U.S. patent application number 12/822871 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-09 for gps device.
This patent application is currently assigned to CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY. Invention is credited to JOSEPH BALARDETA, SCOTT DENTON.
Application Number | 20100309047 12/822871 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43300357 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100309047 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BALARDETA; JOSEPH ; et
al. |
December 9, 2010 |
GPS DEVICE
Abstract
A golf GPS device is disclosed herein. The device includes a GPS
unit, a memory for storing a plurality of aerial images of a golf
course, a display for displaying the plurality of aerial images, a
user input for inputting a plurality of location points on an
aerial image of the plurality of aerial images displayed on the
display, and a processor comprising means for collision avoidance
of features on the display of the device.
Inventors: |
BALARDETA; JOSEPH;
(ENCINITAS, CA) ; DENTON; SCOTT; (CARLSBAD,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CALLAWAY GOLF C0MPANY
2180 RUTHERFORD ROAD
CARLSBAD
CA
92008-7328
US
|
Assignee: |
CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY
CARLSBAD
CA
|
Family ID: |
43300357 |
Appl. No.: |
12/822871 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12720369 |
Mar 9, 2010 |
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12822871 |
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61184664 |
Jun 5, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
342/357.57 ;
473/407 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01S 19/19 20130101;
A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 2071/0691 20130101; A63B 2220/12
20130101; A63B 2220/20 20130101; A63B 2220/807 20130101; A63B
2102/32 20151001; A63B 2024/0031 20130101; A63B 2220/14 20130101;
A63B 2024/0028 20130101; A63B 69/3658 20130101; A63B 2071/063
20130101; A63B 24/0021 20130101; A63B 2024/0037 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
342/357.57 ;
473/407 |
International
Class: |
G01S 19/19 20100101
G01S019/19; A63B 57/00 20060101 A63B057/00 |
Claims
1. A golf GPS device comprising: a GPS unit for receiving
positioning information for the golf GPS device; a memory for
storing a plurality of aerial images of a golf course, each of the
plurality of aerial images having a plurality of features; a
display for displaying the plurality of aerial photographic images;
a user input for inputting a plurality of location points on an
aerial photographic image of the plurality of aerial photographic
images displayed on the display; and a processor operably coupled
to the GPS unit, the program memory, the user input device, and the
full color LCD display unit, the processor determining the position
of the golf GPS device based on GPS satellite signals received at
the GPS unit, the processor calculating a distance value from the
golf GPS device and at least one golf course feature, the processor
displaying an aerial photographic image of a portion of a golf
course which includes a plurality of golf course features and
overlaying the distance value on the aerial photographic image, the
processor configured to avoid collision of two or more features of
the plurality of golf course features of the aerial photographic
image of the plurality of aerial photographic images on the
display.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The field of the invention generally relates to electronic
devices which utilize the global positioning system ("GPS") to
determine locations and distances, and more particularly to a GPS
device for determining distances to features on a golf course, and
displaying the distances to features, golf course images, and/or
other golf related data. The invention also relates to systems and
methods for supporting such a GPS device.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Various golf GPS devices, both handheld and golf
cart-mounted, have been previously disclosed and described in the
prior art. Generally, these devices comprise a GPS receiver and
processing electronics (the "GPS system"), a display such as a
liquid crystal display ("LCD") or cathode ray tube ("CRT"), and a
user input device such as a keypad. Golf course data is input and
stored in the golf GPS device, including for example, the
coordinates for locations of greens, bunkers and/or other course
features. These types of devices use the GPS system to determine
the location of the device. Then, the device calculates and
displays the distances to the various golf course features, such as
the distance to the front, middle and back of the green, or the
distance to a bunker or water hazard. Accordingly, by placing the
device at or near the golfer's ball, the device can relatively
easily and accurately provide the golfer with important distance
information usable while playing golf. For example, the distance
information is used by the golfer to formulate strategy for playing
a hole (sometimes called "course management") and for club
selection.
[0007] As an example of a golf GPS device, U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,485
("the '485 patent"), which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety, purports to disclose a golf GPS device
which can display depictions of a golf hole including multiple,
selectable views of each hole such as the approach to the green and
the green itself. The '485 patent describes that the device is
configured to automatically determine the location of the device
using a GPS receiver and then automatically display the golf hole
view that would be of immediate interest to the golfer. Although
the '485 patent discloses that the distance to displayed features
may be indicated on the display, there is no description of how or
where such information is displayed. The '485 patent also describes
that the device may include other features such as means for
receiving climate (i.e. temperature and humidity) and weather (i.e.
wind speed and direction) conditions, means for recording and
computing scores, bets and handicaps, means for recording details
of a golf game sufficient to later replay and analyze a round of
golf, means for suggesting shot and club selections to the golfer,
clubs used and distances obtained for shots, and means for updating
daily tee and hole positions on a removable integrated circuit
("IC") card. The course data for each particular course is also
described as being stored on removable IC cards which are
interchangeable between a host computer and the golf computer.
[0008] However, the '485 patent does not describe how the course
data is generated, or how daily tee and hole positions are
determined. The means for updating and supplying course data
through removable IC cards which are programmed on a host computer
and then inserted into the golf computer is clumsy and
inconvenient. Moreover, the '485 patent only describes a cart-based
golf computer, and although the '485 patent suggests that portions
of the device (the display and input means) could be implemented on
a handheld unit such as the Apple Computer Company's NEWTON.TM.,
there is no enabling disclosure of a fully integrated, standalone,
handheld golf GPS device.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,456,938 ("the '938 patent"), which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, describes a
handheld golf GPS device. The handheld device is described as
software executed on a palm-held computer (PC) saddled into and
connected directly to a dGPS (differential global positioning
system or differential GPS) receiver. The handheld device of the
'938 patent has a modular construction comprising a dGPS receiver
module which receives and accommodates a display module. The
display module is described as being any of a variety of handheld,
multifunctional computing devices having a display screen and a
processor running an operating system. Suitable display modules
disclosed include Personal Data Assistants (PDAs), such as a Pocket
PC, Palm.TM. PDA, or similar palm held computing device. The screen
is split into two distinct sections, a course display section for
displaying a graphic representation of an area of a golf course,
and a separate data and menu display section for displaying touch
sensitive menu buttons and data (including distances). In the
disclosed embodiment, the majority of the screen includes the first
section, and a thin, left column of the screen shows a vertical
menu column of touch sensitive menu buttons and data, such as
distances.
[0010] The '938 patent also describes that the handheld golf GPS
device could be constructed so that the modules are integrated into
one unit, but does not describe the construction of such an
"integrated" unit in any detail.
[0011] The '938 patent describes various functionality of the
handheld golf GPS device, methods of creating golf course maps, and
methods of distributing the golf course maps to the handheld golf
GPS devices. For example, to use the device of the '938 patent
during a round of golf, course data is first loaded onto the
device. This may be accomplished by mapping the course using the
device and using that course data file, as discussed below, or by
connecting the device to a personal computer (PC) or directly to an
internet connection and downloading the course data file onto the
device. There is a setup menu for setting player preferences such
as: club selection and data gathering; lie and stroke tracking
enabled/disabled; marking of green strokes; and setting the green
reference point, system units, and course, tee and starting hole
selections. Once the course, tee and starting hole have been
selected, the device displays a graphical (icon) representation of
the selected hole, and certain distances to features whose
locations are pre-stored in the course data file is displayed only
in the data and menu section of the display. For example, the
distance to the center of the green may be displayed in one of the
boxes in the data and menu section of the display. The graphical
representation includes simple icons for various features to be
shown on the display, as shown in FIG. 29 of the '938 patent. At
any time, the location of the device is determined using the dGPS
receiver.
