Patent Publication Number: US-6908404-B1

Title: Caddy

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to positioning systems, and more specifically, to a positioning system that detects the position of a golf ball on a golf course. The positioning system includes a golf ball having a computer chip with a transmitter and receiver able to receive signal having a unique frequency. A map unit assigns the frequency the ball and upon the ball being hit, the map unit displays directional instructions to a handheld unit retained by the user to assist the user in locating the position of the golf ball. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   Numerous other positioning systems exist in the prior art. Generally, these prior art positioning systems includes a computerized device that send information to and receive information from a satellite which allows the person to be located and tracked by a third party. These global positioning systems are used often in tracking the path of employees who travel, often during the course of their work. These systems are also used by avid outdoor hikers in their travels. However, there are no short range positioning systems that make use of a radio frequency to detect the position of a golf ball. 
   SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to positioning systems, and more specifically, to a positioning system that detects the position of a golf ball on a golf course. The positioning system includes a golf ball having a computer chip with a transmitter and receiver able to receive signal having a unique frequency. A map unit assigns the frequency the ball and upon the ball being hit, the map unit displays directional instructions to a handheld unit retained by the user to assist the user in locating the position of the golf ball. 
   A primary object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball positioning system that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. 
   Another secondary object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball positioning system including a golf ball having a computer chip therein. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball positioning system wherein the computer chip has a transmitter able to transmit signals at a specific pre-assigned radio frequency. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball positioning system including a detection unit for receiving signals transmitted by the transmitter in the golf ball. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball positioning system wherein the detection unit includes a transmitter and the golf ball includes a receiver for receiving information from the transmitter of the detection unit. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball positioning system including a detection unit for providing directional instructions for traveling to the location of the golf ball. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball positioning system wherein the detection unit includes a graphical display for displaying a map of the golf course currently being played. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball positioning system wherein the detection unit includes an assignment function for selectively programming a frequency associated with a golf ball therein. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball positioning system wherein the detection unit is able to keep track of a plurality of golf balls each golf ball transmitting signals at a different frequency. 
   An even further object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball positioning system wherein the graphical display displays the current time, date, and temperature. 
   Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball positioning system wherein the detection unit is able to automatically calculate the score of the golfer  8  playing with the golf ball being tracked. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball positioning system wherein the detection unit vibrates when a user is within a predetermined distance of the golf ball. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball positioning system that is simple and easy to use. 
   Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball positioning system that is inexpensive to manufacture and use. 
   Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
   The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawing, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawing, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
   The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of the golf ball positioning system of the present invention being used to determine the position of a golf ball on a golf course; 
       FIG. 2  is front view of the detection unit of the golf ball positioning system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is rear view of the detection unit of the golf ball positioning system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the detection unit of the golf ball positioning system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the golf ball of the golf ball positioning system of the present invention having a computer chip positioned therein; 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram of the detection unit of the golf ball positioning system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram of the golf ball of the golf ball positioning system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart detailing the steps of assigning a transmission frequency of the transmitter within a golf ball to the detection unit of the golf ball positioning system prior to tracking thereof; and 
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart detailing the steps of tracking the golf ball by the golf ball positioning system of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS 
   Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate the golf ball positioning system of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures. 
   
     
       
         
             
             
           
             
                 
             
           
          
             
