575 results about "Golf course turf" patented technology

An instrumented sports apparatus includes a closely spaced array of discrete sensor elements coupled to a contact surface thereof for converting a contact force between the contact surface and an object into a plurality of discrete output signals. The signals are processed and information based thereon generated, which is representative of one or more parameters of interest. In an exemplary embodiment, as instrumented golf club displays information such as club head speed, club head angle, and club head elevation upon impact with a golf ball, permitting the golfer to adjust his swing on the next stroke. Since the instrumentation and display are entirely self-contained in the club, a golfer is not constrained in the use of the club and may enjoy the benefits thereof during play on a golf course.

Systems and methods for tracking rounds of golf include a tracking system to track a golfer's position on a golf course and a golf stroke information providing system for providing information about a golf stroke taken by the golfer. The systems and methods also may include a coordinating system to coordinate the information about the golf stroke with the information about the golfer's tracked position on the golf course. The systems and methods also may include a recording system to record and store information about a golf stroke taken and the information about the golfer's tracked position on the golf course. The recorded and saved data may be displayed and / or otherwise analyzed and processed.

A tee time scheduling system includes a computing server including a processor and memory. The computing server receives information from one or more computing servers, each of which is associated with a golf course, regarding a current and future tee time status, and receives a query from a computing device regarding tee time openings occurring on a select day and in a particular geographical area. The computing server further determines tee time availability and associated golf courses located the particular geographical area based on a comparison between the current and future tee time status and the select day, generates a geographical map having location indicators of the associated golf courses, and forwards to the computing device for display on a display screen of the computing device the geographical map.

The invention pertains to a method for interactively tracking, analyzing and teaching a correct golf swing using an apparatus consisting of a computer with an attached video camera and a special club shaft attachment that is monitored to determine the progress of a golf swing in real-time. A short simulated golf club with a matching golf ball platform is provided for use in a limited space. Club position is evaluated at all points along prescribed swing plane orbits for accuracy with regard to club shaft angle, club face rotation and swing plane location. Leading guides are provided to aid in correct club movement. Trailing position reinforcement guides permit the student golfer to use his own initiative and timing while receiving real-time corrections relating to club and body motion. Simulated ball flight is determined and applied to golf practice range and golf course activities.

Apparatuses, methods and systems related to an improved golf data collecting and golf club notification system. The system reminds golfers when a club has been mistakenly left behind on the golf course and notifies the golfer when a golf club or clubs are in or out of the golf bag. The system can notify a golfer if a club or golf bag has been removed without authorization. In one preferred embodiment an apparatus that attaches to a golf club includes dual light sensors—one light sensor configured as a switch and one light sensor configured as a light meter. Algorithms make use of the light sensor data to determine whether a golf club is in or out of a golf bag.

An automatic real-time game scoring device and golf club swing analyzer which may include enhanced capability based on GPS parametric and golf course specific information. One aspect of the invention includes the capability to assess a player's swing as a function of ball strike, club information, and length of an actual golf shot. In another aspect of the invention, the device provides for scoring a game as a function of the club used, the shot characteristics, and specific course parameter such as the hole played, game conditions, which may be analyzed during game play, as well as post game. The system presented according to the present invention is capable of adding to an individual's score only actual golf ball shots while ignoring practice swings. For recreational golf, the system allows for user overrides (“whiffs” and “mulligans”) at the golfer's digression.

The present invention relates to a golf data management system that stores and manages golf score data, and to a data center and a golf data management method. This golf data management system includes a portable communication terminal that is carried by a player and a data center connected to the portable communication terminal via a communication network. The data center includes: an individual data storage unit that stores and manages play data supplied from the portable communication unit and practice data supplied from a practice data processing unit; a group data storage unit that manages performances of a group of accompanying players; and a common data storage unit that stores course map data of a plurality of golf courses. In response to an advice request containing measurement data obtained by a measuring unit in the portable communication terminal, the data center provides advice for each individual player based on the data stored in the individual data storage unit.

A portable terminal is used so as to provide play results of a golf player and information necessary for the golf player wherein the golf player inputs a score into the portable terminal and thus necessary information and play results are directly provided from the portable terminal to the golf player.