[0012] The device of the '938 patent also includes a club selection
feature, in which the average distance for the player's clubs is
displayed for each shot during play. The device also includes
features for distance measuring from the location of the device to
a target marked on the display by the user. Another described
feature of the device is a shot tracking method which allows the
user to store the location of each shot and the club used for the
stroke at such location. Several other features are described in
the '938 patent, including display functions such as pan and zoom,
score keeping, statistics tracking, and the ability to upload game
shot data to a web site or PC and then view a replay of a round
with the speed of replay being adjustable.
[0013] Another example of a handheld golf GPS device is the
Skycaddie.TM. line of devices from Skygolf.RTM.. At present, there
are four models of Skycaddies with various levels of functionality
and features. Like the devices described in the '485 patent and the
'938 patent, the golf course data is loaded into the Skycaddie
device. As described by Skygolf, the golf course data is generated
by mapping each course on the ground using GPS and survey
equipment. The database of golf course data is accessible through
the internet on Skycaddie's website. The golf course data is
downloaded onto a PC and then may be loaded onto the Skycaddie
device by connecting the device to the PC. In addition, the
Skycaddie devices allow a user to map a course, or additional
course features, in the event a course or feature of interest is
not included in the Skygolf database.
[0014] Another example of a handheld golf GPS device is the
Skycaddie.TM. line of devices from Skygolf.RTM.. At present, there
are four models of Skycaddies with various levels of functionality
and features. Like the devices described in the '485 patent and the
'938 patent, the golf course data is loaded into the Skycaddie
device. As described by Skygolf, the golf course data is generated
by mapping each course on the ground using GPS and survey
equipment. The database of golf course data is accessible through
the internet on Skycaddie's website. The golf course data is
downloaded onto a PC and then may be loaded onto the Skycaddie
device by connecting the device to the PC. In addition, the
Skycaddie devices allow a user to map a course, or additional
course features, in the event a course or feature of interest is
not included in the Skygolf database.
[0015] Certain models of the Skycaddies may also display an outline
of the green for a selected hole with the distances to the front,
center and back of green displayed to the side of the displayed
outline. Some models also display an icon representation of certain
features, such as a creek, bunker or green, in one section of the
display and the distances to such features in a different section
of the display next to the icons. The Skycaddie devices can only
measure distance to locations which are not pre-stored in the
course data by marking a starting location and then moving the
device to the measured location and marking the ending location.
The device will then display the distance between the two
locations. However, this requires walking all the way to the
measured location. The Skycaddie devices are configured to
automatically advance to the next hole of play based on the
location of the device.
[0016] However, none of the previously described golf GPS devices
provides a convenient, pocket-sized form factor, a high-resolution
color display capable of displaying photographic images of a golf
course, flexible calibration to improve accuracy, or the
functionality and ease of use to take full advantage of such
features. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved golf GPS
device which overcomes the deficiencies and drawbacks of previous
devices and systems.
[0017] On small consumer electronics displays, text readability is
a significant challenge. This is true for both small and large font
sizes when displaying a large amount of data on the screen. In the
case of dynamic content being displayed on the screen, where users
have the ability to change how they are viewing the data while the
data itself is changing, it is especially important to be able to
manage how that data is being displayed. Maintaining on-screen
readability with very limited screen space in this environment is
an issue that all vendors deal with in one way or another.
[0018] Specifically with golf GPS, the display deals with distances
and other graphics overlayed on some form of representation of the
golf hole/course. There are many competitors in this space--most of
which deal with this scenario by having fixed fields where the
distances get updated. Several simply have text distances with
defined fields or a variable listing of distances which gets
lengthened or shortened depending on the number if items which need
to be displayed. There are also solutions which overlay distances
onto a graphical representation of the hole.
[0019] One competing solution simply lines up the distances on the
side of the display area and draws lines out to roughly where the
measurement point applies. There are several disadvantages to this
approach, some of which are a confusing relationship between
distances and measurement points, as well as a decreased capability
to precisely depict the measurement point.
[0020] Another approach is to simply not display data relating to
features on the course, and only allow the user to select their own
measurement points. This has the obvious disadvantage of required
interaction from the user, and lack of speed in getting
information.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The approach of the present invention is to display yardage
and measurement point indicators directly overlaid on the course
imagery. Selection of measurement points is dynamic based on where
the user is currently located so the distances and the measurement
points are constantly moving. This requires a dynamic collision
avoidance of text vs. other text, as well as versus the measurement
points so that information is presented clearly. This is achieved
by constantly checking the location of a given text versus all
elements in the vicinity. These checks determine if there are any
location changes required for the current piece of text. It can
also determine that there is not a suitable location for the text,
in which case it does not get displayed, and the measurement marker
is changed to reflect this. This is done in a priority order so
that the most important information is always displayed. The
algorithms for determining the text location are outlined
below.
[0022] The present invention comprises a portable golf GPS device
and system which is simple, accurate, and easy to use, yet provides
excellent functionality and features in a compact, lightweight form
factor. The portable golf GPS device of the present invention
generally comprises a GPS unit for receiving positioning
information for the golf GPS device, a memory for storing a
plurality of aerial images of a golf course, each of the plurality
of images having a plurality of features and a display for
displaying the plurality of aerial photographic images. A user
input for inputting a plurality of location points on an aerial
photographic image of the plurality of aerial photographic images
displayed on the display is also included. Further the portable GPS
device comprises a processor operably coupled to the GPS unit, the
program memory, the user input device, and the full color LCD
display unit, wherein the processor determines the position of the
golf GPS device based on GPS satellite signals received at the GPS
unit. The processor calculates a distance value from the golf GPS
device and at least one golf course feature and displays an aerial
photographic image of a portion of a golf course which includes a
plurality of golf course features and overlays the distance value
on the aerial photographic image. The processor is configured to
avoid collision of two or more features of the aerial photographic
image of the plurality of golf course features of the aerial
photographic image of the plurality of aerial photographic images
on the display. The portable golf GPS device of the present
invention generally comprises 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 device also comprises
various firmware and software configured to control the operation
of the device and provide the device functionality as described in
more detail below. In addition, data utilized by the device, such
as golf course data and images, may be stored in the program memory
or other memory module such as Secure Digital memory card ("SD
Card"), USB based memory devices, other types of flash memory, or
the like.
[0023] For portability, the golf GPS device of the present
invention is self-contained, compact and lightweight. For example,
the device is preferably battery operated. 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 small enough to fit comfortably in a pocket
of a user's clothing. For example, the entire golf GPS device may
be 4 inches long (4''), by 2 inches wide (2''), by 0.6 inches thick
(0.6''), or smaller in any one or more of the dimensions. The
entire golf GPS device may weigh 3.5 ounces or less, including the
battery.
