Abstract: In a first aspect, a system for monitoring a swing is provided that includes (1) a swing measurement device adapted to couple to a swinging object and to output a signal indicative of a characteristic of the swinging object; (2) a wireless transmitter coupled to the swing measurement device and adapted to wirelessly transmit the signal output by the swing measurement device; and (3) a wireless device adapted to receive the wirelessly transmitted signal and to provide information regarding the swinging object based on the received signal. The wireless device is a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant (PDA). Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A system for computer-implemented golf shot analysis includes a tracking device and a computing device. The computing device accesses ball flight data generated by the tracking device in view of a predetermined gradient map and associated functionality to derive a performance metric that penalizes shots deemed to be offline.

Abstract: A method for measuring a given distance between a vehicle and an upper surface of a platform includes projecting two or more beams by a detection system mounted on the vehicle. The beams lie in a single plane of projection towards the platform. For each beam, a distance is measured between the detection system and the platform along a respective direction of the beam. The measured distances not corresponding to the upper surface are excluded. A vertical distance between a vehicle marker and the upper surface of the platform is calculated from the distances that are not excluded.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion having a top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a front portion, a rear portion, and a skirt portion defined as a side portion of the golf club head located between the top portion and the bottom portion and extending across a periphery of the golf club head from the toe portion, around the rear portion, and to the heel portion. The golf club head may include a structural support extending from the skirt portion on a toe side of the golf club head, across the bottom portion, and to the skirt portion on a heel side of the golf club head. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a metallic head body having an opening, and an FRP member fixed to the head body so as to close the opening. The FRP member is a fiber-reinforced plastic including fibers and thermoplastic resin. The head body includes a support portion around the opening. The support portion has a first surface for supporting the FRP member. The first surface is provided with at least one narrow groove having a groove width of 20 to 80 ?m and a groove depth of 100 to 400 ?m, and a part of the thermoplastic resin of the FRP member is solidified inside the at least one narrow groove.

Abstract: A method to score a round of golf using a golf scoring system. The method includes capturing a photograph of a physical scorecard including handwritten text using a camera of a user device, wherein the physical scorecard includes handwritten characters disposed at least partially within rectilinear boxes. The method also includes accessing the photograph in an application of the user device. The method also includes identifying the rectilinear boxes by using a color contrast between the rectilinear boxes of the physical scorecard and a background color of the physical scorecard. The method also includes removing the rectilinear boxes. The method also includes after removing the rectilinear boxes, extracting at least the handwritten characters from the physical scorecard. The method also includes after extracting at least the handwritten characters, calculating a score of the round of golf using the extracted handwritten characters on the application.

Abstract: A golf aid system for assisting a user with a golf shot on a golf course includes a user tracking system configured to determine the location of the user on the golf course, a portable electronic device with a display screen, and a processor. The processor, which is operable to communicate with the user tracking system and the portable electronic device, is configured to determine one or more target locations on the golf course, with each of the target locations representing a recommended target for a respective one of the golf clubs. The processor directs the portable electronic device to display an indicator of the respective golf club proximate the corresponding target location via the display screen, such that the user perceives at least a portion of the indicator to be coincident with the corresponding one of the target locations.

Abstract: A system for providing golf swing guidance to a user can include a sensor assembly positionable on a ground surface. The sensor assembly can communicate with a network device to determine a location of the sensor assembly positioned on the ground surface. The sensor assembly can receive, based on the location of the sensor assembly, data representing aim instructions and a required swing characteristic for a desired trajectory of a golf ball. The sensor assembly can monitor a practice swing of the user and can produce practice swing data based on the monitored practice swing. The sensor assembly can determine a practice swing characteristic from the practice swing data and can determine a probable stroke result based on the practice swing characteristic and the required swing characteristic. The sensor assembly can transmit the probable stroke result to the user device.

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 initiate a payment transaction for an object offered by a merchant that corresponds with the recommendation.