               2 
               golf course 
             
             
               4 
               green 
             
             
               6 
               woods 
             
             
               7 
               fairway 
             
             
               8 
               golfer 
             
             
               10 
               golf ball positioning system of the present invention 
             
             
               11 
               detection unit 
             
             
               12 
               golf ball 
             
             
               13 
               computer chip 
             
             
               14 
               display 
             
             
               16 
               first field 
             
             
               18 
               second field 
             
             
               20 
               third field 
             
             
               22 
               fourth field 
             
             
               24 
               map field 
             
             
               26 
               first ball 
             
             
               28 
               second ball 
             
             
               30 
               third ball 
             
             
               32 
               fourth ball 
             
             
               34 
               number pad 
             
             
               35 
               assignment button 
             
             
               36 
               power source compartment 
             
             
               38 
               antenna 
             
             
               40 
               power button 
             
             
               42 
               signal of particular frequency 
             
             
               44 
               unit processor 
             
             
               46 
               receiver 
             
             
               48 
               transmitter 
             
             
               50 
               card reader 
             
             
               52 
               golf ball processor 
             
             
               54 
               transmitter 
             
             
               56 
               receiver 
             
             
               58 
               ROM 
             
             
               60 
               RAM 
             
             
               62 
               GPS transmitter (detection unit) 
             
             
               64 
               GPS receiver (detection unit) 
             
             
               66 
               GPS transmitter (golf ball) 
             
             
               68 
               GPS receiver (gold ball) 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims. 
   Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 9  illustrate a golf ball positioning system of the present invention indicated generally by the numeral  10 . 
     FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of the golf ball positioning system  10  of the present invention being used to determine the position of a golf ball on a golf course  2 . Shown in  FIG. 1  is a golfer  8  on a golf course  2  looking for a golf ball  12  that has been hit off the fairway  7  into the woods  6 . The golfer  8   8  is unsure of the position of the golf ball  12  in relation to a green  4 . The golfer  8  uses the golf ball positioning system  10  of the present invention to assist in locating the golf ball  12 . 
   The golf ball positioning system  10  of the present invention includes the golf ball  12  and a detection unit  11 . The detection unit  11  is retained by the golfer  8 . The golf ball  12  includes a computer chip  13  which is clearly shown in FIG.  5 . The computer chip  13  includes a transmitter having a particular frequency associated therewith for transmission of signals assigned thereto. The signal is indicated by the lines labeled with the numeral  42 . Upon being hit by the golfer  8 , the golf ball  12  emits a signal  42  at the particular frequency therefrom. The detection unit  11  is able to receive and detect the signal  42  emitted by the golf ball  12 . Preferably, the detection unit  11  is a handheld unit. However, the detection unit  11  may be formed as any unit that is easily portable, not burdensome, and that does not disturb the golfer  8  during play. Upon receiving the signal  42 , the detection unit  12  displays directional instructions to the golfer indicating the direction of travel for the golfer  8  to reach the location of the golf ball  12 . When the golfer  8  comes within predetermined distance from the golf ball  12 , the detection unit  11  signals the golfer  8  that the golf ball  12  is nearby. Preferably, the detection unit  11  vibrates when the golfer  8  is within the predetermined distance. However, any method to signal the golfer  8  that he/she is within the predetermined range may be used. Upon finding the golf ball  12 , the golfer  8  continues playing the round of golf. 
     FIG. 2  is front view of the detection unit  11  of the golf ball positioning system  10  of the present invention. The detection unit  11  includes a display screen  14 , a numerical keypad  34 , an assignment button  35 , and an antenna  38 . The display screen  14  is able to display a first field  16 , a second field  18 , a third field  20 , a fourth field  22 , and a map field  24 . The first through fourth fields  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  are able to display data relating to general information which may be useful for the golfer  8 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first field  16  displays the date, the second field  18  displays the time, the third field  20  displays the current temperature, and the fourth field  22  displays an approximate distance the golfer  8  is from the golf ball  12 . Additionally, the four fields  16 ,  18 ,  20 , and  22  can be programmed to display a golfer&#39;s score, thus enabling the golf ball positioning system  10  of the present invention to display the scores of four different golfers  8 . Furthermore, the fields can toggle between displaying two or more sets of data at predetermined intervals. 