[0024] The microprocessor may be any suitable processor, such as
one of the MX line of processors available from Freescale
Semiconductor or other ARM based microprocessor. The GPS unit may
be any suitable GPS microchip or chipset, such as the NJ1030/NJ1006
GPS chipset available from Nemerix, Inc. The LCD is preferably a
high resolution (e.g. 320 pixels by 240 pixels, QVGA or higher
resolution), full color LCD, having a size of about 2.2''
diagonal
[0025] The program memory may include one or more electronic memory
devices on the golf GPS device. For example, the program memory may
include some memory contained on the microprocessor, memory in a
non-volatile memory storage device such as flash memory, EPROM, or
EEPROM, memory on a hard disk drive ("hdd"), SD Card(s), USB based
memory devices, other types of flash memory, or other suitable
storage device. The program memory stores at least some of the
software configured to control the operation of the device and
provide the functionality of the golf GPS device.
[0026] The components of the portable golf GPS device are
preferably assembled onto a PCB, along with various other
electronic components used to control and distribute the battery
power, thereby providing the electronic connections and operability
for a functional electronic device.
[0027] The hardware and software of the portable golf GPS device
are configured to determine, track, and display useful golf related
information, before, during and after a round of golf. For example,
the GPS device is configured to store golf course data for a
particular golf course of interest which is loaded onto the GPS
device in any suitable manner. The golf course data includes
geographic location coordinates for various golf course features,
such as bunkers, greens, water hazards, tees, and the like. The
golf course data may also include golf hole data such a par,
handicap, daily tee and hole locations, etc. In addition, the golf
course data may include photographic course images, such as
satellite or aerial photographs and/or video images.
[0028] The use of the GPS device during play of a round of golf is
referred to herein as "Play Golf" mode. In Play Golf mode, the
basic functionality of the device is as follows. First, the golf
course being played is selected on the GPS device, for example,
from a list of courses displayed on the display. Then, the user
should locate the GPS device at a location of play (e.g. the
location of the user's ball, or a tee box). The GPS device
determines the location of the device, and then displays various
golf hole information on the display. For example, the device may
display the number of the particular golf hole being played, par
for the hole, the length of the hole, and the handicap of the hole.
The device may also display information regarding the distance to
various features of the golf hole being played and an
identification of the type of feature. For example, the display may
show the front and carry distance of bunkers, the front, middle and
back of the green, the front and carry distance of water hazards,
and the like.
[0029] In one innovative aspect of the present invention, the GPS
device is configured to display the golf hole information in two
distinct operating modes. In a first mode, also referred to herein
as the Basic Mode, the distances and features are displayed in a
text and/or icon format. This may be accomplished by simply
displaying a list of features and respective distance(s) for each
feature, such as "Right Fairway Bunker . . . 245-275" or an icon
representing a fairway bunker next to the distance " . . .
245-275." This would indicate that there is a fairway bunker on the
right, and is 245 yards to reach the bunker and 275 yards to carry
the bunker. In a second mode, also referred to herein as the Pro
Mode, the distances and features are shown on the display on a
graphical image of a relevant area (also referred to as a
"viewport") of the golf course. The graphical image is preferably a
photographic image generated from geo-referenced (e.g. coordinates
are available for any location on the image) satellite or aerial
digital photographs, or geo-referenced generated images. Thus, the
images of the features, such as bunkers, the green, water hazards,
etc. are displayed in the photographic image and the distances are
overlaid onto the image. In another feature of the present
invention, a distance marker, such as a red dot or other small but
easily viewable symbol, is placed on the feature at the exact point
of measurement, and the distance number is displayed in the
vicinity of the marker.
[0030] If the Pro Mode course data has been loaded onto the device,
the device is configured such that it can toggle back and forth
between the Pro Mode display and the Basic Mode display. However,
if only the Basic Mode course data has been loaded onto the device,
only the Basic Mode information may be displayed. While viewing a
list of features in Basic Mode, a feature may be selected, such as
by scrolling through the list of features, and the user may select
to view the Pro Mode display of such feature simply by selecting
the feature from the list and selecting the Pro Mode. Of course,
this feature would only be available if the Pro Mode course data
has been loaded onto the device. The golf course data set required
to operate the device in the Pro Mode and the Basic Mode is the
same, except that the Pro Mode data set includes the graphical
images of the golf course. This simplifies the creation of the
course databases because creation of the Pro Mode data set also
creates the Basic Mode data set.
[0031] In another aspect of the present invention, the device
includes an innovative automatic, dynamic, viewport generation
method for optimizing the viewability of the distance and feature
images in the Pro Mode. The viewport generation may include one or
more of several methods to determine the displayed viewport. In one
example, the viewport generation method may include a method of
determining the location and scale of the image of the golf course
to be displayed based on the location of the device (and therefore
the location of play) and the characteristics of the golf hole. As
an example, the method of viewport generation method may display a
section of the golf hole that will be most relevant to the golfer
from the current location, which may be a yardage range such as the
next 150 to 250 yards of the golf hole. The method will
automatically scale (i.e. set the zoom level) the graphic image of
the relevant section of the hole so that it will fit on the display
while maintaining viewability of relevant features (e.g. bunkers,
the green, hazards) and informational text (e.g. yardages). If the
hole happens to be a par 3, or there is less than a certain
distance (e.g. 250 yards) to the end of the hole, then the viewport
generation method may display the rest of the hole at a maximum
zoom level that can fit the rest of the hole on the display.
[0032] In another method of viewport generation, the distances
displayed may be adjusted to avoid overlapping. This method may
also be referred to as collision management. At certain zoom
levels, for example very low zoom levels, many features as
displayed on the display may be very close together such that if
all of the distances to these features are displayed the numbers
will overlap and the readability of the information will be
compromised. To avoid this, the method will not display some of the
distances so as to avoid any overlapping distances.
[0033] In another aspect of the present invention, the GPS device
is configured to provide panning and zooming of the displayed
graphical images of the golf course with the distance overlays. In
other words, when viewing any Pro Mode graphical display with
distances overlaid onto features, the device is configured so that
the user can pan the image to display the golf course outside the
original viewport, and the distances remain overlaid at the correct
locations next to their respective features. Similarly, when
zooming in or out from a particular viewport, the distances again
remain overlaid at the correct locations next to their respective
features (or feature marker). In addition, when zooming and
panning, the font size of the distances may be constant or set to
display at a minimum font size, and the collision management
methods described above may also be utilized.
[0034] In still another aspect of the present invention, the golf
GPS device is configured to allow the measurement of the distance
between locations on the golf course using the images displayed on
the display. This is a useful feature which is enabled by the use
and display of the actual photographic images of the golf course,
and is very simple to use. For example, to measure the distance
between the current location of the device and another location of
interest as displayed on the display, the user simply selects the
measurement mode, moves a cursor displayed on the display to the
location of interest and then selects the location of interest. The
device is configured to determine and display the distance between
the coordinates of the current location of the device and the
location of interest. In a similar manner, the device may also be
configured to measure the distance between two locations of
interest selected on display. In addition, the pan and zoom
functions may be utilized automatically or manually during the
measurement mode in order to select a location of interest. In
other words, as the cursor reaches the edge of the viewing area,
the image will pan to display a portion of the image that was
previously outside the viewing area.
