Patent Publication Number: US-2007099715-A1

Title: Location-based golf information systems and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This non-provisional application claims the benefit of earlier filed U.S. provisional application No. 60/1733,068; filed 02 Nov. 2005; and entitled “Location-Based Golf Information Systems And Methods”; the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND  
      Advances in semiconductor manufacturing technologies have resulted in the ability to incorporate millions of individual active and passive electrical components into integrated circuits and to produce such integrated circuits at relatively low costs. These capabilities, in turn, have enabled the development of consumer electronic products having a large amount of functionality.  
      Similarly, advances in computer networking, wireless communication, and geo-location technologies provide the opportunity to create systems having a unique set of features, functions, and applications, that serve a variety of markets.  
      One area where such technologies are applicable is technical products, also referred to as consumer electronic products, for golfers, and golf course operators.  
      Electronic products that provide competitive advantages or that otherwise provide for greater enjoyment of golfing find a ready market among the world&#39;s golfing community. Similarly, golf course operators are ready to adopt electronic products that allow them to provide better services to their customers, as well as generate additional revenues from their operations.  
      What is needed are methods and systems for gathering, storing, and processing golf-related information, including geographical positioning information, and providing services to golfers and revenue generating opportunities to golf course operators.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Briefly, embodiments of the present invention provide methods, apparatus and systems for recording game statistics, and providing information to a golfer relevant to playing a particular golf course, such as proximity to the pin, front and back of the green and other course features, distances of the user&#39;s golf shots, and advice appropriate to the particular golf course and the user.  
      In some embodiments, a PDA-unit may be obtained at a golf course, and then personalized for that golfer by downloading that golfer&#39;s statistical and other relevant information into the PDA-unit.  
      In some embodiments, the data collected by the PDA-unit during play is transferred to a service provider. In turn, the service provider may forward the data to any location subsequently requested by a user. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a high level schematic block diagram of a client computer and a plurality of hand-held devices in accordance with the present invention coupled thereto.  
       FIG. 2  is a high level schematic block diagram of a client computer and a plurality of hand-held devices in accordance with the present invention coupled thereto.  
       FIG. 3  is a high-level block diagram of a virtual private network.  
       FIG. 4  is a diagram indicating placement of antennas.  
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of a web page.  
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of a PDA display in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating a PDA-unit in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating a PDA-unit in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 9  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating a service provider system in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 10  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating a system in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      Generally, embodiments of the present invention provide methods, apparatus, and systems for storing and retrieving golf-related information. More particularly, a mobile unit is provided for use by golfers, the mobile unit being location-aware and operable to download personalization information from a remote service provider, the mobile unit further operable, responsive to user queries, to provide golf course specific information, such as full color graphic display of the golf course, club selection recommendations, statistics regarding playing of various parts of the golf course under a variety of conditions, and to record and display the results of the user&#39;s current golf game. Systems in accordance with the present invention generally provide remote storage of personalization information, and data transfer control.  
      Reference herein to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or similar formulations, means that a particular feature, structure, operation, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment, is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or formulations herein are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, various particular features, structures, operations, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.  
      Terminology  
      The terms integrated circuit (IC), semiconductor device, monolithic device, microelectronic device, and chip are often used interchangeably in the field of electronics. The present invention is applicable to all the above as these terms are commonly understood in the field.  
      The term PDA-unit refers to an embodiment of the present invention that shares many attributes of a Personal Digital Assistant, but which further includes the circuitry and/or software modules required to provide the various functions and features of embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments may alternatively be referred to as hand-held computers, hand-held devices, golf information devices, and similar terms that signify a compact electronic product that is adapted to perform the functions and provide the features of the present invention.  
      The expression “participating golf course” refers to a golf course for which the golf course operator provides golf course specific information to the service provider. A participating golf course typically provides PDA-units to golfers either free of charge, for a rental fee, or incorporated in the greens fees.  
       FIG. 1  is a high level schematic block diagram of a client computer  102 ,  104 , and a plurality of PDA-units  106  in accordance with the present invention coupled thereto. As used herein, client computer refers to a computer, or similar device having the necessary computational, storage, and communications resources to carry out the tasks assigned to it in systems of the present invention. Client computer  102 ,  104 , may be connected to a service provider&#39;s computer (or server, or network operations center). The connection between the client computer and the service provider may be made by way of a virtual private network, or any other suitable communications pathway.  