   The map field  24  of the display screen  14  displays a map of the golf course that the golfer  8  is playing on. The map displayed by the map field can be accessed from an expansion card reader  50  which can be clearly seen in FIG.  4 . The expansion card reader  50  may be any of but not limited to an input port for connection to an external device, a CD-ROM, a floppy drive, and a DVD-ROM. This enables golfer  8   s  to selectively input data indicative of the course that they are playing on so that the detection unit  11  is able to provide accurate directions to the golfer  8  when the golfer  8  is seeking to determine where the golf ball  12  has landed. The map field  24  is able to display a plurality of views of a specific map of the golf course. The displayable views include at least one of a full course view, an individual hole view, and a view having directional arrows thereon. These views are described for purposes of example only and the map field  24  may selectively display any view of the golf course. 
   The detection unit  11  is preferably able to track a number of different golf balls  12 . In such an instance, a receiver within the detection unit would be able to receive signals having numerous different frequencies either simultaneously or separately. Alternatively, separate receivers would be installed within the detection unit  11 . The present example illustrates a detection unit  11  able to receive signals from four different golf balls  12 . The detection unit  11  includes a first ball identifier  26 , a second ball identifier  28 , a third ball identifier  30  and a fourth ball identifier  32 . Each ball identifier  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32  is selectively programmable by the golfer  8  to correspond to the specific frequency  42  associated with each ball  12 . The golfer  8  uses the numerical keypad  34  to input the particular frequency associated with each particular golf ball  12 . The golfer  8  selects from the ball identifiers  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32  to associate with a golf ball  12  and selectively depresses the selected ball identifier. Thereafter, the golfer  8  enters the frequency  42  into the detection unit  11  using the numerical keypad  34 . Upon determining that the correct frequency has been entered, the golfer  8  depresses the assignment button  35  to complete the process and thus allowing the golfer  8  to keep track of the golf ball  12 . The golfer  8  may enter the frequency of up to four golf balls  12 . However, being able to determine the position of four golf balls is described for purposes of example only and the detection unit  11  may be able to determine the position of any number of golf balls  12 . When detecting the position of numerous golf balls individually, the golfer can change the frequency of the receiver by activating a respective one of the ball identifier buttons  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 . Activation of these buttons will tune the frequency of the receiver to that frequency being transmitted by the respective ball. 
   Upon programming the frequency into the detection unit, and hitting the golf ball  12 , the antenna  38  selectively detects the frequency  42  emitted by the golf ball  12 . Thereafter, the information is processed by a processor and directional instructions are provided to the golfer  8  to assist the golfer  8  in determining the position of the golf ball  12 . The map field  24  displays a map of the course corresponding to where the golf ball  12  is indicated and includes directional arrows to assist the golfer  8  in locating the golf ball  12 . Upon entering within a pre-determined distance from the golf ball  12 , the detection unit  11  provides an indication to the golfer  8  that golf ball  12  is nearby. When the golfer  8  locates the position of the ball  12 , the golfer  8  may continue playing the round of golf. 
     FIG. 3  is rear view of the detection unit of the golf ball positioning system of the present invention. The detection unit  11  includes the display screen  14 , the numerical keypad  34 , the assignment button  35 , and the antenna  38 . The display screen  14  is able to display the first field  16 , the second field  18 , the third field  20 , the fourth field  22 , and the map field  24 . The first through fourth fields  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  are able to display data relating to general information which may be useful for the golfer  8 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first field  16  displays the date, the second field  18  displays the time, the third field  20  displays the current temperature, and the fourth field  22  displays an approximate distance the golfer  8  is from the golf ball  12 . Additionally, the four fields  16 ,  18 ,  20 , and  22  can be programmed to display a golfer&#39;s score, thus enabling the golf ball positioning system  10  of the present invention to display the scores of four different golfers  8 . Furthermore, the fields can toggle between displaying two or more sets of data at predetermined intervals. 