Abstract: A combination ball marker and alignment device has a base and an aiming device. The base has a top surface and an opposing bottom surface. The base further has a ball contact side, disposed on a sidewall between the top and bottom surfaces, having a shape configured to contact a spherical ball along a surface line of the ball that is orthogonally oriented with a vertical axis of the ball, and an opposing back side disposed between the top and bottom surfaces. The aiming device includes a linear indicator. The aiming device is coupled to the base and configured to move along an arcuate path above the top surface. The arcuate path defines an axis rotation, and the linear indicator remains radially oriented to the axis of rotation regardless of the position of the aiming device on the arcuate path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for analyzing an athletic throwing motion by an individual. The method is executed by a motion monitoring system having at least one computer and at least one inertial sensor for sensing movement of the individual. The method involves the at least one computer receiving inertial sensor data from the at least one inertial sensor during execution of the athletic throwing motion by the individual, analyzing the athletic throwing motion by determining at least one metric from the inertial sensor data, and generating constructive feedback regarding the athletic throwing motion based on the at least one metric. The constructive feedback can for example be biofeedback and/or a prescription for a set of exercises. The constructive feedback can help the individual improve upon the athletic throwing motion. Also disclosed is a motion monitoring system.

Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic device including: a trajectory calculation unit measuring an initial physical quantity of a hit ball and calculating a trajectory of the ball by using the initial physical quantity; an azimuth sensor measuring a first azimuth corresponding to a direction that the trajectory calculation unit faces; and a control unit calculating a displacement of the ball by using the first azimuth and the trajectory of the ball.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment has been made in an effort to provide a distance measuring apparatus, including: an output unit configured to output information; a memory configured to store map information of golf courses; a location acquiring sensor configured to acquire a current location; a distance measuring sensor configured to measure a distance to a target; a slope sensor configured to measure a tilt angle; and a control unit configured to read map information of the golf course corresponding to the current location from the memory, to calculate a first distance from the current location to a first point on the golf course by using the map information, to calculate a horizontal distance to the target by using the distance to the target and the tilt angle, and to output the horizontal distance to the output unit when the horizontal distance is within the first distance.

Abstract: A system including a computing device and camera is disclosed; the system configured for measuring three-dimensional attributes and associated performance measurements of a mechanical device. Some embodiments comprise a camera configured to capture images of the mechanical device and a computing device in communication with the camera. In some embodiments, the computing device is configured to access a first set of pixels associated with a first plurality of fiducials to calibrate a spatial resolution of the camera. A second image from the camera can be converted into a second set of pixels associated with each of the plurality of fiducials, which are attached to the mechanical device. The computing device can be further configured to compare the first and second set of pixels to determine the location of the plurality of fiducials on the mechanical device.

Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.

Abstract: A reach and placement tool includes an eyepiece, an orientation sensor, a distance sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to obtain a distance value and an orientation from the distance sensor and the orientation sensor when the reach and placement tool is directed towards a point of interest at a particular location. The controller is also configured to determine a coordinate of the point of interest using the distance value and the orientation, and compare the coordinate of the point of interest to a reach envelope to determine if the point of interest is within range of a particular reach apparatus.

Abstract: A system for wagering including a server computing device including a processor; and a memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to cause a virtual representation of a region of a golf course to be displayed on a user device; determine one or more virtual shapes; determine a value associated respectively with each of the one or more virtual shapes; cause the user device to display the one or more virtual shapes over the virtual representation; cause the user device to display the one or more values associated respectively with the one or virtual shapes; and receive a bet selection from the user device.

Abstract: An endcap for a sporting implement includes a base portion and a transverse extension projecting from the base portion. The base portion has a bottom surface with a central axis normal thereto. A receptacle opposite the bottom surface is configured to receive a portion of the sporting implement. The extension is configured such that, during swinging of the sporting implement with a hand of a user gripping around the sporting implement portion, the extension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of fifth proximal phalanx of a user's hand and the hand is constrained in both the transverse and longitudinal aspects while being allowed rotation of a first metacarpal of the hand away from the central axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a depth of field for a reader in a vision system includes a dual aperture assembly having an inner region and an outer region. A first light source can be used to generate a light beam associated with the inner region and a second light source can be used to generate a light beam associated with the outer region. The depth of field of the reader can be controlled by selecting one of the first light source and second light source to illuminate an object to acquire an image of the object. The selection of the first light source or the second light source can be based on at least one parameter of the vision system.