      In typical usage patterns, golfers register at the service provider&#39;s web site and may set up an account while on-line. Golfers may also create a temporary registration on the PDA-unit, or at a computer terminal set up at participating golf courses. The registration and account set-up provides a means for subsequently personalizing a PDA-unit, particularly a shared PDA-unit that is supplied to the golfer at a participating golf course. When the golfer arrives at a participating golf course a PDA-unit is typically rented. Renting may be accomplished either at a service desk, or by way of a self-serve kiosk typically located in the clubhouse of the participating golf course. In either instance, the golfer operates the kiosk and/or similar communications terminal, which may be on the PDA-unit itself, to login. In one embodiment of the present invention, this login process initiates communication between the client computer and the service provider, resulting in downloading of the golfer&#39;s personal information into the rented PDA-unit. Communication between the client computer and the service provider&#39;s computer system(s) may be accomplished via wireless connectivity or other suitable network communications means. At the completion of the golfer&#39;s play, player statistics and similar information are transferred from the PDA-unit to the client computer, and are subsequently transferred to the service provider.  
      It is noted that for golfers who use dedicated, personal PDA-units, there may be no need to login through a kiosk or otherwise. Such dedicated, personal PDA-units may store the golfer&#39;s personal statistics so there would be no need to download these when arriving at the golf course. Similarly, if the golfer has acquired a licensed version of the golf course specific geographical information then there would be no need to download this information.  
       FIG. 2  is a high level schematic block diagram of a client computer  102 , kiosks  202 , and a plurality of PDA-units  106  in accordance with the present invention coupled thereto.  FIG. 2  illustrates the various communication pathways between the PDA-units  106 , the kiosks  202 , and the client computer  102 . It will be appreciated that kiosks  102  may have any suitable physical design attributes, and may be arranged to physically receive and store PDA-units  106 , to provide power for operation and battery charging to PDA-units  106 , and to further provide communication interfaces through which PDA-units  106  may communicate with client computer  102 . Alternatively, these same functions may be accomplished by storage cradles set up at another suitable location in the golf course club house.  
       FIG. 3  is a high-level block diagram of a service provider&#39;s server computer  302  coupled by way of a virtual private network  306  with a plurality of participating golf courses, each participating golf course having a client computer  102  coupled in turn with a plurality of PDA-units  106 . It is noted that the communications pathway between the server computer and the client computer is not limited to the use of a virtual private network, and that any suitable communications path may be used.  FIG. 3  further illustrates a web page  304  that is generated by server  302 .  
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary arrangement for RF-based location determination, wherein radio signals are transmitted from a number of antennas  402  which are located at various known positions in and/or around a golf course. It will be appreciated that a PDA-unit in accordance with the present invention may use such signals in known ways to determine its own location. It is noted that location determination is not limited to such RF based means, that GPS and differential GPS techniques may also be used, including, but not limited to, establishing RF transmissions at each participating golf course for the purpose of sending GPS correction information to each PDA-unit.  
       FIG. 5  is an illustration indicating that a web page  502  is provided by the service provider&#39;s server computer  302 . It will be appreciated that server computer  302  may provide any number of web pages, that these web pages may be linked in any order desired by the service provider, and that various web pages may be set up as forms for the registration and/or account set up activity of golfers.  
      It is noted that the golf game statistics of golfers may be stored on one or more servers, or other suitable information storage mechanisms, of the service provider. Game statistics include, but are not limited to, game scores, average distance obtained with each club, the number and average of putts, USGA, PGA and LPGA handicaps, game diagnosis with suggestions for improvement, fairways trends, sand trap success, and score distribution. Data files for graphs and charts of a registered user&#39;s golf games may also be stored by the service provider, and made available for subsequent viewing by the registered user. In some embodiments, animated replays created from recorded game information and pre-existing imagery of the golf course can be viewed. In some embodiments, the service provider&#39;s computers generate a summary of each game played by a registered user based on the data received from the PDA-unit that accompanies that golfer during a golf game. In some embodiments these summaries may be communicated to the golfer via email, or any other suitable communication means.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary display generated by a PDA-unit in accordance with the present invention.  
      As indicated above, various embodiments of the present invention include geo-positioning products and services for the private and public golf markets. In some instances various embodiments may be made available for rent to golfers. Golfers often value dynamic information that will assist them in shot selection, accuracy of play, and shot distance. The location-awareness technology, networked together with the kiosks, client computers, golf course based local area networks and service provider&#39;s website may be used to quickly provide such information to golfers throughout each golf game by way of a communication and display device (such as, for example, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) type device) that is adapted to record player statistics for tabulation and later retrieval.  
      In some embodiments of the present invention, these PDA-units are made available for golfers at both public and private participating golf courses throughout the domestic and international markets.  