[0035] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the device
is configured to perform an innovative calibration method. Like the
measurement mode, this feature is enabled by the use and display of
the actual photographic images of the golf course. To utilize this
feature, the user locates a physical feature at the golf course
which can also be fairly accurately identified and located on a
graphical image of the same physical feature shown on the display
of the GPS device. Several examples of good features for this
calibration method are a cart path intersection, a distinctive
shape of a bunker, a manhole cover, or a permanent tee marker. The
device is then placed at the physical feature, and then the user
places a cursor shown on the display of the device onto the image
of the same physical feature. To improve the precision of the
location of the cursor, the image of the feature may be zoomed in
to a high zoom level or even the maximum zoom level. The device is
configured to determine the offset between the apparent location
measured by the GPS device and the location of the physical feature
on the displayed image. The resultant offset may then be used to
correct all future GPS readings. The positional errors in GPS due
to pseudo-range errors in the GPS satellite system and
environmental conditions are approximately equal within the period
of time of a round of golf and over the area of a single golf
course. Thus, a single calibration during a round of golf will
usually be sufficient to account for inaccuracies due to
environmental conditions and pseudo-range errors of GPS satellite
system. Still, multiple calibrations during a single round of golf
may be accomplished, if desired.
[0036] The GPS golf device of the present invention may also be
configured to present a pre-round preview of a golf course,
including a display of each hypothetical shot and/or suggested
strategy. This allows the user to get a visual experience and
strategize the course prior to playing.
[0037] Similarly, the device may be configured to track each shot
during a round of golf, including the club used for each shot and
other shot information (such as quality and condition of lie,
degree of swing such as full shot, half shot, etc., quality of
contact, ball flight, etc.). The device may also be configured to
play back a round of golf which was tracked using the device,
and/or download the tracked round to a computer or other device for
playback and/or analysis.
[0038] In still another feature of the present invention, the golf
GPS device may include voice recognition/navigation. The golf GPS
device may be configured to allow a user to enter information using
vocal inputs, such as shot information and scores. The voice
recognition feature may also be used to audibly enter commands,
such as switching between Basic Mode and Pro Mode, navigating
through the devices menus, changing the settings, or any other
command within the devices menus. Voice recognition facilitates the
use of more advanced features, such as shot tracking, by reducing
the amount of inputs that must be made using the input device. As
an example, when entering a club selection for shot tracking,
instead of having to scroll through a list of clubs, the user need
only say "seven iron" or "driver."
[0039] Accordingly, a portable golf GPS device and system is
provided. Additional aspects and features of the portable golf GPS
device and system of the present invention will become apparent
from the drawings and detailed description provided below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a golf GPS device
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a four view showing the front, left side, right
side, top and bottom of a golf GPS device according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 3 is front, elevational view of a GPS device with a
Main Menu displayed on the display according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 4 is front, elevational view of a GPS device with a
Golf Menu displayed on the display according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 5 is front, elevational view of a GPS device with golf
hole information displayed on the display according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 6 is front, elevational view of a GPS device with a
Hazard view in Basic Mode displayed on the display according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 7 is front, elevational view of a GPS device with a Pro
Mode view displayed on the display according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 8 is front, elevational view of a GPS device with
another Pro Mode view displayed on the display according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 9 is front, elevational view of a GPS device with a
zoomed in Pro Mode view displayed on the display according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 10 is front, elevational view of a GPS device in a
Measure mode displayed on the display according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 11 is front, elevational view of a GPS device with
another aspect of the Measure mode displayed on the display
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 12 is an isolated view of a display on a viewport of a
device.
[0052] FIG. 13 is an isolated view of a display on a viewport of a
device.
[0053] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the coordinate positioning for
collision avoidance on a device when the minimal distance is on the
x-axis and the shift is to the right side.
[0054] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the coordinate positioning for
collision avoidance on a device when the minimal distance is on the
x-axis and the shift is to the left side.
[0055] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the coordinate positioning for
collision avoidance on a device when the minimal distance is on the
y-axis and the shift is to the top.
[0056] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the coordinate positioning for
collision avoidance on a device when the minimal distance is on the
y-axis and the shift is to the bottom.
[0057] FIG. 18 is an isolated view of a display on a viewport of a
device in a zoom-out state.
[0058] FIG. 19 is a flow chart of a method for the interface of
application programming interfaces exposed to a graphical user
interface.
[0059] FIG. 20 is a flow chart of a method for collision avoidance
on a device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0060] The portable golf GPS device 10 of the present invention
generally comprises a GPS unit for receiving positioning
information for the golf GPS device 10, a memory 20 for storing a
plurality of aerial images of a golf course, each of the plurality
of images having a plurality of features and a display 18 for
displaying the plurality of aerial photographic images. A user
input 16 for inputting a plurality of location points on an aerial
photographic image of the plurality of aerial photographic images
displayed on the display 18 is also included. Further the portable
GPS device 10 comprises a processor 12 operably coupled to the GPS
unit, the program memory 20, the user input device 16, and the full
color LCD display unit 18, wherein the processor 12 determines the
position of the golf GPS device 10 based on GPS satellite signals
received at the GPS unit. The processor 12 calculates a distance
value from the golf GPS device 10 and at least one golf course
feature and displays an aerial photographic image of a portion of a
golf course which includes a plurality of golf course features and
overlays the distance value on the aerial photographic image. The
processor 12 is configured to avoid collision of two or more
features of the aerial photographic image of the plurality of golf
course features of the aerial photographic image of the plurality
of aerial photographic images on the display.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic block diagram of the major
electronic components of a golf GPS device 10 according to one
embodiment of the present invention will be described. The golf GPS
device 10 comprises a microprocessor 12 which is operably coupled
to a GPS chipset 14, a user input device 16, an LCD display 18; a
program memory 20, a voice recognition module 22, an audio output
24, a data transfer interface 26, and a battery and power
management unit 28. As understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art, the device 10 also comprises other electronic components, such
as passive electronics and other electronics configured to produce
a fully functional GPS device as described herein. In addition, the
device 10 comprises various firmware and software configured to
control the operation of the device 10 and provide the device
functionality as described in more detail below.
[0062] The microprocessor 12 is preferably an ARM based
microprocessor, such as one of the MX line of processors available
from Freescale Semiconductor, but may be any other suitable
processor. The microprocessor 12 executes instructions retrieved
from the program memory 20, receives and transmits data, and
generally manages the overall operation of the GPS device 10.
[0063] The GPS chipset 14 is preferably an integrated circuit based
GPS chipset which includes a receiver and microcontroller. The GPS
chipset may be a single, integrated microchip, or multiple
microchips such as a processor and a separate receiver which are
operably coupled to each other (for example, on a printed circuit
board ("PCB")). For instance, the GPS chipset 14 may be a NJ1030
GPS chipset available from Nemerix, Inc., or any other suitable GPS
chipset or microchip. The GPS chipset includes a GPS receiver,
associated integrated circuit(s), firmware and/or software to
control the operation of the microchip, and may also include one or
more correction signal receiver(s) (alternatively, the correction
signal receiver(s) may be integrated into a single receiver along
with the GPS receiver). As is well known, the GPS unit 14 receives
signals from GPS satellites and/or other signals such as correction
signals, and calculates the positional coordinates of the GPS unit
14. The GPS device 10 utilizes this positional data to calculate
and display distances to features or selected locations on a golf
course, as described in more detail below.