Abstract: A golf system includes a striking area; a target area including a plurality of physical targets positioned at different locations relative to the striking area; and at least one sensing device for sensing one or more parameters regarding the travel of a physical golf ball. A processor is configured to: access a database including golf hole data, the golf hole data defining relative positions of a tee-off location and a pin location for a virtual golf hole; based on the one or more parameters regarding the travel of the physical golf ball struck from the striking area, update a virtual location of a virtual golf ball on the virtual golf hole; and generate signals to provide an indication of which of the plurality of physical targets represents a direction of the pin location based on the virtual location of the virtual golf ball and the locations of the physical targets.

Abstract: In an aspect, an apparatus for procedural training is presented. An apparatus includes at least a processor and a memory communicatively connected to at least a processor. A memory contains instructions configuring at least a processor to receive optical data from a sensor in electronic communication with the at least a processor. At least a processor is configured to determine a procedural performance parameter as a function of optical data. At least a processor is configured to compare a procedural performance parameter to a procedural performance threshold. At least a processor is configured to display procedural training feedback through a display unit as a function of a comparison.

Abstract: A display method includes: acquiring, by a computer, sensing data obtained by sensing a motion of a player by a three-dimension (3D) sensor; specifying predetermined timing of each joint from a change in a degree of bending of each joint of the player based on the sensing data; and displaying the predetermined timing of each joint in a graspable state in association with a slide bar for designating playback timing in a motion model of the player based on the sensing data or a video obtained by capturing the player.

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 game-play environment includes a tee box, a range surface, and a monitor. The tee box is configured to permit a player to hit a golf ball onto the range surface. The range surface has a plurality of physical markers. The monitor depicts a virtual environment that includes a plurality of virtual components. Some of the virtual components are visual cues that correspond to the physical markers. A player can play the game by targeting the appropriate physical marker that corresponds to the desired visual cue.

Abstract: A measurement data acquisition section acquires the measurement data indicating at least one from among the position, the orientation, the velocity, the acceleration, the angular velocity, and the angular acceleration measured by the sensor. A measurement-data-with-settings generation section generates measurement data with settings including the measurement data and coordinate system setting data indicating settings for a coordinate system used for expressing at least one from among the position, the orientation, the velocity, the acceleration, the angular velocity, and the angular acceleration indicated by the measurement data. A measurement-data-with-settings output section outputs the measurement data with settings.

Abstract: Embodiments provided herein measure metrics of an athletic action and an object associated therewith, and more particularly, to measuring the metrics and characteristics of a baseball during the wind-up, release, flight, and catch of a pitch sequence. Methods may include: receiving, from at least one motion sensor associated with an object, acceleration data and angular velocity data of the object in response to an athletic action performed on the object; processing the acceleration data to establish vector rotation data between a frame of reference of the object and an Earth frame of reference; applying the vector rotation data to the acceleration data to obtain acceleration of the object in the Earth frame of reference; applying the vector rotation data to the angular velocity data to obtain angular velocity of the object in the Earth frame of reference.

Abstract: A golf club includes a golf club head having a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole, a crown and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. A face defines a forward portion of the club head and includes a striking surface width and a hosel defining a hosel bore. A channel and a recessed port are positioned in the sole. The channel extends substantially in a heel-to-toe direction. A sleeve is mounted on a tip end of the golf club shaft and is adapted to be inserted into the hosel bore. A fastener has a shaft portion extending through a passage and a head portion located in the recessed port. Selectively attaching the sleeve adjusts at least one of a loft angle and a lie angle of the club head.

Abstract: 3D motion sensor data from a sensor on an athletic implement such as a golf club is clipped around an impact event and the clip then reduced to its 2D components, which are combined into a single 2D image and provided to a machine learning algorithm to output an indication of a flaw in the motion (e.g., a flaw in a golf swing).

Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.

Abstract: A golf swing playing aid device for use on a conventional golf club having a handle, an impact head and a shaft. The golf swing playing aid device may include a grip member having an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion may be adapted to be grasped by a hand of the user. The inner portion may be configured to slide along the golf club shaft. The playing aid device may include an electronic device including a rotational sensor adapted to detect a change in rotation relative to at least one axis, and a controller operably coupled to the rotational sensor. The controller may read the rotational sensor to determine the change in rotation relative to at least one axis. When the change in rotation is greater than a threshold amount, the controller may provide an indication to the user, thereby indicating over-rotation of the golf swing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a 3D avatar 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 3D avatars.