      In one embodiment, a service provider or other entity may build and own PDA-units that are made available for rent at participating golf courses to provide immediate information during the course of play that is important to golfers. Such information may include, but is not limited to, distance to the pin and other important course features; distance of each shot made; visual layout of each hole with geo-positioning; detailed game information optionally sent via email; and the user&#39;s historical statistical data.  
      In one embodiment, large screen PDA-units are provided to golf courses with no capital expenditure requirement on the part of the golf course operator, and the golf courses are allowed to rent these devices to players at, for example, $5 per round of nine holes and $9 per round of 18 holes. In this illustrative embodiment, the revenue is shared between the golf course operator and the entity supplying the PDA-units. As each player takes each shot, that player may simply touch a button on the PDA-unit, and the shot distance, current score, and club used are all recorded for immediate information to the player as well for later reference. When the player&#39;s round is completed, the player returns the PDA-unit to the club house. The PDA-unit then transfers such recorded data to a client computer and all the information will automatically be forwarded to the service provider&#39;s computer system, and can be concurrently or subsequently printed if so desired by the player. The information may alternatively be accessed via a website maintained by the service provider.  
      Golfers will also be able to register at the service provider&#39;s website. Such registration may be performed without charge. Each player may be given a private account. The service provider keeps records, accessible through the website, of their golf played with the PDA-unit at any participating golf course. Information will then be available to the player such as handicap, average distance made with each club, average number of shots to get on the green, average number of putts, etc. After each round of play, the player&#39;s information for that game may be automatically emailed or otherwise communicated to the player who registers at the service provider&#39;s website.  
      Some embodiments of the present invention are provided with attaching clips to allow each golfer to removably attach, or secure, those embodiments, to a pull cart, a golf bag, or a golf cart.  
      Proximity information is important for golfers with regard to making club selections, shot and force estimations, and avoiding traps and other course obstacles.  
      In accordance with the present invention, location information technology is made available to golfers at an exceptionally affordable price by making high quality, large screen color PDA-units available for rent at participating golf courses for a nominal rental fee. These PDA-units may be provided, by a service provider, to participating golf courses at no cost to those golf courses. Additionally, golfers may register at the website of the service provider, and subsequently set up an individual account. The service provider may provide registration and/or account set-up at no cost, or for a fee.  
      In some embodiments of the present invention, a golfer&#39;s statistics for the current game may be emailed, or otherwise communicated, to him/her along with the golfer&#39;s overall statistics, such as official handicap, average shot distances with each club used, if so desired, including an Internet link to the user&#39;s personal data maintained by the service provider, and made available for viewing via the service provider&#39;s web site.  
      Kiosks may be available at participating golf courses so that a player can sign in and receive a rented PDA-unit that is customized to that player. Users may also be able to register and sign in on the PDA-units via wireless or other connectivity. In accordance with the present invention, the customization is provided by downloading information for that golfer from the service provider to the rented PDA-unit.  
      The PDA-unit in accordance with the invention may be equipped with Wi-Fi transceivers, provide dynamic geo-positioning information that gives distance information in relationship to distance from the green, sand traps, and other key golf course features. These PDA-units may also be equipped with a full color back-lit screen for daylight viewing that includes a full color layout of each hole being played.  
      The differential geo-location functionality can provide accurate distance from the ball to the pin, and distance (as well as placement) of other course features. This is in contrast to non-differential GPS which is less accurate. The graphical layout of each hole is shown on the display screen of a PDA-unit in full large screen graphics with yardage indicators at each significant point in the particular hole being played. Alternative embodiments may include cameras that are incorporated into the PDA-units so that golfers can record, for example, a “hole in one,” a great shot, golf partners, etc. These pictures may be transmitted via the PDA-unit connectivity means to a client computer at the golf course (e.g., in the golf course clubhouse) and from there forwarded to the service provider&#39;s network operations center via the Internet and then forwarded on to the golfer via email or other suitable communications means. It will be appreciated that any suitable communications network or pathway may be used to accomplish the aforementioned data transfer.  
      After a ball has been hit, the player will be able to come up to the ball where it lays on the fairway (or rough), push a button on the PDA-unit and know how far the ball was just hit. In one embodiment, a pop-up window on the PDA-unit display screen will accept data input by the player to record the club used with each shot for personal statistical information. This recorded information can be viewed on the service provider&#39;s web site, and forwarded to the player via email. The player&#39;s score may be kept automatically. In an alternative embodiment, environmental factors, including but not limited to temperature, may also be sensed and recorded along with the information such as location and club selection.  
      Also, at the touch of another button on the unit, the player will be able to ask for tips on how to best play the hole according to the player&#39;s position on the course.  