[0064] The display 18 may be any suitable graphic display, but is
preferably a high resolution (e.g. 320 pixels by 240 pixels, QVGA
or higher resolution), full color LCD. The display 18 is preferably
the largest size display that can be fit into the form factor of
the overall device 10, and preferably has a diagonal screen
dimension of between about 1.5 inches and 4 inches. For example,
for the form factor described below with reference to FIG. 2, the
display may be a 2.2'' diagonal, QVGA, full color LCD. In addition,
since the display 18 is intended to be used outside under sunlit
conditions, the display 18 should provide good visibility under
brightly lit conditions, such as with a transflective LCD.
[0065] The program memory 20 stores at least some of the software
and data used to control and operate the device 10. For example,
the program memory 20 may store the operating system (such as LINUX
or Windows CE), the application software (which provides the
specific functionality of the device 10, as described below), and
the golf course data. The program memory 20 broadly includes all of
the memory of the device 10, including memory contained on the
microprocessor, memory in a non-volatile memory storage device such
as flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM, memory on a hard disk drive
("hdd"), SD Card(s), USB based memory devices, other types of flash
memory, or other suitable storage device, including one or more
electronic memory devices on the golf GPS device, including an
additional removable memory unit 30.
[0066] The user input device 16 may comprise a plurality of
buttons, a touch screen, a keypad, or any other suitable user
interface which allows a user to select functions and move a
cursor. Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, an example of
a user input device comprises a directional pad 16a and plurality
of buttons 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e and 16f. The device 10 is configured
such that directional pad 16a may be used to move a cursor around
the display, while the buttons 16b-16f may be used to make
selections and/or activate functions such as activating the voice
recognition or switching between modes (as described in more detail
below).
[0067] In order to provide portability, the golf GPS device 10 is
preferably battery powered by a battery and power management unit
28. The battery may be any suitable battery, including one or more
non-rechargeable batteries or rechargeable batteries. For instance,
a rechargeable, lithium-ion battery would work quite well in this
application, as it provides relatively long life on a single
charge, it is compact, and it can be re-charged many times before
it fails or loses significant capacity. The power management unit
controls and distributes the battery power to the other components
of the device 10, controls battery charging, and may provide an
output representing the battery life. The power management unit may
be a separate integrated circuit and firmware, or it may be
integrated with the microprocessor 12, or other of the electronic
components of the device 10.
[0068] The voice recognition unit 22 comprises electronics and
software (the term "software" as used herein shall mean either
software or firmware, or any combination of both software and
firmware) configured to receive voice or other sounds and convert
them into software commands and/or inputs usable by the main
application software. The voice recognition unit 22 may comprise a
separate integrated circuit, electronics and/or software, or it may
be integrated into the main microprocessor 12. The voice
recognition unit 22 includes a microphone 32. The voice recognition
unit 22 is configured to detect voice and/or other sound inputs
from a user of the device 10, and convert the sound inputs into
electrical signals. The voice recognition unit 22 then digitizes
the analog electrical signals and computes a command or other input
representative of the digitized signal. For example, a command for
switching between Pro Mode and Basic Mode may be input using the
voice recognition unit 22 by speaking the term "Pro Mode" or "Basic
Mode" into the microphone 32. Of course, the main application
software must also be configured to receive the inputs from the
voice recognition unit 22. The hardware and software for the voice
recognition unit are relatively complex, but packaged solutions are
available, such as the products available from Texas Instruments,
Inc. or Wolfson Micro, Inc.
[0069] The audio output 24 comprises electronics and software to
convert digital signals from the device into electrical signals for
driving a speaker or headphones. The audio output 24 may comprise a
phone jack 34 (also shown in FIG. 2) and/or a speaker 36. The audio
output 24 typically includes a digital-to-analog converter, a power
amplifier, and may also include software for converting information
or data into audible sounds. For instance, the audio output 26 may
be configured to convert distances measured by the device 10 into
an audibly replicated voice of the distance in words, such as
"one-hundred fifty." Additionally, the device 10 may be configured
to also play digital music files (such as MP3 audio files) or
digital video files (such as MPEG files), with the audio being
output using the audio output 24.
[0070] The voice recognition unit 22 and audio output 24 may be
integrated together into a software and hardware unit. For example,
such integrated products are available from Texas Instruments, Inc.
and Wolfson Micro, Inc.
[0071] The data transfer interface 26 is configured to send and
receive data from a computer or other electronic device (e.g.
another golf GPS device 10). The interface 26 may be a physical
connection such as a USB connection, a radio frequency connection
such as Wi-Fi, wireless USB, or Bluetooth, an infra-red optical
link, or any other suitable interface which can exchange electronic
data between the GPS device 10 and another electronic device. As
shown in one preferred embodiment in FIG. 2, the interface 26
comprises a USB connection having a USB connector 26a.
[0072] The electronic components of the golf GPS device 10 are
preferably assembled onto a PCB, along with various other
electronic components and mechanical interfaces (such as buttons
for the user input device 16), thereby providing the electronic
connections and operability for a functional electronic GPS device
10.
[0073] Turning to FIG. 2 now, the golf GPS device 10 preferably
comprises a housing 40 which houses the electronic components such
that the entire device has a very compact, thin, and lightweight
form factor. The housing 40 may be formed of any suitable material,
but is preferably a plastic material which is substantially
transparent to radio frequency signals from GPS satellites. Indeed,
the golf GPS device is preferably handheld and small enough to fit
comfortably in a pocket of a user's clothing. One example of the
form factor for the GPS device 10 with dimensions is shown in FIG.
2. In one preferred form, the GPS device 10 may have the following
dimensions: a height 44 of about 4 inches or less, a width 46 of
1.9 inches or less and a thickness 42 of 0.6 inches or less. More
preferably, the height 44 is 3.9 inches or less, the width 46 is
1.8 inches or less, and the thickness 42 is 0.55 inches or less.
The entire golf GPS device 10 may weigh about 3.5 ounces or less,
including the battery 28.
[0074] An application software program is stored in the program
memory 12. The application software program is configured to
operate with the microprocessor 12 and the other electronic
components to provide the golf GPS device 10 with the functionality
as described herein. Most generally, the hardware and software of
the portable golf GPS device 10 are configured to determine, track,
and display useful golf related information, before, during and
after a round of golf. The GPS device 10 is configured to store
golf course data for a particular golf course of interest which is
loaded onto the GPS device 10 through the data transfer interface
26.