A golf ball marker or other small article that is attracted by the force of magnetism is carried in open display on a fabric article of clothing or other fabric accessory. The ferrous article remains in position on the clothing due to the force of magnetism. To produce this effect, a permanent magnet is secured in position on the fabric article, often in contact with a concealed side of a layer of fabric of which the fabric article is formed. A golf ball marker, golf divot repair tool, golf pencil with a ferrous band, or other article that is constructed of or which includes a ferrous material is placed into contact with an exposed layer of the fabric to which the permanent magnet is secured. The ball marker or other article is held by the force of magnetic attraction that typically acts through the fabric layer of material from the concealed side thereof to create a magnetic field on the visually exposed side of the fabric material. The ball marker or other material remains in position until purposefully dislodged by a force that opposes and overcomes the magnetic field created by the permanent magnetic. The permanent magnet may be incorporated into the crown, bill, or band of a hat or cap, a golf sun visor, or into the closure flap of a golfing glove, a golf towel, or the structure of a golf bag. The magnetic retention system may be sold as a unit for attachment to a layer of fabric. Such an embodiment may take the form of a tray formed of flexible plastic that defines a cavity that receives the magnet.

A system and method for viewing artificial reality (AR) messages on a golf course, where the messages are geo-referenced artificial reality words or symbols to indicate distances, tips, targets or other information to the golfer. Typically, the AR messages are geo-referenced to a fixed location on the golf hole, such as a hazard or green. Using the spectator's chosen location as the viewing origin, an artificial reality message or object is inserted into the golfer's perspective view of the golf hole. Outings and contests can be held even if the matches are separated by hours or days, and outcomes and information published to select groups or individuals.

A solid phase mixed solvent polymer, compositions and methods for removing and retaining solvated organic compounds and inorganic ions from water, wastewater, superficial and ground water, soil and other environmental sources, a soil amendment and method resulting from adhesively coating the polymer onto sand along with at least one ion exchange material, and methods for the containment, reduction, and prevention of organic leaching from soils, agricultural, industrial, and commercial environments, and in particular, sports and athletic turf facilities such as golf courses where pesticides are frequently applied.

The invention is a system and method for managing a plurality of areas of interest of a golf course. The system comprises a plurality of subsurface aeration subsystems and a programmable master control module. Each subsystem provides to a specific area at least one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum. In each area of interest, a local control module is responsive to a directive and to a datum (environmental or operational parameter). The local control module is configured to operate the subsystem and is in communication with the programmable master control module. The programmable master control module receives from the local control modules area information representing a status of the respective specific area to which the local control module is dedicated, and in response to the area information and to a command, the programmable master control module issues a directive to the local control module to operate the subsurface aeration subsystem.

The invention is a system for managing a plurality of areas of interest of a golf course. The system comprises a plurality of electromechanical subsystems and a programmable master control module. Each subsystem provides to a specific area at least one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum. In each area of interest, a local control module is responsive to a directive and to a datum. The local control module is configured to operate the subsystem and is in communication with the programmable master control module. The programmable master control module receives from at least two of the plurality of local control modules information representing a status of the respective specific area to which the local control module is dedicated, and in response to the information and to a command, the programmable master control module issues a directive to the local control module to operate the electromechanical subsystem.

A golf score and information device (100, 700, 900) that includes a portable electronic programmable processor and memory unit (110), display (120) and data entry assembly (130), and storage memory (117) operable to automatically or manually receive and send data via a communication circuit. The display (120) and data entry assembly (130) cooperate to visually present continuously scrollable information pertaining to any group of holes of a golf course in a representation of a golf score card. The device (100, 700, 900) is adapted to track current game scores, side games or competitions, hole-by-hole challenges, and to post the results manually and or automatically to a desired score collecting and processing authority.

A network-connected golf game improvement and entertainment system and methods that connect golf simulators in a plurality of golf sites or residences into an interactive player network. The player network facilitates the context of interaction between players, spectators and adversities. The system and method further include an on-line marketplace that enables advertisers to purchase and place interactive advertising into specific experience channels in real-time. Advertisers would have a direct and real-time channel into their ads analytics, performance and automated financial transaction processing.