      In some embodiments, the PDA-units are configured to “sit” in a specially designed cradle group. This cradle group may be located under the counter or near the cash register at the clubhouses of participating golf courses. Each cradle in the cradle group is typically equipped with a power connection for battery charging, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, or wireless connectivity, for data communication to the client computer, and function buttons for instant command control over the PDA-units. Upon completion of the user&#39;s game, the PDA-units will transfer player statistics to the client computer to be forwarded to the service provider&#39;s web site. Also, the computer will track usage of the PDA-units that are used for the purpose of billing.  
      A kiosk center may also be available for the customer to “log on” to the service provider&#39;s web site, or to a local database server, download personal preferences and have these sent to a PDA-unit sitting in the cradle. In some embodiments, such “log on” may also be accomplished on the PDA-unit via wireless or other network connectivity. Consequently, that PDA-unit will be personalized, and ready to record personal player statistics during play. The kiosk may be touch-screen capable as well as keyboard controlled, and is typically connected to the client computer at the clubhouse of the golf course.  
      In some embodiments, the service provider provides, typically at no charge to the golf course operator, a computer, or similar device, that controls the transfer of information between each PDA-unit and the service provider. Such a computer, or similar device, may also control a kiosk which the customer uses for registration. The computer, PDA-units, and kiosk center may all connected via a local area network (LAN).  
      In some embodiments, the service provider maintains a web site which can be accessed via the Internet, through the kiosk centers, or through the PDA-units at each participating golf course. At the website, players will be able to become acquainted with the service provider&#39;s technology, as well as receive tutorials on how to best use the PDA-units in the course of play. Players will also be able to register within the site for free thus creating a personalized and private area within the web site. Players will also be able to register at each kiosk center at each participating golf course, or, in some embodiments, on the PDA-units themselves. Once registered, the user will be able to log on at the golf course&#39;s kiosk center and receive a PDA-unit personalized for their use, or alternatively, receive a PDA-unit at the golf course and log on using the PDA-unit itself. After each round of play, all personal statistics will be retrieved via connectivity to the computer. An email may automatically be sent with the statistics from that round of play and overall player statistics may be maintained at the service provider&#39;s web site for customer access.  
      In some embodiments, after log-in and personalization, the PDA-unit is enabled to display a realistic graphical representation of the entire golf course as well as portions of the golf course. Such graphical display representations may be referred to as “table graphics”. In typical operation, the PDA-unit displays a view of a section of the golf course that the golfer is playing. In this case, when the golfer starts, the displayed image is scaled and centered to show the course from the tee to the green, with the green at the top of the display and the tee at the bottom of the display. As the golfer and the PDA-unit change position, the display is updated so that the green stays at the top of the display and the golfer&#39;s position is shown at the bottom of the display. In some embodiments the display image is updated with changes in position of between approximately 20 to 30 yards. The PDA-unit is operable such that a user may change the viewing perspective by zooming in or out as desired.  
      Referring to  FIG. 7 , in one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating a golf information device, includes receiving  702  personalization information; receiving  704  a query; determining  706 , if the query is a distance to a next pin query, the distance between the golf information device and a next pin, and generating an output indicative of the distance to the next pin; and determining  708 , if the query is a distance to course features query, the distance between the golf information device and at least one course feature. The present invention contemplates a wide variety of possible queries. For example, in another embodiment, the golf information device may receive a pro tips query, and, responsive thereto, generate an output indicative of recommendations that one or more professional golfers have provided.  
      The step of determining  706  the distance between the golf information device and the next pin may include determining the present location coordinates of the golf information device, retrieving the location coordinates of the next pin, and calculating a vector from the present location to the next pin location. The location coordinates of the next pin may be retrieved from a memory of the golf information device where that information had been stored, or may be retrieved dynamically by wirelessly communicating with the client computer at the golf course. The step of determining the present location coordinates of the golf information device may include receiving at least latitude and longitude data from a GPS receiver. Alternatively, the step of determining the present location coordinates of the golf information device may include receiving at least latitude and longitude data from a differential GPS receiver. In a further alternative, the step of determining the present location coordinates of the golf information device may include terrestrial RF triangulation. In a still further alternative, the step of determining the present location coordinates of the golf information device may include RF communication, in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 family of communication specifications, between at least one 802.11 access point and the golf information device.  
      The step of receiving personalization information  702  may include downloading a registered user&#39;s golf statistics from a service provider to the golf information device.  
      The step of receiving a query  704  may include activating a touch screen of the golf information device. Alternatively, the step of receiving a query may include actuating a mechanical switch of the golf information device. Such mechanical switches are typically implemented as push buttons on the PDA-unit, but are not limited to push buttons. In a further alternative, the step of receiving a query comprises actuating a transducer of the golf information device. Such a transducer may be a microphone for receiving voice input, but is not limited to a microphone.  