[0075] The golf courses are mapped to create the golf course data
using any suitable method, such as ground survey, or more
preferably, by using geo-referenced satellite or aerial images. The
mapping process produces golf course data which can be used by the
GPS device 10 to determine the coordinates of golf course features
of interest, such as the greens, bunkers, hazards, tees, pin
positions, other landmarks, and the like. Generally, the perimeter
of the golf course features will be mapped so that distance to the
front and back of the feature may be determined. The mapping
process can be done quickly and easily by displaying the
geo-referenced images of the golf course on a computer and then
using a script (or other software) each feature of interest is
traced (or a series of discrete points on the perimeter may be
selected). The captured data is then used to create a data set
comprising the coordinates for a plurality of points on the
perimeter of the feature, or a vector-map of the perimeter, or
other data, which can be used to calculate the distance to such
feature from the location of the GPS device 10. The golf course
data preferably also includes golf hole data such as par, handicap,
daily tee and hole locations, etc. In addition, for use with the
"Pro Mode" as described below, the golf course data may include
geo-referenced photographic course images, such as satellite or
aerial photographs and/or video images. Indeed, the golf course
data package for operating the device 10 in the Pro Mode and the
Basic Mode is substantially the same, except that the Pro Mode data
package includes the graphical images of the golf course. In other
words, the golf course data related to the feature locations is
exactly the same for both the Pro Mode and the Basic Mode, and the
GPS device 10 is configured to utilize this data with or without
the graphical images. Thus, advantageously, creation of the Pro
Mode data package also creates the Basic Mode data set.
[0076] With reference now to FIGS. 3-11, the operation and
functionality of GPS device 10 according to one embodiment will be
described. Referring to FIG. 3, a "Main Menu" screen is displayed
on the display 18. The "Main Menu" screen has two options, "Play
Golf" or "Settings." The choices on the Main Menu screen (or any of
the other menus and screen displays described herein) can be
selected by changing the highlighted option using the up and down
arrows on the directional pad 16a of the user input device 16. The
button 16b may function as an "Enter" key to make a selection. If a
touch screen input device 16 is utilized, the user can simply touch
the selection on the display 18.
[0077] Selecting "Settings" will bring up a "Settings" menu which
allows the user to set various device and player settings and
preferences. For example, the "Settings" menu may allow the user to
set such user preferences as system units (e.g. yards or meters),
preferred display settings (e.g. text size, Pro Mode vs. Basic
Mode, screen brightness and contrast), turning on/off functions
(such as score keeping, voice recognition, shot tracking, etc.),
and other device settings.
[0078] Selecting the "Play Golf" mode brings up a "Golf Menu" as
shown in FIG. 4 for initializing the GPS device 10 for use during a
round of golf. The course being played may be selected by selecting
"Select Course" which may bring up a list of courses currently
stored on the device 10. The list of courses shown can be
determined based on the location of the device as determined by the
GPS device 10, for example, a list of the two or three courses
closest to the location of the device. Alternatively, the list can
be generated as a simple alphabetical list, a list of favorites, or
other suitable listing method. The "Golf Menu" also allows the user
to choose the starting hole, for instance, if a player is going to
start on a hole other than the 1st hole, such as starting on the
10th hole (the "back nine").
[0079] Once the course and starting hole have been selected, GPS
device 10 determines the location of the device 10 using the GPS
chipset 14, and then displays various golf hole information on the
display. Turning to FIG. 5, in this described embodiment, the GPS
device 10 is configured to display the hole number 50, the current
time 52 (the device 10 may include a clock function which can be
provided by the microprocessor 12, the GPS chipset 14, or other
electronic device), the par for the hole 54, a battery charge
indicator 56, and a GPS signal strength indicator 58. The GPS
device 10 further calculates the distance between the determined
location of the device 10 and the front, middle and back of the
green and displays the distance to the front 60, the middle 62 and
the back 64 of the green. As the device 10 is moved, the location
of the device 10 is continually updated, and the distances (such as
the front 60, middle 64, and back 64 of green) displayed are
updated accordingly.
[0080] The GPS device 10 may also be configured to display a video
flyover of the hole being played using a satellite or aerial
photographic images of the hole. The GPS device 10 may be
configured to automatically display the flyover when the device 10
detects that the GPS device 10 is approaching or has reached a
particular hole, and/or the user can select to display the flyover
using the menu-driven selections.
[0081] The golf GPS device 10 also may display the distances from
the location of the device 10 to hazards and other features of
interest as shown in FIG. 6. As an example, the user may select the
"Hazard" selection on the display shown in FIG. 5 using the button
16d to bring up the screen as shown in FIG. 6. The screen shown in
FIG. 6 displays the "Hazard" information in what is referred to
herein as "Basic Mode." Basic Mode displays the "Hazard"
information in a list using icons or text and respective measured
distances. The example of FIG. 6 shows an icon for a right fairway
bunker 66 and the distance to the front side of the bunker is 248
yards and the distance to carry the bunker is 264 yards. Similarly,
the screen shows that the distance to the left greenside bunker 68
is 455 yards to reach and 472 yards to carry. Instead of easy to
read icons, the features can alternatively be displayed using text,
such as "Right Fairway Bunker" or using an abbreviation such as
RtFwyBnkr, or the like.
[0082] As described above, the GPS device 10 may be configured to
display the golf hole information in two distinct operating modes.
The first mode is the Basic Mode which displays the distances and
features in a text and/or icon format. In the second mode, referred
to herein as the Pro Mode, the distances and features are shown on
the display on a graphical image of a relevant area (also referred
to as a "viewport") of the golf course. Examples of the Pro Mode
showing the same information as the display shown in FIG. 6 are
shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The graphical image is preferably a
photographic image generated from geo-referenced (e.g. coordinates
are available for substantially any location on the image)
satellite or aerial digital photographs, or geo-referenced,
generated images. In Pro Mode, the images of the features, such as
bunkers, the green, water hazards, etc. are displayed in the
photographic image and the distances are overlaid onto the image. A
distance marker 70, such as a red dot or other small but easily
viewable symbol, is placed on the feature at the exact point of
measurement, and the distance number is displayed in close
proximity to the marker 70. Referring to the example of FIG. 7, the
right fairway bunker 66 is 248 yards to reach and 264 yards to
carry. This is exactly the same distance information shown in the
display depicted in FIG. 6. Likewise, as shown in FIG. 8, the left
greenside bunker 68 is 455 yards to the front and 472 yards to the
back.
[0083] As explained above, the golf course data for both the Pro
Mode and the Basic Mode is the same, except that the golf course
images are required for the Pro Mode. Thus, if the Pro Mode course
data has been loaded onto the device, the device is configured such
that it can toggle back and forth between the Pro Mode display and
the Basic Mode display. One of the buttons, such as button 16e or
16f (see FIG. 2), may be set up to toggle between the Pro Mode and
the Basic Mode. However, if only the Basic Mode course data has
been loaded onto the device, only the Basic Mode information may be
displayed.
[0084] While viewing a list of features in Basic Mode, a feature
may be selected, such as by scrolling through the list of features
as shown in FIG. 6, and the user may select to view the Pro Mode
display of such feature simply by selecting the feature from the
list and selecting the Pro Mode. Of course, this feature would only
be available if the Pro Mode course data has been loaded onto the
device.