   The map field  24  of the display screen  14  displays a map of the golf course that the golfer  8  is playing on. The map displayed by the map field can be accessed from an expansion card reader  50  which can be clearly seen in FIG.  4 . The expansion card reader  50  may be any of but not limited to an input port for connection to an external device, a CD-ROM, a floppy drive, and a DVD-ROM. This enables golfer  8   s  to selectively input data indicative of the course that they are playing on so that the detection unit  11  is able to provide accurate directions to the golfer  8  when the golfer  8  is seeking to determine where the golf ball  12  has landed. The map field  24  is able to display a plurality of views of a specific map of the golf course. The displayable views include at least one of a full course view, an individual hole view, and a view having directional arrows thereon. These views are described for purposes of example only and the map field  24  may selectively display any view of the golf course. 
   The detection unit  11  is preferably able to track a number of different golf balls  12 . In such an instance, the receiver within the detection unit would be able to receive signals having numerous different frequencies either simultaneously or separately. Alternatively, separate receivers would be installed within the detection unit  11 . The present example illustrates the detection unit  11  able to receive signals from four different golf balls  12 . The detection unit  11  includes the first ball identifier  26 , the second ball identifier  28 , the third ball identifier  30  and the fourth ball identifier  32 . Each ball identifier  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32  is selectively programmable by the golfer  8  to correspond to the specific frequency  42  associated with each ball  12 . The golfer  8  uses the numerical keypad  34  to input the particular frequency associated with each particular golf ball  12 . The golfer  8  selects from the ball identifiers  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32  to associate with the golf ball  12  and selectively depresses the selected ball identifier. Thereafter, the golfer  8  enters the frequency  42  into the detection unit  11  using the numerical keypad  34 . Upon determining that the correct frequency has been entered, the golfer  8  depresses the assignment button  35  to complete the process and thus allowing the golfer  8  to keep track of the golf ball  12 . The golfer  8  may enter the frequency of up to four golf balls  12 . However, being able to determine the position of four golf balls is described for purposes of example only and the detection unit  11  may be able to determine the position of any number of golf balls  12 . When detecting the position of numerous golf balls individually, the golfer can change the frequency of the receiver by activating a respective one of the ball identifier buttons  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 . Activation of these buttons will tune the frequency of the receiver to that frequency being transmitted by the respective ball. 
   Upon programming the frequency into the detection unit, and hitting the golf ball  12 , the antenna  38  selectively detects the frequency  42  emitted by the golf ball  12 . Thereafter, the information is processed by the processor and directional instructions are provided to the golfer  8  to assist the golfer  8  in determining the position of the golf ball  12 . The map field  24  displays the map of the course corresponding to where the golf ball  12  is indicated and includes directional arrows to assist the golfer  8  in locating the golf ball  12 . Upon entering within the pre-determined distance from the golf ball  12 , the detection unit  11  provides an indication to the golfer  8  that golf ball  12  is nearby. When the golfer  8  locates the position of the ball  12 , the golfer  8  may continue playing the round of golf. 
     FIG. 3  shows a power source compartment  36  for receiving a power source for powering the detection unit. Preferably, the power source is a dry cell battery that is easily replaceable when the charge therefrom has been extinguished. However, the power source can be any known power source such as, but not limited to, a solar panel or a power input plug for recharging an internal battery. 
     FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the detection unit of the golf ball positioning system of the present invention. The detection unit  11  includes the display screen  14 , the numerical keypad  34 , the assignment button  35 , and the antenna  38 . The display screen  14  is able to display the first field  16 , the second field  18 , the third field  20 , the fourth field  22 , and the map field  24 . The first through fourth fields  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  are able to display data relating to general information which may be useful for the golfer  8 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first field  16  displays the date, the second field  18  displays the time, the third field  20  displays the current temperature, and the fourth field  22  displays an approximate distance the golfer  8  is from the golf ball  12 . Additionally, the four fields  16 ,  18 ,  20 , and  22  can be programmed to display a golfer&#39;s score, thus enabling the golf ball positioning system  10  of the present invention to display the scores of four different golfers  8 . Furthermore, the fields can toggle between displaying two or more sets of data at predetermined intervals. 