      Referring to  FIG. 8 , in another illustrative embodiment, a method of operating a golf information device, includes receiving  802  personalization information; receiving  804  a command; scanning  806 , if the command is a scan golf club command, a golf club; and photographing  808 , if the command is a take a photograph command, a scene.  
      The step of scanning  806  may include reading a bar code disposed on the golf club. Alternatively, the step of scanning may include generating an RF energization field, and receiving a transmission from an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag disposed on the golf club, and which has been energized by the RF energization field produced by the PDA-unit. The electronic circuits for energizing RFID tags are well known and therefore are not described in greater detail herein. However, to reduce unnecessary battery power consumption in the PDA-unit, the RF energization field is not generated continuously. In one embodiment, the RF energization field is generated only when the PDA-unit is commanded to scan the golf club. In another embodiment, the PDA-unit further uses a sensor, such as an infra-red illuminator/detector to determine that the golf club is present before beginning the higher power operation of generating the RF energization field.  
      In a further alternative, the step of scanning  806  may include producing a digitized image of the golf club, and processing the digitized image to determine a golf club identification associated with the golf club. Image processing algorithms are well known and therefore are not described in greater detail herein.  
      The step of photographing  808  a scene may include digitally imaging the scene and the storing the digital data representing the scene.  
      In one embodiment, the step of receiving a command comprises actuating a transducer of the golf information device. Such a transducer may be a microphone for receiving voice input, but is not limited to a microphone.  
      It is noted that in some embodiments the scan golf club command includes actuation of a mechanical switch that is part of the golf information device. Similarly, the take a photograph command may include actuation of a mechanical switch.  
      Referring to  FIG. 9 , an illustrative method of operating a service provider computer system is described. The service provider&#39;s computer system, or server, receives  902  a login request from a registered user (e.g., a golfer), and transmits  904  personalization information for downloading into a golf information device that the registered user has obtained at a participating golf course. After the golfer has returned the golf information device, typically at the completion of play, the server receives  906  updated game statistics and related information from the golf information device. The server may then transmit  908  a command to the golf information device to delete the personalization information stored therein. Alternatively, the golf information device may simply return to its non-personalized state after receiving confirmation from the server that the data transfer of updated game statistics has been successfully completed. In other words, the golf information device is only temporarily personalized. Additionally, the server may process the updated game statistics and transmit  910  the processed information in accordance with instructions, or a rule set, previously supplied by the registered user. Rule sets may include instructions such as, but not limited to, creating and sending an email with a game summary to email addresses on an address list. It will be appreciated that any combination of computational and communication operations may be performed by the server in accordance with a registered user&#39;s instructions.  
      In some embodiments, a security key is transmitted from the server for downloading into the PDA-unit (i.e., the golf information device). Without receiving the security key, the PDA-unit becomes operationally disabled within a pre-determined period of time. In this way, the service provider may maintain control over the PDA-units.  
      Referring to  FIG. 10 , an illustrative method of operating a system in accordance with the present invention is described. The illustrative method of  FIG. 10  includes transmitting  1002  a login request from a client computer to a server computer. The login request may take any suitable form, but typically includes providing a user account name and password. The server computer receives the login request, and, subsequent to verification, the server computer transmits  1004  personalization information to the client computer. The client computer then transfers  1006  personalization information to a golf information device communicatively coupled to the client computer. The personalized golf information device is used to at least record  1008  game statistics. After game play, the recorded game statistics and/or related game information are transferred  1010  from the personalized golf information device to the client computer, and from the client computer to the server computer. It is noted that any suitable communications protocols and physical transport means may be used in these data transfers, and the present invention is not limited to any particular communications architecture.  
     CONCLUSION  
      Described herein are methods, apparatus, and systems for providing golfers with golf course specific information and recommendations, and for further providing means for recording, retrieving, and communicating information related to game statistics and performance.  
      An advantage of some embodiments of the present invention is that a single compact mobile PDA-unit can record club selection, shot performance, and digital images of the game, as well as provide distances from itself to the next pin, and/or to various course features.  
      A further advantage of some embodiments of the present invention is that a service provider may store a registered user&#39;s statistics and other relevant information, and forward the same to the user at any participating golf course for downloading and personalization of a PDA-unit obtained at the participating golf course, as well as to make such statistics and data available for subsequent viewing via the service provider&#39;s web site.  
      A still further advantage of some embodiments of the present invention is that revenue received by the service provider may be shared with participating golf courses to provide incentives for those golf courses to participate with the service provider.  
      It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the subjoined Claims and their equivalents.