[0085] In order to optimize the viewability of the golf course
images and displayed distances in the Pro Mode on a relatively
small display 18, the golf GPS device 10 may include a automatic,
dynamic, viewport generation method. The ability to miniaturize the
size of the device 10 is in many ways limited by the size of the
display 18, the major tradeoff being the desire to maximize the
size of the display 18 in order to be able to display as much
information and images at an easily viewable scale, while at the
same time keeping the overall size of the device 10 as small as
possible. Intelligent generation of the of the images and numbers
being displayed can help to display the most relevant section of
the golf hole being played with distances displayed at a font size
that is easily readable.
[0086] The viewport generation may include one or more methods to
determine the displayed viewport. First, the viewport generation
method may include a method of determining the location and scale
of the image of the golf course to be displayed based on the
location of the device (and therefore the location of play) and the
characteristics of the golf hole. For example, the method of
viewport generation method displays the section of the golf hole
that will be most relevant to the golfer from the current location,
which may be a yardage range such as the fairway which is between
150 and 250 yards from the current location. As one specific
example, FIG. 7 shows a viewport which might be displayed if the
user is on the tee box of the displayed hole. The viewport displays
the fairway and area surrounding the fairway from about 200 yards
to 375 yards from the tee. The graphic image is automatically
scaled (i.e. the zoom level is set) to display the relevant section
of the hole so that it will fit on the display while maintaining
viewability of relevant features (e.g. the bunkers) and distance to
the fairway bunker. If the hole happens to be a par 3, or there is
less than a certain distance (e.g. 250 yards) to the end of the
hole, then the viewport generation method may display the rest of
the hole at a maximum zoom level that can fit the rest of the hole
on the display (see e.g. FIG. 8).
[0087] In another method of viewport generation, the distances
displayed may be adjusted to avoid overlapping. This method may
also be referred to as collision management. At certain zoom
levels, for example very low zoom levels, many features as
displayed on the display may be very close together such that if
all of the distances to these features are displayed the numbers
will overlap and the readability of the information will be
compromised. To avoid this, the method will not display some of the
distances so as to avoid any overlapping distances. The
determination of the distances which will not be displayed, so as
to avoid overlap, may be determined based on a hierarchy of the
features, a random determination, a predetermination contained in
the course data, an algorithm which determines the most important
distances, some other criteria, or a combination of these methods.
In another aspect of this feature, the method can be configured
such that the user may select to display some or all of the
non-displayed distances in which case the previously displayed
distances which overlap these non-displayed distances are turned
off. This selection may be a toggle, so that the user can toggle
back and forth between the distances displayed. If there are more
than two distances which would conflict with each other if
displayed simultaneously, this user selection can advance through
each of the non-displayed distances until all of the distances can
be displayed sequentially, while the other conflicting distances
are turned off.
[0088] The GPS device 10 may also pan and zoom the displayed
graphical images of the golf course with the distance overlays in
Pro Mode. Referring to FIG. 8, an example of a green view at a low
zoom level is shown. The device 10 is shown in "Zoom" mode which is
indicated by the "Zoom/Pan" toggle selection at the bottom left
corner of the display 18. To zoom "in" on the image being
displayed, the "up" arrow on the directional pad 16a is pushed, as
shown in FIG. 9. To zoom "out", the "down" arrow on the directional
pad 16a is pushed. The device 10 may be configured such that
holding down the "up" or "down" arrow will continue to zoom "in" or
"out," respectively. To switch to "Pan" mode as shown in FIG. 9,
the button 16d is pushed. The user can pan the displayed image by
pressing the desired direction of pan on the directional pad 16a.
When zooming or panning, the distances again remain overlaid at the
correct locations next to their respective features (or feature
marker) and at the pre-set font size.
[0089] The golf GPS device 10 may also be configured to measure the
distance between locations on the golf course using the images
displayed on the display. In order to measure a distance from the
location of the device to a location as viewed on image on the
display, the "Meas" button 16c is selected (see FIG. 9), to enter
"Measure" mode as shown in FIG. 10. A cursor 70 (such as a "+") and
a marker 72 (such as the star shown in FIG. 10) will appear at the
current location of the device 10. The marker 70 indicates the
current location of the device 10, and the cursor indicates the
point being measured to. At the outset, the marker 70 and cursor 72
are at the same location, so the distance is displayed as "0". The
directional pad is then used to move the cursor 72 to the location
of interest. As the cursor 72 is moved, the distance between the
cursor 72 and the marker 70 is calculated and displayed. As the
cursor 72 reaches the edge of the display in the direction of
interest, the display may automatically pan (and/or zoom), as shown
in FIG. 11. When the cursor is located at the location of interest,
the desired distance will be displayed, as shown in the example of
FIG. 11. In a similar mariner, the device 10 may also be configured
to measure the distance between two locations of interest selected
on display. The user simply selects the "Meas" mode. The cursor 72
is then positioned at a first point of interest, the button 16b is
pushed to set the first point of interest, and then the cursor 72
is moved to a second point of interest. As in the example above,
the distance between selected first point of interest and the
location of the cursor will be updated and displayed as the cursor
is moved. The distance between a first location for the device 10
and a second location of the device 10 may also be measured by
simply entering the "Meas" mode and then moving the device 10 to a
new location. As the device 10 is moved, the distance between the
original location of the device 10 and the new location of the
device 10 will be calculated and displayed. The pan and zoom
functions may be utilized automatically or manually during any of
the above described measurement modes in order to select a location
of interest. In other words, as the cursor reaches the edge of the
viewing area, the image will pan (and/or zoom "out") to display a
portion of the image that was previously outside the viewing
area.
[0090] In order to improve the accuracy of the device, the golf GPS
device 10 also includes a calibration method which corrects for
local errors in the GPS system.
[0091] Because the golf course images utilized on the device 10 are
accurately geo-referenced with global coordinates, every
discernable feature on the golf course images is a potential
calibration point. To perform the calibration, referring to FIG. 4,
the "Calibrate GPS" mode is selected. The use then locates a
physical feature at the golf course which can also be fairly
accurately identified and located on a graphical image of the same
physical feature shown on the display of the GPS device 10. As
examples, the calibration feature may be a cart path intersection,
a distinctive shape of a bunker, a manhole cover, or a permanent
tee marker. The GPS device 10 is then placed at the physical
feature, and then the user places a cursor shown on the display of
the device onto the image of the same physical feature. It may be
helpful to zoom in to a high zoom level or even the maximum zoom
level of the physical feature to improve the precision of the
location of the cursor. The device 10 then determines the offset
between the apparent location measured by the GPS device 14 and the
location of the physical feature on the displayed image. The
resultant offset is then used to correct all the GPS readings for
the round of golf.
[0092] The golf GPS device 10 of the present invention may also be
configured to present a pre-round preview of a golf course. The
golf GPS device 10 allows the user the load a desired golf course
and then navigate around the course, such as hole by hole. The
preview may include a display of each hypothetical shot which might
be take for each hole and/or suggested strategy for playing each
hole and/or shot. For instance, the preview mode may display
pre-loaded hypothetical shots which are automatically generated or
contained within a golf course data package; or the preview mode
may use distances typical of the user's club distances, or a
distance as selected by the user for each shot, to perform a
shot-by-shot preview. A golf game may be implemented on the golf
GPS device 10, in which the user can play a game of golf on the
desired golf course, similar to other golf video games like "Tiger
Woods PGA Tour" or "Mario Golf", in which the game will be played
on the actual golf course images stored on the device 10.