A computer aided game apparatus is disclosed for tracking location and distance on a golf course, recommending club selection, recording golfer performance statistics, receiving notification via a pager, and playing infomercials during the course of a golf game. The apparatus has a processor connected to a memory which is suitably supports a geographic information system (GIS), a player performance database, and an infomercial database. The apparatus has a global positioning receiver which operates in conjunction with the GIS for indicating the current position of the golfer. The GPS receiver is connected to the processor which in turn drives a convenient, intuitive touch screen display. The apparatus has a pager which allows for direct contact with the golfer. To support data networking, the microprocessor is also connected to one or more interface ports, including an infra-red port, a parallel port, a serial port, and a PCMCIA port. Through the interface ports, the microprocessor can maintain, update, or back-up data stored in the memory. Typically, data not already present on the memory are downloaded from a central computer before each game is played. At the end of each game, statistics generated during the game are uploaded into the central computer system for archival purposes. As the game progresses, the apparatus of the present invention integrates the distance computation the recording of the golfer performance, and the suggesting of proper club selection based on distance and past performance. Further, the apparatus of the present invention preserves statistics for each golfer for long term analysis. Additionally, the apparatus of the present invention can also support infomercials from the golf course operators to entertain and educate the golfers while generating supplemental advertising revenues for the course operators.

A new and useful golf range target and system is disclosed. The new target incorporates an area having a top surface that will guide a golf ball which hits the surface to a golf ball receiver. The target receiver includes an RFID reader and a GPS receiver, which, upon the passing of a golf ball through the receiver, reads the golf ball ID using an RFID tag in the golf ball, then sends that data along with GPS data back to a server. The target is designed to be mobile, or moveable, by range personnel. The server then stores the data, and makes calculations such as the distance the golf ball traveled, the point value of the target hit (if any), and related fun information. This enables players to get real-time feedback using the targets, and allows ranges to encourage range play by keeping scores, awarding prizes, etc., based on target hits and other criteria.

This invention relates to a golf lesson apparatus and server by using intrinsic location and user authentication which is installed at each tee box of golf courses or driving ranges. This invention aims simple and easy correction of user's swing posture, and is comprised of: the Wireless Communication Part which authenticates users with the user's RFID ID card; the Motion Detection Part which records user's swing posture; the Data Storage Part which stores the video of the user's swing posture; the Key Input Interface Part which receives user's command; the Display Part which shows the video of the user's swing posture on real time basis and the video of analysis and lesson on user's swing posture transmitted from the golf lesson server; the Network Interface Part which connects the golf lesson server via wired / wireless networks; and the Control Part which provides the services linked with the Golf Lesson Server.

A golf appliance, such as a glove and golf club grip system providing for club specific parametric signal transfer there between providing for the ability to automatically score golf rounds and analyze golf club swings in real-time. In addition, enhanced capability may also be achieved by integrating GPS parametric and golf course specific information. One aspect of the invention includes the capability to provide power between the golf glove and a golf club grip. Another aspect of the invention transfers data particular to a player's swing, a ball strike, and club information.

A golf ball receptacle and optional directionality system that wirelessly integrates actual golf equipment and sports implements with a computer and the internet to allow players to practice and improve their golfing skills, play a competitive game with one or more players locally, or if desired engage players remotely located from one another to play a competitive real or simulated game of golf. An individual player may opt to play solo or practice to improve basic golfing techniques. The system includes smart golf clubs, a golf ball receptacle and a golf club motion sensing device, all containing circuits and contact or motion sensors coupled with signal processing and radio frequency transmitter circuitry, to thereby wirelessly communicate game performance information to a remote receiver-computer. The computer displays player information and visually simulates and controls a golf game between players and standard golf clubs may be utilized with the golf ball receptacle system or retrofitted with the sensors and associated circuitry to convert such clubs into “smart clubs” for use with the system. The system employs specially developed computer software to process player performance data, control game play, communicate game information between players, generate and control visual imagery and or simulations and display player performance information.

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, 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 overlaid onto photographic satellite / aerial images of a golf course.