   The map field  24  of the display screen  14  displays a map of the golf course that the golfer  8  is playing on. The map displayed by the map field can be accessed from an expansion card reader  50  which can be clearly seen in FIG.  4 . The expansion card reader  50  may be any of but not limited to an input port for connection to an external device, a CD-ROM, a floppy drive, and a DVD-ROM. This enables golfer  8   s  to selectively input data indicative of the course that they are playing on so that the detection unit  11  is able to provide accurate directions to the golfer  8  when the golfer  8  is seeking to determine where the golf ball  12  has landed. The map field  24  is able to display a plurality of views of a specific map of the golf course. The displayable views include at least one of a full course view, an individual hole view, and a view having directional arrows thereon. These views are described for purposes of example only and the map field  24  may selectively display any view of the golf course. 
   The detection unit  11  is preferably able to track a number of different golf balls  12 . In such an instance, the receiver within the detection unit would be able to receive signals having numerous different frequencies either simultaneously or separately. Alternatively, separate receivers would be installed within the detection unit  11 . The present example illustrates the detection unit  11  able to receive signals from four different golf balls  12 . The detection unit  11  includes the first ball identifier  26 , the second ball identifier  28 , the third ball identifier  30  and the fourth ball identifier  32 . Each ball identifier  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32  is selectively programmable by the golfer  8  to correspond to the specific frequency  42  associated with each ball  12 . The golfer  8  uses the numerical keypad  34  to input the particular frequency associated with each particular golf ball  12 . The golfer  8  selects from the ball identifiers  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32  to associate with the golf ball  12  and selectively depresses the selected ball identifier. Thereafter, the golfer  8  enters the frequency  42  into the detection unit  11  using the numerical keypad  34 . Upon determining that the correct frequency has been entered, the golfer  8  depresses the assignment button  35  to complete the process and thus allowing the golfer  8  to keep track of the golf ball  12 . The golfer  8  may enter the frequency of up to four golf balls  12 . However, being able to determine the position of four golf balls is described for purposes of example only and the detection unit  11  may be able to determine the position of any number of golf balls  12 . When detecting the position of numerous golf balls individually, the golfer can change the frequency of the receiver by activating a respective one of the ball identifier buttons  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 . Activation of these buttons will tune the frequency of the receiver to that frequency being transmitted by the respective ball. 
   Upon programming the frequency into the detection unit, and hitting the golf ball  12 , the antenna  38  selectively detects the frequency  42  emitted by the golf ball  12 . Thereafter, the information is processed by the processor and directional instructions are provided to the golfer  8  to assist the golfer  8  in determining the position of the golf ball  12 . The map field  24  displays the map of the course corresponding to where the golf ball  12  is indicated and includes directional arrows to assist the golfer  8  in locating the golf ball  12 . Upon entering within the pre-determined distance from the golf ball  12 , the detection unit  11  provides an indication to the golfer  8  that golf ball  12  is nearby. When the golfer  8  locates the position of the ball  12 , the golfer  8  may continue playing the round of golf. 
   The detection unit  11  further includes a power button  40  for selectively providing power to the detection unit  11 . The detection unit  11  also includes the expansion card reader  50 . The expansion card reader  50  enables the golfer  8  to selectively add information regarding the course  2  on which the golfer  8  is planning to play. The expansion card reader  50  is able to receive a plurality of known mobile storage media including at least one of compact flash memory, secure digital member, smartmedia memory, and memory stick memory. Alternatively, the expansion card reader may be replaced with an input port for connection to an external component able to download data to the detection unit  11 . This enables the golfer  8  to obtain information about the golf course from their home personal computer and selectively bring that information with them in order to enhance the detection units&#39;  11  ability to locate the golf ball  12 . 
     FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the golf ball  12  of the golf ball positioning system  10  of the present invention having a computer chip  13  positioned therein. The golf ball  12  includes the chip  13 . The chip  13  includes the transmitter for transmitting signals indicated by the lines labeled with the numeral  42  having a predetermined frequency associated therewith. The frequency  42  is preferable displayed on the exterior of the golf ball thereby easily allowing the golfer  8  to ascertain the information needed to be programmed into the detection unit  11  as has been discussed above with specific reference to  FIGS. 2-4 . The golf ball  12  of the golf ball positioning system  10  is formed from the material known in the art so as to ensure that the golfer  8 &#39;s game is not altered. The chip  13  is light weight and positioned at substantially the center of the golf ball  12  to ensure that the golf ball  12  remains completely balanced during play. As can be seen from  FIG. 7 , the chip  13  includes a processor  52 , a transmitter  54  and a receiver  56 . Both the transmitter  54  and receiver  56  are connected to the processor  52 . Also connected to the processor  52  is a ROM  58 . The ROM  58  stores the frequency  42  that is associated with the golf ball  12 . The receiver  56  is able to receive an assignment signal from the detection unit  11 . Upon receiving the assignment signal, the processor  52  directs the transmitter  54  to transmit a signal  42  at the frequency contained within the ROM  58 . The transmitter  54  emits the signal at the predetermined frequency which is selectively detectable by the detection unit  11  thus enabling the golfer  8  to located the position of the golf ball  12 . 