Abstract: A portable golf swing exerciser includes: a main body of a shaft shape; a head shaft including a head, and one or more connection shafts, of which one end is detachably coupled to the head, and the other end is detachably coupled to a front end of the main body; and an antenna stick guide extended from or retracted into a rear end of the main body in a form of an antenna having multiple sections.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and recording and processing an activity includes one or more cameras for automatically recording video of the activity. A remote media system is located at the location of the activity. A network media processor and services is communicatively coupled with the remote media system. The remote media system includes one or more AI enabled cameras. The AI enabled camera is configured to record the activity. The network media processor is configured to receive an activation request of the AI enabled camera and the validate the record request. The system may automatically administer a skill-based competition.

Abstract: A system for computer-implemented golf shot analysis includes a tracking device and a computing device. The computing device accesses ball flight data generated by the tracking device in view of a predetermined gradient map and associated functionality to derive a performance metric that penalizes shots deemed to be offline.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, coordinate dynamic adjustments of a trailer based in part on a user profile associated with a user physically present at the trailer and an activity profile associated with an activity selected to be performed at the trailer. A dynamic adjustment may modify a tilt of a lower surface of the trailer. A dynamic adjustment may modify a dimension(s) of the trailer based in part on a detected object(s). Various dynamic adjustments may occur concurrently, individually and/or sequentially. The trailer may be a moveable trailer for temporary attachment with a vehicle.

Abstract: A system is for determining a position on a golf course. The system has a master unit and at least one slave unit. The master unit and the at least one slave unit are adapted to communicate through a telecommunications network. The master unit comprises a receiver for a satellite navigation system, the receiver being operable at a fixed position on the golf course. The master unit is configured to: obtain a position determined by the receiver; process the displacement between the obtained position and the fixed position; and make the processed displacement available to the at least one slave unit through the telecommunications network. A slave unit then makes use of the processed displacement to improve positions determined by itself.

Abstract: Methods and systems include, in at least one aspect: obtaining from a camera 2D image data of an object, obtaining from a radar device radar data of the object, combining the radar data and the 2D image data to produce 3D location information of the object, and modeling a 2D trace of the object using the 2D image data by finding an initial version of the 2D trace, receiving an initial portion of the 3D location information, extending the initial portion of the 3D location information in accordance with physical-world conditions to find at least one 3D location beyond the initial portion of the 3D location information, projecting the at least one 3D location into a 2D image plane of the camera to locate 2D region, and processing the 2D region in the 2D image data to extend the 2D trace of the object in flight.

Abstract: A distance measuring apparatus includes: a display unit; a memory configured to store map information of golf courses; a location acquiring sensor configured to acquire a current location; a distance measuring sensor configured to measure a distance to a target; a slope sensor configured to measure a tilt angle; and a control unit configured to read out map information of a golf course corresponding to the current location from the memory, to calculate a horizontal distance to the target by using the distance to the target and the tilt angle, and to display a course map image on which an object corresponding to the current location and a first lead line connecting points that are spaced from the current location depending on the horizontal distance are displayed, on the display unit.

Abstract: A putting alignment training device that is securable to an upper torso of a user, having an elongated shoulder board, an adjustable harness that is secured to the shoulder board and configured to secure the training device to a front side of the upper torso, a frontal board, an adjustable connector that secures the frontal board to the shoulder board, a grid board including a grid formed by a plurality of horizontal lines and a plurality of vertical lines wherein one of the plurality of horizontal lines and the plurality of vertical lines are parallel to the shoulder board.

Abstract: A length adjustable golf club includes a club head attached to a shaft at a lower end. A length adjusting kit includes a shaft insert that attaches to the shaft at an upper end. The shaft insert includes a coupling port that accepts one of an extension block or a grip adapter. To provide length adjustments of the overall club length, one or more extension blocks may attached between the shaft insert and the grip adapter. A grip assembly having a reinforcing sleeve connects to the grip adapter and extends over the shaft and any extension blocks. The grip assembly couples to the shaft through a grip adapter and grip coupling. The grip adapter and grip coupling are axially moveable prior to securement with a retaining fastener. The grip coupling may be rotationally constrained or rotationally adjustable relative to the grip adapter.