The invention relates to a composite plant source pesticide, which is characterized by including a mother liquid and an additive. The mother liquor comprises the following raw materials by weight: 35% of a Sophora flavescens extract, 35% of a resveratrol extract, 10% of a radix stemonae extract, 10% of a Melia azedarach extract, 5% of a Chinese azalea flower extract and 5% of a folium artemisiae argyi extract. A preparation method provided by the invention comprises the steps of: weighing the Sophora flavescens, resveratrol, radix stemonae, tobacco, Melia azedarach and folium artemisiae argyi according to the proportion; conducting screening, boiling extraction and purification to prepare an extract containing active ingredients of each component; and then mixing the mother liquor and the additive to obtain the product. Through various tests, the product has no adverse excitant smell, no drug residue, no damage to human, livestock, agricultural products, air and soil, has insecticidal and antimicrobial effects, and is suitable for usage in field, greenhouse, nursery, golf course, tea garden and forestry greening.

A system and method for conditioning turf at of one or more golf course areas includes an aeration subsystem having subsurface aeration conduits for aerating the area, and an air blower unit in fluid communication with the aeration conduits configured to provide one of a vacuum in a vacuum mode and air under pressure in a pressure mode in the conduits. A control module is provided which responds to a directive for controlling operation of the aeration subsystem in response to sensing environmental parameters. The control module operates the blower in repetitive cycles of intermittent operation in one of the vacuum mode and pressure mode wherein each cycles includes a blower-on and blower-off mode. The blower-on mode operates the blower units for a first time interval and the blower-off mode ceases operation of the blower units for a second time interval during each cycle.

Provided is an all-electric riding greens mower. The mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a modularly interchangeable power source and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The interchangeable power source provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The modularly interchangeable power sources may comprise a bank of batteries, a motor / generator set, a fuel cell, or a combination of these. The power source may be easily exchanged in the field for another, freshly charged power source. Exchange occurs using either a fixed change stand or a mobile change stand. The change stands are configured to facilitate exchange by reducing friction caused by the generally weighty power source. The power source is delivered to the fixed stand on towable trailers.

A motorized cart that supports one or more golf bags automatically follows a golfer around the golf course from hole to hole. In particular, the golfer wears, or carries, a signal transmitter that emits a signal that is received by the motorized cart and then used by the motorized cart to stay within a predetermined range of the golfer. In addition to golfers, delivery personnel and other users may also benefit from this cart.

A system and method for conditioning turf at of one or more golf course areas includes an aeration subsystem having subsurface aeration conduits for aerating the area, and an air blower unit in fluid communication with the aeration conduits configured to provide one of a vacuum in a vacuum mode and air under pressure in a pressure mode in the conduits. A control module is provided which responds to a directive for controlling operation of the aeration subsystem in response to sensing environmental parameters. The control module operates the blower in repetitive cycles of intermittent operation in one of the vacuum mode and pressure mode wherein each cycles includes a blower-on and blower-off mode. The blower-on mode operates the blower units for a first time interval and the blower-off mode ceases operation of the blower units for a second time interval during each cycle.

In a golf simulation system, a setting plate for locating a golf ball is provided in a striking zone, and a setting plate adjusting means is provided below the setting plate. A control section calculates moved distance and stoppage position of golf ball based on the flying trace of golf ball sensed by the flying trace sensing means, and inputs signals reflecting the three-dimensional images of the golf course along the flying trace into the projector, so that the three-dimensional images are displayed on the projection screen. Also, the control section controls the setting plate adjusting means in accordance with the height and inclined angle of the stoppage position, so that the setting plate can be automatically adjusted to the height and inclined angle equal to those of the stoppage position. Therefore, a golfer can exercise golf in various inclined angles and topographical conditions like a real golf course.

A golf equipment fitting system that uses advanced technology to not only objectively identify the optimum equipment for the golfer, but to also identify and help correct swing flaws so that the golfer can achieve optimum performance on the golf course. Thus, in one embodiment, golf fitting includes collecting data related to the golfer's swing and determining if the golfer's swing technique should be modified based at least in part on the collected swing data. When it is determined that the golfer's swing technique should be modified, then providing swing instruction to the golfer. When, however, it is determined that the golfer's swing technique is fine, then collecting data related to how the golfer's swing launches a golf ball. Finally, golf equipment, e.g., golf clubs, can be specified based on the collected swing data and launch data.