     FIG. 6  is a block diagram of the detection unit of the golf ball positioning system of the present invention. The detection unit  111  includes the display screen  14 , the numerical keypad  34 , the assignment button  35 , and the antenna  38 . The display screen  14  is able to display the first field  16 , the second field  18 , the third field  20 , the fourth field  22 , and the map field  24 . The first through fourth fields  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  are able to display data relating to general information which may be useful for the golfer  8 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first field  16  displays the date, the second field  18  displays the time, the third field  20  displays the current temperature, and the fourth field  22  displays an approximate distance the golfer  8  is from the golf ball  12 . Additionally, the four fields  16 ,  18 ,  20 , and  22  can be programmed to display a golfer&#39;s score, thus enabling the golf ball positioning system  10  of the present invention to display the scores of four different golfers  8 . Furthermore, the fields can toggle between displaying two or more sets of data at predetermined intervals. 
   The map field  24  of the display screen  14  displays a map of the golf course that the golfer  8  is playing on. The map displayed by the map field can be accessed from an expansion card reader  50  which can be clearly seen in FIG.  4 . The expansion card reader  50  may be any of but not limited to an input port for connection to an external device, a CD-ROM, a floppy drive, and a DVD-ROM. This enables golfer  8   s  to selectively input data indicative of the course that they are playing on so that the detection unit  11  is able to provide accurate directions to the golfer  8  when the golfer  8  is seeking to determine where the golf ball  12  has landed. The map field  24  is able to display a plurality of views of a specific map of the golf course. The displayable views include at least one of a full course view, an individual hole view, and a view having directional arrows thereon. These views are described for purposes of example only and the map field  24  may selectively display any view of the golf course. 
   The detection unit  11  is preferably able to track a number of different golf balls  12 . In such an instance, the receiver within the detection unit would be able to receive signals having numerous different frequencies either simultaneously or separately. Alternatively, separate receivers would be installed within the detection unit  11 . The present example illustrates the detection unit  11  able to receive signals from four different golf balls  12 . The detection unit  11  includes the first ball identifier  26 , the second ball identifier  28 , the third ball identifier  30  and the fourth ball identifier  32 . Each ball identifier  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32  is selectively programmable by the golfer  8  to correspond to the specific frequency  42  associated with each ball  12 . The golfer  8  uses the numerical keypad  34  to input the particular frequency associated with each particular golf ball  12 . The golfer  8  selects from the ball identifiers  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32  to associate with the golf ball  12  and selectively depresses the selected ball identifier. Thereafter, the golfer  8  enters the frequency  42  into the detection unit  11  using the numerical keypad  34 . Upon determining that the correct frequency has been entered, the golfer  8  depresses the assignment button  35  to complete the process and thus allowing the golfer  8  to keep track of the golf ball  12 . The golfer  8  may enter the frequency of up to four golf balls  12 . However, being able to determine the position of four golf balls is described for purposes of example only and the detection unit  11  may be able to determine the position of any number of golf balls  12 . When detecting the position of numerous golf balls individually, the golfer can change the frequency of the receiver by activating a respective one of the ball identifier buttons  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 . Activation of these buttons will tune the frequency of the receiver to that frequency being transmitted by the respective ball. 
   Upon programming the frequency into the detection unit, and hitting the golf ball  12 , the antenna  38  selectively detects the frequency  42  emitted by the golf ball  12 . Thereafter, the information is processed by the processor and directional instructions are provided to the golfer  8  to assist the golfer  8  in determining the position of the golf ball  12 . The map field  24  displays the map of the course corresponding to where the golf ball  12  is indicated and includes directional arrows to assist the golfer  8  in locating the golf ball  12 . Upon entering within the pre-determined distance from the golf ball  12 , the detection unit  11  provides an indication to the golfer  8  that golf ball  12  is nearby. When the golfer  8  locates the position of the ball  12 , the golfer  8  may continue playing the round of golf. 