Abstract: The present invention is not a method of directly calculating the rotational characteristics of a ball through frequency analysis of a received signal as in the prior arts, but a method of determining a final spin information by finding the spin information of the moving ball while approaching a ball trajectory predicted in terms of the trajectory of a moving ball using the position coordinate data of the ball to the trend data indicating the trend of the position coordinates of the moving ball. The present invention provides a method of finding the spin in terms of the trajectory of the moving ball, regardless of whether it is possible to check the frequency characteristics of the rotation of the ball from the signal reflected from the moving ball, and thus derives a fairly accurate and uniform spin calculation result.

Abstract: Embodiments provided herein measure metrics of an athletic action and an object associated therewith, and more particularly, to measuring the metrics and characteristics of a baseball during the wind-up, release, flight, and catch of a pitch sequence. Methods may include: receiving, from at least one motion sensor associated with an object, acceleration data and angular velocity data of the object in response to an athletic action performed on the object; processing the acceleration data to establish vector rotation data between a frame of reference of the object and an Earth frame of reference; applying the vector rotation data to the acceleration data to obtain acceleration of the object in the Earth frame of reference; applying the vector rotation data to the angular velocity data to obtain angular velocity of the object in the Earth frame of reference.

Abstract: A social media system for athletes is disclosed. The system comprises a user interface accessible via an internet-enabled device and which allows a user, such as an athlete, to enter their life story, achievements, and legacy for other users to view and interact with. The system also allows users such as sports agents, coaches, and teachers to connect within the system and communicate with the athletes. The journal system permits a user to track their entire career while also seeking or providing mentorship and guidance for their career. Parents of minor athletes can also use the system to create profiles and enter records for their children, who may then assume control of the profile once they come of age. In this way, the system brings together athletes of all ages and in various stages of their careers to create a supportive networking environment.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a golf club head comprises: fixing an internal weight member to a sole of a first member from the outside through an opening; and fixing a second member to the first member to close the opening. The first member is provided, at a position accessible from the outside of the first member, with a pedestal portion protruding toward the crown. The first member comprises a thin-walled portion between the pedestal portion and the face. The pedestal portion comprises: a first part for positioning the internal weight member in the up-down direction, and a second part for positioning the internal weight member in the toe-heel direction and/or front-back direction of the head. The internal weight member positioned by the first and second parts, extends toward the face at a position above the thin-wall portion without contacting with the thin-wall portion and the face.

Abstract: Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. In one embodiment, the outer cover layer is formed from a composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and acid copolymer ionomer. The cover composition also can contain hydroxyl-containing compounds. The golf ball having the thermoplastic polyurethane cover can be treated with an isocyanate compound. The golf ball also can be treated with an amine and/or silane-containing compound. The cover composition and surface coatings can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)-light stabilizers, and other additives. The coating methods have many benefits and the finished balls have good physical properties.

Abstract: A system and method utilizing a camera device containing an inertial measuring unit or similar orientation mechanism to calibrate alignment of the camera device according to a primary image such as an image displayed on an imaging screen, and then utilizing this calibration data to guide the system or user in acquiring a spatially aligned digital image using the camera device. Steps include recording the spatial orientation of the camera in at least two spatial dimensions when aligned with the primary image and guiding the camera into relative alignment with the imaging screen when taking a picture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for forming a golf club head assembly comprising a golf club head body and a high strength faceplate. The high strength faceplate can be heat treated. After welding the faceplate to the club head body, vibrational waves can be used to relive stress in the weld heat affected zones of the golf club body and faceplate.

Abstract: An apparatus to measure swing mass moments of sports' implements includes an apparatus that receive a handle of a sports' implement and measures rotational angularity thereof using a calibrated counter force element and using a static mode of measurement in association with a scale having a plurality of readings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking a sports ball assembly in real time during a sporting event are disclosed. A structure of the sports ball assembly is also disclosed. The sports ball assembly comprises at least one electronic circuit embedded or attached to a sports ball. The sports ball assembly is in network communication with a server processor via at least two receivers within a sports arena. The sports ball assembly generates and transmits UWB data packets comprising movement-related data for the sports ball assembly in real time at a predetermined rate. The at least two receivers receive the UWB data packets and transmit to the server processor with time stamps. The server processor is operable to determine a movement of the sports ball assembly based on the UWB data packets and the time stamps received from the at least two receivers.