[0093] Similar to the pre-round preview feature, the golf GPS
device 10 may be configured to track each shot taken by the user
during a round of golf, including the club used for each shot and
other shot information (such as quality and condition of lie,
degree of swing such as full shot, half shot, etc., quality of
contact, ball flight, etc.). At each ball position during a round
of golf, the device 10 is configured to receive an input of the
shot information and store the shot information referenced to the
location of the device 10. With this stored information, the device
10 may also be configured to play back a round of golf which was
tracked using the device, and/or download the tracked round to a
computer or other device for playback and/or analysis.
[0094] In order to facilitate the entry of commands and information
into the device, the golf GPS device 10 may include voice
recognition/navigation utilizing the voice recognition unit 22.
Indeed, voice recognition for inputting commands and information
can be absolutely critical in enabling the timely use of many
advanced features, such as shot tracking and score keeping, for
example. Without voice recognition, such advanced features would be
far too cumbersome and time consuming on a golf course. Moreover,
voice recognition also enables the small form factor of the present
invention because it avoids the need for a larger, more complicated
input device, which might otherwise be necessary to quickly access
and use certain advanced functions. For instance, additional input
buttons and/or menus may be required to provide fast and easy use
of advanced features which can have many options and/or possible
input data.
[0095] Several examples of the use of the voice recognition
capability follow. The golf GPS device 10 may be configured to
allow a user to enter shot information while using the shot
tracking mode using vocal inputs, or to enter scores on each hole.
For instance, when entering a club selection for shot tracking, the
user simply enters the voice mode and speaks into the device,
"seven iron" or "driver", or whatever club is being used. For score
keeping, the device 10 can be configured to recognize a player's
name vocally input into the device, and then the score for a hole
for such player. Thus, a user need only activate the voice
recognition, then state the player's name and score in order to
input the score for a player (e.g. "John, six;" Jerry, four"). The
device 10 determines the name and score from the voice input, and
then stores the data. The score data can then be displayed on the
display 18. The voice recognition feature may also be used to
audibly enter commands, such as switching between Basic Mode and
Pro Mode, navigating through the devices menus, changing the
settings, or any other command within the devices menus. Voice
recognition facilitates the use of more advanced features, such as
shot tracking, by reducing the amount of inputs that must be made
using the input device. The use of voice recognition can also allow
faster, and simpler access to certain commands/functions by
bypassing menus that might normally be encountered when accessing
such commands/functions. For example, a screen brightness setting
might require going to the "Settings" menu, and then a submenu for
"Display" settings, and then a selection of a "Screen Brightness"
setting. Instead, the device 10 may be configured to recognize a
voice command, such as "Screen Brightness" spoken into the device
10, in which case the device 10 will skip directly to the "Screen
Brightness" setting. Of course, the device 10 could be configured
to directly perform any of the functions of the device 10 using a
voice command.
[0096] The golf GPS device of the present invention may include any
one or more of the features and functions described above, or any
combination of such features and functions which are not by their
nature mutually exclusive.
[0097] The viewport on the device can be considered to be in one of
three different states: normal, zoom-out and zoom-in. In the
zoom-in state, there are no collisions to avoid so there is no need
for the collision avoidance function of the device in the zoom-in
state.
[0098] In the normal pan state, there are some boundary conditions
descriptions for handling which are shown in FIGS. 14-17. If the
coordinate position where the text is to be displayed is at the
right edge of the screen, such as shown in FIG. 12, such that the
entire text string length cannot be accommodated then this
co-ordinate has to be shifted to the left by amount of pixels so
that the text can be completely displayed such as shown in FIG. 13.
The first coordinate position to be plotted will not have any
problem w.r.t text collision. This co-ordinate position will be
stored for future reference. When the next coordinate position is
checked, there is a check for text rectangle overlap of the current
text and the previous text. If there is no overlap then display the
current text at the same coordinate position. If there is overlap
then check the direction in which there is minimum overlap--x or y
direction. Move the current text by a pixel distance (the overlap
+1-2 pixels) in this minimum overlap direction. After the display
this coordinate will again be stored.
[0099] FIG. 14 illustrates the collision avoidance when the minimal
distance is on the x-axis and the shift is to the right side.
[0100] FIG. 15 illustrates the collision avoidance when the minimal
distance is on the x-axis and the shift is to the left side.
[0101] FIG. 16 illustrates the collision avoidance when the minimal
distance is on the y-axis and the shift is to the top.
[0102] FIG. 17 illustrates the collision avoidance when the minimal
distance is on the y-axis and shift is to the bottom.
[0103] FIG. 18 is an isolated view of a display on a viewport of a
device in a zoom-out state.
[0104] If the collision occurs at the top-right corner or
bottom-left corner or bottom-right corner or at top-left corner,
wherein it cannot accommodated, the current text after new position
calculation (resolving the collision) omits the text display and
will only display the marker image in a different color for this
overlay point. If the user pans in the appropriate direction the
text will be displayed at the new position.
[0105] When moving to display the next text, check for collisions
with the previous texts that have already been displayed. This will
be carried out for all text coming in for display.
[0106] In the zoom-out state, collision avoidance is also
necessary. At the 20% zoom where in the entire golf image will be
on the screen, all the data points will be marked with a marker
image in a different color and there will be no text display.
[0107] When moving to the next zoom level (ex. 30%) then show only
some text and omit the rest for which collisions cannot be
resolved--these will be shown with the marker image in a different
color. The above will be repeated as the user zooms out further
such as 40%, then to 50%, etc.
[0108] A flow chart for method 1000 is shown in FIG. 19. At block
1001, start the method. At block 1002, initialization. At block
1003, get the pixel position (x,y) of the marker. At block 1004,
get the height and width of the marker. At block 1005, the data is
stored. At block 1006, get the text details (x,y, width). At block
1007, check and resolve collisions. At block 1008, end the
method.
[0109] At block 2001, the device checks for the right boundary. At
decision block 2002, an inquiry is made to determine if there is a
collision. If yes, then at block 2003 the device resolves for the
right boundary. At block 2004, the device checks for the overlap of
rectangles. If no at decision block 2002, then the device also
checks for overlap of rectangles. At decision block 2005, an
inquiry is made to determine if the rectangles overlap. At block
2006, the device checks for all the rectangles and resolve
collisions. At block 2007 Resolved? At block 2008 Return Failure.
At block 2009 Check for the Upper Boundary. At block 2010 Exceed
Upper Image boundary? At block 2011 Resolve for the upper boundary.
At block 2012 Resolved? At block 2013 Return Failure. At block 2014
Check for the Lower Boundary. At block 2015 Exceeds Lower Image
boundary. At block 2016 Resolve for the lower boundary. At block
2017 Resolved? At block 2018 Return Failure. At block 2019 Return
Success.
[0110] The foregoing illustrated and described embodiments of the
invention are susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms, and it should be understood that the invention generally, as
well as the specific embodiments described herein, are not limited
to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but also cover all
modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the
scope of the appended claims. The invention, therefore, should not
be limited, except to the following claims, and their
equivalents.
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