   Additionally, the detection unit  11  may include a global positioning (GPS) transmitter  62  and a global positioning (GPS) receiver  64  both connected to the processor. The GPS transmitter  62  and the GPS receiver  64  are able to communicate with global positioning systems to obtain a position signal. This signal is processed by the processor which is able to display the position of the detection unit  11  on the golf course using the display  14 . 
     FIG. 7  is a block diagram of the golf ball of the golf ball positioning system of the present invention. The golf ball  12  includes the chip  13 . The chip  13  includes transmitter for transmitting signals indicated by the lines labeled with the numeral  42  having a predetermined frequency associated therewith. The frequency  42  is preferable displayed on the exterior of the golf ball thereby easily allowing the golfer  8  to ascertain the information needed to be programmed into the detection unit  11  as has been discussed above with specific reference to  FIGS. 2-4 . The golf ball  12  of the golf ball positioning system  10  is formed from the material known in the art so as to ensure that the golfer  8 &#39;s game is not altered. The chip  13  is light weight and positioned at substantially the center of the golf ball  12  to ensure that the golf ball  12  remains completely balanced during play. As can be seen from  FIG. 7 , the chip  13  includes a processor  52 , a transmitter  54  and a receiver  56 . Both the transmitter  54  and receiver  56  are connected to the processor  52 . Also connected to the processor  52  is a ROM  58 . The ROM  58  stores the frequency  42  that is associated with the golf ball  12 . The receiver  56  is able to receive an assignment signal from the detection unit  11 . Upon receiving the assignment signal, the processor  52  directs the transmitter  54  to transmit a signal  42  at the frequency contained within the ROM  58 . The transmitter  54  emits the signal at the predetermined frequency which is selectively detectable by the detection unit  11  thus enabling the golfer  8  to located the position of the golf ball  12 . 
   The golf ball may also include a GPS transmitter  66  and a GPS receiver  68  both connected to the processor  52 . The GPS transmitter  66  and GPS receiver  68  are able to communicate with the global positioning system to obtain a position signal for the golf ball  12 . This position signal may also be transmitted to the detection unit  11  for display on the map of the golf course  2  which is displayed on the display  14 . 
     FIG. 8  is a flow chart detailing the steps of assigning a frequency of a signal transmitted from the golf ball to the detection unit of the golf ball positioning system prior to tracking thereof. In order to program the golf ball positioning system to locate the position of a golf ball, the golfer  8  must power up the detection unit as stated in step S 100 . Thereafter, the golfer  8  must select a golf ball that is to be tracked and located by the golf ball positioning system  10  of the present invention as shown in step S 102 . The golfer  8  then depressed the ball identifier button which denotes the ball that is being tracked as stated in step S 104 . Each golf ball of the golf ball positioning system  10  of the present invention is able to transmit a signal at a particular frequency associated therewith. The golfer  8  then uses the numerical keypad on the detection unit to enter the frequency as in step S 106 . The process of assigning a golf ball to be tracked and located is then completed in step S 108  when the golfer  8  depresses the assignment button. The golfer  8  is then faced with the choice of whether or not the golfer  8  desires to track more than one golf ball as shown in step S 110 . If the golfer  8  desires to track more than one golf ball, then the golfer  8  is direct to return to step S 102  and repeat steps S 102 -S 108 . If the golfer  8  is finished assigning golf balls to be tracked an located, the golfer  8  begins his/her round of golf a stated in step S 112 . 
     FIG. 9  is a flow chart detailing the steps of tracking the golf ball by the golf ball positioning system of the present invention.  FIG. 9  continues directly from step S 112  of FIG.  8 . The golfer  8  has begun to play the round of golf as stated in step S 112 . The golfer  8  must hit the ball with the club as shown in step S 114 . Upon the ball being struck with a club and landing a distance away from the golfer  8 , the ball transmits a position signal at the unique frequency associated therewith as in step S 116 . This signal may also include a GPS position signal. The golfer  8  then consults the detection unit which displays a map of the course which is obtained from an expansion card as in step S 118 . The display of the detection unit provides the golfer  8  with directional arrows to the precise location of the golf ball as stated in step S 120 . The golfer  8  must then determine if the golf ball is in the hole as in step S 122 . If the ball is not in the hole, the golfer  8  is must repeats steps S 114 -S 122  again until the golfer  8  determines that the golf ball is in the hole which leads the golfer  8  to step S 124  where the golfer  8  begins the next hole. The golfer  8  must determine if the previous hole was the final hole played as stated in step S 126 . If the previous hole was not the final hole, then the golfer  8  is directed to repeat steps S 114 -S 126  until the golfer  8  determines that the previous hole was the final hole. Upon determining from step S 126  that the previous hole was the final hole, the golfer  8  ends the game as stated in step S 128 . 
   It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. 
   While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
   Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.