignment and aiming tool, to assist a user in aligning and aiming a putt on a putting surface with a golf ball. The tool can be colored or in black and white and have a generally horizontally flat coin body with a top flat surface with a middle portion, a bottom flat surface, two linearly squared off sides, a concaved top side and a convex bottom side. The tool is placed behind the golf ball with the bottom flat surface in flat physical contact with the putting surface that indicates an intended putting line. The top flat surface is also visible to the user to assist the user in aligning and aiming the putt on the putting surface with the golf ball towards a hole or practice cup. There is also an overall method of usage for both the colored and black and white tools also.

Abstract: A process for the custom design and automated, custom manufacture of golf clubs. According to a first embodiment, a computer user interface, preferably a graphical user interface (GUI), guides a user's selection of preferred golf club design parameters. According to a second embodiment, input data about a golfer's style of play and golf club performance needs are captured from data collection systems, and analyzed by black box algorithms, preferably fuzzy logic algorithms, to infer golf club design parameters. After preferences for, or inferences about, golf club design parameters are developed in accordance with the two embodiments, a computer aided (CA) system is used to design and manufacture the desired golf clubs.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a strain gauge, a processing unit calculating an expected bending point value corresponding to a bending point position, and a display unit capable of displaying an output value from the processing unit. The processing unit calculates the expected bending point value based on a measured value of strain gauge at a first time point during a swing of the user and a measured value of strain gauge at a second time point closer to an impact time point than the first time point. The processing unit stores in advance conversion data for converting the expected bending point value to recommended kick point output value indicating kick point, and the processing unit outputs the recommended kick point output value corresponding to the calculated expected bending point value to the display unit.

Abstract: A system is generally described which includes a sports system. The sports system includes a wind profile detector, a reference location, and a user interface device. Among other information the user interface device may provide information based on the wind profile from the wind profile detector and the reference location.

Abstract: A personal golfing assistant system is comprised of software running on a PDA attached directly or remotely to a GPS receiver that enables the user to survey and/or electronically capture geophysical golf data. A handheld device connected to or integrated with a GPS receiver can instead be used. Software allows a golfer to use a handheld PDA/GPS unit during the course of play to mark a ball location automatically and/or determine the distance to golf course targets and/or objects, and to analyze golf related data and generate statistics. The system can send a set of parameters tailored for a specific course to a real time tunable GPS to adjust for optimal performance and can adjust measurements to compensate for environmental condition changes.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention sets forth a method, which includes receiving a first position on the golf course, searching for a first predetermined code representative of a first region on the golf course on a first image, and determining a first minimum distance and a first maximum distance between the first position and the first region after having identified the first predetermined code.