The Distancecaddy Company, LLC

Colorado Time Systems

Blackfox Technology Group

James P Thome

Leslie Calvin Hildenbrandt

William Joseph Gebhardt

Daniel J Eccher

David L Basinger

The present invention provides a video-based, combined informational/training system for user activity related applications. In one embodiment, the system (2) includes a video recording assembly (10) and a measuring device (4) located at a user activity site (6) such as a tee box of a golf driving range. A video tape (60), including activity specific information on a first, pre-recorded portion thereof, is provided to the user for use in the video recording assembly (10) at the user activity site (6). The video tape (60) is cued for recording user specific information on a second portion of the video tape (60) during a practice session. The sensor (4) determines corresponding parameter information, such as estimated golf ball carry distance, for display on video tape (60). The video tape (60) and video recording assembly (10) cooperate to provide a mechanism for preventing or discouraging use of unauthorized tapes and to ensure proper usage of the system (2).

Informational/training video system

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining a desired parameter of the motion of an object. In one embodiment, the device can be used to calculate the estimated carry distance of a golf shot. The golfer uses a keypad to enter the golf club and the units of measure for the output display. A Doppler radar system is employed to illuminate the golf ball. A reflected return signal is detected and difference pulses are generated, having a frequency which is proportional to the velocity of the ball. The difference pulses are processed by a microprocessor to determine if the radar beam has 'locked' onto the ball. If so, the microprocessor calculates the carry distance by relating the average period of the difference pulses to a projected carry distance through empirically determined data. The carry distance can be displayed on the device, on a remote display, and/or can be stored in memory for later recall or transmission to an external computer. The microprocessor can also be used to determine if the difference pulses it receives are related to the motion of a ball struck by the user of the apparatus by comparing incoming data to characteristic patterns of club-head movement and can be programmed to calculate and display the angle of trajectory and speed of the ball and club-head speed and swing tempo. Also, an acoustic trigger or electric eye can be used to activate the apparatus when the golf ball is struck.

Method and apparatus for determining parameters of the motion of an

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining a desired parameter of the motion of an object. In one embodiment, the device can be used to calculate the estimated carry distance of a golf shot. The golfer uses a keypad to enter the golf club being used and the units of measure desired for the output display. A Doppler radar system is employed to illuminate the golf ball immediately after it has been hit. A reflected return signal is detected and difference pulses are generated, having a frequency which is proportional to the velocity of the ball. The difference pulses are processed by a microprocessor to determine if the radar beam has 'locked' onto the ball. If so, the microprocessor is used to calculate the carry distance by dividing a predetermined constant by the average period of the difference pulses. The carry distance can be displayed on the device itself or on a remote display, and/or can be stored in memory for later recall or transmission to an external computer. The microprocessor can also be programmed to calculate and display the ball's velocity. An acoustic trigger can be used to activate the radar circuitry only when the sound of a golf ball being struck by a golf club is detected.

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Fort Collins, CO, United States of America

James P Thome